Charlie Crist

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and extend my congratulations to Lambda Theta Phi on their 2022 National Convention, and I commend them on their decision to host this year's convention in the city of Tampa, which is just across the Bay from my home district of Pinellas County in the great state of Florida. Since its founding in 1975, Lambda Theta Phi has undertaken many laudable initiatives, such as fundraising for victims of natural disasters and helping those struggling with homelessness get back on their feet. In doing so, they have demonstrated their enduring commitment to the lofty ideals laid out by the Fraternal Fathers, Dr. Cayetano Socarras and Dr. Jose Quiles, including academic excellence, service, leadership, and Latino unity. As a lifelong Florida resident, former Governor, and proud Representative of Florida's 13th Congressional District, I have seen the power of these ideals in action. From their close partnership with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, to the dozens of Lambda Theta Phi brothers in Washington, Tallahassee, and across Florida working tirelessly for a better future, Lambda Theta Phi brothers truly represent the best of our communities. It is with great pleasure that I congratulate this historic organization on their continued national engagement through this convention, and extend my best wishes to them in all their future endeavors. Finally, I echo the chant that has united Latino brothers in fraternity and a shared mission for almost 50 years--Lambda Theta Phi, Lambda 'till the day we die.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous accomplishments of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County. For 75 years, this organization has dedicated itself to the betterment of Pinellas County's future, which lies in the hands of our community's children. The Juvenile Welfare Board works with our county's children from an early age to ensure that both they, and their parents, caregivers, and family members receive a solid foundation on which to build their education. The Board's School Readiness program prepares children for their critical kindergarten education, which is crucial for their future success in the classroom. The JWB supports our county's youth throughout their education, with the programs they fund driving them to meet not only important developmental milestones but promoting behaviors and attitudes necessary for learning and engagement. Beyond the classroom, the JWB works tirelessly to strengthen the communities from which our future leaders grow. Focusing on the mental health of our children is one of the Board's primary goals, making sure any type of mental illness is diagnosed and treated before it becomes an impediment for their future success. They also work to stop preventable deaths within the county, combating unsafe sleep practices for infants, child drowning, and head trauma, so that no family must deal with the tremendous loss of a child. The JWB's mission also includes providing relief for the families of Pinellas County when they need it. From rental and food assistance, eviction prevention services, and helping with affordable childcare, the JWB ensures that any family that needs a helping hand is given one. The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County is a powerful example of the power we can have on our communities if we simply dare to try. Their efforts deserve veneration in this Congress, not only in appreciation of their efforts, but as an example of the power of community.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I am honored to congratulate the students, teachers, and alumni of my home district's own Pinellas Park High School for winning the 2021 Congressional App Challenge for Florida's 13th Congressional District. This will be Pinellas Park High School's third winning submission to the Congressional App Challenge in only five years--the most for any school in Florida's 13th District. Since our first Congressional App Challenge in 2017, the students of the Pinellas Park High School STEM Club have submitted highly original and technically sophisticated apps addressing the needs of the culturally-diverse communities I'm honored to represent. Helmed by their dedicated STEM teacher, Lafrance ``Joe'' Clark, this club has proven time and again the power of hands-on STEM instruction, collaboration, and teamwork. Over the past five years, the winning teams of Pinellas Park High School have created apps that address a host of issues facing our community. From large challenges like those confronting Pinellas Veterans transitioning to civilian life, to smaller but still important ones like the lack of accessible information on teen skincare, these students have used technology to tackle the tough problems they see in the world around them. This year's winning submission, Healthy Minds, is no exception--providing a platform for teens experiencing mental health challenges to access health providers, resources, and expert information. As the Representative for Florida's 13th Congressional District, I want to congratulate our 2021 Congressional App Challenge winners-- Trudy Kwok, Jenna Nguyen, Gabriel Moreno, and Rashonda Fayson. Under the leadership of the excellent Mr. Joe Clark, they are doing their STEM club, school, and community proud.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the passing of Winter the Dolphin, in celebration of her extraordinary life, and in honor of her home and family at Clearwater Marine Aquarium in my district. After being rescued from a crab trap in December 2005, two-month-old Winter lost her tail and had to adapt to life without it. But Winter didn't just survive. She thrived. And with a new prosthetic tail, her resilience inspired millions around the world-- including many wounded and disabled veterans. Winter's story became the inspiration for the movies Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2. And over her life, Winter provided hope to all who met her, and brought awareness to the plight of marine mammals. Winter's legacy is one of perseverance, courage, and environmental stewardship.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Deutch for yielding. In recent years, the living conditions for the Cuban people have deteriorated rapidly. Shortages of basic goods like food, medicine, even hygienic products like diapers, have become the norm. Socialism and communism have truly failed. The economy has collapsed and in order to maintain power, leaders have only tightened their stranglehold on the people. The Cuban people have responded. This past summer we witnessed history. Cubans from all walks of life peacefully took to the streets demanding reform and freedom. They were met with violence. Since then, demonstrators have been rounded up, and show trials, arbitrary detentions, and crackdowns on thought and speech have followed. Activists are still missing and have not been seen for months. Our hearts are with the Cuban exile community, nearly 1.6 million in Florida alone, including many second- and third-generation Floridians. They call America home because they cannot call Cuba home due to the violent, Communist dictatorship. This resolution is an important statement by the people's House that we will not stand by while Cubans suffer and die. And we will lead the international community in holding the Communist regime accountable. Please vote ``yes.''

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman and the gentlewoman from California for her leadership. Access to safe and legal abortion is about trust--trust in those seeking reproductive care, trust that they will know what is best for their bodies and their families, and trust in them to make a choice that only they can make about their own future. What we are seeing in Texas and in the Supreme Court is what happens when government wants to make the choice for you, and I am hearing from Floridians who are terrified that the Governor of Florida wants to bring Texas-style tyranny to the Sunshine State. Not on our watch. Vote ``yes'' on the Women's Health Protection Act.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Cuban people in their fight for freedom under the Communist dictatorship. Over the past few years, the situation on the island has rapidly deteriorated with limited access to essentials like food, medicine, clean water, and electricity. When the people rose up in record numbers to oppose the regime, they were attacked, brutalized, and, in some cases, disappeared. We stand with the Cuban people and support their mission. That is why I am encouraging the President to provide direct aid like food, medicine, diapers, internet, and vaccines directly to the Cuban people and to stop arms shipments from Venezuela and Russia that are being used against the Cuban people. Lead the free world in support of the demonstrators. We expect democratic nations to stands for democracy. My prayers are with all the Cubans, including those in my home State of Florida, whose loved ones are on the island.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding contributions of Robert J. ``Bob'' Fine, Jr., Headmaster of Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, Florida. Mr. Fine is retiring from Admiral Farragut Academy after more than 30 years of service as an educator, administrator, coach, and leader in our local community. He first joined the school as a math teacher in 1989 and has served as Headmaster for more than two decades, beginning in 1998. Mr. Fine is admired and beloved by hundreds of Farragut families and leaves an extraordinary legacy in the K-12 school's history. Under his exceptional leadership, the unique naval preparatory mission of Admiral Farragut Academy has endured since 1933, inspiring young leaders in military and civilian service. Under his tenure, the school also became co-educational and expanded to create a lower school for young children. Mr. Fine is a pillar in the 13th Congressional District of Florida, having served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the St. Petersburg College Board of Trustees (where he served as Vice Chairman and Chairman), St. Petersburg College Foundation Board of Directors, Bayfront Medical Center Board of Directors, Florida Council of Independent Schools, Florida High School Athletic Association, and the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize the exemplary accomplishments in education and community service by Mr. Bob Fine before the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendment, based on the bipartisan Documents for Continued Safety Act that I introduced with Resident Commissioner Gonzalez-Colon of Puerto Rico. This amendment would allow STOP grants from the Department of Justice to be used to replace vital documents for survivors of domestic violence, free of cost. Some survivors grab all they can when they flee, leaving vital documents behind. Other didn't have access to their vital docs. Rebuilding can be tough, but our amendment will help survivors turn the page and write a new chapter, on their terms, safe and free.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Bipartisan Background Checks Act. I also rise for my constituent, Mohammed Haitham. Mo was a young sailor who followed his mother's footsteps into the Navy, with the dream of becoming a pilot. When a Saudi terrorist started shooting, Mo sacrificed himself to protect others. That is who he was. Service, selflessness, sacrifice, Mo represented the very best in all of us. The great State of Florida is proud of him and proud to call him one of our own. The attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola killed three young sailors and wounded eight more. The terrorist bought the gun legally, using a hunting license to get it. Al-Qaida and ISIS know about this loophole, and until we close it, the American people will remain vulnerable. That is why my bipartisan bill to close the Pensacola loophole has the support of the Brady Campaign, the Giffords, Major County Sheriffs, and the Fraternal Order of Police. I look forward to working with the chairman and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this bill.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, due to an unforeseen recorded vote, I was unable to leave a previously scheduled engagement. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 56.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise to address an amendment that I have placed in the bill, and I want to thank the chairman for his grace in allowing that. It talks about addressing racial and ethnic impacts of legislation that we pass here. America is known for the words at the United States Supreme Court: ``Equal justice under the law.'' Equal justice. We struggle in our country with equality. Why? The color of somebody's skin? Their ethnic background? Who they might love? I think it is important to recognize that above me are the words: ``E pluribus unum,'' ``Out of many, one.'' We are all children of God. If we so choose, we can bring people together. We can start right here, and we can begin right now. We need to remember the words kindness, respect, decency, compassion, empathy. In other words, embrace the golden rule. I wear these yellow wrist bands on my hands every day, and they say: Practice the golden rule every day. Do unto others as you would have done unto you. That is what I am attempting in this amendment. God bless.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life's work of a very honorable civil servant who has given so much to Pinellas County and the City of Clearwater over his long, accomplished, and selfless career. George Cretekos has devoted his life to public service, over 5 decades of unwavering commitment to his fellow Floridians, exemplified by deep community involvement, civility, and practical commonsense decisionmaking. George is a Republican and is my dear friend. George got his start working for St. Petersburg Congressman Bill Cramer. Upon Mr. Cramer's retirement, he began an extraordinary 35-year run with Representative Cramer's successor, Congressman Bill Young. George served on his Washington, D.C., staff and was best known throughout the county as Congressman Young's longtime district director. In 2007, he made the jump to elected office himself, joining the Clearwater City Council. George served on the council for 5 years before rising to the mayor's office in 2012. At city hall, Mayor Cretekos governed Clearwater with unfaltering professionalism, shepherding major initiatives such as the $60-plus million Imagine Clearwater downtown waterfront restoration project. In addition to his mayoral role, he served as the president of the Barrier Islands Government Council and the Pinellas County Mayors' Council. Throughout his public career, he was first to listen, quick to find compromise, and, foremost, committed to the well-being of his constituents. I have known George for many, many years. He has always gone out of his way to look out for ways in our community to help out, large and small. He served on the OneBlood Tampa Bay area board, donating over 60 gallons of blood during his lifetime. He continues to be a volunteer courier for the National Bone Marrow Donor Program and remains very involved with the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater, Florida. He was awarded numerous accolades for his contributions, notably from the Salvation Army as well as the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. George was an elected official, but he was never afraid to roll up his sleeves and quietly do the hard work behind the scenes. He has volunteered to build homes for Habitat for Humanity. He helped with the Clearwater Jazz Festival. He serves dinners for the needy. He has worked 12-plus-hour shifts for days on end as a Pinellas County poll worker. Mr. Speaker, please join me, once again, in commemorating the career of Mayor George Cretekos--my fellow Greek, by the way--recognizing his outstanding service and dedication to our community. He has served admirably, with humility. His leadership and character distinguish him as a gold standard for public service. His good works will be remembered for decades to come.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, we need a COVID relief package, and we need it now. America is the richest country in the world. In fact, America is the richest country in history. The CARES Act and the Fed pumped trillions of dollars into the economy this spring all while interest rates sank to historic lows. Our economic might was built for this moment--for this emergency. We can afford to meet the needs of our people and our economy in this pandemic. The economists, in fact, are urgently telling us that the problems of today vastly outweigh the potential debt problems of tomorrow. This is especially true if inaction means laying off firefighters and people losing their homes. We know we can help our people, and experts agree we should help our people. But all my constituents know is that that has not happened. We have a sacred duty to get it done.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I am honored to express my gratitude to the brave men and women of the United States Coast Guard stationed at Coast Guard Sector Saint Petersburg, and all the units within Pinellas County. They consistently perform with honor, respect, and devotion to duty throughout Florida, our nation, and among our international maritime community; even in times of crisis, uncertainty, and emerging threats. Between fiscal years 2019 and 2020 alone, Sector St. Petersburg ran over 1400 Search and Rescue cases, the third highest across the nation. More importantly, they saved 320 and assisted 1858 lives. In addition, they helped keep our waterways beautiful and clean by conducting 726 Marine Environmental Protection cases. To keep the Marine Transportation System moving safely and efficiently, often described as the lifeblood or our economy, with $5.4 trillion in annual impact, they expertly conducted 294 Marine Safety cases. And, among the many other accomplishments, Sector St. Pete helped maintain our security by leading 173 Security missions, and 761 Law enforcement missions. If that body of work was not impressive enough, I am particularly proud of how they've managed to step up to the plate in the face of adversity. From our ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters and hurricanes, or an uncertain budgetary environment--they continue to live up to their motto of ``Semper Paratus''--Always Ready.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Helen Levine, the Regional Vice Chancellor for External Affairs at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP), for her 14 years of service to the USF system and for being a remarkable and powerful force for good in the Pinellas community. During a tenure that spanned multiple campus administrations, Dr. Levine used her position to fight for the advancement of higher education. From her work championing the construction of the historic Kate Tiedemann College of Business to her advocacy on behalf of the internationally recognized La Florida Project, which tells the story of Spanish Florida, Dr. Levine has changed many lives for the better. She is someone who has long lived up to the ideals of bipartisanship and civility, working across the aisle with city councils, the state legislature, and Congress to secure funds for research, scholarship, and a more equitable University of South Florida St. Petersburg. Madam Speaker, to speak for just one minute on the full legacy of Dr. Levine is impossible. She is a groundbreaking leader, a champion for education, and a role model for all who seek to improve the lives of others in their community. As she retires from her senior position at USFSP, it is my privilege to wish her the best in all her future endeavors both personally and as a valued member of our community.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chairwoman Waters for promoting access to capital for minority borrowers. Since the murder of George Floyd, our Nation has embarked on a true, broad-based push to defeat institutional racism. America is coming to realize that racism did not end with emancipation, and it did not end with civil rights. It is still very much with us all today. So, as we commit ourselves to Black Lives Matter, we need to also ensure Black communities matter, Black homeownership matters, Black wealth matters, and Black businesses matter. My hometown of south St. Petersburg, Florida, is blessed by a large and vibrant Black community where, despite their strength, pride, character, and entrepreneurial spirit, we are still working to overcome institutional racism. Underinvestment in the community, food deserts, and redlining exist. This past weekend, I witnessed the unveiling of the Black Lives Matter mural in front of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum. It is right near one of my favorite restaurants on the south side, Chief's Creole Cafe. While the art moved me beyond words, reality quickly set in. The owners of Chief's Creole, the Brayboys, were told by their bank that they couldn't get a PPP loan, not because they didn't qualify, but because the big banks are leaving behind the smallest businesses, businesses overrepresented by Black, women, and veteran owners. If the banks aren't making PPP loans to Black-owned businesses when they don't have skin in the game, how can we trust them to do the right thing when it is their own money at risk? That is why the Community Reinvestment Act is so vitally important. That is why we need it to work for the communities it was actually designed to serve. The OCC got it wrong. Vote ``yes'' to repeal the rule.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I add my voice in support of the CARES Act. This sweeping, bipartisan legislation is the work of a Congress that soberly understands the gravity of the emergency facing our nation. It is only because Congress has set aside partisanship and disagreements that I am able to say, help, my friends, is on the way. For the 3.3 million who filed for unemployment last week and the millions more who have not yet been able to navigate states' overwhelmed unemployment servers, this new law will provide an additional $600 per week in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. I fought for this $15 per hour living wage to give a hand to the servers, bartenders, and other tipped employees that are the backbone of Florida's tourism and services sector. The law provides a $1200 check to all Americans, including those on Social Security, who make less than $75,000. It includes a $100 billion ``Marshall Plan'' for our hospitals and public health system and $150 billion for states and tribes. It provides over $350 billion for small businesses on Main Street in grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits so they can make payroll and pay monthly bills to keep their businesses afloat. The new law provides 6 months relief for federal student loan payments, blocks evictions for 150 days, blocks foreclosures for 60 days, and offers mortgage forbearance for up to 6 months--all penalty- free. No interest, fees, or negative information on your credit report. This bill is neither perfect nor the last word. As this crisis unfolds and America rises to face unthinkable challenges, so too must their Representatives in Congress. We need more masks, protective equipment, and ventilators. And we need testing everywhere. We need more help for our cities like St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, and Pinellas Park. We need to do more for essential employees--the grocery store checkers, truck drivers, farmers, sanitation workers, pharmacists, cooks, home care workers, and delivery workers that are enabling the rest of us to shelter- in-place and fight the spread. They deserve more than our thanks. They deserve child care, overtime, and hazard pay. Finally, but of the highest priority, we need to do all we can for doctors, nurses, and other frontline healthcare workers--those risking it all to save lives. They are the true heroes of this pandemic. Angels, not with wings but with masks and protective gowns. You have our undying gratitude. Never in any of our lifetimes has America stared down an enemy so insidious and so devastating. But we will answer this call of history with courage and resolve. We must. Be safe. Stay healthy. Stay home. And God bless. We will get through this. We're all in this together.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 6074, Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, and commend my fellow members of the Appropriations Committee, particularly the Gentlewoman from New York (Chairwoman Lowey) and the Gentlewoman from Texas (Ranking Member Granger) for their leadership. The robust, $8.3 billion package includes vital funding for research, local health departments, supplies, preparedness, affordable vaccines, and support for small businesses. I was particularly proud to support including $500 million to cover telehealth services for Medicare patients. This provision will reduce the number of non-urgent cases who have to go to emergency rooms and doctors' offices, a win for seniors, health care workers, and the general public. The resounding, bipartisan vote for the emergency funding shows that the People's House is taking this outbreak seriously. We are committed to fully exercising Congress' Constitutional Power of the Purse in support of the fight against this disease.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of Social Security and Medicare, programs that literally save the lives of millions of Americans every day and serve nearly 200,000 veterans, children, seniors, and persons with disabilities in my district, and over 69 million across the country. I was deeply disappointed this week to see that the President's budget included steep cuts to these life- sustaining programs. Cutting $35 billion from Social Security and $500 billion from Medicare, not only puts Pinellas families and their loved ones at risk of losing their healthcare and benefits but also places a huge undue burden on some of the most vulnerable in our communities. We should be lending a helping hand to those in need, not turning them away. These cuts and broken promises will hurt people. And we cannot stand idly by. Let's protect Social Security and Medicare, now and always.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Master Captain William Ward, of Florida, who passed away December 13, 2019 at the age of 57. William was licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a Merchant Marine Officer in 1991. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida-College of Business in Accounting in 1994, and attained his Juris Doctor degree in 2013, from Barry University College of Law. Mr. Ward was the President and C.E.O. of Captains Finest Seafood from 1994 to 2009, served on the Gulf Fisherman's Association board of directors since 2004, was the Vice President of Seafood Harvesters of America, and a board member with the Gulf Coast Leadership Conference. In addition, Mr. Ward was a member director of Fish for America, USA, representing and educating the millions of seafood consumers in the United States. His leadership and efforts earned him the title of Florida Businessman of the Year in 2001 and in 2004 as the National Business Council Chairman. Mr. Ward advocated for sensible fisheries policy, including passage of the Port State Measures Agreement, which helped curb unregulated, unreported and illegal fishing. Additionally, Mr. Ward assisted in drafting legislation, advocating on its behalf, and consulting with state and federal governmental agencies in the development and implementation of protectionary natural resource regulations and rules. William also served as an expert consultant after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. He worked extensively on the passage of the Restore Act which provided the primary source of funding for the economic and ecological recovery of the Gulf States. Mr. Ward represented the State of Florida as a two-time Gubernatorial Appointee to the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission from 1999 to 2003. Further, William has served on numerous state and federal natural resources advisory panels, as well as two NOAA federal appointments serving on the advisory committees of the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council. Later in life, William worked as an attorney on several successfully litigated state and federal court cases during his time as managing partner of Ward Consulting Partners, LLC, and the William Ward Law Group, PLLC. He also testified as an expert witness on marine fisheries cases in federal court, one of which prevailed in the U.S. Supreme Court. During his career, William has consulted or worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Washington D.C., NOAA, Southeast Headquarters, NOAA, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Institute of Oceanography, University of South Florida-College of Marine Science, University of Miami-Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Regional Coast Guard Headquarters in New Orleans, Miami, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. William Ward was well respected and cherished on Capitol Hill, among his peers on the water, in the legal community and in the environmental community. He was a great friend and compassionate advocate who worked tirelessly to protect the people and waters he loved. Thanks to his contributions and advocacy, our coastal environment and fisheries are more sustainable than before.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of our ailing fellow Americans in Puerto Rico as they recover from the devastating earthquakes that hit the island this past month. For weeks, we have heard horror stories from my constituents in the Puerto Rican communities about what they are seeing and hearing from their friends and families on the island: homes reduced to rubble; families living in flooded camps; children sleeping on the streets; and the earthquakes keep coming, one as recently as 2 days ago. This is an ongoing crisis that demands an immediate and robust response. But right now, we are seeing critical aid delayed. We in Florida know that, when we politicize disaster relief, we put people's lives at stake. The House passed a supplemental relief bill Friday. Now it is time for the Senate to act for our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in commemorating the memory of Dr. Earl Lennard for his upstanding service as the Superintendent for Hillsborough County Schools and Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections. Dr. Lennard was born on March 22, 1942 in Tampa, Florida where he grew up with nine brothers and sisters. He was a part of the first graduating class of the University of South Florida, earning his bachelor's degree in education in 1963. Dr. Lennard began his teaching career at Ruskin Elementary School, a temporary position that evolved into a profession and lifelong passion. In 1996, Dr. Lennard was named Superintendent of Hillsborough County Schools, where he established magnet schools and the school choice program, allowing for students to attend schools that fit their needs best. Additionally, he oversaw the openings of countless schools throughout the district to accommodate for the rapid population growth in my home of Tampa Bay. In 2009, I had the honor as Florida's Governor to appoint Dr. Lennard to serve as Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections. Dr. Lennard's civic involvement and commitment to the Tampa Bay community made my choice clear. As Supervisor of Elections, Dr. Lennard worked tirelessly to ensure every citizen had equal access to the ballot box. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Lennard worked to benefit his community by serving as a Sunday school teacher at Riverview United Methodist Church, participating in the Brandon Community Foundation, and helping establish the Sandy & George Simmons Family Boys & Girls Club in Riverview. Though he is no longer with us, the impact of Dr. Lennard, both in Hillsborough and throughout Tampa Bay, will be felt for years to come through his dedication to improving academic opportunities for students throughout Tampa Bay. Madam Speaker, please join me once again to commemorate Dr. Earl Lennard for his service and dedication to his community. His leadership and character distinguish him as a true public servant.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. Pinellas County residents, my bosses, are fed up with the high cost of prescription drugs. One young constituent, Taylor McKenny, said it best: ``You shouldn't have to choose between paying rent or paying for life.'' You see, Taylor has type 1 diabetes, and when the insurance ran out, Taylor's family had to pay $120 just for a 3-day supply of insulin, medicine she has to take every day simply to stay alive. A lifesaving drug shouldn't have a poisonous list price. I cosponsored H.R. 3 so that Taylor can afford her insulin and nearly 600,000 of my constituents can get cheaper drugs. I also cosponsored the Doggett amendment because everyone, those with or without insurance, should be protected. Today's choice is quite simple: Do you stand for the people or do you stand for big pharmaceutical companies? I stand for the people. Lower drug costs now.

Mr. CRIST

Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, state courts usually appoint a guardian for an individual that a judge has determined lacks the capacity to make important decisions regarding their life or property. When state courts appoint guardians, older adults often forfeit some or all of their decision-making powers, including the right to sign contracts, vote, marry or divorce, buy or sell real estate, decide where to live, or make basic decisions about their healthcare. In recent years, state-based guardianship programs, such as the one in Florida, have been exposed as lacking the necessary controls to prevent seniors from being exploited and defrauded by bad actors preying on these seniors. News reports have detailed shocking cases of people being fleeced in my district, and across the country. I am committed to putting a stop to this abuse. One step we can take at the federal level today to help correct an aspect of this problem is addressed through this legislation. Under current law, when a guardian has a ward removed from their care by a court for cause, that information is not necessarily transmitted to the Social Security Administration. In some cases, guardians removed for cause may still be allowed to represent the ward's interests with the Social Security Administration, and therefore be receiving and administering their federal benefits in perpetuity. Today, I, along with my distinguished colleagues, the gentlemen from Florida (Mr. Soto and Mr. Bilirakis), are introducing the ``Senior Guardianship Social Security Protection Act.'' Under this bipartisan bill, state courts would be required to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) when a guardian has their adult ward removed for cause. SSA would then remove the former guardian as the ward's representative payee, closing a point of vulnerability for the ward. By directing open lines of communication between state courts and SSA, we can help better protect our seniors from predatory actors.