HONORING AUTUMN MORLEY

On 2026-09-21, Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-26) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING AUTUMN MORLEY" in the House.

HONORING AUTUMN MORLEY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 149 (Monday, September 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 149 (Monday, September 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E958] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING AUTUMN MORLEY ______ HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of florida in the house of representatives Monday, September 21, 2026 Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the honorable and decades-long career in public service of my Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor, Autumn Morley. While Autumn started her education at Davidson College in North Carolina, an internship in Washington, D.C. so impacted her, that she chose to transfer to George Washington University, where she graduated summa cum laude with majors in political science and religion. In 2004, she received her J.D. from Emory University School of Law and Masters of Theological Studies from Emory's Candler School of Theology. That same year, she joined the Florida Bar. Autumn began her career on Capitol Hill as a Staff Assistant in the office of Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart in 2005. However, it was in 2008 in her role as Legislative Assistant that Autumn would begin to hone her knowledge and skills in defense of democracy and on behalf of those suffering under repression. Taking charge of the Congressman's Cuba and foreign policy portfolios, Autumn began to lay the groundwork for her near-unparalleled expertise on Capitol Hill in the fight for freedom; a fight not only in our Nation or our hemisphere, but across the globe. Following her years of dedicated work as a Legislative Assistant, Autumn was later promoted to Legislative Director. In 2011, following Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart's retirement, I had the immense privilege of having Autumn join my team as Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor. Once again, our community in South Florida was afforded the opportunity to have the best and brightest at the helm of our freedom agenda. Overseeing Cuba and Western Hemisphere affairs more broadly, democracy promotion, and the work in opposition to Communism, Autumn became an asset not only to my office or community in Miami, but she also became the preeminent expert in the fight for freedom for offices across Capitol Hill. Never seeking after credit, accolades, or praise, Autumn was for years an unsung hero on Capitol Hill, fighting for democracy and for the human rights of men and women she will likely never meet. Among her many contributions, Autumn was critical in drafting pro- freedom language for numerous appropriations bills, in preparing floor statements and other speeches, and always worked hand in glove with my entire team and committee staff in facilitating the passage of key legislation. Throughout the years, Autumn was clear in her convictions, unwavering in her commitment and hard work, and perpetually delivered for our community with humility and grace. For this and so much more, I wish to express my deepest gratitude on behalf of myself, our team, and our district for the 21 years of steadfast service Autumn has given to our community and her resolute dedication to the cause of freedom. Mr. Speaker, as a lifelong public servant, a dear friend, and a true patriot, Autumn has been instrumental in our team. Autumn now begins a new chapter, as she retires from public service. I am grateful for the time that she has graciously given to serve our community, state and country. She is a source of great pride to us all, including her husband, Michael, and her two sons, Zachary and Nicholas. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the service and accomplishments of this outstanding individual. ____________________