Darren Soto

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Art Franco was the first generation born in the United States. He is of Cuban descent. His family like many others came to the U.S. with nothing and built what they had through hard work. He will never forget where he came from. Art lost his mother in a tragic car accident at the age of 13. His father, grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins were all there for him. They gave him support, strength, guidance, knowledge, understanding, and unconditional love. Art remembers the struggles and sacrifices that were made by his family to have a better future. He is very grateful and appreciative of them. Art worked as a bouncer/bartender in his youth. He then started working in the electronics field not thinking it would last long, but he made a career out of it. He has grown and developed greatly. Art currently represents LCLAA (Labor Council for Latin American Advancement), UAW (United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America) Local 788, UAW Region 8, and the LGBTQ+ community by participating in events in the community. Art volunteered with LCLAA in the Osceola Housing Crisis Workshop with The Salvation Army. He also volunteers with the Central Florida Labor Council in the Citizenship Clinic helping members of the community become United States citizens. He does that in his family's memory to pay it forward and help others like his family obtain the American Dream. He also volunteers yearly for the Paralyzed Veterans Association Fishing Tournament. Art has gone to Tallahassee and Washington to lobby and fight for what's right. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he would be doing that and continues to fight the fight. Art has held leadership roles such as chairperson of his local union and Florida State CAP (Community Action Program) vice chair for UAW Region 8. Art is currently holding multiple roles such as vice chairperson of the Bargaining Committee of UAW Local 788, UAW Region 8 Florida State CAP/PAC president, and he is a delegate of the Central Florida Labor Council and trustee on the Executive Board. Art has worked at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control as an inspector on the quality assurance side of the business since 2008. Art is a very passionate and proud individual. What he does he does from the heart. His family and the leadership roles he has had are what made him the man he is today.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Ana L. Cruz moved from Puerto Rico to New Jersey right after Hurricane Hugo hit the island in 1989. In June of 1990 and for the next 18 years, she worked for INROADS, Inc., a national organization that places minority college students in corporate internships. She worked for INROADS, Inc. in different capacities from administrative assistant to manager to acting regional director. In August of 2008, she accepted the position of aide to City of Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz. In June of 2016, she was hired as the new City of Orlando Hispanic Office for Local Assistance Coordinator. HOLA provides valuable information and referral services to bilingual residents and newcomers to Central Florida, connecting them with more than 100 government and community organizations to find jobs, senior housing, healthcare services, educational opportunities, and other resources. After Hurricane Maria in 2018, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer deployed Ana to the Orlando International Airport's Welcome Center. This center was opened to assist the people affected by the hurricane. Under Ana's leadership, over 6,000 people were assisted and connected with services and resources. In February of 2023, Ana partnered with the Orlando Center for Justice to provide guidance and assistance to immigrants that recently arrived in Central Florida by giving them an orientation and free legal assistance. For her unwavering devotion to serving and helping the community, Ana has received many awards and recognitions such as Mayor Buddy Dyer's Leadership Award, WKMG News 6's Getting Results Award, Casa de Venezuela's Leadership Award, and the National Latino Peace Officers Association Volunteer Award. She has also been named as a Florida Puerto Rican Parade, Inc. Community Leader, among others. Ana is a proud mother. Her daughter, Ana Lucia, graduated in December of 2017 from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor's degree in early childhood development and education.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote today due to unforeseen personal circumstances. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 272 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 273.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, 7 years ago this week, on June 12, 2016, our happy town of Orlando was the site of an act of gun violence and terrorism. We lost 49 angels and 53 were injured at the Pulse nightclub shooting. While that was a terrible and violent act, we will always remember those we lost. We also came together to reject hate and to speak to those across the Nation about both preventing gun violence, about LGBTQ rights, and about making sure that we have love define our region. For the 49 angels we lost and the 53 who were injured, the first responders, their families, and so many others in the Orlando community, I ask for a moment of silence.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H.R. 662, the Block Grant Assistance Act of 2023. I am a proud cosponsor of this bill, along with my fellow Floridians, including Mrs. Cammack, Mr. C. Scott Franklin, and Ms. Wasserman Schultz. I thank Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member David Scott for their assistance in moving this bill to the floor in a fairly expedited fashion. The bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to utilize block grants to provide funding to States and territories to assist agricultural producers with losses due to natural disasters in the calendar year 2022. This does not address future disaster assistance. It simply allows USDA to get the money already appropriated to producers in our home States sooner, although we should look at that going forward as a longer-term reform. Why is this important? Hurricane Ian devastated both southwest and central Florida. A category 4 storm hitting on September 28 of last year, it was tied for the fifth strongest hurricane ever to make landfall in the United States. Less than 2 months later, on November 10, 2022, Hurricane Nicole made landfall near Vero Beach, Florida. Nicole devastated parts of our east coast. The devastation was horrific, and the impact on Florida citrus and other segments of our agriculture industry has been devastating. My colleagues from Florida and other impacted areas were grateful for Congress' support in the omnibus. However, with losses to the citrus industry of somewhere between $416 million and $675 million, we need help quicker for these losses. The citrus industry is responsible for $6.8 billion in revenue and 33,000 jobs in Florida, including in Florida's Ninth Congressional District. Our Florida Department of Citrus and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have utilized the block grant authority previously to help deliver assistance to our cattle and timber producers, as well. However, the money hasn't gotten there yet. I applaud our Agriculture Secretary Vilsack for making a promise. He came down to Polk County in central Florida, met with citrus growers, and promised them he would get the money to these hard-fighting growers throughout central and south Florida. He also came to the Agriculture Committee, as my colleague Mrs. Cammack mentioned already, making that same promise, if we gave him the statutory authority to do that. Today, on the House floor, we made good on our role in helping Secretary Vilsack's promise. Citrus faces a lot of challenges. Citrus greening continues to wreak havoc on our yields. We have new and promising pesticides that are working out, but we have a long way to go to get back to the heyday of the mid-2000s. Citrus is also America's vitamin C source. We can't afford to export this critical set of nutrients to foreign producers. We need to protect it right here at home. This iconic Florida crop is critical for now and into the future. Madam Speaker, I stand here today and ask my colleagues to support this critical bill and join me in voting ``yes'' on H.R. 662. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I have no additional speakers and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, on May 26, 2023, I recognized Lee Green as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Herbert ``Herb'' Lee Green was born on June 3, 1964 in Incheon, South Korea to a Korean mother and an American father. Herb came to the United States at six years old and mastered the English language within 30 days of arrival. Herb attended schools in California and graduated from high school in North Florida. After high school, Herb signed up for the U.S. Navy where he attended the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Training (BOOST) program in San Diego. Upon completion of the BOOST program, Herb entered the University of Florida where he met his future wife, Lisa Lesesne. While at the University of Florida, Herb joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternitv in the Fall of 1984 and has been an active member since. Herb received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a master's degree in structural engineering. Herb began his career as a young engineer at Kimley Horn and Associates in West Palm Beach, Florida where he worked for seven years. In 1998, Herb moved to Kissimmee. At this time, he worked for the Avid Group. Herb also volunteered as a youth sports coach in baseball, soccer, and basketball and served as SAC Chair at Osceola High School. Herb's entrepreneurial spirit kicked in and he decided to open a company with a former colleague, and that was the beginning of the Good Group. Later, Herb would open his own engineering company, Cadjazz Engineering, which has been going strong for 14 years. Herb is an excellent cook and enjoys attending sporting events at the University of Florida. He also gives back by donating his engineering expertise to charitable organizations, including Children's Hospital in Jacksonville, and designs of sporting facilities and parks. Herb is the loving husband of Lisa Lesesne Green and the proud father of Harleston Lesesne Green and Kameron Lee Green.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, on May 26, 2023, I recognized Conchita Hsu as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Conchita Hsu has served as the president of the Florida Chapter of Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) since January 2022 and as elder advisor of the Orlando Chapter of International Buddhist Progress Society since January 2017. From 2013 to 2016, she served as the president of the Orlando Chapter of BLIA. Under her leadership, the BLIA chapter has played an active role in the Central Florida community, including leading relief efforts after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, supporting communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping underserved members of the community, sponsoring local schools, hosting the Abolition 2020- Hiroshima/Nagasaki commemoration, partnering with local institutes for cultural exchanges, and more. The chapter has been recognized with the Orange County Public Schools' Crystal Awards and the Orange County Mayor's Outstanding Community Service Awards numerous times in the past decade. Conchita also served as principal of the Chinese School of Chinese American Association of Central Florida from 2005 to 2009 and as the chief executive officer of Orlando Guang Ming Academy from 2016 to 2021, promoting Chinese literacy and culture. She has also served as a contributor to the Florida Asia Trend Magazine, volunteered with the Tzu Chi Foundation Central Florida Chapter Outreach Program, and is active as an interpreter for various non-profit organizations as well as for patients in hospitals. She has called Central Florida home since 1996 with her husband David and is the proud parent of two grown sons-- who are now a doctor and a college professor--and one grandson.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, on May 26, 2023, I recognized Maria Eduardo as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Maria Eduardo has been a clinical laboratory scientist (CLS) and AAPI manager for almost a decade in the Veterans Health System. She is a community leader known for her advocacy work in promoting diversity and inclusion. She has been instrumental in creating and implementing the Asian Pacific Island Heritage program in her community. Born and raised in the Philippines, Maria Eduardo developed a deep appreciation for her country's rich culture and history. Her passion for cultural awareness led her to pursue her master's degree so she could share her knowledge and experiences with others. Maria Eduardo's interest in the APIH program was sparked by the lack of representation and recognition for the Asian Pacific Islander community in her workplace. She recognized that many of her colleagues from these communities faced discrimination and marginalization due to the lack of understanding and awareness of their cultures. In response, Maria Eduardo spearheaded the creation of the APIH program, which aims to promote understanding and appreciation of the contributions and experiences of the Asian Pacific Islander community. The program includes educational activities, cultural events, and community outreach efforts. As the founder of the Philippines Association of Medical Technologists, Florida Chapter, she is focused on their recruitment program helping fellow CLS's find job opportunities in the United States. Under Maria Eduardo's leadership, the APIH program has made a significant impact on the community. It has helped raise awareness of the rich cultural heritage of Asian Pacific Islanders and has provided a platform for members of these communities to share their stories and experiences. Maria Eduardo's dedication to promoting cultural diversity and inclusion has earned her numerous awards and recognition. She is a sought-after speaker on topics related to cultural awareness and has inspired many others to follow in her footsteps. Through her work with the APIH program, Maria Eduardo has demonstrated the power of education and community involvement in creating a more inclusive and understanding society. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to all those who strive to promote cultural awareness and acceptance.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, on May 26, 2023, I recognized Marie Relosa Fullwood as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Marie ``Michi'' Relosa Fullwood was born in Baguio City, Philippines to Juancho Alfonso Relosa and Marie Chlupp on December 2, 1983. She graduated from Sta. Clara Parrish School in 2001. Upon graduation, she moved to the United States to join her parents. After she arrived, she spent the next two years exploring the culture and every opportunity that the country would offer her. She worked many jobs to assist in supporting her family. At the age of 20, she joined a small landscape company that only had two employees. Her responsibilities consisted of but were not limited to implementing cost reductions, handling the accounts receivable and accounts payables, and handling all human resources issues. She later became the landscape designer of the company. Michi did not know how to do any of this. She did not attend college of any sort but her husband Eddie taught her everything she needed to know when it came to running the family business. She credits him and God for this amazing, successful journey. She is now the vice president of No Limit, Inc. and Eddie is the CEO. They employ almost 100 people and support the $15/per hour minimum wage initiative. That's the starting pay for each and every employee. In 2018 and 2022, No Limit, Inc. was awarded Business Partner of the Year by the Osceola County School District. No Limit, Inc. continues to support Thacker Avenue Elementary by helping create a garden for the 21st-century program and donating garden supplies for students. They also support staff activities which promotes a positive school culture. Michi feels she is truly living the American Dream. She says it takes dedication, commitment, and hard work, but it can be done. In addition to being an entrepreneur, Michi is a loving wife, a mother of two, and a great friend to many. Working at No Limit is her livelihood, but her passion is event planning and decorating. Putting a smile on someone's face is and always will be her ultimate goal.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, on May 26, 2023, I recognized Melissa Tran as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Melissa Tran is a marriage and family therapist and obtained her Master of Arts in 2008. Ms. Tran relocated to Florida from Washington in 2011 when she began serving the Central Florida community as a therapist at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Her early federal career included serving as the region's Asian American Pacific Islander representative with the Vet Center. She also served in various roles for the Florida Family Therapy Alliance from 2014 to 2021, such as in the diversity committee and leadership development team. Ms. Tran is also the military sexual trauma coordinator and leads initiatives advancing perinatal services at the Orlando VA Health Care System. In 2020, she founded Perinatal Reproductive Education Planning and Resources (PREPARe), which provides comprehensive, accessible, and equitable perinatal care to Veterans. Her contributions to perinatal care for Veterans and their families are transformative, setting a new standard of care and support for some of the most vulnerable populations in Central Florida. Ms. Tran has received multiple achievements and recognition for her work, some of which include the 2021 Under Secretary for Health's Dr. Robert L. Jesse Award for Excellence in Innovation and the 2023 FedHealthIT Disruptive Tech Change Agent Award. She was also a 2022 Federal Asian Pacific American Council Civilian Awards nominee and was named one of Modern Healthcare's Top 25 Emerging Leaders in 2023. Ms. Tran is the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants. Her faith and heritage are woven into her identity and practice with the deep need to focus on care for marginalized communities. As a Vietnamese American, wife, and mother of two children, her values are rooted in compassionate kindness as a provider, advocate, and role model for other people of color.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, on May 26, 2023, I recognized Rosalinda Tomimbang as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Rosalinda Tomimbang is a registered nurse with Orlando Health. Her version of the American Dream is unique. Born in 1956 in the Philippines to a modest family with seven kids, her parents emphasized the value of education. Rightfully so, five of them became nurses. The other two became a doctor and an accounting professional. Rosalinda received her B.S. in nursing in Manila in 1978. She got married the same year to her high school classmate, Wendell, an electrical engineer. She gave birth to twin girls in 1980 and another one in 1987. In 1982, along with her twins, she joined her husband in Iraq while he was working with a Kuwaiti company. Iraq was then at war with Iran. The young family adapted to the war-torn country, braving frequent missile attacks from Iran. Her twins attended the Baghdad International School. At the end of June 1990, Rosalinda and her daughters came to the United States for vacation. A month later, Iraq invaded Kuwait. Her husband followed, leaving behind everything they had, including several months of pay with his company. After months of waiting with no end to the situation in sight, her husband started looking for a job. Shortly after, he was offered employment and partnership in a business. Rosalinda started working in 1991. The first few years were hard for the young couple and Rosalinda took on two jobs. They stressed the value of education to their kids and all of them became successful in their careers. Christi, the elder of the twins, is a civil engineer and project manager. Faye, the other twin, was an aerospace engineer who after more than 10 years with the Space Shuttle Program pursued a career in medicine. May, the youngest, has a degree in engineering and is now an Army warrant officer training as a helicopter pilot.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, on May 26, 2023, I recognized Ashok Patel as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Ashok Patel was born in Nairobi, Kenya. His grandparents had moved to East Africa from India in the early 1900s. When he was just four years old, Ashok moved with his family to London. There, he directly experienced the challenges of being raised in an ethnic minority community and yet learned to integrate positively into the prevailing British lifestyle. He was deeply attracted to the faith of his forefathers, Hinduism, in particular BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Thus, though a brilliant student, he followed his heart and dropped out of college to live a life of study and meditation in India. After several years, he was asked to begin reaching out to Hindus around the world to elaborate and teach the traditions of the world's oldest religious tradition. Ashok did this with a particular focus on the young and vulnerable. He became a highly respected writer, speaker, and life coach, traveling across the world. He actively coordinated acclaimed international events, such as the Cultural Festival of India held in New Jersey and the All-World Religions Conference sponsored by the United Nations in New York. He has received various awards and felicitations. Although settled in London, Ashok accepted the challenge of immigrating to the United States. He successfully entered the hospitality and tourism industry and later diversified into the retail grocery trade, actively working with other small businesses to help them succeed. Today, he owns and manages Prayosha Vacation Homes, an innovative property management company specializing in short-term vacation rentals. Ashok is a director of the Osceola Chamber of Commerce, vice chair of the Small Business Council, president of the Downtown Kissimmee Leads Group, and serves as a voluntary director at Osceola Community Health. As a successful Osceola businessman, Ashok continues to help small businesses succeed. Ashok is a highly respected leader in the Indian community of Central Florida and is involved in inter-community relations. He is an active volunteer leader of BAPS Charities international.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, on May 26, 2023 I recognized Tom Lin as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Tom's family origins are from the Tai Po and Yuen Long districts of Kowloon in Hong Kong, China. His father was a scientist in the U.S government who helped direct him to a career path. Tom's academic studies included police science, criminology, and psychology. Tom is married to his wife Paula and has four children. Tom started in the U.S. government in 1978 working at the FBI in Washington, D.C. He eventually transitioned to law enforcement in 1982 at the Alexandria City Police Department, where stigmatism towards Asians still continued in society. Tom left Virginia and the D.C. area in 1988 and was hired at the Orange County Sheriff's Office, where he presently works. With over 40 years in law enforcement, his work experience has included general police duties and court appearances. He also worked in vessel handling to include airboats in the Marine unit. Tom was a master diver on a dive/recovery unit, an aviation flight officer, and a fugitive/warrant agent. He also worked in vehicular and economics investigations. Tom's last assignment was a school resource officer for five years and was certified in crisis intervention and firearms instructing. In 2022, at the direction of Sheriff John Mina, the inception of the OCSO Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Liaison Group came to fruition. Tom accepted a team leader role which continues to this day, with visions of building a stronger relationship between law enforcement and the AAPI community. His success has always been predicated on the strong leadership ranks of the AAPI community that he serves, striving to recognize the growing AAPI community and safety needs. In Orlando/Orange County, Florida the AAPI community numbers around 6 percent of the 1.4 million population, with the state of Florida at 2 percent of 21 million and rising. The outreach and networking through public events had been invaluable. Tom has been affiliated and member of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce for 15 years and currently serving on the Board of Directors for the 2023-2024 term. He has worked in conjunction with the Orange County Mayor's Office's Orange County Asian Committee, among various other AAPI organizations, to promote further expansion of business networking initiatives and resources which better resonate with the community. Tom looks forward to being a continued resource for AAPI community members in Orange County and Central Florida.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, on May 26, 2023, I recognized Kamalakar ``Kam'' Shenai as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Kamalakar ``Kam'' Shenai emigrated to the United States from India in 1976 with $208 in his pocket, an engineering degree, a determination to work hard, and a heart full of ambition. Along the way, he earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering from UC Berkeley and an MBA in Marketing from RIT. Mr. Shenai's career started as a salesman in Buffalo, New York, which became a 35-year corporate journey. A span that culminated into being the head of marketing operations for North America at a Fortune 500 company and then chief client officer for a privately held global company. Mr. Shenai has been a Central Florida resident since 2014 and in his retirement has served on several boards, is on the Kidney Advocacy Committee for the National Kidney Foundation, and is the co-founder of Asian Pacific Islanders Coming Together (ACT). One of the most notable examples of Mr. Shenai's commitment to making positive change in the AAPI community is his work on ACT, a non- partisan organization. ACT's mission is to engage, educate, and empower the AAPI population to amplify their voice through voter participation. Mr. Shenai is also involved with the National Kidney Foundation. As a kidney patient himself, he has been an active member of the Kidney Advocacy Committee, where he has worked to meet with federal lawmakers and urge them to support the organization's legislative agenda. Mr. Shenai lives in Lake Nona, Florida with his wife of 50 years. has two children--a daughter and a son--and is a proud grandfather of four grandchildren. Mr. Shenai's motto, ``Do common things uncommonly well,'' is a testament to his commitment to excellence and his desire to make a difference in the lives of those around him.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, on May 26, 2023, I recognized Helen O'Connor as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Daughters of South-Asian mothers know the pressure for perfection, the grind toward pleasing others, especially mom. Helen's family expected her to follow traditional Filipino ways--for the daughter to stay in her parents' home and take care of them until their passing. Facing potential shame, Helen left. She knew her gifts existed for her community and not for mom alone. Within an international English school and Valencia College, Helen O'Connor has collaborated with professors, exploring ways to improve instructional approaches and reflect on unknowingly harmful practices. She actively seeks inclusive approaches to hiring and designs and builds new standard operating procedures that remove overlooked barriers to student success. Helen championed this in PERT outreach programs, emphasizing the necessity for learner-centered activities. This engaged students who had not met qualifying scores in reading or writing and led to 84 percent of attendees making qualifying writing scores and the majority making qualifying reading scores. Her ripples in the community go beyond Central Florida. Helen joined Writing Center leaders, introducing strategies to incorporate Linguistic Justice with Writing Center directors internationally. She also influenced ways to better center agency to their tutors and students' voices alike. Through her ideas, Helen brings consistency and structure. She normalizes compassion and vulnerability by inviting others to be their authentic selves in the workplace. By encouraging healing spaces and embracing the complexity of intersectional identities, Helen spreads compassion while building her own path. She didn't stay in her mother's home but brought her mom to hers. She learned the constant pressure and ridicule her mother faced and the struggle between loving one's culture and being shamed because of it. This duality drives Helen, and she works without rest to ensure others can find clarity in their own identity, and above all, their voices.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, news flash: Extreme MAGA Republicans hold the Nation hostage, put America's full faith and credit in jeopardy, and flirt with economic disaster. Imagine seniors not getting their Social Security checks, unemployment spiking, small businesses closing their doors, 401(k) accounts and pensions tanking. President Biden has been negotiating in good faith, agreeing to future spending caps and other concessions, but they want more. They want to cut programs for seniors, veterans, and children, all while protecting tax cuts for the very wealthy. So I ask: Will Republicans make a deal or cause a disaster? I am asking for a few million hardworking central Floridians. Mark my words, if you break it, you own it, and we will make sure the American people know about it.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, at 11:59 tonight, we will see the end of title 42, and President Biden has been stepping up to meet the moment. We secured additional border security patrol officers in our omnibus. We have a new parole program to help out with countries like Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Haiti, where we are seeing a lot of folks come to the border. We also see 1,500 troops going down there. In this moment, this body should be working together in a bipartisan fashion. We should be coming together with a supplemental to help with the funding that we need down there at the border, not a messaging bill, not a political points potshot bill at a time when the clock is ticking. This body could do so much more if we worked together. I have been down to the border, Mr. Speaker. We know what works: sensors and technology to help make sure we have border awareness across the southern border; having more Customs and Border Protection agents to be able to work on apprehensions; and getting civilians to do processing of asylum. We should be funding a bill that does those things. Mr. Speaker, we don't have the southern border in Florida. We have ports, and we have had a lot of challenges with those ports. This bill doesn't do anything for our ports. It does nothing for the ports of entry, our front lines in the Sunshine State. We see Governor DeSantis, on the other hand, has a law coming in Florida that is going to attack hospitals. It is going to attack nonprofits. It is going to hurt agriculture. It is going to hurt construction at a time when we need to lower food prices and build more affordable housing. We are already seeing crops not being picked in the field as fear comes over the Sunshine State. Construction sites are abandoned. This isn't going to help immigration at all. What it will do is jack up inflation and food prices at a time when we need to work together.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Jeff ``Supa Jeff'' Villanueva is a current Florida resident and has lived in the state his whole life. He graduated from Full Sail University in 1998 from the Recording Arts program. Today, Jeff is a sound designer/recording engineer at TyFy Studios, where he adds his expertise to Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide with shows such as nighttime fireworks spectaculars and the Walt Disney Animation Studios feature Encanto. He has touched every sector of entertainment throughout his career. He has contributed to over 110 million records sold worldwide and has earned four Grammy awards. Some of his most notable work as an engineer/mixer has been with super producer Rodney ``Darkchild'' Jerkins, DJ Khaled, and The Runners of We the Best Music Group, and with artists such as Lionel Richie, Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Usher, Mariah Carey, Drake, Rihanna, and many others. He has continued to expand his success and experience by crossing over into the world of AAA gaming, working on titles such as Madden NFL 20 and NBA Live 19.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Chair, our friends across the aisle ran for office in 2022 and took the majority narrowly--by five seats. It was a hard-fought battle, and many promised to reduce the deficit. Here we are today debating H.R. 1, their first major bill, literally number one, and what have they chosen as their top issue in this Congress? A $117 billion deficit-busting taxpayer giveaway to polluters; as if oil companies who posted record profits in the billions need more help. First of all, if we are keeping score here, add up this Big Oil giveaway with the rich tax cheat protection act that passed, and that is a whopping $231 billion that would be added to the deficit by legislation that passed this House already. I thought the Republican majority was running to reduce the deficit. It looks like the exact opposite is happening. Also, where is the budget? President Biden presented his. We still see no budget from the House majority. Second, to call this bill a little out of step would be an understatement. As a result of climate change, we see in Florida extreme hurricanes, rising seas, and extreme heat. We have public health issues there: asthma, cancer, and other issues. We see society moving forward. Major auto manufacturers are going all in on electric vehicles. Utilities are moving away from fossil fuels toward wind, solar, nuclear, green hydrogen, and others. Gas in central Florida is between $3 to $3.25. Inflation has dropped 7 months in a row. This bill looks like it missed the moment, and now it is just a windfall for Big Oil. When gas was sky-high, Mr. Chair, many colleagues across the aisle criticized Biden for using the Strategic Petroleum Reserve during this disruption to lower gas prices. This bill wouldn't guarantee lower gas prices; not now, not in the future. It would guarantee more pollution, more sickness, and a step backward. Third, we passed the Inflation Reduction Act, a very popular law that is transforming us to a clean energy economy before our very eyes. America is moving forward. Apparently, our colleagues across the aisle are the last to know. They want to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, including popular provisions. That didn't work well under ObamaCare, and I don't think it is going to work out now. Lastly, it mandates drilling off of Florida shores. Our top industry is tourism. We need to protect our shores.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Ashley Carino is Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2022 and Miss Florida USA 2021. Ashley was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico in 1994 at Dr. Gubern Hospital. She moved with her family at the age of six to Kissimmee, Florida. From a very young age, Ashley demonstrated a passion for sciences--falling in love with anything STEM-related and becoming involved in various STEM clubs and programs throughout her educational years. When she finished high school, Ashley was able to graduate with a minor in architecture and several technical certifications. From there, she studied aerospace engineering at the University of Central Florida. As the eldest of five, Ashley has always been aware of the impact of role models on today's growing generation. Therefore, she has strived to become the best role model she can be for her siblings and those around her. Additionally, Ashley has focused on helping children and adolescents with mental health diagnoses find coping skills and passions through STEM programs and activities in the community. She hopes to inspire those around her to be themselves and believe in who they are and what they can accomplish. Ashley dreams of becoming the first Miss Universe to ever go to space. Her ultimate goal is to work for NASA, which was a childhood dream of hers. Ashley is also a baseball fan and a big ``Trekie,'' or fan of the TV show ``Star Trek.'' With her serenity and mysticism, she challenges what strength and power can look like.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, as regular visitors from Syracuse, Ruthanne and her husband knew that Hunter's Creek was the place for them after retirement in 2014. Ruthanne immediately began exploring opportunities for involvement. She joined her neighborhood committee and became an active member of the Council of Directors, comprised of all neighborhood representatives. She joined the Hunter's Creek Emergency Response Team, whose training allows resident assistance in an emergency, such as a hurricane. In 2015, Ruthanne was elected to the Hunter's Creek Community Association Master Board of Directors. She has served faithfully and is currently president; she previously served as director, secretary, and vice president. Ruthanne has been involved in countless initiatives, including working with local government to voice concerns regarding a proposal to bisect Hunter's Creek by using the 417 as a highspeed rail corridor. She worked tirelessly to fight development of the former Hunter's Creek Golf Course parcel, since current infrastructure cannot support dense growth. Her involvement in the community's multi-million- dollar investment in responsible stormwater management has been crucial in maintaining Hunter's Creek as a premier community. She was chosen by Commissioner Nicole Wilson to participate in county redistricting efforts. She is a proponent of a plan to maximize community greenspaces. Ruthanne is very vocal about volunteerism and its essential role in maintaining a thriving and vibrant society. Though her career experience has served her well, she possesses qualities that easily surpass her business background. Ruthanne's care for the community and its people is unparalleled. An advocate for open lines of communication and civil discourse, she is respectful of all views and strives to make the best decisions for the greater good, which can be challenging with input from a population of 25,000. Ruthanne is a strong leader and her indelible mark upon her community will remain for generations to come.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Brenda Santana was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and relocated to Florida as an adult. She learned English as a second language while in school. Brenda loves helping people learn and understand the Spanish language. Her dedication won her several poetry awards. At school, she could be found tutoring her fellow students on Spanish grammar and sentence composition. Today, Brenda lends her skills to the Orange County Library System as a technology trainer. Her students ached to learn Spanish and Brenda instituted Spanish language classes at the Southeast Branch in 2017. During the pandemic, Brenda offered a new way to learn with virtual learning. Students of all ages attend her classes. Brenda's pioneering spirit expanded all over the county as she trained other OCLS staff to offer more online classes. In 2022, the Southeast Branch saw an average of 36 students per class, the highest attendance record in OCLS history. Brenda's commitment to the community has been evident in her response to customer feedback as she prioritizes their needs. As a technology trainer, Brenda has an open-door policy in between classes to assist students with tech-related questions. Brenda focuses on her students by hosting life skill tech classes, such as assistive technology like using the GPS feature on their phones. In these workshops, students are provided a hands-on experience using the tools and devices to boost their quality of life. In January alone, the overall attendance for her computer classes was 377. Brenda Santana has received positive praise and feedback from her students regarding the way she responds to their suggestions and feedback. She continues to evaluate the needs of the community and provide options that inspire and change lives.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Crystal Bethea, CEO and franchisor of C3 Wellness Spa, is a loving wife to Marcus Bethea, CFO to C3, and proud mother to their daughter, Aryes Marie. She's an Army veteran dedicated to giving back to the Orlando/Kissimmee communities and empowering its members to live healthy, active lives. Bethea is a licensed cosmetologist for over 20 years and a medical massage therapist with over 25 certifications that helped master her craft. She is passionate about holistic health and has seen its positive impacts on herself and her family. This has motivated her to write and teach about natural alternatives for a healthier lifestyle. Bethea feels it is her life's purpose to continue to spread holistic wellness knowledge and practices nationwide to families and communities. Bethea is grateful to have two C3 Wellness Spa locations and has created a franchise from their holistic brand concept to expand nationwide. They are now proud members of the 4 percent of Black-owned franchises in America. Inspired by a long line of nurses and veterans in her family, Bethea served in the United States Army. She is a soror of Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority Inc., an organization of dedicated, elite professional women being of service. Bethea has served on its national paraphernalia staff and she now serves as treasurer of the organization's Orlando cluster. Their efforts include feeding the unhoused, assisting with community events, and providing supplies for the youth. Bethea is a trustee of the Florida Association of Veteran-Owned Businesses, which supports and advocates for veteran entrepreneurs. She was recently awarded the Eagle Award as leadership chair for the Osceola Chamber of Commerce's Poinciana Area Council. They best exemplified the Chamber's mission, vision, and values throughout the year providing business connections, scholarships, and school supplies to local teens. Bethea is also a platinum sponsor of the Association of Poinciana Villages and a longtime volunteer for Miles of Help Through Christ.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Vivian Rodriguez retired from the New York City Police Department after completing 21 years of service and achieving the highest recognition within the Detective Bureau--first grade detective. During her law enforcement career, she served in many specialized units, including the Organized Crime Control Bureau and the Dignitary and Executive Protection Unit safeguarding the New York City mayor and his family. Vivian was assigned to the Intelligence Division during the 9/11 terrorist attack and was involved in various covert anti-terrorism operations to secure New York City and the homeland from future terrorist incidents. Vivian worked for several years as a consultant and trainer with the Department of Homeland Security delivering a national Anti-Terrorism Intelligence Awareness Training Program to State and local law enforcement agencies. Vivian relocated to Orlando, Florida, after her retirement and became active with the local Orange County Democratic Party where she eventually was elected as the vice chair. As the president of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida, Vivian advocated for Latino empowerment and inclusion and became the chair of the Florida Democratic Party Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She has been active with many Hispanic, women, and LGBTQ+ civil rights organizations including Ruth's List and the Human Rights Campaign. Additionally, she was both the president and executive director of the Gay Officers Action League in New York City and Central Florida. In 2020, Vivian was elected as a DNC member with the Florida delegation. She currently serves on the DNC Women's Executive Committee and is the DNC LGBTQ and DNC Hispanic Caucus southern regional representative. Vivian recently retired on March 31, 2022, after serving more than 5 years as the outreach director and law enforcement coordinator for Congressman Darren Soto. She has also worked and contributed her campaign experience with several congressional, State, and local races.