Frederica Wilson

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the impressive accomplishments of Florida's 18th Lieutenant Governor, Jennifer Carroll. Lieutenant Governor Carroll is married to Nolan Carroll of Miami and they have three children, Nolan II, Nyckie and Necho. She was a state legislator for over seven years, a small business owner, former Executive Director of Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs and a Navy veteran. Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad West Indies. She emigrated to the United States as a young child and served her adopted nation honorably and with distinction. Lieutenant Governor Caroll has always possessed an adventurous spirit and harbored a desire to expand her horizons and explore the possibilities of the world around her. Lieutenant Governor Carroll enlisted in the United States Navy in 1979 rising from the ranks of an enlisted jet mechanic to retire as a Lieutenant Commander Aviation Maintenance Officer after 20 years. During her time in the Navy she was awarded numerous awards that include: Navy ``E'' Good Conduct Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, two Sea Service Ribbons, National Defense Service Medal, two Coast Guard Special Operation Ribbons, and an Expert Pistol Medal. In the years that followed, this bright and determined woman worked tirelessly to graduate from the University of New Mexico with a B.A. in Political Science and received her M.B.A. from St. Leo University. Bold and fearless, Lieutenant Governor Carroll moved to Florida in 1986 and started a business named 3N. & J.C. Corp. She ran for the Florida House of Representatives in 2003 and after winning she became the first African American female Republican elected in the Florida Legislature's history. A documented trailblazer, she was appointed Deputy Majority Leader from 2003-2004 and served as Majority Whip from 2004-2006. She chaired the Finance Committee from 2006-2008 and chaired the Economic and Development from 2008-2010. She was awarded the Florida Chamber of Commerce Honor Roll consecutively since 2004, Faith and Family Award from the Christian Coalition of Florida Committee, 2005 and 2008, Florida Veterans Service Officers Association, Legislator of the year 2009 and Federated Retail Association Representative of the Year 2010. It is unquestionable that Lieutenant Governor Caroll's career successes, including her recent ascension have come with much sacrifice, but have been well-deserved. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll. I wish Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll continued success for the future.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Eubie Enright, a beloved matriarch of the 17th Congressional District, who is celebrating 104 years of life. Ms. Enright was born to sharecroppers in Metter, Georgia. It was here that she experienced back-breaking work as she planted and raised many crops under the Georgia sun. A young Ms. Enright exuded a tenacity that would later serve her well. South Florida became home to Ms. Enright more than 50 years ago, when she migrated to Miami with her family. Living and thriving during the civil rights movement, she held several jobs, including housekeeping and cooking in private homes. She said, ``I don't care what you have to do, you have to work''. Frankly, Ms. Enright understands the investment that must be made for your family and for your community. Eubie Enright has been a servant of the Lord all of her life. From the time she arrived in Miami she was a Baptist member of a church in Overtown, where she loyally served as an usher for 20 years. In 1960, Ms. Enright became a member of New Providence Missionary Baptist Church, where she joined the choir. She was a choir member for many decades. We honor Eubie Enright for a legacy of service and inspiration. She credits her Lord and Savior for keeping her well during these last 104 years. Her life is a testimony to each of us. I joyfully celebrate with Ms. Eubie Enright as she continues a purposeful life of love.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of the groundbreaking achievements of Dr. Henry Lewis III, the twelfth president of Florida Memorial University. Florida Memorial University is South Florida's only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and the third oldest institution of higher learning in the state of Florida. He has served as Dean and Professor in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Florida A&M. University (FAMU) for the last 15 years. Dr. Lewis served as Interim President of FAMU from January through June 2002. He also served as Dean of the Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for four years. A native of Tallahassee, Florida, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy from FAMU and his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Mercer University. He completed post-doctoral training in the Institute for Education Management at Harvard University, the National Institutes of Health, the Congressional Operations Institute, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Millennium Presidential Leadership Program and Duke University Directors Program. President Lewis is an inspiration to many creating history wherever he goes. Dr. Lewis is past president of the Minority Health Professions Foundation. He is also past president of the Foundation's sister agency, the Association of Minority Health Professions Schools. Under his leadership, these two organizations--representing all of the nations historically black medical, dental, pharmaceutical, and veterinary medical programs--have secured over $100 million in support of programs, research and activities that improve the quality of education and the availability of health, care to minority and under- served communities. He has served as president of the National Pharmaceutical Association representing more than 10,000 minority pharmacists in the United States. He is the former Chairman of the Board of the Florida Education Fund, the nation's largest producer of African-American PhDs. An accomplished biomedical researcher with a focus on sickle cell anemia, Dr. Lewis has been the principal investigator or project director on research/training grants totaling over $95 million. He has served on numerous governmental review committees. He currently serves on the National Center for Research Resources National Advisory Board. He has increased the endowment of the FAMU College of Pharmacy from $1 million to over $22 million under his leadership. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in celebrating the transformative work of Dr. Henry Lewis Ill. His life story is an example of overcoming obstacles with integrity and leadership. He now continues his work by leading Florida Memorial University. Dr. Lewis is a national treasure, who is very deserving of this recognition.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 207, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Amendment No. 7 Offered by Mr. Garrett

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 194, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with my colleagues to talk again about jobs. In order to reduce the deficit, everyone in the Nation must work. But how can you work when you do not have a job? My constituents want to work. They are still hurting. Maybe we can't feel the hurt because we have jobs. I am still waiting to hear the Republican plan for jobs. When are we going to help the people become whole again? They are losing their homes. Whole families are homeless and are not knowing what to do next. Their unemployment benefits have expired, and still they can't find work. Right now, over 50 percent of homeowners in the Miami housing market either owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth or they're within 5 percent of that mark. Instead of figuring out ways to help, tomorrow Congress will be voting on whether or not to end programs that offer hope to distressed homeowners. We talk about a deficit that took 8 years to create during the Bush administration. It will take us more than 2 years to peel away the layers of 8 years of bad judgment, generous tax exemptions to the rich, two wars, and a failed economy. How can we cut so deeply, so fast, causing so many people to lose their jobs? If people can't work, they can't save their homes. Stay on task: jobs, jobs, jobs.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with my colleagues for one reason--to talk about jobs again. My constituents still need help. They want to work, but I don't hear any solutions. I've been here for over 2 months, and I'm still waiting to hear a Republican plan for jobs. I came to Washington to focus on jobs. When are we going to talk about jobs? I asked this same question 2 weeks ago. If I have to get up here every 2 weeks for the rest of my term and ask the same question, I will. When I go home this weekend, I will be asked, ``What are they doing in Washington to help me find work or provide jobs for others who want to work? I want to work to support my family. I want to start a business. I've lost my home, lost my job. And the Congress promised to help the economy so that I could find a job.'' My constituents will ask me, ``Why did they cut job training? Why are they cutting educational opportunities for young people?'' People are hurting and people are suffering. Listen to the people. Let's stop the partisan bickering and help the people find work. If not now, when? If not us, who? If not here, where? The people want to work.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Chief Nichole Armstrong Anderson. Veteran Deputy Anderson has been appointed as the first female African American police chief of the Broward County Sheriff's Office. For over 16 years, Officer Anderson has remained dedicated to public service and to keeping our community safe. In recognition of her outstanding service record she has been awarded numerous commendations for her job performance and her commitment to upholding and enforcing the law. Officer Anderson was born on July 8, 1970, and graduated from Dillard High School with honors in June of 1988. She began her law enforcement career with the Florida Department of Corrections as a correctional probation officer in 1994. She was soon offered a position with the Florida Highway Patrol for the position of State trooper. Upon completing a challenging and rigorous six month training program in Tallahassee, FL, she was assigned to Troop C in Tampa, FL. After leaving the Florida Highway Patrol, she began with the Broward County Sherriffs Office and was assigned to road patrol. From there, she was promoted to the rank of sergeant on August 3, 2001, and was assigned to the Tamarac District. Her devotion to public service and commitment to keeping our community safe have led to several promotions. Her exemplary professional record led Officer Anderson to the rank of lieutenant where she was assigned to the Pompano Beach District. She was later transferred to the position of executive officer to the sheriff. After attending the prestigious Southern Police Institute 114th Administrative Officers Course in 2005, at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, she was assigned to the position of executive officer of the Pompano Beach District Area 2 Command. On November 20, 2010 her outstanding performance led to her selection as the interim chief of the South Broward District and, ultimately, on February 23, 2011, she was sworn in as the chief of the South Broward District. Over the years she has developed a reputation within the law enforcement community as being diligently committed to her profession. Officer Anderson is the wife of Frederick Anderson, Sr. and loving mother of Frederick, Jr. I proudly acknowledge her achievement as the first female African American police chief of the Broward County Sherriff's Department and appreciate her tireless work for this community.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 156, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart as I mourn the loss of Detective Roger Castillo, an officer with the Miami-Dade Police. Detective Castillo was a patriot dedicated to upholding and defending the rule of law. He was a man of great courage, conviction, and passion who lived a wonderfully fulfilling life surrounded by a loving family, close friends and admiring colleagues. Detective Castillo was born on September 29, 1969 in Miami Beach, Florida. He graduated from Southwest High School in 1987 and began his law enforcement career with the Miami-Dade Police Department as a Public Service Aide in 1989. In 1992, he graduated from the police academy and was assigned to the North Operations Division serving the Miami Lakes and Northside Districts. In 1995, Detective Castillo was assigned to the Police Operations Bureau (POB). After a short time in POB, he joined the Court Services Bureau until his transfer to the Warrants Bureau, Felony Apprehension Unit in 2004. In an effort to keep our community safe, in 2007, Detective Castillo transferred to the Strategic and Specialized Investigations Bureau, Career Criminal Section. He always displayed a positive attitude towards the Miami-Dade Police Department and a level of professionalism like no other. I mourn alongside the loving family of Detective Castillo, and honor his wife Debbie and children Anthony, Michael, and Bryan. During this difficult time, we will pray for the well-being of the Castillo family. Detective Castillo's death does not represent an end to his legacy, for his spirit and good deeds live on. His colleagues, friends, and family cherish his legacy as a brave defender of our community.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sadness over the tragic loss of Officer Amanda Haworth. Officer Haworth was a patriot dedicated to upholding and defending the rule of law. She served above and beyond the call of duty as an officer with the Miami-Dade County Police Department. Officer Haworth was born on August 5, 1966, and graduated from Miami Sunset High School in 1984. She joined the Miami-Dade Police Department in October 1988. Upon graduating from the police academy, she was assigned to the Northside Station. Her dedication to her duties encouraged her to further her career, later transferring to the Warrants Bureau, Felony Apprehension Unit in 1994. Her initiative and tenacity to keep our community safe inspired her to transfer to the Strategic and Specialized Investigations Bureau, Career Criminal Section in January of 2003. Her professionalism and dedication to her profession earned her respect and admiration within the law enforcement community. Officer Haworth's life and legacy remind us of the noble commitment of public service. Although we lost her too soon, her memory will forever live on in the lives of her family and colleagues in the law enforcement community. Officer Haworth leaves behind a legacy of achievement and inspiration, for she was an example of what genuine caring and unrelenting commitment can accomplish. She gave tirelessly for the benefit of those around her and will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Haworth family, her sons Austin Haworth and Jason Mitchell, her life partner Sgt. Rosie Diaz, and her loving parents, Robert Haworth and Susanne Miller.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Good afternoon. Madam Chair, somewhere in America today a family is losing their home because they can't afford the health care premiums for a diabetic dad and a hypertensive mom. Somewhere in America tonight a child will die because they have been denied health care because of a preexisting condition. Somewhere in America tomorrow a family will go bankrupt because they took care of a cancer-stricken family member. Black, white, Hispanic, Asian, urban, rural Republican, Democrat, independent, tea party, it doesn't matter. At some time in our life we will all get sick. We need health care. But you know what? We, as Members of Congress, are very fortunate. We all get health care. We get the very best. But what about Jennifer and Lisa and James and grandma and grandpa and the Johnsons and baby Joshua? We represent them too. They deserve what we get. My constituents sent me to Washington to preserve the affordable health care legislation. They are proud of the product that the 111th Congress and Nancy Pelosi and President Obama produced. Long live affordable health care legislation. On behalf of the people of this Nation who depend on our leadership, I call upon you to defeat this amendment.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with my colleagues for one reason--to talk about jobs. My constituents are hurting. They need help. They want to work. I've been here for almost 2 months, and I'm still waiting to hear a Republican plan for jobs. So far this week, the only things I've voted on are our renaming of a courthouse and taking back money that we have already given to the United Nations. When are we going to talk about jobs? I came to Washington to focus on jobs. My constituents sent me to Washington to focus on jobs. All across the Nation, the high school class of 2011 is getting ready to graduate. Some will go on to higher education, and some will enter the workforce. What type of world are they entering? What type of jobs will await them? I propose that we invest in the class of 2011. Instead of political games and bills that cut jobs, I propose that we invest in education, innovation, and infrastructure. Please, I urge all of my colleagues to turn toward the future of our children--turn toward creating jobs for them.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 12, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''