[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 63 (Friday, April 12, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H2361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF TONYA SANCHEZ

  (Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the inspiring 
life of Tonya Sanchez.
  Tonya was the director of the Presbyterian Health Services Community 
Clinic in Cuba, New Mexico, who passed away in February.
  She implemented programs and activities to connect with her 
community. From toy drives to Halloween carnivals and art competitions, 
Tonya strived to make everyone feel welcome. She encouraged them to 
take pride in their home as rural Latino Americanos and as 
Nuevomexicanos.
  Tonya had recently launched her campaign for village council. Even 
after her passing, she won more votes than others who ran.
  She was eager to listen and to build with her community. Through her 
immense care and compassion, Tonya created an unrivaled impact on 
everyone she met.
  Tonya spearheaded one of my congressionally supported community 
projects for rural workforce housing for the Presbyterian Medical 
Center in Cuba. I will cherish the photos of the event celebrating the 
project with Tonya.
  I am heartbroken that such an amazing person was taken before her 
life could shine even brighter. I am proud to have met her, and I hope 
to carry on the work that she started in our home State and in her 
beautiful village.
  Her legacy will live on through her children, the countless lives 
that she touched, and the beautiful workforce housing that she made 
possible in Cuba, New Mexico.

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