[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 170 (Tuesday, October 17, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5046]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           50TH ANNIVERSARY OF FLORIDA HOUSE ON CAPITOL HILL

 Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, the Florida legislative 
act establishing Florida House on Capitol Hill was approved by Governor 
Ruben Askew on March 30, 1972. Rhea Chiles, wife of Senator and 
Governor Lawton Chiles, worked tirelessly with like-minded citizens 
from across the State, to purchase, renovate, and open a place for 
Floridians to gather while in our Nation's Capital. The Florida House 
on Capitol Hill is Florida's embassy in Washington, DC, that connects, 
celebrates, and champions Florida to the world and has been a home away 
from home for hundreds of thousands of Floridians over the past 50 
years.
  The Florida House welcomes congressional leaders, students, teachers, 
visitors on vacation, and Floridians living and working in our Nation's 
Capital. Men and women conducting business in Washington, DC, gather at 
Florida House to grow Florida's economy and influence around the world. 
The intern program for college students has afforded hundreds of young 
men and women the opportunity to learn more about the Federal 
Government and help prepare them for meaningful careers.
  Due to the endless dedication of the Florida House Staff, trustees, 
and generous contributors, the Florida House has been able to remain an 
intricate part of Washington, DC, hosting over 10,000 visitors per 
year. The Florida House operates with the generosity of Floridians, 
without State tax dollars, and belongs to the people of Florida and 
remains a place where all Floridians will find comfort, kindness, and a 
cold glass of Florida orange juice in their ``home away from home.''
  The 50th anniversary of Florida House on Capitol Hill will be 
celebrated on October 26, 2023. We, Members of the U.S. Senate, 
recognize the ongoing service of Florida House on Capitol Hill to the 
citizens of Florida for 50 years.

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