Mario Diaz-Balart

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my dear, long-time friend and Deputy Chief of Staff, Miguel A. Otero. His decades-long dedication to public service has created a long-lasting impact on our community and well beyond Florida's 26th District.

Born in New York City, New York, in 1962 to parents Mr. Eliseo Marrero Otero and Dr. Dulce Amada Otero, Miguel Otero's family moved to Miami, Florida in the late 1960s. Miguel and his sister, Dolores, grew up being taught the value of hands-on, hard work, with Miguel often accompanying his father on project, performing manual labor like painting and building. In the summer, the family would go on road trHs across the country, imbuing Miguel with a deep sense of appreciation for the beauty of America and its history.

Miguel later applied these principles to his studies, earning a bachelor's of business administration at Florida International University while simultaneously working at Luria's department store. It was there that he met his loving wife of 36 years, Sheila. In 1993, Miguel officially began his long civil service career working for Alex Villalobos in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate, working diligently as his Chief Legislative Assistant as well as his Chief of Staff.

Since his days in the Florida legislature, Miguel has consistently demonstrated his steadfast commitment to safeguarding and assisting the people of South Florida. In fact, Miguel is a proud 1996 graduate of the Miami-Dade County Citizens' Police Academy, a 2007 graduate of the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigations Miami Division Citizens' Academy, and a 2019 graduate of the Doral Police Department's Citizens' Police Academy. Since joining my office in 2003, he has continually invested in and maintained foundational relationships in our community with consular officers, local and State- elected officials, as well as law enforcement and first responders throughout the 26th District of Florida; work critical to my effort to represent and serve my constituents.

Miguel's ethos has always been one of service. He continually looks for ways he can help others, whether that means assisting a constituent with an immigration issue, meeting with community leaders to understand their needs and concerns, reaching for something off a high shelf for a stranger at the grocery store, or caring for family members during times of illness.

As one of my trusted advisors, I can always count on Miguel to remember every detail, and he has such a great memory. He is a principled person, and his character is a direct reflection of his beliefs. In his many years of service, he has never needed nor sought the spotlight, and his integrity lies in his desire to do the right thing for the sake of doing so.

Mr. Speaker, Miguel's commitment to his community is demonstrative of the very best this country has to offer. A tireless civil servant who uses his skills to advocate for his community, a loving husband to Sheila, and devoted father to their daughter Victoria, and a man who is relentless in his desire to serve. I am honored to know him, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding individual.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my dear friend Cesar Alvarez, an outstanding leader in law, civic advocacy, and an inspiring member of my community. His longstanding commitment to justice and leadership in the Cuba-American community has culminated today in his recognition by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce in awarding him the ``Sand in My Shoes Award.''

Originally from Havana, Cuba, Cesar exemplifies what it means to pursue and live out the American dream. His father, Licinio Alvarez, played a pivotal role in his upbringing, both in making the decision to pursue a life in Miami and instilling the importance of hard work and community involvement. With these values driven into him at a young age, it is no surprise Cesar chose one of the most rigorous and demanding career paths available in our Nation: law. In 1973 Cesar began his life's work at Greenberg Traurig as an associate. Throughout his time at the firm, he has been involved in nationally recognized cases, taking Greenberg Traurig time and again to new heights.

Notably, Cesar has worked on cases that have significantly impacted the Cuban American community. During the Cuban Rafter Crisis in 1994, Cesar led a legal challenge against the government stance that Guantanamo was not U.S. territory. This involved seeking representation for those being detained and those that were denied asylum protection. This case served as essential legal precedent that influenced future policies regarding detainment at Guantanamo Bay, a reality which continues to this day.

Perhaps the most recognizable of these victories includes his work in bringing justice to the families of the ``Brothers to the Rescue''. This horrific attack in 1996 resulting in the death of four unarmed American pilots tore through Miami's Cuban-American community; an attack perpetrated by the Castro regime in cold blood. Cuban MiGs shot down two aircraft operated by ``Brothers to the Rescue,'' seeking to save the lives of countless Cuban men and women crossing the Straits of Florida and forced into exile by the Cuban regime. Alongside Frank Angones, Cesar fought for justice for the pilots through U.S. anti- terrorism laws. While successful in their heroic efforts, they encountered challenges upon attempting to collect the damages from the Cuban regime from the wrongful death suit, Alejandre v. Republic of Cuba 1999. This galvanized congressional action aiming to increase pressure for democratic change in Cuba, leading to the introduction and passage of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act in 1996, an act for which my dear brother Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart and close friend Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen each provided critical support. This marked a singular moment in history for the Cuban American community, and Cesar's contributions were monumental.

Similarly, Cesar played a pivotal role in the legal dispute between George W. Bush and Al Gore in 2000. He was contacted by Florida Governor Jeb Bush's legal team personally and ultimately approved of the firm's participation in this case. He worked to ensure Greenberg Traurig remained neutral and provided bipartisan representation. This case was essential in Greenberg Traurig's growth, opening the door for high profile cases, and placing them among other major players in the legal world.

In clear acknowledgment of his historic contributions, Cesar ascended to CEO and President of Greenberg Traurig in 1997, leading the firm from these to become an internationally recognized organization with thousands of attorneys. Today, the heart of the firm remains in Miami, with Cesar serving as Senior Chairman, where it not only provides its legal services but contributes to the community by providing leadership and financial support to numerous local and national charitable organizations. Whether in law or in service to our community, Cesar Alvarez remains a singular figure in our Cuban-American community.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize my close friend Cesar Alvarez. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his remarkable career and achievements. His work has truly shaped the Miami community, and his leadership has left a significant impact.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the honorable and decades-long career in public service of my Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor, Autumn Morley.

While Autumn started her education at Davidson College in North Carolina, an internship in Washington, D.C. so impacted her, that she chose to transfer to George Washington University, where she graduated summa cum laude with majors in political science and religion. In 2004, she received her J.D. from Emory University School of Law and Masters of Theological Studies from Emory's Candler School of Theology. That same year, she joined the Florida Bar.

Autumn began her career on Capitol Hill as a Staff Assistant in the office of Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart in 2005. However, it was in 2008 in her role as Legislative Assistant that Autumn would begin to hone her knowledge and skills in defense of democracy and on behalf of those suffering under repression. Taking charge of the Congressman's Cuba and foreign policy portfolios, Autumn began to lay the groundwork for her near-unparalleled expertise on Capitol Hill in the fight for freedom; a fight not only in our Nation or our hemisphere, but across the globe. Following her years of dedicated work as a Legislative Assistant, Autumn was later promoted to Legislative Director.

In 2011, following Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart's retirement, I had the immense privilege of having Autumn join my team as Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor. Once again, our community in South Florida was afforded the opportunity to have the best and brightest at the helm of our freedom agenda. Overseeing Cuba and Western Hemisphere affairs more broadly, democracy promotion, and the work in opposition to Communism, Autumn became an asset not only to my office or community in Miami, but she also became the preeminent expert in the fight for freedom for offices across Capitol Hill. Never seeking after credit, accolades, or praise, Autumn was for years an unsung hero on Capitol Hill, fighting for democracy and for the human rights of men and women she will likely never meet.

Among her many contributions, Autumn was critical in drafting pro- freedom language for numerous appropriations bills, in preparing floor statements and other speeches, and always worked hand in glove with my entire team and committee staff in facilitating the passage of key legislation. Throughout the years, Autumn was clear in her convictions, unwavering in her commitment and hard work, and perpetually delivered for our community with humility and grace.

For this and so much more, I wish to express my deepest gratitude on behalf of myself, our team, and our district for the 21 years of steadfast service Autumn has given to our community and her resolute dedication to the cause of freedom.

Mr. Speaker, as a lifelong public servant, a dear friend, and a true patriot, Autumn has been instrumental in our team. Autumn now begins a new chapter, as she retires from public service. I am grateful for the time that she has graciously given to serve our community, state and country. She is a source of great pride to us all, including her husband, Michael, and her two sons, Zachary and Nicholas. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the service and accomplishments of this outstanding individual.