- Record: House Floor
- Section type: Recognition
- Chamber: House
- Date: May 14, 2026
- Congress: 119th Congress
- Why this source matters: This section came from the House floor portion of the record.
Mr. Fine of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. FINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. John Browning, Jr., a distinguished member of the Putnam County community who shows that leadership and civic duty are a full-time job.
During his time in the United States Army, Mr. Browning learned unique skills, such as teamwork and leadership, that has led to his business success.
After earning his associate's degree at St. Johns River State College and bachelor's degree at Florida State University, Mr. Browning began running multiple businesses in Florida, including his family's ranch and the oldest restaurant in Florida, Angel's Dining Car.
He was then appointed by former President George H.W. Bush to the National Council on Surface Transportation and the White House Advance Team.
Later, Mr. Browning became the senior vice president of political affairs for the Goodman Company, headquartered in West Palm Beach. His work aims to support real estate investments that center around commerce and energy grid initiatives.
John Browning, Jr., served Florida with humility, attentiveness, and an understanding of the Florida community, and I have enjoyed working with him since I first got elected to the Florida legislature in 2016. He embodies the very best of American citizenship, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing his remarkable contributions.
We Thank Our Firefighters
Mr. FINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bravery and resilience of Putnam County's firefighters and first responders and the county's tremendous leadership on combating one of the county's worst wildfires in recent years.
I also thank St. Lucie County Fire District for sending their firefighters all the way up to Putnam to help extinguish our fires.
train, have been raging for weeks now, destroying roughly 4,700 acres of land. The devastation has strained resources and forced hundreds to evacuate from their homes.
tremendous hard work of our firefighters and emergency responders, the fire is now 95 percent contained as of today.
the sacrifice they make to our communities. It ensures our neighbors are safe and
- grandchildren to grow and to prosper.
together to contain this disaster, including to President Trump and FEMA for approving the State's request for Federal funds to help fight against the railroad fires.
- for the people of Putnam County back home.
Honoring Carol Peters
Mr. FINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the spectacular work and commitment of Carol Peters within the agricultural community of Florida's Sixth Congressional District.
Mrs. Peters is the owner of Slow Turtle Farms in beautiful Eustis, Florida. From her humble plot of land, she has transformed a dairy operation into a jewel of the Eustis community.
Carol Peters is no stranger to hard work. For years, she and her husband have faithfully stood as owners, operators, and tenants of their operation. Their farm is not just a simple pastime. It is an all- encompassing adventure that demands a level of perfection and quality. Through their efforts, Slow Turtle Farm wears the distinct badge of a USDA Grade A dairy farm.
farm and apply her expertise to the future of my constituents in Florida's Sixth Congressional District. Investing into our future farmers and ranchers, Mrs. Peters now holds classes showing students how to raise, breed, and invest within their own livestock.
focus on, but she has made it a priority to keep that tradition alive. Working alongside the county Future Farmers of America and 4-H program, she has ensured the future of Florida's agriculture is in good hands.
role of the agriculture industry and where Florida's youth fits within this puzzle.
I also recognize a major achievement of Mrs. Peters and her students winning best in show for their prized doe goat.
Mrs. Peters serves her community with insight, attentiveness, and humility. She embodies the very best of American citizenship, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing her remarkable contributions.
Recognizing Police Week
Mr. FINE. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure as a Member of Congress to recognize and honor the heroes of Florida's Sixth Congressional District that keep our cities, roads, and great State safe.
we stand together to honor the brave men and women in blue who continue to protect our communities. Every day law enforcement officers put their lives on the line and continue to sacrifice home life and their safety for the American people.
police officers understand that I and the rest of Florida's Sixth Congressional District will always have their backs.
badge. Each officer has chosen to put their personal safety aside, swearing an oath to protect, serve, defend, and uphold the people and the laws of the United States. It is time our Nation places those who protect us at the forefront of efforts and give them the same honor they so humbly choose to serve our Nation with.