[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 170 (Friday, October 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATING THE PUERTO RICAN BAR ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 12, 2018

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations 
to the Puerto Rican Bar Association, as it celebrates its 40th Year 
Anniversary Scholarship Fund Gala on October 12, 2018.
  The Puerto Rican Bar Association (PRBA) was founded in 1957. It is 
the largest Latino bar association in New York State and offers 
personal and professional support to Puerto Rican and Latino attorneys. 
The PRBA Scholarship Fund raises money to award scholarships to 
deserving law students. Founded in 1978 by Justice Donald Grajales, 
himself a past president of the PRBA, it has provided over $500,000,000 
to law students based on scholastic achievement, community involvement 
and financial need.
  The lawyers who make up PRBA have a strong dedication to public 
service and to preserving the civil and political rights of Puerto 
Ricans and Latinos. This has been an extraordinary year in which the 
PRBA has been presente! I am proud of all the members who volunteered 
and dedicated time and resources to help the victims of Hurricane Maria 
in Puerto Rico, the detained children and hardworking families in New 
York City.
  One thing is for certain, the members of PRBA have an unwavering 
commitment to the legal profession, to each other and to the people 
they serve. I want to especially thank Carmen Pacheco, Esq., for her 
dedication and leadership during her term as President and congratulate 
Honorable Wilma Guzman, the first judge ever elected President of the 
Puerto Rican Bar Association. I am confident that her experience, 
vision and leadership will propel the association to new heights.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Puerto Rican Bar 
Association and the Puerto Rican Bar Scholarship Fund on this special 
40th year anniversary. I wish the Puerto Rican Bar Association 
continued success in many more years of service.

                          ____________________