Marco Rubio

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Madison Joelle Sheppard, a summer 2023 intern with my Gulf Coast regional office, for the hard work she has done for my office and the people of Florida. Madison is currently a student at Florida State University, where she is majoring in international affairs and political science. She is a dedicated and diligent worker who was devoted to getting the most out of her internship experience. I extend my deepest gratitude to Madison for her work with my office during these challenging times, and I look forward to hearing of her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Maegan Smarkusky, a summer 2023 intern with my Gulf Coast regional office, for the hard work she has done for my office and the people of Florida. Maegan is a recent graduate of J.W. Mitchell High School and will attend Florida State University, where she will major in political science. She is a dedicated and diligent worker who was devoted to getting the most out of her internship experience. I extend my deepest gratitude to Maegan for her work with my office during these challenging times, and I look forward to hearing of her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Matthew William Hochfelder, a summer 2023 intern with my Orlando office, for the hard work he has done for my office and the people of Florida. Matthew is currently studying at the University of Central Florida, where he is completing a bachelor's degree in comparative politics with a concentration in international relations. He is a dedicated and diligent worker who was devoted to getting the most out of his internship experience. I extend my deepest gratitude to Matthew for his work with my office, and I look forward to hearing of his successes in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Kevin P. Burns as he retires from a distinguished 52-year career in the U.S. Air Force as an Active-Duty pilot and later as a civil servant at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Kevin graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1975 and served honorably as an Active-Duty pilot until 2002. As a fighter pilot during the Cold War, he was deployed to Iceland where he intercepted and escorted Soviet bombers away from U.S. bases. He later served as a test pilot and flew more than 65 different aircraft, including F-15s, F-16s, F-4s, and A-l0s as well as other developmental aircraft. His last flight was in a B-52 Stratofortress out of Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana in June 2022. Kevin retired from Active Duty in October 2002, after serving as the vice wing commander of the 46th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base. Following Active Duty, Kevin continued his service to our great country as a civilian, leading the development of policy, products, and standards for the Air Force's 53rd Test Management Group, the U.S. Air Force's largest operational test wing, at Eglin Air Force Base. Kevin's work over the decades has had an immeasurable impact on America's national security. His dedication to the mission and tireless efforts have contributed to the safety of all Americans. I extend my best wishes to Kevin and his family on his retirement and thank him for his service.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Stephen Robert Brown, the Bradford County Teacher of the Year from Bradford High School in Starke, FL. Stephen never predicted he would work as one of the most celebrated teachers in the school district. He developed his teaching philosophy as one that teaches from bell to bell and advocates for all students, not just those in his classes. He instills in his students the confidence to achieve their long-term goals and develops plans to help meet those goals. Stephen's students grow academically and personally by the end of each school year. He welcomes his students to ask questions to better comprehend the assignments, and ultimately wants to see them thrive. Stephen is the team lead for the Exceptional Student Education Department at Bradford High School. He also is the school's ACT testing coordinator. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Stephen 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 Francisco Cardoza, the Orange County Teacher of the Year from Village Park Elementary School in Orlando, FL. Francisco helps his students gain confidence and seek excellence in their schoolwork. He often has fun lessons for his students, such as setting the classroom up to mimic a racetrack to demonstrate force and motion or going into a hospital room to teach how to measure volume and mass. While Francisco considers his students his top priority, he also works to help everyone else on campus. He volunteers to tutor other students, mentor children, lead a committee, or plan a school event. His colleagues know he commits to teaching and leads others to be successful in any way he can. Francisco is a fifth grade teacher at Village Park Elementary, where he has taught for nearly 2 years. He began the school's National Elementary Honor Society chapter and Safety Patrol and helped run its Amazing Shake initiative. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Francisco 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 Kearney, the Alachua County Teacher of the Year from Buchholz High School in Gainesville, FL. Karen's lifelong passion has been to be a teacher. As a child, she would teach and pretend to grade the assignments of her stuffed animals. Today, she works to ensure her school is the best in Florida and instills her belief that students are happiest and strongest when engaged in a lifelong pursuit of learning. Karen's teaching philosophy relies on students having personal power and a positive outlook when it comes to fulfilling their dreams and reaching their full potential. She instills in her students that education is a major tool in that process and can be a helpful advantage when setting realistic dream expectations. Karen is an alumnus of Buchholz High School and spent 5 years working in chiropractic therapy before becoming a teacher. She earned her bachelor of science degree in nutrition and her doctor of chiropractic degree from Life University and her teaching certificate in broad field secondary science from the State University of West Georgia. In addition to her work in the classroom, she has been a teacher mentor since 2006 and has served as department chair since 2019. 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 Janan Hodges, the Seminole County Teacher of the Year from Spring Lake Elementary School in Altamonte Springs, FL. Janan holds high expectations for her students, in which she ensures her classroom represents achievement and belonging. She does this by cultivating class rules that are innovative and engaging. Janan also develops resiliency skills to benefit student success from elementary school and beyond. She works tirelessly to know each student, finding their strengths and helping limit their weaknesses. Janan teaches third grade and is a team leader at Spring Lake Elementary School, where she has taught for 4 of her 16-year educator career. She is her school's New Educator Support Team lead teacher, where she works with new instructors and dedicates time to mentor them. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Janan 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 Justyn Philip Keller, the Teacher of the Year for the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind in St. Johns County, FL. For high school, Justyn attended the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind after losing his sight in a random incident. He credits his teachers and the staff members who helped him learn and get through that difficult period of his life. Halfway through college, much of Justyn's vision returned. He then felt a calling to come home to teach and give back to the community that supported him during his time of need. He enjoys teaching visually impaired students not only because it is challenging, but because he relates to the struggles they are experiencing. Justyn teaches math at the Blind Middle School and has taught for 5 years. He attended Flagler College and the Baptist College of Florida. He holds a Florida Visually Impaired K-12 Professional Educator's Certificate, is the boys' goalball team assistant coach, and is the Young Life Team coordinator. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Justyn 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 Julia Mayeshiba, the Duval County Teacher of the Year from Andrew Jackson High School of Advanced Technology in Jacksonville, FL. Julia initiated an afterschool tutoring system for math and physics students seeking extra help in these challenging subjects. She often meets with students one-on-one to address their concerns and to instill the importance of learning as they seek to further their educational goals. Julia also develops schoolwide incentives to reward good student behaviors. She believes this further motivates a student to try their best throughout the school year. Julia believes that when her students leave her classroom, they should feel confident to ask for help to ensure success later in life. Julia has been a math and physics teacher at Andrew Jackson High School of Advanced Technology for the past 4 years. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2015 with her bachelor's degree and from the University of North Florida in 2019 with her master's degree. She is a Robert Noyce National Science Foundation teaching fellow and is her school's senior class sponsor. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Julia 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 Sara Messer, the Columbia County Teacher of the Year from Pinemount Elementary School in Lake City, FL. Sara's favorite aspect of being a teacher is that she works on building positive relationships and guides students to believe in themselves to become lifelong learners. She spends each day with her students by instilling the importance of reading and ensuring they work together throughout the school year to be successful. Sara has been a second grade teacher at Pinemount Elementary School since 2018. She graduated from Florida Gateway College, Saint Leo University, and American College of Education. Sara enjoys spending time with her family and caring for farm animals in her spare time. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Sara 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 Heather Dawn Miller, the Clay County Teacher of the Year from Lake Asbury Elementary School in Green Cove Springs, FL. Heather hopes to spark interest and passion in her students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through her work, she spends each school day working to help her students interested in STEM. Heather also works with her colleagues to facilitate collaborative learning opportunities that help students achieve their academic goals and interpersonal needs. Her students see how the skills she teaches them can be used after graduation. Heather is a fourth grade math and science teacher at Lake Asbury Elementary School and has taught for 25 years. She also works as a teacher model classroom, is the math field day coach, and serves as a professional learning community leader by helping other teachers create lesson plans and assignments. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Heather 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 Crowder, the Hamilton County Teacher of the Year from Hamilton County Elementary School in South Jasper, FL. Kimberly works to help each student be their best and considers herself blessed to play an important part in their lives by shaping them for success. She designs her lesson plans to meet the needs of her students. Kimberly is most proud of her recent contribution where she revised her school's intervention instructions. Their new plan for students implements prescriptive intervention tactics to improve their achievements in the classroom by focusing on their personal needs. Kimberly serves as a pre-K through fifth grade reading interventionist and the curriculum coordinator at her school. She has been with the Hamilton County School District since 2007, teaching kindergarten, first, and second grade students. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Kimberly 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 Jessica Odom, the Baker County Teacher of the Year from Baker County Middle School in Macclenny, FL. Jessica works daily to develop lesson plans that make learning enjoyable for her students. In her science classes, she engages her students in physics and works with them as the school's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Club coach. Jessica credits her family and friends for helping her become a teacher. They motivate her to develop engaging curriculum that allow her students to be successful. With their support, she received this important recognition from her peers. Jessica has taught sixth and seventh grade science at Baker County Middle School for the past 7 years and is on the campus tech support team. She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of North Florida and her master's degree in educational leadership from American University. She served as a food service specialist in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves from 2008-2016 at Naval Station Mayport. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Jessica 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 Tiffany Perry, the Osceola County Teacher of the Year from East Lake Elementary School in Kissimmee, FL. Tiffany makes it her mission to know her students well. She encourages her students to be authentic and show their uniqueness. Tiffany prefers to hear their voice in the classroom more than her own. Tiffany applied Socratic Seminars to help improve writing skills by having her students ask and answer questions together by using critical thinking and encouraging different viewpoints. She also teaches her students to focus on the engineering design process by working with them to code robots. Tiffany teaches fifth grade at East Lake Elementary School. She also serves as her school's grade-level chairman, helps model lessons for other teachers, and trains teachers on various strategies to use in the classroom. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Tiffany 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 Robin Romagnolo, the Levy County Teacher of the Year from Bronson Elementary School in Bronson, FL. Robin adapts her way of work to meet her students' needs and challenges. She focuses each day on how to inspire and instill high expectations in their mentality to be successful in her classroom and as they further their education. Robin designs her lesson plans to keep her students engaged throughout the school day. When they leave her class, they often perform with a mastery of standards for their grade. Her work frequently has other teachers seeking her mentorship at their school. Robin has taught at Bronson Elementary School for 6 years and teaches third grade. She began teaching in Levy County with Pre-Kindergarten students 15 years ago. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees while working in the county. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Robin 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 Lori Sadler, the Lafayette County Teacher of the Year from Lafayette High School in Mayo, FL. Lori's students often score above State averages, which she credits to their hard work in the classroom and at home. She has worked with students of all ages throughout her teaching career, providing her with ample examples of how best to design her lesson plans. Lori has spent time as an eighth grade English Language Arts teacher, the English Language Arts department chair, and the school's yearbook sponsor. She also holds English as a second language and reading endorsements for teaching. Lori is in her 22nd year as a teacher, spending the last 16 years at her school. She graduated from the University of South Florida with her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and from Southeastern University with her master's degree in curriculum and instruction. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Lori 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 Amanda Sauls, the Nassau County Teacher of the Year from Callahan Intermediate School in Callahan, FL. Amanda approaches each new school year by knowing parents entrust her with their children, which is an opportunity to start fresh with a new class. As a teacher, she believes she has the privilege of investing in her students' hearts and minds every day they come to learn. Amanda's teaching philosophy is that she can create lifelong learners and build relationships with students, their families, and the community. She encourages her students to learn and tirelessly works with them on each step to success. Amanda is a fourth grade math, science, and social studies teacher at Callahan Intermediate School. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Amanda 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 Brice Lee Winfree, Jr., the Flagler County Teacher of the Year from Matanzas High School in Palm Coast, FL. Brice feels a renewed sense of accomplishment when teaching new students and seeing how much they learn by the end of the school year. Often, his former students visit his classroom to share their successes. Brice uses visuals to allow his students to pause and think when answering questions and encourages them to discuss and teach each other. Seeing his students stretch beyond what they believe they are capable of gives Brice a good sense that all their hard work, overcoming their struggles, and his lesson plans pay off. At Matanzas High School, Brice teaches AP calculus, AP statistics, probability and statistics, college algebra, and college trigonometry. He has taught for 22 years, half of that time in Flagler County. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Brice 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 Vonda Morris, the Volusia County Teacher of the Year from Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange, FL. Vonda knew she wanted to be a teacher since she was a child when she would line up her dolls to teach them math. While her dolls could not flee her lessons, Vonda realized she had to develop math curriculum that would make her students want to learn. Today, Vonda's math lessons use dance and song to help her students absorb the material. Vonda wants learning to be fun and meaningful. She knows each day is not easy for her students, so she works to not only teach them, but to also be someone they can talk to. Vonda is a probability and statistics/AP statistics teacher at Spruce Creek High School. She has taught for more than 20 years at the middle, high, and college levels. Vonda earned her bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina and her master's from Concordia University and Stetson University. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Vonda 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 ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I call up my amendment No. 523 and ask that it be reported by number.

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, this is my amendment that is going to be voted on here by agreement. It is pretty straightforward. The Federal Thrift Savings Plan is the largest defined contribution plan in the world. It has 22 China-only funds. Every single one of them has money going towards companies that are sanctioned, that are on the Entity List--companies that are responsible for the human rights violations against Uighurs; companies that our own government has said are helping the Chinese build their military--Chinese-sponsored companies. And so this amendment, basically, is geared towards that. It tells the TSP-- the Thrift Savings Plan--board that they can no longer invest your money--the money of Members of Congress, members of the military, Federal employees. Federal employee retirement money is being invested in companies that are undermining American national security according to our own government. We are investing in those. Think about the irony. You are a member of the military and your retirement money is being invested in companies that are building missiles designed to blow up the ship that you serve on. So if we are serious about this, we need to cut this off. This is not a ban on Chinese investment. This is a ban on the Thrift Savings Plan and its money--your money, the investment money of Federal employees-- being used to invest in companies that our own government has placed on lists for human rights violations and posing a threat to the national security of the country. Vote on Amendment No. 523

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, I recognize Pamela Brockmeyer, the Brevard County Teacher of the Year from Cocoa High School in Melbourne, FL. Pamela begins her classes by showing students that a positive attitude and competitive spirit are keys to success not only in the classroom, but also elsewhere in their lives. Her commitment to student achievement and contributions to her community show she is dedicating her talents to making a difference in the lives of her students. She believes teaching allows her to impact students significantly, and it is her purpose to help them succeed. Pamela teaches math and Advanced Placement calculus at Cocoa High School, where she has taught for 24 of her 27 years of teaching. She is the coach of the school's girls' golf team, winning three straight Coach of the Year honors from the Cape Coast Conference and led the team to the State tournament. She is a Brevard Federation of Teachers building representative and Advanced Placement Board exam reader. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Pamela for her commitment to her students in the classroom and sports. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, I recognize Jessica Noblin, the Lake County Teacher of the Year from Leesburg Elementary School in Fruitland Park, FL. Jessica's students with special needs inspire her each day. She sees how they overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. She is a compassionate and motivated educator with a natural gift for instructing students and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Jessica views Leesburg Elementary School as more than just a building; it is her safe place. She started her teaching career at the school, where her mom retired, her children attend, and where her grandson will do so in 2 years. This makes her uniquely invested in the success of students, teachers, and the school. Jessica is a fifth grade teacher at Leesburg Elementary School, where she has taught for 10 of her 15-year teaching career. She also has worked as a curriculum resource teacher, math instructional coach, and DonorsChoose teacher ambassador. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Jessica for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.