Aaron Bean

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, four years ago, I answered one of the scariest phone calls a man can receive. My wife, Abby, called me to tell me lightning struck our house, and it caught on fire while she was inside it. But by the grace of God and the quick work of the fire department, Abby, our son Walker and our dog Daisy escaped unscathed. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my personal gratitude for one of the heroes who has been helping families like mine and saving lives for nearly four decades, Fernandina Beach Fire Chief Ty Silcox. Chief Silcox is retiring on October 31, 2024 after a decade on the job. Under his leadership, the department grew into a modern, efficient force overseeing 100 emergency responders across fire, EMS, and ocean rescue services. His visionary work included the design and construction of a state- of-the-art fire station and the strategic management of resources during natural disasters. I ask my colleagues to join me today to recognize Chief Silcox. I thank him. Northeast Florida is a safer place because of him. Let's go get `em.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4259.

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4259) to amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to require notification with respect to individualized education program teams, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Molinaro), the bill's sponsor.

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Houchin), who serves on the Committee on Education and the Workforce and is celebrating her birthday today.

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, all children, including children with learning disabilities, deserve a high-quality education that prepares them for full participation in society. H.R. 4259, the Think Differently about Education Act of 2023, builds upon the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which gives teachers, parents, and schools the tools to ensure students in special education receive the opportunities they deserve. H.R. 4259 would make it easier for families to ensure their children will have the tools they need to succeed in school. Every child has the potential to flourish when just given the right support. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the Lord says that when two or more people gather in prayer, there He will be also. At the First Baptist Church of Middleburg this past Sunday, we certainly felt the Lord's presence. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a spiritual rock in northeast Florida. On September 22, First Baptist Church of Middleburg celebrated its 125th anniversary. Abby and I had the privilege of attending the commemorative service this past Sunday, and when we entered the sanctuary, it was obvious the holy spirit was already there. The congregation, the choir, Pastor Chris Bonts, and the entire pastoral staff team were celebrating the church's long history and its future as a missionary church. In 1899, a dozen citizens gathered in the back of a local general store to start a church that would honor the Lord and serve Middleburg. Mr. Speaker, 125 years later from those humble beginnings, First Baptist Middleburg has transformed the lives of thousands through the Gospel and community partnerships. From youth outreach programs to food pantries to recovery ministries for those impacted by addiction and a robust missionary presence around the world, First Baptist Middleburg is spreading the good news to neighbors and strangers alike. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating First Baptist Middleburg's 125 years in service to Him and others. I congratulate First Baptist, and let's go get them on the next 125 years. Honoring Caeleb Dressel

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great northeast Florida athlete who made a big splash this summer at the Paris Olympics. Caeleb Dressel is a Green Cove Springs native who was a Clay High Blue Devil who went on to earn--get this--10 NCAA national championships at the University of Florida as a Fighting Gator. Caeleb is a three-time Olympian, earning a career nine Gold Medals and one Silver, placing him in a very elite group of swimmers. Caeleb has the type of resume that can impress almost anyone. In addition to holding several current world records in swimming, Caeleb was the 2021 Sports Illustrated Male Athlete of the Year. Caeleb is a husband and father who takes all his roles seriously. In a recent interview, Caeleb talked about the importance of training and hard work and the honor of being part of a national team, as well as the joy of seeing other people--how about this--reaching their goals and dreams. In short, Caeleb Dressel is an inspiration to us all. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me today in recognizing a great American athlete who continues to make Clay County proud. We are all so glad it went swimmingly. Mr. Speaker, we are proud of Caeleb. Go get them, Caeleb. Honoring Ryan Murphy

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, northeast Florida has done it again. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a mainstay of U.S. swimming and a northeast Florida native who absolutely smashed it at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ryan Murphy. Ryan hails from Jacksonville and first dreamed about the Olympics when he was 7. This Bolles Bulldog has quite the resume. In addition to an impressive five Olympic Gold Medals, Ryan is a former and current world record holder who medaled in the 100-meter backstroke in three Olympic Games. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a northeast Floridian who exemplifies American excellence and hard work. Ryan Murphy's pool resume is very swim-pressive. Jacksonville and his country are proud. Whatever his next race is, go get them.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4259) to amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to require notification with respect to individualized education program teams, and for other purposes.

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials on H.R. 4259.

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4259, the Think Differently about Education Act of 2023. America's children are our Nation's future leaders, and they deserve to be equipped with the resources they need to succeed in the classroom. This is something that everyone can and should agree on. Every child, including children with learning differences, has unique needs that must be met and understood by teachers and school administrators. H.R. 4259 builds on existing progress achieved by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by adding another layer of critical protections for parents of children with disabilities. Under this legislation, educational agencies would be required to properly inform parents of their right to bring in outside experts who can advocate for the best interests of their children when it comes to their education. Specifically, Mr. Speaker, this bill will improve families' ability to advocate for their children to receive an education that allows them to flourish. Mr. Speaker, this is a solution that safeguards parental rights and reaffirms the fundamental role of parents in the care, upbringing, and education of their children. The simple truth is that every child has the potential to flourish when given the right support. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the bill H.R. 4259.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a monumental achievement for northeast Florida. I speak of none other than Fernandina Beach's own 19-year-old skating phenom, Poe Pinson, who made history skateboarding at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. From an early age, friends and parents alike at Main Beach Skate Park were impressed by her skills. Mr. Speaker, she started competing when she was only 6 years old. From her small-town roots to the international stage of the Olympics, her hard work and talent catapulted her to finishing fifth in the world, exemplifying the grit and passion of both our community and America. Mr. Speaker, her hometown of Fernandina Beach went full Poe Pinson, had the fever of Poe Pinson. We had countless yard signs that said simply: ``Go Poe.'' There was a watch party for watching the women's skateboarding event. You had to get up before dawn to go attend the party, and it was packed, Mr. Speaker. Her hometown was all in on Poe Pinson. Mr. Speaker, not long ago, skateboarding wasn't even an Olympic sport. Yet, here we are having witnessed Poe's debut in the women's street skateboarding event. Just last month, the Fernandina Beach City Commission honored Poe by naming the Main Beach Skate Park after her. I ask my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to join me in recognizing this exceptional young woman. Poe's hometown and her country are extremely proud of her, and we cannot wait to see her shred at Poe Pinson Park again. We are very proud of her, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, before I begin debate, I want to remind everybody who is watching in America that Hamas is still holding Americans hostage, and just recently they executed an American. We still want to urge this administration to do all they can to bring home not only Americans but release all of the hostages. Mr. Speaker, anti-Semitism has no place in America. Disturbingly radical activists and members of the anti-Semitic BDS movement continue to wage economic warfare against the Jewish state. In a world where anti-Semitism and acts of violence against the Jewish people are more and more commonplace, we need to reassure our close ally that the United States will not delegitimize her authority nor punish her economy, rather, we must send a clear message that the United States stands with Israel. We stand with Israel today. We will stand with Israel tomorrow. We will stand with Israel always. That is why I am proud to support Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Chairman Jason Smith's bill prohibiting the Biden-Harris administration from assisting the anti-Semitic BDS movement in their efforts to target specific goods made in portions of the West Bank controlled entirely by Israel. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in denouncing the anti-Semitic BDS movement and standing with Israel by voting in favor of H.R. 5179, the Anti-BDS Labeling Act.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, one citizen, one vote. It is the foundation of our government, and it is the ability to vote in a free and fair election, but the pillar of our democracy is under vicious attack because the Biden-Harris administration refuses to enforce the law. Since 2021, this administration has allowed over 10 million illegal immigrants into our Nation. It is the most, Mr. Speaker, in recorded history. That number is greater than the population of 36 existing States. Mr. Speaker, the far left claims illegals are not registering to vote. My Democratic colleagues claim illegals are not voting in our election. Members on the other side of the aisle claim it is already illegal. Democrats claim that the SAVE Act is not needed. Mr. Speaker, I have some breaking news. It is happening. I spoke to my supervisor in Nassau County, Florida, Janet Adkins, yesterday. She has, indeed, found illegals who have already registered to vote and have already voted in previous elections. She is working on cleaning up the rolls. Our team reached out to other election supervisors in my district in northeast Florida: Duval County, Jacksonville, Florida, the office of Jerry Holland, and in Clay County, the office of Chris Chambless. Both of them also found illegal immigrants who have voted. Oh, wait a minute. Is it not happening? I hear that it is not needed, but it is. I challenge each of my colleagues to call their supervisor and ask them: Is it happening in my county? Then ask: What are you doing to ensure that we have free and fair elections and only citizens vote? How do you know? How do they know? The best example is it is already illegal for a minor to purchase alcohol, yet we still card them. We still enforce the law. Mr. Speaker, 87 percent of Americans want our election laws enforced. I guess the 13 percent that don't are sitting on that side of the aisle, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me and pass the SAVE Act.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day to remember the more than 500,000 POWs who endured the horrors of enemy captivity. We remember the tens of thousands of our brave patriots who are still missing in action and have yet to return home safely to the warm embrace of their families and loved ones. In an expression of solidarity, Americans will honor the lives of our greatest heroes, and the POW/MIA flag will fly proudly. Our brave patriots and their families deserve more than just 1 day. They deserve a place to be honored and mourned all year long. That is why I have introduced legislation to designate the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum at Cecil Field in northeast Florida as a national landmark. Madam Speaker, on this day, we the people, with a grateful heart, salute those who endured great dangers in the hands of the enemy and those lost in service to our Nation. We reaffirm our commitment to resolve the accounting of our great American patriots. May we never forget.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, whether something's ablaze in your house or there's a hot button issue in Jacksonville, there's one man you can depend on to put out the fire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jacksonville's City Council President, Randy White for 70 stellar years on this planet Earth. A lifelong public servant, Councilman White embodies the spirit of Northeast Florida. Councilman White is a family man with two children and 5 grandchildren. However, his 32-year career with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department shows that he views the entirety of Jacksonville as his family. After three decades of putting out fires and rescuing cats from trees, one might think that Councilman White would be tired. But no. Instead, he championed the growth of Cecil Field and public safety in Jacksonville. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Councilman Randy White for his decades of public service. Jacksonville is truly a much better place because of Councilman White. Happy Birthday.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, when I was a boy, I thought that heroes were imaginary characters who wore capes or masks that hide their secret identity. As I grew older, I came to realize that there are heroes around us every day: police, firefighters, first responders, and of course, our men and women who serve in the armed forces. Twenty-three years ago today, when our Nation and this city were attacked by pure evil, the world saw that America is made of heroes, The world watched as we came together to search, rescue, pray and grieve together. Heroes by trade and heroes by choice answered the call across the land. That's why today, in the town of Orange Park in the free state of Florida, you will see hundreds of Star-Spangled Banners flying to recognize the heroes who protect us every day. Flags for Heroes is not just an event, it's a movement. The Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise, led by President Duane Mallicoat, has put together this incredible display to honor men and women who know the true meaning of being a hero. Each of these flags is individually dedicated to a hero who has personally touched the life of someone in our community. Today, as we remember one of the great tragedies in American history, I encourage my colleagues to honor the heroes who protected us then and protect us still today.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, ``There's no place like home'', Dorothy once famously said, and it is so true. Most hotels are simply places for business travelers or tourists coming and going, but occasionally, some are so special we think of them as a home away from home. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of these special places: the Residence Inn on Amelia Island in the free state of Florida. The Residence Inn is perfectly situated in the heart of Amelia Island close to downtown, delightful shops and restaurants, and of course, the crystal blue surf that makes us a top destination. The Residence Inn is a great community partner, and under the leadership of General Manager Bob Hartman, they sponsor many events on the island, making it a better place to live and visit. The hotel is truly a home away from home for many travelers, and I experienced their hospitality firsthand. When our house was damaged by an unexpected fire, we lived in the Residence Inn for 6 months. The entire staff, from management to maintenance went above and beyond to make a difficult time for our family better, ensuring we felt at home. The folks at Residence Inn are true leaders of our state's travel, hospitality, and tourism industries. I am profoundly grateful to their employees who welcome visitors with their positive attitudes and their exemplary services that always exceed expectations. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in celebrating the ribbon cutting for the Residence Inn refresh and many more years of excellence in the hospitality industry.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today, we remember David A. Stein, who passed away on July 27, 2024, at the age of 85. A Jacksonville native, David spent his entire life in the city he loved, leaving an indelible mark on his community as an entrepreneur, business leader, and philanthropist. Known for his leadership at Burger King and Applebee's franchises, David also co-founded T.L. Cannon Companies. He passionately supported numerous educational and community organizations, including the Jewish Community Alliance, Greenwood School, and River Garden. David, alongside his devoted wife Linda, championed education and mentorship through initiatives like the Stein Fellowship. His generosity extended to many causes, enhancing the quality of life in Jacksonville. David's warmth, laughter, and boundless energy endeared him to all who knew him. As we celebrate his life, we honor his commitment to making a difference and his unwavering dedication to his beloved Jacksonville.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, whether flying by with sirens wailing in those awesome cruisers or walking the neighborhood beat, we know we can depend on our local police for safety and security. It is even better when the officer has a familiar face. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of those familiar faces, Sergeant Melissa Dangerfield, for her extraordinary commitment and service to the Clay County Sheriff's Office. For 35 years, Sergeant Dangerfield has dedicated her career to the safety of Clay County, Florida. Sergeant Dangerfield began her journey in 1989 as a dispatcher and later became a sworn law enforcement officer, investigating crimes with the special victims unit. Since 2016, she has been imparting her knowledge as a professor by teaching at the St. Johns River State College Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Mr. Speaker, Clay County is a safer place thanks to the dedication of Sergeant Melissa Dangerfield. On behalf of Clay County and these United States, we extend our deepest appreciation for her 35 years of exemplary service.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Madam Speaker, do you remember the 1970s? It was the decade of bell-bottom pants, lava lamps, and disco, but the seventies went beyond fads. Profound changes to societal norms took root, particularly for women, in 1972. In 1972, women were paid 60 percent less than men. Single women couldn't buy a home without a cosigner. Even more jarring, only 1 in 27 girls participated in high school sports. The tide began to turn that year with the passage of Title IX, the monumental legislation that leveled the playing field to ensure women and girls have an equal opportunity in education and sports. More than just throwing a ball, playing a sport means learning lifelong skills, leadership, teamwork, and discipline. Title IX paved the way for girls to compete and lead in athletics. It has been 52 years since 1972, yet Democrats are trying to reverse many decades of revolutionary change by allowing men to compete against women. It is what the woke progressive mob calls equality. Every time a male takes a lane in a pool, a spot on the field, or on the starting line, a female athlete loses the opportunity to compete. Madam Speaker, that doesn't sound very equal to me. There is a reason that men's sports and women's sports are separate. The inclusion of men into women's sports breaches the privacy of all athletes, compromises fairness and safety, and subverts opportunities for women. Madam Speaker, today, I say ``no'' to men competing in women's sports. I say ``no'' to men in women's locker rooms. I say ``no'' to men in women's showers. I say ``no'' to the Biden administration's proposed changes that will allow all of this when they try to change Title IX. That is why today, Madam Speaker, we are in a battle of survival for women's sports. We have to pass the resolution. I stand in support of the resolution and ask for your help. Let's go get it done.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. William Lorick, a beloved member of our Amelia Island family. Born in 1947, William grew up in Augusta, Georgia before attending Newberry College in South Carolina. After graduating, William embarked on a long and extremely successful real estate career. In 1973, William moved to Amelia Island, Florida where he lived for the rest of his life. William was a pillar of the Amelia Island community, but his service to the island went far beyond that. He was key to the growth of the Lutheran Prince of Peace Church, he was a founding member of the Barnabas Center, and he was one of the first volunteers for the South End Auxiliary Fire Fighters. William also spent years as a mentor in the Big Brothers program. He might even be remembered most for his 1929 Ford Model A, which was certainly the coolest car in town. Mr. Speaker, I ask that all my colleagues join me in celebrating the amazing life of William Lorick, along with offering our deepest condolences to his wife Stephanie, their children Barlass and Abigail, and to all of his friends and family who miss him dearly.