Marco Rubio

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Jeannine Meis, the Leon County Teacher of the Year from Leon High School in Tallahassee, FL. A teacher in the Leon County School district for 16 years, Jannine is an educator who is consistently modifying her curriculum to create lesson plans that help her to connect with her students while creating an atmosphere that is encouraging. Before Jeannine started her tenure at Leon High School, she taught elementary school at the Apalachee Tapestry Magnet School of the Arts and middle school students at Cobb Middle School, where she had the privilege of teaching some of her students again. I express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Jeannine for her work and look forward to learning of her continued success in her future endeavors.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my pleasure to recognize a service-minded small business. Small businesses fulfill important needs in our communities, not only through their valuable products and services, but also in their ability to connect with and assist their fellow neighbors in times of need. It is my distinct pleasure to name Royal Furniture and Design of the Florida Keys as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 1984, Royal Furniture and Design has grown from a single retail store in Marathon, FL, to a full service home design and remodeling company with three Keys showrooms and a warehouse in Florida City. Owned and operated by the Elwell family, Ross and Janice own the company, while their sons Chris and Ryan help to manage the Key West and Marathon stores. Today, Royal Furniture and Design employs 40 full- time workers. The Elwell family has long-standing, generational ties with the Keys community as their family has been small business owners in Marathon since 1959. For decades, the Elwell's have been incredible philanthropists. Following the devastation of Hurricane Irma, Royal Furniture and Design set up tents in their parking lot and fed members of the community every day for a month. Immediately following the hurricane, they donated space in their former Marathon location to the American Legion to store emergency relief and water supplies. In collaboration with other local organizations, they helped 48 families who were severely impacted by the storm with free, brand-new furniture. Royal Furniture and Design is an outstanding example of the charitable services that small businesses offer our communities throughout Florida. They continue to host charity cooking events throughout the Keys in addition to their Mardi Gras masquerade ball to benefit the Fishermen's Community Hospital. In 2018, Royal Furniture and Design was recognized as both the Best Family Owned Business and Best Business by Marathon Rotary Club and the Marathon Weekly Newspaper. Members of the Marathon community voted on these awards and ultimately chose Royal Furniture and Design for their dedication to customer service. Royal Furniture and Design and the entire Elwell family are an outstanding example of the American entrepreneurial spirit. They continue to go above and beyond to serve the Keys community while treating each customer like family. It is my pleasure to be able to recognize the Elwell family and the entire team at Royal Furniture and Design as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Congratulations, thank you for your service to Floridians, and I look forward to watching your continued service and success.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my privilege to recognize a small business that has benefited from hard work, ingenuity, and international trade. As we celebrate World Trade Month, it is important to recognize the limitless potential that exporting offers small businesses across the country. It is my distinct honor to name GT AirInject Inc., located in Jacksonville, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded by Glen Black, GT AirInject is a family-owned manufacturer of air injection machines, which provide an efficient way to improve soil and lawn maintenance for golf courses and athletic fields. GT AirInject's flagship product, the AIR2G2, solves the issues of soil compaction by injecting pressurized air into the soil, up to 12 inches deep, which fractures the natural forming compact layers. Unlike traditional aeration methods that simply perforate the soil, the AIR2G2 injects air without damaging the turf surface. This revolutionary feature allows the course or field to be used immediately, making the AIR2G2 an ideal product for sport facilities and golf courses. In fact, GT AirInject's products are utilized internationally, at world-renowned facilities such as St. Andrews Links in Scotland, the Boston Red Sox's Fenway Park, the Green Bay Packer's Lambeau Field, and Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. In addition to the AIR2G2, GT AirInject has developed the AIR2HP. Perfect for both commercial and household use, the AIR2HP offers customers a more portable and dynamic product, while still providing the soil benefits of increased porosity, better water drainage, and improved root growth. The benefits of the AIR2G2 and the AIR2HP, however, are not limited to improved soil quality. The efficient and effective designs of GT AirInject products allow recreational facilities to remain open after turf maintenance, simultaneously decreasing the facilities maintenance budget while increasing revenue. GT AirInject's commitment to manufacturing superior products, while maintaining an affordable price, has allowed them to become a world leader in air injection machines. Exporting across the globe, GT AirInject products can be found throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Despite increased international demand, GT AirInject continues to manufacture its machines in Jacksonville. GT AirInject's commitment to quality and innovation has not gone unnoticed. The AIR2G2 won the prestigious 2016 HSBC Golf Business Forum Innovation Award and the 2015 Sports Turf Managers Association's Innovation Award. Additionally, the AIR2HP was named as one of Lawn and Landscape magazine's Twenty for 2017 New Product Award Program winners. American made products are essential to the United States' continued competitiveness in the global marketplace. GT AirInject is a tremendous example of a small business creating an innovative product that has generated global demand. They have grown internationally while continuing to create American jobs. It is with great pleasure that I name GT AirInject as the Senate Small Business of the Week. I wish Glen and the entire team nothing but success in their future endeavors.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, dominant in the news--on which I have expected there to be more coverage--is a matter that I think is of great urgency to the country, global security, and peace--that being the tensions that are rising in the Middle East. I have heard a few of my colleagues speak on the floor about it today, and I have seen a lot of press report on it, some of it absurd and some of it on point. I understand some of it. I thought there should have been more information provided to all of the Members. I am pleased to see that more will be available next week when we return. This is an item I have been talking about for a couple of weeks--of the urgent threat, potentially, that now exists from Iran against the United States, particularly in Iraq but throughout the Persian Gulf region. First, let me talk about the threat. To understand the threat, it is important to understand how Iran operates. Iran is an Islamic republic, meaning it has a political branch of its government--a President, a Foreign Minister, and a parliamentary body. Then it has a Supreme Leader, who ultimately governs the country. In essence, his commands overrule the political branches. That is why they call him the Supreme Leader. He is a religious figure. As part of that, it has an armed services--an army, a navy, and an air force--that protects the country, theoretically. Then it has an armed forces that is independent of the army, the navy, and the air force, and that is the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC. First of all, it doesn't answer to the President; it doesn't answer to the Foreign Minister; and it doesn't answer to regular army forces. It answers directly to the Supreme Leader. A lot of times, people don't understand this. They ascribe to other countries the attributes of our own. The President of Iran is not the commander in chief, in reality, of the IRGC. It operates completely separately. By the way, that means that the IRGC--the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps--can oftentimes operate and do things that the Foreign Minister, who is the spokesperson for the Iranian Government, may not even know about. Sometimes it does. The point is that we have to understand that dynamic. It is not the United States. Our attributes should not be assigned to them. The IRGC has an organization within it. It has a unit called the Quds Force. The Quds Force, led by General Soleimani, is made up of experts and has developed expertise in unconventional warfare and in intelligence activities, primarily abroad. This is the organization, for example, that helped to build all of the IEDs that killed and maimed American servicemen in Iraq. This is the organization behind the Shia militias in Iraq today. This is the organization behind a lot of the efforts that support Hezbollah in Syria and in other parts of the world. The IRGC's Quds Force is designed to do things that have some level of deniability. The IRGC Quds Force has developed an ability, in the case of conflict with the United States--and we have known this now for the better part of a decade--to attack us using proxies, meaning other groups, in order to escape and have some level of deniability. It will get some group that it has stood up, that it has equipped, and that it has trained to attack us in retaliation for something America has done, but it can deny it. It can say: That wasn't our army. That wasn't our air force. That was this other group that did it on its own. This is a capability we know it has built not just in the Middle East, by the way, but all over the world. We have been aware of it for a long time. It is not a secret to anyone, and it is a capability that it has increasingly perfected. What has happened here very recently is there has been a persistent and clear stream of information--a clear indication--that has arrived to American policymakers that the IRGC, the Quds Force, and their proxies in the region pose a serious and potentially imminent threat to U.S. forces and U.S. civilians in Iraq and in the broader Middle East. The President of the United States and the administration are confronted with this information. What is the wholly appropriate thing for them to do? The appropriate thing for them to do is to reposition military assets to the region, No. 1, to protect the Americans who are there in case they come under attack and, No. 2, to be in a position to retaliate. The reason this is important is you hope to deter this sort of attack. What you are hoping to do is to show them that we have military capabilities in the region so that if we are attacked by their proxies at the direction of the Quds Force, we are going to respond to that forcefully. What you hope that will do, along with public messaging, is get into their heads and make them decide ``We are not going to do this.'' That is what has happened here, and it is wholly appropriate. For a moment, I want you to imagine. If, in fact, an attack such as this occurred and if, God forbid, hundreds of Americans were killed, the first question everybody would have is, Why didn't we have military assets in the region to protect them? Why couldn't we get them out? That is the first question everyone around here is going to ask. What the administration has done to pre-position military assets in the region for this potential contingency is entirely appropriate. Also appropriate is the notion that we are not going to start a war, but if we are attacked by Iran's proxies, we are going to respond against those proxies, and we are going to hold Iran responsible. It is going to pay a price for this as well. Who could disagree with the notion that if we are attacked, we have a right to defend ourselves and respond? That is the only thing that is happening here. I am pleased that in the last day, more Members of the Senate have been made privy to this stream of information so that people can begin to see that the actions the administration has taken up to this point are not just wholly justified but are appropriate. Yet I am concerned about some of the reactions I have seen with regard to this because I think they bode ill both for this case and for the future. One of the first reactions I have seen is that this is not true, that they are literally making it up, that there is no such intelligence, and that it is being exaggerated. There are even some leakers--I don't know who these people are--who are lying to media outlets about the contents of this intelligence because they have axes to grind against somebody else in the administration, and they want to create embarrassment. Look, I get this bureaucratic infighting, but I don't understand it when it comes to issues of national security. Even if this information is 50 percent accurate, we have an obligation to err on the side of caution, especially when American lives are on the line. I encourage all Senators to read this information or access it through their offices and, obviously, when we have a briefing with the appropriate officials, to attend that as well, and I believe you will agree with me. The second thing I am hearing is ``Oh, this is just a path to war''-- equating this to the Iraq war of over a decade ago. This is nothing like that. That was an offensive operation. That was an invasion of another country. This is not posturing for a military attack; this is military posturing for the purposes of defensive operations. As I have said repeatedly, it is very straightforward: If Iran attacks, there will be a war. If Iran does not attack, there will not be a war. I think the most disappointing is some insinuation, including by Members of this body--publicly and privately--that somehow, we are going to provoke an attack; that elements of the American Government are going to go out and do something to get Iran to hit us so that we will have an excuse to go to war. I don't know how you prove a negative, but I find that to be wholly unsubstantiated and dangerous. Let me tell you why this is problematic. What encourages Iran to believe it can get away with this is that it believes if one of these groups--one of the Shia militias in Iraq--attacks us, it is going to be able to say that it is ``not us,'' that it is some rogue group that did it. ``Don't hold us responsible for it.'' The more Iran thinks it can get away with that, the more likely it is to do it. So it is important that this be exposed for what it is. The second reason Iran thinks it can get away with it is I think it believes it can exploit our political divisions. I think Iran reads these newspapers and watches the news and realizes that some percentage of Americans and, certainly, a significant percentage of Americans in politics is going to, in some way, take Iran's side on this. People are going to say that we provoked it--that this is our fault, that we did something that made Iran mad, that we created the tensions that led to this--or that the intelligence was flawed or that it wasn't Iran but one of these other groups. By the way, the more of that Iran reads, the likelier it is to do this. That doesn't mean I don't believe we can have a legitimate debate. I support designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization. We can have a legitimate debate about whether that should have been done but not right now. Right now, Americans potentially stand in harm's way, and they need the United States of America to be supporting efforts to defend and to protect them. Here is what I know none of us can disagree with, I hope: No. 1, that if there is any serious indication that Americans anywhere are threatened, we must position ourselves to protect them, defend them, extract them, and retaliate if they are attacked. The second thing we should all be able to agree on is that if Americans come under attack, even if it is from a proxy force that is directed by a foreign agent like the IRGC, not only must we defend against that attack, but we must punish it with swift retaliation. That should unite us on a matter of incredible importance. I hope all of the misinformation will stop because this matter is too important with which to play political games. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I am pleased to honor Justin Pigott, the Martin County Teacher of the Year from Jensen Beach High School in Jensen Beach, FL. Justin works to ensure his classroom is a positive environment for his students. He wants each student to feel they are accepted, heard, and supported while in school. Justin memorizes the names of each student prior to their first day of class to ensure they know they matter to him. Justin is an Advanced Placement calculus teacher at Jensen Beach High School and has taught for 16 years, the last in the Martin County School District. He also works as a student mentor at Indian River State College's Take Stock in Children scholarship program, assists students with SAT and ACT test preparation, and served as a sponsor for his school's math honor society. I would like to thank Justin for the good work he has done for his students over the years. I wish all the best to him, and look forward to learning of his continued success in coming years.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Shane Swezey, the Sarasota County Teacher of the Year from Oak Park School in Sarasota, FL. Shane received this award at the Education Foundation of Sarasota County's Ignite Education Awards Celebration in front of a crowd of more than 300 people. Shane provides music education and therapy services to students at Oak Park School, the district's center school for special needs. He is a staunch advocate for students with special needs, preferring to focus on the abilities of his students, rather than dwell on their disabilities. He views music as an engaging, motivating, and accessible medium to support his students' academic goals. Shane's colleagues note he uses creative teaching methods to engage his students and build trust with them. He plays songs and sings with his students to cue certain words from them. When a student says the word in question, his attempt is successful, and this is part of what makes his job so worthwhile to him. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Shane for his tireless work to help teach his students. I look forward to hearing of his continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I honor Tucker Duclos, the Dixie County Teacher of the Year from Dixie County High School in Cross City, FL. Tucker first developed his passion for teaching when he moved to Prague and worked as a full-time English teacher at a private school. Upon his return to the United States, he enrolled in a 1-year teacher certification program at Providence College. While at the college, Tucker assumed full responsibilities as the cooperating teacher for four English classes across the 9th and 11th grades, as well as 20 hours of student teaching in a high-poverty and urban school. Afterwards, the Interstate Reciprocity Agreement between Florida and Rhode Island enabled him to receive his Florida Professional Educator's Certificate to teach in the State of Florida. Since 2016, Tucker has taught 11th grade English and AP literature at Dixie County High School. He earned his bachelor's degree in English writing and literature from Emmanuel College in Boston, MA. I extend my best wishes to Tucker for his dedication to his students and look forward to hearing of his continued success in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Jessica Wood, the Monroe County Teacher of the Year from Key West High School in Key West, FL. Jessica teaches Advanced Placement biology and biology and is the science department chair. Her work has an impact on the entire school as she leads the school's recycling club efforts and serves as a sponsor for Keys to Be the Change, a school club focused on developing student character through service. Jessica also works with members of outside agencies to read to younger students and promote substance abuse prevention outreach throughout the community. The main thing that inspires Jessica as an educator is the ability to effect positive change on her students by serving as a role model and to continue learning herself. Jessica is active in her field, working on her pedagogy and assisting others. She has held numerous professional development trainings at her school and throughout the school district. She has been a part of the STEM fair and is also a member of the building level planning team. I extend my best wishes to Jessica for her work as a teacher and look forward to learning of her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I am pleased to honor Sara Hall, the Hardee County Teacher of the Year from Hardee Junior High School in Wauchula, FL. Sara's colleagues and students describe her as an inspiring teacher dedicated to ensuring her students have the opportunity to learn. She loves teaching her students English and being a part of their excitement when they realize how much they learned throughout the year. Sara Hall is a sixth grade English language arts teacher at Hardee Junior High School. In addition to her writing, she helped to start the Just Us Girls, an extracurricular group for young women that targets areas where junior high girls struggle. I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Sara for her dedication to her students. I look forward to learning of her continued success in the coming years.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Dawn Henderson, the Highlands County Teacher of the Year from Avon Park High School in Avon Park, FL. Dawn received this award at the Summit Awards ceremony held at her school. Her colleagues note that she dedicates herself to teaching her students, believing that education is the key to changing their mindset, and opens doors for their future success. Parents of her students say she is willing to meet with them at any time, before or after school, to discuss any concerns they may have. Dawn has worked at Avon Park High School since the beginning of her teaching career in 2004. She currently serves as an advancement via individual determination coordinator. I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Dawn for her dedication to her students and look forward to hearing of her continued success in the coming years.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Becky Peltonen, the Bay County Teacher of the year from Deane Bozeman School in Panama City, Florida, FL. Becky received this award months after Hurricane Michael devastated Bay County, which caused several hurricane-related delays throughout the school district. She was honored and humbled to represent all who have worked to repair homes and begin rebuilding the Bay County community. Becky is an agriculture biotechnology teacher who has taught for 29 years. She has teamed up with parents and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to develop a scientific exploration of animal and plant ecosystems, which has allowed for students to construct their own freshwater habitats. Becky focuses on teaching students how to raise and grow their own food, which provides them meaningful tools and allows them to save money at the grocery. Becky takes pride when former students return to tell her that she better-equipped them to navigate life after their class together. I thank Becky for her hard work in educating students, especially while facing the aftermath of Hurricane Michael's life-changing effects. I wish her the very best in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Jade Osceola, the Glades County Teacher of the Year from Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School in Okeechobee, FL. Pemayetv Emahakv means ``Our Way'' in Creek, the native tongue of Florida's Seminole Indian Tribe. Jade strives to teach her students about their identities as Native Americans and encourages them to practice communicating with each other in the Muscogee ``Creek'' language. She knows her students want to understand their heritage, and she believes learning about their ancestors' native language is a key to their identity. She works each day to help preserve the Seminole Tribe of Florida's cultures and traditions. As a student at Seminole Elementary School in the 1990's, Jade participated in a weekly culture class on the Brighton Reservation to learn about Seminole history. This was her favorite class and served as an inspiration for her continued learning of Native American affairs. Like her students, Jade is a second language learner of Creek. She believes teaching the language to her students is very important, as there are only 33 speakers of the language left in the region. She is dedicated to doing everything she can to keep the language alive for future generations. Jade teaches Creek 1 and 2 at Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School to seventh and eighth grade students. She graduated from Edison College in 2004 and was offered a job teaching Seminole history. The weekly program helped the creation of the charter school in 2007, where Jade taught Seminole history until 2015. I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Jade for her dedication to her students and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Danielle Doherty- Koch, the Citrus County Teacher of the Year from Crystal River High School in Crystal River, FL. Danielle was humbled to receive this award as she believes teaching is a highly rewarding profession. She focuses on motivating her students to learn and promotes a good work ethic in her classroom. She considers this to be an important attribute for a student's success in school and in life. Danielle develops a lesson plan and goals for her students, but customizes these plans depending on a student's individual needs. This ensures each student has an opportunity to grow in a classroom environment that best fits their academic strengths. Danielle is a biomedical and marine science teacher at Crystal River High School, where she has taught for her entire 8-year teaching career. She is also the link crew coordinator at the school, focusing on building senior and junior level students into leaders who mentor each year's incoming freshmen class. I extend my best wishes to Danielle for her work as a teacher and look forward to learning of her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Danny Erb, the St. Johns County Teacher of the Year from Pedro Menendez High School in St. Augustine, FL. Danny enjoys teaching math, where he works hard to ensure that his students develop confidence in their problem-solving ability. He attempts to make math fun and empowers his students to view math in a different light. Danny has taught at Pedro Menendez High School since 2015. He earned his master's degree in mechanical engineering from Pennsylvania State University. He taught at Green Run High School for 14 years after moving back to his hometown of Virginia Beach in 2001. He moved to Florida in pursuit of a career as an engineer with NASA, knowing he would never regret taking the opportunity. The experience is used as a reminder for his students to pursue their dreams. I offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to Danny for his tireless work to help his students. I look forward to hearing of his continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I honor Lindsay Beam, the Calhoun County Teacher of the Year from Blountstown Middle School in Blountstown, FL. Lindsay considers her highest priority as an educator is to serve the needs of her students. She will arrange meetings with them before school and during her planning time to provide extra tutoring and support to build up their confidence in math. Her students note she is the kind of teacher that makes a difference in their lives long after they have completed her class. Lindsay began her teaching career in 2010 as a first grade teacher at Blountstown Elementary School and moved to teaching fifth grade in 2012. Since 2015, she has taught sixth grade math, as well as a portion of eighth graders at Blountstown Middle School. I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Lindsay for her work to teach her students and look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I honor Dakeyan Graham, the Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year from C. Leon King High School in Tampa, FL. Dakeyan teaches his students more than just academic skills; he teaches patience and kindness. He considers this to be incredibly beneficial to his student's success in life and in school. Dakeyan first began his musical career as a saxophonist at King High School and views his return as its band director the full circle to his musical career. In addition to teaching, he serves as president of the Hillsborough County Secondary Music Council and authored a high school African-American heritage curriculum for secondary music. Dakeyan received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Florida, where he was part of an honors music fraternity and the Fighting Gators marching band. He returned to his hometown of Tampa to begin his teaching career and earned his doctor of philosophy degree from the University of South Florida. As a proud Gator myself, I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Dakeyan for his dedication to music and his students. I look forward to hearing of his continued success in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I honor Andrea Green, the Charlotte County Teacher of the Year from Lemon Bay High School in Englewood, FL. Andrea credits her success in education to collaboration with her past and present colleagues and from the support of her husband, family, and friends. Her professional goal is to help all students find success in science and cultivate an appreciation for knowledge learned throughout their educational career. Outside of her classroom, Andrea sponsors the school's environmental club, where interested students gather to discuss environmental issues affecting Florida. She is also a member of the Lemon Bay Literacy Council and an active participant in the school's science professional learning community. Andrea has taught in Charlotte County Public Schools since 1999. She teaches Advanced Placement environmental science, honors anatomy and physiology, and environmental science. She received her master of arts degree in global sustainability from the University of South Florida. I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Andrea for her dedication to her students and look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, today I recognize Paul Vincent Cloud of Niceville, FL, who served his nation in the U.S. Army during World War II and will turn 100 years old on June 8, 2019. Paul enlisted with the U.S. Army on March 1, 1941, in Huntington, WV. He was assigned as a supply clerk in Company D, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, and trained at Fort Lewis, WA. On October 24, 1942, Paul was deployed as part of Task Force 34 for Operation Torch, landing at Fedala in French Morocco as part of the Battle of Casablanca. After its surrender, Paul's unit was temporally assigned in Rabat, French Morocco's capital city before moving to Algiers, Algeria. As a part of the 3rd Infantry Division, he was sent to reinforce the 1st Infantry Division at the Kasserine Pass, Tunisia. In July 1943, Paul left Bizerte, Tunisia, and landed in Sicily near Gela, moving to Palermo and Messina as his division was ordered to Salerno and then Naples, Italy. In late spring 1944, Paul landed at Anzio and advanced with his unit to Rome to seize control of the city after the German retreat. He was later selected to return to the United States due to his service points, leaving Naples on July 16, 1944. Paul was honorably discharged at Fort Meade, MD, and received the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, and European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon. After he was discharged, Paul married Dorothy Anderson in 1947 and graduated from Ben Franklin University in 1951. He worked for the Veterans Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, retiring in January 1976. Together they have two daughters and five grandchildren. I extend my best wishes to Paul in celebration of his upcoming 100th birthday and for his service to our Nation. I hope the coming year brings him much happiness, joy, and good health.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, this week the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship joins more than 30 million small businesses across our Nation in celebration of National Small Business Week. Small businesses drive our Nation's economic expansion, generate lasting job growth, and encourage community development. It is important that we recognize the vital contributions of small businesses. In celebration of National Small Business Week, it is my honor name Rising Tide Car Wash of Parkland and Margate, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in November 2012 by John D'Eri and his son, Tom, Rising Tide is a full-service car wash with the mission of employing adults with autism. Andrew D'Eri, John's other son, is autistic. As Andrew neared the end of his academic career, John brainstormed ways to help him find a dignified job. Noting his son's embrace of structure, process, and attention to detail, John landed on the idea of buying a car wash. Since purchasing the struggling car wash 9 years ago, John and Tom have grown the business to include a second location, going from washing 35,000 cars per year to more than 150,000 annually. Today, Rising Tide is one of the largest employers of individuals with autism in the United States. In fact, Rising Tide views autism as their competitive advantage, giving dignified work, structure, and hope to 90 individuals with autism. Their work has not stopped there. Rising Tide is also a leading advocate for autism awareness. In an effort to aid other entrepreneurs looking to build an autism social enterprise, Tom and John created Rising Tide U, an online course offered in partnership with the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. Tom and John's innovative approach to advocacy has not only allowed for their business to grow, but has also allowed more small firms to hire individuals with autism. Rising Tide's mission has sparked national attention. Tom has appeared before the United Nations on World Autism Awareness day, was selected to serve on the Young Entrepreneur Council, and was included in Forbes 30 Under 30 for social entrepreneurship. Additionally, Rising Tide and the D'Eri family have been featured on The Hero Effect, The Today Show, NBC News, TED Talks, Forbes, and People Magazine. Rising Tide has also been named Small Business of the Year by South Florida Business Connection and Employer of the Year by the Autism Society. Rising Tide is more than just a successful business; they are an inspiration. John and Tom have combined the principles of entrepreneurship and social engagement to create a revolutionary program. Running a successful small business is difficult enough; yet John and Tom D'Eri have found a way to simultaneously engage and encourage truly deserving individuals. Their employees have found a community, friends, and gained valuable experience that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Starting out with a simple mission of helping a family member find an engaging job, John and Tom have grown Rising Tide into a business that provides both a valuable community service and dignified work. I am honored to recognize the D'Eri family and the entire team at Rising Tide Car Wash as the Senate Small Business of the Week. You make Florida proud, and I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, today I recognize Samuel Lombardo of Fort Walton Beach, FL, who served his nation in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean war. He will turn 100 years old on July 13, 2019. Born in Italy, Samuel immigrated as a young boy to the United States. He enlisted with the U.S. Army in November 1939 in Pennsylvania. He served as the battalion topographical sergeant in the 11th Infantry, 28th Infantry Division and graduated from officer candidate school at Fort Benning as an infantry officer in July 1942. After serving as an infantry basic training Instructor at Camp Fannin, TX, he was deployed to Europe as a platoon leader and company executive officer in Company I, 394th Infantry Regiment, 99th Division during the Battle of the Bulge. Following the battle, he made an American Flag for his platoon to carry across the Danube River from red pillows, blue curtains, and white surrender cloths. He served in the U.S. Army occupation in Germany and was the building officer in charge of the Palace of Justice in Nuremburg and as the officer in charge of a POW camp in Hammelburg with 350 Political POWs. Upon returning to the U.S., he attended school in Los Angeles, CA, becoming a Japanese linguist. He served as the operations officer, commanding officer, and assistant special agent-in-charge of the 441st CIC Aomori, Japan, and was a field operations intelligence officer in both South Korea and Japan after a tour as inspector general and deputy chief of staff at Fort Ord, CA. Samuel then served as an intelligence officer in Saigon, Republic of Vietnam, before the U.S. formally entered the conflict. He returned to Fort Ord after becoming ill with typhoid and retired as a lieutenant colonel in March 1, 1962. After his service, Samuel wrote a book, ``O'er the Land of the Free,'' about his World War II experiences. He has received several awards and decorations for his service to our country. I extend my best wishes to Samuel in celebration of his upcoming 100th birthday and for his service to our Nation. It is my hope that the coming year is filled with good health and happiness.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, today I recognize Cynthia Barrington, the Jefferson County Teacher of the Year from Jefferson- Somerset Elementary School in Monticello, FL. From a young age, Cynthia's grandmother instilled in her the importance of education. In the years that followed, Cynthia became passionate about being a part of the educational system. Cynthia's favorite aspect of teaching is working with students in order to have a better understanding of how to best teach them. Cynthia began her career as a Jefferson County teacher and taught at Jefferson Elementary School for 27 years. When Somerset Charter took over the county's schools, she was included in the school transfer of teachers. She now teaches second grade at Jefferson-Somerset Elementary School. I extend my sincere gratitude and best wishes to Cynthia for her dedication to teaching and look forward to learning of her continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, today I honor David Cochrane, the Franklin County Teacher of the Year from Franklin County Middle and High School in Eastpoint, FL. At his award ceremony, David addressed the crowd to thank his colleagues and students for supporting him. He is excited to help make the school the best it can be and holds high expectations and standards for his students. David believes that all students deserve a quality education. He encourages his students to think about life after high school and emphasizes that they should work with all of their teachers. David is a former U.S. Air Force Desert Storm veteran with 14 years of teaching experience. He joined the Franklin County Seahawks in 2015 and teaches algebra and physics. He also serves as the mathematics coach, department chair, and is the sponsor of the Mu Alpha Theta Club. I offer my sincere gratitude to David for his service to our Nation and extend my best wishes on his continued success in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, today I recognize Sandra McMillan, the Gadsden County Teacher of the Year from Greensboro Elementary School in Quincy, FL. Sandra considers this important recognition a new motivation for her and has inspired her to do more for her students. She describes her passion for teaching and learning as the key to developing a curriculum that sets the best example for students to take with them after they graduate. Sandra provides her students with a template for hard work and dedication to success through her time teaching at the college level. Sandra's students describe her class as a great learning environment that inspires them to achieve success. Sandra has been a teacher for 11 years, with the last 5 in the Gadsden County School District. She has taught exceptional students education at Greensboro Elementary School for the past 2 years and previously taught at the college level for 6 years. I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Sandra for her dedication to teaching her students and look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President; today, after delays associated with mechanical issues on the airplane I was set to travel on, severe weather in the Miami area further delayed my arrival into Washington, DC. As such, I will unfortunately miss today's vote.