Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Katie Porta. Katie has devoted her life to serving the Central Florida community. She is an amazing woman and a source of inspiration to us all.

Katie was born in Indiana as Mary Katherine Hartman. She spent much of her childhood shadowing her mom, a nurse who conducted in-home hearing tests for people with disabilities. The experience of visiting rural homes and serving her community remained with Katie into adulthood and drove her apply to Purdue University, where she eventually earned a degree in speech and hearing. Following graduation, Katie became a speech and hearing therapist initially serving the public school system, and later working with military families stationed in Japan through the Department of Defense. Katie's service was rewarded with a new position in Germany, where she supervised an initiative that assisted servicemen as they transitioned from the military back into society.

After her time in Germany, Katie accepted a job working with mentally disabled children at the Sunland Center in Tallahassee. She was shocked by the hospital conditions and immediately resolved herself to becoming a powerful advocate for the disabled. One of Katie's first opportunities to serve as that advocate came in form of legislation: a bill of rights for the developmentally disabled. Katie fought to secure these rights--rights that are now enshrined in Florida law. As Katie says, the developmentally disabled ``have the same needs you and I have . . . People don't want to be treated down; they want to be treated up.''

Katie later took over Life Concepts, Inc. a non-profit organization that operated group homes, sheltered apartments and vocational training for adults with developmental disabilities (who had previously lived in large state institutions). She spent time visiting state institutions to personally meet the individuals who would be discharged into their assigned community homes. Katie said she wanted to make sure that the settings Life Concepts provided would meet their individual needs. The non-profit had few resources, so Katie worked hard to develop relationships with Florida legislators and stakeholders to ensure that her clients could count on quality care. Her quick wit, persistence, and passion for her clients earned her a reputation for getting things done.

Katie also served her community as Chairwoman of the Orlando Utilities Commission and in her capacity on other community boards, such as the City of Orlando's Nominating Board, the Orange County Membership Advisory Board, and the Heart of Florida United Way. Katie's love for her community is reflected in her two children, Michael and Stephanie. Stephanie is a community organizer in Central Florida and demonstrates the same commitment to equality and justice that her mother has shown.

Katie's work has earned her recognition in Central Florida. In 1996, she was presented with the Distinguished Leadership Award by the National Association of Community Leadership. In 2000 she was recognized as one of the ``Top 10 Central Florida Women Who Mean Business.'' In 2003, our local public radio station, WMFE, called her the ``Can-Do Woman of the Year.'' Last month, our local newspaper named Katie the ``Central Floridian of the Year'' for her lifetime commitment to serving our community.

I want to recognize Katie for creating a legacy of care and compassion for the voiceless--and as an inspiration to those of us who dream of serving our community.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I enter these remarks into the Congressional Record of history for my friend, and Central Florida's hero, Katie Porta.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding member of the Central Florida community, John Colacchio. Mr. Colacchio is an 89-year-old veteran of the Second World War who recently participated in an Honor Flight. The Honor Flight for the 2nd Infantry Division from World War II was a one-day event in which veterans flew to Washington, DC and visited the memorials to their fallen comrades. A native of Long Island, New York, Mr. Colacchio worked in the rail industry before serving our country. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mr. Colacchio voluntarily joined our armed forces. He bravely fought with the Army's 2nd Infantry Division in historic battles including the Invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Colacchio served with distinction for two years and nine months overseas, earning a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.

After leaving the armed services, Mr. Colacchio returned to his job at ATO Operations Railroad and worked there for another 34 years. In 2008, after the passing of his beloved wife, Mr. Colacchio moved to be near his only child, in Celebration, Florida. His daughter, Barbara, is a Marine Corps veteran and served as Honor Guardian on his recent Honor Flight.

Mr. Colacchio sacrificed greatly to help our country in a time of need. He served with dedication and bravery and has remained active in the veteran community. It is my pleasure to recognize his accomplishments and contributions to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights for their victory in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl. UCF is the youngest school to compete in a Bowl Championship Series game. Despite being considered a 17-point underdog against their opponent, Baylor University, the UCF Knights won the Fiesta Bowl with an impressive 52-42 victory. Since its founding in 1963, UCF has become a prominent institution capable of competing on a national level in all aspects of university life. This most recent victory is a milestone for UCF, and a great way to celebrate the school's 50th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of Central Florida (UCF) on its 50th anniversary. Founded as Florida Technical University, UCF has grown to prominence over the past 50 years. UCF is now the second largest university in the nation, educating almost 60,000 undergraduates and graduates each year.

UCF continuously strives for academic excellence. U.S. News and World Report ranks UCF as a top ``up-and-coming'' university, while The Princeton Review rated UCF as one of the best values in the country. UCF is also home to world-renowned programs like the Institute for Simulation and Training and the College of Optics & Photonics, both of which are leading the way in their respective fields.

Under the direction of President John C. Hitt, UCF recently opened its College of Medicine in Lake Nona Medical City. The medical school, in partnership with other research institutions in the Medical City, promises to make Central Florida a destination for medical research. The College of Medicine joins the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, located near the region's most popular attractions, in providing specialized education to UCF students. UCF has become ``America's Partnership University,'' working closely with governments, nonprofit organizations, and industry to prepare students for their chosen careers.

UCF is also committed to achieving diversity and accessibility. UCF students come from all 50 states and 148 countries. The University's student body is comprised of a minority population of nearly 40 percent, and 10 percent of students are adult learners. To increase accessibility, the college offers numerous online courses, including 69 entirely web-based degree and certification programs.

Perhaps fitting for a university on the rise, the UCF Knights recently won their first Bowl Championship Series (BCS) game, the 2014 Fiesta Bowl. They are the youngest university ever to win a BCS game.

It is my pleasure to recognize UCF for its accomplishments over the last 50 years. I congratulate the hard-working faculty and outstanding students that make UCF a destination for our nation's best and brightest young minds. Go Knights!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding program for young

adults in Central Florida and throughout the state. The Professional Opportunities Program for Students, Inc. (POPS) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization founded by Florida State Senator Gary Siplin in February, 2001.

Senator Siplin had a dream to provide summer job opportunities to high school students in his community and he began that dream with five students. As the need for jobs increased, the graduation rate of students in the community began decreasing. Senator Siplin realized he needed to do more for these young people.

In 2008, POPS received a grant from the Department of Education to provide a year-round program that included mentorship, life skills workshops, community service, and paid internships to 200 students in Orlando, Florida. By 2010, POPS had grown to serve over 400 students and six additional cities: Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Pahokee/Belle Glade, St. Petersburg, Bartow/Lake Wales, and Ft. Lauderdale.

The mission of POPS is to provide personal and professional development for teenagers who face social, economic or environmental barriers that may impact the quality of their lives. POPS' work is rooted in collaboration among students, parents, schools, and community and business leaders.

The primary goal of the POPS program is to motivate diverse at-risk students to complete their high school education and prepare them for future success. POPS strives to reduce some of the at-risk factors through mentoring, counseling, character education, money management, and workforce development training. To achieve these goals, POPS focuses on assisting students in the completion of high school, motivating them to pursue an advanced education and obtain gainful employment.

The POPS program helps monitor demonstrable gains in academic achievement as well as increased attendance and graduation rates. POPS staff and mentors work to help achieve reduction in disciplinary actions and dropout rates and to increase engagement of students in education, cultural, and career experiences.

Through mentor relationships, improved parental involvement, and on- the-job-training and career exploration, the POPS program helps prepare students for college and entry into the workforce.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to recognize Florida State Senator Gary Siplin and the POPS program for their invaluable contributions to Florida's youth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize the public service of Zoraida Rios-Andino. Zoraida was born in East Chicago, Indiana. Her passion for social justice started when she was studying at Saint Joseph's College where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Education. As a student, she was the founder of an organization called ``Palante'' and was the assistant director of a college TV program, ``Know Your Community,'' which informs Latino students about issues affecting the Hispanic community. She is the proud mother of her two children Carolina Raquel and Gilberto Antonio. Her pride and joy is her granddaughter Analiz Diana Balderas.

In 1979, Zoraida moved to Puerto Rico and worked for several community services companies. In 1986, she returned to Indiana and began advocating for the rights of the Puerto Rican and Latino community. She served as President of Madre Atrevete Muevete Ahora (MAMA) and Secretary of the Latino Historical Society. She was also active with the Northwest Indiana Voter Registration and Education Foundation, United Citizens Organization, and United Farm Workers. Zoraida was the co-founder and President of the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women and received their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000. She also received the Roberto Clemente Community Service Award from the Northwest Indiana Coordinating Counsel.

After moving to Florida with her family, Zoraida became the founder and President of the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women's local chapter in Orlando. She is also a member of the Asociacion Borinquenia and La Casa de Puerto Rico. In 2008, she got involved with various social justice groups and served as Vice President for Frente Unido 436 and Vice President of the National Council of Puerto Rican Rights. She is also involved with the Black, Latino, Puerto Rican Alliance for Justice and is founder and co-director of the Orlando chapter of the National Congress of Puerto Rican Rights. She is currently working on her project ``Boricua,'' a tool to unite the worldwide Puerto Rican community.

I am happy to honor Zoraida Rios-Andino for her public service to the Hispanic community.

Mr. Speaker, I submit the following.

Recognizing the Career and Accomplishments of Leticia Diaz

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize a great leader in the Central Florida community.

Leticia M. Diaz, a native of Cuba, is one of the founding faculty of Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law and was appointed dean in 2007. During her tenure as dean, the law school has emerged as a leader in legal education in Florida, featuring nationally recognized Moot Court and Trial Team programs, a growing faculty, and a $7 million expansion of its campus with the opening of a 32,400-square-foot Legal Advocacy Center in 2011. Diaz is the first Cuban-American female to hold the position of dean at an ABA-accredited law school in the United States.

Under Dean Diaz's leadership, Barry Law School's student enrollment has increased nearly 40 percent--from 571 in 2006 to 793 in 2013. Diaz was instrumental in launching the Summer in Spain study abroad program in 2009. Under her leadership, the school has opened three centers: the Juvenile Justice Center, the Juvenile Life Without Parole Defense Resource Center, and the Center for Earth Jurisprudence. The school's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has been honored eight years in a row by the American Bar Association for its service to the community.

Diaz's publications range from analysis of the FDA's role in consumer protection to environmental law with a focus on consumer health. In 2009 she spoke at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government on international piracy issues, with an emphasis on environmental law.

Her professional involvement includes serving on the ABA Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights and Responsibilities. She has taken a leadership role on Hispanic issues, including penning an article on the DREAM Act that was entered into the Congressional Record in December 2010 and hosting a White House Hispanic Action Summit at the law school in September 2011. She and alumni met with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor in December 2011 when the inaugural group of Barry Law graduates was sworn in to practice before the Supreme Court. Diaz is also a past member of the Board of Directors of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando.

Diaz was listed as one of 25 influential Hispanics in Central Florida in a 2012 issue of Vision magazine, a publication of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando. She received the Outstanding Hispanic Female in the Legal Field award at the inaugural Hispanic Women Who Make the Difference Awards in 2008 and earned the ``Leading Lawyers'' recognition from the South Florida Business Journal in 2009. In 2013, Diaz was named Outstanding Female in Education during La Prensa's Mujeres Destacadas awards.

Before joining Barry's faculty, Diaz practiced law in the areas of personal injury, toxic torts, and workplace chemical exposure, while teaching part-time at the law school. She currently teaches in the area of environmental law, environmental justice, toxic torts, and product liability.

Diaz earned her Juris Doctor degree at Rutgers Law School in New Jersey in 1994. Prior to entering law school, she earned her PhD in organic chemistry from Rutgers University. She spent two years as a postdoctoral research chemist at Hoffman-LaRoche in New Jersey, where she primarily worked on the synthesis of anti-HIV compounds.

Dean Diaz has brought together leaders from throughout the country to the Central Florida area to discuss the important issues of the day and has convened meetings and events that bring together varying perspectives on issues that affect our community. Central Florida is a better place for the work and leadership that Dean Diaz has provided to our community.

I am happy to honor Leticia M. Diaz, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her service and her work to educate, train, and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.

Recognizing the Contributions of Zulma Velez-Estrada

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize Zulma Velez-Estrada, an outstanding Central Floridian who has dedicated her life to lifting up the voices and pioneering the causes of Hispanics.

Zulma Velez-Estrada was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Management from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus and her Master's Degree in Finance Management from American University, Puerto Rico. Zulma began her professional career at Health Care Manufacturing Industries in Puerto Rico. She was also a Management Consultant for the Energy and Environmental Research Studies Department for the University of Puerto Rico for three years until she decided to migrate to Florida in 1991.

Moving to Florida was a significant change for her and her five children. Since moving to Florida, Zulma has dedicated her life to working with her community. She became a Governmental Operations Consultant and began doing Community Outreach for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Osceola County. Zulma developed and coordinated a Community Awareness Program with the goal of empowering frontline staff and engaging communities in Osceola and Orange counties. She also organized the first Hispanic Leaders Meeting with the Department of Children and Families and developed their Hispanic Media Database. Zulma coordinated the participation of Osceola County employees at their first 150k Meals Packing Event for underprivileged Osceola County children. Zulma also coordinated the first Pastor's Seminar on Domestic Violence in Osceola and Orange counties in cooperation with the DCF and domestic violence prevention organizations.

Zulma was the Hispanic Outreach Coordinator for the Democratic Party, Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) Interim Manager, and Director for the Non-Partisan Education and Registration Program ``Que Nada Nos Detenga'' for the PRFAA. Under her leadership, 63,000 new voters were registered from 2003 to 2004. While at PRFAA, Zulma also developed the First International Voting & Education Festival at Lake Eola Park in Orlando.

Ms. Velez-Estrada worked for four years as International Business and Trade Specialist for the Metro Orlando International Affairs Economic Development Commission, where she worked with the Latin and Hispanic European markets, lead business missions and hosted international governmental and private industry representatives, and found new businesses opportunities for Central Florida. She developed and implemented the International Export Roadshow and counseled over 125 companies on how to export products abroad. She also developed Trade Missions to Venezuela, Chile, Argentina, and Puerto Rico.

Zulma has helped increase Hispanic participation in elections. She managed political

campaigns for state Senators and Commissioners. Zulma also served as the feminine voice on the first non-partisan radio program in Osceola County directed toward educating the Spanish speaking Community on political issues. She has also worked as a volunteer on the presidential, gubernatorial, congressional, and state representative election campaigns as well. She was elected Secretary of the Osceola County Democratic Party, and is an active member of the Orange County Democratic Party.

Zulma has been honored with awards from Estrellas Cristianas Ministries for Chaplain of the Year, Tu Revista Mujer as one of the ``Eleven Most Distinguished Women,'' the Florida Department of Children and Families for Community Partnership, Impacto Newspaper as a ``Pioneer of the Past Shining Today,'' Hispanic Women Assembly, LULAC, United Third Bridge, and the Santa Maria Municipality of Peru for Outstanding Service with Twin Cities Development.

I am happy to honor Zulma Velez-Estrada, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her service to the Central Florida Hispanic community.

Recognizing the Contributions of Jose La Luz

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize Jose La Luz, an educator and an advocate for workers' rights.

A native of Santurce, Puerto Rico, La Luz comes from a working-class family and spent his primary years living on the Island. La Luz credits his grandfather, a self-made merchant in the mountain town of Ciales, and his mother, a rural school teacher who nurtured and educated poor children in nearby barrios, with being his role models and instilling a sense of compassion and justice in him. They inspired La Luz to advocate for workers' rights such as better wages and working conditions as an adult.

While growing up in Puerto Rico in the 1950s and 1960s, La Luz's grandfather used to take him to the tobacco, coffee and sugarcane fields in Puerto Rico where he witnessed firsthand the plight of poor Puerto Ricans who were toiling these fields to earn their meager livelihoods. Having seen the poor conditions under which workers lived and worked, La Luz began to understand the importance of advocating for the human rights of those who had no voice. The fight for basic rights and justice for all people, no matter who they are or where they are from became his life's passion.

La Luz attended the University of Puerto Rico where he studied social sciences before receiving a sports scholarship from the YMCA and transferring to Springfield College in Massachusetts. He is a graduate of SUNY's Empire State College with a Bachelor's degree in Labor Studies. He also has a Master's Degree in labor studies from Rutgers University.

Widely recognized as a labor strategist and intellectual, La Luz has served as a Visiting Labor Leader in residence at Cornell University. He has also written white papers on organizing strategies in labor unions, and served as an instructor in the Labor Studies Programs at Michigan State and Rutgers University. He became a Wurf Fellow in the Kennedy School State and Local Government Program at Harvard University in 2007. In 2011, La Luz received a lifetime award for his distinguished career as one of America's outstanding labor educators from the United Association for Labor Education.

During his college years, La Luz was involved in the Students for a Democratic Society, and spoke out on issues such as the Vietnam War. He also became involved with local Puerto Rican Farm Workers organizations in the Tobacco Valley in Connecticut and Massachusetts. As a community organizer, La Luz helped secure new rights for migrant workers in the area by putting public pressure on the Labor Department of Puerto Rico and denouncing the deplorable conditions that the migrant workers were working under. He also helped merge the local farm workers with Cesar Chavez's United Farm Workers of America.

Among La Luz's most recent achievements is the restoration on May 17, 2011 of public worker rights in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico Law 45 had been nullified by the passage of a new fiscal austerity law, Law 7. Law 7 effectively suspended collective agreement clauses in an effort to repress public employees and strip them of collective bargaining rights. Law 7 also caused the layoffs of over 19,000 public sector employees in Puerto Rico and aggravated an already dismal unemployment rate. La Luz was fundamental in speaking out against the injustices by insisting on the need to restore bargaining rights for public workers. La Luz made the case for the restoration of rights as he led a grassroots lobbying campaign along with other union leaders and the President of Puerto Rico's Senate. His efforts resulted in the passage of Law 73 which restored the employee contracts and rights that had been suspended by Law 7.

It is with great honor and pride that I honor Jose La Luz's exemplary contributions to workers' rights and the Hispanic community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Work and Family Month. As a father of five, I understand the constant struggle faced by American families to balance their work and family life. Policies that promote work-life balance can, and have, helped to create healthier, more flexible work environments.

Today's families are increasingly likely to include two working parents. In addition to caring for children, a number of working-age adults face other demands on their time such as caring for an aging parent. To meet the needs of a modern workforce, many companies have created work-life programs to assist employees in balancing their jobs with their personal commitments.

Studies show that both employees and employers benefit from work-life flexibility programs. Benefits from such programs include increased productivity, recruitment, retention, and employee satisfaction. Work- life initiatives lead to better business, higher employee morale, and healthier families.

In today's economy, public and private employers, including our government, are finding it is not only necessary, but beneficial to support work-life balance. With this in mind, I have introduced the `Paid Vacation Act' (H.R. 2096) to provide workers one week of paid leave annually under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). My bill would provide much needed time off to the one in four Americans, working in the private sector, who do not receive any paid vacation.

Today's employees work longer and harder than ever before. I strongly support policies, like paid vacation leave and sick leave, that allow workers to spend more time with their families, improve their mental and physical health, and ultimately be more productive. We in Congress must take National Work and Family Month as an opportunity to consider how to better promote work-life programs and policies that will benefit working families.

This October, in honor of National Work and Family Month, I encourage my colleagues to acknowledge the positive impacts of a healthy work- life balance on family life and the workforce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible contributions of the Orlando Day Nursery.

Founded in 1921 as an all-volunteer organization, Orlando Day Nursery Association, Inc. (ODN) has provided early childhood care and education services to working-poor families living in Central Florida for 91 years. The Nursery has been recognized as the oldest childcare in the South Eastern U.S. by Childcare Exchange. President George H.W. Bush recognized ODN as the 909th Daily Point of Light Award and America's Promise Alliance honored ODN with the Keeping the Promise Award.

ODN makes a concerted effort at laying a positive foundation for low income preschoolers in order to ward off the negative self-concept and academic problems these children often face. ODN's HighScope curriculum is backed by over forty years of studies proving its effectiveness in preparing at-risk children for school and life. Monthly parenting classes and family activities organized by ODN help Central Florida parents improve their parenting skills and become better equipped to fulfill their role as their child's first teacher.

In order to better care for children outside of the classroom, ODN started an afterschool program in 2011 and a tutoring program in January of 2012. ODN has also initiated an Early Head Start classroom and began offering a transitional kindergarten program for children who are five-years-old but not ready for the public school structure.

ODN partners with many local organizations to meet the needs of its students and their families. The University of Central Florida (UCF) sends nursing students to help track obesity rates at ODN. UCF's Audiology and Speech students also screen all of the children at ODN and provide services to children with speech and language delays. The Winter Park Day Nursery partners with ODN for staff training and curriculum development.

ODN works hard to keep fees low so that no child is left without quality care and early education. ODN provides childcare services for the Salvation Army's homeless shelter, Harbor House, and the Coalition for the Homeless.

The Board of Directors of ODN is a committed group of outstanding citizens that work to achieve ODN's mission: to develop the whole child by providing high-quality, affordable care and early childhood education services in the Orlando area. ODN supports the whole family, as they are the foundation from which our children develop.

I am proud to honor the Orlando Day Nursery for all of its outstanding accomplishments and its contributions to the Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, I submit the following.

Recognizing the Career of Maritza Reyes

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize the accomplishments and career of Maritza Reyes. Mrs. Reyes has done invaluable work as a legal professional and a Latina leader in Central Florida.

Mrs. Reyes is currently an Associate Professor of Law at Florida A&M University College of Law. Mrs. Reyes grew up in Florida. She earned a B.S. in Accounting magna cum laude from Florida Atlantic University, a J.D. summa cum laude from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center, and an LL.M. from the Harvard Law School. She currently serves on the Board of Advisors of the Harvard Latino Law Review. Professor Reyes teaches Civil Procedure, Evidence, Immigration Law, Advanced Topics in Immigration Law, Latinos and the Law, and Professional Responsibility. She also serves as faculty advisor to the Hispanic American Law Students Association. Her areas of research and writing include immigration law and policy, ethics, evidence, federal courts, and Latinos and the law. Professor Reyes is admitted to practice in Florida, as well as before the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida.

Prior to joining academia, Mrs. Reyes worked in the commercial and international litigation groups of Holland & Knight LLP, was employed as a career law clerk and staff attorney in the federal courts, and served as a certified legal intern in the United States Attorneys' Office where she prepared briefs that were filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. She has provided pro bono and volunteer services individually and through the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, Lawyers for Children America, the Florida Democratic Lawyers Council and Children First. Prior to attending law school, Professor Reyes worked for Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies as well as small businesses.

Mrs. Reyes believes in the importance of education as a means to improve individual lives and society in general. At Harvard, Mrs. Reyes served as General Editor of the Harvard Latino Law Review and as External Affairs Coordinator of La Alianza. She held a Harvard Law School Post-Graduate Research Fellowship from 2008 to 2011 and was awarded a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Graduate Scholarship. Mrs. Reyes attended Nova law school on a full-tuition merit scholarship as a Goodwin Scholar, served as Articles Editor of the Nova Law Review, won a Best Brief Award in the Moot Court First Year Appellate Writing Competition and earned membership in the Moot Court Honor Society. She received a Public Interest Pro Bono Award, the Student Bar Association Academic Achievement Award, the National Association of Women Lawyers Outstanding Law Student Award and recognition in Who's Who: American Law Students (2000 ed.). During her undergraduate accounting studies, she was inducted into the Beta Alpha Psi, Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Societies.

I am happy to honor Maritza Reyes, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her accomplishments and commitment to education, public service, and equality for all Hispanics in Central Florida and nationwide.

Recognizing the Career and Accomplishments of Magda Ivette Torres

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize the public service of Magda Ivette Torres within the Hispanic community in Central Florida. She currently serves as a.news analyst and journalist for both WPRD 1440 AM radio and En Agenda News Analysis Talk Show.

Born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Magda Ivette has more than 24 years of combined professional experience in journalism (print, radio, and television), public relations, law, government, teaching, and community affairs. Her work experience began after she graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington and she obtained her law degree from the Catholic University Law School in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Magda Ivette has worked for WOLE-TV, WLEO-AM, WISO-AM, WEUC-FM, the City of Ponce, La Perla del Sur Newspaper, EFE News Agency, Inter American University, legal aide at the Senate of Puerto Rico, Browning Ferris Industries, and Intel Puerto Rico. She also worked as a communication consultant for The Puerto Rico Bar Association

Magda has worked within the Central Florida community to ensure that Hispanic voters are informed and exercise their ability to vote. Since 2003, she has hosted the ``En Agenda'' talk show, a daily news analysis program. Magda has dedicated the majority of her show to analyzing state, local, national, and international news. Magda Ivette collaborates with different organizations and public service institutions to inform her audience about their services and provide solutions to community problems. She regularly writes and assists Hispanics in communicating with courts and government entities. She also assists those with special needs so that they receive appropriate medical care, food, and shelter.

I am happy to honor Magda Ivette Torres, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her dedication to civic engagement and service to the Hispanic community.

Honoring the Life and Service of Rosinin Rodriguez Perez

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Rosinin Rodriguez Perez for her outstanding service to the community.

Rosinin was born in Guayama, Puerto Rico on October 18th, 1937. Her parents were Heriberto Rodriguez and Isabel Perez. Rosinin Rodriguez is currently the Spiritual Leader and Vice-President of Congregacion Mita Inc., the only church founded in Puerto Rico that has expanded nationally to 11 states and internationally to 10 countries in Latin America and Europe.

Rosinin holds a Bachelors degree in Social Sciences with a concentration in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, where she also completed graduate courses in Counseling and Education. Upon graduation, Rosinin worked as a middle school teacher in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, where she taught Spanish and Social Studies. She later worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor helping students finish their vocational education. She also worked for the Social Security Administration in the division of disability determination and later joined the Puerto Rico Department of Education's Youth Opportunity Center. From 1965 to 1971 she worked as a Career Counselor for the Puerto Rico Department of Labor.

Rosinin joined the Congregacion Mita Church in 1962 and lived in the Pastoral House with Juanita Garcia Peraza ``Mita,'' founder of the church. After Juanita Garcia Peraza passed away, Rosinin continued working alongside Teofilo Vargas Sein ``Aaron,'' current President of the church and Spiritual Leader. She was a key contributor to the expansion of the church in Puerto Rico and the United States. In Florida, the church has congregations in Orlando, Ocala, Miami, and Tampa.

Rosinin has distinguished herself by her great moral and spiritual values, hard work, and commitment to the service of others. Rosinin has been the founding member of several church institutions. Among them are: Colegio Congregacion Mita, a school in Puerto Rico, where Rosinin served as its first administrator; El Paraiso Nursing Home, an institution that cares for seniors who are unable to care for themselves due to their physical and/or emotional conditions; and the Office for Counseling and Social Work. This institution provides professional services by certified social workers, psychologists, gerontologists, in matters such as drug addiction, alcoholism, domestic violence, family and marriage relations, physical and/or mental health problems, employment, and housing. These services are available free of charge to members and non-members of the church in all the states and countries where the church has been established, including Orlando, FL.

I am happy to honor Rosinin Rodriguez Perez, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her extraordinary contributions to the Congregacion Mita Church and the communities the church serves in the United States and around the World.

Recognizing the Community Service of Romuald Jose Leydon

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize the career of Romuald Jose Leydon.

Mr. Leydon was born in New York City on August 9, 1965 to Puerto Rican parents. At his third birthday, he was officially adopted by his Irish stepfather and received his last name Leydon. He moved to Puerto Rico in 1973,

when he was eight years old. Raised in both the Puerto Rican and Irish cultures, Leydon committed himself to working for his community and helping it grow.

Mr. Leydon graduated from Margarita Janer Palacios High School in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico where he completed a course of Marketing and Distribution in 1984. He joined the Seminary Bethsaida Inc. in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1990 where he studied Leadership and Theology. He finished his bachelor's and master's degree in 2010 and his doctoral degree in 2012.

Mr. Leydon worked from 1995 to 2000 as a Church Administrator at Bethsaida Inc. He moved to Osceola County, Florida in 2003 where he worked as a Chief Financial Officer at Tones Distribution Group for five years. From 2009 to 2010 he was the President of Operations in Ameriwalk Inc., where he organized various events for non-profit organizations. He is currently the Dean and Professor of Theology at the Christian School Renewal.

Mr. Leydon is involved with the Christian community and strongly supports the Food Pantry ``Pan de Vida'' at the Renewal Church in the Buenaventura Lakes community in Kissimmee, FL. Mr. Leydon has been married to his wife, Ivette Reyes, for over 25 years and enjoys spending time with his son and three grandchildren.

I am happy to honor Romuald Jose Leydon, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his selfless service to the community in Florida's Ninth Congressional District.

Recognizing the Leadership of Tirso Moreno

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tirso Moreno, a leader and advocate of farmworkers and immigrants in the 9th Congressional District in the State of Florida. He has fought to provide farmworkers with a living wage, adequate housing, safe working conditions, and educational opportunities.

Tirso was born in Tamaulipas, Mexico, near the Texas border. At a young age he learned to pick corn and cotton on the family's farm. In 1971, at the age of 17, he emigrated to the United States with his family to do farm work. For 11 years, he and his wife worked as migrant workers, harvesting oranges, grapefruits, and lemons in Florida from November to May, and apples in Michigan from June to October.

In 1976, Tirso joined the United Farm Workers (UFW) union and from 1979 to 1982, he served on the negotiation committee for the collective bargaining agreement between the UFW and Coca Cola/Minute Maid. In 1982, Tirso became the lead organizer for the Farmworker Project of the Office for Farmworker Ministry in Apopka, Florida.

In 1983, Tirso and the Notre Dame Sisters founded the Farmworker Association of Florida of which Tirso is currently the General Coordinator. Under his leadership, the Association expanded in 1992 from a small local group to a statewide organization with more than 10,000 members. FWAF now has four offices throughout Florida, a staff of 25, and a membership of more than 4,000 Latino, Haitian, and African-American families. FWAF provides educational programs, legal assistance, a worker-owned credit union, and a food cooperative.

Tirso is also a co-founder and board member of the Farmworker Health and Safety Institute, and serves on the boards of several other organizations such as the Southern Partners Fund, the Domestic Fair Trade Association, the National Immigrant Farming Initiative, and the Rural Coalition. He has worked to establish international cooperation with immigrants and farmworkers on both sides of the Mexico/United States border. Tierso advocated on farmworkers' behalf in national and international meetings such as the Via Campesina North America and International Gatherings, United States Social Forums, World Social Forums, and the United Nations World Conference Against Racism.

I am happy to honor Tirso Moreno, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his outstanding leadership on behalf of immigrants and farmworkers in my district and throughout the country.

Honoring the Accomplishments of Sheyla Asencios

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize the civic accomplishments of Sheyla Asencios within the Central Florida community. Ms. Asencios currently serves as the Florida Democratic Party Central Florida Hispanic Media and Outreach Coordinator.

After immigrating to the United States from Peru at the age of three, Ms. Asencios was raised in Kissimmee, Florida. Early in her journalistic career, Ms. Asencios worked as a news reporter and magazine writer for the Valencia College weekly newspaper, The Valencia Source and college magazine, Caffeinated. She soon rose to the position of managing editor for The Source, while also working as an intern for Orlando's major newspaper, the Orlando Sentinel and the television news station NBC's Wesh 2 News. As a journalist, she sought to uncover the truth and report on under-represented groups, students, and the Latino community in Osceola and Orange Counties.

Upon graduation from the University of Florida, Ms. Asencios began devoting much of her time to public service. She became a Juvenile Drug Court and Teen Court volunteer in Orange, Osceola, and Alachua counties and worked as a legal and development assistant at the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA). Her ability to foster relationships and her background in public service led to her becoming the OCBA's youngest staff member when she was hired as Marketing Manager. She became the program manager of the bar association's community outreach program, Leadership Law. After only two years of managing the program, Leadership Law won the 2012 LexisNexis Community and Educational Outreach Award, placing the OCBA in the national spotlight. By its second year, the program's financial sponsors nearly doubled, benefiting the OCBA and its sister affiliates.

This past fall, Ms. Asencios took an active role in the 2012 elections, working for State Senator Darren Soto's successful campaign in District 14. Sheyla also volunteers for the Legal Aid Society of the OCBA and is a freelance journalist for South Florida's major metropolitan newspaper, the Miami Herald.

I am happy to honor Sheyla Asencios, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her dedication to serving the Central Florida community.

Recognizing the Service and Leadership of Viviana Margarita Janer

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Viviana Margarita Janer for her service and leadership within her community in Florida's Ninth District.

Viviana was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico and raised in New York City. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Public Accounting and an MBA with academic honors. She currently serves as the Treasurer for the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida.

Viviana has over 20 years of experience in the business world, and currently works as a Senior Manager of Internal Audit at a major Hospitality company. She was a volunteer for President Obama's reelection campaign and acted as a Neighborhood Team Leader holding weekly events within her community. Viviana also had the great honor of introducing President Obama in front of a crowd of 3,000 in her hometown of Kissimmee.

Viviana has volunteered for organizations such as the Destiny Foundation, the Second Harvest Food Bank, Give the Kids the World, Pine Hills YMCA, and the Central Florida Breadbasket. She has also been an advocate for countless social issues and has campaigned for other candidates, including Senator Ed Markey. Vivian is a member of the Osceola County Commission Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, as well as an active member of the Progressive Democrats of America, the Democratic Executive Committee, and the Democrats of Celebration. She is also a founding member of Organizing for Action.

I am happy to honor Viviana Margarita Janer, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her outstanding public service to the Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, I submit the following.

Honoring the Life and Service of Teofilo ``Aaron'' Vargas Sein

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize the life and service of Teofilo ``Aaron'' Vargas Sein, Spiritual Leader and President of the church Congregacion Mita, Inc.

Aaron was born on October 23, 1921 in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. Before his birth, his mother, Concepcion Sein, suffered from a difficult

pregnancy. She promised God that if he would grant her a good delivery and a healthy child, she would dedicate him entirely to His service. Later, her only son was born, healthy and strong, and she named him Teofilo, which means, ``Loved by God.''

Teofilo and his parents were part of the first group of eleven members who alongside Juanita Garcia Peraza ``Mita'' founded the Congregacion Mita Church in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. He began his Ministry at the age of 15 and Mita later changed his name to Aaron. Aaron managed the administration of the church's assets and was also the first preacher, the senior guard, and the lead percussionist of the church's band.

In 1970, when Juanita Garcia Peraza passed away, AAaron accepted the leadership of the Congregation. Under his direction, there has been great expansion of Mita's work in Puerto Rico and in the United States, including New York, Florida, Texas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois, and North Carolina. Internationally, the church is established in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Canada, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, and Mexico. In Florida, there are congregations in Orlando, Ocala, Miami, and Tampa.

In addition to the spiritual work carried out by AAaron, under his leadership, the church carries out many other social missions. AAaron founded several institutions and entities to provide assistance to members and non-members in every location where the church is established, including Orlando, FL. Among them are: the Colegio Congregacion Mita, an elementary through high school established in Puerto Rico; El Paraiso Nursing Home, a center for seniors who are unable to care for themselves; and the Office for Counseling and Social Work.

I am happy to honor Teofilo ``Aaron'' Vargas Sein, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his dedication to the service of others.

Recognizing the Contributions of Maurice Ferre

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Maurice Ferre, a great Floridian.

Maurice A. Ferre was born on June 23, 1935, in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He was the son of businessman Jose Ferre and the nephew of the legendary Luis Ferre, Puerto Rico's Governor and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Honor.

Mr. Ferre served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1967-68 where he was a strong voice for Hispanics and helped create an ever- lasting legacy as a pioneer for the middle class. Maurice Ferre is the highly regarded former Mayor of Miami, where he was elected to six terms serving from 1973-1985. As Mayor, he led Miami through some of its most tumultuous and prosperous times. As the first Puerto Rican born mayor of a U.S. city and the first Hispanic Mayor of Miami, he helped build a world class city and international destination.

From 1993 to 1996, Mr. Ferre was Vice-Chairman of the Dade County Board of Commissioners. He has been active in national political campaigns and was a member of several presidential advisory boards.

Mr. Ferre is currently a Fellow at Princeton University and is writing a book about Hispanic contributions to American culture. Mr. Ferre is one of the driving forces behind the international-domestic, or ``intermestic,'' dialogue, attempting to reach a consensus regarding Puerto Rico's political status from an ``international'' as well as ``domestic'' point of view.

I am happy to honor Maurice Ferre, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his visionary leadership and his contributions to the state of Florida and the United States.

Recognizing the Contributions of Alex Rivera

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize the important contributions of Alex Rivera, a Walmart worker who has made huge sacrifices to help working families in Central Florida. Alex Rivera is a 30-year-old former Walmart worker. He is married with two children, Leah and Alexa.

Alex began working for Walmart in Orlando, Florida, on October 28, 2008. It was only part time, but he was very excited to be working for a major company that promised its employees a great future. He began working in the grocery department for $7.50 an hour. He was happy the first year and learned a lot. His wife also worked at Walmart part time as a Customer Service Manager. During his first evaluation he received a $.50 cent raise and was eventually offered a full-time position.

When Walmart began to drastically cut workers' hours, Alex found it hard to provide for his family. He picked up a second job at a local 7- 11 and had to work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Walmart and then 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. at his second job. His increased hours conflicted with his Walmart schedule, and his manager told him his Walmart job came first.

Alex and his wife had to apply for food stamps and Medicaid due to the low pay and limited hours offered at Walmart. Alex began searching online for other workers that shared these same difficulties. He found OUR Walmart and was connected with OUR Walmart leaders. Alex became a member of OUR Walmart and participated in an event at his store in July 2012.

He began organizing in the store and educating workers on their rights. Management spoke to him and told Alex he was not allowed to do this. Alex felt he was being harassed for his organizing efforts.

In September 2012, Walmart fired Alex in retaliation for his activism. Since then, Alex continues to stand up for Walmart workers. He knows the struggles workers face and wants to ensure that Walmart makes the positive changes needed for current and future workers.

I am happy to honor Alex Rivera, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his sacrifice on behalf of those workers who still struggle for their rights.

Recognizing the Service of the Boriqueneers

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize the 65th Infantry Regiment of the Third Division in the United States Army, ``the Boriqueneers.'' This all-volunteer Puerto Rican unit was nicknamed ``the Borinqueneers,'' from the name Borinquen given to Puerto Rico by its original inhabitants, the Taino Indians.

Puerto Ricans have fought for the United States as far back as the American Revolution. When Puerto Rico became a U.S. Territory after the 1898 Treaty of Paris, a military governor was appointed and soon the United States Army established itself in San Juan. The first body of native troops was authorized in 1898 and on June 30, 1901, the Porto Rico Provisional Regiment of Infantry was organized.

After their return from duty in Panama in March 1919, the Porto Rico Regiment of Infantry was renamed ``the 65th Infantry Regiment.'' During this period, the first Puerto Rican to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Major Luis R. Esteves, was sent to Camp Las Casas to train Puerto Rican officers.

Over 62,000 Puerto Ricans joined the military during World War II, and over 43,000 Puerto Ricans served in the Korean War. Perhaps the Borinqueneers most noteworthy moment was during the Korean War. In August, 1950, the Boriqueneers landed in the port city of Pusan on the southeastern tip of Korea. They were sent into action immediately and joined U.S. forces holding a perimeter against the Communist North Korean invaders. The Boriqueneers played an active role in the U.S. breakout and drive to the north.

While in Korea, the Borinqueneers served in nine separate military campaigns, with hundreds of men giving their lives to serve their country. Once back home, the regiment won four Distinguished Service Crosses, 125 Silver Stars, and was awarded the Presidential Unit Citations and the Greek Gold Medal for Bravery.

Yet, while the Third Division received a presidential citation, the 65th Infantry Regiment did not, and none of its members were awarded the Medal of Honor. In 2013, two bills have been introduced, in the House of Representatives, that would confer the Congressional Gold Medal on the 65th Infantry Regiment.

I am happy to honor the 65th Infantry Regiment, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for its historic service to our nation.

Recognizing the Achievements and Contributions of Roberto Clemente

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage month, to recognize Roberto Clemente for his outstanding athletic achievements and humanitarian contributions.

As the first Puerto Rican to achieve baseball stardom, Clemente worked hard at the game. In his 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, ``The Great One'' proved to be an all-around outstanding player, winning four National League batting titles and leading National League outfielders in assists for four seasons. He was awarded 12 Gold Gloves, selected as the 1966 National League MVP, and named the 1971 World Series MVP. Clemente was also the 11th Major League player to record 3,000 hits.

Clemente's accomplishments raised him to stardom, yet he never forgot his heritage and the prejudice he had faced. He fought for the recognition of his fellow Latino ballplayers, becoming a union leader for the baseball players association and speaking out about civil injustices. He was also involved in many community outreach programs to help inner city kids in Pittsburg, and in the off season, he held free baseball clinics for kids in his home town.

Clemente began managing a Puerto Rican all-star team in Managua, Nicaragua. When an earthquake struck, he began organizing aid and supplies. He died at the age of 37 in a plane crash delivering relief supplies to Nicaragua. Roberto Clemente was posthumously presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Roberto Clemente Walker Congressional Gold Medal, and the first Presidential Citizen's Medal. Each year, Major League Baseball gives out the Roberto Clemente Award to a

player that demonstrates the humanitarian spirit embodied by Roberto Clemente.

I am happy to honor Roberto Clemente, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his achievements on and off the baseball field.

Recognizing the Achievements of Sonia Sotomayor

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize the achievements of the first Latina Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor.

Justice Sotomayor graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University in 1976. While she was at Princeton she received the Pyne Prize, the highest academic award given to an undergraduate at the University. She continued on to Yale Law School where she was the editor of the Yale Law Journal. Sotomayor graduated from Yale Law School in 1979 and passed the bar in 1980. She immediately began working as the Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan.

In 1984, Sotomayor entered private practice, making partner in 1988 at a firm that specialized in intellectual property litigation. While working at the firm she also served on the board of the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, the New York City Campaign Finance Board, and the State of New York Mortgage Agency.

Her pro bono work at the agencies caught the attention of New York Senator Moynihan who recommended her for a seat on the New York district court. In 1992, President George H.W. Bush nominated her for a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and she was unanimously confirmed by the Senate. In June of 1997, President Clinton nominated Sotomayor for a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and she was confirmed to that seat in 1998. While serving in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, Sotomayor began teaching as an adjunct professor of law at New York University and Columbia Law School, while also serving on the Board of Trustees for Princeton University.

On May 26, 2009, President Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor for appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court. Her confirmation by the Senate in August of 2009 made Sonia Sotomayor the first Latina Supreme Court Justice.

As our country continues to become more diverse, Justice Sotomayor serves as a powerful role model for women and Latinos in the U.S. I am happy to honor Sonia Sotomayor, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her many outstanding achievements.

Honoring the Historic Contributions of Juan Ponce de Leon

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize the extraordinary life of Juan Ponce de Leon, Spanish explorer, first Governor of Puerto Rico and discoverer of the great state of Florida.

Ponce de Leon grew up in a small provincial town in Spain. Seeking adventure, he became a member of Christopher Columbus' second voyage to the New World. During that expedition, Ponce de Leon rose quickly in prominence and was soon commissioned by the Spanish King as the First Governor of the newly discovered Puerto Rico. As Governor, he helped to nurture the new and growing island that is now home to so many hard- working Americans.

The adventurous spirit of Ponce de Leon did not die with his appointment as Governor to Puerto Rico. In 1513 he set out on what was to be his most important journey. Traveling with a crew of 200, Ponce de Leon arrived at and named Florida on April 2, 1513. As he continued his journey, Ponce de Leon became the first European to have extensive contact and knowledge of the Floridian peninsula and discovered many of the sights and wonders that Floridians treasure to this day. The discoveries and numerous accomplishments of Ponce de Leon laid the foundation for both my great state of Florida as well as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

I am pleased to honor Juan Ponce de Leon, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his historic contributions to the state of Florida.

Recognizing the Accomplishments of Rita Moreno

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the inspiring career and numerous accomplishments or Rita Moreno.

Rita Moreno has broken new ground for Latinos in the field of entertainment throughout her career. In 1961, she became the first Hispanic actress to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the movie West Side Story. Ms. Moreno is also one of only eleven entertainers in Hollywood to have received all four major entertainment honors: Emmy, Oscar, Tony and Grammy awards.

In addition to film, stage, television and concert commitments, Ms. Moreno fills her spare time by lecturing to various organizations and university audiences on such topics as The Value of Diversity to our Culture, The Power of Language, and A History of the Arts in Film, TV and Theatre. She is also involved with a number of civic and charitable organizations.

Ms. Moreno has served on The National Endowment for the Arts and as a Commissioner on The President's Commission on White House Fellowships. She has also served as a member of The President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.

In June 2004, Ms. Moreno was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush. In 2007, Ms. Moreno was inducted into the California Hall of Fame by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. In 2010, she was awarded The National Medal of Arts by President Obama, as well as the Here I Stand Award for activism in the arts, and the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actresses (HOLA) Lifetime Achievement Award.

I am happy to honor Rita Moreno, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her numerous contributions to the performing arts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize the inspiring career of Vivian Rodriguez. Vivian is the President of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida and the Constituent Field Representative for my office.

She presently holds the position of Vice Chair for the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee and is on the Advisory Board of the Central Florida Community Initiative, an organization acting as a liaison between the Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit and the citizens of Orange and Osceola County. Vivian was the Political Director of Hispanic Outreach for Joe Saunders, Florida House Representative for District 49, contributing to the successful election of one of the first openly gay legislators in Tallahassee. She is also on the Board of Directors for Equality Florida, which advocates for equality and justice for the LGBT community.

Vivian retired from the New York City Police Department in August 2004, after completing twenty-one years of honorable service and achieving the highest recognition within the NYPD Detective Bureau, Promotion to First-Grade Detective. She was assigned to various specialized elite units which included the Intelligence Division, Executive Protection Unit, Dignitary Protection Unit, the Organized Crime Control Bureau, Task Force Mobilization Unit, Recruitment Section, and the LGBT Sensitivity Training Program for all incoming NYPD police cadets. Vivian was the President of the Gay Officers Action League and Secretary to the NYPD Hispanic Society. She has been acknowledged for her dedicated work in public service and has received various accolades within the Hispanic and LGBT community.

Vivian's last assignment in the NYPD was with the Intelligence Liaison Unit. This unit was created after the 911 Attacks in New York City, to combat the global international threat of terrorism in the NYC area. Vivian participated in several counter-terrorism operations to detect and deter terrorist reconnaissance and pre-operational activity to protect the city from future terrorist attacks. Upon retirement, Vivian became a consultant with the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, and several other law enforcement agencies instructing on intelligence and terrorism.

Vivian's greatest accomplishment was meeting her life partner Valerie Finello, who continues to support all her endeavors. Her pride and joy is her loving son, Tyler, who has grown into a fine young man.

I am happy to honor Vivian Rodriguez, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her exemplary career in public service and commitment to equality and justice.

Recognizing the Contributions of Euribiades Cerrud II

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Euribiades Cerrud II for all he has contributed to the city of Orlando.

Euribiades Cerrud II, better known as ``Euri,'' was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on January 26, 1972. Euri was born to an immigrant father from Panama and a Puerto Rican mother. His father was the first person in his

hometown to graduate from high school and grew up to become a world- class oncologic surgeon. His mother was a pediatrician who dedicated herself to care for impoverished children.

After graduating from high school, Euri moved to Orlando, FL, to complete his education. While taking a course at Valencia Community College, he met the love of his life, Karen N. Cerrud-Santos. After completing his associate's degree, he continued his education at the University of Central Florida. While attending UCF, out of his own monthly allowance, Euri paid for the civil engineering degree of a homeless man. He also shared his apartment, on different occasions, with individuals who could not afford a place to live.

Having developed a great interest in pure mathematics, he attended Rollins College on a full scholarship where he completed a bachelor's degree in Mathematics with minors in humanities, physics, chemistry, and business administration. As part of his thesis, Euri developed an advanced equations system that was converted into an interactive computer program for the estimation of dieting, insulin, and food intake of diabetic patients. The program was eventually donated to the National Institutes of Health and modified to program insulin pumps.

After completing his mathematics degree, Euri went to New England Law in Boston to study law. He successfully graduated at the top of his class, while having a newborn with his wife, holding a full-time position at the legal department of the Boston Stock Exchange, and volunteering part-time to teach law to gifted students at a charter program in Boston.

Upon his return to Orlando, Euri has been very involved in the community. He served as a board member of Christian Help providing Christmas gifts and dinners to dozens of families in the community and also as board member of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce during three separate terms. Currently, he serves as Vice-Chair of the City of Orlando Civil Service Board, Advisory Board Member to the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund and the UCF Small Business Development Center, Ambassador to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, member of the editorial board of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Vision Magazine and Chair of Pack 25 of Cub Scouts Troop 25 at Good Shepherd Catholic School. He is also a lecturer to the Orange County Bar Association's Business Law Section.

I am happy to honor Euri Cerrud, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his contributions to the Hispanic community and to Orlando.

Recognizing the Career of Luis M. Martinez-Alicea

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of Luis M. Martinez-Alicea. Mr. Martinez earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from the University of the Sacred Heart in Puerto Rico and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Ana G. Mendez University System, Orlando Campus. During his college years, he worked at the Puerto Rico Department of State as Press Officer.

Mr. Martinez founded Starlight Productions, a nonprofit organization devoted to encouraging talented youth to develop their artistic abilities through training and live musical-theater productions.

In 2000, Mr. Martinez relocated to Orlando to pursue a Master's degree in business. He worked at Walt Disney World and studied Arts Management at the University of Central Florida. Mr. Martinez was also the host of local events, performed as an actor in theater plays, and worked on TV commercials targeted to the Hispanic market. During his personal time off, he served as a volunteer in various community organizations.

Mr. Martinez worked as Marketing Coordinator and Reporter at El Nuevo Dia newspaper. He later served for five years as Director of Marketing & Recruitment at the Ana G. Mendez University System, in which he implemented innovative recruitment and marketing strategies and developed strong community ties to increase corporate branding and diversity.

In January 2012, Mr. Martinez was appointed by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer as Director of Multicultural Affairs, an executive position that promotes the engagement of minority communities, businesses and residents with the city of Orlando. In addition, he serves as the Mayor's Hispanic Spokesperson to local Hispanic and Brazilian media and assists Orlando's Economic Development Department.

I am happy to honor Luis M. Martinez-Alicea, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his many accomplishments and service to the Central Florida community.

Recognizing the Contributions of John Cortes

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize John Cortes for his leadership in the Hispanic community and his many years of service to Central Florida. John has been a valuable member of his community and has worked to better the lives of his family, friends, and the community at large in Osceola County.

John Cortes is a retired New York City Corrections Officer who now serves as the First Vice President for the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida. John was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Puerto Rico where he graduated from high school. He attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York for two years and graduated from the New York City Department of Corrections Training Academy for Disasters. John has lived in Osceola County for the past 14 years with his loving wife, Caridad Cortes.

John is the Precinct Committeeman for the Osceola County Democratic Executive Committee and serves as the Vice President for the Osceola County Democratic Hispanic Caucus. He is also a current member and former president of the Kissimmee Neighborhood Crime Watch, as well as the former president of the Osceola County Democratic Hispanic Caucus. John served on the Social Service Funding Board for the United Way, and on the Board of Parks and Recreation for Osceola County. John is also a graduate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program, and a graduate of the Kissimmee Police Department Civilian Police Academy in Osceola County.

I am happy to honor John Cortes, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his years of service within Florida's Ninth District.

Recognizing the Contributions of James Auffant

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize James Auffant for his leadership within the Central Florida community. James currently serves as the Secretary for the Florida Democratic Party.

James was born in New York City and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He attended American University in San Juan and graduated with a BA in Political Science. After graduating from law school, James moved to Orlando in 1977 with his wife, Lillian. James became a member of the Florida Bar in 1978 and has continued to practice law in Orlando since that time.

James worked for the Legal Aid Society of Orange County and for the Office of the Public Defender before going into private practice in 1982. James is very active in the Central Florida community and is a former board member of Valencia Community College. James was on the City of Orlando's Nominating Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for Orange County, the Minority Business Board of Orange County, the United Cerebral Palsy Board, and the Community Action Board of Orange County. He also acted as Chair for the Florida Bar's Juvenile Rules Committee and currently serves as a board member of the Apopka Family Learning Center. James serves as the State Committeeman for the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee and was the founding president of the Hispanic Community Center in Central Florida, Asociacion Borinquerna de la Florida Central.

I am happy to honor James Auffant, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his service to the Central Florida community and the state of Florida.

Recognizing the Contributions of Wanda Ramos

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Wanda Ramos for her service to the Central Florida community and for her advocacy on behalf of workers and their families.

Wanda Ramos was born and raised in Puerto Rico and is a dedicated wife and proud mother of a 15 year old son. Mrs. Ramos moved to Orlando in 1999 where she became involved in fighting for workers' rights, empowering new voters, advocating for civil rights, and creating awareness about the importance of parental involvement in education.

While working at a retailer, Mrs. Ramos organized workers to achieve better working conditions and better pay. When the unionizing efforts were discouraged by her employer, Mrs. Ramos still managed to accomplish the implementation of safety standards for a better working environment and better pay for workers.

Mrs. Ramos has been an active member of Jobs With Justice where she eventually earned a place on their Board of Directors. She joined the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) and served in various capacities and campaigns to empower and elect Latinos in Central Florida.

Through her involvement with the Family Leadership Institute, Mrs. Ramos has traveled to other states to raise awareness of parental involvement in education by speaking to parents, teachers, and administrators. Mrs. Ramos is also a member of the PTSA, SAC, the OCPS Hispanic Advisory Council.

In 2008, she joined the presidential campaign of Barack Obama performing many duties as a volunteer, including giving a speech to introduce Hillary Clinton when she came to Central Florida to campaign for Mr. Obama.

Mrs. Ramos has advocated for women and children through organizations such as Community Legal Services of Mid Florida (CLSMF) and Legal Advocacy Center of Central Florida (LACCF), where she served as a board member for 2 years.

As a talk show host of a radio program at Latina 1580 AM Radio, Mrs. Ramos gave community organizations and elected officials the opportunity to provide information and create awareness about important issues affecting the community.

I am happy to honor Wanda Ramos, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her many accomplishments and her contributions to the Central Florida community.

Recognizing the Contribution of Chad M. Brandt

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Chad M. Brandt for his contributions to the Central Florida community. Mr. Brandt was born in Melbourne, Florida, in 1970. He is a first generation Cuban-American who has witnessed firsthand the challenges that immigrants face in the United States. He has dedicated his life and career to serve the cause of the immigrants in his community.

Mr. Brandt received a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Florida International University and a law degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, both with honors. He is currently a member of the Florida Bar, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and admitted before the Florida Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Mr. Brandt is the owner and founder of Brandt Immigration, a law firm specialized in immigration law. He devotes a substantial portion of his immigration practice to deportation defense and representing individuals, families, and businesses during interviews and appearances before immigration officials. Additionally, Mr. Brandt assists clients in obtaining temporary visas and permanent resident status.

Mr. Brandt is also actively involved in his community. He is currently a board member of the statewide and the local chapter of the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Hispanic entrepreneurs. He is also a member of the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando. He has lectured on immigration law at the University of Florida Levin College of Law and his articles have been featured in the Orlando Sentinel and Ahora Magazine.

Mr. Brandt currently lives in Orlando, FL, with his wife, Jennifer, and his five children, Chad Jr., Emily, Ethan, Lily, and William.

I am happy to honor Chad Brandt, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his service to the immigrant community in Central Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I submit the following.

Recognizing the Career and Contributions of Maria Luyanda

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Maria Luyanda for her leadership within the Central Florida Hispanic Community.

Maria Luyanda was born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. She attended college at Missouri University and completed courses in accounting at Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She began her career as a teller at Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, where she was recognized for her professionalism and later became assistant manager.

In 1998, Maria was hired by American Airlines Credit Union as manager of the San Juan, Puerto Rico office. During her time at American Airlines, Maria established a loan system to benefit the employees of the Caribbean islands and was soon appointed Regional Director. She was later promoted to Executive Director and became part of the World Association of Credit Unions, as operational adviser. In this position, she had the opportunity to help smaller credit unions organize their operational capabilities and to experience financial growth.

Maria moved to Orlando, Florida in 1998 and served as the assistant Vice President of Banco Popular. In 2004, she started Luyanda Insurance with her son Jose, a company dedicated to looking for innovative products to satisfy the local market. Maria was also the treasurer and vice president of the Hispanic American Professional and Business Women Association and on the Board of the Hispanic Youth Group of Deltona. Maria currently serves as the President of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce and is on the Advisory Board for Polytechnic University's Orlando Campus.

I am happy to honor Maria Luyanda, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her continued leadership within the Central Florida community.

Recognizing the Public Service of Zoraida Andino Rios

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize the public service of Zoraida Andino Rios. Zoraida was born in East Chicago, Indiana. Her passion for social justice started when she was studying at Saint Joseph's College where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Education. As a student, she was the founder of an organization called ``Palante'' and was the assistant director of a college TV program, ``Know Your Community,'' which informs Latino students about issues affecting the Hispanic community. She is the proud mother of her two children, Carolina Raquel and Gilberto Antonio. Her pride and joy is her granddaughter Analiz Diana Balderas.

In 1979, Zoraida moved to Puerto Rico and worked for several community services companies. In 1986, she returned to Indiana and began advocating for the rights of the Puerto Rican and Latino community. She served as President of Madre Atrevete Muevete Ahora (MAMA) and Secretary of the Latino Historical Society. She was also active with the Northwest Indiana Voter Registration and Education Foundation, United Citizens Organization, and United Farm Workers. Zoraida was the cofounder and President of the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women and received their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000. She also received the Roberto Clemente Community Service Award from the Northwest Indiana Coordinating Counsel.

After moving to Florida with her family, Zoraida became the founder and President of the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women's local chapter in Orlando. She is also a member of the Asociacion Borinquena and La Casa de Puerto Rico. In 2008, she got involved with various social justice groups and served as Vice President for Frente Unido 436 and Vice President of the National Council of Puerto Rican Rights. She is also involved with the Black, Latino, Puerto Rican Alliance for Justice and is founder and co-director of the Orlando chapter of the National Congress of Puerto Rican Rights. She is currently working on her project ``Boricua,'' a tool to unite the worldwide Puerto Rican community.

I am happy to honor Zoraida Andino Rios, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her public service to the Hispanic community.

Recognizing the Service of Melissa McGuire-Maniau

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize an amazing woman in my community, Melissa McGuire-Maniau.

Melissa McGuire-Maniau was born in Puerto Rico, raised in Orlando and is a veteran of the United States Air Force. For the last eight years Melissa has been proudly married to her husband, a native of Mexico. Together they have three girls.

Melissa has been at the forefront of the fight for comprehensive immigration reform and has helped build a movement in Central Florida for the rights of immigrants. Melissa's journey in the immigrant rights movement started in 2005 when she began to study her husband's immigration case. After living in the United States for over twenty years, her husband was still an undocumented immigrant facing deportation. Seeking legal status and citizenship for her husband was nearly impossible.

On October 5, 2011, Melissa's husband was taken from their home and sent to a private immigrant detention center in South Florida. Having worked as a volunteer with several immigrant rights organizations, Melissa used her experience to fight back. Thanks to the support and collaborative efforts of the community, Melissa's husband was eventually released. Her husband became a legal permanent resident in April 2013.

Over the last several years, Melissa and her family have volunteered with the National Farm Worker Ministry. Melissa is now the Immigration Chair of the Youth and Young Adult Network of the National Farm Worker Ministry, and serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Florida Immigrant Coalition. Melissa is currently in the Pre-Law Program at Rollins College working towards becoming an immigration attorney in order to continue the fight for justice for all immigrant families.

I am happy to honor Melissa McGuire-Maniau, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her service to our country and her community.

Recognizing the Contributions of Vanessa Hall Ferreira

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize the courage and commitment of Vanessa Hall Ferreira. Vanessa was born and grew up as the youngest of six in Bridgeport, Connecticut. As a young child, Vanessa grew up in a housing project with her single mother, 4 sisters, and brother. Vanessa was the first in her family to graduate high school. She married her high school sweetheart Alfredo Ferreira in 1971 with whom she has two daughters and three grandsons.

Vanessa began her bakery career in 1983. She got a full time job in the bakery of a grocery store, which she really enjoyed. She moved to another grocery store chain where there were good worker protections and was able to earn a pension and get 100% vested. In 1995, she decided to move the family to Florida.

In 1998, Vanessa got a job at Walmart as a cake decorator. It was a great place to work even though the pay was not much. When she asked for a 75 cent raise, Walmart denied her, saying it was too much. She left to work at a competitor grocery store where she received training, great benefits, and higher wages.

When the store went out of business, Venessa had no choice but to go back to work at Walmart in 2005. Vanessa and other associates had concerns about scheduling and management's attitude toward the workers. Eventually, the store began to hire temporary workers instead of giving full time work to the current employees.

In 2009, Vanessa discovered the Organization United for Respect at Walmart or OUR Walmart. She became an ``Our Walmart'' member online but kept her membership private. In 2012, Vanessa went on strike at her store during the week of Black Friday. Vanessa returned back to work after going on strike with a new sense of dignity.

Vanessa became one of the main leaders for Our Walmart in Central Florida. In April 2013, Vanessa was fired from her position with Walmart in retaliation for her activism. She continues to advocate for workers' rights by sharing her own experiences.

I am happy to honor Vanessa Hall Ferreira, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her courage and commitment to workers' rights.

Recognizing the Career of Marcos Vilar

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize the career of Marcos Vilar. Mr. Vilar was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He moved to the United States at the age of 14 and has since lived in New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Washington, DC, Chicago, Tampa, and Orlando. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in History from the University of Maryland and a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Mr. Vilar worked as a teacher in Chicago, where he also was active in community work. During his tenure at Roberto Community Academy he was best known for working with at risk youth and developing arts and cultural programming into after school activities. He was also advisor for the Student Government body and a leader of the local reform movement at the school.

Mr. Vilar moved to Washington, DC in January of 2002, and there held several national leadership positions including National Field Director for the Que Nada Nos Detenga, voter registration campaign of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration, Executive Director for America's Families United, National Political Director for SEIU, and National Field Director for Mi Familia Vota Education Fund.

Mr. Vilar's work as Executive Director for America's Families United was fundamental to the development of Catalist, which has become the standard voter file database used by progressive organizations. He was also a founding member of the Catalist Board of Managers.

As Political Director of SEIU, Mr. Vilar focused on improving member databases and was responsible for aggressively growing the COPE Fund, SEIU's Political Action Committee (PAC). During his two year tenure, the PAC doubled its annual income and became the largest PAC in the country.

As National Field Director for Mi Familia Vota Education Fund, Mr. Vilar led efforts to engage Latinos in the 2012 election cycle. He was instrumental in the development and success of the National Latino Civic Engagement Table, a coalition of national organizations working together to increase Latino civic participation in key states. In addition he oversaw the opening of Mi Familia Vota Education Fund operations in Texas and Florida in 2011 and 2012.

Vilar moved to Florida in 2012 and served as statewide coordinator for the Alliance for Citizenship, a national immigration reform campaign. He is now working as Statewide Field Director for Florida New Majority.

I am happy to honor Marcos Vilar, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his many accomplishments and contributions to his community.

Recognizing the Career and Service of Luis R. Pastrana Silva

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Luis R. Pastrana Silva for his service to our country and to the Hispanic community in Central Florida.

Mr. Pastrana was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. He holds a B.B.A. from the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), Rio Piedras Campus, an M.B.A. from Farleigh Dickinson University, and a J.D. from the UPR School of Law. Mr. Pastrana honorably served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army for 20 years. After his retirement from the Army in 1978, Mr. Pastrana held several positions within the government of Puerto Rico, promoting business and economic development.

In 2001, he moved to Orlando to serve as the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration's Regional Director for Southern States. Since 2003, he has served as Distinguished Professor at the Ana G. Mendez University System in Orlando, FL. He is also a member of the Puerto Rico Bar, the American Bar Association, and the Hispanic National Bar Association.

Mr. Pastrana has been a leader in the Puerto Rican community in Central Florida and a champion for business development. He has published two autobiographies and one research book on the U.S. Constitution. He is happily married to Mareitssa Griggs, a college professor, and together they have five children and five grandchildren.

I am happy to honor Luis R. Pastrana Silva, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his service to our country and to the Hispanic community.

Honoring the Legacy of Love of Juanita Garcia Peraza

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the life and legacy of Juanita Garcia Peraza, founder of the Congregacion Mita Church.

Juanita Garcia Peraza was born on June 24, 1897, in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. She came from a distinguished family, and was known for her moral and spiritual values, her love for the poor, and her sensitivity toward the pain of others. In the late 1930's, when Puerto Rico and the U.S. were experiencing a great economic crisis, Juanita became ill and was bed-ridden with gastroenteritis. While confined with the illness, Juanita promised the Lord that if He healed her, she would serve Him for the rest of her days. She was healed. She then abandoned her social position and fortune, and traveled the countryside visiting the poor and the needy to preach the good news.

In 1940, in the town of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Juanita founded the Congregacion Mita Church with a message of love, freedom, and unity. In 1947, the Church was established in the capital city of San Juan, in the Hato Rey sector. She performed missionary work, visiting prisons and hospitals and helping reform many alcoholics and drug addicts. In addition to her spiritual work, Juanita carried out extraordinary social work in the community. She developed credit unions and corporations that provide employment and economic opportunities to members of the church. She established Bible schools, known as the ``Consejero,'' to instruct, counsel, and guide children in their integral development. She founded music academies to benefit children and adolescents by encouraging their development in the arts. Also, she established the Ministry of Guards to watch over the church's properties and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Likewise, Juanita established the Ministry of Preachers and Deacons who perform social work wherever the congregation is established. She envisioned the creation of a shelter for the elderly and a school for the children and youth of the community, both of which became a reality a few years after she passed away. Under her leadership, her work spread to New York, Chicago, and Washington, DC, as well as Santo Domingo and Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic.

Juanita initiated a new era for women. At a time when women were not allowed to officiate in church and faced discrimination, she removed barriers and cleared the way for women to express themselves openly. Juanita allowed women equal participation in the church, including leadership roles. Despite being assailed, slandered, and misinterpreted, she pushed ahead bravely, leaving behind a legacy of love in the hearts of those who knew her.

In 1978, the Universidad Hispano Americana recognized Juanita for her extraordinary work, and awarded her the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Honoris Causae. A public elementary school in one of the communities where she served was also named in her honor.

I am happy to honor Juanita Garcia Peraza, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for all her hard work, courage, and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Joseph Acaba's inspiring career as an astronaut, hydrogeologist, serviceman, and an educator.

Mr. Acaba received his Bachelor's degree in Geology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his Master's degree in Geology from the University of Arizona. Mr. Acaba was a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps Reserves where he served for six years. He also worked as a hydrogeologist in Los Angeles, California.

Mr. Acaba spent two years in the United States Peace Corps and trained over 300 teachers in the Dominican Republic in modern teaching methodologies. He then served as Island Manager of the Caribbean Marine Research at Lee Stocking Island in The Exumas, Bahamas. Upon his return to the United States, Mr. Acaba moved to Florida where he became the Shoreline Revegetation Coordinator for Vero Beach. He also taught science and math at Melbourne High School and taught for four years at Dunnellon Middle School.

On May 6, 2004, Joseph Acaba became the first person of Puerto Rican heritage to be selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA. After completing training, Mr. Acaba was selected as an Educator Mission Specialist and assigned to the crew of space shuttle Discovery's mission which launched on March 15, 2009. Mr. Acaba, carried a Puerto Rican flag with him and requested that the crew be awakened on March 19 to the Puerto Rico folklore song ``Que Bonita Bandera.'' During his mission, Mr. Acaba performed a spacewalk that successfully unfurled the final ``wings'' of the solar array that will augment power to the International Space Station.

Mr. Acaba was also a crewmember aboard the Soyuz spacecraft which launched from Kazakhstan and docked with the International Space station in May of 2012. He and the crew spent 30 days at the International Space Station before returning to Earth on September 17, 2012.

Mr. Acaba has received numerous awards recognizing his accomplishments including the Ana G. Mendez University System Presidential Medal, an honorary Doctorate from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, and recognition from the Senate of Puerto Rico.

I am happy to honor Joseph Acaba, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his contributions to the Hispanic community and his many achievements.

Recognizing the Accomplishments of Leo Lamos

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Leo Lamos for his service to Florida's Ninth Congressional District.

Mr. Lamos is a tireless and devoted public servant who has continuously given back to his community. One of Central Florida's great music educators, Leo serves a crucial role in the south Orlando community as the Director of Bands at Cypress Creek High School. As a former student at Cypress Creek High School and later a student at the University of Central Florida, Leo has brought his talents and leadership to a community with which he is very familiar. Under his direction, Cypress Creek's band program has continued to uphold its tradition of excellence by bringing national attention to its burgeoning group of music students.

In order for public school bands to travel, perform and compete on a national level, involvement and sponsorship from the community is crucial. Encouraging partnerships and sponsorships from locally owned businesses, Mr. Lamos has been tireless in his efforts to create an unparalleled musical experience for his over 100 students. Mr. Lamos's efforts in mentoring and educating his students have produced promising young musicians that have gone on to study at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music and several other universities.

I am happy to honor Leo Lamos, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his dedication and service to the students of Florida's Ninth Congressional District.

Recognizing the Service of Elias ``Rico'' Piccard

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Elias ``Rico'' Piccard for his service to our country and to my district.

Rico Piccard, born Elias Piccard, was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico in 1946. In 1966, he left the island and relocated to New York City. A year later was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, Piccard attended the Hostos Community College in the Bronx, NY, where he graduated with an Associates of Arts degree and completed his Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts. He later went on to attend Columbia University, where he completed a Master's Degree in Social Work.

Piccard's career is characterized by his selfless dedication to help others. During his career he worked as a Social Worker for Volunteers of America and spent ten years working at the Montifiore Hospital in New York City's Rikers Island assisting inmates with mental health issues.

In 1994, Piccard left his position at Montifiore Hospital and moved to Orlando, FL. In Orlando, he became a community leader and helped organize multiple rallies and marches in the Hispanic community. In 2000, he started a new tourist transportation company called Rico Transportation.

Piccard began writing a column called ``Rico Informa,'' Rico Informs, for Puerto Rico's El Nuevo Dia newspaper to describe issues affecting Puerto Ricans living in Central Florida. In 2009, Piccard helped create United Front 436, Frente Unido 436, a community organization formed by a group of neighbors concerned with the physical deterioration and lack of security in the east side of Orange County and Orlando.

I am happy to honor Elias ``Rico'' Piccard, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his tireless service to his community.

Recognizing the Cultural Contributions of Palmira Ubinas

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize Palmira Ubinas. Mrs. Ubinas has made invaluable contributions to the arts and Puerto Rican culture.

Mrs. Ubinas has mastered many art forms and uses them to represent her heritage and traditions as a Puerto Rican American. She currently serves as the President and Founder of the Hispanic Arts and Culture International Association (ALPEH), as well as the Co-Chair for the 500th Florida Discovery Council Round Table.

A native of Puerto Rico, Mrs. Ubinas received a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Puerto Rico in Psychology and Political Science. Later, she completed her post-graduate studies in Communications, Public Relations, and Hispanic Literature. Mrs. Ubinas has showcased the talents she obtained through her childhood in Puerto Rico and her university education in her various professional positions. As a journalist, event coordinator, editor, TV and radio host, Mrs. Ubinas has been able to represent her culture and heritage proudly. She has earned several awards and recognitions and served as the Educational Specialist and Commerce Development Officer for the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration.

I am happy to honor Palrnira Ubinas, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her continuous service to the arts and commitment to the Hispanic community.

Recognizing the accomplishments of Marytza Sanz

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize the accomplishments of one of Orlando's true leaders, Marytza Sanz.

As founding President and CEO of Latino Leadership, Inc., Marytza Sanz has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life of families in Central Florida. Through Latino Leadership, Mrs. Sanz has implemented social enrichment programs that incorporate leadership development and empowerment, education advancement, and economic community development. Her contribution to our community has helped pave the way for young Hispanics to succeed and become leaders in their own right. Mrs. Sanz truly understands the need to invest in future generations.

Mrs. Sanz lends her expertise to the University of Central Florida President's Minority Advisory Board, the Homeless Coalition Board of Directors, and Florida Devereux Board of Directors. Her work in voter engagement and health education has received national and statewide coverage from media outlets such as CNN, Univision, Telemundo, the St. Petersburg Times, NPR News and the San Juan Star. Mrs. Sanz can be heard on her radio program, Al Oido de la Comunidad.

Mrs. Sanz is a leader and staunch supporter of minority representation. Her work to ensure fairly drawn electoral districts in Orange County has been celebrated in the Hispanic community. Ms. Sanz's work against voter suppression has helped protect the integrity of the democratic process in Central Florida and empower our citizens and families.

Before founding Latino Leadership, Mrs. Sanz worked for the Census Bureau and

served as the Central Florida Hispanic Outreach Coordinator for the Gore/Lieberman campaign. More recently, Marytza Sanz was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist to serve on Florida's 2010 Statewide Complete Count Committee to ensure a comprehensive count of Florida's population during the 2010 Census.

I am happy to honor Marytza Sanz, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her accomplishments and service to the Central Florida Hispanic Community.

Recognizing the Career and Accomplishments of Marissa Sala

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Marissa Salas for her dedicated civic engagement. Marissa is a leader in Central Florida who believes in equality and advocating for the rights of the LGBT community. She currently serves as the GLBT Statewide Caucus Campaign Director and President of the Rainbow Democrats of Orange County, Florida.

Marissa graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Social Science and her Master's Degree in Urban Planning from Florida State University. During her career, she has served as a GIS Test Manager and Analyst for Geonetics, Inc. in Boston, MA, and as a Senior Project Director for Lopez and Cheung, Inc. in Tampa, FL.

Marissa has participated in several campaigns including as the Campaign and Political Director for John Alvarez in the 2012 Florida House of Representatives race in Brevard County. She is also the principle and owner of her own consulting firm, Marissa Salas Consulting. Her public policy research has been published by the New York Times, and used as reference material by the UCLA School of Law. Marissa has also received many awards, including the 2007 Civic Award from the Municipal League of King County.

I am happy to honor Marissa Sala, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for being a champion of equality and an inspiration to the Central Florida community.

Recognizing the Accomplishments of Maria Isabel Barajas-Martinez

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize an amazing young woman named Maria Isabel Barajas-Martinez.

Maria was an active leader in the immigration reform movement since she was in high school. She graduated from Lake Region High School with high honors in 2009, where she was also the president of the National Spanish Honor Society. She went on to pursue her education at Polk State College and aspired to become a pediatrician. While attending Polk State College, Maria joined the local chapter of Students Working for Equal Rights. In May 2010 she founded a youth organization dedicated to community service called the Young American Dreamers.

With the help of her organization, Maria focused on raising funds to provide scholarships for high school students seeking a higher education. Maria and the Young American Dreamers committed themselves to helping their community. The Young American Dreamers adopted Lake Blue Park where they planted flowers and trees during its construction and participated in the yearly Martin Luther King Jr. parade in Winter Haven.

Maria was also a volunteer at Angels Care and at the Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Every year, she organized her friends and family to participate in the National Kidney Foundation ``Kidney Walk'' around Lake Hollingsworth. She was a mentor and tutor at Snively Elementary School and an active member of her church, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Mission, where she was a member of the Youth Choir and Youth Group.

Although she was a U.S. Citizen by birth, Maria sympathized with the struggles of undocumented immigrants and dedicated her life to improving the lives of others. Until her untimely death in June of 2012, this outstanding young woman helped countless others through community service and activism.

I am happy to honor Maria Isabel Barajas-Martinez, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her selfless dedication to her community and her many accomplishments.

Recognizing the Career and Accomplishments of Maria Padilla

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Maria Padilla, a champion of diversity within the Central Florida community Maria is a well-respected journalist and currently serves as the editor of Orlando's oldest Spanish-language weekly newspaper, La Prensa.

Maria graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in English from Rutgers University. She also has a certificate in Hispanic Marketing Communications from Florida State University and graduated from the Leadership Orlando class in Fall of 2013. Maria broke new ground as a senior reporter covering diversity in Central Florida for the Orlando Sentinel in 1997. She later launched and headed El Sentinel, a new Spanish-language weekly newspaper and website. Maria also created Viviendo, a bilingual quarterly magazine. Her blog, Orlando Latino, was nominated best Latino blog in Central Florida by LATISM (Latinos in Social Media).

Maria has received numerous awards and acknowledgements for her contributions as a successful journalist. She received the National Association of Hispanic Publications award for a Multiple Series Article, was recognized multiple times for her work with the Orlando Sentinel, and was a finalist in the Knight-Wallace journalism awards. Maria is also a founding member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and was elected twice to their national Board of Directors.

I am happy to honor Maria Padilla, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her contributions to journalism and dedication to informing the Hispanic community on issues impacting their daily lives.

Recognizing the Career and Accomplishments of Leticia Diaz

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great leader in the Central Florida community.

A native of New Jersey, Leticia Diaz is one of the founding faculty at Barry University's Andreas School of Law and currently serves as Dean there. Before joining the full-time faculty, Dean Diaz pursued a full-time law practice while teaching part-time at the school. She practiced in the areas of personal injury, toxic torts, and workplace chemical exposure.

Dean Diaz attended law school at Rutgers University where she received the Merck Patent Scholarship and was recognized for academic achievement by the Association of Latin American Law Students. Before entering law school, she received her Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Rutgers University. She also spent two years as a post-doctoral research chemist at Hoffman-LaRoche, where she primarily worked on the synthesis of anti-HIV compounds.

Dean Diaz teaches in the areas of torts, environmental law, toxic torts, and product liability. She is faculty advisor to the Hispanic Association of Law Students as well as the St. Thomas More Society. Her publications range from analysis of the FDA's role in consumer protection to environmental law and consumer health.

Dean Diaz invites leaders from around the country to the Central Florida area to discuss the important issues of the day. She also convenes meetings and events that bring together varying perspectives on issues that affect the Central Florida community. Central Florida is a better place for the leadership that Dean Diaz has provided.

I am happy to honor Leticia Diaz, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her service and her work to educate, train, and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.