[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 114 (Wednesday, July 2, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF FLAD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 2, 2025

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th Anniversary of 
Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD). The strengthening historic 
alliance between Portugal and the United States led to the creation of 
FLAD in 1985. Its purpose at the time was to strengthen the 
relationship between our two countries through cultural exchanges and 
societal transatlantic relationships.
  In 1983, the United States and Portugal formed a Cooperation and 
Defense Agreement. This agreement piloted the establishment of FLAD.
  This year FLAD also celebrates its ninth edition of the FLAD 
Legislators Dialogue, which brings together United States lawmakers of 
Portuguese ancestry with Portuguese leaders in Lisbon to foster 
powerful discussions on the strongest path forward to build relations 
and strengthen our collective security.
  FLAD supports the work of Portuguese and Portuguese American 
students, researchers, scientists, and teachers at the forefront of 
science, while also facilitating contacts and collaborations with 
renowned U.S. institutions to build bridges between our two countries 
and establish new partnerships and possibilities for all generations.
  FLAD's work also supports visiting professors at prestigious U.S. 
universities, such as Fresno State University, Brown University, 
Georgetown University, and University of Massachusetts Lowell to teach 
Portuguese Studies with the hopes of increasing Portuguese speakers in 
the United States. FLAD has been highly successful in promoting 
internships for American students and facilitating their participation 
in programs in Portugal.
  FLAD has been a principal supporter of Portuguese art and culture by 
collaborating on numerous initiatives that preserve the presence of 
Portuguese culture in the United States, allowing exchanges between 
artists, intellectuals and researchers of the two countries. FLAD's 
contemporary art collection includes about 1000 works of art from 
Portuguese artists.
  FLAD has continuously partnered with the California Portuguese 
American Coalition (CPAC) in supporting Portuguese advocacy within 
California communities. These local communities helped shape the 
American culture and the economic growth throughout California's 
Central Valley and nationwide.
  Mr. Speaker, as proud descendants of Portuguese immigrants, with the 
traditions and values from the Azores Islands never far from our 
hearts, I ask that our colleagues join us in celebrating the 40th 
anniversary of FLAD and recognizing the contributions of FLAD to U.S.-
Portugal relations.

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