Greg Stanton

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the tragic loss of Officer Gabriel Facio of the Apache Junction Police Department. This past Sunday, 6 days after being shot while responding to a road- rage incident, Officer Facio passed away from his injuries at just 47 years old. Officer Facio lived the American Dream. Born in Mexico, Officer Facio earned his U.S. citizenship and dedicated his life to serving the community that welcomed him with open arms. He began his law enforcement career with the Phoenix Police Department, and nearly 4 years ago joined the Apache Junction Police Department. A devoted father and grandfather, a respected colleague, an upstanding American, he served Apache Junction with honor, bravery, and compassion. Tragically, he is the fourth Arizona officer to fall in the line of duty in just the past 12 months. My thoughts are with his wife, family, his many good friends, and colleagues. I hope his memory brings comfort and strength in the difficult days ahead. Officer Facio's ultimate sacrifice, his courage, and his selflessness will never be forgotten.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I was necessarily absent and missed three votes on the House Floor during the 1:30 p.m. series today. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 134, NAY on Roll Call No. 135, and YEA on Roll Call No. 136.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I was necessarily absent and missed one vote on the House Floor during the 5 p.m. vote series today. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 137.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I was necessarily absent and missed two votes on the House Floor. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 132, H.R. 1263, and YEA on Roll Call No. 133, H.R. 1286.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise on the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to express my outrage over more broken promises. In my home State of Arizona, we are mourning the death of 14-year-old Emily Pike, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. Emily disappeared from Mesa earlier this year and was found brutally murdered 2 weeks later off of U.S. Highway 60. Months later, her case remains unsolved. Emily Pike, like Hanna Harris 30 years ago and hundreds and hundreds of native women and girls, should be alive today. It is far too common that their cases go cold and that loved ones are left without answers and without justice. To this day, the MMIP crisis remains the most underreported, under- discussed, and under-resourced tragedy in America, and Congress and Presidents have promised for decades to do much more to address it. Despite some progress towards justice for victims and their families, Trump's budget announced Friday strips millions of dollars from public safety and criminal justice programs across Indian Country. We have the unique trust responsibility to our Tribal Nations and rarely, if ever, has our Federal Government delivered.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Captain Scott Leatham of the City of Tempe's Fire Medical Rescue Department. Captain Leatham lost his battle with a rare form of cancer, which was caused by the carcinogens he was exposed to over his career as a firefighter, on December 19, 2024, at the age of 39. Our community, along with his wife, Ashley, his 15-year-old son, Kaden, and his 12-year-old daughter, Kali, grieve his loss still. Captain Leatham radiated positivity and goodwill. When he decided to commit his life to public service, everyone knew that it was a perfect fit. From a young age, Captain Leatham dreamed of becoming a firefighter, and in 2013, he started an over-a-decade-long career at the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department. He went to work every day with a positive attitude, a passion for his profession, and unwavering selflessness. He took on a number of roles, serving as a firefighter, technical rescue technician, SWAT medic and member of the dive team. His former supervisors remember him as a standout--the epitome of what a firefighter should be. As a reward for his years of excellence, Scott was promoted to captain paramedic in 2022. Beloved by his department and his wider community, Captain Leatham was living the life he had always dreamed of--a life committed to public service, family, and faith--when he received the devastating news of his diagnosis. Yet even in his final days, Captain Leatham remained positive, and certain he made the right decision in choosing a profession he found so meaningful and rewarding. Hundreds of fellow service members, friends, family, and community members attended Captain Leatham's funeral in January of this year to pay their respects. Firefighters face an increased risk of cancer diagnosis and cancer- related death as a result of their service, and Captain Leatham's story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices shouldered by our firefighters as they dedicated their lives to ensuring public safety. Despite the risks of this profession that this loss so painfully illustrated, Captain Leatham's fellow crew members at Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department feel inspired by his legacy and are continuing to serve the people of Tempe with pride. Ahead of National Firefighters Day, I stand to honor Captain Scott Leatham and all our Nation's firefighters. We are forever indebted to them for their courage and their service. Godspeed, Captain.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Pastor Victor Hardy, a beloved community leader, committed advocate, and upstanding citizen of the City of Chandler. Victor passed away on March 22, 2025, at the age of 63, after a lifetime of faith, friendship and service. Chandler--and all of Arizona--is a kinder, more just place for his presence among us. Born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, Victor attended neighboring Norfolk State University where he studied music and performance. There, he met his beloved wife of 40 years, Cynthia. His lifelong devotion to serving God and his country was clear early in his life. After graduation, he served in the Virginia Army National Guard and the United State Air Force and pursued another degree in religious studies at Liberty University. The Chandler Community was blessed nearly 26 years ago, when Victor moved his family to their new home in Arizona. He volunteered tirelessly with the school districts, the city, Chandler Tullamore Sister Cities organizations, East Valley NAACP, and many other local organizations and nonprofits. His particular focus was to uplift African American men in our community. Over a decade ago, Victor founded the Chandler Men of Action, a profoundly impactful organization that empowers African American youth and honors the many contributions of African American men to Arizona. He became the first and only African American to hold the title of Executive Director at For Our City Chandler, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting collaboration and compassion in Chandler. In 2022, the Chandler City Council honored Victor with the MLK Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize his service to our community, which has helped to realize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream of a better, more just Nation. Pastor Victor Hardy was ordained in 2012. Just three years later, he became the first African American solo pastor at the Congregational Church of the Valley. Victor built a welcoming and inviting space for congregants, and his congregation described him as a dedicated pastor-- and as a friend and mentor. He challenged his members to deepen their connection to their community and was a vocal champion of public servants, like our teachers and law enforcement officers--he even led a First Respondents Blessing each September. Victor's love of music steered his service as well. Coming from three generations of African Methodist Episcopal church leaders, Victor's musicality was fostered in church growing up. He founded and directed the Chandler Centennial Celebration Choir in 2012, created the Chandler High School Gospel Choir Club, and emceed the Chandler Symphony Orchestra Gala. Under his leadership, the Chandler High School Gospel Choir went on to perform at a number of high-profile shows. Pastor Victor Hardy's dedication to the Chandler community is remarkable and deeply appreciated by the city's residents. My prayers are with his family, including Cynthia and his sons, David, Julian and Patrick. Victor will be deeply missed by his congregation and all of those committed to justice and societal change. His compassionate legacy of service will be felt for generations to come--Arizona owes him a debt of gratitude. I thank Victor, and Godspeed.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, after Trump's so-called Liberation Day, the stock market cratered. American businesses halted investments because of the economic uncertainty. Families in Arizona saw their retirement accounts and 401(k)'s nosedive. The biggest financial firms in the country predicted a recession. Now, of course, President Trump caved today, and that was actually the right thing to do. While this constant whiplash may make for a good episode of ``The Apprentice,'' it is no way to run the most powerful Nation and the largest economy in the world. The Framers of the Constitution wisely gave Congress, not the President, power over trade and international commerce. My colleagues and I introduced a resolution to this body yesterday reasserting that critical authority. Even a few brave Republicans are willing to stand up to President Trump and their own party on this critical issue. Sadly, Speaker Johnson decided to go a different direction. He tucked language into a procedural vote that bans these Republican and Democratic resolutions from coming to the floor for a vote--not even a vote. He is trying to avoid Republicans going on record against supporting Trump's chaos because he knows the American people are sick and tired of this. Enough is enough, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 150th Anniversary of the Tempe Elementary School District. Founded in 1874, Tempe Elementary School District has provided decades of community-inspired education to families in Tempe, Phoenix, Guadalupe, and beyond. The students who start their educational journey in this school district are some of Arizona's highest achievers, continuously building upon on the foundational knowledge, skills, and character traits instilled in them during their most formational years. Throughout the history of this district, administrators and educators have worked together with a simple guiding mission: provide the best education possible for their students. Around Arizona, this district is known not only for its academic excellence but also for the collaborative and passionate culture they have fostered for their staff, students, parents, and the greater community. Today, the Tempe Elementary Schools are proud to serve a diverse student population of 10,000 who speak over 70 languages, and more than 2,000 of these students choose Tempe from outside the district. The Tempe Elementary School District has trademarked themselves as trailblazers in educational innovation, offering STEM-focused curricula, bilingual and dual-language immersion programs, arts integration, and robust special education services. They have also built meaningful partnerships with the City of Tempe, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations--allowing students to have real-world experiences that spark community-oriented paradigms early on in life. As we celebrate this historic occasion, I would like to recognize the teachers, administrators, staff, students, families, and alumni who have contributed to the district's legacy. Their passion and dedication have inspired a love of learning and introduced students to a world bigger than their own--inside and outside of the classroom. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating 150 years of educating, nurturing, and inspiring our future generations. I look forward to seeing Tempe Elementary School District continue to thrive and have its students become significant contributors to our community and the world.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable constituent from my district, Bertha Mazon, to celebrate her 100th birthday. On April 5, 1925, Bertha Martinez was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. She immigrated to Arizona when she was just 11 months old. After graduating from Phoenix Union High School in 1943, she went on to work for the Department of Economic Security, starting as an employment office manager where she helped countless Arizonans acquire jobs. She then went on to be a legislative liaison within the Department for over 45 years. Bertha's guiding mission in this role was to give back to the community, which she did through obtaining lost employment checks, food stamps, veteran claims, and other benefits. Legislators and constituents alike came to know her as ``the Angel of DES''. Since the 1970's, Bertha provided countless resources for the Valley through her involvement in Las Damas del Valle, the oldest Latina volunteer organization in Arizona for which Bertha was one of the first members. Through this organization, Bertha did door-to-door education to eradicate Tuberculosis, supported the local South Phoenix Boy Scout troop with supplies, and acted as an auxiliary volunteer for the County Hospital before it opened in 1970. Bertha devoted her life to creating opportunities for the people of Arizona and continues to empower the Latino community through education and service. Beyond her career, she is also a skilled painter, once earning a recognition that resulted in her work being displayed in the U.S. Capitol building. She is also a life-long-learner, an amazing cook, and secret comedian with a knack for bilingual jokes. As we celebrate this incredible 100 years Bertha has lived, we reflect on the many achievements that have shaped her life. Through it all, her love for her family has been a constant source of strength and joy. Married for over 60 years, she raised 4 children--Mark, Sonja, Frankie, and Linda, and her family continues to grow. Bertha has also faced profound loss, including the loss of her son Frankie when he was just 17. His spirit lives on through the generations of the Mazon family. Her deep love for her family and support for her community is a constant source of inspiration to all who know her. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the many contributions Ms. Mazon has provided for our community and celebrate this incredible milestone by wishing her a happy 100th birthday.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 9, which authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 44th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service on May 15, 2025. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry) for his leadership as the subcommittee chair. This incredibly important event, which is hosted by the National Fraternal Order of Police, will honor Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers who lost their lives performing their duties in the year 2024. In addition to the family and friends of the deceased, event organizers expect up to 25,000 police officers from around the country to be in attendance. Among those honored and remembered will be Officer Adam R. Buckner of the Tucson Police Department, Officer Joshua Briese of the Gila River Police Department, Detective Ryan So of the Scottsdale Police Department, and Officer Zane Tristan Coolidge of the Phoenix Police Department. Police Officer Zane Coolidge was shot in the line of duty while responding to reports of larceny, passing away at the hospital. He served with the Phoenix Police Department for 5 years and is survived by his wife and infant daughter. Officer Buckner was killed on March 31, 2024, when he was hit by a car while responding to a reported crime. He is survived by his wife, mother, sister, and three brothers. Mr. Speaker, 23-year-old Joshua Briese was shot and killed while responding to a disturbance call in the Gila River Indian Community. He had served with the Gila River Police Department for less than 1 year and was still completing field training. His father, Deputy Sheriff David Leroy Briese, Jr., of the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Department, Montana, died in the line of duty on November 3, 2006. We owe a special debt of gratitude to this family that has lost two of their family members, police officers who died in the line of duty. Ryan So was accidentally shot and killed after serving a search warrant and conducting an arrest in Scottsdale. A United States Navy veteran who served with the Scottsdale Police Department for 9 years, Detective So is survived by his wife and three daughters. Mr. Speaker, this is an important resolution. This is an important event to honor police officers who died in the line of duty and also to honor those living who are willing to die in the line of duty to serve their community. Therefore, I support this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. STANTON

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

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today alongside his colleagues in the Arizona delegation, alongside members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, alongside members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and so many others, to mourn the loss of a political and social justice giant, Congressman Raul Grijalva. Raul's story is the American Dream. He was the proud son of a bracero cowboy from Mexico who went on to become the president of the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board, chairman of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, an 11-term Member of the United States Congress, and the dean of the Arizona delegation. His accomplishments in this body are too numerous to list. We would be here all night, but it is his legacy of fighting for environmental causes that stands out. As chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Raul led the charge to protect America's public lands, including and especially the Grand Canyon, to protect our most precious resources, including our water, and he stood up firm for Tribal sovereignty. He has been a mainstay in these Capitol hallways for more than two decades, but he remained an activist at heart. He never forgot where he came from or the people who got him to where he was. Raul brought the lessons he learned as a Chicano activist in Tucson in the 1970s to Washington where he led the Progressive Caucus for more than a decade, leading the charge for immigrants and working people. He spoke truth to power, but in his quiet way and always with good humor. Perhaps Raul's greatest legacy is the generation of Latino leaders that he mentored, many of whom stand inside this body and many more that fill city halls, county seats, and school boards back home in Tucson. As Raul would say: ``It is all about the love.'' He spent more than a half-century working on behalf of southern Arizona until the very end. We offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Ramona, his three daughters, and the community of Tucson who will dearly miss him. Rest now, my friend. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar), my colleague.

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Gosar for those kind words. When you and he disagreed, Raul was normally right. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues at this moment to join me in a moment of silence for our departed colleague.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my Chief of Staff, Tracee Sutton, as she retires after 28 years of service to our Nation. Tracee is a once-in-a-generation legislative talent who served her home state of North Dakota for more than twenty years before agreeing to lead my legislative team upon my election to Congress in 2018. Tracee Sutton was born in Stutsman County, North Dakota, to Gary and Linda Gross. Leaving North Dakota to attend university, Tracee received her Bachelor of Science degree in Philosophy and Prelaw from Utah State University in 1995. She began her decades-long career as a public servant while still in college, interning for Congresswoman Karen Shepherd in Utah. After graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C., to intern for Congressman Earl Pomeroy of North Dakota. Working her way up from intern to Legislative Assistant under Congressman Pomeroy, Tracee managed a diverse legislative portfolio, encompassing water resources, economic development, housing and transportation. Tracee secured billions for infrastructure, water resource and flood control projects in North Dakota and passed legislation to streamline essential flood control projects with FEMA and the Army Corps. In 2002, Tracee joined the office of Senator Kent Conrad of North Dakota as a Legislative Assistant. Her many accomplishments in this role--from securing millions for North Dakota in annual appropriations requests to contributing to constituent facing communications--were rightly recognized as she was promoted to the Senator's Deputy Legislative Director in just two years. Notably, Tracee negotiated with Committee leadership and secured $70 million to address a serious road safety issue, and she helped extend the Conrad State 30 program, which directly addresses national physician shortages. When Senator Heidi Heitkamp was elected to represent North Dakota in 2012, Tracee was recognized for her impressive legislative record and named Legislative Director. Managing a legislative team of more than 15 staffers and interns, Tracee successfully set up a new Senate office-- from creating a legislative roadmap to managing routine operations. As Legislative Director, she crafted more than 50 bills, four of which passed as stand-alone bills and fourteen of which were incorporated into law in larger legislative packages. She also secured $2.1 billion for a flood control project in North Dakota's largest metro area. Tracee's compassionate leadership and her ability to create innovative policy solutions to topics far beyond the average staffer's grasp has set her apart. She supported numerous interns and junior staff as they launched their own careers, taking the time to mentor anyone who asked for her help and guidance. Her hard work was recognized, gratefully, by the community she served. While in the Senate, Tracee received the Commodore Award for her work to protect, develop and manage North Dakota's water resources, the Kevin E. Quinlan Award for Excellence in Traffic Safety for her leadership in creating safer roadways, John M. Agrey Award for her many contributions to the state of North Dakota, and was a finalist for the prestigious Congressional Management Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award. Hiring Tracee to lead my legislative efforts when I was elected to Congress in 2018 remains one of the smartest decisions I've ever made. Her dedication and drive set my legislative team up for success from the start, and her expertise in water, transportation and infrastructure has proved invaluable. Tracee spearheaded the creation of my Arizona Environmental Infrastructure Authority--the first Army Corps project of its kind in Arizona that now disperses funds to critical water infrastructure projects all around our state. She shaped legislation for the FAA Reauthorization that ensure all Americans can fly safely, particularly Americans with disabilities. When my former Chief of Staff left my office in the summer of 2024, I never doubted for a moment that I already had the perfect candidate to step up as Chief. Tracee has given as much of her time and talent to the people of Arizona as she gave to her North Dakota community, and we owe her a deep debt of gratitude. On the rare occasions Tracee isn't in her office giving Congress her all, she enjoys traveling with her husband, Kevin Sutton, and playing with her dog, Riley. It's my hope that her retirement will hold many more cherished moments with family and friends. I wish her all the best, and Godspeed.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an American and Arizona hero, Sergeant First Class Jeremy James Kerr, who we lost on February 23, 2025. Sergeant Kerr was born in Buffalo, New York on September 26, 1973, to Joann and Gary Kerr and spent most of his childhood in Columbus, Ohio where he was active on the soccer and wrestling teams in high school. He entered the United States Army in 1992 as an infantryman and joined the elite Army Rangers where he became airborne certified and completed the rigorous Ranger School. In 1993, Sergeant Kerr deployed to Somalia as part of Operation Gothic Serpent. While there, he was thrust into the forefront of a defining moment of United States military history: the Battle of Mogadishu. He was honorably discharged from the Army after 5 years of service, and in 2009 he joined the Arizona Army National Guard as an Information Technology Specialist. Shortly after in 2011, he was deployed to Afghanistan where he provided critical support to combat operations for the raid that brought Osama Bin Laden to justice. He deployed to Jordan in 2018 and was a key leader in many Warfighter training exercises. Sergeant Kerr served with the 158 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) from 2012 until his passing and was known for his technical expertise and witty personality. He had a gift for uplifting those around him. Always quick to tell a joke or share trivia, he brightened the darkest moods and kept morale high on long days. He had a passion for fantasy football and March Madness Brackets, always organizing leagues for his unit, and he enjoyed listening to Eighties and Nineties rap. Sergeant First Class Jeremy Kerr will be deeply missed by his friends, his wife Heather and his extended family members, and the Arizona National Guard community. We stand with his family in gratitude for his service and sorrow at his loss. His legacy will remain an enduring part of Arizona National Guard history. I thank him, and Ranger that.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of an impactful Arizona LGBTQI+ rights advocate and trailblazer, Paul M. Carroll, Jr., who we lost on February 18, 2025, at the age of 61, following a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. Paul was born to U.S. Air Force Veteran, Paul M. Carroll, Sr., and Margaret Carroll, on April 27, 1963, in Malden, Massachusetts. He spent the early years of his life in Malden where his parents would teach him and his four siblings the values of kindness and service. Interested in STEM and computer science research, Paul completed a degree in Economics with a concentration in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1989. Early in his career, Paul took to heart the lessons taught by his parents-- embedding himself in his community and working tirelessly to protect the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals. Paul worked closely with the Pride Board in Boston, where he fought to make our country more inclusive and welcoming for everyone. Once Paul relocated to Arizona, his passion for service and his entrepreneurial spirit drove him to launch his finance and IT consulting firm in 2004. His firm, JR in Phoenix LLC, provided local business with IT support services, including financial analysis, planning, and accounting. And while Phoenix would remain his forever home, Paul always made time to travel the world with his husband and enjoy the company of his many friends and family. Much like Boston, Phoenix was blessed by Paul's dedication to building a more inclusive community. He quickly established himself as a civil rights leader in our community and as a passionate defender of every Arizonan's fundamental right to marry who they love. Paul's impact on Phoenix was felt most deeply during his various tenures on the Phoenix Pride Parade Board. Starting off as an operations volunteer in April 2004, he would later serve as Parade Director, Treasurer, Vice President, and Chair greatly expanding the parade and festival in Phoenix. He became Chair Emeritus in 2010, steering the organization wisely with his wealth of knowledge and financial expertise. Paul's commitment to Arizona's LGBTQI+ community extended well beyond the Phoenix Parade Board. He helped shape iconic events around the Valley in support of the LGBTQI+ community, like the annual Aunt Rita's Red Brunch Charity Fundraiser, which provides relief for those living with HIV and AIDS. Additionally, Paul was a Board Director for ViVRE and the Volunteer One Voice Community Center Anti-Violence Project, which provides services for people in need, including LBGTQI+-friendly medical services, shelter for homeless youth, and suicide prevention counseling. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Paul. Paul is survived by his beloved husband, Kevin Moore, his aunt, sisters, nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for his kind, loving nature, and his lifelong investment to move our state toward true liberty and justice for all, will be felt for generations to come. In this spirit of gratitude and remembrance, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for all he has done for Arizona. I thank him and Godspeed.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, today is bittersweet. Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury announced her retirement. DT is the greatest professional athlete in Arizona sports history-- fight me on that one--with three NCAA championships, three WNBA championships, and six Olympic Gold Medals and as the WNBA's all-time leading scorer. There is a reason when I was mayor I named the street in front of the arena Taurasi Way. A world-class and hilarious trash-talker on the court, she could have been a professional comedian. She lights up every room that she is in, constantly uplifting others. Brittney Griner could not have asked for a more loyal friend during her detainment in Russia. I had a courtside seat to her entire 21-year career in Phoenix. I saw her grow as a basketball player and as a tremendous leader in our community. My son, Trevor, grew up idolizing Diana Taurasi. He wanted to be her when he grew up, but one day, I had to tell him: Son, you can't grow up to be Diana Taurasi. Her jump shot is just too darn good. Dee, on behalf of a grateful city, Godspeed on your retirement.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and legacy of Phillip Austin, who passed away on December 20, 2024, at the age of 73 years old. An Arizona trailblazer and a champion for the Latino community, Phil will continue to live on through the countless lives he positively impacted. A fourth-generation Arizonan, Phil was born in Mesa, Arizona, on February 17, 1951, to Albert ``Beto'' & Margaret ``Maggie'' Austin, who devoted their lives to operating Albert's Market. From a young age, Beto and Maggie instilled in him and his six siblings the value of service and hard work. After graduating from Brophy College Preparatory in 1969, Phil continued his studies at Santa Clara University and the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, where his passion for civil rights was ignited. Phil often reminisced about his days as a student activist, specifically recalling his arrest for joining a ``sit-in'' protest over the firing of Latino faculty. His lifelong pursuit of justice continued back in Arizona where Phil served as Assistant Attorney General and Chief Counsel for the Arizona Attorney General Civil Rights Division for sixteen years. His service at the Attorney General's office was instrumental in the passage of Arizona's first fair housing legislation, anti-discrimination laws for the elderly and disabled, and initiatives fostering the development of dispute resolution and mediation programs throughout the state of Arizona. Known by then as ``Mr. Mesa,'' his passionate advocacy for the Latino community prompted him to establish the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, equipping innovative Hispanic entrepreneurs with the confidence and resources to achieve their highest aspirations. In 1994, he opened his own legal practice in downtown Mesa, where he practiced transactional, employment, civil rights, and fair housing law. Phil was a dedicated public servant and a beacon of hope for immigrants. He would donate space in his law firm to strategize and combat harsh and damaging anti-immigrant policies like SB1070--a law that devastated many Latino families in Arizona. Phil also played a key role in establishing the Alston House Center for Peace and Justice, a community hub for services and social justice initiatives. These efforts led him to also establish the Latino PAC del Rio Salado, giving a platform to bright and aspiring Latino elected officials. Phil devoted his life to forging a stronger path forward for our state, earning him countless awards and recognitions, including the Phoenix Jaycee's Three Outstanding Young Men Award, Valle de Sol's Exemplary Leadership Award, and the NAACP's Roy Wilkens Award. Phil donated his time often, sitting on several state and local advisory boards. He founded the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens, the Albert D. Austin, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Albert D. Austin Mariachi Academy to empower young people through music education and cultural enrichment, and the EVHCC's STEAM Scholars program. Arizona owes a debt of gratitude to Phil. Phil will be remembered for his tender-hearted nature and being a loving friend, brother, father, husband, and Tata. He is survived by his beloved wife, Christy, and his beloved children Lela, Lt. Colonel Phillip A. Austin, Angelo Austin, State Representative Lorena Austin, and his beautiful grandchildren. I thank him. Godspeed.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I was necessarily absent and missed two votes on the House Floor. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 32, Amendment No. 2 to H.R. 27, and YEA on Roll Call No. 33, Final Passage of H.R. 27, HALT Fentanyl Act.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, my heart is heavy seeing the devastation across southern California. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones and whose homes, businesses, and schools have been destroyed. Arizona is no stranger to devastating wildfires. Anyone in the West will tell you that climate change is making wildfires more frequent and more dangerous, not just in California but everywhere. This body has a real immediate duty to address the threat of worsening wildfires, and I have introduced legislation to get State and local governments emergency FEMA resources to fight wildfires and protect people and property. Our first priority is to help those fleeing to safety and to aid the firefighters and first responders, including the brave fire crews from Arizona cities, the State, and our Tribal nations. When Arizona communities have been impacted by wildfires, floods, or other extreme weather events, the Federal Government has delivered aid without conditions. When our neighbors in the South, in Florida, North Carolina, and Louisiana, were hit by storms, the Federal Government delivered without conditions. Now Congress must pass emergency disaster aid for our neighbors in California without conditions.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Judge Elizabeth ``Ellie'' Finn, who passed away on December 27, 2024, following a long battle with ovarian cancer. For over four decades, Ellie served with distinction on Arizona's municipal benches, dedicating her career to building a more equitable and compassionate justice system, particularly for survivors of domestic violence and those impacted by mental illness. Born in 1947 in New Haven, Connecticut, Ellie moved to Arizona as a young girl. Her parents, Herbert B. Finn and Ruth G. Finn, instilled a deep commitment to public service and justice in Ellie and her sister, Alice Finn, from a young age. She shared 56 years of love and partnership with her husband, Edward Turner. Together, they raised two children, Jesse and Sarah, nurturing the same sense of social responsibility that guided Ellie's own life. Ellie earned her law degree from Arizona State University in 1972, before joining her parents and forming Arizona's first majority-female law firm, Finn, Finn, & Finn. In 1979, Ellie was appointed to the Phoenix Municipal Court, making her one of the youngest judges in Arizona After retiring from Phoenix in 2002, she became the presiding judge of the Glendale City Court--a position held for nearly two decades. Throughout Ellie's tenure in law, she brought a renewed focus to issues previously overlooked in the judicial system. She championed specialized courts, including those addressing domestic violence, mental health, and homelessness, ensuring that Arizona's municipalities take a holistic approach to justice. She never lost sight of the human dimension of her work, molding a style of jurisprudence that takes into account people's lived experiences and reflects her passion for building a justice system that better serves all Arizonans. Her principles, composure, and leadership garnered local and national recognition, including honors from the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Arizona, and the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. Ellie's life embodied the principle of using one's gifts and passions to uplift the community. Her trailblazing spirit, advocacy for domestic violence survivors, and enduring impact on Arizona's courts will continue to guide our pursuit of justice in the years to come. We honor her memory, extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones, and remember her unwavering commitment to serving those most in need. I thank Ellie and Godspeed.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I was necessarily absent today and missed one vote on the House Floor. Had I been present, I would have voted the below, consistent with my YEA vote in the 118th Congress on June 4, 2024: YEA on Roll Call No. 7, Passage of H.R. 23 -- Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Nasser Chidiac, who was tragically lost in a car accident at the age of 50 on December 7, 2024. An inspiration to all those who crossed his path, Mr. Chidiac will forever be remembered for his quiet grace and dedication to giving back to others. Mr. Chidiac was born in Meyasseh, Lebanon in 1974. He was the youngest of six siblings. Four years ago, he came to the United States with a dream to inspire young minds and provide for his family still living in Lebanon. For three years, he taught mathematics at Tempe High School while driving for Uber at night. At Tempe High School, his students and colleagues remember him as not just an educator, but also a mentor, friend, and dedicated Buffaloes fan. While Mr. Chidiac's passion for teaching was evident, his true impact lay in the way he connected with his students, who remember Mr. Chidiac as someone who always took the extra time to ensure understanding, offer words of encouragement, and check in on their personal well-being. He rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his students, whether it was in the classroom or on the court sidelines. Mr. Chidiac's humility, generosity, and meticulous work ethic will leave a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family, students, and colleagues as they process this devastating loss. I thank Mr. Chidiac for his dedication to our youth, his family, and the greater community. Godspeed.