[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 1, 2020)] [House] [Page H2987] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PROVIDING RESOURCES TO REOPEN SAFELY The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Spano) for 5 minutes. Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, the overwhelming majority of constituents in my district are eager to get back to work, and I believe it is Congress' duty, our duty, to ensure that our citizens have the necessary resources to reopen in a safe and responsible way. That is why I am proud to have introduced two bills that focus on this very need. The SAFE at Work Act would create a tax credit for businesses that allow their employees to work from home. This not only protects employees and employers against the spread of COVID-19 but also encourages employers to create telework opportunities for those most susceptible to the virus. I also introduced the KEEP Act, which supports the President's push for a 3-month payroll tax holiday. This initiative would allow millions of Americans to keep more of the money that they already earn, thus providing critical capital to weather this crisis without involving Federal bureaucracy. No government program, no matter how generous, can replace a functioning economy. These measures would support hardworking Americans' efforts to get our economy back on track, so I urge their immediate adoption. Highlighting Border Wall Effectiveness Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to lend my voice to the fight to protect our Nation by securing its borders. Since arriving in Congress, I have stood by the President and his efforts to protect our children from traffickers, dealers, terrorists, and other criminal elements by building a wall. For decades, our porous borders have threatened our national security, and it wasn't until President Trump took office that our government took this threat seriously. Just how effective has the wall been? It is a fact that nearly 1 million people were stopped at the U.S.- Mexico border in 2019, but in the last 12 months, illegal immigration has been down 84 percent and illegal crossings from Central America are down 97 percent. It is a fact that President Trump has deported over 6,000 MS-13 gang members. And it is a fact that this barrier between the countries is helping stop the flow of illicit drugs. Nearly 450,000 pounds have been seized this year alone. For far too long, too many have ignored the facts, but I haven't, and I will continue doing everything I can do to keep Florida 15 residents and its businesses safe. Honoring Sergeant Andrew Bosko Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Andrew Bosko, a Lakeland, Florida, World War II veteran who is 98 years young. Andy was born in Ohio, raised in Pennsylvania, and one of 13 children of immigrant parents from Austria and Czechoslovakia. He entered the Army Air Corps in 1943, assigned to the VII Fighter Command in Hawaii. In 1945, the command was reassigned to Iwo Jima, which had been seized by Marine units, to provide emergency landing fields supporting bombing operations against Japan. Meanwhile, his wife and true love, Sophia, was supporting the war as a Rosie the Riveter. Yet, they still found time to write to each other each day. Following the war, Andy worked as a machinist in New York and later launched some of Lakeland's favorite restaurants. Andy, you, together with your bride of 74 years, represent the greatest of our Greatest Generation. You experienced economic and social turmoil and a World War, and then you rebuilt our Nation into the greatest on Earth. It is our honor to serve you, as you, for so many years, have served us. Saluting Ella Erickson, Veteran of the Month Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the inspiring story of a World War II veteran from Lakeland, Florida. At 100 years young, Ella Erickson is a unique personification of what heroism is about. Raised in Wisconsin, she joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943. Following basic training, she reported to Marine Corps Headquarters here in Washington, and for the next 2 years, Staff Sergeant Erickson maintained the records of Marine prisoners of war. Discharged at the end of the war, Ella married and began her family and career. While holding demanding jobs at Wheaton College and as a nurse caring for the ailing, she also found time to be a supportive wife to international evangelist Victor Erickson and raise four children, two of whom went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force. She has been a hero to the sick and to our Nation and an even greater one to her family. She epitomizes what heroism is all about, sacrificial service. Thank you, Ella. Thank you for serving us and showing us how to live well. On behalf of Florida 15, I salute you. ____________________