Darren Soto

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Angela Eady. Angela Eady is a former city commissioner for the City of Kissimmee and a lifelong resident of Osceola County. She has been a champion for expanding access to affordable healthcare, enhancing education opportunities, and bringing higher-paying jobs to Kissimmee. In addition to serving as a former commissioner, Angela has nearly 30 years' experience in the healthcare industry, where she currently works full-time for a major pharmaceutical distributor. In the past, she has served on the Osceola Planning Commission, the Osceola Charter Review Committee, the Osceola County Education Foundation, the local chapter of the NAACP, and the Caribbean American and Floridian Association. Angela currently serves in various organizations as a board member in the Osceola County Education Foundation, Community Vision, the Osceola County Chapter of the NAACP, the Caribbean American and Floridian Association, the Osceola County Chapter of the Democratic Executive Committee, and Organize Florida. Angela continues to assist veterans, advocate for affordable housing and combat homelessness. And in addition, Angela has received various awards for her community service, including the NAACP, the Mercy Foundation, the National Congress of Black Women, City of Kissimmee, the Caribbean and Floridian Association, and the Delta Omicron Omega Chapter. Public safety has always been a priority for Angela. She will continue to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement. Angela believes in equality for all; therefore, she will continue to fight for equal rights for all. Angela is the 10th of 12 children and the mother of one beautiful daughter. She has two precious granddaughters, Mariah and Brooklyn. Angela Eady has been in public service for most of her adult life and has spent countless hours volunteering to build a better community for all residents in the great city of Kissimmee. And for those reasons, Ms. Angela Eady, we honor you. Honoring Dr. Cara Nelson-James

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to honor Gloria R. Emanuel. Gloria R. Emanuel is currently the senior accountant for financial reporting for the City of St. Cloud. Gloria is responsible for project accounting, debt obligations, and monitoring the compliance of debt covenants. In her role, Gloria assists the finance director in the refinancing of existing debt. She also handles the issuance of new debt and works to ensure the timely payment of debt services for all bonds for the City of St. Cloud. Further, Gloria analyzes and records transactions for the pension trust funds for both general and police and firefighters' plans. Gloria also holds the responsibility of preparing several local financial reports, including the State Annual Local Government Financial Report, AFR, the State Annual Police and Firefighters' Pension Report, and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Gloria has been employed with the City of St. Cloud for over 32 years, progressing from the position of senior account clerk to her present position of senior accountant-financial reporting. She has had exposure to almost all phases, including the city's financial workings of fixed asset accounting and grant accounting and budgeting. Gloria has also served as the treasurer of a variety of organizations and campaigns, including the Osceola branch of the NAACP and an elected city commissioner's campaign. Gloria received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration-Finance from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. She became a certified government finance officer in 2012. Currently, Gloria is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association and its local chapters, such as the Florida Government Finance Officers Association. Gloria has been married for 31 years and is the proud parent of two wonderful children and a pet tortoise named Pearl. For that and more, Ms. Gloria R. Emanuel, we honor you. Honoring Allison Kirby

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to honor Eloise Abrahams. Eloise Abrahams is an RN, BS, LNHA, and she is the executive director for Guardian Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Orlando, Florida. With over 35 years of experience in healthcare, Mrs. Abrahams knew working with seniors was her passion. Championed as the first African- American director of clinical services and the first African-American licensed nursing home administrator in Volusia County, she strategically led her team to receive the decade of excellence award from AHCA for exemplary nursing and rehabilitation care and services. Certified as a preceptor in Florida, Eloise takes pride in mentoring and training students, particularly African Americans aspiring to become licensed nursing home administrators. Eloise has received numerous accolades for her stellar leadership, including State and national awards for exemplary care. She was also honored in ONYX magazine as Woman on the Move. Abrahams plays an active role in her church and is a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She serves on several boards of directors and is currently president of the Central Florida Black Nurses Association of Orlando, Inc. Leading her team through one of the most challenging years in LTC history due to COVID-19, with the support from the GC Board of Directors and Synergy HealthCare Management, she continues to possess a deep passion for providing the highest quality of care. Abrahams is deeply passionate about the quality of healthcare directed towards seniors and those less fortunate, and has demonstrated continuous commitment to this cause. In addition to being involved in her work and her community, she is very family-oriented and understands the need to balance her life. She spends quality time with her beautiful, blended family and her husband of 29 years. For that and more, Eloise Abrahams, we honor you. Honoring Gloria R. Emanuel

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I would like to take a few minutes to talk about my personal account, like so many other Members have, on the day of January 6. I do so in a poetic, artistic form, with a poem, ``A Bird's Eye View to Insurrection.'' The day started with the humdrum noises of a mundane process Mahogany boxes were presented, papers shuffled, and gavels knocked, But the process of the day was everything, The hearing of voices, the counting of votes, the sum of democracy. I had a bird's eye view from the gallery And on that day, we were in the final steps, the technocratic certification, we were electing a President Meanwhile, at the Ellipse, at base camp, another scene ensued A President spewed hateful lies, violence was incited, and a fuse was lit Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, stop Objections were raised, debates began, and passions heated A text reads Capitol Complex breaches I rest assured, I am in the safest place on Earth, for the people's House has never fallen I call my wife to tell her we are safe No thought of danger permeates, I am convinced of my safety, and I listen to more speeches A text reads Capitol Dome breached Pence and Pelosi, Hoyer and McCarthy, one-by-one they were escorted out The debate continued, the people's representatives continued, and Jim McGovern presided Debate yields to a prayer by the chaplain I am uneasy, fear is in the air, and the Members evacuate the House floor We dozen or so remain in the gallery stranded Banging, banging, banging on the doors The insurrectionists are at the Chamber, gas masks are deployed, and we are surrounded Welch and Gomez, Crow and DeLauro, Himes and Costa, Thompson, Wild, Johnson, and I Together we flee, over chairs and under railings to the door We are trapped Bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang! Get down! The orders rang. Guns, flash bombs, teargas? Which sounds these were, I do not know, as Capitol Police stood as sentinels to protect us Get down, get down again, so we did I lie flat, behind flimsy plastic seat coverings, no match for bullets, contemplating my mortality I realize finally and truly in this moment I could die Army Rangers rise, we lawyers take cover, and old souls sit relaxed, waiting peacefully, perhaps for the inevitable I am cerebral and imagining I do not even hear the gunshot, mortally wounding a terrorist at the very door behind me, and the Chamber finally defended with urgency Meanwhile, the Senate Chamber falls without a shot fired Police bang the doors, the doors bang back, who lurks on the outside Confusion changes to clarity and now there's one, and only one, way out Up we go and out the door, terrorists lay flat with guns drawn upon them, as they look at us with killers' eyes Democracy and I may die, but not today Down, down, down the stairs we go, cellphones light up, and the world sees proof of my life as I flee live on PBS This is absurd, fantastical, yet nonetheless very much happening Down into the tunnels we go Flanked by guardians, we keep moving, Demings made it out, too, and we rejoice Up, up, up the stairs we go We are in a room now, they describe it as safe, and we congregate in herds like cattle I feel part relieved and uneasy Instigators and innocent, masked and maskless, Members and staff, we wait together A community prayer ensues I call my wife, I have made it, at least I am mostly sure COVID-19 lurks as a silent killer in the room Partisan cliques form, realizations begin, and an awkward casualness attempts to take hold Guilt, blame, excuses, and outrage begin to form Because of course we told you so, of course dangerous rhetoric turns to violence, as the seeds of despicable lies finally grow to insurrection I start to contemplate I am hungry, I am thirsty, and I am suspicious of certain colleagues Gomez and I leave the safe room for our offices on gut feelings alone I am vaccinated, I am eventually vindicated, as days later some colleagues are sick with COVID-19 Our colleagues gave it to them, maskless and without remorse I return to our Rayburn sanctuary, I am greeted with anxious smiles, my staff is safe We share the events of the great happening, the terrible We watch the news, we see the mob in all its horror, and the assailing of the Capitol walls We are in disbelief Capitol Police fight hand-to-hand combat, they are outnumbered, and beaten by flags that say MAGA, Trump, and back the blue There is a vicious irony Now hunger reminds us, snacks are procured, we eat creatively in fellowship The hours go by in frightful minutes as our eyes remain glued to the television Brave cooks open the cafeteria, police keep their posts, and my staff remain safe in the Capitol offices with me We finally have a real meal The decision has been made, we will return to the Chamber, and we will do our duty Arizona receives its objection and it goes down Arkansas, California, Colorado go by as Pence picks up momentum We have a standoff on Pennsylvania Debates ensued, liars are called out and angered, a second fight almost happens, but no one really wants to take on NFL linebacker Colin Allred Midnight passes us as we wait I venture forth, I return to the scene of the crimes, and again I watch the final mahogany boxes in motion West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Pence concludes his remarks There is a slight mix of anger, disappointment, and resoluteness in his face Pence fulfills his constitutional duty Speaker Pelosi smiles slightly, she is graceful and marks the seriousness of the day's events A domestic terrorist plot has been foiled I am alive, the Congress is alive, and thank God Almighty, democracy is alive America must remember this day, learn from it, lest we repeat it Thank you, Madam Speaker, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I was in the gallery right behind us when the Capitol was breached. Then domestic terrorists breached the Rotunda. I heard the loud sounds of gunshots through this sacred Chamber. My last images were brave Capitol Police, guns drawn, to protect us. This was the first armed insurrection in over 200 years. Who incited this violent insurrection? Donald J. Trump. Our resolution states these protests were encouraged by him. He urged millions of his followers to come and ``stop the steal,'' which is a lie. And let's say this now for the Record and for the ages: Joe Biden won. And for this high crime nearly ripping our country apart, we should be removing him by the 25th Amendment or he should be impeached.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, there is a mix of hope and despair in central Florida. This week, the first vaccines arrived to help protect our healthcare professionals. But unemployment remains around 10 percent; food banks lay bare; many are behind on rent; and coronavirus cases continue to rise. The message is clear in both Florida and across our Nation: Americans need help. It is time for this Congress to come together and pass meaningful coronavirus emergency relief to defeat the virus; to help small businesses and the unemployed; and to ensure food, housing, and direct stimulus checks for our constituents. The solution is within our grasp. We just need to come together this week to get the job done. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues: Don't be an Ebenezer Scrooge. Embrace the Christmas spirit. Join me and vote ``yes.''

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, coronavirus cases are rising again in Florida. Today, Florida reported 7,925 new cases. Coronavirus cases are rising nationally. Yesterday, there were over 155,000 Americans who contracted the coronavirus and another 1,707 Americans dead. That is the highest daily death toll since May 14. American families need our help: testing, tracing, treatment, and a vaccine; keeping our first responders on the job; small business relief; jobless benefits; and food and housing assistance. And what is Congress doing about it? The House majority has voted twice for the Heroes Act, including a compromise. President-elect Joe Biden has said right now Congress should come together and pass COVID relief packages like the Heroes Act. Where is President Trump? Where is the Senate Republican majority? Millions of Americans would like to know. America is in crisis. We must come together as a Congress, and the time for action is now.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, John Cortes is currently a state representative for the Florida House, District 43. His tenure will come to an end on November 3, 2020. He served three terms, elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2014, reelected subsequently. He was Democratic Deputy Whip 2016 to 2018. His committee assignments included Government Operations and Appropriations Subcommittee, Democratic Ranking Member, Children and Families and Seniors Subcommittee, Health and Human Services Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee. John Cortes went on to cosponsor many successful bills along with his colleagues. His sponsored bills did not make fruition, but John continued to fight and advocate for his constituents. His record on how he voted in Tallahassee was exemplary, earning him an A rating each time. Before serving as a state representative, John Cortes is a retired New York City Corrections Officer since 1997, and served 16 years. John was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Puerto Rico. He graduated from Pedro Albizu Campos High School and attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, majoring in Forensic Science for two years. John Cortes, married 39 years to his loving wife, Caridad, relocated to Florida from New York, making Osceola County their home. They have two adult children, Caridad Esther and John Paul, and a beautiful granddaughter, Jayda. During his time as a state representative, John never lost sight of where he came from and the people he served. His motto, local, vocal, and approachable, was part of who he is. John is always available to listen to the needs of his constituents and advocate on their behalf. John knows all too well the plight of those struggling to make a better life. He is living proof that anyone can be what they set their minds to be and be successful.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, Mayor Jose Alvarez was born in Havana, Cuba, and came to the United States in 1971 as a child. He grew up and attended public school in Miami-Dade, started a family and began a career with the Florida Department of Transportation. In 1997, he and his wife, Darlene, made the decision to move their family to Kissimmee. Married now for more than 32 years, they have five beautiful daughters and five grandchildren. Mayor Alvarez is a Licensed Real Estate Broker and small a business owner. Throughout his 20 years as a Realtor, he has had the privilege of serving his industry and community by taking part in numerous home ownership and business growth initiatives. Among numerous appointments to industry committees and boards, he's served on the Florida Association of Realtors Board of Directors, the Mid-Florida Regional MLS Board of Directors, and, in 2009, he was elected to serve as President of the Osceola County Association of Realtors. Over the years, Mayor Alvarez has served numerous causes, boards, and committees throughout Osceola County. An experienced leader, advisor, and representative of both industry and cause, he is frequently called upon when leadership, integrity, credibility, and deal-making skills are vital for the success of an endeavor. Now in his second term as an elected member of the Kissimmee City Commission and the First Hispanic Mayor to be elected in the City of Kissimmee, Mayor Alvarez continues to play important roles on a range of topics. Mayor Alvarez' true passion is the people he represents. From multi-million dollar endeavors to life-changing initiatives, through his various board memberships and affiliations, Mayor Alvarez has been responsible for advising CEOs and lawmakers, contributing to strategic plans, approving budgets and business decisions, evaluating management, and representing his charge to stakeholders.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, Alan Turing was a brilliant English mathematician, founder of modern computer science and a World War II hero. His contributions during the war, especially his work alongside others in cryptography, were hailed as ``priceless'' by our own President Eisenhower. By breaking German military-codes, Turing helped to quickly win the Battle of the Atlantic, without which the Allies may not have been able to launch D-Day in 1944. His efforts helped to shorten the war, possibly by years, saving incalculable human life. Even today, our lives are impacted by his work. Turing is credited with creating the modern computer concept and helping to found computer science by theorizing a programmable machine capable of computing anything computable. Yet Turing was more than just a mathematician, an inventor or a hero. Turing was a gay man. Because he was gay, he faced persecution for merely being who he was. In 1952, just seven years after he had helped defeat the Nazis, he was prosecuted for being in a gay relationship and forced to undergo chemical castration to avoid prison. Two years later, in 1954, he died, possibly by suicide. He was only 41. Turing's life is a reminder of how brilliant anyone could be, no matter what the world perceived them or of whom they loved. His life also serves as a reminder of the harm and costs that accompany discrimination and prejudice. We will never know what else Alan Turing might have discovered had he been accepted, and what he might have accomplished had his life not been cut so short. We do know that the world owes him a great deal of gratitude, and for that, we honor him for LGBTQ History Month.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, Sheriff Russell Gibson began his law enforcement career in 1985, at the Brookfield Township Police Department in Ohio. He worked for two years as a Reserve Deputy before moving to Osceola County, dedicating 28 years to public service. On January 12, 1987, Russell began his career with the Osceola County Sheriff's Office in the Corrections Department becoming a Field Training Officer and Sergeant supervising booking, classifications, security and release of inmates. Russell later transferred to Divisions in Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Judicial Services, and Community Services. Within the Criminal Investigations Division, Russell was a member of the Violent Crimes Unit as a homicide detective, investigating murders, suspicious deaths, and suicides. He solved every investigation assigned as lead detective, including cold cases. Russell also gained investigative expertise in persons and sex crimes, solving sensitive cases involving elderly abuse, sex crimes, crimes against children, and cyber-crimes, Before retiring to seek the Office of Sheriff, Russell was the Sergeant over the School Resource Officer Program (SRO), supervising SROs designated to the west and south sides of Osceola County's unincorporated schools and all 55 crossing-guards. Russell has been married to his wife, Scarlet, for over 20 years and has a son, two daughters, and two granddaughters. Weekly, Russell participates in delivering Meals on Wheels to Osceola's local senior citizens. Russell is committed to keeping citizens safe by demonstrating a sense of compassion and fairness to all of our diverse communities and has been a transformational leader for Osceola County. Sheriff Gibson is a board member of the Central Florida Intelligence Exchange (CFIX) and the Board of Trustees of the Criminal Justice Academy at Osceola Technical College. He is also a board member of the Osceola Council on Aging, Osceola County Investigative Bureau, Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation and is a member of the Florida Sheriff's Association.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, Debra Smith Wright was a beloved educator and mother, whose legacy is the countless minds she opened and hearts she touched. Ms. Smith Wright was born in 1953, to Eddie Lowe Smith and Essie Mae Jackson. She graduated from Lakeland High School in 1970, and Florida Memorial College in 1973. Afterwards, she went on to earn her master's and Specialist in Education Leadership from Rollins College in 1984. Ms. Smith Wright began her long and influential career in education as an elementary music teacher. She went on to serve as a principal, and in 2007, she retired as an education consultant. Even after her retirement, her dedication to the field endured, and she served as a Polk County School Board member. Ms. Smith Wright took the time to mentor me on the history of Polk County Schools, the struggles and reforms, and improvements made over the years. We worked together to improve justice for all students regardless of their background, expand trade program opportunities for young people to help them develop skills, and increase teacher pay to retain and recruit top talent at our schools. For this and more, we honor her.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, Alan Turing was a brilliant English mathematician, founder of modern computer science and a World War II hero. His contributions during the war, especially his work alongside others in cryptography, were hailed as `priceless' by our own President Eisenhower. By breaking German military-codes, Turing helped to quickly win the Battle of the Atlantic, without which the Allies may not have been able to launch D-Day in 1944. His efforts helped to shorten the war, possibly by years, saving incalculable human life. Even today, our lives are impacted by his work. Turing is credited with creating the modem computer concept and helping to found computer science by theorizing a programmable machine capable of computing anything computable. Yet Turing was more than just a mathematician, an inventor or a hero. Turing was a gay man. Because he was gay, he faced persecution for merely being who he was. In 1952, just seven years after he had helped defeat the Nazis, he was prosecuted for being in a gay relationship and forced to undergo chemical castration to avoid prison. Two years later, in 1954, he died, possibly by suicide. He was only 41. Turing's life is a reminder of how brilliant anyone could be, no matter what the world perceived them or of whom they loved. His life also serves as a reminder of the harm and costs that accompany discrimination and prejudice. We will never know what else Alan Turing might have discovered had he been accepted, and what he might have accomplished had his life not been cut so short. We do know that the world owes him a great deal of gratitude, and for that, we honor him for LGBTQ History Month.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Marcos Vilar. Marcos Vilar was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and moved to the United States mainland at the age of 14. He currently resides in Orlando, Florida. Marcos holds a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Maryland and a master's degree in education from the University of Illinois. Marcos has worked in Chicago; Washington, D.C.; and several cities in Florida; as well as in Puerto Rico, where he has designed and implemented innovative and successful programs and campaigns in government, labor, and nonprofit settings. He has worked on civic engagement campaigns in Florida since 2011, focusing on the Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities. Marcos worked as a teacher in Chicago in the 1990s. During his tenure at Roberto Community Academy, he was best known for working with at- risk youth and integrating arts and cultural programming into afterschool programs. He also was adviser for the student body government and a leader of the local reform movement at the school. In January of 2002, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he held several national leadership posts, including national field director for Que Nada Nos Detenga, executive director for Americas Families United, national political director for the Service Employees International Union, and national field director for Mi Familia Vota Education Fund. Today, Marcos serves as president and executive director of Alianza for Progress, Alianza Center, United for Progress PAC, and Vilar Strategies, LLC. He is also the founder of two prominent statewide Latino coalitions: Respeta Mi Gente and La Mesa Boricua. For that, Mr. Marcos Vilar, we honor you. In Honor of Julio Zayas

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I recognize Father Jose Rodriguez. Father Jose Rodriguez is a vicar of the Iglesia Episcopal Jesus de Nazaret in Orange County, Florida. Originally from Puerto Rico, he arrived with his family to Azalea Park in 1987 and has been part of that community now for over three decades. He learned from his parents the importance of service and advocating for others. His father was a soldier, and his mother, a shop steward for UNITE HERE Local 737 at Walt Disney World. He was the first in his family to go to college. He graduated from Rollins College with a BA and the University of Central Florida with an MBA. For many years, he served as the Episcopal chaplain to the University of Central Florida, where he and his wife served local students and young adults for nearly a decade. In 2017, he was assigned to Iglesia Episcopal Jesus de Nazaret, just months before Hurricanes Irma and Maria. For both storms, the local church mobilized to meet the people's needs. Their work is far from over. Welcoming newcomers has been a hallmark of the local Episcopal Church along the Semoran Corridor in Orlando and Kissimmee, including feeding programs, advocacy for those in need as well. Father Jose and the local church empower people to accomplish their goals by working with civic and elected leaders to promote and remove barriers to equal access to opportunity. As a priest, Father Jose understands the unique role that religious communities can play in the development of the greater community. Preserving and upholding human dignity is at the heart of Father Jose and the local church's work. His desire is to build up a resilient community where families have access to safe communities, a living wage, affordable housing, and healthcare. For that, Father Jose Rodriguez, we honor you. In Honor of Marcos Vilar

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I recognize Iluminada Aponte. Iluminada Aponte was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and has called the United States home for over six decades. Iluminada is a self-taught folk artist whose career has taken her first to Puerto Rico and then Florida. Iluminada's career first started with folk dance--Baile Folklorico. She performs both Puerto Rican and Dominican folk dance. From Puerto Rican bomba to Dominican bachata, Iluminada has not only been a performer, but also a dance teacher. Her passion for teaching folk dance inspires people of all ages, and she has made it her responsibility to advocate for and help educate various Hispanic groups through dance and cultural exhibitions. Iluminada's career has been one of strengthening communities through cultural celebrations. She considers herself a cultural ambassador, not only for her native Dominican Republic, but also for the entire Hispanic community. Her early experience as a missionary across Latin America has inspired her to connect people to each other by celebrating cultural diversity. Iluminada's commitment to promoting culture and the arts is not only seen in the diversity of her works but also in her leadership within the community. Iluminada is the founder of Alianza Dominicana of Central Florida, where she organizes and directs various cultural exhibitions highlighting Dominican and Hispanic culture to various groups within Central Florida. She has been recognized with awards from the Orange County government, the City of Orlando government, the Counsel General of the Dominican Republic in Miami, and more. For that, Ms. Iluminada Aponte, we honor you. In Honor of Father Jose Rodriguez

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor Cecilia Figueroa. Cecilia Figueroa is an Ecuadorian-American journalist and media strategist. She graduated as a journalist in her native city of Guayaquil, Ecuador. She learned about faith, perseverance, and serving others from her parents, Isaac Alvia and Olimpia Ordonez. A woman pioneer in the print Hispanic media, her first job was at El Nuevo Dia an Orlando newspaper. Passionate about her work, she seeks stories promoting community outreach, education and knowledge about immigration policies that are affecting the Latino community. Cecilia enjoys highlighting profiles of Hispanic entrepreneurs, organizations, and faith-based communities, among others. She was the producer of the radio show, Hispanos Al Dia, and was cohost in various other radio programs. She has provided professional services to EFE News Service, El Sentinel de Orlando newspaper, and many others. In 2018, she cofounded Conexion Hispana USA, where she was a journalist and social media manager for the platform. In her free time, she loves to read and empower Hispanic women to reach their dreams. Cecilia enjoys sharing her knowledge in educational workshops and conferences. She was the vice president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists in Central Florida and a founding member of Mujer Emprende Latina Orlando. She is an active member of the Hispanic American Professional and Business Women's Association of Florida. Cecilia has been recognized by various organizations for her involvement and contributions to community causes, including Women's Day by the city of Kissimmee, the Puerto Rican Day Parade of Osceola, Nuevo Sendero, Tertulia Cuatro Gatos, Unidos Por Ecuador of Central Florida, Ecuadorian Civic Committee of Central Florida, Voices of Silence, Evangelical Fellowship of Councils of Florida, and more. For that, Ms. Cecilia Figueroa, we honor you. In Honor of Gaby Ortigoni

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize Gaby Ortigoni. Gaby Ortigoni is the president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, which is responsible for promoting the economic development of the Hispanic community of over 1 million people. Some of the signature events and programs they have created to promote development in the community include the Hispanic Business Conference, the Hispanic Economic Growth Summit, the Don Quijote Awards, among others. Prior to this, she served as the regional vice president for Central Florida at Prospera, a nonprofit organization that provides free, bilingual technical assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs who are establishing or expanding their businesses. Under her leadership, the region achieved a 23 percent increase in clients who received individual consulting services. Gaby has also served her community in other roles, including being the manager of community relations at Orlando Utilities Commission, director of Hispanic Crime Prevention Program for FIU's Center for the Administration of Justice, senior community officer for the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration, and being a legislative assistant in the Florida House of Representatives. She currently serves as a board member of many local organizations, including the Orlando Economic Partnership, the Heart of Florida United Way, the Association of Latino Professionals for America, and the National Latino Peace Officer Association, among many others. Her work ethic and commitment to her community has been recognized with numerous awards and recognitions, including Orlando Business Journal's 40 under 40, Women Who Mean Business Awards, Telemundo's Triunfadores, La Prensa's Hispanic Women Who Make a Difference Award, Orange County Sheriff's Community Service Award, Orlando Police Department's Good Citizenship, and she was named one of the 25 Most Influential Hispanics by HCCMO's Vision Magazine. For that, Ms. Gaby Ortigoni, we honor you. In Honor of Iluminada Aponte

Mr. SOTO. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Pamela and Estela Juarez. For nearly 20 years, Cuauhtemoc ``Temo'' Juarez and his wife, Alejandra Juarez, worked together to build and sustain their American Dream in Polk County, Florida. Mr. Juarez, a naturalized U.S. citizen, grew up in Osceola County and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps right after graduating from high school. He would later reenlist in the United States Army Reserve. After his honorable discharge from the Marines, he came home, started his own flooring business, and met and married Mrs. Alejandra Juarez. Together, they worked hard to make their business a success. They built a home, joined a church, volunteered to help the less fortunate, and had two beautiful daughters, Pamela and Estela. Two years ago, their dreams were shattered when Mrs. Juarez was deported under the current administration's zero-tolerance policy. Despite the roots she set up, despite her husband's brave and honorable service, despite the fact that her husband and two daughters are U.S. citizens, she was forced to return to Mexico in August of 2018. Pamela is now 18. She recently graduated from high school with honors, has started online college classes, and plans to become a social worker. She has campaigned to build grassroots support for the families of military veterans who, like hers, have lost a family member to a cruel immigration policy. This November, she will vote for the first time. Estela, 11 years old, lived with her mom in Mexico but is now back in Florida, where she just started the sixth grade. She is following in the footsteps of civil rights leader John Lewis, whose book ``March'' inspired her. Estela is now working on a picture book about her struggle to reunite her family. Both young women have suffered enormously because of the trauma their family has endured. They and their family have been working hard to bring their mother home and will continue to do so until they are united again. For that, Pamela and Estela Juarez, we honor you. In Support of the Digital Taxonomy Act and the Blockchain Innovation Act

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, today, I am pleased that the House passed, as part of the Consumer Safety Inspection Enhancement Act, two pieces of legislation that we were able to offer in the Energy and Commerce Committee, the Digital Taxonomy Act, H.R. 2154, and the Blockchain Innovation Act, H.R. 8153. We were very pleased to work in a bipartisan fashion to secure the inclusion of these two bills. Both bills will study and highlight the consumer protection aspects of blockchain technology and digital assets. They are the first blockchain bills to pass the House. H.R. 8153, the Blockchain Innovation Act, directs the Department of Commerce, in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, to conduct a study and submit to the Congress a report on the state of blockchain technology in commerce, including its use to reduce fraud and increase security. It is setting up a larger long-term goal that we have to establish a blockchain center of excellence within the Commerce Department. Blockchain has enormous potential for innovation and economic growth. I believe, as government officials, we need to support that growth and enable its appropriate use for government business and consumers. We will continue to push until we have these policy objectives put into law with proper regulations so we can best position ourselves to be leaders in this space, especially when we see rivals like China and Russia pushing in these technologies. The Digital Taxonomy Act requires the FCC to submit a report to Congress about recommendations on unfair and deceptive trade practices and other practices related to digital tokens. Specifically, the report asked the FTC to make legislative recommendations for how to further protect consumers and promotion and innovation in the global digital token sector. I look forward to continuing to work with our colleagues, both in the Energy and Commerce Committee and throughout the Congress, to help make sure we keep a competitive edge in blockchain for both digital security and for cryptocurrency and to enhance the use of artificial intelligence in the future. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Pallone, Chairwoman Schakowsky, Representative McNerney, and the committee for allowing me to incorporate these two bills. We appreciate Representative Rodgers, Representative Guthrie, and Representative Matsui, as well as our original cosponsor, Representative Davidson, for all of their hard work. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I honor Amilcar Cordova. Mr. Amilcar Cordova hails from Carolina, Puerto Rico. After high school, he moved to Pennsylvania, where he began his career in the health insurance industry. In 1994, he relocated to Orlando, Florida, with his family while he studied business administration at Florida Metropolitan University, and later, business management at the University of Phoenix. In 2003, he began working in the advertising industry with the largest newspaper in Puerto Rico, El Nuevo Dia, which just recently expanded to Central Florida. He later cofounded and served on the board of directors of Amigos Profesionales Business Network, an organization whose purpose was to help connect Hispanic professionals and business owners in Central Florida. In 2010, he founded Cordova Marketing Solutions, a firm that specialized in the development of small businesses by providing consulting, marketing, and advertising services. During this time, he joined the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida as its executive director, and in 2013, was elected as their President until the end of his term in 2016. He would resume his role as President in 2019. Mr. Cordova is proud of his upbringing in Puerto Rico and is very grateful for the opportunities the U.S. has blessed him with. He tries to give back to his community through volunteer work, including riding his bicycle for different charities. One especially close to his heart is the Young Survival Coalition, an organization dedicated to providing essential services for breast cancer survivors under the age of 40. Mr. Cordova shares his life with his best friend, Ms. Milly Colon. He has two sons, four grandchildren, and is blessed to still have both his parents alive and well. For that, Mr. Cordova, we honor you. In Honor of Cecilia Figueroa

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Antonio Crespo. Dr. Antonio Crespo is an infectious disease specialist in central Florida with over 18 years of experience in his field. In May of 2014, he led the team that cared for the second case of Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome, MERS, in the United States. Currently, he is part of the team that has prepared and managed the COVID-19 pandemic, helping many in the Orlando community. He first earned his medical degree from Universidad Central de Venezuela and later moved to the United States to continue his education. He completed his residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center and infectious disease training at Temple University, both in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since 2002, he has been part of the infectious disease team at Orlando Health, where he now serves as the chief of staff and the medical director of infectious diseases at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. He has received several Attending of the Year awards and frequently appears among Orlando's Best Doctors. In 2012, he received the Lifetime Exemplary Physician Colleague Award given by Orlando Health. Dr. Crespo also takes time to serve as a clinical instructor at the Florida State University College of Medicine and as the new program director of the Infectious Disease Fellowship at Orlando Health. His passion for teaching new generations has inspired many on the path of infectious diseases so that more doctors might continue the fight against these elusive enemies. For that, Dr. Antonio Crespo, we honor you. In Honor of Pamela and Estela Juarez

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Jose Rodriguez. Jose Rodriguez arrived in Palmetto, Florida, at the age of 12 from El Salvador. While attending school, he recalls being pulled out of regular class for 2 hours a day to practice English. During his first 5 years in the United States, Mr. Rodriguez and his family were migrant farmworkers, living 9 months in Florida and 3 months up north, following the crops with the help of the Summer Migrant Institute held in Tampa at the University of South Florida. Mr. Rodriguez graduated early from high school, in the top 10 percent of his class. He was the first Hispanic person in Manatee County to be accepted into a 4-year university, where he earned his associate's degree. Mr. Rodriguez has worked as a general manager and on-air personality for La Que Buena, a regional Mexican radio station in Orlando. As part of his work, he makes sure to give airtime to nonprofit organizations and elected officials that support the immigrant community. While sharing his passion for music with his listeners, Mr. Rodriguez always keeps central Floridians informed on community resources like food drives, housing assistance, COVID-19 testing sites, and much more. Mr. Rodriguez also serves on the leadership committee of the Farmworkers Association of Florida. He draws his inspiration from his community, his two beautiful daughters, and his late wife. For that, Mr. Jose Rodriguez, we honor you. In Honor of Dr. Antonio Crespo

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Ms. Wanda Ramos. Ms. Wanda Ramos was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She moved to Orlando, Florida, in 1999 and became involved in fighting for workers' rights, empowering new voters, and creating awareness about the importance of parental involvement in education. Wanda has been a board member of various organizations, such as: Jobs with Justice, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, and the Legal Advocacy Center of Central Florida. While working as a retailer, Wanda organized workers to achieve better working conditions and better pay. She was a founding member of Vamos4PR Florida and Pa'lante Por Mas. Recently, she became a statewide board member of Organize Florida. As a founding member of Vamos Por Puerto Rico, she helped to spearhead the campaign Se Habla Espanol to petition the Orange County Public Schools to provide language access to non-English-speaking parents and students. She also advocated for the families arriving from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria to better understand and properly enroll their kids in school. Wanda was recognized as Citizen of the Year in 2015 for Orange County District 3 after organizing neighbors in their efforts to improve their community. Wanda continues to support our community through radio shows as well as her online program ``Wanda Contigo,'' bringing awareness about community issues. For that, Ms. Wanda Ramos, we honor you. In Honor of Jose Rodriguez

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Julio Zayas. Julio Zayas was born in Salinas, Puerto Rico, in 1948. He moved to New York City in 1968, where he and his wife established their family in the Bronx. He has four wonderful children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Julio studied at Hostos Community College and attended Cambridge University's New York chapter, where he developed his skills as a radio announcer and in advertisements. He was a member of several civic and cultural organizations in the Bronx, including the Puerto Rican Development Project, Alianza Civica Bayamonesa, the Salinas Club, and the Puerto Rican Veterans Association of Seneca. Julio became vice president of the Bronx Puerto Rican Parade and was the founder and president of the Puerto Rican Bronx Fair and Puerto Rican Week Festival. He worked as a consultant for the Bronx Coalition for a Better Bronx and the Soundview Community in Action as the outreach coordinator and publisher. A successful small business owner, Julio was also a poll inspector for the Bronx Board of Election. In 2012, Julio retired to Orlando, Florida. He continued his community involvement as a volunteer with several Puerto Rican activist organizations, including: Frente 436, Iniciativa Accion Puertorriquena, Coordinadora Ayuda Solidaridad y Apoyo, Vamos por Puerto Rico, and is the founder and president of Comite Preservacion Cultura Puertorriquena. Currently, he is the producer of his own radio show, Con Sabor Boricua Proyecto Radial. Julio is looking forward to other projects in the future to empower the Puerto Rican community in central Florida. For that, Mr. Julio Zayas, we honor you. In Honor of Wanda Ramos