Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-20

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MAJOR GENERAL (RET.) FELIX A. SANTONI

TaxesDefenseTradeCrime & JusticeVeterans

Context

On 2026-02-20, Representative Pablo José Hernández (D-PR) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MAJOR GENERAL (RET.) FELIX A. SANTONI" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered defense, trade policy.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MAJOR GENERAL (RET.) FELIX A. SANTONI

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 34 (Friday, February 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 34 (Friday, February 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E149] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MAJOR GENERAL (RET.) FELIX A. SANTONI ______ HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ of puerto rico in the house of representatives Friday, February 20, 2026 Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Major General (Ret.) Felix A. Santoni, whose passing marks the loss of a distinguished military leader and devoted public servant. His career and continued service reflect a deep and enduring commitment to the United States, to Puerto Rico, and to the men and women who serve in uniform. A native of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Major General Santoni entered military service in 1955 and served with distinction for decades across Active Duty, the National Guard, and the Army Reserve. Throughout his career, he held positions of significant responsibility, including Commander of U.S. Army Forces Puerto Rico and Chief for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs at U.S. Southern Command. In these roles, he worked to strengthen force readiness and to advance the full integration of Puerto Rican Soldiers into the Total Force. Major General Santoni was widely respected as a tireless advocate for Soldiers and their families. He consistently emphasized the importance of ensuring access to the resources, facilities, and support necessary for soldiers to successfully accomplish their mission. Following his retirement from military service in 1995, Major General Santoni continued his lifelong commitment to public service as Senior Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Puerto Rico. In this capacity, he strengthened civil-military partnerships. Major General Santoni's life reflects the long and proud tradition of Puerto Rican service members who have strengthened the Armed Forces and defended our Nation with distinction. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones and honor the memory of a soldier and public servant whose life exemplified duty, integrity, and service to country. Major General Santoni's legacy of leadership, integrity, and devotion to duty will endure for generations, reflecting the highest ideals of military and public service. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MAJOR GENERAL (RET.) FELIX A. SANTONI Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 34 (Friday, February 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 34 (Friday, February 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E149] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MAJOR GENERAL (RET.) FELIX A. SANTONI ______ HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ of puerto rico in the house of representatives Friday, February 20, 2026 Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Major General (Ret.) Felix A. Santoni, whose passing marks the loss of a distinguished military leader and devoted public servant. His career and continued service reflect a deep and enduring commitment to the United States, to Puerto Rico, and to the men and women who serve in uniform. A native of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Major General Santoni entered military service in 1955 and served with distinction for decades across Active Duty, the National Guard, and the Army Reserve. Throughout his career, he held positions of significant responsibility, including Commander of U.S. Army Forces Puerto Rico and Chief for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs at U.S. Southern Command. In these roles, he worked to strengthen force readiness and to advance the full integration of Puerto Rican Soldiers into the Total Force. Major General Santoni was widely respected as a tireless advocate for Soldiers and their families. He consistently emphasized the importance of ensuring access to the resources, facilities, and support necessary for soldiers to successfully accomplish their mission. Following his retirement from military service in 1995, Major General Santoni continued his lifelong commitment to public service as Senior Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Puerto Rico. In this capacity, he strengthened civil-military partnerships. Major General Santoni's life reflects the long and proud tradition of Puerto Rican service members who have strengthened the Armed Forces and defended our Nation with distinction. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones and honor the memory of a soldier and public servant whose life exemplified duty, integrity, and service to country. Major General Santoni's legacy of leadership, integrity, and devotion to duty will endure for generations, reflecting the highest ideals of military and public service. ____________________