Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very special person, Eleanore Simon, who on July 25, 2018, celebrated her 107th birthday.

Eleanore is a native of Amelia Island, Florida, where she still lives today. Even at 107 years-old, Eleanore drives her golf cart to and from water aerobics several times a week. She is always on the move, and from what I have learned about her, she has no plan to slow down any time soon.

At her birthday party, Eleanore enjoyed cake and a glass of champagne surrounded by her family and friends. She has brought much joy to those around her, and those who know her say her smile and genuine spirit lights up every room.

Today, I honor Ms. Eleanore Simon's noteworthy longevity and tremendous life in our Northeast Florida community. I ask this entire body to join me in celebrating Eleanore's 107th birthday. May we all aspire to live as long and full a life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5649, the Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer William Mulder Transition Improvement Act.

In my time on the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, my colleagues and I heard from countless constituents, including Active Duty and separated servicemembers about how ineffective the Federal Government's comprehensive Transition Assistance Program was at placing our veterans in long-term, stable employment.

Under the leadership of Chairman Roe and Subcommittee Chairman Arrington, the subcommittee held a number of roundtables, hearings, meetings to receive feedback from all the stakeholders. We heard from DOD, the Department of Labor, Veterans Affairs, community providers and, of course, veterans themselves.

One section of this bill that I would like to highlight and thank Chairman Arrington for including is section 203, which is bill language I introduced last year called the Veterans Armed for Success Act.

This section makes grants available to organizations that provide servicemembers transition assistance of their knowledge, skills, and abilities to private industry through such means as resume building and interview training, and it is mirrored off an organization called Operation New Uniform that does just that in my district in Florida. This group has a 97 percent success rate in placing veterans in long- term employment.

As we learned through the information gathering process, a successful transition often relies on the community supporting our veterans and connecting with the resources that they need. We should help this and other similar organizations around the country use this model to help our veterans succeed.

I strongly commend Chairman Roe, Chairman Arrington, Ranking Member Walz, and all the members of the committee for their incredible work on this important piece of legislation. You all, along with the committee staff and other groups that worked so hard on this, should be proud of the real world impact that this legislation will have.

As I now serve as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, I look forward to building on this important work with my colleagues to ensure our veterans are set up to succeed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because, after years of struggling to get ahead, America is finally better off. America is stronger at home and abroad, with a booming economy, safer communities, and a revived military.

Thanks to the historic tax reform, unemployment is at an all-time low; job openings are at record highs; paychecks are increasing; wages are rising; and small businesses are expanding. I hear it from people in Florida all the time: My constituents are better off.

Mr. Speaker, I represent Florida's Fourth Congressional District, which is home to many military families; and I am proud to say that we have begun to rebuild our military and support our men and women in uniform. We have passed legislation giving our troops the largest pay increase in almost 9 years, and investing $144 billion in upgrading and maintaining our military facilities. Our military men and women are better off.

The work that we have done and continue to do is creating a better way for the people of northeast Florida and for all Americans. Although there is much more to do, the economy is soaring, and Republican policies are helping to improve people's lives, making it easier for families to get ahead with a renewed sense of confidence.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today as a proud member of the House Appropriations Committee in strong support of H.R. 6157, the fiscal year 2019 Defense Appropriations bill.

This legislation makes critical investments in restoring our military's readiness, supports our men and women in uniform with the largest pay increase in 9 years, and furthers Congress' commitment to making America safer and stronger.

I also want to thank Chairwoman Granger and her staff for including funding for several programs that are important not only to our Nation, Mr. Chairman, but also to my district in northeast Florida. This includes the procurement of 6 E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, 10 P-8A Poseidon aircraft, 24 F/A-18 Super Hornets, 3 MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles, and funding for the Air Force's potential purchase of a light attack aircraft.

As a representative of Naval Station Mayport, which is the East Coast homeport for the littoral combat ship, I am especially proud to see the committee reject the Navy's request of only one LCS for this fiscal year. Procuring three of these small surface combatants, in addition to funding two LCS training facilities at Mayport in the MILCON/VA appropriations bill we passed earlier this year, is proof of Congress' continued support of this program and to the health of our Nation's shipyards. Both are essential to the future of our Navy and to our national security.

As we continue to see global threats on the rise and our peer adversaries invest more and more in their own capabilities, I believe we have the responsibility to give our brave men and women in uniform the tools they need to protect this Nation. This bill builds on the progress we made in fiscal year 2018 to do just that.

Again, I would like to thank Chairwoman Granger, Chairman Frelinghuysen, and both of their staffs for their hard work on this very important piece of legislation, which I hope the President can sign before the end of this fiscal year.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavailable and missed Roll Call Vote 285. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on Roll Call No. 285.

Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Frelinghuysen for his leadership on this bill with scores of amendments through committee.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2019.

This bill makes key investments in water resources infrastructure and coastal flood protection, increases funding for veterans healthcare and benefits, bolsters our military assets, and increases funding for the Capitol Police by $29 million.

Of great importance to my district, Mr. Chair, in northeast Florida is the MILCON appropriation, which includes $111 million for two much- needed facilities for the training and support of the littoral combat ship crews at Naval Station Mayport. These facilities will ensure that the LCS crews are efficiently and adequately trained as we continue to rebuild our fleet and deploy these ships in the future.

Mr. Chair, I am grateful to former Chairman Dent, Chairman Carter, the committee staff, and my colleagues for their hard work on this package, and I urge its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Officer Lance Whitaker, who was killed in the early morning hours on May 15, 2018, while responding to a police call for service.

Officer Whitaker began his law enforcement career with the Atlantic Beach Police Department in Florida. He then joined the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and has since served the city of Jacksonville faithfully for 17 years.

Officer Whitaker was known among his fellow officers for his kind heart, and he had a very contagious smile. It was clear to those around him that he loved his job and he believed in what he was doing.

Outside of work, Officer Whitaker was known as a proud father and family man. He is survived by his 14-year-old son, Cade Whitaker.

Just 3 weeks ago, I attended the rededication of the Fallen Officers Memorial Wall in Jacksonville, where we had the chance to remember and celebrate the lives of 61 men who have died protecting our city. Tragically, another name now must be added to that wall.

Today, I join the northeast Florida community to mourn the loss of Officer Whitaker. His service to the First Coast will never be forgotten, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all of the JSO family, and I thank them for their sacrifice on behalf of a grateful city.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: ``The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you lived and lived well.''

Officer Whitaker lived well. He did his job honorably and compassionately. He dedicated his life to his community, and he made a difference in the lives of many. Officer Whitaker lived his life well.

Recognizing River City Science Academy for Outstanding Success

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate River City Science Academy of Jacksonville, Florida, for winning the State championship in the Science Olympiad and for their excellent representation in the national competition that took place in Fort Collins, Colorado, on May 19, 2018. This remarkable achievement was the first time a school from Duval County has won the State competition, and I couldn't be more proud of the students, teachers, and parents who came together to achieve this outstanding victory.

My district is home to some of the brightest students in the country, and the academic excellence of the River City Science Academy is just more proof of the robust STEM programs that we facilitate back home.

STEM education is so important in a highly competitive, technologically driven economy, and I am thankful for the educators who dedicate their lives to training the next scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

Congratulations once again to the River City Science Academy for leading the way, and I look forward to hearing of their many successes in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Goodlatte and Representative Nadler for their support of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5698, the Protect and Serve Act of 2018. This important bill will enhance penalties for anyone who intentionally causes harm to our law enforcement officers.

I can tell you after dedicating 40 years of my life to law enforcement, I know what officers go through every day when they put that uniform on, say goodbye to their families, and walk out the door to protect their communities.

Sadly, we have seen a recent rash in increase in violence against officers, especially in ambush-style attacks. In fact, just last month in Florida, Sergeant Noel Ramirez and Deputy Taylor Lindsey were eating lunch and were specifically targeted and assassinated in that restaurant simply because they were police officers and wore that blue uniform. They are not alone. So far this year, 87 law enforcement officers have been shot in the line of duty, 28 of whom ultimately lost their lives.

Mr. Speaker, this is a 75-percent increase over last year. For this reason, I introduced bipartisan legislation with my good friend and former Orlando police chief, Representative Val Demings, that will ensure that there are the strongest possible penalties for anyone who decides to target and harm

not only Federal law enforcement officers but also local and State law enforcement officers.

We worked on this bill closely with the Fraternal Order of Police, and I am proud to have earned the support of the National Association of Police Organizations, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, and the Major County Sheriffs of America, which represents thousands of officers across the country.

This week, we remember the officers who have given their lives protecting our communities, and we, as Members of Congress, must show the law enforcement community across the country that we support them and the important work that they do day in and day out.

We must also show those who wish to target police officers with violence that those attacks will not be tolerated. I urge all Members to join me in supporting this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I should mention--I think I would be remiss if I didn't--that just yesterday morning, in Jacksonville, Florida, as mentioned earlier by my good friend from Washington, Dave Reichert-- Sheriff Reichert--held a moment of silence for those officers who have given their lives in service to this community. Yesterday morning, about 4 o'clock in the morning during a horrible storm in Jacksonville, Officer Lance Whitaker gave his life on Law Enforcement Memorial Day in service to our community.

I have to say, Police Week and Law Enforcement Memorial Day always remind me of the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said that the purpose in life is not to be happy; it is to be useful. It is to be honorable. It is to be compassionate, and it is to know that you made a difference because you lived and you lived well.

Mr. Speaker, I offer this bill in memory of Officer Lance Whitaker, who died yesterday morning living well.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for this opportunity, and I thank Ranking Member Walz for such bipartisan support and work on this bill. I am very proud to serve on this committee because of the kind of work that goes on here under the leadership of Chairman Roe.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to cosponsor this bill. I can tell you, since coming to Congress, I have had the distinct honor of serving with Dr. Roe, our chairman, and colleagues on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, and during this time, we on the committee have heard from veterans services organizations, from the Veterans Administration, and from veterans themselves about the challenges in the VA healthcare system.

We have learned about the barriers to timely care, the troubling provider shortage, also the lack of prompt payment to our community providers, and so many other issues.

I am proud to say that I believe this is, in the words of 38 VSOs who wrote in strong support of this legislation, truly a ``historic opportunity to improve the lives of veterans, their families, and their caregivers.''

That is one reason I am very proud to be on this committee. I think this is a historic move.

It is our duty as legislators and as Americans to ensure that our veterans receive the best care possible. This bill accomplishes that by streamlining community care programs; improving access to timely care; funding the Choice Program; and, until this new program can be implemented, creating a fair access review process, greatly expanding the VA caregiver program, and improving VA's own in-house capacity.

One item that I would like to thank the leaders in both Chambers for, but especially Dr. Roe and his staff and the White House, is including in this language on provider recruitment and retention within the VA, sections 301, 303, and 304 of this bill, which is language that I had asked to have placed in there.

These provisions expand the tools the VA can use to recruit and retain quality providers by requiring the use of scholarships and improving and expanding the loan repayment system that targets newly graduated medical students.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the subject of tonight's Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor tonight to host my colleagues from the great State of Florida to highlight the successes we have seen since passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

With job growth, wages, and labor participation all up since the passage of this bill, hardworking Americans and businesses are already experiencing the many improvements that are the result of these reforms to our Tax Code.

In its April report, the U.S. Labor Department announced that the unemployment rate dropped to 3.9 percent, the lowest level we have seen, Mr. Speaker, in 18 years. The tax cuts and simplification of our Tax Code that we passed only a few months ago, along with our President's regulatory reforms and progrowth policies, are creating jobs and restoring confidence in America's economy.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, we celebrated National Small Business Week to recognize the importance of small businesses across the country. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy and create millions of jobs to help Floridians and Americans pursue a better future for themselves and for their families.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is working for small businesses. According to the National Federation of Independent Business, small businesses are the most optimistic that they have been in nearly three decades. This is no surprise. The reforms in this bill have dramatically improved the way that small businesses are treated under the Tax Code, unleashing hundreds of billions of dollars in tax cuts.

Just last month, Mr. Speaker, I toured Magellan Transport Logistics, a service-disabled, veteran-owned logistics company in my hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. They are adding at least 100 new jobs in the next 5 years and were able to acquire a new 47,000-square-foot facility.

During the tour of the facility, we were told by the company's CEO that this expansion is a direct result of the tax cuts that the business received from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This is just one example of the differences that these cuts are making to improve the way of life for countless Americans in Florida and across the Nation.

I have heard from many small businesses throughout my district who are thriving unlike never before because of these landmark reforms.

As the Representative of Florida's Fourth District, I am proud to represent the historic city of St. Augustine. St. Augustine is known around the world, Mr. Speaker, as the oldest city in America. It is full of unique family and community-owned businesses, including the St. Augustine Distillery.

Located in the site of Florida's oldest ice plant, the St. Augustine Distillery's opening in 2014 marked the first time that spirits have been distilled and created in northeast Florida since Prohibition.

As a young business facing more than their share of regulatory challenges, the St. Augustine Distillery was relieved, to say the least, when the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. The distillery announced shortly after the bill's passage that they would be using their savings to make further investments in their employees and increase their equipment and inventory, creating new local jobs and hiring additional staff to manufacture, market, and sell their products.

Small businesses are an important part of my community and our economy, but they aren't the only ones that have been given relief under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Mr. Speaker, last September, northeast Florida was devastated by Hurricane Irma. The storm surge was over 5 feet and dropped more than a foot of rainfall. Our community saw some of the worst flooding in over 100 years along the St. Johns River, and many areas are only now recovering.

Because of the Federal tax savings that they received, Tampa Electric, Florida Power & Light, and Duke Energy Florida all announced that their customers would not receive a rate increase for power restoration costs associated with these companies' response to the hurricane damage. With the money that they would have paid in corporate income taxes, these companies were able to recover the cost of restoring power and repairing the damage after Hurricane Irma, which has spared thousands of Floridians an increase in their energy bill this year.

Mr. Speaker, these are just a few of the many ways that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has already made a difference in the lives of hardworking men and women in northeast Florida and across the State by allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned money in their paycheck.

Tonight, we will hear from a number of my fellow Floridians about the great successes of this bill and helping the lives of Florida families in our district.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida's First District (Mr. Gaetz). He a great colleague of mine on the Judiciary Committee and a defender of a strong, booming economy.

Mr. Speaker, I had the great honor as a sheriff in Florida representing the Florida Sheriffs Association to work with Matt Gaetz when he was in the House. I have to tell you, there is no one that works harder for the State of Florida and this country now that he is in Congress. I just want to thank him for the hard work. He has always been a great partner to work with. We had some great successes there, and then to come up here and actually be part of the first tax cuts and reform in over some 30-odd years was significant.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to my colleague from north central Florida's Third District, Mr. Ted Yoho. He is a small-business owner himself who understands taxes and the regulatory burden that businesses face.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend from central Florida, Ted Yoho, and I have had those same conversations with constituents back home. The gentleman is absolutely right. They don't think it is crumbs. It is very significant in their lives. And I can tell you, as a freshman, I was very proud to be here at a very historic moment. And I think this Congress can be very proud

of what was accomplished through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act because it is truly impacting on people's lives.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take this time to thank all of my colleagues from Florida who joined with me this evening to highlight the successes of this historic tax reform.

Across the Nation and back home in Florida, we have seen the incredible impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. More than 500 companies have announced pay raises, bonuses, increased 401(k) contributions, or even lower utility rates. Direct bonus announcements have reached over $4 billion across the Nation. Mr. Speaker, that is $4 billion in direct bonuses to employees all across this Nation. That $4 billion is going back into our economy and into the hands of hardworking Americans rather than to the IRS. Folks, this is just the beginning.

Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, and as my good friend from central Florida said, these are not crumbs. These are loaves of bread for countless Americans who have been living paycheck to paycheck, unsure about how they would be able to feed their families. These reforms, which are the largest in over 30 years, are helping grow small businesses and breathing life back into the American Dream for so many.

So I want to, again, thank my colleagues from the great State of Florida for joining me this evening to shine a light on these great successes for Floridians and for all Americans.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the success of the A-29 Super Tucano light-attack combat aircraft in Afghanistan, a joint U.S. Air Force, NATO, and Afghan Air Force program.

Starting in December of 2015, the 81st Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base graduated the first class of Afghan A-29 pilots, and this April marked the 2-year anniversary of these pilots' first combat mission in Afghanistan, a remarkable milestone.

As one U.S. Armed Forces commander stated: The A-29 combat mission in Afghanistan has been a game changer. The program's success has drawn the attention of our allies with more than 14 air forces using the A-29 and over 320,000 flight hours and 40,000 combat hours. Even our own Air Force is currently conducting experimentation on adding this light- attack aircraft to the fleet.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of this contribution in part because, since 2011, the A-29 has been built in my district in Jacksonville, Florida, by a team of more than 1,000 U.S. employees, 60 percent of which, Mr. Speaker, are veterans. The A-29 is truly made in America and includes the support of more than 100 suppliers and subcontractors across 20 States.

Mr. Speaker, music has been an integral part of the fabric of our culture for hundreds of years because it can capture a moment in time and space like nothing else. You remember where you were the first time you heard that special song, and time after time, it takes you back to a moment and a place of significance in your life.

For me, Mr. Speaker, one of the most meaningful songs in my life is ``More Today Than Yesterday'' by The Spiral Starecase. It just so happens that that song signifies the bond between my wife, Pat, and I that we have shared now for over 45 years. And I can tell you, it is a priceless reminder of our lives and so many special moments together. And while we may not be able to put a price on a song's ability to transport us to a memory, we can all agree that the creators of the music we hold so dear should be fairly compensated for their craft.

That is why I am so pleased to support the Music Modernization Act, which offers a long-overdue update to our copyright laws to account for the changing ways we consume music. Songwriters, musicians, producers, engineers, and artists should all have the opportunity to receive their fair due. And I thank Chairman Goodlatte, Ranking Member Nadler, and Representatives Collins and Jeffries for all their hard work to ensure that our copyright laws are all singing from the same sheet of music.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Master Sergeant William R. ``Bill'' Posch, who died on March 15, 2018, while serving his country in Iraq.

His dedication to this Nation and its freedom will never be forgotten. Master Sergeant Posch spent his life helping others. As a teenager, he worked as a lifeguard for Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue, where he developed his passion for search-and-rescue missions. At the age of 15, he saved the life of a surfer who was drowning after having a seizure in the water. After this experience, he knew he wanted to join the military after he graduated from Fletcher High School.

When he was just 17, he told the local newspaper that after graduation he was going to enlist with the intent of becoming a rescue swimmer. And he did just that. Master Sergeant Posch was an Air Force Reserve pararescueman assigned to the 308th Rescue Squadron, known as the Guardian Angel Airmen, at Patrick Air Force Base. This squadron is one of the most deployed in the Air Force Reserve, and this was reflected in the important missions that Master Sergeant Posch carried out.

In his time with the Air Force, Master Sergeant Posch completed 143 combat missions, led a crisis evacuation of more than 126 Americans from the U.S. Embassy in South Sudan, and assisted with the rescue mission in Texas in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. The Air Force awarded him many medals, including the Air Medal with silver oak leaf cluster, the Aerial Achievement Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal of Valor, and he was also named one of the Air Force's 12 outstanding airmen of 2014.

He courageously served our Nation for 18 years, and we in northeast Florida will always be proud to call him one of our own. I salute Master Sergeant William R. Posch on his years of service and sacrifice to our country. He will forever be remembered as an American hero. May God bless him and our Nation.

Recognizing Malia Domingo for Her Selection as a Florida Outstanding

School Volunteer

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Malia Domingo of Yulee, Florida. Malia was recently named one of Florida's outstanding school volunteers for 2017 and 2018 by the Florida Department of Education.

She began her volunteer work in the sixth grade, earning 350 volunteer hours over the course of that school year. Malia first started volunteering at Yulee Primary School, working in four different kindergarten classrooms, aiding students with the accelerated reader program.

In addition to this, Malia has worked with students who have special needs, spending hours with many students one-on-one to increase their learning. Malia also dedicated her time in the summer to the students with special needs by volunteering in an extended school year program.

Malia is now in the 11th grade at Yulee High School, and in addition to being named one of the State's outstanding school volunteers, she was recently honored by Nassau County as the youth volunteer of the year.

I want to congratulate Malia Domingo for her 6 years of community service and her dedication to improving the lives of all those she helps. Malia is a great role model for her fellow students, and she has made the Fourth District of Florida very proud.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, today the House of Representatives has a chance to take an important first step towards keeping our students and our teachers safe by passing the STOP School Violence Act.

This bill is the result of bipartisan work of Representative Hal Rogers, Representative Ted Deutch, and also Representative Kilmer. We also incorporated, as we mentioned earlier, excellent ideas and key elements from legislation by Chairwoman Granger, Representatives Susan Brooks, Chabot, Rodney Davis, Messer, and Bost. I want to thank all of them for their work and commitment to this very important issue.

I would also like to recognize in a very special way the dedication and passion of the parents and members of Sandy Hook Promise, who have been integral to us moving this bill forward. I really cannot say enough about that organization.

As a career law enforcement officer and sheriff for 12 years in my hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, I know firsthand the importance of communities working together to spot early warning signs of violence.

This is why this bill invests in early intervention and prevention programs in our local schools, so that our communities and law enforcement can be partners in preventing these horrific acts from occurring.

We need to give students, teachers, and law enforcement the tools and training they need to identify warning signs and to know who to contact, and

provide them an anonymous tip source to provide that information.

Now, I should point out here that those receiving the tips, the agencies that are charged with providing due process, are the ones who should provide due process here, not the tipster, not the child who may be calling in to talk about an issue that he thinks is important to law enforcement.

That is their responsibility to provide due process to the individuals involved.

This bill also gives funding for physical enhancements to help harden the target on our school campuses. I know from my law enforcement experience that security does require a multilayered approach. Our bill supports one very important layer of security for our schools. There is still much more work to be done, but the best way to keep our students and teachers safe is to give them the tools and the training to recognize those warning signs to prevent violence from ever entering our school grounds. This bill aims to do just that, Mr. Speaker.

As I used to tell my community in northeast Florida when I was sheriff, I do not want to be the best first responder to an active shooter event. I want to prevent that occurrence before it happens, and that is the goal of the STOP School Violence Act.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mr. Marvin R. Edwards, who was a veteran, a hero, and a predominant member of the Jacksonville community.

Mr. Edwards served his country during World War II flying missions with the Office of Strategic Services, which was the precursor of the CIA. He often flew into enemy territory, collecting information that changed the course of the war. For his bravery with the OSS, Mr. Edwards was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2016.

Following the war, he returned to Jacksonville, where he became an economist and a fixture in our community, starting organizations such as the Economic Roundtable of Jacksonville, which brings together businesses and community leaders to discuss economic trends.

In addition to his passion for business and economics, Mr. Edwards was a champion of public schools and fought for accountability in local and State governments. He was active in the community and never shy about sharing his opinion on major projects in Jacksonville.

Mr. Edwards passed away at 96 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Helene Edwards; and his children, Jeffrey, Douglas, and Carolyn.

On behalf of a thankful city and country, I stand today to thank Mr. Edwards for his years of dedication to his community and public service.

Congratulating Petty Officer 1st Class Genesis Mariano

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Petty Officer 1st Class Genesis Mariano for being named the 2017 Sea and Shore Sailor of the Year.

Growing up, Petty Officer Mariano's father served in the Navy until 1994, when he retired as a chief petty officer. Genesis credits his father's service as the source of his inspiration for joining the Navy.

After his father's retirement, Mariano's family continued to reside in Jacksonville, where he attended school at Florida State College, pursuing his associate's degree until he joined the Navy in 2004, following in his father's footsteps.

He went to boot camp in April of 2004, and upon completion, went to Field Medical Service School in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

He worked at duty stations all over the world and is now the medical leading petty officer for Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific.

He aspires to make chief petty officer and to eventually become a master chief.

When asked about him, Mariano's commanding officers have only the highest regard for him. They speak of his integrity and his loyalty to his fellow soldiers and sailors, as well as his exceptional medical program expertise.

One of Mariano's primary goals is to have an impact on all the sailors and marines he encounters. He wants to provide them with the same mentorship and leadership that he was shown during his early years in the Navy.

Outside of his service, Mariano is actively pursuing his bachelor's of science in healthcare administration from Kaplan University. He currently maintains a 4.0 GPA and plans to receive his master's degree.

So today, Mr. Speaker, I salute Petty Officer 1st Class Genesis Mariano for being named Sea and Shore Sailor of the Year. He exemplifies the Navy's core values in every aspect of his life, and I admire Petty Officer Mariano's commitment to the military and our Nation. I congratulate him on receiving this honor and I thank him for his service.