Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-06

HONORING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE BILTMORE HOTEL

HealthcareDefenseTradeEducation

Context

On 2026-01-06, Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-26) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE BILTMORE HOTEL" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered defense, trade policy.

Full Text

HONORING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE BILTMORE HOTEL

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E3-E4] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE BILTMORE HOTEL ______ HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of South Florida's most treasured landmarks, the Biltmore Hotel of Coral Gables on the occasion of its centennial anniversary, as well as the extraordinary Prescott family, whose vision and leadership have only elevated its legacy in our community. For a century, the Biltmore has stood as a symbol of beauty, resilience, and service. Conceived by Coral Gables founder George Merrick and opened in 1926, its Mediterranean architecture, soaring tower, and lush gardens established a new standard of elegance in South Florida. Its storied past includes hosting presidents, world leaders, celebrities, and generations of families--even serving as a military hospital during World War II, when its grand halls became a place of healing for our Nation's wounded servicemembers. Mr. Speaker, the Biltmore is iconic not only because of its history, but because of the extraordinary stewardship that has safeguarded that history. Since 1992, under the leadership of Gene Prescott and his son Tom, the Biltmore has enjoyed its longest continuous period of operation since its opening. Their commitment restored the hotel from decades of deterioration and helped reintroduce it to the world as a signature symbol of South Florida's heritage. During Gene Prescott's early years at the helm, one pivotal moment propelled the Biltmore back onto the global stage: hosting the 1994 Summit of the Americas, where nearly every head of state from the Western Hemisphere stayed within its walls. Just two years after Hurricane Andrew devastated the region, this event reaffirmed the Biltmore's resilience and reestablished it as one of the most important historic hotels in the Nation. Mr. Prescott's devotion to hospitality extends far beyond the Biltmore itself. His decades of service earned him the title of Chair Emeritus of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, a recognition of his tireless work to elevate South Florida's tourism industry. His guiding principles--hard work, integrity, and unwavering focus--have shaped not only the hotel's success, but the culture of the hospitality community throughout Miami-Dade County. Working alongside him is his son, Tom Prescott, whose experience in hospitality, law, and public policy has brought a modern and innovative approach to the family business. Together, father and son form a unique leadership team--one that blends tradition and forward-thinking vision. Tom's dedication to service excellence is evident in the hotel's acclaimed guest experience, supported by the Biltmore's ``Passion Program,'' an onboarding process that instills team-oriented values and fosters employee longevity. Many members of the Biltmore staff have been with the hotel for twenty or even thirty years--a remarkable testament to the positive culture the Prescotts have nurtured. Their leadership is not merely business-oriented--it is deeply personal. Gene speaks proudly of watching Tom grow into his role, calling him not only a partner but a teacher. [[Page E4]] Tom, in turn, attributes much of his professional compass to Gene's mentorship and example. And now, a new generation has begun to emerge. Tom's nephew, Royce Prescott, has already begun building his foundation in hospitality, working at the Biltmore before earning a position at the St. Regis in Aspen. Tom's own sons, too, have spent their youth learning the values of service and responsibility within the hotel's halls. The Prescott legacy is not only enduring--it is expanding. Mr. Speaker, the story of the Biltmore is a story of South Florida itself: a story of resilience, reinvention, and community. It is also a story of family--of a father and son whose shared commitment has ensured that this historic landmark not only survives but thrives. Their leadership has transformed the Biltmore into an award-winning destination for tourism, culture, and community engagement, while preserving the historic integrity that makes it beloved by generations. As the Biltlnore Hotel marks its centennial, we recognize not only its architectural grandeur and historical significance, but the Prescott family's profound contributions to safeguarding its legacy. Because of their vision, dedication, and stewardship, the Biltmore continues to stand as a source of pride for Coral Gables, for South Florida, and for our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate the Biltmore Hotel on its 100th anniversary and to commend Gene, Tom, and the entire Prescott family for their extraordinary role in shaping its past, present, and future. May this landmark, and the legacy behind it, continue to inspire generations to come. ____________________

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HONORING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE BILTMORE HOTEL Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E3-E4] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE BILTMORE HOTEL ______ HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of South Florida's most treasured landmarks, the Biltmore Hotel of Coral Gables on the occasion of its centennial anniversary, as well as the extraordinary Prescott family, whose vision and leadership have only elevated its legacy in our community. For a century, the Biltmore has stood as a symbol of beauty, resilience, and service. Conceived by Coral Gables founder George Merrick and opened in 1926, its Mediterranean architecture, soaring tower, and lush gardens established a new standard of elegance in South Florida. Its storied past includes hosting presidents, world leaders, celebrities, and generations of families--even serving as a military hospital during World War II, when its grand halls became a place of healing for our Nation's wounded servicemembers. Mr. Speaker, the Biltmore is iconic not only because of its history, but because of the extraordinary stewardship that has safeguarded that history. Since 1992, under the leadership of Gene Prescott and his son Tom, the Biltmore has enjoyed its longest continuous period of operation since its opening. Their commitment restored the hotel from decades of deterioration and helped reintroduce it to the world as a signature symbol of South Florida's heritage. During Gene Prescott's early years at the helm, one pivotal moment propelled the Biltmore back onto the global stage: hosting the 1994 Summit of the Americas, where nearly every head of state from the Western Hemisphere stayed within its walls. Just two years after Hurricane Andrew devastated the region, this event reaffirmed the Biltmore's resilience and reestablished it as one of the most important historic hotels in the Nation. Mr. Prescott's devotion to hospitality extends far beyond the Biltmore itself. His decades of service earned him the title of Chair Emeritus of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, a recognition of his tireless work to elevate South Florida's tourism industry. His guiding principles--hard work, integrity, and unwavering focus--have shaped not only the hotel's success, but the culture of the hospitality community throughout Miami-Dade County. Working alongside him is his son, Tom Prescott, whose experience in hospitality, law, and public policy has brought a modern and innovative approach to the family business. Together, father and son form a unique leadership team--one that blends tradition and forward-thinking vision. Tom's dedication to service excellence is evident in the hotel's acclaimed guest experience, supported by the Biltmore's ``Passion Program,'' an onboarding process that instills team-oriented values and fosters employee longevity. Many members of the Biltmore staff have been with the hotel for twenty or even thirty years--a remarkable testament to the positive culture the Prescotts have nurtured. Their leadership is not merely business-oriented--it is deeply personal. Gene speaks proudly of watching Tom grow into his role, calling him not only a partner but a teacher. [[Page E4]] Tom, in turn, attributes much of his professional compass to Gene's mentorship and example. And now, a new generation has begun to emerge. Tom's nephew, Royce Prescott, has already begun building his foundation in hospitality, working at the Biltmore before earning a position at the St. Regis in Aspen. Tom's own sons, too, have spent their youth learning the values of service and responsibility within the hotel's halls. The Prescott legacy is not only enduring--it is expanding. Mr. Speaker, the story of the Biltmore is a story of South Florida itself: a story of resilience, reinvention, and community. It is also a story of family--of a father and son whose shared commitment has ensured that this historic landmark not only survives but thrives. Their leadership has transformed the Biltmore into an award-winning destination for tourism, culture, and community engagement, while preserving the historic integrity that makes it beloved by generations. As the Biltlnore Hotel marks its centennial, we recognize not only its architectural grandeur and historical significance, but the Prescott family's profound contributions to safeguarding its legacy. Because of their vision, dedication, and stewardship, the Biltmore continues to stand as a source of pride for Coral Gables, for South Florida, and for our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate the Biltmore Hotel on its 100th anniversary and to commend Gene, Tom, and the entire Prescott family for their extraordinary role in shaping its past, present, and future. May this landmark, and the legacy behind it, continue to inspire generations to come. ____________________