Ross Spano

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly announce the introduction of a bipartisan bill to combat human trafficking, the HOPE for Victims of Human Trafficking Act. Too often, trafficking victims are forced to do things that they would never choose to do, and sometimes they are forced by their captors to break the law. This bill creates a legal presumption which states that human trafficking victims who commit a covered offense while being trafficked are presumed to have committed that offense under coercion unless the prosecution can prove otherwise. Consequently, this bill will stop many unjust convictions human trafficking victims face, which will then better allow them to find employment, seek additional education, and recover from their trauma. I am proud to cointroduce this bill with my friend Representative Alcee Hastings. On behalf of the many human trafficking groups that supported the bill, including Shared Hope International, Rights4Girls, Selah Freedom, and others, I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation, too.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Chabot for yielding. I rise today in support of the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2019, a bill that I was proud to introduce with Representative Schneider. This bill authorizes the Boots to Business Program for 5 years, which provides educational opportunities to veterans and their families on how to start and manage their own small businesses. Veterans often have the natural temperament and experience to be successful entrepreneurs. They are trained to be confident leaders and they know how to make tough decisions in very, very difficult environments. However, many veterans often retire from the service with all the right tools but lack the knowledge on how to apply them in the business world. The Boots to Business Program fills this gap. As a pilot program, it provides a number of opportunities to educate veterans in entrepreneurship. The flagship offering of the program is the Introduction to Entrepreneurship course, a 2-day, in-person training on the fundamental principles of business ownership. Specifically, the course teaches participants how to recognize business opportunities, create a business plan, and consider the legal and financial aspects of how to operate a business. This allows veterans to come to the course with the beginnings of a business idea and leave with the tools to turn it into a viable business model. Boots to Business also follows up this introductory course with more in-depth educational opportunities on specific topics, such as conducting market research and revenue readiness. Beyond these educational opportunities, Boots to Business provides veteran entrepreneurs access to free consultants for follow-up questions and to help them navigate loan programs offered by the Small Business Administration. I have personally seen the positive impacts of the Boots to Business Program in my district. Introduction to Entrepreneurship classes are regularly offered at MacDill Air Force Base, and so far, 100 courses have been given throughout Florida. The program has been a great benefit to the veterans in my community, and I am confident that it will continue to benefit veterans across the country. Mr. Speaker, the bill passed unanimously from the Small Business Committee, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention to National Adoption Month. On any given day in our country, there are 440,000 children in the foster care system, most for 2 to 5 years. This holiday season, I encourage you to open your heart to the possibility of adopting a child. As an adoption attorney, I can personally testify that you can give no greater gift to a child without a home than the security of a parent. Alternatively, foster care may be a better option for you. My family had the joy of fostering four beautiful children over a 2-year period and simultaneously gave their birth parents the chance to receive help to overcome problems that led to their children's removal from their home. Tampa Bay is blessed to have the Gladney Center for Adoption, Catholic Charities Adoption Services, Florida Baptist Children's Homes, Heart of Adoptions Alliance, and others on the front lines of this issue. This National Adoption Month, think of these kids as you sit at your Thanksgiving table, when you shop for Christmas, and, above all, when you consider growing your family. They need us.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the inspiring story of a World War II veteran from my district. At 102 years young, Beverly Hurd is a unique personification of what heroism is about. In 1944, Bev put her teaching career on hold and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While stationed at Corry Field in Pensacola, Florida, she was able to apply her teaching skills as a ground school instructor. During her time there, she developed critical classified reconnaissance films that were used in troop training. Once discharged, Bev used her GI Bill to earn her teaching degree and return to the classroom. She went from serving in uniform to serving at home and, for nearly 40 years, educated generations of great minds. Beverly Hurd modeled selflessness and sacrifice at a time when the doors were barely open for females to do so, and she played a critical role, both in protecting democracy and in expanding the role of women in our military service. I thank Bev for her service, her sacrifice, and for being a great role model for generations of younger American women.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the resolution that attempts to justify the sham impeachment process that I have personally witnessed. The majority claims this resolution will ensure a ``fair, open, and transparent process.'' Madam Speaker, do you want to know how fair this process is? The resolution names the Financial Services Committee as part of the investigation. Earlier this month, the chairwoman of that committee said that President Trump should be ``placed in solitary confinement.'' Further, Republicans will only be allowed to subpoena witnesses with Chairman Schiff's approval, as deemed necessary to the investigation. If we have learned anything from the investigation so far, we know the majority does not think due process is necessary. They don't even think basic fairness is necessary. A ``yes'' vote on this resolution today gives a stamp of approval to a process that has been damaged beyond all repair and is a blatant and obvious coup to unseat a sitting President of the United States. I will not support a resolution that promises an open and fair process without the basic, fundamental procedures necessary to ensure it.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Down Syndrome occurs when abnormal cell division results in a duplicate of chromosome 21. However, those suffering from this disease are anything but abnormal, and it is time that they be viewed as valued members of our communities. Although there is no cure or prevention for Downs, there are still nations working to eradicate the disease using the only means available to them, through the willful abortion of babies identified as having Down Syndrome during prenatal screenings. Iceland is an example of a country where almost all women who receive a positive test result for Down Syndrome terminate their pregnancies at the recommendation of their medical practitioners. Those with Down Syndrome can and should be given the opportunity to live full lives. They can be educated and employed. They exude joy and grace, with the most lovable personalities. Just ask their family and friends. It is time for the world to stop being complicit in the genocide of those with Down Syndrome and to support our friends born with an extra chromosome. All life has value.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness about an issue that is important to our Nation and essential to my district. Strawberry growers in Plant City, Florida, are under attack. For years Mexico has spent millions subsidizing their strawberry production. This has allowed them to export strawberries at a cost our local growers cannot compete with. Consequently, imports of Mexican strawberries have increased by approximately 80 percent since 2010. Furthermore, current trade agreements don't allow seasonal growers to bring antidumping claims. This means our growers are left with a right against unlawful dumping but no means of enforcing it. Plant City, Florida, is known as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World and produces more than 85 percent of all the winter strawberries grown here in our Nation. It is imperative for Congress to correct the situation and pass legislation that gives our growers the protections that they need and deserve.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, due process is a right so important that we have not one but two constitutional amendments to ensure it. Past impeachment inquiries began with a resolution to define scope, to establish rules and procedures, and to give equal subpoena power to the minority. These due process protections are critical because removing a President is one of the most serious decisions Congress can make. But last week, the Democratic Caucus chair dismissed our pleas for a resolution to formalize the impeachment inquiry as a ``cosmetic procedural matter.'' Cosmetic. Since when did fairness in this country become cosmetic? Democrats point to the Constitution in undertaking this inquiry, but look at how it is being handled. There is no due process. The accused is presumed guilty. There is no right to confront your accuser. All proceedings are taking place in secret. The only reason for secret hearings is to control what people see and what they hear. This sham process disregards the fundamental rights our country is founded on, and the American people deserve more.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring attention to October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is a terrible reality for far too many women, men, and children. By the time I finish this speech, roughly 20 people will fall victim to abuse at the hands of an intimate partner. This is Ashley Hall, a mother of two young girls from my district. She was a dance instructor, a teacher's aide, and she had a heart for those who struggled. Ashley was also a victim of domestic violence. She lost her life at the hands of her husband, a tragedy that will impact her daughters for the rest of their lives. This month let the stories like Ashley's be shared as a way to help others. Take time to reach out to those you think may be in need. Get involved by supporting local shelters and speak out against this tragic issue. Resources are available for those in need. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a great American, World War II veteran Seaman First Class Ed Diaz. Mr. Diaz, a native of New York, enlisted in the Navy in 1944 and was subsequently assigned to the USS Columbus heavy cruiser. During World War II, he served in the South Pacific and participated in Operation Road's End, a campaign in which 24 Japanese submarines were sunk and which led to the final destruction of Japan's submarine fleet. Mr. Diaz was discharged after the war but continued to serve in the Naval Reserve for another decade. He later worked as a machinist in Pennsylvania until a promotion relocated him to the heart of Florida District 15. In total, he served with Hazleton Pumps for 42 years. Like many from the Greatest Generation, Seaman First Class Ed Diaz humbly and sacrificially served this country in one of its darkest hours. He looked evil in the eye and stood up to it in the name of democracy and freedom. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Diaz for his service and his dedication. He showed us how to live and gave our State and Nation a better future. Today I salute him.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month and to celebrate the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to our Nation. From the founding of St. Augustine to the Battle of Yorktown to the fight for school integration, Hispanic Americans have served as vital cornerstones in the construction of our Republic. The State of Florida also has a rich history of strong Hispanic influence. In fact, Juan Ponce de Leon, who led the first Spanish expedition to Florida, went on to serve as Puerto Rico's first Governor. To this day, our communities proudly have a strong Hispanic representation, with 23 percent of my district having a Hispanic or Latino heritage. Hispanic organizations play vital roles in our community. The Club Hispano de Lakeland hosts the Lakeland Hispanic Festival, where Hispanic culture and history is embraced and celebrated. The Hispanic Professional Women's Association and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay also lend rich leadership to our communities. So today, and every day, I say thank you to all Hispanics and especially those of Florida 15. You have transformed our language, our place names, our diets, and our entire culture. We are a better State and country because of you.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, for the third time, we will vote to terminate President Trump's national emergency declaration related to the crisis on our southern border. When are we going to get serious about solving the issue? For the first half of the year, Democrats wouldn't even acknowledge that there was a crisis. They ignored the reports from Border Patrol showing record levels of illegal crossings month after month. Mr. Speaker, I thought we had progress in June, at least in terms of Democrats acknowledging that we have a crisis. You see, 305 Members of the House and 84 Members of the Senate voted to provide emergency funding in response to the humanitarian crisis. Unfortunately, we are back to the same partisan votes we started the year with. Today is the last day the House will meet in session in fiscal year 2019. I wish I could tell my constituents, yes, we are going to terminate the emergency declaration because the fiscal year 2020 appropriations bill provides the money needed to secure the border, but that could not be further from the truth. Not a single full-year appropriations bill has been signed into law. In fact, the House hasn't even voted on next year's Homeland Security appropriations bill. This brings me back to my question of when. When are Democrats going to get serious about securing our border? It is certainly not in the appropriations bills they have drafted. Section 227 of their Homeland Security bill reads: ``No Federal funds may be used for the construction of physical barriers along the southern land border of the United States during the fiscal year 2020.'' Their Defense appropriations bill went even further. That bill prohibits any funds from being used ``to construct a wall, fence, border barriers, or border security infrastructure along the southern land border of the United States.'' It is unbelievable. Not only is there no funding for physical barriers, they specifically prohibit it. My constituents did not elect me to stand by silently as we transition to open borders in this country, and I will not. I call on my colleagues across the aisle: Let's put this partisan vote behind us; let's get serious; and let's work together to secure our border. It is what the American people want and expect us to do.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to one of the most important issues facing our Nation and world. This weekend is World Heart Day, a time for individuals around the globe to annually be informed about the issues surrounding cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke, and to highlight the actions that individuals can take to prevent and control the disease. You see, cardiovascular disease is the world's leading cause of death. Each year it claims the lives of almost 18 million people, while devastating many more families. You see, I have cardiovascular disease; and as someone with a heart condition, I humbly stand before the House and I say that we can do better. World Heart Day is about families, communities, and governments around the globe coming together, regardless of affiliation, to combat a shared enemy that affects the lives of far too many. With controlling our diets, sticking to an exercise regimen, and avoiding the use of tobacco products, 80 percent of premature deaths from cardiovascular disease can be avoided. Please join me in taking control of your health before it is too late.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my disappointment at what the House is devoting its time to this afternoon. It is certainly not the issues that my constituents elected me to come to Washington to advocate for on their behalf. We are not on the floor today talking about how we can improve care and services for veterans. We are not talking about how to fix the crumbling infrastructure, how to fix the broken immigration system. We are not talking about how to modernize and personally tailor healthcare. We are not on the floor talking about how we can continue to implement policies to further strengthen our booming economy. Instead, we again find ourselves on the House floor talking about President Trump and his administration. Sound familiar? This morning, in the interest of full transparency, the Trump administration released the complete memorandum outlining the telephone conversation between the President and the Ukrainian President, just as the President promised he would do yesterday. But before reading the transcript, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle prejudged the memo and called for impeachment. Did the Speaker wait to see and review this information? No. Instead, she went before the American people to announce that the House would begin the formal impeachment inquiry into President Trump. Well, I read the transcript, and I don't see the bombshell that the Democrats promised. There is no quid pro quo, no this for that. Nowhere does the President say that he will withhold military aid unless the Ukrainian investigation continues. It is simply not there. Rushing to judgment and overpromising, if it sounds familiar, that is because it is. We waited nearly 2 years for Special Counsel Mueller to finish his report on the 2016 election. Over and over, we heard Democrats promise the report would lead to President Trump's impeachment. After a disappointing report and an even more disappointing appearance by the special counsel before Congress, they went fishing for new reasons to attack the President. What happened to the standard of innocent until proven guilty in this country? I learned that in law school. How have we strayed so far from this fundamental principle? The Democrats are operating under the presumptive belief that the President is guilty. They believe if they look long enough and hard enough, maybe, just maybe, they will uncover something, anything, that they can impeach him for. This is wrong, and I will not support their efforts. I will not stand by silently while it happens. If my colleagues on the other side of the aisle truly believe that this warrants impeachment, and if they are not willing to wait 1 day to read the transcript, then why are they sending us back to our districts for the next 2 weeks? The majority leader said this morning there are no plans to cancel the recess because it is important Members go home to their constituents and explain what we are doing. In other words, they still need to convince the American people that today's revelations, which didn't live up to their promises, should lead to President Trump's removal from office.

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I call on the Democrat leadership to keep us in session the first 2 weeks of October, if this is as urgent and as serious as they are telling the American people. I will not support the political impeachment that Democrats are incessantly pursuing. I implore this House and its leadership to put this behind us once and for all and get to work, get to work and do the important work that the American people sent us here to do.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of Tampa Bay's most impactful business leaders, Aakash Patel. Aakash was recently honored as Businessman of the Year by the Indo- U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a group that provides Asian American professionals and entrepreneurs a platform to share and collaborate. Aakash currently serves as the chairman of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, a 501(c)(3) that provides quality childhood care and after-school programs to many of the children in my district. At the age of 27, Aakash founded a local consulting firm, with an expertise in public relations, targeted networking, and social media. Under his leadership, his small group of millennials, over the last 9 years, has actively resourced over 150 companies. His love and passion for our community is also seen in his role as the youngest board member of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and with his selection as an honorary commander at MacDill Air Force Base. Please join me in congratulating one of Tampa's most well-established rising stars in the business community, Aakash Patel.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight that September is National Suicide Prevention Month. This is not an easy subject to talk about, especially since each person's circumstances differ. Yet, as the number 10 cause of death in the U.S., it is vital that people understand the issues concerning suicide and mental health so that anyone can help a person in crisis. That is the focus of the advocacy message surrounding National Suicide Prevention Month this year, which is ``Be the one to.'' Be the one to, because we can all follow the five action steps to make an impact on someone's life: Be the one to ask. Be the one to keep them safe. Be the one to be there. Be the one to help them connect. Be the one to follow up. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website also provides tips to better identify potential warning signs before applying these five steps, as well as other resources. For those in crisis, know that you are not alone and help is available. The lifeline is run 24/7 and can be reached at 1-800-273- 8255.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to and celebrate the birthday of the United States Air Force. Today's Air Force traces its lineage to the U.S. Signal Corps in 1907 but officially became its own branch as part of the National Security Act of 1947. During this period, the Air Force has been on the front lines of racial integration, helped keep the city of Berlin fed for 11 months, placed the first artificial communications satellite into orbit, and continually maintained round-the-clock flights of an airborne command post for three decades. More significantly, their vigilance and reach have deterred aggression while their speed, power, and sacrifice of life have restored peace. Today, on the 72nd birthday of the Air Force, the branch has grown into a staple of the United States defense community. With over 600,000 Active Duty, Reserve, and civilian personnel, thousands of whom serve at MacDill Air Force base in Tampa, it is imperative we give these American heroes, past and present, the respect that they deserve. Please join me in wishing the United States Air Force a happy birthday and honoring the lives of all who have served.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Terry Ottinger, who has retired after 14 years of faithful service on staff with the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and, 17 years before that, as a business owner. Few have done more to advance the cause of the local entrepreneur than Terry. Since 1921, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce has served as an advocate for business and, today, is the largest chamber in Polk County, with over 1,400 investor businesses. During Terry's tenure as chamber vice president, Lakeland has risen to the fourth fastest growing metropolitan area in the Nation. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding training workshops, promoting small business development, and providing opportunities for investors and visionaries to network. The city of Lakeland is a stronger regional partner and a more desirable location for prospective businesses because of Terry's professionalism, strategic outlook, team building talents, and honest friendship. Thank you, Terry. Thank you for a lifetime of service. You are not done, though, and we look forward to keeping you engaged in our community for years to come.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to announce a bill I recently introduced in the House, the Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills Act, which is a companion bill to Senator Scott's recent legislation. No one seeking medical care should ever have to worry about incurring unexpected, crippling expenses, especially when they have done everything right by obtaining health insurance. That is why then- Governor Rick Scott and I worked to pass a bill in Florida to solve this issue. This law takes patients completely out of the billing process, protecting patients from surprise medical bills for emergency services and for mistakenly seeing an out-of-network healthcare provider at an in-network hospital. This bill has experienced widespread success in Florida, which is why we are introducing legislation to apply these policies to healthcare plans regulated at the Federal level. I have personally known the fear of being rushed to the emergency room. In that moment, no one should have to worry about their finances. This bill not only seeks to save Americans money but also provides the peace of mind for them to focus on healing.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor World War II veteran, Colonel Andy Koehl, U.S. Army Retired. Colonel Koehl enlisted in the Wisconsin National Guard in 1936. During World War II, he spent 43 months in the South Pacific, during which he participated in five amphibious landings as an artillery officer, was wounded in action, and was awarded the Purple Heart. In August 1945, he again risked his life as one of the first occupation troops to enter Hiroshima after the atomic bomb. Following World War II, he continued his stellar career by serving multiple worldwide tours of duty, including service in Vietnam from 1961 to 1963 as part of the first advisors dispatched to that area. And this past May, Colonel Koehl celebrated his 100th birthday. But in fact, it is we who celebrate him. Our Nation owes him a debt of gratitude for all he has endured over 30 years of service to protect our freedoms and a faith that brought him through the darkest days of war. Madam Speaker, I thank Colonel Koehl. I thank him for blessing us with his life of sacrifice.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor World War II veteran Warrant Officer One Kenneth A. Pennington, U.S. Navy Retired. Mr. Pennington enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. After spending time in the European theater, he was assigned to the newly commissioned aircraft carrier, USS Princeton. After 9 major engagements in the Pacific, the Princeton was sunk during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on October 24, 1944, resulting in 108 casualties and over 200 injured. Many consider this battle is to be the largest naval battle of World War II and possibly the largest in history. In 1946, Mr. Pennington was assigned as deck chief on the USS Midway aircraft carrier, and eventually saw action in the Korean conflict while aboard the USS Mount McKinley. He continued to serve over 30 years until 1967, and was recognized for his commitment, bravery, and heroism with 10 medals during that time. This past March, Mr. Pennington celebrated his 100th birthday. However, it is our community and I who celebrate him, his career, and lifetime of service. Our nation owes you a debt of gratitude for all you have endured to protect our freedoms and faith, one that brought you through the darkest days of war. I thank him for blessing us with his life of sacrifice, and am humbled to honor him before the United States Congress.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Dakeyan Graham for being selected as Florida's Teacher of the Year. He was chosen out of more than 176,000 teachers to receive Florida's highest award for public educators. Known affectionately by his students as Dr. Dre, he has long been driven by music. He played the saxophone in the marching band at King High School; and he went on to study music education, earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and a doctorate from the University of South Florida. He returned to King High School as an educator where he teaches his students music in the same room where he learned to play. He has worked at the school for more than a decade and now serves as the director of bands and instrumental studies. As part of this award, Dr. Graham will spend 1 year as an education ambassador where he will work to raise public awareness of other exceptional teachers, provide learning opportunities to educators, and recruit future teachers. Dr. Graham has dedicated his career to serving his students, and this award shows he sets an example not only to his students but to us all.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 582, which would more than double the Federal minimum wage. Numerous studies show that doubling the minimum wage to $15 an hour would be catastrophic for small businesses. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that this bill would result in the loss of up to 3.7 million jobs, which is approximately the same number of people who live in the State of Oklahoma. When I started my own business, I went without a salary for a full year to invest in the business, to pay for overhead, and to keep my employees paid. I could not have borne these expenses under a $15 minimum wage. I think of my scheduler, Naomi Hilton. As a teenager, I hired her in my small business to be the receptionist in my office. She worked hard, and within a year she was promoted to legal assistant, and then to paralegal, and eventually she earned more than $15 an hour. If not for a much lower minimum wage, I would never have been able to start my business, hire Naomi, and pay her more than the minimum wage proposed in this bill. I support higher wages for all, and the economy has given us these jobs without costing millions of jobs and thousands of small businesses.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. Fifty years ago, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins launched from Florida's coast at Kennedy Space Center with the goal of being the first to step foot on the Moon. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong accomplished what was only a short time prior believed to be impossible. He became the first man to set foot on the Moon, uttering the famous words, ``That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.'' Those words ring through history, but it is important that we also recognize the hundreds of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and support staff who worked tirelessly to ensure mission success but do not receive the public recognition that they deserve for their contributions. One example of this is Susan Finley. She began her career as a computer programmer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and wrote software for the Deep Space Network. That software made it possible to hear the transmissions from the Moon that showed the world what was possible when the United States committed to achieving the impossible. I am also incredibly proud that 50 years after this accomplishment, Florida remains at the forefront of space exploration. Today, the new crew capsules designed to launch American astronauts into space are being built, and I hope that by the end of this year, in which we are celebrating the first Moon landing, we will again see American astronauts climb into American-built capsules and launch into space from Florida's shores. We have relied on Russian spacecraft for too long, and this will inspire a new generation of American children to develop a passion for exploration and to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, just as the Apollo program did 50 years ago when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first to set foot on the Moon. President George Bush said: ``Mankind is drawn to the heavens for the same reason we were once drawn into unknown lands and across the open sea. We choose to explore space because doing so improves our lives and lifts our national spirit. So let us continue the journey.'' Congratulating Michaela McLean, Miss Florida 2019