Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor BayCare Winter Haven Hospital as it celebrates 100 years of serving the people of Winter Haven, Polk County, and Central Florida.

Since opening its doors on October 2, 1926, Baycare Winter Haven Hospital has grown alongside the community it serves. For a century, generations of families have turned to the hospital for care during some of the most important and difficult moments of their lives.

Throughout its history, Baycare Winter Haven Hospital has continued to expand and adapt to meet the changing health care needs of our region. The hospital has helped lead advancements in emergency care, cardiovascular medicine, orthopedics, surgical services, and maternity care while maintaining its focus on providing high-quality care close to home.

That commitment has also extended beyond the walls of the hospital. In 1967, Baycare Winter Haven Hospital established the Center for Behavioral Health, the first community mental health center in the Nation developed with federal funding to support the deinstitutionalization of children and adults living with mental illness. Nearly six decades later, the Center continues to serve our community.

More recently, Baycare Winter Haven Hospital partnered with Florida State University to establish a family medicine residency program in 2020, helping address the shortage of physicians in our region and train the next generation of medical professionals.

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the physicians, nurses, medical professionals, administrators, volunteers and supporters who have dedicated themselves to caring for their neighbors. Their service over the past century has touched countless lives and helped make Baycare Winter Haven Hospital an important part of the Polk County community.

Mr. Speaker, I again congratulate BayCare Winter Haven Hospital on its centennial and thank all those, past and present, who have contributed to 100 years of service to Central Florida. On behalf of Florida's 18th Congressional District, I wish the entire Baycare Winter Haven Hospital community continued success as it begins its second century of caring for the people of our region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of First Sergeant Jerry Wooten, who dedicated decades of his life to serving our country and shaping the next generation of leaders.

First Sergeant Wooten served 20 years in the United States Army before continuing his service as the JROTC instructor at Mulberry High School for more than two decades.

To generations of cadets, he was known simply as ``First Sergeant.'' He taught his students the same values that guided his own life: discipline, integrity, service and leadership. Those lessons stayed with them as they went on to serve in the military, attend college, build careers and give back to their communities.

First Sergeant Wooten lived a life of service, and our community is better because of the example he set.

My condolences are with his wife, Carol, their two children and all those whose lives he touched.

First Sergeant stood the watch faithfully. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Herbert Dixon, a legendary golfer and longtime Bartow resident who passed away at the remarkable age of 106.

Herbert's love for golf began early. He started caddying at the Bartow Golf Course at just 14 years old and taught himself the game by practicing on the course at night during segregation.

He went on to become a pioneer in professional golf, winning 63 tournaments in the United Golf Association, including the National Negro Open Championship. Herbert also served our country in the U.S. Air Force and earned recognition in multiple halls of fame.

As a lifelong golfer myself, I can certainly appreciate a man who spent more than nine decades around the game. Herbert was still hitting his age into his later years and became a true legend in Bartow and throughout the golf community.

Living to 106 is remarkable enough. Doing it while leaving behind a legacy like Herbert's is something truly special.

My condolences are with his family, friends and all those who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Chairman, I thank Judge Carter for yielding me time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the fiscal year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

As a veteran and member of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, I understand the importance of supporting military readiness while ensuring that veterans receive the care and benefits that they have earned.

This legislation fully funds veterans' healthcare and benefits, while strengthening mental health services, suicide prevention, and critical medical research programs relied upon by veterans across the country. It also invests in military construction projects that improve readiness, strengthen resiliency, and ensure our servicemembers have the needed infrastructure to meet growing global threats.

This bill includes several priorities I worked to advance, including resiliency improvements at the United States Naval Academy to address recurrent flooding that threatens infrastructure, disrupts operations, and impacts the training environment for our future naval officers.

It also strengthens research and treatment efforts for veterans facing Parkinson's disease and ALS; expands access to advanced care, treatment, and clinical trials; and supports modernization across the VA system, including cybersecurity protections and emerging technologies to improve early detection in patient care.

This legislation also protects the Second Amendment rights of veterans by preventing the VA from sending veterans' information to the FBI without due process and a judicial determination.

Mr. Chairman, this is a strong bill that supports readiness, strengthens care for our veterans, protects constitutional liberties, and keeps the Federal Government focused on its core responsibilities at a time of growing global threats.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, I missed Roll Call vote No. 130, due to a House Appropriations Committee Markup. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 130.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable public servant from Winter Haven, Florida, Ms. Ellie Threlkel, who passed away in February 2026 at the age of 88.

Ellie Threlkel was more than a former mayor and city commissioner. She was a pillar of the Winter Haven community and a woman who truly embodied servant leadership. Ellie served on the Winter Haven City Commission from 1988 to 1996 and was appoInted mayor from 1991 to 1994. During her time in office, she demonstrated steady leadership and a deep commitment to the people she served. Her husband of 68 years, Dr. Jim Threlkel, once said that Ellie was ``the city employees' commissioner and mayor.'' They knew she genuinely cared about them.

Her impact on Winter Haven is still felt today, particularly in the world of sports and economic development. When the Boston Red Sox left spring training in Winter Haven, it was a significant blow to the local economy. Ellie refused to let that chapter close without a fight. Following the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, she worked tirelessly to bring Major League Baseball's Cleveland Indians--now the Cleveland Guardians--to Chain of Lakes Park for spring training.

From 1993 through 2008, that partnership brought jobs, visitor's, and pride to our community. Each year, Ellie proudly threw out the first pitch, often wearing her now famous gold sequined Cleveland baseball cap--just one piece of her legendary hat collection that earned her the affectionate nickname, ``The Hat Lady,''

But Ellie's service extended far beyond City Hall and the baseball field. She was a Girl Scout leader, a charter member of the Junior League of Greater Winter Haven, a leader in

the Garden Club, and a Ruling Elder at First Presbyterian Church. She served on boards supporting youth programs, drug prevention initiatives, hospice care, and senior living communities. In 1984, she was recognized as Winter Haven's Woman of the Year.

Even after stepping down from elected office, Ellie continued to serve on the city's Board of Adjustment and Police Pension Board. For her, public service was not a position--it was a way of life.

Born in Hawaii, educated at Vanderbilt University, and rooted in Winter Haven since 1972, Ellie led by example with a cheerful spirit and unwavering dedication to her family and her community.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jim, her daughters Kit and Peggy, her grandson Kasey, and many cherished friends and family members. She leaves behind a legacy of leadership, generosity, and civic pride that will continue to inspire generations in Winter Haven.

Mr. Speaker, communities are shaped by individuals who choose to give more than they take. Ellie Threlkel was one of those rare individuals. On behalf of Florida's 18th Congressional District, I extend my deepest condolences to the Threlkel family and my gratitude for Ellie's extraordinary life of service. May she rest in peace.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7148 and the Defense appropriations bill as part of this broader spending package.

Last year, Congress failed our military by relying on a full-year continuing resolution. It froze funding at outdated levels, delayed modernization, disrupted training schedules, and undermined our ability to plan properly. With a yearlong CR, our military cannot adapt, innovate, and effectively deter our adversaries.

Congress did provide additional defense funding through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It addressed urgent needs and closed critical gaps, but one-time funding cannot replace stable, predictable appropriations. Strategic planning, force posture, training pipelines, and modernization all depend on certainty, and Congress has a duty to provide it.

We face real and growing threats. China continues its rapid military expansion and aggressive posture in the Indo-Pacific, while racing to dominate emerging technologies. Russia is determined to destabilize its neighbors and challenge the international order. Hostile actors continue to test American resolve. Recent missions in Venezuela and Iran underscore that these dangers are not hypothetical.

Maintaining our edge requires sustained investment in advanced capabilities, including artificial intelligence. AI is transforming modern warfare by accelerating decisionmaking, improving logistics, and enhancing force protection. Integrating these technologies responsibly requires long-term commitment, not short-term fixes.

This Defense appropriations bill provides the resources our military needs to train, modernize, and remain ready to deter and defeat our adversaries. Passing it sends a clear message: Congress will not allow budgetary dysfunction or uncertainty to weaken America's defense or embolden our adversaries.

Mr. Chair, we owe our servicemembers leadership, certainty, and the tools they need to keep America secure. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6938, which includes the FY26 Energy and Water Appropriations bill.

This bill makes critical investments in our national defense by increasing Department of Energy defense program funding by $912 million. This includes $25.4 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration, an increase of $1.3 billion. These funds ensure we can maintain today's nuclear stockpile, prepare for future needs, and modernize aging infrastructure that underpins our nuclear deterrent.

Our bill also delivers a nearly 10 percent increase for naval reactors, advancing Columbia-class submarine reactor development, and supporting the safe handling of naval spent fuel.

This package is not just about national defense. It reins in the Biden administration's climate agenda that dismantled our energy independence and hurt American consumers. Instead, it refocuses the Federal Government on affordable and reliable energy that will drive down costs.

For Florida, this bill continues funding for critical infrastructure projects that protect our waterways, help our rural communities, and grow our economy.

Mr. Speaker, this is a huge win for our national security and for all Americans, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Clifton Lewis, a beloved constituent from Bartow, Florida, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82. Clifton was a veteran, a community leader, a tireless advocate for historic preservation and the driving force behind one of Florida's most important cultural landmarks, the L.B. Brown House.

Clifton devoted more than two decades of his life to preserving and sharing the extraordinary story of Lawrence B. Brown, a man born into slavery who rose to become a respected builder, businessman and community leader in Bartow. When the Victorian home Brown constructed faced demolition in the late 1990's, Clifton stepped forward. He rallied neighbors, secured state support and carefully led the restoration of the structure. Thanks to his conviction and leadership, the L.B. Brown House stands today as one of the only known surviving homes in Florida built by a formerly enslaved person.

But Clifton did far more than save a building, he revived a legacy. He founded and directed the L.B. Brown Heritage Festival, which celebrated its twenty-fourth year in 2025 and now attracts thousands of visitors. Through historical presentations, reenactments, music, food and fellowship, Clifton brought people together to honor the resilience, faith and contributions of African Americans in Polk County and across our Nation.

His work gained national recognition. The Smithsonian displayed artifacts from the site, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., includes an exhibit dedicated to Brown and the Bartow home, a testament to Clifton's perseverance in telling this remarkable American story.

Clifton also served his country honorably in the United States Army and broke barriers as the first Black telephone technician in Washington, D.C. Throughout his life, he remained a man of deep faith, boundless positivity and unwavering commitment to his community. Even as he battled serious health challenges, he continued welcoming visitors to the museum, guiding tours and encouraging others to carry the work forward.

His friends and fellow historians remember him as gracious, diplomatic and always focused on preserving not just facts, but the humanity and soul of a community. His leadership inspired a generation of local preservationists, and his legacy will live on through the museum, the festival and the many lives he touched.

Mr. Speaker, Clifton Lewis was a remarkable Floridian and a guardian of our shared history. On behalf of Florida's 18th District, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Vendarae, his family, his friends and all who continue the mission he championed. May his memory be a blessing and may his life's work continue to educate and inspire for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 100th anniversary of the University of Florida's IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, a cornerstone of Florida agriculture supporting our growers and research community for generations.

Founded in 1925 in Palmetto as the Tomato Disease Laboratory, the Center was created to combat a devastating fungal disease threatening Florida's tomato production. Over the decades, its mission expanded as Florida agriculture grew and diversified, adding work in breeding, plant health and soil and water research to strengthen crop quality and sustainable production. In 2005, the Center relocated to Wimauma to support broader research and collaboration benefiting producers across our state.

For a century, this Center has delivered practical, science-based solutions to strengthen Florida agriculture. Its research has improved crop quality, enhanced resilience against disease and pests, and supported the development of new crops that sustain local economies and help specialty producers thrive. It works hand in hand with producers and industry partners to support new opportunities, including work on caladiums, hops and berry production that expands Florida's agricultural footprint and helps specialty crops thrive in our region.

Now, a new chapter is taking shape. The UF/IFAS Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture is integrating automation, data and machine learning to help producers work more efficiently and address labor needs. With federal support championed in Congress, the Center is acquiring new equipment and technology to accelerate this work and strengthen hands-on research capacity at the site. This investment will bring cutting-edge innovation directly to the farm, improving productivity and competitiveness across the industry.

As we mark this milestone, we honor the scientists, staff and growers who make this progress possible. Their dedication supports rural communities and strengthens American food security. I congratulate the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center on a century of extraordinary service and look forward to its continued leadership in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Sergeant Charlie Fountain as he retires after an extraordinary 50 years of service with the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Sergeant Fountain began his career in 1975 in the Sheriff's Office radio room. The following year, after graduating from the Law Enforcement Academy at Polk Community College, he was sworn in as a deputy sheriff. Over the next five decades, he served in a wide range of assignments, including patrol and property crimes investigations. He was later promoted to sergeant, where he oversaw shifts, led specialized units on land, air and water, and most recently supported operations in the Fleet Services Bureau.

Known across the Sheriff's Office as the ``go-to'' person, Sergeant Fountain's deep institutional knowledge and steady leadership made him an invaluable resource to his colleagues and the broader community. He consistently rose to every challenge and earned the trust of those he served alongside.

His recent Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Sheriff's Association is a fitting tribute to his distinguished career. Beyond any accolade, his legacy will endure through the deputies he mentored and the confidence he inspired in the people of Polk County.

On behalf of my constituents, I thank Sergeant Fountain for his 50 years of service and congratulate him on a retirement most richly earned.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, September 8, 2025, I missed Roll Call Vote Nos. 240 and 241 due to official business. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 240, and YEA on Roll Call No. 241.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Hollis Hamilton Hooks, a lifelong Lakelander whose quiet leadership and steady service left a lasting impact on the community he loved.

Hollis never sought the spotlight, but his influence was deeply felt throughout Polk County. From his early work in Washington to a successful career in financial services, he remained guided by a strong sense of duty to give back.

In 1992, Hollis was elected to the Polk County School Board, where he helped lead the district's first strategic planning effort. He championed policies to expand school choice and raise academic standards through the development of magnet programs. He also served on the board of the Polk Education Foundation, where he helped channel private-sector support into classroom resources, scholarships, teacher recognition programs and professional development.

Hollis made a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of our region. As chairman of the board for the Lakeland Regional Medical Center, he played a key role in guiding improvements to local care. Through his work with the hospital's foundation, he helped drive critical investments in enhanced services and modernized facilities to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community.

His commitment to civic life extended to the arts and public discourse. He served on the board of the Polk Museum of Art, working to increase access to arts education and cultural programming. He also sat on the board of LkldNow's parent nonprofit, underscoring his belief in the value of informed and engaged local communities.

Hollis Hooks was more than a civic leader. He was my friend, a fellow elder at First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, and a man of profound integrity. My prayers are with his wife Debbie, their children and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Hollis made Lakeland stronger, and his example of humble leadership will continue to guide and inspire.

May we honor his memory by living lives of purpose and service.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my well-rested friend and colleague from Utah for the time.

Mr. Speaker, this evening as we recognize National Police Week, I rise to honor the brave men and women in uniform who serve with courage, integrity, and selflessness.

Every day, law enforcement officers put themselves in harm's way to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law. They respond without hesitation, often under dangerous and unpredictable circumstances.

A recent incident in my district highlights what that commitment looks like. Last month, in Bartow, Florida, a man who had brutally assaulted and held his own parents hostage later opened fire on responding officers during an intense confrontation at a local shopping center. Despite the danger, members of the Polk County Sheriff's Office and the Bartow Police Department responded swiftly to protect innocent lives.

During the confrontation, Deputy Edwin Alexander was shot in the arm, and Officer Mark Sills was shot in the chest, his body armor likely saving his life.

Thanks to their training and resilience and the grace of God, both are expected to fully recover. Their actions are a powerful reminder of the bravery shown by those who serve. They stepped in to shield others, knowing full well the risks they faced. Their story reminds us why we pause this week to honor law enforcement.

National Police Week is not only a time to honor those who were killed in the line of duty, but also to thank those who continue to answer the call with distinction.

These officers, along with thousands of others across the country, deserve not only our gratitude but our unwavering support. May God bless them, their families, and all who protect and defend our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true hero from my hometown of Lakeland, Florida. Mr. A.J. Slater was awarded the Carnegie Medal, North America's highest civilian honor for heroism.

In November, Mr. Slater came upon the horrific scene of a fiery crash along the shores of Lake Parker. Without hesitation, and with no regard for his own safety, he rushed toward a burning vehicle where two small children were trapped inside. He heard a mother's desperate cries-- ``Save my kids!''--and immediately jumped into action.

Mr. Slater pulled 3-year-old Walker Wills from the flames, saving his life. In a second, selfless attempt, he returned for Walker's sister, 5-year-old JoLynn. Tragically, the flames and smoke overwhelmed the vehicle before he could free her. For his heroic actions, Mr. Slater suffered severe burns, underwent multiple surgeries, and now carries both the physical and emotional scars of that day.

Though the pain of loss remains, his courage has inspired our community. His humility is just as powerful as his bravery. In his words, ``To receive this medal is a wonderful feeling--but still a reminder of JoLynn.'' Mr. Slater never sought recognition--only to make his parents, his friends, and his community proud.

A.J. Slater represents the very best of us. In a moment when seconds mattered, he chose to run toward danger--saving a child's life and forever impacting a grieving family. As the first known recipient of the Carnegie Medal from Polk County, Mr. Slater now joins the ranks of those who have put the lives of others above their own in a time of great need.

Let his story be a beacon of hope reminding us of the extraordinary courage that can exist in everyday people. Today, we honor A.J. Slater--not just for his heroism, but for his humanity.