[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2839-H2840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HAITI TPS DISCHARGE PETITION
(Mr. Frost of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5
minutes.)
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the discharge
petition to extend temporary protected status for Haiti.
This petition, which I am very proud to be following the leadership
of Representative Ayanna Pressley in helping her co-lead this, has
secured the 218 signatures needed to force a vote.
Tomorrow's debate is a critical moment. This is about over 350,000
Haitian nationals, our neighbors, who have built their lives here and
contribute to our communities every single day.
Haiti is facing a humanitarian crisis. Forcing families to return
under these conditions would be dangerous and unjust.
We are seeing bipartisan support emerge in real time as Members from
both parties recognize what is at stake. Tomorrow, it is important that
we do the right thing, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
Next, we must move forward and pass the discharge petition to extend
temporary protected status for Venezuelan nationals, as well.
Women's History Month District Honorees
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize extraordinary women
from central Florida for their work and impact on the community that I
proudly represent.
Last month, our office celebrated these women at an in-district
event, and I will continue that celebration here today. They are
mothers, public leaders, entrepreneurs, changemakers, educators,
caregivers, and innovators. They are advocates and champions for
communities that are often forgotten. They fight hard, and we see them.
The first is Ericka Gomez-Tejeda, a community organizer for over 33
years in the central Florida area and a fighter for immigrant rights.
Shirley Richardson Bradley is a retired educator of 38 years, a
community trailblazer, and a historian.
Roniece Weaver and Fabiola Gaines are the cofounders of Hebni
Nutrition and authors of several cookbooks that have revolutionized
healthy eating in our underserved communities.
Michelle Sperzel is the CBO of Harbor House of Central Florida, and
her work really helps local survivors of domestic violence.
Jamilyn Salonga Bailey is the owner of Kaya and a recipient of
Florida's first-ever Michelin Green Star, located in Orlando's Mills 50
district.
Ossyris Bury is a first-generation Panamanian American majoring in
aerospace engineering at the University of Central Florida and a
researcher and aspiring astronaut who has already
[[Page H2840]]
made a lasting impact on her campus today.
Today and every day, we celebrate their achievements and honor these
empowered women who uplift and inspire others.
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