Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements and contributions of Puerto Rican broadcast journalist and news anchor Sylvia Gomez, after a career spanning over fifty years.

Sylvia Gomez was a pioneer in broadcast journalism in Puerto Rico, starting in this field at a time when the opportunities for women had barely began to become available. She was able to find valuable mentors among seasoned figures and prove herself in the field and on the air, soon establishing herself in reporting, interviewing, and anchoring as part of the news teams in the San Juan media market.

She has since been a constant presence in Puerto Rico TV screens, starting in public television and making her way through our major news outlets becoming an anchorwoman and a lead investigative reporter, eventually leading to a 44-year career at Telemundo WKAQ-TV.

Her reporting on environmental issues helped set the standard for such coverage and earned her numerous recognitions inside and outside the industry, with over 15 awards from press organizations, including a Silver Circle Emmy awarded by the Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2022.

I also want to highlight her principled fight against age discrimination by media employers, an issue that disproportionately impacts women in this field. Her stand on this subject bore witness to her integrity, strength and courage, and will certainly lead to a better workplace for many in the future. She has been an example to be followed, showing how one can and should continue fighting for your rights and the rights of others.

Sylvia is now moving on to enjoy a different stage of her life. I know she will continue to be a valuable member of Puerto Rico's community, and today I applaud her outstanding work, thank her for her commitment to what she saw as right and true to keep us informed, and wish her all the best moving forward.

Mr. Speaker, for the last eight years, I've had the privilege and honor to serve the people of Puerto Rico as their sole Member of Congress.

During this time, we faced significant challenges. In early September 2017, a few months into my first term, Puerto Rico was hit by Hurricane Irma, followed two weeks later by Hurricane Maria--the strongest hurricane to make landfall on the Island in over 80 years--which completely devastated our communities, destroyed our infrastructure, and produced the largest power blackout in U.S. history.

In late 2019, Puerto Rico's southern region began experiencing a seismic sequence that ended with a 6.4 magnitude earthquake on January 7th, 2020. This further damaged public and private infrastructure and left residents of the area in a constant state of fear and uncertainty.

And in 2020, like the rest of the world, we were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

These were all formidable challenges for Puerto Rico that needed to be addressed with a strong sense of urgency, and we met them head-on.

Working alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, we secured historic levels of federal funding to assist Puerto Rico's recovery process. These include nearly $73.5 billion in hurricane- relief funding, $1.6 billion to address the impact of the earthquakes, and close to $44.1 billion in pandemic relief allocations.

As we worked to respond to these emergencies, we also had to focus on other competing but equally important priorities. Chief among them was addressing the Medicaid funding gap that provides health care coverage for 1.5 million residents in Puerto Rico.

I'm proud that during my time in Congress we were able to secure $29.5 billion to stabilize Puerto Rico's Medicaid program while increasing the federal matching rate, more recently from 55 to 76 percent.

I'm also proud that we were able to address longstanding disparities under federal programs to help combat poverty and grow the economy. For example, we were able to include Puerto Rico in the Child Tax Credit for families with one or two children, who did not previously qualify, and secured a $600 million annual federal funding allocation to supplement the Island's local Earned Income Tax Credit.

I'm also pleased to have secured $33.7 million in Community Project Funding for 29 local projects across Puerto Rico. And as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, under which Puerto Rico is expected to receive at least $2.2 billion over five years.

I've also introduced legislation to provide the Island equal treatment under critical programs like SNAP, Medicaid and Medicare, SSI, and EITC.

I've led efforts to resolve our political status dilemma and end our territorial status. This is

the underlying reason behind most of the social, economic, and fiscal challenges we've faced and what allows the federal government to treat our 3.2 million American citizens unequally under federal laws and programs.

I led negotiations on the Puerto Rico Status Act, which passed the House with bipartisan support in December 2022 and would have authorized a binding plebiscite among the constitutionally viable, nonterritorial status options--statehood or independence.

This bill served as the basis for the local referendum held this past November 5th, in which Puerto Rico supported statehood with 57 percent of the votes. This is the fourth time since 2012 that we have voted to express our desire to become a permanent part of the Union.

Mr. Speaker, these are just a few of the issues I have worked on, but I just want to thank the people of Puerto Rico for giving me the opportunity to serve as their voice in Congress.

I also thank my colleagues, who've worked with me, visited the Island, and have taken the time to understand and support our needs and federal priorities.

I thank my family, especially my husband, Jose, and our children, who inspire me to work harder every day.

There is much to be done and much progress to look forward to in Puerto Rico. As I begin to serve as Governor early next year, I look forward to remaining engaged with Congress to continue advocating for the Island, responsibly expedite the use of recovery funds, and foster economic growth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 9598, the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2024, of which I am an original cosponsor.

I am pleased this legislation includes my bill, H.R. 920, the Caribbean Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act, to combat drug trafficking from the Caribbean region into the United States with a particular focus on Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The smuggling of illicit drugs across our Nation's borders poses a major threat to our communities, fueling both the overdose epidemic and drug-related violent crime. To tackle this, Congress has tasked the Office of National Drug Control Policy, or ONDCP, with overseeing and coordinating the Federal Government's counterdrug efforts.

This includes the development and implementation of the National Drug Control Strategy every 2 years. By law, this strategy must also include supplemental strategies to prevent drug trafficking across the southwest and the northern border.

In response to congressional directives placed in appropriations reports, ONDCP has also previously released strategies to combat the flow of illegal drugs coming through our third border in the Caribbean.

However, unlike the existing statutory requirement to issue the Southwest Border and the Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategies, there is currently no requirement in statute to develop this Caribbean Border Counternarcotics Strategy despite the ongoing threats we face from drug traffickers operating in the region.

For instance, according to data shared by the U.S. Coast Guard with my office, the known maritime cocaine flow in the U.S. moving through the Caribbean grew from 652 metric tons in fiscal year 2020 to 950 metric tons in fiscal year 2023, an almost 46 percent increase in this 4-year period.

This proves that transnational criminal organizations continue to rely on Caribbean smuggling routes to transport illegal drugs and endanger communities across the Nation.

Nowhere is this risk more apparent than in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, home to 3.3 million Americans and where the illicit activities of drug traffickers contribute to violence and higher-than- average homicide rates.

Just in fiscal year 2023 alone, Federal law enforcement authorities seized over 80,000 kilograms of drugs in and around the two territories. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are also used as transshipment points to smuggle drugs into the mainland.

Law enforcement agencies estimate that anywhere between 70 and 80 percent of the drugs that enter Puerto Rico are then transported to the continental U.S. This underscores that the threats posed by Caribbean- based drug traffickers are national in scope and require that the Federal Government has the necessary strategy in place to strengthen interdiction operations in the region.

That is why we introduced H.R. 920, the Caribbean Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act, which will codify the requirement for ONDCP to include a Caribbean Border Counternarcotics Strategy in the National Drug Control Strategy, just as it is required by law to include a Southwest Border and a Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy.

Additionally, to crack down on the financing schemes and money laundering operations that support the illicit narcotics trade, H.R. 920 will amend the definition of supply reduction in ONDCP's authorization to ensure the National Drug Control Strategy and its supplemental border strategies explicitly include activities to track and disrupt the financial networks of drug trafficking organizations.

I thank Chairman Comer and his staff for working with us to incorporate my bill within H.R. 9598, the bipartisan Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2024. I also recognize Ranking Member Raskin for his support, and I thank Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett who was my co-lead on the Caribbean Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act, as well as Senator Rick Scott and Senator Alex Padilla who introduced the Senate companion bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 9598.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding the time, Chairman McHenry for allowing this bill, and, of course, my great friend from New York, Congressman Espaillat, for introducing H.R. 6751 with me. It has been hard work getting this bill to the floor with 296 cosponsors. I think that is a number we should remember. The legacy of Roberto Clemente is so big that 296 Members of Congress cosponsored this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand here as Puerto Rico's sole representative in Congress to honor one of the greatest, Roberto Clemente. I co-introduced H.R. 6751, the Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act, with my friend and colleague, Congressman Espaillat. It is important to know that in 1958, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve and then went to Active Duty. Many people are not aware of the legacy of Roberto Clemente defending our Nation.

This bill would require the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue coins in recognition of the life and legacy of the baseball legend from Puerto Rico, Roberto Clemente Walker. Proceeds from the sale of these coins will support the Roberto Clemente Foundation, which offers a variety of community education, sport, and other programs.

Roberto Clemente, the first-ever Latino to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, was an exemplary figure in all aspects of his life, not just sports. A superstar with assured fame, he never stopped caring and working for those less fortunate.

On the playing field, he was among the pioneers who, even in the face of persistent discrimination, knew how to prove himself and silence critics. He reached championships in two World Series, including in 1971, when he was named the Most Valuable Player. Clemente won 12 Gold Gloves and 4 batting titles, was a 12-time member of the all-star team, and is one of the 33 players in the history of Major League Baseball to be part of the exclusive 3,000 hit club.

During the off-season, he remained engaged with supporting communities in Puerto Rico and in neighboring countries in the Caribbean, using sports as a vehicle to motivate communities and provide opportunities for development to disadvantaged families.

On December 31, 1972, Clemente boarded a flight to Nicaragua to lead relief efforts following an earthquake in that country. Tragically, the flight faulted during takeoff, resulting in a crash that claimed the lives of all on board.

This loss is still felt today. Many of us continue advocating for Major League Baseball to permanently retire the number 21 across the leagues to honor Clemente's legacy.

Also, although the Capitol's Statuary Hall does not currently have statues of heroes from the U.S. territories, if it did, surely Clemente would be the first to be installed for Puerto Rico.

For that reason, I filed H.R. 4065 to specially provide for such recognition to Clemente as I believe his statue must be among those of great Americans in these Halls. I expect that we will approve that bill sometime as well.

Today, we recognize Clemente by supporting this commemorative coin.

Mr. Speaker, again, I thank Congressman Espaillat for working together with me for many months to get and hit the 296 number. I appreciate all the support from Members of this House to honor Roberto Clemente, which is big for Puerto Rico and, of course, for the Nation.

``I have to say it in Spanish. Roberto Clemente was and is one of the superstars that served Puerto Rico''; ``Lo tengo que decir en Espanol. Roberto Clemente fue y es una de las super estrellas que sirvio a Puerto Rico.''

Mr. Speaker, I feel proud to serve as a Member of Congress. In January, I am going to be serving as Governor of

Puerto Rico, so for me, this is a double honor to make this happen. Congressman Espaillat and I expect that the Senate can do something about it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bipartisan legislation, H.R. 5302, the Michel O. Maceda Memorial Act. This bill will designate the Mayaguez Marine Unit of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations or CBP AMO in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, in honor of Marine Interdiction Agent Michel Maceda, who died in the line of duty while conducting a drug interdiction operation off the island's coast.

On the morning of November 17, 2022, CBP AMO agents were alerted of a suspicious vessel located approximately 13 miles off the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico.

Marine Interdiction Agents Michel Maceda, Jorge Santiago, and Mark Lamphere arrived in the area to intercept the boat suspected of smuggling cocaine. As they were boarding the vessel, one of the drug traffickers opened fire on them.

Agents Santiago and Lamphere were gravely injured. Agent Santiago has thankfully recovered and is back to full duty. Agent Lamphere continues the long recovery from his wounds in anticipation of returning to full duty soon. It has been 2 years.

Unfortunately, Agent Maceda was mortally wounded during the shoot-out and passed away later that day in the hospital.

Agent Maceda began his CBP career in April of 2016 as a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Douglas, Arizona. In 2021, he transferred to AMO and served as a marine interdiction agent with the Mayaguez Marine Unit in Puerto Rico until the time of his death. Prior to joining CBP, Agent Maceda honorably served our Nation in the U.S. Army as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. He is survived by his daughter, brother, and parents.

Agent Maceda's death is a stark reminder of the dangers our CBP agents face each day to secure our Nation's borders, including our Caribbean border in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. His sacrifice is also a testament to their bravery and unwavering commitment to keep our communities safe.

For the heroic actions during the November of 2022 drug interdiction operation off Puerto Rico's coast, which led to the seizure of over 2,900 pounds of cocaine, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy recognized Agent Maceda, CBP AMO's Caribbean air and marine branch, and partners from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau with a 2022 Marine Interdiction Award.

In February of 2023, CBP began construction of a new modernized facility for the Mayaguez Marine Unit, Agent Maceda's unit, to support its critical border security mission in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean region. I had the honor of attending the groundbreaking ceremony and made a commitment to work in Congress to rename the unit after this American hero. I am glad that today we are one step closer to making this a reality.

Agent Maceda gave his life protecting Puerto Rico and the rest of our Nation from the threats posed by drug traffickers and transnational criminal organizations. Officially designating the CBP AMO Mayaguez Marine Unit as the Michel Maceda Marine Unit will be a fitting tribute to his memory and sacrifice.

I thank the Homeland Security Committee chair, Mr. Green, and the ranking member for cosponsoring and helping bring this bill to the floor, but I also thank Senator Rick Scott of Florida, who introduced a companion version of my bill.

Let me also thank the men and women of CBP for their work to secure our Nation's land and maritime borders and their support for this legislation to honor their fallen colleague. In particular, I recognize AMO Executive Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Miller and CBP's Office of Congressional Affairs for their assistance and advocacy for this bill.

Lastly, I commend the Federal and local law enforcement agencies in Puerto Rico who have made it a priority to seek justice for Agent Maceda and ensure those responsible for his death face the consequences of their crime.

A joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security investigations, with the collaboration of CBP, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau targeted the drug trafficking organizations responsible for killing Agent Maceda and injuring his two partners. As of today, Federal agencies have arrested, and the U.S. Attorney's office has indicted, 18 individuals.

As we approach the 2-year anniversary of his death, I urge my colleagues in the House to support H.R. 5302 and ensure we honor Marine Interdiction Agent Maceda's life, sacrifice, and the legacy of his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2950, the Coastal Habitat Conservation Act. I was proud to join Congressman Huffman as the co-lead on this bipartisan bill, which would congressionally authorize the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program.

This program is one of the Service's most effective and proven initiatives, bringing together public and private partners on a voluntary basis to protect and improve coastal habitats and ecosystems across our Nation. These efforts are carried out throughout 24 priority coastal areas along the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, and of course, the Caribbean.

In 2023, the Coastal Program worked with partners and local communities to implement 153 conservation projects across 19 States and territories, restoring and protecting more than 87,000 acres. This was accomplished by leveraging $3 in partners' contributions for every Federal dollar invested in the program.

In the case of Puerto Rico, we have seen firsthand the success and the impact of this program. Between 2010 and 2021, the Coastal Program supported 218 voluntary-based projects on the island, which contributed to the restoration of almost 2,900 acres of habitat. These include projects to restore coastal dunes, wetlands, and mangrove forests. It also supported partnerships with local farmers to convert sun-grown coffee farms into shade-grown coffee farms which help protect streams and coral reefs by reducing sources of sediment and nutrient pollution.

I trust that formally authorizing the Coastal Program, as H.R. 2950 seeks to do, will ensure it has the necessary tools to continue supporting similar locally driven conservation projects across our Nation, coastal States, and of course territories.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2950.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and thank Captain Jose E Diaz, the outgoing commander of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector San Juan, for his exceptional service and unwavering dedication during his military career. As he retires from the USCG, Captain Diaz's career serves as an example of dedication and hard work to all who had the privilege to serve alongside him. Captain Diaz assumed command of Sector San Juan in June 2022, leading Coast Guard missions across the Eastern Caribbean with steadfast commitment and exemplary leadership.

In 1995, Captain Diaz graduated from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico completing a bachelor's degree in business administration. He also completed a near coastal Master 100-ton U.S. Merchant Mariner credential furthering his maritime expertise. Throughout his career, Captain Diaz has demonstrated dedication and resilience, navigating both the challenges at sea and the strategic demands ashore.

Over the years, Captain Diaz has been assigned to five distinguished cutters. He served as the Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Cutter Thetis in Key West, Florida; as the Executive Officer of Coast Guard Cutter Tampa in Portsmouth, Virginia; as the Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Cutter Adak in Manama, Bahrain; as the Operations Officer of Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk in Key West; and as Deck Watch Officer of Coast Guard Cutter Forward in Portsmouth, Virginia. Each assignment highlighted his unwavering dedication to ensuring maritime safety and security.

Captain Diaz's expertise is not confined to the sea, as his assignments ashore have been equally remarkable. Diaz worked as Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue Command Duty Officer in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Chief of the Law Enforcement Training Branch in Yorktown, Virginia. His tenure as Coast Guard Attache to the Republic of Ecuador and his strategic role as Targeting Chief at the Joint Inter Agency Task Force South in Key West, underscore his broad impact on international and interagency operations. Moreover, as the Maritime Enforcement Branch Chief for the Coast Guard Fifth District, Captain Diaz has been instrumental in enhancing maritime enforcement capabilities.

Captain Diaz's career has been bolstered by his wife Gloribel Rivera- Rodriguez, whose support has been essential for his success. As Captain Jose E Diaz steps down from his command of Sector San Juan and retires from the U.S. Coast Guard, we express our deepest gratitude for his outstanding service, and wish him success on the next chapter in his journey.

Mr. Speaker, on June 13, 2024, Captain Luis J. Rodriguez assumed command of the United States Coast

Guard Sector San Juan. The change-of-command ceremony is a military tradition representing a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commanding officer to another. The assumption of command is one of the most significant appointments in the career of a commissioned officer, as it demonstrates their great responsibility to lead and serve.

Captain Rodriguez is a native of Ponce, Puerto Rico. He enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1994 and graduated from Officer Candidate School in 1998. Captain Rodriguez holds a bachelor's degree in criminal Justice from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, a master's degree in international public policy from Johns Hopkins University, and a master of science degree in hemispheric defense and security from the Inter- American Defense College. Captain Rodriguez is also an Auxiliary Colonel in the Puerto Rico Police Department.

Prior to assuming command of Sector San Juan, Captain Rodriguez served as Deputy Director of International Affairs and Foreign Policy Advisor to the Commandant of the Coast Guard. Previously he worked as Deputy Commander at Sector Key West, where he oversaw all Coast Guard missions in the Florida Keys. He was also appointed Deputy Chief of Enforcement at the Seventh Coast Guard District, as well as Operational Plans, Policy, and International Engagement Section Chief, and Sector Miami Command Center Chief, among other important leadership roles. He also served onboard CGC COURAGEOUS and CGC VIGILANT.

Captain Rodriguez's work has been crucial to accomplish the U.S. Coast Guard's missions in Latin America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Florida and Puerto Rico. He is married to Mrs. Glory Ann Acevedo, and together are the proud parents of Jesus Javier Rodriguez

Mr. Speaker, Captain Rodriguez's military career is outstanding, and I am confident that the U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan will continue to excel under his able leadership. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Captain Luis J. Rodriguez for his dedicated career of service and wishing Sector San Juan many years of success

Mr. Speaker, I join in support of H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, being considered in the House today. This bipartisan bill, championed by House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith and Senate Finance Chairman Ron Wyden, improves existing pro-growth tax policies to support America's families, strengthen our economy, and boost innovation by helping U.S. companies compete against China.

One of the main provisions in this bill is the Child Tax Credit, which benefits more than 250,000 families in Puerto Rico. A study made by the Youth Development Institute (Instituto del Desarrollo de la Juventud), a non-profit organization focused in reducing child poverty on the island, found, youth poverty may have declined from 55 to 39 percent in 2021 when eligibility for the Child Tax Credit was expanded to residents of Puerto Rico with one or two qualifying children. Previously this tax benefit only applied to three or more qualifying children. I am proud that my legislation recognizing the need to include families with one or two children was adopted, and families can claim this credit in the same manner as families in the rest of the country.

From hurricanes to earthquakes. Puerto Rico has suffered several natural disasters over the last few years. The support we have received from Congress and federal agencies has been instrumental in our recovery. As such, I sympathize with my colleagues who have been afflicted by recent disasters and support the tax provisions that are presented on this bill that would bring much needed relief to communities across the country.

I am encouraged by the bipartisan and bicameral work that produced this bill, and I strongly encourage my colleagues on the House and Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee to continue working on expired tax provisions, including the Rum Excise Tax Cover-Over.

Earlier this Congress, I reintroduced H.R. 3146, bipartisan and bicameral legislation that would modify the amount of money transferred to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands from the excise taxes collected on rum that is produced in or imported into the rest of the United States, known as ``rum cover-over.'' It is used to support critical services such as healthcare and education, as well as agricultural and conservation efforts.

I was proud when Congress last approved my bill to extend the rum cover over for five years as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. However, that increased rate of the rum cover over expired at the end of December 2021 and has yet to be renewed, resulting in continued uncertainty, and negatively impacting the economies of both jurisdictions.

Puerto Rico's rum industry is one of the major drivers of the island's economy, producing more than 70 percent of the rum that is consumed in the U.S. and 80 percent of the rum consumed around the world.

With that in mind is that Congress created the rum cover over program in 1917 and has continued to be part of tax extenders legislation since. I encourage my colleagues to include my bill in any forthcoming tax legislation,

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for supporting this bill, which is really wanted by the people of Puerto Rico.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 359, the Fort San Geronimo Preservation Act, legislation that will establish Fort San Geronimo del Boqueron as an affiliated area of the National Park System.

Fort San Geronimo is a small, two-level, stone masonry fort located at the mouth of the Condado Lagoon in San Juan. Many who have visited San Juan will see it from all the hotels in the area. It is part of the massive system of fortification built by the Spanish military engineers between the 16th and 19th centuries to protect the cities, specifically 1500.

Three of the forts that were part of this defense system--Fort San Felipe del Morro, Fort San Cristobal, and Fort San Juan de la Cruz--are currently included within the San Juan National Historic Site, which is the sole National Park Service unit in Puerto Rico. Fort San Geronimo, however, is managed, as the chairman said, by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, a state government agency.

Despite its small size, this fort became a centerpiece of San Juan's first line of defense. It played a crucial role in the 1797 Battle of San Juan when a squadron of British ships led by Sir Ralph Abercromby attacked and attempted to invade the city for 13 days. Fort San Geronimo bore the brunt of this assault. Although severely damaged, it stood up against the firepower and successfully thwarted the British invasion, which retreated in defeat.

The 1797 British siege of San Juan would be the last attack on Puerto Rico by a major European power, underscoring Fort San Geronimo's historic significance and key strategic role.

The fort was rebuilt largely in its original design in 1799 and continued to be used as a Spanish military post throughout the 19th century. After Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory in 1898, the U.S. Navy, as the chairman mentioned, used it as a military post until 1921. It was then transferred into private property and eventually acquired by the government of Puerto Rico in 1949.

Today, this fort is the sole surviving site in Puerto Rico representing the 1797 Battle of San Juan. It was listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and again in 1997 as a contributing resource of the Advanced Defense Line historic district.

Yet, despite the significance of this fort, preserving Fort San Geronimo has been a challenging task due to age, weathering, and limited resources.

Over the last couple of years, entities like the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture and nonprofit organizations like Amigos del Fortin San Jeronimo have taken important steps to rehabilitate and protect the site, but it is clear that more can be done.

In 2020, the National Park Service released a study that found that Fort San Geronimo is nationally significant and met suitability criteria that there was strong local support for the agency to become involved in the site's interpretation and preservation. The study

concluded that there was the potential for the fort to be considered as an affiliated area of the National Park System.

This bill, H.R. 359, would achieve just that, designating Fort San Geronimo as the first affiliated area in Puerto Rico. The National Park Service would be authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture to provide technical and financial assistance for the fort's preservation. This would support and strengthen ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the site without placing it under Federal ownership.

Affiliated area designation would also bring national recognition to Fort San Geronimo's role in our military history. It would help us better interpret and tell the full story of the San Juan National Historic Site and that of the oldest and largest Spanish fortification system in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for their support. I look forward to continuing working together to get this legislation across the finish line and to help protect Fort San Geronimo for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman for yielding time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan H.R. 1318, the Women's Suffrage National Monument Location Act, which I am an original cosponsor of.

First of all, I thank my colleagues Representatives Neguse and Lesko for presenting this legislation that will rightfully allow for a Women's Suffrage National Monument to be placed on The National Mall.

In 1919, Congress passed, and a year later ratified, the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women's right to vote. At the time, only one woman had served in Congress: Jeannette Rankin from Montana, in 1916. Today, I am proud to be one of the 154 women serving in Congress--the highest number in the history of our Nation.

Women continue to rise across all levels of government, in the military, and in the private sector. Although we still have more work to do, it is crucial that we celebrate what we have accomplished in the past 104 years, while teaching and inspiring young generations about the role of women in democracy.

Women have cherished their right to vote. Report after report showcases female voters have exceeded the number of male voters in elections nationwide.

With this monument, we honor the suffragists who paved the way that allows women from all walks of life to take part in this democratic process and that also allows me to stand here as the first woman elected to represent Puerto Rico in Congress.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1318 and allow this part of America's story to be told.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of young leaders from my District who are in Washington, D.C. this week advocating in favor of statehood for Puerto Rico.

It fills me with joy to witness our young generation assuming a leading role in addressing Puerto Rico's political status and promoting efforts to champion the equal treatment of the 3.2 million American citizens in Puerto Rico. This group of young people has come to Washington to directly demand statehood in meetings with members of Congress and Senators. Their advocacy demonstrates not only their unwavering dedication to the cause but also their commitment to the democratic principles that uphold our nation. Their actions serve as an inspiring example for all, reminding us that the pursuit of equality and representation knows no age boundaries. As these young leaders continue to work tirelessly, their vision of Puerto Rico becoming a State of the Union draws ever closer to becoming a reality.

Please join me in honoring Alexander Lopez, Alexander Nieves, Alexandra Melendez Iturrino, Andres Davila Suarez, Andres F. Rosado Martinez, Angel Morales, Anibal Rodriguez, Anthony Jimenez Chaparro, Antonio Diaz-Agosto, Aurelio Agelviz, Bianca Cardona, Braulio Hernandez Jimenez, Carol Perez Gonzalez, Cesar Mendez, Christopher Caban Echevarria, Coralys Vega Rodriguez, Edwin Francisco Rivera, Jahn Tacoronte Gonzalez, Jaime Ramirez, Javier Porrata, Josue Rivera, Keishla ``Keka'' Rodriguez, Kevin Romero, Luis Alberto Arroyo, Luis Carrucini Ortiz, Luis Miguel Clemente Rosario, Manuel Lopez Alamo, Marcos Fabian Gonzalez, Maria Quinones, Marino Puello Rivera, Oscar Rosa Vizcarrondo, Paola Gonzalez Negron, Paola Roman Goytia, Quiriat Rodriguez Nieves, Randy Rodriguez, Ricardo Marrero, Roberto Lefranc Fortuno, Saned Trinidad Alejandro, Santos Soel Gonzalez Garcia, Sherlyn Osorio Nieves, Valeria Santiago, Victor Berrios Sierra, Yeareb Rodriguez Nieves, Yeiline Nieves Diaz, and Zairelys Medina Villanueva for boldly championing the long-awaited equality that Puerto Ricans have consistently demanded. I also want to recognize Shadow Delegate Roberto Lefranc Fortuno for being an integral part in spearheading this effort to have young Puerto Ricans actively engaged in this movement.

I am beyond proud of these leaders and applaud their efforts to advance Puerto Rican statehood.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to our Nation's prisoners of war and those who are missing in action.

``Though not here, their sacrifice is not forgotten'' is the official phrase for the 2023 POW-MIA day that this year falls on September 15.

These heartfelt words serve as a reminder that there still are families that hope for the safe return of their loved ones that are missing in action and the wellbeing of those who were prisoners of war. Among those whose sacrifice will not be forgotten are over 130 Missing in Action service members and almost half a dozen of former Prisoners of War from Puerto Rico.

For Puerto Rican families, these words are more significant when we remember that families extend beyond the immediate relations of the spouse and children of the service member. The pain of the loss and the hope that the loved one will return to the ``familia'' spreads from the immediate nucleus into endless tree branches of the extended family. Conscious of this feeling it is important that we remember that while the missing served the Nation, hundreds of families miss them and plead that the sacrifice of their loved ones is not forgotten.

Puerto Ricans who were called to serve in distant lands under the most difficult conditions sacrificed everything, convinced that by fighting for the freedom of others they were preserving and guaranteeing the freedom, prosperity and democracy of their loved ones and of our country. Inspired by these ideas they performed feats of courage that surprised their enemies and earned them the respect of their brothers in arms and the recognition of their superior commands, creating a legacy of service that is difficult to emulate.

As time passes and the memory of the POW and MIA begin to fade, we run the risk of forgetting the sacrifice of the Missing in Action and the scars of their time as Prisoners of War. I encourage my congressional colleagues to make a solemn pledge to continually strive to never forget the honorable legacy of our POW and MIA and ensure that future generations never forget their sacrifice.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of Mr. Huizenga's amendment. I think it is logical what he is saying.

I rise, again, in strong support of my amendment to this bill, as well, No. 31, to seek to identify ways in which Puerto Rico can further increase air cargo operations in our three international airports, and thus, better serve domestic and international stakeholders and consumers.

Specifically, this amendment authorizes a GAO report that will look at recommendations for security measures that may be necessary to support increased air cargo operations in Puerto Rico, airport infrastructure improvements that may be needed, alternatives to increase private stakeholder engagement, and the potential need for additional staff.

Airports are drivers of economic activity across our country. My amendment will support Puerto Rico and the Nation as we continue to find ways to generate greater opportunities for financial and infrastructure investments.

This section requires an assessment from the FAA on the resiliency of coastal airports, including those on our island.

Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleagues for supporting en bloc No. 2, and I urge support for the underlying bill.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of en bloc amendments No. 2.

I thank Chairman Rogers for including this proposal, and many others, to amend the provision related to former military land in Culebra, which is an island in the archipelago of Puerto Rico, an island municipality to the east of the main island.

In the Military Construction Authorization Act of 1974, some of these lands were transferred for recreational and nature reserve uses. However, this amendment would allow agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers the flexibility to determine and execute environmental cleaning efforts on the island of Culebra to fulfill those recreational and natural reserve uses when it is needed.

Mr. Chair, I urge the House to support the amendment and the en bloc package.