[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING AND REMEMBERING ALBERTO COUTINHO

  (Mrs. McIVER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. McIVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and remember the life of 
former New Jersey assemblyman and pillar of the New Jersey community, 
Alberto Coutinho, better know as Al Coutinho.
  Born in my hometown of Newark, Mr. Coutinho was first elected as the 
29th district assemblyman in 1997 at 27 years old. He was young, but he 
was already a central figure of New Jersey's Portuguese community.
  He did so much good for so many. He was a public servant who fought 
for prison re-entry reforms, job creation, and expanding our parks. To 
many, he is remembered as a key organizer of the Portugal Day Festival.
  When he wasn't serving the city in his legislative capacity, he was 
serving his community as a local soccer team coach. His love for the 
game also motivated his role as chairman and cofounder of the Ironbound 
Soccer Club, which is one of the many initiatives he led to promote 
amateur and semiprofessional soccer so our kids could grow in team 
building and work ethic.
  I was heartbroken to hear of his passing in a car accident last 
month. My community was heartbroken too. I am praying for the Coutinho 
family and that our community carries his legacy by leading with 
passion and heart.

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