Monday, June 29, 2026

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dearly beloved community member, Gertrude Evelyn Buckanaga, also known as "Baswewe-Binewiik," which means Echoing Thunderbird Woman. Ms. Buckanaga was born in Pine Point on the White Earth Reservation. As a child, Ms. Buckanaga and her siblings were sent to Pipestone Boarding School by a Becker County social worker. She later graduated from the Flandreau Indian School before going on to receive an Elementary Degree in Education from Concordia University in St. Paul, and finally earning a Master's Degree in Counseling at the University of St. Thomas. The culmination of her life experiences and formal education prepared her for a life dedicated to improving the lives of Indigenous Minnesotans. Ms. Buckanaga was a fierce advocate for Indigenous rights and a guiding light for countless youth. Among her myriad accolades, she worked for the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, helping with the development of their GED program and the incorporation of Ojibwe culture in the Head Start program on the Leech Lake Reservation. Ms. Buckanaga was also one of the founding forces behind the creation of both the Upper Midwest American Indian Center in North Minneapolis and the Four Directions Charter School, later starting the Foster Care Program for the Upper Midwest American Indian Center. She also aided in the creation of the American Indian Movement in the early 1960s. Although Ms. Buckanaga served the state of Minnesota in numerous ways, including serving on the American Indian Mental Health Advisory Council, she fought tirelessly against state-backed injustices and worked relentlessly to uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act. She fought to preserve Indigenous cultures and ensure that future generations of children could grow up with the pride and security that had been deprived of Indigenous peoples for generations through government policy. Ms. Buckanaga is survived not only by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, but also through the legacies she left behind and the impacts she made in Minnesota and across the country. She was a resilient champion for educational equity, a compassionate guardian for youth, and a fierce advocate for Indigenous rights. Please join me in honoring Gertrude Evelyn Buckanaga for her remarkable service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Eugenio Augusto Soto Bischoff as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Eugenio Augusto Soto Bischoff is a respected community leader, aviation professional, educator, and volunteer who has proudly called Orlando, Florida, home since 1996. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, he has dedicated his career and personal life to serving others through leadership, education, community engagement and work force development. After a successful 20-year career in banking and financial services. where he held leadership positions including senior branch manager, Eugenio transitioned into the aviation industry to pursue his passion for training, logistics, and operational excellence. Throughout his aviation career, he has served in customer service, materials logistics, quality assurance, auditing, and training, helping improve operational processes while strengthening safety and regulatory compliance programs. He currently serves as an instructor with JetBlue in Orlando, where he helps develop and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Eugenio has made a lasting impact throughout Central Florida through extensive volunteerism and community service. He has supported organizations including The Orlando Repertory Theatre (The REP), the Salvation Army, the American Cancer Society, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Goodwill Industries, and numerous other community-focused initiatives. His volunteer efforts have advanced education, the arts, financial literacy, hunger relief, and community development. Eugenio is also a dedicated volunteer with Gateway Orlando Main Street, where he has helped bring cultural events, local businesses, and nationally recognized artists to the community, contributing to the growth, vitality, and economic development of the Gateway District. He shares his commitment to service with his wife of 30 years, Mayra Andujar, a cancer survivor who has devoted herself to supporting health and cancer-related causes throughout her 11-year journey. Together, they have raised their daughter, Anna Teressa Soto, whose achievements in the performing arts reflect the family's dedication to education, creativity, and service. Known for his compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others, Eugenio continues to make a positive impact through education, mentorship, volunteerism, and community engagement throughout Central Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the John D. Rider Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 11999 for their work supporting our veterans and servicemembers through their annual Mountain Assault retreat. Originally called the Warrior in Transition event, the program was established in 2011 with the retreat goal of providing ill and injured servicemembers a chance to step away from the rigorous demands of recovery. It has since evolved into the Mountain Assault and allows soldiers to decompress and rehabilitate with the help of the great outdoors. This year commemorates the twelfth anniversary of the Mountain Assault retreat hosted by members of the VFW Post 11999. Every year, this retreat allows around forty servicemembers and their families from the Fort Bliss Soldier Recovery Unity to take a healing and peaceful trip to Sacramento Camp near Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Through extensive fundraising and community support, the VFW provides meals, lodging, outdoor activities, and a supportive environment so that servicemembers can focus on healing, reconnection, fellowship, and strengthening family bonds. The retreat takes place in the Sacramento Mountains at about 7,500 feet of elevation, providing a secluded and tranquil setting for soldiers and families to focus on their wellbeing and rehabilitation. The goal is to help reduce isolation amongst injured servicemembers and remind them that they are supported, valued by the community, and appreciated for their sacrifices. VFW Post 11999 also supports their community through its Buddy Poppy program, scholarship competitions, community service projects, and veteran initiatives. In 2017, the Mountain Assault received the national Fred C. Hall Award, recognizing the dedication of its volunteers and community partners. With broad community support, fundraising, and donations, they have successfully continued their mission through the Warrior in Transition and Mountain Assault events for fifteen years. On behalf of the people of New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, I would like to congratulate VFW Post 11999 for fifteen years of fulfilling their mission to support our brave men and women on their road to recovery. We are thankful for their work supporting our servicemembers, and we wish them continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Honorable William D. Tate as he celebrates his Golden Jubilee of service to the City of Grapevine, Texas. A native of Grapevine, Mayor Tate grew up along the city's historic Main Street and developed a deep appreciation for its heritage, character, and people. For more than fifty years, he has served his community with steadfast leadership. integrity, and an unwavering commitment to preserving the qualities that make Grapevine unique. Throughout his distinguished tenure. Mayor Tate has played an instrumental role in protecting Grapevine's historic charm while thoughtfully guiding its growth into the vibrant and thriving community it is today. His leadership has encouraged economic development, strengthened civic pride, and helped establish Grapevine as a destination recognized throughout Texas and beyond. In addition to his service as Mayor, William D. Tate is a respected attorney, historian, and storyteller whose knowledge and passion have enriched the cultural fabric of Grapevine. As one of the longest-serving mayors in the United States, his remarkable legacy reflects a rare and enduring dedication to public service. Mayor Tate's Golden Jubilee represents far more than a milestone of years served. It is a celebration of a lifetime devoted to the citizens of Grapevine and of the profound impact his leadership has had on the identity and success of the city. I congratulate Mayor Tate on his Golden Jubilee and thank him for his extraordinary service and enduring commitment to the Grapevine community.

Mr. Speaker. I rise to honor Lyma Dunbar as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Lyma Dunbar is the host of the talk show "The People's Chat Room," which has been on the Central Florida airwaves for the past 14 years. Also, from August 2022 to May 2023, she hosted "Caribbean Straight Talk," which focused on the Caribbean Diaspora within Florida. Lyma uses her radio platform to encourage guests to share their challenges and successes while educating listeners on health and wellness and local and national current affairs. She also invites community leaders and politicians to share and discuss their portfolios and disseminate pertinent information. Over the years, she has expanded her platform to host town halls that encourage voters to share their concerns and give state and local politicians an opportunity to present their campaign portfolios and respond to the concerns of Central Floridians. Lyma is also the editor-in-chief of iChunes Entertainment Magazine, a digital publication that offers a look into the lives, journeys, and musical success of some of the Caribbean's biggest artists, some of whom reside in Central Florida. She also writes the primary features, and some of the supplemental articles, which feature Caribbean history. immigration concerns, health, wellness, and more. Along with Tishard Birmingham, the producer of the talk show "The Peoples Chat Room," Lyma hosts and performs in "Comedy Calypso Caribbean Jazz," which is in its fourth year and hosts the free event, "A Caribbean Heritage Affair," in downtown Orlando to encourage the public to interact and enjoy the culture of the Caribbean. This event is in its first year. In addition, she has been a clinical therapist serving the mental health needs of Central Florida residents for over 17 years.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor TODEC and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) to commend their patriotism for assisting immigrant communities by promoting U.S. citizenship and teaching English literacy skills for naturalization purposes ahead of our Nation's 250th birthday. TODEC was founded in the 1980s by Luz Maria and Antonia Ayala. The two were new Americans who were previously involved with the Michoacan, Mexico community and the United Farmworkers and Civil Rights Movement in Los Angeles. Once they were ready to grow their family, they settled in the Inland Empire to build a new home. In the Inland Empire, the two witnessed their neighbors facing many injustices including being profiled by police and immigration enforcement, mistreated by employers, and ignored by politicians. They founded TODEC with the mission of empowering underserved communities to become economically, socially, educationally, and civically self-sufficient while boosting individual self-esteem and community well-being throughout the Inland Empire. TODEC achieves its mission by providing access to information through legal services, community education, advocacy, and civic engagement for individuals with limited English-speaking skills, including immigrants and migrant workers. In 1986, TODEC successfully fought for the passage of an immigration bill that granted amnesty to nearly 3 million new Americans. While this was only one of their first organizing wins, it helped set the foundation for decades of advocacy, including voter mobilization initiatives and letter-writing campaigns where TODEC youth shared their experiences navigating struggles as undocumented Americans. Just like TODEC, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA, has championed services that support immigrant communities throughout the Inland Empire and beyond. First founded as a nonprofit organization in 1986, CHIRLA's mission was to ensure immigrants and refugees had support and protection, and they advanced immigrant-rights initiatives in the United States. For more than 40 years, CHIRLA worked with people both inside and outside of immigrant communities to strengthen democracy in a world where democratic values often fail to extend to our most vulnerable. From the late 1980s to today, CHIRLA has fought for progressive values in the Los Angeles region by helping open labor centers, fighting against California Proposition 187, which would have denied education and other services to undocumented immigrants, and bringing forth the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act in the House of Representatives. In September 2023, under the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department of Homeland Security awarded a $450,000 grant to CHIRLA to assist them with providing services that help with citizenship instruction and naturalization services. Despite the Trump administration's decision to cut $100,000 from the grant in 2025, CHIRLA's motivation did not dwindle; they continue to uplift immigrant communities in Los Angeles, and support policies that promote human, civil, and labor rights for everyone. For decades, CHIRLA has led immigration leaders in the United States, and particularly the Los Angeles region, to fight for justice and equal opportunity for all Americans, not just a select few. Their efforts in California and beyond have not gone unnoticed. Both CHIRLA and TODEC have been incredible partners with my office. They have aided many of my constituents, helping them navigate our broken immigration system and much more. For their commitment to helping immigrant communities in California and beyond, it is my privilege to honor both TODEC and CHIRLA. Their patriotism and commitment to championing immigrant rights is worthy of the highest commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate two important efforts that connect current and former foster youth with federal policymakers--Foster Youth Shadow Day hosted by the National Foster Youth Institute in collaboration with the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, and the Foster Youth Internship Program hosted by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute in collaboration with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Caucus. These groundbreaking programs provide foster youth the opportunity to bring their lived experiences to Capitol Hill by shadowing Members of Congress and advocating for federal child welfare policy. One of the greatest honors and the greatest challenges of my service in Congress has been listening to youth who experienced foster care, learning from them, and trying to make sure we do better in the future. Foster Youth Shadow Day is the culmination of a week-long program designed for young people with lived experience to advocate for federal child welfare policy. The youth receive training about how to share their experiences with policymakers to make child welfare laws better. The program concludes with the annual Foster Youth Shadow Day when the youth meet with and follow legislators. The 2026 program marked the 16th Foster Youth Shadow Day. I have appreciated the opportunity to listen to the ideas and concerns of the many young professionals connected with me during Foster Youth Shadow Day. This year, 41 delegates from across the Nation participated in this important initiative. I am very proud to serve as one of the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Caucus--often known as the Adoption Caucus--that has consistently saved as the voice for the needs of children who require safe, nurturing, and permanent families both in the United States and around the world for 40 years. The Caucus collaborates with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute to host the Foster Youth Internship Program. This competitive and rigorous program places youth in Congressional offices, educates them on federal policy and advocacy, requires interns to produce a published Congressional policy report that includes their recommendations, and culminates in a Congressional briefing on their work. I have had the privilege of hosting many FYI interns in my office over the years. I know first-hand that their ideas have translated into important legislation and laws to make life better for youth. Now in its 23rd year, this internship continues to provide young people with lived experience meaningful opportunities to share their stories, engage in federal policy advocacy, and contribute substantive policy research. According to federal Administration on Children and Families, there were 331,747 children in foster care in the U.S. during 2025. Although family reunification remains the primary goal of the child welfare system, many children spend years in care due to a range of complex circumstances. This issue is deeply important to me, and I have dedicated much of my work to advancing significant change. I have served as the senior Democrat on the Subcommittee with jurisdiction over child welfare within the Committee on Ways and Means for almost 10 years. Some of my proudest accomplishments during my 30-year tenure in Congress include helping children and families by strengthening them so that they do not enter care, helping them get the support and services needed to home safely or to join a new loving family, and to help older youth who age out of care obtain the resources need to transition successfully into independence. I am proud to work alongside organizations such as the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, the National Youth Institute, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Caucus, and the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth to elevate lived experience voices and advance federal child welfare policy. As the youth say, "Nothing about us without us."

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Clarence Dunkley as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Originally from Jamaica, Clarence Dunkley has proudly called America home for more than 32 years. Throughout those years, he has dedicated his life not only to the construction industry, but also to uplifting others through humanitarian service and community leadership. Clarence is widely respected for his generosity, compassion, and commitment to giving back. Through his nonprofit organization, he has helped provide housing and support for veterans, ensuring those who served our country are not forgotten. His impact reaches far beyond his profession, as he continually works to strengthen and support the community around him. Despite building a successful life in the United States, Clarence has never forgotten his roots. He frequently returns to Jamaica to give back to communities in need, reflecting his deep passion for humanitarian work and his dedication to helping others both locally and internationally Clarence Dunkley exemplifies the spirit of Caribbean Heritage Month through his leadership, service, cultural pride, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of David H. Henderson, Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, Marine, attorney, and faithful servant of God whose life was defined by service, integrity, humility, and love. David Henderson dedicated his life to serving his country, his community, and his family. While many knew him for his distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps and the Department of Justice, those closest to him knew him as something even greater, a devoted husband and father, a trusted mentor, a man of deep faith, and someone who quietly made the lives of others better every day. Born to David H. Henderson, Sr., a retired United States Air Force Major, and Florence Steciak Henderson, David grew up in Oklahoma, earning the rank of Eagle Scout before graduating from Del City High School. Even at a young age, he displayed the leadership that would define his life, serving as president of both his junior and senior classes and captain of the debate team. David attended the University of Oklahoma on an ROTC scholarship, where he excelled both academically and in the military. Upon earning his bachelor's degree, he received the Marine Corps Sword as the top Marine graduate in his class. Following Officer Candidate School, the Marine Corps selected him to attend the University of Oklahoma College of Law. There, he graduated with honors and was inducted into the prestigious Order of the Coif, an honor reserved for the Nation's finest law students. Over the course of a distinguished twenty-year career in the United States Marine Corps, David served as a military attorney, handling numerous nationally significant cases. Among the most notable was his representation of Sergeant Clayton Lonetree in the espionage case later chronicled in Rodney Barker's Dancing with the Devil. Barker described David as a laid-back Oklahoman who appeared more interested in hunting and fishing than courtroom battles, cautioning readers that "it was a mistake to underestimate him." Beneath that easygoing demeanor was a brilliant legal mind, sound judgment, and quiet confidence that earned the admiration of colleagues and opponents alike. David also successfully represented Douglas Beane, a Vietnam-era serviceman who returned after two decades away in hopes of seeing his dying father. Later, he represented a Marine captain at Guantanamo Bay in a case that would eventually inspire the film A few Good Men. In 1989, David was selected to serve as the military escort for James Pierce, the brother of First Lady Barbara Bush, during the Presidential inaugural festivities. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1990 as a Major. His commitment to justice did not end with military service. After retiring from the Marine Corps, David became the first Public Defender appointed to serve the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia, along with the surrounding counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, and King George. In 1992, he joined the Office of the United States Attorney under U.S. Attorney Bob Wortham and faithfully served for two decades as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. Yet David would have been the first to say that his greatest accomplishments were never the titles he held or the cases he argued. He believed deeply in hard work, personal responsibility, and treating every person with dignity and respect. He had little interest in accolades for their own sake. Instead, he measured success by the quality of one's work, the strength of one's character, and the impact one had on the lives of others. Those values guided every aspect of his life. Whether building a family home with his own hands, tending a garden, caring for livestock, or mentoring his children, David believed that anything worthwhile required effort. He taught his family that no job was beneath them and that honest work, done well, was among life's greatest virtues. At the center of David's life was his beloved wife, Lois. He often remarked that he was the luckiest man in the world and never quite understood how someone as wonderful as Lois had chosen him. Their marriage was marked by unwavering love, enduring friendship, steadfast faith, and complete devotion. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, compassion, and example, teaching their children and grandchildren what a faithful and loving marriage looks like. David also had a lifelong love for his Brittany bird dogs. He spent countless hours hunting, training, and caring for them. Though the dogs did not always share his enthusiasm for following instructions, they remained treasured family members and brought him immeasurable joy. In retirement, David devoted himself to serving others in new ways. For eight years, he volunteered at the Gib Lewis Prison, counseling inmates battling addiction and helping them find hope, purpose, and redemption. He helped establish the Bridges to Life program under the direction of Father Frank Rossi and became deeply involved in restorative justice and prison ministry. In recognition of his extraordinary volunteer service, the State of Texas honored him in 2020. A devoted Catholic, David was an active member of Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church in Woodville, Texas. He faithfully served as a SCAP minister, cantor, Eucharistic minister, lector, choir member, and participated extensively in ACTS retreats and St. Maximilian Kolbe Prison Retreats. As a Third Degree Knight of Columbus, he found profound purpose in living out his faith through service. Perhaps the simplest way to describe David Henderson is this: he spent his life helping people. Whether serving on the school board of his daughters' school, defending a client, prosecuting a case, mentoring a child, comforting a prisoner, serving his church, supporting his family, or simply returning shopping carts in a parking lot because he thought it might make someone else's day a little easier, David consistently chose service over self. He was preceded in death by his parents, David H. Henderson, Sr. and Florence Steciak Henderson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lois Badeaux Henderson; his daughters, Mary Henderson Grimes and her husband, Sean Grimes, of Kingwood, Texas, and Anne Henderson of Paris, France; his stepdaughter, Dr. Jessica Bergen and her husband, Dr. Edward Bergen, of Lake Charles, Louisiana; his stepson, Michael DeJohn, Jr. and his wife, Aubrey DeJohn, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; his cherished grandchildren, Olivia, Sophia, and Emma Bergen; Lola and Sully Grimes; and Adler DeJohn; his beloved sister, Jeanne Henderson; and countless extended family members, friends, colleagues, parishioners, and former clients whose lives were forever enriched by his kindness, wisdom, and guidance. David Henderson leaves behind a legacy measured not simply by his impressive professional accomplishments but by the countless lives he touched through his example. He taught those around him to work hard, think independently, serve generously, love deeply, and walk humbly with God. His family takes comfort in knowing that the values he embodied continue to live on in the generations that follow. Mr. Speaker, our Nation is stronger because of Americans like David H. Henderson, Jr.--men who quietly devoted their lives to faith, family, justice, and service. His legacy will endure through the countless people he mentored, the family he loved so deeply, and the example he set for all who had the privilege of knowing him. It is my honor to recognize his extraordinary life and ask that his memory forever remain a source of inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Army veteran Howard "Sam" Waite. Sam was born on July 2, 1926, in Pontiac, Michigan, and his military service spans three wartime periods and includes some of the most significant contlicts of the twentieth century. Raised in Poultney, Vermont, Sam was drafted in 1944 at the age of 18. He served as a rifleman assigned to Battery C, 658th Field Artillery Battalion, in the European Theater of Operations. Sam was in Germany on Victory in Europe Day, witnessing the surrender of Nazi Germany and the end of World War II in Europe. For his service, Sam earned the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon. After the war, Sam reenlisted as an automotive repairman and served through the Korean War, ascending through the non-commissioned officer ranks and earning the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. Following Korea, Sam was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, before transferring to the Panama Canal Zone, where he provided military assistance and economic aid by training local troops to operate U.S.-provided vehicles. During this assignment, Sam also traveled throughout South America, including visits to Bolivia, Chile, and Uruguay. Sam later served during the Vietnam War, earning the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. Returning to the United States, he spent two years as an Assistant Professor of Automotive Engineering at the United States Military Academy at West Point before being deployed to Iran during the turmoil of the 1960s. On June 7, 1966, Sam achieved the senior rank in the Army Non-Commissioned Officer Corps, often referred to as the backbone of the Army. In 1968, Sam retired as a highly decorated Sergeant Major after more than 24 years of military service. Following his retirement from the Army, Sam returned home to Granville, New York where he continued serving his community. He operated a Texaco gas station and repair shop for 16 years before spending the next four decades working in automotive air-conditioning repair. Sam ultimately retired at the age of 88. On July 2, 2026, Sam will celebrate his 100th birthday. His century of life has been defined by service, sacrifice, hard work, and devotion to both his country and his community. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to recognize Howard "Sam" Waite and thank him for his extraordinary service to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dario and Hunnie Emans as Distinguished Leaders in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Dario and Hunnie Emans are respected entrepreneurs whose dedication to small business development and community engagement has contributed to economic growth within Florida's 9th Congressional District. Prior to relocating to Florida, both served more than 20 years with the New York City Department of Correction on Rikers Island. Hunnie Emans retired as an Emergency Service Unit (ESU) officer, serving in a specialized unit responsible for emergency response and critical operations. Dario Emans retired as an assistant deputy warden and commanding officer of the Special Operations Division, where he provided leadership and oversight of specialized correctional operations and personnel. Following their retirement, the Emanses redirected their commitment to service toward entrepreneurship by founding Hunnies Body Boutique in St. Cloud, Florida. What began as a personal effort to find natural solutions for family skincare concerns evolved into a successful small business focused on natural wellness and skincare products. Through research, product development, and a dedication to quality, they transformed a home-based venture into a thriving brick-and-mortar boutique serving customers throughout Osceola County and beyond. Under their leadership, Hunnies Body Boutique has become recognized for its commitment to customer education, wellness, and quality products while contributing to the local economy and supporting the continued growth of small businesses within the region. Hunnie Emans is an active member of the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce and proudly serves as a Chamber Ambassador, helping welcome new businesses, foster professional relationships, and support initiatives that strengthen the local business community. Together, Dario and Hunnie Emans exemplify the values of public service, entrepreneurship, and community involvement. Their combined legacy of service--first through distinguished careers with the New York City Department of Correction and now through their investment in Florida's business community--reflects resilience, leadership, and an enduring commitment to the economic vitality of Florida's 9th Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Carol Wrotniak, who passed away on June 7, 2026, at the venerable age of 94. Carol was a woman of deep faith and a cherished pillar of her community, leaving behind a profound legacy of devotion and love. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to my dear friend and colleague, Representative Tom Suozzi, his remarkable wife, Helene, and their family on the passing of her beloved mother. Carol's life was defined by her unwavering commitment to her family and her heritage. As a devoted Catholic and a proud member of Glen Cove's Polish community, she brought warmth, kindness, and generosity to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Above all, Carol was a cornerstone for her family. Her enduring love will live on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her life. Carol's spirit continues to shine brightly through the lives of the many people she impacted. I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering this remarkable individual and celebrating the inspiring life she lived.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life and legacy of Karen Henry Ben. Karen Henry Ben grew up in the Bogue Chitto and Conehatta community and attended Choctaw Central High School where she served as Drum Major, was Salutatorian, and was a talented athlete representing the Warriors on the athletic field. Her first job was at the Baptist Indian Center. Later, she was employed with the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Choctaw Agency. Karen also held various positions within the Choctaw Tribal Government Operations including jobs with the Choctaw Tribal Schools, Choctaw Social Services, Choctaw Housing Authority, Choctaw Attorney General's Office, and the Realty Program where she handled converting the Tribe's land acquisitions into trust with the Department of the Interior. During her tenure of service to the tribe, she served on the Grievance Committee, as a Choctaw translator in judiciary settings for tribal members, and on the Choctaw Boxing Commission. Karen was a devout advocate for tribal members and was instrumental in helping to protect the Tribe's sovereignty in her various capacities. She was known for her belief in service to her community, service to her fellow man and family, and she will always be remembered for her love of the Pearl River Community and her church, Pearl River Baptist Church. Her legacy of service and love for others lives on through the lives of those she cared for, including her daughter Cheriena Ben and her two sons, Ira Ben and Chief Cyrus Ben. I am thankful for the opportunity to remember the life and legacy of Karen Henry Ben.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Cliff Berry II, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cliff Berry, Inc. (CBI), a major environmental services and maritime response company headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For more than 60 years, Cliff Berry, Inc. has served both the private and public sectors, providing critical environmental services and 24-hour emergency response to oil and chemical spills throughout the United States and the Bahamas. The company operates seven facilities across Florida and employs more than 200 full-time professionals with specialized equipment and expertise. Under Cliffs leadership, the company extends its sincere appreciation to the veterans and service members who serve our Nation and recognizes the leadership, discipline, and commitment they bring to the civilian workforce. CBI proudly supports and employs veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserve, and military families throughout Florida. Cliff is committed to compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and supports employees who are called to military service. The company remains dedicated to protecting their employment rights, benefits, and reemployment opportunities while also recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of military families. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Cliff Berry II for his outstanding commitment to hiring and supporting our Nation's veterans and Reserve Components in Florida's 23rd Congressional District. His leadership and dedication serve as an example of patriotism, service, and support for those who defend our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Melanie Melendez Garcia as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Dr. Melanie Melendez Garcia is a Puerto Rican-born emergency physician, entrepreneur, and community leader whose dedication to healthcare and service has made a lasting impact throughout Central Florida and Florida's 9th Congressional District. After earning her medical degree and completing her emergency medicine training in Puerto Rico, Dr. Melendez Garcia moved to Florida and answered a calling that extended beyond hospital walls. Recognizing the healthcare challenges faced by uninsured and immigrant communities, she founded MG Medical Center, where she provides excellent care to Latino and immigrant families. She partnered with the Office of Refugee Resettlement and became the first clinic to successfully integrate all medical services required for unaccompanied minors' immigration medical evaluations into a single visit. In 2025, her practice was recognized by the Orlando Sentinel Media Group, in Central Florida Favorites as Best Medical Facility. While continuing to serve as an emergency physician--a vocation she remains deeply committed to--Dr. Melendez Garcia has also provided care to underserved populations through the federal Indian Health Service. Believing that service extends beyond medicine, Dr. Melendez Garcia has become an advocate for entrepreneurship and community development. She currently serves as vice president of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, having previously served as director of the Osceola Chapter and Director of Trustees. Through her leadership, she mentors and empowers aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly healthcare professionals, helping them transform their dreams into successful businesses. Dr. Melendez Garcia was featured in Nosotras Latina Magazine in 2023 and actively participates in faith-based and community leadership initiatives dedicated to empowering others. A devoted wife, mother, physician, and servant leader, Dr. Melendez Garcia believes that the greatest measure of success is not found in titles or accomplishments, but in the lives touched and the communities strengthened through service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Linda Jacobs for her more than four decades of extraordinary public service as a nonprofit leader. From an early age in Coral Gables, Florida, Linda's parents demonstrated the importance of community service, serving as volunteers for their Jewish congregation and youth sports. As a young adult, Linda herself was an outspoken advocate for the green party, the women's movement, and civil rights. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of South Florida and soon after moving to San Francisco in 1978, joined the Breakthrough Foundation, a nonprofit that won national acclaim for helping change the trajectory of at-risk youth. During her seven-year tenure at the organization, Linda established funding for scholarships to cover all participating youth. This was the start of a long career building and strengthening nonprofits in the Bay Area. Linda's work in Marin County began in the early 1990s and includes a breadth and depth of professional roles, including as the development director for Marin Child Care Council; the development and public affairs director for Planned Parenthood of Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino; and executive director of the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce. In 2002, she joined the Volunteer Center of Marin as their chief executive officer. She went on to transform the organization first into the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) and later extended its reach into Sonoma County, Napa County, and Solano County. For decades, Linda led CVNL with an unwavering belief in the power of the nonprofit system, expanding key programs such as the Heart of Marin Awards, strengthening volunteer engagement, and developing partnerships that elevated local nonprofits across the region. She supported communities during turbulent and uncertain times, from the pandemic and wildfires to funding cuts, and developed critical scholarships to allow nonprofits of all sizes and budgets to take advantage of the opportunities offered by CVNL. A mentor to hundreds of nonprofit leaders, Linda is known as a fierce advocate, steady in the face of uncertainty and strategic in her long-term vision. She has served on the Board of Directors for the School to Career Partnership, Marin Economic Forum, and the Points of Light Assembly. She is also the former Board Chair of the California Association of Nonprofits, a former appointee to the Marin County Women's Commission, and past President of the Marin National Organization for Women. In recognition of her tireless work supporting nonprofits, Linda was inducted into the Marin Women's Hall of Fame in 2010, among other honors and awards acquired over the years. Mr. Speaker, it was my privilege and honor to work with Linda over the course of her notable career. She is a smart, generous and impactful person and leaves an indelible positive impact on Northern California and all those nonprofits and volunteers she supported and inspired throughout her career. I respectfully ask that you join me in expressing heartfelt gratitude to Linda for her generosity of spirit, innumerable good deeds, and in sending her best wishes on her next endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Kerman as it celebrates 80 years as an incorporated city on July 3, 2026. The site of Kerman was first established by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company as a train station in 1891. It was at this site in 1892 that the famous Sontag and Evans gang held up the San Francisco-Los Angeles passenger train, one of the last train robberies in the country. Settlement and cultivation of the Kerman area began and continued through the turn of the century as irrigation projects brought water to the area, primarily from the Kings River to the south. In 1900, William G. Kerckhoff and Jacob Mansar purchased around 3,027 acres of land and formed the Fresno Irrigated Farms Company. In 1906, the town was renamed Kerman by combining the names Kerckhoff and Mansar. By 1914, Kerman had an estimated population of 400 people surrounded by 29,000 acres of producing cropland. The Kerman Creamery was a significant business and produced about 1,600 pounds of butter daily. In 1921, Madera Avenue was paved from the Southern Pacific railroad tracks north to the San Joaquin River, and streetlights were installed from the tracks to Whitesbridge Road. In 1946, the 1,050 residents of Kerman voted to incorporate. Sitting at the crossroads of State Route 145 and 180, Kerman has seen waves of residential and business growth that have expanded the city. Today, Kerman has a population nearing 20,000 and is the largest city in West Fresno County. Still surrounded by agriculture, Kerman has also become a popular bedroom community to Fresno through its continued growth, family atmosphere, and supportive local businesses and employers. Please join me in honoring the 80th Anniversary of the City of Kerman, where community comes first.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Comstock & Holt, Inc. on the occasion of its remarkable 170th anniversary. Since its founding in 1856, Comstock & Holt has stood as a cornerstone of American trade and remains the Nation's oldest continuously operating duty drawback specialist. For nearly two centuries, the company has exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and dedication that have helped drive American economic growth. Comstock & Holt's legacy is deeply tied to the duty drawback program, the oldest trade instrument in the United States. Established through the Tariff Act of 1789, duty drawback is founded on the principle that duties should not be permanently imposed on goods that do not remain in American commerce. By allowing businesses to recover duties paid on imported products that are later exported, the program strengthens American manufacturing, promotes exports, and enhances the competitiveness of U.S.businesses around the world. Founded in New York City by Charles J. Holt and William H. Holt, the company has provided uninterrupted service for 170 years. Through wars, economic downturns, technological advances, and significant changes in trade policy. Comstock & Holt has remained a trusted partner to American businesses, its expertise has helped countless companies navigate complex customs laws and reclaim funds rightfully available to them under federal law. The company's history includes the incorporation of C.J. Holt & Co. in 1919 and its eventual combination with Comstock & Theakston, Inc., founded in 1894. In 2025, the firms formally united under the name Comstock & Holt, Inc., bringing together more than 300 years of combined industry expertise. Beyond serving clients, the company has played a leading role in shaping modern drawback regulations, educating the trade community, and advancing improvements to the drawback system. For 170 years, Comstock & Holt has remained committed to the principles that have guided American trade since our Nation's founding. Its work supports industries ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to pharmaceuticals and technology, helping American companies compete in the global marketplace. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Comstock & Holt, Inc. on this historic milestone and in recognizing its extraordinary contributions to American commerce and trade.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Roger Colon as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Roger Colon serves as the program director of the Central Florida InternationaI Trade Office (CFITO), which serves multiple counties throughout Central Florida, including Orange and Osceola. In this leadership role, he is responsible for advancing international trade opportunities, supporting business competitiveness, and strengthening the region's global economic engagement. As part of his commitment to our business community, Mr. Colon works closely with businesses to help them export U.S. goods and services. Through educational programs, one-on-one consultations, and industry outreach, he assists companies in developing export strategies, identifying international opportunities, and connecting with key trade resources that facilitate global growth. In addition to supporting exporters, Mr. Colon is a valuable resource for the region's importing community. During the height of the U.S. tariff changes in 2025, Mr. Colon played a critical role in educating businesses throughout the district on the implications of new import duties and tariff regulations. He provided timely guidance to companies on how to navigate evolving trade policies, maintain compliance, and identify strategies to avoid, mitigate, or recover costs associated with increased import tariffs. His efforts helped many businesses better understand the financial and operational impacts of the changing trade environment and make informed decisions to protect their supply chains and profitability. As program director, Mr, Colon expanded the scope and impact of the trade office by incorporating a stronger emphasis on trade development. One of his most notable achievements has been bringing the LATAM Trade Expo to the Orlando region. This annual event has grown into a premier platform for bilateral trade engagement between businesses and institutions from the United States, Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Chile. Through initiatives such as LATAM Trade and other international business development programs, Mr. Colon has helped strengthen Central Florida's position as a global gateway for commerce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 200th anniversary of the founding of Lowville Village Band. Originally known as the Union Band upon its formation in 1826 the founding members began a tradition of playing music in the local park. The band changed names several times it is first 100 years reflecting the instruments they played, the Union Band reformed as the Lowville Saxhorn Band in 1856. During this time the band would perform all over Northern New York and even into Canada. These performances were part of parades, festivals, and private parties as well as sometimes on steamboats. During the Civil War their performances dwindled as other duties called members away but following the war they reformed as the Lowville Cornet Band before a local philanthropist, Francis K. Leonard donated silver instruments to the band along with other generous donations leading them to rebrand as the Leonard Silver Cornet Band. Four years later they chose to rename themselves the Lowville Cornet & Orchestra Band. Over the years the band has been led by extremely talented musicians, including Franklin A. Thompson, who had previously played with the United States Marine Corps Band and Buffalo Bill Wild West Show Band; Luther Askin, who helped found the New York State School Music Association and Lowville Academy Band, and Perl Johnson, who served in World War I as a member of the American Expeditionary Force and led field music for the 310th Infantry Regiment. In the 1930s the band officially became the Lowville Village Band, the name it has held ever since. Today, the band's ensemble consists of approximately 50 brass, woodwind, and percussion musicians who range in age from 14 to 80. The band hosts a very popular summer concert series where they play marches and patriotic music from the past at the Lowville Veterans Memorial Park. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I recognize the Lowville Village Band for 200 years of bringing music to the Village of Lowville and communities across our region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the bicentennial anniversary of United States Army Garrison Fort Hamilton, a historic institution in my district that has served our Nation with distinction for 200 years and remains an enduring symbol of patriotism, military readiness, and public service. The grounds of Fort Hamilton hold a profound connection to the founding of our Nation. During the American Revolutionary War, the site served as a strategic defense position overlooking the Narrows. On July 4, 1776, an American battery located there, then known as the Narrows Fort, fired upon the British warship HMS Asia in defense of New York Harbor. Just weeks later, British forces landed at Gravesend Beach and Denyse's Wharf, on what is now the footprint of Fort Hamilton, launching the campaign that culminated in the Battle of Brooklyn, the first major battle fought after the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the largest troop engagement of the Revolutionary War. Recognizing the strategic importance of the location, the United States Government laid the cornerstone for Fort Hamilton on June 11, 1825. Named in honor of Alexander Hamilton, our Nation's first Secretary of the Treasury, and designed by renowned military engineer Simon Bernard, the fort was completed in 1831. Today, it stands as the fourth-oldest active military installation in the United States. For two centuries, Fort Hamilton has faithfully served our Nation. During the Civil War, it functioned as a critical Union fortification and training center. In both World War I and World War II, the installation played a vital role as an embarkation and separation center for American service members deploying overseas and returning home. In recognition of its historical significance, Fort Hamilton was designated a Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Its rich legacy is preserved through the Harbor Defense Museum, the only Army museum in New York City, which safeguards and showcases artifacts spanning from the American Revolution through World War II. Today, Fort Hamilton remains the only active-duty military installation in New York City. It provides critical operational, logistical, and community support to more than 50,000 veterans, retirees, active-duty service members, and their families. The installation has repeatedly answered the call to support civil authorities during times of crisis, including following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, during Hurricane Sandy, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The year 2025 marked Fort Hamilton's 200th anniversary--a remarkable milestone that coincides with the United States Army's 250th birthday and serves as a bridge to our Nation's semiquincentennial in 2026. This celebration offers an opportunity to reflect upon the generation of soldiers, civilian employees, veterans, and military families whose dedication and sacrifice have strengthened both our local communities and our country. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring United States Army Garrison Fort Hamilton for 200 years of unwavering service to New York and the United States of America. May its proud legacy continue for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Islamic Resource Group on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Islamic Resource Group (IRG) was founded on June 19, 2001, as a nonprofit educational outreach organization committed to building bridges of understanding between Minnesota Muslims and the broader Minnesota community. For 25 years, Islamic Resource Group has served Minnesota through educational resources, community dialogue, mosque visits, professional development, interfaith engagement, public programs, and media outreach that promote religious literacy, mutual understanding, and respect. Since its founding, Islamic Resource Group has delivered over 8,000 educational presentations to over half a million Minnesotans in face-to-face settings. Its work has reached schools, businesses, government agencies, houses of worship, and community organizations across Minnesota and beyond. IRG has worked closely with educators and school districts, including through a long-standing presence at the Education Minnesota Professional Conference since 2002. Its interfaith initiatives have connected hundreds of faith communities with Minnesota Muslims and strengthened relationships among neighbors of many religious and cultural backgrounds. I am deeply grateful for the crucial work IRG has done to combat rising Islamophobia and build interfaith communities. IRG's Minnesota Muslim Experience Project and Tracks in the Snow Exhibit have helped tell the stories of Minnesota Muslims and expand public understanding of a community that has long contributed to the life and history of this great state. Through its annual Building Bridges Awards, IRG has honored Minnesotans whose work advances understanding, justice, service, and relationship building across communities. As Islamic Resource Group marks 25 years of service, I would like to recognize its important contribution to religious literacy, interfaith understanding, public education, and civic life in Minnesota. Please join me in congratulating Islamic Resource Group, its leaders, staff, volunteers, speakers, partners, and supporters on this milestone anniversary, and in thanking them for their continued work building bridges of understanding across Minnesota.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Aloma Theresa Ingram as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Dr. Aloma Theresa Ingram, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, is a naturalized citizen of the United States and a visionary leader with a remarkable track record in early childhood education. Her passion for nurturing young minds led her to attain a director credential in Early Childhood Education and become an eminent specialist and trainer-facilitator in the field. An ardent advocate for global education, Dr. Ingram holds prestigious titles as an Honorary Queen Mother in the Paramount Palace in the Eastern Region of Ghana, West Africa, and as a Queen with the Numidoria Kingdom for Africans in the Diaspora. Her commitment to peace and education is further demonstrated through her roles as a Peace Ambassador and Consulate of Education with the Numidoria Kingdom's Embassy. Beyond her educational endeavors, Dr. Ingram is a multitalented entrepreneur, excelling as a cosmetologist/trainer, restaurant manager/ owner, and beauty spa owner/operator. Her diverse skill set also extends to program directing, as she serves as a church director for the seniors' program, praise dance, and drama. Dr. Ingram 's impact transcends borders as she has authored influential works and holds a key position as a Jamaica Red Cross Society Council member. Her dedication to the well-being of others is further evident through her role as a guidance counselor, minister, motivational speaker, mother and advocate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Lake Champlain Research Institute in the Center for Earth and Environmental Science at SUNY Plattsburgh on the dedication of its new research vessel, the R/V Leptodora. The Leptodora replaces LCRI's longtime research vessel, the Gruendling, which has served researchers on Lake Champlain for more than three decades. This state-of-the-art vessel will expand the Institute's ability to conduct cutting-edge research, support student training, and advance our understanding of Lake Champlain. Under the leadership of Dr. Timothy Mihuc, the Institute has built a reputation for scientific excellence through investments in modern laboratory equipment, advanced field instruments, and innovative monitoring technologies that provide critical data on the health of Lake Champlain. The Leptodora was made possible through a strong partnership with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, which provided $750,000 toward construction of the custom-built vessel, along with additional support for a multi-year deep-lake ecology research initiative. The new vessel will play a central role in that project, enabling scientists and students to collect data more efficiently and safely while expanding research opportunities on the lake. The Commission's continued investment reflects its longstanding commitment to scientific research, fisheries management, and environmental stewardship throughout the region. Named after Leptodora kindtii, a transparent zooplankton species found in Lake Champlain and an important component of the lake's food web, the vessel symbolizes the Institute's mission to better understand and protect the complex ecosystems that sustain the lake. Through research conducted aboard the Leptodora, SUNY Plattsburgh students will gain invaluable hands-on experience while contributing to the scientific knowledge needed to preserve Lake Champlain for future generations. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I extend my sincere gratitude to the Lake Champlain Research Institute, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Dr. Mihuc and his team, and all of the partners whose dedication and support have made this important achievement possible. Their work strengthens the North Country, advances freshwater science, and helps ensure the long-term health and preservation of Lake Champlain.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Arthur James Reddick on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Arthur is a member of the Greatest Generation. On June 26, 1926, he was born in Jersey City, New Jersey to Alice and William Reddick. Arthur served in the Army Air Corps, a predecessor to the U.S. Air Force from July 1944 to August 1946 where he earned five medals. Following his discharge from service, Arthur returned to New Jersey to launch a long career in business, including employment with American Home Products, General Foods and ultimately running his own business--Promotion Designers and Manufacturing. Arthur and his wife Susan moved to Glen Head, New York in 1990 and became parishioners at St. Patrick's Church in Glen Cove. They spent many years in Sarasota, Florida but returned to the North Shore, settling in Glen Cove in 2017. As Arthur celebrates this milestone birthday, I want to thank him for his service to our country and for defending the values we hold so dear. The deeds and sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation, including by Arthur, will be remembered with gratitude for generations to come. I thank Arthur and wish him a happy birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard is president of the National Entrepreneur Center (NEC), an internationally recognized entrepreneurial support organization serving Central Florida's small business community. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Troy University, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Central Florida, and is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional. Ms. Kirkegard has dedicated more than three decades to advancing economic development, entrepreneurship, and community engagement throughout Florida. Prior to joining the NEC in 2023, she served as economic development director for the City of Kissimmee, where she established and led the city's economic development program. During her tenure, she helped attract more than $50 million in private investment, developed strategic initiatives focused on healthcare and aerospace industry growth, and contributed to projects that expanded the city's tax base and strengthened regional economic competitiveness. Earlier in her career, Ms. Kirkegard served in leadership roles with Orange County government, the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, and statewide public affairs initiatives. She is recognized for building collaborative partnerships among business, government, nonprofit, and community stakeholders to achieve measurable economic and community outcomes. Ms. Kirkegard currently serves on the Valencia College District Board of Trustees and the AdventHealth Central Florida Division Board. She previously served on the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board, including as treasurer, and has held leadership positions with numerous business, economic development, healthcare, and civic organizations throughout Central Florida. Her professional achievements have earned numerous recognitions, including Orlando Magazine's 2026 Woman of the Year, the Orlando Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business Award, Florida Trend's "People to Know" designation, and the Orlando Magic and Florida Blue Small Business Champion Award. Through her leadership, Ms. Kirkegard has helped expand opportunities for entrepreneurs, strengthen regional economic development efforts, and advance community prosperity across Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ellie Cohen on the occasion of her retirement from The Climate Center (The Center) and to honor her decades of visionary leadership. Under her leadership as chief executive officer, The Climate Center helped catalyze California's status as a global leader in addressing the climate crisis. Ellie played an integral role in advancing policies to modernize our electric grid and prioritize nature-based climate solutions, broadening the organization's impact, deepening its policy engagement, and building coalitions across sectors to meet the scale of the climate crisis. The Center was helped in efforts to reform and extend California's signature climate program to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. She also expanded The Center's public education role: convening their annual California Climate Policy Summit, hosting dozens of webinars, producing policy briefs, and engaging lawmakers at global climate meetings to elevate California's leadership. Her work and accomplishments at The Center will shape policy and environmental outcomes for generations to come. Prior to joining The Climate Center, Ellie spent nearly two decades as President and CEO of Point Blue Conservation Science. There, she led the growing organization to significant accomplishments, including attaining official Observer NGO status at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as well as helping to direct nearly $100 million of conservation investments across more than two million acres of public and agricultural land. Her leadership helped coastal communities plan for sea level rise, guided climate small restoration on working lands, and strengthened partnerships among agencies, non-profit organizations, land trusts, ranchers, farmers, and educators throughout California. Ellie's leadership has been recognized with numerous accolades over the years both by her peers and partners including the Beyond Duke Alumni Award for Service and Leadership, the National Park Service Pacific West Region Partnership Award, and the Bay Nature Environmental Hero Award. She has also been designated one of the "100 Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet." Ellie's professional achievements are matched only by her academic accomplishments. She earned her undergraduate degree with honors in botany from Duke University and a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. Mr. Speaker, Ellie Cohen is a model of climate leadership. She has worked tirelessly to translate climate research into real world progress. I have enjoyed the benefit of working with Ellie on many critical initiatives over the years. Her bright mind and enduring commitment to science-based climate action is worthy of highest commendation. On behalf of California's communities and those across our Nation who benefit from her efforts, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our deep appreciation for Ellie Cohen's decades of service and in extending our best wishes as she embarks on her next endeavor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Hollyhock as we recognize the completion of their first Operation Blue Pacific patrol. The Hollyhock is a seagoing buoy tender, which the Coast Guard uses to monitor and perform repairs and maintenance on buoys and other navigational aids in U.S. territories and other areas with U.S. shipping interests. Originally ported in Port Huron, Michigan, the Hollyhock was reassigned to Honolulu in October 2025. In April, the 50-person crew departed from Honolulu for the 42-day long Operation Blue Pacific, where they traveled over 7,500 nautical miles throughout the broader Oceania region. Operation Blue Pacific is an ongoing multi-mission Coast Guard initiative across Oceania to bolster ties with Pacific Island nations and communities. The mission also contributes to broader U.S. efforts to monitor regional security developments and counter malign influence in the Pacific. My home state of Hawaii relies heavily on and has benefited greatly from the presence of the Coast Guard. We fully appreciate the Coast Guard's direct support of Hawaii residents, both generally and through its District Oceania headquarters in Honolulu, by performing its statutory missions like search and rescue and maritime environmental protection. But I would like to especially highlight the Coast Guard's indispensable role beyond Hawaii throughout the broader Pacific. The Pacific Islands region has long held critical importance to our country on several fronts. As an island state, Hawaii understands better than most the importance of strong relationships, reliable maritime infrastructure, and a sustained commitment to the communities that call the Pacific home. The success of Operation Blue Pacific reflects the many ways in which Coast Guard personnel contribute to these goals every day. Through their technical expertise and commitment to service, the crew of the Hollyhock supported maritime communities in the U.S. territories of Midway and American Samoa while strengthening partnerships with Tonga, Kiribati, and the broader Oceania region. Their versatility and professionalism supported the Coast Guard's interest in maritime safety and advanced the shared interests of the United States and our Pacific neighbors. These accomplishments are particularly noteworthy because they represent the type of work that often occurs outside the public spotlight. The crew's efforts required long days at sea, adaptability in the face of changing conditions, and a willingness to serve far from family and home. Their dedication helped ensure that critical missions were carried out effectively and that longstanding relationships throughout Oceania continued to grow stronger. At a time when the Pacific region faces evolving challenges and opportunities, the service of the Hollyhock's crew demonstrates the enduring value of American engagement and partnership. Their work reflects the Coast Guard's proud tradition of readiness, cooperation and service to others. I strongly support the Coast Guard and the resources necessary to carry out its broad and demanding missions. The accomplishments of the Hollyhock crew serve as a reminder of the remarkable men and women who make those missions possible through their skill and dedication. I extend my sincere congratulations to Commander Jessica McCollum and every member of the Hollyhock crew on the successful completion of this patrol. On behalf of the people of Hawaii, I offer mahalo for their service and for representing our state and our Nation with distinction throughout the Pacific.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mayra Ramos as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Mayra Ramos is a senior human resources professional specializing in MedTech engineering and supply chain, currently supporting surgical robotics projects and known for building high-impact technical teams while elevating hiring standards within the medical device industry. She brings a strategic, structured approach to talent acquisition, delivering comprehensive candidate evaluations, aligned talent strategies, and executive-ready insights that enable confident and effective hiring decisions. Beyond her core recruiting expertise, Mayra has made meaningful contributions to the broader Human Resources function within medical devices, helping shape talent pipelines, and strengthen organizational capabilities in a highly specialized and regulated environment. In parallel with her professional career, Mayra is a graduate mental health student who supports clients in a private practice setting, reflecting her deep commitment to individual well-being and holistic care. Her work bridges both organizational and personal impacts, supporting people not only in their careers but also in their personal growth and mental health journeys. Mayra is actively engaged in service and community leadership. She has participated in mission trips dedicated to supporting underserved populations, demonstrating her commitment to global service and compassion-driven impact. She is also a dedicated member of her faith community, where she contributes through service, teaching, and organizing conferences focused on empowering women and supporting single mothers. Her global perspective is shaped by international travel across Costa Rica, where she traveled for professional work, North America, Europe, and the Middle East, enriching her cultural awareness and ability to connect with diverse populations. Based in Florida, Mayra continues to lead with purpose, integrating Human Resources strategy, mental health advocacy, and community service to create meaningful, lasting impact across both professional and personal spheres.

Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce the Fairness in Federal Bureau of Prisons Medical Care Act of 2026. This bill would eliminate the copay the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) imposes on individuals in its custody when they visit a health care provider. Under BOP rules, individuals in its custody are required to "pay a fee for health services of $2.00 per health care visit." While $2 may seem insignificant, individuals in BOP custody earn only twelve to forty cents per hour on their work assignments. Moreover, while copays can reduce unnecessary visits, we should be encouraging individuals in BOP custody to seek medical care before their conditions worsen and become more expensive for taxpayers. Preventive and early care are better for patients and taxpayers than costly treatments. Under BOP rules, if an individual in BOP custody is found responsible through the disciplinary hearing process of having caused an injury to another person in BOP custody that required a visit to a health care provider, the offending individual is required to pay the $2 copay for the injured individual's visit. That rule would not change under this bill. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 101st birthday of Mr. Robert Stephenson, a proud member of the Greatest Generation, whose life of military service, entrepreneurial achievement, family devotion, and community leadership stands as an example for all Americans. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 14, 1925, Robert Stephenson came of age during the Great Depression. Through hardship and sacrifice, he developed the values of hard work, honesty, and perseverance that would guide him throughout his remarkable century of life. After graduating from high school in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17 and answered his Nation's call during World War II. Serving as a Yeoman, Mr. Stephenson managed personnel and aerial mapping records for Photographic Squadron VD-2 aboard naval vessels supporting operations in the Pacific Theater. His work contributed to the planning and execution of military operations during one of the most consequential periods in world history. He completed his service honorably in 1946. Following his military service, Mr. Stephenson continued to embody the spirit of determination and service. He pursued studies in accounting through night classes at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania before embarking on a successful business career. In 1964, he founded RL Stephenson Incorporated, building a company that grew into a respected enterprise and creating opportunities for future generations of his family. Equally impressive is Mr. Stephenson's devotion to family. He shared 75 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Helene, and together they raised three children while building a legacy that now includes grandchildren and great grandchildren. Even as he celebrated his 101st birthday, Mr. Stephenson remained active in both his business and daily life, continuing to exemplify the values that have defined his extraordinary journey. Throughout his life, Mr. Stephenson has emphasized the importance of honesty, fairness, and treating others with respect. Those principles, learned in childhood and strengthened through military service, have guided his actions for over a century and continue to inspire those around him. As we recognize Robert Stephenson's 101st birthday, we also celebrate a life well lived. One marked by service to country, commitment to family, professional accomplishment, and unwavering integrity. On behalf of the United States Congress, I extend sincere gratitude for his service and offer my best wishes for continued health and happiness. May his example continue to inspire future generations of Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Charles B. Robertson as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Military Appreciation Month. Dr. Charles B. Robertson served in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman for four years during the Vietnam War. He was on the USS Forrestal in 1967 when it had a fire in the Gulf of Tonkin that took the lives of 134 men. In his second tour in Vietnam, from 1968 to 1969, he was a member of a Military Provincial Health Assistance Program (MILPHAP Team) in Quang Tri, comprising one medical doctor and 15 corpsmen, assigned to medically treat civilians. He subsequently worked for several government contracting companies. At PRC System Services Company, he was the contract manager for the design of the landing strip and conversion of pads 39A and 39B from the Apollo/Saturn program to the Space Shuttle program at Kennedy Space Center. He was later presented with a certificate, signed by John Young and Bob Crippen, with a silk American flag which was on board the first space shuttle, launched on April 12, 1981. At Martin Marietta in Orlando, he became the director of Air-Launched Missile Systems subcontracts after negotiating with the U.S. Air Force to produce the LANTIRN Program. He was responsible for $1.5 billion of a $3 billion contract. He was named "Subcontracts Employee of the Year." He then worked at ICSD Corporation in Poinciana Industrial Park, where he served as director of programs. He later negotiated the sale of ICSD to DBA Systems, Inc., headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, a 5,000-employee company specializing in Electro-Optical and Imaging Systems. He then became the vice president and corporate secretary of DBA Systems. He later negotiated the sale of DBA Systems to Titan Corporation in San Diego, California, and left the company in 1999. During this period, he completed his studies and obtained a bachelor's degree in business administration and economics, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in business management. Dr. Robertson started a custom home-building company in St. Cloud, Florida, in 2000. He subsequently became the president of the Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando, the area vice president of the Florida Home Builders Association, and sat on the Boards of Directors of the local, state, and national Association of Home Builders (NAHB). He was awarded "Contractor of the Year" in 2005 by the local association and was selected by the NAHB to build the showcase home, "The New American Home," on Lake Nona for the 2008 NAHB convention held in Orlando, Florida. On February 20, 2006, the Board of County Commissioners of Osceola County proclaimed February 21, 2006, Charles "Charlie" Robertson Day, honoring him for his commitment to Osceola County. Dr. Robertson also served on other Boards of Directors, including the Education Foundation of Osceola County, the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce, the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce, the St. Cloud Little League, and the Board of Advisors for the College of Engineering at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida. He supports the Museum of Military History in Kissimmee, Florida. He served as an elder at E3 Community Church in Orlando, Florida, and participated in "Kids Beach Club," a Bible-based after-school program that taught elementary children Christian life principles. He also coached many years in the baseball and football leagues in St. Cloud, Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mrs. Carmen Bloom-Harvey on earning the title, "Mrs. East Coast International 2026." Carmen's journey to the Mrs. International stage has been special and unique. Through her platform and influence, she promoted her "Welcome Without Worry" initiative that raises awareness about the seriousness of food allergies, advocates for inclusive practices in schools and public spaces, and helps parents gain the confidence and tools they need to advocate for and protect their children. Her three-year-old son, Charlie, has severe food allergies and experienced anaphylaxis twice. Carmen's advocacy not only helps her son, but every child who suffers from severe allergies to feel safe, included, and understood in school, on sports teams, and elsewhere. In the future, she hopes to work with community organizations, speak at local events, and use her platform to support increased awareness and preparedness regarding food allergy safety. Outside of pageantry, Carmen is a full-time attorney who leads a state school boards association, instructs a group fitness class at a YMCA, and carries the critical roles of mother and wife. Her pageant experience gives her the opportunity to amplify a mission that affects millions of individuals and families, and her advocacy is driven by love of her son and a commitment to creating a world where every child may completely and confidently participate in life. From July 21 to July 24, 2026, Carmen will compete for "Mrs. International" in Chicago, a pageant developed 37 years ago with higher standards than other pageant systems, and the focus of which is to showcase women 21 to 56 years of age, married at least six months, and a resident of the state/citizen of the country she represents. Each contestant has the opportunity to select a platform of her choice, which she spends the year promoting. As a contestant for Mrs. International and a representative of the "Welcome Without Worry" platform, Carmen is proud to stand as a representative of advocacy, leadership, and inclusion for individuals with allergies, highlighting that allergies should not stop them from fulfilling their dreams. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 10th District of Pennsylvania, I am honored and proud to recognize Mrs. Carmen Bloom-Harvey on earning the title of "Mrs. East Coast International 2026," and wish the best in her competition for "Mrs. International" in July. Her focus, platform, and advocacy on behalf of others sets the standard by which all should be judged.