Darren Soto

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, as a member of Laborers' Local 517 for 13 years, Chenavia Smith, affectionately known as Che Smith, is a proud LiUNA DEROC organizer. She has served as a member and in leadership positions with the NAACP and CBTU CFL Chapter. She was also the first and formerly the youngest Black woman auditor for her local, a member of APRI, the E board, COPE Committee, and delegate member of her CLC, as well as an activist, advocate, and political advisor throughout the state of Florida and beyond. She has collaborated with numerous resilient communities to bring to fruition economic catalysts like apprenticeship ordinances and Community Benefits Agreements. She is an especially gratefully gifted wife and mother who believes that all families should have family-supporting wages, great benefits, the opportunity for advancement, and the ability to retire with respect and dignity.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Carolina Cruz-Neira, a University of Central Florida faculty member and member of the National Academy of Engineering, is a pioneer in the areas of virtual reality (VR), interactive visualization, and digital twins. Her innovations have been instrumental in facilitating data analysis, decision-making, design reviews, and training and education. Her work evolved into standard tools used in industry, government, and academia. She is known worldwide for being the creator of the CAVE VR system, for transferring research into practice by spearheading Open-Source initiatives, and for supporting entrepreneurial initiatives to commercialize research. She is recognized for founding successful applied research centers: the Virtual Reality Applications Center at Iowa State University, the Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise, and the Emerging Analytics Center at the University of Arkansas. Her research leadership has received recognition from major companies for increasing product safety and improving design and production processes that have saved time, lives, and millions of dollars. She enjoys intersecting her research with the arts and the humanities through dance performances and museum installations. She has been named among the top innovators in virtual reality and one of the top three greatest women visionaries in VR. She is the first person inducted into the National Academy of Engineering for immersive technologies and virtual reality, she is a member of the IEEE VR Academy, an IEEE Fellow, an ACM Computer Pioneer, an AWE XR Hall of Fame member, and a Modeling and Simulation Hall of Famer. She received the IEEE VR Achievement Award and the International Digital Media & Arts Society Distinguished Career Award, among many national and international recognitions. She serves on national and international technology boards as well as government technology advisory committees. Her life's work addressing large problems through interdisciplinary teams has become a key to innovation and is considered standard practice in driving American competitiveness in the global economy.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Lizbeth Walker is the CEO of Qwalifize, LLC, the first technology staffing and consulting firm headquartered in Kissimmee, Florida. Her journey from a telemarketer to CEO is a testament to resilience, determination, and faith. Before founding Qwalifize, Ms. Walker held various roles--selling magazines, cleaning facilities, and working in multiple facets of human resources and operations. These included managing thousands of workers across multiple divisions, helping decision-makers stay in compliance, and fulfilling hundreds of technology roles nationwide. A layoff drove her to be bold, creative, and fully committed to her passion for staffing, and she transformed adversity into an opportunity to make a huge impact. In 2018, Ms. Walker established Qwalifize, officially taking it full- time in February 2020. Despite the challenges of entrepreneurship, she remained steadfast in her vision, expanding her firm's offerings into government contracting. Her leadership continues to drive innovation in staffing and consulting, ensuring businesses connect with the right talent for success. Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Walker is deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly in youth personal and professional development. She dedicates her time to empowering the next generation through mentorship and community initiatives. As a proud mother of twin sons, she understands the importance of fostering opportunities for growth and education. Ms. Walker is also a sought-after speaker, providing workshops on operations infrastructure, data-for-decisions, and niche recruitment strategies. Her expertise and passion have positioned her as a leader in workforce development, making a lasting impact on businesses and job seekers alike.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Beth Knight is a driving force behind Osceola County, Florida's progress, with almost 38 years of unwavering dedication to public service. As chief operating officer for Osceola County, she oversees daily operations, leading a workforce of more than 1,800 employees who serve a rapidly growing population of over 450,000 residents that hosts another 10 million visitors annually. Ms. Knight's passion for public service was inspired by her father, Gordon Hedley, a World War II veteran who later served as a police officer in Detroit and Winter Haven. His commitment to duty and community instilled in her a profound sense of responsibility, which continues to guide her today. Beginning her tenure with Osceola County in 1988 as a crime scene technician with the Sheriff's Office, Ms. Knight transitioned to the county government in 1997 as communications director. Her extensive experience in government operations has made her a transformative leader, driving initiatives that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in areas such as workforce development, public safety, transportation, and education--ultimately improving the quality of life for residents. Ms. Knight has played a pivotal role in carrying out landmark projects, including Osceola Prosper, a one-of-a-kind program that catapulted the county from 61st to 4th in Florida for college- going graduates. She has been a key staff member supporting the advancement of NeoCity, a 500-acre technology district poised to revolutionize high- tech manufacturing. A respected figure in the community, Ms. Knight, served on numerous community boards, including the Osceola Chamber Foundation and Experience Kissimmee. She and her husband, Terry, have raised three children in Osceola County and have five grandchildren. A lifelong learner, Ms Knight holds a master's degree from the University of Central Florida, cementing her legacy as a leader shaping Osceola County's future and its mission to ``Be First to What's Next!''

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Melanie Thomas of Saint Cloud, Florida is the public affairs officer for the Orlando VA Health Care System (OVAHCS), where she leads strategic communication efforts to enhance public awareness and engagement for Veteran healthcare services. With a strong background in public relations, media relations, and strategic communication, Melanie plays a vital role in shaping the organization's messaging, fostering transparency and strengthening connections with Veterans, stakeholders, and the broader community. In her role, Melanie oversees media outreach, crisis communication, and community engagement initiatives, ensuring that Veterans and their families are well-informed about the services and resources available to them. She collaborates with leadership, government agencies, and community partners to promote the mission of serving those who've served. Driven by her servant leader approach and her commitment to effective communication, Melanie works diligently to amplify the voices of Veterans and highlight the impactful work of the Orlando VA Healthcare System. Her expertise in storytelling, branding, and stakeholder relations makes her an invaluable asset to advancing programming for Veterans and healthcare services. Prior to her current role, she served as the public affairs officer for the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS), was a public affairs specialist and TCF intern for the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, and held a voluntary service assistant position with public affairs collateral duties at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Thomas holds a master's degree in business administration and an undergraduate degree in organizational communication with concentrations in public relations and rhetoric from Wilkes University located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in 2016, a neurosurgeon removed an invasive meningioma--an aggressive, grapefruit-sized tumor--from Danielle McCarthy's brain. The tumor, lovingly named Loretta, formed on her brain's temporal lobe, and she was told she would never walk or speak again. However, her post-surgery condition was deemed a miracle by her doctors, and she began her slow recovery. Danielle would endure multiple major surgeries unrelated to her tumor over the next six years. During the height of COVID-19, destiny struck. Joey Perfito, her best friend and instrumental in Danielle's recovery, helped adopt a rescue puppy, already named Loretta. With the support of Joey and her strong-willed puppy, now named Loretta Josephine, Danielle relearned how to live and adapt to her new life. Together, they turned Danielle's hardships into triumphs. Danielle was determined to give back to those who saved her life: neuroscience and pet adoption. One thing Danielle remembered from her old life was fashion. Danielle and Joey created Loretta Josephine Boutique, an online shopping experience for women that gives back to the community. Through the boutique, Danielle donates her time to support those with brain trauma and pet rescue. Both animal and health initiatives drive their vision daily as they continue to uplift and inspire others through community engagement. This prompted Danielle and Joey to start a nonprofit called Brain Warriors Foundation of America. The duo's budding nonprofit focuses on fundraising to further neuroscience research and give financial support to caregivers and patients suffering brain-related injuries. Danielle recognizes she's on borrowed time. She's grateful to be a voice for those who have lost their own battle and those who are currently struggling during their recovery. They encourage all to join Team Loretta Josephine Boutique as they continue to make a difference in Central Florida--the place they call home.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Lancelot Gooden is an executive administrator and visionary leader with over two decades of experience in education. He holds a bachelor's degree in industrial mathematics, a master's degree in math education, and a Doctor of Education in adult and community college leadership. Since 2022, he has served as the provost for the Osceola and Poinciana campuses of Valencia College, where his leadership has profoundly impacted Osceola County, Florida. Dr. Gooden's tenure in Osceola County is marked by his commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community impact. He is a member of the boards of directors of Hope Partnership and the Osceola County Education Foundation. He also serves on the boards of the Osceola Chamber, HCA Poinciana Hospital, and the National Science Foundation Engine Broadening Participation and Regional Engagement Advisory Board. He is a champion of community engagement. He actively works to strengthen partnerships between Valencia College and local organizations. His leadership demonstrates a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and community impact in Osceola County. He also focuses on developing innovative STEM education and workforce training programs to support the region's economic growth and resilience. Dr. Gooden firmly believes in providing accessible, high-quality educational experiences for all learners, particularly students from low-income and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. He is the eighth of 12 siblings and the son of Clive Gooden and the late Candace Gooden. He is the proud father of two exceptional children, Matthaeus and Celine Gooden, and is married to his wonderful wife, Kutina Gooden. Through his visionary leadership and dedication to community engagement, Dr. Gooden continues to inspire positive change and transform lives in Osceola County, leaving a legacy of academic and civic excellence.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Ruby Juanita Fleming Bridgeforth is a retired executive from the United States Postal Service with 27 years of leadership experience in customer service, training, processing, and distribution. As the senior plant manager of the Central Florida District, she directed processing and distribution centers in Orlando, Sanford, and West Palm Beach. Ruby was instrumental in improving mail service to the Central Florida community by driving the district's performance ranking in the United States from No. 72 to No. 5 within three years. As a trailblazer, she was the first Black senior plant manager of the Central Florida District, the first postmaster/metro manager for Memphis, Tennessee, and the first Black female plant manager in the Orlando and Memphis processing and distribution centers. Her education includes a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Music Education. She has also earned leadership development certificates from Eckerd College and Harvard Business School. Ruby has received numerous awards, including the Postmaster General Team award, two Vice President awards, and the Zeta Phi Beta Woman of the Year award. Ruby has also been featured in several publications for her accomplishments, including Jet, Grace, and Southern Women magazines. Her community service includes being the treasurer of the Osceola County Branch of the NAACP and a Golden Soror of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Omicron Omega Chapter. Additional community outreach includes partnering with a few friends to provide care bags to the homeless. Prior to her postal career, Ruby taught music at Cotton Plant Public Schools in Cotton Plant, Arkansas. Her love of teaching has continued as an Osceola County Public School substitute teacher, Sunday School teacher at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, and instructor at Mount Pleasant Bible Academy. She is married to Rev. Anthony C. Bridgeforth and they have three sons and two grandchildren. Her priorities are God, family, and ``service to all mankind.''

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Tamika Holley was born on September 12, 1975, in Orlando, Florida, to Charlotte Gray and Bishop Gary Gray, both from Osceola County. She graduated from Osceola High School. She is the mother of three children, the grandmother of three beautiful granddaughters, and the extraordinary wife of 25 years to Bishop A.L. Holley. For the last 20 years, Tamika has worked in the Marydia community, where she grew up. She has a passion for changing the lives of our youth and exemplifies outstanding qualities when working with at-risk youth. She has strong communication skills and can effectively interact with at-risk juveniles and their families. Her patience and empathy for youth help her understand the complex issues faced by the youth today. She supersedes crisis management skills with her ability to respond to and de-escalate potentially dangerous situations quickly. Tamika has an associate degree in science in early childhood education, and she teaches a wide variety of activities designed to promote children's cognitive and social development before entering kindergarten. Some programs primarily focus on school and academic readiness, while her passion and love embrace the ``whole child,'' which makes her approach to working with early childhood children so creative. Tamika is also an active member of Kid Vision Network and the Florida League of Christian Schools. She also has experience working with children with special needs and teaching preschool and after-school. She's had the privilege of administrating a large childcare center for five years. She loves having the opportunity to guide and teach little minds. There is no better feeling than knowing you have helped to brighten a child's day and seeing their faces and expressions while they experience and learn new things. Tamika worked at the Osceola County Children's Home for five years. She is currently working with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida, Marydia Branch, and is the caretaker of the Marydia Community Center, where she creatively hosts monthly activities for the community and the surrounding areas. Some of the events she hosts annually include the Community Friendship Dance, an Easter Celebration, a community picnic for Water Day, Back-to-School events, a Fall Festival, and a Thanksgiving community dinner and turkey giveaway. Other programs include the Senior Coffee House and Marydia Community Garden. Tamika witnessed the incredible acts of kindness, resilience, and collaboration that make our neighborhoods unique. She has made a tangible difference in the lives of so many residents. Tamika has been the New Harvest Kingdom Covenant Church pastor for the past seven years following her father's demise.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Nicole Victoria McLaren, Esq. is a first- generation American born to Jamaican immigrants. She is a proud alumna of Florida's public school system, graduating from West Orange High School, Florida A&M University, and the University of Florida's Levin College of Law. She wholeheartedly believes, as Shirley Chisholm once said, ``Service is the rent you pay for the privilege of living on this Earth'' She built her career in public service, first as an assistant public defender and then as an assistant prosecutor for Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation, following the 2008 foreclosure crisis. During this time, she volunteered as the Orange County District 3 representative on the Orange County Membership and Mission Review Board and was later elected as an Orange Soil and Water Supervisor. Nicole was honored and humbled to serve the residents of Florida's Ninth Congressional District as the legislative director for Congressman Darren Soto and, most recently, as a presidential appointee to the role of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development during the Biden-Harris Administration. She is eternally thankful for the lessons she learned from her grandmothers, Dezerene Christian and Emelme McLaren, as well as her parents, Gary and Dell McLaren. Nicole is grateful for the continuous support she receives from her sister and brother-in-law, Dr. Shelly McLaren and Joseph Webster; her nieces, Ailani Simone, Alora Synclair, and Alaya Shayne Jolee Webster; her day-ones; her ``Golden Girls''; her FAMU forever friends; her mentor, Colonel, USA Retired Myrna Amelia Mesa; and her mentees, whom she affectionately calls her kids, Renegade, Atlas, Dandelion, Velvet, and Jaguar. She will eternally be grateful to Congressman Darren Soto and her extended Team Soto family for the opportunity to work alongside them to serve her neighbors. Team Soto Forever (Team Soto Para Siempre).

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Tracy MacIntosh is a leader in the field of medicine, serving as the associate dean for access, belonging, and community engagement at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, as well as an associate professor of emergency medicine. With her educational background, which includes a master's degree in science, a master's degree in public health, and a medical degree from Yale School of Medicine, Dr. MacIntosh brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her roles. Her dedication to medical education is paralleled by her unwavering commitment to promoting health equity and eliminating health disparities. As a practicing emergency physician, Dr. MacIntosh applies her clinical experience to improve the health and well-being of her patients in Kissimmee. Her dual focus on clinical excellence and medical education allows her to deliver compassionate care while inspiring the next generation of healthcare providers, both in the classroom and at the bedside. Dr. MacIntosh is a passionate mentor to students, residents, and community youth, encouraging them to pursue careers in healthcare and provide care to improve quality and outcomes for every single patient. She leads the UCF College of Medicine in its mission to train future physicians and scientists dedicated to ending healthcare disparities. She also spearheads many innovative medical educational outreach programs in Osceola County. For example, the Future Healthcare Leaders Program provides local high school students with hands-on clinical experiences in the hospital. She has also partnered with the Osceola School District's Special Programs, teaching and inspiring local students from families experiencing housing insecurity and offering students the opportunity to use ultrasound technology. Her commitment to creating immersive opportunities for elementary, high school, and college students extends to clinical and mentoring programs at the UCF College of Medicine so they can successfully pursue professional healthcare careers and improve health equity for all of us.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Fred Robinson enlisted into the United States Marine Corps at 17 during the Vietnam War. Fred was the Vitas Healthcare Veterans liaison covering Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties from 2012 through 2021. Fred is a national and regional mentor for We Honor Veterans. He was the first Florida Vitas Healthcare Veterans liaison to achieve Level V accreditation from WHV, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, in collaboration with the U S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It invites hospices, state hospice organizations, hospice-Veteran partnerships, and VA facilities to join a pioneering program focused on recognizing the unique needs of America's Veterans and their families. Fred is also certified in CE training for the End- of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC). This project is both a national and international initiative to improve palliative care. Fred's collaborations with the Osceola Council on Aging, Veterans organizations, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and community health fairs provide vital information to attendees by debunking the myth of hospice, educating Veterans and community families on end-of-life care, and informing them about resources and benefits that many are unaware of so they can make informed decisions on how they want to be cared for at the end of their life. Some of Fred's achievements include being named Orlando Business Journal's Veteran of Influence 2019, being a National Partner to the 50th Commemoration of Vietnam Veterans out of the Pentagon since 2013, being named the Orlando Mayors Veterans Advisory Council Hero of COVID 2021, receiving the HFUW Mission United Inaugural Game Change Impact Maker Award 2021, being in the Florida Governors Veterans HOF Class of 2021, being named the OCMVAC Inaugural Veteran of the Year 2023, and receiving the 1st Baptist Church Academies Patriot of the Year Award 2023. Fred volunteered as the co-chair of OCMVAC from 2018-2023 and became the chair in 2023. He has also been a OMVAC member since 2013, the VP of CMSGT R. Hall, Jr., Tuskegee Airman Central Florida Chapter since 2019, and a member of Congressman Soto's Veterans Advisory Board since 2014. Additionally, he has been a member of the Heart of Florida United Way Mission United Council since 2020, is a member of the HFUW Mission United Veteran Council, and has been a member of the VA Patient Experience Council since 2022.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Ben Larry is the director of human resources for SkyWater Technology in Florida. Ben has been a human resources professional for 34 years. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Ben earned a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Kansas. Ben also earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Tougaloo College. Ben is a Veteran of the United States Navy. In addition to his role in human resources, Mr Larry is recognized as a dedicated advocate for workforce development and community relations/ involvement in Osceola County, especially for underserved students and communities He has given several SkyWater career opportunity presentations to the faculty, staff, students, and parents at a STEM elementary school, a STEM middle school, a STEM high school, and other middle and high schools across Kissimmee to get kids interested and excited about careers as engineers and technicians in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. In 2022, Ben partnered with NeoCity Academy to create an internship program for NeoCity Academy students. The idea is to give students exposure to working at SkyWater and in the semiconductor industry as engineers. SkyWater continues to hire three to four NeoCity Academy students each summer to work on meaningful and impactful projects. Beginning in 2021, Mr Larry and other SkyWater leaders partnered with Valencia College to help enhance Valencia's mechatronics and robotics curriculum and helped them create their Associate of Arts program in semiconductor engineering. Ben and the SkyWater leaders also helped Valencia create their mock clean room. Mr. Larry also partners with Valencia College to offer internships for Valencia's mechatronics and robotics student graduates. This has resulted in SkyWater hiring three graduates to date from Valencia's programs as full-time technicians. In addition to Valencia College, Mr. Larry partners with the University of Florida, the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida, and Florida Polytechnic University to hire students for internship opportunities. These internships have allowed SkyWater to hire five graduates from these institutions as full-time engineers and technicians. From a community relations and involvement perspective, Mr. Larry and other Skywater employees have participated in over 15 Osceola County community events over the past four years. Three Kings Day, Viva Osceola, and Juneteenth, to name a few. Mr. Larry serves on the board of Career Source Central Florida, representing Osceola County. He is also a 2023 graduate of Leadership Osceola. Lastly, Mr Larry is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Leia Perez, celebrated for her couture cake designs, has achieved widespread recognition for her exceptional craftsmanship through her award-winning bakery, Candyland Designs. Her work has been featured in prominent magazines, and she has made several television appearances regarding her work. Leia's dedication to excellence has earned her numerous prestigious accolades, including an NAACP award and the Military Order of the Purple Heart award, recognizing her profound commitment to philanthropy and community impact. Holding a B.S. in Business Management & Accounting from Case Western Reserve University, Leia actively contributes her expertise by serving on the executive boards of several nonprofit organizations. Her unwavering dedication to giving back is reflected in her partnerships with Make-A-Wish bakers, the Osceola NAACP, the Kissimmee Main Street Program, Team Kareem Memorial Foundation, Kiss Kornucopia's Community Shared Agriculture program, and the Black Empowerment Community Council. She also consistently donates a portion of her profits to No Kid Hungry, ensuring her impact extends far beyond her business. Leia's passion for philanthropy goes beyond financial contributions--she strives to create joy and lasting memories. As the founder of the Wedding Wish by Candyland Designs Foundation, she grants dream weddings and provides mental health support to couples facing life-altering challenges. Through initiatives like free Wellness Workshops, offering yoga, meditation, and art therapy, Leia empowers her community by promoting self-care and connection. Her heartfelt mission is to provide hope, joy, and support to those in need--work that she holds closest to her heart.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Ofc. Elijah K. Shabazz was born in Albany, Georgia, and his mother and father are from Valdosta, Georgia. Ofc. Shabazz has two brothers and one sister. He is the youngest of his siblings. His family moved to Orlando in the early 70s when he was very young. However, he spent a lot of his childhood in Georgia with his great-grandmother and great-aunts and uncles, which were some of his fondest memories in his formative years. Ofc. Shabazz's mother was a physical therapist for the Orange County School Board working with special needs children, and his father worked in Central Florida for the Tri-County Transit Authority, which is now Lynx Transport. Ofc. Shabazz has always had a special place in his heart to serve. When he was young, he was in the Boy Scouts of America, learning values and discipline to become productive in the community. He was also in the ARMY JROTC while in high school. Ofc. Shabazz would spend time with his mother in the historic town of Eatonville, Florida, volunteering at festivals and community events. As time went on, after getting married and having children of his own, he decided to pursue his dreams of going into law enforcement. Ofc. Shabazz attended the Seminole State College School for Public Safety, where he earned his Florida Law Enforcement Certification. Ofc. Shabazz obtained his degree in the Science of Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia College and became a police officer in Eatonville, Florida, where he served for eight years. While there, he also became a school resource officer at Hungerford Elementary School and resurrected the school safety patrol to give students a sense of meaning, purpose, and integrity, as well as assisting families living in poverty in the community. Ofc. Shabazz also received a letter of commendation before joining the Belle Isle Police Department. Besides conducting his duties as an officer, he assists in new officer field training and as the police department's mental health liaison and senior citizen public relations officer. Ofc. Shabazz received a lifesaving award and a Distinguished Officer of the Year award for 2024 from the Belle Isle Police Department. Ofc. Shabazz continues to serve with pride and self-agency.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Staff Seargent Felix Lopez was born on February 17, 1925, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. He was raised with his brother, Lorenzo, by his single mother, Calixta Bonano. SSG Lopez entered the Army voluntarily in 1943 at the age of 17 and served as a rifleman with the 65th Infantry Regiment--known as the Borinqueneers-- in Europe during World War II. He was later called to duty in 1952 to serve in the Korean War. SSG Lopez remained on active duty and served with the 972nd Signal Battalion, USARPAC, in Qui Nhon, Vietnam. After numerous postings throughout the United States, including three tours in Germany, SSG Lopez retired from the military in 1971 with over 23 years of dedicated service. He then returned to Puerto Rico and became a U.S. Marshal. SSG Lopez proudly served the Puerto Rican people until 1978, when he moved with his family to Orlando, Florida. For his selfless and dedicated military service, SSG Lopez's awards and decorations include an Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (5th award), American Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (with Germany clasp), Nation Defense Service Medal (with bronze silver star), Korean Service Medal (with two bronze service stars), Vietnam Service Medal (with two bronze serving stars), United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon (with Devise--1960), and Expert Badge (with carbine bar & rifle bar). On April 13, 2016, in Washington, D.C., SSG Lopez and members of the Borinqueneers were presented with a Congressional Gold Medal for the regiment's valorous service in WWI, WWII, and Korea. He is lovingly known as Felix ``The Cat'' Lopez, his favorite childhood cartoon. He has dedicated his life to his wife, Carmen, and three daughters, Maria, Mayra, and Sonia: his six grandchildren, Lourdes, Wendy, Kelly, Christian, Jonathan, and Giovanny; his nine great grandchildren, Joshua, Alyssa, Loriann, Alina, Briana, Lymarie, Lera, Emma, and Camilla; and his 3 great-great grandchildren, Victoria, Valentina, and Jenesis.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Staff Seargent Ronnie Rasmussen, a resident of St. Cloud, Florida, graduated from Osceola High School in 1983 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, completing Aviation Machinist Mate training and serving at NAS Miramar and NAS Oceana. He reached the rank of Petty Officer Third Class before completing his service in 1987. In 2008, inspired by a conversation with a coworker, he joined the Army Reserve, training as a unit supply specialist and later as a cargo specialist. Over the years, he served in multiple roles, including Drill Sergeant Company Member, Military Police, and Operations NCO. In 2014, he deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant, he took on leadership roles in supply, security, and training. In 2023, he transferred to the 76th Expeditionary Terminal Operations Element for a final deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield. In March 2025, he will retire from the U.S. Army Reserve after nearly 23 years of combined service. Parallel to his military career, Rasmussen had a distinguished law enforcement career. He worked as a police officer in St. Cloud, Florida, and as a detective with the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, investigating crimes against tourists. In 1998, he joined the State Fire Marshal's Office, investigating over 100 fires annually. Following the 9/11 attacks, he became a Federal Air Marshal in 2002, flying over five million miles and conducting international security operations. He also contributed to the VIPR program, enhancing security at transit locations nationwide. After 23 years as a Federal Air Marshal and nearly 40 years in law enforcement, Rasmussen will retire on March 28, 2025, to spend well- earned time with his family, having sacrificed countless birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays in service of his country.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my dear friend from Illinois (Mr. Schneider) for yielding. Mr. Speaker, you may have heard this, but inflation was one of the biggest issues in this last election. Let me take you a little way back here. We saw during the height of the pandemic that it caused global inflation. Supply chains broke down, production broke down, and every country felt it, even the U.S. Inflation at one point rose as high as 9 percent. Over many months and many years and through efforts to boost productions, improve supply chains, and improve our infrastructure to get back to normal, we saw it go down to as low as 2.4 percent in September of 2024. Groceries and housing specifically have been a challenge. When President Trump took office, inflation was still under 3 percent. It was still under 3 percent. Hundreds of executive orders have been signed. Some divisive and some illegal, but few, if any, address lowering costs for the American people. Many may have even increased costs. First, the tariffs caused chaos against our own allies. President Trump admitted that this may cause some pain for Americans. Don't we remember he ran on lowering costs? Maybe that was just a joke to get elected, because now suddenly we are going to have to accept some pain because of tariffs that he is trying to impose on the American people. Tariffs equal inflation. Tariffs equal taxes on American consumers. Regarding immigration, we had a workforce shortage for many years, and then over time through legal programs like temporary protected status and parole in other areas, booming States like Florida, and particularly central Florida, south Florida, and Tampa Bay, benefited by these legal programs. Mr. Speaker, when you look at housing, of which there is a huge shortage, 34 percent of the industry relies on immigrant labor. That is after trying to get every American we can to work to help build housing. Also with commercial real estate it is the same thing. So what do we see? Food prices already are starting to creep back up. With housing prices it is the same deal. Eggs, gosh, remember: I can't afford eggs, bro. That was like a huge deal during the election. We saw eggs down to about $2 only a couple of months ago. Now they are $7 and almost $8. Back in the day it was: Oh, it is President Biden. Now we have MAGA supporters going into intimate detail on the bird flu. That is funny. The last time that happened that wasn't the explanation at all. It was: Oh, Biden this and that. Now it is science and thoughtful answers to explain inflation that is happening under President Trump. This was the craziest thing, Mr. Speaker. Apparently, it is dishonoring folks for us to even talk about how these policies will raise costs right up again that went down to as low as 2.4 percent a few months ago, still under 3 percent when President Trump was sworn in. However, it could get worse if the Trump tax scam 2.0 gets passed. The Inflation Reduction Act allowed for a cap of $2,000 a year for prescription drug savings for all seniors under Medicare. Mr. Speaker, $3,500 was the cap last year. There was no cap before that, and most seniors were paying 3, 4, $5,000 or more in out-of-pocket expenses. Now seniors won't pay more than $2,000 a year for their prescription drugs. However, if we see the majority take a sledgehammer to the IRA, then that savings goes away for seniors across the Nation just when they got it. That savings lowering costs for our seniors could go away. Regarding the ObamaCare subsidies, oh, my gosh, have we not seen the majority learn, have Republicans not learned from now? First of all, there is no plan, and there is no alternative. It has been over 10 years. By the way, since then, we have seen States like Florida have the largest ObamaCare exchange in the Nation. Mr. Speaker, 4.6 million Floridians from President Trump's home State, more than any other State in the Union, get their healthcare through the ACA exchange. Do you know what happens if the ObamaCare subsidies go away, Mr. Speaker? A family of four will see their healthcare increase by 8 to $10,000 a year. That is a lot of eggs. That is a lot of costs that people are going to have to shoulder. That will cripple families. Do you know what is also going to happen, Mr. Speaker? We will have more people without health insurance, and then it is going to cost taxpayers in the emergency room. This is not how you make America healthy again, Mr. Speaker. It is how you make America sicker. Why would anybody want to eliminate these healthcare savings? What could possibly be so important? Mr. Speaker, can you believe it is to cut taxes for billionaires? My constituents will see an $8,000 to $10,000 increase in their health insurance. Seniors across the Nation who have a $2,000 cap on prescription drugs--little old ladies who are trying to pay out of their pockets for prescription drugs, our seniors, our men and our women--are going to have to forgo those savings because the top 1 percent and the top 0.1 percent need more tax cuts. Are they serious? Is this what people voted for? Heck no. The last time we saw that happen, we saw this Chamber flip quicker than you could possibly imagine. It was sad. It didn't have to be that way. The record is clear: President Trump inherited a strong economy from President Biden. I am going to repeat that. President Trump inherited a strong economy from President Biden: High growth, big job numbers, and inflation below 3 percent, 2.9 percent to be exact as of the end of January. Here is a simple measure we will see over the next couple of months: Will costs go up or will they go down? Will grocery prices go up or will they go down? Will housing prices go up or will they go down? Democrats stand ready to work in a bipartisan manner to keep our economy running strong. This is the second closest House in the history of the Nation. There are three votes separating Democrats from Republicans in this Chamber. Actually one vote right now because of the folks who had to go on to the Trump administration. So we can easily work together to resolve these things or my friends will go it alone in some big reconciliation package for billionaires and then we will see what happens in these very easily tracked measures. Most of all, people will see it when they want to buy a home, when they want to go to the grocery store, and when they want to go on vacation down to Orlando, which we welcome everyone to come to, or when they want to buy a new car. All these things Americans are going to be watching. We need to work together.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Tracie Pough: This Is Your Life, the Congressional Version. In this House of Representatives, every knight needs a good squire, and Tracie has been a super squire. Team WS is one of the most prolific offices in this Chamber, and Debbie's legacy is her legacy. We all know it. Disaster relief, protecting reproductive rights, advocating for immigrant rights, a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, navigating the COVID crisis--but for me, the biggest legacy is all the funding brought back for the Everglades. None of this was a guarantee. It took 20 years of work. When we started, water was drying up in the Everglades, and the water supply in south Florida was a real challenge. Roads cut right through it. There was a lot of hope with CERP in 2000, a little before they got here, but without all the work, CERP would have been just words on a paper. Instead, they wrote a reg. To the gentlewoman, how long did it take before you became a cardinal, literally working the budget that makes that happen? What was it, 6 years?

Mr. SOTO. Two years. Mr. Speaker, Tracie is a super squire for all that, and Debbie's legacy is Tracie's legacy, in particular with the northern Everglades, which we are starting to work on. I know Tracie worked a lot with our team, helping us navigate the Army Corps of Engineers. That is like the seventh level of black belt Kung Fu legislating around here. I thank her for helping us with that. Secondly, as it was alluded to a little bit, Tracie is a chief of chiefs. Not only has she advised a lot of other chiefs, new ones coming in for the entire Florida Democratic delegation over the years, but she was my chief's boss back in the day. That was on the DCCC side, and that is a whole other thing, but my chief still to this day considers Tracie a mentor, so I thank her for helping because that knowledge can be lost. Imagine being a chief with no mentor coming into this place. Tracie served Florida well through that. Tracie has also been a committee assignment guru, with Debbie always seemingly one way or another getting onto steering and policy, now one of the chairs two terms in a row. It was with Tracie's help and DWS' help getting on the Energy and Commerce Committee, getting on the Agriculture Committee, getting on the Natural Resources Committee as of just a few hours ago. Her legacy is still being written right now. I thank Tracie for all of her help personally because it makes me more effective to be on the committees I need to be on. I thank her for all the advice to my team to help her boss navigate that. Central Florida also lays claim to Tracie, too. I heard the Tampa Bay story, but she went to Rollins College, so we claim Tracie also as a favorite daughter of central Florida. Lastly, since there have been a lot of things about age and all this and that, Tracie has a whole third act left. I am looking forward to seeing what she ends up doing. I know it is going to be something special. Because of her work ethic and passion, I know it is going to be another big thing--hopefully, a little easier for a while, maybe a sabbatical for a few weeks. Maybe not. Probably not, but I am hoping. Either way, I wish Tracie well in this third act. I know it is going to be amazing. Thank you so much for all you have done for my team. On behalf of our constituents, we appreciate you.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, born in Berlin, Germany, Harold Gross' childhood was marked by resilience and adaptability. His family left Germany when he was 15 years old and resettled in the Dominican Republic, where he began learning English. He later spent time in Haiti, where he picked up French before moving to the United States and settling in Detroit, Michigan as a teenager. Gross was drafted into the Army at age 18 in April of 1943 and gained his U.S. citizenship. Trained as an interpreter and interrogator, his skills as a German-to-English interpreter proved pivotal during World War II, particularly in interrogations of German prisoners. Gross served heroically while assigned to the Military Intelligence Service during D-Day, Normandy Beach (1944), France and Germany (1945- 1946), and the Nuremberg Trials (1945-1946). After his service, Gross returned to the United States and immersed himself in the world of breeding horses and horse racing. His lifelong connection to horses was inspired by his grandfather in Germany, who was also in the horse business. Gross bred and trained racehorses in Michigan, Florida. and Kentucky, achieving significant success. Gross and his wife Elaine turned their mutual love of horses into a very successful business called Boot and Saddle, which sold horse supplies and medicines for racehorses. They were married for 44 years until she passed away in 2002. One of his proudest accomplishments was naming a racehorse, Jeffrey's Gyro, in honor of their late son Jeffrey, who passed away at an early age. Harold Gross' 100 years are a testament to resilience, love, and the enduring spirit of a veteran who has lived life to the fullest. His story inspires those around him, a beacon of wisdom and joy.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Robert L. Doyel served his country with the U.S. Navy at Vietnam, where he oversaw meals for 10,000 soldiers, and as a Circuit Court Judge in Central Florida from 1995 through 2010. Judge Doyel's passion for the underdog was a result of his humble upbringing in Shawnee, Oklahoma, as the youngest of Ruby Doyel's 10 children--and the only one to graduate college. After one winter living with his family in an old chicken coop, Judge Doyel worked through high school and college, graduating from the University of Oklahoma with degrees in Accounting and Law. He was an attorney in Oklahoma before becoming a law professor at Ole Miss, where colleagues included former Washington NFL star and future Ole Miss Chancellor Robert Khayat, and students included future novelist John Grisham. When he registered his son Gregg for youth baseball in 1978 in Oxford, Mississippi, Judge Doyel learned the city Civic League was still segregated. Having already committed to coaching, Judge Doyel stayed that summer but made it his mission to destroy the league. He recruited other white families in 1979 to the Oxford Parks Commission, and the segregated league soon folded. Judge Doyel earned his Masters of Law and Doctorate of Juridical Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin in 1984, and taught at Mercer's School of Law before moving to Winter Haven, Florida. He was a defense attorney, then a Circuit Judge specializing in family law. The title of his book on the subject brims with his fearless personality: ``The Baby Mama Syndrome''. In retirement with Chelle, his wife of 37 years, Judge Doyel advised local Democratic Party leaders, served on the board for the Rainbow Ridge LGTBA Democratic Caucus of Polk County, and advocated fiercely for rape-kit testing and victims of domestic violence. Judge Doyel died November 1, 2024, at age 79.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Kenneth Carter was born and raised in Miami, Florida, by his loving Christian parents, who were both very involved in his hometown church. Their example instilled in him to serve others in whatever capacity was needed. Mr. Carter graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in criminology in 1987. He married his wife in 1988 and has three sons. For the past 27 years, Mr. Carter has worked for the Orange County Supervisor of Elections in various roles. He's organized mock student elections at various elementary and middle schools to teach the importance of voting to younger generations. He's also served as a poll worker for the Orange County community, making sure the voting process goes smoothly for residents. Mr. Carter is recognized for his dedication to voters in Orange County. His dedication has not only impacted thousands, but also inspired his wife and two of his sons to follow in his footsteps. Mr. Carter looks forward to serving the community year after year and can't wait to continue his efforts for years to come.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, it is time to get this done for the American people. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3343, the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act. Over the past 4 years, the Biden administration has worked hard to implement historic investments made by Congress in the bipartisan infrastructure law to expand broadband access to all Americans. This includes the $42 billion BEAD program, which will empower States and territories to close the digital divide and bring high-speed, affordable internet to unserved and underserved communities. It should come as no surprise that many of the communities lacking internet access are rural, remote, and sparsely populated areas. Like in my own district, areas like Kenansville, Deer Park, Bull Creek, and Yeehaw Junction. Bringing this infrastructure to them will, in many cases, require crossing large geographic areas. This is especially true in many of our Western States where significant amounts of territory are owned and managed by the Federal Government. H.R. 3343 is going to help bring more transparency to the status and progress of applications to deploy communications infrastructure on publicly owned and managed lands. The bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to develop and implement a plan to assist communications providers in navigating the burdens of deploying communications infrastructure on public lands. Ultimately, this bill should lead to more robust collaboration between those responsible for reviewing permit applications for Federal lands and communications providers who are trying to bring high-speed internet to all of our constituents. I thank Representative Pfluger for his leadership on this bill that I was happy to co-introduce with him. This bipartisan legislation is the product of regular order, and I am pleased to see it taken up by the full House today. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.