[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 135 (Thursday, July 30, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H3986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RESILIENCY OF FLORIDIANS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Spano) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
resiliency of the people of my home State of Florida.
  Floridians have long been recognized for their ability to persevere 
amidst crisis and hardships. From hurricanes to flash floods, from war 
efforts to pandemics, our homestead is the most resilient place in the 
world, but it is the people who make it truly special.
  During these difficult days, I have traveled throughout our district, 
meeting unsung heroes in our communities. From first responders and 
medical personnel risking their lives and health to small business 
owners adjusting to continue serving their community, the dedication 
and passion for others and for our community is truly inspiring.
  It is during trying times that we truly get to know who we are, what 
we are made of. And I can tell you this: The good people of Florida 15 
stand strong.
  Whether you live or work in Hillsborough, Polk, or Lake Counties, you 
know how special our district and Main Streets truly are. So today, I 
thought I would take just a moment to say thank you to all those who 
make Florida 15 what we call it, our home.


              Honoring Lakeland City Manager Tony Delgado

  Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Tony Delgado 
for his 23 years of service to the city of Lakeland, Florida.
  Mr. Delgado began his service to city residents in 1997 as a 
facilities assistant director and, through hard work and dedication, 
quickly climbed the ranks to become Lakeland's city manager, known as 
someone who is approachable and always accessible to his colleagues, 
his staff, and the city's residents.
  Mr. Delgado leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments, an impact that 
won't soon be forgotten. Mr. Delgado has always been known as someone 
who builds bridges and brings people together. In my time of knowing 
him and his team, they have been nothing but helpful and professional, 
exuding the values of our district.
  A loving and devoted husband to his wife, Robin, I want to wish them 
both the very, very best in the next chapter of their lives.
  Tony, all the best to you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for 
your hard work and your dedication. Lakeland is a better city, a better 
community, because of your selfless service.


                       Supporting Border Security

  Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to once again express my full 
support of President Trump's efforts to secure our borders, restore law 
and order, and complete the wall on our southwestern border.
  Since I joined Congress, time and time again, Democrats in this 
Chamber and their allies have sought to stop the President from 
securing our borders and protecting the American people.
  Even this week, Democratic leadership has continued this attack on 
the President and on the American people. In multiple portions of the 
bills meant to fund the government next year, Democrats have not only 
prohibited funds from being used to build the wall, but they have also 
sought to rescind funds already allocated for border security by 
President Trump.
  I have traveled to the border myself, and I will tell you this: Walls 
work. And the Border Patrol officers I spoke with when I was there 
agree: Walls work.
  According to Customs and Border Protection, during the first 6 months 
of 2020 this year, 180,000 people were apprehended or deemed 
inadmissible. In 2019, last year, during the same period, this number 
was almost 600,000. That is a reduction of 416,000 people, or a 
whopping 70 percent.
  A more secure border means safer communities across America, and as 
of July 27, 256 miles of the border wall system has been completed.
  As our Nation experiences social unrest from coast to coast, it is 
critical that we restore law and order, to include our borders. 
President Trump has pledged to continue to do just that, and I am proud 
to stand with him in this effort.

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