Carlos Gimenez

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, anti-Semitism has no place on the Foreign Affairs Committee. I will say it again: Anti-Semitism has no place on the Foreign Affairs Committee. That is why Representative Omar has no place specifically on the Foreign Affairs Committee, where Israel's security is one of the issues of critical importance. Without a doubt, the democratic Jewish State of Israel is America's strongest ally in the Middle East and has a fundamental right to exist. Representative Omar has repeated anti-Semitic canards and perpetuated hateful tropes against the Jewish community. Her comments have compromised the ability of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to conduct its official business. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in the affirmative to remove Representative Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today as our Florida Keys are under a state of emergency. The President's unwillingness to secure our border, coupled with his pathetic policy of appeasement and concessions to the brutal Castro regime in Cuba, have created a migratory crisis unlike any other that the Florida Keys has seen in decades. Since August 2022 alone, Federal, State, and local law enforcement have encountered nearly 10,000 people in waters off the coast of Florida, and the Biden administration is directly responsible. Dry Tortugas National Park has already been forced to close because of this crisis, affecting the tourism-dependent economy of our Florida Keys constituents, boaters, and tour operators, and the Biden administration is directly responsible. Secretary Mayorkas has repeatedly demonstrated abdication of his responsibilities as leader of the Department of Homeland Security and failed to enforce our public safety immigration laws. That is why I am calling on him to resign immediately. Governor Ron DeSantis quickly activated the National Guard, and I commend him on behalf of my constituents for his leadership and bold action. I am calling on the Biden administration to take action now. We must reimburse Monroe County and the State of Florida for local resources that have been expended to process and care for the latest wave of migrants. We need to increase Customs and Border Protection onsite in Monroe County and provide additional resources to the Florida Keys.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of former Monroe County Commissioner and first responder Sylvia Murphy. From the age of 18, when she first moved to Monroe County, Commissioner Murphy spent her life serving the Florida Keys in many ways. Sylvia Murphy was elected County Commissioner for District 5, which covers the Upper Keys from North Key Largo to Tavernier, in 2006, where she served for 14 years. Before becoming commissioner, she served the public as an EMT with Monroe County Emergency Medical Services and with the Tavernier Volunteer Fire Department, where she spent 2 decades. Commissioner Murphy was a tireless champion for the Florida Keys. Her proudest accomplishment was brokering the deal that purchased the land that became Key Largo's Rowell's Park, located at mile marker 104. She was remembered by friends and colleagues as a tenacious public servant who truly loved the Florida Keys. Sylvia Murphy will be remembered for her lifelong service to the Florida Keys, and her life of service will remain a role model for so many in our community. It was an honor knowing commissioner Murphy. She will be missed.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Miami-Dade County Commissioner Javier D. Souto for his exemplary public service to the Miami community. Since his election to the County Board of Commissioners in April 1993, Senator Souto has served District 10-- which includes portions of Kendall, Westchester, and Fontainebleau-- with distinction for over 29 years. Before that, he was elected twice to the Florida Senate. Senator Souto's work on behalf of his constituents has been wide- ranging and comprehensive. His passion for our parks and places that bring people together is truly inspiring. He has built a legacy of helping others in need and fighting against the brutal dictatorship of the Castro regime in Cuba. Commissioner Souto is a veteran of the Bay of Pigs Invasion and his contributions to the Cuban exile community are immeasurable. I had the pleasure of serving as County Commissioner and then Mayor of Miami-Dade County, where I worked with Senator Souto extensively and witnessed firsthand his hard work and determination. His love for Miami is evident through his life of dedication to its people. It is my deep pleasure to honor Senator Souto as he retires from the Board of Commisioners, and I wish him all the very best.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Commissioner Rebeca Sosa for an extraordinary career in public service. Commissioner Sosa has been serving the residents of Miami-Dade County across many different areas for over 20 years and has done so honorably. I had the privilege of working closely with Commissioner Sosa for many years during my tenure in Miami-Dade County and know how dedicated she is to protecting our community and our environment. Commissioner Sosa won her first election as the District 6 commissioner. She has been re-elected 4 times to the county commission and has represented residents all over the county. In 2012, while I was mayor of the county, she was elected chairwoman of the county commission. She served a two-year term as chairwoman and during those two years, we worked closely together to get things done for the residents of Miami-Dade County. Over the years, Commissioner Sosa has been a driving force in the expansion and modernization of Miami International Airport and PortMiami. Commissioner Sosa has made her residents proud by the tenacity with which she has fought for them and ensuring Miami-Dade County continues to be the best place to live, work, and raise a family. It was an honor to serve with her, and I know she will excel in the next chapter of her life. Lourdes and I wish her the best and look forward to seeing what she does next.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of my good friend, Chairman Jose ``Pepe'' Diaz for his outstanding work as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. During my tenure as Mayor of Miami-Dade County, I had the pleasure of working closely with Chairman Diaz on many important issues over the years. We were able to come together to serve the residents of Miami-Dade County and formed a strong friendship that has continued even after my time at the County. Chairman Diaz is the quintessential public servant. He started his career in public service at a young age as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps and has continued down a path of lifelong service to the community he so deeply admires. Chairman Diaz has served on numerous boards and been appointed to countless committees, which is a testament to his leadership and dedication to improving the lives of the residents of South Florida. Chairman Diaz has spearheaded countless projects and initiatives for Miami-Dade County over the span of his 20 years serving on the County Commission and most recently led a bid committee to support Miami as a future host city for the World Cup. He has always been deeply committed to serving the county's veterans and active-duty service members. It is my honor to recognize and honor Chairman Diaz for his service to the South Florida community. I had the distinct honor of working with Chairman Diaz for a large portion of my career, and I know the kind of focus and leadership he has brought to his entire career of public service. Although his time as a county commissioner is coming to an end, I know he will continue to thrive in his upcoming endeavors. I look forward to seeing what the future has in store and wish Chairman Diaz all the very best.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Commissioner Jean Monestime of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners for his exemplary accomplishments and commitment to the betterment of the residents of South Florida. Commissioner Monestime served as the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners during my first term as Mayor. He is a true public servant that has worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents in District 2 and our entire communIty. Commissioner Monestime has been a fighter his entire career. In 2010, he became the first Haitian American to serve on the Board of County Commissioners. He has fought relentlessly to expand opportunities for others. Commissioner Monestime has a long history of advocating for equal justice and economic development throughout Miami-Dade County. He has served on numerous boards and nationally recognized organizations to make sure that the economy in South Florida works for all people and that there is equal opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds. I have known Commissioner Monestime for a very long time, and I am proud of our work together. He has helped bring much-needed economic growth to some of the most impoverished areas of our county and has always focused his energy on the most vulnerable. I look forward to seeing how he continues his career and thank him for his years of service to the residents of Miami-Dade.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Commissioner Sally A. Heyman for an outstanding career in public service. For over 35 years, Commissioner Heyman has faithfully served Miami-Dade County residents in a variety of capacities. Since her election to the County Board of Commissioners in September 2002, her selflessness and dedication to District 4 residents has been unparalleled. Commissioner Heyman developed a passion for public service at an early age, encouraged by her parents to work with local charities and civic institutions. After teaching in the public school system and getting her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Miami, Commissioner Heyman was elected to the Florida Legislature in 1994. As a state representative, she co-sponsored ordinances to address juvenile justice issues and support environmental protection efforts. Her conviction that every human being should be treated with dignity and respect led her to fight to eliminate the stigma of mental health illnesses. And as a breast cancer survivor herself, Commissioner Heyman advocates yearly for breast cancer awareness and education. During her tenure on the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, Commissioner Heyman worked relentlessly for her constituents, advocating especially for reliable public transportation systems and affordable housing. One notable accomplishment was the development of Aventura station, a Brightline commuter stop which will relieve traffic and provide residents with an easy means of transportation. The station is expected to open this December. Miami-Dade County is a better place because of Commissioner Heyman. I was lucky enough to work with her at the county level and personally witness her tenacity and dedication. I wish Commissioner Heyman all the very best as she retires from the Board of Commissioners.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss and honor the incredible life of Mr. Felipe Valls. Felipe Valls was a giant of the Cuban exile community in Miami and founded the iconic Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana. Valls was born in Santiago de Cuba in 1933. He attended the prestigious Riverside Military Academy in Georgia and returned to his hometown after graduating in 1950. When he was 27 years old, Valls escaped the Communist revolution with his wife and two children. In Miami, he found work in the restaurant business; first as a busboy, and then at a restaurant equipment company. He then opened International Equipment Company, which sold restaurant equipment such as refrigeration, air conditioners, and espresso machines that he imported from Europe. It was at this time that Valls invented the ventanita, the now ubiquitous window stands where locals gather for their morning shot of Cuban coffee. In 1971, Valls opened Versailles Restaurant on Calle Ocho. Today, it is the most famous Cuban restaurant in Miami and possibly the world. Versailles is a culinary, social, and cultural landmark in Miami. It has served delicious Cuban pastries, sandwiches, and cafecitos for more than 50 years. It is one of the first places that any visitor to Miami will go, and three U.S. Presidents have eaten there. In Felipe Valls' own words, Versailles ``is where you come to take the pulse of our community . . . Versailles is the Cuban exile that refuses to kneel down.'' I believe that Versailles is the heart of the Cuban exile community in Miami. Felipe is survived by his loving children and grandchildren, who continue his family's proud legacy. His long life reflected those of so many hardworking Cuban exiles who built a new community in Miami. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for its 28 years of successful impact on South Florida's business community. Small business is the backbone of our country. The Chamber has supported small businesses and helped connect them to individuals in South Florida for almost three decades. It is my honor to recognize the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and highlight the good work they have done. Established in 1994, the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit 501 (c)(6) that promotes business leadership and economic growth and provides legislative advocacy for the Hispanic business community in South Florida. Since more than two-thirds of Miami-Dade County residents are of Hispanic origin, organizations like the Hispanic Chamber are crucial to the health of our local economy and civil society. Miami-Dade County has seen incredible growth over the past several years, in no small part because of the welcoming business climate. As the Miami area continues to expand, the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will keep playing a pivotal role in growing commerce and creating opportunity among the Hispanic community. The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has been an invaluable resource to the Hispanic community for close to 30 years. I am thankful to have attended many Chamber events and luncheons in my district, where I have seen firsthand how it develops business relationships among our Hispanic community. I look forward to another 28 years of continued business growth and excellence.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the opening of Florida International University's new student and research showcase center in Washington, D.C. Over the last four decades, FIU has grown exponentially to become one of the top universities in the state of Florida. It is now one of the fastest-rising universities in the nation. Today's opening ceremony is yet another example of how the university continues to invest in its students well beyond South Florida. This new facility--a first-of-its-kind academic and briefing center-- is part of an integrated advocacy approach called ``FIU in Washington, D.C.'' It aims at both further developing FIU's national reputation and expanding federal support for the university's preeminent programs. The 5,000 square foot space will give FIU students studying and interning in D.C. access to federal research programs and other resources. It will also allow FIU faculty to collaborate with federal partners and showcase the impact of their research on several areas of study that especially pertain to South Floridians--including environmental and coastal resilience, population health, Latin America and the Caribbean, defense-related engineering technologies, and STEM research. In addition, the research center will allow students, faculty, and alumni to host national workshops and conferences tailored towards federal policy initiatives. Its proximity to the United States Capitol will give FIU student-interns a better grasp of current legislation, as well as the chance to meet with elected officials. This new center will push the university further to the forefront of national excellence. I am proud to represent Florida International University and look forward to seeing it continue to expand and excel in our Nation's capital. Go Panthers.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Denis Rod for 30 years of committed community service. A 47-year resident of the City of Miami, Dr. Rod has dedicated his adult life to serving the people of Miami. Dr. Rod has served the Miami community in countless ways, beginning with his leadership of Miami Dade College's Amigos Club, an organization that helped international students get acclimatized to the Miami area. For 6 years Dr. Rod worked for Habitat for Humanity in Homestead and Overtown. He has served on several boards, both public and private, including the City of Miami Planning Advisory Board (as co-chair), the Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium, and the board of CareerSource South Florida. Dr. Rod has donated bicycles for charity and actively participates in both the Latin Chamber of Commerce Holiday Food Distribution program and the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Charity. He is a certified ``Citizen on Patrol'' and active in his area. I am not alone in extending a tribute to Dr. Rod, who has received many recognitions during his career. The cities of Miami, Hialeah, Sweetwater, West Miami, South Miami, and Miami Beach, as well as Miami- Dade County, have presented Proclamations to Dr. Rod. Dr. Rod has also received the Southern Command Citizens Medal and a State of Florida Tribute from then-President of the Florida House of Representatives Marco Rubio. It is not an exaggeration to state that wholehearted service has characterized Dr. Rod's entire life. On behalf of all the Miamians his life has touched, I thank Dr. Rod for serving our community so well.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the groundbreaking of Concourse A at Key West International Airport (EYW). As the proud representative of Florida's 26th Congressional District, I fought hard to include crucial funding for Monroe County, including the nearly $40 million in federal grants for this airport expansion project at EYW. This new concourse will augment the airport's enplanement capacity, making it a vital project for the residents, tourists, and businesses in the Florida Keys. Monroe County, whose Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved plans for the project in August, has big plans for Concourse A. Totaling nearly 49,000 square feet, it will contain expanded baggage areas and concession opportunities, seven new passenger boarding jet bridges, and more office spaces. New airline ramp spaces and ramp equipment storage areas will also be housed below the new concourse. Clear story windows and a curtain wall system will provide plenty of natural light for all airport users to enjoy. The airport's main terminal will also be expanded, with renovations to accommodate space for four new security lanes and added support spaces at the existing restaurant location, among other improvements. An extended pedestrian bridge, located after Concourse A's security checkpoint, will connect the new concourse with the main terminal. Millions visit the Florida Keys every year, and Key West International Airport plays a crucial role in facilitating much of that tourism. Just last year, the airport set an annual record when it processed over one million passengers. This new, state-of-the-art concourse will give the airport much-needed space to welcome and process travelers, which will help remove some car traffic on U.S. 1 while giving locals even more nonstop flight options to other parts of the country. It is my honor to represent Monroe County in the U.S. House of Representatives. Key West is one of the top destinations in the country, and this development project will help even more people experience it for themselves. I applaud all the individuals who worked so hard to make Concourse A reality, and I very much look forward to its completion.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Key West native Mr. David Paul Horan for his community leadership and notable achievements in admiralty and maritime law. David Horan has spent almost 50 years serving on various community boards and commissions in the Florida Keys. Since 1973, he has served as a Director of the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce. Other leadership roles have included serving on the Key West Military Affairs Committee, the Florida Keys National Marine Advisory Sanctuary Counsel, and the Special Environmental Counsel for Monroe County. In 2001, Mr. Horan was inducted into the Key West Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame, Key West's highest community service award. In addition to his work serving the community, David is an accomplished lawyer. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1972, David specializes in complex federal and state litigation. Much of his career has been dedicated to protecting local interests against excessive regulation. One pro-bono case of David's, Young v. DCA, was monumental: the Florida Supreme Court's opinion reversed almost twenty years of decisions on the ``burden of proof'' issue, significantly restricting the state of Florida's authority to overturn local governmental decisions. David has also represented many commercial fishermen in addition to salvors of historic shipwrecks, generally centuries-old Spanish galleons sunk along Florida's coast. Another of David's notable legal victories came in his successful oral argument in the 1982 Supreme Court case Florida Dept. of State v. Treasure Salvors, Inc, which concerned the ownership of salvage from the 1622 Spanish Galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha. The Supreme Court rejected the State's claim to the property and upheld the transfer of artifacts to Treasure Salvors. What an honor it is to recognize David Horan for his phenomenal career in law and life of service to the Florida Keys and Floridians across the state. I wish David, his wife, five children, and many grandchildren all the best as he begins a ninth decade of a very full life.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate today's groundbreaking of the new Monroe County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This center, which combines several existing emergency organizations in one 28,321-square-foot space, will greatly assist county officials in the Florida Keys to prepare for future natural disasters in our resilient community. Monroe County's EOC previously occupied the top floor of the Marathon Government Center. In 2017, Hurricane Irma forced EOC staff to evacuate the center just one day before it made landfall 30 miles west of Marathon, due to its lack of protections for Category 3 and above hurricanes. The new EOC's features include a 20-foot first floor elevation, Category-5 hurricane-hardened walls, self-sustaining drinking water for up to 72 hours, and emergency power and communications systems. In addition, the location, at the west end of Marathon International Airport, is highly strategic. If Overseas Highway becomes unusable, the EOC will be able to quickly facilitate the dispersal of aid coming in through the airfield. This critical infrastructure will improve the county's emergency response capacity and ensures Monroe County will have the necessary tools to maintain resiliency and preparedness when natural disasters impact our coast. I am proud that the state and federal governments assisted the county in securing $30.2 million of the necessary funds to commence the project. South Florida's residents face extreme weather every year, and improving hurricane resiliency is paramount. This long-overdue facility--Monroe County's first dedicated emergency operations center-- will act as the crucial hub for all future emergency responses. As a lifelong first responder who served as Fire Chief of the City of Miami Fire Department during Hurricane Andrew and Mayor of Miami-Dade County for nine years, I know firsthand how important a rapid and effective disaster response is. I applaud all the individuals and agencies who worked hard to make this center a reality, and I look forward to the speedy completion of the project.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dina Velocci, DNP, CRNA, APRN. Ms. Velocci, who is a constituent of Florida's 26th Congressional District, will soon complete her year as national president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA). I am proud that Ms. Velocci was elected as the 2021-2022 president of this prestigious national organization. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses who administer more than 50 million anesthetics to patients each year. They work in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered, including hospital surgical suites, obstetrical delivery rooms, ambulatory surgical centers, and the offices of dentists, podiatrists, and specialty surgeons. They also provide acute and chronic pain management services to patients in need of such care. CRNAs provide anesthesia for all types of surgical cases and are the sole anesthesia providers in many rural hospitals. As a member of the AANA for 20 years, Ms. Velocci has contributed greatly to the healthcare community in the Key West area and nationwide. Ms. Velocci has long been active in nurse anesthesiology as both a CRNA and as a clinical and didactic instructor for nurse anesthetists. She supplied anesthesia services for office-based practices and free-standing surgery centers. She is also an innovator and entrepreneur and assisted in building and marketing an interactive web-based learning resource for CRNAs. Throughout her career in nurse anesthesiology, Ms. Velocci served on committees, advisory panels, and boards of directors at the state and national levels. She is a former president of the Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetists. I extend my sincere congratulations to Ms. Velocci on a job well done. Her service to her patients and to our community represents the best of our district. I am always proud to recognize constituents that go above and beyond for our community. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Velocci's notable career and outstanding achievements.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Alvin L. Alce, SPC5, a native of Key West and an Army Veteran who served in Vietnam. On August 8, 2022, Mr. Alce was formally presented with the Purple Heart--the oldest military medal still awarded to service members--at Harvey Government Center in Key West. This medal recognizes Mr. Alce's extraordinary service and sacrifice after being wounded as a direct result of enemy action in Vietnam. Mr. Alce was born in Key West on December 17, 1949. At age 18, he was drafted into the Army and served in the 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry, Americal Division, and the 101st Airborne Division. Mr. Alce received decorations for his military service from both the United States Armed Forces and the government of South Vietnam, including the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, and the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars. Mr. Alce was wounded in the Battle for Hamburger Hill, which began on May 11th, 1969. Paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division fought the North Vietnamese for control of the jungle hill in western Vietnam. Bitter fighting ensued for ten days, as North Vietnamese forces beat back repeated American attacks. On May 20th, American forces with South Vietnamese reinforcements finally captured the hill, and the enemy retreated across the border to Laos. Mr. Alce was hit many times by enemy small arms fire during the battle. American casualties at Hamburger Hill numbered 72 killed and 372 wounded. In December 2019, Monroe County Veterans Affairs discovered Mr. Alce had never received a Purple Heart. Monroe County Veterans Affairs successfully petitioned the Department of the Army to correct Mr. Alce's record and award him the prestigious medal. This ceremony is the culmination of their efforts, and I want to thank Monroe County Veterans Affairs for their diligence on behalf of Mr. Alce. What an honor it is to recognize Mr. Alce for his sacrifice. He bravely put his life on the line serving his Nation in Vietnam, and this long overdue medal recognizes his courage. Let this ceremony inspire all of us to serve our country however we can as Mr. Alce did.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 8525.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the City of Key West's designation as a Coast Guard City. This designation, made official on August 4, 2022, at Truman Waterfront Park, pays tribute to the city's longstanding, fruitful, and supportive relationship with the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Since 1998, this legal designation has recognized communities that welcome Coast Guard servicemembers and their families with open arms. These cities support their local USCG families in a variety of ways--by building monuments, hosting picnics and parades, sponsoring patriotic events and awards, establishing partnerships with the local business community, and much more. To achieve this designation, a municipality submits a request explaining its history of supporting the Coast Guard. Only after a rigorous examination by Coast Guard Headquarters, the Commandant, and the appropriate congressional committees is a city finally proclaimed a Coast Guard City. The history of the Coast Guard in Key West traces back to 1823, when the U.S. Navy Antipirate Squadron settled on the island. Congress established a depot for naval supplies in 1852. Nine years later, Key West became the headquarters of the East Gulf Blockage Squadron. Even before the Coast Guard was established in the early 20th century, Key West Headquarters performed the vital functions of collecting import tariffs, capturing pirates, interdicting smugglers, and rescuing those lost at sea. Today, the Coast Guard continues to serve the greater Key West community by patrolling the surrounding 55,000 square miles of water. In return, the City of Key West supports USCG personnel in many ways. Quality-of-life initiatives, discounts, and sponsorships enrich the lives of Coast Guard servicernembers and families. The city integrates both Active-Duty and retired personnel into the fabric of all aspects of the community--business, education, and leisure. Parades, battle reenactments, and festivals celebrating the Coast Guard's presence are a Key West staple. I am honored to celebrate this distinction for the City of Key West, and I also thank USCG Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan for her service to the Key West community. This designation reflects the deep, enduring relationship between the city and the U.S. Coast Guard. May that relationship continue to flourish for many decades to come.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, Thank you, Congressman Hill for taking the time to put together this special order. From Arkansas to South Florida, every hardworking American is facing the same dilemma under Biden's presidency. Look, we all know the facts. Record high inflation, 9.1 percent, a shrinking economy. But what we often overlook is just how devasting this Biden's inflation is on everyday people and the real-life, practical impact it has on hardworking families. Inflation is the worst tax on American workers. Over the last week, my office has been hearing a lot about Biden's inflation. Many families desperate to make ends meet, having to choose between feeding their families and putting gas in their car. Genevieve from Cutler Bay reached out to my office saying quote: ``we were already living paycheck to paycheck with very little savings. Now we are dipping in our savings just to make ends meet. I am worried that I will not be able to pay for after school services for my children when the school year starts.'' Marianela from Miami shared similar concerns, saying quote: ``I have less money to save or spend. My groceries are to a minimum. Costs of gas are a consequence of Mr. Biden's executive orders which have a domino effect on everything we have to buy.'' Maria from Key West also reached out to us saying quote: ``Constantly negative in the bank because bills have doubled in price, had to use credit cards after being debt free because of how expensive everything is. I was a stay at home mom and will have to return to work sooner than planned.'' When you go out and talk to people at the grocery store, at the gas pumps, parents at our schools, they all share the same stories. Biden's 9.1 percent inflation isn't just some fictional economics stat. It means Americans are 9.1 percent poorer today than they were a year ago. Hardworking Americans are feeling the heat. It's time President Biden grow a backbone and do the work needed to increase our domestic energy, arrest the out-of-control spending, and get our economy working again for all Americans.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Chairman, pardon me if I get a little emotional, this is actually personal for me since I was actually born in Cuba. Mr. Chair, I rise to oppose Congresswoman Tlaib's FSGG amendment to exempt current prohibitions against U.S. assistance to Cuba. It is ironic that this amendment is being pushed on the week after we commemorated the bravery of the pro-freedom protesters in Cuba. Whether we are talking about the Biden administration's announcement last month to allow private travel to Cuba or allow Americans to invest in so-called private companies within Cuba, the regime takes advantage of these lifelines to fuel their butchery, their massacres, their jailings, their nonstop violations of human rights. Now, Congresswoman Tlaib wants to extend yet another pipeline of cash to the regime to directly fund the murdering, the raping, the jailing of the Cuban people. Quite frankly, anyone supporting this legislation really ought to be ashamed of themselves. If you believe in freedom and democracy, in capitalism, in the power of economic and social opportunity, I urge you to vote against this shameful and pathetic amendment.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Water Resources Development Act to improve our ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other pieces of water resources infrastructure, all with a focus on locally driven projects rather than a nationwide partisan wish list. This bill is an example of supporting real infrastructure, and it goes to prove that if we focus on real infrastructure, Congress can come together in a bipartisan manner. This legislation has a lot of wins for South Florida. In it, we get provisions to expedite projects to protect Miami-Dade County and Monroe County from future storm damage. The flooding this past weekend in Miami underscored the importance of these projects for our region, particularly as we begin hurricane season. We also doubled funding levels for the Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Project to expand sanitary sewer systems in the Keys. Overall, this legislation will be greatly beneficial to South Florida. It is incredible what we can accomplish when we put political hackery to the side and focus on the real needs of the American people. I urge my colleagues to support this year's WRDA.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the previous question so that we can immediately consider H.R. 6858, the American Energy Independence from Russia Act. This administration's insistence on destroying our energy independence has worsened the financial strain on American families, who have already been burdened by crushing inflation under the Biden administration, and weakened our national security posture by making us more reliant on foreign sources of energy. Thanks to the incompetence of the present administration and this House's failure to secure America's energy independence, Americans are left poorer, weaker, and with a bleaker outlook toward their future. Mr. Speaker, it is pretty clear how we got to this point. The Biden administration's efforts to weaken our Nation's energy security began on their very first day in office when the President canceled the Keystone XL pipeline. Since then, the administration has taken further action to discourage domestic oil production by halting leases for drilling on Federal lands, the latest of which came just last week when the Biden administration canceled another round of contracts in Alaska. These policies have forced our President to tap into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to keep gas prices from rising even more, but it is not working. At a time when Russia is fueling this barbaric violence on the Ukrainian people through its gas exports, holding countries around the world hostage due to their reliance on Russian oil, we need to ensure the United States not only ends permanently all oil imports from Russia, but that the United States has a sustained domestic supply to supplant Russia as a leading net exporter of oil. America, and the world, is safer when it is our country that is in charge of our own destiny. Passing the American Energy Independence from Russia Act will also have a tremendous economic impact right here at home, at a time when our fuel costs continue to skyrocket and hurt the pockets of the American people. Instead of taking the commonsense approach put forward by this legislation, the President and his allies in this House send diplomats to negotiate with tyrants and dictators, sworn enemies of America, such as Iran and Venezuela, seeking deals to import their oil to the United States. Venezuela, in particular, which sits on the world's largest known oil reserves, cannot even keep its own people fed or electricity running due to the malice of its socialist and Russian- allied leadership. Just today, we learned that the Biden administration is looking to ease the sanctions on Venezuela in exchange for promises that the Maduro regime will enter into dialogue with its opposition. Unbelievable. Let's end this nonsense and pass the American Energy Independence from Russia Act. It is time the elected officials in this body, the ones elected to represent the American people, stop doing the bidding of our adversaries and promote domestic production of oil. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to move this extraordinarily important measure forward for our families and for our country's safety.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible career of my good friend Tony Dimare. Going back to my days as Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Tony has been a pillar of leadership in the agricultural community of South Florida for over thirty years and I am honored to join the Dade County Farm Bureau in recognizing him and all he has done for the agriculture industry. Tony Dimare began working for his family's business in 1983 and has worked in the produce industry for nearly forty years. His family's business, The Dimare Company, is a 94-year-old family produce company four generations deep with operations in four states--Florida, California, Pennsylvania, and Texas. He has taken his family's business to another level and has created countless jobs in South Florida and across the country. Along with bringing countless jobs to South Florida, Mr. Dimare serves on countless boards and does philanthropic work for South Florida. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, one of the organizations he serves on hosted daily food drives to help families experiencing food insecurity in the Miami-Dade County area. Mr. Dimare has always proven to be an integral part of the community. I am always honored to recognize individuals who spend their lives bringing invaluable services to the South Florida and District 26 communities. Tony and I have worked together throughout the years, and I am certain he will continue to be a strong leader in the agricultural industry and in the community.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the extraordinary life of Michael A. Finney. Michael was a pillar in the business community in Miami-Dade County and known around the country for his ability to conduct business and spur economic growth. On a personal level, Michael was a dear friend and I will always cherish the time we spent together and the projects that we worked on for the people of Miami-Dade County during my tenure as Mayor. Lourdes and I send our prayers to his wife and children, Gina, Michael Jr., Marcus, and Austin. Known by many as an ``intellectual,'' Michael was brilliant, and more importantly, a deeply caring person. He dedicated his life to serving communities from his time in Michigan to his time in Miami-Dade County. One of his many initiatives, Miami Community Ventures, sought to help individuals from low-income neighborhoods and pair them with employers to help them earn a living wage. This is just one example of how Michael wanted to bring economic prosperity to everyone he could reach. Michael was an incredible businessman and embodied the American entrepreneurial spirit. He helped navigate the largest municipal restructuring of debt in the United States during his time in Michigan and played a key role in Miami-Dade's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although he was not an elected official, he was truly a public servant. The Miami-Dade County community will mourn the loss of Michael A. Finney; husband, father, grandfather, friend, and businessman.