[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 126 (Thursday, July 25, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H7390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING LABOR LEADER HECTOR FIGUEROA

  (Ms. VELAZQUEZ asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Hector Figueroa, a 
champion for workers, a New Yorker, and proud Puerto Rican, who, sadly, 
passed last week.
  While he was relentless in advocating for members of his union, SEIU 
32BJ, he was also on the front lines helping taxi drivers, fast food 
employees, and workers in every sector. To him, anyone who was 
oppressed was an ally, and he was ready to join them in common cause.
  Most recently, he was central to building support for relief in 
Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.
  His belief that everyone deserves respect extended beyond his work as 
a labor leader. Hector treated everyone, from the youngest organizers 
to the most powerful elected officials, with genuine kindness.
  Just last week, this House voted to raise the Federal minimum wage. I 
like to think, wherever he is, that this will bring a smile to Hector's 
face.
  We will honor his memory by advancing the causes that inspired him.
  Hector always said, ``We'll keep organizing.''
  Yes, my friend, we will.

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