Darren Soto

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean Heritage Month, I would like to honor Shelley Briggs. Shelley Ann Briggs was born in London, England, on July 5 to the late Joan Ann Grant. Joan had migrated to London from Georgetown, Guyana, to complete her studies, and, due to hardships, Shelley was sent to Georgetown, Guyana, to live with her grandmother when she was a baby. Seeking better opportunities and a better life for her family, her grandmother migrated to the United States of America when Shelley was 4 years old, soon settling in Brooklyn, New York. As a child growing up, Shelley was raised under Guyanese traditions and customs, and, even though she lived in Brooklyn, the neighborhood reflected the West Indian culture Shelley grew to admire. Shelley attended several private schools and graduated from Catherine McAuley High School. During this time, she also became a U.S. citizen through the help of her mother, who had joined the family in the U.S. when Shelley was 10 years old. After high school, Shelley made the decision to join the United States Army after attending college for one semester. Shelley then relocated to Florida to help take care of her mother, who had been diagnosed with cancer. While in Florida, her mother introduced her to the Caribbean and Floridian Association, and soon Shelley became a member. She has served CAFA in a variety of capacities over the last 20 years, and currently she is chairperson for the Service and Education Committee. She is currently employed as a dean at Gateway High School, located in Osceola County School District in Florida's Ninth Congressional District. Shelley's life passion has always been children, and there has been a special place in her heart for children whose parents left their home country and came to the United States in search of a better life for their family. Shelley is happily married to Dennis Briggs and is the proud mother to Jada; Jourard; Dennis, Jr.; and Deyonce. Madam Speaker, for that, we honor Mrs. Shelley Briggs. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Pride Month, I would like to honor John Ruffier. John Daniel Ruffier is an attorney and leader of the LGBTQ community in central Florida. John was born in Orlando, Florida, and attended Edgewater High School where he was part of the State champion men's crew team. He went on to attend Vanderbilt University and then the University of Florida College of Law. Upon graduation from law school, John joined the law firm of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed in Orlando where he practices to this day, sitting on the firm's executive committee and leading the firm's senior housing practice group. John has been involved in numerous community activities having served on the board of directors for both the Central Florida Coalition for the Homeless and the Hope and Health Center of Central Florida. Along with Jennifer Foster, John founded the central Florida chapter of the Human Rights Campaign and later joined HRC's national board of governors. Following his term on HRC's board of governors, he was asked to join the board of directors for the HRC Foundation. John was also elected to the Human Rights Campaign's political board where he rose to the role of board chair in the years 2018 to 2019. For that, John Ruffier, we honor you. Honoring Dr. George Wallace During Pride Month

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Caribbean Heritage Month, I would like to honor Casmore Shaw. Casmore Shaw moved to Osceola County in the mid-eighties from New York, where he worked as associate dean for the International Students and High School Program and as the director of admissions and student enrollment at Technical Career Institutes. Before that, he taught at Mona Preparatory School in Kingston, Jamaica. Casmore currently serves on the Osceola County Housing and Finance Authority Advisory Board and the regional board of MetroPlan Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee as well. He is also the State committee man for the Osceola Democrats and the vice chair of the Osceola Democratic Executive Committee. Casmore is the State secretary for the Florida Democratic Party. He is also a member of the Osceola Education Foundation and the Caribbean and Floridian Association. Casmore is a founding member of the Kissimmee and Kissimmee South Poinciana Rotary Clubs. He served as past chairman of the Osceola Charter Review Commission, past chair of the Osceola Land Conservation Advisory Board, past chairman of the board of directors of the Osceola County Library System, past president and vice president of the Caribbean and Floridian Association, past chair of the Osceola County School District's Affirmative Action Advisory Board, and the conflict resolution officer and mediator of the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Osceola County. Casmore holds a graduate degree in curriculum instruction, with a minor in reading intervention, from Concordia University, as well as degrees in elementary education and business administration, with a concentration in supervision and management, and an advanced certificate in healthcare administration. He worked at Polk State College in the Student Service department and was director for My Brother's Keeper, a program for homeless and vulnerable students. He was also the co-adviser to the Pearl of a Nation Haitian Service Club. Casmore is married to Jennifer Mitchell, and they have four daughters: Toni-Ann, Deirdre, Dionne, and Jennise. Madam Speaker, for that, we honor Mr. Casmore Shaw. Honoring Wayne Golding During Caribbean Heritage Month

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Pride Month, I would like to honor David Arthur Jones. David Arthur Jones, son of Mary Lou Jones and the late Arthur Henderson Jones, Jr. was born and raised in a union household in upstate New York. The environment of David's upbringing provided a foundation of values associated with human rights to which he has been largely committed to over the course of his lifetime. After surviving a raucous adolescence, David served with the United States Jaycees and the New York Young Democrats and was awarded the prestigious Governorship Award which confers an honorary lifetime membership. Among his proudest works was the establishment of a spacious town park in Whitestown, New York. David went on to enroll at the Mohawk Valley Community College and Utica College of Syracuse University where he earned his degree in occupational therapy. Together, John and David moved to Lake Wales, Florida, in 2004, in Florida's Ninth Congressional District. As a committeeman, David incorporated LGBT issues as part of meetings of the Polk County Democratic Committee. In 2001, David and his life partner, John, officially certified their love for each other by virtue of marriage in Utica, New York. David and John spearheaded the effort to establish the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allies Democratic Caucus of Polk County. In that same year, David became a Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus regional director serving six counties, including Polk, Lake, Osceola, Orange, Seminole, and Volusia County, of which I am proud to represent much of that area. David is now in his fifth term serving as the area's regional director. Currently David Jones is focusing on securing all-inclusive human rights ordinances in municipalities within Polk County. Thus far, David has spoken before the commissions of three Polk County cities and has recruited a number of supporters to do the same in the quest to secure fundamental rights for all, and our office has helped in that effort. David is extremely grateful for the public support that has been given by Florida House Representative Sam Killebrew and our office, Team Soto, towards securing all-inclusive human rights ordinances, securing the effort as being one of bipartisanship. For that, David Arthur Jones, we honor you. Honoring Anthony H. Sandonato During Pride Month

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Natural Resources be discharged from further consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 60) requesting the Secretary of the Interior to authorize unique and one-time arrangements for displays on the National Mall and the Washington Monument during the period beginning on July 16, 2019 and ending on July 20, 2019, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 2157, the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019. This $19.1 billion package is essential to providing critical relief to communities that were devastated by the natural disasters in 2018 and 2019. Among other reasons, my support for this disaster supplemental package comes, in part, because of an understanding that the language within Title I of this bill grants the Secretary of Agriculture the discretion to provide assistance to producers who suffered timber loss due to Hurricanes Michael and Florence. Even after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, there have been over 80 major disaster declarations. This much-needed disaster relief will support our Florida Panhandle communities, help rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base, assist farmers and ranchers, restore coastal infrastructure, and fund the Nutrition Assistance Program and infrastructure repairs for Puerto Rico. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both chambers of Congress to bring relief to millions of families.

Mr. SOTO

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

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, I want to recognize Akm Hossain. Akm Hossain was born in Bangladesh in September of 1961. He went to school and college in Bangladesh. He came to the United States as a foreign student at Daytona Beach Community College, where he finished his AA degree in business management. He is a business professional, currently living in Osceola County with his wife, Roksana Hossain, and their children. He has been involved with different kinds of social and cultural activities since day one in America. He was elected president of the largest Bangladeshi American social organization in central Florida. Akm Hossain is the first Bangladeshi American ever to run for public office in the city of Kissimmee, and he is he an active member the Osceola Democratic Party. He has also organized the Asian Food Music and Cultural Festival, the largest multicultural event in central Florida. He has been awarded Best Community Leader by the Central Florida Bangladeshi American Community five times in a row, and Great Community Leader for his social service and contributions toward the community by the North American Bangladeshi union. Akm Hossain has dedicated his whole life to uplift the Asian American community and the welfare of its people, and he serves to promote peace, unity, and life throughout the community. And for that, Mr. Akm Hossain, we honor you. Recognizing Jan Gautam in Honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, I want to recognize Jan Gautam. Mr. Gautam is identified best as a hands-on executive known for strategic approaches in achieving favorable results for hotel owners, business colleagues, and numerous foundations to which he belongs. After completing his master's degree in hospitality management, he pursued employment as a hotel director for Carnival and Hawaii Luxury Cruise Lines, before moving to the hotel industry. As founder of GI Hotels Group in 2004, Mr. Gautam tailored a modern approach to hospitality management. After he founded GI Hotels, Mr. Gautam merged this company with Interessant Hotels & Resort Management, where he currently serves as president and CEO. Interessant has become a leading hotel management company within the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, and India. Additionally, Mr. Gautam has overseen more than $300 million in renovations and $450 million in new development of hospitality projects over the past 5 years. He has achieved recognition and served on committees such as the Asian American Hotel Owners Association as a regional ambassador, Board of Directors with Visit Florida, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Rollins College International Advisory Board, and numerous local chapters to support tourism and governmental interaction. And for that, Mr. Jan Gautam, we honor you. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, I want to recognize Racquel Asa. Racquel Asa is an anchor and reporter for WFTV Eyewitness News in Orlando, Florida. Racquel's parents both came from the Philippines in pursuit of careers in the medical profession. She is a wife and mother to two young children, and she is proud to call central Florida her home. She has been a journalist for nearly 15 years in New York and Florida. During her time in Orlando, she covers all things transportation in central Florida, from I-4 to SunRail to the growing need to make roads safer. She has been tapped by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and DriveSmartFlorida.org to create a regional campaign to make our roads safer. She was recently recognized, in May, by the Federal Highway Administration for her efforts to raise awareness for both drivers and construction workers in work zones. She is also an Emmy-nominated journalist who has been recognized for her investigations into red light cameras and breaking news traffic reports. She is active in the community and participates in events every year to help organize and raise money for good organizations, causes, and missions. She has helped Second Harvest Food Bank, Embrace Families, and the local chapters of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and American Diabetes Association raise hundreds of thousands of dollars by emceeing their events. Most recently, she helped Tour de Cure Lake Nona break national records, raising more than $1 million to help fund diabetes research. For that, we recognize Ms. Racquel Asa. Recognizing Coco Johnston in Honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, I want to recognize Coco Johnston. Coco Johnston moved from Honolulu, Hawaii, to southern California and has called Clermont, Florida, her home for the past 12 years. She currently works in marketing for Metro Title Group, located in Metro West, where she facilitates real estate closings. She has been in the title closing and home warranty industry for over 40 years. Her activities include being the current president of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce in central Florida. The organization's vision is to help its members prosper, grow, and serve as a bridge between many Asian American communities. They provide leadership, support, and encouragement to the Asian American business community of the greater Orlando region. She is also a member of the Asian Real Estate Association of America, where she is dedicated to promoting sustainable homeownership opportunities in Asian American communities by creating a powerful national voice for housing and real estate professionals who serve the market. Ms. Johnston and her husband, John, have been married for 33 years. They have a blended family with their daughter, Amber, and their two granddaughters, Bailey and Charlie. For that, we honor Ms. Coco Johnston. Recognizing Dr. Yalcin Akin in Honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, I want to recognize Dr. Yalcin Akin. Dr. Yalcin Akin is the founder and executive director of Orlando, Seminole, and Osceola science charter schools, a group of tuition-free public charter schools that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math education. Dr. Akin earned his master's of science and Ph.D. from the University of Florida in materials science and engineering. Prior to founding Orlando Science Schools, Dr. Akin worked with the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy, supporting numerous projects at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee. The Orlando Science Schools serve a diverse K-12 population of more than 2,500 students at four campuses in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties. Since opening in 2008, Orlando Science Schools has been consistently ranked as one of the best schools in the State of Florida and is also ranked among the top 100 most challenging high schools by The Washington Post. It currently stands in the top 15 percent of all schools in the State of Florida. It also has been ranked in the top 500 by U.S. News & World Report. Dr. Akin is an active member of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools. He is a frequent speaker on the topic of high-quality charter school education and regularly participates in the annual Florida charter school conferences. For that, we honor Dr. Akin. Recognizing Nuren Durre Haider in Honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, I want to recognize Nuren Durre Haider. Nuren Durre Haider, Esq., is a proud American-born Muslim Bangladeshi woman. She is a wife, the mother of three beautiful children, and an attorney. She received her bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in business administration and education from the University of Florida and her juris doctorate degree from Florida A&M University College of Law. Nuren Durre Haider is a believer in empowerment and representation for all. She is focused on getting her community involved in the electoral and political process and was the first Bangladeshi and Muslim to run for Orange County Commission in her district. She is an advocate for equality, the environment, a living wage, affordable healthcare, banning assault weapons, raising awareness for mental health issues, raising teacher salaries, and other issues that affect the day-to-day lives of Americans. Along with this, Nuren dedicates her time to various interfaith and cultural events. Currently, Nuren practices transactional law and is serving her second term as vice chairwoman of the Orange County Democratic Party. She is appointed to the Judiciary Committee of the Florida Democratic Party, the central Florida regional director for the American Muslim Democratic Caucus, an active member of the Democratic Women's Club of West Orange, and holds many other memberships and board positions. And for that, Ms. Nuren Durre Haider, Esq., we honor you. Recognizing Akm Hossain In Honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to talk about the life of a hero of mine, Maurice A. Ferre. He is a Puerto Rican-born public servant who is a former six-term mayor of the city of Miami and the first Hispanic mayor of any major American city, serving from 1973 to 1985. He has served as the chair of the Miami-Dade County Expressway Authority and served for 8 years on the Florida Transportation Commission. As mayor, Ferre provided leadership and vision when Miami took its place as one of the world's most vibrant cities, eclectic and diverse and international in nature. Throughout his years in office, he focused on economic development, job creation, and a visionary approach to improving south Florida's transportation and public infrastructure, as well as transforming the area into a center of inter-American trade, banking, and commerce. He remains active in business, commentary on current events, teaching, and public service. In 2006, he explored issues concerning Puerto Rico in a book on political status, ``Where is Puerto Rico Headed?''--``Hacia Donde Va Puerto Rico?'' His career has been marked by a style of public service that encourages people from widely different views and philosophies to work together in the name of common good and progress. Ferre embarked on that journey early on as a Florida House member, then a commissioner, later the mayor of the city of Miami, and as vice chairman of the Dade County Board of Commissioners. Ferre has served on numerous boards, as well as on President Ford's commission on immigration and President Carter's ambassadorial nominating commission. Ferre credits his wife of 64 years, Mercedes Malaussena Ferre, as his north star, and his loving family, including 6 children and 13 grandchildren, as his anchor.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Apryle Criswell Jackson, an educator for the School District of Osceola County, Florida. Apryle graduated Cum Laude from California University of Pennsylvania with a double major. She was one of a very few women in the 1970s to participate in the coaching certification program there. Apryle has taught for 39 years. She started in the Elizabeth Forward School District in Pennsylvania and has spent the last 36 years in Osceola County. She has always taught ``at risk students'' in grades kindergarten through Adult Ed. Apryle has always been an advocate for children. She has donated her time to various athletic programs in Osceola County. Apryle was one of the first coaches when Buenaventura Lakes started their Little League program. She has served on the board of directors for numerous organizations throughout Osceola County. She is a First-Class Girl Scout and recognized the need for a program in Osceola County. Apryle worked diligently to start the Friendship Service Unit for Girl Scouts. She is also an advocate for children with disabilities in the county. She encouraged the music director at Harmony High School to start a music program for special needs students this school year. Apryle has been active in the Osceola County Education Association for over 35 years. She has been president for the last eight years fighting for better working conditions of all educators in Osceola County. Under her leadership, OCEA has held numerous events for children. They recently distributed over l0,000 books to students. In 2017, following the tragedy of Hurricane Maria, Apryle worked with local agencies to host an event where evacuee students, and their families from Puerto Rico, could get the assistance they needed and distributed books to all children in Spanish and English. Under her leadership OCEA has developed numerous programs to support children in our community. Apryle's dedication to serving those in our community is an inspiration to all. Apryle Criswell Jackson, for that we honor you.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Melinda Jones Williams. Melinda Jones Williams, a civil rights activist, was born March 14, 1950, in Americus, Georgia. She is currently a resident of Haines City, Florida, with one child, Jeffrey Jones. In July, 1963, Melinda Jones Williams was one of 15 young Black girls with a passion to change the bigotry and divisiveness in Americus, Georgia, by protesting a strong force of generational racism. During a peaceful protest, she was arrested along with 14 other young girls. These girls were all stolen, hidden from their parents, and locked in an abandoned building for over a month. There were no windows, toilets, and no source of water. This was their punishment for protesting a segregated movie theater. Melinda Jones Williams is one of the few remaining survivors of the Stolen Girls of Americus, Georgia. For that and her heroism in the civil rights movement, we thank you, Ms. Jones Williams. Recognizing Charlie Reed

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Rasha Mubarak. Rasha Mubarak is a Palestinian American Muslim community activist and leader who was recently named Ten People Making Orlando a Better Place to Be by the Orlando Weekly. Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in the heart of central Florida, she is a current facilitator for the Trust Orlando Coalition, helping make history by passing the first TRUST Act, not only in Florida but in the Southeastern region of the United States. Rasha also serves as a vice president for the Muslim Women's Organization. She is the president of the Young Democrats of Orange County, a media political strategist, is the president of Orlando's Palestine Children's Relief Fund. While working in the Arab American community, she helped launch impactful programs such as Welcoming Immigrants Now Group and its domestic violence program. A sought-after speaker about topics including Palestinian rights, Islamophobia, and women's representation in Islam, Rasha has been a grassroots organizer and speaker for statewide demonstrations and campaigns for interfaith work, Palestinian rights, and #NoMuslimBanEver, immigrant rights, and Black and Brown liberation. Rasha leads educational panel discussions dispelling stereotypes about Muslim women. In 2015, she cofounded Floridians Responding to Refugees, spearheading efforts to welcome and transition refugees. She was previously a mental health counseling volunteer with the Palestine Medical Relief Society in Ramallah, aiding women and children suffering from PTSD. And for that, Ms. Rasha Mubarak, we honor you. Recognizing Nicolette Fariello Springer

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Speaker for the opportunity. We certainly appreciate the esteemed institution that is West Point. May I also say that the United States Marines are also a great institution, and I want to thank the Speaker for his service in Afghanistan and in Iraq as well. Recognizing Melinda Jones Williams

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Iza Montalvo. Iza Montalvo lives in Orlando with her husband and two sons. She is an award-winning journalist, former news executive, radio anchor, television producer, and congressional staffer recognized by the United States Congress for her contributions to the Hispanic community. In 2015, Vision magazine named her as one of central Florida's most influential Hispanics. Under her leadership as the former editor-in-chief of La Prensa, the oldest running publication in central Florida and also founded by a relative of mine, readership almost doubled in 1 year alone. As a reporter for the largest Spanish-language media outlet in the country, some of her stories gained national attention during her almost 20-year journalism career. While working as a reporter, she covered news events like the protests at the United Nations against the U.S. Navy military practices in the island of Vieques, protests in Times Square against the war in Iraq, the aftermath of 9/11, the World Economic Forum, and the New York blackout. She has had the opportunity to interview high-profile politicians and celebrities of worldwide recognition as well as holding an exclusive interview with the Federal agent who stopped the 20th hijacker from catching a flight during the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Her reporting with the Puerto Rican diaspora, neglected communities of color, Latinx and migrant communities earned her recognitions and awards from the prestigious National Association of Hispanic Publications. She served as the press secretary of two U.S. Representatives before taking her vast experience into a new business venture. She currently is the founder and president of the Olan Group, a purpose-led communications, research, and consultancy firm in Orlando. As an independent journalist and media strategist, she is focused on raising awareness about underreported issues affecting the world, like environmental justice and women's rights, in Spanish language and media outlets covering the Latinx experience in the U.S. She also served as our press secretary from 2017 to 2018 and did an absolutely fantastic job. And for that, Ms. Iza Montalvo, we honor you. Recognizing Dr. Catherine ``Elizabeth'' McCarthy

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Ann Marie Siefker. Ann Marie Siefker was born on May 8, 1957. She attended Cardinal Gibbons High School and graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in education. Ann was a special education teacher at West Orange High School, a longtime member of the Classroom Teachers Association, and taught children for over 30 years. Ann joined God on November 18, 2018, and we are recognizing her posthumously. She is survived by her mother, Mary; her brothers, Joseph and James; and her sister, Joan. Ms. Ann Marie Siefker, for that, we honor you. Recognizing Christina Whitfield Atkinson

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Christina Whitfield Atkinson. Christina Whitfield Atkinson resides with her husband, Jeffrey; their four dogs; and is supported by her son, Thomas; two stepdaughters, Mariah and Amber; and her four grandchildren. She has long believed women are the backbone to any successful, prosperous society. She has earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in business administration and has worked for the past 20 years in multiple professional capacities, including owning a dental supply company; working in risk management, internet security, insurance claims, as an adjunct university professor; and has dedicated hundreds of hours to various charities. She believes in promoting a philosophy of integrity and honor through giving back to those who have given her so much. She believes there is no greater honor than participating in and promoting philanthropic activities. In January 2018, after leaving her role in corporate America, she was appointed as the VA representative for Soldiers' Angels. As the wife of an Air Force veteran, sister to a Navy veteran, and mother-in-law to an Active-Duty Army soldier, Christina was thrilled to volunteer for one of the highest ranked 501(c)3 organizations, which is dedicated to supporting our military veterans. Christina oversees a diverse group of volunteers in the Orlando area who visit veterans who are patients at the VA Hospital at Lake Nona; help with veteran support events, including distributing gifts and blankets from the community; and oversee the monthly mobile food distribution, which provides 200 low-income veterans 50 pounds of food each month. If she is not at the VA supporting our veterans, she is reaching deep into the community to find other groups and business and community leaders to help our military veterans. Her love of the military is her primary focus in all she does and is permanently ingrained in her. And for that, Ms. Christina Whitfield Atkinson, we honor you. Recognizing Chloe C. Battle

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Chloe C. Battle. Chloe Battle works in Orlando, Florida, as the executive director for the local food pantry called Servant's Heart Ministry. The faith-based organization feeds children, seniors, and other vulnerable individuals through community partnerships by providing basic needs, empowering people to grow and thrive in their own neighborhoods, and offering opportunities for people to serve. Ms. Battle's mission is to feed the hungry, and she also advocates for building relationships, which she says is the most important part of serving and is the cornerstone for community health. When you get to know a family at the interpersonal level, their needs become more apparent and easier to address, and resources provided become more meaningful to them. Before entering the nonprofit sector, Ms. Battle acquired her bachelor of science in psychology from Indiana University, working out of a prestigious child development lab. She developed a keen interest in health psychology and social work and, from there, maintained a personal commitment to caregiving, family, advocacy, and community casework. Ms. Battle cites that her strength comes from God and personal experience, and her growth as a leader and community partner drives her forward to show others how everyone can do something and that education and nurturing is the key to the success of all families. And for that, Ms. Chloe C. Battle, we honor you. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Lisa Santoni Cromar. Lisa Santoni Cromar is a legally deaf Puerto Rican woman. She is the mother to two boys, Nicholas and William, and the wife to Scott Cromar. She was born in 1962 to Puerto Rican parents, Trina and Jose Santoni. Her early career was in corporate IT. At age 30, she divorced her first husband and went to work for the domestic violence agency that helped her leave. After meeting her husband, Scott, he had a friend running for Congress, which presented an opportunity to transition to political consulting and issue advocacy. She has served as voting chair and co- chair, and is now an executive board member of the Women's March of Florida. In 2003, the longtime consequences of her Meniere's disease became unbearable, resulting in severe hearing loss. In 2016, Lisa moved to Longwood, Florida. Like everyone else in her new community, she was horrified by the Pulse nightclub shooting. The lack of family support for some of the victims combined with memories of post-9/11 days, prompted Lisa to reach out to the affected communities offering a safe place and a safe space for frightened neighbors as well as visiting victims' families. When Hurricanes Irma and Maria worsened Puerto Rico's already delicate situation, Lisa refocused her advocacy efforts on achieving a just recovery for her islands. Lisa is currently vice president of Diaspora en Resistencia, an international coalition of human rights organizations working for a better future for Puerto Rico. She also sits on the steering committee for Vamos4PR. For that, Lisa Santoni Cromar, we honor you. Recognizing Karen Green

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize Monica Readus. Monica Readus is a wife, mother, business owner, and real estate professional. She was born in Detroit, Michigan. After moving to Texas, Monica became aware of a shift in the political climate. After the 2004 Presidential race, Democrats were discouraged and Dallas Republicans were running unopposed. It was at that time that Monica took time away from the company's day-to-day operations to become a full-time volunteer for the Collin County Democratic Party office in Plano, Texas. Since then, Monica has worked with candidates and campaign managers, coordinated grassroots efforts for local and Federal elections, and fundraised for candidates and more. In 2011 Monica moved to Florida where she immediately began coordinating grassroots efforts for Organizing for America by spearheading daily phone banks. She then joined the Democratic Women's Club of Florida of West Orange County, serving as its first president. She now happily serves as the Democratic Women's Club of Florida Region 9 chair, serving nearly 600 members and the chair of the Annual PerSisters Rally in celebration of Democratic Women's Month. For that, Monica Readus, we honor you. Recognizing Lisa Santoni Cromar

Mr. SOTO

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