Pablo José Hernández Rivera

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Natalia Giraldo-Santiago, an extraordinary Puerto Rican scholar and clinician whose journey exemplifies the transformative power of the federal TRIO programs. Dr. Giraldo-Santiago is a proud alumna of the TRIO Upward Bound program at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras. With the support and mentorship she received through TRIO, she overcame early academic and personal challenges to pursue a career defined by excellence in research, clinical care, and teaching. Today, she serves as an instructor at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, as well as a research fellow at the Massachusetts Center for Alzheimer and Dementia Behavioral Research in Minority Aging. Her groundbreaking work in health equity, mental health, and chronic pain management for underserved Latino and Spanish-speaking populations has earned support from the National Institutes of Health and recognition from her peers, including the 2024 Diversity Award from the Society of Behavioral Medicine. On September 9, 2025, the Council for Opportunity in Education honored Dr. Giraldo-Santiago at their Educational Opportunity Dinner as one of the 2025 National TRIO Achievers. The 2025 National TRIO Achievers remind us why TRIO programs are not just necessary but transformational. These exemplary leaders embody resilience, purpose, and commitment to giving back. They represent what is possible when we give students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds a real opportunity to thrive. As the Congressional Representative of Puerto Rico and a member of the TRIO Caucus, I am proud to celebrate Dr. Giraldo-Santiago's accomplishments and reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that these life- changing programs remain a strong federal priority.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Major General (Ret.) Felix A. Santoni, whose passing marks the loss of a distinguished military leader and devoted public servant. His career and continued service reflect a deep and enduring commitment to the United States, to Puerto Rico, and to the men and women who serve in uniform. A native of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Major General Santoni entered military service in 1955 and served with distinction for decades across Active Duty, the National Guard, and the Army Reserve. Throughout his career, he held positions of significant responsibility, including Commander of U.S. Army Forces Puerto Rico and Chief for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs at U.S. Southern Command. In these roles, he worked to strengthen force readiness and to advance the full integration of Puerto Rican Soldiers into the Total Force. Major General Santoni was widely respected as a tireless advocate for Soldiers and their families. He consistently emphasized the importance of ensuring access to the resources, facilities, and support necessary for soldiers to successfully accomplish their mission. Following his retirement from military service in 1995, Major General Santoni continued his lifelong commitment to public service as Senior Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Puerto Rico. In this capacity, he strengthened civil-military partnerships. Major General Santoni's life reflects the long and proud tradition of Puerto Rican service members who have strengthened the Armed Forces and defended our Nation with distinction. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones and honor the memory of a soldier and public servant whose life exemplified duty, integrity, and service to country. Major General Santoni's legacy of leadership, integrity, and devotion to duty will endure for generations, reflecting the highest ideals of military and public service.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Catalino ``Tite'' Curet Alonso, one of Puerto Rico's most influential cultural figures and one of the most prolific composers in the history of Latin music. Today marks the centennial of his birth. Born on February 12, 1926, in Guayama, Puerto Rico, Tite Curet Alonso rose from modest beginnings to become a defining voice of Puerto Rican and Afro-Caribbean identity. Over the course of his career, he composed more than 2,000 songs that helped shape the sound, language, and social consciousness of Latin music, particularly within the genre of salsa. Often referred to as El Poeta del Pueblo, Tite Curet Alonso used his lyrics to reflect the lived experiences of working-class communities, to confront social injustice, and to affirm the dignity and cultural heritage of Afro-Caribbean peoples. His work resonated far beyond Puerto Rico, reaching audiences throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States, and leaving a lasting mark on the cultural landscape of the hemisphere. His compositions were performed by some of the most renowned artists in Latin music, including Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Cheo Feliciano, and Willie Colon. Through these collaborations, his music became both a chronicle of its time and a lasting expression of identity, resilience, and pride. In addition to his artistic contributions, Tite Curet Alonso was a journalist, radio producer, and public servant, dedicating more than 30 years of service to the United States Postal Service. Throughout his lifetime, he received numerous recognitions honoring his contributions to music and culture. Mr. Speaker, as we observe Black History Month, it is especially fitting to recall that through his music, Tite Curet Alonso affirmed the beauty, dignity, and humanity of Black people across Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and the African diaspora. In words that continue to resonate, he reminded us of ``the pretty faces of my Black people--las caras lindas de mi gente negra''--a powerful affirmation of identity and pride. It is in that spirit that we honor his legacy today--one that continues to enrich the cultural fabric of the United States and Puerto Rico.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with profound appreciation to recognize a group of individuals who make up the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and to commemorate Police Week in Puerto Rico. During Police Week, observed from February 15, 2026, through February 21, 2026, we recognize the men and women of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, an institution composed of dedicated public servants committed to safeguarding Puerto Rico and improving the quality of life of its people. The Puerto Rico Police Bureau is made up of individuals with a strong sense of duty and a deep commitment to public service. Through coordinated administrative and operational teams, and in collaboration with state and federal agencies, the Bureau remains firmly committed to combating crime, protecting lives and property, and upholding law and order. The members of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau stand as a cornerstone of public safety and public trust. As part of this observance, I include in the Record the following list recognizing officers assigned to the Puerto Nuevo Precinct 282, who distinguished themselves through exemplary performance, professionalism, and commitment to the Bureau's core values: Supervisor of the Year 2025: Sgt. Omar Lopez Figueroa. Male Agent of the Year 2025: Agt. Robert Figueroa De Jesus. Female Agent of the Year 2025: Agt. Janisel Casiano Calo. Outstanding Captain & Lieutenant of the Year 2025: Capt. Ruben Gomez Sanabria, Lt. II Jose Alvarez Torres. Outstanding Agents of the Year 2025: Agt. Griselle Vega Baez, Agt. Jose L. Chacon Colon, Agt. Isaias Melendez Maldonado, Agt. Francisco Esquilin Correa, Agt. Oscar Delgado Jimenez, Agt. Nicasio Lima Candelario, Agt. Jose L. Ortiz Rodriguez, Agt. Norberto Otero Robles, Agt. Joelys De Jesus Ortega, Agt. Jeannette Gonzalez Vazquez, Agt. Marangelly De Leon Sustache. Their service reflects the highest standards of integrity, dedication, and public service.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill because investing in energy infrastructure, education, and public safety is not optional. It is essential. Mr. Speaker, I will focus on what this bill does for the people of Puerto Rico. I have the honor to represent them in the United States Congress. This bill incorporates one of my amendments and assigns $235 million for the Department of Energy to support grid modernization in the 50 States and Puerto Rico, which so direly needs it. This bill also incorporates another of my amendments to provide $14 million to the Corps of Engineers that could support water infrastructure projects in Puerto Rico, which so direly needs it. In this bill, we also secured $1.7 million in community project funding that updates crime prevention technology in Juana Diaz, provides new patrol vehicles in Cabo Rojo, and supports STEM education in San Juan. This bill is an important step in delivering Federal funding for Puerto Rico and communities across the United States. I praise the bipartisan work led by the chairman and ranking member. Let's continue marching forward and finish the six remaining bills. The American people deserve a Congress that works for them.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lorena Pachiardi, an extraordinary 11th-grade student from Cupeyville School in San Juan, Puerto Rico, who has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Puerto Rico's At-Large Congressional District. Lorena developed GoldenCarePR, a thoughtful and innovative bilingual mobile application designed to support elderly individuals and their caregivers throughout Puerto Rico. Her app centralizes essential information on services, benefits, legal rights, digital safety, and health guidance, while also providing practical caregiving tools such as a task manager and a health tracker for vital signs and medications. Her project addresses one of the most pressing demographic challenges of our time. According to the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics, the population aged 65 and older is now double the population under 15 years old. This dramatic shift in our demographic structure reflects not only a global trend of population aging, but also a profound societal challenge in Puerto Rico--one marked by limited resources, insufficient services, and a lack of comprehensive programs to support our older adults. It is within this context that GoldenCarePR becomes more than an app; it becomes a powerful tool of compassion and public purpose. By identifying real gaps in information, services, and support for seniors and their families, Lorena created a platform that has the potential to meaningfully improve the quality of life of thousands across Puerto Rico. Mr. Speaker, Lorena's achievement embodies the very mission of the Congressional App Challenge: empowering young people to harness the power of technology to solve real problems and uplift their communities. Her innovation stands as an inspiring example of how the next generation is already stepping forward to address Puerto Rico's most urgent needs, with knowledge and love. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Lorena Pachiardi, the 2025 Congressional App Challenge winner for my district. Her talent, leadership, and compassion give us great hope for the future of Puerto Rico.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the dedicated judges and STEM leaders who supported the 2025 Congressional App Challenge in Puerto Rico, a national coding and computer science competition designed to inspire middle school and high school students to explore technology, innovation, and problem-solving. The Congressional App Challenge provides students in grades 6 through 12 with a unique opportunity to develop original applications that address real-world challenges through coding, creativity, and critical thinking. This year's competition in Puerto Rico reached a historic milestone, with a record total of 20 applications submitted and more than 30 students participating from 16 municipalities across the island, reflecting the growing interest in STEM education in Puerto Rico. Behind the success of this program stands an exceptional group of judges, professionals, and leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, who generously volunteered their time and expertise. They carefully reviewed student submissions, evaluating technical execution and creativity, and offered thoughtful feedback grounded in industry knowledge and academic rigor--ensuring a fair, thorough, and meaningful evaluation for every participant. Beyond judging, these STEM leaders demonstrated a deep commitment to mentorship and youth development. By exposing students to professional pathways in technology and innovation, they reinforced the message that Puerto Rico's young people can compete, create, and excel at the highest levels--helping to cultivate the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers who will shape Puerto Rico's future and contribute to our technological advancement. On behalf of the people of Puerto Rico, I extend my sincere gratitude to the judges and STEM leaders who offered their perspectives and expertise in the industry in our 2025 Congressional App Challenge: aerospace engineer and CDS Manager at Pratt & Whitney Puerto Rico Inc., Ms. Shirley Skerrett Ramirez; Executive Director of Grupo Guayacan, Ms. Laura Cantero, Founder of Terminal34 and 2019 CAC winner of Puerto Rico, Mr. Bryan Garcia; Former Executive Director of the office of Puerto Rico Innovation and Technology Services (PRITS), Mr. Antonio Ramos Guardiola; and former Chief Information Officer and Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Giancarlo Gonzalez Ascar. Their service reflects the very standards we hold our student innovators to: analytical rigor, ethical judgment, creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to applying technology to solve real- world challenges.

Mr. HERNANDEZ

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the University of Utah's Research Park Act. The University of Utah's Research Park is comprised of 593 acres that were originally issued as a land patent in 1968 through the Bureau of Land Management. The area was later conveyed under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act for academic expansion of the university. Today, Research Park supports a multitude of uses, including technology, education, and medical facilities. Although the parcel was conveyed to the university, a reversionary clause remains in place to ensure continued public use. While reversionary clauses are standard practice, in this case it has created challenges for the university in pursuing new opportunities that fall outside the traditional sense of public purposes under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, even though the site was previously approved for university expansion. H.R. 2876 would clarify and affirm that Research Park is consistent with the original application, so that the university can continue to grow Research Park. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for the bill, 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, I rise in support of H.R. 972, the Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act, introduced by the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus). This bill would expand the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area and authorize the Horizon Lateral water pipeline. The Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area contains over 48,000 acres of the Mojave Desert, including petroglyphs, wilderness areas, and a variety of key wildlife species. The national conservation area forms the mountainous southern edge of Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada. Representative Titus' bill balances conservation with the needs of the growing Las Vegas community. Under this proposal, the footprint of the national conservation area would grow by nearly 20 percent, while a portion of the Southern Nevada Water Authority's Horizon Lateral water pipeline would be granted a right-of- way to tunnel underneath the conservation area. After years of study and engagement with local stakeholders, the water authority determined this would be the safest, most effective, and least disruptive route for a key source of water in the Las Vegas Valley. This legislation will create new opportunities for outdoor recreation and protect unique desert habitats, all while increasing water reliability for over a million southern Nevadans. Having access to clean water is vital for communities to thrive. Those of us here in Congress know all too well how challenging it can be to ensure that happens in the face of changing populations and a changing climate. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus), 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, I rise in support of Representative Kennedy's bill, the Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025. This bill would expand wildfire research capacity by including Utah in the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes network, also known as SWERI. The SWERI program has proven to be a valuable model for scientific collaboration and forest health innovation, assisting in wildfire restoration and preparedness across the Southwest. This legislation proposes Utah State University as the host university, which would partner with local, State, and Federal agencies to enhance forest and rangeland management and implement strategies for long-term ecological restoration. Adding a fourth institute in Utah has the potential to increase and accelerate the reach and impact of SWERI. While I support adding another SWERI to the existing network, I must also note that I remain very concerned about the administration's proposed deep cuts to our land management agencies, which partner with SWERI and fund their key research efforts. The administration's attacks on these agencies threaten the very existence of current SWERI and the viability of the new Utah site. We need sustained investment for research to protect our communities and landscapes, and the administration's proposed level of investment would certainly not be sufficient to support the existing program, let alone the expansion proposed by this bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this legislation, but I also call upon my colleagues to join us in standing up to this administration's reckless cuts. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this 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, S. 2878 will reauthorize the U.S. Geological Survey Great Lakes Fishery Research Program to continue essential research that informs fishery management decisions across the Great Lakes Basin. Effective fishery management starts and ends with accurate data, which is why the information provided by this program is the foundation for the decisions taken by State and Tribal fishery managers. The Great Lakes region supports nearly a $5 billion sport and commercial fishing industry that relies on sound scientific research to protect and manage its aquatic ecosystems. This program supports research to identify and combat invasive species like the sea lamprey and the Asian carp, conduct surveys for sport fish management, and monitor impacts of harmful algal blooms on fisheries. The Great Lakes Science Center also brings in more than 300,000 visitors annually and supports thousands of jobs. Healthy fish populations benefit both the environment and the businesses that depend on them. The bill would provide $15 million annually through fiscal year 2030 to continue research that protects native species, monitors invasive species, and assesses the impacts of habitat degradation and climate change on the Great Lakes. I commend Representative Quigley, Senator Peters, and the bipartisan Great Lakes delegation for their work on this important legislation. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Quigley), the sponsor of this bill in the House.

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Dingell).

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 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, or ANCSA, was enacted to recognize and settle the land claims of Alaska Natives. As part of this act, the Cape Fox Village Corporation received a land entitlement but was unable to select usable land due to a technicality that restricted Cape Fox from selecting lands within six miles of Ketchikan. This left Cape Fox with mostly remote, mountainous lands with no productive or economic value. As a result, ANCSA settlement for Cape Fox remains unresolved. H.R. 2815 would waive the technical requirement and allow the Secretary of the Interior to convey approximately 180 acres of surface estate within the Tongass National Forest in southeast Alaska to the Cape Fox Corporation, along with subsurface interests to the Sealaska Corporation. This legislation would resolve the longstanding land claim issue for Cape Fox. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, 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, under this bill, the Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act of 2025, title to the land where the Southcentral Foundation operates the Quyana Clubhouse and Intensive Case Management program would be transferred from the Indian Health Service to the foundation. This transfer would give the foundation the ability to invest in a new facility to house both of these vital programs. The Quyana Clubhouse offers an integrated behavioral and primary care service day-treatment program, while the Intensive Case Management program provides community-based, nonclinical support. By obtaining title to the land, the Southcentral Foundation will be able to construct a new facility to house both programs. This will allow for better care transitions and reduced transportation costs, and it makes it easier for thousands of Alaska Native people to access services. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this bill to reauthorize the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System. This program is essential to the public safety mission of the United States Geological Survey. Working in coordination with the Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, NOAA, and FEMA, the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System helps us better forecast volcanic activity and prepare for emergencies. This forecasting helps save lives, protects property, and safeguards our infrastructure. This program reflects that the Federal Government works best in coordination with the community, and it supports outside science and expertise. It works in partnership with local government and emergency managers, provides grants to universities and research institutions, and ensures that data is shared openly with the public. That means communities have the information they need when it counts the most. The early warning system was first authorized through the bipartisan Dingell Act with a clear mission: to monitor, warn, and protect. Since then, scientists have been able to expand our volcano monitoring program to ensure that every dangerous volcano in the United States is tracked at appropriate levels, allowing experts to issue timely and accurate warnings to protect communities from avoidable harm. I am grateful for the bipartisan work my colleagues put into this bill to ensure that the program gets the funding it deserves. I am happy to support the continuity of this program, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge my colleagues to support this 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, I rise in support of H.R. 3187, a bill to convey a small but meaningful parcel of Forest Service property to Perry County, Arkansas. This legislation will direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a little less than 1 acre of land located in Perryville, Arkansas, including any structures on the property, to Perry County, should the county request a transfer within 180 days of enactment. While modest in size, this land holds important local value. It currently houses a building previously used by the U.S. Forest Service which Perry County hopes to repurpose for local administrative use, public services, or other community-focused purposes. The conveyance would be subject to existing rights and environmental safeguards and would be made without cost to the county, other than administrative and survey-related expenses, which Perry County would cover. This is a commonsense, community-driven bill that reflects how Federal land policy can and should be responsive to local needs. It will ensure that unused Federal property can be repurposed for the public good while preserving transparency, accountability, and proper oversight. 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.