Darren Soto

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a hero of our district and a wise woman of Haines City. Mary Naomi Ginwright Sanks is 99\1/2\ years old, and a living legend. As a resident of Haines City, she is a community matriarch, who has and continues to dedicate her life serving others. Ms. Sanks has provided a home to more than 20 foster children, and adopted 4 children of diverse races and gender. She is a hard worker who continuously extends her hand to help by volunteering to serve at her church and community. Mother Sanks, as she is affectionately known by the community, is a devoted and compassionate mentor and caregiver who continues to routinely cook and serve food for those who are sick and bed restricted throughout the community. When residents seek Mother Sanks' advice regarding how to navigate the complexities of life, she can often be heard responding with a smooth smile and warm words of wisdom and advice to say, ``keep it moving.''

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Massachusetts for yielding. Yesterday, the University of Central Florida in Orlando had a unique student body president election. The candidates were Karen Caudillo, my constituent, and Josh Bolona, both Dreamers, beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act. They ran on a platform of justice and equality, and so did I. Today we celebrate Josh Bolona's victory on becoming UCF's first Dreamer student body president. So what a sad backdrop we have here today. President Trump declared victory for getting $1.6 billion to start his wall in a tweet late last night--$1.6 billion to start Trump's wall. So his wall gets funding, but our Dreamers get left behind. How can I, in good conscience, go home to my constituents and explain this? I wonder aloud: When will our Dreamers be the priority? When will it be their time to shine? When will they have their moment of opportunity, a reprieve from worrying and from looking over their shoulders every day? Mr. Speaker, when will the waiting finally stop for them and the living begin? When will the Dreamers finally get to dream? Every week for 198 days, we have come here to ask our colleagues for their consideration of the bipartisan Dream Act. I remind you of that because it has been 198 days since the President put hundreds of thousands of Dreamers at risk of losing their jobs, careers, their families, and everything they have worked for their entire lives. Many take solace in a court injunction issued in California and New York. As a lawyer, I can tell you these Dreamers are hanging by a thread. They are one adverse ruling away from oblivion. What about the over 1 million Dreamers who are not part of the case? Those young people who would be entering the program, the young sisters and the young brothers of Dreamers who are in the DACA program and those Dreamers who did not apply out of concern and out of a mistrust they had for giving their information to a Federal Government that has turned their back on them? They would have no quarter under these injunctions and no rest. They have no peace. Why can't we, once and for all, come together to give these deserving young patriots who embody our deepest values the opportunity to earn their citizenship, hardworking patriots like Josh, Karen, and hundreds of thousands of others who will have contributed an estimated $460 billion to the U.S. economy over the next decade? These young people are making positive and significant contributions to the economic growth of our country which benefits all of us.

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues across the aisle don't want deportation of Dreamers on their hands, so why not do something now, at this moment, at this time? Why not pass a law that would permanently allow these young people to build a life here, to graduate from college, to start a new business, and to show their immense gratitude to a country that gave them a chance? Today we have the opportunity to uphold our values and pass the Dream Act so that these Dreamers and the millions of people who swore to represent them aren't worrying and wondering any longer. We are asking for one vote, just one vote, that will keep whole our principles and ideals and allow these young people to pursue the American Dream. So for the 26th time in 198 days, I ask my colleagues to vote against the previous question so that we can immediately bring the Dream Act to the floor and provide certainty for Dreamers like Karen and Josh who want to continue to work, live, and contribute to the only country they love and the only country they have ever known. I cannot afford to wait another day, nor can they.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Cyndia Morales Muniz. Dr. Cyndia Morales Muniz serves as an assistant director at Hispanic Initiatives in the president's division at the University of Central Florida, affectionately known as UCF in central Florida. As chair of UCF's Hispanic Serving Institution, HSI, Task Force, she facilitates communication and collaboration within the university community to strengthen UCF's Hispanic-serving efforts. As founding president of the Latino Faculty & Staff Association, LaFaSA, at UCF, Dr. Muniz has been the catalyst that has elevated Latino programming at UCF. With grant support from the Hispanic Federation, she established the CREAR Futuros Mentoring Program at UCF in 2016. The following year, she planned UCF's inaugural Latino graduation ceremony, Nuestra Graduacion. In the local community, she supports the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando. Dr. Muniz is highly regarded in the central Florida community. She also advocates for Latino student success at the national level, helping lead two national projects in partnership with Excelencia in Education and serving as the UCF representative within the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. She also coleads the Puerto Rican Education Relief Team at UCF, helping support displaced students affected by Hurricane Maria in their transition to central Florida. Having been a first-generation, low-income college student, she takes full advantage of opportunities to discuss and elevate best practices and policy implications for underrepresented communities. Dr. Muniz earned a bachelor's degree in sociology at Binghamton University, a master's degree in sociology at St. John's University, and a doctoral degree in educational leadership at the University of Central Florida. Most recently, she was selected as a 2018 College Board Professional Fellow. Dr. Muniz is a proud Puerto Rican and resides in Orlando with her loving husband, Antonio. For that, Dr. Cyndia Morales Muniz, we honor you. Honoring Vetnah ``Yemen'' Monessar During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Vetnah ``Yemen'' Monessar. Vetnah ``Yemen'' Monessar is a community organizer and political activist with over 13 years of experience in mobilizing and elevating the narrative of Muslim Americans in our community. She has led legislative and electoral campaigns at all levels of government, advocating for equitable healthcare, education reform, fair access economic development, and human rights, in addition to numerous other issue-based campaigns. Vetnah serves as the executive director of Emgage Florida, a civic engagement nonprofit that aims to educate, engage, and empower Muslim Americans in the civic engagement process. She made history as the first hired woman State director for a Presidential campaign as the State coalition director for Hillary for America. Vetnah currently serves as the vice president of the Orlando American Muslim Chamber of Commerce, on the Young Professionals Board of Harbor House, and on the Orlando Chapter 57 Citizen Review Board and has received numerous community service and leadership awards. She received her degree in Islamic studies and religion from the Islamic University of Dr. Bilal Philips, as well as a degree in paralegal studies with a focus on transactional and litigation law. As a community leader, she is a constant champion of those who traditionally do not have their voices heard and empowering them to be involved in the democratic process. For that, Vetnah ``Yemen'' Monessar, we salute you. Honoring Margie Viera During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Margie Viera. Margie Viera is a force of nature and an inspiration to us all. She works with community leaders, government, and businessowners from all industries to bring opportunities and growth to the central Florida region. She has influence in major areas, including public affairs, education, business development, international commercial import and export, and strategic alliances. She helps businesses, big and small, to achieve growth. Her work has made an impact globally in major world centers, including in Puerto Rico; California, Texas, Florida in the United States; as well as Latin America, Spain, among other countries. Margie is passionate about volunteering and mentoring. She is the development director at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, one of the Nation's leading organizations committed to the economic development of the Hispanic community directly impacting the central Florida region. Throughout her tenure as development director, Margie has engaged widely in policy development and advocacy across education, economic, social, and cultural spheres. In the educational industry, Margie worked transforming lives through her service as the daytime program director at Ana G. Mendez University System, where she started the first bilingual program that serves Hispanic youth and empowered her students by giving them access to professional opportunities and skills development. She is the cofounder of the Aspire to Inspire Youth Mentorship Program, which impacts underserved students to inspire them to become the next generation of leaders. Aspire to Inspire is a community organization that inspires Latin youth to stay in school and reach for the stars while creating a culture of #Paying IT Forward in her community. Born in Puerto Rico and the single mother of two boys, Margie understands firsthand the challenges of living on the mainland away from her family on the island. She is a woman of valor, a loving mother, and a fierce advocate for education. Margie Viera is a Latina leader using her powerful voice for our most vulnerable in central Florida. For that, Margie Viera, we honor you. Honoring Karen Cooper Welzel During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Karen Cooper Welzel. Karen Cooper Welzel was born in Michigan. Both her parents fought for workers' rights and led the formation of the United Auto Workers union. Her family history became the basis for Karen to become politically active and as involved as she is today. Karen and her husband, George, moved to central Florida in 1994 and soon thereafter joined in the Polk Democratic Executive Committee meetings and the local Democratic club meetings. Karen worked in human resources and later became a corporate HR director for a private hospitality company, overseeing five hotels and other properties. Karen volunteered for the Howard Dean Presidential campaign in 2003 and continued in local politics by participating in Democratic clubs and the Polk County Democratic Party. She attended training sessions, served as a delegate to the Florida Democratic Party conventions, and encouraged and supported local candidates. Karen was later elected chairwoman of the Polk County DEC. She chartered five new Democratic clubs in the county and opened two campaign offices. She also serves on the board of directors of Side Street Art Beat, an organization that provides opportunities for creative self-expression and support for individuals with special needs. In 2014, Karen started a local chapter of the Democratic Women's Club of Florida in East Polk County. She currently serves as the chair of the Candidate Screening Committee. In 2016, she was elected by the Polk County DEC members to serve as the State Committee Woman and currently is chairing the Polk DEC Campaign Committee. Karen and members of the DWC East Polk Ridge Club organized two women's rallies that resulted in the creation of the DWCF Lakeland Club. Karen has stood before the Polk County Legislative Delegation several years in a row demanding voting rights for all citizens and gun safety measures. Karen is the mother of two sons and now proud to be a grandmother. For that, Karen Cooper Welzel, we honor you. Honoring Ybeth Bruzual During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor of Ybeth Bruzual. Ybeth Bruzual is a beloved Venezuelan-Puerto Rican journalist in our community who has lived in central Florida since 1981 and considers our area her home. Ybeth is an anchor for Spectrum News 13. She also hosts ``Political Connections'' on Sundays. She is a three-time Emmy nominee and won an Emmy in 2016 for the Pulse Vigil live coverage at Lake Eola. Bruzual was honored with the UCF Department of Political Science Outstanding Alumni Award in 2015 for her political coverage. She is fascinated by politics. She earned a bachelor's degree in international politics from the University of Central Florida. She puts that knowledge to good use in her job at News 13. Ybeth bleeds black and gold and is a proud member of the UCF Alumni Association. She enjoys cheering on the UCF Knights at sporting event at Spectrum Stadium. She also earned an AA degree from Valencia College, where she served as a writer and circulation manager in the 1990s on the school's newspaper, Valencia Voice. She calls herself an endless prisoner of hope, and demonstrates that by her many community activities. She is a past board member for both Shepherd's Hope Clinic and Central Florida Chapter Board for Lighthouse of Central Florida, offering service to the blind, and a former mentor for the Compact Program for Orange County Public Schools. Ybeth is the past president of the Central Florida Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and is a proud lifetime member of that organization. Ybeth and her husband, Alfredo, have a young son. And for that, Ybeth Bruzual, we honor you. Honoring Lisa Ann Franchina During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Lisa Ann Franchina. Lisa Ann Franchina is a local attorney. She is also a member of many civic organizations, and has served on many community boards in central Florida. Born in Queens, New York, Lisa received her bachelor of arts in humanities from Hofstra University, and her juris doctorate from the Shepard Broad Law Center at Nova Southeastern University. After her graduation from law school, Lisa was an assistant public defender in Orlando, handling trials and appeals in criminal court. For the last 25 years, Lisa has been a small-business owner, operating her own firm. In 2016, Lisa received a Spotlight Award for her service on the membership committee of the family law section of the Florida bar. In additional, Lisa is an active member of our community. She is a current member and past secretary for the Orange County League of Women Voters, and a member of the Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida as well. Lisa has served as President of the Central Florida Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, as a director and executive committee member of the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge, and as a board member for the Orlando Marine Institute. Lisa is currently serving her third term as president of the Board of Trustees for the Orange County Library System, and her second term as chair of the Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board. Lisa is a shelter volunteer at the Orange County Animal Services, and has donated over 5,000 volunteer hours in the past 2 years. Lisa was named as 2016 Orange County District Four Citizen of the Year for her service to the central Florida community. And for that, Lisa Ann Franchina, we honor you. Honoring Daisy Lopez-Cid During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Daisy Lopez-Cid. Not many people can say that, in the height of a financial meltdown and national housing crisis back in 2008, they would venture out on their own to open up a real estate brokerage. While most were downsizing, Daisy Lopez-Cid was planning her empire. In 2007 and 2008, she dove in feet first and opened her office. By 2016, office number two made its debut, and both have been churning out steady numbers since their doors opened. Daisy was ranked in the top 250 sales agents in the country 4 years in a row; and, in 2015, she was ranked number 3 in the Nation. She joined NAHREP, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, in 2008, and quickly realized how the association's mission to advance sustainable Hispanic home ownership lined up with her core values as a real estate professional. To give back to the organization that has empowered her for so long, she now serves as the NAHREP 2018 national president. Recently, when Hurricane Maria hit our native island of Puerto Rico, she traveled down there for over 2 weeks, bringing down thousands and thousands of pounds of supplies: food, water, medications, clothing, and so many other of the bare essentials that we need for living every day. She went down door to door, and people in Puerto Rico welcomed her into their homes and welcomed the much-needed help that helped lift up the island, along with so many entrepreneurs in central Florida who helped with our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico. Although real estate was not her first career, it was clear to see that this former New York paralegal had found her calling in real estate. Daisy is someone you want to have in your corner, as her zest for success is contagious, and her wisdom speaks beyond her years. Her vast real estate knowledge and love for education and for educating her agents has allowed her firm to grow on Broadway in Kissimmee, and to put more families into homes. Daisy has a passion for customer care that is contagious, and her 50 agents will tell you that she is in it to win it. Her goal is and has always been quality over quantity, and that makes Daisy a success. It is a priority for her to educate her agents and equip them with the tools they will need for success. She also serves as a trustee in our local community college, Valencia College, where we worked together to create Poinciana Valencia campus, which now is up and running and serving thousands of folks in south Osceola County. And for that, Daisy Lopez-Cid, we honor you. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act, H.R. 1279, and I will talk a minute about one of my own constituents, Brian, who is facing this very dangerous condition. From the summer of 2004 through 2009, my constituent Brian was deployed a total of six times on combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as a United States Marine Corps helicopter mechanic. As a junior marine, he would haul trash daily to the airbases' burn pits. He helped burn all the unit's trash and stood security watch on the burn pits, which are always located near work or housing areas in airbases. During each deployment, Brian would smell the trash burning in the pits and was always in the path of the smoke. He would often wear rags across his mouth and nose to reduce the foul smell and filter the smoke from the air he was breathing. After some time, Brian developed breathing troubles, and the base medical center provided inhalers that helped temporarily. When he was home in between the deployments, he had breathing treatments and was diagnosed with bronchitis on multiple occasions. In 2013, Brian developed a serious case of pneumonia. An abscess had formed in the lower lobe of his left lung. It ruptured, filling the lobe with fluid. The doctors removed a portion of Brian's left lung to save his life. The surgery kept him alive but greatly reduced lung capacity and functionality. In 2016, Brian was offered the option to retire early from the United States Marine Corps. The Veterans Administration reviewed his case and determined a 100 percent disability rating. He is currently going through more testing due to undiagnosed heart issues and elevated blood level count for his blood cells, and he is still being treated for lung problems. To this day, Brian reports having rib cage pain and nerve damage from the lung surgery on a daily basis. Brian is, unfortunately, not the only servicemember whose health is deteriorating due to exposure to harmful substances from burning of waste in military bases. While we are glad to see action taken in the NDAA for fiscal year 2018, we need a more permanent solution. I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 1279, Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act, that would create a center of excellence within the Department of Veterans Affairs to better understand the health effects and treatments associated with burn pits. I also encourage our United States military to provide proper breathing safety apparatuses and reconsider their current policy of having burn pits on or near our bases. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and these reforms because we all have an obligation to care for our veterans. Honoring Dr. Cyndia Morales Muniz During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO

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

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome Rodney David Cannon as our congressional guest chaplain today, not only one of our prominent pastors in the district, but also our mayor in Frostproof, Florida. Born in Kansas, raised in Fort Meade, and having lived all over Polk County, Rodney settled down in his new hometown of Frostproof, where he lives with his wife, Lindsey, and their children. As a child, Rodney lived in Highland City, Bartow, and eventually Fort Meade, where he graduated high school in 1995. After graduation, Rodney accepted a music scholarship and began his higher education journey. First he attended Brevard Community College, then transferred to Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. Throughout their 15-year marriage, Rodney and Lindsey have lived in various places. Rodney served as a youth pastor in Fort Meade, Winter Haven, Lakeland, Tampa, and Englewood before planting a church in the Daytona area. After 2 years there, the opportunity came for Rodney to become a senior pastor in Frostproof. It was also in 2015 that Rodney decided to run for city council. He won the seat that year by only 20 votes. In his first city council meeting, he was elected by his peers to serve as vice mayor. During that first year on the council, Rodney was able to save the city residents and businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars by working hard to keep the volunteer fire department open. In 2016, he was elected to serve as mayor after only 1 year on the council, and the next year, reelected to serve another 1-year term as mayor. Thank you, Pastor Cannon, for all you do for the Frostproof community.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to honor Kathleen Plinske. Kathleen Plinske serves as campus president of the Osceola, Lake Nona, and Poinciana campuses at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida, and in central Florida. She has served as an advocate for increasing access to higher education in historically underserved communities and has been instrumental in Osceola County's ``Got College?'' efforts, which have resulted in an increase in the community college's going rate by more than 20 percent over the last 5 years. Prior to joining Valencia in 2010, Plinske began her career at McHenry County College, rising up to ultimately becoming interim president of institutional effectiveness. A graduate of Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Plinske attended Indiana University Bloomington as a Herman B. Wells scholar, earning a bachelor of arts in Spanish and physics with highest distinction and honors. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, she completed a master of arts in Spanish from Roosevelt University, a doctorate in education technology from Pepperdine University, and a master of business administration from the University of Florida. Actively involved in her community, Plinske has served as a board chair of the Education Foundation of Osceola County and as president of the Rotary Club of Lake Nona. She has also served on the board of CareerSource Central Florida, the Osceola Center for the Arts, Junior Achievement of Osceola County, and the Lake Nona Education Council. In 2010, Plinske was recognized as one of 24 emerging leaders in the world by Phi Delta Kappa. In 2012, she was named Woman of the Year by Orlando Business Journal in its 40 Under 40 competition and the Outstanding Young Alumna by Indiana University. In 2014, she received the Compadre Award from the Hispanic Business Council of the Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber of Commerce and the Don Quijote Hispanic Community Champion Award from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando. Plinske was selected as an Aspen Presidential Fellow in 2016 and was named Pepperdine University's Distinguished Alumna in 2017. And for that, Kathleen Plinske, we honor you. Honoring Kathy Wandel During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to honor Kathy Wandel. Kathy Wandel comes from a career in transportation, which focused on sales, operations, and training. Upon her retirement, she and her husband relocated from Texas to central Florida. She served on the board of directors for the Senior Resource Alliance, the Area Agency on Aging for Central Florida, representing Osceola County, and was board chair for three years. She also delivered Meals on Wheels for the Osceola County Council on Aging. She became a volunteer guardian ad litem, helping to provide a powerful voice in court on behalf of Florida's abused, neglected, and abandoned children in 2003. She was soon invited to join the local nonprofit for the Guardian Ad Litem Program in Osceola County, Voices for Osceola's Children, where she is serving as board chair. This nonprofit supports the efforts of over 200 certified local volunteer GALs, as well as provides for the unmet needs of over 500 local children while they are under the supervision of the court dependency system. She is a longtime member of Rotary International's Kissimmee West Rotary Club in Osceola County. She plans on continuing to support her club's fundraising efforts through local causes, including the Adopt-A- Precinct program for the Osceola County Supervision of Elections. She finds the Rotary ideal of ``Service Above Self'' a wonderful way to meet new people who share the ideal and work to give back to the community. For that, Kathy Wandel, we honor you. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to honor Seretha Tinsley. Seretha Tinsley is a Winter Haven resident, trailblazer, and overachiever. She was the first African-American female to attend and graduate from Wesleyan College, in 1971. In the early 1980s, Seretha became one of the first Black female general managers in radio. In 2008, she became the first African-American president of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce board of directors. She is an entrepreneur, civic leader, mother, and wife. Desiring to become a missionary, she took a trip to West Africa, visited six countries, and studied with educators. Consequently, she became an educator so that she could have a greater impact empowering young lives with knowledge. Tinsley served as executive director and cofounded Chain of Lakes Achievers, an achievement center devoted to empowering youth through tutoring, leadership, and life skills training. She maintains her passion for teaching by mentoring on a daily basis. She is a businesswoman who takes pride in assisting others in reaching their phenomenal potential. Tinsley is the CFO/owner of several family businesses, KFC, Tinsley Family Concessions, where she oversees administrative and fiduciary responsibilities. Seretha's community service and progressive leadership have earned her numerous honors, recognitions, and media coverage. Seretha is involved with multiple organizations in the community. She is a Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce business member; First Missionary Baptist Church trustee; life member of the NAACP; Polk Academies Advisory Board; Winter Haven Chamber; past president of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Polk County Chapter; among many other accomplishments. Seretha Tinsley, we honor you. Honoring Lisa Landers During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to honor Lisa Landers. Lisa Landers has served in the executive director position of the Winter Haven Housing Authority since 2009. She leads in the overall operations of the agency's public housing Section 8, low-income tax credit, and multifamily housing programs. Known for her tenacious spirit, Lisa has been recognized for successfully transforming a once nonperforming troubled agency into one now competitively recognized by Florida housing officials. Prior to joining the WHHA in 2004 as a volunteer, Lisa championed research on infant mortality and neonatology for the late Florida Governor Lawton Chiles and wife, Rhea Chiles, at their Center for Healthy Mothers and Babies at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Ms. Landers is also an award-winning journalist for The Tampa Tribune. Her career includes leadership as director of public relations for The Spring of Tampa Bay, one of Florida's largest domestic violence centers. A graduate of Florida A&M University with a B.S. in journalism, Ms. Landers has also pursued advanced studies in public administration at USF and holds the distinguished Executive Director's Education Certification from Rutgers University's Center for Government Studies. Among her board and outside interests, Ms. Landers is a member of the Winter Haven Leadership Class of 35, currently serves as the Florida State public relations representative for the Florida Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials and its Southeastern Regional Council, and is currently a member of the Leadership Polk Class XI. Lisa Landers, we honor you. Honoring Twanna Dewdney During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to honor Twanna Dewdney. Twanna Dewdney is a Winter Haven resident and proprietor of Salon Ashanti. She has proudly operated her salon in Winter Haven for over 13 years and considers it a vital resource to the community. As a community activist, Twanna advocates for HIV and AIDS education and prevention. Her salon is an HIV testing site for the Polk County Health Department. Salon Ashanti also serves as a location for voter outreach, registration, and school supply drives. Children within the neighborhood utilize Salon Ashanti as a place of refuge, and she prides herself as a mentor to young women. Her ministry extends beyond her local community, as she also organizes toiletry drives for women's and men's prison ministries. Twanna began Project Park Bench as a drive where warm items and food could be brought to the salon for donations to the homeless. Items are then donated to the Mission of Winter Haven. Further, she also uses her salon to promote other entrepreneurs. In 2010, Twanna received the Community Service Award from the Jewett Alumni Association and the Bringing Your Business Back Award from the NAACP. In 2011, she received her associate of arts degree from Polk State College and bachelor of applied science in supervision management in 2013. Twanna is an usher, president of HIV/AIDS Ministry, and member of the Willing Workers Committee at Hurst Chapel AME Church. She was the 2014 recipient of Girls Inc. She Knows Where She's Going ``George Jenkins'' Award. In 2015, Twanna received the Outstanding Entrepreneur's Self- Determination Award, presented by presiding elder Jimmy Thompson and the Lakeland District African Methodist Episcopal Church. She also received the Shining Star Award for outstanding ministry and community service and was the recipient of the Minerva Achievement Award from the Lakeland Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Twanna Dewdney, we honor you. Honoring Glenda Jones During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to honor Glenda Jones. It has been said that humility is often found in those who serve others. Glenda Jones best personifies that statement. For 45 years, Glenda has and continues to champion the elderly by seeking to empower them with knowledge, skill, and resources through the Winter Haven Neighborhood Service Center Inc. As a registered nurse, she provides care and compassion for her community through civic engagement. Glenda actively serves her community and has been recognized for her participation with a number of organizations in our community. Glenda won Woman of the Year, the highest honor in Winter Haven, in the 2008 Banker's Cup. She is involved with St. Joseph's school board, the Keep Winter Haven Clean and Beautiful organization, a charter member of the East Central Democratic Club, secretary for the Polk County Democratic Black Caucus, and the United Way of Central Florida board of directors. She is also a current member of the Agricultural and Labor Program board of directors, PRIDE of Polk County, the Women's Club of Winter Haven, Silver Life member of the NAACP, and chair of the Winter Haven Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Commission as well. Glenda has been an official sponsor of the Winter Haven MLK Parade and other activities during King Week. She is current chair of the Florence Villa CRA in the city of Winter Haven and a past recipient of the Winter Haven Girls, Inc., She Knows Where She's Going Award. Glenda Jones, we honor you. Honoring Lakecia Gunter During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to honor Lakecia Gunter. Lakecia Gunter is a Haines City native. She is currently Intel's chief of staff and technical assistant of Intel. Prior to her current role, she was the general manager of the consumer desktop segment marketing team in the client computing group, where she was responsible for maximizing desktop profitability to grow the desktop P&L. She is an active member of the Intel Black Leadership Council, Intel's network of Intel African Americans, and Women at Intel. Lakecia started from humble beginnings, growing up in a single-parent household. Her late mom, Barbara Griffin, always described her as a curious child. She is a trailblazer who has never been afraid to be the only one. ``If they let me in the door, I'm going to make the entrance wider,'' she says. And she does just that by sharing her time and talents with several nonprofits focused on improving educational outcomes for high school dropouts and underprepared college students. In her mentoring, she tries to impress upon kids that challenges are designed to help them grow. Lakecia earned an MS in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a bachelor of science degree in computer engineering from the University of South Florida. She also earned her project management professional certification. Her efforts in the engineering career field and the community have garnered her national recognition. She recently was named to Business Insider's list of the 26 most powerful female engineers in 2016. She was the recipient of the Society of Women Engineers' Prism Award for demonstrating outstanding career technology leadership as well as leadership in STEM and in the community. Further, she was named to Diversity MBA Magazine's 2014 list of top 100 under 50 diverse executive leaders for her technology leadership and achievements at Intel and in the community. For that, Lakecia Gunter, we honor you. Honoring Gloria Niec During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to honor Gloria Niec. Ms. Niec is the executive director of the Celebration Foundation and has tackled serious issues affecting Osceola County. In 2012, the Celebration Foundation led the effort to increase awareness of those experiencing hunger in the county by creating Osceola Connected. The group became very involved in combating childhood hunger. Today, Osceola Connected provides food to over 1,000 Osceola County elementary students every week during the school year. While handing out bags of food or taking children to summer camp, Gloria learned that many graduating seniors had no postsecondary plans. Once she learned that most students had never even visited a college campus before, Gloria and her committee began sponsoring campus tours of Technical Education Center Osceola and Valencia College Osceola Campus. The first year, just over 100 students toured the campuses. Since then, over 6,000 students have toured the campuses, which have helped improve the county's college-going rate. Education is one of the cornerstones of Celebration Foundation's mission ``to work hand in hand with our neighbors to build a strong and caring central Florida community.'' Gloria was concerned about the effect of media on girls and young women. She convened a group of talented women, and they formed WINGS, Women's Initiative Nurturing Girls' Strength. The goal is to help girls and women create powerful life journeys. Gloria also gathered a group of architects and urban planners who are committed to preserving, protecting, and advancing the principles upon which Celebration was based. They teach at Lifelong Learning, lead tours, and sponsor an annual speaker. The Concert Series, in its 16th year, is enjoying robust attendance and sponsorship. Gloria has helped to grow the series, which offers a cultural opportunity for residents in Celebration, Osceola County, and central Florida. She has also been involved with Thriving in Place and Lifelong Learning, programs that enable seniors to live healthy, safe, independent, and have enriched lives. And for that, Gloria Niec, we honor you. Honoring Heather Wilkie During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to honor Heather Wilkie. Heather Wilkie is the executive director of the Zebra Coalition, a network of community organizations which provide services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and all youth. Following the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting, the Zebra Coalition evolved as a leading organization in the community's provision of services to victims and their families, and Wilkie continues to lead these efforts to ensure the LGBTQ-plus youth in central Florida have a safe space to turn. Wilkie serves on the task force for the LGBTQ Alliance, a group of appointed LGBTQ organizations and community leaders formed to address our community's needs as a result of the Pulse shooting. She is an experienced executive leader in the nonprofit sector with over 13 years of personal commitment and dedication to community service. A dynamic and energetic advocate for global change and equality, Wilkie contributes a strong passion for social justice. Prior to joining the Zebra Coalition, Wilkie served as chief operating officer for the leading central Florida domestic violence organization Harbor House. During that time, she chaired the LGBTQ Caucus with the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, where she led the statewide initiative to enhance services for LGBTQ survivors of abuse. Wilkie holds a master's degree in mental health counseling from Rollins College. And for that, we honor you, Heather Wilkie. Honoring Mary Downey During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to honor Mary Downey. Reverend Mary Lee Downey is the executive director and founder of the nonprofit Community Hope Center. The Community Hope Center is a one- stop shop providing services to the homeless and disenfranchised in Osceola County. In 2016, the Community Hope Center was awarded the prestigious Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award and, in 2015, the Bob Allen Award by Walt Disney World for innovative approaches to helping the homeless in the community. In the last five years, the Community Hope Center has served over 25,000 individuals in the central Florida area. The Center focuses on a ``housing first'' model of care while also including a strong position regarding poverty alleviation. Reverend Downey is a deacon in the United Methodist Church for the Florida Annual Conference. Her focus is on missional outreach through social justice in the nonprofit organizations. She is also a clergy at the Spring of Life United Methodist Church. Previously, Mary served as the deputy director of Helping Others Make the Effort, HOME, a nonprofit committed to ending homelessness in Osceola County. She was also the program and evangelism director for the First United Methodist Church of Kissimmee, where she focused on spiritual formation, outreach, and missions. Before moving to central Florida, Mary was a journalist. In 2004, Mary graduated cum laude from Henderson State University in Arkansas with a bachelor of art in mass media. In 2016, she graduated from Henderson State with a master of art in art history and liberal arts. In 2012, Mary graduated with a master of Christian leadership with an emphasis in missions from Asbury Theological Seminary. Mary and her amazing husband, Martin, have three children. She enjoys writing, preaching, and reading. In her free time, you can find her and her family enjoying the theme parks in central Florida. And for that, Mary Downey, we honor you. Honoring Sheri Morton During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to honor Sheri Morton. For over half a century, Sheri Morton has volunteered for progressive causes. From the peace, civil rights, and women's movements in the 1960s to voting, equal rights, and quality affordable healthcare, Ms. Morton has volunteered tens of thousands of hours to help improve the quality of life for people in our community, our country, and our world. Ms. Morton began volunteering as a teenager and continued doing so during her undergraduate years, when she was the first woman from her high school to attend Harvard College. She earned a master's degree at Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she later worked. After receiving her JD, she became an attorney and is now retired. Sheri has held numerous volunteer political positions as well as served on the Osceola County Library Advisory Board. A lifelong supporter of quality affordable healthcare for all Americans, she was a local volunteer spokesperson, encouraging enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance exchanges. Ms. Morton's volunteer work has ranged from teaching English to immigrants and tutoring a blind student in high school math to collecting food for Appalachia's needy and warm clothes for the homeless. Currently, she regularly volunteers hosting Jewish cultural events for the residents of a local assisted living facility. After half a century of volunteering, Ms. Morton's dedication to improving the lives of others continues unabated. And for that, Sheri Morton, we honor you. Honoring Kathleen Plinske During Women's History Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, tonight, I rise for the 92,000 Dreamers in the State of Florida. Tonight, I rise for the 3.6 million Dreamers across this Nation. President Trump may have terminated the DACA program this week, but the dream will survive. These Dreamers are serving in our military. They are our teachers. They are students and businessowners, lawyers, doctors, and engineers. They are an ambitious group of young people who are renewing our democracy and who are some of the very best of what the next generation has to offer. I have no doubt, despite this termination this week, these young people will continue to fight, and we in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus will stand with them. We in the Democratic Caucus will continue to stand with them. I hope some of my colleagues who have signed on to this bill in the Republican Conference will continue, but we need a vote on the floor. Seventy percent of Americans already stand with our Dreamers. It is true that the Federal courts this week have continued with their injunction enjoining the termination of the DACA program. This will help those who are already in the program, but that is a small fraction of the Dreamers in this country. It is a sad state of affairs that Dreamers could only find justice in our courts. This is the people's House, and the people's business needs to be done. It is time to have a vote on the floor in a bipartisan fashion--a clean Dream Act now, or in November the voters will have their own vote regarding Dreamers. Honoring Seretha Tinsley During Women's History Month