- Record: House Floor
- Section type: Floor speeches
- Chamber: House
- Date: March 24, 2026
- Congress: 119th Congress
- Why this source matters: This section came from the House floor portion of the record.
Mr. Bean of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, sometimes the best way to preserve the past is to prepare for the future. That is exactly what has happened in Nassau County, Florida.
Environmental Protection Agency with not one, but two national awards for the American Beach Water and Sewer Conversion Project, earning distinction for both community engagement and innovative financing. Out of the thousands of projects across the country, Nassau County, Florida, stood out in two categories.
unique and important history. American Beach on Amelia Island, Florida, was founded during a dark time in history: segregation. It was a place where Black families could gather, rest, and build community along Florida's First Coast. That legacy still matters today, making the success of this project all the more significant.
This effort, Mr. Speaker, wasn't just about the infrastructure. It was about doing the job the right way: listening to residents; many community engagements; respecting the community's history; and delivering modern, safe, and clean-for-the-environment reliable systems that will serve families for generations.
It is especially near and dear for me. I was in the State legislature some 6, 7 years ago when this project first started, and I was instrumental in bringing in the State of Florida as a partner for this project.
the county commissioners: Commissioner John Martin, Commissioner “Hupp” Huppman, Commissioner Jeff Gray, Commissioner Alyson McCullough, and Commissioner Klynt Farmer. The Nassau team also was recognized, including County Manager Taco Pope, Brandy Carvalho, and Amy Bell, and the many others, Mr. Speaker, that worked together to make it happen.
Mr. Speaker, Nassau County didn't just complete a project. They set a standard, and I am happy that the Nation is now taking notice.
Is It Real or Is It Fake
Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, we have all been there before, watching a video online, and we pause to ask, is this real or is this fake?
What if, Mr. Speaker, there was a way that would tell us instantly? Is there a way to know is this fake or is it real? Hold your phone, Mr. Speaker. Help is on the way because today, I am proud to announce a group of students from the free State of Florida who are helping meet this challenge with creativity and skill.
- App Challenge from Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville.
- They are: Sushaan Kandukoori, Jackson Miller, Avaneesh Parvathareddy,
- and Grishma Madukuri.
uses—get this—artificial intelligence to instantly verify the accuracy of any video content—and here is the kicker—without the users having to leave the platform they are already on.
the team created a tool that empowers users to make informed decisions, learn the truth, and promotes greater digital literacy. Their work is a clear example of how students and student innovation can drive real- world impact and strengthen our communities.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Sushaan, Jackson, Avaneesh, and Grishma for their dedication to responsible information sharing and powerful use of technology.
Mr. Speaker, the next time someone sees a video and says: Is this real? Be confident that smart kids from northeast Florida are helping us find the truth.