Neal Dunn

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of a special member of my community, Ms. Elana Thomas, who went to be with her Savior on March 1, 2021. Elana was born May 7, 1948, in the small rural community of Sneads, Florida. Surrounded by pine forests and agricultural land, Sneads and greater Jackson County are home to hard-working men and women, many of great faith and fortitude. Elana was no exception. Her life was not marked by monetary wealth or great business achievements, but her impact within her community was vast. She was not an elected official, but she was a leader to those who knew her. She was a trusted counselor and friend to many, a sounding board, and a valued advisor. She will be sorely missed, but those who knew her in life are assured she is in a much better place. Her faith in God was the bedrock she built her life upon. Elana was a devoted church member of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church for more than 30 years, often serving as a lay speaker or leading songs during services. She taught teens during Sunday School and was the president of the church's ushers' ministry. She had a comprehensive knowledge of the Bible, which she read and studied every day. She would often quote scripture to folks in crisis, providing them with relatable passages that might help them get through the period of turmoil they were experiencing. She counseled those in distress, providing loving and kind advice and direction to those who sought it from her. She ministered with members of her church to inmates at nearby Apalachee Correctional Institution, volunteering her time and treasure to help men who had strayed from the path regain their footing for an eventual successful restoration back to their communities. She performed local missionary work, helping those less fortunate with a helping hand, a kind word, and a shoulder to lean upon. When her mother fell ill, she diligently visited her every day she was able, in the assisted living facility, even after her own health made it difficult to do so. When her mother passed away, it was Elana who gave the eulogy, speaking eloquently and from the heart about her mother to the assembled family and friends who came to mourn her passing. Elana never let her health issues deter her from the service she was called to do. Madam Speaker, allow me this moment to express condolences to Elana's family, friends, and colleagues. Though her presence will be sorely missed by many, I pray we may find solace in remembering her legacy for years to come. On March 13, 2021, family and friends traveled from far and near to celebrate her life and her church family was in attendance in great numbers. In the words of Bishop Adrian Abner of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church, ``Elana lived a life of devotion to those less fortunate. She was a woman of great faith and prayer and a treasured member of this church and our community. She touched many with her kindness in word and deed.'' She leaves treasured memories with one son, Eddie D. Lovett, II and wife Susan of Raleigh, North Carolina; one brother, Jimmy Walker of Oxon Hill, Maryland; two grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. I join the entire community in honoring Elana Thomas for her dedicated life of service to others.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act, to get our kids out from behind screens and back in the classroom.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of Colonel (Doctor) (Retired) David G. McLeod, who passed away on December 18, 2020. I know the thoughts of many thousands of military medical officers, protegees, surgical colleagues, and patients are with the McLeod family, especially his wife of 55 years, Claudia, their children, David Jr. and Ayvette Sailer, and treasured grandchildren. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Doctor McLeod joined the U.S. Army, completed medical school and began what would become a five- decade storied career in Army Medicine. Drawn to service in direct support of troops in combat, Doctor McLeod delayed his surgical training to serve a distinguished combat tour in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division. Following his urology residency, he went on to serve as Program Director, Chief of Urologic Oncology, and Chief of Urology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. In 1992, Colonel McLeod established the Center for Prostate Disease Research (CPDR) at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD. At its helm until his retirement from the Army in 2016, Dr. McLeod led CPDR's growth to ultimately become one of the world's finest, most influential prostate patient care and research centers, home to one of the largest and most comprehensive prostate cancer databases and tissue repositories in the country. For his part, Dr. McLeod would become internationally renowned for CPDR's groundbreaking and pioneering work that combined molecular biology and clinical research. He rose in academia to serve concurrently as a Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and a Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery (Urology) at Georgetown University Medical Center. He also earned his Juris Doctor from Northern Virginia Law School. His published work appeared in major medical journals, including Urology, the Journal of Urology, the Journal of Urologic Oncology, and the Journal of Cancer. His contributions included co-authoring multiple chapters and publications on urologic oncology, educating his students and advancing the field of research simultaneously. He was a member of numerous professional societies and served as President of the American Foundation of Urologic Disease (now known as the American Urological Association Foundation) and past President of the Mid-Atlantic Section of the American Urologic Association. He was also a member of The Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia and the D.C. Bar. After more than 50 years in uniformed service to our Nation, having personally cared for senior leaders within the highest branches of government with the same commitment and dedication as that given to active duty service members, foreign heads of state, veterans and their family members, Dr. McLeod was revered as an exceptional surgeon, urologic oncologist and patient advocate. To the thousands of physicians, surgeons, scientists and other healthcare providers who passed through the halls of Walter Reed during his tenure (myself included), and for civilian surgeons, urologists and oncologists throughout the nation and around the globe, David McLeod was revered as an extraordinary mentor and clinical pioneer. He was tough and had zero tolerance for nonsense; after all, you can take a man out of the Marines, but you can't take the Marine out of the man. However, despite the rough exterior, Dr. McLeod was adored and respected by everyone. Indeed, the trajectory of current prostate cancer detection, prevention, treatment and care rest on the shoulders of this giant in the field. Madam Speaker, Colonel (Doctor) (Retired) David G. McLeod is very clearly one of the giants of Army Medicine, one whose contributions to both military medicine and global health will be felt for years to come, and whose legacy will stand the test of time. To say it was a privilege working beside this man would be an understatement. I am honored to recognize his service, and on behalf of the 2nd District of Florida and all those who have known this phenomenal American, I wish to express my deepest thanks to David McLeod for his commendable years of service and dedication.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, I was unable to travel to Washington, D.C. on December 28 due to illness. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 253.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of William Eppes Proctor, who sadly passed away on December 6, 2020. William was a Tallahassee native and a Senior at Florida State University pursuing a degree in Risk Management and Insurance. William was loved by everyone he interacted with and made certain that he left a positive mark on each community he touched. William found his second family with the brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon, where he excelled in one of the fraternity's main staples-- virtue. William's high moral standards and principles enabled him to serve in many different departments of his university--including his fraternity, the Florida State Student Foundation, and Garnet & Gold Key. William will continue to serve as an inspiration and a light to all. My thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with William's mother, Lesley; his father, Robert; his sister, Grace; and his friends. Though not here with us physically, his laughter, heart, spirit, and memory will live on forever--may he rest in peace.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of the Sneads High School Volleyball program in Sneads, Florida. They recently set a new Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) record by winning their eighth straight state championship. This accomplishment was achieved through hard work and excellence. This dedicated team was made up of the following Sneads High School students: Caleigh Davis, Brooke A. Smith, Jada Coleman, Lily Glover, Kiara Garrett, Sister Arnold, Jade Fitzsimmons, Chloe King, Katelyn Chumly, Taylor-Reese Howell, Janiyah Jones, Aaliyah Baker, Brooke R. Smith, Gabby Bellamy, and Ella Sprouse. The Sneads High School Volleyball program is fortunate to have the leadership of their current head coach Heather Edge and former head coach Sheila Roberts. Coach Roberts started this legacy with five consecutive state championships followed by Coach Edge raking in three more consecutive championships to break the state record for a total of eight consecutive state championship wins. Congratulations to the Sneads High School Lady Pirates on this outstanding accomplishment. I know that they make their hometown of Sneads and the Jackson County School District very proud.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize three exceptional students from Florida's Second Congressional District who will soon earn the esteemed Eagle Scout rank. Corey Phelps and Sean Farnsley, of Port St. Joe, Florida, recently completed their community service projects to meet the requirements for the Eagle Scout rank. Sean's Eagle project was to build a butterfly garden and reflecting area at the Constitution Convention Museum State Park in Port St. Joe. Corey's project was to build a flag deposit box out of steel for the John C. Gainous Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10069. This is the first time in Troop 347's existence that two scouts have become members of the 2020 Gulf Coast Council Eagle Class. It has also been approximately twenty-four years since Port St. Joe has had its last Eagle Scout. But they weren't the only ones making history. Macey Hartman of Chiles High School in Tallahassee, Florida will be a part of the national inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts. During the Halloween weekend, Macey completed her Eagle Scout community service project, where she built four benches along the 1.75- mile Centerville Pedway in Tallahassee. She will join the first wave of young women to achieve the highest scouting rank. These students are making great strides towards bright futures. I commend them for taking on this challenge and for giving back to their communities.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, I was unable to be present for votes during the week of 9/21 and on 9/28 due to a minor medical procedure. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 196; YEA on Roll Call No. 197; YEA on Roll Call No. 198; NAY on Roll Call No. 199; NAY on Roll Call No. 200; YEA on Roll Call No. 201; NAY on Roll Call No. 202; NAY on Roll Call No. 203; NAY on Roll Call No. 204; YEA on Roll Call No. 205; NAY on Roll Call No. 206; NAY on Roll Call No. 207; and YEA on Roll Call No. 208.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in favor of H.R. 6092, the Veteran's Prostate Cancer Research and Treatment Act. This bill will support our Nation's heroes who are diagnosed with prostate cancer. September is recognized as National Prostate Health Month, or Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The timing could not be better to advance the Veteran's Prostate Cancer Research and Treatment Act from the House floor. Prostate cancer is the number one cancer diagnosed at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and this bill will improve the care our veterans receive every step of the way. Whether it be at an early screening, the difficult moment a veteran receives a prostate cancer diagnosis, during treatment, during recovery, or while receiving end of life care, our veterans deserve the best. The VA is already a notable leader in prostate cancer research and the goal of this legislation is to help the agency build on its success. A clearly defined national clinical pathway for the treatment of prostate cancer is needed because 500,000 veterans are being treated for it in the VHA today. 16,000 veterans are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually--nearly 43 each day. The most common cancer diagnosed in the VA health system should be met with the most recent clinical data, national expertise, and state- of-the-art technology. Another element of my bill is the creation of a national prostate cancer registry. Cancer registries are important because they inform research and lead to improved treatment protocol, and thus, outcomes. The creation of a registry supports the goals of the clinical pathway and allows for updates and improvements as researchers learn more about the disease. I thank my colleague Mr. Cunningham for working with me as the democratic lead on this bill. I encourage all of my colleagues to support the Veteran's Prostate Cancer Research and Treatment Act today so that the VA may better support our veterans' health moving forward.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Roe for putting on this opportunity for us to address the American people directly and reassure them that this Operation Warp Speed is truly an amazing accomplishment for our country. Mr. Speaker, if you were born after 1969 you didn't get a chance to celebrate with us on the original moonshot, those heady days of the Apollo landing and all the run-up science to get that done. This is America's new moonshot. This is an amazing program. By leveraging the private sector and all parts of the private sector, as well as all of the agencies and all of government effort, we are making progress on medical science at a rate that has literally never been seen before. Every living Nobel Prize laureate with a Nobel Prize in medicine is cooperating with the government and rushing forward. The science on all these areas is really making a difference and making a difference very quickly. The administration put $10 billion with a B--bravo--in supplemental funding into the Operation Warp Speed and separately another $1.5 billion into developing Shark Tank testing. So we are not only working on vaccines, we are working on testing for the virus, we are working on prevention of the virus, and we are working on therapeutics, that is medicines that are true antivirals. We already have new protocols so that we are improving the treatment. The mortality rate for this disease has plummeted. I mentioned that innovative and creative people are coming out and working on all facets of this disease. I have a story. This is a mask. Every one of you has a mask. This is a different kind of a mask. This is made out of a polyester fiber, and it is impregnated with bionic silver. It is virucidal. It kills the virus. It kills bacteria as well. So when you take your mask off, Mr. Speaker, and you put it down on the table, it sets about sterilizing itself. When I pick it back up, it will be sterile. That is an amazing accomplishment. That happened just this year, just since this started. It is amazing these things can happen. All the science and all the medical experimenters and all the researchers are running flat out. We are pushing new frontiers in medicine. We are doing things that we never thought we would do in my lifetime in medicine. We have broken the mold, and I am so grateful to all the brilliant innovative men and women who are pushing out these frontiers and helping everybody. Medicine will never be the same after this just because of the advances in this time to this threat. We will be treating all of our diseases differently in the future. Before I close I would like to associate myself with the comments Chairman Roe made earlier about the heroism of the medical care people and the healthcare people at all levels, including the ambulance drivers and the police who have to go out and respond to people. It is heroic for them to go out there and do that and continue to work in very difficult and challenging circumstances. But I think what this amounts to is America's shining moment in medicine. I can't think of a better time I have ever seen American medicine respond. It has been a pleasure working with Chairman Roe.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on Friday 7/24 due to a previously scheduled minor medical procedure. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 162, NAY on Roll Call No. 163, YEA on Roll Call No. 164, YEA on Roll Call No. 165, and NAY on Roll Call No. 166.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on Thursday 7/23 due to a previously scheduled minor medical procedure. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 157, NAY on Roll Call No. 158, NAY on Roll Call No. 159, NAY on Roll Call No. 160, and NAY on Roll Call No. 161.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember an outstanding member of the Panama City community, Christ Cordon. Christ passed away last week. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend to me as well as many others. He owned a small business and quietly gave to organizations, individuals, and causes he believed in. He generously contributed to the Children's Advocacy Center, checking on and supporting them after Hurricane Michael. The fact that Christ gave so much without seeking any recognition speaks volumes about his character. His death is a truly huge loss for our community. He was exceptional. He leaves behind a loving wife and a young son. I am grateful for the time that I had with Christ Cordon and for the privilege of calling him my friend. I encourage all of us to think about the impact we have made on our communities, and how we can continue to serve our communities in the future, just as Christ did.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional Air Force leader for his outstanding service. Colonel Brian Laidlaw is the commander of the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall Air Force Base. In 2018, as Hurricane Michael descended on us, Colonel Laidlaw accomplished the evacuation of Tyndall Air Force Base in just 22 hours. His decisive leadership saved over 11,000 airmen, their families, and over $21 billion in Air Force assets. After the storm, Colonel Laidlaw personally forged the ``base of the future'' vision for rebuilding Tyndall to the President of the United States. For his outstanding leadership, the Air Force Association awarded him the Waterman Award for the single most significant contribution to the Air Force during the past year. Colonel Laidlaw reflects the highest standards of leadership and conduct and is a credit to the United States military. I wish him and his family the best of luck as they proceed to their next assignment.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, oftentimes, when both sides of the aisle acknowledge that a bill is not perfect, it ultimately means it is actually quite good. With that said, I do want to highlight some specific concerns that I have with provisions in this bill, both in their direct effects, and also the future precedent that they may set. Historically there is little evidence that direct to consumers stimulus checks have a significant impact on the economy or that they lead to the kind of spending necessary to counteract an economic downturn. The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 (signed February 13, 2008) provided $600 checks to individuals and cost $168 Billion. A study by the Bureau of Labor statistics later showed that, ultimately, nearly 70 percent of recipients either used the money to pay off existing debt, or simply put it into savings. Those are not activities that stimulate the economy, and unsurprisingly that effort failed to stop a four percent contraction in GDP, the loss of over eight million jobs, and the worst overall economic disaster since the great depression. Overall, I believe that this bill will help us to avoid the same fate, but that will be due to other more robust provisions that acknowledge the importance of our small businesses and job creators in the private sector. The incentive and ability for anyone, regardless of their circumstances, to work hard and improve their life is a fundamental tenet of the American dream. It is essential that we do not allow this stimulus payment to serve as a pilot program for a Universal Basic Income, as some have suggested. Furthermore, it is true that this bill will at times create a situation where some people could actually earn more money by filing for unemployment if furloughed than they would by staying in the workforce. We must acknowledge the potential for this to set a damaging precedent. This bill provides robust funding for our nation's hospitals and some needed flexibility in the telehealth space to ensure Americans, particularly seniors, are able to visit with their doctors in the lowest risk setting possible. I was disappointed however in the lack of a specific carve out that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by our rural hospitals, like the many that serve Florida's second district. I was also disappointed that the bill does not provide statutory relief for those who may not have video phone capabilities required to meet reimbursement criteria for telehealth visits. It is my understanding and hope however, that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid services will be able to provide adequate guidance to allow for ``audio only'' visits. I believe that the $9.7 Billion provided to Secretary Sonny Perdue to aid our agriculture industry is a good first start, but ultimately more resources will need to be made available in the near future. Recent volatility in the global trade markets and natural disasters, combined with an already weakened Agriculture economy mean our producers need help now more than ever. It is my hope that we can provide additional relief to our farmers, ranchers, and foresters suffering from this crisis soon. Finally, in an effort to protect the safety of this legislative body, this bill was largely negotiated by a few individuals within our leadership and the Administration. Their work, especially given the fact that they willingly put their own health at risk, is commendable. However, this came at the cost of a lack of input from the vast majority of our constituents and led to the inclusion of funding priorities that should have been debated over the course of the regular appropriations process. Programs like the National Endowment for the Arts, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Kennedy Center total hundreds of millions of dollars in this bill. We must ensure that any future relief package is entirely focused on the Coronavirus relief, and that vital resources are directed in the most effective way possible.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the CARES Act. COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus, has seriously impacted our country, both medically and economically. During this unprecedented time, it is imperative that we not only take proper precautions, but react in an effective manner. This bill is not perfect. It has a very large price tag. However, a crisis of this magnitude requires Congress to act swiftly and decisively. This bill represents a bipartisan compromise that can make this happen. We have single household incomes, seniors on fixed incomes, and small business owners who need relief right now. My constituency is still rebuilding after Hurricane Michael, and I intend to do whatever it takes to get them the help they need right away. This is an excellent opportunity for us all to come together and support our constituents. Please join me in supporting this stimulus package.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding member of my staff who has been selected by the Trump administration to be the oversight counsel for the Department of Homeland Security, Dr. Courtney Veatch. Courtney graduated from the University of North Florida and the Florida State University College of Law in 2015. She has been with my office for 3 years as a legislative assistant and as general counsel. She has been an expert on veterans affairs, healthcare, and tax policy, and she has always served with both grit and grace. Because of her love for the law and for policy, she also served on the campaigns of Senator Marco Rubio and Governor Ron DeSantis. In 2018, I had the honor of swearing her in to the District of Columbia Bar in this very building. We are so very proud of all Courtney has accomplished serving the people of the Second Congressional District of Florida. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Dr. Courtney Veatch and wishing her luck in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 153, the Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act, which is about helping to expand veterans' job and education opportunities in the sciences. I was the proud sponsor of the House version of this bill. The bill directs the National Science Foundation to develop a veterans' outreach plan and publish data on veterans' participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields in its annual ``Indicators'' report. The bill also updates the NSF Noyce Teacher Scholarship program, fellowship programs, and cyber grant programs to include outreach to veterans. I thank Senator Rubio and Senator Klobuchar, for their bipartisan, bicameral support, and Congressman Lamb, a member of the Science Committee, and a Marine Corps veteran himself, for his work on this legislation. And I salute my fellow veterans in the Congress who have joined me in introducing this bill. This is an excellent opportunity for us all to come together and support a meritorious piece of legislation. The very nearly identical piece of legislation passed this body by voice vote 1 year ago. I urge all of my colleagues to support the bill and send it to the President's desk.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jimmy Patronis, Sr., a local legend in Bay County, Florida, where he recently passed away at the age of 88. Mr. Patronis truly lived a life in full, one of family, entrepreneurship, and of service to our community. He served as a captain in the United States Air Force and then moved to Panama City in 1953 to join in the restaurant business with his brother, Johnny Patronis. The brothers purchased Captain Anderson's, which has been in his family's ownership ever since and has become a favorite spot for people who are visiting Panama City. From a very young age, Jimmy had an unwavering desire to serve others and make the world a better place. He had an enormous staff, and he treated all of them like family. He leaves behind the love of his life, Helen, and four sons: Theo, Yonnie, Nick, and the current Florida chief financial officer and friend of mine, Jimmy, Jr. Jimmy Patronis will be sorely missed by many. May he rest in peace.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding member of my staff who is moving on to a career in the defense sector, Danielle Houser. Danielle graduated from UF in 2015 with a degree in international and global studies. She then moved to D.C. to begin her career on Capitol Hill. In January of 2017 she helped open our D.C. office as my executive assistant, later moving into a legislative role and becoming my legislative aide for military and defense affairs. After Hurricane Michael devastated the panhandle, DJ played a key role in ensuring Tyndall Air Force Base and all of our bases had the resources they needed to begin recovery. DJ is a force of nature. She is ambitious, disciplined, hardworking, cheerful, and a joy to work with. She has been an integral part of my office since its inception, and we will miss her greatly. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Danielle Houser for all that she has done for north Florida and our Nation and wish her luck in all her future endeavors.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, the amazing capabilities of our men and women in uniform, combined with decisive action by President Trump, inspired thousands of civilians throughout Iran to take to the streets over the weekend to protest their government. These individuals braved the threat of live fire, teargas, and further damage to show the Ayatollah and his thugs that enough is enough. It is a shame that in sharp contrast, House Democrats last week buckled to the Iranian regime and passed a concurrent War Powers Resolution attempting to tie the President's hands and obstruct his already successful Iranian strategy. Furthermore, the Speaker yesterday sadly attempted to downplay these nationwide protests as just ``students'' upset about the downed airliner. To the protesters in Tehran, Shiraz, and elsewhere: I say the Speaker of this House does not speak for all of us. We do not downplay your courage, and we stand with you.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary three-war veteran, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Daube. Colonel Daube is a highly decorated veteran, having served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, amassing over 5,000 flight-hours between the Navy and the Air Force. He flew the P-51 Mustang, multiple fighter jets, and heavy metal. He even served in the space program. His name is enshrined on the Wall of Honor in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Colonel Daube's record of service is emblematic of why we all revere the Greatest Generation. Now, at 95 years old, he is still the cheerful warrior. He lives in Callaway, Florida, near his son, Dr. Skip Daube, who has been my friend for over 25 years. I was honored to serve them both Thanksgiving dinner at Tyndall Air Force Base this year, and it was a time of great comradery. Mr. Speaker, please join me in saluting a living hero from our father's generation, Colonel Daniel Daube.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pose a simple question to my colleagues: Are we, as a body, subject to the rules in the Constitution? The answer is: Of course we are. However, Speaker Pelosi has chosen to ignore the Constitution and go rogue. Last month, she stood on this very floor and told us how important it is that we impeach the President immediately. Now, outrageously, she claims for herself new powers never contemplated by the Constitution. By not transferring the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate, Speaker Pelosi has claimed for herself the authority to veto any bill passed by this House with no possibility of override. This is a monstrous abuse of her position and an outright attack on the trust of the American people. Clearly, she knows the impeachment process has been a sham all along and will fail in the Senate. I urge the Speaker to do her job and move the articles to the Senate immediately.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Navy Captain Dale Doss of Tallahassee who proudly served his Nation and passed from this life on December 11. Captain Doss was flying off the USS Enterprise when he was shot down during his 54th mission over North Vietnam in 1968. He was held as a prisoner of war for 1,824 days before being released in March of 1973. While in the infamous Hanoi Hilton, he formed a close relationship with former Senator John McCain, communicating with him despite being tortured for doing so. During the 2 years he spent in solitary confinement, he never broke faith with his fellow POWs or his country. Captain Doss retired from the Navy in 1983, but he never stopped serving. As the director of veteran services in Leon County for 19 years, he was an integral part of our community. Dale Doss will be remembered for his sacrifices and for his courageous service to our Nation. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing a true American hero, Captain Dale Doss.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jake and Tiffany Sache of Levy County, Florida for their dedication to the agriculture industry. Jake and Tiffany raise beef cattle and harvest hay and grass seed on several farms throughout Levy and Gilchrist counties. They understand the importance of land conservation and have been recognized on numerous occasions for their outstanding conservation practices on their farm land. Their commitment to agriculture production extends beyond their farm and into the community, where this couple serves in multiple capacities. They are active in their local County Farm Bureau organization and serve as members of the Levy-Gilchrist County Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. During Florida Farm Bureau's annual meeting this past October, they received the highest statewide honor for agriculture producers known as the Achievement in Agriculture Award. This honor is given to those who are not only skillful in farm production, but have also successfully developed their agricultural enterprise and extensively serve their local community and Farm Bureau. Agriculture sustains our economic growth, promotes environmental stewardship, and continuously replenishes our food resources. I encourage you to thank a farmer whenever given the opportunity. I thank Jake and Tiffany Sache for choosing a career path and lifestyle that sustains our economy and puts food on the table.