Aaron Bean

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, is it true President Trump has done more in 100 days than the previous President has done in 4 years? Mr. Speaker, I have only got 60 seconds, but let's break it all down: border closed; mass deportation of illegal immigrants; fentanyl smuggling dropping; Laken Riley Act signed into law; inflation cooling; egg prices down; gas prices falling; astronauts back home; 11 American hostages freed; reducing the Federal bureaucracy, saving taxpayers billions of dollars and rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse; reversing the anti-crypto crusade; unleashing American energy; the green new scam terminated; EV mandates eliminated; revoked DEI policies in the military and government; affirming there are only two genders; no more men playing in women's sports; restoring America's leadership on the world stage; rebuilding our military; military recruitment up; defending religious liberty; sending gang members back to their own home countries; standing up for American workers; adding 345,000 new jobs; securing billions of dollars in new investments in the United States. The golden age of American prosperity is indeed here. As exciting as the first 100 days of President Trump have been, it is clear President Trump is just getting started.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, President Calvin Coolidge once said, ``The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.'' His words perfectly encapsulate the importance of remembering our Vietnam War veterans. I rise today with great honor to recognize the legacy and great sacrifice of our Vietnam War veterans through The Wall That Heals, which will be on display in Nassau County, Florida, from April 17th through April 21st at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds. The Wall That Heals is a half-scale replica of the permanent memorial in Washington, D.C., that stands six feet tall at the center and covers almost 300 feet from end to end. The traveling exhibition will be a unique opportunity for individuals in our community, including the 26,900 Vietnam Veterans who call the Fourth Congressional District of Florida home, to see the names of their loved ones and comrades who otherwise may not be able to make the trip to Washington. I would like to thank the Town of Hilliard, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10095, and all the volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to bring this distinct honor to Northeast Florida. Mr. Speaker, we will never be able to repay our debt to those who have given their last measure of devotion for the spirit of America. But we can continue to do our duty: to remember. May the lives of those who served and were killed during the Vietnam War never be forgotten.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank very much the chairman for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, one citizen, one vote. It is the pillar of our democracy and you would think that of all the issues that we debate on this hallowed floor, this is the one. This is the one that brings everybody together, the pillar of our democracy, one citizen, one vote. Everybody is on the same team. Mr. Speaker, you would be wrong. It is amazing that you would be wrong because there are people in this room that think women are incapable of getting an ID. I think that is an insult to women. Mr. Speaker, let me remind you why we are here. We are here because this previous administration, the Biden administration, imported 10 to 15 million illegal aliens who have come here and we have evidence that they are participating in our elections. The next thing you will say is: Did they get Social Security numbers? Mr. Speaker, they did. The DOGE team just announced millions of illegals now have Social Security numbers. It is happening, and it ends today when we vote on the SAVE Act. I have just heard my colleagues say it is already against the law. We don't need this act, but let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, it is already against the law for a minor to buy beer, but yet the clerk checks the ID before the purchase is made. We need the SAVE Act. We need security. We need to come together. I invite our colleagues to come together. There is still time to agree that the pillar of our democracy is one citizen, one vote. The right answer on the SAVE Act is a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, let's go back to 1974, which was, indeed, a big year. It was the year ``Blazing Saddles'' was a massive box office success, ``All in the Family'' was the top-rated TV show, and ``Happy Days'' premiered on ABC. Mr. Speaker, it was that same year that Trinity Baptist College was founded in Jacksonville, Florida, 50 years ago. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Trinity Baptist College's 50th anniversary, a milestone that invites reflection on a half-century commitment to higher education from a God-centered worldview. Mr. Speaker, TBC believes that ministry is not confined to the pulpit or the classroom but rather every career can be a platform for living out faith and sharing the gospel. With this understanding, the college has seen impressive growth in both its academic and athletic programs. Most importantly, TBC has upheld a bold, unapologetic Christian worldview in every aspect of student development. For five decades, TBC's mission has remained unchanged and is today more alive than ever before as it strengthens students for service, purpose, and leadership. Mr. Speaker, as TBC celebrates its golden anniversary, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing them a hearty congratulations on 50 years of preparing students to learn with integrity, whether in the classroom, workplace, or the community. May God's favor and blessing be upon Trinity Baptist College as it embarks on the next 50 years.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to take you back 100 years to the year 1925. ``The Great Gatsby'' had just been published. In this very Chamber, the House voted to authorize the construction of Mount Rushmore. Entertainment legend Dick Van Dyke was born. Today, Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 100th birthday of someone else born that same year, 1925, an American hero named Leonard Messineo of Amelia Island, Florida. Born on April 30, 1925, Len served bravely in World War II with the Army's 20th Armored Division. In April 1945, just days before the war in Europe ended, his unit fought through heavy resistance, helped liberate the Dachau concentration camp, and patrolled Hitler's vacated Eagle's Nest. Hitler took his own life on Len's 20th birthday; and Len proudly marks his birthday each year, saying that he celebrates April 30 for Hitler's demise. After the war, Len earned an engineering degree on the GI Bill and built a successful career in manufacturing, including for the U.S. Army. He later became an award-winning nature photographer. Len's greatest legacy is his family which includes two daughters, Deb and Lynn, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and even a grand-dog named Charlie. We wish Len a happy 100th birthday. We thank him for his service, his life, and his enduring example. May God continue to bless him. Celebrating the Retirement of Don Fann

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, when you are lost, you need to find the way. In Clay County, Florida, when you need medical care and don't know where to turn, you need to find The Way Free Medical Clinic. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the retirement of Mr. Don Fann who served as executive director of The Way Free Medical Clinic from 2017 to 2024. When Don first joined The Way Clinic in 2017 as interim director, his task was clear. It was to stabilize a struggling organization and ensure its continued service to those most in need. Not only, Mr. Speaker, did he meet that challenge but he also exceeded every expectation. Through his tireless efforts to secure funding, forge partnerships, and implement sustainable programs, Don guided the clinic through a time of transformation. Today, the brand new Way Free Medical Clinic building offers both medical and dental services to countless individuals who otherwise would go without. Don's professional success is only matched by his personal dedication. Don consistently placed the needs of others above his own. His empathy, resilience, and quiet determination inspired those around him to become hallmarks of the clinic's culture. His values of service, compassion, and hope are now woven into the very identity of The Way Free Medical Clinic. As Don Fann retires, I join many in thanking him for his years of outstanding service and leadership. May the next chapter of his life be filled with the same purpose, joy, and generosity that defined him and his time at The Way Free Medical Clinic. We are proud of him.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Madam Speaker, yes, we are fired up for March Madness in northeast Florida, and, no, I am not just talking about the No. 1 seed Florida Gators basketball team. I am talking about Papa Seans Pizza in Baldwin. Papa Seans just sliced up the competition in a bracket-style tournament held by radio station WQIK. Papa Seans beat out fellow contestants to gain its ``One Shining Moment'' as the best pizza in the Jacksonville area. It is no surprise that Papa Seans knows how to whip up votes. Founder Sean Lynch is the mayor of Baldwin. I recently had some of Papa Seans' pizza while visiting Baldwin. Let me tell you, no recount is needed, Madam Speaker. Papa Seans serves up a superior slice. It is an honor and testament to the hard work of the mayor and his team, who have created not just a great place for food but a gathering spot where neighbors become friends. I congratulate Papa Seans. If you are ever near Baldwin, trust me, Madam Speaker, stop in for a slice.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, did you know that more than 3 million Americans, some only 18, 19, or 20 years old, served in Vietnam? Each one had a duty to serve, but our duty, Mr. Speaker, is to remember. On March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we remember the brave Americans who served, including the 26,900 Vietnam veterans who call the Fourth Congressional District of Florida home. We remember the 58,000 patriots who never returned home safely to the warm embrace of their families. Today, their names are hauntingly etched into the two faces of black granite in our Nation's Capital known simply as The Wall. A replica of this very wall, almost 300 feet long, will be on display in my district from April 17 to April 21, 2025, at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds in Nassau County, Florida. This will be a unique and moving opportunity for individuals to come see the names of their loved ones and patriots who otherwise may not be able to make it to Washington, D.C. Mr. Speaker, we remember the 150,000 who were wounded in battle and bear the visible scars of post-traumatic stress and Agent Orange exposure. We remember those who faced brutal captivity as prisoners of war, and the 1,200 servicemembers still missing in action from Vietnam. Mr. Speaker, we may never be able to repay our debt to those who have given the last measure of devotion for the spirit of America, but we can continue to do our duty to remember. Mr. Speaker, on National Vietnam War Veterans Day and every day, we, the people of the United States, with a grateful heart salute those who endured great dangers at the hands of the enemy and lost in service to our Nation.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the COVID pandemic is over and so are many of our problems that disappeared with it, but the mushroom cloud of fraud still lingers in the air. The COVID-19 pandemic didn't just reveal cracks in the U.S. relief programs. It turned them into sinkholes. Due to a lack of guardrails, fraudsters stole hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars from numerous pandemic-era programs. Mr. Speaker, $135 billion is how much was stolen from the American people in unemployment insurance programs alone. As of today, only a paltry $5 billion has been recovered. Meanwhile, the statute of limitations is set to expire on March 27. Mr. Speaker, letting cheats get away with stealing taxpayer money would truly be a tragedy. To the fraudsters, con men, and outright thieves, I have a message to you from the American people: We want our money back, and this bill is going to help us get it. Mr. Speaker, I am proud today to rise in favor of my colleague from Missouri, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith's bill, H.R. 1156, the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act. This must-pass bill will extend the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution and civil enforcement actions from 5 to 10 years so the Justice Department can deliver justice and go after these fraudsters and recover our money. The only answer, Mr. Speaker, is to vote ``yes.'' Let's go get them.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the king of auto racing, Richard Petty, was once asked when the first car race was. He replied: The day they made the second car. Mr. Speaker, America is in love with the automobile, and nothing celebrates that better than The Amelia. It started 30 years ago in northeast Florida as the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. This year, it celebrates its 30th anniversary with hundreds of exceptional vehicles descending on Amelia Island, Florida, to delight car lovers of all ages. Mr. Speaker, I don't know how they do it, but it seems they top themselves each year, and The Amelia is definitely going to be one of the best this year. In the words of their vice chairman, Matt Orendac: History comes to life on the fairways at The Amelia, where enthusiasts are guaranteed to discover new automobile stories and personalities. This year, one of the four drivers to win the Indy 500 for a record four times, including the most recent driver to do so, Helio Castroneves, will be the Amelia's 2025 honoree. Mr. Speaker, attendees this year will ooh and ahh over 500 unique and specialized automobiles and enjoy seminars, auctions, films, ride and drives, dinners and parties, and, of course, the crowning jewel of the Amelia, Sunday's Concours d'Elegance. At the core of the event every year, Mr. Speaker, is a commitment to give back to the community. The Amelia has donated a whopping $4 million to local charities and continues to have an incredible $30 million economic impact annually on Amelia Island and all of northeast Florida. Mr. Speaker, nothing can compare to the automobile wonder of the Amelia, and it is an event that I am proud to host in my district. I wish them a hearty congratulations on their 30th anniversary. Here is to the next 30 years. Mr. Speaker, let the show begin.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, if families across the Nation pay their debts and live within their means, shouldn't we in Congress reevaluate how money is being spent in Washington and across the Nation? Of course we should. For far too long, our government has put the cost of not just emergencies but everyday expenses on our Nation's credit card. Now, as a result, our national debt is a staggering $36 trillion and growing every day. Mr. Speaker, I am willing to put my money where my mouth is, and that is why I have introduced the Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Act to reduce congressional office budgets by $100,000, just a paltry 5.2 percent. The American credit card has reached its limit. We must tighten our belts. We have bills to pay and emergencies to cover. We need to be in this together. Mr. Speaker, I have one question for you and this body: Are we willing to put our money where our mouths are? I encourage all of my colleagues to join in this effort. Let's go get them.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, we all know that when you are the best of all time, you belong in the hall of fame, like Dan Marino, Don Shula, and Jacksonville's own Tony Boselli. Now there is another Floridian, Mr. Speaker, who has rightfully earned her place in the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. I am talking about Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll. Lieutenant Governor Carroll's journey began in the United States Navy as a jet mechanic, one of the very first African-American females to serve in that capacity. Then, after her military service, Lieutenant Governor Carroll brought her leadership and unwavering service to the people of Florida. She was the first Black Republican female to serve in the Florida Legislature. Then, Mr. Speaker, in 2010, she made history again by becoming the first Black woman ever in the Sunshine State to be elected statewide as Lieutenant Governor. Her efforts to improve education and to ensure veterans receive the support they deserve has left a lasting legacy. Her induction into the Veterans Hall of Fame recognizes her impact on the Sunshine State and our country. We are proud of her and her service. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating my friend Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll on being inducted in the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. She is indeed one of the best of the best.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, if I were to ask you what you had for lunch last Wednesday, chances are you would struggle to remember. If I were to ask you who your favorite teacher was from 40 years ago, you would know instantly. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of those unforgettable teachers, Mr. Vincent Taylor from Cedar Hills Elementary School in Jacksonville, Florida, on being named the 2025 Duval County Teacher of the Year. For 27 years, Mr. Taylor has been a guiding force in Duval County Public Schools, inspiring students as a teacher and math coach. His impact extends beyond the classroom. Through his mentorship, professional development work and--how about this--10 professional books published, including ``If Instruction Isn't Engaging, I Quit!'' Though he once envisioned a different career, Mr. Speaker, his path to teaching is a gift to our students and our community. Today, we celebrate Mr. Taylor's unforgettable dedication and thank him for shaping the future one student at a time.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of A. Michael Hickox and his retirement as the property appraiser for Nassau County, Florida. For 12 years, Mike has been an amazing public servant, committed to fairness and customer service. Let's be honest, Madam Speaker, being a property appraiser is probably one of the toughest jobs around, but Mike has done it well, skillfully, and leaves the office in a much better place. While he was leading, Mike also served as the president of the Florida Association of Property Appraisers and then served on the boards of the Nassau Education Foundation and the Nassau County Economic Development Board. To put it simply, Madam Speaker, Mike has spent his career serving others. Mike may not be our property appraiser anymore, but I know he is not done. I can't wait to see what he does next. Madam Speaker, I ask you and our colleagues to join me in congratulating Mike on a job well done. Go get `em, Mike.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith for yielding. Mr. Speaker, standing up to the Chinese Communist Party is a no- brainer, and standing up to Communist China means standing with Taiwan. Mr. Speaker, Taiwan's security and economic prosperity are important to the United States and the rest of the world. Why? That is because if anything were to happen to Taiwan, the effect on the global economy would be devastating. Here are the numbers: Taiwan is the United States' 7th largest trading partner, 10th largest export market, and 8th largest source of imports. Taiwan is the biggest trading partner without a deal with the United States. Today, Taiwan is and will remain one of our most strategic partners and allies in the region. This is not only because of our shared values of democracy, peace, and freedom, but also our economic ties. As Communist China continues to threaten America's interests, we must do all we can to strengthen our partnership with Taiwan. That is why, Mr. Speaker, we need H.R. 33, the United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stand with me and support my friend from Missouri, Chairman Jason Smith, and his timely bill to strengthen our economic ties with Taiwan and empower Americans doing business in the country. The correct answer on H.R. 33 is a ``yes'' vote. Mr. Speaker, this bill makes it clear that the United States stands with our economic ally and supports a strong and prosperous Taiwan.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of A. Michael Hickox and his retirement as the Property Appraiser in Nassau County, Florida. For 12 years, Mike has been an amazing public servant, committed to fairness and customer service. Let's be honest: being a property appraiser is one of the toughest jobs around. But Mike has done it well and leaves the office in a much better place. While he was leading, Mike was also President and on the boards of the Florida Association of Property Appraisers, Nassau Education Foundation, and Nassau County Economic Development Board. To put it simply, Mike has spent his career serving others. Mike may not be our property appraiser anymore, but I know he's not done. I can't wait to see what he does next. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mike on a job well done.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is that time of year. Everyone is talking about who has the best recipes for pies or who has the best recipes for cookies. I don't know about those, Mr. Speaker, but I can tell you who has got the best recipe for an amazing elementary school environment: Paterson Elementary in Clay County, Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the best schools in the Nation. The Florida Department of Education recently released their elementary school rankings for the 2023-2024 school year, and out of 411 in the Sunshine State, Clay County's very own Paterson Elementary placed in the top 10. Mr. Speaker, 86 percent of the fourth and fifth graders showed massive learning gains in math last year, not to mention 98 percent of sixth graders. Talk about an A-plus in learning momentum. Yes, Mr. Speaker, I am putting their report card on my refrigerator. Abby and I recently visited the campus and saw firsthand how educators at Paterson Elementary cultivate truly exceptional students by doing their job with hard work, love, and care. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing everyone at Paterson Elementary for their incredible recipe for success. I say to Paterson Elementary: Keep up the great work, and go get `em. Orange Park Elementary Ranked First

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is that time of year: Everybody is debating on school rankings. Where does your school rank? Are you in the top 12? Mr. Speaker, I can tell you who is number one. It is Orange Park Elementary in Orange Park, Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Orange Park Elementary School's rise to the top. The Florida Department of Education recently released their rankings for the 2023-2024 school year, and out of 411 schools statewide, Clay County's very own Orange Park Elementary was ranked number one. Mr. Speaker, 93 percent of fourth graders showed impressive learning gains in math last year, as well as 91 percent of fifth graders. Mr. Speaker, 95 percent of sixth graders saw the same results. How is that for a report card? Yes, Mr. Speaker, I am putting their report card on my refrigerator. I commend all of the teachers and administrators at Orange Park Elementary for their passion and hard work in shaping the future of our great State: our kids. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in recognizing Orange Park Elementary for the incredible example they set for schools around the country. It is not easy being number one. I say to Orange Park: Keep up the great work, and go get `em.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the Doc is in. I rise today to celebrate the inauguration of Dr. Ali Kasraeian, MD, MHA, FACS, as the President of the Duval County Medical Society. For Dr. Kasraeian, taking care of the health of Jacksonville, Florida is a family affair. His parents, Dr. Shahala Masoud and Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian, are also esteemed physicians in the community. Dr. Kasraeian followed in their footsteps to become a distinguished urologist and surgeon. Dr. Kasraeian's contributions to the medical community are extraordinary. He has introduced cutting-edge technologies such as multiparametric MRI and MRI-ultrasound fusion prostate biopsy to the Jacksonville area. And for more than a decade, Dr. Kasraeian has been a dedicated leader within the Duval County Medical Society, consistently working to elevate healthcare standards in Northeast Florida. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Kasraeian engages directly with the community through his weekly radio program, delivering vital health news and empowering listeners to make informed decisions about their well-being. His service reflects a deep commitment not only to advancing medical science, but also to fostering a healthier, better- informed society. Mr. Speaker, as he steps into this leadership role, we honor Dr. Ali Kasraeian's legacy of excellence, innovation, and compassion. I congratulate Dr. Kasraeian on this well-deserved recognition of his service to Northeast Florida. Keep up the good work and let's go get `em.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Madam Speaker, what do Green Cove Springs, Florida, and fine wine have in common? They both get better with age. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Green Cove Springs, Florida, which was founded on November 2, 1874. Green Cove Springs, my wife Abby's hometown, has been a thriving community for over 150 years. The city got its name from its beautiful mineral spring, which attracted folks who arrived by train or boat from all over the country and helped Green Cove Springs grow into the unique town it is today. Madam Speaker, 150 years is such a milestone that the city began their anniversary celebration on Saturday, November 2, and they are planning dozens of events throughout 2025. I invite my colleagues to join me in celebrating Green Cove Springs, Florida, its past, present, and future. Here is to 150 more years of community spirit.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, common sense will tell Members that an American held hostage overseas probably is not going to get a chance to file their taxes. Common sense, Mr. Speaker, will tell my colleagues that they probably won't even get a chance to file an extension. Mr. Speaker, one would think that that American being held hostage overseas should not be subject to penalties and interest on taxes that went unpaid during their captivity. Mr. Speaker, that is not the case in crazy town. Mr. Speaker, one would also think that American tax dollars should not be used to subsidize groups supporting terrorist activities but remember that this is crazy town. Mr. Speaker, it is time to bring common sense back to crazy town, and that is why we need H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. The bill would bring common sense and allow the IRS to waive penalties for late taxes for Americans being held hostage overseas and would direct the IRS to revoke the tax-exempt status of a nonprofit found providing financial support to a terrorist organization. Mr. Speaker, it is just common sense.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, America has spoken. Our country has told us clearly: It is time to go in a new direction. It is morning in America. As the sun rises, it brings hope, optimism, and opportunity, but it also brings the realization that we are in a mess. President-elect Trump appointed Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency. Their goal is to dismantle the out-of-control bureaucracy, cut wasteful programs, and restructure Federal agencies. Taking on crazy town is no easy task. Elon and Vivek will need partners in Congress to accomplish many of the cuts that are necessary to rein in the unelected bureaucrats who have enjoyed unchecked power for far too long. Mr. Speaker, that is why I have created the Delivering Outstanding Government Efficiency Caucus. The DOGE Caucus will work with President Trump, Elon, and Vivek to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse. Together, we will take bold steps to end Washington's reckless spending addiction. I invite my colleagues to join us in this effort. Together, we will strengthen the America First agenda. Let's go get `em. Congratulating Stanton College Preparatory School on National Blue Ribbon Award

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, everybody knows that Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville, Florida, is home of the Blue Devils, but I just heard some news that blew me away. Stanton is now home to a National Blue Ribbon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stanton for earning a brand-new blue ribbon from the Department of Education. From over 100,000 eligible schools, Stanton was one of the 356 nationwide to be given the very prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award. As Duval County's first magnet school, Stanton specializes in getting the very best out of students and launching them to new heights, but they don't just excel in the classroom. To get the National Blue Ribbon Award, Stanton also proved its excellence in extracurricular activities and athletics. Stanton is known for fostering an extremely positive and supportive environment to ensure that students succeed in every arena. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating everyone at Stanton College Preparatory School for this monumental achievement. The Blue Devils will wear those blue ribbons proudly.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, everybody knows when it comes to ribbons, blue is the best color to receive. Our Department of Education gives out blue ribbons to the very best schools across the Nation, and that is exactly what they did for St. Michael's Academy of Fernandina Beach, Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Michael's Academy for earning the highest honor an American school can achieve: the National Blue Ribbon Award. With only 356 schools selected from a pool of over 100,000, St. Michael's has done it, and they have proven, once again, that they are an excellent, outstanding academic institution. We already knew that Fernandina Beach was home to the best beaches and shrimp around, but now we know that education is also at the very top of its list. Schools don't get this prestigious honor by having students with great test scores or just running the 100-yard dash very quickly. In order to win this award, schools need straight As in every category, and that is exactly what St. Michael's has done. They have managed to crush their report card. I ask my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to join me in recognition of St. Michael's Academy and their continued tradition of academic excellence. May St. Michael's Academy keep up the good work, and let's keep the blue ribbons coming. Bryceville Elementary School, a Blue Ribbon School

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, good teachers get apples, but great teachers get to work at Bryceville Elementary School. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bryceville Elementary School in Nassau County, Florida, for earning the highest honor an American school can achieve, the National Blue Ribbon Award. Out of more than 100,000 schools nationwide, the Department of Education honored only 356 with the National Blue Ribbon Award this year. The National Blue Ribbon Award is given to schools with not only the highest test scores, but also those that have closed the achievement gap, ensuring that every single student can succeed. Bryceville Elementary School is a small school with big accomplishments. Their teachers and leadership work incredibly hard to deliver the best possible experience for their students, and now the whole Nation knows just how great Bryceville is. I ask my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to join me today in recognizing Bryceville Elementary School for their stunning example of northeast Florida academic excellence. May they keep up the good work, and let's keep the blue ribbons coming.