[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H3463-H3464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING JOHN BROWNING, JR.
(Mr. Fine of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5
minutes.)
Mr. FINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. John
Browning, Jr., a distinguished member of the Putnam County community
who shows that leadership and civic duty are a full-time job.
During his time in the United States Army, Mr. Browning learned
unique skills, such as teamwork and leadership, that has led to his
business success.
After earning his associate's degree at St. Johns River State College
and bachelor's degree at Florida State University, Mr. Browning began
running multiple businesses in Florida, including his family's ranch
and the oldest restaurant in Florida, Angel's Dining Car.
He was then appointed by former President George H.W. Bush to the
National Council on Surface Transportation and the White House Advance
Team.
Later, Mr. Browning became the senior vice president of political
affairs for the Goodman Company, headquartered in West Palm Beach. His
work aims to support real estate investments that center around
commerce and energy grid initiatives.
John Browning, Jr., served Florida with humility, attentiveness, and
an understanding of the Florida community, and I have enjoyed working
with him since I first got elected to the Florida legislature in 2016.
He embodies the very best of American citizenship, and I ask my
colleagues to join me in recognizing his remarkable contributions.
We Thank Our Firefighters
Mr. FINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bravery and
resilience of Putnam County's firefighters and first responders and the
county's tremendous leadership on combating one of the county's worst
wildfires in recent years.
I also thank St. Lucie County Fire District for sending their
firefighters all the way up to Putnam to help extinguish our fires.
These railroad fires, which started with a spark from a passing
train, have been raging for weeks now, destroying roughly 4,700 acres
of land. The devastation has strained resources and forced hundreds to
evacuate from their homes.
Thanks to the leadership of Putnam County's government and the
tremendous hard work of our firefighters and emergency responders, the
fire is now 95 percent contained as of today.
We can never ignore the dedication of our emergency responders and
the sacrifice they make to our communities. It ensures our neighbors
are safe and
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why our communities will always be a place for our children and
grandchildren to grow and to prosper.
I am grateful as well to our State and local partners for working
together to contain this disaster, including to President Trump and
FEMA for approving the State's request for Federal funds to help fight
against the railroad fires.
I look forward to continuing to be a resource in any way that I can
for the people of Putnam County back home.
Honoring Carol Peters
Mr. FINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the
spectacular work and commitment of Carol Peters within the agricultural
community of Florida's Sixth Congressional District.
Mrs. Peters is the owner of Slow Turtle Farms in beautiful Eustis,
Florida. From her humble plot of land, she has transformed a dairy
operation into a jewel of the Eustis community.
Carol Peters is no stranger to hard work. For years, she and her
husband have faithfully stood as owners, operators, and tenants of
their operation. Their farm is not just a simple pastime. It is an all-
encompassing adventure that demands a level of perfection and quality.
Through their efforts, Slow Turtle Farm wears the distinct badge of a
USDA Grade A dairy farm.
In 2024, Carol decided to take a step back from the operation of the
farm and apply her expertise to the future of my constituents in
Florida's Sixth Congressional District. Investing into our future
farmers and ranchers, Mrs. Peters now holds classes showing students
how to raise, breed, and invest within their own livestock.
Agriculture is too often overlooked and something that we need to
focus on, but she has made it a priority to keep that tradition alive.
Working alongside the county Future Farmers of America and 4-H program,
she has ensured the future of Florida's agriculture is in good hands.
It is my honor to represent a constituent who understands the vital
role of the agriculture industry and where Florida's youth fits within
this puzzle.
I also recognize a major achievement of Mrs. Peters and her students
winning best in show for their prized doe goat.
Mrs. Peters serves her community with insight, attentiveness, and
humility. She embodies the very best of American citizenship, and I ask
my colleagues to join me in recognizing her remarkable contributions.
Recognizing Police Week
Mr. FINE. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure as a Member of
Congress to recognize and honor the heroes of Florida's Sixth
Congressional District that keep our cities, roads, and great State
safe.
As we come to the end of National Police Week, it is imperative that
we stand together to honor the brave men and women in blue who continue
to protect our communities. Every day law enforcement officers put
their lives on the line and continue to sacrifice home life and their
safety for the American people.
As a Member of Congress, it is my duty to ensure that our Nation's
police officers understand that I and the rest of Florida's Sixth
Congressional District will always have their backs.
This week, let's take a second to remember the person behind each
badge. Each officer has chosen to put their personal safety aside,
swearing an oath to protect, serve, defend, and uphold the people and
the laws of the United States. It is time our Nation places those
who protect us at the forefront of efforts and give them the same honor
they so humbly choose to serve our Nation with.
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