Marco Rubio

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Nicolette Barone, the Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year from Oak Park Elementary School in Tampa, FL. Nicolette works with her students to build their self-confidence, telling them anything is possible and by turning their extrinsic motivation into intrinsic determination. Oftentimes, she interviews her students about their favorite school memories or helps them with math assignments. Nicolette credits her success as a teacher to those who taught her in school, her mentors, supervisors in the school district, and her parents. She believes this award represents not only her achievements but those of every student she taught. Nicolette has been a fourth and fifth grade math teacher at Oak Park Elementary School for 7 years. She also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Tampa. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Nicolette for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Don Clerveaux, the Miami-Dade County Teacher of the Year from Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary School in Miami, FL. Don spends each school day providing inspiration and dedication to his students. He helps them to conquer academic and personal challenges in an effort for them to have a successful future. Don seeks to strengthen his students' core values in their community schools and back home. He views those values as a ``cord of three'' challenging to break. He also helped his fellow teachers become certified to take their students to the Everglades to learn about this important ecological region of our State. Don is Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary School's fifth grade Science and Social Studies teacher. He also coaches football, track and field, and strength conditioning at Hialeah Gardens High School. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Don for his commitment to his students. I look forward to hearing about his continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Karen Cody, the Santa Rosa County Teacher of the Year from Navarre High School in Navarre, FL. Whether you are taking Karen's class or just stopping by, she welcomes everyone to her classroom with open arms. Her students describe her as caring and considerate of their needs. Karen knows students can find math to be unenjoyable, so she tries to find interesting ways to teach the subject. Students continue to visit Karen's classroom long after they leave. Karen's dedication to her students is most evident through her efforts to reach out to them individually. She wants to ensure they are successful in their academic endeavors. Karen teaches algebra 1 at Navarre High School. She worked her way up in experience as a paraprofessional for 15 years at the school and earned her bachelor's degree and master's degrees before becoming a teacher 7 years ago. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Karen for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Timothy Ferguson, the Sarasota County Teacher of the Year from Garden Elementary School in Venice, FL. When Timothy moved to Florida, he was out of his comfort zone. He needed to develop a new lesson plan for students younger than he was accustomed to teaching. Since then, he has decided to lead by example to his students. When he sings during class, he tells his students that, while he was never instructed on how to sing, it shows them his willingness to try his best and to learn from his mistakes. This is what they should be doing in his and other classes in school. Timothy wants his students to grow as musicians and is dedicated to his craft. He sees every student at the school, more than 500, once a week. This gives him the opportunity to be a positive role model in their lives. Timothy has taught for more than 20 years. Beginning his career in New York as an instrumental music teacher and band director, Timothy moved to Florida where he now teaches music classes at Garden Elementary School for kindergarten through fifth grade students. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Timothy for his commitment to his students. I look forward to hearing about his continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Jennie Goffe, the Hendry County Teacher of the Year from Clewiston High School in Clewiston, FL. Jennie is a champion for career and technical education programs because they prepare her students with industry skills and gives them workforce experience. Her students can earn an average of 150 workforce certificates through the program annually. Jennie's agricultural program allows her students to manage a 480- acre farm and care for more than 60 animals. The program allows students to harvest crops, maintain a greenhouse, grow sugarcane, and care for pastures. These skills translate to real-world farming experience. Jennie has been an agricultural teacher at Clewiston High School for the past 10 years. Last year, after Hurricane Ian impacted Florida, Jennie started an effort between her school's students and community members to help clean up hard hit areas throughout Fort Myers Beach. She earned her master's and bachelor's degrees in agricultural education and communications from the University of Florida. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Jennie for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Sarah Idsardi, the Hardee County Teacher of the Year from North Wauchula Elementary School in Wauchula, FL. Sarah integrates creative learning activities designed to engage her students and hosts virtual interactive cultural experiences joined by students from across the world. This innovative approach helps students interact with others outside their classroom. Her favorite part of teaching is reading to her students and sharing stories with them. Sarah considers herself to be a servant at heart. Not only does she teach, she is also a licensed foster parent and organizes tutoring services for children in vulnerable neighborhoods. Sarah is a fourth grade teacher at North Wauchula Elementary School. She volunteers for North Wauchula's afterschool activity programs, plans accelerated reader parties, manages the Cool Cat TV morning show, and coaches the Battle of the Books Team. She graduated from the University of Florida with bachelor's and master's degrees in elementary education. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Sarah for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Kayla Jackson, the Highlands County Teacher of the Year from Memorial Elementary School in Avon Park, FL. Kayla is a mentor to new teachers. She works with them on connecting with students to ensure their success. Kayla has developed into the ``go to'' person for teaching at her school. Kayla supports her school's Student of the Month program and leads professional learning events for her colleagues outside of the classroom. She also serves on the school's curriculum leadership team and develops lesson plans to best accommodate students. Kayla is a fifth grade math and science teacher who has taught at Memorial Elementary School since its opening in 2008. For many consecutive years, she has been recognized as a high impact teacher, and her students have achieved significant gains on state assessments. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Kayla for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Neda Jackson, the Monroe County Teacher of the Year from Key West High School in Key West, FL. Math was the first subject Neda wanted to teach as she excelled in the subject as a student. She uses her understanding of mathematical concepts to teach her students various ways to learn and develop real- life situational applications. Neda puts her most significant emphasis on students who are at risk of not graduating. Often, she will devote her time and talents to focus on these students, working personally with them to help them succeed. Her peers credit Neda's high expectations of herself for receiving this award and her students' achievements. For the past 21 years, Neda has taught at Key West High School, where she is the lead math teacher. Her classes range from algebra II honors to liberal arts math. She has served as a math coach, as a club sponsor, social media contact, and activities codirector. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Neda for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Angela McFarland, the Escambia County Teacher of the Year at the Escambia Virtual Academy and West Florida High School in Pensacola, FL. Angela designs interactive lesson plans to prepare her students for business careers. She assists students with their projects, which consist of using PowerPoint and other software programs, to ensure they grasp the lesson material. Often, her students are among the school district's most prolific earners of industry certifications in the business field. Angela's colleagues view her as a valuable asset, not only to their students, but also as a mentor to new business class instructors at the school. She coaches these teachers and presents them at various career and technical education teacher training sessions to ensure they are prepared to guide students to success. Angela teaches business and multimedia classes at West Florida High School and has worked in the Escambia County School District since 1996. She previously taught at Pine Forest High School and Booker T. Washington High School. Since 2009, Angela also has taught at Escambia Virtual Academy. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Angela for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Steven McGinley, the Lee County Teacher of the Year from Harns Marsh Middle School in Lehigh Acres, FL. Steven believes students deserve great teachers and considers it his duty to provide his students with the same quality of education he received in Lee County. He attended the county's Allen Park Elementary School, Fort Myers Middle School, and Fort Myers High School and credits his teachers for his successful career. Steven's ties to the county's schools drive his ambition to mentor and help raise quality educators. He holds that his school's success is only possible through its teachers, students, and the community's involvement. Steven also considers himself a lifelong learner and one where he learns from his students. Steven is a peer collaborative teacher at Harns Marsh Middle School, teaching in the school district of Lee County for 8 years. He spends half of the school day teaching civics and the other half coaching and mentoring other teachers at his school. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Steven for his commitment to his students. I look forward to hearing about his continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Natalie McSwain, the Polk County Teacher of the Year from Lake Gibson High School in Lakeland, FL. Natalie adopted a family management style for teaching by ensuring every student she encounters feels appreciated. She devotes herself to helping students understand her lesson plans and often stays late to ensure they are learning. Natalie is willing to fill any need for her students. Her colleagues see her dedication and emulate her techniques to mimic in their classes. For the past 8 years, Natalie has taught Spanish classes at Lake Gibson High School. She translates information for students with Spanish-speaking parents to keep them informed of their progress in her class. Natalie also volunteers to sponsor her school's girls' lacrosse team, the Spanish Club, and the Foreign Language Club. She serves as a new teacher mentor for educators who have yet to teach in a classroom previously. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Natalie for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Shelly Hinojosa, the Walton County Teacher of the Year from South Walton High School in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Shelly's ability to help her students become civically engaged is a testament to her work as a teacher. She focuses on teaching civic responsibility and critical thinking skills to ensure they are prepared to further their education. Shelly works with seniors on college scholarship programs to ensure they qualify and helps them fill out the application paperwork. She organizes career fairs, as well as hosts business and college visits to talk with students so they can learn about options after they graduate. Shelly is the media specialist at South Walton High School. She develops the school's yearbook and teaches journalism to students. Shelly also won the Liz Moya Life Skills and Citizenship Award. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Shelly for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Royal Preston, the Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year from Okaloosa Technical College in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Royal believes this award celebrates more than just his work but all of the teachers at his school who spend their days going above and beyond to educate their students. He often joins colleagues in arriving early and staying late to tutor students, sponsor their clubs, and coach sports teams. Throughout his career, Royal has led his colleagues, both locally and around the State, in training students to enter the building trades industry. Together, they ensure that when students leave their classes, they are prepared for real world work experience and success as they pursue their own American dreams. Royal has taught career and technical education classes at Okaloosa Technical College for 30 years. He is a product of the Okaloosa County school system, graduating from Bay Area Vo-Tech School, the previous name of Okaloosa Technical College. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Royal for his commitment to his students. I look forward to hearing about his continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Haley Shurack, the Broward County Teacher of the Year from Tropical Elementary School in Plantation, FL. Haley loves the impact she can impart on her students' everyday lives. Students come to her not speaking much, unable to tell her if they are hurt, how they feel, or if they are hungry. By the end of the school year, Haley says she has trouble getting them to stop talking. She credits her ability to get students to open up by building trusting and positive relationships with students and their families. Haley's students inspire her each day and being a teacher is one of the greatest joys in her life. Her ability to boost her student's self- esteem and help them to grow is a testament to Haley's commitment. Haley teaches deaf and hard of hearing preschoolers at Tropical Elementary School, where she has taught for 3 of her 5 years in education. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Haley for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Sherri Skipper, the Washington County Teacher of the Year from Florida Panhandle Technical College in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Sherri works with students to develop their knowledge of computer concepts, how to change out hardware, and web development. She teaches these skills to familiarize her students with concepts that they will use in today's workforce. Sherri also develops lesson plans for more advanced computer software usage, such as firewalls, networking, and ethical hacking. This consists of hacking computers, not for nefarious reasons, but to find weaknesses that can protect computer users through antivirus programming. Sherri teaches applied information technology and applied cybersecurity programs at Florida Panhandle Technical College, where she has taught since 2012. She previously taught at Graceville High School and graduated from the University of West Florida with a bachelor's degree in business teacher education. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Sherri for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Kelly Smith-Williams, the Manatee County Teacher of the Year from Lakewood Ranch High School in Bradenton, FL. Kelly wanted to be a teacher from a young age. Her passion for teaching carried her through grade school, college, and her first job. Throughout her career, she has impacted countless students, with many staying in contact after leaving her classroom and crediting her for their success. Kelly is a teacher in every sense of the word. She designs lesson plans that introduce her students to innovative online learning tools. She also devotes time to serving as their adviser on various academic boards, and during the Summer months, she works with students to keep them on track for their graduation. Kelly teaches anatomy and physiology honors classes at Lakewood Ranch High School. She has been with the Manatee County School District for 7 years. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Kelly for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Litamarie Stanton, the Citrus County Teacher of the Year from Citrus High School in Inverness, FL. From an early age, Lita wanted to help children and be a teacher. Lita designs her lesson plans to ensure her students have a successful and enjoyable high school experience. Teaching is not a job she takes for granted; she knows she can change lives. She also enjoys working with other teachers whose classroom she once sat in, finding it to be an incredible experience. For the past 7 years, Lita has taught algebra I inclusion and honors to 9th and 10th grade students at Citrus High School. Prior to that, she taught math at Inverness Middle School for 6 years. Lita is also involved in school activities, serving as homecoming and prom coordinator, leading the student government, varsity cheer coach, girls' tennis coach, and graduation coordinator. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Lita for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Bonnie Powell, the Charlotte County Teacher of the Year from Lemon Bay High School in Englewood, FL. Bonnie believes she holds the best job on her school's campus. Working with students gives her the honor of coaching them in reading, writing, and speaking. She knows these lifelong skills will apply to any subject they work on later throughout their lives. In Bonnie's classes, she develops lesson plans that allow her students to explore perspectives, conduct research, and develop solutions to investigations they choose to study. Throughout the school year, she ensures they read, write, and discuss literature together in an atmosphere that offers the ability to learn from one another and be successful. Bonnie is a graduate of Loyola University of New Orleans. She teaches Advanced Placement literature, freshman Advanced International Certificate of Education--AICE--English General Paper, and an Advanced Placement Seminar course at Lemon Bay High School, where she has taught since 1997. She also is the Creative Writing Club sponsor, an assistant for the Shout Out at the Bay poetry slam, and tutors students after school. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Bonnie for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Kimberly Theurer, the Pasco County Teacher of the Year from Gulf High School in New Port Richey, FL. Kim designs her lesson plans to be relevant and understandable for her students and ensures they clearly understand the day's subject material. Students not in Kim's class talk to her when passing through hallways. They find her to be supportive and understanding. Kim devotes her time to any student and tells them she believes a sense of humor, respect, and approaching every day as a new day are vital for finding success. Kim teaches government, law, and sociology classes at Gulf High School, her alma mater. She has taught for 34 years, and although she had planned to retire this year, her students asked that she put off her retirement plans for at least another year. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Kim for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Auburn Kendall Walton, the Holmes County Teacher of the Year from Ponce de Leon High School in Ponce de Leon, FL. Kendall's colleagues describe her as the queen of algebra because of her tireless efforts in teaching the subject to her students. She works with each student, ensuring they can fully grasp math making her assignments enjoyable and easy to learn. Kindall finds the most rewarding aspect of teaching to be when her students finally realize they understand the subject material and have confidence in their work. Through their work together during the school year, she believes they can achieve the goals they set for themselves by putting in the time and effort to learn. For the past 8 years, Kendall has taught math at Ponce de Leon High School. Altogether, she has been a teacher for a decade. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Kendall for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Adam Zele, the Pinellas County Teacher of the Year from Azalea Middle School in St. Petersburg, FL. Adam devotes his time to educating his students by creating engaging, memorable class lessons. Due to his commitment, he is often the last to leave the school at the end of the day. Adam enjoys being a middle school teacher as he finds himself making a difference in the lives of his students. Adam's greatest sense of satisfaction is when a student discovers something new. The excitement he sees when his students conquer a lesson confirms his passion for teaching. Many of his former students still visit him at school, sharing their academic experiences with him and seeking his guidance as they continue their education. Adam teaches pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry classes at Azalea Middle School. He also is the school math department chairman, sponsors students for the Take Stock in Children Program, and invites new teachers to lunch before they begin working so they have a familiar face on campus. Adam graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School, a master's degree in divinity, and a doctor of philosophy degree in history and religion from Duke University. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Adam for his commitment to his students. I look forward to hearing about his continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize David Swartzfager, the Sumter County Teacher of the Year from South Sumter High School in Bushnell, FL. David credits his mother for earning this recognition, noting she taught him just about everything there is to know about Future Farmers of America teaching. He considers himself honored to represent his school and the Sumter County community. Prior to his teaching career, David served in the U.S. Army from 2009 through 2021, where he taught classes to soldiers and deployed to Afghanistan. Whether teaching students or members of our Armed Forces, David has always worked to ensure others are prepared for a successful future. David has taught agriculture at South Sumter High School since 2020 and previously taught at East River High School, Crystal River High School, and University High School. He graduated from the University of Florida, earning his bachelor's degree in agricultural education and communication and master's degree in educational leadership. David is also a Future Farmers of America student adviser and the department chair. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to David for his commitment to his students and his Nation. I look forward to hearing about his continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. So I think one of the things that has become increasingly accepted here is that deindustrialization was a terrible mistake for America. No. 1, it hurt us and wiped out good-paying jobs that we relied on to build strong communities, and the other is it left us vulnerable in our supply chains. And one of the things that is talked a lot about in terms of industries is these provisions called ``Buy American.'' We have laws called ``Buy American.'' I think it is especially important when we are spending taxpayer dollars on propping up an industry that it have strong provisions that do so. What is called the infrastructure bill has $5 billion of American taxpayer funds to build electric vehicle charging stations in the United States, and it has, in that bill embedded, very specific ``Buy American'' requirements that those funds may be used only so that all the iron, the steel, the manufactured products, the construction materials that are used are produced in the United States. It is very simple. It is pretty straightforward. That is what the law reads, both a broader law that already exists and then the provisions of this bill. The Biden administration, after passing this, however, didn't just fail to implement this provision--they were almost a year late in even issuing any findings on it, but they have now come out with this waiver. A waiver of that ``Buy American'' requirement that allows foreign-made EV chargers--translation, Chinese-made electric vehicle chargers--up until October of 2024. But there is more. They actually give the Federal Highway Administrator the ability to extend that deadline by 5 years. And so we are now facing, under this waiver they are requesting, the real prospect that significant portions of the $5 billion that is going to go to electric vehicle charging stations is going to be spent on Chinese companies--taxpayer dollars. So we are either serious about restoring America's industrial capabilities or we are not. We should be especially serious about it when we are spending Federal funds on it. Now, I have watched some of the debate, some of the things the administration is telling people about how somehow this is going to be the opposite effect. There is this 1983 general regulation that they have written or waiver that they have in place. Everyone knows here that specific statutory language, such as that that exists both in this bill and in other law, supersedes any of these. But the other is very simple. The administration, as they have done with a bunch of other regulations, can either amend it or get rid of it. But they are using that as a threat. What they are basically telling people is, if you vote for this, if this thing passes, we will interpret that 1983 general provision to just do anything we want with regard to this. So it is pretty straightforward. Get rid of it. Don't use it that way. Commit yourself to rebuilding American industry, American jobs. The bottom line is this. You can play all the jiujitsu games you want with regard to language, the bottom line is this: If we are going to spend $5 billion of taxpayer money to build electric vehicle charging stations in the United States, it should be made by Americans, in America, using American products. And if you agree with me, I am going to give you a chance right now to vote for something that wipes out this waiver that the Biden administration wants to put in place that will guarantee that that may never happen and that most of this money--taxpayer money--will go into the hands of Chinese companies to build electric vehicle charging stations in the United States. We shouldn't allow that to happen. I urge everyone to vote for this. I yield the floor.

Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak for up to 5 minutes prior to the scheduled rollcall vote.

Mr. RUBIO. I ask for the yeas and nays.