Steven Palazzo

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, due to tropical storm Gordon, which impacted my district on 9/4/18, I was not present in the House and unable to vote on Wednesday, September 5, 2018. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 382; YEA on Roll Call No. 383; NAY on Roll Call No. 384; and YEA on Roll Call No. 385.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, due to tropical storm Gordon, which impacted my district on 9/4/18, I was not present in the House and unable to vote on Tuesday September 4, 2018. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 380 and YEA on Roll Call No. 381.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I am not recorded voting on 7/25/18 for the second vote series. I was absent due to traffic. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 375; and YEA on Roll Call No. 376.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. We are 1 week away from July 31--that is 7 days--which means the deadline to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program is nearing very fast. I would like to thank Mr. MacArthur for understanding the importance of avoiding a lapse in the NFIP program and for introducing legislation that will continue coverage for millions of policyholders. We know that flooding always has been and will continue to be the most costly natural phenomenon humanity faces. I support this amendment to extend the National Flood Insurance Program through the end of the 2018 hurricane season and urge my colleagues to do the same. Policyholders who rely on the program to insure their homes from flooding should not be caught in limbo while Congress works on coming together in a bipartisan manner to reauthorize the program. While I, along with many of my colleagues, support reform in the program, the time to enact bipartisan reforms is gone for now. We have to take immediate action. If the NFIP lapses, policyholders will not have the opportunity to renew their policies and tens of thousands of home sale closings would be negatively impacted by a program lapse. We are in the middle of the 2018 hurricane season, and a major disruption in the program will be detrimental to homeowners in every corner of the United States. It is our duty to ensure that flood insurance remains affordable and available to our constituents. Since 1968, this program has helped protect against flooding. Since its inception, the NFIP has saved the government billions of dollars. We are providing our constituents with certainty by supporting this bill, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to extend the NFIP through the end of the 2018 hurricane season.

Mr. PALAZZO

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

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is very simple. During committee markup of this bill, we were successful in adding a restoration of $25 million to the CDFI fund. Because of the way the amendment was drafted in committee, this secondary amendment is necessary to designate the individual funds within the CDFI account. The CDFI banks that this amendment seeks to assist provide essential financial products to underserved populations, often the poorest of the poor. Additionally, financial literacy education provided by CDFI banks is an invaluable service to our most at-risk and disadvantaged communities across the Nation. Again, this amendment is purely clerical in nature and ensures that the $25 million added at committee markup is equitably distributed between the separate CDFI funds so it can do the most good for our most needy. Mr. Chair, I ask the House to pass this amendment to ensure these reach their intended recipients, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for his remarks. Seeing no other speakers, I would like to thank the chairman and ranking member for their support in committee for restoring the funds. Mr. Chairman, I urge an ``aye'' vote on my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paul Sonnier, a resident in my district and a United States Navy WWII Veteran. Paul Sonnier was born on January 13th, 1926, in Delcambre, Louisiana, near Lafayette. As the fifth oldest of ten children, Paul's ability to serve as a role model and leader has been evident throughout his life. Sonnier's father died when he was young, and Paul felt it was his duty to help his mother provide and care for his younger siblings. On December 7th, 1941, the bombing of Pearl Harbor sparked a fire inside of Paul, and he knew ``joining up'' would help provide for his family as well as honor his country. Paul enlisted in the U.S. Navy, in January of 1944, and served our country until May of 1946, when he was honorably discharged. In the Navy, he served aboard the USS LCI (G) 458 and was found worthy of membership in The Ancient and Sacred Order of the Golden Dragon as well as the Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep. He received two battle stars as well as a Presidential Unit Citation. After his military service Paul worked for Freeport Sulphur Company in Port Sulphur, Louisiana, and later became a tugboat captain, until he retired. Paul was married and has six children and fifteen grandchildren. He moved from Louisiana to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and has lived in the fourth Congressional District ever since. World War II veteran, Paul Sonnier, lives his life with honor and bravery, leaving behind a legacy that must be remembered as one of America's Greatest Generation. On April 23rd, the Phi Mu Women's Fraternity at the University of Southern Mississippi honored Mr. Sonnier by granting one of his last wishes--dancing with a beautiful woman. That he did, several times over. He said that it was wonderful to see that today's young people remember those who fought in World War II and would be kind enough to shower him with love on that day. I am honored to recognize Mr. Paul Sonnier today, and express the gratitude of our district to him for his service and dedication to our country by answering the call and serving honorably and bravely in World War II.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the bill before us, S. 2155. I support a majority of the provisions in this bill, as it makes crucial changes to federal banking laws that provide much needed relief from some of the worst, most burdensome financial regulations that have stifled American small businesses and in turn, harmed consumers. I intend to vote in its favor, but I have a real issue with the way in which we are considering the bill. A huge bill, almost 200 pages-- under a closed rule. The section I want to speak on is a section that most folks probably don't even realize is in the bill, and that is Small Public Housing reform, section 209. This is an issue I've been working on for years now, and while I'm always happy to see others such as Chairman Crapo caring about it, I'm frustrated by how haphazardly they are written, and disappointed by how good they could be. Let me just go over a couple of things that are in the bill before us as they relate to small public housing authorities. The Senate tacked on a rural requirement to the definition of ``small public housing authority'' which is generally defined as a housing authority operating 550 or fewer combined units or vouchers. For starters, how many times have we debated USDA's rural definition? It's one of the most complicated rural definitions that exist--why are we still using this in new legislation even though we know how difficult it is to come to a consensus on it? The small PHA definition of 550 and under covers approximately 76 percent of PHAs across the country--that number drops to a little over a half when we add the rural definition. Moreover, there are already existing distinctions when it comes to small PHAs--fewer than 250 get to report less, fewer than 400 are exempt from asset management, etc. Now, we've created a new subsection--rural or non-rural. So in theory we could have two PHAs of identical sizes in adjoining or nearby counties operating under different rules for performance and oversight. Both likely will have similar resource challenges but only one of them will get regulatory relief as a result of S. 2155. We're creating complexity, not lessening it. We move physical inspection standards currently used in public housing (UPCS) and we say, let's move them to the less burdensome section 8--which, again, I'm all for, but we don't clarify which section 8. There are two types of section 8, tenant-based and project-based. Presumably they meant tenant-based, but that's something we need to clarify. These are just a couple of small, non-controversial common sense corrections. I'll be introducing authorizing legislation that makes these changes and a few others that I didn't have time to go over--and hopefully, we'll be able to attach some technical corrections to a must-pass piece of legislation I know many others share my frustration, to have this massive bill shoved down our throat with no opportunity to make the legislation better. Isn't that our job as lawmakers? To make sure the bills we pass are the very best they could be. I applaud the deregulatory efforts on the financial side as well as the small public housing side, I'm jut disappointed to see that we don't have the opportunity to make some of these common sense edits on the front end, instead of having to make technical corrections afterwards because what has been signed into law contains well intended, but confusing and imperfect provisions.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the unveiling of a new monument in my district, the first of its kind in Mississippi. Today, at the Armed Forces Museum, located at Camp Shelby, a Gold Star Memorial will be introduced to beloved families and friends of our Gold Star veterans, while military officers, dignitaries, elected officials, and others take a first look at this worthy and timely piece of art, history, and honor. Fortunately, the state of Mississippi, especially my Congressional District, is comprised of thousands of citizens who support and defend American values, including a powerful, respected, highly trained military fighting force. Our Gold Star families are special to us. Many would agree that a soldier who gives his or her life in service is the ultimate citizen; however, we must also know that those who support that soldier at home deserve recognition, too. The sacrifices of the home-front exist in partnership with the service member's commitment to ``protect and defend this nation against enemies, both foreign and domestic.'' Approximately 1,100 Gold Star families reside in Mississippi, and the list has grown by nearly 400 names since the Gulf War. They all deserve to be remembered. The location of the first Gold Star Memorial in Mississippi reflects our deep history of military service and sacrifice. Since World War I, Camp Shelby has served as one of America's most respected training and mobilization sites for various military branches. It was the second largest training facility during World War II, and has served as a major training installation ever since. I am proud to be part of the Camp Shelby legacy myself, as well as the U. S. Representative for thousands of families associated with this historic location. Five Gold Star Memorials will be placed at various points around Mississippi, to include Meridian, Tupelo, the Jackson area, and the Gulf Coast. I am grateful to be part of the unveiling at Camp Shelby, in Mississippi's Fighting Fourth Congressional District.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Virginia ``Gini'' Fellows, a resident in my district and 71-year-old Ironman triathlete. Gini was born and raised near Detroit, Michigan, became a Registered Nurse, and married Dr. William Fellows in 1970. In 1978, the couple was recruited by Gulf Coast Medical Center and moved to Long Beach, Mississippi, making the coast their home. A skiing injury in her twenties resulted in knee surgery and many years later, rehabilitative therapy. Meanwhile, their son Patrick, a race event organizer, saw an opportunity to put his mom's freshly revived knee to work in an upcoming all-women's triathlon held in April 2007. She agreed to do the race, vowing to set her own pace, and won her age division at age 59. That first race gave Gini the confidence to enter more races, and over the next couple of years, she completed two Ironman half-marathons leading up to competing in the Florida Ironman Triathlon in 2016. Winning her age division in Florida qualified Gini for the 2017 World Championship Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii. Husband Bill encouraged Gini to keep training in spite of his own bout of lung cancer. Sadly, six weeks before her race in Kona, Bill passed away. When asked how one mentally handles the physical challenge of a triathlon, Gini explained that she focused her thoughts on her various friends within each portion of the event. During the 112-mile bike ride, she thought of her friends with whom she likes to ride; likewise with the 26.2 mile run. During the 2.4-mile swim, she thought of the lifeguards who look after her as she trains and races. She reflected on her family, their children and 11 grandchildren, but she saved her ``Last Mile'' for Bill, focusing her thoughts on their 47\1/2\ years of marriage, the love they shared, and the lifetime of memories created between them. Gini is an inspiration and encourager to those who show interest in running or competing. Gini says to start with that first step and to start by walking. At age 71, Gini has found a passion for triathlons and says, ``I plan to stick with it, as long as I'm able.'' I am proud to honor Gini Fellows, an inspirational triathlete and Ironman from Mississippi's Fightin' Fourth District.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Granville Crane of Gulfport, Mississippi, and the rest of the crew onboard the USS Indianapolis for their acts of heroism during World War II. The USS Indianapolis received secret orders in July of 1945 to proceed to Tinian Island, transiting the Pacific unaccompanied, carrying components of the Little Boy atomic bomb. Leaving Tinian, a Japanese submarine spotted the Indianapolis steaming towards Guam and fired two torpedos, striking and sinking the Indianapolis within 12 minutes. Approximately 300 crewmen went down with the ship, and the rest spent the next 3\1/2\ days in the water. Of the 1,200 crewmen, there were only 317 survivors. On behalf of Mr. Granville Crane and the rest of the USS Indianapolis crew, I encourage my fellow Members to support H.R. 4107, the USS Indianapolis Congressional Gold Medal Act, which honors the crew of the USS Indianapolis with Congressional Gold Medals for their important role and dedicated service to our country during World War II.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pope Huff for his service to the Unites States and to Mississippi. Lieutenant Colonel Huff will celebrate his 100th birthday on January 25, 2018. Lieutenant Colonel Huff graduated from Forest County Agricultural High School and is a fellow graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. Huff joined the Marines in 1941, and honorably served our country in that capacity until 1964. He served as a pilot in World War II, the Korean War, and the early stages of the Vietnam War. During his time serving as a Marine, Lieutenant Colonel Huff also had the privilege of being the personal pilot of two Commandants of the Marine Corps, and during his final tour, was the military liaison to the Federal Aviation Administration in Washington, D.C. His exceptional record of leadership is unmatched amongst his peers. Upon his retirement in 1964, Lieutenant Colonel Huff returned to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, with his wife and son, but his service to his country and his state was not finished. From the late-1960s to the mid- 1970s, Huff ran a program called S.T.A.R, Strategic Training and Relocation, for the United States Department of Labor. This program matched unemployed workers in Mississippi with employers in different parts of the state. Through his work with this program, Lieutenant Colonel Huff helped to greatly reduce the unemployment rate in Mississippi during that time. Lieutenant Colonel Huff's life shows us what true commitment and leadership for our country and our state should be. The impact of Huff's diligent work for the state of Mississippi and the United States is incalculable. His actions should inspire the rest of us to follow his model of exemplary service. I would like to thank Lieutenant Colonel Huff for his honorable service to our country and our state, and I would also like to wish him a very happy 100th birthday. Semper Fi.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank President Trump for his strong support of rural America and for remembering the forgotten farmer. Last week, the President made us so very proud when he became the first sitting President in 25 years to address the Farm Bureau. During his speech, the President emphasized the importance of agriculture in America. And as a member of the Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, I could not agree more. Our farmers provide America with food security unlike any other country on Earth. Farmers and ranchers are a small percentage of our population, feeding, fueling, and clothing our country and the rest of the world. But it hasn't been easy for them. Foreign countries cheat our farmers with unfair trade practices. Unelected bureaucrats have strangled our farmers with regulation after regulation. And even your elected officials have tried to tax our farmers to death. As a result, farm income has been on a drastic and steady decline until now. So I thank the President for not forgetting about rural America; and I thank him for rolling back job-killing regulations, calling out corrupt trade practices, and pushing Congress to ease the burden of the death tax. My farm friends in Mississippi thank the President.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the benefits that many Americans across the country are already seeing from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. After hearing leaders of the Democratic Party call $1,000 ``crumbs,'' I wanted to make sure my colleagues on the other side of the aisle understood that our tax reform and relief plan is more than just crumbs to over 2 million Americans. Immediately following the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we saw an outpouring of businesses announce they would offer bonuses to their employees, and some even increased their wages. This money was instantly invested back into American workers. I would like to see one of my colleagues from the other side of the aisle come to Mississippi and see the response they get after they tell the Levins and the Ladners in Saucier, Mississippi, that $1,000 is only crumbs. I promise you they would only say it once. As we go into 2018, I will continue highlighting real stories of Mississippi businesses that are benefiting from our new Tax Code.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my disappointment in the Democratic Party and to express my concern for the safety and security of the American people. It has become evident that Democratic leaders and the rest of their party are more interested in protecting illegal immigrants and foreign nationals than protecting American citizens and passing a budget to avoid a government shutdown. As a government, we are charged with supporting the well-being and safety of all American citizens. In order to fulfill this responsibility, we must secure our borders, end chain migration, and mandate E-Verify as a national practice. We don't need to promote the practice of rewarding illegal aliens by providing jobs and safe havens, but, rather, our obligation is to law- abiding American citizens. We cannot take care of the rest of the world if we are unable to take care of America and its citizens first.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ron Savell and the entire Mugshots Grill & Bar staff on 14 years of successful business. On January 10, 2004, the first Mugshots Grill & Bar was opened in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, near the campus of my alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi. While the original, unfortunately, burned down in 2011, there are now more than 18 restaurant locations spanning three States. Ron is a fellow USM Golden Eagle that continues to expand his businesses in south Mississippi. Most recently, he has opened Brewsky's in Hattiesburg and Patio 44 in Hattiesburg and Biloxi. His restaurants continue to fuel the economies of my district. The success that Ron has had in such a short amount of time is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and his hard work, persistence, and determination. And, of course, he has a great partner: his wife, Caitlin, and their beautiful family. Next time you are in south Mississippi, be sure to stop by Mugshots Grill & Bar and have yourself a delicious peanut butter burger. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Ron on his 14th anniversary.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to our Nation's law enforcement men and women. The safety and security of our communities is the result of our law enforcement men and women, who wake up every single day to protect neighborhoods from criminals, fight crime, ensure justice, and keep the peace. In 2017, 125 officers died in the line of duty. Their deaths are a sober reminder that our Nation's law enforcement officers face danger every day they carry out their duty to protect the American people. They run towards danger while everyone else is running away. No matter what, they serve and protect. They serve and protect so that you and I may be free from harm. Their diligent service does not go unnoticed, and today, on behalf of Mississippi's Fourth Congressional District, we thank them for their bravery, fortitude, and sacrifice. So thank you to the men and women in blue. We are a safer nation because of the bravery of you and your families. Thank you for choosing to live a life of service. Your sacrifice and heroism will never be forgotten. Happy Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and God bless you.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. Jim Bevis, a friend and constituent from Mississippi's Fourth District. Jim grew up, just down the beach from Mississippi, in Pensacola, Florida. He attended the University of West Florida earning a degree in banking and finance. In 1980, Jim launched what would become a longstanding career in finance and budget analysis at NASA Headquarters (Washington, D.C.), in the Budget Operations Division. Later, he spent a year at Goddard Space Flight Center, in Greenbelt, Maryland. Over the next decade, Jim's career would soar to new heights as a budget analyst responsible for the Office of Space Science programs, then as the lead analyst for the Comptroller for all of NASA's space science programs, with a budget of nearly $1.5 billion. From 1993 to 95, Jim served as a special assistant to the Chief Scientist at NASA, managing budget analyses for a variety of agency topics--Earth, space, microgravity, and life sciences. Thankfully, Jim's success landed him a position at Mississippi's Stennis Space Center where, in 2002, he was named Chief Financial Officer. He was still serving in that position at the time of his unexpected death in November. Jim earned numerous awards for his excellent performance and dedicated service to the NASA and Stennis communities. One especially memorable one, unique to our Gulf Coast, was the NASA Commendation Award for Hurricane Katrina Recovery. Jim carried with him a passion for exceptional work and a rock solid commitment to serving well in his career at NASA. His full comprehension of the public's trust, as Chief Financial Officer, drew the respect and appreciation of NASA's leadership. Regrettably, Jim's life was cut short just days before his 62nd birthday. I also wish to honor his sons, Nolan & Nicholas today, along with their mother, Sherri Carr Bevis, who is also a public servant and Gulf Coast friend. Jim enjoyed playing tennis and strumming Beatles tunes on his guitar. He was also deeply involved in his beloved Jacob's Well church family. The life that was Jim Bevis is greatly appreciated and will be missed.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Colorado for the time and for his positive comments, as well as Mrs. Torres, in support of H.R. 2615. I rise today in support of H.R. 2615, the Gulf Islands National Seashore Land Exchange Act. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a national park that draws millions of visitors to the islands in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf Islands National Seashore includes the Mississippi barrier islands of Petit Bois, Horn, East and West Ship, and Cat, as well as the Davis Bayou Area. I am proud to have this important park and its natural beaches, historic sites, and wildlife sanctuaries within my district. The Gulf Islands National Seashore has been a part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast community since Congress established the park in 1971. Since that establishment, the Gulf Islands National Seashore has worked closely with the Mark Seymour Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5699. In fact, the post has shared a road with the seashore for the better part of the last 30 years. The Gulf Islands National Seashore Land Exchange Act would make permanent a 30-year easement that has provided an access road and driveway for the VFW. In exchange, the VFW will give the Gulf Islands National Seashore some of its acreage, which also includes valuable wetlands. The Gulf Islands National Seashore and the Mark Seymour VFW Post strongly support this land exchange, but the Department of the Interior needs congressional approval before it can make the land exchange official. That is why, Mr. Speaker, I encourage the House to pass this bill as a suspension vote. I would also like to thank the subcommittee chairman, Mr. McClintock, as well as Chairman Bishop and the Committee on Natural Resources for their support and help in bringing this bill to the floor. Mr. Speaker, this is also a noncontroversial bill, and I urge the Senate to pass it without delay.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded because I was traveling with the Secretary of the Navy. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 622

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize America's veterans. Saturday is Veterans Day, a time to recognize our bravest men and women who answered the call to defend our great Nation against our enemies. Words are not enough to say thank you for everything you have endured and sacrificed on America's behalf. As a fellow veteran, and on behalf of the good families of Mississippi's Fourth Congressional District, I want to convey my appreciation to you and your families. Many of us have seen the perils of war and conflict. Many have been injured in the line of duty, and many have paid the ultimate sacrifice before the altar of freedom. Because of this display of sacrifice, future generations may enjoy the blessings of what our country stands for: the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I am proud to have had the opportunity to serve alongside such brave men and women. So, veterans, we are a free nation because of the bravery of you and your families. Happy Veterans Day, and God bless you.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and remember Sophia Myers, who joined our Heavenly Father on October 20, 2017 after an eight-month battle with a type of brain cancer known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). To all who knew her, Sophia was as strong as she was kind. Fondly referred to as ``Bug'', she is remembered as a confident and witty little girl with an infectious smile and laugh. Sophia was a seven- year-old student at Oak Park Elementary in Ocean Springs, Mississippi and was admired and loved by those who knew her for her vibrant love of life. She enjoyed the outdoors and was an accomplished fisherman, having won two awards at Sea and Sail Camp last year. Sophia was a fast runner and enjoyed running 1-mile races with her dad. She excelled at a variety of sports and participated in swimming, soccer, and was a member of the Girl Scouts. Her mother describes her as a talented dancer with her first lessons beginning when she was only two-years- old. She was a dancer on the competitive dance team Itty Bitty DKG and a student dancer at Donna's Visual and Performing Arts Center. Sophia was also known to be a beautiful singer and regularly made up love songs for her mom and dad. Sophia was a child of the Lord and believed in His love and goodness even when faced with cancer. Although she was only seven-years-old when God called her home, Sophia's life and story have impacted not only the Gulf Coast community, but international communities as well. Stories of hope, prayer, and loss have been expressed to Sophia and her family from communities in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Finland, France, Canada, Brazil, and Sweden to name a few. Many people go through life wishing to make an impression on the world, and Sophia did just that during her short time on this Earth. Her goodness and love inspired many and will continue to do so long after her departure from this world. We offer thanks to the many doctors, nurses and medical staff who worked tirelessly to fight for Sophia and, when time came, made her comfortable during her final moments with her friends and family. I offer my sincerest condolences to Sophia's parents Angel and Josh Myers, as well as her many friends and family who remember her as a joy for all who were lucky enough to meet her. From my family to yours, we bear this grief with you and offer many prayers as well as thanks for gifting the world with as beautiful a person as Sophia ``Bug'' Myers.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I am not recorded because I was absent due to a family commitment. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 564, YEA on Roll Call No. 565, YEA on Roll Call No. 566, NAY on Roll Call No. 567, and YEA on Roll Call No. 568.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Bridgette Beatty Jones, former District Office Manager of Mississippi's ``Fighting 4th'' Congressional District. I am blessed with a team of professionals who hit the ground running when I first came to Congress in 2011. The transition to a new office could have been overwhelming but for the energy and leadership of Bridgette Jones leading the way for my team in the district. One important aspect of Bridgette's work was planning and executing public events, such as the Congressional Art Competition, our Salute to the Military, our Youth Leadership Summit, and our Military Service Academy Day. Today, on the occasion of our annual Academy Day, I salute Bridgette in appreciation for her passionate leadership of this event. Like the nominees and academy cadets Bridgette worked with over the years, she too represents the qualities of an excellent academy candidate. In addition to her sharp, professional, albeit pint-sized, appearance, Bridgette possesses amazing intelligence, a devotion to serving her community, a powerful work ethic, seemingly endless athleticism--especially on the tennis court--and a noble character. On my staff, she best understood the process of Academy Day, from coordinating with academy representatives and service members, schools, and families involved in the event, right down to the smallest detail. Bridgette's contagious enthusiasm was greatly appreciated, as she facilitated the work of the selection board and the cadet nominees who would come to represent our district at the academies. For these reasons, and so many more, I am proud and grateful for the opportunity to honor Bridgette Jones, my friend and former District Office Manager on the House floor today. I wish her and her husband, Bud Jones, as well as their children, Paige and A.J., all the best for the future, and thank her for her service to South Mississippi. Bridgette will always be a member of Team Palazzo.