Darren Soto

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Catherine Haynes. Originally from Indiana, Catherine now lives in Orlando, Florida. She is known to be a dedicated volunteer, member, and supporter of the central Florida veteran and military community. Fourteen years ago, she realized veterans weren't receiving information about events that would be helpful to them. In order to fulfill that need, she created a massive email distribution list that includes veterans from six counties who are served by the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona. As part of her patriotic duty, she regularly greets the three Honor Flight hubs at the Orlando International Airport. Once she greeted and thanked over 3,000 senior veterans for their service. Catherine's patriotism is inherent. She can trace her family's military history back to the Revolutionary War, where her family served and became America's first veterans. Almost every generation in her family has served our country, including her son, Andrew, who served in the United States Navy. For several years, Catherine has volunteered with the Wall of Faces national project, whose goal is to match a photograph with every name that appears on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Last year, she found a Florida Vietnam war casualty without a photograph. By using reverse genealogy, she found the veteran's family, received his photo, and found where he had been buried in an unmarked grave for almost 50 years. Catherine has been finding photographs of war casualties across the Nation for years and recently began focusing her efforts on Puerto Rico, where she has faced several challenges in locating nearly 100 pictures of the remaining Vietnam war casualties. One of her favorite quotes is: ``Well-behaved women seldom make history.'' Her motto is: ``The soles of my shoes seldom cool off, and neither do the tires on my car.'' Catherine is supported by her husband, Joseph, in her continual efforts to support our central Florida veterans and military community. And for that, Ms. Catherine Haynes, we honor you. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SOTO. In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Colonel Paulette Schank. Colonel Paulette Schank began her outstanding career as a licensed practical nurse out of high school, eventually achieving her master's degree in nursing in pursuit of a career in patient care. After gaining clinical experience, and speaking to several registered nurses in the anesthesia field, she decided her desire for further autonomy and utilization of critical thinking skills was perfectly matched to a career in the anesthesia profession. Upon successful completion of a post-master's certificate in nurse anesthesia, she worked for 6 years at Frankford Hospital and later at Osceola Regional Medical Center in Florida. However, as the daughter of a retired naval chief petty officer, family legacy and patriotism drove Colonel Schank's wish to assist patients in a much different setting. She enlisted in the Air Force and learned to transport patients in critical conditions. These skills served her well in support of Operation Desert Storm, where she evacuated troops, with a 100 percent survival rate of those transported. During her 24 years in the service, Colonel Schank provided medical assistance in times of war and in humanitarian efforts--from Iraq to Turkey, Mozambique to Honduras and beyond. As both a civilian nurse anesthetist and Air Force Reserve officer, she has dedicated her life to caring for others, be it in Florida or around the world. Her love for education and helping those in need is ever present, and she continues to surpass what it means to be a student, nurse, and a constituent of Florida's Ninth Congressional District. For that, Colonel Paulette Schank, we honor you. Honoring Yasmin Flasterstein

Mr. SOTO. In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Maria Ramos. Maria Ramos Joiner was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. At the age of 3, her father decided to move the family to the Bronx in New York in search of the American Dream. The New York public school system gave her the opportunity to attend field trips to museums and cultural art centers, sparking her love for the arts with her first visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Influenced by her mother's old Bible, with its beautiful illustrations and stories, Maria's passion for artistic expression further grew. The oldest of six, she collected brown paper bags as her canvases and confiscated every pen, pencil, or crayon that was unattended for her pretend studio. Mostly self-taught, Maria's work has been shown in galleries and museums. Maria has also donated work for fundraisers to raise money for various causes. One of the most important works she has exhibited was at the Mennello Museum, honoring the Pulse nightclub victims in 2016. After its exhibition initially, Maria graciously donated the piece to the city of Orlando. Maria has also been recognized for her art depicting the culture of Puerto Rico, with an influence from the European masters she studied. Maria is an advocate for the homeless and is known for her charitable work throughout the years, whether through her art donations or when someone is in need. For that, Maria Ramos, we honor you. Honoring Colonel Paulette Schank

Mr. SOTO. In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Ernestine Mason Davis. Ernestine Mason Davis grew up in the Florence Villa community and attended Jewett High School. She is a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church. She is a founding member and a board member of the Lake Maude Recreation Center, now known as the Neighborhood Service Center. She is also a founding member of the Winter Haven Northeast Cultural Recreation Complex, Polk County Opportunity Council, and Haven Day Care. She has assisted in organizing the East Central Polk Democratic Club Council. She presently serves on the board of the Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc. Ms. Davis is a regular attendee at Winter Haven Commission meetings and spends her time working for social and economic justice issues. She continues to devote her time to the Polk County community by advocating for homeless, food programs for low-income families, recreation for the youth, and civic and cultural programs for the community. She is a member of the NAACP and has received numerous awards and recognitions. In February 2020, she was honored with a proclamation by the city of Winter Haven for her commitment to community service. She has received the Honorary Pioneer Award, the Agriculture and Labor Program Community Action Partnership Award, Volunteer Service Award, the J. Owens Academy of Fine Arts Award for being a civil rights leader, Community Service Award for advocating for children and families, and the NAACP Exemplary Leadership and Service Award. She has also received awards from her family for organizing and supporting family reunions. She was married to the late John Wesley Davis and has five children. She is a grandmother and a great-grandmother. For that, Ernestine Mason Davis, we honor you. Honoring Maria Ramos

Mr. SOTO. In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize First Sergeant Daila Espeut-Jones. First Sergeant Daila Espeut-Jones was born and raised in Jamaica until the age of 15. In 1979, she migrated to Boston, Massachusetts, and later joined the Army in 1982. She served on Active Duty for 22 years and retired in 2004. During her military tenure, she served in many positions, including squad leader, platoon sergeant, training noncommissioned officer, customs supervisor, plans supervisor, area support team leader, Korean linguist, senior transportation supervisor, first sergeant, and acting division sergeant major. Her duty assignments included Fort Eustis, Virginia; Seoul, Korea; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Haiti; Honduras; Albania; Bosnia; Hanau, Germany; Orlando, Florida; and southwest Asia. Her awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit; Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal, with two oak leaf clusters; Army Achievement Medal, with three oak leaf clusters; Humanitarian Service Ribbon; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Parachutist Badge; Expert Weapon Marksmanship Badge; and German Silver Marksmanship Badge. First Sergeant Espeut-Jones currently serves as the president for the Association of the United States Army's Sunshine Chapter in Orlando and chair of the Orange County Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council. She is an active member of the Women in Defense Central Florida Chapter; Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Inc.; Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club Orlando; National Defense Industrial Association; Semper Fidelis of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4287; American Legion; Orange County Veterans Treatment Court mentorship program; and mentor at several schools in Orange County. In 2015, First Sergeant Espeut-Jones was selected as one of Orlando Business Journal's Veterans of Influence. She is currently employed at ZelTech as a program manager. For all that and more, First Sergeant Daila Espeut-Jones, we honor you. Honoring Ernestine Mason Davis

Mr. SOTO. In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Angela M. Garcia Falconetti. A native Floridian and the daughter of Cuban exiles who completed their degrees at Florida colleges, Dr. Falconetti has a personal commitment to the Florida college system and to ensuring all students have the chance to receive a quality education. She has developed a vision to strengthen student success and has advocated successfully at the State level for critical funding. Her two decades of service in three States include extensive experience in all aspects of higher education administration. She holds a bachelor's degree with specializations in communications and education cognate from New York University and a master's degree and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from the University of North Florida, with specializations in instructional leadership and postsecondary education and adult learning. She later completed an endowed postdoctoral fellowship in community college leadership with the University of Texas at Austin while working as a research associate for the Community College Survey of Student Engagement. At the national level, she served as special assistant to the first Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Colleges in Washington, D.C. Prior to being named president of Polk State College, she served as vice president of institutional advancement at Virginia Western Community College and as executive director of the foundation. Dr. Falconetti continues to serve as an active leader in national, statewide, and local organizations, including the American Association of Community Colleges' Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation, the Florida College System Council of Presidents' Steering Committee, the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities, and the Florida Chamber Foundation Board. She lives in Winter Haven, Florida, with her beloved husband, Robert, and their daughter and the light of her life, Sophia. For that, Dr. Angela M. Garcia Falconetti, we honor you. Honoring First Sergeant Daila Espeut-Jones

Mr. SOTO. In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Giorgina Pinedo-Rolon. Dr. Giorgina Pinedo-Rolon was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and moved to the United States in 1986. Since then, she earned a master's in TV production and journalism and a Ph.D. in social psychology. Giorgina has extensive experience in television, print, and radio and has worked in various roles for Telemundo Orlando, Casiano Communications' Imagen magazine, and other local news outlets. Currently, she works for the city of Orlando as the director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Giorgina has been very involved in the business community and the local government of central Florida. She has been recognized for her work with the following awards: Don Quijote Awards' Professional of the Year; Girl Scouts of Citrus' Women of Distinction Awards Visionary of the Year; Orlando Business Journal 40 Under 40; Working Together Outstanding Community Service Award; and the Executive of the Year, HABLA Awards. Dr. Pinedo-Rolon is a board member of the Crimeline and Girl Scouts of Citrus. She is also chair of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando's Government Affairs Committee and a member of the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness' Family Homelessness Committee. She was a former board member and chair of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, the Economic Development Commission, the Orange County Membership and Mission Review Board, the Coalition for the Homeless, the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund, Easter Seals, and a former president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists' Central Florida Chapter. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Women, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, American Association of Marketing and Public Relations, Hispanic Public Relations Association, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, and a lifetime member of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. Giorgina is married to our Orlando police chief, Orlando Rolon, the first Puerto Rican to hold that position. She has two stepchildren and three grandchildren. For all this and more, Dr. Giorgina Pinedo-Rolon, we honor you. Honoring Dr. Angela M. Garcia Falconetti

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to honor Deborah Guerrera Gale. Deborah Guerrera Gale moved to Florida in 1978 from upstate New York, where she worked as a banking accountant after graduating from Ulster County College. Once in Florida, she decided to switch careers and became a draftsperson by studying engineering at Valencia College. Deborah worked for Walt Disney World Ride & Show Engineering as an electromechanical designer for 10 years. She later returned to college to earn a bachelor's degree in human resources at the age of 40 from Barry University and held positions in Disney Human Resources, Organizational Development, and HR Information Services. Deborah was raised by caring, progressive parents, Barbara and John Guerrera, who instilled in her a belief in the basic human dignity of all people. Through them, she learned that she could make a positive difference in the world and that she could achieve anything with hard work. This belief inspired a drive for volunteer service in the community, such as organizing projects for foster teens residing at The Grove, an adolescent residential center for at-risk teens, and Help Now, a domestic abuse shelter. She also served as president of the Celebration Women's Club, supporting women's charities and college scholarships. While living in Celebration, she was a founding member and president of the Democrats of Celebration. After retirement, Deborah turned her attention full-time to civic activism and founded the Democrats of St. Cloud Club and was elected as chair of the Osceola County Democratic Party in 2019. Deborah's belief that she can make a difference has fueled her passion to advance causes that can make our community and our county a better place for the next generation. Deborah lives in St. Cloud with her husband, Michael Womick. They have one daughter, Jenna Womick Stowers, and a grandson, Treston James. For that, Deborah Guerrera Gale, we honor you. Honoring Giorgina Pinedo-Rolon

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewomen from Wisconsin and California for their wise words and for invoking the angels that we lost in Florida as well. In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Carmen Carrasquillo. Carmen is a graduate of New York's Baruch Community College and earned a business management certification from Columbia University. She worked as the administrator of the Boriken Health Center for the indigent community in East Harlem, New York. Since joining the council in 1992 as the senior center coordinator, Carmen has worked with residents and leaders to initiate and sustain programs serving seniors and disabled adults. These have earned the Osceola Council on Aging Senior Center numerous awards for maintaining the independence and dignity of our constituents, including Outstanding Senior Center in the State of Florida. Her background as a bilingual teacher led to the first English classes for Spanish-speaking adults in Osceola County. This also led her to become a founding member of BRAVO, a nonprofit organization that provided necessary information and referrals to a newly emigrating Hispanic population in Osceola County. Carmen was also named Woman of the Year in 1994. Carmen assisted the Council on Aging with the opening of the first Hispanic site, Centro Latino Americano Edad de Oro, in the Buena Ventura Lakes Community Center, also known as the Roberto Guevara Community Center. She was also one of the founders of the Senior Follies with the Osceola Center for the Arts, partnered with Southwest Airlines on a Home for the Holidays program, organized volunteer activities for AARP Community Care Days, organized Hispanic outreach for the South Florida Water Management District, started an intergenerational program with New Beginnings Educational Complex that partners at-risk high school students with seniors in various social activities, operating the Federal Emergency Food Assistance program and local food bank that supplies commodities to the poor and area organizations feeding the poor in Osceola County, and was appointed to the Florida Department of Agriculture TEFAP Advisory Board by Charles Bronson, our former ag commissioner. For that, Ms. Carmen Carrasquillo, we honor you. Honoring Deborah Guerrera Gale

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Terry DeCarlo. Born on March 19, 1962 in Bethpage, N.Y. to Mario and Anne (Puglisi) Nunziato, Mr. DeCarlo served in the Air Force from 1980 to 1983. Even before moving to Florida in 1996, Mr. DeCarlo was an early advocate for persons with H.I.V. From 2006 to 2014, he was the development director for the Broward House, a nonprofit social services organization for people living with HIV and other chronic health issues. In 2014, Mr. DeCarlo joined the staff as executive director of the Center, a non-profit community service organization empowering the LGBTQ+ community in Central Florida. As executive director on June 12, 2016, he became a constant source of comfort and strength for the survivors, families of victims, and the entire Central Florida community following the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. The Center was open and prepared with grief counselors within hours of the attack. Even after his health began to deteriorate due to stress, Terry continued to serve as executive director of the Center until July 2017. In addition to his husband, Bill Huelson, Terry is survived by his mother, Anne Fabrikant; his sisters, Mary Detto and Deborah Waters; and his brother, John Nunziato. His work in the aftermath of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy will never be forgotten. He was a pillar of the Central Florida community and dedicated champion of LGBTQ+ rights.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. In honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Ronald McCrimon. Ronald McCrimon is a lifelong resident of Osceola County, Florida. Ronald is the son of Mrs. Louise McCrimon and the late Mr. David McCrimon. He is married to Doravia L. McCrimon and has three daughters, Desheria, Ronnetta, and Chantel. Ronald is the proud grandfather of Eris and Aiden. As a member of the family of God, Jesus Christ is his Lord and savior. Ronald is a man of deep faith. Mr. McCrimon was educated in the school system of Osceola County. He was a member of the football, wrestling, and track teams and lettered in each. Ronald was a member of the Osceola class of 1981. After graduating from high school, Ronald attended Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama, under a football scholarship. There Ronald obtained a bachelor's in marketing and a minor in criminal justice. Mr. McCrimon served in the Army Reserve from 1986 to 1994 in the 174th Judge Advocate General Detachment unit as a legal specialist. Upon completion of college, Mr. McCrimon became a dispatcher with the St. Cloud Police Department. In 1989, Mr. McCrimon enrolled in the police academy and became employed by the Osceola County Sheriff's Office. This was the beginning of a 28-year career with the agency. During his tenure with the agency, he served as a patrol deputy, two tours as a member of the Osceola County investigation bureau, a sniper on the SWAT team, and a captain over court administration in the Osceola County Courthouse. In 2017, he retired from the agency. Mr. McCrimon served as an instructor of TECO Police Academy for 15 years and is a part-time instructor at Valencia College. Mr. McCrimon was an honoree at the Martin Luther King banquet for Osceola County. Ronald served as a local board member for Habitat for Humanity and a member of the Community Development Block Grant Program. And for that, Mr. Ronald McCrimon, we honor you. Recognizing Dorothy Scott Wilson

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Chief Warrant Officer LeWayne Johnson. Chief Warrant Officer Robert LeWayne Johnson, also of the United States Army Reserve, joined the Air Force as a navigational aids equipment specialist in August 1983 with an initial duty assignment at the Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina. In 1987, Mr. Johnson joined the U.S. Army Reserve. In 1988 Mr. Johnson reclassed to a legal specialist and was assigned to the 86th United States Army Reserve Command in Forest Park, Illinois. Chief Johnson also served as a court reporter in several units which included a deployment in Saudi Arabia with the 21st Support Command. Mr. Johnson applied for a warrant officer appointment because he wanted to use his knowledge and skills to assist commanders in maintaining unit readiness. Mr. Johnson also wanted to mentor, counsel, and assist soldiers. During a 33-year career of exceptionally meritorious service, Mr. Johnson distinguished himself in positions of increasing responsibility with the United States, with the U.S. Army Reserve and with the U.S. Air Force, as well. Significant positions of leadership include: Senior legal administrative officer, a G-7 level; United States Army Reserve Legal Command; legal administrative officer, 174th Legal Operations Department; administrative officer, 9th LSO; senior court reporter/ amnesty recorder, 22nd Support Command in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; legal specialist for the 21st Headquarters Company at TAACOM; legal specialist, headquarters 7th Judge Advocate General Detachment at Fort Sheridan, Illinois; and also served as a navigational aids electronic specialist, United States Air Force for Pope Air Force Base. Chief Johnson has earned a doctorate from Walden University in public policy and administration and a juris doctorate degree from Barry University, and an LLM in international taxation from Saint Thomas University. Additionally, Chief Johnson has completed the warrant officer senior education program at Fort Rucker, Alabama. And for that, Chief Warrant Officer Robert LeWayne Johnson, we honor you. Recognizing Ronald McCrimon

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Richard DeLoach. Richard DeLoach is a passionate, dedicated, and determined leader who has been serving our youth football coach leagues for over 35 years. DeLoach is a pastor at a church in Leesburg. He is married to Diane and is a father of nine children. After playing semipro ball for a season, he decided he wanted to coach. He is a founding member of the Mid-Florida Youth Football Conference and an inaugural member of the Mid-Florida Youth Football and Cheerleaders Hall of Fame of 2018. He started the Mid-Florida Youth Football League in 1984 with four teams and now has 356 players and cheerleaders involved in the program. He is a compassionate and committed coach, a team player who led his team to 14 league super bowls and won 11 of them. He works well with kids of all ages, loves sports, and has a passion for competition. DeLoach has always helped any child who desires to participate in youth sports attain that goal, regardless of their ability to play. He uses sports to teach about and instill in youth work ethics and integrity. His work ethic stems from his father teaching him and his three brothers how to mow yards and clear lakes every day after school. He has made positive impacts on so many young people and is credited with the success of several Polk County football players now playing in the NFL. He is the president of the Lake Wales Youth Football Association, a member of the Lake Wales Recreation Advisory Committee, and owner of the Polk County War Eagles. Due to his commitment and leadership to youth and community, the Lake Wales mayor proclaimed June 4, 2019, as Richard DeLoach Day. For that, Coach DeLoach, we honor you. Recognizing LeWayne Johnson

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Mark Canty. Undersheriff Mark Canty has deep roots in Orange County. He grew up in Pine Hills, and after graduating from Northwestern University in 1994, he came home to Orlando, where working in a residential group home for the Urban League made him realize that a career in law enforcement was his calling. He was driven by a desire to make a bigger impact in the community and beyond, by making connections with young people before they were in trouble. That led him to the Orlando Police Department, where, over his 22-year career, he rose through the ranks and was appointed deputy chief in 2017. Throughout his career, Canty's devotion to improving community and police relations in his hometown has been his driving ideal. Canty's hallmark is leadership by example. That leadership was in the spotlight most in June 2016 when a deranged gunman killed 49 people and injured scores more in an act of terror and hate at the Pulse nightclub. As commander of the Orlando Police Department's SWAT team, Canty directed team members while they rescued survivors and helped to ensure no more innocent people were killed. Over the years, Canty's community involvement strides have been just as important as those he made in crime-fighting. In March 2019, Sheriff John W. Mina, appointed Canty as the Undersheriff of Orange County Sheriff's Office. The Office of Undersheriff provides direct managerial oversight of the Operational Services Bureau, Administrative Services Bureau, Fiscal Management Section, CFIX-Criminal Intelligence Section, Legal Services, and Strategic Communications. Undersheriff Canty has the vision, skill, and desire to further the excellence of this nationally accredited law enforcement agency. For that, Undersheriff Mark Canty, we honor you. Recognizing Richard DeLoach

Mr. SOTO. In honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Dorothy Scott Wilson. Dorothy Scott Wilson is of Lake Wales, Florida. Dorothy has been a community leader for years. Dorothy earned her bachelor's degree from Florida A&M University and maintains her Rattler Pride to this day as a member of the Florida A&M board of directors in Polk County. Dorothy has worked at the Florida State Department of Revenue for over 35 years and now serves the community through her work at Scott's Medical Transportation and Advocacy, a local provider of medical services for students with special needs. Dorothy Scott Wilson has served on the board of directors of several organizations, including the Polk County chapter of the Florida A&M University, the Dr. Joseph A. Wiltshire Scholarship Foundation, the Unity in the Community organization, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Fund of Lake Wales organization, the Lincoln Ave. Redevelopment Council, the Ray Jones, Jr. Wellness Project, 2019, and she has also served as the development director for the Lake Wales Hospital and is a member of the NAACP. And for that, Ms. Dorothy Scott Wilson, we honor you. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Joanne Cobbs. Ms. Joanne Cobbs is a native of Williamsburg, Virginia. She is the proud mother of three sons, Troy, Al, and Wayne Johnson. She relocated to Florida in 1983 when her husband, Master Sergeant Robert Cobbs, was reassigned to Patrick Air Force Base in Cocoa Beach, Florida. After her husband's retirement from the U.S. Army in 1985, the family remained in Florida. The family moved to Orlando, Florida, in Orange County in 1992. During the time Joanne has lived in Florida, she has worked in several positions in private industry and worked at Northlake Park Elementary School as a substitute teacher. She has also worked for the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. Joanne's last position was at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, otherwise known as NASA, where she was in the Human Resources Directorate at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where she retired as a personnel management specialist. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida, where she majored in psychology. Joanne's volunteer service includes past and current work with the Hispanic Caucus of Orange County; the Orange County Black Caucus; the American Cancer Society; the central Florida breast cancer foundation; Organizing for America, the Obama campaign; the Hillary Clinton campaign; and the Charlie Crist campaign. She provided support for candidates running for office in her house district and other districts within the county. She currently serves on the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee as a precinct committeewoman for Precinct 544. Joanne is a member of the Democratic Women's Club of Florida, the East Orange Democratic Women's Club, and the Progressives of East Orange. For that, Ms. Joanne Cobbs, we honor you. Recognizing Mark Canty

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Michael D. Smith. Michael D. Smith, Sr., is employed as a captain and paramedic for the Polk County Fire Rescue, where he has served the citizens of Polk County for the past 10 years. Captain Smith is responsible for supervising a fire company crew in all aspects of fire, technical rescue, and emergency medical rescue. Michael also serves as a licensed funeral director with Epps Memorial Funeral Home in Lake Wales, Florida, where he assists families during their time of bereavement. He is a graduate of Frostproof High School, Bethune-Cookman University, St. Petersburg College, and South Florida State College. Michael is the son of Lieutenant Dave and Faye Smith. He is married to Carmencita. He is the father of Michael, Jr., Preston, Trinity, Christopher, and Joshua. Captain Smith is actively involved in the community, where he passionately participates in the annual Willie Bush Toy Drive. He enthusiastically coaches and mentors youth for the Lake Wales Little League football team. Captain Smith shares his time with the Polk County community by volunteering at the Candlelight Christian Academy. He is an active member of Allen Temple AME Church, where he serves as the president of Usher Board Number 1. He is also a member of the Lake Wales branch of the NAACP; a Bethune- Cookman alumni; a member of the Polk County Professional Firefighters Local 3531; Lakeland Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.; Boaz Lodge 212 in Daytona Beach, Florida; St. Paul Lodge 77 in Lake Wales, Florida; Florida Morticians Association; Independent Funeral Directors of Florida; and the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association. Captain Smith has been a trailblazer for African Americans in the Polk County firefighter department. For that, Captain Smith, we honor you. Recognizing Eddy Jean Rivers

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Eddy Jean Rivers. Eddy Jean Rivers is a community leader who started her work life at McCrory's in downtown Lake Wales as the first African American employed in a downtown business and the first African American to be employed by a banking industry in the area. She obtained her degree in early childhood education and worked for Janie Howard Wilson Elementary for 16 years. Passionate about education, Rivers continues her teaching with Family Literacy Academy in Lake Wales. She has served as a member of the Roosevelt Alumni Association, PTO of the Janie Howard Wilson Elementary, MAD DADS Association, Drug Awareness Council of Lake Wales, Red Cross Association, Lake Wales Business and Profession Women's Club, Lake Wales MLK Committee, and Lake Wales Recreation Committee. She also served as an active board member of the Lake Wales NAACP since 1956. She has received awards for Sunday School Teacher of the Year and the Music Ministry Award from the First Institutional Baptist Church, an award from the Lakeland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for outstanding service, and the Lake Wales NAACP Community Leader Award. For that, Ms. Eddy Jean Rivers, we honor you. Recognizing Joanne Cobbs

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Josephine M. Howard. As part of her life journey, Josephine M. Howard has been achieving goals, setting high standards, teaching, learning, positively impacting lives, and been passionately committed to helping, mentoring, and inspiring the lives of children, adults, and the elderly. She desired to become a teacher like her mother, Crizell, who, in the 1950s, mentored and tutored her five sisters and neighborhood children. In the 1960s, Josephine graduated from Douglass High School with high honors and Florida College cum laude, with a BS degree in elementary education, and she subsequently began her career in teaching. Josephine loved teaching but wanted to have a greater impact on more lives by empowering them with knowledge; therefore, she went back to college and earned her master of education degree magna cum laude at the University of Central Florida, as well as her educational specialist degree summa cum laude at Nova Southeastern University. Josephine is a servant leader; a lifetime member of the NAACP; has served as a member of the Horizon Housing Board; treasurer, former CEO of Howard's Apparel; former chaplain of the NC100BW; board of trustees, Heart of Florida Hospital; Head Start Policy Council; and Who's Who Among Professional Women. She continues to serve as the first vice president deaconess at the New Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, where she has been a Sunday school teacher for 34 years and has implemented the Mana Food Pantry. Her community service and leadership dedication have earned her numerous recognitions, honors, and media coverage. She received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lifetime Achievement Award, Teacher of the Year, and Distinguished Volunteer Service Award. Josephine is married to her husband, Phillip, of 52 years. They have two children, Jonita and Phillip II; three grandchildren, Philip and twins Phillip III and Kennedy. For that, we honor you, Ms. Josephine Howard. Recognizing Reverend Clifton E. Dollison

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Reverend Clifton E. Dollison. Reverend Clifton E. Dollison has served the First Missionary Baptist Church of Winter Haven, Florida, for 28 years. As the longest serving pastor in the church's rich 138-year history, his visionary leadership has resulted in the largest building program expansion the church has experienced. Reverend Dollison has a passion for community service and a fearless commitment to confront justice issues in Polk County. That dedication finds expression in his roles as past co-chair and current board member for the Polk Ecumenical Action Council for Empowerment, otherwise known as PEACE, of Polk County, a grassroots social justice organization for positive change, and the Direct Action and Research Training Center, DART, comprised of PEACE and 20 other affiliated nonprofit, congregation-based organizations located across the Nation. DART's mission is to build the power of organized people to do justice. Reverend Dollison's commitment to social justice, community engagement, and spiritual leadership is further demonstrated through his varied service positions. He served as past president and current vice president of the NAACP-Winter Haven Branch; senior chaplain of the Winter Haven Police Department; president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Association of Polk County, Inc.; chairman of the Pastoral Development Conference for the Progressive Missionary and Educational Baptist State Convention of Florida, Inc.; president of the Interfaith Ministerial Alliance of Winter Haven; past second vice moderator, First South Florida Missionary Baptist District Association; and as president and past educational dean of the FSF Congress Number Three. Reverend Dollison, a native Hoosier, graduated from Indiana State University and is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He has been married for 38 years to his lovely wife, Valerie Bush Dollison, a native of Bartow, Florida. They have three adult children, three grandchildren, and eagerly await the arrival of a fourth grandchild. For that, Reverend Dollison, we honor you. Recognizing Michael D. Smith

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, the gentleman from Oklahoma talked about timely assistance for his State. I think that is important because that is what we are asking for for Puerto Rico here today. We talked about the $42 billion for hurricanes. We all know that less than half that money has still gotten to the island already, and we are talking now about earthquakes, a totally different disaster in the southwestern portions of the island, unique in character. These funds may not even cover some of these other issues happening. When you look at the schools, in particular, that are all across the island, this is unique because they were made to withstand hurricanes, not earthquakes. I agree, if we need more funds, we can always supplement with another bill. Why are we waiting? Why would we wait today when the people of Puerto Rico, our fellow Americans, need our help? That is why we are here today. Imagine a thousand earthquakes since December and imagine those thousand earthquakes happening after Hurricane Maria--nearly a hurricane five--hits and destroys most of your island. My guest was Jessica Carrillo who left the island and had to come to central Florida because she was weary from sleeping in her car or sleeping on her porch, day in and day out for over a month. I had the opportunity to go firsthand to Puerto Rico and see that damage as the grounds shifted below our feet. We talked about the schools. We talked about the folks who were in the disaster relief camps, and the Costa Sur Power Plant, which is closed, that now puts them in a tough position. So I ask: Let's put together and pass this bill that will provide $4.67 billion in disaster relief and vote against the motion to recommit because we can't wait any longer. I ask you to vote ``yes'' on the ultimate package, to rise above the politics of disaster relief because but for the grace of God go you and your families, your districts, and your States. We rose together for Hurricane Michael in my State of Florida and for Hurricane Harvey in Texas. I ask this House to get the job done here today. Vote ``no'' on the motion to recommit and vote ``yes'' on this very good bill to help Americans in Puerto Rico. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, today, I rise because it is National Gun Violence Survivors Week, a time when we focus on sharing and amplifying the stories of gun violence survivors who live with the impacts of gun violence every day. I recall the morning of June 12, 2016, when my wife and I were awakened at 6 in the morning by a barrage of texts because the unthinkable happened to our happy little town of Orlando, Florida. Gun violence on a massive scale had reared its ugly head at a place where people just wanted to have a good time, at the Pulse nightclub. We lost 49 Americans that day, 49 of my fellow Orlandoans who were just there to enjoy friendship and camaraderie. Their lives were taken way too early from us. But we also have to focus on the 53 who were wounded, the survivors of the Pulse nightclub tragedy. One of them is a coworker of mine, Ramses Tinoco. Ramses is a paralegal who was good spirited, hard-working, and always excited about the job. Suddenly, for several weeks, he wasn't able to come back to work, or at least in a regular fashion. I remember talking to him about what it was like to be there. It was hard for him to talk about it, and I don't blame him because no one should have to see those types of horrors. Another good friend of mine, Ricardo Negron-Almodovar, a lawyer in Puerto Rico who came to central Florida for a new start, and within less than a year of living in Orlando, he faced this vicious tragedy. But he has been fighting back. He is now on the Pulse national memorial advisory committee. We have a bipartisan bill going through the House that would make it a national memorial to remember those 49 we lost and those 53 wounded survivors. But I also want to talk about the folks who take care of the survivors. Terry DeCarlo, who is pictured here on the far right, was retiring the Monday after the Pulse nightclub shooting from the LGBT+ Center in Orlando. Terry couldn't retire when his community needed him most, so he stayed on for a year, bringing in supplies, helping with mental health, helping the families coming from around the country to help their loved ones who were still surviving. During that time, all Terry thought about was others. It was only a few months after he retired a year-plus later that he found out that he had advanced stages of cancer that was teeming through his jaw. One can only wonder whether, if he wasn't so busy, he might have gotten treatment or had noticed beforehand. But that wasn't Terry. Terry cared about others. Terry lived to serve, and we just lost him last month. It is a sad tragedy, but Terry's legacy will be remembered. We also have to honor with action, with real solutions. The shooter in this instance had a SIG Sauer MCX semiautomatic rifle, a weapon of war made for battlefields, not for a suburban nightclub, one that could do unspeakable carnage even before police could get on the scene. There are things that are even more common ground than assault weapons bans. Our House passed a bipartisan universal background checks bill to make sure that, simply, those who aren't supposed to have guns don't get them. With giant loopholes for gun shows and private sales, this just doesn't make sense. It is time to pass it. Also, the Charleston loophole, where we saw someone put a false address, and when the background check didn't come back, he automatically got his guns and shot up a church in Charleston. It is time for action.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, it was over 2 years ago that Hurricane Maria hit the island of Puerto Rico, and our fellow Americans sustained one of the worst natural disasters, with the highest death toll in modern history. Now we have, again, earthquakes hitting the island since December 28 to this date. I got to go this week and saw firsthand schools crumbling. I saw folks sitting out in tents who need emergency housing and mental health services. Yet we still have less than half the money that we allocated for Hurricane Maria actually down on the island. It is time for the Trump administration to bring that money down. In addition, it is time to declare a major disaster declaration. We cannot let this tragedy happen again. America is watching. History is watching. It is time to help our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico.