Aaron Bean

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I have breaking news: The pandemic has ended. It seems that everyone knows the pandemic is over, except the White House. Despite the fact that the President said in an interview last September on ``60 Minutes'' the pandemic has ended, the public health emergency has been extended again for the twelfth time. Madam Speaker, it is past time to end this blatant Federal overreach, and that is exactly what we are going to do. This week, House Republicans will vote to repeal the public health emergency, stop the forced vaccination of our healthcare workers, and finally get Federal workers back to their offices to serve the American people. It is time to restore individual liberty to the American people so the American people, not the Federal Government, can make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the work of Mr. Brady Glen White, a senior at Fleming Island High School and one of two high school students selected for the United States Senate Youth Program representing State of Florida. Every year, two students from each state are selected to be part of the national student delegation that travel to Washington, D.C. to attend meetings and briefings to better understand our exemplary system of government. Additionally, those selected will receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship provided by The Hearst Foundations. To be eligible, students must rank in the top one percent of all juniors and seniors in their states while displaying remarkable leadership and commitment to volunteer work. Students are nominated by teachers and principals, and all nominations are confirmed by the chief state school officer for each jurisdiction. A Clay County native and member of Florida's Fourth Congressional District, Brady has proven to not only excel as student, but he has emerged as a servant leader in his community. While ranking in the top one percent of all high school juniors and seniors in Florida, Brady serves as the elected chairman of the Clay County Superintendent's Advisory Council. In addition, he is the only student on the board of the Clay Education Foundation nonprofit. Upon graduating Fleming Island High School, Brady plans to pursue both a study in political science and a law degree. Furthermore, he hopes to join the Armed Services as a JAG officer. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in celebrating and congratulating the work of Brady Glen White, a true leader with an incredibly bright future.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish you and all Americans a happy Celebrate Literacy Week. The Florida Department of Education has designated this week as a week to focus on reading, but you don't have to be from Florida to celebrate reading. All Americans can work to inspire students and families to make reading a part of their daily routines and install a lifelong love of reading. This year's theme is ``Take a Deep Dive Into Literacy--Splash Into New Worlds.'' Fitting with the theme, I was honored and proud to read ``Pirate Pete's Talk Like a Pirate'' to the fourth grade classes at Yulee Elementary School in northeast Florida. Yulee Elementary School is an outstanding, rated-A school based on the Florida School Accountability Reports. This school is led by Principal Bryce Cubbal and Assistant Principal Tara Libby. These educators are to be commended for the fantastic things they are doing for our students. Madam Speaker, they say reading is fundamental, but I will say that it is only fundamental if we encourage reading. I encourage everybody that if you get a chance to read to a young person, do it. It will be good for them and for you.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Marine TSgt (retired) James Madison ``Jim'' Thomas, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, veteran, first responder, and dedicated public servant. At 101 years young, Jim was a pillar of the community. He served as Chairman of the Nassau County Commission, Chairman of the School Board, a Nassau County Sherriff's Deputy, and a Marine Tech Sergeant. He was born in Yulee, Florida and was the son of the late David M. and Chal Treatie May Thomas. He attended school in Yulee and would eventually earn his GED after joining the U.S. Marine Corps. Jim's love for his country was unparalleled. At the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps before the beginning of World War II. Jim was a highly decorated combat veteran of World War II and the Battle of Guadalcanal serving with the 1st Marine Division, 1st Expeditionary Force, 1st Combat Engineer Pioneer Battalion--nicknamed ``The Super Breed.'' His battalion was awarded The Presidential Unit Citation for their extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions. Jim was honorably discharged at the rank of Technical Sergeant with over 14 years of service to the nation. Never someone who would accept accolades for his military service--he would quickly reply, ``I was just doing my duty.'' Jim returned home to Nassau County and quickly became an integral part of the community. Through the years he served Nassau County in a variety of ways. He worked for the School Board as Maintenance Supervisor, and the Nassau County Sheriff's Office as a Juvenile Officer. Along with being a Sheriff's Deputy, he was elected to the School Board. During his tenure, he was instrumental in constructing 2 new schools in his first 4 years--Emma Love Hardee Elementary and Callahan Elementary. He went on to serve the community as the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. When asked to describe his most rewarding act as a commissioner, it was a quick and easy response. He was responsible for the monument that is standing today at the base of Center Street to publicly display the names of residents who gave their life in the service to our country. Jim was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach where he taught Sunday School and was an Elder and Deacon. Jim served his God, his family, his community, and his country with honor and devotion. In addition to his parents and his siblings, Jim was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Ann Thomas, a son, Phillip Terry Thomas and a son-in-law, Fred Armstrong. He leaves behind his 3 daughters, Linda Armstrong, Brenda Wall and her husband, James, and Beth McDonald and her husband, Larry, all of Fernandina Beach as well as a daughter-in- law, Alicia Thomas of Glen St. Mary; 17 grandchildren; 39 great- grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren and a large extended family. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in celebrating and honoring the life of James Madison ``Jim'' Thomas, a leader, a believer, a patriot, and a friend to so many. Jim will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I wish a very good morning to you and to the House of Representatives. I am Aaron Bean. I am one of the new guys. Aside from a motion to adjourn earlier this week, this right now is the very first time I am speaking on this floor, and I want to say what an honor it is to be with everyone in this body. To the people of northeast Florida--and specifically the brand new Fourth District of the free State of Florida--I say that I am humbled and grateful that you sent me here to be your voice on this floor. I am keenly aware of the amazing opportunity it is as well as the responsibilities it comes with. I am also, Mr. Speaker, keenly aware that our country and Nation have challenges--lots of them. The border and our growing deficit are just the tip of the iceberg. So I say to all the Members here, I look forward to working with you, tackling these challenges, and making America more secure, safer, and stronger. Mr. Speaker, let's go get `em.

Mr. BEAN of Florida

Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.