Ross Spano

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Lamborn, and I appreciate the opportunity to speak. Mr. Speaker, when I heard about the opportunity to talk this evening in celebration of National Bible Week, I was really, really excited. I was excited because it gives me the chance to talk about something very special to me. When I was a boy, I remember seeing my mother read her Bible daily at our kitchen table. Every now and then, I would look over her shoulder at her open Bible to see numerous passages underlined or highlighted, notes and prayers written in the margins. I also I remember my mom quoting verses from the Bible in response to the circumstances of our lives. As I grew, my mom encouraged me to read the Bible. She assured me it had the answers to life's questions, how to live, how to treat others, how to know God's plan for my life. Most importantly, it would show me how to connect with God, how to have a relationship with him that would change my life here on this Earth, but also in the life to come. Like many young people, I wasn't a very good listener, so I didn't give the Bible much attention in my early years until I hit a particularly hard stretch and was driven to my knees as a younger man. It was then that I remembered what my mother had told me, the Bible has the answers. I began spending time every day reading the Bible. I learned about how God created the Heavens and the Earth; how he created man with a free will and so would never force man to love or serve Him; how He called the Nation of Israel to be his chosen people; how He sent his only son, Jesus, to live a perfect life and then to die a cruel death to pay the price for every man's sin, if they would just accept Him and the forgiveness that He offers. These are important things. But the Bible also helps me today. It helps me know how to love and care for my wife and my children. It shows me how to love unlovable people, how to let hatred go and to forgive, and how to have peace in my heart that passes all human understanding. It gives me hope on tough days, at times when I can't understand what is happening around me. And now today, although it is hard to explain and probably as difficult to understand, after 30 years eating and drinking, figuratively, from the truth of the Bible, I can't get enough of it. I can't go even one day without it. My soul becomes hungry and thirsty. I become weak and discouraged. You see, now I can't live without this Book. It is absolute life to me. This is a crazy, messed up world, and it only makes sense to me when I see it through God's lens when I see how the story ends and how He redeems this mess and reconciles man to Himself once and for all time. Yes, all of that is in this very special book called the Bible. And so, if you are searching for meaning today, if you are searching for truth, longing and thirsting for the answers to life's most important questions, I encourage you to do the same thing that I was encouraged to do. Pick up this book and begin reading it every day. I promise you; it will change your life. The words and truth contained in it will give you hope and peace and purpose like you have never before experienced. I would like to take this last moment to thank you, God, for using the Bible to show me how to live, and, most importantly, how to live forever. I love you.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to mourn the passing of Bishop Matthew Williams, a longtime community and faith leader from our district, and a personal inspiration to me. Bishop Williams was born in March of 1956, in Lakeland, Florida, the son of the late elder Matthew Williams, Sr., and the late Mother Louise Williams. He graduated from my alma mater, Brandon High School, in 1974, and attended Hillsborough Community College. Yet, at the age of 17, and during a period of national unrest, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and, in 1982, became a full-time minister at Brown Memorial Church of God in Christ, forever impacting countless lives in our community. Not only was Bishop Williams always available to help anyone in need, he always was a source of strength and guidance to his peers. Given his dedication to his neighbors and faith, it is no surprise that he was elected to the Church of God in Christ's General Board, the highest executive and administrative board within his denomination. Mr. Speaker, our community and my family extend our deepest sympathies to the Williams' family, especially to his wife, Gayle, and his daughter, Deniece. Though, he will be missed, we know that he still lives in the presence of Almighty God and awaits our next meeting.

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Florida 15th District resident and local hero: Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Gary Clark. Mr. Speaker, for 26 years, Gary wore his uniform proudly and defended our way of life. From Vietnam to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan to Desert Storm, Gary's leadership as a commander and director played a key role in our force readiness policies. Despite this distinguished career, Gary was just getting started. He served on the National Board of Directors of the Military Officers Association, as vice chair of the Florida Veterans Foundation, as chair of the Polk County Veterans Council, as chairman of the Flight to Honor Polk, and serves on the James A. Haley VA Hospital Advisory Board, among others. On a personal level, he has also aided my office and those of my two predecessors with the military service academies nomination process-- his deep insight and knowledge have helped numerous students throughout the years who also proudly served our country. And just this past September, Gary joined the 8th class to enter the Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, it is Americans like Gary who have sacrificed their time, their talents, and their treasures for both this Nation and their neighbors. When I see an American flag, I think of Gary, and I am so proud to call him my friend. Mr. Speaker, I thank Gary for his service; and to many more years ahead, I salute him. Remembering Bishop Matthew Williams

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot) for those kind comments. I appreciate that very much. I rise today in support of a bill I am proud to sponsor, H.R. 7903, legislation to improve and authorize the SBA's Community Advantage Loan Program. Small businesses are the driver of our communities, and now, more than ever, it is imperative for Congress to support them. In my home State of Florida, there are over 2.5 million small businesses employing over 3.5 million Floridians. As a former small business owner myself and as someone who will be a small business owner again very, very soon, I understand the sacrifice many small business owners make to keep their doors open and to meet their payrolls. I know the challenges that they face and the grit that it takes for them to persevere and the impact that they have on our communities. Among these challenges for many small businesses is acquiring the capital that is necessary to finance their operations. Many of the tools available at the SBA strive to increase access to capital for small businesses that are unable to receive it through conventional and traditional lending markets. One of these tools to support small businesses is the SBA's Community Advantage Loan Program, which was launched as a pilot program to assist small businesses in historically underserved and rural areas. It targets assistance to veteran-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, startups, and underserved minority communities, all key job creators. The combination of financial and technical assistance has made the program a proven game changer for many small businesses. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Judy Chu) for her bipartisan leadership in providing strategic improvements to this program and to move it from a pilot program to an authorized program for the next 5 years. The improvements included in H.R. 7903 will ensure the program serves businesses truly in need of SBA services. Specifically, H.R. 7903 defines the program with congressional intent. It outlines how Community Advantage lenders must operate within the program and details loan terms and other requirements. Mr. Speaker, I also thank the chairwoman and the ranking member for advancing this important legislation that will strengthen and improve the Community Advantage Loan Program. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the legacy of Marine Corporal Ronald R. Payne, Jr., a local hero who proudly served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps and was killed in combat on May 7, 2004. Payne graduated from Mulberry High School as a star football and basketball player. As a marine, Payne had been part of the initial force that invaded Iraq and entered Baghdad. He then volunteered to return for a second overseas tour. He was initially sent to Afghanistan to help with elections but was then sent into combat. Corporal Payne will be remembered as the first marine killed serving in Afghanistan. He will also be remembered as a man of faith. A late journal entry reads, ``The fear is starting to turn into excitement. Besides, what do I have to be afraid of really? I have God on my side, and He said He will never leave us nor forsake us. Having Him is better than any type of support or weapon that man can give.'' To his family, our district still mourns Ron's loss. I salute you for raising such a hero who was also such a servant. Remembering Staff Sergeant John Allen Reiners

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Staff Sergeant John Allen Reiners, a local hero from Florida's 15th District who served our country in the Armed Forces and who was sadly killed in combat in the Afghan theater. After participating in Junior ROTC for 4 years and graduating from Haines City High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and then began with the Army Rangers. He served at Fort Drum, New York, and Fort Carson, Colorado, and, during this time, also did two tours in Iraq, where he received his first Purple Heart. In 2001, Staff Sergeant Reiners died of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan's Zhari Province. He was awarded his second Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal posthumously for his valiant service and dedication to his team. At home, Reiners was also a devoted husband to Casey and father to Lex. To the entire Reiners family, our district and community still mourn John's loss. He was truly the epitome of a great American soldier, and his sacrifices will not be forgotten. Remembering Specialist Ryan Michael Lumley

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Sergeant Daniel McKinnon Angus, a local hero of Florida's 15th District who was killed in action in Afghanistan on January 24, 2010. Daniel graduated from Armwood High School in 2000 and, in 2003, joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he knew he belonged and hoped to make a career of serving his community and his country. Daniel stood out among his peers and received a Combat Action Ribbon, two Good Conduct Medals, the Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and a number of service decorations. He loved spending time with his wife, Bonnie, and his 1-year-old daughter, now 11 years old. May she always know and treasure the knowledge of her father's heroism. You see, men and women like Daniel, who are willing to lay down their lives in defense of our country and in support of others many miles away, are what makes our Nation the greatest on Earth. Let us never take their sacrifice or that of their surviving families in vain.

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and legacy of Specialist Ryan Lumley, a devoted husband and son who served this country in the Armed Forces and was killed in combat in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, on December 3, 2011. Ryan graduated from Cedar Key High School in 2008, joined the U.S. Army in 2009, and soon thereafter reported to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, where he excelled with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. Unfortunately, at the young age of 21, Ryan lost his life to an improvised explosive device. Due to his outstanding service and dedication to our country, Ryan was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and several other badges and ribbons. Ryan is survived by his wife, Kimber, a loving family, and many hometown friends who remember him fondly for his strong character and patriotism. While some time has passed since his departure, may his legacy continue to uplift his loved ones and encourage a grateful Nation. Remembering Sergeant Daniel McKinnon Angus

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jeff Cole for his 30 years of distinguished service to the citizens of Florida, culminating this year with his retirement as the Lake County manager. Mr. Cole began his public service career in 1990, supporting the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners. In 1994, he embarked on a 21-year journey with the St. Johns River Water Management District, overseeing intergovernmental affairs and public and media outreach. His long record of accomplishments brought him to Lake County in 2016, where he took on heightened responsibilities and focused on enhancing government efficiencies and accountability, while improving the quality of life in Lake County. Through challenges ranging from Hurricane Irma to COVID-19, Mr. Cole remained accessible and demonstrated unwavering leadership and dedication to our community. Mr. Speaker, I wish Jeff and his wife, Audrey, the very best in the next chapter of their lives together. From the bottom of my heart, I thank Jeff for his commitment to our citizens and the legacy that he is leaving behind. He will be missed. Remembering Specialist Alexander J. Miller

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Sergeant Daniel McKinnon Angus, a local hero in Florida's 15th District, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on January 24, 2010. Daniel graduated from Armwood High School in 2000 and, in 2003, joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he knew he belonged and hoped to make a career of serving his community and country. Daniel stood out among his peers and received the Combat Action Ribbon, two Good Conduct Medals, the Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and a number of service decorations. Daniel loved spending time with his wife, Bonnie, and his 1-year-old daughter. Now 11 years old, may she always know and treasure the knowledge of her father's heroism. Men and women like Daniel who are willing to lay down their lives in defense of our country and in support of others many miles away are what make our Nation the greatest on Earth. Let us never take their sacrifice or that of their surviving families in vain.

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the legacy of a local resident and hero of Florida's 15th District, First Lieutenant Ivan Lechowich. Lieutenant Lechowich was a devoted husband and loving father who served his country in uniform and was, sadly, killed in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, on September 28, 2011. Lieutenant Lechowich graduated from the International Baccalaureate Program at King High School, earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 2007, and, after joining the U.S. Army in 2009, deployed to Afghanistan 2 years later. Ivan was serving as a Sapper Platoon leader for the 515th Sapper Company out of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, when an improvised explosive device took his life. Ivan was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and NATO Medal. To his beloved wife, Jenn; daughter, Natalie Marie; and the rest of the Lechowich family, our district and community still mourns the loss of Ivan these many years later. May his memory and many sacrifices be a reminder of his love for his family and his Nation. Remembering Sergeant Daniel McKinnon Angus

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Specialist Alexander J. Miller, a young soldier who served our Nation in the Armed Forces and was, sadly, killed in combat in Nuristan province, Afghanistan, on July 31, 2009. Alex attended East Ridge High School in Clermont, Florida and, soon after graduation, enlisted in the U.S. Army, being assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Light Infantry, based in Fort Drum, New York. Alex hoped to attend the University of Central Florida after completing his tour of duty, but that dream vanished when insurgents attacked his unit. Miller was awarded two medals posthumously: the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. May his memory and sacrifices be a reminder to all of us of his service and love of country. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the entirety of the Miller family and his community these many years later. Remembering First Lieutenant Ivan D. Lechowich

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to highlight in memoriam the legacy of Dr. Sam Scolaro, a respected pillar in Florida 15th District's medical community, and a devoted husband and loving father who kept his promise to God to serve his patients until the day that he died, a promise fulfilled when COVID-19 took his life in August. Dr. Scolaro graduated from Jefferson High School in 1963, earned his undergraduate degree from USF in 1967 and, after earning his medical degree, started his medical practice in 1972 in Brandon-Valrico. For 48 years, he served in many community roles while caring for patients, including as president of both the Brandon Chamber of Commerce and the Missing Children's Help Center, and as a Brandon Hospital founding member. His mark on our community will not be forgotten. Dr. Scolaro extended his passion for medicine and helping others by mentoring generations of medical students. To his beloved wife of 53 years, Janie, and his two daughters, Stephanie and Jennifer, our district and community mourn the loss of Sam. May his memory and sacrifice be a reminder of his love for family and community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Army combat veteran and medic Sergeant Kari Padilla. Sergeant Padilla honorably served our Nation from 2005 to 2013 with tours in Iraq and Germany and helped establish a vital aviation field hospital supporting Middle East and Afghanistan deployments. Though no longer in uniform, she continues to serve, having been the community outreach coordinator for the Post 9/11 Veterans Corps the past 4 years. In this capacity, she increased Veterans Corps participation by 35 percent annually and their social media following by 4,000 percent. It is this level of dedication and excellence that exemplifies her concern for other servicemembers. More recently, Ms. Padilla was named president of the 9/11 Veterans Corps, a well-deserved recognition. I know she will do an amazing job in this capacity and build upon her past successes. Mr. Speaker, I cannot thank her enough for her service, passion, and dedication. She continues to make the 15th District in our country a better place to live, work, and play. Kari, you represent the best our Nation has to offer and, today, I salute you for your many sacrifices.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I always appreciate coming to the floor to talk about the good bipartisan work that we do in the Small Business Committee. It truly has been an honor serving on that committee this term. I rise today in support of H.R. 6133, the STEP Improvement Act of 2020, which reauthorizes the SBA's State Trade Expansion Program, or STEP, for the next 4 years. The program helps small exporters expand their markets, grow their businesses, and create new American jobs. In fiscal year 2019, STEP helped small businesses export over $974 million in goods and services, which yielded a 54-to-1 return on investment. The program enhances State and Federal export efforts, facilitates coordination of services, and expands the resources available to our Nation's small businesses. Last year, the committee held a series of hearings to evaluate the STEP program. In March 2019, representatives from the U.S. Government Accountability Office and the SBA's Office of Inspector General identified program management weaknesses and recommended reforms. In June 2019, we received testimony from State administrators and small businesses that have successfully utilized STEP funds. Our committee has carefully reviewed oversight reports and stakeholder feedback to determine the appropriate path in this reauthorization. With these recommendations in mind, H.R. 6133 streamlines the program's administration from the application process to the reporting requirements. Thousands of our small businesses are competing in the global economy through the STEP program. Now more than ever, we need to support small businesses as our economy is recovering. In my home State of Florida, more than 55,000 small businesses export their goods and services, and this program will help them and their employees. In passing H.R. 6133, we maximize the potential of our small exporters. Thank you to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Ms. Finkenauer) for working with me on this piece of legislation and her commitment to bipartisan cooperation. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to once again express my full support of President Trump's efforts to secure our borders, restore law and order, and complete the wall on our southwestern border. Since I joined Congress, time and time again, Democrats in this Chamber and their allies have sought to stop the President from securing our borders and protecting the American people. Even this week, Democratic leadership has continued this attack on the President and on the American people. In multiple portions of the bills meant to fund the government next year, Democrats have not only prohibited funds from being used to build the wall, but they have also sought to rescind funds already allocated for border security by President Trump. I have traveled to the border myself, and I will tell you this: Walls work. And the Border Patrol officers I spoke with when I was there agree: Walls work. According to Customs and Border Protection, during the first 6 months of 2020 this year, 180,000 people were apprehended or deemed inadmissible. In 2019, last year, during the same period, this number was almost 600,000. That is a reduction of 416,000 people, or a whopping 70 percent. A more secure border means safer communities across America, and as of July 27, 256 miles of the border wall system has been completed. As our Nation experiences social unrest from coast to coast, it is critical that we restore law and order, to include our borders. President Trump has pledged to continue to do just that, and I am proud to stand with him in this effort.

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Tony Delgado for his 23 years of service to the city of Lakeland, Florida. Mr. Delgado began his service to city residents in 1997 as a facilities assistant director and, through hard work and dedication, quickly climbed the ranks to become Lakeland's city manager, known as someone who is approachable and always accessible to his colleagues, his staff, and the city's residents. Mr. Delgado leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments, an impact that won't soon be forgotten. Mr. Delgado has always been known as someone who builds bridges and brings people together. In my time of knowing him and his team, they have been nothing but helpful and professional, exuding the values of our district. A loving and devoted husband to his wife, Robin, I want to wish them both the very, very best in the next chapter of their lives. Tony, all the best to you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your hard work and your dedication. Lakeland is a better city, a better community, because of your selfless service. Supporting Border Security

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the resiliency of the people of my home State of Florida. Floridians have long been recognized for their ability to persevere amidst crisis and hardships. From hurricanes to flash floods, from war efforts to pandemics, our homestead is the most resilient place in the world, but it is the people who make it truly special. During these difficult days, I have traveled throughout our district, meeting unsung heroes in our communities. From first responders and medical personnel risking their lives and health to small business owners adjusting to continue serving their community, the dedication and passion for others and for our community is truly inspiring. It is during trying times that we truly get to know who we are, what we are made of. And I can tell you this: The good people of Florida 15 stand strong. Whether you live or work in Hillsborough, Polk, or Lake Counties, you know how special our district and Main Streets truly are. So today, I thought I would take just a moment to say thank you to all those who make Florida 15 what we call it, our home. Honoring Lakeland City Manager Tony Delgado

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to bring attention to an alarming trend: the censorship of Americans by American companies, particularly those in the social media sector. Over and over, we hear about social media platforms silencing conservatives and their views, only to turn around and ask this Congress for continued liability protections. If social media companies expect such legal protection, they must recognize the fundamental free speech of their users. To be clear, I am not referring to hate speech or calls for violence. I am referring to political views that differ from those who own and manage these companies. As this Congress considers and debates the regulation of these companies into the 21st century, we should take this political censorship into account. No American, no matter what their affiliation or opinions, should ever be prevented from lawfully exercising their constitutional rights, whether online or in person. Social media, for sure, has done wonders to connect people, but it has also been used as a tool to further a specific political agenda, all the while expecting Government's protection, and that must end.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the House minority and Trump administration's efforts to reestablish law and order in our country and to stop mob rule. For almost 2 months, communities throughout our country, particularly Democrat-led urban centers, have experienced levels of lawlessness and civil unrest unseen for decades. I am not referring to those who have exercised their First Amendment rights to peaceably assemble and protest. No. I am talking about those who vandalize, destroy, and knowingly break the law, stirring havoc and instilling fear into families and business owners. From San Francisco to Portland, from Minneapolis to New York City and everywhere in between, we have seen the consequences of protecting the mob over innocent civilians. This cannot be, and it cannot continue. Law and order must be brought back to our neighborhoods, and we must hold cities and their leaders accountable for failing to adequately protect those whom they have sworn to serve. All Americans, regardless of ZIP Codes, have a right to feel safe in their homes and on their roads. Mob rule will not be tolerated. We must reestablish law and order in America, and we must do it now.

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 is one of 13 children of immigrant parents from Austria and Czechoslovakia. He entered the Army Air Corps in 1943, assigned to the Seventh Fighter Command in Hawaii. In 1945, the command was reassigned to Iwo Jima to provide emergency landing fields supporting bombing operations against Japan. Meanwhile, Andy's wife and true love, Sophia, was supporting the war as a Rosie the Riveter. Yet, they still found time to write each other every single day. Following the war, Andy worked as a machinist in New York and later participated in several other businesses. Andy, you, together with your bride of 74 years, represent the greatest of our Greatest Generation. They experienced economic and social turmoil and a world war, and then they helped rebuild our Nation into the greatest on Earth. It is an honor to serve Andy, as he, for so many years, has served us. Reestablish Law and Order

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to lend my voice to House efforts to hold China accountable for their role in the spread of the coronavirus. China lied; Americans died. It is really that simple. China's socialist government not only misled the international community in what they knew and when they knew it, but they also colluded with the World Health Organization to cover for them. China's irresponsible behavior led to a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought about death and economic mayhem across our planet. As the evidence mounts, China is now censoring those speaking out. Congress must stand together, shoulder to shoulder, to ensure the Chinese Government is held responsible for the damage they have caused and to explore avenues to promptly bring manufacturing back to the U.S., including pharmaceuticals. I also commend President Trump for pulling the United States out of the WHO until they, too, have been held accountable for their actions. Not a penny of taxpayer dollars should ever go toward international organizations that look the other way solely for political or economic interests, especially one that operates in the public health arena. The time for answers is now. Honoring Sergeant Andrew Bosko

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank those Members who have joined me in standing with millions of struggling Americans by calling for the adoption of the Keep Employees' Earnings Protected Act, also known as the KEEP Act, and to encourage my colleagues who haven't done so to do so and stand with us. As this body debates another relief package, a keystone of such legislation should be a temporary payroll tax holiday. I introduced this bill to allow our workers to keep more of the money that they have already earned, thus infusing critical capital into our economy without involving Federal bureaucracy. It is now more critical than ever to ensure that families have the funds, their funds, to reinvest back into our economy and to continue our economic comeback by buying locally and supporting each other. Employers, too, can use their tax savings to invest in their businesses and in their workforces. No government program, no matter how generous, can replace a strong, functioning economy. President Trump has called on Congress to deliver this bill to his desk for signature, and the time to deliver is now. The American people are waiting and watching. Holding China Accountable

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 122; YEA on Roll Call No. 121; and NAY on Roll Call No. 120.

Mr. SPANO

Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the inspiring story of a World War II veteran from Lakeland, Florida. At 100 years young, Ella Erickson is a unique personification of what heroism is about. Raised in Wisconsin, she joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943. Following basic training, she reported to Marine Corps Headquarters here in Washington, and for the next 2 years, Staff Sergeant Erickson maintained the records of Marine prisoners of war. Discharged at the end of the war, Ella married and began her family and career. While holding demanding jobs at Wheaton College and as a nurse caring for the ailing, she also found time to be a supportive wife to international evangelist Victor Erickson and raise four children, two of whom went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force. She has been a hero to the sick and to our Nation and an even greater one to her family. She epitomizes what heroism is all about, sacrificial service. Thank you, Ella. Thank you for serving us and showing us how to live well. On behalf of Florida 15, I salute you.