Ross Spano

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Andrew Bosko, a Lakeland, Florida, World War II veteran who is 98 years young. Andy was born in Ohio, raised in Pennsylvania, and one of 13 children of immigrant parents from Austria and Czechoslovakia. He entered the Army Air Corps in 1943, assigned to the VII Fighter Command in Hawaii. In 1945, the command was reassigned to Iwo Jima, which had been seized by Marine units, to provide emergency landing fields supporting bombing operations against Japan. Meanwhile, his wife and true love, Sophia, was supporting the war as a Rosie the Riveter. Yet, they still found time to write to each other each day. Following the war, Andy worked as a machinist in New York and later launched some of Lakeland's favorite restaurants. Andy, you, together with your bride of 74 years, represent the greatest of our Greatest Generation. You experienced economic and social turmoil and a World War, and then you rebuilt our Nation into the greatest on Earth. It is our honor to serve you, as you, for so many years, have served us. Saluting Ella Erickson, Veteran of the Month

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to lend my voice to the fight to protect our Nation by securing its borders. Since arriving in Congress, I have stood by the President and his efforts to protect our children from traffickers, dealers, terrorists, and other criminal elements by building a wall. For decades, our porous borders have threatened our national security, and it wasn't until President Trump took office that our government took this threat seriously. Just how effective has the wall been? It is a fact that nearly 1 million people were stopped at the U.S.- Mexico border in 2019, but in the last 12 months, illegal immigration has been down 84 percent and illegal crossings from Central America are down 97 percent. It is a fact that President Trump has deported over 6,000 MS-13 gang members. And it is a fact that this barrier between the countries is helping stop the flow of illicit drugs. Nearly 450,000 pounds have been seized this year alone. For far too long, too many have ignored the facts, but I haven't, and I will continue doing everything I can do to keep Florida 15 residents and its businesses safe. Honoring Sergeant Andrew Bosko

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, the overwhelming majority of constituents in my district are eager to get back to work, and I believe it is Congress' duty, our duty, to ensure that our citizens have the necessary resources to reopen in a safe and responsible way. That is why I am proud to have introduced two bills that focus on this very need. The SAFE at Work Act would create a tax credit for businesses that allow their employees to work from home. This not only protects employees and employers against the spread of COVID-19 but also encourages employers to create telework opportunities for those most susceptible to the virus. I also introduced the KEEP Act, which supports the President's push for a 3-month payroll tax holiday. This initiative would allow millions of Americans to keep more of the money that they already earn, thus providing critical capital to weather this crisis without involving Federal bureaucracy. No government program, no matter how generous, can replace a functioning economy. These measures would support hardworking Americans' efforts to get our economy back on track, so I urge their immediate adoption. Highlighting Border Wall Effectiveness

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong disappointment in this legislation. For months, we have been discussing a bipartisan transportation package. Both President Trump and leaders in Congress from both parties expressed their hope that a deal could be struck to repair our crumbling infrastructure. Given the rise in unemployment due to COVID-19, now is the perfect time to invest in infrastructure and create American jobs. But, sadly, this bill missed this once-in-a-generation opportunity. The Democrats presented their bill to committee without any input from Republicans whatsoever, which is clear from the price tag. Coming out of committee, the bill had a $500 billion price tag without any way to pay for it, but Democrat leadership has now added an extra $1 trillion to it. Forty percent of all the money in this package goes to Green New Deal priorities and fails to include deregulatory provisions that could easily stimulate the economy and make the government work for the American people rather than against them. I offered multiple amendments to make permanent one of the most efficient Trump policies: the One Federal Decision policy for NEPA authorizations. Currently, major infrastructure projects need to be approved by multiple agencies and, on average, take 4\1/2\ years to complete. Experts estimate this costs more than $3.7 trillion in lost employment and lost economic gain. Just yesterday, President Trump stated that unnecessary permitting delays are ``one of the most significant impediments to improving our infrastructure.'' My amendments would streamline this process by allowing applicants to deal with one lead agency, rather than several, and would require NEPA authorizations to be finalized within 2 years. As we look to recover from COVID-19 and pay off the debt incurred in responding to the crisis, these are inefficiencies we simply can't afford to ignore. I urge the House to recommit the bill back to committee until we can come together and draft a solution that implements these policies and will provide real relief for the American people. Mr. Speaker, Americans are sick and tired of messaging bills.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of Clermont's police chief, Chuck Broadway, for his appointment to an important subcommittee of the Florida Police Chiefs Association. The Subcommittee on Accountability and Societal Change aims to rebuild trust between law enforcement and communities through increased consistency, accountability, and transparency, and I know Chief Broadway will represent our district well. As a proud supporter of law enforcement across our district and Nation, I believe it is now more important than ever to have these conversations and to bring unity and safety where fractures have emerged. That was a priority for me as a Florida State representative, and it remains a critical need today. Each time I interact with those on the front lines, whether it is law enforcement or fire and medical personnel, I am reminded that it is because of their sacrifice that our communities live in harmony. I am grateful for those who protect, and I commend Chief Broadway for his leadership and his vision. Chief Broadway's contributions to this new group will be invaluable, just as his 24 years of service already have been. Defending the Rights of the Unborn

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of our rights under the Second Amendment, which are under continual attack. The tragic death of George Floyd has brought to surface many important issues that demand our attention, but if there is one thing that has become clear during the subsequent weeks of social unrest, rioting, destruction, and further deaths, it is the importance of being able to protect ourselves, our families, our homes, and our businesses. For far too long, gun-grabbing policies at the State and local levels across our Nation have targeted our ability and our right to defend ourselves. Now, as the idea of autonomous and police-free zones gain momentum, law-abiding citizens must retain the ability to protect their loved ones and their way of life. Gun control and censorship always proceed tyranny; just ask our neighbors in Venezuela. But the citizens of Florida's 15th District will have none of it, nor will I. The Constitution is clear, and the events of this spring and summer are foreboding. We must retain the right to protect ourselves.

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my voice to the millions in our country demanding that the communist Chinese Government be held accountable for its deception regarding the coronavirus, COVID-19. China lied and Americans died. It is really that simple. For too long, our own national leaders have looked the other way as China has taken advantage of American ingenuity and naivete. They have continually countered our interests around the world, and it is our companies and our citizens that have paid the price. China intentionally mislead the international community about what it knew regarding the deadliest pandemic our world has seen in over 100 years. COVID-19 has since caused the deaths of over 100,000 Americans and over 9 million people worldwide. China's complicity in this crisis has, likewise, brought ruin to economies around the globe while increasing their relative advantage, and for this they must answer. I have introduced and joined numerous legislative initiatives to do just that, and I ask my colleagues to join me to do the same. China must and will be held accountable. In Support of the Second Amendment

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud Representative of Florida's 15th District to defend the rights of the unborn. For entirely too long, our Nation has turned deaf ears and cold hearts to the most vulnerable among us. Since Roe v. Wade was enacted nearly 50 years ago, over 61 million Americans have been aborted. That is 61 million lives that will never be. This month, I was proud to fight for the inclusion of Hyde Amendment protections in any Federal funding or tax credits that may be used to address the healthcare needs of unemployed Americans. I also fought against Planned Parenthood and their improper application for Paycheck Protection Program funds, as well as their despicable sale of aborted body parts and fetal tissue. This modern-day genocide must end. That is why I am proud to support President Trump's appointment of pro-life Justices to the Supreme Court, and I look forward to the day where we can finally put this atrocity behind us. America Must Hold China Accountable

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in staunch opposition to H.R. 6800, the largest spending package ever considered and crafted without any input from Republicans in Congress. COVID-19 is impacting all Americans, and overcoming the crisis requires input from all their representatives. However, the Speaker and Democratic Party are clearly not focused on confronting the pandemic. Instead, they are exploiting the crisis to accomplish political goals rather than protect the American people. In this bill, Democrats include nearly a trillion dollars to bail out blue States and cities for years of irresponsible spending. It prevents States from requiring voter ID's and requires same-day voter registration. And nowhere in this 1,800-page bill do they find room for basic pro-life protections included in appropriations bills since Roe v. Wade. This is all on top of potentially freeing murderers and rapists. This bill steals money from the many to further the priorities of the few and then seeks to change election laws so they can do it all over again. For these reasons, I vehemently oppose the bill.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, as the sole Florida Member serving on the house Small Business Committee, I rise today in support of replenishing the Paycheck Protection Program. While the program is far from perfect, it has been undeniably effective. Before the original funds were exhausted, 88,000 businesses in my home State of Florida received almost $18 billion in forgivable loans, money that saved jobs and businesses, all in just 13 days. Beyond numbers, what is important is the people that this program serves. I think of a family-owned bowling alley that has been in my district for almost 30 years, one that I took my kids to when they were growing up. With their PPP loan, they are now able to keep and pay their 90 employees and stay in business, so now my grandchildren can go there, too. I think of a home healthcare provider that cares for senior citizens. With their PPP loan, they have kept a dozen employees on the payroll and can continue to care for our Greatest Generation. While no government program is perfect, this one undeniably helps people in difficult times, and for that I support it.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in favor of the CARES Act with optimism. On one hand is cautious optimism because we face unprecedented challenges, but on the other, confident optimism of what can be accomplished when we work together. We come together for those who are bravely working on the front lines of the fight: our nurses and doctors at Lakeland Regional, Brandon Regional, Southlake Hospital, or one of the many other medical providers across my district. We come together for families, like the single mom who worked two jobs in Florida's tourism industry to keep food on the table but now doesn't know when her next paycheck will come. We come together to support the backbone of our economy: small business. I have spoken to many small business owners this week who are desperately trying to figure out how to keep their employees. As a former small business owner myself, I understand the decisions that they are facing. As a fiscal conservative, I am cautious about this bill, but I understand the cost our country would pay without it. When we face adversity, we rise to confront the threat head-on. For those in Florida's 15th District and around the country, remain optimistic because we will win this fight together.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Women's History Month, a time to highlight the many often-overlooked female contributions to our national history. Great women have undoubtedly helped make America great. From the classroom to the boardroom, from Capitol Hill to outer space, their impact is undeniable. Now, across our land, women-owned businesses are thriving in our booming economy above all others. Over the past 5 years, these businesses have grown by 21 percent, compared to 9 percent across all other sectors. An example of this entrepreneurial spirit is seen in Lakeland, Florida's own Angie Ruff. Mrs. Ruff opened a dry food manufacturing business in 2018. Through her dedication and passion for creating good local jobs, her warehouse has since tripled in size, and her head count quadrupled. The future for her and other entrepreneurs like her looks bright. It is because of individuals like Angie Ruff, who are making history, that I am proud to represent Florida's 15th District on the House Small Business Committee, and it is because of dedicated women like her that we can proudly say: America is back and open for business.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate my friend, colleague, and fellow Brandon High School alum, Congressman Mark Meadows, on his appointment to be the next White House Chief of Staff. Like myself, Congressman Meadows grew up in Brandon, Florida, and also, like me, spent time at Florida State University and also is an alum of the University of South Florida. Go Bulls. As a longtime Representative from North Carolina, he has boldly served his State and country with pride and honor. There is no doubt that his constituents have been fortunate to have him as their voice in Congress. His legacy will be one of relentlessly fighting for the American people and the American Dream while working tirelessly to pass and strengthen conservative policies. Representative Meadows' resilience, passion, humor, and patriotism will be missed in committee hearings and on the House floor. However, I am confident that he will continue to display the same character and fight for these same values at the White House and always provide our President his best counsel. Again, congratulations on your new position, Mark. I know you will continue to make our Nation proud.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the life of a distinguished Lakeland, Florida, resident and former mayor, the Honorable Larry Durrence. Sadly, Mayor Durrence passed away on February 20. Mayor Durrence, or Larry, as he was known to many, lived a life dedicated to serving others and the community that he called home. Beyond his two terms in the Lakeland City Hall, he also served as the third president of Polk Community College, which is now Polk State College. During his tenure, he prioritized workforce training and accelerated education programs. He was committed to equity and diversity, including growing minority and female representation in leadership positions. Larry was widely known by his friends and those who worked alongside him as a dedicated and humble public servant who loved interacting with and serving people. Larry Durrence was a great leader and a great friend to our community, and his legacy will be felt for years to come. Thank you, Larry, for your many contributions. It is because of men and women like you that I remain proud to represent and serve Florida's 15th Congressional District.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Clermont, Florida, native Diane Travis, who exemplifies the type of citizen who puts community above self. Ms. Travis serves as a councilwoman, small business owner, and most recently was named as a finalist for the Anne Viviani Women's Great Grand Masters Duathlete of the Year. As a duathlete who runs, bikes, and then runs again, she truly exhibits tremendous perseverance, discipline, and strength of character. Even more noteworthy is the fact that she dedicates each race to her friend, Anne Viviani, whom this award is named after, and who sadly lost her life in a car accident returning home from a competition. Being recognized as a finalist for Duathlete of the Year reflects the great success Ms. Travis has displayed in past competitions, including being the 2019 champion in her age group at the Women's USA Nationals, and then capturing the silver medal at the world competition. Mr. Speaker, I wish Councilwoman Travis the best of luck moving forward as a finalist and in all future competitions. I know she will continue to make Clermont, the 15th Congressional District, and our country proud.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the great State of Florida. On this day in 1845, Florida became the 27th State to join our Union and has had a strong impact on our Nation ever since. From producing 70 percent of our Nation's citrus, to ranking number 2 in vegetables harvested, Florida, as an agricultural powerhouse, has long been critical in feeding hungry Americans. Our State's importance to our national security also can't be understated. Florida is home to 3 of 11 unified combatant commands--Central Command, Southern Command, and Special Operations Command. I am so honored to represent a district home to 57,000 veterans, part of the 1.5 million who call the Sunshine State home. Florida is also a major tourism destination as millions from around the world flock to our shores to enjoy our beaches, food, culture, and theme parks. I am grateful to have been born and raised in Florida and to represent the 15th District. I look forward to working with the Florida delegation to continue bettering the lives of all our State residents for generations to come.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I was absent from votes on Monday, March 2, because I was attending the annual Strawberry Festival, an important event in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on Roll Call No. 79, and Yea on Roll Call No. 80.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to proudly announce that today marks the start of the 2020 Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida, which celebrates the strawberry harvest of eastern Hillsborough County. This community-oriented event began back in 1930 and has become one of the top 40 fairs in North America. My district has grown to be one of the largest agricultural districts in the Nation with Plant City known as the winter strawberry capital of the world. As a near billion-dollar industry, we love our strawberries, we love those who grow and pick them, and we love the culture surrounding them. The festival has a wide range of entertainment, including livestock shows, rides, live music, and the Florida Strawberry Festival Queens Pageant that collectively bring in over one-half million attendees annually and serves to unite our community. The festival also has strawberry shortcake, and lots of it. This is the Strawberry Festival's 85th year, and we anticipate many more to come. I can't wait to be back home this weekend to enjoy the festival with my family and the families of District 15.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Mrs. Miranda Harwood on becoming Hillsborough County's Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Harwood is a fourth-grade math teacher at Brooker Elementary School in Brandon, Florida. Mrs. Harwood embodies everything that educators should be--a kind heart, dedication to her profession, and a commitment to her pupils. On Monday she hosts a math club for her excelling students, and on Wednesdays and Thursdays she stays late for those needing additional help and encouragement. Not only does she create a learning environment conducive to academic achievement, but she also strives to promote safety and security for those with difficult home lives. She really, truly cares. A former student described the impact that she left on him and his classmates as ``making every student feel like they are her own child.'' Wow. Praise like this is both commendable and rare. As Mrs. Harwood moves forward to the State competition for Teacher of the Year, I wish her the best of luck. More importantly, I am honored to have her passion and dedication in my district and to have her instill these characteristics into our next generation.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the girls soccer team of Strawberry Crest High School for winning the Class 6A District 11 title. The team exhibited strength and passion all year long. Then their many hours of practice and commitment to one another gave them an added edge on their run to the district title. In the semifinals, the team showcased their extraordinary talents by shutting out Tampa Tech, 3-0. In the championship game against a very talented Plant City team, Strawberry Crest was resilient in their effort and pitched a fierce comeback to ultimately win the game in double overtime. I congratulate Coach Sean Woodhouse and his staff on this title. The time and effort you invest into our youth to help them develop into strong leaders and community members does not go unnoticed. I also congratulate the following team members for their fantastic season: Sheny Anauo, Cristoval Arevalo, Kamila Arevalo Cortes, Stephanie Briseno, Abigayle Caballero, Ezra Carpenter, Ariana Diaz Cortes, Avery Fearnow, Isamara Flores-Hernandez, Andrea Garcia. Alexa Guzman, Madison Hall, Emily Hobbs, Khaijah Jeans, Lydia Linares, Amanda Ocegueda, Lizbeth Ortiz, Ashley Parow, Emily Parow, Mei Ramsey. Olivia Reyes, Emily Rosales, Danielle Seunath, Hanna Trotto, Hali Vician. I'm proud of them all.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Lakeland High School cheerleading team on their championship performance at the University of Florida in Gainesville. These students won the Extra Large Non-Tumbling Division title at the FHSAA 2A state meet despite losing one of their key members to injury just prior to the finals. Just as spectacular, the Dreadnaughts repeated as state champions having won in the Large Non-Tumbling Division last year. Lakeland High School was led to victory by head coach Crystal Abdon who praised her team's grit and perseverance. Competitive cheerleading has grown as a sport and Lakeland High continues to prove themselves as not only one of the best in our state, but also one of the top programs in the nation and world. Again, congratulations to the Lakeland High School cheerleading team and staff for this victory. Their commitment to one another and joy for their sport is admirable, and I, along with all of Lake County, are so proud of them all.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the George Jenkins High School Cheerleading team for their championship performance at the state competition in Gainesville, Florida. George Jenkins High School cheerleaders won their first state title while competing in the Medium Non-Tumbling Division and beating second place by 4.6 points. Not only was this the first state title for the school in cheerleading, but just the fourth time George Jenkins High School has captured a title in any sport. Prior to this, the Jenkins squad had never made it to the finals. However, their strong preparation, passion, and unwavering commitment to one another were instrumental in their victory. The Jenkins cheerleading squad was led by their head coach Nashan Davis, who, after winning the title, held back tears in stating, ``The coaches gave them the tools and they went out there and did their job today.'' Congratulations once again to the George Jenkins Cheerleading team and on their title. They earned it and deserved it, and I look forward to seeing them defend it next year.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise in memory of four young African American men who in 1949 in Lake County, FL, were harshly and unjustly mistreated by our judicial system--Charles Greenlee, Walter Irving, Samuel Shepherd, and Ernest Thomas. The Groveland Four case, as it become known, centered around the alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-old white girl and an attack on her husband. Given the cruel reality of the social and racial divide of 1949 Florida, it would have been impossible for these young men to receive a fair and unbiased trial, despite being represented by Thurgood Marshall. The incident lit a chain of events in our community that will forever be remembered as some of the most painful and scarring moments in our history. Almost 70 years later, the City of Groveland and Lake County apologized to their survivors and in 2019, Gov. Ron DeSantis officially pardoned the men--actions I commend. It is never too late for justice, and never too late to do what is right. We have grown since those times in Lake County, but we're not done. I pray that the Groveland Four Monument brings some healing to their surviving family members, and that it is a constant reminder to us to always pursue truth and justice for all of our citizens.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to American Heart Month, a topic that is extremely important yet also personal to me. Almost 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with severe three-vessel coronary artery disease, and I have since had 13 stents placed in my heart. So while this is deeply personal to share, I also recognize the unique position that I have been given to raise awareness about cardiovascular health. Half of all Americans have at least one key risk factor: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or history of smoking. By changing our diets, avoiding nicotine products, and exercising, roughly 83 percent of premature deaths from heart disease can be avoided. Along with annual checkups and prescribed medicines, I urge all to remain alert to the symptoms of heart problems, including shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or numbness in the arms. Heart disease is currently the world's leading cause of death, claiming 17.9 million lives annually, yet it doesn't have to be. With modern medicine, and by the grace of God, I am here today. So I urge everyone to take control of their heart health before it is too late.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Army veteran James Ring. After graduating high school, James enlisted in the Army and served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He later joined the Reserve Forces and, at the same time, began a 13-year career as a City of Lakeland police officer. Now, in addition to serving as CEO for his own small business, James is active with the Lakeland Chamber, promoting issues important to the small business community. Very soon, James will be returning to Active Duty and deploying again. Now, that is commitment. People like James make me proud not only to be an American, but proud of my district. The spirit and the drive that propel him to serve our community as a small business owner and our Nation as a uniformed servicemember are unique and invaluable. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, James. And thank you Ring family for your service and your sacrifice. I know I speak on behalf of the entire district when I say that we are so very proud of you.