Floor SpeechNeutral2026-10-09

RECOGNIZING RYAN VALADES, WREC

Context

On 2026-10-09, Representative Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL-12) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING RYAN VALADES, WREC" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 159 (Friday, October 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 159 (Friday, October 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1055] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING RYAN VALADES, WREC ______ HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS of florida in the house of representatives Friday, October 9, 2026 Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to recognize Mr. Ryan Valade, a WH Lineman with Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC), for his exceptional service as part of WREC's second mission supporting the Light Up Navajo Project. The Light Up Navajo initiative relies upon skilled utility professionals willing to volunteer their time and expertise to help bring electricity to Navajo families who have lived without power for generations. Mr. Valade answered that call, contributing his technical knowledge and hands-on experience to this challenging and worthwhile mission. Reliable electricity can fundamentally improve daily life. It gives children light to study after dark, allows families to refrigerate food and medicine, and provides greater safety and comfort for everyone in the home. By helping extend electrical service, Mr. Valade and his colleagues helped create opportunities that will continue long after their work is completed. His willingness to travel far from home and put his specialized skills to work for families in need embodies the cooperative principle of neighbors helping neighbors. I commend Mr. Ryan Valade for his technical expertise, professionalism, and commitment to service. His contribution to Light Up Navajo reflects great credit upon WREC and our entire community. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING RYAN VALADES, WREC Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 159 (Friday, October 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 159 (Friday, October 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1055] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING RYAN VALADES, WREC ______ HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS of florida in the house of representatives Friday, October 9, 2026 Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to recognize Mr. Ryan Valade, a WH Lineman with Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC), for his exceptional service as part of WREC's second mission supporting the Light Up Navajo Project. The Light Up Navajo initiative relies upon skilled utility professionals willing to volunteer their time and expertise to help bring electricity to Navajo families who have lived without power for generations. Mr. Valade answered that call, contributing his technical knowledge and hands-on experience to this challenging and worthwhile mission. Reliable electricity can fundamentally improve daily life. It gives children light to study after dark, allows families to refrigerate food and medicine, and provides greater safety and comfort for everyone in the home. By helping extend electrical service, Mr. Valade and his colleagues helped create opportunities that will continue long after their work is completed. His willingness to travel far from home and put his specialized skills to work for families in need embodies the cooperative principle of neighbors helping neighbors. I commend Mr. Ryan Valade for his technical expertise, professionalism, and commitment to service. His contribution to Light Up Navajo reflects great credit upon WREC and our entire community. ____________________