What Jimmy Patronis said, and what was done

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Deputy Ken LaPee of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office as he prepares to retire following more than 35 years of dedicated service to his country, and the people of Northwest Florida.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of Pat McClellan, the legendary owner of the Flora- Bama, a true icon of Northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast, and a dear personal friend.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Ed Meadows on his retirement after nearly two decades as President of Pensacola State College. Since 2008, Dr. Meadows has transformed PSC into one of Florida's leading state colleges by expanding workforce training, launching new bachelor's degree programs, and investing in facilities that prepare students for careers in healthcare, cybersecurity, aviation, advanced manufacturing, and other high-demand fields.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly remarkable American, Mr. Paul Singleton, as he celebrates two extraordinary milestones: his 93rd birthday and his 2,000th event as a Chamber Ambassador for the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Temple Beth Shalom of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, on the occasion of its 40th anniversary and celebrate its lasting impact on Northwest Florida.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 200th birthday of Naval Air Station Pensacola, the cradle of naval aviation and the home of the beloved Blue Angels.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to recognize and commend the exceptional accomplishments of the Pace High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program, a group of young leaders who continue to make Northwest Florida proud.”

“Mr. Speaker, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act insulates ``Big Tech'' from most liability for the digital fentanyl promoted on their sites. Time and time again, drugs are sold, sexually suggestive and/or explicit content is posted without consent, algorithms promote and normalize suicide and self-harm, and chatbots tell children how to cope with their emotions.”

“Whereas, the freedom to live out one's faith openly and without fear remains essential to the character of our Nation and the vitality of our democratic institutions; and Whereas, faith communities play a vital role in fostering compassion, service, and responsibility, strengthening families and supporting those who serve in positions of public trust; and Whereas, elected officials, members of the judiciary, law enforcement, military personnel, and civic leaders bear significant responsibility in serving their communities with integrity, wisdom, and humility; and Whereas, the Governmental Prayer Breakfast serves as an opportunity to pause from the demands of public life to seek guidance, express gratitude, and reaffirm a shared commitment to the common good; Now, therefore, be it proclaimed, that the 50th Annual Governmental Prayer Breakfast in Pensacola, Florida, is hereby recognized and commended for its enduring contribution to the spiritual and civic life of the community; and Be it further proclaimed, that this occasion stands as a reminder of the importance of faith, prayer, and moral conviction in public service, and the value of unity, humility, and service to others; and Be it further proclaimed, that all participants are encouraged to continue praying for our Nation, our State, our community, and all those entrusted with the responsibilities of leadership, that they may serve with wisdom, courage, and compassIon.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7045, the PROTECT Act, because it is time to repeal section 230 and hold Big Tech accountable for the harm being done to our children.”

“Madam Speaker, I thank the lead of this bill, the gentleman from California (Mr. Tran), for his work on this bill. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as co-lead on this legislation.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Kimberly Day- Scanlon as the Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year. For several years, Ms. Day-Scanlon has served Kenwood Elementary School with talent, passion, and an unwavering commitment to a quality education.”

“Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend, Aaron Bean, for introducing this amendment. Mr. Chairman, after working hard to obtain Federal approval in the first Trump administration, a weaponized court system pulled Florida's 404 permitting out from under us, even though our program was thoroughly vetted and approved in 2020.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a remarkable man, Gus Butchikas, who passed away on September 21, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Greek Orthodox community in Florida and also across the United States to extend a heartfelt welcome to his All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who will visit Washington, D.C., from September 15 through September 17.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Tomlin family of Crestview, Florida, who have been named the 2025 Okaloosa County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year. This recognition is part of the Okaloosa County Farm Bureau's 75th Annual Membership Meeting, a gathering that celebrates the strength of our agricultural community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our Nation's 250th anniversary of two distinguished societies that are crucial to our many activities in Florida which celebrate our founding.”

“American Revolution and the Choctawhatchee Bay Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution have been busy gearing up to honor the great men and women who gave their all to establish our country.”

“Mr. Speaker, I end on a solemn note as we honor the life of Honorable Circuit Judge Tom Remington, who passed away on May 7, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida.”

“Mr. Speaker, I wish a good morning to northwest Florida and rise to offer a special congratulations to the Northwest Florida State College women's basketball team. On April 1, 2025--actually the same day that I was sworn into office--the Lady Raiders took on Alabama's Shelton State Buccaneers, and took home their third national championship in 5 years, with a final score of 62-53.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to represent more than 75,000 veterans that I represent in my district in northwest Florida. Florida serves as one of the most veteran-friendly States in the entire country.”