Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Billy Cypress, the longest-serving Chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe, which lies within my district. On behalf of Florida's 18th Congressional District, I extend my deepest condolences to Billy's family, the Miccosukee Tribe and all who mourn his loss.

Chairman Cypress was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the sovereignty and prosperity of the Miccosukee Tribe. Elected to the Miccosukee Business Council in 1973, he served for over a decade before becoming Chairman--a position he held for more than 26 years.

During his tenure, he achieved significant milestones that transformed his community. Cypress was instrumental in expanding the Tribe's national prominence and self-governance and championed the creation of Miccosukee Resort and Gaming. In effort to commemorate the Tribe's culture and history, Chairman Cypress established the Miccosukee Indian Village and Museum. He standardized many of the Tribe's government processes, increasing professionalism and improving quality of life for the Miccosukee. And, his decisive leadership helped secure funding for vital programs, which greatly improved healthcare, education and economic opportunities.

A strong advocate for our environment, the Chairman played a critical role in protecting Florida's Everglades, working to restore natural waterflow into the everglades and helped implement the first pollution control standards. The Chairman's efforts underscored his people's deep connection with the Everglades and helped ensure their access to this land for future generations.

His influence extends beyond Florida, as he established the Tribe's first embassy and built diplomatic relationships with foreign nations. Perhaps most importantly, Billy will be remembered for far more than his accolades and impressive accomplishments.

As current Chairman, Talbot Cypress, recalls: ``Billy was known for his humor, warmth and generosity--always making time for family, friends and Tribal members.'' Mr. Speaker, may his legacy of hard work, courage and wisdom continue to live on and inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, I missed the previous question vote as I was in a constituent meeting. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 56.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Andrew Poysell Ireland, known to many as Andy--a distinguished former Member of Congress from Central Florida. He was a banking executive, beloved community leader, and someone I had the privilege of calling a mentor and friend. Andy passed away peacefully in Sarasota, Florida, at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and a profound commitment to others.

Born on August 23, 1930, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Andy Ireland's journey was marked by distinction from the very beginning. His early years at Cincinnati Country Day School revealed his spirited nature, and his education at Phillips Academy and Yale University solidified his reputation as a man of intelligence, curiosity, and drive. Andy's career began in banking, where his innovative approach and leadership quickly earned him success. Rising through the ranks, he eventually became Chair and CEO of American National Bank in Winter Haven, Florida. He not only transformed the banking industry but also helped shape the community he loved, bringing the Boston Red Sox to Winter Haven for their winter home and later contributing to the creation of the Center for Elephant Conservation in Polk County.

Andy's professional success was rivaled only by his commitment to public service. He entered politics as a Winter Haven City Commissioner before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1976. During his 16 years in Congress, Andy served with distinction on the Foreign Affairs, Small Business, Armed Services, and Intelligence Committees, a tireless advocate for national security, small businesses, and fiscal responsibility. He was one of the rare individuals appointed by President Ronald Reagan to represent Congress at the United Nations General Session--a testament to his deep understanding of global issues and his unwavering dedication to his country.

Perhaps one of the most defining moments of Andy's political career came in 1984 when he made the principled decision to switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party. It was a move that exemplified his integrity and courage--qualities that endeared him to colleagues on both sides of the aisle and to the constituents he faithfully served.

Beyond politics, Andy was a passionate conservationist, serving as a Trustee of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and as President of the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association. He cherished his retirement years in Boca Grande, where he found joy in his family, friends, and the beauty of Florida's natural landscapes.

On a personal note, Andy played a pivotal role in my life. He nominated me to three service academies, ultimately leading to my acceptance at the United States Naval Academy. That nomination set me on a path of service and leadership, culminating in the honor of representing the very district Andy once served in this esteemed body. Andy and I also shared the same birthday, a connection that further deepened the bond I felt with him--a bond rooted in gratitude, respect, and admiration.

Andy Ireland's life was one of purpose and impact. He was a devoted husband to his beloved Nancy, a loving father, grandfather, and great- grandfather, and a cherished friend to many. His warm smile, gentle heart, and welcoming spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mr. Speaker, as we remember Andy Ireland, let us celebrate a life well-lived and honor a

man whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations. May we carry forward his example of integrity, service, and love for community. I thank Andy for everything. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Boring Business Systems in my hometown of Lakeland, Florida, on the company's 100th anniversary.

Founded in 1924 as the Lakeland Typewriter and Supply Company, Boring's longevity is a testament to its leaders' vision to anticipate the continually evolving needs of the business community. From its humble beginnings as a retail provider of manual typewriters and adding machines, Boring now provides IT services, cybersecurity, document management, and comprehensive network support.

Less than one-half of 1 percent of businesses still exist after 100 years. Making this milestone even more special is the fact that Boring is now 100 percent employee owned, a result of chairman emeritus Dean Boring's commitment to ensure the company thrives as it enters its second century.

I salute all the member owners of Boring Business Systems on this momentous occasion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Anne B. Kerr, who recently retired from her role as the 17th president of Florida Southern College. Her dedication to academic excellence and a quality campus life experience transformed Florida Southern into one of the best liberal arts colleges in the South.

Dr. Kerr developed her interest in education during her psychology studies at Mercer University. She then earned a master's degree in counseling and a doctorate in higher education administration from Florida State University. Prior to her tenure at Florida Southern, Dr. Kerr held executive roles at Rollins College and the University of Central Florida before serving as the University of Richmond's Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Dr. Kerr's 20-year tenure as Florida Southern College's 17th president was the second-longest in the school's history. Her steadfast leadership yielded the college's highest enrollment numbers and academic ranking. The college became a top producer of Fulbright Scholars in the Nation, a prestigious scholarship for students pursuing studies abroad. To house Florida Southern's monumental growth, the college added 22 new buildings, expanded 20 others and restored many of the famed Frank Lloyd Wright buildings.

Dr. Kerr also helped expand Florida Southern's academic offerings by adding 19 new graduate degree programs, including the Barney Barnett School of Business and Economics, the first named school on campus. Other new programs were added in accounting, education, nursing and physical therapy. On the eve of her retirement, she also announced the emergence of a new undergraduate architecture program, with a graduate program to follow in 2028.

Dr. Kerr declared at the start of her tenure she wanted FSC to be ``recognized as one of the nation's small, preeminent colleges.'' It is safe to say she exceeded her vision. Dr. Kerr's success was driven by her faith and the fulfillment brought by seeing her students achieve their dreams. We are lucky she intends to continue to inspire future generations, returning to Florida Southern in Spring 2025 to teach a leadership course in the Barnett School of Business.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Kerr's accomplishments and passion for students is an inspiration to us all. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing her an enjoyable and well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 6810, to rename a post office in Sebring, Florida, in honor of Major Thomas McGuire, a distinguished and decorated combat pilot killed in action during World War II.

McGuire graduated from Sebring High School in my district and attended the Georgia Institute of Technology. There, he studied aeronautical engineering, played in the marching band, and joined the ROTC Corps of Cadets.

Answering the call to serve his country, McGuire left Georgia Tech after his third year and entered the U.S. Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet program in 1941.

Major McGuire became a top-scoring combat pilot with a total of 38 enemy planes destroyed, an ace seven times over.

On January 7, 1945, McGuire led a group of four P-38 Lightnings on a fighter sweep in the central Philippines. In an attempt to save another pilot's life who was under attack, Major McGuire risked an extremely hazardous maneuver at low altitude. Tragically, he crashed and was reported missing in action.

In 1947, McGuire was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions to save his wingman's life. Two years later, Major McGuire was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

With gallant initiative, unselfish regard for his own personal safety, and heroic determination to destroy the enemy at all costs, Major McGuire set an aspiring example in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Mr. Speaker, as a career naval aviator, he certainly inspires me.

We are losing more and more of our Greatest Generation veterans like Major McGuire every day. It is my sincere hope this bill helps immortalize this American hero's legacy and honors his remarkable life and sacrifice. I encourage all my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Winter Haven's Lenore ``Gundy'' Costello, who is now the oldest living Girl Scout at 107 years old.

Gundy's upbringing of helping on her family's farm in rural Ohio cultivated her love for the outdoors. She always successfully balanced farmwork and schoolwork, finishing as her high school's salutatorian. Gundy went on to receive degrees in sociology and biology from Heidelberg University, before working as the executive director of her local American Cross office. It was during that time she met her husband, Boy Scout leader and travel partner, George Costello.

In 1942, Gundy and George moved to Florida, where she began her impactful Girl Scouts career. For over 40 years, she served as the executive director for the Heart of Florida Girl Scout Council, which covered the territory between Lake Placid and Ocala. On behalf of the Girl Scouts, Gundy was selected to travel to the West Indies to share about the organization. She even helped found the well-known Camp Wildwood, a six-hundred-acre Girl Scout camp. Gundy was recognized for her incredible work with the Girl Scouts at the 2023 National Council Session of Girl Scouts USA in Orlando.

At age 100, Gundy retired completely, though not from her lifelong mission of helping others--knitting hats for chemo patients in her spare time. She lives out the organization's mission of fostering ``forever friendships'' and remains close with her troop to this day. Just last month, Gundy and the Frostproof Girl Scouts gathered for the dedication of their newly renovated ``Frostproof Little House,'' where Gundy gave remarks and recalled her fond memories. Today, her Girl Scout friends regularly write and call to catch up and reminisce about their adventures.

Mr. Speaker, Gundy's servant heart is an inspiration to all of us. I ask my colleagues to Join me--and all of Florida's Heartland--in saying, thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of a stellar community partner and to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Lakeland, Florida's own Publix Supermarkets for their efforts to support Florida agriculture and address food insecurity across our communities.

Today Publix will surpass a remarkable milestone in their commitment to help meet their neighbors' needs, donating their 100 millionth pound of produce to community food banks across the Southeast. Since 2020, Publix has partnered with 35 different foodbanks and donated more than 23 million pounds of fresh produce to food banks serving the eight rural communities in my Congressional District.

In the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Florida farmers were facing serious losses and business was drying up due to shutdowns, Publix began buying surplus produce at fair market value. What began as a small idea has given way to an innovative program that makes an irreplaceable impact to our local communities.

Mr. Speaker, if you ask anyone from Florida--and increasingly all over the South--Publix is a fixture of our State's identity and culture. That's not just because shopping there is a pleasure--but because they have proven a consistent dedication to the communities they serve.

I once again commend Publix on this important milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss and honor the legacy of a World War II heroine from Lakeland, FL, Lt. Hope Kirkendall. She passed away at the age of 103, carrying her spiritedness, heart of service and witty sense of humor until her final days.

During World War II, Lt. Kirkendall was a nurse in the U.S. Army and was one of the first women to land in Normandy shortly after the Allied Forces' D-Day invasion. She arrived one month after the initial invasion and achieved the rank of first lieutenant, working around the clock with her surgical team to care for soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifices in the Battle for Brest and the Battle of the Bulge.

Decades after her service, Lt. Kirkendall recounted getting involved in military life because she was young and wanted to see everything. She certainly achieved that goal Among her adventures, Kirkendall traveled in an ambulance convoy, using a gas can for a seat. She moved with field hospitals, taking in the wounded near the front lines. And amongst the chaos and the tragedy, she said she found a home.

In 2017, Lt. Kirkendall received the French Knight in the Legion of Honor award for her expertise and bravery during bombings and in the line of fire. Lt. Kirkendall went on to raise five children after the war and continued her duties off the battlefield caring for patients who needed psychiatric assessments. She is survived by two siblings, five children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Sadly, we are losing more of the greatest generation each day. May Hope rest in peace. She is truly an American hero.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish a happy birthday to Bartow resident, Sgt. Jordan Jerome ``J.J.'' Corbett, who celebrated his 101st birthday on November 25th. Sgt. Corbett has earned many accolades throughout his storied life, including WWII hero, educator, championship coach and civil rights trailblazer.

Sgt. Corbett served during WWII as one of the U.S. Army's first black paratroopers. He first volunteered to train with the all-white 82nd Airborne Division and was part of the formation of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion. The 555th was nicknamed the ``Triple Nickles''--one of the few all-black units with black officers. Today, Sgt. Corbett is the last surviving member of the ``Triple Nickles,'' which was assigned to one of the most dangerous operations to save lives from the aftermath of a clandestine Japanese balloon attack in the Western United States.

Today, he is a retired schoolteacher, Bank Director for Citrus & Chemical Bank, two-time Florida Track Coach of the Year, member of the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame and member of the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Sgt. Corbett a happy 101st birthday. On behalf of the 18th District of Florida, we thank him for his service and sacrifice for our nation and his steadfast dedication to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize veteran and hero, Major Tony Williams, who today will be inducted into the Florida Veteran's Hall of Fame. Tony's exemplary service has made an unmistakable impact in the lives of countless Florida veterans.

Ellsworth `Tony' Williams was born in Fort Hood, Texas as a dependent of a career Vietnam Army combat veteran before making the decision to join the U.S. Army himself, serving 24 years on active duty, eight as an enlisted soldier and sixteen as a commissioned officer.

Tony's service in the U.S. Army was marked by distinction. He was awarded a Bronze Star and three Meritorious Service Medals for his actions in Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Perhaps most remarkable, Mr. Speaker, is the care Tony displays to his community and fellow vets. After retiring in 2007, he returned to school to pursue graduate training in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Troy University.

After receiving his counseling degree, Tony made it his mission to help veterans struggling with their mental health, becoming a leading voice for veteran suicide prevention in his community. Tony established his nonprofit, Veterans Counseling Veterans, Inc., to provide counseling and emotional support to active duty, National Guardsmen, reservists, veterans and their families. Veterans Counseling Veterans also provides professional and career development support for those seeking a career in behavioral health.

Tony received several mental health counseling awards to include a 2014 National Award for Social Service from the American Mental Health Counseling Association. He sits on the Hillsborough Veterans Council, Florida Mental Health Counselor Association's Military Interest Committee, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay's Regional Veterans Advisory Council and is the American Legion Post 5 Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation Committee Chair.

Major Tony Williams says it's in his bones to help veterans and their families, and he believes his latest recognition from the Florida Veteran's Hall of Fame is simply another `assignment from God,' calling him to continue his good work.

I commend Major Williams for his sacrifices both in the U.S. Army and in his tireless efforts to help fellow Florida veterans. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and service of World War I veteran and hero, Boy First Class, Bert Hunter Lane.

Bert Hunter Lane was born July 29, 1895, in Madison, Suwannee County, Florida, before relocating with his family to Lakeland, Florida in 1909. Lane attended Lakeland High School, where he made honor roll and played in the band.

As a young adult, Lane was a driver for the Standard Oil Company and Gulf Refining Company and attended First Baptist Church of Lakeland. After World War I broke out in 1914, Lane moved to Tampa, FL to join the U.S. Coast Guard on April 8, 1917 at 21 years old. He was given the rank Boy First Class and placed under the command of Captain Charles Satterlee on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tampa, one of six assigned to convoy duty in Europe.

The Tampa, armed with three-inch guns, had successfully escorted eighteen convoys and earned a special commendation for exemplary service. On September 26, 1918, soon after her 19th convoy, Tampa was torpedoed by the German submarine UB-91. In just three minutes, Tampa sunk, claiming the lives of 130 in the single largest loss of life for the Coast Guard during World War I.

In 1928, the United States Coast Guard Memorial was dedicated at Arlington National Cemetery, memorializing the 111 coast guardsmen lost that day. The Purple Heart was not yet authorized, but in 1999 Commandant Admiral James Loy awarded the Coast Guardsmen posthumously for their brave actions.

One hundred five years after Tampa was lost, and 24 years after the first Purple Heart was awarded to one of her crew, no relatives have been located to receive the honor on Lane's behalf. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Bert--his heroism, his service and most importantly his sacrifice.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 662, the Block Grant Assistance Act.

This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to provide funding via block grants to States and territories to assist agricultural producers who suffered losses due to natural disasters that occurred in calendar year 2022.

More than 90 percent of all Florida citrus production was wiped out by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022, totaling over 375,000 acres impacted. It is not just a single season loss. The thousands of new trees that must be planted to replace those that were lost will not yield fruit for 3 to 5 years. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services expects these devastating losses to cost as much as $675 million.

Congress did its part, passing supplemental disaster relief back in December, $3.7 billion to be exact. This money was set aside to assist recoveries from the consequences of droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, winter storms, and a host of other disasters that struck Americans throughout the country last year. However, previous disaster bills that assisted and addressed similar losses included explicit discretionary language and authority to the Secretary of Agriculture to deliver assistance via block grants. Unfortunately, the omnibus bill from last December did not include this needed authority language.

Failure to provide this authority will result in longer delays in distributing relief to a citrus industry already devastated by invasive diseases and trade disadvantages. In fact, 8 months after the hurricanes, not a penny of Emergency Relief Program funds have been disbursed to anyone, especially our citrus growers. They simply cannot continue to absorb blow after blow, especially when we can provide the needed assistance quickly. Without this authority, there is a real threat in Florida that our citrus groves will go under, and vital agricultural land will be ceded to developers at fire sale prices.

Madam Speaker, this bill does not appropriate any new funds. There is no additional expense to taxpayers. It simply gives the USDA the ability to quickly disburse already appropriated disaster relief funds via block grants. The Congressional Budget Office has reviewed it, and it will have zero impact on our Federal budget. The money is there. We just need to get it to the folks who need it now before it is too late.

In a recent Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing, Secretary Vilsack acknowledged the critical need for disaster relief and agreed that this is a viable solution. The USDA inspector general also testified to us in an oversight hearing that, historically, disaster block grants have been a highly effective tool in delivering much- needed relief in a quick and efficient manner.

I thank Representative Kat Cammack, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Darren Soto, and the rest of my Florida colleagues who unanimously joined this effort. Senators Scott and Rubio have a Senate companion bill, as well.

Madam Speaker, this is not just a Florida concern. I am honored to represent Florida's 18th Congressional District, which is home to more than 70 percent of Florida's citrus industry, so, yes, this is near and dear to me. My constituents are suffering. They sent me here to Washington to be their voice and to fight for them.

This bill also helps secure relief for more than just those who earn their living from citrus. In addition to other Florida ag producers who were devastated last year, this bill impacts agricultural communities all across the country who were affected by disasters in 2022.

I extend my thanks to my colleagues in the Texas, California, and Washington delegations for their bipartisan cosponsorship of this much- needed adjustment. I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of James ``J.P.'' Powell, a former Winter Haven City Commissioner and dedicated public servant. Commissioner Powell passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on April 24, 2023.

J.P. was born in Akron, Ohio on October 31, 1957. He attended both Malone College in Canton, Ohio, and the University of Akron. Since 1983, J.P. was an employee of Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home and Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens. At one point, he and his wife Kim even lived above Glen Abbey.

During his extensive career in public service, J.P. served in various roles in the City of Winter Haven, Florida. He was first elected to Seat 1 of the Winter Haven City Commission in September 2007. He served in that position until January 2016 and was re-elected to Seat 5 in November 2017. He also served as Mayor of Winter Haven from 2011 through 2013 and Mayor Pro Tempore in 2009 and 2010.

J.P. was also privileged to serve as city liaison to the Polk Transit Authority and the Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board, as an alternate to the Polk Transportation Planning Organization and Ridge League of Cities, and a member of the city's Community Redevelopment Board.

City employees recalled J.P. as a down-to-earth individual who took the time to get to know city staff on a personal level. Many knew him by his signature laughter that would echo throughout the commission chambers and say he always focused on making the best decisions for the betterment of the entire community.

J.P. had a lifelong passion for aviation and served as the Winter Haven City Commission's Airport Advisory Board Liaison for over a decade. His desire to grow the Winter Haven Airport led to the city spending nearly $1 million to upgrade the airport's security systems.

J.P.'s commitment to public service was unmatched. His family and friends say his real passion came from building relationships and connecting with people. He even continued to serve the city throughout his illness and treatment. His last meeting on the city commission was a discussion establishing quiet zones to limit train noise in residential areas--an issue about which he cared deeply.

On behalf of Florida's 18th Congressional District, I extend our deepest condolences to J.P.'s wife Kim, his son Travis and daughter-in- law Megan. He will be deeply missed by our community, but his contributions will be remembered by his friends, family and neighbors for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Edgar T. Pickett, Jr. a servant and guardian of our Lakeland community who passed away peacefully with family by his side on April 6th. Edgar served our community for nearly 30 years as an officer with the Lakeland Police Department. He was a trailblazer in many ways, both as one of the Department's first black officers and as a pioneer in the field of forensics.

Edgar began his law enforcement career in 1954 at a time when segregation was still in effect in America. He persevered through many challenges, including when he was shot in the line of duty responding to a call in 1964. After surviving his ordeal, Edgar went on to become one of Polk County's first black detectives. In this new role, Edgar distinguished himself as a remarkable investigator. He taught himself fingerprinting, photography, evidence collection and how to identify bullets from evidence left at crime scenes. He converted his home kitchen into a dark room to develop his film and learned to develop photos professionally with the help of Duane Perkins' photography shop.

Edgar's remarkable skill set earned him a certification in forensic science and he became a fingerprint technician in 1973. He studied at the American Institute of Applied Sciences in Chicago and became a plainclothes detective specializing in fingerprinting. Edgar would go on to develop Lakeland Police Department's first fingerprint filing system and worked with the FBI in 1980 to identify a local suspect threatening to assassinate President Jimmy Carter.

After nearly 30 years, Edgar retired in 1983 and continued consulting for various law enforcement agencies across Florida. In 2019, he returned to Lakeland Police Department to close a 38-year old cold case murder investigation he once worked on as a detective. The Lakeland Police Department named its fingerprinting lab after Edgar in honor of his diligent and nationally-recognized work.

He will be deeply missed by his family, his fellow officers and our community. On behalf of the 18th Congressional District of Florida, I thank Edgar T. Pickett, Jr. for his service and sacrifice. We will be forever grateful.