Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, we were thinking about the 5 years since Hurricane Maria, and 5 years felt like nothing. Maria was one of our greatest natural disasters, causing collapse of all of the essential infrastructure in Puerto Rico. We still see the effects linger.

My colleagues in Congress came with me to the Island and responded with funding for recovery. Staff from FEMA and other agencies have been working hard, but the effects have been slow to be seen. Major obligations for permanent infrastructure rebuilding began only in late 2020.

Meanwhile, challenges continued: Earthquakes, COVID, supply chain crisis, a power grid that remains unreliable, uncertainty about the continuity of Medicaid and nutritional assistance funds. The people were exhausted and stressed.

Then came Hurricane Fiona. Fiona did not bring Category 4 or Category 5 winds but, instead, rainfall like never before, up to 30 inches in some locations. It was raining 2 days before the hurricane and 2 days after the hurricane.

Fiona caused a lot of flooding. It was historic and, in many places in the south of the Island, and the West, and the central mountains, beyond what was experienced for Maria. Thousands of families needed to be moved from flood waters in places like Salinas, leaving behind everything.

In rural areas like Arecibo, San Lorenzo, Orocovis, Utuado, Barranquitas, bridges that had been repaired or replaced after Maria, and roads that had been cleared and repaved, are again washed out, damaged, and blocked by landslides.

Housing and transportation work done after the last disaster, some even barely finished, now needs to be addressed again.

The power system again fell into a blackout. Although a majority is back up, it is still shaky. More than 70 percent of the Island now has power. Plants at Aguirre and Costa Sur are running available units at the edge of capacity; distribution networks at Aguadilla, San Sebastian, and Bayamon needed to be attended by local governments. This slow-down recovery of the water system is a problem for citizens needing life support devices, and keeps businesses closed.

Although there are sufficient fuel and supplies in the depots, communities have difficulty receiving enough because of transportation problems at a time of increased demand.

The agricultural sector, that was expecting finally the first normal productive year after devastation of Maria, lost everything again. We lost 90 percent of our agriculture in plantains, bananas, and many others; back to square one. Across the land, in Lares, Patillas, Aibonito, Guanica, mostly small or family farms now are at risk of simply never coming back; a lot from damage, and others from heartbreak.

Our low-income families face faster depletion of the funds for Medicaid and for nutritional assistance programs. It is not just a matter of more eligibility but continuity of the funding.

A real answer to this would be true permanent equal treatment for Puerto Rico in these Federal programs, instead of a special provision over and over every year.

I have engaged the President and many Federal agencies on this and other issues, to seek the needed support for the Island at this moment.

Some Members of Congress, of this House, are traveling to Puerto Rico after Fiona, and I am, again, inviting all my colleagues who want to come and join me to see the need directly and hear from those who can tell you what is really happening.

Today, we watch Florida also face a major disaster, and knowing firsthand what that means, I keep the people of Florida in my heart. Take care, and God bless and keep you in this time.

I am sure that both Florida and Puerto Rico, we will come back from this disaster, and, as Americans, we must all stand together, in a bipartisan way, to make sure the rebuilding happens visibly and promptly.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding.

Today, I rise again in support of H.R. 5641, the SPEED Recovery Act, which is bipartisan legislation introduced by Ranking Member Graves that passed the House in April.

This bill cannot be timelier as Puerto Rico is once again dealing with the effects of yet another major disaster, Hurricane Fiona, while also communities in Florida are facing Hurricane Ian as we speak.

We do have a lot of experience in those small projects that are never done because of the red tape or the long procedures that need to be dealt with between municipalities and FEMA.

Too often, cities and municipalities face the burden of rising costs of material and labor, which means that the cost estimate for relatively simple projects, such as street repairs, now surpasses the threshold for what is defined as a small project.

Today, $123,000 hardly covers the most trivial work, and we can talk about that. I mean, we still have a lot of those small projects since Hurricane Maria that are not being done, and now, many of those projects were hit by Hurricane Fiona. Although the money is there, the process is so big that even the initial amount won't cover those repairs.

We have had cases where there may have been resources to start and finish promptly, but because of the price tag, we are forced to go through a more complicated process with FEMA, which can take years, years in which the people wonder when they will see the work.

When a community does not see even small things taken care of, that weakens the social fabric and promotes displacement.

We cannot afford to keep going through that again. We have a responsibility to make the Federal Government more efficient, particularly in times of need.

By increasing the threshold for eligibility for small projects, including adjustments for inflation, this bill will simplify that process, reducing administrative burdens, resulting in faster start of work and allowing more recovery projects to move forward.

Mr. Speaker, I support this commonsense bipartisan legislation, and I urge all Members to support the Senate amendments and send them to the President's desk. Across the Nation, our communities will need it.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of amendment No. 66 included in En Bloc 3 and sponsored by Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez of New York. I am a cosponsor of this amendment, which supports an increase of $1 billion for the Nutrition Assistance Program in Puerto Rico for Fiscal Year 2023 .

Unlike the 50 states, the U.S, Virgin Islands, and Guam, Puerto Rico does not participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP. Instead, we have the NAP block grant, which provides capped funding and serves over 1.4 million of my constituents on the Island.

Due to limited funds, NAP does not automatically adjust to increases in demand These are most common in the aftermath of natural disasters, like we saw after the hurricanes in 2017, and most recently the COVID- 19 pandemic. Because of this, we have had to turn to Congress on multiple occasions to advocate for additional emergency NAP funds, included in various disaster supplementals.

The most recent allotment, provided due to COVID-19, was expended last month, meaning Island residents who rely on this program have already noticed a significant reduction in their monthly benefits as we continue managing the challenges related to the pandemic and the rising costs of food. Additional funds are needed since, for many, NAP is the main program that secures their access to a healthy diet.

Mr. Speaker, the true remedy to this issue is a transition to SNAP. Currently, NAP beneficiaries in PR receive far less in monthly benefits than their counterparts in SNAP, and don't have access to programs like D-SNAP. which is a vehicle to get expedited disaster assistance without depending on supplemental legislation. As such, I have introduced H.R. 5220, the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act, which transitions Puerto Rico from NAP to SNAP, and I continue working with stakeholders to gather additional input on this issue moving forward.

Still, there is an immediate need at hand. As such, I support this and every effort that seeks to secure additional funds for NAP and underscores the need to transition to SNAP

I urge my colleagues to vote in favor.

Madam Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Rogers for the work he and Chairman Smith did to put this bill together.

I rise in support of the en bloc package No. 2 for the National Defense Authorization Act of 2023.

This bill includes three of my amendments that will directly benefit our country's national security as well as the people of Puerto Rico.

My first amendment, 413, directs the Secretary of the Army to ensure that a modular small arms range is made available for the Army Reserve in Puerto Rico.

Currently, Puerto Rico only has a single firearms range for Department of Defense personnel. It is located in Camp Santiago, which is the south part of the island, which is managed by the Puerto Rico National Guard, and it is hours away from some of our Army bases on the island. This amendment was included in the House-passed version of the NDAA last year.

Amendment 416 requires the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to investigate the health effects on the island of Vieques that may have been caused by toxic waste left by the Navy after 70 years of live-fire training. This amendment was also included in the House-passed version of the NDAA last year.

My third and final amendment, 417, would require the director of the Defense Health Agency to conduct a health-related behaviors survey among the members of all Armed Forces.

This survey, which has been conducted for the past 30 years, was last conducted in 2018. However, an updated survey is necessary to provide the Department of Defense with up-to-date information to better understand the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of all servicemembers.

Information on topics such as access to mental healthcare, understanding the post-deployment needs, and promoting physical health are needed to identify resources and continue to improve the support provided to our servicemembers.

Lastly, I will end by expressing my support for the following amendments that I cosponsored: 958, 968, and 1001, from my friend and fellow Women's Caucus member, Representative Lawrence from Michigan, that are included in the en bloc package.

Madam Speaker, I encourage all Members to vote in favor of this en bloc package No. 2.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the leadership and ranking member for allowing all the amendments and the language included in this bill.

WRDA has always been key for infrastructure development projects in all our States and territories, and this year's bill will not be the exception. This has been a cornerstone in the process of Puerto Rico's recovery, and this legislation enables it to continue to do so.

This bill includes the reauthorization of three major flood risk management projects in Puerto Rico: Rio Guanajibo in Mayaguez, Rio Nigua in Salinas, and Rio Grande de Loiza in Gurabo, that had waited for funding, in some cases, for over a decade, to the point that the original authorizations had to be withdrawn and new validation studies required.

The projects had later received funding for at least their initial stages after passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, but needed this reauthorization so their development can continue with the planning and design, the allocated funding is protected from loss, and updated project needs can be addressed in the future so they can move on construction.

So by advancing this legislation containing these provisions, this House demonstrates its commitment to our communities. I look forward for the approval of this bill. And again, I thank all the staff and leadership and the ranking member for allowing all these amendments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the selfless local leaders of Puerto Rico's Wounded Warrior Project and the contributions they make toward improving the lives of active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.

The Wounded Warrior Project was founded in 2003 with a unique, non- partisan mission: to support those who have born the cost of war, whether their injury be physical or mental. Nowhere are these services needed more than Puerto Rico, where servicemembers and veterans alike face extra hurdles to accessing the care they need to recover from the sacrifices they made on behalf of our country.

Despite these barriers, local leaders at the Wounded Warrior Project have led the way. Over the past year they have hosted 38 events for warriors and family members. This resulted in more than 385 engagements that helped heal, connect, and empower our post 9-11 veterans living in Puerto Rico. This past weekend they served their community again by holding an expo this Saturday that educated veterans on VA benefits, employment opportunities, and healthcare access. I want to thank the local peer support leaders and national staff who made this happen and who continue their selfless service to country and community.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Graves for yielding time.

Today, I rise in support of H.R. 5641, the SPEED Recovery Act, which is bipartisan legislation introduced by Ranking Member Graves with the support of Chairman DeFazio, Chair Titus, and Ranking Member Webster.

This bill aims toward updating disaster recovery procedures. I can talk about that at length.

During Puerto Rico's recovery from Hurricane Maria, many municipalities on the island faced the situation where, because of the rising costs of materials and labor, relatively simple projects such as a repair to a street or a minor building exceeded the current threshold for what is defined as a small project.

That threshold today is around $123,000, which really only covers some minor work. This means that a lot of the work for which municipalities may have had the resources to cover their non-Federal share to start and finish promptly instead had to go through the full procedural chain for major projects to qualify for FEMA reimbursement.

Those processes themselves have taken longer than expected. It took almost 4 years in the case of Puerto Rico after the 2017 hurricanes for those municipalities, FEMA, and the Puerto Rico Recovery Office to be able to agree just on the measures to make the processes faster.

That is years in which the people wondered when they were going to see the promised reconstruction. When a community does not see at least small things being taken care of, that weakens our communities and promotes displacement.

Increasing the threshold to $1 million, including adjustments for inflation, would allow more recovery projects to proceed under simplified procedures, reduce administrative burdens, and provide more certainty for all. This is a major step, and that is the reason I am supporting this bill.

Most disaster claims are on a small, local scale where there is no need to navigate the same procedures over larger, more complex projects and tie up the resources of FEMA and other agencies just looking at those papers. Although FEMA and other agencies have been open to using the administrative flexibility the law provides, in many real-world incidents, that is not enough.

These updates make the Stafford Act language match the realities of construction costs in our States, territories, and communities, which FEMA and the local authorities can then use in order to facilitate approval of the small projects.

Believe me, this is the biggest burden we have in the case of Puerto Rico. Four years after the hurricanes, we are still dealing with this.

Many heads of agencies, Cabinet members, and administrative positions from FEMA and the rest of the Federal agencies still travel to the island to see how they can do this faster, and it is not just red tape. It is amending this kind of language that will provide for those projects to be sped up.

I support this commonsense bipartisan legislation and urge all Members to support it, and I thank the ranking member for doing this.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and former president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Mike Turner, for yielding.

Today, I am here as a proud cosponsor of H. Res. 831. I stand alongside our esteemed colleagues, the president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Congressman Gerry Connolly, and past president, Congressman Mike Turner, to support the establishment of a Center of Democratic Resilience within NATO.

Just yesterday, we celebrated 73 years since the formation of NATO, an alliance that has assured mutual defense to one another. Beyond our strategic military alliances, we also share a commitment to our democratic principles. And I think that is the most important thing about this resolution.

Establishing an entity designed to promote, protect and strengthen democratic institutions will further advance the collective security of our allies and NATO's mission of promoting freedom, human rights, democracy, and of course, the rule of law.

Mr. Speaker, I have had the honor to serve as a parliamentary member twice during my time in Congress, and both have given me the opportunity to witness NATO's defining trait, which is unity.

Unity does not simply mean presenting a united front. It means being united in spirit and purpose.

Today, as Russia wages war on NATO's borders, that unity of purpose is more important than ever. It is also clear that Ukraine shares in our spirit and purpose as well.

That is why this resolution urges NATO to continue to provide unwavering support to the people of Ukraine as they fight for their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and a democratic future.

We cannot, and we must not, allow Russia to dictate the terms of a sovereign nation's policy. I continue to support Ukraine to be afforded the opportunity to join our defensive alliance. I think it is clear that the past attempts to placate through indefinite delays for Georgia and Ukraine have ended in tragedy.

Tragedy struck Georgia in 2008, and Ukraine again in 2014 and 2020, and are evidence of how effective denying them membership to NATO is for protecting peace.

Evidence, especially in Bucha, indicates sanctioned mass killings, the rape and murder of small children, and targeting of civilian shelters housing infants and the elderly. All while the Russian leadership talks of a country that doesn't exist.

Together, NATO must continue to present a united front. We must increase, of course, our aid to Ukraine, and we must ensure that countries make decisions to enter alliances without foreign interference. And this is the reason this resolution is so important, because of our principles and our united purpose. We must never cede an inch of our freedom or our values. I know that united, we can do this.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to Congressman Don Young.

For almost 50 years, Congressman Don Young proudly represented all Alaska. The dean of the House, as he was affectionately known, was the ninth-longest tenured Member of Congress. His passing last week leaves a huge void for his constituents, for this body, and certainly for so many of us who had the honor of personally knowing Don. For me, personally, I thought

he was a mentor for many of the issues that we shared together.

Our paths first crossed when I was 20 years old and I was elected among a group of fellow young Republicans to meet Congressman Young when he visited the island to discuss its future political status. It was in that moment when I was able to witness firsthand his loyalty to the causes he deeply cared about, including Puerto Rico's quest for statehood.

Little did I know at that time that I would have the fortune and honor to serve alongside him in the U.S. House of Representatives, and to sit on the two committees he ever served on and chaired, the Natural Resources and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committees.

Congressman Don Young had a unique perspective when it came to Puerto Rico's fight for statehood and full equality as American citizens. He could relate because he moved to Alaska shortly after it was admitted into the Union as the 49th State.

As Alaska's sole Representative in the House, he understood better than anyone else the inequities under the territorial status and the opportunities that statehood brings. He knew what kind of fight we would be in for, and he was with us every step of the way.

He understood the difficulties of representing a non-contiguous district here in this body, and because of this, Puerto Rico found in him an immediate ally. He frequently visited the island and even served as an election observer in one of our most recent referendums, demonstrating once again his longstanding commitment to ensuring the island's 3.2 million American citizens had their voice heard.

When former Speaker Paul Ryan was giving a tribute to Congressman Don Young when he became the dean of the House, he said: You always knew where he stood, but more importantly, you always knew where you stood with him. And that is because he made no secret of his politics or his opinion.

He was a staunch supporter of utilizing domestic energy and mineral production and infrastructure development to spur economic growth. He also fiercely defended Alaska Natives' rights and worked tirelessly to ensure they were enabled to improve their lives and economic status. He was a loyal friend to organized labor and to his fellow veterans.

Congressman Don Young was a legislative force of nature. He was the primary sponsor of 123 bills that were enacted into law, including legislation for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline in his first year in Congress. More often than not, he crossed the aisle on bills such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, women's rights, such as the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, and the Magnuson-Stevens Act, otherwise known as the Young-Studds bill, which revolutionized Federal fisheries management and preserved the commercial fishing industry in Alaska and across the country.

Mr. Speaker, Congressman Don Young's legacy will live on in every Alaskan, every Member who has served with him, and every staffer who has been fortunate to learn from him.

His passing leaves a big void. He touched our lives deeply in so many ways, and this House will never be the same without Don.

I pray for his wife, Anne; Congressman Young's two daughters; and his grandchildren.

Godspeed, Don Young, and gracias.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Puerto Rico's Women Veterans Day with a special story that reflects the bravery and sacrifice of our servicemembers. Earlier this year we celebrated the 100th birthday of First Lieutenant Carmen Vazquez. Carmen was born in Cidra, Puerto Rico, on February 15, 1921 and was raised by a single mother. She chose to enlist as a Nursing Aide during WWII, bucking social conventions of the time while performing essential medical care for the war's wounded. For her actions, she received the WWII Victory Medal, the American Theater Campaign Medal, and the Overseas Service Bars. After a short interlude of peace, she would receive a piece of mail from President Dwight D. Eisenhower asking her to return to service once more. She again answered the call, but this time she served as an officer in the newly minted United States Air Force. Her passionate service to country reflects the very best our nation can offer. Her service, like the service of all those who have served honorably in our Armed Forces, is an example for all of us during these difficult times when peace is too short, and wars are too common. On this Women Veterans Day, I hope we may all learn from Lt. Vazquez's example of enduring courage in the days to come, as each of us are asked to sacrifice in different ways for a greater good.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.

Madam Speaker, I rise today joined by a good group of colleagues and legislators here in the House to commemorate the 105th anniversary of granting U.S. citizenship to the people of Puerto Rico and to reaffirm our commitment to full equality for the island's two million Americans, which can only be achieved through statehood.

Many people will ask how long has Puerto Rico been part of the United States? Before the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico was part of Spain. After the Spanish-American War we became a possession, a territory of the United States in 1898.

In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt called on Congress to confer American citizenship to Puerto Ricans. Legislation was introduced to that effect between 1912 and 1913, which was supported by President William Howard Taft and then the Wilson administration. President Wilson had even campaigned in 1912 on a promise to ensure U.S. citizenship for Puerto Ricans.

On this day, March 2nd, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Jones- Shafroth Act, which extended statutory U.S. citizenship to the residents of the island.

The Jones-Shafroth Act would not be the last time Congress acted on a question of citizenship. In 1940, the Nationality Act conferred birthright citizenship to persons born in Puerto Rico.

The signing of the 1917 law cemented our relationship as an integral part of the United States.

For 150 years, Puerto Ricans have been proud American citizens, and we have contributed greatly to this country in every field of endeavor. We even have Supreme Court judges, a lot of entrepreneurs, and many others in many areas. We proudly uphold and defend the ideals that define our Nation, including more than 235,000 Puerto Ricans who have honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces fighting side-by-side with our fellow citizens from the States.

Yet, despite our contributions, despite a longstanding commitment to the values that come with being an American citizen, the reality is that we are still not equal. That is the reality of Puerto Ricans every day. And then you have 3.2 million Americans living on the island and more than 5 million living on the mainland. That tells you that because of the current territorial status, Americans in Puerto Rico lack full voting representation in this Congress.

For example, I can represent people on this floor, but I cannot vote here for any measure that affects my island.

I do the job of at least four Members of Congress. We do not have Senators that can be the voice of Puerto Rico because they are not elected on the island. Yet, we need to apply all Federal laws to the island but without having a say or a vote on each of them.

Our people cannot vote for our President, our Commander in Chief, and we have no say in the Federal decisionmaking process, which impacts every aspect of our lives.

Even though we are U.S. citizens and the Federal Government can and often does treat the island unequally under Federal laws and programs, and while it is true that Congress could pass legislation today to address some of those disparities, it is similarly true that any future Congress could undo such efforts.

When you revise our Constitution, specifically, the territorial clause of the U.S. Constitution, Article IV, Section 3, it says specifically that: ``The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States.''

Yet, we are the most powerful Nation on Earth still having a colony in the Caribbean for more than 105 years.

That is the reason. Because we are a territory, we will be always at Congress' mercy. As a territory, we will never truly enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as our fellow citizens in the States.

Only statehood can guarantee our full equality as U.S. citizens. That is why the people of Puerto Rico have voted to reject the current territorial status, not once, not twice, three times in a row. To be admitted as a State of the Union, most recently in November 2020 when a clear majority, an absolute majority of the people, 73 percent of the people who voted in that election, of those 73 percent of the people who voted, 53 percent voted for statehood. That is an absolute majority.

You don't have any delegates. You don't have any mail. This is direct votes, in-person votes of the people of the island asking for statehood. Even statehood got more votes than any politician on the island. Statehood got more votes than any political party on the island. That means that is the biggest consensus ever on the island, three times in a row.

As we commemorate the 105th anniversary of our American citizenship, it is crucial that Congress act to end Puerto Rico's undemocratic territorial status and to respond to a vote for equality through statehood.

I am proud to have partnered with Congressman Darren Soto, our brother from Florida, to introduce bipartisan legislation to achieve this using H.R. 1522, the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act, that will make a formal offer of statehood.

Never before has Congress even asked the people of Puerto Rico whether we want to continue as a territorial colonial status or we want to achieve statehood or independence.

This will be the first time ever this question will be made to the people on the island coming from Congress in a binding process--same thing happened in Hawaii, same thing happened in Alaska. They were asked the simple question: Do you want to become a State of the Union, yes or no?

That same question was a referendum we held locally in Puerto Rico by the local laws with that majority.

To say that, this bill will make a formal offer of statehood, outlining a clear process to enable the island's admission into the Union, should it be ratified by Puerto Rican voters in a federally sponsored yes-or-no referendum.

Having said that, I think it is time. It is long overdue that we resolve the Puerto Rican unfinished democracy business.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Soto), our main sponsor on the Democrat side.

Madam Speaker, I say thank you to our main sponsor. I will say, I don't have the vote here in the House so I depend on all Members of the House to support Puerto Rico in many ways.

In that sense, I will be always grateful, Darren, for your commitment and your help.

Madam Speaker, I recognize now a dear friend from Florida as well who is here.

Before recognizing her, I recognize a former Member of the House and current Governor of Puerto Rico. Pedro

Pierluisi is here on the floor of the House. Thank you, Governor, for supporting this.

Madam Speaker, this is a bipartisan issue. You won't find any other bill that will have bipartisan support. This is not a Republican issue. This is not a Democratic issue. This is the cost of equal rights. This is civil rights. This is democracy.

Madam Speaker, I cannot find a better person to speak about that than my good friend from Miami, Congresswoman Salazar.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Salazar).

Thank you, Maria Elvira. You touched my heart with those words.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Wild).

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize at this time and yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Demings).

Madam Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Madam Speaker, you heard many of the Members of Congress supporting this quest of Puerto Rico's civil rights and democracy rights to vote. Sometimes people forget the contributions people of Puerto Rico have made to this great Nation, contributions that we feel proud of, like the nine Puerto Rican Medal of Honor recipients: Private First Class Fernando Luis Garcia, Master Sergeant Juan Negron, Private Demensio Rivera, Private Miguel Armando Vera, Private First Class Carlos Lozada, Staff Sergeant Conde Falcon, Captain Euripides Rubio, Specialist Hector Santiago, Captain Humbert Roque, and I can speak about many others.

Historically, Puerto Rico has ranked among the top U.S. jurisdictions in terms of per capita military service. It is estimated that more than 18,000 Puerto Ricans served our Nation during World War I; 65,000 Puerto Ricans during World War II; 61,000 during the Korean war; 48,000 during the Vietnam war; 10,000 during the Gulf war, and 25,000 during Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Yet, just last week we have 300 more that are already in Poland with the current situation in Ukraine. That is the patriotism Puerto Ricans feel about this Nation.

Why do all those soldiers never receive the same benefits from being in the military when they come back home? Why should they be treated differently with even programs that do not apply to them? And they cannot vote for the Commander in Chief? Even this Congress gave the Congressional Medal of Honor to our Borinqueneers, the 65th Regiment that fought in Korea, but yet they cannot vote for their Commander in Chief.

Over 1,200 U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico have died while serving, paying the ultimate sacrifice in defense of America's freedom, while lacking full voting representations and equality back home. Defending freedom, defending democracy around the world, but not having them back home.

Our island is proud and rich in the tradition of military service. Today, thousands of Puerto Ricans serve on Active Duty and Reserves and all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Approximately, 8,400 currently serve in the Puerto Rico Army National Guard, and since 9/11 they have carried out over 16,000 deployments, more than 34 States in the Union.

Over 90,000 American veterans call Puerto Rico home. Unfortunately, despite our military contributions and their honorable service on behalf of the Nation's ideals, the current territorial status hurts Puerto Rico's veterans and servicemembers. It denies them the representation in the Senate and in the House, and it denies them the right to vote for the President. It perpetuates the inequities of Federal laws and programs which are detrimental to veterans in terms of economic opportunity, health, security, and quality of life.

Statehood for Puerto Rico and congressional action to end the territorial status will benefit our veterans and the thousands of Puerto Ricans who currently serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. It will provide them real democracy through a vote and equal representation in Congress; through the ability to elect their Commander in Chief; and through a permanent union with their fellow citizens in the States.

This is the time to respond for Puerto Rico. This is the right of the island to become part of this great Nation, more than 105 years since being a territory. This is the time for Congress to act.

You have H.R. 1522, a bipartisan bill with more than 79 cosponsors, Republicans and Democrats, asking for statehood and equality. With that, statehood will address many of the inequities in the Federal law that currently hinder economic growth and progress in Puerto Rico.

Madam Speaker, we celebrate the U.S. citizenship for Puerto Rico, but we want statehood now.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the work of Puerto Rico Youth at Risk, Inc.--Jovenes de Puerto Rico en Riesgo, Inc., in Spanish--on its 25 years of service. I also want to congratulate the organization's founder, Dr. Mercedes Cintron, who was recently selected as a finalist for the Lifetime Achievement Award during the National Mentoring Summit's 2022 Excellence in Mentoring Award Ceremony.

Puerto Rico Youth at Risk is a non-profit organization focused on developing school dropout and delinquency prevention programs for at- risk youth in Puerto Rico. Since 1996, they have carried out multiple initiatives to help at-risk students on the Island achieve their full potential, including through one-on-one mentoring services, personal and social development workshops, academic support, and community service experiences. Puerto Rico Youth at Risk has been highly successful, as 98 percent of students who participate in its various programs remain at school; 95 percent graduate from high school; and 70 percent of the program's graduates have gone on to pursue higher education studies.

On January 28, 2022, Dr. Mercedes Cintron was nominated and selected as a finalist for the 2022 Excellence in Mentoring Award Ceremony's Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who have dedicated their life's work to supporting youth through mentoring. Dr. Cintron is a psychologist and social worker who has dedicated the last 28 years of her career and volunteer work to promote and facilitate the use of ontological mentoring to prevent school dropout and antisocial behavior in teens. She has witnessed over 3,000 successful mentoring experiences that have changed the lives of both mentors and mentees, many of whom have continued to serve in their communities.

In 1993, Dr. Cintron pioneered the use of formal mentoring in Puerto Rico. She was inspired and committed to establishing Puerto Rico Youth at Risk after completing her term as Administrator of Puerto Rico's Juvenile Correctional Institutions, where she saw firsthand the need to carry out evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to reach at-risk young individuals before it is too late.

Dr. Cintron's selection as a finalist for the Excellence in Mentoring Award Ceremony's Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to Puerto Rico Youth at Risk's impact and valuable work during the past 25 years. It also represents a historic milestone, as Dr. Cintron was the only Puerto Rican among this year's nominees and the first individual from Puerto Rico to have been nominated for this prestigious award.

I'm honored to join Puerto Rico Youth at Risk to celebrate Dr. Cintron's achievement and the organization's 25 years of service on behalf of Puerto Rico's at-risk and vulnerable students.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Francis Maldonado-Vazquez for his tremendous efforts in achieving the Eagle Scout rank, the most prestigious award of the Boy Scouts of America.

Throughout his trail to Eagle, Francis has demonstrated he abides by the Scout Oath and Law and exemplifies the finest qualities of leadership and citizenship the Boy Scouts of America strives to teach. As a member of Troop 377 Francis enjoys visiting Camp Guajataka, camping, and learning of the outdoors.

Francis' love for animals and insects was exemplified by the impressive community service project he led in lake La Plata in Toa Baja. Francis and his team renovated the pollination garden at the wildlife refuge by installing several beehive boxes, and signs showcasing educative material about pollinator species most common in the area.

Francis is part of the special needs program of the Boy Scouts of America, and his story is an extraordinary example for youth with special needs around the Nation.

I'm honored to celebrate Francis' great accomplishment, recognizing the outstanding efforts of his work.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Diego Jose Baquero-Morales for his great efforts in achieving the Eagle Scout rank, the most prestigious award in the Boy Scouts of America.

Through his trail to Eagle, Diego Jose has demonstrated he abides by the Scout Oath and Law and exemplifies the finest qualities of leadership and citizenship the Boy Scouts of America strives to teach. As a member of Troop 134 Diego enjoys visiting El Yunque, Camp Guajataka, fishing and kayaking among other outdoor activities. Diego's Troop distinguishes itself for serving youth with special needs, and its influence has empowered Diego to become an exemplary young man.

Diego's community service project consisted in restructuring several rooms in the Mercedes Morales school to meet the necessities of special needs students like him. The remodeling enabled the students to have new and improved areas to study and receive their therapy sessions. Diego's great achievement attests to his remarkable commitment, leadership skills, and faithfulness to our country.

I'm honored to celebrate Diego's great accomplishment, recognizing the outstanding efforts of his work.

Madam Speaker, I would like to give special recognition to the Organized Reserve in Puerto Rico known as the 1st Mission Support Command.

In June 1922, the Organized Reserve in Puerto Rico was authorized when the Headquarters of the 187th Infantry Brigade and the 373rd Infantry Regiment were allotted from the National Army. This force, transformed by the needs of the nation continues to serve today as the 1st Mission Support Command. As we approach the 100th anniversary of its organization it is befitting to pause to commemorate and recognize the contributions of its veterans and continuing contributions of its soldiers to vital national security interests and homeland defense.

Answering the nation's call when liberty is at risk is a responsibility that the citizen soldiers from the newly Organized Reserve in Puerto Rico readily assumed. From July 14, 1939 to July 7, 1945, 119 enlisted and 513 officers from the Organized Reserve in Puerto Rico served in World War II. During the decade of the 1940s the Organized Reserve in Puerto Rico were designated the Army Reserve in Puerto Rico. Subsequent military priorities adapted, expanded, and amended the organization of the Army Reserve in Puerto Rico to include additional military occupational specialties, capabilities and responsibility for units in the Virgin Islands. Its current denomination as 1st Mission Support Command was authorized on October 19, 2007.

These changes enabled the Army Reserve in Puerto Rico to activate and deploy from September 1990 through October 1991, more than 1,000 Soldiers in support of the Persian Gulf War. After the events of September 11, 2001, the 1st Mission Support Command deployed more than 5,000 soldiers to provide indispensable and sustained support for operations Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom, and other throughout the world, with 95 percent of units having deployed or provided mobilized soldiers, in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

The commitment of the members of the 1st Mission Support Command and their success wherever they deploy is a demonstration of their quality and devotion to duty. But behind each of them are the family members who support them with their love and who endure the long periods of separation spent in training and deployments. This 100th anniversary is also a celebration of their stoic support.

Confronting overseas threats is where the 1st Mission Support Command has earned its reputation as a professional and capable force. But probably the greatest threat confronted by the command was not in a remote battlefield, but in its own backyard. The battering winds of Hurricane Irma and Maria in 2017 impacted Puerto Rico with such a force that within a few hours transformed our beloved Island into a disaster zone. The severity of the Island-wide disaster required designating the 1st Mission Support Command as the U.S. Army Reserve Caribbean Geographical Command, which added key new capabilities to its formation and placing thousands of additional soldiers, under one chain of command. It is evidence of the quality of leadership and soldiers who are part of the 1st Mission Support Command that even when faced with the emergency imposed by the disaster, they gallantly helped their communities while effectively continuing to support their military commitments overseas.

As the 1st Mission Support Command in Puerto Rico stands in the threshold of a new century, we are confident that the strong roots developed during the last 100 years have prepared the men and woman of this command to respond to the challenges that war, or nature could bring in the future. Is in this context that I request that this body joins with me to recognize and commend the 1st Mission Command for the selfless and dedicated service of its past and present citizen-soldiers whose personal courage, contributions, and sacrifices have helped preserve the freedom and advance the national security and homeland defense of the United States of America.