Aaron Bean

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, we have seen the evil and hatred of anti-Semitism find its voice across American college and university campuses, and we have seen the full force of Jewish hatred grow as student organizations continue to celebrate the horrific October 7 terrorist attacks. These institutions have become hate factories that are quick to allow the spread of anti-Semitism but slow to condemn it, if at all. Harvard President, Claudine Gay, even said, calling for the genocide of Jewish students ``depends on the context'' when it comes to violating the university's code of conduct. Let me be clear: Today, the faces of modern anti-Semitism in American education are Harvard, UPenn, MIT. These institutions have gone from elite to elitist. At Harvard, if you use the wrong pronouns, that is a violation of their code of conduct, but violently targeting Jewish students and calling for the genocide of the Jewish people, that is acceptable Harvard conduct. The history of the Holocaust reminds us what will happen when hatred is met by silence. We cannot stand by while students feel threatened. It is more than a discussion, Mr. Speaker. It is a call to action. That is why I am proud to support Representative Stefanik's resolution condemning anti-Semitism in institutions of higher learning and specifically condemning Presidents Magill, Gay, and Kornbluth for failing to denounce the calls for genocide on their campuses. Mr. Speaker, 17 times it was asked; 17 times they failed the question. Mr. Speaker, it bears repeating, anti-Semitism is not activism.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, when I'm traveling to and from my home in Florida, it always lifts my heart to see men and women in uniform at the airport. We have all seen those incredible videos . . . the moment when a deployed service member comes home to the loving embrace of a child or a spouse. Mr. Speaker, tell me you don't get choked up when you see one of those videos. Our Nation's armed forces are full of heroes who go where duty calls, and so, whether headed to deployment, or making their way home, you are know they are defending our great freedoms. That's why today, I stand before you to recognize the new Jacksonville International Airport Military Lounge. This is a place where service men and women can feel at home, even when they are headed for a long road ahead. This home away from home for active-duty military includes all the amenities of home, and a very special display of the flags of all branches of the military, and the POW/MIA flag, to remember those who may never come home again. This Military Lounge is a reality due to the dedication of the North Jacksonville Rotary Club, the Veterans Council of Duval County, the NE Florida Green Beret Chapter 88 of the U.S. Army Special Forces Association. Several other veterans-civic-governmental organizations assisted in recruiting volunteers to staff the lounge. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor the Jacksonville International Airport on the grand opening of their new Military Lounge and thank them for their ongoing efforts to help our veterans, active- duty military, and their families.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chair Foxx for yielding. Mr. Chairman, we have a problem. Today, America's education system is being purchased and manipulated by foreign nations. Since 2013, we know about $12 billion has flooded in from foreign sources to U.S. colleges, and outside experts say billions more in foreign funds could have been underreported. Foreign nations are pumping money into our higher education systems, and these nations are not our friends. This means our enemies are funding our colleges and universities. Make no mistake, every dollar that flows into our classrooms comes with strings attached. By accepting these foreign funds, our colleges and universities are importing toxic hatred straight from the dogma of our Nation's enemies into our classrooms. The results speak for themselves, as we saw in Chair Foxx's committee hearing yesterday: rampant anti-Semitism, censorship, and disdain for our U.S. Constitution, our Founding Fathers, and our American way of life. This is what happens when our institutions of higher learning accept the Trojan horse of foreign funding. This blatant attempt to inject foreign ideologies into our schools undermines the fundamental purpose of American education. It goes without saying that we should be teaching American values in American schools. As a proud cosponsor of Representative Steel's bill, H.R. 5933, the DETERRENT Act, I look forward today to supporting this timely legislation, which will provide much-needed transparency in foreign funding to schools and reporting requirements. As we say in Florida, let the sunshine in. Mr. Chairman, let me be clear: America's institutions of higher learning are not for sale.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, do you know what always works when you are in trouble with your spouse? Flowers. Science has shown that not only do flowers make us happier, but they have a strong positive effect on our emotional well-being. No stranger to the power of flowers are the dedicated members of the Garden Club of Orange Park. Since 1948, this club has bloomed into a staple for the beautification of northeast Florida, and today I rise to commemorate them on their 75th birthday. Let's all agree, they don't look a day over 29. Through countless projects, they have nurtured a spirit of environmental awareness and sustainable living. The fruits of their labor include actual fruit trees at homes built by Habitat for Humanity and gardens at local elementary schools. The Garden Club has not only enriched our physical surroundings, but it has also transformed public spaces, creating havens of tranquility and beauty for all to enjoy. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Florida, I thank each member, past and present, for their commitment to environmental preservation and exceptional community service. I trust that their legacy will continue to bloom for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, it is a joy to wish the Garden Club of Orange Park a happy 75th anniversary.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to sports, many athletes will tell you that they play better when they play at home. It is referred to as the home-field advantage. Having that home advantage is just as important to kids as it is to athletes. Kids do better and are more likely to succeed and thrive with family at home. Every child deserves a safe and loving home where they are supported and encouraged. Sadly, not all do. That is where the Children's Home Society of Florida comes in. Today, I rise to honor the Children's Home Society of Florida, a champion in childcare that for 120 years has served as a place of refuge, providing abandoned and homeless children with safe homes and loving care. Since 1902, this society has exemplified what it means to truly look after a community. Starting with a team of just two and caring for 24 children, the Children's Home Society of Florida now boasts over 1,000 team members empowering more than 80,000 children and family members. Their services include mental health care, trauma-informed care, early childhood services, job training, and so much more. These wonderful people's work spans every aspect of the development of tomorrow's leaders, ensuring that Florida will still be the best State in the U.S. for decades to come. These accomplishments and more are why I am proud, by the power vested in me, to announce that November 17, 2023, is now recognized as Children's Home Society of Florida Day. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to ask you and my colleagues to join me in celebrating this significant milestone. I wish the Children's Home Society of Florida to continue to score touchdowns and home runs for kids in the years ahead because every child is worth fighting for. Recognizing Mayor Ron Sapp

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Ron Sapp for his decades of dedication and service to Fernandina Beach. During Mayor Sapp's 24 years of civic service as mayor, vice mayor, and commissioner--spanning four decades--he has displayed an unwavering commitment to bettering our hometown of Fernandina Beach, Florida. I was proud to serve alongside him and the commission, as did my father. Fernandina is proud of Ron Sapp not only because of his dedication to his community but also for his military service as an Air Force veteran. However, no true biography of Ron would be complete without a chapter on Mr. Sapp, the teacher. Mr. Sapp didn't just teach students what to think. He taught them how to think, and that is something special. Generations of Pirates developed an interest in and love for public service, and for that inspiration, we are grateful. Mayor Sapp sought to preserve the spirit of Fernandina Beach as a small island town. It is a better place because of his accomplishments. Ron has done all these things with his wife, Kasey, by his side, the support of his daughters, Sherri and Lori, and the love of his grandchildren. On November 14, one of Mayor Sapp's greatest achievements is being named after him, the Ron Sapp Egans Creek Greenway. Mayor Sapp's introduction of the open space bond issue secured the funding for this greenway, which will leave this land untouched by development to be enjoyed by all for generations to come. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mayor Ron Sapp for his significant role in shaping Fernandina Beach into the beautiful town it is today.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, the COVID pandemic is behind us, and with that, a lot of the problems associated with COVID have also managed to go away, but fraud remains. The bill to the American people associated with that COVID relief fraud is here. We have to deal with it. Pandemic relief opened the door to wide-scale fraud. Due to the lack of guardrails within the SBA and the borrowing structure, over $200 billion of pandemic loan programs were potentially fraudulent. Did you catch that, Mr. Speaker? $200 billion. That is not me. That is not Aaron Bean. That is the Inspector General of the United States overseeing the SBA. He has identified more than 90,000 fraud cases, over one in five, which represents more than 100 years of investigative casework. Mr. Speaker, one of the most disturbing stories to come out of the Inspector General's investigation is the Barbie doll face scam. Do you know about this? This scam wasn't perpetrated by America's favorite Barbie such as Malibu Barbie, Presidential Barbie, Lawyer Barbie, or even Live Action Barbie. No, no, no, Mr. Speaker. This was perpetrated--this was the job of swindler Barbie. Swindler Barbie's face was used as identification for fake identities who went on to collect millions in fraudulent loans when facial recognition software used at SBA verified the identities as real people. Behind me, this poster shows real faces, real corrupt Barbie dolls that were used to collect fraudulent PPP and EIDL loans. Yes, it is absurd, Mr. Speaker, but what do you expect? This is crazy town. That is why I rise today to speak in favor of my bill, H.R. 4666, the PPP/EIDL Fraud Report Act of 2023, but you know it, Mr. Speaker, as the we want our money back act. The bill requires the Inspector General of the SBA to report to Congress every quarter with detailed updates on the ongoing fraud investigations of the PPP and EIDL loan programs. Most importantly, we are not going to let it go. This will hopefully ensure that the pandemic loan fraud will not be swept under the rug. The American people want oversight over a runaway, unaccountable bureaucracy. We just don't like cheats. We don't like skippers. Somebody has to be held accountable. As the Inspector General continues to uncover the abuse of taxpayer dollars, it is important for Congress to know the full extent of the fraud, and most importantly, the progress of getting our money back. To the fraudsters: You can run, but you can't hide. We will find you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. We will never tolerate stealing from hardworking taxpayers. Mr. Speaker, as the chairman said, it has been a delight working together, both within the committee and even on the other side of the aisle. To the gentleman from Maryland, Mr. Mfume, what a treat it is to work with him as we come together to get our money back because that is what the American people want. We want our money back. Get ready, Mr. Speaker, and get ready, America, accountability is coming. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important piece of legislation because the American people have made it clear: We want our money back.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Ron Sapp for his decades of dedication and service to Fernandina Beach. Mayor Sapp's 24 years of civic service as Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Commissioner spanned four decades and displayed an unwavering commitment to bettering our hometown of Fernandina Beach. I was proud to serve alongside him on the Commission, as did my father. Fernandina is proud of Ron Sapp not only because of his dedication to his community, but also for his military service as an Air Force veteran. But no true biography of Ron would be complete without a chapter on Mr. Sapp--the teacher. Mr. Sapp didn't just teach students what to think, he taught them how to think, and that is something special. Generations of Pirates developed an in interest in--and love for--public service--and for that inspiration, we are grateful. Mayor Ron Sapp sought to preserve the spirit of Fernandina Beach as a small island town and is a better place because of his accomplishments. Ron, of course, has done all these things with his wife Kasey by his side, and with the support of his daughters Sherri and Lori, and the love of his grandchildren. On November 14, one of Mayor Sapp's greatest achievements is being named after him: The Ron Sapp Egans Creek Greenway. Mayor Sapp's introduction of the Open Space Bond issue secured the funding for this greenway, which will leave this land untouched by development to be enjoyed by all. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Mayor Ron Sapp for his significant role in shaping Fernandina Beach into the beautiful town it is today.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this Veterans' Day, I thank each and every one of our brave servicemembers who heroically answered the call to defend the United States of America from those who despise our free country. These men and women, of whom some suffered the ultimate sacrifice, deserve our unending gratitude. One way we can attempt to pay back our impossible debt is to preserve these veterans' legacy, and the Camp Blanding Museum, since its inception in 1990, has been doing an incredible job undertaking this responsibility. As the flagship training base for our Florida National Guard, Camp Blanding is a shining example of Northeast Floridian excellence. Offering a rich military history coupled with a tremendous Museum and Memorial, I could not be prouder to honor Camp Blanding on this Veterans' Day. Camp Blanding has my unending support and best wishes.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in full support of my amendment No. 39 to H.R. 4664. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Williams and my colleagues on the Committee on Small Business for their support. This May, the Small Business Administration implemented a rule which disregards Congress' authority and makes its Community Advantage Pilot Program permanent. This program was created in 2011 and had been continuously reauthorized on a short-term basis by Congress. In fact, it is already authorized to continue operating through September 2024. Not so fast. The SBA got tired of relying on Congress and taking our directions and decided to make the program permanent by creating an entire new class of lending entities. These new entities are called Community Advantage SBLCs. Now the SBA no longer has to come to Congress to make sure the program continues to operate. We all know this is not how agencies are supposed to work. If the Community Advantage program was successful, then it is the duty of Congress to evaluate it to make sure it should be permanent. Unfortunately, the SBA does not want to operate in this fashion and removed the elected Members of this body from the equation. This amendment reasserts congressional authority over the process by prohibiting any funds from implementing and administrating any licenses for the new Community Advantage SBLC's licenses. Not only does this amendment ensure that Congress' authority is not ignored, but it sends a strong message to all Federal agencies that they cannot act outside of their jurisdiction without consulting Congress. This is an important step to holding the Federal Government accountable to the American people, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Chairman, it is really irrelevant whether or not the program is doing good or not. They do not have the authority to make up their own rules and own programs without Congress. It is as if they have left the band and the SBA is starting a solo career on their own. We are a team. We work together. The way it works is Congress is the one that enacts new programs to work with them. Whether or not it is a good program is irrelevant. They do not have the authority. Why have a Congress if all Federal agencies are just going to go out and do what they want? Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams), who just happens to be the chairman of the Small Business Committee.

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Maryland for his interest. The issue is one thing. The issue is: Does this agency or any agency have the ability to go out on their own on a solo career and not have congressional oversight? I say no. I say no. We can talk about the program in the cloakroom or in the fireplace room and talk about how great it is. Hopefully, we will see eye-to-eye that Federal agencies that don't have the authority to go in a particular direction shouldn't go in that particular direction. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 as Armistice Day, a day in which to honor those who gave their all in World War I. In 1954, Congress amended Armistice Day to be inclusive of all veterans who have fought for American freedom, effectively changing its name to Veterans Day. It is on this day that we salute our remarkable, brave patriots who keep America safe. We the people enjoy the blessings of hard-earned peace, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness because of our warriors who answered the call to defend our Nation. Our men and women in uniform are a constant reminder of the true source of our Nation's greatness, and many veterans have freely given the last full measure of their devotion for our Nation. Because of their defense, our Nation remains strong, and our children can pursue their dreams. To our veterans, your loved ones have endured seasons without a parent, a child, a sibling. On Veterans Day, we also recognize your families and thank them for their sacrifice. It is my greatest honor to represent so many heroes who have served our Nation or who are serving our Nation from the Fourth Congressional District of Florida. Just as they have fought for our country, I will always fight for them. Mr. Speaker, here is the truth about Veterans Day. It is not just one day. It is every day because every day America and her people cherish the sacrifice and the service of our Nation's veterans. October 7 Is Deadliest Day in Jewish History Since the Holocaust

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on October 7, hearts, minds, and lives were forever changed. We believed hatred and murder of Jews to be a thing of the past, but we were heartbreakingly wrong. October 7 will go down as the deadliest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust. Today, our strongest ally in the Middle East, our friend, Israel, is at war after enduring a multipronged terror attack by Hamas. Let me be clear: Hamas is not a militant group. They are terrorists. The atrocities that took place on October 7 by Hamas against innocent Israelis were not the result of provocation. It was a massacre. It was not in response to occupation of the Gaza Strip. It was a massacre. It was not a flare-up. It was a massacre. If you take elderly women, mothers, the disabled, and children hostage, or if you target families and slaughter and torture civilians indiscriminately, you do not get to claim the moral high ground. There can be no confusion about the war between Israel and Hamas. It is good versus evil. It is civilization versus barbarism. It is self- defense against aggression. We must be a voice for the truth, and here is the truth: At least 1,400 Israelis were murdered. More than 4,400 were severely injured. More than 200 hostages were taken to be used as human shields. Twenty- seven Americans are dead, and 10 remain unaccounted for. Make no mistake, Israel is shaken but is not defeated. The United States must be bold and courageous in standing up for the nation of Israel and the right for her to defend itself. When fighting evil, there can be no neutrality. We must send a clear message to Hamas and Hezbollah and those that fund them that the United States stands with Israel today, tomorrow, and always.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Madam Speaker, as you know, the Holocaust ended in 1945, but tragically, the hatred behind it has not. We are all horrified by the surge in violent anti-Semitism taking place across America. Today we are seeing the full force of Jewish contempt on our college and university campuses, and it has never been more hateful. Students are being harassed, threatened, and violently targeted just for being Jewish in 2023. It is unthinkable that students are unable to walk between classes to their dorms or the dining hall, but it is the reality for Jewish students on campuses today. The history of the Holocaust warns us what can happen when hatred is met by silence. We cannot stand by while Jewish students feel threatened. It is more than just a discussion. It is a call to action. Madam Speaker, today I stand before you to condemn these dangerous acts of anti-Semitism. That is why I urge everybody to support Representative Owens' resolution to condemn support for terrorist organizations on campuses across the Nation. Anti-Semitism is not activism. It is hatred pure and simple, and it has no place in America today.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, today I rise to honor an organization in Florida's 4th District that exemplifies the spirit of compassion and service--Community Health Outreach. For 35 years, they have been the cornerstone of hope for low-income, uninsured families in our northeast Florida community. Their tireless efforts have not only provided critical healthcare but also empowered countless families, including our brave U.S. Military Veterans, to overcome adversity. Community Health Outreach is not just a healthcare provider; it's a beacon of sustainable change. They've woven a tapestry of support, offering resources, guidance, and a lifeline to those who need it most as they work to build a healthier society. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in recognizing this milestone and celebrating the unsung heroes within Community Health Outreach and all those they have touched. May their legacy inspire us to uplift the vulnerable, to strengthen our communities, and to forge a brighter, healthier future for all Americans.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor one of the best and brightest of Florida's Fourth Congressional District, Luke Cooper. Luke is an exceptional young man who was recently announced as a silver medalist for the Congressional Award, one of the highest awards Congress can bestow upon America's youth. The Congressional Award Foundation was created to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. There are exceptionally few who meet these lofty goals, and Luke is one of them. He has given back to his local community by volunteering at Safe Animal Shelter in Clay County, fostering cats and kittens until they can find forever homes. Through his 150 hours of service, Luke has helped with the shelter's efforts to care for homeless animals while leaving a positive impact on his community. As a volunteer at Clay County Teen Court, Luke has gained hands-on experience with our judicial system and learned the necessary skills to be a catalyst for a better tomorrow. Beyond service to others, Luke has put in hundreds of hours of personal development, including training for a 50-mile cycling excursion and sharpening his problem-solving skills on the golf course. A prime example of what students from Florida's Fourth Congressional District are capable of, I am proud to congratulate Luke Cooper on his impressive achievements. Honoring Jacksonville Exchange Club

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, what do Hasbro, Warner Brothers, Russell Stover, and the Jacksonville Exchange Club have in common? Well, they all were started in 1923 and have thrived for 100 years. They each represent the gold standard of service and success. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Jacksonville Exchange Club, an all- volunteer national service organization that has been providing valuable services and programs to members of our community for 100 years. Since 1923, the club has continued to expand and evolve, dedicating their free time toward the pursuit of community projects that promote volunteerism, good citizenship, and love of country. With a strong belief that America's youth are the leaders of tomorrow, club members actively seek out ways to inspire and engage Jacksonville's youth with programs such as Student of the Year, Accepting the Challenge of Excellence Award, and Americanism Speech Contest. The Jacksonville Exchange Club continues to not only make a difference through their ongoing community service efforts but by providing members with a space where they may gather, exchange ideas and knowledge, and pursue the core principles envisioned by the club's original members. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this significant milestone of the Jacksonville Exchange Club, its members, and the entire city of Jacksonville. On its 100th anniversary, I wish the Jacksonville Exchange Club continued growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, did you know that September is national Brain Aneurysm Awareness month? The Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation certainly does. The Foundation is a nonprofit, headquartered in Florida and named after Trinity, who at age 9 was diagnosed with multiple brain aneurysms. In 2015, Trinity was scheduled for open brain surgery but passed away 2 days prior because her aneurysm ruptured. About 1 in 50 Americans have an unruptured brain aneurysm. Brain aneurysms are more common and harmful than people know. Mr. Speaker, while her passing was a tragic loss for our community, The Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation honors her legacy through raising awareness, supporting research, and identifying training for brain aneurysms at Wolfson's Children's Hospital and Baptist Neurological Institute in Jacksonville, Florida. I thank the Trinity Love Hoblit team for all they do.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the title of a Gold Star Family is an honor that no family wants. You see, Mr. Speaker, this title is reserved for families of military members who have died in the line of duty, and it honors the service member's ultimate sacrifice while acknowledging their family's loss, grief, and continued healing. Today, I rise to salute the 14 Gold Star Families that were honored in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday, August 24, 2023. The phrase ``Gold Star Family,'' dates back to World War I, when military families displayed service flags featuring a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the Armed Forces. The star's color would be changed to gold if the family lost a loved one in the war. Today, and every day, we hold dear those who have answered the dreaded knock at the door, accepted Old Glory folded with crisp edges, and tearfully spoken their final farewell. Members of a Gold Star Family bear the absence of their fallen hero proudly. They deserve our respect and support for their determination to preserve the memories of those brave American warriors who sacrificed their lives in service to this great Nation. Gold Star Families find the courage and conviction to press on, transforming their heartbreak into hope, service, and outreach to veteran groups and other military families coping with the same unimaginable loss. It is their ability to endure, overcome, and in turn enrich the lives of others that exemplifies the true American Spirit. When service members serve, they don't do it alone. Their spouses, children, parents, siblings, and loved ones are a vital part of our country's military community and history. On this solemn day, we recognize and honor the Gold Star Families of heroes who never made it back home. We will remember them when we say our prayers, support them in our deeds, and today, we join them in honoring their hero's ultimate sacrifice.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my warmest congratulations to each and every member of the Bicol Association of Greater Jacksonville on this momentous occasion of their 40th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to the unwavering commitment, unity, and tireless dedication of the association in fostering camaraderie and enriching the cultural fabric of our community. Founded 4 decades ago, the Bicol Association of Greater Jacksonville has demonstrated an exemplary devotion to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Bicol region. Their collective efforts in organizing cultural festivals, educational workshops, and charitable endeavors have left an indelible mark on the Jacksonville community. The cultural exchange and mutual understanding facilitated by their association have created bridges of friendship and cooperation that transcend borders and enrich the lives of all who call this great city home. As a representative of Florida's 4th Congressional District, I am inspired by the dedication and passion exhibited by the members of the Bicol Association of Greater Jacksonville. Their tireless work in preserving their heritage while actively contributing to the progress and prosperity of our community serves as a shining example for us all. I encourage all citizens to join me in celebrating 40 years of invaluable contributions of the Bicol Association of Greater Jacksonville to the cultural tapestry of our city.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Lavinia Perkins Mathis on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Born on September 24, 1923, in Jacksonville, Florida, Ms. Mathis is the proud daughter of Camilla Bolton Perkins, a Jacksonville elementary school teacher, and Daniel W. Perkins, a prominent lawyer in Jacksonville. Ms. Mathis and her 2 sisters grew up in the Lavilla neighborhood of Jacksonville where she attended a wooden 2-story schoolhouse. She graduated from Old Stanton High School in 1942. Ms. Mathis attended Florida A&M College (now Florida A&M University) and graduated in 1946 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. For 30 years, she taught science in Duval County Public Schools including at James Weldon Johnson Jr. High, Stilwell Jr. High, and Northwestern Jr. High until 1977. On June 15, 1948, she married Clarence F. Mathis, and they had 2 children Cecelia Mathis and Marcia Mathis. Ms. Mathis is also a proud grandmother of 3 and great-grandmother. A devoted Catholic, Ms. Mathis loves her family and the Lord. She became a Catholic while at Florida A&M College and when Ms. Mathis returned home to Jacksonville, Florida she joined St. Pius V Catholic Church. While a member of St. Pius, she served on several committees including the Altar Rosary Society, the Welcome and Outreach, and All Saints Auxiliary. Ms. Mathis is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and in 2019 she became a Diamond member of Alpha Kappa Alpha having served faithfully as a member of the sorority for over 75 years. I am honored to recognize a dedicated servant to our community and the Lord, and I wish Ms. Mathis a wonderful 100th birthday.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, did you know that more than 40 million Americans have served in the Armed Forces since our Nation's founding? From Yorktown to Gettysburg, from San Juan Hill to Saipan, from the Leyte Gulf to Tora Bora, America's sons and daughters have heroically answered the call to protect our precious freedoms and defend the cause of liberty, both at home and abroad. Each one had a duty to serve, but our duty, Mr. Speaker, is to remember. On September 15, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we remember the more than 500,000 prisoners of war who endured the horrors of enemy captivity and faithfully served through severe suffering and incomprehensible trauma. We remember the tens of thousands of 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. This week, from sea to shining sea, thousands of ceremonies will take place in an expression of solidarity. Balloons will be released, and moments of silence will be held. Hundreds of thousands of Americans will gather to honor the lives and deeds of our greatest American heroes in church yards, national cemeteries, and town squares, and a black and white flag will fly proudly. All of this is good and fitting, but our patriots deserve a special place of honor because of their selfless dedication, unmatched valor, and unsurpassed devotion to our Nation's values. Mr. Speaker, that is why I have introduced legislation which will designate the POW/MIA Memorial and Museum at Cecil Field in my Congressional District in Florida as a national landmark to honor, connect, inspire, and educate the American people about prisoners of war and those missing in action. This memorial will give Americans a unique opportunity to honor the immense sacrifice made by our POWs and serve as a powerful reminder of the servicemembers whose fates are still unknown. 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. On POW/MIA Recognition Day and every day, we, the people of the United States, with a grateful heart salute those who endured great dangers in the hands of the enemy and those lost in service to our Nation.

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, think about the following motto: ``The power of people and possibilities.'' It embodies a belief that everyone has something to contribute to our society and that meaningful employment helps people achieve the American Dream. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, to recognize the people that are committed to this goal, Challenge Enterprises of North Florida, and the AbilityOne program. Challenge Enterprises is an organization established in 1972 in Clay County, Florida, that presently employs--get this--more than 305 constituents in my district. They employ over 100 people with disabilities as a result of the AbilityOne program, the largest employment program for persons with disabilities. I have been there, Mr. Speaker. I've seen firsthand how AbilityOne enhances the quality of lives. Work changes lives. That is what everybody should have; a reason to get out of bed, a reason to go to work. The program teaches hardworking individuals to load our Navy ships with provisions, to staff the IRS mailroom, to stock shelves, to pull grocery orders for our military personnel, to clean Federal buildings, and to maintain over 70 acres of grounds. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure that I thank the staff, employees, and volunteers of Challenge Enterprises and the AbilityOne program for helping my constituents in northeast Florida become productive, self-reliant citizens of their community and seeing the worth and value of every individual.