Charlie Crist

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, the famed ``Hurricane Hunters.'' This group of brave men and women from across the country save countless lives each year by literally ``flying into the eye of the storm,'' to collect data unattainable by other means. In communities across Florida, we have seen firsthand how critical this information is to hurricane preparedness and recovery. The ``Hurricane Hunters'' are a component of the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Serving the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, they are the only operational unit in the world, flying weather reconnaissance on a regular basis. Their 20 aircrews consistently fly into tropical storms and hurricanes to fulfill their mission when and where it is most critically needed. Early and accurate detection is key to providing millions of Americans ample time to prepare and evacuate. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron is on constant stand-by, and can be deployed to up to three storms at once--crucial during a busy storm season. The 53rd works closely with the National Hurricane Center and NOAA to collect and relay real-time data from the center of the storm, the backbone of public weather alerts and warnings. While modern satellites have greatly improved our ability to analyze storms at a distance, the data collected through firsthand observation provides a level of detail that remote analysis cannot match. By providing this information, the 53rd reduces the ``cone of uncertainty,'' projecting the storm's path, by nearly 30 percent. These enhanced projections provide critical lead time to prepare and respond, enhancing the protection of lives and property. In a typically male-dominated field, the 53rd Squadron also stands out. With six female officers, they serve as role models for little girls everywhere who love science and dream of serving their country. I am humbled to honor the legacy of our Hurricane Hunters, who put their lives on the line every day to protect Floridians and the American people from tropical storms and hurricanes. I thank them for all that they do, risking their lives in service to the public.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their leadership and bipartisanship on this bill. Americans who watched 60 Minutes last weekend or who read the Tampa Bay Times were shocked by serious airline safety concerns--specifically with Allegiant Airlines, a carrier that operates 95 percent of the traffic at my hometown airport. It raises questions about the FAA's ``compliance philosophy,'' focused on fewer enforcement actions, more working quietly with the airlines behind the scenes on safety issues. I sure hope it is true that airlines are more likely to self-report safety incidents if they do not fear retribution, but lives are at stake, and we must get the facts. My amendment would require an investigation into whether this hands-off approach is, in fact, working. Profits can never trump passenger safety. Mr. Chair, I ask my colleagues to support this straightforward amendment.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, Friday marks the eighth anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. I was Governor of Florida at the time. I remember the tar balls. I remember them coming up on our beautiful beaches--as the ambassador does; marine life covered in toxic sludge; the harm done to Florida's tourism and fisheries industries; and, of course, the tragic loss of life aboard the Deepwater Horizon itself. Mr. Speaker, I haven't forgotten it. Florida has not forgotten it. We must never have drilling off the Florida coast. We should take that argument off the table.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise to tell the story of a young teen who came to our country with nothing but hope for a better future. No English, no money, just a dream. This story may sound familiar, but it is special to me. It is a story of my grandfather, Adam Christodoulos. The story of America is a story of immigrants. Now we have a whole new generation of immigrants who embody our American values: family, hard work, service, love for the United States, and dreams for the future. Without immigrants, from the construction worker in St. Petersburg to the CEO in Clearwater, there is no middle class. Let's remember the golden rule, treating all of God's children the way we want to be treated, fairly and with compassion. Mr. Speaker, let's pass a clean Dream Act today. We have the votes. We just need the will.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Ranking Member Waters for her steadfast leadership. While I have great respect for the gentleman from Minnesota, I rise in strong opposition to this bill before us today. I feel so lucky and fortunate to represent Florida's 13th Congressional District which includes my hometown of St. Petersburg, ``The Sunshine City.'' It is a beautiful place to grow up, to visit, to live, to work, and to retire. It is also a place that still bears some scars of segregation. The Fair Housing Act was signed 50 years ago this spring. Why then are so many neighborhoods still segregated? Why are so many of our constituents still victimized by redlining and unequal access to credit? Fair housing data is a critical tool to right the wrongs of the past, to see how well banks are serving all of our communities. It helps root out the occasional bad apple and the occasional bad institution. This data is worth the effort. In a perfect world, we wouldn't need laws to protect the vulnerable, or data to enforce those laws. But having fought and won discrimination suits on behalf of the people as Florida's attorney general, I will tell you, this is not a perfect world. While I share my colleagues' desire to make regulatory compliance less burdensome, let's not make it easier on banks by making it harder for fair housing.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Emma Couture, a remarkable and talented young woman who tragically left us too soon. At 19 years old, Emma accomplished a great deal more than many of us could hope to in a lifetime. And she did it with an open and giving heart that inspired everyone she met. Emma exemplified the best and the brightest of our Pinellas community: a brilliant student, gifted actress, and a thoughtful, selfless individual. From a young age, Ms. Couture showed a keen interest in the theater. In high school, she used her role as District Broadway Cares Representative to draw attention to AIDS research, organizing a donation drive and raffle at her local thespian competition. Emma used her unique talent on the stage as a platform to advocate for LGBTQ rights and other important issues, orchestrating a theatrical production that raised thousands of dollars for charity and drew performers from all over the country. Emma's dedication to good works was matched only by her impressive intelligence. She was a victor on the television game show Kid Jeopardy, serving as a source of civic pride for Pinellas County and an inspiration to little girls across the community. As a fellow Green Devil, no one better represented St. Petersburg High School and its motto of loyalty and service to God, country, and home. After graduation, Emma realized her dream of working on the stage in New York City as a student at Marymount Manhattan College. She spent her final moments doing the very thing she loved most: directing her first college theater production, helping a fellow performer rehearse their lines. Emma's passing due to unexpected heart failure was a sad day for Pinellas County. To her dedicated, loving parents Wilma and Peter, and her older sister Hannah, our hearts go out. I thank them for bringing such an incredible young woman into this world. She has left an indelible mark that will never be erased; her spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone whose life she touched.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and public service of retired St. Petersburg Police Officer Freddie Crawford, one of the ``Courageous 12,'' who put his career and life on the line in the fight against discrimination and segregation. The Courageous 12 were the first African Americans employed by the St. Petersburg Police Department, who bravely served the residents of the city for many years. In the face of constant threats in the field and discrimination within their department, these 12 officers withstood both professional and physical risk to keep the peace and ensure equality and justice in their communities. In the early 1960s, Officer Crawford and his fellow black police officers serving on St. Petersburg's police force were only permitted to police black neighborhoods. The segregation of authority even went so far as to mark patrol cars with a `C' for ``colored'' to designate that it was a black officer inside. Officer Crawford and his colleagues attempted to express their grievances to the Chief of Police on multiple occasions, only to be ignored and swept aside. After persevering through years of segregation in both his civilian and professional life, Officer Crawford and his colleagues in the Courageous 12 took their fight to the judicial system. Despite the personal and professional risk, Officer Crawford and his fellow officers sued the city of St. Petersburg in 1965. Baker vs. the City of St. Petersburg did not initially receive a favorable ruling for the Courageous 12. But in 1968, a federal appeals court overturned the decision. In one year's time, Officer Crawford was patrolling a primarily white area in North-East St. Petersburg. The monumental efforts by Officer Crawford and his colleagues would inspire black officers in nearby areas, creating a domino effect of positive change in communities throughout the Tampa Bay region. Even after retiring from the St. Petersburg Police Department, Freddie Crawford continued his efforts to address and eradicate segregation. He went to work for the Community Relations Services division at the U.S. Department of Justice where he used his experience with conflict resolution to resolve racial tensions in various communities across the country. Mr. Speaker, please join me once again in commemorating Officer Freddie Crawford's life, and thanking him for his contribution to the cause of justice. He leaves behind a legacy of tireless dedication to equality and serves as an inspiration to the city of St. Petersburg and to our country.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and service of Major Caesar Civitella of St. Petersburg, Florida. With his passing on October 25, 2017, America lost a man who was emblematic of what it means to be a true patriot. Both in defense of his homeland, and when called to protect the homes of our allies, Major Civitella was always ready to answer the call to service. His heroic combat achievements on battlefields across the globe, coupled with his many contributions to our intelligence services, leave a legacy that Florida's 13th Congressional District is proud to uphold. After joining the United States Army in February of 1943, Major Civitella was quickly selected to serve the Office of Strategic Services. He and his group members were then inserted into Northern Africa to support the Allied invasion of France. After capturing nearly 4,000 enemies in France, Major Civitella's team was deployed to Italy and participated in 21 air operations as ``Bundle Kickers,'' dropping leaflets over civilian populations. By 1945, the Army deployed Major Civitella to the Swiss Alps, and tasked him with reporting German activity, in an effort to capture Benito Mussolini. In 1946, Major Civitella was discharged from the Army, but quickly reenlisted as a Counterintelligence non-commissioned officer in 1947. By 1952, the Army recruited then 2nd Lieutenant Caesar Civitella into the newly-created Special Forces division. There, he pioneered the creation of training aids, doctrine, and lesson plans for the United States Army Psychological Warfare Center, and was one of the original instructors of air operations and guerilla warfare. After assignments with both the 77th Special Forces Group and the 10th Special Forces Group, Major Civitella returned to the Special Warfare Center and was assigned to work in the Combat Development Office. Beginning in 1961, Major Civitella served three tours in Vietnam, working on enhanced insertion and extraction systems like Scuba, Halo, and the Fulton ``Skyhook.'' A day after retiring from the Army on August 31, 1964, Major Civitella joined the ranks of the Central Intelligence Agency. He worked there until August 31, 1983, fulfilling the roles of Senior Province Officer in Vietnam, Plan's Branch liaison to the Pentagon, and the Interagency Representative to the United States Readiness Command. In addition, Major Civitella coordinated intelligence, training, and interagency operations for the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force at MacDill Airforce Base in Tampa. Because of his service and expertise in unconventional warfare, Major Civitella received numerous accolades throughout his life including the United States Bronze Star Medal, the Intelligence Medal of Merit, the Bull Simmons Award for a lifetime of Special Operations Forces Achievements, and the prestigious French Legion of Honor, the highest decoration offered by the French government, and an award typically reserved for French nationals. Mr. Speaker, please join me once again in commemorating Major Caesar Civitella's life; thanking him for his many contributions to the Armed Forces and intelligence community. He leaves behind a bold legacy of true and selfless patriotism that helped make our country a beacon of light in a dangerous world.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the ranking member for her leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this bill. We must get flood insurance right, and that starts with affordability. If families can't afford insurance, they simply will not buy it. In my home State of Florida, the number of NFIP policies has dropped 15 percent since 2012, when Congress started raising premiums. If you don't think the government should be involved in flood insurance, maybe that is good news, maybe that is the goal here, but not for the good of the taxpayer, when families who can't afford coverage must turn to FEMA after a disaster. The bottom line is that unaffordable insurance will fail. This bill makes flood insurance less affordable, hiking premiums, surcharges, as well as fees. Beyond that, this bill would decrease access to coverage for vulnerable families, forcing them into a private market that does not exist. Yes, we absolutely need 21st century flood reform. Our climate is changing, sea levels are rising, floods are getting worse, and sticking our heads in the sand will only make solutions that much more difficult. This bill leaves behind the best reform ideas from both political parties, like better mapping, as well as mitigation. Those who have lived through natural disasters know you can't stop the catastrophic force of Mother Nature, but you can prepare. I urge my colleagues to reject this ideological exercise and put people over politics. Let us come together and pass real, sustainable reform for a strong, affordable National Flood Insurance Program. Mr. Speaker, I include letters of opposition in the Record from the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Clearwater. Pinellas County, Board of County Commissioners, Clearwater, FL, November 8, 2017. Hon. Charlie Crist, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Charlie: On behalf of Pinellas County, Florida, we urge you to oppose the 21st Century Flood Reform Act, H.R. 2874. This bill, which is the compilation of the seven-bill package approved by the House Financial Services Committee this summer, is detrimental to Pinellas County residents and local governments. Despite the minor changes proposed in the amendment, the bill will increase costs for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders, create unfunded mandates by increasing regulatory burdens and responsibilities for local governments, and lead to fewer participants in the NFIP, which will undermine the integrity of the program. We strongly urge you to oppose the bill. The bill would increase premiums on homes built prior to the first flood map by a minimum of 6.5% each year, with properties that have made two or more claims subject to even higher rate increases. In addition to this increase, all policy holders would be assessed new and increased fees and surcharges with some of these fees, such as the reserve fund fee, increasing each year. As these increased costs are passed on to policyholders, the bill acknowledges that an affordability assistance program is needed, however it delegates that authority to states and requires it to be financed through additional charges on the other policyholders in the state, creating an even greater financial burden. These increased costs along with the new restrictions in the bill on types of properties that can obtain coverage through the NFIP will undermine participation in the program, further destabilizing it. The bill does nothing to invest in new flood mapping and technology, which would result in more accurate maps and does not sufficiently invest in mitigation. We ask for your continued assistance in ensuring that this bill does not become law. Additionally, we want to thank you for cosponsoring H.R. 3285, the Sustainable, Affordable, Fair and Efficient (SAFE) NFIP Act. The legislation is significantly more consumer- friendly than the House Financial Services Committee approach. The SAFE NFIP Act includes provisions to limit premium rate increases, create means-tested mitigation and affordability provisions, expand the Increased Cost of Compliance program, develop accurate flood maps, and emphasize pre-disaster mitigation programs. Again, thank you for your continued assistance in ensuring that legislative efforts detrimental to Pinellas County's over 130,000 policyholders are not enacted into law. We value your support and thank you for cosponsoring H.R. 3285. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide additional information or answer questions. Sincerely, Janet C. Long, Chair, Pinellas County Commission.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in commemorating the City of Seminole, Florida on earning the designation of a Purple Heart City. The Purple Heart recognizes members of the Armed Service who have been wounded or killed while serving our country. It is the oldest military decoration awarded by the United States; beginning under General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. As originally conceived, the award recognizes meritorious military service with the Badge of Military Merit. President Washington's merit award was revived with the Purple Heart on his 200th Birthday, to honor those who served the United States Armed Forces with distinction. The City of Seminole first sought to recognize men and women currently serving, veterans, and those who gave their lives protecting our freedom when the City Council passed the Red, White, and Blue initiative in 2014. Mayor Leslie Waters and the City of Seminole wanted to display the city's patriotism by fitting every city building and park with a lighted flag pole. Military members were invited to be present at the city's parades and community events, and the city's website was updated to provide instructions for the proper display of the American flag for businesses and homeowners who wished to join in this celebration of patriotism. After two years of working towards the Purple Heart designation, Mayor Waters secured the honor on March 28, 2017. This distinction publicly acknowledges the City of Seminole's gratitude to the men and women who have served in our military, and continued commitment to recognizing the price they have paid to ensure our freedom. Through civic education programs, military community involvement, and public works honoring the American flag, the City of Seminole demonstrates its commitment to our nation's veterans. I would like to commend the city of Seminole in its efforts to honor the sacrifices made by our Purple Heart veterans. I am honored and humbled to represent so many veterans in the City of Seminole and across the 13th United States Congressional District of Florida, which is home to over 90,000 veterans and the distinguished C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center in Bay Pines. Mr. Speaker, please join me once again to commemorate the City of Seminole on gaining the designation of a Purple Heart City, as we continue to appreciate and celebrate those who have sacrificed for this country.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our guest chaplain, Reverend Louis M. Murphy, Sr., of my hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida. Reverend Murphy truly embodies what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. In his 18 years as senior pastor at the Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, he has been a dedicated disciple of Christ, giving his time, energy, and compassion to lifting up his congregation and the larger St. Petersburg community. In addition to his duties as pastor of one of the largest churches in Pinellas County, Reverend Murphy has been a leader in economic revitalization efforts in south St. Petersburg, and in supporting job training and outreach programs for at-risk youth. A native of Florida, truly a man of God, and a man of the people. I personally thank Reverend Murphy for coming to the people's House and providing such a moving, thoughtful invocation. God bless you.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of one of the greatest of our generation, World War II veteran Frank Bartlett, who left us last week at the ripe old age of 104. Serving as a surgical technician for the Ninth Infantry Division, Frank was a hero, awarded six bronze stars, one silver star, and an American Defense Service Medal for his dedication to saving lives on the battlefield. During World War II, Frank served in the European theater, providing life-saving medical care to his fellow servicemen in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. As a surgical technician, Frank followed his brothers into battle, serving at their side so they might withstand the attacks of the enemy. On D-Day, Frank was one of the only surviving medics of the Battle of Normandy, risking his life to aid his fallen brothers in the face of incredible peril. His efforts went above and beyond--Frank would often offer his own blood for a patient's blood transfusion in times of need. A talented and tireless surgeon, Mr. Bartlett's courage and humility earned him the respect and gratitude of his commanding officers and his fellow soldiers. Before joining the Army, Frank worked as a hair stylist in New York, a profession he returned to after completing his military service. Following his move to Pinellas County, Florida, Mr. Bartlett channeled his talent as an artist into opening his own kite shop, sharing the fruits of his creativity with the community he loved. Even after being declared legally blind, Frank's tenacious spirit drove him forward, running his small business, and hiking the mountains of Peru. Mr. Speaker, at the incredible age of 104 years, Frank Bartlett passed away on July 8, 2017. He will be honored and laid to rest at Bay Pines National Cemetery. Supported by his loving friends, Frank lived out his final days in peace. Please join me in offering the deepest gratitude to Frank for his service to our country, his commitment to his brothers-in-arms, and his ceaseless dedication to his friends and community.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the St. Pete Pride Parade for the significance to Pinellas County, Florida, and our LGBTQ community. Every June, for the past 15 years, the St. Pete Pride Parade has brightened the streets of my hometown, leaving joy, love, and equality in its wake. It has become one of the largest pride celebrations in the country, hosting over 200,000 attendees last year alone; all possible, thanks to our large, diverse LGBTQ community and city leadership that understands this community as a source of our strength. As we mark 1 year since the 49 souls were taken from us at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, this pride is much more than a celebration. It is a vibrant act of strength for a community that has endured persecution simply for being who they are and who they love. As St. Pete looks forward to the celebration this weekend, I wish the community happy pride. Be loud and be proud because we are proud of you.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member for her strong leadership in this fight against the ``Wrong'' CHOICE Act. The bill before us is broken. I was Governor of Florida when the financial crisis and foreclosure crisis rolled through my State like a hurricane. Unrestrained greed on Wall Street caused a preventable disaster because at no point did anyone say: This is simply wrong. I remember 2008 and 2009: the bailouts, the foreclosures, and the long, painful road to recovery. The financial crisis exposed a broken regulatory system, allowing Wall Street to gamble with Main Street's future. With this bill, Members are being asked to again trust the very people who brought us to this financial crisis. Don't put them back in charge. Do not let them do it again. Please vote ``no.''

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Clearwater, Florida's Calvary Christian High School Warriors boys baseball team on their impressive State championship win. Coach Greg Olsen and the Warriors clinched an 11-1 victory against Pensacola Catholic High School to lead them to the Class 4A title, clinching the school's first State championship and capping off a perfect season of 30 wins and no losses. Such an achievement takes more than skill and talent. It takes steely determination, unwavering focus, and perhaps, most importantly, the ability to work together. These skills are invaluable both on and off the field. What they have learned as teammates will enable their success not just as athletes, but as good citizens. Our entire community is proud of their outstanding sportsmanship and achievements. On behalf of Pinellas County, congratulations Warriors.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, this is a terrible bill. This bill will cut 24 million Americans out of health insurance. This bill will gut Planned Parenthood in the first year, affecting women across the country. And it will cut $850 billion out of Medicaid hurting the poor and the disabled in our country. It is unconscionable.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, as vice chair of the Seniors Task Force, I rise in strong defense of Social Security. Recent reports that the White House is considering defunding Social Security and cutting Social Security disability benefits are troubling, to say the least. Nearly 61 million retirees, veterans, disabled workers, widows, and children rely on their Social Security, including over 186,000 in my district in Florida alone. On their behalf, I have a simple message: Hands off their Social Security. President Trump promised the American people he would not cut Social Security. That is a promise we are going to help him keep. Hands off Social Security.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of fallen Navy Hospitalman, 3rd Class, Mr. Mark V. Dennis. Mr. Dennis was born on September 21, 1946, to Charles and Vera Dennis of Miamisburg, Ohio, where he grew up with his brother and two sisters. He went on to serve in the United States Navy in a Marine unit as a medical corpsman during the Vietnam War. A man of strong faith, Mr. Dennis also served as acting chaplain for his unit, and had dreams of being a missionary after completing his service. Sadly, those dreams would not be realized. He was killed in action when his helicopter crashed after taking enemy fire in South Vietnam in the summer of 1966. At such a young age, 19 years, Mr. Dennis made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country. In 1970, a photograph in Newsweek magazine showed a Prisoner of War with an uncanny resemblance to Mark. Devastated by the loss, and plagued by nagging doubt, his family, led by his brother Jerry, began a quest for answers as to what happened to Mark. Last August, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency released a report determining through DNA testing that the remains from the deadly helicopter crash are those of Mr. Dennis. Thanks to the Dennis family's determination, and work by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, we now know conclusively that Mr. Dennis died while serving and protecting his country. Mr. Speaker, the Dennis family has been through a lot over the years. I pray that they will now have the closure they so deserve. Mr. Dennis will soon be laid to rest alongside his parents at the Garden Sanctuary Cemetery in Seminole, Florida, with full military honors. I am humbled to honor the life of this young man, and all of our servicemen and women who were taken from this Earth too soon. May he, and his family, now finally find peace.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, this bill we are talking about takes about $880 billion out of Medicaid. Medicaid is for the poor, and Medicaid is for the disabled. We are in Lent. It is supposed to be the holiest time. I want to read to you from Matthew 25, verse 45: Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto Me. Think about that before you vote for this bill. Please vote against it. God bless.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a fallen hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Lost on the battlefields of Europe during World War II, the remains of Army Air Force 2nd Lieutenant. John Donald Mumford have finally returned home to St. Petersburg, Florida. On June 6, 1944, the same morning U.S. forces stormed the beaches at Normandy, 2nd Lt. Mumford bravely led a squadron of B-17 Flying Fortress bombers on a successful air raid over Germany. Returning to base, his plane was attacked by 10 Nazi warplanes, sent crashing into Ukrainian farmland. A mortally wounded 2nd Lt. Mumford was last reported seen by Romanian villagers in 1944, 73 years ago. Cold War tensions prevented the timely recovery of 2nd Lt. Mumford's body. But the historical office at the Department of Defense never gave up. They began anew the search for 2nd Lt. Mumford's remains, and from 2007 to 2016, the POW/MIA Accounting Agency investigated the alleged crash site, ultimately finding proof of a downed WWII-era U.S. aircraft. With help from Ukrainian Armed Forces and local farmers, they uncovered the remains of 2nd Lt. Mumford. Mr. Speaker, the United States of America never leaves a fallen soldier behind. When brothers Ronald and Lynn Woolums stood on the Tampa International Airport tarmac last week to accept the remains of their uncle, 2nd Lt. John Donald Mumford, it represented a proud tradition that defines who we are as a people. I want to express my gratitude for the Defense Department's investigation team who made this day possible. 2nd Lt. Mumford is an American hero, and his family should beam with pride at his sacrifice. And what an amazing story to pass along from generation to generation-- we honor our men and women in uniform by never forgetting. Mr. Speaker, we salute Army Air Forces 2nd Lieutenant John Donald Mumford, and all the men and women who have given their lives protecting the freedoms we so dearly cherish. God bless our troops, and God bless America.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to 24 million Americans losing their health insurance, including 60,000 residents in my home of Pinellas County, Florida. Florida is the number one State with Affordable Care Act enrollments--number one. We stand to lose the most with this repeal. But what we are debating this week is far worse than just a repeal. It is how the new bill treats the least among us. Medicaid, which the poor and disabled depend on, would be devastated, leaving an estimated 3.5 million children and 720,000 disabled Americans without care. There are a lot of people here today in the Nation's Capital in wheelchairs, trying to make this point to all of us. What could be more cruel than taking away health care for all of them? This is a misguided proposal. We must work together to improve health care, bring down costs, expand access, and protect the most vulnerable in our society. Mr. Speaker, people's lives are on the line with this vote tomorrow. Let's do the right thing. Reject this bill.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the courageous men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, located in Florida's 13th District, and a brave St. Petersburg resident, Andrew Dillman. Last week, amid high winds and rough seas, the U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, led by its Commander, Captain Holly Najarian and Deputy Commander Randall Brown, responded to multiple search-and-rescue calls. Within a 12-hour timespan, they assisted 18 individuals in distress, seven of which were pulled from the water. Pinellas County is a peninsula, on the peninsula of Florida. As such, we are fortunate to have three major Coast Guard Commands, Sector St. Petersburg, Station Sand Key, and Air Station Clearwater, that patrol our waters every day. The work they do is indispensable, and to those seven people pulled from the water last week, it was the difference between life and death. I salute the Coast Guard for their service, protecting our people, property, and national security along our coastline. And I will fight for them, providing the resources needed to carry out their critical mission. Their budget should be strengthened, not depleted or diminished. Sadly, last week we were also reminded of the importance of the U.S. Coast Guard through tragedy. One of my constituents, Andrew Dillman, a brave young man and crewman for a local boat charter company, perished in the turbulent waters off Shell Key attempting to rescue a college student under his care. A powerful rip current overtook Andrew and Chinese student Jie Luo. I offer my deepest condolences to their families, and our prayers are with their loved ones during this most difficult time. Mr. Speaker, putting service before self is a hallmark of the U.S. Coast Guard, and Mr. Dillman exhibited that same spirit with his actions. This willingness to sacrifice represents the best of who we are as human beings. We give thanks for their courage, may it inspire us to always be our brother's keeper. I am humbled to have this opportunity to honor the service of our U.S. Coast Guard and the life of Mr. Andrew Dillman. May he rest in eternal peace.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of strengthening the Affordable Care Act. Last Saturday, we held a townhall meeting in my home of St. Petersburg, Florida. Over 550 Pinellas County residents showed up, and the message was overwhelming: Work together, fix health care, don't destroy it, put people above politics. The Republican bill unveiled this week would drive up healthcare costs, strip away important protections, and leave millions without coverage. It is wrong for senior citizens. It is wrong for women. It is wrong for the poor and the disabled. We are judged by how we treat the least among us.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an innovative effort in my hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida that's empowering the community and changing lives. Looking for new solutions to the chronic problem of poverty in the African American community, and spearheaded by local activist Gypsy Gallardo, a partnership between the Pinellas County Urban League, the City of St. Petersburg, and over 100 grassroots community organizations, known as the 2020 Plan, is already showing results. The goal is simple and direct--reduce poverty by 30 percent in the South St. Petersburg community by 2020. The Plan, focused on providing a hand-up, not just a hand-out, is holistic. It connects all aspects of society; government, the business community, the non-profit sector, and concerned citizens, focusing on investment in economically distressed areas to generate jobs and revenue, career training and education to reduce barriers to employment, and providing the necessary social services to strengthen the family unit. Since its inception two years ago, the Plan and its partners have raised $2.2 million through a combination of grants, private investment, and donations. If the most recent Census data is indicative, The Plan is having a real impact. In 2015, the poverty rate in this community dropped by 8.5 percent. That's compared to a 1.7 percent decline in Florida and a 1.6 percent decline nationally over the same period. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this effort, and couldn't be more proud of my hometown. The 2020 Plan underscores the power of community coming together to care for each other. It is inspiring, and holds promise as a model for communities across the country. I salute their leadership, and look forward to our working together in the years ahead to reach our goal.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an innovative effort in my hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida. Known as the 2020 Plan, its goal is simple: to reduce poverty by 30 percent in south St. Petersburg by 2020. The plan connects all aspects of society to promote investment, create jobs, and support families, and it is working. In 2015 alone, the poverty rate in the community dropped by 8.5 percent, compared to 1.6 percent nationally. This effort is truly inspiring. I salute the leadership of Gypsy Gallardo; the Pinellas County Urban League and its president Watson Haynes, my brother; the city of St. Petersburg; and over 100 grassroots community organizations that are working together to reduce poverty in this historically underserved community. Thank you and God bless you.