Frederica Wilson

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true Florida civil rights icon, Dr. Howard Simon. Dr. Simon has served as executive director of the Florida branch of the American Civil Liberties Union since 1977. Before his appointment to his current position, Dr. Simon oversaw the ACLU's Michigan branch. Remarkably, his 44 cumulative years of service as a state director is the longest in the ACLU's 98-year history. In this capacity, he has been an outspoken champion for marginalized communities. During Dr. Simon's tenure, the regional ACLU affiliate has taken on many major cases to defend Floridians' civil liberties. It successfully fought to end the use of paperless electronic voting systems after problems were exposed during a 2006 congressional election. This led to the optimization and standardization of voting across every county in the state. Under Dr. Simon's leadership, the organization has also filed several lawsuits to halt dangerous initiatives passed by the state legislature. One suit successfully blocked a law requiring all applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to submit to baseless drugs tests. As the representative of one of the most disadvantaged districts in the country, I am deeply concerned by attacks on public benefits programs on which many of my constituents heavily rely. In addition to overseeing the ACLU's legal, public education, legislative lobbying, and membership and fundraising programs, Dr. Simon frequently pens editorials for regional publications, challenging policies that undermine Floridians' constitutional freedoms. I am grateful to Dr. Simon for his work defending Floridians' civil liberties. Unfortunately, it is often the most disadvantaged who are targeted by policies that threaten their rights or otherwise lack the necessary resources to defend themselves. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Dr. Howard Simon and congratulate him on a remarkable career. Dr. Simon recently announced plans to retire after leading the Florida ACLU affiliate for 21 years. I wish him all the best and thank him for his exemplary service to my home state.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of David G. Queen, Jr., and commemorate the noticeable impact that he made on the lives of others. Mr. Queen excelled in athletics at a young age. He trained with the elite Miami Northwest Express Track Club under the tutelage of legendary Coach Jesse Holt, Jr. As a member of Miami Northwest Express, he participated in the National Jr. Olympics where he placed first in his age group by posting the fastest time in the nation. His prowess allowed him to earn many medals, ribbons, and trophies. He was also a standout in football for the Boys and Girls Club. His dream was to become a professional athlete. He is worthy of commendation for his most recent goal of starting a mentoring program to share his experiences with young people. Mr. Queen's greatest joy in life was his daughter, Zanaa Queen, and he treasured every moment they were together. He dedicated his life to being an ever-present and responsible father after her birth and he had a particular delight in his voice whenever he spoke about his beloved Zanaa. Now, he leaves his precious little girl in the trusted care of her mother, Britney Houston, her grandparents, and extended family. He will rest well knowing that she will be given the attention and care that he always strived to provide. Mr. Queen comes from a family with deep roots and strong ties in South Florida. His mother, Tangela L. Sears, is a dedicated community activist who has invested her heart and soul into improving her community. She was the motivation for Mr. Queen's desire to mentor youths through sports and education. His grandmother, Vera Lawrence, who he affectionately called ``Granny,'' was a longtime Miami Dade County employee, and his aunt, Sandra Sears, were important figures in his development and providing him a strong foundation. Mr. Queen was born in Queens, New York, on February 27, 1986, to David G. Queen, Sr., and Tangela L. Sears, and the family relocated to Miami, Florida, soon after his birth. He began his education at Sparks Kindergarten and continued his studies at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, Charles R. Drew Middle School, and Northwestern Senior High School, all a part of Miami Dade County Public Schools, before graduating from Godby Senior High School in Tallahassee, Florida. Please join me in acknowledging the life and lasting contributions made by David G. Queen, Jr., and expressing the need to use his dreams and aspirations to further promote transformative efforts to enrich the lives of young people.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. William Hawthorne, CEO and president of the consulting firm D/I Solutions. Over the course of his remarkable career, Mr. Hawthorne has made invaluable contributions to advancing corporate diversity and the wellbeing of his community. Prior to his current position, he held the posts of senior vice president, chief diversity officer, and vice chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Business Council at Macy's, Inc. In this capacity, Mr. Hawthorne implemented and oversaw an expansive diversity and inclusion strategy, spanning many of the organization's functions. Mr. Hawthorne's distinguished career has also included stints as deputy general counsel and national practice leader at Macy's Inc. attorney for the City of the Atlanta Solicitor's Office, trial attorney for the Fulton County District Attorney's Office, and instructor for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy at Emory University School of Law. Mr. Hawthorne's commitment to values of inclusion, diversity, and expanded opportunity extends beyond the boardroom and is reflected in his involvement with numerous community-based organizations. He serves as a board member and committee chair of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association, sits on the steering committee for the New York City Center for Youth Employment, and serves as a mentor in the 5000 Role Model of Excellence Project. I founded the 5000 Role Models program in response to a pattern of young men of color being incarcerated or dropping out of school in my home county of Miami-Dade and am grateful for the outstanding example that Mr. Hawthorne sets. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the extraordinary achievements of William Hawthorne, a dynamic and hardworking leader who has made his impact felt at each stage of his career.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Eric Accime, a highly successful executive with more than 20 years of experience in the building and engineering industry and a generous philanthropist, who has had an outsized impact on underserved and impoverished communities around the world. Mr. Accime, a product of Florida International University, participated in the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project I founded to intervene in the lives of at-risk boys of color and steer them onto a pathway to success. I am extremely proud that Mr. Accime has utilized the mentorship and assistance he received as a springboard to personal and professional success while remaining committed to giving back and serving those in need. After graduating from FlU, Mr. Accime returned to the 5000 Role Models as a staffer and helped mentor other boys and young men of color, working to instill in them the same skills, confidence, and vision that has served him over the course of his career. Since entering the private sector, Mr. Accime has built an impressive body of work and been recognized for his outstanding contributions. His expertise spans the development and construction management of large multi-use real estate, municipal and commercial projects. To date, he has spearheaded various high-profile projects valued at more than $600 million. His accolades include the National Award of Excellence for a project built in Tampa, Florida, which was designated one of the two best projects in the United States for fiscal year 2000. Although remarkably accomplished, Mr. Accime has retained the same values of service and community that drove him as a young staffer with the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. His professional and philanthropic endeavors have helped significantly improve conditions, particularly for underserved children, both in the United States and abroad. Mr. Accime has been integral to numerous relief efforts, having partnered with USAID, Habitat for Humanity, the Breaking Point International Corp., and the National Society of Black Engineers of Alexandria, Virginia, to provide resources and build vital infrastructure. Following the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Mr. Accime worked to help design and build a new National Campus of Health and Sciences there in collaboration with USAID. The project utilized cutting-edge design and delivery techniques to ensure the facility's sustainability, which was vital to Haiti's recovery and was estimated to produce approximately 1,500 doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other health practitioners over a 10-year period. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Mr. Accime for his exceptional achievements and humanitarian contributions. I am proud to call Mr. Accime a friend and can personally testify to his generous and hardworking spirit.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to the captain and crew of the Carnival Elation for their incredible bravery during the rescue of a fishing boat stranded in the Gulf of Mexico during Hurricane Irma last year. Their mettle will be honored this week by the Association for Rescue at Sea. While undergoing routine maintenance and the replacement of its bridge navigation system in Freeport, Bahamas, the Carnival Elation began monitoring a storm developing off the coast of Western Africa. When the storm quickly grew to a Category 5 hurricane and it became clear that its path would likely lead directly over the Bahamas, the decision was made to move the ship and seek shelter in the Gulf of Mexico. While sailing away from Hurricane Irma's path, the Elation received a relayed distress message from the U.S. Coast Guard alerting them that a fishing boat, the Captain Eddie, was taking on water approximately 60 nautical miles to their east and that two crewmembers were in dire need of assistance. Elation Captain Gaetano Gigliotti and his crew immediately set out to assist in the rescue, while the Coast Guard planned to provide a helicopter in support of the effort. The Elation navigated through treacherous conditions, facing 15-20-foot waves and sustaining winds of 40 knots, gusting at times to well over 60 knots. Despite these conditions, and without normal comprehensive bridge systems and communications equipment due to their early evacuation, the Elation stayed the course, only to be informed shortly before arriving at the struggling fishing boat that the USCG could no longer provide helicopter assistance due to the dangerous wind conditions. Nearing the fishing boat, Captain Gigliotti decided it was too dangerous to allow an Elation rescue ship to pick up the fishermen and instead chose to move the Elation closer to the life raft to facilitate a rescue through a single open door in the hull. The Captain skillfully maneuvered the 70,000+ ton, 260+ meter Elation at slow speed in the heavy winds and seas, successfully positioning the ship alongside the life raft. Ignoring the potential risk to their own lives, several Elation deck team members were able to successfully bring the sole survivor on board using a harness and hoisting line. Unfortunately, the Elation crew quickly learned from the survivor that his fellow crewmembers had refused to abandon ship and were lost when the fishing vessel rapidly sank. The Elation medical team took excellent care of the survivor, facilitated contact with his family and coordinated with the U.S. embassy to ensure his timely return to the United States after the ship returned to the Bahamas. We thank Captain Gigliotti and the entire Elation crew for their bravery in coming to the rescue of this fishing boat and its crew. Their courage in the face of extreme conditions, even placing their own lives at risk to save the lives of others, stands as an example of true heroism. I am pleased their efforts have been recognized by the Association for the Rescue at Sea and that they have been awarded the 2019 Cruise Ship Humanitarian Assistance Award. They also were honored by the International Maritime Organization with its 2018 Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea. As a founder and chair of the Florida Ports Caucus and proud representative of PortMiami, which is known as the ``Cruise Capital of the World,'' it is my honor to recognize the captain and crew of the Carnival Elation.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 263.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, from the 24th district of the great state of Florida, along with my colleagues and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters Congresswomen Alma S. Adams, Sheila Jackson Lee, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Terri A. Sewell, and Bonnie Watson Coleman, rise today to acknowledge and honor the 110th anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the contributions of its founder, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle. Ethel Hedgeman Lyle was a visionary ahead of her time, an advocate for women's rights, and a dedicated community servant. We stand to bring witness that Ethel Hedgeman Lyle deserves to be commemorated by a U.S. postage stamp in support of her many achievements. Mr. Speaker, we are especially honored to be joined by our international president Dr. Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, to validate our efforts. She has been on this mission for a long time. It is a journey she hopes to see to fruition. Mr. Speaker, we are beaming with pride and overflowing with excitement because we are on the verge of making history by bestowing an honor that is about 110 years overdue. Mr. Speaker in recognition of her great achievements, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle deserves to be commemorated with a United States postage stamp. Mr. Speaker, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle founded Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1908 on a cold January day on the campus of Howard University during a time when Jim Crow laws segregated African-American women and prevented us from joining established Greek organizations. Undeterred by the obstacles of race and gender, she created a legacy of sisterhood that continues to inspire millions of women to devote their lives to community service and activism. She deserves a stamp. Mr. Speaker, Soror Ethel Hedgeman Lyle cut through the bitter cold of that winter day like a ray of hope, a guiding light, if you will. And, today we have an opportunity to propel the initiative to further immortalize her impeccable character and extraordinary achievements through her commemoration on a U.S. postage stamp. Mr. Speaker, today, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, is an international service organization with more than 300,000 members in more than 1,000 graduate and undergraduate chapters across the globe. The sorority is headquartered in Chicago and oversees the operations of two charitable foundations. Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated, has inspired millions of women to dedicate their lives to realize its motto, ``Service to All mankind.'' These accomplishments were made possible by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle's vision to combine scholastic merit, personal achievement, and the rich historic African-American culture to create a women's collegiate-service based organization that has lasted 110 years. She deserves a stamp. Mr. Speaker, as members of Congress and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, we are humbled to be able to support this effort. Thousands of our members across the globe have signed letters in support of the initiative She Deserves a Stamp. Just making that statement puts me in awe of how incredible Soror Ethel Hedgeman Lyle and her classmates really were. You see, when they agreed to come together to make history by doing what had never been done before, African Americans and women didn't have the right to vote. African Americans couldn't even share a lunch counter or schools with whites in 1908. But, today, 49 African Americans are serving in Congress . . . and seven of them are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Mr. Speaker, I think Soror Ethel Hedgeman Lyle knew that one day African Americans and women would be able to vote. She knew that one day African Americans would serve in Congress. And, I strongly believe she knew that if given the opportunity, African-American women would become the most educated demographic in America. She knew this at a time when most women were denied an education. She deserves a stamp. She is a ``Guiding Light.'' She still shines on the path others didn't know existed. Her work has lighted a path for many social and academic organizations that tear down the walls of racial and gender inequality. Her work has lighted the path for millions of women to attend college. Her work has shone brightly to highlight how living a life that is dedicated to ``Service to All Mankind'' can change the world in ways we never thought possible. She deserves a stamp. Mr. Speaker, now, she needs our support. We have to be a part of this movement. This is our chance to give back to someone who has given the world so much, and continues to give through her legacy. To paraphrase an African proverb, ``We are, because she was.'' And, if anyone has ever deserved to be on a stamp, it is the prestigious, wonderful, visionary Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, the founder of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the first African American Greek Letter Sorority. She deserves a stamp.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for the following votes because I was very ill and remained in my congressional district in Miami to recuperate. Had I been present, I would have voted YES on Roll Call Vote No. 231; YES on Roll Call Vote No. 232; YES on Roll Call Vote No. 233; NO on Roll Call Vote No. 234; NO on Roll Call Vote No. 235; NO on Roll Call Vote No. 236; YES on Roll Call Vote No. 237; YES on Roll Call Vote No. 238; and YES on Roll Call Vote No. 239.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of amendment No. 73, requiring a report to relevant committees on the missions, operations, and activities of the Department of Defense in Niger and the broader region. I believe that key components of the amendment are necessary to obtain critical, tactical, operational, and strategic improvements in U.S. Africa Command's efforts to achieve stability and security in the region, and most importantly, keep our troops safer. As evidenced by the tragic deaths of the four soldiers who were ambushed by ISIS near Tongo Tongo, Niger, last October, improvements throughout the chain of command and military services are necessary, and DOD must provide greater transparency and communication with Congress regarding legal, operational, and funding authorities for military operations in Africa. The amendment requires DOD to specify its objectives in Niger and justify their relevance to U.S. national security. For the safety of our troops, the amendment also requires DOD to identify measures to mitigate operational risk and increase the preparedness of members of the Armed Forces in Niger and the broader region. It will also mandate that DOD assess the command and support relationships of U.S. Africa Command with subordinate commands like Special Operations Command. This will help to ensure improved command and control throughout the chain of command, that the commander's intent is clear, and that operational guidance is consistent and concise. Indeed, the tragic deaths of the four soldiers killed in action affected me personally in an overwhelming way. One of the four soldiers killed was a dear constituent of mine, Sergeant La David Johnson of Miami Gardens. Sergeant Johnson, who was killed while bravely defending our country, was 25 years of age. He left behind a lovely extended family, a beautiful wife, and three young children. He was a member of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence, and 50 members are visiting us here today. Mr. Chair, I am hopeful that with actions currently being taken by the DOD, along with the prescriptive elements of this amendment, our Nation will not have to suffer another tragic loss like we did last October.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 188.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and legacy of a true ``son of Florida,'' Cyrus M. Jollivette. Mr. Speaker, Cyrus M. Jollivette, whom we affectionately called ``Russ,'' was for many decades a powerful and transformational force in the fields of health and higher education. He was a pillar in our community who worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of others through education. He was a civic leader, wise mentor, loving father, doting grandfather, and incredible friend. Russ is most recognized for his 24-year tenure at the University of Miami, where he helped to advance the university's goal to become one of the nation's preeminent research institutions. He served in several senior-level positions, including executive assistant to President Edward T. Foote II and as vice president for government relations during one of the most dynamic growth periods in the university's history. Russ was so well regarded that his influence stretched across political divides, enabling him to successfully lobby lawmakers for funding. His advocacy helped secure millions of dollars for the university when he represented the institution in Tallahassee and in Washington, D.C. Russ's tenure at the University of Miami was followed by various executive roles at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, where he spearheaded efforts to bestow a generous gift to the university's School of Nursing and Health Studies to provide scholarships for minority nursing students. Russ was a genuine advocate for African-American children, women, and men. He supported minority education and training to advance diversity in health science, specifically nursing schools and cancer centers throughout the country. He was especially supportive of the nation's historically black, Hispanic, and minority-serving colleges, including Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Florida International University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. Russ's contribution to higher-education extended far beyond the University of Miami. He worked with many of Florida's schools, colleges and universities, including Florida State University, University of Florida, University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, Eckerd College, Barry University, and St. Thomas University, to improve the students' learning experiences. Russ also served as the director of Florida Enterprise, helped establish the Florida Education Fund, and chaired the National Council for the Advancement of Secondary Education and the Southern Governors' Education Board, to name a few. Russ also had a successful academic career. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration at Long Island University's C.W. Post campus and a Master of Business Administration in management from Long Island University. He also holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami School of Law. Russ has served many roles in his lifetime, but the one that he cherished the most was friend. Friendship was a special gift that Russ shared with so many, and those who've had the privilege of knowing him understand exactly what I mean. As a graduate of the University of Miami, I am honored to recognize Russ for his dedication to education, academic excellence and creating access and opportunity where it did not previously exist. Russ was an exemplary public servant and will be missed by many. He leaves to cherish his memory one daughter, Lynn Jollivette Johns, and two grandchildren; his sisters, Regina Jollivette Frazier and Cleo L. Jollivette; and countless family and friends. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues and all Americans to please join me in paying homage to the life of a great man, a great leader, a great father, and a great American, Cyrus M. Jollivette.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for the following votes because I chose to remain in my congressional district in Miami for an important district event. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``No'' on rollcall Vote No. 162, ``no'' on rollcall Vote No. 163, ``yes'' on rollcall Vote No. 164, ``yes'' on rollcall Vote No. 165, and ``no'' on rollcall Vote No. 166.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Chair, I was not present for the following votes because I chose to remain in my congressional district in Miami for an important district event. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``yes'' on rollcall Vote No. 155; ``no'' on rollcall Vote No. 156; ``no'' on rollcall Vote No. 157; ``no'' on rollcall Vote No. 158; ``no'' on rollcall Vote No. 159; and ``yes'' on rollcall Vote No. 160.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for the following votes because I chose to remain in my congressional district in Miami for an important district event. Had I been present, I would have voted: Yes on Roll Call Vote No. 130; Yes on Roll Call Vote No. 131; and No on Roll Call Vote No. 132.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 135.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for the following votes because I chose to remain in my congressional district in Miami because of health reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall Vote No. 104; ``no'' on rollcall Vote No. 105; ``yes'' on rollcall Vote No. 106; ``yes'' on rollcall Vote No. 107; and ``no'' on rollcall Vote No. 108.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 88.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. I was not present for the following votes because I needed to return urgently to my congressional district in Miami. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 49 and ``yes'' on rollcall No. 50.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for the following votes because I chose to remain in my congressional district in Miami due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on Roll Call No. 2; Yea on Roll Call No. 3; Yea on Roll Call No. 4; Yea on Roll Call No. 5; Yea on Roll Call No. 6; Yea on Roll Call No. 7; Nay on Roll Call No. 8; Nay on Roll Call No. 9; Nay on Roll Call No. 10; Nay on Roll Call No. 11; Yea on Roll Call No. 12; Nay on Roll Call No. 13; Yea on Roll Call No. 14; Yea on Roll Call No. 15; Nay on Roll Call No. 16; and Yea on Roll Call No. 17

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind Congress and the Nation that there are still many questions surrounding the October ambush in Niger during which my constituent, Sergeant La David Johnson and three members of his unit were killed by Islamist militants. This week, two news organizations reported disturbing details that raise questions about the true nature of the unit's mission in Niger. There also is a question of who exactly was making the decisions on that fateful night: Was it the soldiers or their commanders back at base? According to one report, after being separated from the unit for 48 hours, Africa Command believed that Sergeant Johnson was still alive and may have been captured, tortured, and executed. The true story of what happened to Sergeant Johnson may be, in the end, a source of embarrassment for the Pentagon and this Nation, but the agency owes his family and the American people the truth, however ugly it may be. Mr. Speaker, I am committed to keeping this issue on the front burner and in everyone's mind until we know what happened to Sergeant La David Johnson.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to share sad news from my district. Miami is mourning the loss of another young American hero who died while serving our great Nation. Specialist Carlton Butler from North Miami, who was just 22 years old, was found dead at Fort Bragg in North Carolina last Saturday evening. He was a paratrooper assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. The circumstances of his death are under investigation and are very troubling to me and to his family. Like Sergeant La David Johnson, my constituent who was killed last month during an ambush in Niger, Specialist Butler made an immediate and overwhelmingly positive impression during his short tenure in the military. Like Sergeant Johnson's family, Specialist Butler's family is left wondering why and how their soldier's life ended in such a suspicious manner. They have many questions, and so do I. I am determined to help get the answers they need to heal. Both families need answers in order to heal. I will not stop pushing until these families are satisfied. When such devastating losses occur, we owe it to them to find answers as quickly as possible. These answers are not acceptable: ``We really don't know.'' ``We are investigating.'' ``We can't say that.'' Mr. Speaker, we seek the truth and our military families deserve the truth.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 637.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 637.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for the following votes because I chose to remain in my congressional district in Miami for safety reasons due to serious threats I received. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: YEA on Roll Call No. 569; YEA on Roll Call No. 570; YEA on Roll Call No. 571; NAY on Roll Call No. 572; NAY on Roll Call No. 573; YEA on Roll Call No. 574; YEA on Roll Call No. 575; YEA on Roll Call No. 576; YEA on Roll Call No. 577; YEA on Roll Call No. 578; YEA on Roll Call No. 579; NAY on Roll Call No. 580; YEA on Roll Call No.581; NAY on Roll Call No. 582; NAY on Roll Call No. 583; NAY on Roll Call No. 584; YEA on Roll Call No. 585; YEA on Roll Call No. 586; YEA on Roll Call No. 587; NAY on Roll Call No. 588; NAY on Roll Call No. 589; and YEA on Roll Call No. 590.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for the following votes because I was in my congressional district tending to urgent business. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: YEA on Roll Call No. 605; NAY on Roll Call No. 606; YEA on Roll Call No. 607; YEA on Roll Call No. 608; YEA on Roll Call No. 609; NAY on Roll Call No. 610; NAY on Roll Call No. 611; and NAY on Roll Call No. 612.