What Darren Soto said, and what was done

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I want to start with a little history lesson. Back in 2013, this was my bill.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Brandon Bracale-Llewellyn as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Brandon Bracale-Llewellyn is a respected business owner, community leader, and advocate whose dedication to Central Florida's LGBTQ+ community has made a lasting impact throughout the region.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jose Ramon Aguilar Colina as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Jose Ramon Aguilar Colina is a Venezuelan immigrant, LGBTQ+ advocate, public health leader, and founder and executive director of AGUILAR SALUD, a Central Florida-based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to HIV prevention, treatment, education, care navigation, and healthcare resources for underserved communities.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Diana Colon as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Diana Colon is a service-oriented law enforcement ally who humbly serves her hometown of Orlando, Florida, as a board member of the Gay Officers Action League of Central Florida.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Axel J Someillan as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Axel J Someillan is a renowned photographer known for his exceptional ability to capture the essence of his subjects through a distinctive and evocative style.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Master Deputy Mara Everson as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Master Deputy Mara Everson is an Air Force veteran and dedicated public safety professional whose career reflects an unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Stephanie Florczyk as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Stephanie Florczyk is a 340B program manager and front desk supervisor for SPEKTRUM Health, a healthcare practice in Orlando, Florida that serves the LGBTQ+ community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Albert Harris as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Albert Harris has given nearly a decade of his life to the Orange County government as a photographer, but his work has always been about so much more than pictures.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Urla King as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Mrs. Urla King is a dedicated dental healthcare professional and community leader whose career in dental hygiene spans more than three decades.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor David Mink as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. David Mink has called Central Florida home since 1993, when he entered the University of Central Florida as a college freshman pursuing a degree in theater performance.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Harold Clayton Wright as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Harold Clayton Wright serves as the artistic director and conductor of the Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC).”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Charles B. Robertson as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Military Appreciation Month. Dr. Charles B. Robertson served in the U.S.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mayra Ramos as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Mayra Ramos is a senior human resources professional specializing in MedTech engineering and supply chain, currently supporting surgical robotics projects and known for building high-impact technical teams while elevating hiring standards within the medical device industry.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard is president of the National Entrepreneur Center (NEC), an internationally recognized entrepreneurial support organization serving Central Florida's small business community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Aloma Theresa Ingram as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Dr. Aloma Theresa Ingram, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, is a naturalized citizen of the United States and a visionary leader with a remarkable track record in early childhood education.”

“Eastern Region of Ghana, West Africa, and as a Queen with the Numidoria Kingdom for Africans in the Diaspora. Her commitment to peace and education is further demonstrated through her roles as a Peace Ambassador and Consulate of Education with the Numidoria Kingdom's Embassy.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Roger Colon as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Roger Colon serves as the program director of the Central Florida InternationaI Trade Office (CFITO), which serves multiple counties throughout Central Florida, including Orange and Osceola.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Melanie Melendez Garcia as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Dr. Melanie Melendez Garcia is a Puerto Rican-born emergency physician, entrepreneur, and community leader whose dedication to healthcare and service has made a lasting impact throughout Central Florida and Florida's 9th Congressional District.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dario and Hunnie Emans as Distinguished Leaders in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Dario and Hunnie Emans are respected entrepreneurs whose dedication to small business development and community engagement has contributed to economic growth within Florida's 9th Congressional District.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Clarence Dunkley as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Originally from Jamaica, Clarence Dunkley has proudly called America home for more than 32 years.”

“Mr. Speaker. I rise to honor Lyma Dunbar as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Lyma Dunbar is the host of the talk show ``The People's Chat Room,'' which has been on the Central Florida airwaves for the past 14 years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Eugenio Augusto Soto Bischoff as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Eugenio Augusto Soto Bischoff is a respected community leader, aviation professional, educator, and volunteer who has proudly called Orlando, Florida, home since 1996.”

“Mr. Speaker, Martha Ann Hart Cusimano was a community leader and passionate advocate for the hungry and vulnerable. Making a difference started early with Martha. A native of Buffalo, New York, from a family deeply rooted in faith and service, she learned to swim in Lake Erie from her dad.”

“Pulse Memorial resolution. That very next year, in the 116th Congress, we were able to pass H.R. 3094 out of the House to make it the National Pulse Memorial, because literally every State across the Nation mourned and had vigils from what had transpired on June 12, 2016.”

“Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago this Friday, our happy little town of Orlando was the subject of the deadliest mass shooting in history at that time. It happened at the Pulse nightclub, an LGBTQ+ nightclub, during Latin night.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Senior Airman Jeremy Lam as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Military Appreciation Month. Senior Airman Jeremy Lam served in the United States Air Force for eight years, two months, and nine days as a Far East Chinese Mandarin Crypto linguist for the National Security Agency at Fort George Meade, Maryland, from October 12, 1993, to December 21, 2001.”

“Project Committee member for the Eagle Empire District Central Florida Council. He is a department chair for Mission and Evangelism for the Orlando Chinese Baptist Church under Pastor Sean Ma and is an avid volunteer with the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 16 as a chapter service officer, helping over 400 veterans process their VA claims for free under the mentorship of Commander Laymond Rose.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Enrique Acosta Gonzalez as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Military Appreciation Month. Enrique Acosta Gonzalez is the CEO of Triad Leadership Solutions, LLC, and has served as an executive, veteran and advocate, board member, non-profit administrator, speaker, mentor, coach, and avid volunteer.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jose Ismael Bosque Hernandez as a distinguished leader in Central Florida's for Military Appreciation Month. Jose Ismael Bosque Hernandez began shaping his life's mission the moment he entered the United States Coast Guard.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Marquise McMiller as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Military Appreciation Month. Marquise McMiller, JD, is a twelve-year veteran of the United States Army and the Florida Army National Guard.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Hunter's Creek Community Association. The Association has faithfully served the residents of Hunter's Creek for four decades, establishing itself as a cornerstone of community governance and neighborhood excellence since its founding in 1986.”

“Mr. Speaker I rise to honor Katharine ``Kaye'' Partin Whaley as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. For more than three decades, Katharine ``Kaye'' Partin Whaley has been a driving force in education, community service, and cultural preservation in Osceola County.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Rhonda Spencer as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. Rhonda Spencer has experienced an exceptional year. She has worked incredibly hard to improve not only her and her family's lives but also the lives of working people throughout the state of Florida.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Colonel Paulette Schank as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. Colonel Paulette Schank served with distinction for 25 years in the United States Air Force, dedicating her career to leadership, service, and caring for others.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Becky Rankin as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. Becky Rankin is a performing artist, community advocate, and mother of two.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Maritza Frost as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. At the age of 12, Maritza Frost said goodbye to her paternal grandparents, Jose and Sarah, never to see them again.”

“Mr. Speaker. I rise to honor Alexandra Figueroa as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Alexandra Figueroa has devoted her life to the belief that every child deserves a champion in the classroom.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Nicole Fenty as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. Nicole Fenty is an events and venues supervisor for the City of Kissimmee with more than a decade of experience supporting community programs, public events, and facility operations in Central Florida.”

“Mr. Speaker. I rise to honor Amanda Clavijo as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. Amanda Clavijo serves as the Assistant County Manager for Osceola County, Florida, where she plays a vital leadership role in shaping the county's economic future and improving the quality of life for its residents.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Iris Chacon as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. Iris Chacon is an actress, dancer, singer, and producer.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Kyndall Brown as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. Kyndall Brown is an agriculture educator and FFA advisor at Harmony Middle School in Osceola County, Florida.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Pastor Johnny M. McKinnie, a quiet and devoted servant of God with a deep love for the Lord and a strong commitment to preaching, teaching, and community service.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Nykowanna Harris Sloan. With nearly three decades of dedicated service in education, Dr. Nykowanna Harris Sloan is a steadfast advocate for equity, empowerment, and excellence.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Justin Cloud, a distinguished community leader, chief engineer, and nonprofit executive whose work has significantly advanced education, workforce development, and youth empowerment across Central Florida.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Chundra L. Evens, a distinguished educational leader, pastor, and community advocate whose career reflects a deep commitment to excellence, service, and transformative leadership.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Denielle Barnhardt, a pastor, educator, and arts advocate whose work has significantly impacted families and students throughout Osceola County and Florida's 9th Congressional District.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Craig Moore. He serves as Chief Executive Officer of AdventHealth Kissimmee, providing executive leadership for one of Osceola County's largest and most vital health care campuses serving residents across Florida's 9th Congressional District.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Bianca Belabre, a marketer, strategist, and community advocate whose work advances creativity, education, and economic opportunity in Osceola County. Raised in a Haitian household and influenced by her parents, Gilna Charles and Jean Robert Belabre, Ms.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Arlene Blake, PMP, a community visionary, workforce development advocate, and champion for women's economic advancement in Central Florida. She is the founder of Women on the Rise International, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to building economic mobility for women through financial literacy, career development, entrepreneurship, and personal wellness.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition today to H.R. 498, the so-called Do No Harm in Medicaid Act, and I urge my colleagues to support my motion to recommit.”

“Mr. Speaker, as a dedicated Osceola County Fire Rescue Lieutenant with 32 years of service, Lieutenant Humberto Vergara has built a career centered on ensuring the well-being, preparedness, and safety of firefighters and the communities they serve.”

“Mr. Speaker, Jeffrey Booher is a certified firefighter/ lieutenant and paramedic with the City of Kissimmee Fire Department, where he has served with distinction for over 20 years.”

“Mr. Speaker, earlier this summer in Altamonte Springs, while off-duty and spending time with his family, Firefighter and Paramedic Christopher Fearon witnessed a five-year-old boy slip under the water and begin to drown.”

“Mr. Speaker, Ronald Huguenin has dedicated more than two decades to public safety and service in Central Florida. Beginning his career in 2001, he served with the Daytona Beach Fire Department from 2002 to 2007, where he was a member of the Motor Medics, the Technical Rescue Team, and served as a fire explorer advisor, mentoring young adults interested in careers in the fire service.”

“Mr. Speaker, Tim Jones was born in the Bronx, New York, in the 1970's, and from a young age knew he wanted to be a firefighter. Growing up, he admired the courage and sacrifice of firefighters, and as a child, he often told friends and family that one day he would drive fire trucks.”

“Mr. Speaker, firefighter Troy Parker was born and raised in Osceola County, Florida, and is a 2016 graduate of Harmony High School. At the age of 21, while returning home from his sales job, he came upon a serious motor vehicle accident.”

“Mr. Speaker, Chuck Weagraff is a 21-year veteran of the fire service and the proud third generation of his family to wear the badge. His career has spanned multiple departments and communities, including Honolulu, the cities of Ocoee and Oviedo, and now serving with distinction at the Reedy Creek Fire Department.”

“Mr. Speaker, Mayra La Paz is a renowned international journalist of Dominican origin, whose professional career has left a profound mark on the world of communications. Born with an innate passion for storytelling, she began her career in her native Dominican Republic, where she quickly established herself as one of the most respected and admired voices in the media.”

“Mr. Speaker, Dilia Castillo was born in Manhattan, New York, to parents from the Dominican Republic. In 1989, she moved to Florida, where she began her career as a freelance photographer, focusing on community events, newspapers, and magazines.”

“Mr. Speaker, Phillip Arroyo is a distinguished attorney, advocate, and proud Puerto Rican whose life reflects a lifelong dedication to justice. Born in 1982 on a United States military base in Germany to a Puerto Rican father who served in the Armed Forces, he was raised with the values of resilience, service, and courage.”

“Mr. Speaker, Pedro Turushina is the president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, where he leads the strategic direction of one of the top two chambers in the region.”

“Mr. Speaker, Rev. Dr. Jeanette Salguero is a pastor, educator, and nonprofit leader whose work has transformed Florida's Ninth Congressional District. As co-lead pastor of The Gathering Place Church in Orlando, she has built a thriving, multicultural congregation committed to restoring lives, families, the city, and the world.”

“Mr. Speaker, Arnaldo Oliveras is the founder and president of 180 Commercial Real Estate Advisors, a technology-forward brokerage and consultancy headquartered in Orlando. Licensed in Florida and equipped with an MBA in global management, he has devoted more than two decades to catalyzing job growth and revitalizing commercial corridors across the State--most notably within Florida's Ninth Congressional District, which includes Kissimmee, St.”

“Commerce and the board of Opera Orlando and as vice-chair for the Rollins Museum of Art board, leveraging arts advocacy to boost cultural tourism and business revenue throughout Central Florida.”

“Mr. Speaker, Cristina Mercado Acevedo is an interdisciplinary-trained professional with a master's in healthcare administration and over 20 years of community service involvement. She serves as the chief for the Orlando VA Healthcare System's Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Office, where she is responsible for volunteer services, philanthropic engagement, and partnership solutions with community stakeholders.”

“Mr. Speaker, Israel Martin is originally from Cuba, but now lives and serves in the United States. He lives with his wife, Dody, with whom he has been married for 28 years.”

“Mr. Speaker, Rafael Monteiro is a C-level executive and entrepreneur with extensive experience in business development and management in the media and entertainment industry. Monteiro also served as an executive at Discovery Networks in Miami and as the general manager of a full-service advertising agency, which serviced the multicultural market.”

“Mr. Speaker, Lymari D. Maldonado holds a bachelor of business administration in management information systems from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez campus, graduating with honors. With over 25 years of experience in software development, she currently serves as the director of enterprise applications at Valencia College.”

“Mr. Speaker, on the 14th day of October 1959, a meeting was held far from Earth, and it was said, ``It's time for a warrior to be born on Earth.'' This was the birth of Ronald W.”

“Mr. Chair, I want to commend the managers of the House Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations bill for including my amendment, No. 269, to provide a $24.1 million increase within the RDT&E-Defense Wide Account, to the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program's (IBAS) Fan-Out Wafer level packaging program in the en bloc package.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hoyle) for her leadership. I rise in strong support of H.R. 900, the Sinkhole Mapping Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation which I introduced with my fellow Floridian, Gus Bilirakis.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1770, the Consumer Safety Technology Act. The bill directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to launch a pilot program exploring the use of artificial intelligence so that we can track injury trends, identify hazards, monitor recalls, and identify products not meeting importation requirements.”

“Mr. Speaker, Abismael Abreu is a public servant, community leader, and proud Osceola County resident who has dedicated his career to building a stronger, more connected Central Florida.”

“Mr. Speaker, Roberto Smith has dedicated his career to advancing technology and improving lives within the community. With over two decades of experience in the information technology field, Roberto has been a driving force in implementing modern, secure, and efficient technological solutions.”

“Mr. Speaker, recognized as one of the Top Women in PR by PRNews, Maria Isabel Sanquirico is a force in multicultural communications and a fearless advocate for representation, equity, and authentic storytelling.”

“Mr. Speaker, Edgar ``Pete'' Peters has been a dedicated and hardworking operations agent with Southwest Airlines for the past 27 years. In 1998, the young Army veteran joined Southwest Airlines as a ramp agent in Baltimore, Maryland.”

“Mr. Speaker, Dr. Charnette Munroe was born in Westmoreland, Jamaica, and immigrated to the United States in the 1980s. Proud of her Caribbean heritage, she honors the sacrifices of her Jamaican ancestors through her professional and academic achievements.”

“Mr. Speaker, Maria Lawrence is a visionary leader, community advocate, and accomplished financial executive based in Florida's Ninth Congressional District. As co-founder and chief financial officer of Serving Children and Reaching Families, LLC (SCARF), she has been instrumental in expanding access to mental health and family support services throughout Central Florida.”

“Mr. Speaker, Patrina M. Lawrence is a dynamic and accomplished executive who has made a lasting impact on Florida's Ninth Congressional District through her leadership in behavioral health and social services.”

“Mr. Speaker, Sophia Green, known affectionately as Sophie G, is a vibrant radio personality hosting ``The Sophie G Show'' on Cultural Vibrations Radio. Broadcasting to the Central Florida area, Sophia's show celebrates Caribbean culture, entertains, and encourages listeners with inspiring stories and discussions.”

“Mr. Speaker, Jamilah Felix is a passionate advocate for civic engagement and public service. Her love for service began while growing up in Osceola County. For over a decade, she has dedicated her professional and educational journey to service.”

“Mr. Speaker, Sabra Raymer is a firefighter paramedic with over six years of experience in emergency response, known for her humility, resilience, and deep committment to serving others.”

“Mr. Speaker, Joshua Collins is a passionate entrepreneur, community advocate, and devoted father who has been making a lasting impact through creativity and activism since 2010. As the founder and owner of Collins Creative Custom Costuming, Joshua has transformed his artistic vision into a thriving business that serves theme parks and cruise lines, as well as other performers, drag artists, theatrical productions, and individuals seeking expressive designs.”

“Mr. Speaker, Marc Espeso is a dedicated public servant, skilled communicator, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Since his appointment in August 2019, he has served as special assistant to Orange County Mayor Jerry L.”

“Mr. Speaker, David Romero is a U.S. Air Force veteran, LGBTQ+ advocate, and community leader recognized for his dedication to uplifting others through faith, service, and resilience in Florida's Ninth Congressional District.”

“Mr. Speaker, Danny Garcia is a proud first-generation American, born to Costa Rican parents, and a lifelong Florida native who proudly calls Orlando home. Danny's dedication to the LGBTQ+ community began early.”

“Mr. Speaker, Julie Ruiz was born in Arizona and raised in Mexico. As a young woman, she came to Florida looking out for herself. She lived with friends who supported each other in building their lives in Central Florida, with few resources and no family here.”

“Mr. Speaker, Deputy Sheriff Summer McCray is an innovative law enforcement professional who has proudly served her hometown of Orlando, Florida, as a member of the Florida Department of Corrections, Orange County Corrections, and the Orange County Sheriffs Office (OCSO).”

“Mr. Speaker, Angelica Michelle Jones, aka Angelica Sanchez, was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on November 8, 1977. She moved to Orlando in 1996 to live in her truth and become her authentic self.”

“Mr. Speaker, 9 years ago today, on June 12, 2016, at 2:02 a.m., our little happy town of Orlando, Florida, was changed forever as we saw 49 angels killed and 53 others who were injured in a mass shooting during Latin Night at the Pulse nightclub, a safe place for the LGBTQ community located just south of downtown Orlando.”

“Mr. Speaker, Sunayana Dumala is an Indian immigrant who moved to the United States in 2007 to pursue her master's degree, hopeful about building a new future and achieving the American Dream.”

“Mr Speaker, Luis Herrera Campins was born on May 4, 1925, in Acarigua, Venezuela. Born into a middle-class family, Herrera Campins was educated at a university in Caracas.”

“Mr. Speaker, born on August 18, 1944, in Wauchula, Florida, to Martha Pearle Mathis and George A. Vogt, Pete Vogt was a true Florida native. His deep-rooted connection to the state's landscapes was deeply influenced by his grandmother, Annabel Mathis, whose parents owned land in rural southwest Florida.”

“Mr. Speaker, Reverend Chau Joseph Nguyen and his family came to the United States as refugees after the fall of Saigon, Vietnam, on April 30, 1975, and settled in Arlington, Texas.”

“Mr. Speaker, Priya Persaud serves as the founder and director of the Devyani School of Cultural Arts. Her journey in dance commenced in 1992, during which she received training in Odissi dance at the Chitralekha Dance Academy and Bharatanatyam at the Sampradaya Dance Academy.”

“Mr. Speaker, Takemasa lshikura is the president of the Japan Association of Orlando (JAO) and has played a vital role in preserving and promoting Japanese heritage in Central Florida for over two decades.”

“In 2015, Takemasa received the Foreign Minister's Commendation from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, one of only 94 overseas recipients that year. Additional honors include the Commendation Award of the Consul General, recognition by the Orange County Asian Committee, and acknowledgment from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer for strengthening the Sister-City relationship with Urayasu, Japan.”

“Mr. Speaker, Don H. Nguyen is the founder of DHN Attorneys, a law firm based in Orlando, Florida. With nearly 20 years of experience, Don has built a reputation as a trusted legal advisor to community associations, real estate developers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners across Central Florida.”

“Mr. Speaker, Mimi Chan is best known as the model and martial arts reference for Disney's ``Mulan,'' but her greatest impact lies in her lifelong dedication to empowering communities through education, culture, and service in Florida.”

“Mr. Speaker, Dr. Geetha Akula is a medical oncologist and hematologist with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) in Osceola and Orange Counties. Dr. Akula treats patients with a broad range of oncologic and hematologic diseases, with a special focus on multiple myeloma, colon, lung, and breast cancers.”

“Mr. Speaker, Helen Hyden Adams was born to a Korean mother and a father in the U.S. Army. She always knew she would serve in the Army and followed in her father's footsteps.”

“Mr. Speaker, Dr. Puxiao Cen is a board-certified cardiologist whose distinguished career in medicine and public service reflects a lifelong dedication to the health, dignity, and enrichment of her community.”

“Mr. Speaker, Bob Wesley was born in Marietta, Georgia, in 1953 to Martha ``Pete'' Wesley and Frank Wesley. Bob was the middle son among six siblings and was always different and quick-witted.”

“Mr. Speaker, from a young age, Helena Nicole Rodriguez displayed leadership and charisma. She lived a life of service in her church and helping the less fortunate in her community.”

“Mr. Speaker, Bobby Beagles diligently served the agriculture community throughout his career. Agricultural issues were always better served with Bobby as an advocate at the county, state, and national levels.”

“Mr. Speaker, Geraldine F. Thompson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and grew up in the South Dade town of Perrine, Florida, where members of her family worked in agriculture and construction.”

“Mr. Speaker, Louis G. Betz, Jr., a lobbyist and political strategist, lived his entire life in his beloved Tampa. Louis began his political life in 1992 as a campaign manager for a successful Hillsborough County Commission race.”

“Mr. Speaker, as a member of Laborers' Local 517 for 13 years, Chenavia Smith, affectionately known as Che Smith, is a proud LiUNA DEROC organizer. She has served as a member and in leadership positions with the NAACP and CBTU CFL Chapter.”

“Mr. Speaker, in 2016, a neurosurgeon removed an invasive meningioma--an aggressive, grapefruit-sized tumor--from Danielle McCarthy's brain. The tumor, lovingly named Loretta, formed on her brain's temporal lobe, and she was told she would never walk or speak again.”

“Mr. Speaker, Melanie Thomas of Saint Cloud, Florida is the public affairs officer for the Orlando VA Health Care System (OVAHCS), where she leads strategic communication efforts to enhance public awareness and engagement for Veteran healthcare services.”

“Mr. Speaker, Angelique L. Perry, who prefers to be called Angel, is originally from Brooklyn, New York, but moved to Orlando, Florida, in October of 2009. Since she was a little girl, she has always wanted to serve in public office.”

“Mr. Speaker, Beth Knight is a driving force behind Osceola County, Florida's progress, with almost 38 years of unwavering dedication to public service. As chief operating officer for Osceola County, she oversees daily operations, leading a workforce of more than 1,800 employees who serve a rapidly growing population of over 450,000 residents that hosts another 10 million visitors annually.”

“Mr. Speaker, Dr. Lyudmila Sarder, M.D., is a highly esteemed internal medicine resident physician who has made remarkable contributions to the healthcare field across nine districts of Florida and the greater Central Florida region.”

“Mr. Speaker, Lizbeth Walker is the CEO of Qwalifize, LLC, the first technology staffing and consulting firm headquartered in Kissimmee, Florida. Her journey from a telemarketer to CEO is a testament to resilience, determination, and faith.”

“Mr. Speaker, Dr. Carolina Cruz-Neira, a University of Central Florida faculty member and member of the National Academy of Engineering, is a pioneer in the areas of virtual reality (VR), interactive visualization, and digital twins.”

“Mr. Speaker, for over two decades, the halls of several Florida elementary schools have echoed with the enthusiasm of exceptional educator Julie DuBois. Two Orlando schools in particular-- Hillcrest and Hunter's Creek.”

“Mr. Speaker, Maureen ``Molly'' Ferguson is the director of government relations and grant management for Community Health Centers, Inc. Guided by Community Health Centers (CHC) leadership and the mentorship received throughout her career, Molly has developed 20 years of healthcare advocacy experience, working with state and federal legislators, legislative aides, and key stakeholders to shape policies and funding opportunities that support Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).”

“Mr. Speaker, Ofc. Elijah K. Shabazz was born in Albany, Georgia, and his mother and father are from Valdosta, Georgia. Ofc. Shabazz has two brothers and one sister.”

“Mr. Speaker, Leia Perez, celebrated for her couture cake designs, has achieved widespread recognition for her exceptional craftsmanship through her award-winning bakery, Candyland Designs. Her work has been featured in prominent magazines, and she has made several television appearances regarding her work.”

“Mr. Speaker, Ben Larry is the director of human resources for SkyWater Technology in Florida. Ben has been a human resources professional for 34 years. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Ben earned a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Kansas.”

“Mr. Speaker, Dr. Lancelot Gooden is an executive administrator and visionary leader with over two decades of experience in education. He holds a bachelor's degree in industrial mathematics, a master's degree in math education, and a Doctor of Education in adult and community college leadership.”

“Mr. Speaker, Fred Robinson enlisted into the United States Marine Corps at 17 during the Vietnam War. Fred was the Vitas Healthcare Veterans liaison covering Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties from 2012 through 2021.”

“Mr. Speaker, Dr. Tracy MacIntosh is a leader in the field of medicine, serving as the associate dean for access, belonging, and community engagement at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, as well as an associate professor of emergency medicine.”

“Mr. Speaker, Tamika Holley was born on September 12, 1975, in Orlando, Florida, to Charlotte Gray and Bishop Gary Gray, both from Osceola County. She graduated from Osceola High School.”

“Mr. Speaker, Ruby Juanita Fleming Bridgeforth is a retired executive from the United States Postal Service with 27 years of leadership experience in customer service, training, processing, and distribution.”

“Mr. Speaker, Staff Seargent Ronnie Rasmussen, a resident of St. Cloud, Florida, graduated from Osceola High School in 1983 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, completing Aviation Machinist Mate training and serving at NAS Miramar and NAS Oceana.”

“Mr. Speaker, Staff Seargent Felix Lopez was born on February 17, 1925, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. He was raised with his brother, Lorenzo, by his single mother, Calixta Bonano.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank my dear friend from Illinois (Mr. Schneider) for yielding. Mr. Speaker, you may have heard this, but inflation was one of the biggest issues in this last election.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Tracie Pough: This Is Your Life, the Congressional Version. In this House of Representatives, every knight needs a good squire, and Tracie has been a super squire.”

“Two years. Mr. Speaker, Tracie is a super squire for all that, and Debbie's legacy is Tracie's legacy, in particular with the northern Everglades, which we are starting to work on.”

“Mr. Speaker, born in Berlin, Germany, Harold Gross' childhood was marked by resilience and adaptability. His family left Germany when he was 15 years old and resettled in the Dominican Republic, where he began learning English.”

“Mr. Speaker, Robert L. Doyel served his country with the U.S. Navy at Vietnam, where he oversaw meals for 10,000 soldiers, and as a Circuit Court Judge in Central Florida from 1995 through 2010.”