[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17966]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING PRESIDENT JAAN MANUEL SANTOS CALDERON OF THE REPUBLIC OF 
                                COLOMBIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE GARCIA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2013

  Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colombian 
President Juan Manuel Santos for his bold leadership and commitment to 
public service.
  President Santos began his distinguished career in public service 
when he served as the first-ever Minister of Foreign Trade. In this 
capacity, President Santos tirelessly sought to bring a higher quality 
of life to the people of Colombia by expanding trade and promoting 
economic prosperity. As the Minister of Foreign Trade, President 
Santos's strong leadership allowed him to successfully establish 
Colombia as a rising international economic force.
  After founding the Social Party of National Unity, which is now 
Colombia's largest political party, President Santos served as the 
Minister of Defense. Thanks to his steadfast leadership and commitment, 
President Santos helped weaken dangerous guerrilla groups like the 
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.
  President Santos's achievements as a national leader are undoubtedly 
worthy of our admiration. I commend him for an impressive career and 
applaud his lifelong dedication to his country.

                          ____________________