[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 202 (Wednesday, December 3, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H5002-H5003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING DEPUTY TERRI SWEETING-MASHKOW

  (Mr. Haridopolos of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to 
honor the life, service, and sacrifice of Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow 
of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, who was tragically slain 
in the line of duty.
  Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow served the community with courage, 
professionalism, and deep compassion. She was the kind of public 
servant every community hopes for, steadfast in her duty, kind to those 
in need, and unwavering in her commitment to keeping Indian River 
County safe.
  Her loss is felt not only by her brothers and sisters in law 
enforcement, but by every family she protected, every neighbor she 
reassured, and every life she touched. Today, we honor not only her 
heroism, but the legacy she leaves behind.
  We also hold in our prayers her husband, Casey; her daughter, and her 
family; and the entire Indian River County Sheriff's Office as they 
face this heartbreaking tragedy of a person who served our community 
for over 25 years. May they find strength in knowing that this Nation 
stands with them as they face this very difficult time.
  I thank our sheriff in Indian River County, Sheriff Flowers, and his 
incredible team who put together a dignified funeral yesterday honoring 
her life.
  Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow gave her life in service to others. For 
that, we are forever grateful. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
honoring her memory and supporting all those who continue to answer the 
call to protect and serve their communities.


                          Honoring David Long

  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of David 
Long, a local locksmith in Indian River County, an Army veteran who was 
tragically killed in Vero Beach while assisting deputies during a 
court-ordered eviction. David was simply doing his job, fulfilling a 
legal obligation, supporting law enforcement, and helping keep the 
process orderly and safe.
  By every account, he was a kind, dependable member of the community.

[[Page H5003]]

He served his country in uniform and continued serving it in civilian 
life through honest work and quiet professionalism. What happened to 
him should never happen to anyone.
  This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the risks that not only our 
deputies, but our civilians take in working alongside them when they 
face the realities of simply upholding the law.
  May we honor his memory by standing firmly with those who keep our 
communities safe and recognizing that everyday heroes come not always 
in uniform.
  We remember David Long today for his service and as a person who 
makes America the great Nation that it is. May David Long rest in 
peace.


                  Affordability for American Families

  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today about this issue of 
affordability.
  I find it shocking that the Democrats actually have the gall to talk 
about the issue of affordability after 4 years of failure: 9 percent 
inflation, higher interest rates, just challenges across the board for 
everyday Americans.
  I think one of the reasons why our party has the majority today is 
simply because they failed for 4 straight years. They never cut taxes 
on overtime or tips, let alone Social Security. Republicans did, and we 
think this is going to help turn around a very challenging situation 
which we inherited.
  I look forward to the debate over the next month in how we take down 
even more prices so Americans can have a more affordable life. This is 
the challenge of our day. I am glad that we are talking about 
affordability because for too long Washington, D.C., has turned its 
back on the issue.

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