Monday, October 26, 2026

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Reverend Wilner Maxy, a well respected religious leader, and dedicated community and international activist, who has served as an inspiration and beacon of hope for Haitian-Americans and Haitian Immigrants in South Florida. Reverend Maxy is one of the founding members of Emmanuel Haitian Baptist Church, which was established in Miami, in 1973. He was appointed pastor of the church in 1983. Under his leadership, the congregation has grown from 200 members to over 1,300, and the church has become an integral part of the surrounding community. During the 1980's, Reverend Maxy assisted thousands of Haitian refugees, arriving in South Florida, with housing and job assistance. He created a scholarship program that has helped dozens of young men and women attend Seminary College. Reverend Maxy has expanded the church's outreach programs to include the support of eight churches and three schools in Haiti. Reverend Maxy has been a driving force in the community surrounding Emmanuel Haitian Baptist Church and because of his efforts to fight crime and drugs, he has been awarded the key to the City of Miami. Reverend Maxy has also has been recognized for his achievement and contributions with the designation of April 1, 2011, as Reverend Wilner Maxy Day, by the City of North Miami. In addition to his participation in numerous community service organizations, Reverend Maxy has served as a dedicated liaison between Miami-Dade County's religious communities, and local and statewide governments. Please join me in honoring Reverend Wilner Maxy for his commitment, dedication and service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 175th anniversary of Pluckemin Presbyterian Church in Bedminster Township, New Jersey. For one hundred and seventy-five years, the church has supported Christian families from around New Jersey. Since its establishment in 1851, Pluckemin Presbyterian Church has served as a cornerstone of spiritual fulfillment through Sunday Worship, and a variety of community annual events that bring families together. Under the leadership of Rev. Ian Rankine and Rev. Dr. Maureen Paterson, the church continues to embrace traditional Presbyterian values while creating space for new ideas. This year's milestone celebrates Pluckemin Presbyterian Church's enduring dedication to service. Their commitment to a wide range of spiritual, social and charitable programs enables new and old members alike to thrive within a supportive environment. Their themed services and holiday concerts create and celebrate genuine connections with church members and the community. Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincere gratitude to Pluckemin Presbyterian Church for their unwavering dedication to enriching and uplifting New Jersey's Christian community. Their 175th anniversary stands as a significant milestone in our state's faith and cultural history. We celebrate their rich legacy knowing that the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church will continue to bless and uplift the community for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and thank Sydney Powers of Brookings, South Dakota, for more than four years of dedication and service to the people of South Dakota. Sydney was a vital member of my policy team. Due to Sydney's hard work, persistence, and skill in navigating complex legislative challenges, the Center for Effective Lawmaking ranked me the most effective lawmaker on tribal issues and third most effective on transportation issues in the 118th Congress. While I have never served on the House Committee on Natural Resources, my office became the go-to office for tribal legislation thanks to Sydney's strong relationships with the committee and her dedication to advocating for South Dakota's nine tribal nations. During the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations process, she worked closely with committee staff and tribal leaders. Her work helped secure a significant 34 percent overall increase in tribal law enforcement funding in the House Interior and Environment appropriations bill. I am most proud of Sydney's work on the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act. After much collaboration between two tribal councils, the bill was first introduced in 2023. The House passed it unanimously, and it was signed into law on December 19, 2025, just days before the 135th anniversary of the massacre. Sydney's success extended to the Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees, where several bills she drafted advanced through the legislative process. She also helped organize a behavioral health roundtable at a critical time for our state, and stakeholders continue to praise it. I'm grateful for Sydney's years of service to the people of South Dakota and for her commitment to public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a true patriot, Mr. Frank Blankenship of Waco, Kentucky. Mr. Blankenship, a veteran of the United States Army and the United States Air Force, celebrated his 101st birthday on October 16th. Mr. Blankenship was born in Burdine, Kentucky on October 16, 1925. Burdine is located in Letcher County, in the heart of Kentucky's coal country. To avoid working in the coal mines and looking for a better life, Mr. Blankenship enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 15, fudging about his age as other young patriots did at the time. He enlisted on April 9, 1941. He was stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii when Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941. He remained with the Army throughout World War II in the Pacific Theatre, being honorably discharged on August 17, 1945. Mr. Blankenship re-enlisted on February 5, 1948, this time joining the newly formed United States Air Force. He served with the 2750th Air Base Wing stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. He was an Aircraft Mechanic Foreman and an Airplane Inspector II. Mr. Blankenship retired as Chief Master Sergeant on November 30, 1963, and was honorably discharged. Mr. Blankenship went on to work for the Bluegrass Army Depot (MRSA) as a civilian. He retired again in 1987. He married the late Judy Blankenship in 1969 and they have three children; Randall (deceased), Pamela, and Mark. Frank Blankenship is a true patriot, a great American, and an inspiration to us all. I am forever grateful to him and his fellow soldiers who sacrificed so much in service to our nation. They are indeed the Greatest Generation. It is my honor to recognize his service and his 101st birthday before the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tricia Brunson on her retirement after nearly 30 years with the Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce. Since 1996, Tricia has been a driving force behind the growth of our local business community. From helping build the Chamber's headquarters and visitors center to supporting local businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic, she has spent her career bringing people together and making Northwest Florida stronger. Tricia's commitment to this community extends far beyond her work at the Chamber. Through her service to our schools, military installations, public safety organizations, and disaster relief efforts, she has made a lasting difference in the lives of the people she serves. Tricia believes there is room for every business to succeed, and she has spent nearly three decades turning that belief into action. Northwest Florida is better because of her leadership, dedication, and commitment to helping others. I thank Tricia for all she has done for our community and congratulate her on a well-deserved retirement. I wish her all the best in this next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary milestone for a cherished New England institution: the 100th anniversary of Rocky's Ace Hardware, a family-owned business that has served generations of customers with integrity, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to our community. Rocky's Ace Hardware began on March 6, 1926, when founder Rocco "Rocky" Falcone opened a hardware store in Springfield, Massachusetts, on the corner of Main and Union streets. From its inception, the store has reflected Rocky's belief that a hardware business should do more than sell tools; it should help people solve problems. One century and four generations later, it is that philosophy that has continued to guide the company. When the Great Depression struck, Rocky adapted by transforming the store into "Rocky's Rental," ensuring that local families who could not afford to purchase equipment could still access the tools they so desperately needed. This spirit of innovation and sense of community is what enabled Rocky's to earn the trust and loyalty of generations of customers. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Rocky's evolved into a trusted neighborhood hardware store, known not only for its products, but for the knowledgeable employees who offered advice, guidance, and a friendly face. It wasn't long until Rocky's son Jim and his daughter Claire took over the business, helping to further grow the company while remaining true to the values instilled by their father. Today, under the leadership of Rocco's grandson, Rocco Falcone II, and with the dedication of the fourth generation of the Falcone family, including Johnny Falcone, Rocky's has grown to 50 stores across America. The company now employs more than 850 team members, each committed to the same values that Rocco established a century ago. Despite its growth, Rocky's has never lost sight of its roots. It remains proudly family-owned, community-oriented, and steadfast in its mission of helping people solve problems. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Rocky's Ace Hardware on this milestone anniversary. For 100 years, this establishment has exemplified the best of American small business--resilience, innovation, and a commitment to service--and the Falcone family stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a business remains true to its values. We wish them and their dedicated employees continued success for the next hundred years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Sharing & Technology Enhancing Local Library Access (STELLA). Since its founding in October 1986, STELLA has fostered increased cooperation and resource sharing among independent public libraries in New Jersey. Over the last four decades, STELLA has grown into a consortium of 44 member libraries serving communities across Union, Middlesex, and Monmouth Counties. STELLA has enabled its member libraries to provide New Jersey residents with broader access to library resources, services, technology, expertise, and educational opportunities, all while maintaining their individual identities and connections to their local communities. Representing 1.4 million residents across six Congressional Districts, STELLA plays a vital role in providing equitable access to information, educational resources, cultural opportunities, and lifelong learning. I wish to express my gratitude for the library professionals, trustees, volunteers, and communities whose commitment to public libraries has created new opportunities for learning and innovation. I commend STELLA for its four decades of collaboration and service to New Jersey communities, and I am confident it will continue its vital work for the next 40 years and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable member of the Summit County, Colorado, community and World War II veteran, Mr. Stuart Gordon. Affectionately known as "Boot," Mr. Gordon celebrated his 102nd birthday earlier this year. He has led a remarkable life as a veteran, educator, author, artist, and mentor to generations of Coloradans, and he has enriched the Summit County community by living life to the fullest and bringing others along for the ride. Mr. Gordon's story of service to our country began long before he made Colorado his home. He served as an Air Force fighter pilot during both World War II and the Korean War, flying with three different fighter squadrons. He earned his nickname "Boot" after jumping out of an Air Force plane during training; his parachute malfunctioned and opened seconds before he would have hit the ground at 130 miles per hour, causing his boots to fly off his feet. Mr. Gordon's military service was a formative experience for him, and he continues to attend the annual Memorial Day ceremony in Dillon, Colorado. We are honored that Mr. Gordon shares lessons from his military service with younger generations of Coloradans. In the 1970s, Mr. Gordon settled in Silverthorne and hand-built his legendary home, which is nicknamed the "Foam Dome" for its 15 interconnected igloo-like domes. He quickly became part of the fabric of the local community. He taught English, history, and the arts, and he has spent much of his life on the slopes as a ski instructor. He taught himself to ski at five years old, and he found himself at home in the beautiful mountains of Summit County. Even in his retirement, Mr. Gordon has continued to prioritize connection with his community. He has accomplished everything on his personal "adventure" bucket list (such as traveling in a hot air balloon, swimming in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and visiting the Great Wall of China), so now he's embarking on a second bucket list focused on helping others. He has shared his unique home with more than 100 different tenants. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Gordon and thanking him for his service to our country and to the Summit County community. At 102 years old, Mr. Gordon has witnessed an extraordinary amount of history, but he has also helped make a little bit of history himself. I am grateful that he has chosen to make Summit County his home, and I am proud to represent him in Congress. Boot, thank you for your service, your contributions to our community, and the example you continue to set for all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the nomination of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Nobel Peace Prize by former Liberian President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. For more than six decades, USAID represented the best of American leadership abroad. Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, the agency helped prevent famine, combat infectious diseases, strengthen democratic institutions, and rebuild communities devastated by war and natural disasters. Its work saved millions of lives and advanced the cause of peace around the world. President Sirleaf knows the importance of that work firsthand. As Liberia emerged from a devastating civil war, USAID helped restore essential services, rebuild democratic institutions, and support the country's recovery. During the Ebola epidemic, USAID helped Liberia confront another national emergency by coordinating response and relief efforts. In her nomination, President Sirleaf describes the agency's contributions to her country's recovery and to international development over more than six decades. USAID's accomplishments extend far beyond Liberia. The agency played an essential role in the global campaign to eradicate smallpox, the Green Revolution that dramatically expanded agricultural production, and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which has saved millions of lives. Through Food for Peace and the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, USAID helped prevent humanitarian catastrophes before they occurred. Its investments in education, women's economic empowerment, and democratic governance strengthened societies and addressed the root causes of conditions that can contribute to conflict. These achievements were made possible by generations of dedicated public servants, including thousands of Americans from Northern Virginia who devoted their careers to advancing our country's humanitarian and national security interests. This nomination comes at a consequential moment. The Trump administration's dismantling of USAID has disrupted lifesaving programs, undermined decades of American investments, and weakened our nation's ability to respond to humanitarian crises. The consequences will be felt by vulnerable communities around the world and by the United States, which has long understood that preventing instability abroad is essential to our security at home. The Nobel Peace Prize recognizes those who advance peace among nations. USAID's history demonstrates that peace is not achieved through diplomacy alone. It is also advanced when children survive preventable diseases, families have enough to eat, democratic institutions take root, and communities recover from conflict. Mr. Speaker, I commend President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for nominating USAID for the Nobel Peace Prize. I also recognize the generations of USAID employees and humanitarian partners whose service made this nomination possible. Their work represents an extraordinary American contribution to the cause of peace, and their legacy deserves to be preserved and honored.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to to include in the Record a proclamation recognizing and honoring Dr. Ed Braynon, Jr., a life-long community servant, role model and mentor of West Park: Whereas, During his sixty eight years of membership in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Braynon has served as basileus (president) of Sigma Alpha Chapter (five years); Florida State Representative (four years); First Vice Seventh District Representative (Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi) four years; Seventh District Representative (three years); First Vice Grand Basileus (three years); Grand Basileus (three years); Whereas, Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church's outreach ministries have for decades extended a helping hand to those in need and restored hope and dignity in their darkest hour; Whereas, Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church's open door policy, since its founding, has provided a place of worship for anyone seeking the Word of God; Whereas, Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church is rich in tradition and history, and has played a major role in shaping the City of West Park and fostering relationships between the church, the community and local government; Whereas, Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church continues to be a beacon of light, hope and faith in South Florida; and Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson, a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, commend Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Newell D. Tucker and for its commitment, dedication and service to God, the City of West Park and South Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues, Mr. Finstad of Minnesota and Mr. Davis of North Carolina, in introducing the "U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan Act" to formally establish and codify in U.S. law a voluntary program to be administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for pork farms, pig breeding facilities, and swine producers to certify that herds meet rigorous standards to prevent, detect, and respond to animal diseases, and to allow for greater marketability of U.S. pork products in international markets. The U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan, known as "U.S. SHIP," was established in 2020 as a voluntary Federal-State-Industry pilot program using grant funds awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The pilot program enables covered swine facilities to receive certifications upon meeting certain biosecurity, traceability, and surveillance standards for African Swine Fever and Classical Swine Fever. Modeled on the National Poultry Improvement Plan, which has successfully served the poultry industry since 1935, U.S. SHIP is a producer-driven program governed from the ground up that now includes participation by 38 States. The House of Delegates, composed of producers appointed by their State pork producer associations and of State animal health officials, votes each year on updates to the program's standards, which are then reviewed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for adoption. African Swine Fever and Classical Swine Fever are two of the most devastating swine-specific foreign animal diseases threatening the U.S. domestic pig supply, international trade markets, and the livelihoods of American pork producers. If either disease were detected in the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates approximately 76 million domestic pigs would be at risk. African Swine Fever has already reached the Western Hemisphere, with confirmed cases in the Dominican Republic and Haiti in 2021. Neither disease poses a risk to human health or food safety, but the economic consequences of an outbreak would be immediate and severe. Since its establishment, the U.S. SHIP pilot program's certification framework has helped hog farmers in selling healthy and trusted swine and pork products both domestically and internationally. The bill I have introduced with my colleagues today, which is a companion to S. 4893 in the Senate, amends the Animal Health Protection Act to build upon the U.S. SHIP pilot program's success by Congressionally authorizing the program and institutionalizing it within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The bill would also set up the program to address not only African Swine Fever and Classical Swine Fever but any other disease that may surface in the future and threaten the American swine industry. Additionally, the bill would establish a Federal advisory committee to provide recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on program administration and to study problems related to swine health more broadly and to recommend ways the Secretary could assist the swine industry in addressing such problems whether through the U.S. SHIP program or otherwise. Notably, a Federal advisory committee has been key to the long-term success of the National Poultry Improvement Plan, and it is essential for U.S. SHIP to function as intended. By increasing certainty for and expanding the U.S. SHIP program, Congress can support swine facilities in receiving health certifications and strengthen the marketability of domestic swine products. In doing so, we would bolster our Nation's agricultural trade economy and help protect animal health, public health, and the security of our food supply by preventing future animal-disease outbreaks, a true "One Health" approach. Further, by establishing the U.S. SHIP program, creating certifications, and enabling excess U.S. pork to reach international markets, we create a mechanism to increase global demand for U.S. pork and increase income for American pork producers. Just as important, U.S. SHIP is a business continuity tool. In an outbreak, farms that cannot document their biosecurity, animal movements, and disease surveillance risk being locked in place, unable to move healthy pigs to market or to the next stage of production, with animal welfare and financial consequences that can compound by the day. Certification builds that record before a crisis arises so that regulators can quickly distinguish healthy herds from affected ones and keep commerce moving. A common national standard also gives trading partners with the United States a stronger basis to recognize disease-free regions of the United States rather than closing their markets to all U.S. pork. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, roughly one quarter of U.S. pork production is exported abroad, valued at more than $8 billion each year in recent years. Protecting that international market access protects the price every American pig farmer receives. For Ohio, this is not abstract. Ohio's 2,500 pig farmers raise pigs on 3,500 farms, many of them family farms in Northwest Ohio, and they are a major customer for Ohio corn and soybean growers and support jobs in feed mills, packing plants, trucking, and veterinary practices across our State. Ohio pig farmers have been active in U.S. SHIP since the pilot program's inception, and together with our State animal health officials, they continue to help write and refine its standards through the program's House of Delegates. That's one of the reasons why I am stepping forward to introduce this legislation with my colleagues. This legislation also provides important protections for American consumers, Should an outbreak of African Swine Fever or Classical Swine Fever occur in the United States, export markets could close overnight, the prices paid to farmers would fall sharply, and herd losses would ultimately disrupt the supply of an affordable, nutritious protein and raise costs for American families at a time when they can least afford it. Our consumers, our pork producers, and all those involved throughout the supply chain would be harmed. This legislation is about prevention and minimizing the risk of such harm. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation whether through the pending Farm Bill, another appropriate vehicle, or as a standalone measure. I urge my colleagues, including the leadership of the Committee on Agriculture, to support it. I thank my constituents, including Mr. Kevin Stuckey of Hicksville in Defiance County, Ohio, for raising issues important to the swine industry, such as U.S. SHIP, and for his service as a member of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Pork Producers Delegate Body.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Louis Concezio Vitola, a World War II veteran whose life reflects the values of patriotism, faith, hard work, and devotion to family. Born on October 23, 1926, in South Philadelphia, Louis was the second of four children born to Italian immigrants. After leaving high school to help support his family when his father became ill with cancer, Louis worked at Heppenstall Steel Mill and Baldwin Locomotive, contributing to the production of equipment essential to our Nation's wartime efforts. While working, he continued his education through evening classes and earned his high school diploma. At just 18 years old, Louis was drafted into the United States Army on February 7, 1945. He served during World War II and the postwar occupation of the Philippines and Japan, witnessing the historic events surrounding the end of the war. Assigned to the 77th Infantry Division and later to a medical detachment, he served as a dental hygienist, helping care for his fellow service members. He earned the Expert Infantry and M1 Rifle badges, the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. He attained the rank of Technical Sergeant and was honorably discharged on November 27, 1946. Following his military service, Louis built a successful career in the men's clothing industry. He and his beloved wife, Mary, shared 72 years of marriage and raised six children, whose families grew to include 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. After living in Pennsylvania for much of their lives, they moved to Florida before returning to Pennsylvania in 2003 to be closer to their extended family. Louis also remained active in his community through his involvement with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Throughout his life, Louis demonstrated remarkable resilience, maintaining an active lifestyle well into his later years and cherishing his faith, friendships, and family. His enduring love for his country and his commitment to those around him stand as a testament to the character of the Greatest Generation. Although Mary passed away in 2025, the legacy they built together lives on through their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Louis Concezio Vitola for his honorable service to our Nation during World War II and for a lifetime defined by perseverance, patriotism, faith, and devotion to family. May we express our deepest gratitude for his service and celebrate the extraordinary legacy he continues to leave for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael (Micah) Lamb of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and his selfless service to our community in the fight to help the marginalized and less fortunate of our communities. Micah is a high school senior in the Mechanicsburg Area School District, with a passion for service to those in need. On any given day, 12,000 individuals find themselves homeless in Pennsylvania. Rather than simply talking about the challenge, Micah acted. During the summer of 2026, he created the Pennsylvania Provisions Project. Micah's goal was to collect 500 essential items to support individuals experiencing homelessness. He needed the support of locals and reached out to ask. Among those that answered his call were Merakey, the Mechanicsburg Marching Band, Delta Dental, Penn Credit, and the firms of Rolka Loube, along with many other generous contributors. Through his tireless diligence, Micah far exceeded his 500-item goal; the Pennsylvania Provisions Project collected more than 2,000 items for the most vulnerable in our communities. Micah donated these essential provisions to A Miracle 4 Sure, a Harrisburg service organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals and their families whose lives have been impacted by negative life experiences, including homelessness. For Micah, seeing the generosity of his community come together to make a difference in the lives of people they may never know, was the most impactful part of his service project. As the colder months approach, Micah will continue his selfless service to our community by collecting blankets for Community Cares, a homeless support group in Carlisle that recently opened a new facility to address the increasing need for housing. Micah has benefitted as much or more from this project as have individuals in need. He stepped outside of his comfort zone, learned how to advocate for a cause, sought and developed contacts, requested direct assistance, organized donations, and shepherded the project to his overachieving end goal. He learned that leadership isn't about having a title; it's having the passion, drive, and courage to take action, make a difference, and putting service before self. Mr. Speaker, I'm honored and privileged to commend and recognize Micah Lamb on his tireless service, generosity, and calling to our most vulnerable. His actions and character set the standard by which all should be judged.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the success of the Charles Addams Heritage Trail and its important contribution to the cultural heritage of Westfield, New Jersey, during this historic 250th anniversary year. Charles Samuel Addams, the world-renowned cartoonist, was born in Westfield on January 2, 1912, and lived in the community for much of his early life. The streets, historic homes, civic buildings, and local landmarks of Westfield helped shape the creative imagination that would later captivate audiences around the world. The Charles Addams Heritage Trail preserves and celebrates that remarkable connection. The 1.5-mile recreational route invites residents and visitors to walk, bike, or ride through the Westfield neighborhoods that influenced Addams during his formative years. Along the way, participants encounter historic architecture, the Revolutionary War-era Presbyterian Church burial grounds, the Reeve House Museum, the Kimball Avenue Historic District, Addams's longtime Elm Street home, and the former Westfield High School that he attended from 1926 through 1929. The Trail offers more than a journey through the life of a celebrated artist. It provides a year-round, self-guided experience that connects art, architecture, local history, and community identity. It allows each new generation to better understand how the places that surround us can inspire creativity and leave an enduring mark on American culture. This initiative also reflects the power of partnership. The Trail was supported by the New Jersey Historical Commission, the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, the Town of Westfield, Downtown Westfield Corporation, the Tee & Charles Addams Foundation, and AddamsFest, together with dedicated local officials, historians, organizers, and community members. As our Nation commemorates its 250th anniversary, the Charles Addams Heritage Trail reminds us that America's story is preserved not only in great national monuments, but also in local streets, schools, homes, burial grounds, and communities. Westfield's thoughtful preservation of the places that influenced Charles Addams ensures that this distinctive chapter of our cultural history will continue to educate, inspire, and delight. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the success of the Charles Addams Heritage Trail and commending all those whose vision and dedication have strengthened Westfield's cultural heritage and preserved the legacy of one of America's most original artistic voices.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor one of South Florida's most respected and heralded educator and community activist, Susie Beatrice West Francis. Not only was she a beloved mother, wife and sister, but she was dearly loved and respected by the community. She gave of herself selflessly, always there to lend advice and a helping hand. Susie Beatrice West Francis' teaching career started at D.A. Dorsey Junior-Senior High, where she taught home economics to black students. After desegregation, she taught at Westview Middle School. She was known for her elegance, poise and signature white gloves. Mrs. Francis along with Maude K. Reid and Mayme E. Williams founded The Links Greater Miami Chapter. The volunteer organization helps in civic, corporate and community initiatives. As a Link and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporate, Mrs. Francis raised funds for charity, helped establish scholarships for students, took care of the homeless and helped provide for mothers in need in other countries. Mrs. Francis was married to the late Daniel Francis who was the editor of the Miami Tropical Dispatch, a weekly newspaper for the black community distributed in Overtown. They have one daughter, DanySu F. Pritchett. Mrs. Francis was born in Jacksonville to a father who was a barber and a mother who was a seamstress. Mrs. Francis was raised in Tampa along with seven siblings. She attended Florida A&M University where she graduated with a bachelors' degree in education. I am honored to pay tribute to my Soror and Link sister, Susie Beatrice West Francis' life and legacy. I thank her for her unwavering dedication and commitment to her students and this community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Arcada Theatre of St. Charles, Illinois, as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since opening its doors on September 6, 1926, the Arcada has been a landmark in downtown St. Charles and an enduring part of the Fox River Valley's cultural and entertainment history. Built by St. Charles philanthropists Lester and Dellora Norris, the Arcada was designed by architect Elmer F. Behrns in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. At a cost of approximately $500,000, the theater was an ambitious undertaking for a community of about 5,000 residents. Its ornate architecture and 1,009-seat auditorium were designed to provide audiences with an experience comparable to the grand theaters of Chicago. The Arcada's opening on Labor Day 1926 drew visitors from throughout Northern Illinois, including Chicagoans who traveled to St. Charles by special train. The theater quickly became known for silent films and Vaudeville performances. Its stage welcomed nationally recognized entertainers, including George Burns and Gracie Allen, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, and the John Philip Sousa Band. As entertainment evolved, the Arcada adapted as well, becoming a venue for stage productions, concerts, comedy, and other live performances. Beyond the performances held within its walls, the Arcada has played an important role in the life of St. Charles. For generations, residents and visitors from throughout the Fox Valley have gathered there to celebrate, enjoy entertainment, and create lasting memories. Its designation on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 further recognizes its architectural and historical significance. In 2005, Ron Onesti and Onesti Entertainment took over operation of the Arcada, helping usher the historic theater into a new chapter. Through renovations and the addition of Club Arcada, the theater has continued to evolve while preserving the character and history that have made it a St. Charles landmark. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize this remarkable milestone and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Arcada Theatre on its 100th Anniversary. For a century, the Arcada has enriched the cultural life of St. Charles and the greater Fox River Valley, bringing generations together through entertainment, history, and shared experiences.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Robert W. "Bob" Molt, Sr., a beloved member of the Worcester community, longtime golf coach at the College of the Holy Cross, and dedicated mentor to generations of student-athletes, on the occasion of his posthumous induction into the Holy Cross Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame. For more than four decades, Bob Molt was synonymous with golf at Holy Cross. From 1976 until his retirement in 2017, Bob served as head coach of the men's golf program, and from 2000 to 2013, he also led the women's team. Over those 41 years, Bob built successful teams, but more importantly, he built relationships that lasted long after his players left Mount St. James. Under Bob's leadership, the Holy Cross men's golf team made consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in 1982 and 1983 and won numerous Worcester City Championships. He coached 13 All-Patriot League selections, two New England individual champions, a Patriot League champion, and a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champion. In 2006, his peers honored him with the Gordon McCullough Coaching Award for his outstanding dedication to college golf and his contributions to players, fellow coaches, and the broader golf community. Bob knew the game from every angle. A Worcester native, he attended the University of Arizona on a golf scholarship, captained the golf team, and graduated in 1972. He went on to become a PGA Professional, earning his PGA Tour card in 1982 and competing in tournaments in the United States and overseas. For 22 years, he served as Director of Golf at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, and he later owned and operated the Solomon Pond Golf Center in Berlin, MA. But statistics and championships tell only part of Bob's story. To Bob, golf was fundamentally a game of integrity. It demanded patience, discipline, perseverance, and doing the right thing even when no one was watching. Those were the lessons he sought to pass along to every young person he coached. His record off the course may therefore be his most impressive: in 41 years at Holy Cross, Bob proudly noted that he never had a student-athlete fail to graduate. When Bob prepared to retire in 2017, he was asked what he would miss most after four decades of coaching. His answer was simple: the student-athletes. That response captures Bob well. His career was never just about golf. It was about people. Former players continued to visit him at the Solomon Pond Golf Center years after they had graduated. They sought his advice, shared stories, and maintained friendships that began when Bob was their coach. For countless golfers throughout Worcester and New England, he was not simply a coach or golf professional, but a teacher, mentor, and friend. Bob was also deeply devoted to his family. Of all the tournaments, championships, and honors he experienced during his remarkable career, Bob once identified two moments as particularly special. The first was receiving the Gordon McCullough Award in 2006. The second was coaching his daughter, Alicia, at the Big South Championship in 2009. Bob passed away on February 26, 2020, at the age of 73. He left behind his wife, Krystina; his son, Dr. Robert W. Mob, Jr.; his daughter, Alicia Molt West; his brother, Karl; his grandchildren, Charlotte, Grace, and Julian; and an extraordinary community of former players, colleagues, students, and friends whose lives were made better by knowing him. This year, the College of the Holy Cross will formally recognize what generations of his players have long understood by inducting Robert W. Molt, Sr. into its Athletic Hall of Fame. It is a fitting honor for a man who devoted 41 years to the College and to generations of its student-athletes. Bob's legacy can be found not simply in tournament results or record books, but in the people he taught, the relationships he built, and the values he passed down. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress and the people of the Second District of Massachusetts, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Robert W. Molt, Sr. on his induction into the Holy Cross Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame and in recognizing a life defined by family, friendship, integrity, and an enduring love for the game of golf.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with my colleagues information regarding a recent event held in my home district. On Saturday, October 17, 2026, I hosted a roundtable in Toledo, Ohio alongside the Democratic Women's Caucus and Chair Teresa Leger Fernandez to shed light on the corruption and abuse perpetrated by Jeffrey Epstein and Leslie Wexner. We must hold these crooks accountable and bring justice to the dozens of victims who suffered at their hands. Lex Wexner is the richest man in Ohio with a net worth of $11.5 Billion. He has been influential across the state, namely with his development of the New Albany community and his large donations to The Ohio State University. Wexner employed Epstein as his financial advisor, thus entrusting him with his entire estate and granting him permission to buy and sell properties and other holdings on his behalf. This status propelled Epstein into wealth and bankrolled his trafficking ring. Without Wexner, there is no Epstein. In bringing together survivors, advocates, and researchers, we amplify the consequences of Wexner's influence in Ohio and elevate the voices of survivors. Epstein survivors Wendy Pesante, Marina Lacerda, and Jena-Lisa Jones participated in the roundtable to share their unique perspectives, as did local Toledo sex trafficking survivors Angela Navarro and Marie Fitzpatrick. Dr. Celia Williamson of the University of Toledo's Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute and former Ohio State Senator Teresa Fedor also participated. I encourage my colleagues to read and examine the following sources:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bishop Walter H. Richardson, a man of God, a well-respected spiritual leader and a beloved husband and father, who is celebrating 49 years as Pastor of The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness), in Miami-Dade County. Bishop Richardson is one of the longest serving pastors in Miami-Dade County. Under Bishop Richardson's leadership, the church has grown to include congregations in Belle Glade, Florida and Valdosta, Georgia. Bishop Richardson is also highly recognized for the work he does in the community through the church's non-profit organization ButIfNot, Incorporated. Bishop Richardson was called to the ministry at an early age. Under the tutelage of his uncle, the late Elder Thomas J. Richardson, the founding pastor of The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness), and Elder Richardson's wife, the late Evangelist M.E. Richardson, a young Bishop Richardson would embody the skills to carry on the legacy begun by his uncle and aunt to lead one of the South Florida's most influential congregations. On November 30, 1946, Bishop Richardson was ordained an evangelist at The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness). He was named pastor of the church in May of 1965 and elevated to the position of Elder in 1967. He was ordained and installed as the first Bishop of The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness) in 1996. Bishop Richardson is the husband of Missionary E.C. Betty Forbes Richardson, the father of Dr. Walter T. Richardson and Elder Alfred J. Richardson, and the stepfather of Clifford J. Forbes and Dobrie Forbes. Please join me in honoring Bishop Walter H. Richardson for his commitment to spreading the Word of God and for his commitment to his congregation, his family, friends, and to our community.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and thank Andrew Rasmussen of Brookings, South Dakota, for his service to the people of South Dakota. Andrew began as an intern in my office and went on to serve as Legislative Correspondent and Press Assistant. He now serves as my Press Secretary. During his time, Andrew spearheaded projects with great impact on our state. Andrew led the office's high school graduation mailer. He worked directly with school administrators to collect addresses, and as a result, more than half of South Dakota's graduating seniors received a congratulatory letter directly from my office. Andrew built an efficient process for drafting and approving constituent correspondence and produced more than 350 letters and updates. He also wrote more than 30 outreach emails, reaching audiences from 200 to more than 60,000 South Dakotans, along with my weekly column. He was competent under pressure, and vital to ensuring I was prepared to communicate my policy goals efficiently and effectively. During the rollout and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, he staffed eleven press interviews in a single day. Andrew is a valuable member of my team and I'm grateful for his service to the people of South Dakota.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize KidsMatter as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. For over two decades as a nonprofit organization, KidsMatter has worked to help young people build resilience, develop healthy relationships, and realize their full potential. Through its commitment to youth mental health, leadership development, and career exploration, KidsMatter has strengthened families and communities throughout DuPage and Will Counties. In the mid-1990's, Edward Hospital sponsored a community-wide health assessment that highlighted the challenges facing local youth. In response, hospital leadership, Naperville community leaders, and volunteers came together to develop a collaborative approach to youth development and prevention. This effort became the Naperville Youth Development Coalition, which received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2001 and later became known as KidsMatter. Guided by its mission to build resilient kids who say "no" to destructive choices and "yes" to endless possibilities, KidsMatter connects young people and families with resources, supportive relationships, and opportunities to thrive. Its programs address challenges including anxiety, stress, substance use, and digital well-being, while encouraging leadership, community service, and career readiness. Through initiatives such as its Collaborative Youth Team and career exploration programs, KidsMatter empowers young people to discover their strengths and prepare for the future. KidsMatter's success reflects the power of community partnerships. By bringing together schools, families, health professionals, public safety agencies, local businesses, and community organizations, KidsMatter helps ensure that young people have the support and opportunities they need to succeed. Its work has received regional recognition, including NBC 5 Chicago's Making a Difference feature in 2024 for its Youth Mental Health First Aid courses and CBS News Chicago's coverage of its Kindness Counts Campaign in 2023. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize KidsMatter on this milestone and ask my colleagues to join me in thanking its founders, board members, staff, and volunteers for their dedication to our young people. Their work demonstrates that when a community invests in its children, it invests in a stronger future for everyone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated public servant for Southern and Eastern Kentucky, Cheryl Meadows, as she retires from the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKED) after 27 years of exceptional service. Since joining SKED in 1999, Cheryl has been rewriting the story of Kentucky's Appalachian region, by sharing successful examples of economic revitalization in our counties that were rarely ever independently covered by journalists across the Commonwealth. As the Communications Director, she has spent nearly three decades highlighting the resilience, ingenuity, and success of local small businesses and entrepreneurs who form the backbone of our Appalachian communities. Her stories have been shared on social media and various news outlets, reviving hope and inspiration for a brighter future in our region. A Knox County native and resident of McCreary County, Cheryl's deep connections in the region fueled her passion for her work, building meaningful relationships with clients, training graduates, funding partners, and community leaders. She has skillfully documented SKED's history, economic milestones and vision for job creation and industry growth in a part of the country that thrives on small business success. Throughout her career, Cheryl played an instrumental role in promoting critical regional initiatives, including the Supplier Education & Economic Development (SEED) Symposium. SKED's annual SEED event connects our rural region's advanced manufacturing companies with prime federal contractors, training them how to become certified to compete for federal contract opportunities and expand their operations. Her tireless efforts have boosted our workforce and inspired more entrepreneurs to reach out to SKED for support and guidance. Mr. Speaker, Cheryl Meadows established a legacy of professionalism, creativity and unwavering commitment to support small businesses across Kentucky's Appalachian region. Few people knew that Cheryl courageously battled cancer during her time with SKED. It was clear that not even cancer could diminish her friendly smile and determination to help others. Her fierce resolve is a testament to the heart of our workforce across the region. I am personally grateful that Cheryl chose to use her wisdom and talents at SKED for the last 27 years. As she begins her well-deserved retirement, I pray that it will be filled with great joy and peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Roots & Routes Indo--US Chamber of Commerce, its Chairman, Dr. Piyush B. Patel, its President, Dr. Pravinchandra Patel, its Founder Director, Mr. Nandkishor Shah, its officers, directors, advisors, and members, and the thirty-four extraordinary young leaders it celebrated at its 30 Under 30 Awards on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the Columbus Civic Center in Columbus, Georgia. I was honored to join them for that memorable afternoon. Mr. Speaker, the name of this organization tells a story. Roots speak of where we come from: a heritage, a homeland, a family, a faith. Routes speak of where we are going: the roads we travel, the bridges we build, the futures we dare to imagine. Roots & Routes was founded to honor both, and to connect Indian and American entrepreneurs, executives, community leaders, and public officials across Georgia in a shared work of business growth and community advancement. Mr. Speaker, every great institution begins with a vision held by one person who refuses to let it go. Mr. Nandkishor Shah saw a community rich in talent, enterprise, and generosity, and he saw that too many of its small-business owners were building alone, without the relationships, visibility, and guidance that success so often requires. He set out to change that, believing that when people, ideas, and opportunities come together communities grow stronger. Together with his colleagues, he has built what the Chamber proudly calls a community of doers, mentors, and bridge-builders across Georgia and beyond. Mr. Speaker, that vision is carried forward by a remarkable board of directors sitting state officials, founding entrepreneurs, and trade advisers, all doing the work of connecting Georgia to India. I commend the Chamber's officers: Chairman Dr. Piyush B. Patel; President Dr. Pravinchandra Patel: Vice President Mr. Ashok Naik; Secretary Mr. Viraj Shah; and Treasurer Ms. Shikara Reddy. I commend its directors: Founder Director Mr. Nandkishor Shah, Mr. Saurin Patel, Mr. Ankit Patel, Mr. Alkesh Patel, Mr. Suresh Kumar, Mr. Rajeev Chauhan, Ms. Lavina Babani, Mr. Parimal Desai, and Mr. Sanket Gandhi. And I commend its advisors: Dr. Nehal Shukla, the Honorable Tricia Pridemore, Ms. Carmen Rice, Mr. Kartik Bhatt, Ms. Missy Kendrick, Dr. Ranjankrishna Aiyer, Dr. Sumul Raval, Mr. Britt Hayes, and Mr. Milind Godbole. They give generously of their time, talent, and resources so that every member has genuine access to mentorship and leadership. Mr. Speaker, the 30 Under 30 Awards were only one expression of that mission. Through its Learn and Grow initiatives, Roots & Routes offers workshops, roundtables, and direct mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. Through its Network and Visibility programs, it builds powerful relationships across the Indo--US business community and gives members real visibility for their enterprises. Through its Advocacy and Trade work, it represents its members on issues that matter and helps them navigate Indo--US trade and expansion opportunities. And through its Community Impact efforts, it builds a supportive, family-like community doing purposeful work. Whether a member is starting a business, expanding an established company, or looking for ways to serve, Roots & Routes helps them find the people, information, and opportunities to move forward. Mr. Speaker, behind each of the thirty-four young honorees is a journey that began long before they were born. Somewhere in a village in Gujarat, a city in Punjab, a town in Kerala, or a neighborhood in Hyderabad, a mother and father made a decision that would change everything. They packed what little they could carry into a few suitcases. They said goodbye to parents they might never see again. They left behind the smell of their mother's kitchen, the sound of their own language in the streets, and everything familiar, and they crossed oceans to a land where they knew almost no one. They came with degrees that were not always recognized and with accents that were not always welcomed. Some who had been engineers and doctors at home started over behind motel desks and convenience store counters, working through the night, seven days a week, so their children would never have to. They missed weddings back home. They missed funerals. They called overseas on crackling phone lines and told their families, "We are fine. The children are doing well." And then they went back to work. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday afternoon, those sacrifices walked across a stage in Columbus, Georgia. Those thirty-four rising Indo--US business leaders were the answer to every prayer whispered in a temple, a gurdwara, a church, or a mosque by parents and grandparents who believed America would keep its promise. They are building businesses, creating jobs, advancing technology, healing patients, and serving their communities. They are proof that the American Dream is not a relic of the past. It is alive, and it is being renewed by every generation willing to work for it. There is an ancient Indian teaching, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means "the world is one family." Roots & Routes lives that teaching every day, building trust between communities that, together, make Georgia stronger. To the thirty-four honorees, I said then, and I say again today for them to never forget their roots. Remember the hands that worked so theirs could reach higher. Call their parents. Thank their grandparents while they still can. As they travel their routes, reach back and open the door for someone else, just as someone once opened it for them. I say to the mothers and fathers, the grandparents, and the elders who filled the room that their tears were not in vain. Their long nights were not wasted. Their children have become everything they've dreamed, and more. That honor belonged to them as well. Mr. Speaker, the great poet Rabindranath Tagore once prayed for a land "where the mind is without fear and the head is held high." On Sunday, in Columbus, Georgia, we saw thirty-four young people standing with their heads held high, and we saw that prayer answered. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife Vivian and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District in commending Chairman Dr. Piyush B. Patel, President Dr. Pravinchandra Patel, Founder Director Mr. Nandkishor Shah, and the officers, directors, advisors, and members of the Roots & Routes Indo--US Chamber of Commerce for their vision and service; in congratulating the 2026 30 Under 30 honorees; in thanking the families who made their journeys possible; and in wishing these remarkable young leaders continued success as they shape the future of Georgia and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record a proclamation recognizing and honoring legendary Reggae superstar Hugh Beresford Hammond, known to his legions of fans and the music world as Beres Hammond: Whereas, Mr. Hammond's distinctive, romantic and soulful style, which was influenced by American soul and jazz music, and native Jamaican artists he grew up listening to in Annotto Bay, Jamaica, has garnered him international notoriety and acclaim; Whereas, Mr. Hammond began singing and performing in local talent shows in the 1970's, and his career has spanned more than 40 years, resulting in numerous hit singles and albums that have topped music charts; Whereas, Mr. Hammond formed his own record label, Harmony Records, in 1985 and released his album "Make a Song," which had two Jamaican chart-toppers and set the stage for his success and recognition in the Reggae music industry; Whereas, Mr. Hammond's 2012 album "One Love, One Life," topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. He has performed with iconic musicians, including Maxi Priest, Wyclef Jean, Buju Banton and Big Youth; and Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson, a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, commend Hugh Beresford "Beres" Hammond for his talent and dedication to his art, and for his contributions the music industry.