Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Miguel Buleje is a respected educator and scholar with a distinguished career in higher education. As a professor in Florida's Ninth Congressional District, he has made significant contributions to the field of computer sciences, cybersecurity, and technology management. His commitment to academic excellence and student success has earned him recognition at the institutional and national levels. With over 10 years of teaching and research experience, he has mentored countless students and published multiple works that have elevated the body of knowledge. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in computer information sciences from Nova Southeastern University, a Master of Business Administration, a master's in cybersecurity from Florida Institute of Technology, and a bachelor's in computer engineering from Florida International University.

In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Buleje served as a board member for multiple non-profit organizations, including the National Society of Hispanic MBA's (AKA: Prospanica), where he played a critical role in advancing the organization's mission to ``empower and enable Hispanic professionals to achieve their full educational, economic, and social potential.''

Through his leadership, the organization implemented initiatives that benefit the community with a vision to serve as a catalyst for Hispanics.

Dr. Buleje is also a seasoned technology consultant with experience as a digital transformation agent. In this capacity, he has advised organizations on technology strategies to safeguard their digital assets, optimize their infrastructure, and navigate the complexities of the technology landscape. His expertise is highly sought after and has been instrumental in helping organizations in Florida across multiple sectors, including defense, life sciences, simulation & training, and higher education.

In recognition of Dr. Buleje's outstanding contributions to education, public service, and technology, it is fitting that his legacy be honored in the Congressional Record, ensuring that his work will continue to inspire and guide future generations.

Mr. Speaker, Edgar Silva is a professional of Colombian descent who had lived in the United States for 45 years and is the owner and founder of the Multiple Services World company that has a solid track record in the tax field.

Edgar is a highly trained and dedicated professional with a deep knowledge of the U.S. tax system, which has served him well in advising individuals and companies in this field. He has been a pillar of the Florida community since arriving in 1994, dedicating countless efforts to serving others. His passion for improving the quality of life for his neighbors led him to play a key role as president of the Colombian Civic Council for two years. During his leadership, he spearheaded initiatives focused on integration, social support, and community development, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those around him.

He also serves as the general director of the Colombian American Chamber of Commerce in Orlando and has led initiatives, together with the board of directors, to promote commercial exchange, facilitate networking opportunities among entrepreneurs, and strengthen trade and cultural ties between Colombia and the United States in the region.

Edgar not only works within the Chamber of Commerce but is also a member of the Historic Preservation Board Advisor Committee of the City of Kissimmee, contributing in this way to ensure that downtown Kissimmee does not lose its historic identity.

Edgar Silva is recognized for his professionalism, integrity, and leadership skills, as well as his ability to build strong relationships and his commitment to excellence in customer service.

In conclusion, Edgar Silva is a prominent leader in the community who, with his experience, dedication, and strategic vision, continues to be fundamental to the growth and development of the business community in Central Florida.

Mr. Speaker, Victor Montalvo is a renowned American B-boy, also known as ``B-boy Victor.''

He is recognized as one of the best breakers in the world and has won numerous championships, including two Red Bull BC One titles and bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Montalvo was the first American to qualify for the Olympic Games in the sport of breaking, competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. He

is known for his impressive freestyle skills, creativity, and athleticism.

Raised in Kissimmee, Florida, Victor's roots in breaking are rooted in hip-hop culture, and he has proudly represented the Latino community on his historic journey.

Mr. Speaker, Susana Restrepo is a Colombian migrant and a community leader dedicated to the well-being and development of her community. With over seven years of experience, she has collaborated with local organizations to advance initiatives focused on housing justice, immigrant rights, climate change, and access to healthcare.

Susana's community involvement in Central Florida began as a member and volunteer with Organize Florida. She later became a community organizer with Chispa Florida and currently serves in the same role with Florida Rising.

Recognized for her ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds, Susana has developed inclusive solutions to her community's challenges. She was acknowledged as a ``Community Hero'' for leading relief efforts that supported more than 2,000 victims of Hurricane Ian. Additionally, VAMOS4PR Action honored her for her dedication to Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities in Central Florida. In 2019, during the City of Kissimmee's Women's History Month event, Susana was recognized as one of the women in the Kissimmee community who has made an enormous impact, made a difference, and has made Kissimmee a great place to call home.

Currently, Susana owns a small health business, SusaludPro. She strongly advocates for local entrepreneurship and works to strengthen community networks that facilitate access to quality healthcare services. Her efforts reflect her hard work, dedication, and passion for positively impacting people's lives. As an inspiring leader, she also empowers other women in business and actively champions local economic development.

Mr. Speaker, Mark Pino is a Florida native with four decades of experience as a journalist, storyteller, and public servant.

A University of South Florida graduate, Mark is the first in his family to complete college. He is proud of his Cuban and Spanish heritage.

He was born in Tampa, and throughout college, he worked in a garment factory where many employees were Cuban transplants. Their struggles and stories kept him grounded as he focused on a journalism career that began in 1982 with West Hernando News. He worked at papers in the Virgin Islands and Ocala before coming to Osceola County in 1996 when he joined Orlando Sentinel as assistant Osceola County editor and columnist. He also served as an ex-officio member of the editorial board.

Mark was the Sentinel's Polk-Osceola bureau chief. He chronicled the region's growth, captured its history, and provided critical insights as an influencer on policy. Through his written words, he also attempted to educate and inform readers with fairness and integrity.

An award-winning journalist, Mark's work earned him recognition for his ability to document and interpret the evolving landscape of Osceola County.

In 2009, Mark transitioned from journalism to public service, joining the Economic Development Department of Osceola County. His efforts focused on creating new job opportunities and contributing to the County's economic growth. He shifted to public information and communications, where he continued to document the good work of the Board of County Commissioners and communicate initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents.

Mark's passion for storytelling incorporates photography and video. He is an award-winning photographer. His dedication to capturing the essence of Osceola reflects his commitment to his community.

Mark and his wife of 40 years, Marie, have three children. Their achievements are his greatest source of pride.

Mr. Speaker, Darlene Ramirez-Rivera holds a bachelor's degree in natural sciences from the University of Puerto Rico, with a major in chemistry and biology. She is also a pianist and flutist, having graduated from the Escuela Libre de Musica in Puerto Rico.

Her background as a chemistry and biology teacher demonstrates her commitment to scientific education. Darlene is the founder of Casa del Artesano Fine Arts and Educational Consulting, a nonprofit organization established in 2018 to support Puerto Rican artisans who arrived after Hurricane Maria. Together with her husband, Igor Baez-Munoz, she is now expanding Casa del Artesano with Pa'l Callejon, the first center in the Kissimmee region that combines an art gallery with a cultural restaurant.

In 2004, she became the leader of the bobbin lace group ``Mundillo en Orlando'' and organized the first Bobbin Lace ``Mundillo'' Festival in Downtown Kissimmee. Darlene and her daughter, Vanahi, also founded a group of young ``Mundillo'' spidering lacers. Certified as an artisan by the Puerto Rican Industrial Development Company's Artisan Development Program in 2007, she has been instrumental in promoting Puerto Rican craftsmanship. In 2010, she received a proclamation for Bobbin Lace ``Mundillo'' Festival Day from Orange County Mayor, Richard T. Crotty, celebrated on April 11.

Her accolades include the ``Women Who Make a Difference'' award from La Prensa in 2010 and the ``Florida Folklife Program Bobbin Lace Mundillo Master Award'' in 2018. She was named Artisan of the Year by the Asociacion de Artesanos y Artistas PR de Florida in 2019 and received the Eugenio Maria de Hostos Award from the National Puerto Rican Association in New York in 2022.

Since 2017, Darlene has been an instructor for the GED YouthBuild program at Valencia College, where she has graduated over 300 students in Osceola.

Mr. Speaker, Gisela Alvarez is a proud flight attendant with Southwest Airlines. In 1993, she started her career with the company as a customer service agent, eventually transferring to her current position as a flight attendant. She has been awarded many honors, including the Flight Attendant of the Year in her Orlando base and the coveted President's Award from Southwest Airlines.

Her passion for understanding obstacles and breaking through barriers led her to select and complete a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies from Bowling Green State University. Her commitment to fighting for better working conditions, especially for those who don't have a voice, is evident in her involvement in her community, at work, and beyond.

In the early 2000's, she was elected as a shop steward with the Transport Workers Union (TWU) LOCAL 556. She currently serves on the Language of Destination and Origin (LODO) subcommittee.

Since 2010, she has volunteered with the nonprofit organization Giving4Hope, where she has traveled around the world to help

families and children in need. Through this organization, Gisela has also helped coordinate supply efforts to areas impacted by hurricanes such as Irma and Maria. She has assisted with organizing over 20 flights with aid and water filtration systems to the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. She currently sits on the board for Giving4Hope.

Since 2018, she has been a member of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), a group that is a leading advocacy group for Latino/a worker's rights in this country. Gisela is currently the vice president of the Central Florida chapter.

Gisela loves participating in the Orange County Public Schools ``Teach-In Day'' program, where she volunteers her time to talk with students about the importance of academics in relation to careers and the future of the airline industry. Gisela also takes time to support the community with voter registration drives, citizenship clinics, and food drives, to name a few.

As the daughter of Ramon and Leticia Alvarez, who came to the United States from Medellin, Colombia, for a better life, she understands the importance of helping others and treating everyone with kindness. She contributes her success, her hard work ethic, and the value of treating everyone with respect, to them. Gisela is blessed to see such positive traits, habits, and willingness to volunteer reflected in her daughter, Zoey.

Mr. Speaker, Maritza Beltran began her professional career in New Jersey, working for Channel 47 Telemundo as the director of advertising and community affairs for New Jersey and Puerto Rico. Her talent and dedicated led her to excel in Spanish-language media, where she played a crucial role in disseminating information and supporting the Hispanic community.

In Orlando, Maritza became the host of the television program, ``Mundo Mejor,'' broadcast on Cablevision and produced by ABC Channel 9. As a pioneer of Spanish-language media in Central Florida, her influence and leadership were instrumental in developing and strengthening the Hispanic presence in the region. Maritza was the producer and host of the morning show, ``Buenos Dias, Buen Dia,'' broadcast by Q Broadcasting for 17 years. This program stood out for occupying the number one spot in Arbitron radio ratings and for its commitment to the community.

Maritza organized radio marathons for community causes, natural disasters, and the collection of supplies, clothing, and money. One of her most significant achievements was raising $162,000 in a single day for children with cancer at St. Jude Hospital, making her show the only national radio program to reach this amount.

Additionally, Maritza produced and hosted the radio program, ``Salud al Dia,'' for the Pan American Association of Doctors of Central Florida. She was the first female anchor for Telefutura/Univision Orlando, where she presented the segment, ``Noticias: Orlando al Minuto.''

In 2010, Maritza faced a brain aneurysm, but with admirable resilience, she underwent two brain surgeries and returned with even greater dedication to community service, grateful for the life that God generously gave back to her. Maritza is a woman committed to her community, a voice, and a helping hand. Her favorite words are, ``Si se puede,'' and her motto is, ``God doesn't make little miracles, He makes big miracles, and here you have one . . . ME.''

As the marketing coordinator for Banco Popular in Orlando, Maritza continued to demonstrate her commitment to the community. Since 2016, she has served as the executive

director of La Prensa, a newspaper with 43 years of history in Central Florida, dedicated to providing relevant and useful information to the Hispanic community. As the executive director of La Prensa, Maritza has dedicated herself to providing the Hispanic community with access to important reports, articles, and topics through this weekly newspaper.

Under her leadership, La Prensa has become the only fully Spanish- language newspaper aimed at Spanish speakers in the region, offering a vital space for Hispanics to feel represented and comfortable reading in their native language.

Maritza currently resides in Orlando, Florida. She is originally from Cardenas, Matanzas, Cuba, and is married to Anibal Beltran. Her career has been marked by her dedication to the Hispanic community and her passion for effective communication. She has consistently supported democratic causes and fought for freedom in countries of origin, reflecting her deep commitment to making a positive impact.

Mr. Speaker, Nicky Nieves is a 2 Paralympian and gold medalist sitting volleyball player for the United States of America.

She attended Gateway High School in Kissimmee, and during her volleyball career earned All-County Player and Best Attacker of the Year in 2007.

Deciding to transition from collegiate volleyball at Queens College, she joined Team USA in 2011. Nicky won her first Paralympic gold medal with the team at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and her second gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games, helping the team win the program's historic third consecutive gold medal.

Currently, Nicky is finishing her master's in clinical mental health and directing her nonprofit, ``Limitless People Inc.,'' which aims to provide more volleyball opportunities--both sitting and standing.

Through Limitless, Nicky has fed the community of Kissimmee on major holidays and has hosted sitting volleyball clinics and camps to spread the Paralympic movement throughout the state of Florida.

Mr. Speaker, Rafael Camacho is a dedicated professional with a passion for workforce development and higher education. With over six years of experience in the field, Rafael has made significant contributions to bridging the gap between academic institutions and industry needs.

Beginning his career at CareerSource Central Florida, Rafael quickly became adept at identifying skill gaps and designing programs to equip individuals with the necessary tools for success in the job market. His work involved collaborating with local businesses and community organizations to tailor training programs that addressed specific industry demands, thereby enhancing employment opportunities for countless individuals.

Transitioning into higher education, Rafael joined Valencia College as the director of recruitment and career placement for Accelerated Skills Training (AST), a key member of their recruitment team. In this role, he played a pivotal part in recruiting and guiding prospective students through the college application process. Rafael's deep understanding of workforce demands enabled him to effectively advise Orange and Osceola County students on career paths and educational programs that aligned with their aspirations and the evolving job market trends.

Before embarking on his civilian career, Rafael Camacho proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, where he honed his leadership, discipline, and commitment to service. His military experience has been a cornerstone of his professional ethos, instilling a sense of duty and purpose that carries over into all his endeavors.

After a distinguished military career, Rafael retired from the Marine Corps, bringing the same level of dedication and integrity to his roles in workforce development and education. With a unique blend of military and civilian experience, Rafael is committed to making a positive impact on individuals and communities, fostering growth and development wherever he goes.

Mr. Speaker, during this Hispanic Heritage Month, it is an honor to recognize My Voice Counts Charities Foundation, Inc., a non- profit organization deeply committed to the social integration of Venezuelan immigrants into the American system.

Since its inception, they have tirelessly worked to support the Venezuelan community throughout Central Florida through a range of activities that promote solidarity, mutual support, and empowerment. They have organized job training workshops, English language programs, legal assistance, and healthcare services, facilitating the adaptation and well-being of hundreds of Venezuelan families across the United States. They have proactively addressed the challenges faced by our community. A prime example is their collaboration with our office to introduce the Venezuelan Adjustment Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would provide legal pathways and safeguard the lights of Venezuelans who have migrated to the U.S. in search of a better future. This effort underscores their commitment to justice and their ability to positively influence public policy that directly impacts their community.

Thanks to the dedication of their team and the invaluable support of volunteers and collaborators, My Voice Counts has successfully established a robust network of support that not only assists immigrants in integrating but also enriches the diversity and social fabric of local communities.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and privilege to recognize and celebrate the centennial anniversary of the City of Belle Isle in Central Florida. Once a Native American oasis, Belle Isle was founded by Central Floridians in 1924 to resist Orange County's attempts to drain Lake Conway and its chain of lakes, which span approximately 1,800 acres.

Belle Isle's first citizens and interim Mayor C.H. Hoffner unanimously voted on the city's name, which resembles the French phrase for ``beautiful island.'' Today, it reflects the city's peaceful, lakefront living that provides an escape from the nearby metros.

In 1928, Belle Isle was annexed back into Orange County, and records of the City of Belle Isle ceased to exist. However, residents once again rallied against another attempt by the County to use the lakes for drainage in 1954, and the local government was reinstated. The State of Florida later recognized the City of Belle Isle's charter in 1972.

The city's government ran continuously until the early 2000s when a council-manager form of government was adopted to better serve Belle Isle residents. Since that time, the city has flourished. Annexations, the establishment of a Belle Isle Police Department, and an agreement to open Cornerstone Charter Academy mark Belle Isle's largest achievements in recent years.

In celebration of Belle Isle's centennial, the city will be hosting a Tree Recognition Ceremony to honor two of its beautiful trees. One tree will be recognized as a centennial tree, symbolizing 100 years of Belle Isle history. A second plaque will acknowledge a newly planted tree that will stand for the next 100 years. We wish good fortune to the City of Belle Isle and its residents and hope for another 100 years of history.

Mr Speaker, we recognize and honor Gatorland, the ``Alligator Capital of the World,'' which opened in Orlando 75 years ago in 1949 as one of Florida's very first attractions. We also pay tribute to the continued dedication of the founding Godwin family and all the staff and employees who have made the award-winning, 125-acre theme park what it is today.

Not only is this a significant milestone for Gatorland but a significant milestone for Florida tourism, as generations of travelers from across the state, the country, and the world continue to visit a truly special place that has distinguished itself as a unique, genuine Real Florida attraction. Only at Gatorland can you encounter iconic experiences such as the Historic Gator Jaw Entrance, Gator Jumparoo Show, Adventure Hour Giant Alligator Feeding, Screamin' Gator Zipline zooming over hundreds of alligators and crocodiles, Stompin' Gator Off- Road Adventure, White Gator Marsh with the rarest alligators in the world, Alligator Breeding Marsh with Observation tower, Capybara Encounter on Flamingo Island and much, much more.

A beacon of education and conservation, Gatorland has evolved as a worldwide leader in alligator safety, research, rescue, and protection. The park's conservation program--

Gatorland Global, is a testament to this daily mission. In fact, Gatorland has rescued hundreds of alligators over the years who were injured and at risk of not surviving, as well as those who were becoming a nuisance due to people illegally feeding them.

Just in the last year, the park rescued an American Alligator that was found missing her entire top jaw. This alligator, now named Jawlene, is thriving in her new home in ``Alligator Paradise'' at Gatorland and has since become a viral sensation and she is much beloved by the local community. In addition, the park welcomed the birth of Mystic, an extremely rare white leucistic alligator, along with her natural-color brother, Mayhem.

The park continues to rescue alligators and educate people on the importance of alligators and crocodiles to our ecosystems, to respect their power and beauty, and how to safely live with them in Florida and in communities around the world.

Mr. Chair, I appreciate consideration of my amendment No. 153 to provide an $10.8 million increase within the RDT&E-Defense Wide Account for the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program's (IBAS) advanced packaging infrastructure enablement of standardized assembly design kits program. This program will support innovative semiconductor manufacturing processes critical to national security.

Semiconductors support nearly all Department of Defense (DoD) activities. Ensuring secure access to leading-edge semiconductors, however, is a challenge.

The IBAS Program ensures that the DoD is positioned to effectively address industrial base issues and support the National Security

Innovation Base. Its mission includes strengthening and protecting the domestic semiconductor supply chain to provide access to leading-edge products and capabilities. One of the next-generation semiconductor technologies that IBAS is focusing on is advanced packaging.

Advanced packaging is an innovative semiconductor manufacturing process that fully integrates all component chips into a single, highly functional chip. Currently, 98 percent of advanced packaging integrated processes are done in Asia, where foreign entities can insert malicious processes in a way that is not easily identifiable. IBAS is working to provide secure, credible, and reliable domestic advanced packaged semiconductor manufacturing capability.

The design, fabrication, and packaging of leading-edge advanced package chips are becoming substantially more complex. To manage this complexity and ensure compatibility across different systems, standardized assembly design kits are essential. These kits provide a set of design rules and guidelines that streamline the manufacturing process. By establishing a uniform framework, standardized kits enable faster development and deployment of advanced packaging technologies, which is critical for meeting the DoD's high-performance and security standards. My amendment will allow the Department of Defense to leverage existing public-private partnerships to quickly expand domestic U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturing development platforms for critical advanced semiconductor system integration, including through the enablement of standardized design kits.

U.S. global leadership in semiconductors depends on U.S. owned firms operating at the leading edge of advanced packaging technologies. The next generation of electronic devices will require significantly greater functional density, in other words, packing chips together even more tightly than current technology allows. This requires technical leadership in semiconductor advanced packaging processes, including the enablement of standardized assembly kits.

I believe Congress should continue to allocate the necessary resources to update our domestic microelectronics security framework. I am proud of the work being done in NeoCity, my district's semiconductor technology hub, to advance domestic semiconductor manufacturing technology. This development is vital to strengthening our defense supply chain. I look forward to working with my colleagues to support this critical goal.

Mr. Speaker, entrepreneur and hair care specialist, Nadine Taylor has been a pillar in the Kissimmee community for more than 26 years.

Originally from Manchester, Jamaica, Nadine moved from Boston to Kissimmee to pursue her dreams of owning her own hair care facility ``A person's hair is a vital part of their personality,'' she says. ``I love taking care of the needs of all of my clients.''

Nadine specializes in a variety of hair textures, is a master colorist, and delights in creating hairstyles for her vast clientel. Nadine is gifted in making each client feel beautiful.

Her philosophy is: When a person looks good, they feel good and can produce good things. Nadine is a wife, mother, and grandmother, and makes everyone feel as if they are family no matter where they come from.