Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 4443, introduced by Representative Charlie Rangel of New York, which would designate the postal facility located at 90 Vermilyea Avenue, in New York, New York, as the Corporal Juan Mariel Alcantara Post Office Building. Army Corporal Alcantara was killed on August 6, 2007, in Baqubah, Iraq. He died due to wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. Juan was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star; a Purple Heart; an Army Good Conduct Medal; and, prior to his death, the Army's Commendation Medal. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Juan moved to the United States with his family when he was 5 years old. Growing up in Washington Heights in New York, he became known as a kind and helpful person. He mentored youth and encouraged them to set goals and aspire to their dreams. After his father passed away, Juan became even more dedicated to taking care of his family. He made the courageous decision to join the Army and serve his adopted country. He was posthumously awarded naturalized U.S. citizenship. It is my honor to ask my colleagues to support H.R. 4443 and memorialize the sacrifice and heroism of Corporal Juan Mariel Alcantara. I reserve the balance of my time.”