Pablo José Hernández Rivera

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3872, a bill to amend the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands, clarifying that all lands acquired by the Federal Government are eligible for potential hardrock mineral leasing. Most mining on Federal lands operates under a claims system, where U.S. citizens or U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies can claim certain open areas of public land for their mineral rights. On most acquired lands, which are lands obtained through means other than the original public lands laws, like through a purchase or exchange, hardrock mineral rights are leased, similar to procedures for oil, gas, and coal. However, if the statute used to acquire that land doesn't explicitly authorize hardrock mineral leasing, then mineral leasing can't take place. This is the case with the Department of Defense lands in Texas, specifically the Red River Army Depot, which was acquired under various statutes that did not specifically authorize hardrock leasing. A lithium exploration company applied for a permit to explore at the Army Depot, but the Bureau of Land Management did not have the power the authorize exploration. The company already has industrial leases on adjacent private lands, and this bill would not grant any specific permits but would give BLM the authority to issue permits and leases if appropriate. This is a good bill. It is a technical fix that will help us potentially develop lithium resources which are essential for the clean energy transition. I will add that this bill authorizes hardrock leasing, which is a far better and more responsible practice than the claims staking system we have across the rest of our Federal lands. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1098 would reauthorize the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program, a small but mighty initiative that has inspired young conservationists for over three decades. As the Fish and Wildlife Service puts it, this dynamic art and science curriculum reaches students from kindergarten through high school, teaching them about wetland and waterfowl conservation through hands-on learning and artistic expression. It is education at its finest, combining creativity with conservation, art with action. What makes this program truly special is how it is funded. One hundred percent--every single penny--of revenue from Junior Duck Stamp sales goes directly back into supporting environmental education activities for students and recognizing students for their conservation efforts. This isn't government waste or bureaucratic overhead. This is a program that pays for itself while delivering real results. At a time when we are seeing declining connections between young people and nature, when screen time often outweighs green time, programs like this are more important than ever. It is exactly the kind of targeted, effective investment we should be making. I commend Representatives Scholten and Yakym for their bipartisan leadership on this issue. The Junior Duck Stamp program represents the best of what government can do: inspiring young people, supporting education, and protecting our natural heritage, all while operating efficiently and transparently. Our children deserve the chance to connect with nature, to understand their role as stewards of the environment, and to express that connection through art and learning. This program gives them that chance. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1098. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Scholten), the sponsor of the bill.

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Pit River Land Transfer Act will transfer approximately 583 acres of land into trust for the benefit of the Pit River Tribe in northern California. This land, known as the Four Corners property, is currently managed by the U.S. Forest Service, and it is a site of great historic and cultural significance within the Tribe's ancestral territory. In 1970, members of the Tribe peacefully occupied Four Corners to advocate for the return of their ancestral homeland. This occupation was met with violence by authorities and remains a historic event in the Tribe's fight to restore their homelands and sovereignty. H.R. 2400 will return the Four Corners property to the Tribe, allowing them to steward the land and develop an interpretive center to share their history and culture. In addition, this land will provide the Tribe with opportunities for economic development, education, and environmental stewardship. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with profound appreciation to recognize the exemplary work of the 2025-2026 Service Academy Nomination Board, whose service has been indispensable to the success of this year's nomination cycle. Each year, talented young men and women from Puerto Rico seek a congressional nomination to the United States Service Academies, driven by a commitment to serve our Nation. Evaluating these nomination applications is both an honor and a significant undertaking: one that demands integrity, discernment, and unwavering fairness. This year's Nomination Board carried out that responsibility with exceptional professionalism. The members of the Board devoted extensive hours to reviewing application packages, assessing academic records, weighing leadership experiences, and conducting thoughtful and rigorous interviews. Their work ensured that every candidate received a fair, comprehensive, and respectful evaluation. Their collective expertise and diverse professional backgrounds were instrumental in selecting nominees who embody the highest ideals of service, character, and leadership. Beyond the technical demands of their role, the Board demonstrated a profound dedication to Puerto Rico's youth and to strengthening pathways into military and public service. Their contributions have directly expanded opportunities for our Island's future officers, young leaders who may one day command units, pilot aircraft, safeguard national security, or serve our Nation in critical moments. This year's Board approached its work with seriousness of purpose and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Their service reflects the very values we ask of our applicants: integrity, judgment, discipline, and a commitment to something greater than oneself. On behalf of the people of Puerto Rico, I extend my deepest gratitude to the members of the 2025-2026 Service Academy Nomination Board: Brig. Gen. Carlos Gorbea; COL. (retired) Marta Carcana; COL. (retired) Michelle Fraley; CW4 (retired) Cristino Lozada; MAJ. Ricardo Herrero; Cpt. Joshua Eldelman; Mr. Hector Luis Acevedo; Mr. Jose Cabrera; Mrs. Tasha Endara; Mr. Luis Soto; and Mrs. Wanda Ayala de Torres for their extraordinary work, their professionalism, and their service. Their efforts have strengthened this program, uplifted deserving candidates, and helped shape the next generation of leaders who will proudly represent Puerto Rico and our Nation.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill which directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence, to require all components of the Department of Homeland Security intelligence enterprise to participate in the intelligence community's Civilian Joint Duty Program. The Civilian Joint Duty Program allows professionals across the 18 U.S. intelligence agencies to temporarily work in a different U.S. intelligence organization to broaden their skills beyond their home agencies. Requiring the participation of all DHS intelligence offices in the program will expose the DHS intelligence workforce to best practices in the field and promote cross-organizational networks. H.R. 2212 not only supports the professional development of the DHS intelligence workforce but fosters more information sharing and better positions DHS to identify and mitigate threats to the homeland. Mr. Speaker, I support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2212, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1608, the Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025. In the early morning on New Year's Day this year, an assailant carried out a devastating truck attack against pedestrians in New Orleans, killing 14 victims plus the perpetrator and injuring at least 57 others. This attack is the latest in a string of attacks using vehicles to inflict significant harm. H.R. 1608 would enhance the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to address threats posed by vehicular terrorism. Madam Speaker, I support the bill's advancement, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close. This bill will help make life easier for all Americans by pushing DHS to advance its efforts to prevent vehicular terrorism. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2659, the Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act. This bill establishes an interagency task force to coordinate efforts to combat cyber threats from the People's Republic of China and establishes reporting requirements to ensure Congress is informed on administration efforts. Under the Biden administration, CISA, FBI, and other Federal agencies established valuable partnerships to address the threats posed by Chinese state-backed threat actors such as Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon. This bill codifies those efforts. Unfortunately, hundreds of cybersecurity personnel have left CISA under Trump administration pressure, severely undermining the agency's ability to defend critical infrastructure from cyber threats from the PRC and other adversaries. I hope that passing this bill will help demonstrate to the administration the need to prioritize resources and personnel on combating serious cyber threats. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close when the gentleman is prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2659, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5078, which reauthorizes the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program until 2033. First established 4 years ago in the bipartisan infrastructure law based on legislation authored by Representative Yvette Clarke, the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program has provided $1 billion in funding for State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments so that they can strengthen their cyber defenses. Earlier this year, the Cybersecurity Subcommittee held a hearing to evaluate the program and receive testimony from the National League of Cities, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers, and one of the Nation's top cybersecurity firms. Their assessment was clear: The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program has worked. From Connecticut to Kentucky to Utah, the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program has forged partnerships that have helped detect and thwart attacks, built resilience, and stretched dollars further. From municipal services to our school systems, the services that our constituents rely on every day are more secure today than they were 4 years ago, but our work is not done. Despite the impressive progress that State and local governments have made to improve their cybersecurity posture, many jurisdictions across the country, particularly rural areas, remain unacceptably vulnerable to cyberattacks. Every day, State and local governments must defend against cyber intrusions from transnational criminal gangs and nation-state adversaries. The Federal Government has an obligation to leverage its resources, expertise, and intelligence to defend our State and local governments from these sophisticated threats. There are no other circumstances under which we would expect a State or local government to defend itself from an attack from a state actor, particularly from China, Russia, or Iran. With this essential program's authorization set to expire on January 30, enacting a long-term reauthorization will help provide stability to the program and, importantly, build a case for appropriating more funding for it. At a time when the Trump administration has been cutting vital cybersecurity resources for State and local governments, such as the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, it is more important than ever that Congress step up to provide more funding for State and local cybersecurity. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5078, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 260, the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act. This is a straightforward bill that directs the Transportation Security Administration to update or issue guidance to adhere to hygienic standards to reduce the risk of contamination of breast milk, baby formula, juice, and purified water during TSA screening. The bill would also require TSA to consult with nationally recognized maternal health organizations to help develop guidelines and establish hygienic screening standards for these items. Traveling with kids is a difficult, stressful experience for many parents and caretakers, one that I expect to undertake beginning in January. For many new moms, in particular, TSA screening has proven a particularly challenging experience as well-meaning officers enforce inconsistent and opaque screening requirements. Far too many parents have been left wondering if their breast milk or formula is still safe to give to an infant after TSA has handled and screened it. This bill would help enforce hygienic practices and make screening less stressful for new parents while maintaining security standards. Madam Speaker, I thank Senator Duckworth for her leadership on this topic, as well as my colleague Congressman Swalwell, who sponsored the House companion to this bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Swalwell), the author of the House version of this bill.

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. This is a commonsense bill that will help make traveling a little bit easier for millions of parents. On behalf of myself and my wife, a future mother, I thank all the Members who are part of this effort, especially Congressman Swalwell. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bill H.R. 2261, the Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act. One of the lessons of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, was that the United States Government needed to improve coordination and information sharing between law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The 9/11 Commission found that prior to September 11, the United States Government failed to connect the dots between pieces of information it had that could have prevented the attacks of that fateful day. The Department of Homeland Security was created to fill the critical gaps identified by the 9/11 Commission. To this day, DHS' Office of Intelligence and Analysis, or I&A, is the lone member of the intelligence community tasked with delivering homeland security information and intelligence to State, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement. Every day, our State, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement officers work on the front lines to keep America safe. It is critical that they receive reliable intelligence to do the best job possible. Just as critical as keeping Americans safe is upholding their constitutional rights. My bill ensures that the information and intelligence distributed by DHS to protect our communities does not infringe upon Americans' constitutional rights. It requires that all DHS intelligence products be reviewed by the DHS chief privacy officer and the DHS officer for civil rights and civil liberties. Additionally, my bill would require training senior DHS intelligence personnel on privacy rights, civil rights, and civil liberties protections. Put simply, under my bill, DHS intelligence information that is shared, retained, and disseminated must be done in a manner consistent with the protection of Americans' rights. It is a principal duty for Congress to simultaneously protect our national security and preserve our privacy and our civil rights as well as our civil liberties. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from Colorado, Congressman Gabe Evans, for his collaboration on this bipartisan bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, earlier I referenced the 9/11 Commission, which called for unifying our information-sharing systems and intelligence coordination to ensure that a 9/11-like attack would never happen again on U.S. soil. The commission also recognized, however, that we must at the same time improve oversight of those information-sharing networks to prevent overreach and civil rights and privacy abuses. This bipartisan bill establishes oversight mechanisms and safeguards to protect the privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties of Americans in the production and dissemination of DHS intelligence. As a personal note, I appreciate the fact that, as Puerto Rico's Resident Commissioner, we are able to consider a bill of my authorship in the first year of my term, an uncommon practice, and I am grateful to this committee for considering the bill in a bipartisan manner. It is proof that, despite my inability to vote on the final passage of bills, I can be a contributing Member of Congress, submitting legislation, debating legislation in committees, and then debating it on the floor. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this commonsense, bipartisan bill, and I thank my colleagues for their support. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and legacy of a remarkable public servant, Carlos Alberto Lopez Rivera, better known to his beloved community simply as ``Carlitos.'' Born on September 14, 1958, in Dorado, Carlitos grew up with the values of hard work, service, and loyalty instilled in him by his parents, Pedro Lopez Maldonado and Ana Rivera. After graduating from Jose S. Alegria High School and earning a degree in Business Management from the University of Puerto Rico, he could have chosen many paths. But his heart was rooted in Dorado, and he devoted himself to serving the very place that had shaped him. That calling led him to the mayor's office, where on August 3, 1987, he was sworn in as the mayor of Dorado. What followed was nothing short of historic. For 38 years, through 10 consecutive elections, Carlitos was entrusted by his neighbors with the responsibility of guiding their community. He transformed Dorado into a thriving center of tourism and development while never losing sight of the needs of working families. He often described Dorado as the ``paradise of Puerto Rico, where life is beautiful,'' and under his leadership, that vision became a reality. But Carlitos was more than just an astute and skillful politician. He was a man of loyalty, wit, and heart. He had a gift for words, painting images and phrases that stuck in the memory of the people he served. He balanced economic progress with social justice, reminding all who knew him that growth should never leave anyone behind. And to those who knew him best, he will always be remembered for his loyalty. In the hardest and loneliest moments, Carlitos was there, steadfast and encouraging, urging us forward ``at full speed and with even greater strength.'' Carlitos made history as one of the longest-serving mayors in Puerto Rican history, second only to his contemporary in Manati, Juan Aubin Cruz Manzano. Yet beyond the records and accomplishments, his true legacy will live on in the people of Dorado, who saw in him not only a mayor, but a neighbor, a motivator, and a guardian of their community's spirit. Mr. Speaker, the life of Carlos Alberto `Carlitos' Lopez Rivera reminds us that true leadership is measured not only in years of service, but in the lives uplifted along the way. Our prayers are with his family, and I respectfully ask this body to rise in tribute to his life and service. As we reflect on his legacy, may we honor him by carrying his spirit forward, always pressing on ``at full speed and with even greater strength.'' The following text is a direct Spanish translation of the statement above: Mr. Speaker, me levanto hoy para rendir homenaje a la memoria y el legado de un servidor publico extraordinario, Carlos Alberto Lopez Rivera, conocido por su querido pueblo como ``Carlitos.'' Nacido el 14 de septiembre de 1958 en Dorado, Carlitos crecio con los valores de trabajo duro, servicio y lealtad inculcados por sus padres, Pedro Lopez Maldonado y Ana Rivera. Tras graduarse de la Escuela Superior Jose S. Alegria y obtener un titulo en Administracion de Empresas de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, pudo haber elegido muchos caminos. Pero su corazon estaba en Dorado, y dedico su vida a servir al pueblo que lo habia formado. Ese llamado lo llevo a la alcaldia, donde el 3 de agosto de 1987 juro como alcalde de Dorado. Lo que siguio fue nada menos que historico. Durante 38 anos, a traves de 10 elecciones consecutivas, Carlitos fue confiado por sus vecinos con la responsabilidad de guiar a su pueblo. Transformo a Dorado en un centro prospero de turismo y desarrollo, sin perder nunca de vista las necesidades de las familias trabajadoras. A menudo describe a Dorado como el ``paraiso de Puerto Rico, donde la vida es bella,'' y bajo su liderazgo, esa vision se convirtio en realidad. Pero Carlitos fue mas que un politico astuto y habil. Fue un hombre de lealtad, ingenio y corazon. Tenia un don para las palabras, pintando imagenes y frases que permanecian en la memoria de la gente a la que servia. Supo equilibrar el progreso economico con la justicia social, recordando a todos los que lo conocieron que el crecimiento no debe dejar a nadie atras. Y para quienes lo conocieron de cerca, siempre sera recordado por su lealtad. En los momentos mas duros y solitarios, Carlitos estaba ahi, firme y alentador, impulsandonos siempre hacia adelante ``a toda marcha y con mas fuerza''. Carlitos hizo historia como uno de los alcaldes con mas anos de servicio en Puerto Rico, superado solo por su contemporaneo en Manati, Juan Aubin Cruz Manzano. Sin embargo, mas alla de los records y logros, su verdadero legado vivira en la gente de Dorado, que vio en el no solo a un alcalde, sino a un vecino, un motivador y un guardian del espiritu de su pueblo. Mr. Speaker, la vida de Carlos Alberto ``Carlitos'' Lopez Rivera nos recuerda que el verdadero liderazgo no se mide solo en los anos de servicio, sino en las vidas que se elevan en el camino. Nuestras oraciones estan con su familia, y respetuosamente pido a la Camara que se levante en tributo a su vida y servicio. Al reflexionar sobre su legado, honremoslo llevando adelante su espiritu, siempre avanzando ``a toda marcha y con mas fuerza.''

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. For the benefit of my constituents and the communities affected, I will offer my remarks in Spanish. Hoy me paro aqui con la voz prestada de un pueblo que no olvida. Hace ocho anos, el 20 de septiembre, Puerto Rico amanecio desgarrado--no solo en terminos de su infraestructura pero en cuanto al alma de su gente. El huracan Maria no fue solo un fenomeno atmosferico, sino una odisea que dolorosamente reflejo la fortaleza del pueblo de Puerto Rico y de lo que ocurre cuando se combina el colapso de la infraestructura con anos de negligencia institucional. Por eso, hoy me honra presentar una resolucion para conmemorar este aniversario solemne, para reconocer a quienes se perdieron, a quienes resistieron, y a un pueblo que se levanto con dignidad frente al abandono. Se cayeron los techos. Se apago la luz. Pero quizas lo mas doloroso fue el silencio. No solo la falta de comunicacion, sino la ausencia de respuesta efectiva, de coordinacion, de urgencia. Ese vacio se sintio como el silencio dentro del ojo del huracan: una calma enganosa, que no promete alivio, sino que anuncia que lo peor aun esta por llegar. Recuerdo a los viejitos cargando cubos de agua por lomas empinadas. Madres haciendo fila por hielo para conservar la insulina. Vecinos compartiendo una planta electrica como quien comparte un pedazo de esperanza. Y recuerdo a muchos--a demasiados--que murieron sin que su nombre contara en una estadistica oficial. Mas de 4,000 vidas. No fue una cifra. Fue una negligencia. Pero los nuestros no esperaron permiso para sobrevivir. Rescataron a sus vecinos con sogas y machetes. Improvisaron clinicas. Reabrieron escuelas sin electricidad. Maria no solo destruyo edificios. Nos robo a abuelas, a padres, a hijos, que murieron no por el viento, sino por el abandono. Y esa es una verdad que debe doler. Que debe incomodar. Porque el olvido tambien es una forma de violencia. Tantas conversaciones sobre los problemas que enfrenta Puerto Rico hoy, especialmente en terminos de problemas de infraestructura, empiezan con mencionar al huracan Maria. ``Desde Maria'', dicen. Y creo que, de tanto repetirlo, se nos olvida el dolor. El horror. Por eso, hoy mas que reclamar, quiero recordar. Recordar a los que no vivieron para contar su historia. Recordar a los que sobrevivieron, pero cargan cicatrices invisibles. Recordar lo que el pais tuvo que hacer, solo, para poder respirar. Porque honrar a los que sobrevivieron--y a los que no--exige mas que memoria: exige justicia. Hoy seguimos luchando por reconstruir nuestra red electrica, por modernizar nuestra infraestructura, por garantizar servicios de salud resilientes y acceso digno a la vivienda. Seguimos luchando por energia confiable, por justicia social, y por un trato justo ante la ley. Puerto Rico siguio adelante porque su gente nunca se rindio. Porque en medio del caos, y la oscuridad, fue la solidaridad, el valor y la dignidad del pueblo lo que sostuvo la isla. Esa es la verdad que no se puede ignorar ni borrar. Porque aunque Maria fue una herida profunda, la respuesta de nuestra gente fue una de fuerza indomable. Y aunque aun estamos sanando, seguimos adelante. Seguimos adelante, con la mirada puesta en la reconstruccion y en un futuro digno. (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:) Today I stand here with the voice borrowed from a people who do not forget. Eight years ago, on September 20, Puerto Rico woke up torn--not only in terms of its infrastructure but in the very soul of its people. Hurricane Maria was not just a meteorological event, but an odyssey that painfully reflected the strength of the people of Puerto Rico and what happens when the collapse of infrastructure is combined with years of institutional neglect. That is why today I am honored to introduce a resolution to commemorate this solemn anniversary--to recognize those we lost, those who endured, and a people who rose with dignity in the face of abandonment. Roofs collapsed. The lights went out. But perhaps the most painful thing was the silence. Not just the lack of communication, but the absence of an effective response, of coordination, and of urgency. That void felt like the silence inside the eye of the hurricane: a deceptive calm, which does not promise relief, but rather announces that the worst is yet to come. I remember the elderly carrying buckets of water up steep hills. Mothers lining up for ice to keep insulin cold. Neighbors sharing a generator like someone sharing a piece of hope. And I remember many-- too many--who died without their names being counted in an official statistic. More than 4,000 lives. It wasn't a number. It was negligence. But our people did not wait for permission to survive. They rescued their neighbors with ropes and machetes. They improvised clinics. They reopened schools without electricity. Maria didn't just destroy buildings. It stole from us grandmothers, parents, children, who died not from the wind, but from abandonment. And that is a truth that should hurt. Which should make us uncomfortable. Because forgetting is also a form of violence. So many conversations about the problems Puerto Rico faces today, especially in terms of infrastructure problems, begin with mentioning Hurricane Maria. ``From Maria,'' they say. And I think that, by repeating it so often, we forget the pain. The horror. Therefore, today more than complaining, I want to remember. Remember those who did not live to tell their story. Remember those who survived, but carry invisible scars. Remember what the island had to do, alone, to be able to breathe. Because honoring those who survived--and those who did not--demands more than memory: it demands justice. Today we continue fighting to rebuild our electrical grid, to modernize our infrastructure, to guarantee resilient health services and dignified access to housing. We continue to fight for reliable energy, for social justice, and for equal treatment under the law. Puerto Rico kept going because its people never gave up. Because in the midst of chaos and darkness, it was the solidarity, courage and dignity of the people that sustained the island. That is the truth that cannot be ignored or erased. Because although Maria was a deep wound, the response of our people was one of unbreakable strength. And although we are still healing, we move forward. We move forward, with our eyes set on reconstruction and a dignified future.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, last Thursday, I visited the Ponce Health Sciences University and the Pontifical Catholic University in Ponce, Puerto Rico. We launched Foro Campus, an initiative to visit universities and to listen about the impact that the big, ugly bill is having on students' futures. What I found was not celebration. Instead, it was anxiety. I listened to students who face uncertainty over their ability to go to graduate school due to changes in Federal funding for student loan programs. I listened to students who are anxious due to changes to the repayment programs of Federal student loan programs. Mr. Speaker, I will continue visiting these universities. I will continue collecting these stories and anecdotes so that Congress takes note and eventually takes action. We need more and better education and not less.