Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Grafe family and their remarkable legacy of farming, perseverance, and dedication to South Florida agriculture.

The Grafe family's farming tradition began in 1890, when Emil Moritz Grafe immigrated from Germany through Ellis Island and began farming on Staten Island, New York. As the country changed, so did the family. In 1919, they moved south and purchased land in Miami before establishing a home and flower farm in South Dade in 1925.

For generations, the Grafe family continued to grow and adapt, farming vegetables and fruit before building a successful cut-flower business. In 1975, Herbert Grafe III established Grafe's Cut Flowers, eventually growing nearly 30 acres of flowers that were sold throughout Miami and shipped across the country.

After increased competition from imported flowers forced the business to close in 1998, Herbert continued his agricultural career at Knaus Berry Farm until his retirement in 2024. Today, he carries on the family tradition by tending his lychee grove.

For more than 130 years, the Grafe family has remained rooted in agriculture. Their story represents the hard work, resilience, and pioneering spirit that have helped shape South Dade and our agricultural community. It is my privilege to recognize the Grafe family and honor their generations of contributions to South Florida agriculture.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Miami's historic Big Five Club as it celebrates its 59th anniversary and nearly six decades of service to South Florida's Cuban-American community.

The story of the Big Five is inseparable from the story of the Cuban exile community in Miami. Founded by Cuban exiles under the leadership of Dr. Manuel R. Morales, the Club brought together families associated with five of Havana's great social institutions: the Havana Yacht Club, Vedado Tennis Club, Casino Espanol, Havana Biltmore Yacht and Country Club, and Miramar Yacht Club.

Forced to flee their homeland following the rise of the communist dictatorship, these families rebuilt their lives in Miami while preserving the traditions, values, and sense of community they brought from Cuba. From its earliest days, the Big Five has stood for God, country, family, Cuban traditions, freedom, and democracy. For generations, it has been a place where Cuban families could celebrate our culture, play sports, enjoy music and dominoes, build lifelong friendships, and pass our traditions from one generation to the next.

For me, this anniversary is also deeply personal. My father and my family were members of the Big Five for decades, and like so many Cuban families in Miami, we shared countless moments there with friends and loved ones. The Club became part of the fabric of the Cuban exiles community.

The Big Five represents far more than a social club. It represents an exile generation that arrived in America having lost its homeland but refused to lose its identity. They rebuilt their lives, raised their families, strengthened Miami, and kept alive their love for a free Cuba.

It is my privilege to congratulate the leadership, members, families, and friends of the Big Five Club on its 59th anniversary. May the Big Five continue to serve our community for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Jose L. Dotres, superintendent of Miami-Dade Public Schools, following a distinguished career dedicated to education and public service.

Dr. Dotres arrived in Miami at 5 years old as an immigrant. He graduated from Miami-Dade County Public Schools and ultimately dedicated his career to serving the same school community that welcomed him.

Dr. Dotres has served as a teacher, reading coach, principal, district administrator, and senior leader. As superintendent, he led the third-largest school district in our Nation, serving more than 300,000 students and 34,000 employees.

His accomplishments include induction into the Miami Dade College Alumni Hall of Fame, Barry University's Distinguished Alumni Award, and service as president of the Florida Association of District Superintendents.

As Dr. Dotres begins this new chapter, I congratulate him on his retirement and thank him for his decades of service to the students, teachers, and families of Miami-Dade County.

Mr. Speaker, I wish him and his family all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Jose L. Dotres, superintendent of Miami-Dade Public Schools, following a distinguished career dedicated to education and public service.

Dr. Dotres arrived in Miami at 5 years old as an immigrant. He graduated from Miami-Dade County Public Schools and ultimately dedicated his career to serving the same school community that welcomed him.

Dr. Dotres has served as a teacher, reading coach, principal, district administrator, and senior leader. As superintendent, he led the third-largest school district in our Nation, serving more than 300,000 students and 34,000 employees.

His accomplishments include induction into the Miami Dade College Alumni Hall of Fame, Barry University's Distinguished Alumni Award, and service as president of the Florida Association of District Superintendents.

As Dr. Dotres begins this new chapter, I congratulate him on his retirement and thank him for his decades of service to the students, teachers, and families of Miami-Dade County.

Mr. Speaker, I wish him and his family all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Interamerican Bank as it celebrates 50 years of service to South Florida. Founded in Miami-Dade County on September 10, 1976, by Agustin C. Velasco, Interamerican Bank represents a remarkable story of faith, family, perseverance, and the American Dream.

Mr. Velasco fled the communist Castro regime in 1961 with his wife, Nieves, and their two young children, Felisa and Agustin, Jr. Like so many Cuban exiles, he arrived in Miami determined to rebuild his life in freedom. He worked in factories, started his own business, and just 15 years after arriving in the United States, founded Interamerican Bank.

For five decades, Interamerican Bank has remained a family-owned community bank dedicated to serving the people and businesses of South Florida. Today, the Bank operates five branches, including its Hialeah branch, which proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

The legacy of Agustin C. Velasco, Sr. continues through three generations of the Velasco family. His son, Agustin Velasco, Jr., serves as President and Chief Executive Officer, while his son-in-law, Ibrahim Pacheco, has provided nearly three decades of leadership as Chairman of the Board. His granddaughters, Isis Pacheco Velasco, Christie Velasco, and Lindsie Velasco, are also helping carry this proud family tradition into the future.

Interamerican Bank is more than a South Florida institution, its story embodies the promise of our great Nation: that those who flee tyranny for freedom can work hard, build something lasting, and create opportunities for generations to come. I congratulate Interamerican Bank, the Velasco family, and its entire team on 50 years of service and wishing them continued success for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan One-Stop Pilot Program Extension Act.

In south Florida, Miami International Airport is one of the busiest international gateways in the United States. Every day, millions of passengers pass through airports like Miami International Airport throughout the country. We have a responsibility to keep those passengers and our airports moving efficiently while maintaining the highest security standards. This bill does exactly that.

By extending this successful pilot program, passengers arriving from trusted foreign airports can connect to their final destination without unnecessary duplicate baggage screening.

Security is never compromised. Every participating airport must meet strict TSA standards. Customs and Border Protection retains full oversight, and any passenger or bag identified as a security concern receives additional inspection.

This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will reduce delays, ease congestion, improve the travel experience, and strengthen our aviation system while protecting our homeland.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Garbarino for his leadership. Also, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter) for cosponsoring this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the One-Stop Pilot Program Extension Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Michael A. Carricarte, an American of Cuban descent, decorated Army combat veteran, a proud Christopher Columbus Explorer, and one of south Florida's most generous philanthropists.

Arriving in Miami from Cuba in 1948, Mr. Carricarte lived the American Dream. He proudly served as a colonel in the United States Army and Green Beret before building one of the leading healthcare and insurance organizations serving Latin America and the Caribbean.

Mr. Carricarte devoted his life to his family and helping others, supporting hospitals, schools, churches, orphanages, and organizations. He mentored young people, assisted students in need, and opened doors for countless others, never seeking recognition.

Mr. Carricarte believed that every blessing carried with it a responsibility to serve. He lived that principle every day through humility, leadership, and faith.

I extend my deepest condolences to his children, grandchildren, and family. South Florida has lost a true giant, but his legacy of service, generosity, and love for others will endure for generations.

May God bless the memory of Mike Carricarte, and may he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the grand opening of Homestead Commerce Park, a major new industrial development that represents continued economic growth, job creation, and investment in South Florida.

Located in the City of Homestead, this Class A industrial park reflects the tremendous potential of our community and the growing demand for modern logistics, manufacturing, and commercial space in Miami-Dade County. Developments like Homestead Commerce Park help strengthen our local economy, create high-quality jobs for hardworking families, and attract new businesses to our region.

As Homestead continues to grow, investments in infrastructure, commerce, and economic opportunities will remain critical to ensuring a prosperous future for South Miami-Dade. Homestead Commerce Park stands as an example of what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to strengthening our local communities.

I congratulate everyone involved in this important milestone and wish Homestead Commerce Park continued success for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christ Journey Church as the congregation celebrates 100 years of faith, fellowship, and service to the South Florida community.

Founded in 1926, Christ Journey Church has spent a century serving families throughout Miami-Dade County growing from 75 members to over 5,000 members through worship, discipleship, leadership development, missions, and community outreach. For generations, the church has stood as a pillar of spiritual guidance and compassion, helping strengthen the values of faith, unity, and service across our community.

Christ Journey Church has distributed more than 650,000 pounds of food since 2009, helping provide an estimated 540,000 meals to families throughout South Florida. The church has also mobilized countless volunteers supporting local schools, nonprofit organizations, and families.

Beyond South Florida, Christ Journey Church has led mission efforts and partnerships throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and communities across the United States, reflecting its longstanding commitment to serving others.

As the congregation marks this historic milestone, we recognize the pastors, leaders, members, and families whose dedication and faith helped shape the church's extraordinary legacy over the past century. Under the visionary leadership of Rev. Dr. William W. White, Christ Journey Church has continued to grow and expand its impact, recently completing a major expansion project that reaffirms its commitment to serving future generations.

May Christ Journey Church continue to inspire hope, strengthen families, and serve our community for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable servant of God and our South Florida community, Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, on the 50th Anniversary of his Priestly Ordination.

For five decades, Archbishop Wenski has dedicated his life to faith, service, and the defense of human dignity. Throughout his ministry, he has been a steadfast spiritual leader for the people of South Florida and a strong voice for the oppressed, especially those suffering under tyranny and persecution around the world.

As Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Miami, he has guided countless families with compassion, wisdom, and unwavering faith. His commitment to serving the poor, welcoming the vulnerable, and defending freedom has left a lasting impact on our community.

Archbishop Wenski's leadership has strengthened the moral fabric of South Florida and inspired generations through his humility, courage, and devotion to Christ and His Church.

On behalf of Florida's 28th Congressional District, I congratulate Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski on this extraordinary milestone and thank him for fifty years of faithful service to God, the Church, and our community.

May God continue to bless Archbishop Wenski and the Archdiocese of Miami.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the ``Canto a la Libertad'' concert and the inspiring mission it supports--the Santuario de la Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre in Santiago de Cuba.

This effort, led by faithful members of our South Florida community, reflects the deep spiritual bond between the Cuban people and Our Lady of Charity, the patroness of Cuba and a symbol of hope, resilience, and freedom.

At the Santuario del Cobre, Father Rogelio Dean Puerta and his team serve some of the most vulnerable, providing nourishment, care, and spiritual guidance to children, the elderly, and families in need. Despite the challenges facing the Cuban people, this sanctuary continues to stand as a beacon of faith and compassion.

The ``Canto a la Libertad'' concert is a powerful act of solidarity. It brings together our exile community and supporters of freedom to provide direct assistance to those on the island who need it most, while keeping alive the call for a free and democratic Cuba.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the organizers, supporters, and all those contributing to this noble cause. Their generosity and faith are making a real difference in the lives of many. May we continue to stand with the Cuban people, support those working to alleviate suffering, and never waver in our commitment to freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to honor the life of Anthony Yaniz, a proud son of Key West and a true pillar of the Florida Keys community.

Tony was a former Key West commissioner and a larger-than-life figure who dedicated himself to serving others and strengthening the community that he loved.

Tony's work supported important local institutions, including the Key West Veterans Memorial and the Center for Animal Welfare and Education. His commitment to his community was not just public. It was personal. He showed up for his neighbors time and time again.

Anthony Yaniz leaves behind a legacy of service, passion, and love for Key West. He will be deeply missed, but his impact will live on for generations.

May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bob Fuchs, a leader in South Florida's agricultural community and a third-generation orchid grower from Homestead, Florida, on his induction into the Dade County Farm Bureau Hall of Honor.

For more than six decades, Mr. Fuchs has dedicated his life to the cultivation, preservation, and advancement of orchids, helping to elevate Miami-Dade County as a global hub for horticultural excellence. From working alongside his grandfather, Mr. Fuchs developed a deep respect for the land and a passion that would shape his life's work.

Mr. Fuchs went on to build that passion into a world-renowned enterprise, R.F. Orchids, while also serving his community as an educator. His contributions to the field extend far beyond our district. Mr. Fuchs has been credited with the discovery of new orchid species in Central and South America and led the American Orchid Society as President.

Mr. Fuchs' achievements have earned him widespread recognition, including induction into the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame and international honors from leading horticultural institutions.

Mr. Fuchs' story reflects the very best of South Florida, hard work, resilience, and a deep-rooted connection to the land. His lifelong contributions have strengthened our local economy, advanced agricultural science, and inspired generations of growers and conservationists.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion and to recognize the grand opening of the Bay of Pigs Museum and Library, a powerful tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the Cuban patriots who fought for freedom.

Sixty-five years ago, in April 1961, courageous members of Brigade 2506 took up arms against a brutal Communist dictatorship in Cuba. These men, many of them young exiles, answered the call of liberty with unwavering resolve. Their heroism stands as a defining moment in the fight against tyranny in our hemisphere.

The opening of the Bay of Pigs Museum and Library ensures that future generations will learn the truth about the sacrifices made by Brigade 2506 and the dangers of Communist oppression. It stands as both a place of remembrance and a call to action--a reminder that the struggle for a free Cuba is not over.

As the Cuban regime continues to repress its people and deny them basic human rights, we must reaffirm our commitment to stand with the Cuban people in their pursuit of liberty. The legacy of Brigade 2506 demands nothing less.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the heroes of the Bay of Pigs and celebrating this institution that preserves their legacy. May we never forget their courage and always stand on the side of freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today for Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day. On April 13th, we joined Jewish communities across South Florida and the world to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, to honor the survivors, and to reflect on the immense courage of those who resisted oppression.

In South Florida, the Committee of the Yad Vashem USA Foundation hosted a Community-Wide Yom HaShoah Commemoration at the Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus in North Miami Beach. This solemn program brings together civic leaders, clergy, survivors, and

families in a shared moment of reflection and resilience.

The date of Yom HaShoah, April 14th, was intentionally chosen for its proximity to the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. It is a powerful symbol that the history of the Holocaust is not only one of tragedy and loss, but also of dignity and resistance.

As our community gathers, we reaffirm our collective responsibility to stand against antisemitism, hatred, and indifference in all its forms. The work of the Yad Vashem USA Foundation is more critical than ever, ensuring that Holocaust education remains a priority and that the lessons of the past continue to guide future generations.

It is a privilege to represent a community so dedicated to the promise of ``Never Again.'' I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of the victims and in thanking the South Florida Committee of the Yad Vashem USA Foundation for their tireless commitment to keeping the light of remembrance alive.