[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 1, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H1003-H1006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING FLORIDA WINTER OLYMPIC MEDALISTS
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of
January 9, 2023, the Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida
(Mrs. Cammack) for 30 minutes.
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Erin
Jackson, Joey Mantia, and Brittany Bowe, the three speed skaters from
Ocala, Florida, who represented the United States at the 2022 Winter
Olympics and brought home gold and bronze.
It is not every day that you see a winter sport like speed skating
coming out of the Sunshine State, so it really is a particular honor to
be able to stand here and recognize the Olympians from my very own
district.
To Erin, a gold medalist, and Joey and Brittany, both bronze
medalists, you have made Florida's Third Congressional District and the
United States so proud during the Olympics. Your hard work, dedication,
and commitment to the American values of independence and self-
determination are certainly worthy of celebration. We cannot wait to
see what you will continue to accomplish in the future.
To the Ocala community and the coaches and parents who have helped
these amazing athletes get to the top of their game, thank you. Of
course, not only to Erin Jackson, Joey Mantia, and Brittany Bowe but to
the entire Team USA, thank you for proudly representing the United
States on the world stage and demonstrating to countries all over the
world what it means to be an American.
Go Team USA.
Honoring the Life of Kevin Morse
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate and honor
the life of a dear friend, Kevin Morse.
As a husband, father to three sons, and friend to many, Kevin was a
man loved by all. Whether you needed a mechanic, engineer, plumber,
electrician, therapist, priest, or even a hug, Kevin would be there in
an instant. He lived to help others.
Kevin was a family man through and through, and he loved his wife and
kids more than anything in the world. As he watched his three boys grow
up into young men, he supported them all in their endeavors, attending
every basketball game and cheering them on from the bleachers as loud
as he could.
Now, when I say cheer them on, I mean he would beat the hell out of
the banisters and railings with his cane. At the time, I was cheering
for Metro State and could hear his endless banging up in the stands
even while down on the floor. By the end of the game, there were more
dents and scratches on the cane and the entire area around him. It was
kind of his signature.
He was a role model for his boys, and he raised them to be kind,
smart, and selfless. He served as the spiritual leader for his family
and his community, exemplifying what it means to be a man of faith. He
was gentle, patient, faithful, and forgiving, all the qualities of a
man who you would want in a friend.
I have known Kevin for many years, and the impact that he had on my
life is something that cannot be explained in words.
To his family, friends, and anyone who was lucky enough to have known
Kevin, I extend my sincerest thoughts and prayers during this difficult
time.
I am honored to recognize Kevin Morse and his incredible legacy here
on the House floor.
Honoring the Service of Logan Catalanotto
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a student from my
district, Logan Catalanotto.
I hope I got that right, Logan. If I butchered it, I am so sorry. But
thank you, Logan, for your meaningful contribution to our community.
At just 17 years old, and a senior at Forest High School in Ocala,
Logan decided to make his Eagle Scouts project an upgrade to the State
Flag Commons area of the Ocala-Marion Veterans Memorial Park.
His troop, Scout Troop 72 of Ocala, has held events at the park over
the last 2 years, and Logan decided to give back to the community by
beautifying the memorial park.
The project, being an estimated $32,000 worth of upgrades, is one
that you typically don't get to see from someone as young as Logan, a
project that he initiated.
His service to the veteran community has not gone unnoticed by the
citizens of Ocala, as many have expressed great gratitude toward Logan
for his dedication to the project.
It is acts of benevolence like these that truly restore faith in
America's young people to spread kindness and do the right thing.
I could not be prouder of Logan for being a driver of positive
change, generosity, and patriotism.
Thank you, Logan, for your service to the veteran community and to
Florida's Third Congressional District.
Honoring the Lives and Service of Sergeant Noel Ramirez and Deputy
Sheriff Taylor Lindsey
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate, remember,
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and honor the lives of two heroes from North Florida, Sergeant Noel
Ramirez and Deputy Sheriff Taylor Lindsey of Gilchrist County.
It was on April 19, 2018, that these young men lost their lives as
they were attacked and fatally shot while on a lunch break in Trenton,
Florida. Beloved by their family, friends, law enforcement, and members
of the local community, the legacy that these public heroes leave
behind will not soon be forgotten by either myself or those whose lives
were impacted by their incredible kindness.
As we approach the fifth anniversary of their tragic deaths, we will
forever honor their memories by saying their names.
As the wife of a first responder myself, what happened to these two
men is something to which our law enforcement officers are no
strangers. I remember the day we lost these heroes and recall the
heartbreak when we learned the news.
On April 18, and on countless other days when we mark the deaths of
our law enforcement officers, my resolve to support our men and women
in blue grows stronger. Each year during National Police Week, I visit
Noel and Taylor's names at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in
Washington, D.C., and will continue to remember them and their
sacrifices, as well as their families, to remember all that they have
given to Gilchrist County and our surrounding areas.
Please join me in honoring their families and friends, as well as our
heroes in uniform across the Sunshine State and the Nation.
Congratulating Reggie Brown
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate a constituent of
mine, Reggie Brown, for his induction into the Florida Agricultural
Hall of Fame.
Born and raised on a family farm in Alachua County, Reggie's
expertise and work in the industry is undoubtedly worthy of this
prestigious honor.
He has held numerous roles during his career, including those at the
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
better known as IFAS, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, and
the Florida Tomato Exchange, where he served as the executive vice
president.
Reggie has become a prominent leader within the Florida tomato
industry for his efforts to combat unfair trade practices and work
toward improved food safety and fresh produce worldwide.
He is a champion for the horticulture industry, leading on numerous
fronts to protect domestic producers, family farms. Now, his
achievements have become the benchmark for the development of national
product safety guidance.
I am so honored to be recognizing Mr. Reggie Brown before this
Congress. I thank him for all that he has done for Florida's farmers,
ranchers, and producers.
Congratulations, Reggie.
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Honoring Tom Howard
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a constituent of mine,
Mr. Tom Howard, who recently was honored with the We Honor Veterans
Volunteer Service Award for his extraordinary commitment to the local
community.
A veteran himself, Tom joined the Marine Corps in 1966 and served in
Vietnam in 1966 and 1967 and currently serves as a veteran volunteer
with Hospice of Marion County in Ocala. He has faithfully volunteered
nearly 2,000 hours of service since joining the organization in 2010
and is known for his dependability, his selflessness, and his
commitment to his fellow men and women in uniform.
Over the past 12 years as a volunteer, Tom has served as a skillful
teacher and leader of 50-plus veteran volunteers and has attended and
participated in nearly 300 veteran recognition services.
Additionally, during COVID-19, Tom performed recognition ceremonies
by phone, standing in driveways, garages, and by open windows, to
ensure that every veteran received their honor despite not being able
to meet in person.
For these acts of service and so much more, the National Hospice and
Palliative Care Organization honored Tom this year with the We Honor
Veterans Volunteer Service Award.
Tom, through his military service and volunteer efforts with Hospice
of Marion County truly represents what it means to act as a proponent
of benevolence and kindness and embodies the American spirit of giving
back to one's country and community.
Thank you, Tom, for all that you have done for your veterans from
Florida's Third Congressional District. It is an honor to be able to
recognize you here on the House floor before this Congress.
Remembering Allen Singleton
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the
life of a firefighter/paramedic from my district, Mr. Allen Singleton,
who sadly passed away in late January of this year.
Allen was a 6-year veteran firefighter who joined the ranks of Marion
County Fire Rescue on September 12, 2016, where he was a proud member
of the Rolling Greens Station number 28 and he was a member of the
local SWAT Medic team, just like my husband. Our community was truly
fortunate and blessed to have experienced his service, but more
importantly his heart, for others.
As the wife of a firefighter and first responder, I understand the
courage and sacrifice that it takes every day to do this job and know
the challenges that our heroes face while serving our community. Allen
will forever be remembered by his colleagues and the fire family for
the unforgettable difference that he made and the lives he touched
during his many years of service in Marion County.
To Allen's family, know that the entirety of Florida's Third
Congressional District stands with you and behind you during this
difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends, family,
and the entire Marion County Fire Rescue team as our community mourns
this great loss.
Honoring the Life of Tripp Wooten
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my deepest
condolences and to honor the life of a firefighter paramedic from my
district, Mr. Tripp Wooten, who tragically passed away in early January
of this year.
Tripp was a 14-year veteran firefighter who joined the ranks of
Marion County Fire Rescue on December 15, 2006. Prior to his hiring,
Tripp was a member of the 2006 Marion County Fire Rescue Career Academy
class.
He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend to
everyone he crossed paths with. He possessed a sense of humor that
brightened the days of all who came into contact with him.
As the wife of a firefighter and first responder, I understand the
courage and sacrifice it takes every day to do this job, and I know the
challenges that you face in serving our community. I am certain that
the positive impact that Tripp made on the Marion County community at
large will never be forgotten.
On behalf of Florida's Third Congressional District, our thoughts and
prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire Marion County Fire
Rescue family as we mourn his loss. Tripp will forever be remembered by
his colleagues and the fire station family for the unforgettable
difference he made and the lives he touched during his 16-plus years of
service.
Honoring the Life of Nickolas Tilliman
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I solemnly rise today to honor the life
of Mr. Nickolas Tilliman, a member of the Alachua County Sheriff's
Department, who tragically passed away last month.
Nick was a loyal servant and protector of our community, serving
Florida's Third Congressional District as a deputy in Alachua County
and our Nation through his military service. After completing high
school, Nick joined the United States Navy as a gunner's mate.
Following his Naval service, he joined the United States Army Reserves.
He joined the Alachua County Sheriff's office in 2018, and he was then
deployed to Afghanistan. It is safe to say, he had a heart for service.
Upon returning from deployment, he returned to his service with the
sheriff's office where colleagues will remember the memes that he was
known for, as he would brighten someone's day, or when he would share
with a smile and a laugh, not callous, his ``#thoughtsfromthethrone.''
We will miss Nick.
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Our heroes in uniform display the utmost courage and selflessness,
risking their lives every day in pursuit of protecting and keeping our
communities safe. Nick is one of these heroes. On behalf of Florida's
Third Congressional District, our thoughts and prayers are with his
friends, family, and the ASO as our community mourns his loss.
Honoring Ansil Lewis as the 2022 Veteran of the Year
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Florida's
Third Congressional District to honor Mr. Ansil Lewis as our 2022
Veteran of the Year. Each year, our office gives this award to a
veteran who has exemplified the utmost courage, sacrifice, and
benevolence throughout our local communities.
Mr. Lewis served as a sergeant major in the United States Marine
Corps from 1987 to 2017. While serving, he received the Bronze Star,
Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award,
Navy Unit Commendation, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service
Medal. That is impressive.
After years of military service, Mr. Lewis has continued to show his
dedication to our community as the past commandant of the Roy S. Geiger
Marine Corps League Detachment 1047, a proud member of the board for
Operation Barnabas, and the president of the Veterans Council of Clay
County.
From his distinguished military service to his organization of dozens
of events for our Nation's heroes, I can't think of anyone more
deserving of this honor. It is a privilege to recognize Sergeant Major
Ansil Lewis before this body for his honorable service to our Nation
and our community, and I hope his volunteer spirit will continue for
many years to come as well as inspire those who follow.
Madam Speaker, may I inquire of the time remaining?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Florida has 12 minutes
remaining.
Honoring the Life of Jim Painter
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jim
Painter, who passed away following an unforeseen complication during
his yearlong battle with cancer.
Jim was a third-generation brick mason who devoted his life to the
masonry industry in Gainesville, Florida. The first of many jobs the
Painter family would work on at the University of Florida, one of Jim's
family's first projects was working on Williamson Hall on the UF
campus.
Over the course of 40 years with Painter Masonry, Jim worked
alongside his father, Abe, and his brother, Jerry, to set the standard
for quality masonry for commercial, industrial, and institutional
buildings at the University of Florida and across north central
Florida.
From 1990 to 1996, Jim served as a city commissioner in Gainesville
and as the mayor from 1993 to 1996. While he was mayor, Gainesville
earned the title of America's Most Livable City award. He gave his time
and talents to many organizations, including the Alachua-Bradford
County Workforce Development Board, the Gainesville Area Chamber of
Commerce, the Gainesville Elks Lodge, the Builders Association of North
Central Florida, the Florida Home Builders Association, and the Girls
Club of Alachua County.
A stranger to none, Jim was a public servant, a friend, and a
confidant to many. I know that I will miss Jim, and so many will miss
him, as well.
Congratulating the Hawthorne Girls Basketball Team
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the hard work
of the Hawthorne High School girls varsity basketball team, this year's
1A State champions.
Former Florida Gator Cornelius Ingram led the Hawthorne Hornets to
the championship win over Wildwood this past Friday night. The game was
down to the wire, all the way until the final buzzer in the fourth
quarter. With a final score of 42-38, the Hornets were victorious.
This is not the first victory for Coach Ingram, who also led the
Hawthorne Hornets varsity football team to a State championship this
past fall. A former tight end for the Florida Gators, Ingram has had
tremendous success encouraging his teams and leading them to victory,
and we could not be more proud of their outstanding accomplishments on
the field and on the court.
Congratulations to the Hawthorne Hornets on the new trophy that they
will add to the growing trophy case that they continue to expand in
north central Florida.
Go Hornets.
Congratulations to Senator Ben Sasse
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Senator Ben
Sasse for becoming the new president of the University of Florida.
Florida's flagship university came from humble beginnings. Being one
of the original two State universities, UF was created through the Land
Grant Act of 1862 and the Florida State legislature, combining four
existing institutions in Lake City, Gainesville, Bartow, and St. Pete
to establish the University of the State of Florida.
Now, UF is the gem in the crown that is our State's university system
and the fifth-ranked public university in the Nation.
Ben Sasse himself also comes from humble beginnings. He is the son of
a teacher and football coach who grew up in Plainview, Nebraska. He
worked hard in his youth, earning degrees from Harvard, St. John's
College, and Yale. Ben led a successful private sector career, then
went on to become one of the youngest college presidents at Midland
University back in his hometown, saving that institution from
insolvency. Answering the call for public service, Ben ran and won a
seat in the United States Senate, serving his State and country for 7
years.
Now, it is my pleasure to welcome him to the Gator Nation, a tight-
knit community with worldwide reach.
Ben, we look forward to yours and the university's continued success.
As always, it is great to be a Florida Gator.
Madam Speaker, may I inquire of the time remaining?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Florida has 7 minutes
remaining.
Honoring Don Quincey
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Don Quincey,
an advocate for the industry and role model for future generations. Don
Quincey has an undeniable passion and dedication to the agricultural
industry, leading by his actions in business and in service.
Born in Gainesville, Don is a fifth-generation Florida cattleman.
Upon graduation from Cleveland High School, he felt called to serve in
law enforcement. But after 2 years of service, his unquestionable love
for the land and raising cattle brought him back to the family's feed
store and cow-calf operation. He was actively engaged in ownership and
operations from 1977 to 2003, when the store was eventually sold.
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While supporting the family business, Don founded Quincey Cattle
Company in 1992, a diversified cattle feeding operation in Chiefland,
Florida. The operation has grown in size and scope to meet fellow
cattle producers' needs and goals, providing services to improve
marketability and options for Florida cattle. His commitment to
innovation has led to improved sustainability for the industry, with
approximately 80 percent of his commodity needs coming from within 20
miles of his ranch. That is pretty significant. For folks in
agriculture who know how difficult that is, that is a big deal.
His record of service and leadership is well-documented and
tremendous. Don is a lifelong supporter of FFA, Future Farmers of
America, and a founding member of the Florida Cattle Ranchers. He has
held all elected officer positions with the Florida Cattlemen's
Association and served on the board of directors for Drummond Community
Bank, Florida Beef Council, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and
CattleFax.
He also has been recognized by the University of Florida's College of
Agricultural and Life Sciences with an award of distinction and the
National Cattlemen's Beef Association with the leadership award.
Don has been an advocate for mutually beneficial environmental and
agricultural policy--seeking to bridge the gaps between production and
regulation--as well as a member of the Suwannee River Water Management
District board for many years. He served
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as chair for 9 of his 12 years at the district. During his tenure, he
initiated the district's cost-share program and was instrumental in
developing a water-use monitoring program to assist agricultural
producers with reporting actual water use instead of estimated data.
With lifelong roots in Florida's agriculture, carving out a niche in
the Florida cattle industry was not for Don's personal gain, but to set
the foundation for future generations to provide a safe, wholesome,
local Florida beef supply.
We are so glad to know Don and his family. We are proud and grateful
for all that he has done in service to north central Florida and our
farmers, ranchers, and producers.
Gators Gymnastics SEC Champions
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Florida
Gators' women's gymnastics team, this year's regular season SEC
champion. Florida's Super Seniors, including Leah Clapper, Savannah
Schoenherr, Halley Taylor, and Trinity Thomas now have a handful of
rings, claiming their fifth consecutive SEC title on Friday with a win
over number 12 Kentucky.
This is UF's 15th SEC gymnastic title and 5th consecutive title. The
gymnastics team joins volleyball and men's and women's swimming and
diving as regular season champions during this academic year.
During the SEC championship meet, Florida led on vault with season
bests by Leanne Wong and Sloane Blakely. Kayla DiCello led the Gators
on the balance beam, while DiCello, Trinity Thomas, and Wong boosted
the Gators' overall score on the uneven bars--a whole heck of a lot
more than most of us in this Chamber can do.
It is with tremendous pride that we say congratulations to the Gators
Gymnastics team, Coach Rowland, and the Super Seniors on a great
regular season. We look forward to cheering them on at the collegiate
NCAA championship that is soon to come. Go Gators.
Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin), my
good friend and colleague.
Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I appreciate very much my good colleague
from Florida. Wow, very impressive, too, all those stats.
Madam Speaker, I rise today and thank my fellow Texan (Mr. Roy) for
this Special Order that we are going to do on our Texas Rangers' 200th
anniversary. I rise today to celebrate one of our country's most
storied law enforcement agencies, the Texas Rangers.
Since its creation 200 years ago as a force to defend settlers on the
frontier of Texas, the Rangers have been a central part of my State's
rich, rich history.
This group of remarkable men and women have seen their fair share of
legends themselves. Men like John Coffee Hays, who helped tame the vast
wilderness of Texas and protect settlers in the early days; John B.
Jones, who brought law and order during a time when the West was still
very wild; Frank Hamer, who took down the infamous Bonnie Parker and
Clyde Barrow. In fact, my district, the 36th Congressional District,
which includes Houston over to Louisiana, is home to a few legendary
Texas Rangers itself.
Major James T. Thomas grew up in Newton, Texas, right down the road
from my hometown of Woodville, Texas. He is the first known Texas
Ranger to hold a doctoral degree and is a forensics expert. His fellow
Rangers say that he is the epitome of what it means to be a Texas
Ranger: a man who is devoted to his faith, to his wonderful wife, and
is a great father to his children, and is a loyal friend and colleague.
I am also proud to represent other legends of the Texas Rangers.
Brandon Bess, is known for using modern techniques like genetic
targeting to solve cold cases that are decades old. Texas Ranger Joe
Haralson, is the longest-serving Ranger in history. It is a great
privilege to represent heroes like these three men.
Throughout history, the Texas Rangers have protected Presidents and
dignitaries, captured bandits and burglars, and solved some of the most
complicated criminal cases ever. They have always served their
communities and the Lone Star State with distinction and bravery.
Madam Speaker, I thank them for their dedicated service, and may God
continue to bless the Texas Rangers and our beloved Lone Star State.
Mrs. CAMMACK. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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