Thursday, September 17, 2026

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an extraordinary milestone for the Lincoln Trail Behavioral Health System. Since opening in 1986, Lincoln Trail has responded to the unique needs of the communities it serves through tailored planning, preparation, and a commitment to developing effective behavioral and mental health solutions tailored to those they serve. Today, we celebrate their 40 years of service. Since its founding, Lincoln Trail Behavioral Health has instituted a variety of programs to support those in need. Most recently, Lincoln Trail significantly expanded its outpatient services to provide patients access to Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) for adults and adolescents addressing mental health and substance use needs, as well as Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). Originally launching dedicated military programming in the early 2000s, Lincoln Trail Behavioral Health continues to provide inpatient and outpatient behavioral health and substance use services for active-duty service members, veterans, and first responders. The facility works closely with military families, including those stationed at Fort Knox and Fort Campbell in my district, and coordinates with military installations overseas to provide specialized behavioral health care for service members stationed across the United States and abroad. For 40 years Lincoln Trail has grown alongside its community, but its commitment to providing help, healing, compassion, and hope remains consistent through their decades of service. I congratulate them on this important milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th anniversary of Betts Industries, a trusted manufacturer in Pennsylvania and across the world. The group, best known for its specialized valves, fittings, and components for tankers and trucks, has been family-owned for more than 100 years. Since its founding, Betts Industries has been committed to meeting the needs of the local community. During its earliest years, the company built equipment to transport petroleum across the state. For 125 years, Betts Industries has centered its mission around being American-made and locally manufactured. While the company has maintained roots within the family, they have continued its legacy by adapting to the newest industrial technologies. Mr. Speaker, Betts is a pioneer in automation, robotics, and high technology manufacturing. The Betts family and its employees showcase the best and brightest across Pennsylvania. I congratulate Betts Industries on this historic milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Pastor Dexter Skepple, Senior Pastor of Speak the Word Ministries to the Well of the House, and to thank him for offering this morning's opening prayer. For more than twenty-five years, Pastor Skepple has served as a faith leader in the United States Virgin Islands, guiding his congregation and our community with humility, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to servant leadership. He mentors our young men, counsels families through hardship, and quietly shows up for the people of the Virgin Islands every day. It is a distinct honor for the people of the Virgin Islands to have one of their own faith leaders recognized here, on the Floor of the House. I thank Pastor Skepple for his ministry, his leadership, his wisdom, and his decades of devotion to our community. May God bless him and his family always.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Prince Hall Freemasonry and join the residents of the City of Deerfield Beach, Florida, in celebrating Prince Hall Day. In particular, I commend the distinguished officers and members of Districts 32, 33, and 34 of the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, Free and Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliated, for their enduring dedication to brotherhood, benevolent service, and civic leadership. The story of Prince Hall Freemasonry is inextricably linked to the ongoing pursuit of equality, self-determination, and justice in our Nation. On March 6, 1775, Prince Hall and fourteen other free Black men--Peter Freeman, Benjamin Tiber, Duff Bufform, Thomas Sanderson, Prince Payden, Cato Speain, Boston Smith, Peter Best, Fortin Howard, and Richard Tilley--were initiated into Freemasonry at Castle William in Boston Harbor. Facing exclusion from local lodges following the American Revolution, Prince Hall petitioned the Grand Lodge of England, which issued a charter on September 29, 1784, establishing African Lodge No. 459--the first independent Black Masonic Lodge on American soil. From those foundational beginnings, Prince Hall Freemasonry expanded across the country, becoming a bedrock of civil rights leadership, education, mutual aid, and community strength. Since its establishment on June 17, 1870, the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, Free and Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliated, has carried forward this distinguished mission across the Sunshine State. Today, under the principled leadership of The Honorable Gus Harris, Jr., 20th Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Grand Lodge of Florida remains a powerful instrument for positive change. Furthermore, I recognize Right Worshipful Randy L. Reddick, Jr., District Deputy Grand Master, whose administration over Districts 32, 33, and 34 exemplifies the core Masonic virtues of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. The brethren of Districts 32, 33, and 34 serve as vital pillars throughout Broward County and South Florida. Their continuous work in supporting local families, aiding widows and orphans, providing youth mentorship, advancing academic scholarships, and uplifting the residents of Deerfield Beach deserves our highest praise and gratitude. It is my pleasure to recognize Prince Hall Freemasonry and to join the City of Deerfield Beach in celebrating Prince Hall Day. I congratulate Grand Master Gus Harris, Jr., District Deputy Grand Master Randy L. Reddick, Jr., and all the members of Districts 32, 33, and 34 for their extraordinary contributions to Broward County, the State of Florida and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Daniel Elizalde for his incredible service and contributions to Virginia's 1st District and to our Nation. Daniel joined my office in September 2025 after spending two and a half years as a Policy Analyst at the Bipartisan Policy Center. Earning a bachelor's degree in economics from Rollins College and a master's in public policy from American University, Daniel displayed an early commitment to civic leadership and service. During his time in my office, Daniel served as my Energy Policy Fellow and quickly distinguished himself as an indispensable member of my team. He played a vital role spearheading numerous legislative efforts across a wide array of topics such as energy, transportation, and national security that all delivered tangible results for the people of Virginia's 1st District, the Commonwealth, and our country. Throughout Daniel's time as my policy fellow, he consistently demonstrated remarkable intelligence and an unwavering work ethic. He faced every task with a thoughtful approach and a genuine desire to help his colleagues and constituents. Daniel's willingness to offer his insightful advice and expertise greatly contributed to the success of our team. His knowledge and guidance made him a mentor to staff and interns alike, helping to foster a collaborative and supportive work environment. His kindness, leadership, and integrity have left a lasting impact on my team. While his cheerful presence will be missed, I am confident he will continue to thrive in this next chapter. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Daniel Elizalde for his dedicated service to Virginia's 1st District and to our Nation. May God bless Daniel as he embarks on this exciting new chapter, and may he continue to excel in all that he does.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 308; YEA on Roll Call No. 309; NAY on Roll Call No. 310; NAY on Roll Call No. 311; YEA on Roll Call No. 312; YEA on Roll Call No. 313; and YEA on Roll Call No. 314.

Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 297, I mistakenly voted Nay when I intended to vote Yea.