Frederica Wilson

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Lamont S. Snyder in honor of his retirement from Broward County Public Schools. Dr. Lamont Snyder, a constituent of District 24, is a noted visionary, a well-respected mentor and father figure and a nationally recognized Music teacher and Band Director at Hallandale High School in Broward County, Florida. Dr. Snyder's leadership and dedication turned a small fledgling high school band of amateur players into a nationally recognized and talented organization of skilled musicians and performers. The band has competed in and won numerous competitions, marched in the acclaimed Orange Bowl Parade and entertained thousands of people across the country. Dr. Snyder's devotion and accomplishments earned him the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation Award in 2004 that was presented to him at New York City's Carnegie Hall. Every year the foundation recognizes the five best band directors in the country. Dr. Snyder is completing his 21st year as a Broward County Schools Band Director. He has used music to instill in his students self- discipline, self-confidence, self-motivation, drive and determination for excellence in everything they do. He has built a support system, comprised of parents, students, alumni, and friends that has allowed the band to flourish and remain competitive. More importantly, it serves as a safe and positive avenue for the students, many of whom have gone on to earn music scholarships to schools like Bethune-Cookman University, Florida State University and Florida A&M University. Dr. Snyder is a native of Miami, Florida and a graduate of Miami Carol City High School. He received a Master's degree in Music from Florida Memorial College. Dr. Snyder is married to Connie Snyder and is the father of 5 children: Venita, Lakinya, Regina, Celisse and Lamont Jr. He is also a grandfather, son, brother and uncle. Please join me in honoring Dr. Lamont S. Snyder for his commitment to our children, their education and musical enlightenment and for his commitment to our community.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS). According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Miami-Dade County Public Schools has recently reached a historic milestone. The district has risen from fourth to the third largest school district in the nation with a total of 319,612 students. With the enrollment of the 2022-2023 school year, Miami-Dade was able to surpass Chicago Public Schools with nearly 5,000 students. The students, faculty, and staff of M-DCPS continue to succeed on multiple levels as the district has maintained an A-rating for the past 3 years. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Miami-Dade County Public Schools as the third largest school district in the Nation.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary landing of the first boat carrying Haitian refugees to South Florida. On December 12, 1972, the first report of Haitian refugees, often called ``Haitian Boat People,'' fleeing to the United States, was documented. Between 1972 and 1981, over 55,000 refugees arrived in Florida and have continued to thrive thanks to community champions who supported the Haitian migrant population. Today, the South Florida Haitian refugee population has accomplished many firsts, becoming mayors, councilmembers, and state representatives. Miami's historic Lemon City became the first neighborhood officially called Little Haiti. Central streets were named after Haitian cultural icons such as Felix Morisseau-Leroy and heroes of Haiti's independence. A statue of Toussaint Louverture stands guard on Plas Kamoken in Little Haiti. Toussaint Elementary was home to the first Haitian American principal, and Morningside Elementary became the first international language magnet in the country to offer Haitian Creole. The Little Haiti Cultural Center has become the mecca for the global Haitian Diaspora, a destination for arts, culture, and entertainment. And the Manno Sannon Stadium is home to the championship-winning Little Haiti Supreme Football Team. December 12, 2022, marked the 50th anniversary of the first documented arrival of Haitian refugees fleeing Haiti by sea. This anniversary marks the beginning of an incredible journey that has transformed South Florida's social, cultural, and political landscape. History-making events have since followed, impacting federal jurisprudence, local advocacy efforts for immigrant justice, and the treatment of asylum seekers in healthcare, education, employment, and housing. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the legacy of the Haitian boat people.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Antonella Rocco, my fellow who has served Florida's 24th Congressional District over the last year. Antonella is an environmentalist dedicated to fighting for clean water, clean air, and a healthy environment. While in my office, Antonella has pushed my environmental agenda to great lengths--from drafting legislation to acknowledge climate change and its impact on our homes to researching environmental data, Antonella has prioritized the health of our communities. Antonella is a force in environmental policy. Her passion has been powerful over the last year as we have fought for the health of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Her commitment to environmental justice has included advocating to move Miami-Dade to safer water systems and bringing attention to Biscayne Bay and nuclear plants located close to the district. Antonella's environmental advocacy has been a lifelong mission of hers. From dedicating her birthday to raising money for water and wildlife protection, working with a team of ecologists to produce hydrologic and ground-elevation data for the Everglades, and presenting her research at the Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration conference, Antonella's selfless acts will always shine through. Antonella has and will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on environmental policy as she continues to fight for our future. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Antonella Rocco for her dedication to a healthy planet and selfless dedication to a brighter future for all.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Olivia Morales, my fellow who has fought to protect and improve our education system. A Florida native, Olivia came to my office ready to protect and nurture the minds of all from kindergarten to post-Grad. Within Olivia's first few weeks in my office, her passion and intellect shined through. She immediately got to work developing ideas to help students in dual-enrollment programs, drafting legislation in various areas of education, and assisting in the introduction of the LOAN and American Teacher Acts. Her dedication has been powerful as we have fought for the minds of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Oliva's commitment to educational equity led her to complete her undergraduate degree in Public Policy at Duke University and spend a year working as a College Adviser with the Duke College Advising Corps. After her service with the Corps, she began her doctoral studies in the University of Florida's Higher Education Administration and Policy program. Olivia has a promising future--she will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on education policy as she continues to fight for a better system. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Olivia Morales for her dedication to education and passion for a more equitable Nation.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Anaika Seide, my intern who is transitioning from my office to continue her mission. A Miami native with Haitian origins, Anaika came to my office ready to change the American justice system. While in my office, Anaika has pushed my agendas to great lengths--from assisting in communication, to conducting research, to writing policy pieces. In our time together, I have recognized that Anaika is a force in policy. Her passion has been powerful over the last semester as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Her commitment to justice and equality has led Anaika to graduate Cum Laude in May of 2022 from the historical HBCU Morgan State University with a Bachelor's in Sociology. Anaika actively participates in community service initiatives, advocating for the rights and well-being of underprivileged individuals. Anaika has and will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on environmental policy as she continues to fight for a better system. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Anaika Seide for her exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Stephanie Uviovo, my intern who is transitioning from my office to continue her mission. An FIU student with Nigerian origins, Stephanie came to my office ready to impact the international relations system. While in my office, Stephanie has pushed my agendas to great lengths--from drafting memos, to organizing information, to researching data. In our time together, I have recognized that Stephanie is a force in international relations. Her passion has been powerful over the semester as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Her commitment to justice has led Stephanie to volunteer at RESULTS where she advocates for policies to champion affordable housing for all Americans. Stephanie has and will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on public policy as she continues to fight for a better system. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Stephanie Uviovo for her exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Alexia Cosman, my intern who is transitioning from my office to continue her mission. A Florida native with Canadian origins, Alexia came to my office ready to change the American environmental system. While in my office, Alexia has pushed my transportation and infrastructure agenda to great lengths--from drafting memos, to organizing information, to researching environmental data. In our time together, I have recognized that Alexia is a force in environmental policy. Her passion has been powerful over the semester as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Her commitment to environmental justice has led Alexia to spearhead a study examining the diversity and density of microbes, and she later presented her findings at an American Society of Microbiology research symposium. Alexia has and will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on environmental policy as she continues to fight for a better system. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Alexia Cosman for her exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Jianna Celestin, my intern who is transitioning from my office to continue her mission. A Florida native with Haitian origins, Jianna came to my office ready to leave her impact on international relations. While in my office, Jianna has pushed my agendas to great lengths--from drafting memos, to organizing information, to researching data. In our time together, I have recognized that Jianna is a force in civil rights. Her passion has been powerful over the semester as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Her commitment to social justice has led Jianna to serve as vice- president of the Students of Color Association at Miami Country Day School. Jianna is in the process of completing a Global Studies Diploma Endorsement project. Jianna has and will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on policy as she continues to fight for a better system. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jianna Celestin for her exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Ricky Rodriguez, my intern who is transitioning from my office to continue his mission. A Florida native with Cuban and Haitian origins, Ricky came to my office ready to impact the American system. While in my office, Ricky has pushed my civil rights agenda to great lengths--from drafting memos, to organizing information, to researching data. In our time together, I have recognized that Ricky is a force in policy. His passion has been powerful over the semester as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. His commitment to justice has led Ricky to graduate from Florida A&M University, where he obtained a Bachelor's in Political Science. Ricky has and will continue to make a difference and leave his mark on public policy as he continues to fight for a better system. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ricky Rodriguez for his exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Olimpia Andrade, my intern who is transitioning from my office to continue her mission. A Massachusetts native with Cape Verdean origins, Olimpia came to my office to improve the American policy system. While in my office, Olimpia has pushed my agendas to great lengths--from drafting memos, to organizing information, to researching data. In our time together, I have recognized that Olimpia is a force in research. Her passion has been powerful over the semester as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Olimpia attends Spelman College where she is studying Political Science. Her commitment to justice has led Olimpia to become involved with organizations on her campus such as the Spelman Chapter of the NAACP and the Ford First Generation Mentorship Program. Olimpia has and will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on public policy as she continues to fight for a better system. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Olimpia Andrade for her exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Andres Sada, my intern who is transitioning from my office to continue his mission. A Florida native with Panamanian origins, Andres came to my office ready to impact the American legislative system. While in my office, Andres has pushed my agendas to great lengths--from drafting memos, to organizing information, and researching data. In our time together, I have recognized that Andres is a force in policy. His passion has been powerful over the semester as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. His commitment to international affairs has led Andres to organizing events regarding Latin American Politics at the George Washington University. Andres has successfully piloted the first GW Pride MUN conference for Out in International Affairs. Andres has and will continue to make a difference and leave his mark on public policy as he continues to fight for a better system. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Andres Sada for his exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Dr. Malcolm Woodland, my fellow who is transitioning from my office to continue his mission. A Washington, D.C. native, Dr. Woodland came to my office ready to positively impact the African-American community. While in my office, he has pushed my civil rights agenda to great lengths--from coordinating events for the Caucus on the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, to conducting research, to uniting people of color impacted by racial disadvantages. In our time together, I have recognized that Dr. Woodland is a force in civil rights policy. His passion has been powerful over the last year as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged young men of color. His commitment to equality has led him to serve as the deputy director of juvenile probation in the District of Columbia, and he was also the chief psychologist of the Child Guidance Clinic at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In addition to his work in the government, Woodland is the founder and director of the Young Doctors Project, a nonprofit organization for boys and young men of color interested in careers in health and medicine. Dr. Woodland has and will continue to make a difference and leave his mark on education, health, and juvenile justice policy as he continues to fight for a better system. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Malcolm Woodland for his exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Olivia Morales, my fellow who is transitioning from my office to continue her mission. A Florida native, Olivia came to my office ready to change the American educational system. While in my office, Olivia has pushed my education agenda to great lengths--from drafting legislation, to conducting research, to writing education policy pieces. In our time together, I have recognized that Olivia is a force in education policy. Her passion has been powerful over the last year as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Her commitment to educational equality has led Olivia to complete her undergraduate degree in Public Policy at Duke University and spend a year working as a College Adviser with the Duke College Advising Corps. After her service with the Corps, she began her doctoral studies in the University of Florida's Higher Education Administration and Policy program. Her research uses critical quantitative methods to evaluate higher education policies and student outcomes. Olivia has and will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on education policy as she continues to fight for a better system. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Olivia Morales for her exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Antonella Rocco, my fellow who is transitioning from my office to continue her mission. A Florida native with Chilean origins, Antonella came to my office ready to change the American environmental system. While in my office, Antonella has pushed my transportation and infrastructure agenda to great lengths--from drafting legislation to promote homeowners' defense, to researching environmental data. In our time together, I have recognized that Antonella is a force in environmental policy. Her passion has been powerful over the last year as we have fought for the lives of underserved and disadvantaged communities. Her commitment to environmental justice has led Antonella to work with a team of ecologists producing hydrologic and ground- elevation data for the Everglades and she will present her research at the annual Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration conference. Antonella has and will continue to make a difference and leave her mark on environmental policy as she continues to fight for a better system. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Antonella Rocco for her exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to MAGA Republicans' attempts to override the President's veto and kill his student debt relief plan for millions of Americans. It is the height of hypocrisy. Listen to this: We didn't hear a peep from the Republicans when we bailed out the auto industry. They even nicknamed Detroit ``Government Motors''. We didn't hear a peep when they bailed out the airlines, or the farmers, and not a word when Members of Congress' PPP loans were forgiven. We bailed out Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank just the other day. No one said a mumbling word. When Republicans controlled both Chambers and the White House in 2017, they gave billionaires $1.7 trillion in tax breaks. Shameful. But when we decide to bail out the students, the hardworking, want- to-be-somebody college graduates who contribute to the economy, all hell breaks loose, and Republicans are outraged. I know people in their sixties and seventies who still owe student loan debt, and the principal has never changed. But I will keep fighting because every American should have a fair chance to succeed. It is a shame where our country's priorities lie.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Shreya Tolani, my intern who has completed her Spring 2023 semester serving the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Shreya has proven to be a very articulate young woman and shows great promise for her future endeavors. Shreya has assisted my office in various areas, such as legislative research, constituent outreach, and writing. She had demonstrated an excellent drive and a continuous willingness to learn. Shreya Tolani was born and raised in Vienna, Virginia. She is a current student at the Madeira School. At Madeira, Shreya plays three varsity sports: soccer, basketball, and tennis. She is currently a member of the South Asian Student Association at her school. During her sophomore year, Shreya volunteered as a 3rd grade assistant at Garfield Elementary School for five weeks. Her experiences have empowered her to advocate for women pay equality in sports, as well as education. Upon transitioning from her internship, Shreya will complete her studies at the Madeira School. Upon graduation, she will attend the college of her choice and obtain a bachelor's degree in engineering. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Shreya Tolani for her exemplary character, dedication to teamwork, and willingness to learn.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 58th anniversary of Head Start, a program launched in 1965 as a comprehensive, anti-poverty, child development program. The program President Johnson envisioned as an eight-week summer program for a few thousand children has since served over 37 million children and their families. For 58 years, Head Start has promoted school readiness for children in economically disadvantaged families, those families suffering from homelessness, and children in the foster care system by offering educational, nutritional, health, and social services. Head Start offers programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories, including programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives, and in migrant and seasonal communities. Head Start serves nearly 43,000 children and their families in Florida alone. Over the past year in my state, almost 33,000 children have been kept up-to-date on health screenings, over 19,000 children have received preventative dental care, and over 32,000 families have received support services. In addition, Head Start employees conducted over 109,000 home visits. Early in my professional career, I worked as a Head Start teacher, a job which helped position me to better serve my vulnerable constituents here in this chamber. As I reflect on that experience, I am awed by the profound impact Head Start has had on our society, and I am proud to have played a role, both as a Head Start teacher and a Member of Congress in helping disrupt generational poverty. The Head Start promise is simple: every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to reach their full potential. As we celebrate the 58th anniversary of this extraordinary program, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Head Start and its staff for their invaluable contributions over the past 57 years to building opportunities so that every child can thrive.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Langston White, my intern who is transitioning from my office to further his education at Hampton University. Langston White is a graduating senior at Cleveland Heights High School completing his senior project with my office. He will attend Hampton University next year as a Business Administration major with a focus in Finance. The son of Daiedra and Garrett White, Langston is from Cleveland, Ohio. He is a member of the Minority Student Action Network and Students Advocating for Youth where he volunteers his time to advocate for rights and equity across communities. In his time as a high school student, Langston has advocated for the equity and fair treatment of Black Americans, stood by and protested for sexual assault survivors, and interned for the NAACP. During his time in this office, he spoke to constituents daily, researched legislative topics, and attended briefings on various subjects. He has displayed a great work ethic and professionalism. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Langston White for his exemplary character, dedication to teamwork, and willingness to learn.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Dr. Phelton Moss, my senior policy advisor who is transitioning from my office to continue his mission at the NAACP. A Mississippi native, Dr. Moss came to my office ready to change the American education system to increase equity and give students a fighting chance to succeed. While in my office, Dr. Moss has pushed my education agenda to great lengths--from drafting legislation to increase teacher pay, increase the Pell grant, and provide at least one nurse in every public school. In our time together, I have recognized that Dr. Moss is a force in education. His passion has been powerful over the last year as we have fought for underserved and disadvantaged communities. His commitment to education has led Dr. Moss to teach high school English, move an underperforming middle school in Mississippi from an F to a C, and become Bureau Director of Educator Effectiveness and Talent Acquisition at the Mississippi Department of Education. Dr. Moss has and will continue to make a difference and leave his mark on education as he continues to fight for a better system. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Phelton Cortez Moss for his exemplary accomplishments, dedication to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Hilton Etienne, my intern who has completed his Spring 2023 semester serving the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Hilton has proven to be a very articulate young man and shows great promise for his future endeavors. Hilton has assisted my office in various areas, such as education policy, constituent outreach, and research. He has demonstrated an excellent drive and a continuous willingness to learn. Hilton Etienne is a proud first generation Haitian American from Pompano Beach, FL. He is a current student at the University of Florida majoring in Economics. While at the University of Florida, he has orchestrated college prep workshops for underrepresented high school students to obtain access to higher education through the Bridges Multicultural Outreach Program and has spent the last year serving as the elected secretary of the Black Student Union. His experience in Student Government and the Black Student Union has empowered him to pursue a career around helping students achieve their dreams. Upon transitioning from his internship, Hilton will start a fellowship with the PPIA Junior Summer Institute at Princeton University. While there, he will spend 6 weeks taking graduate level coursework in Economics, Public Policy, and Foreign Relations to be well equipped to pursue a master's in public policy upon obtaining his bachelor's. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Hilton Etienne for his present and future accomplishments.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the life and legacy of Hector Javier Rocco and commending him for his devotion to the Nation and its ideals. Whereas, Hector Javier Rocco was born on December 3, 1959, where he was raised, the oldest of 4 children to Hector Rocco and Doris Avalos. He was the son of a school teacher and businesswoman; and husband to Ines Veronica Perea: Whereas, trained as a systems analyst and having worked in the Chilean fishing and mining industries for many years as a human resource manager; in 2001, Mr. Rocco and his family moved to Hollywood, Florida in the pursuit of the American Dream. There, as is common for many new immigrants to America, he worked a variety of jobs in the construction and furniture industry. He quickly gained skills and found a passion as a handyman. Realizing a life dream of becoming a business owner, Mr. Rocco and his wife opened a cleaning, remodeling, and repair company. For over twenty years, Mr. Rocco worked in Broward and Miami- Dade counties where he renovated homes, businesses, and schools. Whereas, Mr. Rocco was grateful for America and the opportunities it provided for him and his family, and was known for his talent and dedication to his craft. Mr. Rocco raised children who grew up to be entrepreneurs, public servants, and community leaders: reveled in the successes and accomplishments of his children, and never missed an opportunity to express his love for them. Whereas, his humor, bright spirit, graciousness, kindness, and joie de vivre were an inspiration to those fortunate enough to know and work with him; Whereas, a committed brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend, Mr. Rocco was loved and respected both in the United States and around the world; Whereas, Mr. Rocco leaves to carry on his legacy his four children: Hector Javier Rocco Jr., Karina Stefania Rocco, Giovanni Paolo Rocco, Antonella Francesca Rocco, and five grandchildren; Walter Aaron Pescador, Sofia Victoria Rocco, Isabella Agatha Agudelo, Amelie Eleanor Agudelo, and Madolyn Olivia Rocco McNellis. Whereas, left to mourn him are a host of family members, dear cherished friends, and a beloved community who lost a strong, forward- thinking leader and generous and knowledgeable individual; Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson, a member of the United States House of Representatives representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, am honored to recognize the late Hector Javier Rocco for his exemplary career, contributions to his community, and devotion to his family and friends.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Chair, today I rise in opposition to H.R. 5. As an educator, I believe parent voices should be honored in schools. All educators believe this. We know that this bill is not about that at all. We have always had parents involved in our schools, so stop being foolish and divisive. We always need their input. This bill is nothing more than a talking point of the extreme MAGA agenda that will hurt children and hurt our schools. Let's face it-- there has been a movement to eliminate public education since the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision. With the election of our President 7 years ago, it pulled the scab of a wound that never healed. Now it is an open, gaping wound, and it is out of control. They are throwing everything at public schools but the kitchen sink: vouchers, excessive testing, poorly paid teachers, banning books, and now they are trying to drive a wedge and create an antagonistic relationship between schools and their parents. How pathetic. How dreadful. Parents love teachers. Everybody loves teachers. Every parent has an ``I love and remember a teacher'' story. How disgraceful that we want to terrorize the very people who love our children, keep them safe, and educate them for over 8 hours daily. Our teachers are sacrificial lambs. You will never eliminate public schools. We will fight you as long as it takes. This is all that the little children who look like me have. Public schools are the bedrock of this Nation. Let me tell you what a parent's bill of rights should include. I will call it the parents' 10 commandments: Thou shalt restore the Child Tax Credit; provide free, hot breakfast and lunch; provide free pre-K and free community college. Thou shalt end the school-to-prison pipeline; put a nurse in every school; offer after-school activities; provide intensive counseling services, particularly to address school shootings. Thou shalt offer parents the right to improve their education and job skills, love and respect every child's individuality, guarantee that every child's teacher will make a minimum of $60,000 a year.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have heard the women of Congress come to the floor one by one by one to tell their personal stories about abortion. I am a very private person, and I just couldn't do it. I didn't want to relive the most painful time in my entire life. But, yesterday, I read these startling statistics about my State, yes, the great State of Florida, the beautiful Sunshine State with all the beaches and the theme parks and the immigrant-rich communities, my Florida, my State. If abortion is banned nationwide, Florida will be the most impacted State, seeing maternal deaths increase by 29 percent. That is the mother. The Nation will see a 24 percent increase in maternal deaths, with a disproportionate 39 percent rise in maternal mortality for Black women. All I ever wanted since I was a little girl was plenty of children that I could love and cuddle and raise to greatness. That was the school principal in me even back then. So, after getting married in 1968, I would soon become a mother-to- be. It was the joy of my life. I was ecstatic. My husband was walking on the clouds. My husband and I would touch my stomach all the time just to feel the movement of our baby boy and the glory of a life growing inside of me. It was amazing. Then, at 7 months, the baby stopped moving. He was soon pronounced dead right inside of my womb, and the doctor was prohibited, by law, from inducing labor. I had to learn how, first of all, to handle the immense grief that comes with losing a child and the fact that the corpse of that child was still within me. I cried every night and all day. My little body was wretched with pain, weakness, and frailty. I lost 50 pounds. I would crawl into a fetal position in my mother's lap most of the day and in my husband's most of the night. I beg you, I plead with you, we can't go back. Lord have mercy, please have mercy on women like me. I almost died. As the days became weeks and the weeks became months, the baby began to disintegrate, and the flesh from the corpse began to spill into my bloodstream. I was at risk for toxic shock. Poison was flowing through my grief-stricken little body. At 8\1/2\ months, I went into labor, hard, painful labor, and what was left of the baby Wilson boy was born. Oh, what a day. Oh, what pain. Oh, what grief. Oh, what despair. Oh, what suffering. After 3 days, I left the maternity ward in a wheelchair emptyhanded, no baby, nothing. I watched other mothers and families celebrate their newborns while I grieved and cried. We had a small graveside burial for baby boy Wilson, and the doctors were so afraid that I would also have had to have a graveside burial. Do not take us back to the days before Roe v. Wade. Everyone who needs reproductive healthcare is different. Abortion does not only apply to women who have decided for themselves they are not ready to have a child. Abortion affects women who are at risk of facing medical emergencies, life-altering emergencies, and death. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, let the women march on and on till victory is won. You cannot put young, childbearing women at risk because of a group of ludicrous, hateful, majority male Congressmen, who have no idea what it feels to even bear the pain of childbirth or even have the courage to carry a child for 9 months and who take pride in monitoring women's vaginas. How dare you. How dare you. How dare you. May God help you find it in your heart to hear my story and never wish that kind of pain and grief that I experienced on another living soul. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Daniel Junior for his stellar and philanthropic contributions to the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. Frederick Douglass once said ``it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.'' I thank Daniel Junior so much for believing in our mission of interrupting the school to prison pipeline and to guiding our young boys along a cheerfully charted path and sending them to college. He is investing in the children of our community, and they will be the benefactors of his investment for generations to come. He will always be a part of us, and we will always be a part of him. I thank him for all he does on behalf of our children. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Daniel Junior, a 2023 Role Model Wall Man with a generous philanthropic spirit and I ask my colleagues from the 117th Congress to join me in honoring this special circle of brotherhood.