[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 24, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H2894-H2895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING BAD BUNNY

  (Mrs. Ramirez of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, this Puerto Rican Heritage Month, I rise 
to recognize Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, better known for many of 
us as Bad Bunny, for his worldwide contribution to the arts, music, and 
culture.
  Born and raised in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny is a global 
phenomenon. His songs transcend borders, sharing the vibrant culture of 
Puerto Rico with millions, while stirring a deep sense of pride and 
connection for Latinos across the globe.
  His 2022 album ``Un Verano Sin Ti'' made history as the first 
Spanish-language album nominated for the Grammy Award Album of the 
Year. His recent album ``Debi Tirar Mas Fotos'' has inspired millions 
as a powerful tribute to Puerto Rico and his hope for its freedom, 
while reminding us of our shared struggle against imperialism, 
colonialism, and displacement.

[[Page H2895]]

  In addition to his music, Benito, Bad Bunny, has used his platform to 
demand better from world leaders, condemn the xenophobia and anti-
immigrant violence of this administration on the island and in this 
country, and inspire us all to resist and fight back against oppressive 
governments.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District and the home of 
Paseo Boricua or Boricua Town, it is my honor to commend Bad Bunny for 
using his artistry to unite diverse communities and give voice to our 
shared experience. Gracias to Bad Bunny.
  (Spanish translation of the statement made in English is as follows:)
  En este Mes de la Herencia Puertorriquena, Yo me levanto a reconocer 
a Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, mejor conocido como Bad Bunny, por su 
contribucion a las artes, la musica y la cultura.
  Nacido y criado en Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny es un fenomeno 
global. Sus canciones trascienden fronteras, compartiendo la vibrante 
cultura puertorriquena con millones de personas en todo el mundo, a la 
vez que despierta un profundo sentimiento de orgullo y conexion entre 
los latinos de todo el mundo. El sabe que la musica y la cultura 
tambien transciende en el corazon.
  Su album de 2022, Un Verano Sin Ti, hizo historia como el primer 
disco en espanol nominado al Premio Grammy como Album del Ano.
  Su reciente album, Debi Tirar Mas Fotos, ha inspirado a millones como 
un poderoso tributo a Puerto Rico y su esperanza por la libertad, a la 
vez que nos recuerda nuestra lucha compartida contra el imperialismo, 
el colonialismo y el desplazamiento.
  Ademas de su musica, Benito ha usado su plataforma para exigirle 
mejores resultados a los lideres mundiales, condenar la xenofobia y la 
violencia antiinmigrante en la lsla y en este pais e inspirarnos a 
todos a resistir y luchar contra los gobiernos opresores.
  En nombre del Tercer Distrito Congresional de Illinois, casa de Paseo 
Boricua, yo felicito a Bad Bunny por usar su talento para unir a 
comunidades diversas y dar voz a nuestras experiencias compartidas.
  Gracias, Bad Bunny.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Illinois will provide a 
translation to the Chair.


                         Commending Denise Ruiz

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a creative 
designer, community cultivator, and artist--my constituent, Denise 
Ruiz.
  Denise is a queer Boricua from the Humboldt Park community of Chicago 
and is the founder and director of The Honeycomb Network, a community 
empowerment space proudly calling Barrio Boriken home.
  With over two decades of direct social service and educator 
experience, Denise has grown The Honeycomb Network to become a beloved 
community hub.
  In partnership with therapists, educators, artists, and community 
care providers of diverse backgrounds, The Honeycomb Network provides a 
hive for community to cowork, create, and sustain one another.
  Through healing workshops, a community library, cultural events, and 
beyond, the network has become a conduit for building community with 
our neighbors.
  I commend Denise and the entire network of artists, healers, and 
creators who have shared their talents with the community, and I wish 
them the best as they transition to new physical space in Denise's 
home, Puerto Rico. Gracias and congratulations to Denise.


                      Recognizing Justina Machado

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, in this Puerto Rican and Immigrant 
Heritage Month, I rise to recognize one of Chicago's own, Justina 
Machado, a celebrated actress and proud ``daughter,'' ``hija'' of 
Chicago's northwest side.
  Raised in a working-class Puerto Rican family, Ms. Machado's journey 
from Lane Tech High School, which is also in my district, to the 
Broadway stage and Hollywood screens is a testament to her talent, her 
perseverance, and her deep cultural roots.
  From her roles in HBO's ``Six Feet Under'' to Netflix' ``One Day at a 
Time,'' and now the Tony-nominated Broadway adaptation of ``Real Women 
Have Curves,'' Justina has beautifully played characters with immigrant 
backgrounds.
  Through her talent, she has brought visibility, dignity, and 
complexity to the lives of Latinos and immigrant families who are too 
often overlooked. Her performances speak not only to where she has been 
but to who we are. We are resilient, we are proud, and full of 
possibility.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I commend 
Justina Machado for using her voice and artistry to uplift our stories 
and communities with grace, humor, and truth. Gracias and 
congratulations to Justina.

                          ____________________