John Rutherford

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this bill. This bill should be a balefire, a warning to America that there are those across the aisle who wish to attempt to federalize State and local law enforcement. I would like to focus specifically, though, on this move to eliminate qualified immunity. This is a betrayal of law enforcement. This alone is enough reason to vote against this bill. There is a myth, a lie, perpetrated by those who want to do away with qualified immunity, that qualified immunity gives officers free rein on the job. This is not true. This is not sovereign immunity; it is qualified immunity. The way that an officer qualifies for that immunity and for it to apply in an action that he has taken, he must follow the law, he must follow his agency's policies, and he has to act as he has been appropriately trained. If he violates any one of those three, he is on his own; qualified immunity does not apply. Madam Speaker, law enforcement is a dangerous profession that deals in split-second decisions. Most people in this room have no idea what it is like to determine, in a high-stress, life-threatening----

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an invaluable member of my staff on her well-deserved retirement. Jacquelyn Smith, ``Jackie'' to those of us who love her, retires this week, Mr. Speaker, after two decades of service to the Fourth Congressional District and more than a half century of work in government, education, and politics. Her contributions to the State of Florida and to her colleagues are immeasurable, and our Nation is truly better off thanks to her efforts. Jackie began her life of service as a teacher, moving often because of her husband's assignment as a United States Air Force pilot. She eventually found herself in politics, working on a Presidential campaign before eventually becoming district director to my predecessor, former Congressman Ander Crenshaw. When I took office in 2017, I was fortunate that Jackie stayed on as the director of special operations in my Jacksonville office. Mr. Speaker, for over 20 years, Jackie has served northeast Florida. She has helped countless families with casework, served as my representative throughout the district, and made a significant impact on thousands of young people and students in our community. Jackie has truly helped shape the next generation of Americans, especially those who will be going into military leadership. Each year, Jackie runs the military academy nomination program. She works tirelessly with students who apply, coaching them through the process and vouching for their selection. Mr. Speaker, I can tell you no one knows nor works that system harder and better than Jackie Smith. And she does it simply for the benefit of her students. Thanks to her efforts, District Four historically has one of the highest selection rates in the country. Jackie also runs our congressional arts program and the congressional medal program, both recognizing the many talented students in our community of northeast Florida. Jackie often serves as my liaison to community groups, many of which she is already a part of, including the Rotary Club, the USO, and the local Chamber of Commerce. It often seems she knows everyone in northeast Florida, and unsurprisingly, they all consider her a friend. She loves them, and they love her. Every day, Jackie comes to work with a servant's heart, a sharp wit, and a contagious optimistic attitude. No job is too big; no job is too small. Most importantly, she embodies the virtues of integrity, hard work, and selflessness that Americans expect from their government. Jackie leaves big shoes to fill in my office. However, as she is known to do, she leaves it better than when she found it. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Florida, congratulations, Jackie. May your retirement be filled with warm, sandy beaches and continued memories with your husband, David, and your many friends and loved ones. We are so proud of your many achievements, and we thank you, Jackie, for your service to this Nation. Mr. Speaker, I want to tell you, I look forward to hearing all about her next career as a used shoe salesman for Ocean Sole Africa, as they improve the lives of citizens of Kenya and boost the economy here at home.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory and to honor the millions of babies killed since the Roe v. Wade decision almost 50 years ago. There is nothing more precious than the gift of life, given to us by God, who knew us before He formed us in our mother's womb.

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, there is nothing more precious than the gift of life given to us by God, who knew us before He formed us in the womb. Mr. Speaker, life is sacred, and it is heartbreaking that there are those across this country and in Congress who reject that truth and view abortion as nothing more than a medical procedure. Sadly, a professed Catholic who knows better has already taken steps to increase the killing of babies across the world and make innocent taxpayers foot the bill. He has revoked the Mexico City policy, which means American taxpayers will now be sending dollars overseas to support the killing of unborn babies in foreign countries. And he is actively working to eliminate the Hyde amendment, which is a longstanding, bipartisan doctrine that prevents taxpayer funds from paying for the killing of babies in the United States. Let's be clear, abortion is murder, not healthcare. Abortion is not the answer to a child's mental or physical challenges. I am reminded today of the words of Frank Stephens, a Special Olympian. Many of you heard him speak here at Congress. He is now living with Down syndrome. He said this: ``About abortion, I don't want to make it illegal, I want to make it unthinkable. Politicians change laws. I want to change people's hearts.'' Mr. Speaker, I agree with Frank Stephens, but I believe we can do both. We can change lives and we can change people's hearts.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and good friend from Pennsylvania for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act of 2020. I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, as a former sheriff with over 40 years of experience in law enforcement, I understand the issues people face as they leave and transition from incarceration to a free society. Throughout my time in law enforcement, I saw many individuals--too many individuals--re-offend time and time again, often with the same offenses involving substance abuse and mental health issues. Part of the problem back then was, when a prisoner was released from State prison, literally all we gave them was a blue bag for their valuables and a bus ticket home. And we wondered why they failed and returned to a life of crime--not much for rehabilitation. So, when I became the sheriff of Jacksonville, I partnered with the Florida Secretary of Corrections and community groups to implement programs that provided continued treatment and services to individuals during and after they left prison because those exiting prison systems face numerous challenges as they go back to their communities, often with little or no support from friends or family. As my colleague just mentioned, the Bureau of Justice Statistics calculates that one in seven individuals in State and Federal prisons, and one in four individuals in jails, experience serious psychological distress. Their battles with psychological distress and substance abuse do not stop when they exit prison. In fact, they are exacerbated upon their release. Indeed, during this transition phase, that support is often needed the most. Today's bipartisan legislation would streamline mental health and medical services for these individuals, preventing a lapse of care between prison and society, and, instead, creating a continuum of care for those at greater risk of relapse. The Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act establishes a warm handoff of care between law enforcement, community-based groups, and mental health specialists. The partnership between law enforcement and community groups is critical as they both share a common goal to lower recidivism and ensure people can thrive and succeed when they return back to their communities. By offering grants through the Department of Justice, States and communities would be able to provide medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and other transition services that are prioritized for those who need it most. This bipartisan legislation is supported by the National Sheriffs' Association, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the National Council for Behavioral Health, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the Treatment Advocacy Center. I am proud to support this initiative as a member of the congressional bipartisan Opioid Task Force, as a member of the Mental Health Caucus, and also as a proud member of the Law Enforcement Caucus, because as a sheriff, I have seen firsthand and know the success a bill like this can accomplish. This bill is going to save lives, it is going to save money, and it is going to reduce crime. With a renewed focus on those people in greatest need, we can work together to ensure that pattern of recidivism can become a problem in the past rather than one that will be shouldered by future generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill, which, again, Mr. Speaker, is going to save lives, save dollars, and reduce recidivism.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate David Shoar on a well-deserved retirement from a 40-year, lifelong career from law enforcement. David has been with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office since being elected sheriff there in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016. That is 16 long years of faithful service to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. He has been an outstanding leader for the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office and initiated many innovations during his tenure. Sheriff Shoar actually began his law enforcement career with the St. Augustine Police Department in 1981, serving as a patrol officer before being promoted to sergeant in 1991. Because of his leadership, knowledge, skills, and abilities, in 2000, he was appointed as chief of police, following successful stints as operations commander and administrative services commander. Just 4 years later, in 2004, he would then begin his career as sheriff of St. Johns County. Mr. Speaker, that is when I really came to know Sheriff Shoar, during the Florida Sheriffs Association's new sheriffs school. Although we both attended an earlier training class in Wakulla Springs and really had gotten to be close friends, it was at this new sheriff's training that I truly began to appreciate Sheriff Shoar's intelligence and his insights. Sheriff Shoar is also a decorated soldier in the Florida National Guard, later retiring as a major after 24 years of service to our Nation and our State. He served in the Gulf War and led North Florida's recovery efforts following Hurricanes Andrew and Opal. His public service record and leadership in northeast Florida is truly second to none. Mr. Speaker, all of Sheriff Shoar's awards and accolades are too numerous to list, but they do include the America's Most Wanted National First Responder Award, the American Legion's Top Cop Award, the Catholic Charities of St. Johns County Good Samaritan Award, the Salvation Army's Gus Craig Award, and the prestigious Colonel Ed Taylor Award from the St. Johns County Veteran's Council for his many years of dedication to our Nation's veterans. In addition to his many successes in law enforcement, military service, and community service, Sheriff Shoar also holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of North Florida and an honorary doctorate of law degree from Flagler College. During his 40 years of service, Sheriff Shoar made a positive difference in his community, his country, his agency, and the lives of many people, including my own. His life reminds me of a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you lived and lived well. Sheriff Shoar, David, my friend, you have made a difference and lived well. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Florida, I wish David well in his retirement and thank him for dedicating his life to the safety of our community and our Nation.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene. This week, she was named the Florida Superintendent of the Year by the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, and we are all incredibly proud of her well-deserved recognition. Over these last 5 years, including during Dr. Greene's leadership, the Duval graduation rate increased from 76 percent to 86 percent, an amazing accomplishment. She has also helped to improve safety and security within our schools and fought to secure additional educational funding for Duval County Public Schools. Dr. Greene is an excellent example and mentor to both educators and students alike. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Florida, I thank Dr. Greene for her commitment to education and for working hard every day to make Duval County Public Schools a place where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in disbelief--disbelief--that we are back here again wasting Americans' time considering a stimulus package that has absolutely no chance of ever becoming law. The first Heroes Act was bad enough, and this version may actually be worse. Unfortunately, the Speaker wrote this bill without any input from the rest of Congress. Americans want a bipartisan response, and we stand ready to deliver it, but that is impossible when the Speaker writes bills all on her own. Now, whether they will admit it or not, I know my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are equally disappointed with this partisan process. In fact, 21 Democrats signed on to a letter urging the Speaker to work with Republicans to find a compromise, and yet here we go again with a 2,000-page version of the Heroes Act filled with the same radical proposals and poison pills that, again, I cannot support. Here are the facts: The Heroes Act provides PPP loans to bail out Planned Parenthood, bans States from legislating their own voter ID laws, releases illegal immigrants from prison and then allows them to receive stimulus checks from the government. Also, it releases thousands of Federal inmates back out onto the street. It even defunds police support that was in the previous bill. A Heroes Act? Hardly. These are just a few of the reasons why, as a former first responder, I could never support this legislation. There is a solution I support, and it is sitting right on the Speaker's desk waiting to be brought to the floor. My colleagues introduced a simple, clean piece of legislation to make available another round of PPP loans with the $137 billion that is left in that program. Who in this Congress would not support that? Mr. Speaker, I urge Speaker Pelosi to bring a bipartisan bill to the floor so we can get assistance to those struggling American families who deserve our support.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Madam Speaker, I was unavailable and missed votes 202 through 206. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 202; NAY on Roll Call No. 203; NAY on Roll Call No 204; YEA on Roll Call No. 205; and NAY on Roll Call No. 206.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brain Aneurysm Month, the time when we spread awareness of the signs and symptoms and seek increased research into treatment and prevention. This month has a very special connection to northeast Florida that I would like to take just a moment to share. Trinity Love Hoblit was born with a rare form of primordial dwarfism and grew to be only 29 inches tall. Despite her small size, the love and joy she brought into this world was larger than life. Throughout her life, she battled brain aneurysms and underwent numerous surgeries to help alleviate the symptoms. Sadly, on June 30, 2015, Trinity passed away. She was only 14 years of age. To continue her life legacy, her parents, Olivia and Phil Hoblit, established the Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation, headquartered in Amelia Island, Florida. Its purpose is to support and fund neurological research, training, and treatment for brain aneurysms, strokes, and other cerebrovascular conditions at hospitals in northeast Florida and around the country. So in honor of Trinity and the foundation in her name, please listen closely to the risk factors and signs and symptoms of brain aneurysms. The risk factors include: Smoking, high blood pressure, older age, alcohol and/or drug abuse, and family history. The symptoms of a brain aneurysm include: Severe headache, pain above one eye or behind one eye, blurred or double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, and seizures. Please do not ignore these symptoms, and promptly seek medical care if you experience any of them, especially if you are having the worst headache of your life. When it comes to brain aneurysms, awareness is the beginning of prevention and cure. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Florida, I offer my heartfelt thanks to Olivia and Phil Hoblit, the Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation, their board of directors, and advisory committee members for the lives they are helping to save every day. Through their important work, the loving memory of Trinity Love Hoblit will live on forever.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and neighbor from Georgia for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stand up for the lives of our Nation's law enforcement officers. I spent over 40 years of my life in law enforcement, including 12 as sheriff. I dedicated my life to protecting minorities in Florida communities and doing my absolute best to ensure that all of my officers went home safely to their families. Sadly, we still lost good men and women in the line of duty. And there is no doubt that law enforcement is a dangerous profession, and every officer that puts on that badge knows the risk that they take. But one thing is certain, these risks are growing significantly-- increased, thanks to the growing anti-police rhetoric we are seeing across the country, making their jobs more dangerous now than ever before. Mr. Speaker, I urge defeat of the previous question so that we can consider H.R. 1325, the Protect and Serve Act. The lead cosponsor of my legislation is Congresswoman Val Demings, a career police officer and former Orlando police chief. It is not a controversial bill, and it is one that many, many, of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle support. In fact, last Congress, this bill overwhelming passed the House by a vote of 382-35. Like Congresswoman Demings, I know what officers go through every day when they put on their uniform, say goodbye to their families, and head out to do the important work of protecting our communities. Recently, we have seen an undeniable increase in violent attacks against police officers, especially using ambush-style attacks. Just this weekend, we saw two Los Angeles police officers shot in cold blood while simply sitting in their vehicle. But then, when being transported to the hospital for lifesaving treatment, the doors to that hospital were blocked--blocked by protesters chanting, ``We hope they die. We hope they die.'' Mr. Speaker, 2 years ago, in Gilchrist County, Florida, two deputies were assassinated while simply eating lunch. This year, 24 police officers have been ambushed, and 7 of them died because of the attacks. This is why we must defeat the previous question and consider the Protect and Serve Act. This is bipartisan legislation that will enact the strongest penalties for anyone who decides to target and harm not only Federal officers, but also, in some cases, State and local officers. Mr. Speaker, many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have expressed shock over the recent police shootings. I now ask that you translate those statements of shock into action and show America that attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated. Please stand with Congresswoman Demings and I in supporting the Protect and Serve Act.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and I missed the following roll call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call 139, NAY on Roll Call 140, and NAY on Roll Call 162.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Tyler Lehman, who, tragically, passed away from a rare form of leukemia during 2017. During his battle with cancer, Tyler became an inspiration to many in our Jacksonville, Florida, community. Despite numerous cycles of remission, relapse, and chemotherapy, which took a really hard toll on his body, he never lost that positive spirit. Each year, no matter how difficult it was for him, Tyler would lead his team of walkers for the annual Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. His team continues to walk each year in his memory. He has also befriended people from all over the world, supporting them as they struggled with their own individual ailments and conditions. He loved the outdoors, whether it was biking nearly 20 miles each day for charity or barbecuing at Cedar Point Park. It has now been over 3 years since his passing, and he is still missed dearly by his family and friends. Tyler was important to so many in northeast Florida, and I know that his memory will live on forever in those whom he touched. Recognizing Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and U.S. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and United States Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville for their response to a vessel fire beginning June 4 at JAXPORT. For days, under the leadership of Fire Chief Keith Powers and Sector Jacksonville Captain Mark Vlaun, they battled this fire under difficult conditions with bravery and skill, extinguishing the flames and saving the ship from complete destruction. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, nine of those brave firefighters sustained injuries in the blaze, and five are still recovering. We are so thankful to have these outstanding firefighters in northeast Florida who are the heroes of our communities, saving lives every single day. It is comforting to know we have talented, trained professionals ready to respond to a medical emergency, a house fire, or in this case, a ship fire, at a moment's notice. Our thoughts continue to be with the injured firefighters and their families, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Joseph J. Mancino, Sr., of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, who, sadly, passed away in late June. Mr. Mancino was a true American patriot who embodied the selfless values of the Greatest Generation. He joined the Navy at the age of 17 and bravely served aboard the USS Griffin and USS Coucal in the Pacific during World War II. He also witnessed the atomic bomb explosion dropped over the Bikini Atoll during Operation Crossroads, which was the first atomic test after the war. Joseph received numerous medals for his service, including the Philippine Liberation Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Those who knew him best say that the only thing stronger than his love for his country was his love for his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Mary--his wife of 72 years--his four children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Florida and the United States of America, I thank Mr. Mancino for his service to our Nation and offer our sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Honoring the Life of Tyler Lehman

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the bill. While I have many major concerns with this attempt to federalize State and local law enforcement, I would like to specifically address the issue of qualified immunity. Qualified immunity protects police officers, teachers, and social workers from civil liability when performing their duties in a proper manner. Should this bill become law, it would completely eliminate qualified immunity for law enforcement. Now, I know that many of my colleagues on the other side, along with many well-meaning folks around the country, think that that is a good idea, but they have been fed a false narrative. So, let me break a few myths surrounding qualified immunity and explain why it is so important to protect it. Myth number one: If you are a good police officer, you have nothing to worry about. That is absolutely not true. Imagine this scenario, and this is one that occurs every day in departments across America. You are attempting to make an arrest. The suspect physically resists arrest. The suspect is now fighting the police, and the officer uses empty-hand techniques to secure him. But the suspect is injured while being lawfully and properly secured. The officer has done nothing wrong, properly followed the law, followed department policy and agency training, did everything by the book. If this bill becomes law, he will still be sued individually, despite doing everything by the book, and that is just wrong. I spent 41 years of my life in law enforcement, including 12 years as sheriff. Every single day I went to work, I knew and was willing to put my life on the line for my community. It is what I signed up for, and it is what every officer in this country signs up for. However, I shouldn't be asked to put my wife's future and my children's future in that breach also. That is not what I signed up for, not when I properly followed the law, followed my agency's policies, followed my training to the letter, but I could still be sued. That is not part of the deal. Myth number two: Qualified immunity is always granted by the courts. This also is not true. In fact, courts only grant qualified immunity to officers 57 percent of the time. In the majority of the cases where qualified immunity was granted, it was determined that officers did not violate anyone's constitutional rights. Under current law, even if the court grants the officer qualified immunity, the plaintiff can still sue the agency for alleged ineffective training or policies. Myth number three: Qualified immunity gives officers free rein on the job. That is absolutely false. It is not true. In order for qualified immunity to apply, an officer must have followed the law, followed agency policy, followed all the proper training. If he violates any one of those, he is on his own and open to civil litigation. Madam Speaker, law enforcement is too dangerous of a profession that deals in split-second decisions. Most people in this room have no idea what it is like to determine in a high-stress situation whether a suspect is pulling out a gun or a cell phone. They never wrestled a man to the ground who is fighting like hell to evade arrest. Police officers don't get to watch a video in slow motion over and over again to figure out what to do. That is why qualified immunity exists. In fact, the U.S. Supreme Court just confirmed it. We cannot be so eager to make major policing reforms on the Federal level that we overcorrect and prevent good officers on the street from being able to do their jobs. We should not put our communities at that kind of risk.

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Madam Speaker, I want to invite my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to reconsider this legislation. Not one single point will destroy the bedrock of law enforcement in this country, and I know there are Members across the aisle that understand that because they have been there; they have done that; they have made those arrests. I ask you to listen to them and vote ``no'' on this legislation.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Janet Owens, an inspirational community leader and advocate, who passed away on April 8th after a long battle with cancer. Janet was the executive director of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation's (LISC) Jacksonville office for 10 years, serving as a tireless advocate for residents and communities. Under her leadership, new affordable housing was financed, community centers were created to improve financial stability, playing fields were renovated, and local nonprofit organizations were made stronger. I am saddened by her passing, but honored to recognize her dedication and longtime commitment to the people and neighborhoods that Janet fought to improve every day of her life. Janet was first and foremost a community servant, focused on empowering people and organizations as well as equipping them with the right information and resources. A significant part of her career was spent in public service. She worked in city government in Greenville, South Carolina; Adrian, Michigan; and Washington, D.C. Her service continued after leaving government and was extended in the private sector where she served as Vice President of United Way of Northeast Florida and held positions with the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council and Volunteer Jacksonville. At LISC, Janet was a tremendous driving force in advancing the organization's mission to help under-resourced neighborhoods in Jacksonville. She believed these neighborhoods were ripe for opportunity and renewal, and her leadership ensured that public and private resources benefitted those most in need. Since its opening in 1999, LISC Jacksonville has invested nearly $500 million in the community, creating 2,100 affordable homes and 1.7 million square feet of space for commercial, community, and educational facilities. Most notably, Janet was the driving force behind LISC Jacksonville's investment in several pivotal historic preservation projects in downtown Jacksonville, including the Barnett Bank and Laura Street Trio. Janet's commitment to community development extended well beyond her professional life. She was involved in a range of volunteer activities and was acknowledged for her commitment with numerous awards and accolades over the course of her life. In 2019, she was the recipient of the University of North Florida's OneJax Humanitarian Award, which recognized her integrity, generosity, and dedication to improving the relationships among Jacksonville's diverse populations. Leadership Jacksonville also acknowledged her as an outstanding community trustee during its 2018 Leadership Celebration. The Girl Scouts Gateway Council bestowed their Women of Distinction Award to Janet in honor of her career accomplishments, service to others and impact on the Northeast Florida community. Janet was a true advocate for the underserved, and her legacy of community service will live on through her accomplishments both in Florida and nationally. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating her life of public service and extend deepest condolences to her mother, Mamie Garrett; her beloved husband of thirty-seven years, Gregory Owens; their three children Greg, Garrett and Morgan; and her grandchildren, siblings, relatives and friends.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Oklahoma for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this political and insincere attempt at coronavirus relief. Over the past few months, Congress came together in a bipartisan way and passed four major packages to combat coronavirus, but now, for whatever reason, the Speaker has decided she is done working with Republicans. Despite what you may hear from my friends on the other side of the aisle, they know this is not a serious bill. They also know that it was drafted in secret, without input from the minority, and many of them are just as disappointed that there was no attempt at bipartisanship. Mr. Speaker, almost 40 million Americans are out of work, and here we are in Washington considering a bill that will never, ever become law. How do you think those unemployed Americans feel right now? I would say that they are not interested in watching the Speaker, who is still receiving a full salary, by the way, play these political games. I do support elements of this bill. So let me be clear: I do support additional coronavirus relief for hardworking Americans. I also support sending additional relief to States and cities to help them respond to the coronavirus and its costs. However, I will not ask taxpayers to wipe out years of debt many of these localities incurred long, long before the coronavirus pandemic. Let's get back to working together and write a bill we can all support. Take out federalizing the elections process, which should be left to the States; take out the early release of criminals; take out the incentives for illegal immigration; take out all of the new government programs that keep communities from reopening and keep people from getting back to work. We can do this the right way, but this isn't it. Our constituents expect better, and so should we.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many national cemeteries in Florida, especially the Jacksonville National Cemetery, which is in my district. These hallowed grounds are sacred to the families of those who have served our country honorably, many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Recently, the Department of Veterans Affairs ranked the top national cemeteries in the country, and I am proud to report that the Jacksonville National Cemetery of the Southeast District has earned the highest award, which was accepted by Al Richburg, the director of the Jacksonville National Cemetery. Mr. Speaker, I thank Al and his wonderful team for all the work they do to preserve the final resting places of our Nation's military and creating a beautiful, peaceful, and memorable place for loved ones to visit. Congratulating West Nassau High School Cheerleading Team

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the West Nassau High School Cheerleading Team, who recently won the State, National, and World Championships in Orlando. With nine State titles, the Warriors are tied for the second most championships in the State of Florida. In fact, this is the second year in a row that they have claimed the State, National, and World titles, and they are the first high school in Florida to do so. The team is spearheaded by Coach Samantha Beazley, who has led West Nassau to now five State championships, three National championships, and two World championships. On behalf of Florida's Fourth Congressional District, I want to congratulate the West Nassau Warriors on a cheerleading dynasty.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Kristen Musgrove from Nassau County, Florida, for having earned the Milken Educator Award. This distinguished award recognizes teachers, principals, and educational specialists who have made a profound impact on their students and school communities. Ms. Musgrove teaches math to the sixth grade students at Hilliard Middle-Senior High School and was the only teacher in the State of Florida chosen for this very prestigious award. Our educators are tasked with teaching and inspiring the next generation of Americans and Ms. Musgrove has gone above and beyond as demonstrated by preparing and guiding her students in the development of valuable problem-solving skills. In fact, under Ms. Musgrove's instruction, her classes lead the Nassau County School District with a 97 percent math proficiency. Ms. Musgrove's dedication to her students extends beyond the classroom, as she also offers tutoring at a weekly after school math camp. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Florida and the grateful students and parents of Hilliard Middle-Senior High School, I thank Ms. Musgrove for her lifelong dedication to excellence in the classroom and congratulate her on receiving the recognition she so well deserves. Honoring the HIDTA Program

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 30 years of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program known as HIDTA. This program has played a vital role in helping keep our communities safe and drugs off our streets. For the last several years, law enforcement officers have been on the front line of the opioid crisis that our country is facing, and now for the first time in decades, the CDC has indicated that the overdose death rates are expected to decline. This is thanks to the HIDTA program and our local, State, and Federal partners taking down the drug smugglers and traffickers. I would like to highlight some of the incredible officers from the north Florida HIDTA who received recognition on February 6 at the 2020 National HIDTA Conference and Awards banquet. Winning the team award for Outstanding Investigative Support Center were: Kim Jones, Louis Ceragioli, Joe Delaney, Robert Hoisington, Ralph Little, Kevin Miller, Stefanie Miller, Paul Pilliod, Jared Padilla, and John Watson. Winning an award for Outstanding Task Force Commander was Florida's own Corey M. Taylor of the Ocala Police Department. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate each and every one of them. These awards are well deserved, and I thank them for helping to keep our communities safe.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mayor Jake Godbold, who served the city of Jacksonville from 1978 to 1987 and, sadly, passed away last week. Mayor Godbold, or simply ``Jake,'' as we all called him, was a man of the highest integrity whose contributions to northeast Florida are seemingly infinite. One thing I will always remember about Jake was that when he spoke to you, he made you feel as though you were the only person in the room. I recall fondly my first interaction with the Mayor occurred actually when I was a young patrolman on the north side of Jacksonville. And as an officer, I soon learned every time the Mayor saw a police officer or a firefighter, he would stop whatever he was doing and would take the time to speak with that officer or that firefighter. Jake loved our policemen, our firemen, and our city, and they all loved him back. He will be dearly missed. Honoring the Life and Legacy of Robert Shircliff

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Robert Shircliff of Jacksonville. Bob lived his Christian faith and was well-known for his giving and loving character. His extraordinary contributions and service to our country and local community are truly legendary. Deeply beloved by the people of Jacksonville, Mr. Shircliff passed away last week at the age of 91. He served on the boards of numerous civic groups, such as the Community Foundation and led countless efforts to support institutions like St. Vincent's HealthCare, the Jacksonville Symphony, United Way, and the Cummer Art Museum, just to name a few. Despite his success, he remained humble and grateful to those around him. He once said, ``I've tried coming into the office on Saturdays and changing the world, and I can't do it. But if I come in on Monday, and I'm surrounded by really good people, anything can happen.'' On behalf of the Fourth District of Florida, I want to offer my condolences to the many friends and loved ones of Mr. Shircliff. His service, generosity, and leadership has made northeast Florida a better place to live, work, and play. And since Bob's arrival, heaven is truly a better place.