Carlos Gimenez

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the former President of the Republic of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe Velez, for his extraordinary leadership, steadfast defense of democracy, and unwavering commitment to the safety and prosperity of the Colombian people. President Uribe assumed office in 2002 during one of the most challenging periods in Colombia's modern history, a time marked by violence, narco-terrorism, and instability. Through his bold and visionary ``Democratic Security'' policy, President Uribe restored law and order, dismantled the strongholds of terrorist organizations like the FARC, and reestablished the authority of the Colombian state across the nation. Under his leadership, Colombia's economy flourished through increased trade and investment. His administration strengthened U.S.-Colombian relations, culminating in the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, which expanded cooperation on security and counter-narcotics efforts. President Uribe's courage in confronting narco-terrorist groups and his dedication to the rule of law set a model for democratic governance. For his leadership, integrity, and tireless defense of liberty, many regard President Uribe as the Abraham Lincoln of Colombia, a unifying figure who preserved his nation's democracy and restored hope to millions. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing President Alvaro Uribe Velez for his historic contributions to the people of Colombia and to the cause of freedom and democracy.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary School, a dual-language professional development school dedicated to academic excellence and innovative instruction in Miami, Florida. Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary first opened its doors in the fall of 2000 under the visionary leadership of Principal Lourdes P. Gimenez, who spearheaded the school's founding and development. Since then, successive principals, most recently Ms. Madelyn Rodriguez, have carried forward the mission of providing a world-class child-centered education. Named in honor of Dr. Carlos Juan Finlay, the world-renowned Cuban epidemiologist who discovered that the Aedes aegypti mosquito was the carrier of yellow fever, the school proudly celebrates his legacy of scientific discovery. Its students, affectionately known as the ``Skeeters,'' embody Dr. Finlay's persistence, curiosity, and commitment to learning. As a proud Title I school, Finlay Elementary combines its dual- language Bilingual School Organization model with its partnership as a Professional Development School with Florida International University to ensure students are bilingual, biliterate, and prepared to succeed in today's interconnected world. I am proud to commend all the faculty, staff, students, and families of Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary for twenty-five years of excellence, innovation, and community service. Their dedication exemplifies the very best of Miami-Dade County's public education system. Go Skeeters.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the people of Spain and millions around the world in celebrating Spain's National Day, known as Fiesta Nacional de Espana (National Day of Spain). As Co-Chair of the Friends of Spain Caucus, I am proud to honor the deep and enduring bonds between our two nations, bonds rooted in shared history, faith, and friendship. From the earliest days of our Republic, Spain played a pivotal role in supporting American independence, providing vital aid and recognition to our Founding Fathers in their struggle for liberty. The names of St. Augustine, Pensacola, and San Marcos remind us that Florida's story is inseparable from the Spanish legacy that helped shape our Nation's earliest frontiers. Spanish influence can be seen in our architecture, our language, our traditions, and the vibrant communities that call South Florida home. Every day, centuries-old ties continue to inspire cultural exchange, economic partnership, and mutual respect between our peoples. On this National Day of Spain, we celebrate not only the remarkable history of the Spanish nation, but also the shared values of democracy, freedom, and friendship that unite Spain and the United States. I look forward to strengthening our transatlantic partnership and ensuring that the friendship between our Nations continues to flourish for generations to come.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of one of South Florida's most iconic institutions, Sergio's Cuban American Kitchen. For half a century, Sergio's has been more than a restaurant, it has become a cultural landmark and a gathering place for generations of families across Miami-Dade. Founded in 1975, this family-owned business has proudly embodied the values of faith, family, hard work, and community service that define the Cuban-American community. From its humble beginnings in Westchester, Sergio's has grown into a household name with multiple locations across South Florida, serving traditional Cuban comfort food that brings our community together. Sergio's is also a proud local employer, providing opportunities to hundreds of South Floridians. Throughout hurricanes and economic challenges, Sergio's family has remained steadfast in serving the community, supporting first responders, and helping neighbors in need. I am honored to celebrate this milestone and to thank the entire Sergio's family for 50 years of tradition, resilience, and hospitality. I congratulate Sergio's Cuban Restaurant on its 50th anniversary and their extraordinary contributions to the cultural fabric and economic vitality of South Florida and the Cuban-American community.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month and to commend the extraordinary work of the Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board. Each year, our Nation honors the history, culture, and countless contributions of Hispanic Americans. Today, Hispanics and Latinos represent the largest minority in the United States, accounting for more than 19 percent of our population and nearly 70 percent of the residents of Miami-Dade County. The Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board has long served as a strong advocate for our Hispanic community. It leads countywide efforts to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and to promote cultural unity across our diverse community. This year, Miami-Dade County's 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff Celebration will bring together elected officials, more than 30 Consuls General and international diplomats, as well as community leaders from across South Florida. This celebration reflects the multicultural richness that defines both our county and Nation. I am proud to recognize the Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board for its leadership, dedication, and tireless service. Their work not only highlights the invaluable contributions of Hispanic Americans but also reminds us that cultural unity strengthens the very fabric of our communities.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 504, the Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act. This bipartisan legislation ensures that the Miccosukee Tribe has the legal authority to manage, protect, and preserve their land and continue their traditional way of life. Specifically, the bill amends the Miccosukee Reserved Area Act to include the Osceola Camp, an inhabited Tribal village located within the heart of Florida's Everglades. The Osceola Camp is not only home to Tribal members, but it is also a site of historical and cultural importance. Including this land in the reserved area will empower the Tribe to protect their community, manage water flow into the Everglades National Park, and raise structures within the camp to prevent catastrophic flooding. The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the continental United States and one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. For generations, the Miccosukee Tribe has served as a responsible steward of the fragile environment. Their leadership in conservation, water management, and environmental protection has helped preserve the natural beauty, the biodiversity, and the cultural heritage of south Florida. This bill is about fairness and conservation. It ensures the Miccosukee Tribe has the autonomy to protect their home, their land, and their way of life. I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Soto) for cosponsoring this measure. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 504.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a decade of excellence at the Academy for International Disaster Preparedness at Florida International University. Over the past decade, AIDP has trained and graduated more than 500 students in disaster preparedness, emergency management, and humanitarian response. These programs have successfully prepared students to work in local, tribal, state, and federal government as well as in Fortune 500 companies and the private sector. AIDP's curriculum aligns with FEMA's Next Generation Core Competencies, focusing on four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Through hands on training, students, along with experts in the field, use the frameworks of the Incident Command System and the National incident Management System to experience complex, real-world disaster environments. FIU and AIDP are setting the standard for the next generation of emergency management professionals, and I am proud to recognize their service and leadership today.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a monumental milestone, the 40th anniversary of Radio Marti. For four decades, Radio Marti has been a beacon of truth for the Cuban people, piercing through the propaganda and tyranny of the Castro regime. In a country where freedom of speech is silenced and independent media is outlawed, Radio Marti has delivered uncensored news, real stories, and a powerful message: liberty is not only possible, it is on the horizon. As a proud Cuban American and a staunch defender of democracy, I know firsthand the value of what Radio Marti represents. It's more than just a station; it's a lifeline for a community that longs for freedom. I thank the dedicated journalists and staff who have carried this mission forward since 1985. Their work is vital, their courage is undeniable, and their impact is immeasurable. Here's to 40 years of truth, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of the Cuban people. May this next chapter bring us even closer to a Cuba libre.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Melissa Tapanes on being named President of the Builders Association of South Florida. Ms. Tapanes is an accomplished attorney who specializes in complex legislative and quasi-judicial matters. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service, holding leadership roles with the Miami Downtown Development Authority and numerous civic and legal organizations. Her dedication to education and public policy began early, with an appointment by Governor Jeb Bush and her successful advocacy for the establishment of a public law school at Florida International University. Throughout her career, Ms. Tapanes has earned prestigious honors, including the South Florida Business Journal's ``40 Under 40'' and Ford's ``Mujeres Legendarias.'' She has been consistently recognized by The Legal 500, ranked in Chambers USA, and acknowledged by Super Lawyers and Florida Trend. I look forward to working with Ms. Tapanes in her new role as President of the Builders Association of South Florida.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Harold Arve, Jr., a lifelong resident of South-Dade and a pillar to the community of Homestead. Throughout his 47-year career with the Florida Farm Bureau, Mr. Arve has dedicated his career to community service. From earning the rank of Eagle Scout to coaching on the football field and raising a family with his high school sweetheart Linda, Mr. Arve embodies dedication, integrity, and hometown pride. Further, his decades of experience in charity auctioneering, show his unwavering community spirit. Mr. Arve's contributions to local causes and organizations have left a lasting mark on the South-Dade community. It is with great gratitude that I recognize Mr. Arve for his lifetime of service, leadership, and love for our community.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my dear friend and the Mayor of the City of Hialeah, Esteban Bovo, for his decades of commitment to public service. Mayor Bovo began his career in 1998 as a member of the Hialeah City Council. In 2008, he was elected to serve his community in the Florida House of Representatives. Following his service in Tallahassee, Mayor Bovo was elected to the Miami Dade County Commission, where he served from 2011 to 2020. During his tenure, his colleagues elected him to serve as the Commission Chair from 2017 to 2018. In 2021, Mayor Bovo was elected as Mayor of the City of Hialeah. Since taking office, he has been an advocate for transparency, public safety, and accountability. Under his leadership, Mayor Bovo Hialeah has served his constituents with pride and with a commitment to excellence. I extend my gratitude to Mayor Esteban Bovo for his unwavering dedication to public service and I look forward to his continued contributions to the community.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my high school alma mater, the Christopher Columbus Explorers, for winning the national basketball championship. After securing their fourth consecutive State championship in Florida's Class 7A, the Explorers made school history by capturing their first national title and county history as the only Miami-Dade County high school to ever win a national basketball title. These young men have demonstrated relentless dedication and perseverance throughout the season. I am proud to see that their hard work and commitment was rewarded. I extend my congratulations to Coach Andrew Moran, his staff, and the entire team on this remarkable accomplishment. Through unity, tradition, and excellence they have cemented their place in Columbus and Miami-Dade County history. ``Forward''; ``Adelante.''

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the iconic Biltmore hotel. For a century, the Biltmore hotel and its renowned golf course have stood as a beacon of elegance, history, and world-class hospitality in the heart of Coral Gables. Since opening its doors in 1926, this historic national landmark has welcomed presidents, dignitaries, and guests from around the world. In 1942, the Biltmore was transformed into a military hospital, serving our brave service members as an Army Air Force hospital, and later as a Veterans Administration hospital until 1968. After reopening in 1987 and following a 10-year restoration beginning in 1992, the grand hotel and golf course have entered a new era, reclaiming its former glory and embodying Miami's rich sporting heritage; its halls and tower have served as the backdrop for a century of unforgettable moments. The Biltmore is more than just a hotel--it's a living landmark, a symbol of Miami, and a treasured piece of our community's history that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1166, the Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act. As Communist China seeks to gain influence in critical industries around the world, the United States must be at the forefront of combating and decoupling from the CCP. This includes battery technology. As we become more and more dependent on battery technology, we need to ensure that these batteries are sourced from nonadversarial countries. As it stands, Communist China produces approximately 80 percent of the world's batteries and roughly 70 percent of the world's lithium ion batteries. This dependence puts U.S. supply chains at risk and threatens our national security. Our government should not be spending tax dollars to procure batteries from companies that profit from slave labor or provide another avenue for the CCP to expand their surveillance apparatus here in the United States. As an agency tasked with protecting the homeland, the Department of Homeland Security should not be procuring batteries from a geopolitical adversary. H.R. 1166, the Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act, is a critical first step in addressing this issue. Modeled after previous provisions included in the FY 2024 NDAA, my legislation builds off of these efforts and prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from procuring batteries from companies that have deep ties to the CCP and engage in human rights abuses. H.R. 1166 helps our Nation take a step forward in advancing our efforts to decouple from the PRC and safeguard critical supply chains from exploitation. I am proud that this bill passed out of the Committee on Homeland Security in a bipartisan manner last Congress and was passed on the House floor. I look forward to seeing it pass and becoming law in the 119th Congress. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to commemorate the life of Frank Toppino, a leader and pillar of strength of the Florida Keys who passed away at the age of 101. Born in Winter Park, Florida, Mr. Frank, as he was more commonly known, lived a life of service with deep dedication to his family, faith, and community. At just 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during World War II. He built a life alongside his wife, Betty Rose, and they raised three children together. Mr. Frank served as the president of the Key West Chamber of Commerce and served for 33 continuous years on the Key West Housing Authority board. Mr. Frank's acts of service are a true testament to his character. Let us remember his legacy of lifelong dedication to family and to the community. Mr. Frank will be deeply missed, but his lessons will serve as an example to us all. We thank Mr. Frank for his service to our Nation. May he rest in peace.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, Miami-Dade has a new sheriff in town. I rise today to congratulate my dear friend, Rosie Cordero-Stutz, on being sworn in as the first elected sheriff in Miami-Dade in over 60 years and the first woman and Hispanic to hold the position. Sheriff Cordero-Stutz has been with Miami-Dade Police Department for nearly 30 years, rising from patrol officer to assistant director. She has what it takes to run the largest law enforcement agency in the southeastern United States. I also congratulate Juan Barquin on being sworn in as the clerk of the court and comptroller for Miami-Dade County. Clerk Barquin began his career in the Public Defender's Office, and he will now oversee the fourth largest judicial circuit in the Nation. As the watchdog for public records and taxpayer money, I have all the confidence that he will continue to do an excellent job. I congratulate Sheriff Cordero-Stutz and Clerk Barquin. Godspeed to them both. On behalf of all of the residents of Miami-Dade, I thank them for their service.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my dear friends and colleagues, Anthony Rodriguez and Kionne McGhee, the new chairman and vice chairman of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners. I look forward to continuing our work together to deliver results for the people of Miami-Dade County. With my colleagues on the commission, I worked to deliver the largest tax cuts in Miami-Dade County history when I was the mayor, and being mayor of Miami-Dade County has been one of the highlights of my career in public service. I understand firsthand just how effective both Chairman Rodriguez and Vice Chairman McGhee are, and I am confident in their ability to lead with conviction for the community that we represent. Mr. Speaker, I thank both of them and wish them Godspeed.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5009. This NDAA ensures that the United States military remains the strongest in the world. Weak policies from this administration have invited America's enemies to our doorstep. Communist China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran are actively undermining our Nation around the world and are working with the regimes in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua to gain a foothold in our hemisphere. This package allows us to meet the challenges ahead. I am pleased that the NDAA includes funding for new innovative technologies to better deter Putin and the CCP. We will strengthen our efforts domestically to protect our border by building a new state-of-the-art joint agency task force south in Key West, which happens to be in my district. I strongly urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this NDAA so we can continue to deter our enemies, safeguard our Nation, and provide for our servicemen and -women.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, a time to recognize the value of hands-on training and the incredible opportunities of apprenticeships that are offered to American workers and businesses. As a strong believer in the dignity of hard work and the power of education, I know that apprenticeships serve as a vital bridge between learning and earning. They empower individuals to gain valuable skills in industries that form the backbone of our American economy, all while earning a paycheck and building a lifelong career. Whether in AI technology, cybersecurity, construction, or countless other fields, these programs open pathways of success for countless Americans. In south Florida and across the Nation, apprenticeships transform lives and strengthen our communities. Apprenticeships are not just investments in the people of our community, they are investments in America's competitiveness on the global stage. On this 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week, let us continue to champion programs that open doors for young people and working families so that we can build a stronger, more skilled workforce for generations to come.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 1719, a bill originally introduced by Representative Pascrell of New Jersey, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 8631, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 8631, the Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act. Our world is increasingly reliant on battery technology, from the smartphones in our pockets to the energy storage systems that power our homes and businesses. This dependence underscores a larger issue: Our Nation is becoming increasingly reliant on foreign adversarial entities for the materials and technologies that power these devices, which poses grave risk to our Nation's security and economic stability. As it stands, Communist China produces approximately 80 percent of the world's batteries and roughly 70 percent of the world's lithium-ion batteries. These staggering numbers leave U.S. supply chains vulnerable and our Nation's security at risk. Recently, the United States House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, a committee that I am a member of, uncovered information that revealed that at least two of the world's top battery manufacturers, CATL and Gotion High-Tech, are affiliated with Xinjiang Production and Construction Corporation, a paramilitary and CCP-owned entity that is expressly named in the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act statute due to its egregious forced labor practices. Specifically, XPCC has been accused of assisting the CCP's policy in Xinjiang that implemented comprehensive surveillance, detention, and indoctrination that targeted Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minority groups that the CCP is attempting to eradicate. Furthermore, XPCC utilizes forced labor practices to manufacture their wide range of products. In addition, dependence on batteries that are manufactured in the PRC presents incredible risks to our national security. There are legitimate concerns that PRC-aligned battery companies and other similar Chinese entities could install malware and other intelligence- gathering sensors on these products, which could result in gathering sensitive information or execute a shutdown on EV charging networks and battery-energy storage systems or even disable targeted vehicles through hardware infiltration. Last year, reports indicated that the PRC-aligned CATL installed its batteries at facilities in Florida, Virginia, Nevada, and California, as well as a solar farm on leased land inside the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Energy-storage batteries produced by the PRC-aligned CATL at Camp Lejeune have been decommissioned, following increased pressure from Congress. The Pentagon's decision to not only remove the PRC-aligned CATL batteries from Camp Lejeune but also to make it clear it will not buy CATL batteries because of concerns is more than adequate to demonstrate why we should not have these batteries in other parts of our critical infrastructure. Our government should not be spending tax dollars to procure batteries from companies that profit from slave labor or provide another avenue for the CCP to expand their surveillance apparatus here in the United States homeland. My legislation, H.R. 8631, the Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act, is a critical first step in addressing this issue. Modeled after previous provisions included in the fiscal year 2024 NDAA, my legislation builds off these efforts and prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from procuring battery technology companies that have deep ties to the CCP and engage in human rights abuses. In doing so, this bill helps our Nation take a step to advance efforts to decouple from the PRC and safeguard critical supply chains from exploitation. I am proud to see this bill pass out of committee in a bipartisan nature and look forward to seeing it pass the full House with a bipartisan vote. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8631) to prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from procuring certain foreign-made batteries, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Moolenaar).

Mr. GIMENEZ

Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7404) to require annual reports on counter illicit cross- border tunnel operations, and for other purposes.