Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez for his outstanding leadership and service to our community.

As the first directly elected Tax Collector in Miami-Dade County, Dariel Fernandez has brought greater accountability and a renewed commitment to delivering results for the people of Miami-Dade County. Under his leadership, the office has expanded services, improved accessibility, and modernized operations to better serve residents across our county.

Beyond his work at the county level, Mr. Fernandez has also been a strong partner in advancing policies that support freedom and democracy in our hemisphere. In particular, he has stood firmly with our efforts to hold the brutal Cuban regime accountable and to support the Cuban people in their fight for liberty. His leadership reflects the values of our South Florida community--one that understands the importance of standing up to oppression and defending freedom wherever it is threatened.

Dariel Fernandez embodies the American Dream. His story is one of perseverance, commitment, and a deep love for the community he serves. His work continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless residents across Miami-Dade County.

I commend Tax Collector Fernandez for his dedication to Miami-Dade County and wish him continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding young man from Florida's 28th District, Daniel ``Danny'' T. Iglesias, an Eagle Scout Candidate from Boy Scout Troop 334, for his leadership, service, and commitment to honoring a fallen hero in our community.

Danny began his scouting journey at just eight years old with Cub Scouts Pack 425 in Miami Springs and has since demonstrated the values of dedication, integrity, and service that define the very best of our next generation. In addition to his achievements in scouting, Danny is a junior at Christopher Columbus High School, a member of the school's football team, Founder and President of the Explorers for Heroes Club, an active participant in campus ministry, and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant in the City of Coral Gables Police Explorer Program.

As part of his path of community service, Daniel has undertaken a meaningful and impactful service project to honor Miami Springs Police Officer Charles ``Bubba'' Brian Stafford, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on June 11, 1991. Danny is making the effort to create a police memorial which will serve as a lasting tribute to Officer Stafford's courage and dedication, while also providing a place for reflection and remembrance.

Daniel's initiative reflects not only his passion for public service and his aspiration to pursue a career in law enforcement, but also his deep respect for those who put their lives on the line to protect others. His project embodies the very spirit of scouting--leadership, perseverance, and a commitment to making a positive difference.

I invite my colleagues to commend Daniel Iglesias for his exemplary service, leadership, and continued dedication to strengthening our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th Anniversary of United Property Management and to honor the legacy of its founder, Jose Milton, a Cuban immigrant whose vision, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit helped shape the residential communities of South Florida.

After arriving in Miami in the early 1960s, Mr. Milton, an architect, founded Jose Milton & Associates in 1963, building a real estate development company committed to quality and affordable housing and responsible growth. In 1976, he established United Property Management to oversee the rental communities his organization developed, laying the foundation for what would become one of the largest privately held property management firms in our region.

Over the past five decades, the Milton organization has developed and managed thousands of homes, supported hundreds of jobs, and contributed to the economic vitality of South Florida. In 2008, Mr. Milton expanded his impact by establishing the Jose Milton Foundation, to support educational and healthcare initiatives across the region.

Further, the Milton organization has a strong belief that successful enterprises have a responsibility to invest in the well-being of the communities they serve. Through both leadership and service, the Milton Family has helped build not only residential communities but also stronger, more vibrant communities throughout South Florida.

Today, Jose Milton's legacy lives on through his family and his organization, a testament to the power of immigrant entrepreneurship, visionary leadership, and a lasting commitment to community. I congratulate the Milton Family and United Property Management on this important milestone and commend their continued contributions to South Florida and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Latin Builders Association and to congratulate Rafael Cabrera on his installation as the 26th President of the LBA.

For more than five decades, the Latin Builders Association has played a critical role in shaping the construction and development industry across South Florida, promoting high standards of professionalism while helping drive economic growth and opportunity throughout the region.

The LBA has been instrumental in empowering local and minority-owned businesses, strengthening the construction workforce, and fostering productive partnerships among industry professionals, community leaders, and government at every level. These efforts have helped expand economic opportunities and strengthen South Florida's diverse business community.

As President of the Latin Builders Association, Rafael Cabrera brings a strong commitment to collaboration, innovation, and responsible development. His leadership reflects the organization's longstanding mission of advancing the construction industry while supporting the communities it serves.

I commend the Latin Builders Association for its enduring contributions to South Florida and congratulate President Cabrera on this important milestone. I wish him and the entire organization continued success in their efforts to build opportunities and strengthen our community for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H. Con. Res. 61.

This resolution would prohibit the President of the United States from using all tools at his disposal in the fight against designated terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere. These are the same narcoterrorists who are waging, and have been waging, a war on the American people through the use of deadly drugs and poison that are flooding into our country.

Let's talk about reality, not about rhetoric.

First of all, the number one job of any government is to protect its people. Since September 11, 2001, roughly 4,000 Americans have been killed inside the United States either by al-Qaida, ISIS, and similar ideologically linked terrorist groups.

Meanwhile, since 2021--I am not talking about 2001--nearly 400,000 Americans have died from overdose poisoning, deaths fueled by foreign terrorist organizations including the Venezuelan regime and violent cartels operating in our own backyard. That 400,000 is about the size of my native city of Miami. This is, in reality, a weapon of mass destruction.

Yet here we are, debating whether to retreat from fighting terrorists in our own hemisphere, while continuing to fight them halfway around the world.

I have spent my life in public safety. Mr. Speaker, I have seen what happens when you hesitate, when you retreat, and when you take your foot off the gas. People die. Families are destroyed, and communities suffer.

This resolution does nothing to promote peace. It invites danger, continued chaos, and the loss of more American lives--more American lives.

It tells terrorists and cartels that the United States Congress is willing to tie the hands of our Commander in Chief while they ship poison into our communities and profit from American death.

As someone who fled communism, I know this lesson well: Weakness invites aggression. When America steps back, evil steps forward.

We must reject this resolution and make clear to the world that the United States has the will to confront narcoterrorism head-on and that we will never surrender to the very people who are killing our children.

Too many Americans have already died because we turned a blind eye to this threat.

For the sake of our national security, our communities, and the men and women in uniform who stand the line every single day, I urge a ``no'' vote on this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Florida (Mr. Mast) for yielding me the time to speak on this important matter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this resolution.

This resolution would prohibit the use of United States Armed Forces off the coast of Venezuela without regard for the real and growing threats posed by the foreign terrorist Maduro regime.

Let's be clear-eyed about the danger that we face. The Maduro regime is a designated foreign terrorist organization, a narcoterrorist state that collaborates with other foreign terrorist organizations and violent cartels to flood our hemisphere and our communities with deadly poison.

Venezuela has been taken over. The Venezuelan people are held hostage by a foreign terrorist regime that uses their land as an operating base for international drug trafficking, fueling a crisis that has cost nearly 400,000 Americans their lives since 2021.

This resolution would have us pull back from the fight against designated terrorist regimes and cartels in our own hemisphere, just miles from our shores. It tells the foreign terrorist regime in Venezuela and its criminal allies that Congress is willing to look the other way as hundreds of thousands of Americans continue to die every single year.

We must reject this resolution and send a clear message: The United States will confront narcoterrorist regimes in our hemisphere, stand with the Venezuelan people, and never surrender to terrorist regimes that threaten our security. Too many Americans have already paid with their lives because this threat was ignored.

For the sake of our national security, our communities, and the men and women in uniform who stand the line every day, I urge a ``no'' vote on this resolution. I thank my colleague for yielding me the time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of Mr. Carlos Manuel Halley, an extraordinary member of our south Florida community who embodies perseverance, family, and the pursuit of freedom.

Born November 4, 1925, in Santiago de Cuba, Mr. Halley married Marcilia Mancebo de Halley and built a beautiful family.

Following the Cuban revolution, as a man of deep conviction who believed in liberty and democracy, Mr. Halley made the difficult decision to leave his homeland.

Mr. and Mrs. Halley and their five children settled in Miami, determined to rebuild. Through his faith and perseverance, all of his children became professionals, and his legacy now extends to 56 family members.

Surrounded by his family and loved ones, he celebrates this remarkable milestone. Mr. Halley remains full of life. He enjoys spending time with friends, charming everybody with his humor, and he still proudly considers Burger King as his favorite restaurant.

I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Mr. Carlos Manuel Halley and recognizing the strength of his faith, the love of his freedom, and deep devotion to family.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate my fellow Columbus Explorer, Fernando Mendoza, winner of the 2025 Heisman Trophy.

Fernando's remarkable journey began in Miami, Florida, and at Christopher Columbus High School, an institution known not only for producing elite athletes but for installing faith, discipline, leadership, and character.

Miami has long been a cradle of football excellence, and Fernando Mendoza now joins that proud legacy. His achievement reflects the values of perseverance, sacrifice, and opportunity that define our community.

As the first Cuban American to win the Heisman Trophy, Fernando's victory carries special meaning. His story reminds us that in America, deep faith, hard work, and determination know no limits.

Miami is proud. The Columbus Explorers are proud. Today, the United States Congress proudly recognizes Fernando Mendoza for this historic achievement.

Congratulations to Fernando on a moment that will inspire generations to come. ``Forward,'' ``adelante.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of St. Theresa Catholic School, a pillar of faith, education, and community in the heart of Coral Gables, Florida.

In 1925, the Sisters of St. Joseph opened a school with 70 students, planting the seed for one of south Florida's most distinguished Catholic schools. In 1991, the Carmelite Sisters began administering and teaching, a mission that they continue today.

For a century, St. Theresa has remained true to its calling: faith formation, academic excellence, and service in a nurturing Christ- centered environment. Over the years, the school has grown, embraced innovation, and prepared generations of students to face the future while remaining rooted in their faith.

St. Theresa continues to shine as a beacon of excellence in Catholic education, with its enduring legacy carried forward by a community that fully embodies its mission. Congratulations to St. Theresa Catholic School on a century of service.

Extraordinary Achievements of Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievements of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the third largest school district in our Nation, serving more than 335,000 students.

Under the leadership of School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas, Vice Chair Monica Colucci, and board members Roberto Alonso, Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, Mary Blanco, Danny Espino, Dr. Steve Gallon, Joseph Geller, and Luisa Santos, along with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jose Dotres, Miami-Dade has once again earned an A rating, the largest district in Florida to do so.

This success reflects the tireless work of our students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the entire workforce, and it remains a source of pride for our community.

In 2025, 99 percent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools earned school grades of A, B, or C, and the district achieved a record-breaking graduation rate of 95.2 percent.

Miami-Dade also received the prestigious 2024 Cognia School/Systems of Distinction award, and the district earned 59 Magnet Schools of Excellence Merit awards, and 32 Magnet Schools of Distinction awards.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools continue to lead the Nation with a total of 51 National Academy Foundation distinguished career academies and 3 model career academies, and numerous schools have been designated as National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence.

For the 41st consecutive year, the district was awarded the certificate of excellence in financial reporting by the Association of School Business Officials International.

These accomplishments and the strength of Miami-Dade County Public Schools' educational programs in a safe and conducive learning environment reaffirms the district's role in preparing students to thrive in the global and technological marketplace.

I am proud to celebrate their success and the bright future they are building for the next generation of Miami-Dade County residents.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of St. Theresa Catholic School, a pillar of faith, education, and community in the heart of Coral Gables, Florida.

In 1925, the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine opened a single building with seventy students. From that humble beginning, they planted the seeds of Catholic education that grew into one of South Florida's most distinguished Catholic schools.

On July 16, 1991, the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles arrived in Coral Gables to begin administering and teaching at St. Theresa--a mission they continue faithfully to this day.

For a century, St. Theresa has remained true to its mission: faith formation, academic excellence, and service in a nurturing, Christ- centered environment. Over the years, the school has expanded its facilities, embraced innovation in technology, and prepared its students to face the future while staying rooted in faith.

Now serving more than 900 students, St. Theresa continues to shine as a beacon of excellence in Catholic education. Its enduring legacy is carried forward by devoted teachers, parents, and generations of alumni who embody the values instilled within its halls.

I congratulate St. Theresa Catholic School on a century of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 1608, the Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025.

On New Year's Day 2025, our Nation was shaken by a horrific ISIS- inspired attack in New Orleans that took the lives of 14 innocent people and injured dozens more.

This tragedy is a stark reminder that vehicles are increasingly being weaponized as instruments of terror. H.R. 1608 directs the Department of Homeland Security to confront the growing threat of vehicle-based attacks. It mandates a comprehensive assessment of current and emerging tactics, including the potential misuse of autonomous vehicles, rideshare platforms, and connected vehicle technologies.

Further, the bill strengthens coordination between Federal, State, and local governments and the private sector to better safeguard public gatherings, critical infrastructure, and high-density urban areas.

I thank Congressman Troy Carter, who represents the community devastated by the New Year's Day attack, for his partnership and leadership on this effort.

This practical and bipartisan legislation is about honoring the lives we lost by doing everything possible to prevent and mitigate future attacks. With major events on the horizon, including America250, the FIFA World Cup, and the Los Angeles Olympics, we must ensure every necessary security measure is in place to protect the millions of visitors and attendees these events will bring.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1608.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the former President of the Republic of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe Velez, for his extraordinary leadership, steadfast defense of democracy, and unwavering commitment to the safety and prosperity of the Colombian people.

President Uribe assumed office in 2002 during one of the most challenging periods in Colombia's modern history, a time marked by violence, narco-terrorism, and instability. Through his bold and visionary ``Democratic Security'' policy, President Uribe restored law and order, dismantled the strongholds of terrorist organizations like the FARC, and reestablished the authority of the Colombian state across the nation.

Under his leadership, Colombia's economy flourished through increased trade and investment. His administration strengthened U.S.-Colombian relations, culminating in the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, which expanded cooperation on security and counter-narcotics efforts.

President Uribe's courage in confronting narco-terrorist groups and his dedication to the rule of law set a model for democratic governance. For his leadership, integrity, and tireless defense of liberty, many regard President

Uribe as the Abraham Lincoln of Colombia, a unifying figure who preserved his nation's democracy and restored hope to millions.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing President Alvaro Uribe Velez for his historic contributions to the people of Colombia and to the cause of freedom and democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary School, a dual-language professional development school dedicated to academic excellence and innovative instruction in Miami, Florida.

Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary first opened its doors in the fall of 2000 under the visionary leadership of Principal Lourdes P. Gimenez, who spearheaded the school's founding and development. Since then, successive principals, most recently Ms. Madelyn Rodriguez, have carried forward the mission of providing a world-class child-centered education.

Named in honor of Dr. Carlos Juan Finlay, the world-renowned Cuban epidemiologist who discovered that the Aedes aegypti mosquito was the carrier of yellow fever, the school proudly celebrates his legacy of scientific discovery. Its students, affectionately known as the ``Skeeters,'' embody Dr. Finlay's persistence, curiosity, and commitment to learning.

As a proud Title I school, Finlay Elementary combines its dual- language Bilingual School

Organization model with its partnership as a Professional Development School with Florida International University to ensure students are bilingual, biliterate, and prepared to succeed in today's interconnected world.

I am proud to commend all the faculty, staff, students, and families of Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary for twenty-five years of excellence, innovation, and community service. Their dedication exemplifies the very best of Miami-Dade County's public education system. Go Skeeters.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the people of Spain and millions around the world in celebrating Spain's National Day, known as Fiesta Nacional de Espana (National Day of Spain).

As Co-Chair of the Friends of Spain Caucus, I am proud to honor the deep and enduring bonds between our two nations, bonds rooted in shared history, faith, and friendship.

From the earliest days of our Republic, Spain played a pivotal role in supporting American independence, providing vital aid and recognition to our Founding Fathers in their struggle for liberty. The names of St. Augustine, Pensacola, and San Marcos remind us that Florida's story is inseparable from the Spanish legacy that helped shape our Nation's earliest frontiers.

Spanish influence can be seen in our architecture, our language, our traditions, and the vibrant communities that call South Florida home. Every day, centuries-old ties continue to inspire cultural exchange, economic partnership, and mutual respect between our peoples.

On this National Day of Spain, we celebrate not only the remarkable history of the Spanish nation, but also the shared values of democracy, freedom, and friendship that unite Spain and the United States.

I look forward to strengthening our transatlantic partnership and ensuring that the friendship between our Nations continues to flourish for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of one of South Florida's most iconic institutions, Sergio's Cuban American Kitchen.

For half a century, Sergio's has been more than a restaurant, it has become a cultural landmark and a gathering place for generations of families across Miami-Dade. Founded in 1975, this family-owned business has proudly embodied the values of faith, family, hard work, and community service that define the Cuban-American community.

From its humble beginnings in Westchester, Sergio's has grown into a household name with multiple locations across South Florida, serving traditional Cuban comfort food that brings our community together.

Sergio's is also a proud local employer, providing opportunities to hundreds of South Floridians.

Throughout hurricanes and economic challenges, Sergio's family has remained steadfast in serving the community, supporting first responders, and helping neighbors in need.

I am honored to celebrate this milestone and to thank the entire Sergio's family for 50 years of tradition, resilience, and hospitality.

I congratulate Sergio's Cuban Restaurant on its 50th anniversary and their extraordinary contributions to the cultural fabric and economic vitality of South Florida and the Cuban-American community.