Member of Congress
Darren Soto
- Role
- Current Representative
- State
- FL
- Party
- Democrat
Speeches
HONORING MICHELLE ALLMAN2021-06-14
Mr. SOTO
Mr. SOTO. In honor of LGBTQ-plus Pride Month, I would like to recognize Ms. Lisa Barr. Lisa Barr joined the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, Inc., in August of 2014 as executive director, prior to which she was the vice president of development at Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County, Florida. Lisa spent over 20 years as a Department of Defense contractor prior to moving to the nonprofit sector. She holds an MBA in management from the Johns Hopkins University and has a diverse background in the fields of government defense contracting, business consulting, not-for-profit leadership, and fundraising. Her major career accomplishments include leading the expansion of a small, grassroots health organization into a regional operation with multiple satellite locations and successfully leading 22 government subcontractors to surpass their targets throughout the rebuild challenges following the September 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon. Lisa is known throughout the region as a thought leader when it comes to innovation and new ideas to address the area's health disparities. She has recently been featured on WKMG News 6 for her work on HIV prevention and education and the reopening of a new medical facility. She has contributed to the field of HIV and not-for-profit management through speaking engagements, mentorship of senior organizational leaders, and volunteer service on major projects, including the United States Conference on AIDS. Lisa has fostered an environment of excellence, compassion, and service that has earned Hope and Health the reputation of the warm hug of healthcare. In her spare time Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and building houses with Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County Women Build. For this and more, Ms. Lisa Barr, we honor you. Honoring Joel Junior Morales
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, I would like to recognize Joel Junior Morales. Joel Junior Morales--pronouns he, him, his, el,--is a proud queer Puerto Rican. He is currently the operations director for the LGBT+ Center Orlando, spearheading efforts to affirm and empower the LGBTQ+ community. Morales served as a victim service navigator during the aftermath of the Pulse nightclub shooting on June 12, 2016. He assisted more than 900 individuals and 255 families, alongside 50 other government, community, and business organizations at the Family Assistance Center, which transitioned to being what is known now as the Orlando United Assistance, currently under Joel's leadership. He was instrumental in creating the Central Florida LGBTQ+ Relief Fund, a collaboration of several LGBTQ organizations and mutual aid fund that helped over 700 LGBTQ+ families during the peak of the pandemic in 2020. Throughout volunteerism, a longstanding community builder, Joel is one of the cofounders of QLatinx, a grassroots racial, social, and gender justice organization dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of the LGBTQ+ Latinx community. He also serves on many community boards, including grant committee member for Contigo Fund, stakeholder forum for the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center, leadership team for the American Cancer Society, and others. An advocate for survivors, he was trained and certified with the Florida Crisis Response Team. Joel is also the regional chapter coordinator for Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. He advocated and organized around Florida House bill 7125. The new Florida policy improves the probation system, gets Floridians back to work, and removes barriers to victims' compensation. In addition, Joel has recently joined the Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center as a consultant under the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program, working closely with other trauma centers around the Nation. He aims to continue his efforts through social justice and advocacy. For this and more, Mr. Joel Junior Morales, we honor you. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Sterling Blake. Hailing from Jamaica West Indies, Sterling C. Blake came to the great United States of America as a sugarcane farmworker. He has resided in Kissimmee, Florida, for most of his life, where he served as an assistant pastor at the Church of God in Christ for 24 years. Sterling then started a landscaping company in 1987, and the company grew tremendously. In 1994, Sterling Silver Scape & Sod, Inc., was nominated as the third largest African-American business in the central Florida area, and he was featured in the Orlando Business Journal that same year, and also in 2006. Sterling was also honored by the Orange County Minority Board department. Sterling served on the board of the Council on Aging for 10 years and is also the pastor of Restore the Path for Christ church located in Kissimmee, Florida. Sterling was also a member of the Tuskegee Airmen for over 10 years, and his commitment to the Tuskegee Airmen has afforded him the honor of a red jacket. Sterling has served his community well by feeding the poor, visiting the sick in the hospitals, and helping the needy. Sterling is known in his community as an upstanding and honest businessman. For this and more, Mr. Sterling Blake, we honor you. Honoring Grace Peek-Harris
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of LGBTQ-plus Pride Month, I would like to recognize Ms. Grace Peek-Harris. Ms. Grace Peek-Harris has served the central Florida LGBTQ-plus community for several years. Grace's Navy career brought her to the region in the 1990s where she served on several deployments, including Operation Enduring Freedom. In 1998, she transitioned from active duty to the reserves and joined the Orlando Police Department. While at OPD, she became well-known as an advocate for LGBTQ-plus issues and a friend to the LGBTQ-plus community. After the Pulse tragedy, Grace was officially appointed as the lead LGBTQ liaison where she continued to foster numerous relationships throughout the Orlando area and became the first full-time driver of the #0049 Orlando United patrol car. While in this role, Grace played an integral part in expanding the Safe Place program where over 230 Orlando businesses display a sticker identifying them as a safe place to report LGBTQ crimes. In 2019, Grace founded the Gay Officers Action League of Central Florida, GOALcfl, whose mission is to support, educate, and promote positive relationships between LGBTQ, law enforcement and the communities they serve. Under her leadership as president, GOALcfl has become a driving force within the community by bridging the gap between the two. She has led the organization through tremendous growth and has supported many central Florida LGBTQ-plus non-profits. In 2021, GOALcfl hosted their first major training event in partnership with the Matthew Shepard Foundation. This day-long program educated many community advocates, law enforcement, and legal personnel on current hate crimes legislation. Grace retired as a commander from the Navy after 23 years and retired as a master sergeant from OPD after 20 years. She currently enjoys serving on the board of The Center and GOALcfl and continuing to volunteer with LGBTQ-plus organizations, including Zebra Coalition and KindRED Pride Foundation. Grace lives in Windermere with her wife, Elie and their son, Dylan. For this and more, Ms. Grace Peek-Harris, we honor you. Honoring Eleanor McDonough
Mr. SOTO. In honor of LGBTQ-plus Pride Month, I would like to recognize Eleanor McDonough. Ms. Eleanor McDonough was born and raised in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, to parents Frank and Sally McDonough. She moved to Kissimmee, Florida, in 2016 where she came out as a transgender woman. She currently works as a legislative assistant to Representative Kristen Arrington of Kissimmee, Florida, House District 43, and is the only out transgender person working at the Florida Capitol. She previously worked for the Florida Democratic Party as a field organizer in Osceola County in the Celebration, Reunion, and Champions Gate area. She currently serves as the corresponding secretary of the Osceola County Democratic Executive Committee, is the deputy director of Region 4, central Florida, of the Florida LGBTQ-plus Democratic Caucus, is the secretary of the Florida Democratic Party Diversity and Inclusion Committee, is the secretary of the Osceola County Democratic Women's Club, and is a board member of the Democrats of St. Cloud and the Osceola County LGBTQ-plus Democratic Caucus. She is also passionate about commonsense gun reform as a volunteer and former social media lead of the Osceola County chapter of Moms Demand Action. In 2019 Eleanor graduated from the National Democratic Training Committee Staff Academy in the digital organizing track. Before her career in politics, she previously worked in the technology field for 20 years and was a small business owner. She has three siblings: her brother Joseph McDonough, and her sisters Virginia and Siobhan McDonough. She is also the proud aunt of nephews Connor Fresia and Gus McDonough. Eleanor is working to make the world a better place, especially for transgender kids. She looks forward to serving her community in Kissimmee for many years to come. For this and more, Ms. Eleanor McDonough, we honor you. Honoring Mandy Kimmer
Mr. SOTO. In honor of LGBTQ-plus Pride Month I would like to recognize Mandy Kimmer. Mandy Kimmer, APR, CPRC, is the public information officer for Orange County Parks and Recreation, having worked there for 13 years. Born and raised near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she earned her BA degrees in public relations, journalism, and economics from Florida Southern College in Lakeland in 1983. In 2015 she and friend Karen Castelloes cofounded the Zebra Coalition's Jefferson R. Voss Education Fund for LGBTQ-plus students in central Florida, establishing an endowed scholarship at the University of Central Florida and helping direct funds from a separate donation for students pursuing courses for a GED or technical and community college. Since the inception of this funding, numerous students have received thousands of dollars in financial assistance to further their education. After the Pulse tragedy occurred in Orlando on June 12, 2016, Mandy formed the LGBTQ Pride and Allies of Orange County for county colleagues and others outside the organization. Knowing that people wanted to help and needed to heal, she invited LGBT community leaders to speak at meetings held in Orange County's administration building. Topics included volunteer opportunities with Zebra Coalition, civil rights work of Equality Florida, community involvement of The LGBT-plus Center Orlando, personal transgender stories, and coming-out experiences of youth and adults. Five years later this small assembly is now in the process of meeting requirements to become a recognized employee resource group for the Orange County government's 8,000 employees. Mandy has sung first alto and second soprano parts in the Orlando Gay Chorus for the past 4 years and is a 9-year breast cancer survivor. She is the proud mom of sons Matthew Luber, a former U.S. marine, and Andrew Luber, who is majoring in accounting at the University of South Florida in Tampa. For this and more, Ms. Mandy Kimmer, we honor you. Honoring Brandon Wolf
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean Heritage Month, I recognize Michelle Allman. Michelle, otherwise known as Coach Mea Allman, born in Jamaica, comes from a diverse, mixed cultural heritage: her father, Costa Rican, and her mother, Jamaican, Arawak Indian, Scot. She was raised in Canada and now resides in Florida. She noticed early in her career the bullying of young people with cultural accents in schools and the general lack of awareness about their Caribbean heritage. Coach Mea felt a need to be part of educating her Caribbean-American community by publishing an online publication called Karibbean Under One Magazine in 2008, along with her son, Michael Morgan, as cofounder and CFO, to show the richness of diverse cultures; to be a community liaison for other Caribbean organizations and businesses to provide resources, outreach, disaster relief; and to help others to unite and grow our cultural awareness in the larger community. As a cultural advocate, she is passionate about building a welcoming community with her Women of Kulture brand that comes together as community leaders to educate, empower, and celebrate while keeping their own sense of cultural identity. As a certified professional life, health, and nutrition coach, she encourages others to make, meet, and exceed goals in both their personal and professional lives by using her success as a 21-year breast cancer survivor as a health advocate to produce and host her monthly virtual show, ``G.L.O.W. 365 = Greater Level of Wellness 365,'' that brings awareness of the latest health and wellness information in America and the Caribbean islands. She also celebrates and honors individuals who have overcome or continue to battle chronic illnesses and conditions with her Ribbons of Survivors 365 brand that launched in 2014. Additionally, she is an empowering speaker for KweliWorks and host of several virtual shows. And now, she is the international cultural ambassador for the Orlando International Film Festival Lions Club. Her focus this year is to provide a platform to celebrate Caribbean filmmakers. For this and more, Michelle Allman, we honor you. Honoring Rachelle R. Grand-Pierre
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Rachelle R. Grand-Pierre. Rachelle R. Grand-Pierre is the founder of RGP Law Firm, a boutique immigration law firm in central Florida specializing in immigration, removal defense, and humanitarian relief. Rachelle received her bachelor of arts degree in English, creative writing, at the University of Central Florida. She earned her Juris Doctor at Barry University where she was a member of the inaugural class of the collaborative family law clinic. Rachelle currently serves on the executive board of the Central Florida Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association as regional vice president of Orlando where she liaises between the organization and the U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services office in Orlando. As the daughter of brave, hardworking, Haitian immigrants, Rachelle saw firsthand how immigrants selflessly dedicate themselves to providing better lives for their families. For this reason, Rachelle has a passion for fighting for immigrants to have the ability to live, love, and work in the United States the way she has been blessed to do. Rachelle has had the opportunity to help hundreds of immigrants in her career, and she hopes that she will continue to touch the lives of countless others. Even though she is from south Florida, Rachelle has called central Florida her home for over 14 years. When Rachelle is not tirelessly fighting for her clients, she can be found traveling, cooking, and spending quality time with her family. For this and more, Ms. Rachelle R. Grand-Pierre, we honor you. Honoring Doreen Edwards-Barker
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Doreen Edwards-Barker. Originally of Caribbean descent from Jamaica West Indies, Doreen Edwards-Barker relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, in the early seventies. Doreen's philosophy is ``no one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.'' She has accomplished this by pursuing a nursing degree and attending Bethel Bible College. While attending Bethel Bible College, Doreen joined a street outreach ministry team feeding the homeless on the streets. Looking at the possibility of a life change and an escape from cold winters, Doreen and her husband, Aldwin Barker, chose to call Kissimmee, Florida, their new home in 2002. Immediately, Doreen saw the same need that she saw in Boston. She realized helping others was the secret to living a happier, healthier, and more productive, and meaningful live. Her passion was in her giving. They founded Clarita's House, Inc., and that later changed to Clarita's House Outreach Ministry, Inc., or CHOM, as a testament to her late mother, Clarity Edwards. The outreach ministry has covered areas in Orlando for the Coalition For the Homeless as well as now in Kissimmee. CHOM consistently serves the unsheltered and homeless by helping to build trust relationships with those hardest to reach. They also reach out to people living in the woods and homeless shelters of the community. This is done by providing groceries, new and gently used clothing, hygiene supplies, and down-payment assistance when needed. CHOM also works with the Infinite Scholars Program, facilitating scholarship fairs for more than 500 students and their families, resulting in $10 million in scholarship offers. Doreen has been recognized multiple times within the community, even though she has never sought recognition for her work. CHOM was awarded the 2021 Best of Kissimmee award in the category of charity services. Additionally, CHOM accepted the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida's selection as the 2020 Osceola County Agency of the year. For this and more, Ms. Doreen Edwards-Barker, we honor you. Honoring Andy King
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Andy King. Andy King currently works in the Finance/Shared Services department for the publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. For the past 10 years, Andy has served as president of the board of directors of Southchase Parcel 5 Homeowners Association and served previously as president of the Southchase West Master Homeowners Association. His career also allowed for exposure in the management of some prominent business departments in the private and public sectors, such as banking, customer service, credit management, and a stint in project management with New York City's Department of Housing Preservation and Development. He is also a founding member and past-president of the Guyanese- American Cultural Association of Central Florida, treasurer of the Ann Marie De Goveia Scholarship Fund, and immediate past-president and current chairman of the advisory board of the Caribbean and Floridian Association. Andy credits these experiences with helping him to lead the call for the promotion and introduction of programs and activities that are consistent with the desires of the Caribbean-American community. He was instrumental in launching the annual Caribbean Fusion Festival in Osceola County, a cultural collaboration between CAFA and the City of Kissimmee, and also the annual Turkey Giveaway at Thanksgiving in Kissimmee. Andy is married and the father of two. For this and more, Mr. Andy King, we honor you. Honoring Sterling Blake
HONORING NEWLYN WING2021-05-19
Mr. SOTO
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Francisco Rueda Halili, M.D., F.A.C.S. Dr. Francisco ``Frank'' Halili, M.D., is a man who appears to have more than 24 hours in a day. And for every single second of those extra hours, there is a man living life to the fullest, a man of God and country. He uses his time, talents, and treasures to help others. A board-certified general surgeon in the central Florida area for more than 27 years, Dr. Halili's sharp mind and skillful hands have sought to provide the best care for everyone he meets. It is hard to even imagine the number of lives he has changed either directly or indirectly as a doctor. Born in Manila, Philippines, to Filipino-U.S. immigrants who made sacrifices, like many other immigrants do when starting over in the U.S., he was instead raised by his grandmother in the Philippines. A graduate of Ateneo de Manila High School, he would eventually attend Florida Southern College, majoring in biochemistry, and later attend medical school at the University of Miami School of Medicine, class of 1988. Dr. Halili did his surgical residency at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, and started his private practice in 1993 as a general surgeon in Kissimmee, Florida. Anyone who has ever seen Dr. Halili in the operating room knows of his love for his alma mater and UM Hurricane sports. His medical students and nurses can easily spot him proudly wearing anything and everything University of Miami, orange and green, all the way down to his famous orange-colored operating room shoes. Go Canes. Over his 27-year career, it is hard to say exactly how many hours Dr. Halili has spent in surgery, with delicate hands caring for his patients. But for every one of those hours, getting to the four hospitals no matter what time or emergency, he has somehow defied the laws of physics and created even more time in the day to be a full-time loving husband to Joanna and devoted father to Francis and Francene. For this and more, Dr. Francisco Halili, we honor you. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. SOTO. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Sadiqullah Baburi. Sadiqullah Baburi, born on June 10, 1977, to father Baqi Baburi and mother Sadeeqa Baburi in Kandahar, Afghanistan, is the oldest of eight siblings. The Soviet occupation of the eighties took many of his family members' lives and forced him and his family to flee their home and brought them to the United States in the year 1990. Supporting his family financially, Sadiq worked as a dishwasher with his brother-in-law Mohamed Amin in a diner in Schenectady, New York, until they gathered enough money to build their own restaurant in Newark, New Jersey. After several years, he moved with his entire family to Florida and eventually opened his newest restaurant with his brother-in-law, Kennedy Chicken and Grill, named after the airport he and his wife first arrived in as immigrants. The restaurant employs many immigrants who came to the U.S. seeking new opportunities as he and his family did years ago. At the present moment, Sadiq has four children. He and his wife have been married since 1996. Mr. Baburi contributes to many local charities through his small business work in the central Florida community. For this and more, Mr. Sadiqullah Baburi, we honor you. Honoring Francisco Rueda Halili, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Mr. SOTO. In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Hefang Lin. Dr. Hefang Lin received her Ph.D. in statistics from Virginia Tech in 1999. She has published many papers in journals, such as the Journal of Statistical Computation and Simulation, the Criminal Justice Review, Corrections Today, et cetera. She has worked as a research statistician in the Orange County Corrections Department for 14 years. Her statistical analysis and reports help decision-makers deliver better community outcomes by enhancing efficiency and productivity. As a result of her work, management has a data-based driven, decision-making process. Prior to OCCD, she worked for a consulting company in Washington, D.C., until 2007. She worked on many projects for the Federal Government, including the U.S. Marshals, ICE, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. She is also vice chair of the research council in the American Correctional Association and the former president of the Club Orange Toastmasters. Dr. Hefang Lin is the founder and president of the Orange County Asian Committee, with the mission of bringing the community together while promoting inclusivity and the rich heritage of Asian Americans, since 2012. In order to advocate for Asian cultures, diversity, and inclusiveness, she leads numerous events, such as cultural performances, art contests, and awards. During the pandemic, when face masks were in short supply, she organized people to donate masks to help prevent the spread of and protect against the COVID-19 healthcare crisis in Orange County and people in need. Dr. Lin now lives with her husband in Oviedo, Florida, and has two beautiful daughters. For this and more, Dr. Hefang Lin, we honor you. Honoring Onchantho Am
Mr. SOTO. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Onchantho Am. Onchantho Am makes no secret of her humble beginnings. She is a child of Cambodian refugees who escaped the Khmer Rouge. Due to unfortunate circumstances, she and her siblings were removed from her parents' care and placed in the foster system. One of her first recollections of the judicial system was when she advocated on behalf of her siblings to have them reunited under one roof. Rather than being broken by such adversity, she embraced her experiences to fuel a passion for public service and child advocacy. She aged out of the foster system and went on to become the first in her family to attend college and graduate from the University of Florida. She earned her J.D. from Stetson University College of Law, where she earned the prestigious Victor O. Wehle Trial Advocacy Award and the Thomas E. Penick, Jr. Award. Onchantho is the vice president of quality and chief legal officer of IMPOWER, Inc., where she leads the organization to new levels working diligently to improve the lives of children and families. Outside of work, Mrs. Am is heavily involved in the legal and the Asian American Pacific Islander community. As the president of the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association, she put public service and community outreach to the forefront, spearheading several successful virtual programs, including the Voter Initiative, the Asian Fusion Nights, Cooking for a Cause, and Stop AAPI Hate panel. She is also an active board member of the National Association of Asian American Professionals, a member of the Orange County Asian American Committee, and the scholarship chair of the Orange County Bar Association Foundation. But for all her accomplishments and accolades, her greatest pride and joy is to share with her husband the adventure of raising three multiracial daughters to become strong, empowered women. For this and more, Mrs. Onchantho Am, we honor you. Honoring Shally Wong
Mr. SOTO. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Shally Wong. Shally Wong is the special assistant of Mayor Jerry Demings of the Orange County government. A Hong Kong immigrant, Ms. Wong has proudly served the central Florida Asian American community since 2005. Her programs include cultural outreach, unity, and inclusion for all peoples of the Asian American community and beyond. Ms. Wong invests in all of her responsibilities a vision of diversity, understanding, acceptance, and respect that nurtures present and future generations. She takes great pride in representing her culture and being a voice for those underrepresented within her community. With an MIS bachelor's degree in business administration, Ms. Wong brings dedication, meticulousness, and selflessness to many professional and local projects from idea through completion. Examples of such projects include the Asia Trend Magazine publication; the Asia Trend, Inc., nonprofit organization; and the Dragon Parade Lunar New Year. Ms. Wong's prior recognized positions include vice president of the Chinese American Association of Central Florida, president of CAACF, and board director of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, for which she served as treasurer in 2007. Her various awards and merits include the AACC's Ellison S. Onizuka Humanitarian Award, the Asian American Heritage Council Community Service Award, and the Outstanding Community Service Award and recognition of County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. Ms. Wong now serves as board director of FusionFest, Inc. For this and more, Ms. Shally Wong, we honor you. Honoring Sadiqullah Baburi
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Newlyn Wing. Newlyn Wing is a current resident of Orlando, Florida, who over the last 5 years has become a passionate advocate for building leadership coalitions in the Asian-American and Orange County communities. With a family history stemming from Michigan and Vietnamese refugees, he grew up experiencing the individualistic and collectivistic cultures of the United States and Vietnam. His upbringing created a belief within Newlyn that our collective well-beings are tied to each other's progress. He believes when our best individual efforts and perspectives are shared, we can all progress forward. This principle led him to pursue leadership positions and projects with local and national nonprofits and associations. He holds roles as the president of the National Association of Asian American Professionals, Orlando chapter, and the chief strategy officer role with the NAAAP national. Newlyn is passionate about strategies and partnerships that give individuals a platform for building their leadership and having a true impact in their industries and communities. In his work within the Orange County community, Newlyn has created leadership programs for high school and college students, helped lead voter education initiatives, and led efforts to increase the representation of Asian American Pacific Islanders in community leadership positions. He is grateful for the amazing leadership teams he has been a part of and for the opportunity to serve his community. Outside of his community volunteer work, Newlyn currently serves as association manager for Junior Chamber International USA, a not-for- profit organization of young active citizens. The JCI USA mission, to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change, aligns with Newlyn's passion and background. For this and more, Mr. Newlyn Wing, we honor you. Honoring Adrian Lee
Mr. SOTO. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Adrian Lee. Adrian Lee is a senior undergraduate student at the University of Central Florida, studying political science, with a track in international affairs and a minor in human communications. During her time at UCF, Adrian was involved in Asian-interest student organizations, including the Asian Student Association, the Sparks Magazine Chapter of UCF, and the Asian Pacific American Coalition. As president of the Asian Pacific American Coalition, Adrian worked with multiple executive student boards, administrative offices, and community partners to amplify Asian-American issues and provide networking opportunities. She is most proud of introducing her new scholarships during UCF's celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, recognizing the creativity, leadership, and advocacy of APIDA students. During her free time, Adrian enjoys painting and visiting local restaurants of greater Orlando. For this and more, Adrian Lee, we honor you. Honoring Dr. Hefang Lin
NATIVE AMERICAN CHILD PROTECTION ACT2021-05-12
Mr. SOTO
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.
CHIEF STANDING BEAR NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY2021-05-12
Mr. SOTO
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 810) to amend the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the Chief Standing Bear National Historic Trail, and for other purposes.
YSLETA DEL SUR PUEBLO AND ALABAMA-COUSHATTA TRIBES OF TEXAS EQUAL AND FAIR OPPORTUNITY ACT2021-05-12
Mr. SOTO
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I thank both Representative Escobar and Representative Gonzales for their leadership to right this wrong, this injustice. I thank the dean of the House, Representative Young, for his very informative history lesson on the legislation. I also thank Ranking Member Westerman for his bipartisan support. Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
BLACKWATER TRADING POST LAND TRANSFER ACT2021-05-12
Mr. SOTO
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 478) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to take certain land located in Pinal County, Arizona, into trust for the benefit of the Gila River Indian Community, and for other purposes.
NATIONAL PULSE MEMORIAL2021-05-12
Mr. SOTO
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and our colleagues across the aisle for their bipartisan support of this really important bill for our Nation. I thank also Representatives Demings, Murphy, Cicilline, and Takano for their support here today. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline) for making the pilgrimage and paying his respects at the memorial. Madam Speaker, at this time, I have no further requests for time, and I would inquire whether my colleague has any remaining speakers on his side.