[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 2, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H905-H909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   SUPPORTING CHIPS FOR AMERICA FUND

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 4, 2021, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Soto) is recognized 
for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.
  Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, you are in luck. I heard a lot of complaints 
but no solutions. That is why my colleagues across the aisle lost the 
2020 election miserably.
  We know what they are against. President Biden said it best. What are 
the Republicans for? What are they for?
  Some of them joined us in some of the bills I am about to outline. 
The rest of them, it has been nothing.
  Meanwhile, Democrats delivered the American Rescue Plan, shots in 
arms, and money in pockets, and we stopped another Great Recession. Can 
you imagine how we would be able to respond to delta or omicron without 
passing future relief?
  Now, unemployment is below 4 percent. We created nearly 7 million 
jobs last year. In my district, we were devastated by the Great 
Recession. Foreclosures devastated central Florida. In 2021, this time 
around, foreclosures are down from 2020.
  Americans in central Florida lost their homes last time around. This 
time around, we put a stop to it.
  House Republicans voted no, yet Republican Governors took the 
American Rescue Plan money and responded to our Nation's crisis. That 
is what we should all be doing.
  Next, we go to the bipartisan infrastructure framework. There is huge 
support among all Americans to upgrade America, our roads and bridges, 
our ports and airports, our clean water, clean and resilient energy, 
rural broadband. I have urban, suburban, and rural areas in the 
district. Everyone in my district, regardless of their party 
background, is excited about this infrastructure. We have had meetings 
with local officials across the area, and they are looking to work with 
us to upgrade America.
  According to Republican Senator Rob Portman, it helps fix supply 
chains and is counterinflationary. That is why 22 Senators from the 
Republican side voted yes and why 10 Republicans colleagues here in the 
House voted yes.
  We applaud these 32 Republicans for joining all Democrats in voting 
for the infrastructure bill. What did the radical House Republicans do? 
They attacked their own over infrastructure. What a sad, sad legacy 
that is.
  It didn't stop a few of them from trying to take credit, though, 
trying to take credit for projects, despite voting no. If you vote no 
and you try to take credit now, the message is clear. America will 
shame you every day, every time.
  Now, we turn to the America COMPETES Act. Madam Speaker, 32 
Republicans joined with Democrats to vote for the Senate's version of 
this, boosting domestic microchip manufacturing, which we do in our 
district, and I am going to go into that a little more in a moment; 
improving supply chains for medical supplies like PPE, like vaccines, 
telecom, solar, all these critical issues; and, yes, enabling us to 
compete against economic rivals like China, like Russia, and others who 
don't share our values.
  In the Senate, the vast majority of them are able to come together. 
In the House, I hope we are. I hope we have a few of our colleagues.
  Then, there is going to be a conference. We are going to conference 
this, make some deals between the House and the Senate, and we are 
going to get something together. That bill is going to come back.
  That is going to be the last shot, the last shot for both Democrats 
and Republicans to come together to ensure we produce millions of new 
jobs in domestic manufacturing.
  Madam Speaker, I want to commend the America COMPETES Act for 
including $52 billion to incentivize private-sector investments and 
continued American leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and 
microchip manufacturing to help address supply chain disruptions and to 
ensure more microchips are produced here at home.
  I have heard from my local auto dealers. I have heard from local 
manufacturers. We need to make these microchips at home, and this bill 
helps us do that.
  Within our district in central Florida, we have the NeoCity 
technological campus, which is recognized as an emerging microchips, 
microelectronics, and advanced manufacturing hub. We have ready-made 
synergies with institutions of higher education across Florida and key 
partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. 
Department of Commerce under both the Trump administration and now 
under the Biden administration.
  NeoCity is home to BRIDG, a nonprofit public-private partnership 
specializing in domestic semiconductor research, development, and 
manufacturing.
  Imec, a world-renowned international research and development 
organization active in the semiconductor design and architecture space, 
also has a presence there.
  SUSS MicroTec, a leading supplier of equipment and process solutions 
for the semiconductor industry, is working at NeoCity.
  Then there is SkyWater Technology, the only domestically owned and 
operated pure play trusted foundry that

[[Page H906]]

works on leading-edge advanced packaging technology for microchips and 
microelectronics. They are all working in collaboration at the Center 
for Neovation at NeoCity, one of the most state-of-the-art, advanced 
manufacturing facilities in the Western Hemisphere.
  As envisioned by this important legislation, the facility and experts 
at BRIDG, imec, SUSS MicroTec, and SkyWater Technology offer immediate 
capability to accelerate U.S. production of critical semiconductor 
chips, strengthen the domestic supply chain so chips are made right 
here in America, and turbocharge our research capacity.
  Equally as important, NeoCity Academy, a public STEM magnet high 
school, is training the leaders of tomorrow's science and technology 
workforce.
  I am proud of the work being undertaken in our district to support 
domestic semiconductor manufacturing technology development as they 
work to address the supply chain. I look forward to working with the 
administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce on implementation of 
the America COMPETES Act and the CHIPS for America fund.

  In this bill, we were able to get an amendment to clarify that chips 
funding also includes nonprofits in places like NeoCity. We appreciate 
the House for supporting this, adding nonprofits to the definition of 
``covered entities'' to expand the semiconductor incentive program to 
include nonprofit entities, clarifying that nonprofit entities like 
501(c)(3) facilities in NeoCity are also eligible for funding under the 
semiconductor incentive program.
  We are helping with aerospace there. We are starting to work with 
commercial space like NASA and SpaceX and Blue Origin.
  The bill also includes my second amendment. We know that we are 
boosting forward on artificial intelligence. We need to make sure, as 
we are doing that and seeing more autonomous vehicles and other 
artificial intelligence uses, we are training our labor force ahead of 
time for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
  That is why I am proud that the AI JOBS Act passed as an amendment 
and directs the Department of Labor to create a report analyzing the 
future of our artificial intelligence and its impacts on the American 
workforce.
  Specifically, the report would collect data to analyze which 
industries are projected to have the most growth through artificial 
intelligence and the demographics which may experience expanded career 
opportunities and those most vulnerable to job displacement. This is an 
inclusion of our standalone bill, H.R. 6553, the AI JOBS Act.
  Thirdly, we were able to include an amendment for the blockchain and 
cryptocurrency specialists within the Office of Science and Technology 
Policy. The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy is 
required to establish a blockchain and cryptocurrency advisory 
specialist position within the Office to advise the President on 
matters related to blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
  OSTP advises the President and others within the Executive Office of 
the President on the scientific, engineering, and technological aspects 
of the economy, national security, homeland security, health, foreign 
relations, and the environment. It is critical to create such a 
position within OSTP to ensure there is a policy expert capable of 
advising the President and others within the Executive Office on these 
issues of growing national importance.
  Madam Speaker, there is more because we have the Restoring Resilient 
Reefs Act, which passed through our Committee on Natural Resources to 
reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act, the CRCA, which expired 
nearly 15 years ago. It maintains the NOAA coral reef program while 
also introducing overdue improvements to coral management and 
restoration efforts and giving new, innovative tools to States, 
territories, Tribes, communities, and universities, partners who are 
closest to this crisis.

                              {time}  1845

  We know that the Great Florida Reef is in danger, and we are doing 
everything we can to restore it. This is critical to our recreation, to 
clean water, to protect habitat, and to tourism.
  A few of the provisions included in the Restoring Resilient Reefs 
Act, a bipartisan bill that passed unanimously out of the Natural 
Resources Committee, include a 5-year authorization, with the explicit 
focus on restoration activities where natural disasters and human 
activities have degraded reef ecosystems. This program is currently 
funded at $33 million for 2021, but without further direction from 
Congress.
  It creates a block grant program where States and territories can 
receive Federal matching funds for the prior year's coral expenditures 
provided they have an action plan in place, so we are getting action 
plans in place which will incentivize, increase State and local 
investment in coral reef management capacity.
  We are also helping intergovernmental partnerships that are key for 
water infrastructure upgrades, pollution mitigation efforts, and 
regrowing reefs. It allows for the formation of public-private 
partnerships for coral management called Coral Reef Stewardship 
Partnerships. Public-private partnerships are critical for sharing 
research.
  It also authorizes the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force to ensure States, 
territories, and other stakeholders continue to have a voice in U.S. 
coral reef management. Public feedback is essential.
  It establishes a single streamlined set of guidelines for action 
plans to implement the national strategy, with maximum flexibility 
given to State and local authorities. These action plans will focus 
restoration efforts more effectively. They also allow for emergency 
grants and emergency funds for coral disasters. This is critical for 
hurricane-prone areas like Florida and will assist with hurricanes, 
typhoons, tsunamis, as well as oil spills, and other major pollution 
events.
  We thank all House Members who supported this for its inclusion, 
along with these technological amendments, these coral reef provisions 
in this essential piece of legislation that allows us to compete in the 
21st century.
  It is in the name, Madam Speaker, and together we are going to get 
this done.


                       Honoring Dr. Faye Bellamy

  Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would 
like to recognize Dr. Faye Bellamy. Dr. Faye Bellamy is a retired 
educator. She worked full time in the Polk and Hillsborough County 
school districts. Presently she works part time as a professor at Polk 
State College.
  In addition to her experience teaching various subjects, she has 
countless hours organizing and implementing dropout prevention 
programs, training teachers, and working to improve our local schools.
  Dr. Bellamy has a bachelor's degree in social science education, a 
master's degree in education administration, a specialist degree in 
administration and supervision, and a doctorate in educational 
leadership and higher education. She has used the knowledge gained from 
her research and studies to help students obtain academic excellence.
  She has worked many years with civil rights organizations to improve 
the school system for Black people. Her focus has been on changing 
unfair disciplinary practices, seeking solutions to low academic 
performance and low test scores, as well as the lack of diversity in 
hiring practices.
  Dr. Bellamy is the founder and director of Chain of Lakes Achievers, 
a community tutorial program. COLA was designed to assist the schools 
in improving students' grades and test scores.
  Dr. Bellamy has worked in partnership with government officials at 
all levels to improve Black neighborhoods. She has been instrumental in 
bringing about changes that include installing sidewalks and speed 
bumps, creating recreational programs, increasing sewer connections, 
decreasing criminal activities, upgrading housing, replacing houses, 
constructing a restoration park, assisting businesses, and more.
  She has contributed to the community by providing housing and 
employment as an entrepreneur. Dr. Bellamy has also served as a housing 
commissioner. She is presently affiliated with the Hurst Chapel AME, 
FAMU alumni, NAACP, and the Concerned Citizens of Polk County.
  Dr. Bellamy has received recognition from the National Coalition of 
100

[[Page H907]]

Black Women, Polk County Chapter, Inc., the NAACP, COLA, Chain of Lakes 
Achievers, and Jewett High School Alumni Association, Inc. She also 
received the key to the city of Winter Haven, Florida.
  For this and more, Dr. Faye Bellamy, we honor you.


                       Honoring Dr. Eugenia Agard

  Mr. SOTO. In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize 
Dr. Eugenia Agard. Dr. Agard's values have a direct impact on 
influencing her desire to assist communities in crisis. Therefore, it 
is imperative that she provide services to aid in alleviating 
debilitating conditions.
  Dr. Agard established and operates a private practice, HUGS. Her 
treatment model is to treat the whole person. Dr. Agard's areas of 
specialty are treating patients suffering from anxiety, depression, 
PTSD, and physical health issues co-occurring with depression.
  Dr. Agard is a very passionate speaker and a facilitator of education 
health forums and workshops to promote healthy living from the inside 
out. Dr. Agard continuously hosts health forums free of charge for the 
community and schools to prevent barriers to healthcare, from providing 
topics focused on the prevention of hypertension, diabetes, STDs, 
obesity, breast cancer, bullying, and more.
  Dr. Agard works diligently to abate the stigma of mental health. Dr. 
Agard educates the community on signs and symptoms of mental health 
treatment and support options. Dr. Agard has always been on the front 
line to provide crisis counseling services during both regional crises 
and world crises.

  During the Pulse nightclub shooting, she provided free and 
confidential counseling to many of the victims and organized healing 
forums in Osceola County for everyone impacted by this act of 
terrorism.
  Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Agard immediately 
offered counseling services to frontline workers, creating solutions 
for self care, prevention of burnout, and anxiety and depression 
reduction techniques.
  For the general public, Dr. Agard immediately created a free 
community outreach forum, HUGS Healing Hour, via Zoom for individuals 
and organizations to restore the sense of community amongst the 
isolation and depression. She provided therapeutic coping skills to 
combat depression and anxiety and assisted children being home 
schooled.
  Dr. Agard continues to educate the community on COVID-19, creating 
forums on support, exploring fiction versus fact, and problem-solving 
vaccination hesitancy.
  Dr. Agard serves in leadership roles on many community agencies, 
boards, and organizations. She serves as health chair and health 
director of a nonprofit where she provides medical supplies to poor 
areas to prevent the loss of life.
  For this and more, Dr. Eugenia Agard, we honor you.


                       Honoring Kimberly Saunders

  Mr. SOTO. In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize 
Kimberly Saunders. Kimberly Saunders is in her fourth year serving as 
president of the Central Florida chapter of the National Black MBA 
Association, Inc., a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to 
lead in the creation of educational, wealth building, and growth 
opportunities for those historically underrepresented through their 
careers as students, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
  Since 2015, she has served in various volunteer capacities, such as 
partnerships chair, vice president of operations, and a continuing role 
as a mentor for the Leaders of Tomorrow program, which serves high 
school students in the areas of leadership, college and career 
preparation, financial literacy, and life skills.
  She has been instrumental in developing corporate partnerships, 
securing grants, fund-raising, and facilitating programs to provide the 
organization with resources to serve its members and community through 
the central Florida region.
  Her dedication and service to the organization and its mission were 
recognized in 2021, as she was one of two awardees for Chapter 
President of the Year by the national organization, which currently has 
41 chapters nationwide.
  Professionally, Kimberly has spent the last 11 years in the financial 
services industry. She is a managing partner for VestWyze, LLC, a State 
of Florida registered investment advisory company. In her role as an 
investment adviser and certified financial planner professional, she 
serves her clients' best interests by providing sound and knowledgeable 
advice.
  Kimberly also serves as a board member for the Goldsboro Front Porch 
Council, a Florida-designated community. She is also a member of the 
local chapter of the National Alumni Association for Florida 
Agricultural and Mechanical University, otherwise known as FAMU, where 
she earned her bachelor of science in management and master of business 
administration.
  At the core of Kimberly's heart are her faith and family. She hopes 
to continue to positively impact lives personally and professional.
  For this and more, Kimberly Saunders, we honor you.


                         Honoring Melody Taylor

  Mr. SOTO. In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize 
Melody Taylor. Melody Taylor is a board-certified registered nurse with 
years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has earned a master 
of science in nursing leadership and management. She is currently 
pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing. Melody serves as a nurse leader 
at Orlando Health.
  Ms. Taylor is recognized as a dedicated community and nurse advocate, 
having led many initiatives empowering low-income families to succeed 
and advancing the field of nursing. From 2007 to 2014, she engaged with 
the city of Orlando Office of Community Affairs to improve social 
determinants of health in at-risk populations. During that time, she 
became a volunteer on the citizens' review panel for the city of 
Orlando. Her leadership was the key driver in mobilizing low-income 
families to mainstream society along with the collaborations of 
nonprofit, faith-based, business, and governmental entities.
  Ms. Taylor is a founding member and president of Black Nurses Rock 
Orlando. She is also a board member of the Black Nurses Rock 
Foundation, where she has served as the director of chapter development 
for 23 chapters across the United States. Ms. Taylor was recognized as 
the Black Nurses Rock Foundation Leader of the Year in 2018.
  Community advocacy has always been a priority for Melody. She will 
continue to empower and inspire innovative leaders to advance in the 
field of nursing and promote preventative health to decrease healthcare 
disparities in vulnerable communities.
  Melody is the middle child of five children and the mother to a 
handsome son named John and a beautiful daughter named Katia. She has 
six beautiful grandchildren: Drevion, Keonte, Sincere, Harmonie, Jayla, 
and Jaliyah.
  Melody will continue her volunteer service to build a better 
community for the citizens living in central Florida and advance the 
field of nursing across the globe.
  For this and more, Melody Taylor, we honor you.


                         Honoring Carol Bradley

  Mr. SOTO. In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize 
Officer Carol Bradley. Officer Carol Bradley has proudly served and 
protected the citizens of Winter Haven, Florida, for 30 years.
  Officer Bradley served in the U.S. Army from 1980 to 1983. In 1986, 
she decided to follow her dreams and began her journey in law 
enforcement. From 1986 to 1991, she worked as a corrections officer at 
Polk Correctional Institution.

  After working with PCI for 5 years, she decided to take her dream a 
step further and began her career with the Winter Haven Police 
Department as the first African American female community service 
officer for the city of Winter Haven.
  Officer Bradley immensely enjoys serving as a good will ambassador 
for the city of Winter Haven and bridging the gap between the city 
police and the citizens in the community. In 1993 she transitioned from 
a civilian position to a sworn officer position.
  She was promoted to patrol officer II in October of 1997. She then 
was awarded the chief accommodation for outstanding service to her 
community in January of 2001.
  She enjoys serving her community through her church activities. She 
also

[[Page H908]]

received the Optimist Club award for her distinguished services.
  She received several letters of accommodation from the community in 
2009. In addition, she received the bureau accommodation for the 
protection of residential property in February of 2010.
  Officer Bradley received the Circle of Love award for the Ridge 
Career Center for contributions to single mothers and the homeless.
  She was promoted to master officer in May of 2017.
  Mentoring the youth in the Orrin Circle community was a rewarding 
experience as well.
  Making history once again in 1998, Officer Bradley became the first 
HUD and homeless coalition officer for the city of Winter Haven. 
Implementing that homeless program as an officer was also very 
rewarding for her.
  From 2006 to 2018, Officer Bradley worked in Winter Haven's public 
schools as a school resource officer. She also worked with two other 
officers in the DARE program within the elementary schools.
  Officer Bradley ended her career as a law enforcement officer with 
Winter Haven on December 27, 2021, yielding a total amount of 35 years 
as a law enforcement officer.
  Officer Bradley is married to her spouse, Terry Bradley. They have 
two daughters, one son, and two granddaughters.
  For this and more, Officer Carol Bradley, we honor you.

                              {time}  1900


                        Honoring Reginald Hardee

  Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize 
Reginald Hardee.
  Reginald Hardee is the information technology leader for Florida's 
Turnpike Enterprise and has more than 22 years of State government 
experience with a focus on strategic planning, budgeting, building, and 
leading support and development teams in a public-sector setting.
  Reginald earned the Ben G. Watts Leader of the Year for the authority 
in 2020. Reginald currently serves as a member of the board of 
directors for the Osceola County Council on Aging, the Osceola 
Historical Society, and a member of the City of Kissimmee Fire Pension 
Board.
  Reginald also serves the community as a member and officer of Bethel 
AME Church, NAACP, Kissimmee Masonic Lodge 68, and Alpha Phi Alpha 
Fraternity, Inc.
  Reginald has served for 10 years as a member of the board of 
directors for the Kissimmee Utility Authority and was elected to serve 
as KUA chairman in 2013, a role he served for 4 years. He was the first 
African American to serve on the KUA board.
  The Kissimmee Utility Authority board of directors established an 
electrical line worker scholarship in the name of Reginald Hardee and 
rededicated its employee events building as the Reginald Hardee 
Employee Pavilion, honoring his decade of service. Reginald was also 
recognized by the Kissimmee City Commission with a proclamation.
  Reginald received the Distinguished Leadership and Service Award from 
Osceola Visionaries for positively impacting the community in the 
spirit of the teachings and example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
  Reginald is also a recipient of the American Public Power Association 
Spence Vanderlinden Public Official Award.
  Hardee is a native of Kissimmee, born to a midwife on Kissimmee's 
Lake Street. Reginald is a veteran of the Army Reserves, a University 
of Florida alumnus, and a graduate of Florida State University's public 
manager program.
  For this and more, Mr. Reginald Hardee, we honor you.


                       Honoring Tanisha Nunn Gary

  Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize 
Tanisha Nunn Gary.
  A consummate business professional and accomplished attorney, Tanisha 
Nunn Gary is the president and CEO of the African American Chamber of 
Commerce of Central Florida, a leading advocate for business 
development and economic empowerment.
  As head of the established nonprofit, Tanisha is responsible for 
cultivating strong relationships with key community leaders and 
corporate entities to enhance opportunities for members and engage 
partners on initiatives.
  Tanisha oversees all outreach efforts for the chamber, which 
encompasses six counties, and she executes strategic planning to ensure 
the chamber's voice is included in economic, education, and community 
conversations that impact the region.
  The AACCCF boasts a varied membership and revolves around four 
pillars: advocacy, access to capital, contracts, and entrepreneur 
training and development. As a former business owner, Tanisha is 
intimately familiar with what it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur and 
is uniquely qualified to lead the AACCCF into its next chapter of 
growth.
  Prior to being named president of the AACCCF, she was the principal 
of a private law firm focused on all aspects of litigation for wrongful 
death cases and medical negligence. Her solo practice and early work as 
a senior associate for Gary, Williams, Parenti, Watson & Gary landed 
multimillion-dollar settlements.
  In addition to her legal prowess, Tanisha served as the executive 
director of The Gary Foundation, where she identified major donor 
prospects to help provide scholarships to Florida youth.
  Tanisha is an active member of several civic and professional 
associations, including the Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Dr. 
Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative, Truist Advisory Board, Orlando 
Economic Partnership Board, United Arts Board, and Florida Association 
of Chamber Professionals.
  In 2021, Tanisha was named as one of the Orlando Business Journal's 
CEOs of the Year and 50 Central Florida Power Players. Additionally, 
the Orlando Magic recognized Tanisha as a hometown hero and a social 
justice game changer.
  Tanisha is also a member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., the 
Orlando chapter of The Links, Inc., and a life member of Alpha Kappa 
Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
  A graduate of Spelman College and the Quinnipiac University School of 
Law, Tanisha enjoys traveling, reading, baking, and spending time with 
her son.
  For this and more, Tanisha Nunn Gary, we honor you.


                         Honoring Tony Jenkins

  Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize 
Tony Jenkins.
  Tony Jenkins is the Florida Blue market president for the central 
Florida region, where he provides strategic oversight and leads a team 
in developing business plans to increase and retain membership, enhance 
brand visibility, and coordinate employee engagement.

  Tony was instrumental in establishing Florida Blue's diversity 
efforts in 2001. Prior to joining Florida Blue, Jenkins served as the 
director of diversity for CSX Corporation, the largest rail network in 
the Eastern United States. He also spent 18 years with the Walt Disney 
World Company in various leadership roles, specializing in diversity, 
equity, and inclusion.
  Under Tony's leadership in central Florida, Florida Blue has been 
recognized as a Best Place to Work, an outstanding diverse corporation, 
and a corporate philanthropy honoree.
  Tony is an advocate for several causes throughout the Orlando 
community. He is the past chair for United Arts of Central Florida and 
the Florida Commission on Human Relations. Tony currently serves on the 
board of Florida Citrus Sports and is a board trustee at Stetson 
University.
  Tony is chair-elect for the Orlando Economic Partnership board, where 
he also serves as chair for their DEI task force, engaging Orlando's 
business leaders across varied industries.
  Tony has been recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as one of 
central Florida's Top 10 Businessmen to Watch and CEO of the Year. Most 
recently, Tony received the publication's Diversity in Business 
Lifetime Achievement Award. Tony is also an I-4 Business Magazine 
Business Leader of the Year award recipient.
  Tony holds a bachelor of arts in hospitality management from Morris 
Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia.
  For this and more, Tony Jenkins, we honor you.

[[Page H909]]

  



                    Honoring Marecia Jefferson-Lias

  Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize 
Marecia Jefferson-Lias.
  Hailing from the great city of Quincy, Florida, Marecia Jefferson-
Lias is the daughter of Wilbert Sr. and Janie Jefferson.
  Her father's successful fruit contracting business brought the family 
to Polk County, Florida, where Marecia embarked on an amazing journey 
of academic excellence. After graduating from Effingham County High 
School in Savannah, Georgia, Marecia returned to Florida and enrolled 
in Polk Community College, now Polk State College.
  Marecia received an associate's degree in liberal arts. Marecia then 
matriculated to the all-mighty Bethune Cookman College, now Bethune 
Cookman University, receiving a bachelor's degree in education.
  If the phrase ``can't stop, won't stop'' was a person, then Marecia 
would be the titleholder of that mantra. Marecia continued her studies 
at the University of South Florida, receiving a master of education in 
organizational leadership.
  Marecia took her educational talent to the Polk County School Board, 
where she spent 16 years as a certified educator, holding various 
positions such as elementary teacher, reading coach, medical academy 
director, and health science clinical nurse and instructor.
  Marecia's gift of being an educator and a nurturer allowed her to 
receive her bachelor's degree in nursing from Polk State College. 
Marecia went to Florida Southern College and obtained her master's 
degree in nursing, specializing as a family nurse practitioner. Marecia 
is currently matriculating her doctorate at the same college, with a 
projected completion date of 2023.
  Mrs. Jefferson-Lias truly lives by the words ``divinely speaking life 
one breath at a time.'' Not only has Marecia achieved everything that 
she has set her mind to possess, but she is also the epitome of a 
leader, advocate, nurturer, and mentor. Her compassion for people and 
helping others stems from a generational line of educators and nurses, 
including a great-grandmother who was a nurse-midwife.
  The same dedication Marecia carries as a nurse and community leader 
allowed her to recognize the need for more nurses and nursing 
assistants. Marecia started a company that offers training and prep 
courses for nurses during the pandemic since that void needs to be 
filled in her community. Marecia currently is the owner of Divine 
Essential Medical Academy, LLC, as well as other business ventures.
  Marecia is a blessed wife, mother, and godmother. Marecia is an 
inspiration to her family, friends, and community.
  For that and more, Marecia Jefferson-Lias, we honor you.


                      Honoring Valparisa J. Baker

  Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize 
Valparisa J. Baker.
  Valparisa J. Baker, a native Floridian, most recently served as the 
chief diversity officer at Polk State College. Prior to her recent 
retirement, Ms. Baker was employed with the college since 1988, where 
she held multiple positions of advancement.
  Ms. Baker has a master's degree in higher education from the 
National-Louis University, a bachelor's degree from the University of 
Central Florida, and an associate's degree from Polk State College.
  Ms. Baker has a strong commitment to her church, the New Antioch 
Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves as an active first lady. 
Ms. Baker serves as the chairperson for the education scholarship 
ministry, adviser for the women intermediate ministry, pastor's aide 
ministry, and media ministry.
  Ms. Baker is the newly appointed vice president for the ministers' 
wives and ministers' widows of the First South Florida Missionary 
Baptist District Association.
  Ms. Baker has received numerous citations and awards from area 
organizations. Most recently, she received the 2021 Drum Major for 
Justice Award presented by the Haines City NAACP, was the 2021 
Juneteenth honoree for the Juneteenth Observance Lakeland Committee, as 
well as the 2018 Distinguished Citizen for the Greater Tampa Bay Area 
Council Boy Scouts of America.
  Ms. Baker is a graduate of the National Council of Black American 
Affairs Leadership Program, Florida Chancellor's Leadership Program, 
Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Leadership, Winter Haven Class XX, and 
Polk Vision Leadership Polk Class v. Ms. Baker is very active in civic 
groups and serves on numerous boards, including the Florence Villa 
Community Development Center, Polk Vision LIFT Mentor Leadership 
Council, and the City of Winter Haven Juneteenth Steering Committee.

  Ms. Baker has a strong passion for equity, diversity, and inclusion. 
Through Ms. Baker's community involvement, she continues her commitment 
to equity, diversity, and inclusion for all.
  Ms. Baker enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. She and 
her husband of 34 years, Reverend Derrick L. Baker, have two children, 
Stephen and Marquitta, and two grandsons, Gavin and Malachi.
  For this and more, Ms. Valparisa J. Baker, we honor you.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________