Juan Ciscomani

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a patriot of the highest order, Vietnam war veteran Bruce Bigelow. Mr. Bigelow is a true hero who exemplifies the highest ideals of service and sacrifice. It was my profound honor to present him with the Purple Heart medal for his heroic service when I visited him in Sierra Vista last fall. The Purple Heart is a distinguished award given to those who have been wounded or killed in action while serving our Nation, and it symbolizes the immense sacrifices they made to preserve our freedoms and way of life. Mr. Bigelow served two tours in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam from 1966 to 1971. In the course of his service, Mr. Bigelow was awarded numerous recognitions and honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Rifle Marksman badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and certainly, not least of these, the Purple Heart. His courage is a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who have answered duty's call to wear the uniform as a member of our Armed Forces. I had the privilege of pinning this Purple Heart on him and thanking him for his service to our Nation in front of his family and his friends. He told me he was honored, but truth be told, the honor was all mine. On behalf of a grateful community and Nation, I say again thank you to Mr. Bigelow for his courage, sacrifice, and enduring commitment to service.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the bravery of and share my sincere appreciation to all the firefighters in my district and across Arizona who went above and beyond the call of duty to help our neighbors in southern California during the recent devastating fires. In particular, I thank all of the firefighters from the Tucson Fire Department, the Northwest Fire Department, the Golder Ranch Fire District, and the Fry Fire District, who took time away from their families and communities to be deployed to California to help. In this time of crisis, while others run away, our firefighters run toward danger, braving smoke and fire to protect life and property. Their selfless dedication, courage, and commitment to service embody the very best of our communities and reminds us of the unity that binds us all as Americans. These brave men and women put themselves in harm's way, working tirelessly in grueling conditions to contain the flames and provide relief to those affected. I thank the firefighters who answer the call. Their heroism does not go unnoticed. Their willingness to put themselves at risk for the safety of others is a testament to their extraordinary character. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents and a grateful Nation, I extend my deepest gratitude. We honor their service today and always. Celebrating Pinal County's 150th Anniversary

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a remarkable milestone in my district's history: the 150th anniversary of Pinal County, which happens to be on February 1. Since its establishment in 1875, Pinal County has grown from its rich roots in mining and agriculture into a thriving community shaped by the hard work, resilience, and spirit of its people. Mr. Speaker, as we reflect on this historic occasion, let us give thanks to the men and women, past and present, who built Pinal County into such a wonderful place to live, work, explore, and visit. Representing the incredible people of Pinal County in Congress has truly been the honor of a lifetime, and I am so honored to continue serving all of them. Whether it is working with mayors to revitalize historic streets in Eloy, improving operations at the Oracle Fire District, advocating for the expansion of I-10, working to help students and educators in Casa Grande achieve their American Dream, or spending time in the great communities in Saddlebrooke, I will never stop fighting to make Pinal County the best place it can be. Mr. Speaker, I thank all of my constituents in Pinal County for being part of an incredible journey. The best is yet to come. Here is to another 150 years.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Stefanie Smallhouse on her outstanding tenure as President of the Arizona Farm Bureau. Since the day she took office 7 years ago, Stefanie has dedicated herself to fighting for the interests of our farmers and ranchers to make sure Arizona's vibrant agricultural community continues to thrive. Her dedication, passion, and tireless work ethic set a standard of excellence and will continue to positively impact our agriculture community long into the future. Stefanie's tenure not only strengthened the Arizona Farm Bureau, but it also empowered our farmers and ranchers to ensure they have a seat at the table when they are addressing critical issues, like water management and sustainability efforts. In my time in Congress, I am deeply proud of the strong partnership and friendship that we were able to forge to promote the interests of Arizona's farmers and ranchers at the Federal level. Stefanie's role on my advisory council played a key role in my work for ag and farming communities. While her leadership will be dearly missed, her legacy will have a lasting impact on Arizona's agriculture. On behalf of Arizona's farmers, ranchers, and the people of our great State, I thank her for her service, her leadership, and her tireless advocacy. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to have in our community. Honoring Sheriff Mark Lamb

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding tenure of Mark Lamb as sheriff of Pinal County. Sheriff Lamb first started his law enforcement career with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community where he rose to the rank of detective of the gang enforcement agency. He later joined the Pinal County Sheriff's Office where he distinguished himself as a capable and tireless officer, dedicated to keeping his community safe. In 2017, he was elected as sheriff of Pinal County and became instrumental in the fight against drug cartels, human smugglers, coyotes, traffickers, and other bad actors trying to take advantage of the situation. While Sheriff Lamb's leadership and service will be deeply missed in Pinal County, Mark will continue to serve our country. Laura and I wish him all the best in his new role. I look forward to continuing to work with him to secure our border and keep communities in southern Arizona and across the United States safe. Congratulating Art Del Cueto

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my good friend, Art Del Cueto, for an outstanding career as a Border Patrol agent. Art is a tireless public servant who dedicated his career to the safety and security of our Nation, approaching his work with a steadfast resolve and a genuine passion. In the last 4 years, as the Border Patrol encountered its most chaotic period, Art exemplified integrity and commitment, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues, lawmakers, and Americans across our great country. Art will continue his work as part of the National Border Patrol Council where he remains a tireless advocate for the brave men and women who serve in the Border Patrol, fighting for them to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to protect our border. As a Representative of a border district, I constantly relied on Art's expertise and advice, and I will always be extremely grateful for his constant willingness to be a resource. As Art enters a well-deserved retirement, I honor his service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the safety and security of our Nation. I thank his wife, Zulma, and daughter, Zulma Alejandra, for their service as a family, as well. On behalf of Arizona's Sixth Congressional District, Laura, my kids, myself, and our whole family, we thank Art for a career dedicated to keeping our community safe. I wish him and his family all the best as he embarks on this new journey. I thank my friend Art so much for his service. His contributions will not be forgotten. He is a true patriot. Congratulating Pusch Ridge Christian Academy Football Team

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pusch Ridge Christian Academy football team for winning the 3A State championship. The fourth seed Pusch Ridge Christian Academy Lions overcame the odds and beat the second seed LA-West Foothills 26-7. Despite falling behind 7-0 in the first quarter, the Lions roared back, scoring 26 unanswered points en route to their championship. The title caps off a remarkable season for Coach Kent Middleton and his team. After starting the season 1-1, the Lions won 12 straight games, including the State championship to finish the year 13-1. I say to Coach Middleton, the coaching staff, the student athletes, administrators, and everyone who played a part in this special season, that you have made your school and your community extremely proud. Enjoy this victory. I look forward to rooting for the Lions next season. Go Lions.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost for yielding me time and for his leadership on this bill. Mr. Speaker, once again, I rise today in support for my legislation, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, the flagship bipartisan and bicameral veterans package of the 118th Congress. It is not very often that someone has the opportunity to speak on the floor in support of a bill that they have introduced, let alone twice in such a short period of time, as I had the opportunity to do so today, so this is a very exciting moment. I support many of the technical changes made in the legislation and appreciate our Senate counterparts' willingness to work with the House throughout this entire process. I am excited to see the impact to our veterans that these policy improvements will have, including by modernizing our veteran workforce training program through VET TEC, expanding access to home- and community-based services throughout every VA center, allowing older and sick veterans to receive care where they want it and where they need it, creating pilot programs to cover dental care, as well as address veteran homelessness by increasing reimbursement rates to partner organizations. Furthermore, while this comprehensive bill does so much, I also highlight that it authorizes appropriations for the VA's Office of Women's Health to be used to expand access for women to mobile mammography units and outreach as well. This is imperative to ensure that our female veterans who live in rural areas, like in my district, have access to potentially lifesaving screenings. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to taking this final step to send this bill to the President's desk and give our veterans the VA reforms that they demand and that they deserve. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Mica Mountain High School varsity football team for winning the 4A State championship, the first title in the school's history. The fourth-seed Mica Mountain Thunderbolts overcame the odds and beat second-seed Arizona College Prep by a resounding score of 42-13 and capped their perfect 14-0 season with a majestic trophy. The Thunderbolts attacked early and quickly, scoring on each of their opening four drives and leading by a score of 28-7 at halftime. They were led by star running back Josiah Thornwell, who finished the night with 182 yards and four touchdowns. Considering that Mica Mountain only became a school 4\1/2\ years ago, it is remarkable to see how much the students and staff have accomplished in such a short time, setting a strong foundation for future classes to build upon. Moreover, this was Coach Nugent's first championship in his 34 years of coaching. Coach Nugent did a great job. Coach Nugent, all the coaching staff, the players, the administration, the school, the students and everyone who had their hand in this special season made their school and our community extremely proud. This is their victory. They earned it. Go on and enjoy it. Congratulating Micah Powell

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Micah Powell for an outstanding tenure as mayor of Eloy. Since the day he took office 4 years ago, Micah has been a devoted public servant who cared deeply for the residents of Eloy and dedicated himself to serving his community with genuine passion and a tireless work ethic. During his tenure, Micah focused on bringing more jobs and housing opportunities for the residents and promoting businesses and economic growth. In my time in Congress, I am deeply proud of the strong Federal-local partnership Micah and I forged to benefit our constituents. In FY25, we worked together to initially secure $1 million to repair and revitalize the historic Frontier Street, which serves as the main gateway to downtown Eloy. While Micah's leadership will be missed, his public service will continue to be felt in his community long after his tenure and far into the future. I also congratulate the outgoing and incoming leadership of Eloy. I look forward to working with all of them in advance and our district to continue to look forward and advance our community always. Again, congratulations to my friend Micah. He deserves it.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of my friend, Marana Mayor Ed Honea, who passed away unexpectedly on November 22nd. One of southern Arizona's most influential leaders, Ed was a pillar of his community who dedicated himself to serving the residents of Marana with steadfast resolve and a genuine passion. A third-generation resident of Marana, Ed's roots ran deep in the community he served and loved so very much. Ed graduated from Marana High School and went on to serve his country during the Vietnam war as a member of the Navy and he was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5990 in Marana. For Ed, politics was never an end to itself. He was deeply driven by his desire to make tangible improvements in his community. His career in public service spanned 37 years, across 3 terms on the town council, including serving as mayor since 2005. He was very committed to improving transportation infrastructure, strengthening public safety, and promoting economic growth in Marana and across the region. He often reminded me and, quite frankly, everyone around him that he started calling me Congressman way before I even decided to go for this job. I am deeply proud of the strong Federal-local partnership Ed and I built to benefit our constituents. In total, we worked together to preliminarily direct over $4 million in Federal funding in Marana. However, it was more than just a mayor-Congressman relationship. To both of us, it was just two friends working together for our communities. Ed's legacy of servant leadership will have a positive impact in his community long into the future. Laura and I will continue to keep his family, friends, and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. As we remember Mayor Ed Honea, let us honor his memory by continuing the work he was so passionate about, building stronger communities and helping each other succeed. I will surely miss my friend.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor and pay tribute to my good friend, Debbie Lesko, who has been an inspiration to so many. We worked on different projects together. You have been a speaker and a panelist for some of the programs that Laura and I have done for youth and especially for women. I think you are a shining example. A lot has been said by those that worked closest with you, which are, of course, our colleagues from the Arizona delegation. They have talked about your wit, your grace, your smile, the way in which you carry yourself and how you execute our priorities and our conservative values. As has been said before, you are conservative. You are just not angry about it. You have gone out there and have done the work and have put in the time. Seeing you on that plane, you and Joe many times, is great. I would much rather sit next to you than next to David or Greg. I enjoy those trips back home when I get a chance to sit with you. You are a hard worker, giving your best to your constituents every single time. Even those who live in the southern part of the State, like myself and others, we have really admired your work the entire time. I know you are going to do great things for Maricopa County, as well, and the entire State. Laura, our six kids, and I, wish you the very best in your next journey. You were a great source for me in my freshman year when I had questions, from the most basic ones to the most complex ones. Your peace and the way you tackled these issues was always very inspiring, but it also gave me a great deal of confidence in what we could do with this place. You have been a great mentor and a great friend. Thank you so much. We love you, and we are going to miss you. Thank you.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Jeffrey Nasse on his recent selection as Pima Community College's new chancellor. As my alma mater, I am a proud product of Pima Community College and can confidently say that it helped shape me into who I am today. It equipped me with the tools and knowledge I needed to pursue my own American Dream. Dr. Nasse brings over 20 years of experience across multiple areas of higher education and is committed to helping his students succeed. His focus is on improving student outcomes, scaling online and flexible learning modalities for students, and raising the graduation rate. As a Marine Corps veteran, Dr. Nasse has dedicated his life to service, first to our Nation and now to our students. His story of commitment and dedication is just one example of the American Dream that we all cherish. I am grateful for his hard work safeguarding that American Dream for our next generation. I know Dr. Nasse is well suited to continue leading Pima Community College into an even brighter future. I look forward to working with him to support and uplift the college and its students and, along with that, our community. Remembering Greg Johnson

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Sierra Vista Councilman Greg Johnson. Greg was a Marine Corps veteran, businessman, lawyer, professor, and devoted public servant. Before his time on the city council, Greg served on the board of directors of various chambers of commerce and hospitality and tourism organizations. While he was a staunch advocate for fiscal responsibility, Greg believed deeply in making strategic investments in his community that grew the economy and improved the quality of life for everyone. He was passionate about the causes he believed in and had an unwavering commitment to the residents of Sierra Vista. I saw this firsthand for many years. Laura and I will hold his amazing wife, Suzanne, their family, and his loved ones in our prayers. His work and legacy will continue to have a positive impact in our community long into the future as he always desired. Honoring Craig McFarland

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and thank Craig McFarland for his outstanding tenure as mayor of Casa Grande. Since his tenure began in 2016, Mr. McFarland has been a pillar of his community, a devoted public servant, a strong local partner for me, and a dear, dear friend. From diversifying the economy in Casa Grande through companies like Lucid Motors and others, to expanding the I-10 and protecting the region's water, Mayor McFarland has ushered in growth throughout Casa Grande and Pinal County. Then, in fiscal year 2025, Mayor McFarland and I partnered together to provisionally secure $2.8 million in Federal funds for Casa Grande to invest in a new community center for students and expand access to affordable housing for our educators. Luckily, despite his tenure ending as mayor, Craig will continue to serve Casa Grande and Pinal County as the new president and CEO of Pinal Partnership, one of the leading economic development organizations in the region. They regularly host informative discussions on important issues such as water security, infrastructure, and economic development with key stakeholders and industry leaders, as well. I look forward to working together alongside Craig McFarland to continue advancing Casa Grande, Pinal County, and our entire region forward.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, the flagship bipartisan, bicameral veterans package of the 118th Congress. Simply put, our veterans are our Nation's heroes. When duty called, these brave men and women answered, risking life and limb in service to their fellow citizens. In my district, I organized the Veterans Advisory Council to hear directly from those who served about the unique challenges facing all of our veterans. As I continue to hear from our veterans, it is clear there is still work to be done to close the gaps in economic opportunity, care, and access to housing. This legislation encompasses a number of bipartisan and bicameral proposals to address veteran homelessness by increasing reimbursement rates to partner organizations; improve the delivery of healthcare by increasing coordination with providers and expanding access to home and community care; modernize delivery of benefits by cutting red tape; and overall improvement to the delivery of services for veterans, their families, and survivors. Specifically, I am proud my bill includes a provision I have spearheaded to reauthorize and fund the VET TEC program to cover costs for veterans seeking job training in high-tech industries. Currently, the program has an 84 percent graduation rate for the 12,000 veterans who have already completed it. By reauthorizing this program, we are creating the same opportunity for thousands of veterans to come. Additionally, I want to highlight that it authorizes appropriations for the Office of Women's Health at the VA to expand access for women to mobile mammography units and outreach. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, to ensure we provide our veterans and their families with the support and benefits they earned through their service.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Willcox softball's little league team for their perseverance and their hard work. After winning back-to-back Arizona Little League State titles, this team was crowned as this West Region Champions and were invited to play at the World Series Tournament. Unfortunately, they came up a little short in a 5-2 defeat in one of the elimination games, but we are so proud of them. While they were not able to make it all the way, I know that Cochise County and the entire State of Arizona is incredibly proud of the Willcox softball's first World Series appearance. They are only the fifth team from southern Arizona to ever make it this far. They have made our district proud with their resilience and competitive spirit. They must keep up the great work. Congratulating University of Arizona President Dr. Suresh Garimella

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the new president of the University of Arizona, my alma mater, Dr. Suresh Garimella. I have met and spent time with him, and I am deeply impressed with what I have experienced. Dr. Garimella is a tireless champion for students who is well suited to lead the university into an even brighter future. He is a passionate educator who fosters the creativity of his students and empowers them with the tools to pursue their own American Dream. Throughout his career, he has personally mentored 90 graduate students and 50 post-doctoral scholars, many of whom were placed in prestigious faculty positions across the United States and the world. Additionally, Dr. Garimella serves on the National Science Board, which acts as an independent body of advisers to Congress and the President on policy matters related to science and engineering. I am grateful for Dr. Garimella's leadership and look forward to working with him to support the university and its students. Bear Down. Congratulating Mo Sheldon Retiring

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mo Sheldon, who will be stepping down as CEO of Northern Cochise Community Hospital at the end of this month, and thank her for all of her invaluable work. Mo joined the hospital in 2020 and has successfully led them over the past 4 years, including during their transition to Tucson Medical Center in 2021. In FY24, Mo and I worked closely to secure $859,000 in Federal funds for much-needed upgrades and repairs to the main entry area and emergency department, which are over 50 years old. Mo is a pillar of her community, and she has dedicated herself to serving her patients and strengthening the healthcare system in our rural communities. Mo will be dearly missed, but her legacy of servant leadership will continue to echo far into the future. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mo for her commitment, dedication, and hard work. It truly made a difference in our communities. Laura and I wish her all the best in this next chapter in her life.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman for yielding me time and for clarifying a series of those points that were expressed by our friends on the other side of the aisle that he clarified so well. I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 8446, the Critical Mineral Consistency Act. This bill, which passed with bipartisan support through the House Committee on Natural Resources and was recently introduced in the Senate, also with bipartisan co-leads, would require the U.S. Geological Survey to incorporate critical materials identified by the Department of Energy into the USGS critical minerals list. Under the Energy Act of 2020, items appearing on the USGS critical minerals list are automatically included on the DOE's Critical Materials List. However, items on the DOE list are not reciprocated to the USGS list. This discrepancy is confusing to mineral producers and makes it unclear which minerals are critical to the United States' mission. In addition to creating unnecessary confusion, the disconnect between the two lists puts our domestic supply chain at risk. Other countries like China and Peru have specifically articulated and invested in the minerals they deem critical. Meanwhile, here in the United States, several minerals are indisputably essential to our national security and clean energy economy, such as copper, electrical steel, flourine, silicon, and silicon carbide. They are all listed as critical materials and not critical minerals, making them ineligible for expedited permitting processes and other benefits. This legislation would create some consistency within our agencies and signal to the world that we are taking seriously the importance of domestic production for our critical minerals like copper. In Arizona, copper is one of the State's five Cs, alongside climate, cattle, cotton, and citrus. Copper mining is embedded in our State's history, and today Arizona remains a leader in copper production, providing the Nation and the world with the copper it needs to operate. Despite Arizona being a leader in copper production, dozens of potential copper mines in America remain untapped due to the burdensome regulations by the Federal Government. Handicapping our own domestic mineral production and relying on imports from foreign countries not only harms our national security and economy but it also hurts the environment because we know when we mine in America, we do it safer and we do it cleaner than just about anywhere else in the world. According to various reports, the world is expected to need around 50 million metric tons of copper annually by 2035 due to the growing energy demands. Another recent study found that without increased domestic production, the U.S. will be 60 percent reliant on imports of copper by 2035. That is alarming. In a world where foreign wars have created massive instability in the global economy, we should not be reliant on other countries for critical minerals that are used in everything from military vehicles to our electrical grid infrastructure. It is high time we take tangible steps to onshore mineral production, and this legislation does just that. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense bill.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes taken yesterday, September 23, due to travel issues. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 440; YEA on Roll Call No. 441; and YEA on Roll Call No. 442.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in observation of Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness on this urgent crisis and to rededicate ourselves to watching out and caring for each other, not just this month but every single day. Suicide is a complex, personal, and devastating moment. The loss of life is painful, and the heartbreaking aftermath spreads beyond the individual to friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and society itself. Whether you are a servicemember, veteran, or civilian, mental health challenges affect us all. We must work to end the stigma surrounding mental health and asking for help. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it is a sign of strength. If you or a loved one are struggling with your mental health, please know there is a caring community who stands ready to assist. You can get help 24/7 by calling or texting 988 or you can chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. During this month, let us dedicate ourselves to shifting public perceptions, spreading hope, and sharing vital information and resources for people struggling with their mental health. Know that you are not alone. Addressing Crisis at the Southern Border

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 9678, the FLASH Act. For 3\1/2\ years, border districts, like mine, have suffered the devastating consequences stemming from the crisis at our southern border. As a result, bad actors are emboldened, CBP agents and officers are overwhelmed and overworked, our communities have become more dangerous, and the environment along the border has been harmed. My legislation will address this crisis and secure the border by allowing States to place temporary barriers on Federal lands, providing for the construction of navigable roads to enhance CBP's ability to do their job, and directing Federal managers to develop plans to address growing trash piles along the border that hurt our environment. Securing the border and protecting the environment are not partisan issues. They remain top of mind for the constituents in my entire southern Arizona district. I remain committed to working with anyone on either side of the aisle to find common ground to address the issues impacting communities in my district and our Nation. Hispanic Restaurant Week

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1480, recognizing Hispanic Restaurant Week, a time to mark and honor the significant contribution of Hispanic restaurant owners and workers. In southern Arizona and across the United States, countless Hispanics have opened a restaurant in search of their American Dream. These establishments allow Hispanics to share their rich culinary traditions and bold flavors, all while creating jobs and strengthening our local economy. Growing up in a Hispanic household myself, I can confidently say these are some of the best restaurants in our country. As a Hispanic myself, I am proud to co-lead this resolution with a bipartisan group of colleagues to dedicate this week to Hispanic restaurants and thank all of the owners, chefs, servers, dishwashers, and more for all their work and contributions to our community and Nation.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month and to celebrate the countless contributions the Latino community has given to the United States. Whether you are an immigrant like me, a Hispanic American like many others, or have been in this country for generations, the Latino community is deeply interwoven within the fabric of America. Many came to the United States and went through a long process in search of the American Dream and embodied the hopes and possibilities our Nation has to offer. America is a unique Nation where anyone, no matter their background, can climb as far as they can dream and achieve extraordinary things. My story is just one example. When I was young, my family and I immigrated to the United States in search of our American Dream. We set up roots in southern Arizona and embraced the opportunities this amazing Nation has to offer. My parents taught me the value of hard work and perseverance, values that drove me all the way here to the United States Congress. As the first naturalized citizen from Mexico elected to represent Arizona in any Federal office, it is my honor and privilege to work to give back to the community where my family and I are living our American Dream. As co-chair of the Hispanic-Serving Institutions Caucus, I was proud to co-lead a resolution designating the week of September 9, 2024, as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week. This week also marks another special occasion, Citizenship Day. Madam Speaker, 18 years ago this week, I received the honor of a lifetime, becoming a United States citizen. I will never forget the pride I felt that day when I raised my right hand and recited the oath of citizenship. This reminds me of a story where my dad talked to me right before I launched this effort, and he said: Son, where else in the world could we have our story? We come to this country, immerse in the culture, learn English, go through the long process of becoming U.S. citizens. My dad said: I drive a bus my whole life, and now my son has the opportunity to be a United States Congressman. Where else in the world could we have this story? Friends, the answer is simple: Only in America could we have that story. Congratulating Utterback Middle School