Darren Soto

Mr SOTO

Mr SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Maria Emma Fernandez, from Colombia, South America, came to the United States in the early 1990s. She has a bachelor's degree in the arts and has lived in Orange County, Florida, since 2003. She has taught Spanish and art at various levels in school and has been a substitute teacher in Orange County public schools. In addition, she has worked with students to plan and organize programs and events related to Spanish language clubs. While living in St. Louis, Missouri, Maria worked with Grupo Atlantico, a dance group, giving workshops and teaching volunteers how to showcase the art and culture of Latin American and Caribbean countries. Maria, who is married and has a son, loves art, books, and culture. She started a club in Central Florida called Tertulia4gatos that now meets in 12 public libraries in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. This club encourages people to enjoy reading, listening to music, and performing. The group includes artists such as painters, sculptors, dancers, poets, and writers. Maria is empowering cultural managers to help artists and writers find places to showcase their work or display their talents and to be recognized for it. Tertulia4gatos is now 16 years old and has more than 3,000 participants through various activities from weekly meetings to art festivals and book readings. There also is a club at the University of Central Florida. This volunteer program fosters unity among Spanish- speaking cultures. ``What would the world be without art,'' Maria said. Maria loves all cultures and their accomplishments, but most important is her love for family, books, and art. Her goal is to unite her community, foster equality, and ensure that Hispanics remember their roots. ``I volunteer because art can change the world,'' she said. ``We are inspiring hearts.''

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Jenny Mohess hails from Trinidad and Tobago and has lived in Osceola County for over 23 years. She stepped onto Valencia College's campus in 2000 as an international student. She earned her associate of science in graphics from Valencia College, a bachelor's degree in business from the University of South Florida, and a master's degree in art education from Boston University. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership. Another milestone for Ms. Mohess was becoming a United States citizen in 2012. These experiences led to a career at Apple Inc. and Microsoft Corp. and allowed her to own a design studio. Jenny has also taught at Valencia College for over 15 years and has found a genuine purpose for mentoring future graphic/web designers through the Valencia Graphics Program. In 2018, she worked on a project to take the graphics program into the Osceola School District and build the program at Tohopekaliga High School--a new STEAM high school with a focus on arts and career and technical education. The program is now the No. 1 program in the district and won an Adobe World Champion Design Competition in 2022 after 4 short years of being active. Jenny has made it her mission to live her passion of being a servant leader in her community and will fight for all rights of students despite where they come from. She strongly believes if they work hard, they can achieve anything. It takes a village and for someone to care about their goals and dreams. Jenny has also served the community through the Hope Partnership and is a board member of the Arts Education Coalition--a volunteer group committed to art education in Osceola County. In her spare time, Jenny loves animals and has pets of her own, Teddy, Lily Cocoa, Quincy, and Phoebe. She has also been a committed mentor with Take Stock in Children.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, LaShanna Ward is a mother of one and currently works for the Osceola County School District as a dean secretary at St. Cloud Middle School. She currently assists the nurse's clinic, athletic department, and various other programs. She is on the ESP bargaining team and is the incoming vice president of ESP of her local union. She has also been a cafeteria monitor, a paraprofessional for special education students, a self-care aide, and a paraprofessional for in- school suspension. She has worked for the summer extended day learning program for over 4 years. She was also in the nursing field and started as a CNA for about 15 years and has been a member of a volunteer EMS Corp for over 20 years at the Brentwood Legion Ambulance Corps in Brentwood, New York. She lived in Brentwood for more than 38 years. She attended Brentwood schools and graduated in 1998 from Brentwood Sonderling High School. Then she started with the Brentwood Legion Ambulance as an explorer of post 325 in 1996 and has been a member there ever since, holding various positions in EMS which she still holds. She has also been vice president of a group called the African People Association. She then worked with many other groups throughout the area such as Head Start and Harvest Time Ministries & Worship Center. She moved to Florida on November 1, 2015, and is a person who most of all loves the Lord and enjoys being a part of many groups in the church, such as the director of the music ministry, praise team, missionary, and children and youth ministry. She loves to sing, praise, dance, and help where she is needed in her community and employment.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Debra Pace assumed the position of superintendent of the Osceola School District in March 2016. Dr. Pace has an extensive background in both instructional and operational leadership, serving as principal for Poinciana and Harmony High Schools and as deputy superintendent for secondary in the Osceola School District from 2003 to 2011. She also served as associate superintendent for the human resources services division for Brevard Public Schools from 2011 to 2016 before returning to the Osceola School District. As a lifelong resident, student, parent, teacher, and leader in the Osceola School District and Osceola community, she has demonstrated both pride and passion in leading the school district forward and serving all children in the community with a commitment to excellence. Highlights of her successful career include fostering academic achievement within diverse cultures, developing high-quality programs that directly impact student performance, staffing, and professional development of instructional and non-instructional employees in direct support of students, allocating resources responsibly to meet the needs of schools and the district, and developing strong leadership pipelines to reflect the community's diverse student body. As superintendent, she has built strong relationships with local, State, and Federal governments and business leaders, raised expectations for both students and staff, and provided strong leadership to ensure that the school system functions effectively as a critical entity focused on student success to strengthen and improve economic development and diversification, quality of life, and community pride. She currently serves on the University of Central Florida School of Teacher Education Advisory Board, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention State Advisory Group, the United Arts of Central Florida Board of Directors, and the Florida Association of District School Superintendents Board of Directors. Dr. Pace earned her bachelors degree in foreign language- international trade from Auburn University, a master's degree in English education, and a doctorate in education from the University of Central Florida.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Ms. LaKisha Washington is the program analyst with Group Practice Management under the chief of staff at the Orlando VA. In conjunction with her current position, she also serves as the OVAHCS African American/Black Employment Program Special Emphasis Program Manager, is a member of the Central Florida Blacks in Government, and volunteers during her personal time with local non- profit organizations to render services to the homeless community and provide outreach services to local veterans. Ms. Washington's occupational achievements have included conducting virtual training events to develop and implement special program initiatives that will enhance employment--including mock interviews and resume writing reviews. She has also collaborated with the assistance of her team to conduct financial preparedness for federal employees to discuss thrift savings plans, build a financial budgeting plan, and plan for retirement. Other achievements include the coordination of Martin Luther King Jr, Black History Month, and Juneteenth celebrations while also hosting Friday reflection forums to discuss various topics in the VA. Her personal time is spent giving back to her community by serving the homeless with local non-profit organizations including Serving Out of Love and One Race Human Race. She's also a dedicated track and field mom. Prior to her employment at the Orlando VA, Ms. Washington served as a U.S. Navy Veteran Hospital corpsman for 8 years and spent 14 years in total as a military-trained surgical technician/first assistant. Ms. Washington earned her Master's in Business Administration with a concentration in healthcare from American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Post University in 2022 while balancing fulltime employment and single parenting a high school teenager during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Washington is a woman who has maintained an outstanding reputation amongst her peers and has always been praised for her outstanding character. She is known to put her heart and soul into everything that she does and has a personality that can literally light up any room she enters.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Charminta Brown is a passionate, servant leader with years of experience in higher education. Originally, a New Jersey native, she moved to Florida in 2013 to earn her Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University and decided to make Florida her permanent home. Ms. Brown's leadership style is one of authenticity and understanding, and her ability to connect with people has been instrumental to her success. From holding multiple student leadership roles during her undergraduate career to successfully supervising over 40 employees in her professional career, her collaborative and supportive grace makes everyone in the room feel seen and heard. Ms. Brown seeks ways to implement innovative solutions to advocate for underrepresented demographics. In 2022, she founded Brown Joy, LLC to create positive images of Black and Brown characters to help children see Black and Brown characters represented in more dynamic positions. She has been recognized for her work within the community. In 2022, she received the Young Professional of Osceola County Tomorrow's Leaders Today award. She also actively volunteers and serves on the Board of Directors for Poinciana Area Council, Steps Foundation, Inc., and Young Professionals of Osceola County. Ms. Brown uses her diverse experience to bridge gaps and create more opportunities for people in her community. Her leadership has provided college students with success. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she created job opportunities for more than 20 college students qualified for federal work-study to gain professional experience while working from home. She helped award over $50,000 in scholarships to students when serving as Valencia College's scholarships lead captain. Ms. Brown's greatest love is for her daughter, Joy. Joy inspires her to be the best version of herself. Ms. Brown believes success comes when you show up as your true authentic self.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, at 31 years of age, LaVell D. Monger prides himself on impacting his community. LaVell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Missouri--St. Louis, where he was born and raised. He later received his Master of Education with an emphasis on higher education leadership from Florida Atlantic University. LaVell serves on boards of many notable nonprofit organizations in the region and is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Moving to Osceola County to serve as co-owner of RTW Photography in 2018, LaVell oversees business development and community outreach. Since moving to Central Florida, he has been committed to making a difference in his community. Immediately, LaVell became part of many conversations to advance regional commerce, equality in education, and urban development. In 2023, the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce will inaugurate LaVell D. Monger as the first African American board chair. He was vital in implementing a young professionals program and revitalizing the Government Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Osceola Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Through his leadership, the Black Business Coalition of Osceola County is one of the chambers' most successful initiatives. In 2021, knowing the impact being a member of the Boys and Girls Club had on him growing up in St. Louis and how it shaped him into the young professional he is today, LaVell partnered with other community leaders to start a task force to open St. Cloud's first Boys and Girls Club branch. During the pandemic, this effort meant raising $600,000 from community leaders so children in St. Cloud could have the support they need to succeed. Innovative in business and selfless to the community, LaVell built his network knowing the importance of relationships and integrity while continuing to prioritize his community.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Nadege B. Jean-Paul is an EEO/Diversity & Inclusion Assistant at the Veteran's Healthcare Administration (VHA) Orlando Veteran's Administration (VA) Healthcare System. Ms. Jean-Paul began her VHA/VA career in May 2016 in the Medical Administration Service (MAS) as a Medical Support Assistant (MSA). In June 2018, she graduated with a ``Stepping with PRIDE'' Leadership Development Program certificate from the VISN 8 VA Sunshine Healthcare Network. Ms. Jean- Paul has proudly served as a federal employee for seven and a half years. Prior to joining the VA, Ms. Jean-Paul worked for the Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from 2011 to 2016 as the Assisting Supervisor in the Outpatient and Radiology Department. In 2015, she was recognized by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs for Outstanding Accomplishments in the Field of Religion. She is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University where she earned a bachelor's degree in Health Services with a major in Health Administration. In December 2005, she was appointed as a Deaconess of the Church of The Living and Holy God in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 2022, she completed a seven-week Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace certificate training course at the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. Ms. Jean-Paul was the Editor in Chief of the ``EEO In the Know'' Diversity and Inclusion Newsletter for the Orlando VA Healthcare System. In May 2022, she was selected for the National VHA Diffusion Academy for her contributions to the Diversity and Inclusion Advocate Program innovation project. Ms. Jean-Paul has a passion for serving others with integrity, respect, and advocates for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Amanda Wilkerson is a scholar and social reformer who examines academia and analyzes K-20 student achievement to better understand enhancing the human condition. She is a tireless advocate for equity and excellence in higher education who seeks to build a better world for individuals and institutions through cooperation, collaboration, and community engagement. Currently, Dr. Wilkerson serves as an assistant professor in the College of Community Innovation and Education at the University of Central Florida. She is also an affiliated faculty member and a visiting scholar with the Center for Minority Serving Institutions at Rutgers University. A proud graduate of Florida A&M University, Dr. Wilkerson has written educational materials and coordinated forums on significant civic and scholastic matters. Dr. Wilkerson served as the guest editor for the Urban Education Research and Policy Annuals Journal-Hillard Sizemore Special. As a part of her passion for higher education and her mission to create inclusive learning environments, Dr. Wilkerson regularly works with instructional leaders to build their capacity for studying and practicing equity-based pedagogical approaches. Her research focuses on explicating affirmative teaching practices, educational policies, and community organizing methods that improve community partnerships and bolster student success. Dr. Wilkerson has been recognized with the Outstanding Service in Education award by the Holmes Scholars Association of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) and the Diversity Scholarship with the Adult Higher Education Association (AHEA). She serves as the national chair for the Urban Education Topical Action Group for AACTE. Dr. Amanda Wilkerson is an innovator and an intellectual who continues to work on community initiatives. To date, she is the first faculty member in her department to secure a prestigious National Science Foundation award. Further, she is an expert with Florida ExpertNet, a publicly funded portal of research expertise in Florida's universities.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Lawrence ``Lare'' Allen is a lifelong resident of Osceola County Florida. He graduated from Osceola High and then from the United States Military Academy at West Point. After a tour in the Middle East, he returned to Osceola County to begin a career in education. One of his biggest fears was being the person who extinguished a child's natural love of learning. He aspired to impart a sense of adventure, hope, and belief to his students. He wanted them to know they could become happy, productive members of society. He treated his students as if they were his younger cousins. He met them where they were and helped them move forward along their own journey. Lare Allen believes a free quality public education should be available to all citizens. He has worked diligently to achieve that goal within his community. He understands that it begins with supporting the people who support our students since educator working conditions are student learning conditions. He noticed that too often legislation was implemented that did more harm to the students than good, so he became involved in his local union. Since there was always more work available than people to do the work, he stepped forward to volunteer in a variety of roles. Regardless of one's party affiliation and regardless of one's race religion or creed, he would sit down to discuss how to better serve the students because he believed collaboration achieved better results than competition. Lare Allen is currently the president of the Osceola County Education Association. He intends to retire this year. He will begin a new career as a day trader with more time to advocate for staff and students at the school board and state levels. He is happily married to his beautiful wife, Laura Portorreal Allen. They have several amiable children.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Eric Pinellas was born and raised in Osceola County and graduated from Osceola High School in 1990. He went on to earn a degree from Georgia Military College and returned to Osceola County where he served as a behavior specialist with the Center for Drug-Free Living from 1995 to 1999. Mr. Pinellas knew his purpose was to impact our youth. He started his career with the Osceola County School District in 2000 as an educator and impactful coach. Mr. Pinellas has dedicated his life to serving the youth while employed at Osceola High School--23 years coaching football, weightlifting, and track and field. He has coached nine state champions in track and field, two in girls weightlifting, and has been a member of four state runner-up coaching staffs in football. Mr. Pinellas has also helped over 50 of his athletes earn athletic scholarships to various colleges and universities across the country. He realized our youth could use their athletic abilities to take them to places they have never been. He understood those talents can be used as leverage to succeed. Most recently, he was named head football coach at Osceola after 21 years as a dedicated assistant coach where he also holds the title of head boys and girls track coach. Mr. Pinellas' community involvement has also included volunteering with both youth football and youth track teams in the Osceola County community. These youth teams have been able to display their many talents at many national events across the United States. He is recognized as a strong pillar in the community. Mr. Pinellas has always felt it was his obligation to give back to his community in the same manner that he saw others do as he grew up in the city of Kissimmee. He lives by the motto ``one child at a time.''

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Sandra Nixon Tynes, an educator and ordained Christian Evangelist, co-founded the Welcome Table Ministries along with her husband Deacon Carlton A. Tynes, a Korean War veteran and 30-year civil servant. They had a joint vision to establish a ministry dedicated to serving others. Although Deacon Tynes transitioned in December of 2019, Welcome Table Ministries continues its good work under co-founder Dr. Sandra Nixon Tynes with an ardent, unwavering mandate to serve the hopeless, the hungry, the homeless, and the helpless. Since its inception, Welcome Table Ministries has served over 29,000 hot nutritious home-cooked meals and provided confidential counseling, free resumes, free tutoring in English language arts, special holiday treats/gifts, emergency groceries, and monetary crisis assistance. Dr. Tynes also provides assistance with religious services. Welcome Table Ministries has touched the lives of many in countless strives to fulfill its mission to ``share the sweet love of Jesus Christ one hot meal and one act of kindness at a time.'' They have been doing so for over 23 years. Dr. Tynes has been recognized by the City of Kissimmee with a proclamation for the ministry, service, and partnership with other community organizations in Osceola County.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Ann Y. Eastman Ellison Tyler retired from Calvert County, Maryland Public Schools and moved to Kissimmee, Florida in 1991. As a music educator, she was urged to teach again. Her love of music in Osceola County public schools and in the community was evident as she created and nurtured soloists, choruses, and pianists. She rarely turned anyone down when music was needed for weddings, wakes, and funerals--performing with compassion and strict professionalism, many times gratis. Dr. Tyler hails from the Bronx. Education was the primary family goal. After finishing Manhattan's High School of Music and Art, she earned her bachelor's and master's in music education from Howard University in Washington, D.C., joining Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Dr. Tyler earned her degree in curriculum and instruction in 2002 from the University of Central Florida while teaching in Osceola County. She speaks her mind to students, parents, and the government to improve situations. Several Osceola committee appointments included affirmative action, charter review, and housing. She is a life member and past president of the Osceola County Education Association--Retired. Dr. Tyler's life achievement awards have come from the Osceola County Branch 5121 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Caribbean and Floridian Association, and the City of Kissimmee. She believes in and supports funding student scholarships. Dr. Tyler's curriculum has always included American patriotic lyrics, African American gospel and jazz, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American folk songs, and acting and dancing skits from Pre-K, special education, to high school, enjoyed by the children and many parents. Dr. Tyler has acted in commercials and the Zora Neale Hurston PBS documentary. Since retirement, she authored two books, ``Grandma Julia'' and ``The New Octogenarian: The First 180 Days.'' At 84 with two grown sons and her faith, life is full.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Jennifer Paul is a lifelong resident of Osceola County. Jennifer is a warrior for bringing awareness to Black history matters in Osceola County and for her involvement in the Whitted Historic Community. In addition to serving in her community, Jennifer has over 15 years of experience in the Department of Defense manufacturing industry, where she currently works full-time. Jennifer received the Osceola County Women Warrior award in 2022 for publicly sharing Black history from Osceola County of different lifelong icons who have served their community and community pillars. Also. for opening up opportunities for future generations. Jennifer is a member of the NAACP of Osceola County 5121, serves as the chairperson for the environmental committee, and was recently elected to serve on the at-large executive committee for the local NAACP. Environmental concerns within her community are another area to be enhanced through community involvement. She continues to advocate for inclusion in her community and equality for environmental injustices. Bridging the gap between the community and local government is a priority for Jennifer. She also shares this same passion with her twin sister, Jessica, and they have partnered to provide the proper resources to the community. Jennifer is the second of three children including her brother Justin and a mother to two beautiful daughters, Princess and Precious. Her supportive significant other supports all of her accomplishments. She is very proud of her parents, Larry Paul and Karen Starke-Paul, for instilling great values and work ethics in all of their children's successful lives. She will continue to build a better community for the residents in the heart of the Whitted Historic Community. On behalf of Jennifer, she would like to thank those who were involved in nominating her.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Merchon Green is a graduate of Florida State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and a minor in communications. She also earned a Juris Doctorate in Law from Southern University Law Center. Merchon is the founder of MDG Advisory Group, a full-service consulting firm, and Pioneering Change, Inc., a community advocacy organization dedicated to equity and equality. Merchon founded Pioneering Change, Inc. in March of 2017 after a series of murders in the Gifford community. Pioneering Change, Inc. works to unify citizens, educate them to increase self-sufficiency, and equip them with strategies to advocate for themselves, as well as employ ways to better their communities. Merchon has served on numerous committees advocating for equity, equality, and representation for the underserved. From 2018 to 2020, Merchon served as the chairperson for the School District of Indian River County's Federal Court Mandated Equity Committee, where she oversaw the district's compliance with the 1967 Desegregation Order, as well as made policy, program, and service recommendations to remedy inequities in the School District of Indian River County. Today, she is the City of Orlando's first equity official and is working to ensure that all residents feel equally valued, equally protected, and have equitable access to opportunities in the City Beautiful.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Chairman, I offer amendment No. 44.

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Chairman, I am amazed to see, for hours, Republicans arguing against President Biden lowering gas prices. That is simply fascinating to me. President Biden was well within his authority and the law he utilized to draw down oil from our strategic reserve. The law is there to help prevent disruption. There is a war in Ukraine. We rightfully banned Russian oil together. That is a disruption, and President Biden acted. Maybe you all didn't like that, but he acted. That resulted in savings for American families of $1.69 per gallon since the peak price. So what are you all talking about? Now, compare President Trump, who used the strategic reserve to help pay for the GOP tax scam for the rich. So let me get this straight. Republicans think saving American families on gas during a war in Europe is wrong, but financing tax cuts for fat cat billionaires is okay. That makes no sense. Even more incredible, President Biden sold the oil on an open market, at a high price, and then he replenished it at a lower price, earning $4 billion in profit for American taxpayers. You cannot make this up. Then my colleagues across the aisle--how do you like them apples, huh? Another thing, oil companies already hold leases on 12.6 million acres of public lands already, and they are using just about half of them. So you can spend hours talking about how you oppose Biden's successful effort to prevent a disruption in a time of war in Europe that we are helping to support to lower gas prices for the American people. I stand with the President on this, and so do millions of Americans.

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Chairman, this amendment ensures that this bill, H.R. 21, will not go into effect until the Department of Energy can certify that gas prices won't increase as it develops a plan to expand oil and gas drilling on Federal lands by the same percentage that it releases oil from the SPR. Essentially, if we are going to get more or equal savings from using the Strategic Petroleum Reserve then we would not be expanding drilling on public lands and sell off more lands needlessly. In addition, I know I spoke before about some of the issues we had with the underlying legislation, but I did want to bring a few more facts to bear. When President Trump and the Republicans financed the GOP tax scam for the rich with similar strategic oil reserves, some of that gas was bought by China, by the way. You don't hear about that much, but under President Trump and under President Biden, we saw China buy some of this gas because it was sold to the overall market. Now, we came together, Mr. Chairman, in a bipartisan fashion to limit that. You don't hear a lot in the debate today that Trump sold gas to China or that Trump sold oil to China as so much is talked about President Biden. Fact number two is President Trump had used the strategic reserve when the Saudis and their refineries were attacked. Again, disruption, just like we see with us banning Russian oil in a bipartisan fashion and just like we see with the oil reserve. There is a lot of amnesia here in the Chamber about the historic use under two administrations to try to steady out the price of gas for everyday Americans. Lastly, we opposed for many years eliminating the ability to export America's gas and oil abroad. There was a bipartisan deal a few years ago where we got the ability to continue the tax credits for solar and wind and other renewables, and the Republicans asked us to include an elimination of this ban on exporting fuel abroad. That is a big part of how this all happened, and that is certainly not an America First policy when we hear so much about the debate on the amount of gas and the price of gas here. I will end where I began, which is President Biden helped lower gas prices, and now we are hearing a multihour debate about how they oppose that. I certainly stand with the President, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding life and legacy of Dr. Daniel Holsenbeck, age 80, who passed away on December 5, 2022. Dr. Holsenbeck, who was widely known as ``Dr. Dan'' was senior vice oresident emeritus at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he worked for over 35 years. Dr. Dan touched the lives of countless individuals and left a lasting impression on the Central Florida community. Dr. Holsenbeck helped to foster deep relationships across the Central Florida community and across the State of Florida that propelled the university's rise in quality and reputation. He helped shape many of the big ideas that have transformed UCF into the place it is today, including championing the region's modeling and simulation industry and UCF's partnerships with the military. He was instrumental in securing state funding for UCF's main campus, the establishment of the College of Medicine, and the creation of the downtown Orlando UCF campus. As an instructor, he loved being in the classroom with students, helping to shape future public relations and government relations professionals. Dr. Holsenbeck reported to five UCF presidents before retiring in December 2019. His impact on UCF and throughout Central Florida will be felt for generations. In 1985, he was hired as associate vice president of government relations. He was promoted to vice president in 1993 and senior vice president in 2014. He served as senior counsel to the president in 2018 and 2019 and then was honored with the title of senior vice president emeritus. Dr. Holsenbeck is credited for establishing the UCF Legislative Scholars program, which has been described as the ``best program'' of its kind in Florida's State Capitol. Created 19 years ago, the program enables students to augment their academic learning by working full time in legislators' offices during the annual Florida legislative session. Since the program's inception, 220 scholars have learned the ``ins and outs'' of Florida's legislative and public policy-making arena, learning directly from legislative staff, governmental agencies, and lobbying groups while gaining valuable governmental experience. Dr. Holsenbeck also served UCF presidents in numerous public relations and advisory capacities, including managing University Economic Development and Defense Transition Services. A former captain in the U.S. Naval Reserve, the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division named a Navy jet in his honor, in recognition of his dedication to growing the Modeling, Simulation and Training community. Dr. Holsenbeck was director of basic enlisted mathematics for the U.S. Navy Nuclear Power School from 1967 through 1969. He served as the principal civilian advisor on college and university teaching and testing for the Chief of Naval Education and Training in Pensacola, Florida. In that capacity, he conducted teaching seminars for all NROTC Navy and Marine instructors from 1971 to 1998. As a drilling reservist, he held four commands in Orlando and Montgomery, Alabama. Dr. Holsenbeck earned a Bachelor's in mathematics, with honors, from Auburn University, a Master's in education from Johns Hopkins University, and a Doctorate in higher education management systems from Florida State University. UCF awarded Dr. Holsenbeck an honorary Doctorate degree in 2019 in recognition of his distinguished service to the university and Central Florida, as well as the military. Before coming to UCF, Dr. Holsenbeck was associate vice president for development and alumni affairs at the University of South Florida, the director of university relations at Auburn University, and vice chancellor for development at Auburn University at Montgomery. Dr. Holsenbeck greatly appreciated the important role nonprofit organizations play in the community and volunteered his time generously on several boards. The Kids House of Seminole County was especially important to him for its dedication to prevent child abuse and provide support for child abuse victims and their families. He was active in local and national civic and professional organizations, including the Central Florida Partnership, the Economic Development Commission of Mid-Florida, the board of directors of Visit Orlando, the Orange County R&D Authority (chairman, 1999 to 2000) and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. Dr. Dan served on the CASE National Board of Trustees and was chairman of CASE's National Commission on Government Relations. He was chairman of the CASE National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges and American Association of State Colleges and Universities Task Force on State Relations from 1996 to 1997. In 1999, Dr. Holsenbeck received the highest national recognition for his state relations activities, the Swede Johnson Award sponsored by CASE, NASULGC and AASCU. He has served on the Boards of Kids House of Seminole, Work Force Central Florida, the UCF Foundation, the National Center for Simulation, the UCF Alumni Association, and the Board of Visitors for the FAMU College of Law. Dr. Holsenbeck was blessed with a loving family whom he adored and admired. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Joyce Clampitt, a former UCF administrator, and his daughter, Amy Clampitt-Holsenbeck, a board- certified physician assistant and pediatric health specialist. He was preceded in death by his son Alan Clampitt-Holsenbeck. Dr. Holsenbeck leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and inspiration. Dr. Dan's positive outlook on life touched the lives of so many and made our community a better place. I am saddened by the loss of such a valuable member of the community and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I commend the authors of the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill for including funding for Department of Defense programs to support critically needed, secure, leading-edge domestic semiconductor manufacturing technology. Specifically: $40 million in additional funding for Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program's (IBAS) on-shore advanced packaging for strategic mission enablement within the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide account: $10 million in additional funding for Aerospace Sensors' zero-trust environment for semiconductor technology within the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force account; and $5 million in additional funding for Aerospace Sensors' heterogeneous integration of microelectronics within the Research. Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force account. Microelectronics support nearly all DoD activities, enabling capabilities such as the global positioning system, radar, command and control, and communication. Ensuring secure access to leading-edge microelectronics, however, is a challenge. The pandemic has shined a light on the challenges associated with the global supply chain, the changing global semiconductor industry, and the sophistication of U.S. adversaries, who might target military electronic components. IBAS is dedicated to ensuring that the DoD is positioned to effectively address industrial base issues and support the National Security Innovation Base. This includes strengthening and protecting the domestic semiconductor supply chain to provide access to leading- edge capabilities to accelerate innovation. One of the next generation semiconductor technologies that IBAS is focusing on is called Heterogeneous Integration and Advanced Packing. These activities provide credible and reliable domestic advanced microelectronics manufacturing capability. Funding for machine tooling and advanced manufacturing capabilities will allow IBAS to support these next generation production lines. Further, the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) is working on a new modelling and simulation research program to advance next generation semiconductor design and manufacturing, called a secure digital twin. Funding for the zero-trust environment for semiconductor technology will help provide the capabilities to deliver solutions to protect against malicious function insertion, fraudulent products, theft of intellectual property, and reliability failures within DoD semiconductors. I believe Congress should provide the resources necessary to update our domestic microelectronics security framework. I am proud of the work being undertaken in my district to support domestic semiconductor manufacturing technology development as we work to address this critical supply chain. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to support this goal.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and legacy of William ``Bill'' Levy, a constituent of mine who recently passed away. Bill grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. When he turned 18, he joined the Navy and saw the world. Upon completion of his tour of duty, he returned home to work for the family business, U.S. Tool & Manufacturing Company--a small automotive part company that had been in his family for over 100 years. He loved working at U.S. Tool and was always excited to go into work every day. He was co-owner and head salesman. It was through U.S. Tool that Bill became an active participant of the Production Engine Remanufacturers Association (PERA). He received the PERA Manufacturer of the Year Award at the 2003 PERA convention. He had also served on the PERA board of directors, was the chairman of the membership committee, and was the history committee chairman. An avid golfer, Bill was known to travel with his golf clubs and play as much as he could. In fact, golf is what brought him to Florida, so he could play golf year-round. Bill was also the PERA golf tournament chairman for decades. Because of his dedication to the PERA golf tournament, the PERA board of directors elected to name the golf tournament the ``Bill Levy Memorial Golf Tournament.'' Bill was a fun-loving guy, who was frequently the life of the party. Bill's positive and playful outlook on life touched the lives of so many. I am saddened by the loss of such a valuable member of the community and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Mike Nichola, my former Legislative Director, and current Osceola County community leader. Mike has dedicated his professional life to helping better Osceola County and Central Florida. Mike was my first Legislative Director and helped to establish my legislative office. He has a long list of impressive legislative accomplishments. Throughout his congressional career, from drafting hundreds of pieces of legislation to securing millions of dollars worth of appropriation requests, he always kept in mind that it's a privilege to work for the home office and would frequently go above and beyond for our constituents. Since moving back to Central Florida, he continued to advocate for our community through Osceola County government. He was instrumental in helping the County navigate the uncertainty of the pandemic. He also helped the County get funding for roads, affordable housing, rental assistance, fire fighters, to restore their lakes and rivers, addressed storm water issues, and diversified the Central Florida economy through expanding NeoCity. Mike recently led a Central Florida regional coalition to apply for the U.S. Department of Commerce's Build Back Better Regional Challenge to expand NeoCity's semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing capabilities. Out of 529 applications nationwide, the Osceola-led Central Florida semiconductor coalition was the only organization in the State of Florida to be awarded a Phase 1 grant out of 17 applications. Mike was appointed the Regional Economic Competitiveness Officer and led the coalition during the 90-day period to refine, draft, and submit seven individual component grant applications and the overall proposal, while simultaneously securing over $12 million in a private local match. Through his leadership, the coalition was one of 21 Phase 2 award winners, resulting in over $50 million from the federal government. I thank Mike for his service with my office, dedication to public service, and all that he does for Osceola County and Central Florida.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, it is time to set our people free. After 124 years, it is past time for Americans in Puerto Rico to decide their own form of government. The Puerto Rico Status Act will finally allow Puerto Ricans to throw off their colonial bonds, finally end their territorial status and choose for themselves: statehood, independence, and sovereignty with free association. What a historic day today is in the U.S. House of Representatives. With the option of statehood, which is my preference, it is simple. Puerto Rico would become the 51st State in our Nation, with all the representation rights of our States. With independence, they would become an independent nation, a sovereign free to decide their own future. With sovereignty with free association, they would be an independent nation and would have the right to enter into a compact, a contract between the United States and Puerto Rico that would provide for citizenship for a limited time, foreign policy agreements, among other matters. The history of this bill this term is really important to discuss. We had two hearings that lasted a day each. We had bipartisan negotiations with the great leader on the Republican side, Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, the very voice of the island of Puerto Rico, along with my colleagues Nydia Velazquez, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, our great chairman here, and, of course, our leader. It is bipartisan. Just to make sure, we had another nearly daylong hearing, meeting with stakeholders on the island after the draft was released. Then, of course, we had a markup. That lasted all day. In fact, I can't think of a single bill that we have gotten out of the Natural Resources Committee that we spent more time on this term than this bill. Of course, we see a long history of discrimination against territories, or excuses for why territories shouldn't become States. With Texas, they said, ``Could a nation become a State?'' But they got in. With New Mexico, they talked about a majority Hispanic native State. It took them nearly 70 years. They got in. In Utah, there was religious discrimination. In Hawaii, it was a nation and a predominantly native island--Alaska, as well. One by one, we admitted these territories as States based upon their desire to join the Union. At this moment, I can't help but well up with emotion. I think about the brave, Borinqueneers, who fought in World War I, World War II, Korea. Puerto Ricans serve in our armed services to this day in greater numbers, in many instances, than States. Many died fighting for a country that organized them into segregated units, sent them there on orders of a Commander in Chief for whom they could not vote under our laws. Yet, as Puerto Ricans, as Americans, they did so proudly, sacrificing their lives for our freedom. I think about my trips to Iraq and Afghanistan during the global war on terror. I can never forget traveling through the vast desert of Kuwait and, upon landing at an isolated base, there was the Puerto Rican flag flying in the middle of the desert. You have to wonder, what were they doing there? It is out of love of this country that they were there. I was similarly welcomed by a Puerto Rican medical unit proudly serving in Afghanistan under constant threat of danger. I think about those families I met after Hurricane Maria and the devastation caused there, the most deadly disaster in modern history. That was a watershed moment for so many of us. It just showed how fragile the rights of those on the island were, recovering from Puerto Rico's worst disaster, with Hurricane Maria. I also think of my bisabuela, Altagracia Casanova. Born just after the turn of the 20th century, I met her for the first time when she was in her late eighties during my first trip to the island. I was only 3 years old. We developed a close relationship, and she ultimately lived to 96 years old. Her life spanned nearly a century. All the while, she lived in a colonial territory as a second-class citizen in the greatest democracy in the world. What a tragedy. What an irony. I think about my abuela, Sara Casanova, who would come to the mainland every summer to spend time with us, teach us the language and history, enjoy our native food and music, and familiarize us with our family's native culture. She died right before my first successful primary to the Florida House of Representatives back in 2007. But before she passed, even with a fading memory, she read about the campaign in La Prensa and cried. She understood it was a historic moment for our family, a passing of the torch to the next generation. I carry that torch into this Chamber, and I ask you all to support freedom for our family back on the island, just like we expect for every other American.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, Dr. Charles E. Anderson, Sr. is the Senior Pastor and Founder of Trinity Church--one church in several locations. Dr. Anderson has served over 25 years in pastoral ministry and has had the opportunity to serve in various capacities in the International, National, State, and Local arenas. He is the President of Unity in the Community in Haines City, Florida, which is a group of local pastors, local businesses, and community leaders who work together to promote unity in the Haines City community and other surrounding areas throughout Polk County. UIC promotes and develops economic empowerment for businesses and fosters positive relationships between city government, law enforcement, and citizens. Through Dr. Anderson's leadership, UIC and Trinity Church have championed several annual community projects and programs such as hosting a testing site for COVID-19 vaccines, a community feeding program, constructing affordable housing in the East Polk County area, a work readiness program that educates youth and prepares them for success, a back-to-school bash which continues to serve more than 2,000 families with backpacks and school supplies, and a Miracle Christmas serving over 250 families with bicycles, toys, and gift cards. Dr. Anderson serves on the Central Florida Health Care Board of Directors where he provides guidance for policies and strategic development. He also serves on the Advent Health Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Council. Dr. Anderson has also worked with the State Attorney's office of the 10th Judicial Circuit to host several expungement seminars to allow citizens with criminal records to be sealed or expunged and live more productive lives. Dr. Anderson received his Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, a Master of Theological Studies, and a Doctor of Divinity from Logos University Christian College in Jacksonville. He also received a second Master of Ministry from Warner University in Lake Wales. Dr. Anderson has been married to Dr. Judith F. Anderson for the past 42 years. He has two sons, Charles II (Shaelis) and Javier (Chassidee), nine grandchildren, and two great-grandkids.