Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Israel Martin is originally from Cuba, but now lives and serves in the United States. He lives with his wife, Dody, with whom he has been married for 28 years. They have three children: Daniel, Claudia, and Helem. All three are married, and they have two granddaughters who are half-Cuban and half-Venezuelan, as well as one grandson who is also half-Cuban and half-Venezuelan.

In Cuba, Israel served as a pastor, Christian leader, and educator, He was the academic dean of the Baptist Theological Seminary of Havana, the oldest Evangelical seminary in the country, and founder and president of the Cuban School of Evangelical Studies (ECETE), the last seminary established in Cuba that was legally recognized. In the United States, he serves as pastor of the Hispanic Ministry of First Baptist Orlando, a mega-church of the Southern Baptist Convention, and as president of the Baptist University of Florida in Spanish. He also teaches doctoral-level classes at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Florida Christian University.

Israel obtained an engineering degree from ISPJAE in Havana and a bachelor's degree in theology and pastoral ministry from the Baptist Theological Seminary of Havana. He also pursued master's studies in Cuba and Guatemala. Finally, he is currently working on the dissertation phase of his third doctorate, a Ph.D. in Bible Exposition at Liberty University. Previously, he had obtained a Ph.D. in Theological Education at SETECA and a D.Min. in Hispanic Ministry Leadership at DTS.

Israel's favorite hobbies are reading and watching good movies. He also enjoys spending time with his family and home life.

Mr. Speaker, Cristina Mercado Acevedo is an interdisciplinary-trained professional with a master's in healthcare administration and over 20 years of community service involvement. She serves as the chief for the Orlando VA Healthcare System's Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Office, where she is responsible for volunteer services, philanthropic engagement, and partnership solutions with community stakeholders. The service's motto, ``What's Your Why?'' resonates heavily with her, and she uses it as a framework in building the program.

Ms. Mercado Acevedo began her VA career at the Orlando VA in 2012 as a Pathways intern. In 2014, she became the program support assistant for the Public Affairs Office, handling internal and external communications. She managed the social media accounts and worked to increase awareness and develop connections with veterans and the community. Ms. Mercado Acevedo served on the outreach committee that planned the VA's annual ``Welcome Home'' events. These family-friendly events provided access to emergent resources, employment opportunities, and information on both VA and community programs. During this time, she earned her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and graduated from the VISN 8 Stepping with PRIDE Leadership Development Program.

Ms. Mercado Acevedo used these experiences to create one of the most robust CDCE programs in the Nation, not only offering veterans immediate assistance with emergent care items and transportation, but also sponsoring innovative projects aimed at improving veteran healthcare and experiences. Notable efforts include the partnership developed to combat food insecurity, which established the monthly Veterans Food Distribution event that serves around 300 veterans.

Ms. Mercado Acevedo continues to work to motivate the community to assist the VA in its mission to serve America's heroes. Her ``why'' is not only to help those who may not otherwise receive the help they need, but also to inspire others to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, Arnaldo Oliveras is the founder and president of 180 Commercial Real Estate Advisors, a technology-forward brokerage and consultancy headquartered in Orlando. Licensed in Florida and equipped with an MBA in global management, he has devoted more than two decades to catalyzing job growth and revitalizing commercial corridors across the State--most notably within Florida's Ninth Congressional District, which includes Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Lake Nona, and south Orlando.

Through 180 Commercial Real Estate Advisors, Mr. Oliveras has directed over $600 million in retail and mixed-use transactions, ushering both national brands and emerging concepts into Central Florida while pioneering lease structures that maximize landlord value and tenant viability. His firm's concierge platform--integrating tenant and landlord representation, market analytics, project coordination, and post-occupancy advisory--has become a blueprint for sustainable development along the Osceola Parkway and U.S. 192 corridors, generating hundreds of local jobs and broadening consumer amenities for district residents. Mindful that thriving main streets anchor healthy economies, he also advises small retailers and family-owned enterprises on fair-lease negotiations and expansion strategies, ensuring small businesses share in the region's growth.

A passionate civic leader, Mr. Oliveras serves as the 2026 chair of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, championing entrepreneurship programs that directly benefit the Ninth District's vibrant business community. Oliveras also sits on the Executive Board at the Winter Park Chamber of

Commerce and the board of Opera Orlando and as vice-chair for the Rollins Museum of Art board, leveraging arts advocacy to boost cultural tourism and business revenue throughout Central Florida.

Renowned for disciplined optimism and a consultative style, Mr. Oliveras continues to align private-sector innovation with public priorities, advancing a more prosperous and resilient Central Florida.

Mr. Speaker, Rev. Dr. Jeanette Salguero is a pastor, educator, and nonprofit leader whose work has transformed Florida's Ninth Congressional District. As co-lead pastor of The Gathering Place Church in Orlando, she has built a thriving, multicultural congregation committed to restoring lives, families, the city, and the world. She is co-leading the creation of a Dream Center Campus in Central Florida, designed to provide comprehensive services for families in need. Dr. Salguero is the creator of the Oikonomia Initiative, a groundbreaking program that equips pastors and nonprofit leaders with financial literacy, debt-relief resources, and leadership excellence funds. Through this initiative, Central Florida pastors and leaders have been empowered to pay down personal debt, stabilize their finances, and strengthen their capacity to serve their communities.

She also founded the Avance Initiative, which brings together Latino leaders and entrepreneurs for capacity development, strengthening their organizational infrastructures and expanding their community impact. As executive director of the Carrion Hispanic Leadership Center at Southeastern University, Dr. Salguero has helped expand access to affordable, high-quality education for over 200 Latino students.

She also serves as co-founder and vice president of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NaLEC), headquartered in the district, where she mobilizes a national network of over 3,000 leaders around issues such as poverty alleviation, immigration, and educational equity. With a pastoral heart and prophetic vision, Dr. Salguero has secured multi-million-dollar philanthropic investments, built bridges across sectors, and brought national visibility to Florida's Ninth District as a model for church-based and nonprofit-led community transformation.

Mr. Speaker, Pedro Turushina is the president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, where he leads the strategic direction of one of the top two chambers in the region. In this role, he develops proactive programs that strengthen membership engagement, foster collaboration, and create meaningful partnerships with key stakeholders across government, private, and nonprofit sectors. His leadership positions the chamber as a catalyst for business ownership, economic advancement, and community empowerment.

A proud Colombian native who has called Orlando home since 2001, Pedro has dedicated his career to driving economic growth in Central Florida. Before leading the chamber, he was the founder and creative director of a marketing agency, supporting entrepreneurs and organizations in building their brands and strategies. Today, his vision extends beyond organizational leadership--he actively cultivates alliances that directly impact the region's economy, including partnerships with the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud, both part of Florida's Ninth Congressional District. Thanks to his efforts, both municipalities are now valued trustees of the chamber, underscoring the trust and collaboration he has fostered in the community.

Under his leadership, the chamber co-hosted a Small Business Town Hall with Orange County and SkyBuilders USA, creating a platform for local entrepreneurs to share needs, connect with peers, and shape the future of Orange County's Small Business Enterprise Program.

Pedro's authenticity and entrepreneurial background have made him a trusted advocate for small businesses, particularly in Osceola County, where the chamber has expanded its presence to better serve the Hispanic community. His commitment to empowerment and opportunity has earned him national and regional recognition, including being named a Top Latino Leader by the Council for Latino Workplace Equity. He has also been recognized as Orlando Business Journal's 40 Under 40, and recipient of the Citrus Club Hispanic Heritage Award as Future Leadership Trailblazer Man of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, Phillip Arroyo is a distinguished attorney, advocate, and proud Puerto Rican whose life reflects a lifelong dedication to justice. Born in 1982 on a United States military base in Germany to a Puerto Rican father who served in the Armed Forces, he was raised with the values of resilience, service, and courage. From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Arroyo served as special assistant to the Puerto Rico Secretary of State, Kenneth McClintock, and in the Puerto Rico Senate. He later addressed the international community, twice testifying before the United Nations in New York City on the island's unequal political status within the United States. In 2012, he was selected from thousands of applicants nationwide to serve as a White House intern under President Barack Obama's administration, where he worked in the office of then-Vice President Joe Biden, analyzing domestic policy.

Following his graduation from Florida A&M University College of Law, Mr. Arroyo chose to serve as a public defender, representing the poor and ensuring the constitutional rights of the most vulnerable were protected. In 2022, he transitioned into private practice, co-founding the Arroyo Law Firm in Orlando, Florida, with his wife and law partner, Josephine Arroyo. Under their leadership, the firm has become one of Central Florida's most respected criminal defense and immigration practices, recognized for zealous advocacy, service to underserved communities, and its particular commitment to assisting the Hispanic community.

In addition, Mr. Arroyo is a frequent commentator in both national and local media on issues of criminal justice, immigration, and civil rights. While many in the legal community have remained silent, he has consistently spoken up in defense of our Constitution and immigrant communities during these dark times.

His journey--from Puerto Rico to the United Nations, to the White House, and now to the courtroom--stands as a testament to perseverance, courage, and the enduring power of advocacy in the pursuit of justice for all.

Mr. Speaker, Dilia Castillo was born in Manhattan, New York, to parents from the Dominican Republic. In 1989, she moved to Florida, where she began her career as a freelance photographer, focusing on community events, newspapers, and magazines. Due

to her passionate dedication to community engagement, she is affectionatly know as ``The People's Photographer,'' or ``La Fotografa del Pueblo,'' in Central Florida.

Dilia's work and warm personality have earned her affection and recognition within the Central Florida community. Her creative approach to photography has been acknowledged through several awards, including the 2013 APEIH Certificate of Appreciation, 2015 Revista Mujer Award, 2016 Latina Role Models Certificate of Recognition, 2016 Kissimmee Family Mission Inc. Certificate of Recognition, 2016 HAPBWA Award, 2018 Portada Latina Magazine Award, 2019 Premios Boriken Award--Excellence in Artistic Creativity Award at the Puerto Rico Parade in Osceola, 2020 Access Community Center Recognition for Meals on Wheels, 2023 Leadership Awards at the Cuban Sandwich Festival, 2023 Premios Boriken Event Recognition, and El Premio Coqui de Oro Event Recognition.

As a professional photographer, Dilia has contributed to numerous publications, including Caribbean American Passport Magazine, Portada Latina, Yes Business Magazine, the Osceola Star, El Nuevo Amanecer, Enlace Magazine, Karas Magazine, Politica--Politico Magazine, Revista Mujer, El Periodico El Sol de la Florida, and the HAPBWA Foundation.

Dilia Castillo's contributions and impact on her community continue to be celebrated.

Mr. Speaker, Mayra La Paz is a renowned international journalist of Dominican origin, whose professional career has left a profound mark on the world of communications. Born with an innate passion for storytelling, she began her career in her native Dominican Republic, where she quickly established herself as one of the most respected and admired voices in the media. Her direct and empathetic style, combined with a commitment to truth, led her to excel on national television, covering topics of social, cultural, and political significance, earning the respect of both the public and her colleagues. Motivated by the desire to broaden her horizons, she immigrated to New York City, where she continued her rise in Hispanic media as a reporter, host, and producer, achieving a genuine connection with the Latino community.

In the United States, her voice became a bridge between immigrants and opportunities, denouncing injustices, extolling achievements, and promoting education and culture as tools for transformation. Her talent, charisma, and journalistic ethics have allowed her to excel on networks and programs with high audiences, such as Telemundo, Telemicro Internacional, Supercanal Caribe, and Channel 35 in New York, establishing herself as an opinion leader committed to the progress of her people. She is included among the 100 most influential Dominicans abroad.

For her successful journalistic work, she has been recognized by government agencies in her country, New York, Puerto Rico, and now in Florida, as well as by private institutions. She holds a master's degree in corporate communication from the Isabella II University in Barcelona, a bachelor's degree in communication sciences, studies in community management in social media, and coaching studies from the John Maxuel School, among other courses related to effective communication. She is the eldest of seven siblings and has created a stable family with engineer Juan Carlos Rosario, with whom she has four children: Carlos, Joel, Junior, and Karla, as well as a granddaughter: Aria Rose. Today, based in Central Florida, Mayra La Paz continues her legacy as the founder and director of Portada Latina magazine, a media outlet that showcases and celebrates the talent, entrepreneurship, and economic contributions of Hispanics in the United States.

Her magazine celebrates its 10th year of consistent reporting in the Hispanic market in 2025. In addition to her work as a communicator, she mentors women in professional reinvention, creates the effective communication method ``Que Comunicas?'' (What Do You Communicate?), and promotes empowerment,

networking, and digital education events. With more than three decades dedicated to journalism, Mayra is a symbol of resilience, excellence, and love for her community.

Mr. Speaker, on the 14th day of October 1959, a meeting was held far from Earth, and it was said, ``It's time for a warrior to be born on Earth.'' This was the birth of Ronald W. Harvey, also known as Ronnie. He was born and grew up in Harvey, Illinois, where he attended Thornton High School and studied at the Metropolitan State University of Denver. He enjoyed baseball during his high school years. Later, Ronnie married the love of his life, a dedicated community leader, Mrs. Roxie Harvey.

Ronnie worked for the U.S. Postal Service for over 30 years and retired. During his tenure at the post office, he played in the post office basketball league and had a fierce 3-point shot. He and his friend, Speech, secretly started a prayer circle named the Brothers of the Circle. The group was so effective and grew so large that they had to move the meeting to a bowling alley.

Post retirement, Ronnie worked as a truck driver for Lucky Duck Express and Dynasty Trucking. He was later ordained and served as Pastor of the Real Love Christian Center in Illinois. He served as a mentor and went on several mission trips to help improve the lives of others. He rendered his service and passion by feeding the homeless and listening to and encouraging others in Jesus Christ.

Whether it was in Illinois, Honduras, or Florida, Ronnie's impact will continue to be felt as his legacy will live on through his beloved wife, Roxie, and his seven children.

Mr. Chair, I want to commend the managers of the House Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations bill for including my amendment, No. 269, to provide a $24.1 million increase within the RDT&E-Defense Wide Account, to the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program's (IBAS) Fan-Out Wafer level packaging program in the en bloc package.

Semiconductors support nearly all Department of Defense (DoD) activities. Ensuring secure access to leading-edge semiconductors, however, is a challenge. The pandemic exposed the challenges associated with the global supply chain, the changing global semiconductor industry, and the sophistication of U.S. adversaries, who might target military electronic components.

IBAS is dedicated to ensuring that the DoD is positioned to effectively address industrial base issues and support the National Security Innovation Base. This includes strengthening and protecting the domestic semiconductor supply chain to provide access to leading- edge capabilities to accelerate innovation. One of the next generation semiconductor technologies that IBAS is focusing on is called Advanced Packing.

Advanced Packaging essentially removes the green circuit board, and connects each component chip onto each other, like how individual Lego pieces can be stacked on top of each other to form a Lego set. This next generation process fully integrates all component chips into a single, advanced packaged, chip. Currently, 98 percent of these advanced packaging, integrated processes, are done in Asia, where foreign entities can insert malicious processes into these integrated chips in a way that is not easily identifiable. IBAS is working to provide secure, credible, and reliable domestic advanced packaged semiconductor manufacturing capability.

Fanout wafer level packaging technology is a critical leading-edge advanced packaging technology, providing a high degree of size, weight, and power performance improvements over traditional packaging processes. My amendment will allow the DoD to leverage existing public- private-partnerships to quickly expand domestic U.S. based semiconductor manufacturing development platforms for critical advanced semiconductor system integration, including fan-out wafer level packaging technology.

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 fanout wafer level packaging.

I believe Congress should continue to provide the resources necessary to update our domestic microelectronics security framework. I am proud of the work being undertaken in my district's semiconductor technology district, known as NeoCity, to support domestic semiconductor manufacturing technology development as we work to address this critical supply chain. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to support this goal.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1770, the Consumer Safety Technology Act. The bill directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to launch a pilot program exploring the use of artificial intelligence so that we can track injury trends, identify hazards, monitor recalls, and identify products not meeting importation requirements.

The reality is that the crooks are already using AI. The cops on the beat need to be able to use this, too. We also heard in committee that this could help make the CPSC more efficient by the use of this technology, and it is critical that we protect consumers.

The bill also requires the Department of Commerce and other agencies to study blockchain technology in the context of consumer products and safety. Right now, blockchain is an exciting technology. It is new technology that can be used for data storage and helping AI to analyze major issues. In addition, it could be in the digital currency form.

The next section also instructs that the FTC shall report to Congress on its efforts to address unfair and deceptive trade practices related to tokens, also known as digital currency, and make any recommendations to improve our Federal agency's ability to protect consumers and promote innovation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chair Latta, Ranking Members Pallone and Schakowsky, and Representatives Houchin, Trahan, and Castor for joining me in this important legislation. I urge Members to vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hoyle) for her leadership.

I rise in strong support of H.R. 900, the Sinkhole Mapping Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation which I introduced with my fellow Floridian, Gus Bilirakis.

Mr. Speaker, sinkholes pose a significant problem for Florida and many States, yet we don't have a comprehensive mapping system to help first responders and community planners, as was mentioned by our chairman, Chairman Westerman. I thank him for bringing this bill today.

Sinkholes cost over $300 million a year. We see that in Florida homes, community centers, and businesses being affected by this. Having a database that displays potential sinkholes in our Sunshine State and across the Nation would absolutely be critical. That is what this bill does.

This bill directs the U.S. Geological Survey to study the short- and long-term mechanisms that trigger sinkholes. This includes extreme storms, prolonged droughts, shifts in water management practices, ongoing aquifer depletion, and other major water uses. It is all about having a public website displaying maps depicting zones at greater risk of sinkhole formation, helping save lives and helping us have more resilient communities.

I thank Chairman Westerman, Ranking Members Huffman and Hoyle, as well as Representatives Bilirakis, Frost, Castor, Wilson, Costa, Harder, Fitzpatrick, and Bell for joining me.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Mr. Speaker, Andrew Browne was born in the city of Georgetown, Guyana, in South America, on August 10, 1962, into a family that valued kindness with humble

means. He was the fifth of six siblings to their parents, the late Maurice and Mary Browne. He migrated with his siblings to the United States of America in 1983 and settled in Brooklyn, New York. Andrew married his fiancee, June, and arranged her migration to the USA. From this union came three offspring. In 2003, the family relocated to the state of Florida, where they currently reside in the City of Kissimmee.

There are moments in every life that become turning points. For Andrew, one such moment was the World Trade Center terrorist attack in 2001. In January 2002, he was diagnosed with an enlarged heart with an ejection fraction of 10 percent. Even though he was still able to pursue a semi-normal lifestyle, he was given one year to live. He then placed his complete trust in the Most-High-God and his Savior Jesus Christ and continues to give total glory to the God he serves for keeping him alive.

Andrew discovered passions that ignited his spirit. This involves helping others who need computer assistance, but most of all, being the director of his local church's food pantry, which reaches out to serve community neighbors. This brings him joy and gives him a sense of fulfillment.

As he writes this, he is reminded that his autobiography is far from complete. There are chapters yet to be written. This is his story--one of resilience, growth, and hope. It is a testament to his faith in God, dreams, and the strength of the human spirit. As he continues this journey, he is reminded that the best stories are those that are shared.

Mr. Speaker, Jamilah Felix is a passionate advocate for civic engagement and public service. Her love for service began while growing up in Osceola County. For over a decade, she has dedicated her professional and educational journey to service. She's often at the helm of helping lead revitalization initiatives, mentoring, and government affairs.

In 2024, she received the statewide recognition of being named as a News Service of Florida's 40 Under 40 Rising Star and a trailblazer by the City of Kissimmee during Women's History Month. Ms. Felix currently serves as the manager of government relations for

one of the largest health systems in Florida, AdventHealth, where she works at the intersection of healthcare and public policy--building trusted relationships with government and strategic partners, ensuring stakeholder representation. Before joining AdventHealth, Jamilah served in the Executive Offices of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, where she managed several programs and led community-driven initiatives focused on parity in infrastructure and neighborhood development.

While working at the city, she successfully secured funding for a $400,000 infrastructure improvement project in an underserved neighborhood. Her career spans Fortune 500 companies, including Edward Jones Investments, where she earned the Spirit of Partnership Award, recognizing her exceptional role in fostering external partnerships and branch management.

Ms. Felix holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy from the University of Central Florida. While at UCF, Jamilah was selected as a Legislative Scholar, earning a fellowship in the Florida Senate for a ranking member of Congress.

Ms. Felix is also the founder of Aminah Joy Jewelry, an online jewelry boutique. She is a graduate of Leadership Orlando and currently serves on several regional boards, including the St. Cloud Chamber Government Affairs Committee. She's passionate about helping to solve complex social issues to create lasting change.