Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-04-30

HONORING THE FONDO DE AYUDA SOCIAL DEL LEONISMO DISTRICT 51-E, INC.

Housing

Context

On 2026-04-30, Representative Pablo José Hernández (D-PR) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE FONDO DE AYUDA SOCIAL DEL LEONISMO DISTRICT 51-E, INC." in the House. The speech addressed housing.

Full Text

HONORING THE FONDO DE AYUDA SOCIAL DEL LEONISMO DISTRICT 51-E, INC.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E395-E396] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE FONDO DE AYUDA SOCIAL DEL LEONISMO DISTRICT 51-E, INC. ______ HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ of PUERTO RICO in the house of representatives Thursday, April 30, 2026 Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo, District 5l-E, Inc. (FASL), an independent nonprofit organization that has provided sustained and meaningful assistance throughout Puerto Rico for 46 years. Founded in 1979 by Guillermo Irizarry Rubio (1916 to 2017), the organization was established with a clear and enduring mission: to provide direct, responsible, and compassionate support to individuals and families facing urgent social and economic needs, particularly children and youth. Mr. Irizarry Rubio served in the United States Army and later as Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico from 1966 to 1969, carrying out the constitutional functions of Lieutenant Governor, and as Director of the Puerto Rico Budget Bureau. Following his distinguished public service, he continued serving the people of Puerto Rico through [[Page E396]] civic leadership within Lions Clubs International, where he later served as District Governor of District 51-E. The values that guided his life--discipline, sensitivity to the needs of others, and a deep respect for education and service--remain reflected in the mission of the organization. For more than four decades, the Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo has served children, youth, and families throughout Puerto Rico, responding to needs related to disaster relief, rehabilitation services, and housing assistance. To date, the organization has disbursed more than $500,000 indirect aid throughout the island. Beyond immediate assistance, the organization is distinguished by its commitment to sustained, long-term support. It has accompanied students from their early school years through the completion of their university studies, helping remove barriers and expand opportunities for those most in need. The Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo is recognized by Lions District 51-E and by Lions Clubs International as a permanent service initiative of Lionism, while maintaining its distinct identity as an independent nonprofit organization. Mr. Speaker, the Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo represents the very best of community-based service: sustained commitment, responsible stewardship, and an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo for its 46 years of exemplary service and to commend its continued work on behalf of the people of Puerto Rico. ____________________

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HONORING THE FONDO DE AYUDA SOCIAL DEL LEONISMO DISTRICT 51-E, INC. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E395-E396] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE FONDO DE AYUDA SOCIAL DEL LEONISMO DISTRICT 51-E, INC. ______ HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ of PUERTO RICO in the house of representatives Thursday, April 30, 2026 Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo, District 5l-E, Inc. (FASL), an independent nonprofit organization that has provided sustained and meaningful assistance throughout Puerto Rico for 46 years. Founded in 1979 by Guillermo Irizarry Rubio (1916 to 2017), the organization was established with a clear and enduring mission: to provide direct, responsible, and compassionate support to individuals and families facing urgent social and economic needs, particularly children and youth. Mr. Irizarry Rubio served in the United States Army and later as Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico from 1966 to 1969, carrying out the constitutional functions of Lieutenant Governor, and as Director of the Puerto Rico Budget Bureau. Following his distinguished public service, he continued serving the people of Puerto Rico through [[Page E396]] civic leadership within Lions Clubs International, where he later served as District Governor of District 51-E. The values that guided his life--discipline, sensitivity to the needs of others, and a deep respect for education and service--remain reflected in the mission of the organization. For more than four decades, the Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo has served children, youth, and families throughout Puerto Rico, responding to needs related to disaster relief, rehabilitation services, and housing assistance. To date, the organization has disbursed more than $500,000 indirect aid throughout the island. Beyond immediate assistance, the organization is distinguished by its commitment to sustained, long-term support. It has accompanied students from their early school years through the completion of their university studies, helping remove barriers and expand opportunities for those most in need. The Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo is recognized by Lions District 51-E and by Lions Clubs International as a permanent service initiative of Lionism, while maintaining its distinct identity as an independent nonprofit organization. Mr. Speaker, the Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo represents the very best of community-based service: sustained commitment, responsible stewardship, and an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Fondo de Ayuda Social del Leonismo for its 46 years of exemplary service and to commend its continued work on behalf of the people of Puerto Rico. ____________________