Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a significant milestone in the field of education, health care and community enrichment--the 50th anniversary of the University of South Florida (USF) Health Morsani College of Medicine. For half a century, this respected institution has been a beacon of innovation, excellence and service, shaping the future of medicine and health care in our community and beyond.

Founded in 1971, the USF Morsani College of Medicine has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to educate the next generation of physicians, advance medical knowledge through cutting-edge research, and provide compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals and communities in need. As we mark the 50th anniversary of the graduating charter class in 2024, we reflect on the school's remarkable journey. Over the past five decades, it has not only met but exceeded its ambitious objectives, leaving an enduring impact on medical education and practice. From pioneering research to improving patient care, the Morsani College of Medicine has made its mark in the Tampa Bay community, shaping the landscape of health care for generations to come.

The contributions made by the Morsani College of Medicine to the field of medicine and health care are far reaching. Through its comprehensive academic programs, cutting-edge research facilities and collaborations with valued health care institutions like Tampa General Hospital, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, and local VA hospitals, the College has produced generations of highly skilled and compassionate medical professionals who made invaluable contributions to their respective fields. Whether in primary care, specialty medicine, or research, graduates of the College of Medicine have consistently exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and excellence.

The Morsani College of Medicine plays a pivotal role in addressing the current doctor shortage crisis we are facing in Florida. After a population boom during the pandemic, the Tampa Bay area has a dire need for doctors. USF is meeting the moment by training high-caliber physicians, many of whom want to stay and practice in the state. Over the five decades since its inaugural graduating class, the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine has bestowed the prestigious medical degree upon nearly 5,100 graduates.

The impact of the Morsani College of Medicine extends far beyond the boundaries of its campus. Through its commitment to community engagement and service, the College has played a pivotal role in addressing the health care needs of my neighbors in Tampa Bay.

From providing essential health care services to vulnerable communities to spearheading groundbreaking research initiatives aimed at combating health disparities, the College of Medicine has remained committed in its dedication to improving the health and well-being of all members of our community, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

As a proud co-founder and co-chair of the Academic Medicine Caucus, I am firmly dedicated to promoting and recognizing the important role that medical schools, teaching hospitals and faculty physicians play to improve the health of people everywhere. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Morsani College of Medicine, let us not only reflect on its great past but also look ahead to a future filled with infinite potential and possibility. I will continue to support and nurture the Morsani College of Medicine as it embarks on its next chapter of excellence, innovation and service to our Tampa Bay neighbors, and the residents of Florida and the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending heartfelt congratulations to the University of South Florida Health Morsani School of Medicine on this momentous occasion. May the next 50 years be marked by even greater achievements, medical advancements, and the improvement of the lives of the residents of Florida and the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Pallone for yielding the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the No Hidden FEES Act, H.R. 6543, and I thank my partner, the gentlewoman of California (Mrs. Kim), for leading the effort here.

Mr. Speaker, the No Hidden FEES Act would outlaw junk fees in hotel lodging. It would outlaw that unfair and misleading price advertising, whether it is motels or short-term rentals, or privately owned vacation rentals. It will require an accurate price listing that has to include all fees.

Mr. Speaker, I think all too often a family goes online when they are planning their vacation to the Gulf beaches of The Sunshine State for a lovely vacation, or anywhere across the country, too often, as they search online and try to do comparison shopping, not all of the fees are displayed. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Bilirakis would probably agree.

That is not fair because oftentimes, at the end their vacation, consumers will go to check out of their hotel or wherever they are staying, and they will tack on these extra fees. It is not fair. It is not right.

That is why we want to tackle this industrywide to make sure that there is a level playing field for all families ready to take their vacation and use their hard-earned dollars to do it.

These hidden fees also stifle competition because one thing consumers want when they are comparison shopping is that level playing field. They want all the information at their fingertips. This would provide those ground rules across everywhere. In many cases, the platforms are hiding these fees. That is why this legislation is so important.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the support letters from the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, and a statement from Airbnb.

American Hotel &

Lodging Association,

December 4, 2023.

Hon. Cathy McMorris Rodgers,

Chair, Committee on Energy and Commerce,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Hon. Frank Pallone Jr.,

Ranking Member, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of

Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chair McMorris Rodgers and Ranking Member Pallone: On

behalf of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA),

and the undersigned organizations, we are writing to express

our support for the passage of Congresswoman Young Kim's (CA-

40) and Congresswoman Kathy Castor's (FL-14) legislation, the

No Hidden Fees on Extra Expenses for Stays Act (H.R. 6543).

AHLA is the singular voice representing every segment of

the hotel industry including major chains, independent

hotels, management companies, REITs, bed and breakfasts,

industry partners, and more. The industry is made up of more

than 62,000 hotels, 33,000 of which are small businesses,

comprising 5.6 million rooms across the United States. These

hotels generate more than $300 billion in sales every year

and support more than 8.3 million jobs. Hotels are integral

contributors to communities across the country and annually

generate nearly $75 billion in tax revenue at the federal,

state, and local levels.

We, along with the undersigned organizations, are extremely

grateful to Representatives Kim and Castor for recognizing

the need for consistent and broadly applicable mandatory fee

disclosure and display requirements across the entire lodging

booking and advertising ecosystem. This bill would create a

national standard for display of lodging prices and require

that any mandatory fees be included in prices wherever they

are advertised, distributed, and sold. As written, this bill

would also ensure compliance throughout the complex lodging

distribution ecosystem.

While hotels disclose mandatory additional fees to

consumers in accordance with existing FTC guidance now, it is

critical that any updated display requirements apply across

the competitive lodging advertising and booking landscape.

Recently, many of the largest hotel chains that AHLA

represents have implemented, or announced plans to imminently

implement, changes to ensure that mandatory fees are

displayed upfront in the pricing consumers are offered

through their owned channels.

Critically, as consumers shop for and book lodging through

a wide variety of channels and providers, this proposed

legislation would apply to third-party distributors, such as

online travel agencies (e.g., Expedia), metasearch sites and

search engines (e.g., Google), as well as short-term rental

platforms (e.g., Airbnb). Any regulation mandating fee

display and disclosure must be consistently applied to all

accommodation providers, advertisers, and broader industry

participants to ensure consumers see the same information, in

a consistent manner, anywhere they shop. A level competitive

playing field for industry participants paired with clear and

consistent display for consumers is of paramount importance

and we believe this legislation achieves those goals.

We thank Representatives Kim and Castor for introducing

this legislation and working together in a bipartisan fashion

to craft a strong bill that will ensure compliance across the

industry. We ask that the committee report it favorably and

as written.

We look forward to working with you and your colleagues to

support America's hotel and lodging industry, employees,

guests, and local communities.

Sincerely,

American Hotel and Lodging Association, California Hotel

and Lodging Association, Florida Restaurant and Lodging

Association, The Broadmoor, BWH Hotels, Choice Hotels

International, Hilton, Host Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt, IHG

Hotels & Resorts, Loews Hotels & Co., Marriott International,

MGM Resorts, Omni Hotels & Resorts, Park Hotels & Resorts,

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, Sea Island Resort, Wyndham Hotels &

Resorts, Inc.

Mr. Speaker, let me read what they say.

American Hotel and Lodging Association says: ``While hotels disclose mandatory additional fees to consumers in accordance with existing FTC guidance now, it is critical that any updated display requirements apply across the competitive lodging advertising and booking landscape. Recently, many of the largest hotel chains . . . have implemented, or announced plans to imminently implement, changes to ensure that mandatory fees are displayed upfront in the pricing consumers are offered through their owned channels.

``Critically, as consumers shop for and book lodging through a wide variety of channels and providers, this proposed legislation would apply to third-party distributors, such as online travel agencies . . . metasearch sites and search engines . . . as well as short-term rental platforms. . . . Any regulation mandating fee display and disclosure must be consistently applied to all

accommodation providers, advertisers, and broader industry participants to ensure consumers see the same information, in a consistent manner, anywhere they shop.''

Airbnb weighs in and says that they agree: ``We believe giving guests the ability to see a fee-inclusive price when they search makes for a better experience, and that's why we are proud to support the No Hidden FEES Act to create a national industrywide standard for price transparency at a time when affordability is top of mind for consumers.''

I also thank my Energy and Commerce colleagues for passing this bipartisan bill out of the committee in a unanimous fashion and urge the House to also pass this unanimously. Let's get this relief to consumers so that, when they shop for their vacation, they understand exactly what they are getting.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Pallone for yielding the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6960, the Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act. I am proud to lead the effort with the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter), my good friend.

Mr. Speaker, children and adolescents require unique emergency care, and Congress can ensure the best medical outcomes when we pass this reauthorization.

In Congress, I serve as the co-chair of the Children's Health Care Caucus, where we focus on the unique healthcare needs of our kids, and that includes care in times of emergency. That is why this bill is so important.

It is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would reauthorize EMSC for another 5 years at increased funding levels. It passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously earlier in the year.

It has worked for 40 years to improve care for young patients, saving lives and improving health outcomes. It really is one of the cornerstones of pediatric care across America because it gives all providers a playbook for the best ways to treat children in an emergency every day and in every State and territory.

My local providers in Florida are leading the way. In Florida, EMSC has served 4.3 million children and their families, providing resources to 320 EMS agencies and 335 emergency departments. When that monster storm, Hurricane Ian, slammed into the State in 2022, it resulted in the evacuation of 81 critically ill neonatal and pediatric patients from local hospitals. We knew then that the transport vehicles were properly equipped for children thanks to Florida EMSC Safe Transport. Using EMSC funding, the Florida EMSC Disaster Response Committee has also developed a pediatric mass-casualty triage tool. They have distributed it across the State.

Florida EMSC was able to develop and distribute more than 2,300 communications cards for children who speak Spanish or Haitian Creole, or who may be nonverbal, to help healthcare professionals communicate with them directly during an emergency.

The results speak for themselves. Nationally, pediatric injury- related death rates have decreased by more than 40 percent because of this initiative. That is why it is important to reauthorize it today.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Pallone for yielding the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6132, the Awning Safety Act, which passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously. I thank Representative Balderson for working with me and leading this important consumer protection bill that will prompt the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate a safety standard for fixed and freestanding motorized, retractable awnings.

Awnings are common for households across the country. The last thing a person should be worried about is a defective product, but in 2019, a motorized product was recalled after 14 incidents, including one fatal injury. The CPSC worked quickly with the manufacturer to recall the product and provide a remedy for consumers, but all consumers deserve protection.

It is important that the CPSC continues this work to save lives and keep families safe. That is why Representative Balderson and I are offering this bill to provide oversight and increased safety, empower the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and help prevent other families from suffering through tragic injuries and even deaths.

Consumers and their children deserve to enjoy the great outdoors without the fear of injury or death from products they presume to be safe. I thank the committee's chairwoman, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, for encouraging us in this effort, as well as Ranking Member Pallone and the entire committee.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. Chair, I thank Ranking Member Pallone for yielding the time.

Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 6192, a Republican bill that will burden American families with higher costs.

This is not a serious bill, Mr. Chair, but it is emblematic of the least productive Congress in modern times. Rather than focus on improving the lives of our neighbors back home and lowering costs, MAGA extremists have been embroiled in shutdowns and showdowns, a tiresome soap opera, so they bring an unserious bill like this to distract from their dysfunction.

I have heard Members on the other side of the aisle make excuses for not getting anything done. They say that this is a closely divided Congress, but, Mr. Chair, that was true in the last Congress when the Democrats were in control, and we passed a host of important new laws that solved problems and cut costs for the folks we represent back home. We focused on bringing down the cost of living and putting more money back into the pockets of working families by passing the PACT Act that expands VA healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances, to provide generations of veterans and their survivors with the care and the benefits that they have earned. About 4,000 veterans in my district alone have filed claims.

We passed the American Rescue Plan to help America boost back and build the strongest economy in the world after the pandemic.

We passed a historic infrastructure law that is rebuilding our roads and bridges, delivering clean water, cleaning up pollution, and expanding access to high-speed internet. We passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and we passed the very important historic Inflation Reduction Act that truly is putting money back into the pockets of families back home. Remember, that is the law that capped insulin at $35 a month. I have 74,000 people in my district with diabetes, and thousands of my neighbors are saving about $440 per month.

More people have affordable health insurance because of the tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act. Over 100,000 of my neighbors will save about $520 in premiums this year under the ACA. That is the law that now allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices for the highest drugs. It caps out-of-pocket costs for our older neighbors who rely on Medicare. It is a godsend.

The IRA is also lowering the cost of energy and reducing pollution to unleash a major clean energy manufacturing boom across America. Over 500 new clean energy projects all across the country, creating well over 250,000 new jobs.

The key to delivering all of these cost savings to the American people is putting people over politics. Instead, MAGA extremists keep America stuck in the politics of chaos all the time where nothing gets done, so the GOP defaults to another bill that helps the oil and gas industry. That is what this is all about because energy efficiency standards are popular. Three out of five Americans support making them stronger.

American families want innovative, efficient appliances. Why? Because they save money, and they save energy. Take the refrigerator, for example. Compared to refrigerators of the 1970s, when the first efficiency standard was proposed, refrigerators today are cheaper up front and they do a better job of keeping groceries cold, and they use about 75 percent less energy. Plus, they save American families hundreds of dollars a year on their electricity bills thanks to the innovation spurred by energy efficiency standards.

The Department of Energy and the Biden administration have collaborated with industry to develop strong energy efficiency standards as Congress already has directed. This means huge cost savings for American families, money back into their pockets at a time when they really need it.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to side with the people and their pocketbooks rather than politics or the polluters' best interest. Please vote ``no'' on this Republican bill and let's get back to work.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, Mr. Huffman, for yielding the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 6285.

Mr. Speaker, while Democrats are working hard to lower the cost of living for Americans and protect our communities, House Republicans seek to make their lives much more expensive. They seek to pillage the places that make America special, the special places that we value.

In doing so, here is the dirty secret: They are simply carrying the water for powerful special interests and polluters that have way too much power and influence here on Capitol Hill.

Fortunately, H.R. 6285 has no chance of becoming law, but it does provide a glimpse of the GOP's alliance with polluters over the best interests of the American people.

Whether we are talking about the Arctic refuge or my beautiful part of the country along the Gulf of Mexico, Republicans simply are aiming to sell out America's public lands and waters to their friends in Big Oil and the NRA.

One of the six bills that were considered today would roll back the Biden administration's rules supporting conservation on public lands. Another would prohibit the government from regulating the use of toxic lead in ammunition. That is the single-largest source of unregulated lead discharged into our environment. The so-called Trust in Science Act would make it easier to hunt and kill the endangered gray wolf.

The bill currently before us would threaten millions of acres of wildlands by mandating unfettered oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, regardless of the impacts on wildlife and nearby communities or what it will do to increase the costs of the overheating planet.

We have to ask ourselves if this is really what the American people are asking the Congress to do right now. Does the average American really want to see Congress make it easier to pollute and needlessly develop our special places, our wildlife refuges? I don't think so.

There is an incredible contrast right now in our country between when it comes to who is on the side of the people and who is standing up to the polluters. We just celebrated the 54th Earth Day. Look at the actions of President Biden compared to the Republican pro-polluter messaging bills.

First, last week, the Department of the Interior finalized a new rule that would protect more than 13 million acres of irreplaceable wildlife habitat in the Western Arctic.

Then, President Biden announced the creation of the American Climate Corps, kind of modeled after the Conservation Corps of decades ago. It is a groundbreaking initiative that will put more than 20,000 young Americans to work, protecting our communities, building environmental infrastructure, and helping us to lower costs and be more resilient to the rising costs of the overheating climate.

Last but not least, the EPA rolled out awards under a new Solar for All initiative, a $7 billion grant to help deliver cleaner, cheaper energy across this great country, especially to working-class communities that really need help on their electric bills. This is going to be a godsend in my State, the so-called Sunshine State. We are going to help families put rooftop solar on their roofs, lower their electric bills.

Because I couldn't help our good friend from Louisiana when he was talking about how unfettered oil and gas will really help lower bills, on the front page of my hometown paper today, the Tampa Bay Times, was a story about why our electric bills are so high. Do you know why they are so high? Because in the so-called Sunshine State, 75 percent of electricity is generated from gas. Our utilities are keeping us hooked on gas.

That is why Solar for All, helping to unleash the abundant, free energy from the sun to help lower electric bills, is vital.

It is time for the House to get serious about cleaner, cheaper energy. Enough with these messaging bills. Let's move to bipartisan legislation that will help us achieve a prosperous, sustainable future. Banning offshore oil drilling off of the beautiful Florida coast is where we should start.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

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

Madam Speaker, I thank our ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I was listening to the debate on the floor this morning and there is so much doom and gloom. There is too much of it.

I believe in America. I believe that we do have the power to solve big problems. The good news is that the historic clean energy law passed by Democrats and signed by President Biden in the last Congress is working.

Already since we passed that new Inflation Reduction Act, which is our historic clean energy and climate law, there have been enormous job gains across the country, with over 523 clean energy projects across America. It has created about 210 clean energy jobs. Most of these jobs are going to working-class areas in many Republican States and many Republican districts, lifting them up. It has motivated over $300 billion in private capital to come and boost communities and boost clean energy manufacturing. I know that we are on track to meeting our clean energy goals so that we can avoid the very costly impacts of our climate crisis.

There is a different point of view on the other side of the aisle. Let's be honest, there is a very clear contrast. Just look at what the GOP Members here focused on during their dirty energy week.

From the Arctic Refuge to the Gulf of Mexico, where I live, Republicans have made clear their intent to sell out America's public lands and wildlife refuges to the shareholders of Big Oil.

On Wednesday, they passed a resolution that did nothing but celebrate fracking on public lands. Even in our committee this week, as Mr. Pallone knows, we had this crazy debate where the Republicans passed bills that essentially reached into the pocketbooks of Americans and took pennies and dollars because they passed bills--and I hope they are not coming to the floor--to rescind energy efficiency initiatives for our home appliances.

Manufacturers agree they can innovate better, and homeowners sure want more money back in their pockets when they buy a new air- conditioner or refrigerator, so they are really taking us backwards.

Yesterday they passed an absurd resolution criticizing President Biden for not opening up more public lands and waters to drilling.

Today, Republicans' polluters over people agenda continues the debate because they want to rescind our new green climate bank, our Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which is an historic important element of the Inflation Reduction Act and everything we want to do on clean energy.

We all know that sometimes there is a barrier and an up-front cost to installing solar or purchasing that battery. This new fund will help motivate private capital to erase those barriers. It is going to help working-class communities, especially, to invest in solar power. That is great news for people who live in the Sunshine State, my neighbors, and it is going to open up all sorts of new, cleaner, and cheaper energy options.

These clean energy projects will support families and businesses across America who are eager to find relief from exorbitant electric bills. They will slash harmful air pollution and help communities better withstand these extreme weather events by utilizing battery storage systems.

Although all of these investments are wildly popular, Republicans still oppose these investments in America. These are real solutions to lower bills; to create jobs; and to build safer, healthier communities. Why? It is because community-led clean energy projects aren't on the balance sheet for fossil fuel donors.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to move forward. Believe in America like we do and buy America, build America, invest in our communities, and invest in our neighbors to help them lower electric bills.

I urge you to protect the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, our historic clean energy green climate bank, and ensure that all Americans can reap the savings and the benefits of clean air and cleaner, cheaper energy.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the career and service of Dr. Ronald Vaughn, president of the University of Tampa. Throughout his 28 years of leadership with the University of Tampa, Dr. Vaughn has lifted students, faculty, the university, and the Tampa Bay community. He spearheaded a remarkable turnaround for the university and leaves UT ranked among the best medium-sized private universities in America.

Dr. Vaughn's remarkable career, his lifelong commitment to education, and exceptional stewardship of the University of Tampa have propelled the school into being an academic powerhouse. During his tenure as president, the school's academic offerings and footprint grew into the dynamic, community-connected institution that we are proud of today. Dr. Vaughn embraced the history of the historic Tampa Bay Hotel, Plant Hall and the iconic minarets and infused the university with life and amenities for students including an expanded campus with 71 construction projects completed or underway and investments worth a total of $950 million.

The University of Tampa now hosts students from all 50 states and from almost all 195 countries. Dr. Vaughn's leadership has been fundamental to achieving academic excellence with a unique entrepreneurial spirit.

Dr. Vaughn's academic journey is a model for my others--a B.A and an MBA from Indiana State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Georgia. Dr. Vaughn's comprehensive career as a business owner of a multi-office marketing research and consulting company provided him with the skills to lead the university into the established institution we know today.

His journey with the University of Tampa started in August 1984 as the Coordinator of the Marketing Department and holder of the Max H. Hollingsworth Endowed Chair of American Enterprise. Dr. Vaughn subsequently served as Director of the MBA Program, Dean of the College of Business and Graduate Studies and Co-Chief Academic Officer. In January of 1995 he became the president of the university.

Dr. Vaughn and UT hosted President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in 2010 for a major economic policy announcement and a visit with students--the first time in UT's history that a sitting President made an official visit to the UT campus, and a rare joint appearance. President Joe Biden also visited the campus in 2023, the day after his State of the Union address, with many students watching from the pool deck and one noting ``pretty cool vibes.'' As Vice President, Joe Biden also made a major international affairs speech in the Fletcher Lounge to Bay area business leaders in 2016.

Beyond his work as president of the university, Dr. Vaughn and his wife, Renee Vaughn, have been active members of the community. He has served on numerous boards and leadership positions, including the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, the Gulf Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, and the Florida Aquarium.

Dr. Vaughn has received numerous honors in recognition of his lifelong commitment to education and his exceptional stewardship of the University of Tampa. Among the countless awards that have been bestowed upon him nationally as well as locally are the Hillsborough County Administrative Volunteer of the Year for Tampa Bay's Chapter of the American Red Cross and the prestigious national recognition by the Ellis Island Honors Society in 2004. Furthermore, the multi-purpose Vaughn Center facility is named in his honor, and it serves as the hub of student life and activity on the University of Tampa campus.

As we congratulate Dr. Vaughn for his remarkable career, we also express our gratitude for his continued commitment to uplifting the youth and laying the groundwork for a better tomorrow. Dr. Vaughn is the definition of a true public servant. On behalf of my neighbors across the Tampa Bay area, the great State of Florida, and our Nation, I thank Dr. Vaughn for his years of dedicated service and tireless commitment to making the University of Tampa the dynamic and growing university it is today.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our gratitude sending best wishes to Dr. Vaughn and his family in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I am not recorded for Roll Call No. 79 and Roll Call No. 80 on Monday, March 11, 2024. Due to delays in travel, I was unable to be present for votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 79, and YEA on Roll Call No. 80.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to celebrate the life of service of a true public servant and philanthropist in the Tampa Bay area, Mrs. Ruth Duncan Bell.

Mrs. Bell was born in Lansing, Michigan and received her bachelor's degree in mass communications from Arizona State University and after moving to the Tampa Bay area she obtained a master's in public administration from the University of South Florida. She has worked at the federal, state and local levels of government and served as an advocate for the public employment agencies associations in Washington,

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to celebrate a change agent and one of Tampa Bay's most distinguished torch bearers, Marcus Brooks.

Mr. Brooks is a fourth-generation resident of St. Petersburg, Florida, where he currently lives with his wife and children. He received his bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in communications from Florida State University. Brooks credits his upbringing of racial contrast in Clearwater, Florida and South St. Petersburg, which afforded him different perspectives to shape him into the leader he is today. He is also a recipient of the St. Petersburg NAACP's Next-Gen Trailblazer award and currently serves on the boards of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership and Allegany Franciscan Ministries.

``Whatever gifts you are believed to have are not yours. They were gifted to you for a finite amount of time to be passed on and used in service of others.'' These are words Mr. Brooks uses to govern his work and daily life. After graduating from Florida State University, he began his journey in public service of more than 15 years. Mr. Brooks has served as the youth coordinator for Coordinated Childcare of Pinellas, development officer at St. Petersburg College, regional director of Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay, director of development for Eckerd Youth Alternatives, to name a few. While serving in these roles, his goal was to cultivate, plan and execute developmental efforts that would change and touch the lives of our youth through education.

Mr. Brooks is an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, and believes unequivocally that if we advance racial equity and improve the overall health of the community, we will see the growth of more sustainable communities. Mr. Brooks is the executive director of the Center for Health Equity, whose mission is to inspire and empower people, share ideas, exchange information, organize and build relationships to end differences in health due to institutional racism. Under his leadership, the Center for Health Equity has pushed new bounds with the creation of Courageous Conversations, which is an award-winning protocol for effectively engaging, sustaining and deepening interracial dialogue. This conversation examines the impact of race in our lives and fosters the development of essential literacy and competency through which to experience our personal, professional and organizational journeys. Mr. Brooks believes that if we are able to strip away past beliefs, experiences and actions to truly get to know our neighbor, we can begin to have a better understanding of one another.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Tampa Bay community, I am honored to recognize the outstanding accomplishments, leadership and service of Mr. Marcus Brooks, who stands as a shining example of the tremendous impact of hard work, nurturing others and service to the community to encourage others to reach their highest potential.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month with immense gratitude for the selfless community service of philanthropist and retired Tampa Bay Buccaneers player, Gerard (Jerry) A. Bell. Through Mr Bell's dedication to advancing the success of his neighbors, young and old, our neighborhoods have positively transformed. Mr. Bell devoted his considerable time and talents to improving African American student retention and completion of higher education, and in doing has lifted us all.

Mr. Bell was born in Derby, Connecticut, in 1959. He earned his bachelor's degree in computer information systems from Arizona State University where he was a standout Tight End on the Sun Devil's football team and a master's in business administration from the University of Tampa. For the past 20 years, Mr. Bell has served as an adjunct faculty member at Hillsborough Community College, Pasco Hernando State College, and the University of Phoenix. He teaches various college courses in introduction to business, marketing, and personal finance.

Mr. Bell is married to Ruth Bell, his partner in life and in philanthropic and community service. They are notably most proud of their two children, Vanessa and David.

After five seasons as a Tight End for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mr. Bell pursued his passion outside of the game and entered technology sales during the 1990's, a time when this industry was evolving before the world's eyes. Mr. Bell currently serves as the president and owner of Bell & Associates Business Consultants, Inc., a value-added reseller of information technology where he collaborates with local and national clients. Community service is at the crux of Mr. Bell's life and purpose. During his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when he was not on the field, he was organizing food drives, tutoring young African American students for their SATs and ACTs, and holding football camps. Mr. Bell has served on numerous local and non-profit boards and he is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Mr. Bell's steadfast commitment to advancing student achievement has produced transformative results in diversifying higher education. The Bells were the first African-American couple to endow a scholarship at the University of South Florida, and to date have been able to provide financial assistance to more than 100 students who have successfully obtained a college degree, crediting the Bells' scholarship for their ability to succeed. Currently, Mr. Bell is a founding member of a new initiative at the University of South Florida, the Black Leadership Network, which is focused on the pillars of scholarship, mentorship, and internships for Black students.

Mr. Bell's public service is recognized widely. He was named a Community Hero by the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation. Additionally, Mr. Bell's commitment to students was honored by the University of South Florida through the President's Distinguished Citizen Award.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Tampa Bay community, I am proud to recognize Gerard (Jerry) A. Bell, for his selfless public service and commitment to educational success and his work in diversity and uplifting the Tampa Bay community one neighborhood at a time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month with appreciation of St. Petersburg native, small business owner and youth advocate, Antonio Brown. Through Mr. Brown's dedication to increasing children's literacy, especially Black and brown children, our youngest neighbors are empowered through stories and given the opportunity to turn the page on their lives to a new chapter filled with quality education and opportunity.

Mr. Brown was born in the Child's Park neighborhood of St. Petersburg, and he comes from a community-minded family. Mr Brown's grandfather led recreation centers across the country and his grandmother helped babysit many neighborhood children. He was raised in a single-parent household and attended Boca Ciega High School and later took college courses at St. Petersburg College and St. Pete Technical College where he earned his plumbing certificate. In 2009, Brown graduated from the American Institute of Beauty.

Mr. Brown is a proud father of his son, Jaelyn and anecdotally, he strives to be a better man and father than the example he had.

Early in his career, Mr. Brown began as a telemarketer but knew this was not his calling. After spending time in meaningful reflection, he specifically thought about what was important to his life as a Black man and the impactful lessons his grandmother instilled in him while caring for children, bringing his new dream of becoming a barber and an impactful father to fruition.

While navigating fatherhood and an 18-month program to become a master barber, Mr. Brown knew his mission in life was to serve his community, particularly Black and brown youth. In 2015, he successfully opened his Barber Shop--Central Station Barbershop & Grooming--and in 2016, he began the Barbershop Book Club where kids could `grow up in his chairs' and be surrounded by a positive environment that solidified their path for a chance at a better life.

When kids walk in for haircut at his Barber Shop, they have the option to receive their service for free, if they read a book aloud throughout the duration of the haircut. The children walk away with a fresh haircut and a new book to keep at no cost. In an effort to teach financial literacy, Mr. Brown encourages the families of the children to put the money they would have spent on the haircut, in a bank account for their child.

Mr. Brown curates a selection of books that are `culturally relevant' and have characters that children recognize themselves in and stories that would teach them positive messages to do good in the world. After nine years of service to the St. Petersburg community through the Barbershop Book club, Mr. Brown has given out over 1,500 books and haircuts and expanded his shop to 10 different locations.

Mr. Brown's work with children's literacy has sparked local partnerships between beloved

bookstores in the St. Petersburg area and notably the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation, Junior League of St. Pete, and the Juvenile Welfare Board to ensure every child that comes to his Barber Shop has the opportunity to enhance their literary skills.

When Mr. Brown is not at the Barber Shop serving local children, he serves his neighbors as the 13th President of St. Pete Heights Neighborhood Association, a St. Petersburg Sunshine City Ambassador, and a Pinellas Barbering College Instructor.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the St. Petersburg community, I am proud to recognize Antonio Brown for his selfless community service and dedication to fostering a safe environment for children to grow and thrive. Mr. Brown's commitment to increasing childhood literacy is a priceless investment helping our future generations one haircut at a time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to celebrate a true public servant, Dr. Cynthia Johnson. Her commitment to service in the community began at an early age while she accompanied her mother on weekly deliveries for Meals on Wheels and participated in other community service endeavors. Dr. Johnson developed a compassionate determination to make a positive impact on others' lives. Her family's unwavering support, appreciation for diversity, and the passion to serve others have shaped her servant leadership style.

Dr. Johnson is a native of St. Petersburg, where she grew up as the youngest of eight children. Her early experiences in the local public school system instilled in her a deep appreciation for education. She is a first-generation college student and received her bachelor's degree in education from Florida Memorial University and a doctorate in educational leadership & organization from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Johnson also received her certification from Cornell University in diversity, equity, and inclusion and she later received the distinguished certification as a Master Economic Development Practitioner.

Dr. Johnson has more than 24 years of experience in economic development and over 27 years in leadership training and development. She has worked in Pinellas County government since 2000, where she currently serves as the Director of Pinellas County Economic Development. In her dual role as the Director of the Pinellas County Economic Development and a community change agent, she is committed to lighting the way for others

Dr. Johnson has a wealth of knowledge in diversity, equity and inclusion. She is a fierce advocate for public policies and business practices that lift people, businesses and non-profits agencies. As a trusted advisor to businesses large and small, government agencies, policymakers, and community leaders throughout Florida, she has built her career around the diverse and inclusive space of economic development. As an economic development practitioner, trainer, mentor, and educator, she has supported hundreds of individuals with the creation, retention, and expansion of their businesses. She specializes in partner relations, federal and state grants management and compliance, business and strategic planning, entrepreneurial development, finance, and small business innovation

She is also passionate about cultivating the next generation of leaders and dedicates her free time to mentorship and community involvement. Dr. Johnson is a member of the St.

Petersburg Chapter of the Links and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has served on numerous boards including the Grow Smarter Steering Committee at the St. Petersburg Area Chamber, Chair of the Enterprise Florida Urban Working Group, Chair of Small Business Vendor Relations for Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, and member of the Moffitt Cancer Center African American Advisory Board. She also actively supports the National Negro College Fund and advocates for participation in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the United States. Dr. Johnson is married to ``the best husband ever,'' Kevin, and for over 21 years their four children and blended family have urged her on in service

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Tampa Bay community, I am honored to recognize the outstanding accomplishments, leadership and service of Dr. Cynthia Johnson and her dedicated commitment to diversity and uplifting her neighbors in the Tampa Bay community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the remarkable contributions and achievements of a life-long servant leader, Dr. Kanika Tomalin. Dr. Tomalin has devoted her life to improving access and opportunity for the underserved--who are not undeserved of opportunity.

For more than a decade, Dr. Tomalin served in key leadership positions at Bayfront Health which fueled her passion for a healthier St. Petersburg. She is the first Black woman to serve as a healthcare executive at Bayfront Health and while there, she led the creation of the joint venture partnership that resulted in the formation of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg.

In 2014, she was appointed St. Petersburg deputy mayor by Mayor Rick Kriseman and is the first Black woman to serve in that role. Dr. Tomalin helped launch numerous initiatives that have made St. Petersburg more vital, inclusive and healthier, including founding the Innovation District and Healthy St. Pete, which both helped reduce the Black poverty rate to

a new low. Ten years ago, Pinellas County ranked 38th of 67 counties in Florida for overall health and today, it ranks 17th. Also, out of Healthy St. Pete came St. Pete Eats: A Cookbook, which Dr. Tomalin published during the pandemic. It emphasizes healthy ingredients and recipes are taken from her own as well as from the city's independent restaurants as a salute to ``the special role our small businesses play in this paradise of a place we call home.'' Proceeds from the book helped support small businesses affected by the public health crisis.

Before returning to the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg for her full circle moment, Dr. Tomalin was chief operating officer and vice president for strategy for Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. Now as president and chief executive officer of the Foundation, which has a mission to understand health disparities and support community-driven solutions to achieve health equity, Dr. Tomalin is passionate about helping to rewrite the story of St. Petersburg's underserved communities so they can attain their full potential.

As a fifth-generation St. Petersburg native, Dr. Tomalin is the oldest of two daughters born to Yvonne and David Jelks. She grew up in West St. Petersburg, attending Bay Point Elementary School, Bay Point Middle School, Tyrone Middle School and graduated from Boca Ciega High School. She says she had an idyllic childhood, cradled by her extended family of about 250 relatives, who mostly live in St. Petersburg or within miles. During her formative years, Dr. Tomalin was an Ebony Scholar, a program that provides institutional and financial support to high-achieving African-American students and was the vision of Vyrle Davis, an education giant who became Pinellas County's first Black area superintendent. Her interest in journalism began early--her childhood best friend's mother was an editor at the then-St. Petersburg Times. Dr. Tomalin received her bachelor's degree in journalism from Florida A&M University, her master's degree in business administration from the University of Miami and her doctorate in law and policy from Northeastern University.

Dr. Tomalin was a Poynter Institute scholar writing stories for the St. Petersburg Times when she met her future husband, sports and outdoors writer Terry Tomalin. They raised two children, Kai and Nia, and were married for 17 years until his passing in 2016.

Dr. Tomalin also worked at the Palm Beach Post and television stations in Tallahassee, Florida and Louisville, Kentucky, as well as radio in St. Petersburg.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Dr. Kanika Tomalin, who is honorably carrying forward the legacy of her deeply rooted St. Petersburg family while making an indelible mark on progress for St. Petersburg, the Sunshine City that is moving along the margin of excellence from great to iconic where opportunity shines on all.