Floor SpeechNeutral2026-04-21

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY MOURNS THE LOSS OF BELINDA BARRAGAN

TaxesForeign PolicyCrime & Justice

Context

On 2026-04-21, Representative Luz M. Rivas (D-CA-29) delivered a floor speech titled "SAN FERNANDO VALLEY MOURNS THE LOSS OF BELINDA BARRAGAN" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered foreign policy, crime and justice.

Full Text

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY MOURNS THE LOSS OF BELINDA BARRAGAN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H3002] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SAN FERNANDO VALLEY MOURNS THE LOSS OF BELINDA BARRAGAN (Ms. Rivas of California was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. RIVAS. Mr. Speaker, the San Fernando Valley mourns the loss of Belinda Barragan. Belinda was a proud, lifelong resident of the San Fernando Valley, graduating from St. Genevieve High School in Panorama City. For over 30 years, she was at the forefront of public service, advocating for working families and Latinos, ensuring that they had all the opportunities and support to thrive. Belinda uplifted thousands of women and community members with her uniquely warm, funny, and love-centered leadership. Her career in public service has often been behind the scenes, and she has taught us the definition of steadfast leadership. Through her work with HOPE Leadership Institute, Belinda empowered hundreds of Latina professionals and created opportunities for these women to strengthen their confidence and grow as leaders. Her integrity and compassionate leadership helped build the careers of grassroots community leaders as well as those in the public and private sectors. She supported many Latino elected officials when they first started in politics, including former Congressman Tony Cardenas and Senator Alex Padilla. Congressman Cardenas said that Belinda always helped everyone around her to be their best. Her intensity was infectious. Belinda's caring and loving personality matched her tough, ``let's get the job done'' attitude. He called her a force for good and positive change. Senator Padilla called Belinda Barragan the nicest person you would ever meet and that she had a special ability to keep you on task and on deadline when there was work to be done. Senator Padilla asked Belinda to be his campaign manager when he first ran for city council. He said that seeing Belinda at HOPE events over the years always brought him back to his early days in politics. Belinda will be remembered for her unwavering integrity, empathetic leadership, and her lifelong residency in the San Fernando Valley. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in honor of Belinda. ____________________

View original source →

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY MOURNS THE LOSS OF BELINDA BARRAGAN Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H3002] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SAN FERNANDO VALLEY MOURNS THE LOSS OF BELINDA BARRAGAN (Ms. Rivas of California was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. RIVAS. Mr. Speaker, the San Fernando Valley mourns the loss of Belinda Barragan. Belinda was a proud, lifelong resident of the San Fernando Valley, graduating from St. Genevieve High School in Panorama City. For over 30 years, she was at the forefront of public service, advocating for working families and Latinos, ensuring that they had all the opportunities and support to thrive. Belinda uplifted thousands of women and community members with her uniquely warm, funny, and love-centered leadership. Her career in public service has often been behind the scenes, and she has taught us the definition of steadfast leadership. Through her work with HOPE Leadership Institute, Belinda empowered hundreds of Latina professionals and created opportunities for these women to strengthen their confidence and grow as leaders. Her integrity and compassionate leadership helped build the careers of grassroots community leaders as well as those in the public and private sectors. She supported many Latino elected officials when they first started in politics, including former Congressman Tony Cardenas and Senator Alex Padilla. Congressman Cardenas said that Belinda always helped everyone around her to be their best. Her intensity was infectious. Belinda's caring and loving personality matched her tough, ``let's get the job done'' attitude. He called her a force for good and positive change. Senator Padilla called Belinda Barragan the nicest person you would ever meet and that she had a special ability to keep you on task and on deadline when there was work to be done. Senator Padilla asked Belinda to be his campaign manager when he first ran for city council. He said that seeing Belinda at HOPE events over the years always brought him back to his early days in politics. Belinda will be remembered for her unwavering integrity, empathetic leadership, and her lifelong residency in the San Fernando Valley. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in honor of Belinda. ____________________