Ross Spano

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Black History Month. This month is designed to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and the significant role that they have played in our Nation's history. The State of Florida is home to one such leader, Hillsborough County's Clarence Fort. Mr. Fort organized and participated in Tampa's first lunch counter sit-in in the downtown Woolworth's department store. After a week of nonviolent sit-ins, Tampa's mayor appointed a biracial committee to discuss segregation. By September 1960, the city's lunch counters were integrated. Mr. Fort also led the initiative to integrate the workforce of Tampa Transit Lines and later went on to serve 20 years as a Hillsborough County sheriff's deputy. Strong men and women like Clarence Fort persevered during some of America's most divided periods. His strength and courage are part of what makes our Nation great. Madam Speaker, I thank all the brave African Americans whose positive influence and impact inspire us this month and every month of the year.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address my colleagues in both Chambers of Congress. Yesterday, we saw the absolute acquittal in the Senate of President Donald Trump after 3 years of baseless accusations, harassment, and a prolonged witch hunt known as the impeachment process. Without a doubt, the saddest part of this 130-day fiasco that cost taxpayers an estimated $3 million and yielded zero direct evidence implicating the President has been the colossal waste of time and resources. The question we must ask ourselves now is this: How many lives could we have bettered during all of this? The answer is: Countless. It is time to get back to the issues that matter to the American people. Let's find common ground and do something. Today, I stand here just feet away from where President Trump stood on Tuesday and called for unity in this body. As the President said that night, the only victories that matter in Washington are those that deliver for the American people, and I stand ready to work across the aisle. Will you join me? The American people are watching.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor a talented young lady from my district. Bri Folds, a Lakeland Christian and Auburn grad, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 National Woman's Soccer League draft by the North Carolina Courage. Ms. Folds is the first player from Polk County to be drafted by the National Women's Soccer League. Folds was a two-time Lakeland Ledger Player of the Year, with 173 goals and 155 assists while at Lakeland Christian. She finished her college career ranked seventh all-time at Auburn in assists, eighth in goals, and tied for fifth in game-winning goals with nine. I am extraordinarily proud of her dedication and drive. It is important that our community continues to invest in future generations to produce stars and leaders like Ms. Folds. Players like her will influence young girls for years to come. I encourage all of District 15 to join me in cheering on Bri Folds when the 2020 NWSL season begins in March.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to be removed as cosponsor of H.J. Res. 25.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lakeland High School's Demarkus Bowman, who was recently named Florida's Mr. Football. After finishing runner-up last year, Demarkus beat out the competition this year, having run for over 1,600 yards and 24 touchdowns in only 11 games. As a unanimous 5-star running back and the number 16 overall player in the Nation, Demarkus will be taking his talent next season to Clemson University. Not only is Demarkus a star football player, but Demarkus also excels in track. More importantly, Demarkus is a young man with a grateful heart who is supported by a devoted family and friends. I am proud of Demarkus and all his Dreadnaught teammates who represent our district so well. Not only do I celebrate their accomplishments on the field, but I also look forward to seeing them take on the mantle of leadership in their generation.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Globally, there are over 40 million victims of human trafficking at any given time, 75 percent of them women and girls, and 25 percent are children. While 81 percent are trapped in forced labor, millions more are in forced sexual exploitation and forced marriages. Not only is human trafficking at epidemic levels overseas, but it is also experiencing rampant growth in our own backyard. Statistics rank the State of Florida as the third highest trafficking destination in the U.S. Human trafficking traps millions of the most vulnerable members of society into modern-day slavery and generates annual profits of $150 billion. Events like the February Super Bowl in Miami are major targets. It is imperative that we give law enforcement the tools needed to identify and prevent human trafficking. We also need to pass legislation that deters and punishes the perpetrators and allows the victims to heal and reacclimate. This rapidly growing issue demands our attention. Let's work together, no matter which side of the aisle we sit on, to end this evil for good.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the Cole-McCarthy amendment that would ensure the President can protect the United States and our ally, Israel.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to confront a cancer that has been rapidly spreading, and that cancer is anti-Semitism, here at home and around the world. It is unsettling, and it is downright appalling. Day after day, I see new headlines about disparaging rhetoric and violence against the Jewish people. The Anti-Defamation League reports that 80 percent of European Jews feel anti-Semitism in their country is increasing, and 40 percent live in daily fear of physical attack. In 2018, here at home, there were 1,879 reported anti-Semitic incidents in the United States. Our Nation was founded on freedom of religion and diversity, and we must do everything necessary to preserve it. To that end, today, the House passed H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act, of which I am a proud cosponsor. It funds Holocaust education programs around the country. Mr. Speaker, America cannot and will not become a breeding ground for hatred.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King lived a life dedicated to serving and being a voice for the oppressed across our Nation. His message of nonviolence resonated with many Americans during a tumultuous period of our history when basic civil rights were being denied to many based on the color of their skin. Drawing inspiration from his Christian faith, Dr. King believed his protests were the strongest weapon to achieve freedom and equality. In the end he paid the ultimate price, choosing courage over fear to overcome hatred and ignorance. He famously preached: ``Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.'' Because of Dr. King's influence, all Americans can gather together to celebrate diversity and the growth of human rights for each of us. I hope that everyone will join me in commemorating and remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for his leadership, his sacrifices, and his legacy.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of Lakeland Police Department's finest. Officer Paul Dunn was a United States Marine Corps veteran and worked in law enforcement for over 20 years. He started with Lakeland P.D. in 2013 and epitomized courage and sacrifice. Officer Dunn sadly passed away following a tragic on-duty traffic crash on January 9. He leaves behind a devoted wife, who is a detective with Lakeland P.D. and five children. This is the second officer Lakeland P.D. has lost over a 5-week period, and their losses have a wide impact on the surrounding communities. Yet the thin blue line that Officer Dunn was a part of continues to serve, continues to protect, and continues to allow us peace of mind. I am grateful for him and for all of those who don the uniform with dignity, fairness, and justice. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. Mr. Speaker, our prayers are with the family of Officer Dunn. He was treasured in our community.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, if there was any doubt that last month's impeachment vote was purely political, there shouldn't be now. Throughout the partisan impeachment inquiry, we were told that it was critical to move quickly because the threat of waiting was too great. The Schiff report even said: ``We cannot wait.'' In the interest of speed, any hope of fairness was discarded. Rules were broken. Democrats couldn't wait on a minority hearing, breaking House rules that afforded us that right. Democrats couldn't wait on the courts to obtain additional testimony. But Speaker Pelosi continues to hold the articles from the Senate in an attempt to dictate the terms of the trial to Leader McConnell. The Constitution grants the Senate the sole power to try all impeachments, not the Speaker. Democrats voted to impeach the President for abuse of power and claim he is a threat to the Constitution, but look at what you are doing. You are trying to take the Senate's constitutional power for your own political gain. Follow the Constitution you spoke so much about. Transmit the articles to the Senate so that they can undertake their constitutional responsibility.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member McCaul for yielding. I oppose this resolution. The Speaker claims it is a necessary response to President Trump's ``disproportionate'' attack on ``high- level Iranian military officials.'' Disproportionate? Apparently, Democrats have forgotten who Qasem Soleimani was, one of the worst perpetrators of terror in recent history. He led the organization that founded Hezbollah, one of the most violent terrorist groups opposing Israel. He directed his groups to kill over 600 American servicemembers in Iraq and wounded thousands more. He led a brutal attack on peaceful protestors recently in Iran, killing over 1,000 Iranians. A bully will not stand down unless he knows you are willing to stand toe-to-toe with him, unless he knows there are consequences to his actions. President Trump acted decisively in bringing down this brutal, inhumane bully, this terrorist mastermind, to stop an imminent threat. It was necessary to show Iran we will no longer tolerate their aggression. We should be united in our support for eliminating this threat and in supporting the President's efforts to negotiate a new, more effective Iran deal. I urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution so that all options are on the table and so that we can negotiate from a position of strength toward achieving a peaceful solution.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize three incredible young ladies from my district who recently received the Girl Scouts Silver Award. Saylor Purks, Presley Lomel, and Amanda Whittlesey are freshmen at high schools in Hillsborough County. To earn their Girl Scouts Silver Award, these young ladies were tasked with creating a project that would make a change for the better in their school or neighborhood. After witnessing their classmates engaging in vaping, the students chose to present an antivaping presentation about the growing issue and the dangers of tobacco use. This message couldn't be more timely. Saylor, Presley, and Amanda shared their presentation during the 2019-2020 back-to-school orientation, and they hope their message can be shared at all middle schools and high schools nationwide. I would like to personally thank these brilliant young leaders for taking the time and initiative to educate their peers. I am sure we will see more outstanding things from these very special young ladies in the future.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring attention to a distinguished veteran from my district. At the age of 17, Private Oliver Green enlisted in the Army just before the Korean war; and on his 18th birthday, Private Green landed at Wonsan, North Korea, in a tank landing ship. As a machine gunner assigned to the Third Infantry Division, Seventh Regiment, First Battalion, D Company, Oliver Green was quickly put into the fight, experiencing a number of combat engagements with the enemy. After being seriously wounded, Private Green was awarded the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, and the Purple Heart for his combat heroism. Oliver Green went on to attend the University of Alabama and Stetson School of Law. He later became a Polk County judge, rising to become chief judge of the tenth judicial circuit in 1979. Oliver Green is a patriot. His commitment and service to our Nation and our community have been outstanding. I am grateful for brave individuals like Oliver Green who go, and have gone, above and beyond the call of duty to serve their fellow man and to serve our Nation.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this political effort to remove President Trump from office. I am not surprised this day has come, but I am disappointed, disappointed because impeachment is one of the most consequential decisions that we can make in this body, and this impeachment is based purely on partisan motives. Speaker Pelosi said we shouldn't go down this path unless there was something compelling, overwhelming, and bipartisan because of how divisive it would be. Unfortunately, it is clear the majority has had laser focus on one thing for 3 years: impeaching the President. The majority has failed to deliver for the American people. They failed to pass a budget on time, failed to pass the spending bills on time, and failed to deliver bipartisan solutions that will actually help improve the lives of Americans. But the American people see through this sad charade for what it is: an attempt to undo the 2016 election based on hearsay and opinion, not fact. The transcript of the call showed no conditions were placed on the aid. President Trump and President Zelensky have said there was no pressure, and Ukraine received the aid without taking any actions. The Constitution is clear. The President may only be impeached for committing treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. Nowhere in the two Articles of Impeachment brought today does it argue that the President has committed treason, bribery, or any crime under the law. This is not overwhelming. It is not compelling. It is not bipartisan. But the Speaker was right in one way. This is incredibly divisive and has lowered the bar for what future Presidents will face. Mr. Speaker, I strongly oppose the articles before us today, and I hope that we will finally move past this nightmare and get to work to deliver results for the American people.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 2019 Florida Fire Marshal of the Year, Jennifer Pierce. Pierce currently serves as the fire marshal of the Clermont Fire Department. With over 15 years of fire service under her belt, she also oversees the daily operations of the fire prevention division, which includes reviewing life safety plans, conducting fire investigations, and coordinating community relations. Clermont city manager Darren Gray highlighted how Fire Marshal Pierce has provided ``the highest level of service to Clermont's growing list of businesses, especially working with downtown's historic buildings and new business owners.'' In addition to being awarded the Fire Marshal of the Year title, Pierce was chosen to serve as the statewide director of fire marshals on the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association's board of directors. Her leadership and dedication to the city of Clermont has been exceptional, and I am confident that we will see more outstanding contributions from her in the future. From the bottom of my heart, I thank Fire Marshal Pierce and all the incredible first responders who serve District 15 and our Nation.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish a happy birthday to the National Guard and all servicemembers, past and present. Established in 1636, our Nation's first militia units organized in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and were referred to as Minutemen during the Revolutionary War. Today, the Army and Air National Guard are made up of 184,000 heroes who bravely stepped up to defend our freedom. They made history by forming one of the first all-African American units during the Civil War. They contributed 50,000 personnel following the 9/11 attacks. As I speak, they help secure our southern borders. More importantly, the National Guard sets itself apart as each member is sworn to uphold two constitutions, both Federal and State. Most of us are familiar with Guard units helping communities deal with floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, snowstorms, and other emergencies. But in times of civil unrest, the citizens of a State can rest assured that the Guard will be ready, if needed. These incredible Americans deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their long and continued service to our Nation. So on behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank them for their sacrifice and commitment.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a local police officer, husband, father, and respected community member: Ken Foley. In 1990, Officer Foley joined the Lakeland Police Department following 8 years with the United States Marine Corps. Last week, on December 4, after 29 years of distinguished service, his career and his life here on this Earth came to an end as he died unexpectedly while on duty. Police Chief Ruben Garcia shared that Foley was an ``everyday first responder and definitely one of our local heroes.'' Officer Foley was active in the community, and he knew it well. Lakeland residents flooded social media with anecdotes about Officer Foley's infectious smile, his compassion, and his unique ability to connect with people. Officers like Ken Foley make me proud of my community and grateful for the daily sacrifices of our first responders. So, to Officer Foley's family, his friends, and the entire Lakeland Police Department: Our prayers are with you all. May God bless, comfort, and keep you during this difficult time.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring recognition to 30- year U.S. Army veteran Sergeant Major John Thies. During his three decades of service to our Nation, mostly as a Special Forces Green Beret, he faced combat operations in Panama, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Among the many highlights of his illustrious career was his participation with the third Operational Detachment Alpha to infiltrate Afghanistan following the attacks on September 11, 2001. As a servicemember in all of these conflicts, John and his fellow warriors helped to bring down dictators, defeat insurgencies, and create conditions for the establishment of democracy. More importantly, his sacrifices brought hope to the suffering and peace to those in need of relief. I believe Sergeant Major Thies' former commanders and peers summarized his career and impact well in sharing that he was one of the finest noncommissioned officers they had ever served with. That is high praise from our Nation's finest. Madam Speaker, I thank John. I thank him for putting us before himself. We and our families slept better knowing he was on alert.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of those who fought and those who died so valiantly during the attacks at Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 78 years ago, the unthinkable happened. Our Nation was attacked in one of the most horrific events we have ever endured on our own soil. That day that will live in infamy also compelled the United States to enter the second World War. The bombs that destroyed the USS Arizona, 169 aircraft, and most of our Pacific fleet, rocked the Nation to its core. The attack killed almost 2,500 servicemembers plus 49 civilians and wounded 1,200 more. They were sons and daughters, they were brothers and sisters, and above all, they were heroes. And today we stand with those who lost family and friends, and we stand with the heroes who have defended and those who continue to defend our freedoms today and our way of life. We must never forget, and we must always honor their sacrifice.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight H.R. 3816, the No Pensions for Pedophiles Act, which I introduced in July. This bill would require the forfeiture of Federal pensions for individuals convicted of Federal crimes related to the sexual abuse of children. I was deeply disturbed to read news reports earlier this year surrounding the conviction of Stanley Patrick Weber, a doctor at Indian Health Service hospitals, who misused his position of trust and responsibility to prey on vulnerable children. Inexplicably, he is set to continue receiving his Federal pension during his 18-year prison sentence, which could be as high as $1.8 million. He is also awaiting trial in a second similar case. I do not believe that taxpayers should be forced to fund the pensions of Federal employees who have been convicted of crimes related to the sexual abuse of innocent children, and the No Pensions for Pedophiles Act would ensure that this practice ends.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Holly Vega, a resident of my district, who was recently named the 2019 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. Military spouses are unsung heroes that are responsible for securing the homestead and supporting our servicemembers. And for Holly's husband, Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Javier Vega, she is a gift to their family and to their community. Holly has been recognized for her generosity, her passion, and her heart for philanthropy, and for empowering other military spouses through community service opportunities and volunteerism. Her own selfless service has extended to the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Military Hearts Matter, and the Girl Scouts. I am so grateful for the thousands of spouses like Holly whose sacrifices and stresses are sometimes overshadowed, but whose contributions to our national defense and our communities are priceless. I thank you, Holly, for your passion and your drive to give to those in need. You indeed are a gift to many, and I salute you.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lakeland Linder International Airport on receiving their second Department of Transportation grant, this time totaling $8\1/2\ million. Lakeland Linder has over 125,000 aircraft operations annually and is becoming a central hub for major companies like Amazon. The airport is also home to the NOAA Hurricane Hunters, the Central Florida Aerospace Academy, and Polk State College's Aerospace programs. This grant provides the funding to make needed improvements to the aging runway and infrastructure that will further attract new businesses and jobs. Well done to Airport Director Eugene Conrad and his team for their vision and hard work. He contributes significantly to District 15 and our economic growth, and we thank him.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise to highlight H.R. 5169, the TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act that I introduced with Representative Gabbard earlier today. This bipartisan bill aligns the eligibility age for TRICARE Standard, Extra, and Prime, which are the healthcare programs for uniformed servicemembers, retirees, and their families, with the age at which National Guard and Reserve personnel begin receiving their retired pay. We have heavily relied upon our National Guard and Reserve personnel for the past 20 years, and they have made major contributions to our force structure for over 200 years. Congress previously recognized their sacrifices by lowering the age that they can receive their retired pay based on their Active Duty service, but it is not fair that their eligibility for traditional TRICARE was left at age 60. This has resulted in early retirees often spending the vast majority, if not all, of their pension on TRICARE premiums until they reach 60. This bill will help these servicemembers transition into retirement as intended when Congress reduced their retirement age. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow the House will consider another temporary funding measure, this time kicking the can down the road until December 20. We are nearly 2 months into the fiscal year, and not a single full-year appropriations bill has been completed. Continuing resolutions are not the way that we should operate. Priorities shift from year to year, and the longer a CR lasts, the more it hurts our military, our ports, and our infrastructure investment. I have seen no evidence that we are any closer to passing any full-year bills than at the end of September when we passed the last CR. You will hear my colleagues across the aisle blame this on Senate Republicans, however, the House majority appropriations bills were filled with poison pills that they continue to insist upon, such as preventing the use of funds for the border wall. And now the entire past month has been devoted to their sham impeachment efforts. I urge my colleagues, put the partisan investigations to the side so that we can come to a bipartisan agreement to fund the government in a responsible way.