HONORING LUIS ABINADER

On 2026-09-24, Representative Nellie Pou (D-NJ-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING LUIS ABINADER" in the House.

HONORING LUIS ABINADER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E986-E987] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LUIS ABINADER ______ HON. NELLIE POU of new jersey in the house of representatives Thursday, September 24, 2026 Ms. POU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome His Excellency Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic, to New Jersey on the occasion of his first official visit to our state and to recognize his distinguished record of service. President Abinader was first elected President of the Dominican Republic in 2020 and was reelected in 2024. An economist and [[Page E987]] businessman by training, he has brought his experience to public office with a focus on government reform and expanding opportunity for the Dominican people. During his presidency, the Dominican Republic has pursued investments in infrastructure and access to drinking water while modernizing its national power grid. His administration has also worked to increase foreign investment and promote transparency and public accountability. In 2024, President Abinader helped enact constitutional reforms preserving presidential term limits and providing greater independence for the Attorney General's Office. President Abinader's visit carries special meaning in New Jersey. Our state is home to one of the largest Dominican communities in the United States. Among them are thousands of families in North Jersey who contribute enormously to the economic and cultural life of our state. The bonds between our nations are renewed every day by these families and the enduring connections they maintain with the Dominican Republic. Today, William Paterson University welcomes President Abinader to its campus and presents him with its Presidential Medal. The occasion also celebrates the lasting ties between the Dominican Republic and Dominicans abroad. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join New Jersey's Dominican community in marking President Luis Abinader's first official visit to our state. I extend my best wishes to President Abinader and the people of the Dominican Republic and look forward to the continued friendship between our nations.