David Jolly

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Mayor Maria Lowe, the mayor of St. Pete Beach, who will be stepping down at the end of this year. Mayor Lowe was elected in 2014. Prior to becoming mayor, she graduated from West Point, served in the Afghan War, and received her MBA from George Washington University. She is also an active member of our community serving as a full-time community volunteer, a systems engineer, a member of the Pass-a-Grille Women's Club, and part of the Historic Preservation Board. She has decided that her time as Mayor has come to an end, and will be relinquishing her post at the end of this year. She will be working with her husband at the American Battle Monuments Commission, which tends graves of fallen soldiers worldwide. The headquarters are in Paris, so she and the family will be moving there, primarily maintaining the U.S. cemetery for military personnel near Normandy, France. While she will miss St. Pete Beach, she is very proud to be doing her patriotic duty. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mayor Maria Lowe for her service to St. Pete Beach and Pinellas County. I also am proud that she will continue to be doing a great service for us as a community and nation abroad. I ask that this body join me in recognizing Mayor Maria Lowe's accomplishments and we wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge Mr. John Elias for his service to Pinellas County as a town attorney for Belleair Shores for 18 years. Mr. Elias has worked for Belleair Shores since 1998. When he started, he was hired on a six-month trial period. Because of his exemplary work, his trial period was extended and he worked for the town for 18 years. He has proudly served Belleair Shores and its residents. Mr. Elias is retiring in July after his years of service. He is known for his dedication and high morals and serves as a role-model for the town. I ask this body to join me thanking John for his service to us, and wishing him the best of luck in the future.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a non-profit organization striving to make a difference in the technology and engineering fields for girls and women. The ITWomen Group of Tampa looks to provide all of the necessary support for females who want to pursue a career in technology. The national organization was started in 2002 by senior level women from several technology companies. Their goal was to provide professional development, support, education, and scholarships to girls and women looking to break into technology and engineering fields. By working with non-profits, universities, various sponsors and organizations, they are successfully closing the gender gap in a field generally dominated by men. The ITWomen of Tampa Bay is a new branch and is increasing their influence in Pinellas County and by partnering with Girls Incorporated of Pinellas After School Enrichment Program. The Girls Incorporated of Pinellas works to make sure our sisters, daughters, friends, family, and neighbors will become the leaders of tomorrow by providing them with programs that promote female empowerment. Their combined goal is to inspire girls in our community to confidently strive towards a career in technology. Mackenzie Baird, a high school sophomore from our community who is hoping to pursue a career in technology, works with ITWomen of Tampa Bay and the Girls Incorporated of Pinellas After School Enrichment Program. In her free time, she helps mentor and educate younger elementary school girls about computer programming as well as the role of women in the technology sector. She is an exceptional young woman and I wish her luck in her future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge and thank the ITWomen of Tampa and Girls Incorporated of Pinellas After School Enrichment Program for working hard to achieve equity in fields of engineering and technology. Their spirit and passion inspires our community, and ask that this body join me in thanking them for their efforts.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a member of the Clearwater Police Department who was named our 2016 School Resource Officer of the Year for Pinellas County Schools. Officer Cathi Long was awarded this great honor on May 17, 2016 for her devotion to students living in our community. Officer Long has been a member of the Clearwater Police Department since 2004 and has served as a School Resource Officer for Countryside High School since 2013. During that time, she has been a part of multiple school initiatives including Teen Court and Students against Drunk Driving. She is a hero to the families of our community. Officer Long has also used her own personal time to help mentor seniors who are struggling to graduate and is instrumental in the coordination of the Operation Graduate program that helped at-risk students plan for their future. Additionally, the Teen Court initiative that she is a part of helps students defer from the judicial system and potentially avoid permanent marks on their records. Officer Long is known to her students as a ``Second Mom''. Recently she received a letter from a student thanking her for always being there for guidance and support. Additionally, a hallway banner created by the students has been hung up above lockers to honor Officer Long for what she does. She is a role model for her students and Pinellas County. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank and recognize Officer Long for being an inspiration to our kids and for being a caring and supportive individual in our community. I am proud to have her in our Clearwater Police Department. I ask that this body join me in recognizing the efforts of Officer Long as she continues to help students within our community.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Children's Dream Fund on their 35th anniversary. The Children's Dream Fund was established in 1981 as the Suncoast Children's Dream Fund. Franise Geringer, a small South African boy with aging disease, had a dream to meet his hero, Pinocchio. The Sunshine City Jaycees of St. Petersburg raised funds for the family to visit Disneyworld and any excess funds raised would go to the family. However, the family denied the extra funds and instead chose for the money to go to helping other children. After twenty years, the Suncoast Children's Dream Fund was renamed to the Children's Dream Fund. It now serves children in West Coast Florida who are referred to by neighboring children's hospitals. It helps children between ages three and eighteen with life threatening diseases and has fulfilled over two thousand dreams. These dreams range from a celebrity meet, a trip, a gift, or most frequently, a week at the Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the Children's Dream Fund for their excellent work over the past 35 years. They have given hope to so many kids and their families in Pinellas County and West Central Florida. I ask that this body join me in recognizing their efforts.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the emergency medical service (EMS) workers of Pinellas County for their hard work and sacrifice. From May 15th to May 21st we recognize the importance of our EMS workers who sacrifice every day to provide the emergency care our community needs. EMS workers put their lives on the line for the people of Pinellas County. City Council Member Jerry Beverland's son was recently saved by his local EMS team who were on the scene within four minutes of his call for help. It is only right that EMS workers get the recognition they deserve for their dutiful efforts. Several members of our local emergency response teams received awards for their efforts. Aaron Gonzalez, a Fire Rescue administrator for Oldsmar, accepted the EMS Week Award, and Chris Collins, who has been a Sunstar paramedic for two years, was recognized as Paramedic of the Year. Nick Eberhardt won the Emergency Medical Technician of the Year award, and Eric Fayad was named Emergency Medical Dispatcher of the Year. He also works fulltime as a lieutenant for the Seminole Fire Department. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank and acknowledge these award winning emergency response workers who sacrifice their time and lives for the residents of Pinellas County. Their work makes our community a better place, and I ask that this body join me in recognizing our EMS teams of Pinellas County for their exceptional work.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr Speaker, I would like to recognize Dave and Layle Kremske, and Dottie and Bob Bellavance, the new inductees of the 2016 Senior Hall of Fame. For decades, these two couples have made significant contributions to the city of Dunedin. They have donated their time and effort to Pinellas County by being active members of many charitable organizations. The Kremskes are members of the Friends of the Library program, an organization that provides funding, enhancements, and support to the staff and programs of the Dunedin Library. Layle also served as PTA President and President of the Dunedin Youth Guild, which focuses on supporting youth-focused community projects in Dunedin. Dave has been an active member of the Stadium Advisory and Parks Recreation Advisory committees. Dottie Bellavance is also on the board of the Friends of the Library program and is active with the Dunedin Youth Guild. She mentors students and volunteers at the Church of the Good Shepherd and serves at the Dunedin Cares Food Pantry. Bob Bellavance has served as CEO and President of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce and has been a member of the Dunedin Rotary Club for years. He was also a member of the Dunedin Fine Arts Center. Due to his efforts, many local businesses have a stronger relationship with their local government. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the Kremskes and Bellavances for their work and efforts for Pinellas County. They have made their city of Dunedin a better place, and I ask that this body join me in recognizing and thanking them for their diligence and care for our community.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Wayne Hefty for his service to Pinellas County. Mr. Hefty has worked in Pinellas for many years. In 1975, he worked in Gulfport as a park supervisor landscaping and designing green spaces. In 1979, he opened up his own business where he designed and installed parks and playgrounds all over the community. In 1992, he applied to be the Director of Public Works in Indian Rocks Beach, and among sixty applicants, Mr. Hefty was chosen for the job. His first task was to fix up the city for the annual Art in the Park show in 1992 which he completed successfully. From there, he finished dozens of projects including the city's Nature Park and Beach Access walkovers. Mr. Hefty was also involved in Keep Pinellas Beautiful, an organization formed in 1996. He was an active member of the board for ten years and served as a treasurer. In 1998, Mr. Hefty became a consultant for the Pinellas County School Board and Pinellas County Utilities. His first assignment was to find out the energy usage for 140 different school buildings in eleven different municipalities. He also worked with the county's water management and created the energy team to manage the county's water, recycling, and trash programs. This project saved the city twelve million dollars. In 2004, he joined the Energy Systems Group which proposed energy saving strategies across thirteen states. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Wayne Hefty for his hard work for Pinellas County. He has shown exceptional dedication to the community and it has been a pleasure having him as a neighbor. I ask that this body rise to recognize Mr. Hefty for his years of service.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to recognize a group of remarkable young people from Pinellas County, Florida, who have excelled among their peers and answered the call to duty to serve their fellow Americans. These young men and women have tested and proven themselves academically, athletically, and physically, and have demonstrated the leadership skills necessary to now be offered appointments to one of our United States Service Academies. It is an honor to recognize these young men and women from Florida's 13th Congressional District today. Receiving appointments to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point are: Elizabeth Brown-Worthington of Gulfport, Florida, a graduate of Boca Ciega High School; Andrew Buck of Tierra Verde, Florida, a graduate of Saint Petersburg Catholic High School; Sean McClair of Seminole, Florida, a graduate of Osceola Fundamental High School and the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School; Tyler Mitchiner of Clearwater, Florida, a graduate of Palm Harbor University and the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School; William Moorhead of Clearwater, Florida, a graduate of Clearwater Central Catholic High School; Patrick Prior of Saint Petersburg, Florida, a graduate of Osceola Fundamental High School; John Rusnak of Seminole, Florida, a graduate of Saint Petersburg Catholic High School. Receiving appointments from Pinellas County to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis are: Connor Price of Safety Harbor, Florida, a graduate of Palm Harbor University High School and the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School; Jared Price of Safety Harbor, Florida, a graduate of Palm Harbor University High School and the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School; Zack Quilty of Saint Petersburg, Florida, a graduate of Jesuit High School; and Ethan Singer of Clearwater, Florida, a graduate of Countryside High School. Receiving appointments to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy from Pinellas County, Florida are: Brian Brown of Safety Harbor, Florida, a graduate of Countryside High School; Dalton Collins of Largo, Florida, a graduate of Admiral Farragut Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School; Joseph Gannaio of Clearwater, Florida, a graduate of Calvary Christian High School; Thomas ``Trey'' Walker of Saint Petersburg, Florida, a graduate of Saint Petersburg High School. Receiving appointments to attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy from Pinellas County, Florida, are: Jackson Misner of Tampa, Florida, a graduate of H.B. Plant High School; and Sofia Tucker of Navarre, Florida, a graduate of Navarre High School. Finally, receiving an appointment to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy is Olivia Suski of Seminole, Florida, a graduate of Seminole High School and the Marion Military Institute. These future cadets and midshipmen that we recognize today will be the future leaders of our military forces and our Merchant Marine. I wish them Godspeed in the challenges of their summer training and the academic years to follow. These young people represent the best of America, and we each look forward to witnessing their future success and their service to country. We, the House of Representatives, can have great confidence in our Nation's future as we entrust it to these appointees and those of my colleagues here in Congress.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Tim Caddell, a member of our local government who is retiring after 15 years of public relations work in Pinellas Park. Mr. Caddell joined the Pinellas Park staff in 2001. He initially served as Public Events Director, planning events such as the Harvest Moon Festival and Country in the Park. Towards the end of his first year, he took on the role of Public Information Officer cultivating and maintaining vital relationships with the local media outlets. Additionally, he led an important effort in Tallahassee lobbying on behalf of Pinellas Park when the city was in need of funds for drainage improvements at Park Boulevard. Finally, in 2008, he was promoted to Government Relations Administrator where he thrived. In this role, Mr. Caddell was responsible for establishing the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center after the city had purchased the space. He recalls this event as one of the brightest moments in his career. In addition to his official role, Mr. Caddell demonstrated his commitment to Pinellas County through his service in various charitable organizations. He served as executive director for the group ``Girls Inc.'' which focuses on programs for girls that enrich their studies in a variety of academic and professional fields. He also served the St. Petersburg Police Department as a Private Investigator and was an assistant to the publisher for Pinellas Park News. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize and thank Tim Caddell for his dedication to Pinellas County throughout his career. He will be truly missed for his innovative ideas and strong work ethic. I ask that this body join me in thanking Mr. Caddell for the work he did for our community and in wishing him all the best in his next chapter of his life.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Florida Chamber of Commerce on their 100th anniversary and for their tireless efforts to secure Florida's future. On April 29th, 1916, The Florida Chamber was founded to help support the Florida business community. At the time, many businesses were faltering and the agriculture industry, the state's leading economic source, was struggling with a cattle tick that was threatening livestock. The chamber was created with the goal of securing that state's future by preserving our vital agriculture industry and creating jobs and economic opportunities. Today, Florida's economic challenges have changed, but the Chamber's mission has always remained the same: securing Florida's economic future. In the past 100 years, Florida has developed into an economic powerhouse with the support of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Today, Florida's economy accounts for 1 in 12 jobs being created in the United States and independently the Floridian economy is the 18th largest market in the world. As the population continues to grow and diversify Florida's economy and population of roughly 19 million residents to continue to enrich our nation's economy. The primary goal of the Chamber has been to promote a business- friendly atmosphere in order to attract employees with highly specialized skills and continue to aid our economy. The Chamber has done that and more for Florida and our community of Pinellas as well. It has strengthened our agriculture industry, embraced the military and defense industry, promoted technology and innovation, advanced education, and strengthened our infrastructure. Even though the main industries in our community and state are agriculture, tourism, and construction, the Chamber is helping ensure that we are looking towards a more diverse economy with life sciences and biotech, energy, international trade, and advanced manufacturing and space technologies. With our state ever increasing in population, we can feel secure that the Florida Chamber will continue to create jobs and opportunities. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank our Florida Chamber for maintaining their goal of nurturing and supporting business within Florida. I ask that this body join me in recognizing what the Florida Chamber has done for the Florida economy in the past 100 years and will continue to do in the future.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Principal Michael Feeney for his efforts in improving one of our local schools, Oldsmar Elementary. On May 17th 2016, Mr. Feeney received an award from the Oldsmar City Council for his exemplary work. Mr. Feeney began his career in education at Oldsmar Elementary as a teacher, but soon after starting he realized that school administration was his calling. He assumed the role of Assistant Principal for two years and was promoted to Principal for another four years. Under Mr. Feeney's guidance, Oldsmar Elementary has gone from a ``C'' to an ``A'' grade school and his efforts have changed the lives of so many children and families throughout our community. Although Mr. Feeney will be leaving Oldsmar Elementary to serve at another school, his dedication to excellence and commitment to his students has left a lasting legacy at Oldsmar Elementary I ask that this body join me in recognizing Mr. Feeney's accomplishments and wish him the best of luck as he begins the next chapter of his life.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Tarpon Springs Public Library for its 100 years of service to Pinellas County. In 1916, Julia Inness started the library in the original City Hall inviting Pinellas residents to explore the exciting world that books provide and engage in meaningful literary dialogue. The library became even more popular than Ms. Inness had predicted, and in 1920, it was moved for the first time to a private home that had more space. As the library expanded, it moved again to the Shaw Arcade and then again to the Tarpon Hotel. In 1964, the ``Friends of the Tarpon Springs Public Library'' organization, which continues to support the library today, was formed with the intention of helping fund special enhancements to the library. Finally in 1997, the Library's current location, a twenty- thousand square foot building on East Lemon Street, was constructed. In 1989, the Library joined the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative. The co-op helped equip the library with the necessary materials to serve the diverse population that used the library's services. While there are still local regulars who frequent the library, it has evolved into a very busy and multi-purpose space thanks to the help of the co- op. The Library also hosts a variety of programs for Pinellas residents including the Public Arts Program and the Cultural and Civic Services program. Additionally, due to the contributions from the Friends of the Tarpon Springs Public Library organization, the Library has been updated with a new audio visual system, new computers, and resources for genealogy research. The Library has also been improving its digital correspondence, providing an online catalog allowing people out of county and state to access the Library. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Tarpon Springs Library on an impressive 100 years and thank them for continuing to provide a valuable service to our community. I am very excited to see what future the Library has in store for us in the next 100 years and ask this body to join me in recognizing the Tarpon Springs Library as a cornerstone of the Pinellas County community.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize and express my condolences in mourning the loss of Mrs. Sherrie Morton Tetrick, a distinguished member of our community. Mrs. Sherrie Morton Tetrick was a member of the Belleair Women's Republican Club for 16 years and held a variety of posts throughout her membership. She began as an assistant treasurer and then, in 2007, was elected to the treasurer position. For eight years she served in this position, managing the club's financial affairs, monitoring and updating the membership roster, reporting to the State of Florida, and planning arrangements for the Belleair Country Club for luncheons. Sherrie was a well-known and respected member of our community who was known for being willing to help anyone in any way she can. She was strong, courageous, determined, and she will be deeply missed among her family, friends, and all who knew her. Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my most heartfelt wishes and thoughts to Sherrie's husband Rick, and her friends and family. Sherrie was an amazing individual that will be sorely missed in Pinellas County. I ask that this body recognize Sherrie Morton Tetrick for her dedication to our community. May God bless Sherrie, Rick, and all those who knew her.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Palm Pavilion for its 90th year in business marked this past May 26, 2016. Started in 1926 by five partners, Palm Pavilion was intended to serve as a bathing pavilion for local patrons. One of the founders, Jesse Smith, recalls that it was open daily and was comprised of a bathhouse with changing rooms, a booth for towel and bathing suit rentals, a dance floor with jukebox music, a picnic area, and a kitchen. They served food like hamburgers and hot dogs while sodas and beer were kept cold in ice bins. For thirty eight years, Jesse Smith and his wife were the main owners of Palm Pavilion, but in the sixties, they sold it, Howard and Jean Hamilton. The Hamiltons worked to modernize by removing the bath house and focusing more on food and beverages, yet they made every effort to maintain the fun and relaxed atmosphere for which Palm Pavilion was known. Today, the Grill and Bar has expanded, providing seating for more than 300 beachgoers and serving all types of food. It also employs more than a hundred people. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Palm Pavilion for being a cornerstone of our community. For nearly a hundred years, it has been a point of interest for locals and tourists alike, and I ask that this body join me in celebrating their continued success.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize two men, Larry Williams and Jevon Graham, and congratulate them for being named Assistant Chiefs of Clearwater Fire and Rescue. Larry Williams and Jevon Graham were recently promoted to Assistant Fire Chiefs after achieving the top two scores among 43 applicants for the position. Mr. Williams and Mr. Graham, the first African American administrators in the history of the department, are making strides in their field and helping pave the way for future generations of the Clearwater Fire and Rescue teams. In the City of Clearwater, there are 196 Fire and Rescue employees and only 14 of them are African-American, comprising seven percent of the force. Mr. Williams and Mr. Graham's promotion to Assistant Fire Chiefs is a tremendous step forward for the Tampa Bay area and I applaud Mr. Williams and Mr. Graham for their efforts in our community. Mr. Williams' own heroes and mentors were firefighters who also broke racial barriers at the St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue station. He has served for 20 years with Clearwater Fire and Rescue. I thank him for the decades of service he has already given to us. Mr. Williams will be becoming the Assistant Chief of Suppression. Mr. Graham became a firefighter in 1998 and at the time was one of three minority firefighters in the department. He has worked for 17 years with Clearwater Fire and Rescue in various capacities including as a member of the dive team, technical rescue team, and as a lieutenant for 12 years. He will serve as Assistant Chief of Health and Safety. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank and acknowledge Mr. Graham and Mr. Williams for their dedication to our community and to Clearwater Fire and Rescue. They are role models for Pinellas County. I ask that this body join me in thanking them for their service and wishing them success in their new roles as Assistant Chiefs of Clearwater Fire and Rescue.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Ken Deka, a veteran and member of our community, for his work to honor our troops on a nightly routine. Mr. Deka moved to Indian Rocks Beach after retiring. He would occasionally play ``Taps'' on his bugle for his neighbors, and it soon became a nightly tradition. Now, Mr. Deka's rendition of ``Taps'' has become a community staple, and he can be heard playing it every night for his neighbors on Indian Rocks Beach. Mr. Deka says he does it for the men and women currently serving, veterans, those military personnel who have already passed, and family members of his who have served, like his brother, a veteran who passed away five years ago. He wants to continue to honor those who, like Mr. Deka and his brother, have given so much to our country and remind all of his neighbors to be grateful for our military. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank and acknowledge Mr. Ken Deka for his service to our country, and for his continued efforts to remember and recognize our men and women in uniform. I ask that this body join me in thanking Mr. Ken Deka for his continued support for our veterans.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a member of our community, Rob Van Tassel, for being named Florida's Big Brother of the Year. Mr. Van Tassel is a logistics manager with Southwire, a manufacturing company based in Clearwater, Florida. He graduated from Dunedin High School in 1975 and has been a Pinellas County resident for many years now. Inspired by the way his father had raised him and encouraged by his own daughter, Mr. Van Tassel decided to join Big Brothers and Big Sisters and give back to the community that had given him and his family so much. In 2008, Mr. Van Tassel was matched with his current little brother Seth. For Seth, Rob is a supportive shoulder to lean on and a thoughtful advisor who keeps him focused on his education and making decisions that are beneficial for the rest of his life. Rob's work with Seth is truly exceptional. Rob believes that children need strong mentors for guidance, and that it is our responsibility to help guide children and young adults who need help finding their way. In addition to being named Florida's Big Brother of the Year, Mr. Van Tassel is also being considered for the national Big Brother of the Year award. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Rob Van Tassel for dedicating his time and efforts to our community. He has a strong desire to give back and, in turn, has inspired others to do so as well. I thank Rob for what he has done and I ask that this body join me in honoring and acknowledging Rob for his award and dedication to Pinellas County.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Chairman, section 409 of this very important legislation creates a congressional task force on economic growth in Puerto Rico. The intent of the task force is to study barriers to economic growth, report back to Congress on changes in Federal law that would spur long-term, sustainable economic growth, job creation, and also attract investment in Puerto Rico. However, in my opinion, the section could be improved by also studying the impact and recommended changes on child poverty on the island of Puerto Rico. Nearly 60 percent of children under 18 live below the poverty level in Puerto Rico, and roughly 80 percent live in high poverty areas. That is in comparison to only 11 percent who live in high poverty areas here in the continental United States. This very simple amendment would add to the requirements of the congressional task force that they report back on recommended changes to address and reduce child poverty in the territory. This amendment has been endorsed by an organization of roughly 600 national and local religious bodies, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., Catholic Charities, the Union for Reform Judaism. Additionally, on Tuesday of this week, San Juan Archbishop Roberto Gonzalez Nieves called on Congress to specifically address child poverty in this bill. Much of the debate has centered around balancing the interests and needs of bondholders and lenders with those of pensioners. I would ask that this body also consider the impact on the least among us. We are all called to serve each other. This is an opportunity for this body to reflect not just the vision of our Founders, but the calling of our Creator in doing so. These children are American citizens. Their plight deserves our explicit attention. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Chair, in closing, I urge my colleagues to support this very important amendment. Do the right thing for the very least among us--those children on the island who are facing significant challenges of poverty--so that we, as a body, might respond better to the right policies that address their very real needs. I urge the passage of this amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Danny Jones who has dedicated nearly 30 years of service to his community and whose selfless work continues to inspire all those around him. Mr. Jones retired on May 24, 2016 as Assistant Fire Chief of the Clearwater Fire Department. He spent his career aiding and assisting the people of Pinellas County where he was known for his dedication to the job and commitment to his coworkers and community. Mr. Jones led the Clearwater Fire Department with a heartfelt smile and enthusiastic attitude, comforting individuals and families who needed his assistance, and guiding the members of his team who relied on his thoughtful guidance while responding to dangerous situations. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank and acknowledge Mr. Jones for his dedicated service to Pinellas County and our beloved community. He has made an impact on the Tampa Bay area, and I ask that this body join me in recognizing his service and congratulating him on his career. I wish him the best of luck as he begins a new chapter in his life.

Mr. JOLLY

Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a hero in our community, Danny Weber, who was recently named East Lake Firefighter of the Year. Mr. Weber has been a firefighter-paramedic for seven years, and has served Pinellas County since 2014. Mr. Weber has dedicated his life to assisting individuals and families in our community, but one story in particular demonstrates his courage and selflessness, and inspired his selection as Firefighter of the Year. On June 12, 2015, a woman lost control of her vehicle and drove into a large pond. Shortly after, the East Lake Fire Rescue arrived on the scene, and Mr. Weber wasted no time making his way to the woman trapped inside of her vehicle. He rescued the woman from inside the sinking car and pulled her to safety. Selfless acts like this one are truly heroic. This is not the first time Mr. Weber has been recognized for his service. Mr. Weber also won the Morroni Award as the Pinellas County Firefighter of the Year. l am grateful that Mr. Weber is part of our community and continues to make a difference. I ask that this body join me in recognizing Mr. Weber for his service to Pinellas County.