[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING ALEX BARRIO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2018

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, today, we honor Mr. Alex Barrio, the District 
Director of Florida's Ninth Congressional District. Alex is a dedicated 
public servant who has committed his life to the betterment of others. 
For over a decade, Alex has been at the forefront of fighting for 
Florida's constituents and the injustices they face. As District 
Director, Alex has continuously found ways to advocate for Florida's 
most vulnerable communities.
  After the Trump administration implemented the ``Muslim ban'' barring 
citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United 
States, Alex immediately went to the Orlando International Airport to 
defend the rights of Central Florida's Muslim community and ensure 
their safe return to Florida.
  In late September 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria destroyed areas of 
Puerto Rico, forcing tens of thousands of families to flee the island 
and move to Florida's Ninth Congressional District. Without hesitation, 
Alex united local community leaders to provide the necessary support 
for the victims of these natural disasters. For over a year, Alex has 
led the charge to guarantee that recent arrivals from Puerto Rico had 
the resources they needed to find affordable housing, helping thousands 
easily transition into the Central Florida community.
  In April 2018, the Trump administration launched a ``zero tolerance'' 
policy on America's southwest border causing thousands of children to 
be separated from their parents. In the face of this devastating impact 
on families, Alex's persistence prevailed when he demanded answers from 
the Department of Health and Human Services and successfully urged them 
to comply with a federal judge's order to reunify these children with 
their parents.
  Alex has proven time and again that he will not hesitate to fight for 
what is right. His hard work and dedication are a testament to his 
values and commitment to improving the lives of others. I thank Alex 
for his continued service to Florida's Ninth Congressional District.