The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH AND HONORING AMY MERCADO” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the in the Extensions of Remarks section section on page E1078 on Oct. 8.
The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH AND HONORING AMY MERCADO
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HON. STEPHANIE N. MURPHY
of florida
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 8, 2021
Mrs. MURPHY of Florida. Madam Speaker, as part of our national celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, I am paying tribute to Floridians who have made outstanding contributions to our community and our country.
Today I rise to honor Amy Mercado.
Amy was born and raised in the Bronx. Her mother, Carmen, was a New York City Police Officer, while her father, Victor, was a New York City Transit Police Detective. Amy and her family moved to Central Florida in 1996.
In 2004, Amy earned her bachelor's degree from American Intercontinental University and later earned her Executive MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute at Strayer University. She worked in health care at Florida Hospital Orlando, now Advent Health. Amy has also served as the Director of Operations for a U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crops Program. Beyond these roles, Amy has worked in other diverse industries, including management, operations, and legal services.
In 2016, the people of House District 48 elected Amy to represent them in the Florida House of Representatives. She was subsequently re-
elected in 2018. In 2020, Amy was elected to the office of Orange County Property Appraiser and is the first Latina ever to serve in this role.
Amy has continued to positively impact Central Florida through her public service and community activism.
I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating Amy Mercado.
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