[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 162 (Tuesday, October 15, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING ENRIQUE FERNANDEZ TOLEDO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 15, 2019

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Enrique 
Fernandez Toledo, who sadly passed in late September. Those of us in 
the Puerto Rican community--on both the mainland and the Island--will 
remember Enrique as a tireless champion for the Puerto Rican people. He 
was also a loving husband, a father and, to me, personally, a dear 
friend.
  Enrique began working in Congress in 1993 as a staffer for my former 
colleague, Rep. Luis Gutierrez. During Enrique's two decades working 
for Congress, he fought for fairness and greater economic security for 
Puerto Rico's most vulnerable. His unwavering commitment to justice and 
thoughtful insight earned him the senior position of deputy chief of 
staff. Over the decades, I came to rely on Enrique's vision and wisdom 
on a range of issues and he provided invaluable guidance and 
perspective to many Members of Congress in all Puerto Rico-related 
discussions on Capitol Hill.
  Following Enrique's service on Capitol Hill, he continued amplifying 
the voice of millions of Puerto Ricans. In 2018, Enrique joined the 
Center for American Progress (CAP) as the director of relief and 
economic development policy for Puerto Rico. There, he was critical to 
Puerto Rico's ability to access relief and assistance after Hurricane 
Maria and recover from years of economic malaise.
  At this time, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Enrique Fernandez Toledo. May he always be remembered for his kindness, 
indefatigable spirit and the millions of lives he positively affected 
in Puerto Rico, Chicago and elsewhere. I pray his wife, Mayra; three 
children, Enrique Jr., Carlos, and Mayrita; and all who knew and loved 
him, draw strength and peace from his manifold contributions.

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