[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING MR. CARLOS M. SALAS

  (Mr. Norman of South Carolina was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a gentleman who 
represents the epitome of success in this great country where we just 
celebrated our 250th anniversary, Mr. Carlos Salas. Mr. Salas is with 
us today with his son, Martin, and his granddaughter, Gabriela. He is a 
remarkable man whose life is a powerful testament to perseverance, hard 
work, and living the American Dream.
  Carlos was born in Argentina and grew up under an authoritarian 
regime. After his father's newspaper published editorials opposing the 
regime, Carlos and his family were forced to flee their home. Their 
journey took them across South America. Carlos later pursued an 
education in England where he learned English.
  In 1955, after the regime's dictator was exiled, Carlos was finally 
able to return to Argentina. However, following a family tragedy, he 
found himself on his own at just 15 years of age. He supported himself 
by continuing his education, working at ports as a translator, and even 
playing billiards to make ends meet. He later entered the army in 
Argentina to fulfill his military obligation.
  By age 19, Carlos was studying industrial engineering while becoming 
a well-known billiards and chess player at a local social club. His 
skills even gave him the opportunity to compete against recognized 
players like Bobby Fischer. After graduating, Carlos pursued both his 
engineering career and his entrepreneurial interests, working for a 
manufacturing firm while also owning the Eliot Ness Club.
  During this time, Carlos married his wife, Ada Cristina Salas, an 
accomplished female engineer who worked on the development of rocket 
propellants. In 1971, they welcomed their first son Carlos Salas.
  Then, in 1973, the regime's dictator returned to Argentina from 
exile. Once again faced with political uncertainty, Carlos and Cristina 
made the difficult decision to leave their homeland. This time, they 
set their sights on the United States of America.
  In 1974, while Christina was pregnant with their second son, Martin 
Salas, Carlos and his family legally immigrated to Connecticut to 
pursue the American Dream.
  Their beginnings in America were humble, but Carlos and his family 
embraced the freedom and opportunity this country offered them. They 
became active participants in democracy, including serving as delegates 
to the Republican National Convention in 1994. Carlos proudly became a 
naturalized American citizen in 2011.
  Carlos went on to build an impressive career in the color and paint 
industry. Drawing upon his engineering background and command of 
multiple languages, he directed international sales and helped bring 
advanced American color systems to markets all around the world. 
Through hard work, Carlos grew a $200,000 division of a company into a 
$20 million operation.
  In 1993, he and his family made South Carolina their official home. 
Then, in 2001, the family took a leap of faith and went into business 
for themselves, purchasing their own paint equipment company. Together, 
they successfully grew and operated their manufacturing company for 
more than a decade before selling the business and retiring to the 
great State of South Carolina.
  Carlos remains an active member of his community, including service 
with the Lions Club and the Schmoozer Club. He has never lost his 
competitive spirit. He still enjoys chess, poker, and an occasional 
game of billiards. Most importantly, he is deeply loved by his family, 
including his children and his seven granddaughters.
  It is impossible to capture the full measure of a man's life in just 
a few minutes, especially a life as remarkable as Carlos Salas' has 
been.
  His story began under an authoritarian government and ultimately 
brought him to the freest and greatest nation on Earth, what we call 
America. This is the American Dream.
  Mr. Speaker, Carlos has made South Carolina and our Nation better 
through his determination, ingenuity, and devotion to his family and 
community. It is a privilege to recognize him in the House of 
Representatives today.

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