Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise recognize Alanna Rohling 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year for Escambia County, Florida. Ms. Rohling is a kindergarten teacher at Lincoln Park Elementary School in Pensacola, FL. Throughout her tenure as an educator, Ms. Rohling has served the Escambia County School District with a deep and unwavering commitment to educational excellence.

It is recognized that the teaching profession is one of the most difficult professions--yet also one of the most rewarding. Ms. Rohling continues to prove her devotion to her profession in a multitude of ways.

Her support and outreach extend far beyond the walls of her kindergarten class. Even with the demanding responsibilities of maintaining a classroom, she also contributes to her school and community. She is the Grade Level Co-Chair, a member of school's Leadership Team, the STEM Committee Co-Chair, and still makes time to be a Mentor Teacher and a Student Mentor. She shares her time and talents generously with all her students.

Generations of Ms. Rohling's family have also served as educators. A quote that holds special meaning for her is: ``A good education is your child's strongest tool for success''--and in her actions, Ms. Rohlings has certainly helped equip all children with the educational tools they need to succeed.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Alanna Rohling for her tremendous accomplishments, and her many contributions to education in the Escambia County School District.

I offer my heartfelt gratitude for her service. I wish her all the best for her continued success.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding.

As we gather here on the floor, the gentleman from Texas and I would note that most Americans are working on a Wednesday afternoon at 3:20 eastern time. Most Americans are trying to advance their careers, their lives, their families. I am just tragically disappointed at the lack of work going on in this Congress.

I think one of the reasons that we haven't been so productive is that we have not seen the Democratic majority put on this floor what their border security legislation even is. I know what the Republican view is as we head into conference. I know that because Speaker Pelosi, in the White House, told the President we could not pass a border security bill here. Directly following that challenge, we came to the floor. We prioritized our borders, our laws, the rule of law. We prioritized the wages of American families, the safety of communities throughout our country. And we passed $5.7 billion for border funding for a barrier and sent that over to the Senate.

I just don't understand, Madam Speaker, why the challenge that the Democrats gave Republicans is one the majority is unwilling to meet. If Democrats have a bill, put it on the floor. Show us what the majority's ideas are.

Madam Speaker, there has been a conference committee that has been appointed. It will get together, and I sure hope that conference report produces something that looks like a whole lot of border security, a whole lot of barrier and wall and fencing.

I only can imagine the challenge my Republican colleagues must have, because Democrats know what Republicans want, but we don't know what Democrats want, so it is kind of hard to negotiate.

We have to have a win-win to get out of this system where we seem to careen from shutdown to shutdown and crisis to crisis as a mechanism to gain leverage against one another for our respective priorities. But the right thing to do is to just put on the floor what you believe in.

I know what Republicans believe in because we voted for it. That seems to be a fair challenge back to those who are currently in the majority. I thank my colleague from Texas for yielding.

Madam Speaker, here we are, 2\1/2\ weeks away from a potential government shutdown. It is not 5 yet, and I am on the floor of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress, and there is functionally nobody here. I choose to address the body from the podium, rather than the well, to illustrate this point.

Now, anywhere else in America, if you were facing some cataclysmic event like a shutdown or a shutoff or a business losing a major client, you would have the whole team here working, getting together, workshopping solutions, offering amendments, ripening proposals and actually doing the work that we are supposed to be doing for the country.

With this 2\1/2\ weeks to the shutdown, it is notable to me that Congress got into town last night and we are leaving tomorrow. It is like we have got the French workweek around here. And the Democrats are in control. They are driving, Madam Speaker.

So my call is to Speaker Pelosi:

If you have got a border security package, put it on the floor.

If you have got an idea on how to make sure that our country is safer, respecting the rule of law, creating a climate of rising wages for our workers, making sure that people in their neighborhoods are safe and not having to face the gangs and the cartels and the criminals and MS-13, let's see it.

Democrats often were right to criticize Republicans during the 115th Congress that we had constrained rules, limited debates. We had diminished opportunity for Members to offer amendments. But we don't even have a bill. It kind of makes me wonder why.

It may be the Democrats can come to no consensus on border security. I mean, heck, we have got a group of them who probably are from Rust Belt States, from the Midwest, where a lot of their constituents voted for President Trump and believe that we ought to have physical barriers, believe that we ought to be a nation of laws and borders-- pretty rational stuff. And then you have got this other wing of the Democratic Party, Madam Speaker, that thinks that walls and borders are racist and immoral.

How is it that the country is expecting us to lead--you to lead, in the majority--if we aren't able to at least come to this floor and offer concrete solutions?

You know what we voted on these last couple of days? We have been voting on whether or not we are going to establish studies on the potential harms of cryptocurrency. Now, that may be a virtuous objective, but it seems less poignant and less timely than the impending shutdown we potentially have in 2\1/2\ weeks.

We took votes on whether or not the Department of Homeland Security should offer more mentorship and training to law enforcement on Tribal lands--also virtuous, but certainly not what we ought to be doing here.

Madam Speaker, each and every day, when we walk these Halls, we stand under the busts and statues and murals of some of the greatest Americans to have ever lived. There are times when I feel we are unworthy to cast our gaze upon them and upon their likeness because here we are, trusted to fulfill the promise of the country, and it is not even 5 yet on a workday, and I am the only one here and everybody is packing their bags getting ready to go home.

It is a travesty and it is a shame brought upon this House. I certainly hope in the coming weeks we can do better.

Madam Speaker, I thank your indulgence, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Meredith Ness as the 2018-2019 Walton County Teacher of the Year. For seven years, Ms. Ness has served the Walton County School District with dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

In Northwest Florida, we are fortunate to have some of the best teachers in the Nation. It is recognized that teaching is an extremely difficult, yet extremely rewarding, profession. Ms. Ness has performed her teaching duties exceptionally, while also being a pillar of her community.

Ms. Ness is revered by her Principal and colleagues for her incredible willingness to always lend a helping hand to those in need. She engages her students thoughtfully, and gives them a chance to take their thinking and knowledge to a deeper level.

Her sponsorship and involvement with the First Lego League, an after- school STEM robotics program for students, shows that her support and outreach for her students extends far beyond the walls of her fourth- grade class.

Ms. Ness has displayed dedicated teamwork in her implementation of this extracurricular opportunity. I commend her for her steadfast willingness to serve those that matter most--her students.

For all her contributions to the community, I am proud that Ms. Ness is a constituent of Florida's First Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Ms. Ness for her accomplishments.

Her longstanding commitment to excellence, continued achievement, professionalism, and innovation all reflect well on her. She is an exceptional educator, and her students are lucky to have her in the classroom.

Meredith Ness has truly made her community a better place. I thank her for her service, and wish her all the best.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Eddie Farris as the 2018-2019 Walton County Educational Support Professional of the Year. For seven years, Mr. Farris has served the Walton County School District with exceptional passion and an unwavering commitment to service.

It is recognized that the position of Plant Manager comes with numerous responsibilities, but Mr. Farris continues to dependably perform his many duties while exceeding at his profession. Remarkably, Mr. Farris does all this while consistently offering a warm smile to everyone who enjoys the pleasure of working with him.

Mr. Farris is cherished by his supervisors and colleagues for his incredible kindness and positive attitude. He generously considers the needs of both students and staff because of the immense pride he possesses for his school.

His support knows no bounds, as evidenced by his willingness to provide assistance wherever and whenever it is needed. Mr. Farris has displayed dedicated teamwork by working with the PTO in coordinating events, such as Fall Festivals and movie nights. He is to be commended for his steadfast desire to serve as a positive example for those who matter most--the students.

I am truly proud to have Mr. Farris as a constituent in Florida's First Congressional District and offer my gratitude for his admirable contributions to his community.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Mr. Eddie Farris for his accomplishments, as well as his commitment to excellence, professionalism, innovation, service, and collaboration in the Walton County School District. I thank him for his good work, and wish him continued success in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express our support for our great ally, Israel, and also to share my concern about a recent decision from the company Airbnb.

On November 20, Airbnb made the decision to delist about 200 Jewish homes in the West Bank. This decision is a win for the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement, the BDS movement, which is blatantly anti-Semitic and consistently targets businesses that are operating in Israel.

As a Representative from northwest Florida, I am proud to serve a State that has stringent BDS laws. I am incredibly proud of Governor- elect Ron DeSantis for sharing his concern and for stating unequivocally that if Airbnb continues to engage in BDS activities, they have a right to speak, but they will hear from all of us very soon.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Kadance Fredericksen, recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, for her outstanding community service contribution of over 122 hours this year.

Driven by her desire to help others, Kadance has organized events at her school including a canned food drive for the Crestview Homeless Shelter during which she was able to obtain 18.5 pounds of canned goods for donation. Additionally, she organized a ``GO GOLD'' day in her school to raise awareness for childhood cancer. This ``GO GOLD'' day is now a yearly event at her school.

Outside of school, Kadance has collected and delivered over 200 teddy bears for the Children's Coalition of Florida, delivered sandwiches, chips, and cookies to local police departments, and assisted with the Princess of Paradise special-needs pageant.

An organization that has a particular place in Kadance's heart is the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida. Kadance spends much of her time here getting to know staff and families along with cleaning the facility, donating to the wish list, and hosting pizza parties for the families. In 2016 Kadance opened a lemonade stand to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. Through this, she has since raised $13,000 for the Ronald McDonald House.

In 2017, Kadance won the title of Little Miss Northwest Florida where she raised awareness for the Ronald McDonald House. She has also used her pageant career as a platform to launch a campaign against bullying. She is currently Jr. Miss Sugar Sands and will compete for the title of Jr. Miss Northwest Florida in January 2019.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to congratulate Kadance Fredericksen for her outstanding contributions to the community and for earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the modified version of my amendment at the desk be considered.

Mr. Chairman, this amendment contains the relevant provisions of the Reef Assassin Act, which would attack the lionfish problem that is very pervasive in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Lionfish are an invasive species that are decimating our reef fish. One lionfish can consume up to 65 juvenile reef fish in one sitting. A female lionfish can release up to as many as 10 million eggs over the course of one lifetime.

This legislation would allow our resources to be used to protect our resource by creating an incentive for fishers who harvest the lionfish and then turn them in to participating States that would choose, on a volunteer program, to be able to issue tags for one prized, coveted reef fish--a triggerfish, a gag grouper, or a red snapper--in the event that 100 lionfish tails were produced. Anyone who goes and slays 100 lionfish certainly has saved far more than one of our prized reef fish.

That is why it is my belief that this amendment makes a great deal of sense for our environment and also for the overall health of our fisheries.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Soto), the Democrat lead on the Reef Assassin Act.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana for offering his insight and his views. It is certainly my hope that any animal that is delicious, like the lionfish, but that is also invasive and destructive to our environment, would be one that we would be able to work together across the aisle to harvest out of existence, so that we protect our environment and protect our coveted reef fish.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York for yielding, and I also thank my colleague, the gentlewoman from Florida, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, for her lifetime of service.

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was my State Representative the day I was born. This is a fact she does not frequently like being reminded of, but it shows the duration and the level of her commitment to the community in south Florida, to the country, and to the world.

What I always remember Ileana's service for is the commitment that she had to vulnerable people. Whether it was children who were in need of good schools or seniors in need of hospice care, Ileana could always be counted on to fight for the vulnerable, for those who might not have the fancy lobbyists

or the powerful special interests in their corner. But when Ileana was in someone's corner, they had a pretty good chance to be successful, whether it has been in the Halls of Congress or in our State capital in Tallahassee.

I am perhaps most moved by the role model that Ileana has set for women all over the world. Recently, I had the opportunity to travel with Ileana to Jordan, where there are the initial sprout-ups of democracy. Ileana met with young women who had an interest in the political process, running for office, campaigning, organizing in their neighborhoods and in their communities for a better life.

They were able to bear witness to this amazing American lady who had done so much, who had broken through so many barriers. It showed, through her life, the great potential that women have all over this world to be able to make such a meaningful contribution to their governments and to their communities.

For all Floridians, and particularly those in south Florida who have benefited from Ily's great service, I just want to thank her, thank her family.

I want to wish my friend, Dexter Douglas, Ileana's spouse, the best of luck in all the extra time he will have with Ily. I know they are looking forward to spending time with their children and grandchildren, and I look forward to Ileana's next chapter because I know that, even in her retirement from the Congress, she will never stop fighting for vulnerable people in my State, in our country, and all around the world.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the outstanding work of the leadership and volunteers at the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge in my district. The wildlife refuge services thousands of animals each year from Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Bay Counties. They provide services through rescue, rehab, and environmental outreach.

Our community leaders and volunteers have shown overwhelming support for this incredible mission that includes educational outreach so that young people can learn more about our environment and the fantastic critters that we share the planet with.

I am so proud of the wildlife refuge's accomplishments over the past decade, and I look forward to the future impact that they will have on their new home in the Navarre community and throughout the great northwest Florida.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Pastor Denis McBride of the PCC Campus Church for his remarkable lifetime of service and ministry in Northwest Florida and around the world.

He began his ministry serving as a youth pastor, in addition to teaching history and Bible prior to his move to Pensacola, FL. He is a favorite among students across the nation and world as he dynamically taught Bible and history for over 25 years through the ABeka Academy distance-learning program.

In August of 2011, God called him to pastor Campus Church located on the premises of Pensacola Christian College. Pastor McBride displays a genuine love for families and a heart for young people.

As senior pastor of the Campus Church, he not only ministered to students, but also local families and thousands more across the country through the Rejoice telecast. People are automatically drawn to Pastor McBride for his down-to-earth personality and genuine interest in each member's spiritual well-being.

Faith and family values are the pillars of Northwest Florida, and it is an honor for me to have faith leaders in our district, such as Pastor McBride, who represent, preserve and promote those strong values through their leadership and service.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to congratulate Pastor Denis McBride for his lifetime of service and the extraordinary legacy he leaves for future leaders of our Faith.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the independence of Azerbaijan and to highlight the significance and importance of the U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship.

Throughout its history, Azerbaijan has resisted invasion from the Soviet Union. They were pioneers in advancing the cause of women's suffrage. Day in and day out, Azerbaijan cooperates on defense, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism activities. Azerbaijan established the first secular parliamentary democracy in the Muslim world. They have offered unconditional support to the United States after 9/11.

Here is to another 100 years of great prosperity for the people of Azerbaijan and a strong relationship with the United States.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and pay tribute to a local hero and national treasure who has dedicated his life to humble service; service to his country and service to others. Mr. Emond is a Pearl Harbor survivor and recently celebrated his 100th birthday on May 21, 2018.

The history of the life and work of Frank Emond is nothing short of astounding. Francis ``Frank'' Emond, originally from Rhode Island, played the French horn in his high school band. After graduating and working for three years, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1938, leaving his home in Rhode Island to serve as a musician.

In the summer of 1941, Mr. Emond was assigned to Pearl Harbor, aboard the battle ship USS Pennsylvania with Admiral Kimmel, Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet.

On the night of Saturday, December 6, 1941, bands from the Pennsylvania, the California, and the Arizona held a dance band contest on the docks; bragging rights for the winner and great entertainment for the troops and civilians. Mr. Emond's band won the trophy, which they later donated in memory of all 21 Arizona band members and 1,100 hands that went down with them.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, ``a date'', in the words of President Roosevelt, ``which will live in infamy'', Mr. Emond was playing the French horn with his band mates as they were preparing to play for the morning flag raising.

The ceremony was horrifically interrupted by hundreds of Japanese aircraft dropping bombs and riddling the harbor's battleships with machine gun fire.

The Pennsylvania was struck by a bomb, killing 15 and launching men, including Mr. Emond, into a rescue operation. Mr. Emond was trained as a stretcher-bearer and began retrieving the injured and the dead.

Mr. Emond retired from the Navy in 1968 and spent a decade working as a civilian employee at Pensacola Naval Air Station.

To this day, Mr. Emond continues to serve his country and his community. He has been a Red Cross volunteer at Pensacola Naval Hospital for the last 15 years. He works at the hospital's front desk where he frequently brightens the day of many visitors as he greets them and works the switchboard.

Mr. Emond expresses that ``time is one of the easiest gifts to give, and is an important one that could change the outcome of somebody's day or maybe even their life.'' Mr. Emond has certainly given generously of his time and has, no doubt, positively impacted the lives of countless people who are blessed to know and work with him.

Frank Emond's presence and service has been, and will continue to be, an invaluable asset to Northwest Florida. We are proud that he calls our area home and honored that he chooses to spend his time volunteering here.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am humbled and privileged to recognize and honor Frank Emond for his countless contributions and service. I'd like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Emond and his family

for all they've sacrificed for this country and our community. I would also like to wish him a happy 100th birthday and best wishes.

Mr. Speaker, the Fort Walton Beach/Destin community, the place that I call

home, recently lost a truly remarkable man. I rise to recognize and pay tribute to the life of Mr. Hugh Kendall.

I was lucky enough to call Hugh a dear friend, as were many in our community. Hugh was such an open and genuinely caring person, that whoever had the privilege to meet him instantly felt like they'd known him for years. He had a contagious positive attitude that he spread with ease wherever he went.

Hugh's life of service began in the United States Air Force in 1963. He was a Vietnam War Veteran, but even though his health suffered due to his exposure to Agent Orange, Hugh always remained positive and proud regarding his service; he once said ``I served my country. I did what I was supposed to do.''

After retirement from Civil Service, Hugh continued to give freely of his time. He volunteered serving on the Board of Directors for many organizations including Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers, AMI Kids Emerald Coast, Sunset Vettes, and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.

He was well known throughout the civic community as a dedicated volunteer giving back to his community, which earned him Ambassador of the Year for the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and Volunteer of the Year for Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.

Hugh's incredible spirit will live on through his beautiful family and the many lives he impacted so greatly.

We lost an amazing father, a loving husband, a devoted friend , and a true gentleman. We will miss the joy Hugh shared but will always remember his smile, his kindness, and his impact on our community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I'd like to recognize and honor the life and sacrifices of Mr. Hugh Kendall.

I am thankful for the blessing of his compassionate and virtuous soul and for the time that we were able to spend with him here on Earth. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends; may they all find peace and comfort in knowing how loved and revered Hugh was by so many. People die only when we forget them, if we remember Hugh, he will be with us always.

Mr. Speaker, I cannot say how proud I am to be a Floridian taking the floor this evening to talk about the great value that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is bringing to the folks in the Sunshine State.

I am particularly proud that Florida was prepared for this uplift in the economy as a consequence of the work of Congress. Since Governor Scott took control of the Governor's mansion, our State has reduced over 50,000 regulations. We have cut taxes over 50 times.

Folks like my colleague, Mr. Rutherford from Florida, served in our law enforcement community and led to safer streets and safer communities so that we could grow and prosper in a way that was conducive to a family-friendly life.

For so long, while we had been cutting taxes and fighting for a more competitive economic ecosystem, the Federal Government had thrown a wet blanket over the economy. With a corporate tax rate that was one of the highest in the world, Florida companies weren't able to leverage the great talents that were coming out of our State to go and compete because the rules were stacked against us as a consequence of bad policies in Washington.

I am so proud that during the 115th Congress we were able to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act so that States like Florida could realize the great benefit of conservative leadership.

In my district in north Florida, where we have got a number of hardworking folks particularly in the manufacturing center, there is a new sense of economic optimism and prosperity that is sweeping across our State and my region.

The National Association of Manufacturers' 2018 first quarter Outlook says that 93.5 percent of manufacturers now have a positive outlook regarding the growth of their businesses. This is entirely consistent with the feedback I have gotten from manufacturers such as Ascend Materials and American Elite Molding, where we are competing with the best around the world, and we are winning and growing.

Manufacturers in my district have said that one consequence of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is that they are able to reinvest in their facilities: buy new, cutting-edge equipment and grow and expand their physical plant. This creates jobs and better competition--absolutely outstanding.

Energy cost is something that impacts our small businesses and families alike. As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Gulf Power, the independently owned utility in my district, is cutting rates so that ratepayers will

see savings of over $100 million. That is $100 million plowed right back into the economy in my district, right back at the kitchen table at the end of the month. Certainly, it is of great value that we have been able to see that result for our families and for our businesses.

Publix is another great business in our State. They are increasing pay for employees, allowing employees to be able to buy into employee stock option programs at greater frequency.

Mr. Speaker, whether it is the largest businesses in our State or the smallest, whether it is families that have been prosperous or families that are looking to climb that next peg on the economic ladder, I can say with great sincerity that the feedback as a consequence of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has been entirely positive. Folks are more optimistic. Ultimately, that will ensure that the State of Florida is able to participate in a more competitive and productive economic environment going forward.