Kathy Castor

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Superintendent Charles Davis of College Hill Church of God in Christ (COGIC). Pastor Davis was a pillar in the Tampa Bay community and beloved by all who knew him or had the opportunity to join him in prayer. He leaves behind a legacy of servant leadership that should inspire neighbors across the Tampa Bay area for decades to come. Charles Davis was born in St. Petersburg, FL as the ninth of ten children to Willie and Dorothea Davis. The family moved to Tampa in 1949. Pastor Davis graduated from H.W. Blake High School in 1959 and from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Superintendent Davis met Deloris Longworth, and they were married in December 1966. He embarked on a career of public service, education and as a faith leader. The Church of God in Christ has been a part of the Tampa community for over 100 years. From the years of 1964 to 1997, COGIC was pastored by Bishop W.E. Davis, Superintendent Charles Davis's father. At age twenty-five, Charles decided to dedicate himself to God and lead a life as a leader in the church. In 1997, the membership requested that Elder Charles Davis be appointed as The Pastor of COGIC. Under the leadership of Superintendent Davis, COGIC has continued to thrive. Superintendent Davis served COGIC in almost every level of ordination, including Deacon and Elder. He served as Pastor, Sunday School teacher, chairman of the Administrative Board and Chairman of the Elders Council of the Jurisdiction of Southwestern Florida. His most beloved role was serving in the youth department as Jurisdictions Young People Willing Workers (YPWW) President. Outside of COGIC, Superintendent Davis was bigger than life and very active in the Tampa civic community. He was the Coordinator of Childcare and Head Start in Hillsborough County, a Hillsborough County Community Action Agency Director and Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund Board Member, a member of the Tampa NAACP and Tampa Urban League. Superintendent Davis also held many special appointments, including the Mayor's Community Awareness Task Force, Florida Bar Grievance Committee and the Thirteenth Judicial and State Board Member of One Church One Child, appointed by the Governor. Pastor Davis loved his family more than anything, and is survived by his wife, Deloris Longworth Davis, and their four daughters, Charlotte, LaTonia and her husband Brian, Karin and her husband Ron, and Amber and her husband William. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Trimonte, LaRon, Jordan, Charles, Avery, Ja'lyn, Jayden, Charli and six great- grandchildren. His memory will also live on through his godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and the College Hill COGIC community. Pastor Davis always had a twinkle in his eye, a kind word and made our community more gracious. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my Tampa Bay area neighbors and all Floridians, I am proud to honor Superintendent Charles Davis for his lifelong dedication to others, and his kind, loving service to all. We are eternally grateful for his immense contributions.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and contributions of Tampa City Councilman Charlie Miranda who is a fierce leader and public servant. We celebrate the 50th anniversary of Charlie being elected to Tampa City Council. Few public servants have served the City of Tampa with such steadfast and personal devotion. As he continues his ninth term. I congratulate and thank Charlie for the incredible impact he has had on our Tampa Bay Community. Charlie is a quintessential Tampeno-born and raised in Ybor City, the son of a Cuban father and a mother born in Ybor City to Spanish parents. He grew up speaking both Spanish and English in public housing, surrounded by a community of working-class families. Back in the day, Ybor City was a cigar capital of the world. People in Charlie's Ponce De Leon Court neighborhood spent their evenings playing dominoes, catching up with neighbors on front porches and talking baseball. This community shaped Charlie's devotion to Tampa. Seeing the way people in Ybor took care of each other inspired his work on behalf of Tampa neighbors, such as proposing three healthcare clinics for 10,000 city workers, their dependents, and retirees to provide low-cost treatment alternatives. Charlie attended Thomas Jefferson High School and graduated in 1959. After high school, he began working, usually multiple jobs at a time. At one of those jobs, he met Shirley--his true partner in all he has accomplished and the love of his life. At age 21, Charlie married Shirley. Shirley was a true public servant herself who I was blessed to work with as she tirelessly gave back to her neighbors. I miss Shirley every day. As they did all things, they raised their three children together: Yvette, Danette and Frank. Before the advent of computers, Charlie supported his family by calculating payouts at Tampa's Jai-Alai fronton. In addition to serving as a City Councilman, Charlie still holds a job he has worked since 1988, serving as a steward for the State of Florida Horse Racing at Tampa Bay Downs. When Charlie first ran for City Council in 1974, his campaign slogan was: ``Who cares? Miranda Cares.'' Currently, in his ninth term of serving on the City Council, Charlie Miranda has not stopped caring about the people of Tampa. Charlie is a levelheaded, practical leader with a focus on the issues that impact people's quality of life, like public safety, mass transportation and affordable housing. His work on water issues has been invaluable to City residents and businesses, and to every mayor during his service. His institutional knowledge and commitment to improving the city's basic infrastructure have been critical to Tampa's growth and the quality of life for all of us. The Tampa Bay Times said. ``Miranda is the council member residents turn to when they have a problem. He is open, accessible and accountable, a strong advocate for open government and a voice for the little guy.'' Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my neighbors across the Tampa Bay area and the citizens of Florida, I am proud to honor Charlie Miranda for his service to the City of Tampa. Hardworking and selfless public servants like Charlie make Tampa the welcoming and generous place it is today. Our community is better for Charlie's immense contributions.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and contributions of Margarita Gonzalez, a Tampa trailblazer and outspoken advocate for our diverse Hispanic community. Margarita served the City of Tampa for nearly 30 years as the City's first Hispanic community liaison and in other important roles Margarita was a beloved champion for Tampa's Hispanic families and small business owners, and she leaves behind a vibrant legacy that will support Tampenos for decades to come. Margarita and her family fled Cuba and arrived in Florida on July 4, 1966. At age 12, she was one of the first Cuban refugee students in the Hillsborough County Schools. She always knew the importance of education, and despite not knowing any English, she was motivated to work hard, learn English and get involved in school activities. After graduating from Leto High School, Margarita began working on her bachelor's degree at Hillsborough Community College. For the next 13 years, Margarita attended college classes while juggling full-time jobs. She never gave up on her studies because she personally understood the irreplaceable value of an education. ``After losing everything, I realized that a person's biggest asset is their education,'' said Gonzalez. ``Knowledge and skills cannot be taken away from you.'' She worked for the Tampa Port Authority and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and continued her education by completing a bachelor's degree in public relations and communications from the University of South Florida. In 1987, Margarita began working for the City of Tampa and Mayor Sandy Freedman, doing community relations and interpretation work. Margarita saw a need for Hispanic members of the community to learn about the opportunities and services the city provided. It was then that Margarita began producing and hosting two Hispanic television shows, Nuestra Tampa and Community Affairs Report. Throughout her nearly 30 years of service to the City of Tampa, Margarita's responsibilities included community relations, communications, coordinating the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council, establishing the city's International Affairs Office, and as a human rights investigator, which is important to support a diverse, respectful and inclusive community for our neighbors, families and businesses. While serving our City, Margarita established the Mayor's Hispanic Heritage Committee, which is committed to preserving and celebrating Tampa's vibrant Hispanic culture. Margarita also ensured that part of Hispanic Heritage Committee's work is to provide mentoring and scholarship programs to local students. Margarita won many awards for her service work, including Hispanic Woman of the Year by Tampa Hispanic Heritage, the 2019 Latina Lideres Award by the Latin Times, the 2023 Hillsborough County Women's Hall of Fame inductee, and the 2021 Tampa Bay Lightning Hero award, among many others. She was the first Hispanic woman to serve as a member of the Superbowl Task Force in 1991 and chairperson of the Tampa Hillsborough County Youth Council. Margarita made it her life's work to ensure that students in need were supported. She was a founding member of the Hispanic Professional Women's Association (HPWA) and Foundation (HPWF) and served on the boards of many other community service organizations. Through the HPWF and the donation of $50,000 she received as a Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Award recipient, Margarita established The Margarita Gonzalez HPWF Latino Endowed Scholarship, her own endowment at USF for local high-achieving, Spanish-speaking students with demonstrated need. Margarita was able to attend college herself because of scholarships, and she said it was ``a dream come true'' to be able to give back in this way Margarita hoped that supporting future generations would inspire them to support others as well. Margarita was a truly selfless and charitable leader. She also was a devoted daughter and loving caretaker to her mother, Angela Elba Gonzalez. Margarita's legacy will continue to live through her mother, her sister Elba Cruz and husband Hiram and her nephew and godson Michael Cruz, his wife Rebecca and their two daughters. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my neighbors across the Tampa Bay area and the citizens of Florida, I am proud to honor Margarita Gonzalez for her lifelong dedication to education and service. It is selfless community servants like Margarita that make Tampa the welcoming and generous place it is today. Our community is eternally grateful for her immense contributions. I trust that Margarita Gonzalez's legacy will inspire others to serve their neighbors and live the American Dream.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the nine inventors who have been selected as the 2024 Inductees to the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame. To be named as an Inductee, these inventors were nominated by their peers nationwide and have undergone a review process by the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame Selection Committee. As a result, their innovations have been identified as significantly impacting the quality of life, economic development, and welfare of their communities, the residents of Florida, and the United States. The Florida Inventors Hall of Fame was founded in 2013 at the University of South Florida. It was recognized by the Florida Senate with Senate Resolution 1756, adopted on April 30, 2014. The Florida Inventors Hall of Fame catalyzes the cycle of discovery and innovation across the state of Florida by recognizing pioneering inventors, empowering future problem-solvers and change-makers, and propelling the American legacy of innovation through transformative experiences and meaningful storytelling. Nomination to the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame is open to all Florida inventors (living or deceased) who are or have been residents of Florida. The nominee must be a named inventor on a patent issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The impact of the inventor and his or her invention should be significant to society, and the invention should have been commercialized, utilized or led to important innovations. The 2024 Inductees are the tenth class to be inducted into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame. Their achievements underscore the critical role that innovation plays in driving progress and improving the quality of life for people in our state, our nation and around the world. Their groundbreaking work not only advances scientific discovery but also strengthens the economy and enhances our global competitiveness. The 2024 Inductees collectively hold more than 350 U.S. patents and come from across industry and academia. Since its founding, the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame has inducted 77 inventors, who collectively hold over 5,200 U.S. patents. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my neighbors in Tampa Bay and the citizens of Florida, I am proud to honor the 2024 Inductees to the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame for this outstanding achievement. Innovation and invention are the building blocks of our Nation. I applaud these highly accomplished individuals and the organizations that support them in their quest to change the world in ways that truly benefit humanity. It is because of the perseverance of these inventors that future generations are encouraged to reach beyond their limits and push the boundaries of innovation. The 2024 Inductees are: Barry J. Byrne: Professor and Associate Chair of the University of Florida Department of Pediatrics and the Director of the Powell Gene Therapy Center at UF, who is recognized for groundbreaking advances in delivering DNA to muscle cells, initiating the new field of muscle gene therapy, and for developing innovative AAV-mediated gene therapy to restore cardiac and skeletal muscle function for patients with inherited neuromuscular diseases. Patricia Davis-Lemesy: Engineering Fellow at Cordis Corporation, who is recognized for the revolutionary development of novel polymers that address the characteristics required to conduct coronary angioplasty on blocked coronary arteries, and for advances in polymer chemistry leading to the design of artificial tendons for human trauma surgery. Peter J. Delfyett, Jr.: Pegasus Professor and Distinguished Professor of Optics & Photonics, Electrical & Computer Engineering and Physics and Director of the Townes Laser Institute at the University of Central Florida, who is recognized for significant contributions to development and commercialization of low-noise, high-power, ultrafast semiconductor lasers for applications in industrial manufacturing, metrology, communications, and signal processing. Hariklia ``Lili'' Deligianni: Founder of Sense4Me and retired Researcher and Principal Investigator with IBM's Thomas J. Watson Research Center, who is recognized for the invention and development of breakthrough electrochemical technologies that revolutionized the capability of electronic devices and the semiconductor industry and led to the widespread adoption of electrodeposition as a key processing technology for the fabrication of computer chips. Greg Mesaros: Chief Executive Officer and Chair of Triadex Services, who is recognized for industry-disrupting innovations integrating technology, market strategy and collective impact into digital tools enabling businesses to cost-effectively scale operations, and providing small businesses the ability to access supply chain prices and efficiencies similar to large corporations. Sylvia Wilson Thomas: Vice President for Research & Innovation and President & CEO of the Research Foundation at the University of South Florida, who is recognized for transformational innovations in miniaturized electronic circuitry and advanced materials to support biosensors for more effective real-time health monitoring, and development of nano electronic device integration using advanced membrane/material systems to meet global technological challenges. Anthony ``Tony'' Van Heugten: Chief Technology Officer at e-Vision Smart Optics, Inc., who is recognized for cutting-edge ophthalmic technologies, developing liquid crystal tunable lenses for intra-ocular lenses, contact lenses, eyewear, and virtual and augmented reality devices; and for innovations in ophthalmic medical devices to restore clear vision for people with presbyopia, glaucoma, and cataracts. Rachana Vidhi: Director of Technical Sales at NextEra Analytics, who is recognized for pioneering contributions in renewable energy integration, in particular battery technologies that have revolutionized battery storage systems, accelerated the growth of renewable energy integration, and advanced sustainability; and developing innovative approaches to predicting long-term performance of Lithium-ion batteries for utility-scale applications. Daniel H. Yeh: Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of South Florida, who is recognized for pioneering contributions to environmental engineering and sustainability, particularly wastewater purification and recycling, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, renewable bioenergy, and global WaSH (water, sanitation and hygiene) to mitigate water scarcity and inadequate sanitation for countless communities worldwide.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, I rushed to the floor this morning to oppose the rule and the underlying legislation because these Republican bills will raise electric bills on the families I represent back home in Florida and likely raise costs on all American families. The bills will stunt the incredible growth in clean energy manufacturing, providing a gift to China especially. These bills will pad the profits of big oil companies at the expense of hardworking American families and small business owners. I agree with the ranking member, Mr. Speaker. I am alarmed that the Republicans are already pressing their radical Project 2025 agenda, as it is apparent in these appropriations bills. Let's talk about a few of the policies in here. First, it is very important that we help our neighbors weatherize their homes. It helps save them on their electric bills. It creates jobs. We estimate that this Republican bill will now slam the door shut for about 54,000 working-class Americans who need those weatherization dollars. The Republican bills propose to gut energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives at a time when we are seeing a manufacturing renaissance across America. In less than 2 years since the Democrats in Congress passed the infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act, private-sector companies in the United States have announced a more than $360 billion investment in 600 clean energy projects that have created about 300,000 new jobs in America. This is where the economy is going: the clean, sustainable energies. That is why it is so smart to invest in our people, not to cede these industries to China and our adversaries. This bill would have us look backward, to say: China, you take the lead. I am not willing to do that. We are the United States of America. We should lead. We should lead in building the batteries, the electric vehicles, the solar panels, and all of the new technologies we need to lower costs and to help solve the climate crisis that is also heaping costs on my neighbors back home in Florida. These Republican bills also make it easier to ship gas overseas, including to our adversaries. What that does is it hikes prices on people and businesses in our country. This is a backward-looking bill. There is a better way. That way is investing in cleaner, cheaper energy, creating jobs in America, building the middle class, solving the climate crisis, putting people over politics, putting people over polluters, putting people over this radical 2025 agenda. Please vote ``no'' on these bills. Vote for the USA. Vote for our future and the future of our kids.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 7700. It is a bill that will saddle American families with higher costs. This is not a serious bill, but it is rather emblematic of the least protective Congress in modern times. Rather than focus on improving the lives of our neighbors back home and lowering costs, Republicans, as my colleague from New York said, went home for the Fourth of July recess and talked to their neighbors about what the Congress could do to improve their lives, and the first bill that they bring up on the floor is one to gut energy efficient dishwashers. Let's talk about energy efficiency because it is popular. Where does it come from? Years ago, the Congress acted in a bipartisan way and directed the Department of Energy to every few years update efficiency standards for the appliances that power our lives: our air- conditioners, dishwashers, refrigerators. American manufacturers have responded. Americans know this. Our appliances have gotten better and better over time. They save us money. They save us water. That is really important right now, that we can put a little bit more money back into our pockets. It is a win-win-win for us. I have already heard some misleading statements on the floor today, and I think we need to clear those up. When the Department of Energy creates new efficiency standards, whether it is for dishwashers or other appliances, it does so in collaboration with industry, with the support of industry and appliance manufacturers. The final standards for dishwashers were adopted in April, and they reflect the recommendations from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. That is a trade association of 30 leading appliance makers. Second, they have said that this is a mandate and that all Americans have to go buy these dishwashers. Mr. Speaker, Americans are smart. They know that is not true. If you want an inefficient dishwasher or if you want to return to the days of hand-washing your dishes, then that is your right to do so. However, it is important that we prod appliance makers to be more innovative and to be more efficient. The guiding star--in fact, it is called Energy Star--is to save consumers money, to cut pollution, and to help put a little more money back in their pockets. In creating new energy efficiency standards, DOE does so with consumer savings as its guiding force. According to the agency calculations, consumers will save $3.2 billion on utility bills over 30 years from the dishwasher standards alone. For my neighbors back home in Florida who are paying exorbitant electric bills right now because they don't use the power of the sunshine, they are mostly on gas, boy, this is a godsend for them to be able to put some money back into their pockets. Since we have so much time to debate dishwashers today, I will spend a little time on a public service announcement. Mr. Speaker, if you go to energy.gov/save, there are additional savings for you and your family. There are rebates on appliances and new heat pumps. There are tax credits for various appliances and upgrading your home. Many of these were adopted by Democrats in a Democratic-led Congress in the Inflation Reduction Act. That is our historic clean energy and climate resilience law. It has been difficult to get through the noise of this chaotic Congress to make sure that families understand the cost savings that are available to them, but that is at energy.gov/save. There are enormous rebates and tax credits to help you with the cost of living. The Consumer Federation of America, a consumer advocacy group, said about the new dishwasher efficiency standard: The Department of Energy's new efficiency standards for dishwashers are a significant victory for both consumers and the environment. The standards require simple changes that will positively impact most households. If the appliance makers, consumer advocacy groups, and environmental organizations all support the Department of Energy's energy efficiency standards, I know many of you are wondering, then why do House Republicans oppose them? Another common theme in this chaotic Congress has been the Republicans' allegiance to polluters and utility companies.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I was about to answer the question on everyone's mind: Why would anyone oppose putting money back into the pockets of hardworking American families? It is because the GOP is so aligned with oil and gas companies that they want you to use as much energy as possible. The utility companies want you to use as much energy as possible, Mr. Speaker, because that benefits their bottom line and not yours. Rather than do the dirty work for polluters and electric utilities, I would say: Let's stand up for the families we represent and put money back into their pockets. Whether it is a dishwasher, a refrigerator, an AC, or whatever it is, they need a little bit of relief. We are here to serve them and not the special interest groups. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 7637. It is a Republican bill that is going to raise costs for hardworking American families. It is very emblematic of what they call this unfortunate session of Congress, the do-nothing Congress, the least productive Congress in modern times. Like the dishwasher bill we debated before the refrigerator bill, Republicans seek to throw a wrench into the cost savings for American families. In doing so, they are not siding with the people, with the folks we represent back home, but siding with corporate special interests, the big utility companies, and the big oil companies because they make more money when you use more energy, when your refrigerator isn't as efficient, when your air-conditioner isn't as efficient. Part of the focus of Democrats in the last Congress was putting money back into your pocket to provide new incentives for cost-saving, energy efficient upgrades to homes, more insulation for homes. I used my time in the last debate for a public service announcement. If you go to energy.gov/save, there is a whole host of ways to put money back into your pockets at a time when you need it. We are about 2 years from passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, and I know a lot of folks said that they are still getting pinched by the affordability crisis, but that is the historic bill passed by a Democratic-led Congress and signed by President Biden that finally put a cap on insulin at $35 per month. It was the first time that we beat Big Pharma by directing Medicare to negotiate drug prices. It puts a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket expenses for seniors who rely on prescription drugs. It also was the law that provided these important cost savings to American families for energy efficient appliances. I know that Big Oil and the utility companies don't like it, and I know that the Republicans are closely aligned with them, but this is very important in this day and age when we have to use cleaner, cheaper appliances and cut pollution. American families want these innovative, efficient appliances for one reason. They save money. Take the refrigerator. Compared to refrigerators of the 1970s when the first efficiency standards were proposed, refrigerators today are cheaper. They are cheaper upfront, and they do a better job of keeping our groceries cold. Critically, they use about 75 percent less energy, and they save American families hundreds of dollars a year on their electricity bills. This is all thanks to industry innovation that was spurred by direction of Congress to appliance manufacturers to do better over time. In fact, when the Department of Energy announced at the end of last year the updated standards for our refrigerators and freezers, they said the efficiency standards being adopted today have not been updated in over a decade. They align with the recommendations from a diverse set of stakeholders, including manufacturers, the manufacturer trade association, environmental groups, energy groups, and consumer advocates. Compliance will be required by 2029 or 2030, depending on the year, make, and model. DOE and the Biden administration have been laser focused in developing these strong energy efficiency standards to build on the historical success and capture even more cost savings for American families who need it right now. As has been discussed by Ranking Member Pallone, the Department of Energy works very closely with manufacturers. They develop a consensus during this rulemaking process on what is technically feasible and what can help save folks money. They actually estimate that these new standards will save Americans over a trillion dollars on household energy bills over the next 30 years. Americans deserve a Congress that is going to stand up for them and their cost savings and serve the people, not serve the bottom line of electricity companies and Big Oil and Gas companies. This is quite a contrast. They call it the do-nothing Congress. It started out in a session where they decided the Speaker of the House should not continue to serve. There were shutdowns and showdowns here where they doubled down on some very extremist policies. This is such a stark contrast to when Democrats controlled the House of Representatives. We didn't squander time debating dishwashers and refrigerators. We passed the historic PACT Act to make sure that veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances would get the care and the benefits they earned. The historic PACT Act was passed by Democrats and signed by President Biden. We passed a historic infrastructure law that is repairing our roads and bridges, delivering clean and safe water to communities across the country, cleaning up pollution, and expanding access to high-speed internet. Two weeks ago, I was able to announce a $25 million grant for a neighborhood in the city of Tampa that has not gotten the investment it has deserved for decades. Thanks to the infrastructure law, we are going to make ADA-compliant sidewalks, make the streets----

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for the additional time. That neighborhood needs this investment. Have we debated any way to help the neighborhoods during this Republican-led Congress? No, we haven't. Today, we are able to announce a $24 million grant for my local transit agency back in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County that is going to upgrade their buses, expand service, and create workforce development initiatives to train people who are interested in these good-paying jobs. The Democratic-led Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in a country now where death by firearm is the leading cause of death for children aged 0-18. We also passed the historic Inflation Reduction Act, the historic law that, yes, capped the price of insulin at $35 if you are on Medicare and finally directed Medicare to negotiate drug prices, standing up to Big Pharma for a change. It is estimated that over 106,000 of my neighbors will save over $500 if they rely on the Affordable Care Act for their health insurance. That was also a part of the Inflation Reduction Act. I wanted to call out the contrasts of refrigerators and dishwashers, squandering time, and wasting time with my colleagues who are really here for the people, to fight for lower costs, and to put money back into our families. I think Mr. Goldman had it right when he said it is time for this House to get serious. Instead of refrigerator freedom, how about the freedom for women to make their own healthcare decisions rather than our bodies being controlled by politicians here in Washington, D.C., or back home? These are decisions that should be between a woman, her doctor, and her family. Refrigerator freedom? How about we get back to working on reproductive freedom, lowering costs for families, working on safer communities, good-paying jobs, and delivering for people rather than the special interests that have all too much influence here in Washington, D.C. Please vote ``no'' on this bill.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a significant milestone in the field of education, health care and community enrichment--the 50th anniversary of the University of South Florida (USF) Health Morsani College of Medicine. For half a century, this respected institution has been a beacon of innovation, excellence and service, shaping the future of medicine and health care in our community and beyond. Founded in 1971, the USF Morsani College of Medicine has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to educate the next generation of physicians, advance medical knowledge through cutting-edge research, and provide compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals and communities in need. As we mark the 50th anniversary of the graduating charter class in 2024, we reflect on the school's remarkable journey. Over the past five decades, it has not only met but exceeded its ambitious objectives, leaving an enduring impact on medical education and practice. From pioneering research to improving patient care, the Morsani College of Medicine has made its mark in the Tampa Bay community, shaping the landscape of health care for generations to come. The contributions made by the Morsani College of Medicine to the field of medicine and health care are far reaching. Through its comprehensive academic programs, cutting-edge research facilities and collaborations with valued health care institutions like Tampa General Hospital, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, and local VA hospitals, the College has produced generations of highly skilled and compassionate medical professionals who made invaluable contributions to their respective fields. Whether in primary care, specialty medicine, or research, graduates of the College of Medicine have consistently exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and excellence. The Morsani College of Medicine plays a pivotal role in addressing the current doctor shortage crisis we are facing in Florida. After a population boom during the pandemic, the Tampa Bay area has a dire need for doctors. USF is meeting the moment by training high-caliber physicians, many of whom want to stay and practice in the state. Over the five decades since its inaugural graduating class, the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine has bestowed the prestigious medical degree upon nearly 5,100 graduates. The impact of the Morsani College of Medicine extends far beyond the boundaries of its campus. Through its commitment to community engagement and service, the College has played a pivotal role in addressing the health care needs of my neighbors in Tampa Bay. From providing essential health care services to vulnerable communities to spearheading groundbreaking research initiatives aimed at combating health disparities, the College of Medicine has remained committed in its dedication to improving the health and well-being of all members of our community, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. As a proud co-founder and co-chair of the Academic Medicine Caucus, I am firmly dedicated to promoting and recognizing the important role that medical schools, teaching hospitals and faculty physicians play to improve the health of people everywhere. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Morsani College of Medicine, let us not only reflect on its great past but also look ahead to a future filled with infinite potential and possibility. I will continue to support and nurture the Morsani College of Medicine as it embarks on its next chapter of excellence, innovation and service to our Tampa Bay neighbors, and the residents of Florida and the United States. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending heartfelt congratulations to the University of South Florida Health Morsani School of Medicine on this momentous occasion. May the next 50 years be marked by even greater achievements, medical advancements, and the improvement of the lives of the residents of Florida and the United States.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 162 inventors who will be inducted as the 2023 Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). An induction ceremony will take place this June 18th in Raleigh, North Carolina to celebrate these inventors and their incredible accomplishments. The ceremony will be presided over by Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Derrick Brent, and President of the National Academy of Inventors, Dr. Paul R. Sanberg. To be named as a Fellow, these individuals were nominated by their peers and underwent a review process by the NAI Selection Committee, which ultimately deemed their innovations as making a significant impact on the quality of life, economic development and the welfare of their communities, the residents of Florida and the United States. Collectively, this year's NAI Fellows hold over 4,500 patents. This remarkable group includes individuals from 118 research universities and non-profit research institutions from across the United States and the world. Today, the NAI maintains a strong membership of 1,898 Fellows; it is comprised of more than 170 senior leaders of research universities and nonprofit research institutes, over 700 members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, 59 inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, 69 recipients of the U.S. National Medal of Technology and Innovation and U.S. National Medal of Science, 53 Nobel Laureates, 533 AAAS Fellows, 395 IEEE Fellows and 232 Fellows of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, among other awards and distinctions. Founded by Dr. Paul R. Sanberg at the University of South Florida in 2010, the NAI's mission is to recognize and encourage inventors with patents issued from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, enhance the visibility of academic technology and innovation, encourage the disclosure of intellectual property, educate, and mentor innovative students and translate the inventions of its members to benefit Florida and communities all throughout the United States. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my neighbors in Tampa Bay and the citizens of Florida, I am proud to honor the 2023 Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors for this outstanding achievement. We owe a debt of gratitude to these inventors for their invaluable contributions to society, which continually propel us forward. May their example inspire future generations to pursue their own paths of discovery and innovation, ensuring a bright and innovative future for us all. The 2023 NAI Fellows Class includes: Kenneth Adler, North Carolina State University, Rigoberto Advincula, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Arvind Agarwal, Florida International University, Ken Anderson, Southern Illinois University, Daniel Anderson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Bahman Anvari, University of California, Riverside, Mehmet Arik, Auburn University, David P. Arnold, University of Florida, Chieko Asakawa, Carnegie Mellon University, Farrokh Ayazi, Georgia Institute of Technology, Sanjoy Banerjee, City University of New York, Krystof Bankiewicz, The Ohio State University, Michel Barsoum, Drexel University, David Beebe, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mark Benden, Texas A&M University, Danielle Benoit, University of Oregon; Magnus Berggren, Linkoping University, Bryony Bonning, University of Central Florida, Robert Brown, Iowa State University, Eric Burger, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Diane Burgess, University of Connecticut, Yiran Chen, Duke University, Guang-Hong Chen, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Jung-Chih (J.-C.) Chiao, Southern Methodist University, Eric (P.Y.) Chiou, University of California, Los Angeles, Steve S. Chung, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Daniel Ciobanu, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Robert Cohen, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Henry Colecraft, Columbia University, Lynn Conway, University of Michigan, David Coy, Tulane University, David T. Curiel, Washington University in St. Louis; Sajal Das, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Shanta Dhar, University of Miami, Yizhou Dong, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Vincent Donnelly, University of Houston, Xiangfeng Duan, University of California, Los Angeles, Christine Ehlig-Economides, University of Houston, Jason M. Eichenholz, University of Central Florida, Munir Eldesouki, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Maohong Fan, University of Wyoming and Georgia Institute of Technology, Carol Feghali-Bostwick, Medical University of South Carolina; Gerhard Fettweis, Technical University of Dresden, Wolfgang Fink, The University of Arizona, Dan Fleetwood, Vanderbilt University, Joseph Fox, University of Delaware, Paul Friedman, Mayo Clinic, Yun Fu, Northeastern University, Eric Fullerton, University of California, San Diego, Ashok Gadgil, University of California, Berkeley, Jinming Gao, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Charles Garris Jr., The George Washington University; Michael Good, The University of Utah, David Grainger, The University of Utah, Timothy Grotjohn, Michigan State University, Joel Habener, Massachusetts General Hospital, Sang Han, The University of New Mexico, Jung Han, Yale University, John Hardy, Lancaster University, Balakrishna Haridas, Texas A&M University, Lambertus Hesselink, Stanford University, Douglas Hofmann, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Bernard Horowitz, New York Blood Center, Hsing-Pang Hsieh, National Institutes of Health, S. Jack Hu, University of Georgia, Tony Hu, Tulane University; Ana Jaklenee, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, James Janetka, Washington University in St. Louis, Mark Jaroszeski, University of South Florida, Shaoyi Jiang, Cornell University, Christopher W. Jones, Georgia Institute of Technology, David Kaplan, Tufts University; Yoshihiro Kawaoka, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Shana Kelley, Northwestern University, Kevin Kelly, Louisiana State University, Ali Khademhosseini, Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation; Eun Sok Kim, University of Southern California, Jungsang Kim, Duke University, Nam Sung Kim, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Nobuhiko P. Kobayashi, University of California, Santa Cruz, Dan Kohane, Harvard University, Dimitri Krainc, Northwestern University, Fred Kramer, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Werner Kuhr, Texas Tech University, M.N.V. Ravi Kumar, The University of Alabama, Prashant Kumta, University of Pittsburgh, Sam TW Kwong, City University of Hong Kong; Wilbur Lam, Emory University, Shulamit Levenberg, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Guann-Pyng, Li, University of California, Irvine, Jun Liu, University of Washington, Yuk-Ming (Dennis) Lo, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Bruce R. Locke, Florida State University, David Love, Purdue University, Douglas Loy, The University of Arizona, Helen Lu, Columbia University, Nicky Lu, National Taiwan University; Edward Maginn, University of Notre Dame, Joshua Makower, Stanford University, Prashant Mali, University of California, San Diego, Dinesh Manocha, University of Maryland, College Park, Arumugam Manthiram, The University of Texas at Austin, Hai-Quan Mao, Johns Hopkins University, Susan Margulies, National Science Foundation/Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Ernesto E. Marinero, Purdue University, Marcela V Maus, Massachusetts General Hospital, Robin L. McCarley, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Brian McClendon, University of Kansas, Morten Meldal, University of Copenhagen, R. John Milne, Clarkson University, Ian Mohr, New York University, Hooman Mohseni, Northwestern University, Joseph Moorman, University of Virginia, James Mule, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Seemantini Nadkarni, Massachusetts General Hospital, Jagjit Nanda, Stanford University, Thuc-Quyen Nguyen, University of California, Santa Barbara, Svante Paabo, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Xiaochuan Pan, The University of Chicago; Ravindra Pandey, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Niketa A. Patel, University of South Florida, David Peyton, Portland State University, Neville Pinto, University of Cincinnati, Milos Popovic, Boston University, Zoya (Zorana) Popovic, University of Colorado Boulder, Cassandra Quave, Emory University, Milica Radisic, University of Toronto, P. Hemachandra Reddy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, David Reinkensmeyer, University of California, Irvine; Debra Rolison, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Roger Ruan, University of Minnesota, Boris Rubinsky, University of California, Berkeley, Omowunmi ``Wunmi'' Sadik, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Jose- Alain Sahel, University of Pittsburgh, Aliasger Salem, University of Iowa, Robert Savinell, Case Western Reserve University, Joseph Schlenoff, Florida State University; Holly Sellers, University of Georgia, Haval Shirwan, University of Missouri-Columbia, Jeffrey Siewerdsen, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Patrick J. Sinko, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Anil Sood, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Srinivas Sridhar, Northeastern University, Jonathan Stamler, Case Western Reserve University, Karthikeyan Sundaresan, Georgia Institute of Technology, Hsing-Wen Sung, National Tsing Hua University; Michael Tweedle, The Ohio State University, Victor Velculescu, Johns Hopkins University, Guido Verbeck, Augusta University, Maria Vicent, Principe Felipe Research Center, Lai-Xi Wang, University of Maryland, College Park, Kevin Ward, University of Michigan, Jon Weidanz, The University of Texas at Arlington, Paul S. Weiss, University of California, Los Angeles, Christian Wolf, Georgetown University; Robert Woods, The University of Texas at Arlington, Tohru Yamada, University of Illinois Chicago, Masanobu Yamamoto, Purdue University, G. Craig Yencho, North Carolina State University, Qiming Zhang, The Pennsylvania State University, Wei Zhao, Stony Brook University, Chongwu Zhou, University of Southern California.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Pallone for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the No Hidden FEES Act, H.R. 6543, and I thank my partner, the gentlewoman of California (Mrs. Kim), for leading the effort here. Mr. Speaker, the No Hidden FEES Act would outlaw junk fees in hotel lodging. It would outlaw that unfair and misleading price advertising, whether it is motels or short-term rentals, or privately owned vacation rentals. It will require an accurate price listing that has to include all fees. Mr. Speaker, I think all too often a family goes online when they are planning their vacation to the Gulf beaches of The Sunshine State for a lovely vacation, or anywhere across the country, too often, as they search online and try to do comparison shopping, not all of the fees are displayed. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Bilirakis would probably agree. That is not fair because oftentimes, at the end their vacation, consumers will go to check out of their hotel or wherever they are staying, and they will tack on these extra fees. It is not fair. It is not right. That is why we want to tackle this industrywide to make sure that there is a level playing field for all families ready to take their vacation and use their hard-earned dollars to do it. These hidden fees also stifle competition because one thing consumers want when they are comparison shopping is that level playing field. They want all the information at their fingertips. This would provide those ground rules across everywhere. In many cases, the platforms are hiding these fees. That is why this legislation is so important. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the support letters from the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, and a statement from Airbnb. American Hotel & Lodging Association, December 4, 2023. Hon. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Chair, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Frank Pallone Jr., Ranking Member, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chair McMorris Rodgers and Ranking Member Pallone: On behalf of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), and the undersigned organizations, we are writing to express our support for the passage of Congresswoman Young Kim's (CA- 40) and Congresswoman Kathy Castor's (FL-14) legislation, the No Hidden Fees on Extra Expenses for Stays Act (H.R. 6543). AHLA is the singular voice representing every segment of the hotel industry including major chains, independent hotels, management companies, REITs, bed and breakfasts, industry partners, and more. The industry is made up of more than 62,000 hotels, 33,000 of which are small businesses, comprising 5.6 million rooms across the United States. These hotels generate more than $300 billion in sales every year and support more than 8.3 million jobs. Hotels are integral contributors to communities across the country and annually generate nearly $75 billion in tax revenue at the federal, state, and local levels. We, along with the undersigned organizations, are extremely grateful to Representatives Kim and Castor for recognizing the need for consistent and broadly applicable mandatory fee disclosure and display requirements across the entire lodging booking and advertising ecosystem. This bill would create a national standard for display of lodging prices and require that any mandatory fees be included in prices wherever they are advertised, distributed, and sold. As written, this bill would also ensure compliance throughout the complex lodging distribution ecosystem. While hotels disclose mandatory additional fees to consumers in accordance with existing FTC guidance now, it is critical that any updated display requirements apply across the competitive lodging advertising and booking landscape. Recently, many of the largest hotel chains that AHLA represents have implemented, or announced plans to imminently implement, changes to ensure that mandatory fees are displayed upfront in the pricing consumers are offered through their owned channels. Critically, as consumers shop for and book lodging through a wide variety of channels and providers, this proposed legislation would apply to third-party distributors, such as online travel agencies (e.g., Expedia), metasearch sites and search engines (e.g., Google), as well as short-term rental platforms (e.g., Airbnb). Any regulation mandating fee display and disclosure must be consistently applied to all accommodation providers, advertisers, and broader industry participants to ensure consumers see the same information, in a consistent manner, anywhere they shop. A level competitive playing field for industry participants paired with clear and consistent display for consumers is of paramount importance and we believe this legislation achieves those goals. We thank Representatives Kim and Castor for introducing this legislation and working together in a bipartisan fashion to craft a strong bill that will ensure compliance across the industry. We ask that the committee report it favorably and as written. We look forward to working with you and your colleagues to support America's hotel and lodging industry, employees, guests, and local communities. Sincerely, American Hotel and Lodging Association, California Hotel and Lodging Association, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, The Broadmoor, BWH Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Hilton, Host Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Loews Hotels & Co., Marriott International, MGM Resorts, Omni Hotels & Resorts, Park Hotels & Resorts, Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, Sea Island Resort, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, let me read what they say. American Hotel and Lodging Association says: ``While hotels disclose mandatory additional fees to consumers in accordance with existing FTC guidance now, it is critical that any updated display requirements apply across the competitive lodging advertising and booking landscape. Recently, many of the largest hotel chains . . . have implemented, or announced plans to imminently implement, changes to ensure that mandatory fees are displayed upfront in the pricing consumers are offered through their owned channels. ``Critically, as consumers shop for and book lodging through a wide variety of channels and providers, this proposed legislation would apply to third-party distributors, such as online travel agencies . . . metasearch sites and search engines . . . as well as short-term rental platforms. . . . Any regulation mandating fee display and disclosure must be consistently applied to all accommodation providers, advertisers, and broader industry participants to ensure consumers see the same information, in a consistent manner, anywhere they shop.'' Airbnb weighs in and says that they agree: ``We believe giving guests the ability to see a fee-inclusive price when they search makes for a better experience, and that's why we are proud to support the No Hidden FEES Act to create a national industrywide standard for price transparency at a time when affordability is top of mind for consumers.'' I also thank my Energy and Commerce colleagues for passing this bipartisan bill out of the committee in a unanimous fashion and urge the House to also pass this unanimously. Let's get this relief to consumers so that, when they shop for their vacation, they understand exactly what they are getting.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Pallone for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6960, the Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act. I am proud to lead the effort with the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter), my good friend. Mr. Speaker, children and adolescents require unique emergency care, and Congress can ensure the best medical outcomes when we pass this reauthorization. In Congress, I serve as the co-chair of the Children's Health Care Caucus, where we focus on the unique healthcare needs of our kids, and that includes care in times of emergency. That is why this bill is so important. It is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would reauthorize EMSC for another 5 years at increased funding levels. It passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously earlier in the year. It has worked for 40 years to improve care for young patients, saving lives and improving health outcomes. It really is one of the cornerstones of pediatric care across America because it gives all providers a playbook for the best ways to treat children in an emergency every day and in every State and territory. My local providers in Florida are leading the way. In Florida, EMSC has served 4.3 million children and their families, providing resources to 320 EMS agencies and 335 emergency departments. When that monster storm, Hurricane Ian, slammed into the State in 2022, it resulted in the evacuation of 81 critically ill neonatal and pediatric patients from local hospitals. We knew then that the transport vehicles were properly equipped for children thanks to Florida EMSC Safe Transport. Using EMSC funding, the Florida EMSC Disaster Response Committee has also developed a pediatric mass-casualty triage tool. They have distributed it across the State. Florida EMSC was able to develop and distribute more than 2,300 communications cards for children who speak Spanish or Haitian Creole, or who may be nonverbal, to help healthcare professionals communicate with them directly during an emergency. The results speak for themselves. Nationally, pediatric injury- related death rates have decreased by more than 40 percent because of this initiative. That is why it is important to reauthorize it today. Mr. Speaker, I encourage a ``yes'' vote.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Pallone for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6132, the Awning Safety Act, which passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously. I thank Representative Balderson for working with me and leading this important consumer protection bill that will prompt the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate a safety standard for fixed and freestanding motorized, retractable awnings. Awnings are common for households across the country. The last thing a person should be worried about is a defective product, but in 2019, a motorized product was recalled after 14 incidents, including one fatal injury. The CPSC worked quickly with the manufacturer to recall the product and provide a remedy for consumers, but all consumers deserve protection. It is important that the CPSC continues this work to save lives and keep families safe. That is why Representative Balderson and I are offering this bill to provide oversight and increased safety, empower the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and help prevent other families from suffering through tragic injuries and even deaths. Consumers and their children deserve to enjoy the great outdoors without the fear of injury or death from products they presume to be safe. I thank the committee's chairwoman, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, for encouraging us in this effort, as well as Ranking Member Pallone and the entire committee. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chair, I thank Ranking Member Pallone for yielding the time. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 6192, a Republican bill that will burden American families with higher costs. This is not a serious bill, Mr. Chair, but it is emblematic of the least productive Congress in modern times. Rather than focus on improving the lives of our neighbors back home and lowering costs, MAGA extremists have been embroiled in shutdowns and showdowns, a tiresome soap opera, so they bring an unserious bill like this to distract from their dysfunction. I have heard Members on the other side of the aisle make excuses for not getting anything done. They say that this is a closely divided Congress, but, Mr. Chair, that was true in the last Congress when the Democrats were in control, and we passed a host of important new laws that solved problems and cut costs for the folks we represent back home. We focused on bringing down the cost of living and putting more money back into the pockets of working families by passing the PACT Act that expands VA healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances, to provide generations of veterans and their survivors with the care and the benefits that they have earned. About 4,000 veterans in my district alone have filed claims. We passed the American Rescue Plan to help America boost back and build the strongest economy in the world after the pandemic. We passed a historic infrastructure law that is rebuilding our roads and bridges, delivering clean water, cleaning up pollution, and expanding access to high-speed internet. We passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and we passed the very important historic Inflation Reduction Act that truly is putting money back into the pockets of families back home. Remember, that is the law that capped insulin at $35 a month. I have 74,000 people in my district with diabetes, and thousands of my neighbors are saving about $440 per month. More people have affordable health insurance because of the tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act. Over 100,000 of my neighbors will save about $520 in premiums this year under the ACA. That is the law that now allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices for the highest drugs. It caps out-of-pocket costs for our older neighbors who rely on Medicare. It is a godsend. The IRA is also lowering the cost of energy and reducing pollution to unleash a major clean energy manufacturing boom across America. Over 500 new clean energy projects all across the country, creating well over 250,000 new jobs. The key to delivering all of these cost savings to the American people is putting people over politics. Instead, MAGA extremists keep America stuck in the politics of chaos all the time where nothing gets done, so the GOP defaults to another bill that helps the oil and gas industry. That is what this is all about because energy efficiency standards are popular. Three out of five Americans support making them stronger. American families want innovative, efficient appliances. Why? Because they save money, and they save energy. Take the refrigerator, for example. Compared to refrigerators of the 1970s, when the first efficiency standard was proposed, refrigerators today are cheaper up front and they do a better job of keeping groceries cold, and they use about 75 percent less energy. Plus, they save American families hundreds of dollars a year on their electricity bills thanks to the innovation spurred by energy efficiency standards. The Department of Energy and the Biden administration have collaborated with industry to develop strong energy efficiency standards as Congress already has directed. This means huge cost savings for American families, money back into their pockets at a time when they really need it. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to side with the people and their pocketbooks rather than politics or the polluters' best interest. Please vote ``no'' on this Republican bill and let's get back to work.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, Mr. Huffman, for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 6285. Mr. Speaker, while Democrats are working hard to lower the cost of living for Americans and protect our communities, House Republicans seek to make their lives much more expensive. They seek to pillage the places that make America special, the special places that we value. In doing so, here is the dirty secret: They are simply carrying the water for powerful special interests and polluters that have way too much power and influence here on Capitol Hill. Fortunately, H.R. 6285 has no chance of becoming law, but it does provide a glimpse of the GOP's alliance with polluters over the best interests of the American people. Whether we are talking about the Arctic refuge or my beautiful part of the country along the Gulf of Mexico, Republicans simply are aiming to sell out America's public lands and waters to their friends in Big Oil and the NRA. One of the six bills that were considered today would roll back the Biden administration's rules supporting conservation on public lands. Another would prohibit the government from regulating the use of toxic lead in ammunition. That is the single-largest source of unregulated lead discharged into our environment. The so-called Trust in Science Act would make it easier to hunt and kill the endangered gray wolf. The bill currently before us would threaten millions of acres of wildlands by mandating unfettered oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, regardless of the impacts on wildlife and nearby communities or what it will do to increase the costs of the overheating planet. We have to ask ourselves if this is really what the American people are asking the Congress to do right now. Does the average American really want to see Congress make it easier to pollute and needlessly develop our special places, our wildlife refuges? I don't think so. There is an incredible contrast right now in our country between when it comes to who is on the side of the people and who is standing up to the polluters. We just celebrated the 54th Earth Day. Look at the actions of President Biden compared to the Republican pro-polluter messaging bills. First, last week, the Department of the Interior finalized a new rule that would protect more than 13 million acres of irreplaceable wildlife habitat in the Western Arctic. Then, President Biden announced the creation of the American Climate Corps, kind of modeled after the Conservation Corps of decades ago. It is a groundbreaking initiative that will put more than 20,000 young Americans to work, protecting our communities, building environmental infrastructure, and helping us to lower costs and be more resilient to the rising costs of the overheating climate. Last but not least, the EPA rolled out awards under a new Solar for All initiative, a $7 billion grant to help deliver cleaner, cheaper energy across this great country, especially to working-class communities that really need help on their electric bills. This is going to be a godsend in my State, the so-called Sunshine State. We are going to help families put rooftop solar on their roofs, lower their electric bills.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Because I couldn't help our good friend from Louisiana when he was talking about how unfettered oil and gas will really help lower bills, on the front page of my hometown paper today, the Tampa Bay Times, was a story about why our electric bills are so high. Do you know why they are so high? Because in the so-called Sunshine State, 75 percent of electricity is generated from gas. Our utilities are keeping us hooked on gas. That is why Solar for All, helping to unleash the abundant, free energy from the sun to help lower electric bills, is vital. It is time for the House to get serious about cleaner, cheaper energy. Enough with these messaging bills. Let's move to bipartisan legislation that will help us achieve a prosperous, sustainable future. Banning offshore oil drilling off of the beautiful Florida coast is where we should start. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Ms. CASTOR

Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I thank our ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee for yielding. Madam Speaker, I was listening to the debate on the floor this morning and there is so much doom and gloom. There is too much of it. I believe in America. I believe that we do have the power to solve big problems. The good news is that the historic clean energy law passed by Democrats and signed by President Biden in the last Congress is working. Already since we passed that new Inflation Reduction Act, which is our historic clean energy and climate law, there have been enormous job gains across the country, with over 523 clean energy projects across America. It has created about 210 clean energy jobs. Most of these jobs are going to working-class areas in many Republican States and many Republican districts, lifting them up. It has motivated over $300 billion in private capital to come and boost communities and boost clean energy manufacturing. I know that we are on track to meeting our clean energy goals so that we can avoid the very costly impacts of our climate crisis. There is a different point of view on the other side of the aisle. Let's be honest, there is a very clear contrast. Just look at what the GOP Members here focused on during their dirty energy week. From the Arctic Refuge to the Gulf of Mexico, where I live, Republicans have made clear their intent to sell out America's public lands and wildlife refuges to the shareholders of Big Oil. On Wednesday, they passed a resolution that did nothing but celebrate fracking on public lands. Even in our committee this week, as Mr. Pallone knows, we had this crazy debate where the Republicans passed bills that essentially reached into the pocketbooks of Americans and took pennies and dollars because they passed bills--and I hope they are not coming to the floor--to rescind energy efficiency initiatives for our home appliances. Manufacturers agree they can innovate better, and homeowners sure want more money back in their pockets when they buy a new air- conditioner or refrigerator, so they are really taking us backwards. Yesterday they passed an absurd resolution criticizing President Biden for not opening up more public lands and waters to drilling. Today, Republicans' polluters over people agenda continues the debate because they want to rescind our new green climate bank, our Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which is an historic important element of the Inflation Reduction Act and everything we want to do on clean energy. We all know that sometimes there is a barrier and an up-front cost to installing solar or purchasing that battery. This new fund will help motivate private capital to erase those barriers. It is going to help working-class communities, especially, to invest in solar power. That is great news for people who live in the Sunshine State, my neighbors, and it is going to open up all sorts of new, cleaner, and cheaper energy options. These clean energy projects will support families and businesses across America who are eager to find relief from exorbitant electric bills. They will slash harmful air pollution and help communities better withstand these extreme weather events by utilizing battery storage systems. Although all of these investments are wildly popular, Republicans still oppose these investments in America. These are real solutions to lower bills; to create jobs; and to build safer, healthier communities. Why? It is because community-led clean energy projects aren't on the balance sheet for fossil fuel donors. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to move forward. Believe in America like we do and buy America, build America, invest in our communities, and invest in our neighbors to help them lower electric bills. I urge you to protect the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, our historic clean energy green climate bank, and ensure that all Americans can reap the savings and the benefits of clean air and cleaner, cheaper energy.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the career and service of Dr. Ronald Vaughn, president of the University of Tampa. Throughout his 28 years of leadership with the University of Tampa, Dr. Vaughn has lifted students, faculty, the university, and the Tampa Bay community. He spearheaded a remarkable turnaround for the university and leaves UT ranked among the best medium-sized private universities in America. Dr. Vaughn's remarkable career, his lifelong commitment to education, and exceptional stewardship of the University of Tampa have propelled the school into being an academic powerhouse. During his tenure as president, the school's academic offerings and footprint grew into the dynamic, community-connected institution that we are proud of today. Dr. Vaughn embraced the history of the historic Tampa Bay Hotel, Plant Hall and the iconic minarets and infused the university with life and amenities for students including an expanded campus with 71 construction projects completed or underway and investments worth a total of $950 million. The University of Tampa now hosts students from all 50 states and from almost all 195 countries. Dr. Vaughn's leadership has been fundamental to achieving academic excellence with a unique entrepreneurial spirit. Dr. Vaughn's academic journey is a model for my others--a B.A and an MBA from Indiana State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Georgia. Dr. Vaughn's comprehensive career as a business owner of a multi-office marketing research and consulting company provided him with the skills to lead the university into the established institution we know today. His journey with the University of Tampa started in August 1984 as the Coordinator of the Marketing Department and holder of the Max H. Hollingsworth Endowed Chair of American Enterprise. Dr. Vaughn subsequently served as Director of the MBA Program, Dean of the College of Business and Graduate Studies and Co-Chief Academic Officer. In January of 1995 he became the president of the university. Dr. Vaughn and UT hosted President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in 2010 for a major economic policy announcement and a visit with students--the first time in UT's history that a sitting President made an official visit to the UT campus, and a rare joint appearance. President Joe Biden also visited the campus in 2023, the day after his State of the Union address, with many students watching from the pool deck and one noting ``pretty cool vibes.'' As Vice President, Joe Biden also made a major international affairs speech in the Fletcher Lounge to Bay area business leaders in 2016. Beyond his work as president of the university, Dr. Vaughn and his wife, Renee Vaughn, have been active members of the community. He has served on numerous boards and leadership positions, including the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, the Gulf Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, and the Florida Aquarium. Dr. Vaughn has received numerous honors in recognition of his lifelong commitment to education and his exceptional stewardship of the University of Tampa. Among the countless awards that have been bestowed upon him nationally as well as locally are the Hillsborough County Administrative Volunteer of the Year for Tampa Bay's Chapter of the American Red Cross and the prestigious national recognition by the Ellis Island Honors Society in 2004. Furthermore, the multi-purpose Vaughn Center facility is named in his honor, and it serves as the hub of student life and activity on the University of Tampa campus. As we congratulate Dr. Vaughn for his remarkable career, we also express our gratitude for his continued commitment to uplifting the youth and laying the groundwork for a better tomorrow. Dr. Vaughn is the definition of a true public servant. On behalf of my neighbors across the Tampa Bay area, the great State of Florida, and our Nation, I thank Dr. Vaughn for his years of dedicated service and tireless commitment to making the University of Tampa the dynamic and growing university it is today. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our gratitude sending best wishes to Dr. Vaughn and his family in their future endeavors.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am not recorded for Roll Call No. 79 and Roll Call No. 80 on Monday, March 11, 2024. Due to delays in travel, I was unable to be present for votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 79, and YEA on Roll Call No. 80.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to celebrate a change agent and one of Tampa Bay's most distinguished torch bearers, Marcus Brooks. Mr. Brooks is a fourth-generation resident of St. Petersburg, Florida, where he currently lives with his wife and children. He received his bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in communications from Florida State University. Brooks credits his upbringing of racial contrast in Clearwater, Florida and South St. Petersburg, which afforded him different perspectives to shape him into the leader he is today. He is also a recipient of the St. Petersburg NAACP's Next-Gen Trailblazer award and currently serves on the boards of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership and Allegany Franciscan Ministries. ``Whatever gifts you are believed to have are not yours. They were gifted to you for a finite amount of time to be passed on and used in service of others.'' These are words Mr. Brooks uses to govern his work and daily life. After graduating from Florida State University, he began his journey in public service of more than 15 years. Mr. Brooks has served as the youth coordinator for Coordinated Childcare of Pinellas, development officer at St. Petersburg College, regional director of Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay, director of development for Eckerd Youth Alternatives, to name a few. While serving in these roles, his goal was to cultivate, plan and execute developmental efforts that would change and touch the lives of our youth through education. Mr. Brooks is an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, and believes unequivocally that if we advance racial equity and improve the overall health of the community, we will see the growth of more sustainable communities. Mr. Brooks is the executive director of the Center for Health Equity, whose mission is to inspire and empower people, share ideas, exchange information, organize and build relationships to end differences in health due to institutional racism. Under his leadership, the Center for Health Equity has pushed new bounds with the creation of Courageous Conversations, which is an award-winning protocol for effectively engaging, sustaining and deepening interracial dialogue. This conversation examines the impact of race in our lives and fosters the development of essential literacy and competency through which to experience our personal, professional and organizational journeys. Mr. Brooks believes that if we are able to strip away past beliefs, experiences and actions to truly get to know our neighbor, we can begin to have a better understanding of one another. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Tampa Bay community, I am honored to recognize the outstanding accomplishments, leadership and service of Mr. Marcus Brooks, who stands as a shining example of the tremendous impact of hard work, nurturing others and service to the community to encourage others to reach their highest potential.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to celebrate the life of service of a true public servant and philanthropist in the Tampa Bay area, Mrs. Ruth Duncan Bell. Mrs. Bell was born in Lansing, Michigan and received her bachelor's degree in mass communications from Arizona State University and after moving to the Tampa Bay area she obtained a master's in public administration from the University of South Florida. She has worked at the federal, state and local levels of government and served as an advocate for the public employment agencies associations in Washington, D.C. After 27 years of service as senior vice president of public affairs, Mrs. Bell retired from the LifeLink Foundation, which is a non-profit that facilitates the recovery of life-saving organs and tissue for transplantation. She has also participated on national professional organization boards, related to organ and tissue donation, and she is committed to increasing awareness and donor registration for those in need of life-saving transplants. Mrs. Bell's work in the organ donation and transplantation community is nationally recognized. In 2018, in Madrid, Spain before the 27th International Congress of the Transplantation Society, she presented ``Success of a Multicultural Donation Education Program to Increase African American Organ Donation in a Donor Service Area with a High African American Population,'' which is a work showcasing best practices that led to successful organ donation education and registration programs inclusive of the African American community. Education is also an important part of Mrs. Bell's life and she and her husband have worked to improve the lives of African American students. During her time at Arizona State University, she and her now husband Jerry noticed friends or acquaintances leave on school break and not return due to financial reasons. It was at this time that they both agreed that if they were ever in a position to help, they would prevent this from happening. At their alma mater Arizona State University, they established the Jerry and Ruth Bell W.P. Carey Black Student Success Scholarship for any students engaged with the Black Business Student Association or a similar association that supports Black students at ASU. They were also the first Black couple to endow a scholarship for Black students at the University of South Florida, and to date it has had a significant impact in the lives of more than 100 young people who have obtained their college degree through this fund. Mrs. Bell is also an active member of Tampa Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Tampa Chapter of The Links, Inc., the Athena Society and numerous other professional organizations. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Tampa Bay community, I am proud to recognize Mrs. Ruth Duncan Bell for her undeniable impact on our community and her unwavering commitment to supporting young African Americans through their college journey.