Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truth that Puerto Rico has lived for more than a century: freedom is not inherited. It is forged. Forged in sacrifice, in courage, and in the lives of men and women who answered every call this Nation made, with unmatched devotion and without hesitation. This coming Memorial Day, as our people prepare to gather at the Morovis National Cemetery under the theme ``Freedom Forged by Our Heroes,'' I express our eternal gratitude to those who purchased our freedom with their lives, and our solemn pledge to be worthy of it.

For more than a century, Puerto Rico has sent its sons and daughters to every theater of American conflict. In World War I and World War II, tens of thousands served with distinction, carrying the flag of this Nation across every theater of war. In Korea, the 65th Infantry Regiment, the Borinqueneers, forged a legacy that could not be ignored: two Korean Presidential Unit Citations, more than 2,700 Purple Hearts, and the Congressional Gold Medal, authorized by this body in 2014 and formally presented in 2016. Among them stood Private First Class Fernando Luis Garcia of Utuado, who threw himself upon an enemy grenade on September 5, 1952, so his fellow Marines could live. He became Puerto Rico's first Medal of Honor recipient. His name became a standard.

In Vietnam, Private First Class Carlos James Lozada of Caguas and Specialist Hector Santiago-Colon of Salinas each gave their lives to save their comrades--Lozada by holding his exposed position under withering fire so his platoon could withdraw, Santiago-Colon by shielding a grenade with his body--both awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. Two men, two moments, one unbreakable thread of sacrifice.

That thread did not end there. Sergeant First Class Pedro A. Munoz of Quebradillas, a Green Beret, was killed on January 2, 2005, after his Special Forces patrol encountered enemy fire in Shindand, Afghanistan. Sergeant First Class Jose A. Rivera of Barranquitas, an 82nd Airborne paratrooper, was killed on November 5, 2003, when his patrol came under fire in Mumuhdyah, Iraq.

And recently, Puerto Rico mourned Major Ariana G. Linse Savino--a proud daughter of Puerto Rico, a 31-year-old Air Force pilot, Chief of Current Operations of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, killed in the line of duty on March 12, 2026, in western Iraq. Governor Gonzalez Colon awarded her the Governor's Medal for Valor and Patriotism--the first time in history that honor was given posthumously. Regarding her family: Puerto Rico embraces them, and will forever carry her memory.

For generations, Puerto Rico's fallen rested at the Bayamon National Cemetery, a ground made sacred by the heroes it received. When Bayamon reached its capacity and closed to new interments, Puerto Rico did not leave its veterans without an answer. The Morovis National Cemetery rose to carry that sacred trust forward, extending the same dignity deeper into the heart of the island, closer to the communities that have given the most. Nestled in the mountains of Puerto Rico, Morovis stands as living proof that our commitment to those who serve does not expire. No hero of this island will rest forgotten, and no family will carry their grief without the full honor their loved one earned.

From the frozen hills of Korea to the skies above Iran, Puerto Rico has answered every call, in every generation, without fail.

Freedom Forged by Our Heroes is not a phrase chosen lightly. It is a truth written in sacrifice, carried across generations, and honored in Morovis, Bayamon, and all across Puerto Rico.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Piculin Ortiz.

Born in Aibonito and raised in Cayey, Piculin became a symbol of Puerto Rican pride, perseverance, and excellence, our ``Atletico and Cangrejero and compatriota''; ``athletic crabber and compatriot,'' our guy in the NBA and in the Olympics where we beat the U.S. dream team in 2004.

Piculin Ortiz will live forever in the hearts of a grateful Puerto Rico.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor two Puerto Rican brothers, Jose Luis and Irad Ortiz, for their triumphant performance at the Kentucky Derby. They reminded an entire generation of Puerto Ricans that where you come from does not determine how far you can go.

This story is Puerto Rico's story: resilient, determined, and capable of competing with anyone in the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with deep respect and reverence to honor the life and extraordinary service of Captain Jose A. Fernandez-Paoli, United States Army (Ret.), a distinguished son of Puerto Rico, a Bronze Star recipient, and a Vietnam War veteran whose name will be forever enshrined at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Born in Puerto Rico in 1940, Jose Fernandez-Paoli embodied the values that have long defined our Island: devotion to family, commitment to education, and an unshakeable sense of duty. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1961, and his law degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law in 1964, before answering the call to serve in uniform.

Commissioned as a Captain in the United States Army, Captain Fernandez-Paoli served as an Intelligence and Security Officer and was appointed Chief of the Interrogation Section of the 541st Military Intelligence Detachment, operating as part of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. From September 1966 through February 1967, he was deployed to Xuan Loc, where he displayed extraordinary judgment, courage, and devotion alongside his fellow soldiers.

In recognition of his bravery and meritorious service in military operations against a hostile force, Captain Fernandez-Paoli was awarded the Bronze Star Medal by the President of the United States, a permanent testament to his selfless sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the ideals of liberty and democracy.

Upon his return to Puerto Rico, Captain Fernandez-Paoli channeled the discipline of his military service into a distinguished legal career spanning nearly six decades. He served as Senior Counsel at Delgado and Fernandez, LLC, Vice President of the Board of Trustees of Sacred Heart University, member of the Puerto Rico Board of Bar Examiners, and General Counsel to the Associated General Contractors of America, Puerto Rico Chapter. In every courtroom, he carried the same honor with which he had served his country.

Puerto Rico lost one of its finest sons on June 16, 2024. Captain Fernandez-Paoli passed from this world, leaving behind an enduring legacy of service, integrity, and devotion to his Nation, to the island that formed him, and to the pursuit of justice.

June 20, 2026, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund will honor Captain Fernandez-Paoli by inscribing his name in the ``In Memory'' plaque adjacent to The Wall on the National Mall, a solemn recognition for veterans whose deaths are linked to the lasting wounds of that war. He will be among 768 veterans honored at this year's ceremony. It is a moment of recognition long deserved.

Mr. Speaker, since 1917, generation after generation of Puerto Ricans have answered the call of duty with full patriotic devotion, defending a democracy that has not always fully extended its promise to them. Captain Fernandez-Paoli was one of those patriots. He carried the flag of the United States through the jungles of Vietnam, earned one of the highest military honors, returned home, and spent his life and his profession in service to his community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Puerto Rico, I extend the eternal gratitude and enduring pride of our island for the life and legacy of Captain Jose A. Fernandez-Paoli. May his memory be a blessing to his family. May the Nation he served with such distinction, honor the full measure of what Puerto Rico has always given to this great country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Jose Rafael ``Piculin'' Ortiz Rijos, affectionately known throughout Puerto Rico as ``Piculin'' and ``El Concord,'' one of the most beloved and accomplished athletes in our history.

Born in Aibonito and raised in Cayey, Jose Rafael ``Piculin'' Ortiz Rijos became one of the greatest centers Puerto Rico has ever produced. His journey took him from the Baloncesto Superior Nacional, where he became a champion and icon, to Oregon State University, the National Basketball Association, Europe's elite leagues, and the international stage.

As a member of Puerto Rico's National Team, Piculin helped carry our flag with dignity across four Olympic Games and multiple international competitions. His performances helped cement Puerto Rico's place in international basketball and inspired countless young Puerto Ricans to believe that greatness could emerge from our small Island.

Among his greatest moments was Puerto Rico's historic 92-73 victory over the United States at the 2004 Summer Olympics, a game forever etched in the memory of our people. That day, Puerto Rico did not simply win a basketball game. Puerto Rico reminded the world of its talent, courage, and competitive spirit.

For generations of Puerto Ricans, Piculin was more than a basketball player. He was the sound of a packed coliseum, the voice of a radio announcer on a summer night, and the pride of families crowded around a television to watch Puerto Rico compete against the world. He was the backdrop to evenings on neighborhood courts where children attempted to imitate his signature moves, and the reason communities gathered, transcended their differences, and found in basketball a language all their own. In him, Puerto Rico saw height, talent, discipline, and heart, but above all, we saw ourselves.

May the legacy of Jose Rafael ``Piculin'' Ortiz Rijos, our ``Piculin,'' our ``El Concord,'' live forever in the hearts of a grateful Puerto Rico.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two extraordinary sons of Puerto Rico whose achievements on May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs resonated far beyond the finish line of the 152nd Kentucky Derby. Puerto Rican jockey Jose Luis Ortiz, riding the longshot Golden Tempo, crossed the wire first, surpassing by a matter of strides his own older brother, Irad Ortiz, Jr., who piloted Renegade to second place. In doing so, these two brothers from Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, gave the world of thoroughbred racing one of its rarest family tableaus, and gave the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico one of its proudest moments in sports history.

Born and raised in Trujillo Alto, in the metropolitan area of San Juan, Irad, Jr. on August 11, 1992, and Jose on October 2, 1993, both brothers grew up in a family where racing was not a career but a calling: their grandfather add an uncle were jockeys before them, and a legendary Puerto Rican Hall of Fame rider served as an early inspiration and later a mentor to them both. Both brothers are proud graduates of the Escuela Vocacional Hipica Agustin Mercado Reveron, the government-funded, tuition-free jockey academy on the grounds of Hipodromo Camarero in Canovanas. Puerto Rico, widely regarded as the premier jockey school in North America. Its alumni have earned nine Eclipse Awards for Outstanding Jockey and have produced some of the sport's most celebrated riders, with approximately 80 percent of graduates going directly to United States racetracks and the school's reach extending to draw students from the mainland as well.

Jose Luis Ortiz has built a career for the ages. In 2017, he won the Belmont Stakes and earned the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey. In 2022, he captured the Preakness Stakes. On May 2, 2026, he completed a rare sweep of all three American Triple Crown races, guiding 23-1 longshot Golden Tempo to victory in the Kentucky Derby, one of thoroughbred racing's most celebrated career milestones.

Irad Ortiz, Jr. has been equally relentless in his pursuit of greatness. He has led all North American riders in wins for nine consecutive years, from 2017 through 2025, a span of dominance without parallel in the modern era. His Triple Crown victories include the Belmont Stakes in both 2016 and 2022. A five-time Eclipse Award winner for Outstanding Jockey, he became in 2025 the first jockey in history to surpass $40 million in single-season earnings, a record that speaks to the unshakable trust that the sport's top trainers and owners place in him.

Mr. Speaker, the name Ortiz finishing first and second at the 152nd Kentucky Derby was no accident. It is the culmination of a multigenerational family's sacrifice and the transformative, tuition- free education of the Escuela Vocacional Hipica Agustin Mercado Reveron. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jose Luis Ortiz and Irad Ortiz, Jr. on their extraordinary careers, and in recognizing that institution and its dedicated faculty and leadership for the work they do every day for young people from Puerto Rico and beyond who dare to dream of crossing the finish line first.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievement of the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition in Puerto Rico, a nationwide initiative that encourages high school students to explore art, innovation, and cultural expression.

This year, students were invited to reimagine our island through the creativity, storytelling, and design principles of video games. Among many talented participants, one student distinguished herself through originality, strong thematic relevance, and technical excellence.

I am proud to recognize Daniela Rodriguez Aponte, a 12th grade student at Escuela Especializada Central de Artes Visuales in San Juan, as this year's winner. Her piece, titled ``Level Up: Boriken Dreams,'' is a digital illustration that portrays Puerto Rican youth immersed in a vibrant, arcade-like setting, engaging with a game that reflects their identity, environment, and aspirations. Through its composition and use of color, the work captures both imagination and cultural pride, offering a compelling interpretation of the competition's theme.

This artwork reflects not only technical excellence, but also a thoughtful message about how younger generations engage with culture, technology, and community. It is a clear demonstration of how art can serve as a powerful language to communicate ideas and inspire reflection.

Daniela's achievement is a testament to the creativity, discipline, and talent that distinguishes Puerto Rico's young artists. It also underscores the importance of arts education in fostering innovation and expression, and in strengthening the cultural fabric of our communities.

On behalf of the people of Puerto Rico, I extend my sincere congratulations to Daniela Rodriguez Aponte for this remarkable accomplishment. Her work represents the creativity, determination, and excellence that we strive to cultivate in all students.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo, District 5l-E, Inc. (FASL), an independent nonprofit organization that has provided sustained and meaningful assistance throughout Puerto Rico for 46 years.

Founded in 1979 by Guillermo Irizarry Rubio (1916 to 2017), the organization was established with a clear and enduring mission: to provide direct, responsible, and compassionate support to individuals and families facing urgent social and economic needs, particularly children and youth.

Mr. Irizarry Rubio served in the United States Army and later as Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico from 1966 to 1969, carrying out the constitutional functions of Lieutenant Governor, and as Director of the Puerto Rico Budget Bureau. Following his distinguished public service, he continued serving the people of Puerto Rico through

civic leadership within Lions Clubs International, where he later served as District Governor of District 51-E. The values that guided his life--discipline, sensitivity to the needs of others, and a deep respect for education and service--remain reflected in the mission of the organization.

For more than four decades, the Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo has served children, youth, and families throughout Puerto Rico, responding to needs related to disaster relief, rehabilitation services, and housing assistance. To date, the organization has disbursed more than $500,000 indirect aid throughout the island.

Beyond immediate assistance, the organization is distinguished by its commitment to sustained, long-term support. It has accompanied students from their early school years through the completion of their university studies, helping remove barriers and expand opportunities for those most in need.

The Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo is recognized by Lions District 51-E and by Lions Clubs International as a permanent service initiative of Lionism, while maintaining its distinct identity as an independent nonprofit organization.

Mr. Speaker, the Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo represents the very best of community-based service: sustained commitment, responsible stewardship, and an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo for its 46 years of exemplary service and to commend its continued work on behalf of the people of Puerto Rico.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the dedicated judges and leaders who supported the 2026 Congressional Art Competition in Puerto Rico, an annual national artistic competition and experience designed to inspire high school students to explore art, innovation, and history.

The Congressional Art Competition provides students in grades 9 to 12 with a unique opportunity to develop original pieces that address real- world challenges through drawing, painting, and, most importantly, creativity.

Behind the success of this program stands an exceptional group of judges, professionals, and leaders in art and entrepreneurship who generously volunteered their time and expertise. They carefully reviewed student submissions, evaluating technical execution and originality, while also offering thoughtful feedback grounded in experience and academic rigor, ensuring a fair, thorough, and meaningful evaluation for every participant.

Beyond judging, these leaders demonstrated a deep commitment to mentorship and youth development. By exposing students to professional pathways, they reinforced the message that Puerto Rico's young people can compete, create, and excel at the highest levels. On behalf of the people of Puerto Rico, I extend my sincere gratitude to the judges and leaders who offered their perspectives and expertise to our district's 2026 Congressional Art Competition, and I include in the Record their names:

Dr. Irene Esteves, Deputy director of Collections and

Exhibitions--Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (MAPR).

Mr. Walter Otero, Founder of Walter Otero Contemporary Art

(WOCA), Gallerist, Curator, and Cultural Manager.

Dr. Melissa Ramos Borges, History of Art Professor--

University of Puerto Rico.

Ms. Mariel Quinones, Curator of the Pio Lopez Martinez

Museum--University of Puerto Rico at Cayey.

Ms. Ariana Garcia, Illustrator and Augmented Reality

Creator, Artist-in-Residence--Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

(MAPR).

Mr. Fernando J. Montilla, Chief Innovation and Technology

Officer, Atlantic University.

Their service reflects the very standards we hold our student innovators to--creativity, collaboration, and commitment to artistic expression.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, service, and enduring legacy of Major Ariana G. Linse Savino, a United States Air Force officer whose courage, leadership, and sacrifice embody the very best of our Nation.

At just 31 years old, Major Linse Savino had already built a remarkable life of service. As a proud graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Central Washington University, she earned her commission in 2017 and quickly distinguished herself as an exceptional Airman and leader. She served with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, where she held the critical role of Chief of Current Operations, responsible for managing night operations and ensuring mission readiness with precision and excellence.

She was not only a leader on the ground, but a skilled aviator in the skies. With more than 300 combat hours, Major Linse Savino exemplified courage and professionalism in some of the most demanding operational environments. Her service took her across multiple duty stations, including assignments in Georgia and Mississippi, always answering the call with unwavering dedication.

Major Linse Savino passed away while deployed in service to our Nation, embodying the dedication and professionalism that defined her career. Beyond her uniform and her mission, she was someone whose presence left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her family remembers her as someone whose smile could light up any room, whose energy and laughter were contagious, and whose spirit touched countless lives. She was fierce, brave, and deeply committed not only to her mission, but also to serving as a role model for others, especially for young women and Latino youth aspiring to careers in aviation and service.

Her passion for flight was not just a profession; it was her calling. As her family so beautifully shared, there is comfort in knowing that she passed doing what she loved most--flying. Even in loss, her legacy continues to soar, inspiring future generations through the lives she touched and the example she set.

From Puerto Rico, where service to this Nation is woven deeply into our identity, we honor Major Linse Savino as one of our own in spirit. The people of Puerto Rico stand in solidarity with her family, her loved ones, and her fellow Airmen. We recognize in her the same courage and sense of duty that defines so many of our servicemembers.

Today, we do not only mourn her loss; we celebrate her life. A life of purpose. A life of service. A life that reminds us of the extraordinary individuals who stand watch over our freedoms every day.

Major Ariana G. Linse Savino's legacy does not end with her passing. It lives on in the skies she cherished, in the Airmen she led, in the communities she inspired, and in the Nation she so honorably served.

May we always remember her not only for the sacrifice she made, but for the life she lived with courage, excellence, and unwavering devotion to something greater than herself. Her service endures. Her sacrifice endures. And her spirit will forever fly high above us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the safe return of the 204th Transportation Company of the 1st Mission Support Command, as they return home to Puerto Rico following their deployment to the Middle East.

Under the leadership of Brigadier General Christopher B. Creaghe and with the support of his Chief of Operations, Colonel Laura Miller, these soldiers carried out a mission essential to sustaining operations abroad. As fuelers, their work ensured that critical systems remained operational in challenging and demanding environments.

Puerto Rico has a proud and enduring tradition of military service. Time and again, our men and women in uniform have answered the call with courage and conviction. The soldiers of the 204th Transportation Company embody that legacy, carrying with them not only the responsibility of the mission, but also the spirit of our Island wherever they serve.

As they return to Puerto Rico, we welcome them back not just to a place, but to a community that has stood with them every step of the way. In Puerto Rico, service is shared by families who wait, by communities who support, and by an Island that carries deep pride for those who wear the uniform.

Homecoming is a moment filled with meaning. It is the embrace of loved ones, the familiarity of home, and the quiet understanding of all that has been given in service. It is a reminder that while their mission abroad may have concluded, their place within our communities remains as strong as ever.

I commend Brigadier General Creaghe and the leadership of the 1st Mission Support Command for their unwavering commitment to our servicemembers and their families throughout every stage of service.

As Resident Commissioner, I remain committed to ensuring that Puerto Rico's servicemembers, veterans, and their families are supported, not only while they serve abroad, but also as they return home, where their reintegration, well-being, and continued success matter deeply.

On behalf of the people of Puerto Rico, I extend my gratitude to the soldiers of the 204th Transportation Company. Their service honors our Island, and their return strengthens it. To the servicemembers, ``welcome home,'' ``bienvenidos a casa.''

There is a common thread that connects families across Puerto Rico and the United States. It is the feeling of looking at a grocery receipt and wondering if the math is wrong. It is the worry that comes when the baby formula runs low or the doctor's bill comes due.

It is the simple, honest truth that for too many of our neighbors: It has simply become too expensive to live, and they are right to be frustrated. That is because while they are doing the hard work, waking up before dawn to get to the job and stretching every dollar to keep the lights on, Washington has made a different choice.

Donald Trump has chosen a war of his own making in Iran. As a result, every one of us is being asked to pay a war tax that we never voted for and that we cannot afford.

In Puerto Rico, we feel this more deeply than most. We see the ships on the horizon, and we know that almost everything we need to survive-- the food for our tables, the clothes for our children, and the fuel for our cars--comes from abroad.

When a war starts halfway around the world, it doesn't stay there. It makes the cost of running these ships higher, and so the cost of war shows up at our local gas station. It shows up at the supermarket in the price of a pound of chicken. It shows up in our paycheck where $10 here and $20 there are being snatched away to pay for a conflict we don't need.

Washington should focus more on us, not on another endless foreign war. Democrats are here fighting for Puerto Ricans. We are fighting for the mother in Puerto Rico who deserves the same help from SNAP to buy groceries as a mother in Florida or California. We are fighting for the grandfather who shouldn't be turned away at a medical appointment by his doctor because Medicaid ran out of money.

We are fighting for every family who deserves to know that when they flip the switch, they won't go bankrupt because of higher electricity and utility rates.

The Republican Party is thinking about war rooms and drones. We are thinking about living rooms and kitchen tables. Americans and Puerto Ricans should not have to bear the brunt of reckless decisions made thousands of miles away. We have done our part. Americans have worked the hours, they have kept the faith, and they deserve a government that finally puts them and their families first.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Nurse Practitioner Week, which was observed from November 9 through November 15, 2025, and to honor the nurses and Nurse Practitioners who serve as essential workers within Puerto Rico's healthcare system.

Our healthcare system is sustained by the work of nurses. Through long hours, overnight shifts, weekends and holidays, they provide care at the moments when it is most needed. In hospitals, clinics, and community-based settings across the island, nurses and nurse practitioners are often the first point of contact for patients and families. They offer not only medical expertise, but compassion and stability during moments of uncertainty.

Nurses play a particularly important role in expanding access to care, especially in primary care and underserved communities. As Puerto Rico continues to face workforce shortages and barriers to access, supporting these professionals remains essential to strengthening our healthcare system and meeting the needs of our students and people.

Institutions such as Universidad Ana G. Mendez create opportunities through their Doctor of Nursing Practice and Family Nurse Practitioner programs, which prepare students to meet these challenges with skills, professionalism, and a strong commitment to service. Their academic and clinical training reflects the importance of investing in our students and ensuring they are equipped with the tools, resources, and opportunities necessary to serve their communities effectively.

As I reflect on National Nurse Practitioner Week, I reaffirm the importance of supporting our nursing students and healthcare professionals while continuing to strengthen pathways that allow them to positively contribute to Puerto Rico's healthcare system.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the outstanding achievements of three students from Puerto Rico who have been selected as 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars. This prestigious honor, announced on September 26, 2025, by U.S. Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, recognizes only 161 high school seniors nationwide for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education,

It is with great pride that I acknowledge and include in the Record the following Presidential Scholars from Puerto Rico:

Lucas J. Mendoza, Dorado--Tasis School in Dorado

Anna Cristina Sgroi Morillo, Carolina--Robinson School

Nicolas Antonio Unanue, San Juan--St. John's School

These students exemplify the highest standards of scholarship, leadership, and service. Their recognition as Presidential Scholars is not only a testament to their academic excellence but also a reflection of their dedication, resilience, and the support of their families, teachers, and communities.

The future of Puerto Rico and of our Nation is strengthened by the promise of young leaders such as Lucas, Anna Cristina, and Nicolas. I am proud to honor their achievements and may their success serve as an inspiration to others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Natalia Giraldo-Santiago, an extraordinary Puerto Rican scholar and clinician whose journey exemplifies the transformative power of the federal TRIO programs.

Dr. Giraldo-Santiago is a proud alumna of the TRIO Upward Bound program at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras. With the support and mentorship she received through TRIO, she overcame early academic and personal challenges to pursue a career defined by excellence in research, clinical care, and teaching. Today, she serves as an instructor at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, as well as a research fellow at the Massachusetts Center for Alzheimer and Dementia Behavioral Research in Minority Aging.

Her groundbreaking work in health equity, mental health, and chronic pain management for underserved Latino and Spanish-speaking populations has earned support from the National Institutes of Health and recognition from her peers, including the 2024 Diversity Award from the Society of Behavioral Medicine.

On September 9, 2025, the Council for Opportunity in Education honored Dr. Giraldo-Santiago at their Educational Opportunity Dinner as one of the 2025 National TRIO Achievers. The 2025 National TRIO Achievers remind us why TRIO programs are not just necessary but transformational. These exemplary leaders embody resilience, purpose, and commitment to giving back. They represent what is possible when we give students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds a real opportunity to thrive.

As the Congressional Representative of Puerto Rico and a member of the TRIO Caucus, I am proud to celebrate Dr. Giraldo-Santiago's accomplishments and reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that these life- changing programs remain a strong federal priority.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Major General (Ret.) Felix A. Santoni, whose passing marks the loss of a distinguished military leader and devoted public servant. His career and continued service reflect a deep and enduring commitment to the United States, to Puerto Rico, and to the men and women who serve in uniform.

A native of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Major General Santoni entered military service in 1955 and served with distinction for decades across Active Duty, the National Guard, and the Army Reserve. Throughout his career, he held positions of significant responsibility, including Commander of U.S. Army Forces Puerto Rico and Chief for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs at U.S. Southern Command. In these roles, he worked to strengthen force readiness and to advance the full integration of Puerto Rican Soldiers into the Total Force.

Major General Santoni was widely respected as a tireless advocate for Soldiers and their families. He consistently emphasized the importance of ensuring access to the resources, facilities, and support necessary for soldiers to successfully accomplish their mission.

Following his retirement from military service in 1995, Major General Santoni continued his lifelong commitment to public service as Senior Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Puerto Rico. In this capacity, he strengthened civil-military partnerships.

Major General Santoni's life reflects the long and proud tradition of Puerto Rican service members who have strengthened the Armed Forces and defended our Nation with distinction. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones and honor the memory of a soldier and public servant whose life exemplified duty, integrity, and service to country. Major General Santoni's legacy of leadership, integrity, and devotion to duty will endure for generations, reflecting the highest ideals of military and public service.