[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 166 (Thursday, September 24, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H4894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




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                 HONORING THE LIFE OF SANDEEP DHALIWAL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Yoho) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Sheriff Sandeep Dhaliwal who was tragically and senselessly killed in 
the line of duty last year, September 27, 2019.
  Deputy Dhaliwal was the first observant Sikh to serve in Harris 
County Sheriff's Office and was the first Sikh American in Texas to 
receive a policy accommodation to wear articles of faith, including his 
turban and beard, while serving.
  His story is an American story. Born in India, he moved to Houston, 
Texas, at an early age with his parents. He started a successful 
business but felt called to serve and build better relations and 
understanding between the Sikh and all greater-Houston communities.
  He was a beloved husband, father, and son who selflessly served 
others and was a role model to all who knew him. Like many of the brave 
men and women in law enforcement who put on the uniform to protect and 
serve communities across our great Nation, Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal is a 
hero.


              Honoring the Life of Sergeant Eric Twisdale

  Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Clay County 
Sheriff Sergeant Eric Twisdale who passed away due to complications 
from COVID-19.
  Anyone who knew Sergeant Twisdale said he was committed to serving 
the community. Throughout his 28 years of active service, he showed 
that commitment and was rewarded, receiving several awards, including 
the Lifesaving Award in 2014 for saving a person from drowning.
  He was honored as the 2015 Deputy of the Year for displaying 
exceptional valor while helping stop two murder suspects during a high-
speed chase through several counties.
  There is a common thread that runs through our Nation's law 
enforcement community: courage, and selfless service to others.
  Sergeant Twisdale most certainly possessed both in abundance. He is 
survived by his children, many grandchildren, and family members.
  I thank Sergeant Twisdale for his service and for keeping our 
community safe. He will be missed.


            Celebrating the Opening of Middleburg VA Clinic

  Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the critical work being 
done by our VA health centers in Florida's Third Congressional 
District, and specifically to congratulate the opening of the new 
Middleburg VA Clinic.
  On September 15, the Middleburg VA Clinic opened to patients. The 
clinic is vital for the health and well-being of so many veterans who 
call Clay County home.
  Before the state-of-the-art facility opened, I introduced a bill with 
the entire Florida delegation that would name this clinic after Naval 
Chief Petty Officer Andrew Baker, a former Clay County resident and 
American hero who lost his life while serving our country.
  During these turbulent times, we must never forget to honor those who 
serve and protect our fellow citizens and the Constitution from enemies 
both foreign and domestic.


  Congratulating University of Florida on Number 6 Ranking for Public 
                              Universities

  Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud Florida Gator. In the 
last ``Best Colleges'' edition of the U.S. News & World Report, the 
University of Florida was named the number 6 public university in the 
country. That ranking marks the fourth--I want to repeat that, that 
ranking marks the fourth--consecutive year the University of Florida 
has risen in the rankings for public universities, jumping from number 
14 in 2017 to number 6 today.
  UF is one of the finest research universities in the United States, 
attracting the best and brightest from around the great State of 
Florida, America, and the world.
  I want to congratulate President Kent Fuchs, his staff, the faculty, 
student body, and the board of trustees for their collective efforts in 
continuing to elevate the University of Florida to higher and higher 
rankings.
  And I can't end without saying: Go Gators.


            Supporting First Responders and Law Enforcement

  Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and show my support 
for our Nation's first responders and law enforcement officials.
  On September 14, we witnessed the assassination attempt of two Los 
Angeles County sheriff deputies in Compton, California.
  Just yesterday, we saw two more attacked in Louisville. As I speak on 
this floor, the 31-year-old female and 24-year-old male deputies who 
were brutally ambushed, thankfully, have been released from the 
hospital.
  The officers attacked yesterday, hopefully, will survive also. The 
support from across the country for these heroes is inspiring, even as 
the leftwing radicals shouted obscenities outside the hospital and 
yelled they hoped the officers would die.
  While the President pursues noble action through peace accords in the 
Middle East, the Democratic Party cannot find its voice in admonishing 
domestic terrorists targeting our brave law enforcement officers across 
the country.
  I stand with the President, with our law enforcement, and with the 
foundation of this country--respect for life, defense of liberty, and 
the protection of property.

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