This week, I had the honor of meeting with President Nayib Bukele during my visit to El Salvador and seeing firsthand the progress being made under his leadership. In just six years, a country once defined by violence is now being recognized for the safety and stability that has enabled unprecedented progress in education, economic growth, and business development.

As Co-Chair of the Congressional El Salvador Caucus, I appreciated the chance to see firsthand how President Bukele’s bold leadership has made the future of El Salvador brighter than ever, and I believe the window of opportunity has never been greater for the Salvadoran people. 

On Tuesday, I was honored to visit the Marcelino García Flamenco School Center in Santa Tecla, El Salvador, and present Minister of Education Karla Trigueros with a donation of sports equipment and school supplies to support students inside and outside the classroom. Education is one of the most important investments we can make in the next generation, and that starts with ensuring students have the resources, structure, and support needed to succeed.

At Marcelino García Flamenco, I saw that mission in action through the modernized facilities being built under El Salvador’s "Dos Escuelas por Día" (Two Schools Per Day program). The school opens for younger grades in the morning, and in the afternoon, the higher grades attend class. The split schedule allows the children to continue helping their parents at home. 

Since my last visit, the noticeable progress was a clear reflection of President Bukele’s intentional effort to prioritize education after restoring the safety needed to focus on the country’s future. President Bukele has delivered the largest education investment in the country’s history, with more than 1,100 schools built or improved under his administration. As El Salvador works to become a global example in education, just as it has in security, I am grateful for the continued dialogue and cooperation between our countries in support of our shared interests.

After the House adopted my amendment to remove pesticide liability protections from the Farm Bill, I am hearing from trusted sources in the Senate that there is an active push to reinsert those protections. The House already stripped them out, and 73 Republicans stood on the right side of this fight by voting to protect the American people over pesticide corporations.

Make no mistake, those protections were removed for a reason, and this vote exposed the gap between what some members use as a talking point in speeches and what then becomes a legislative inconvenience when tested. I refuse to back down, until we see this fight all the way through to enactment, because protecting the health of our nation and our children is non-negotiable. 

With summer right around the corner, free and low-cost swim lesson options are available throughout Pinellas County to prepare and provide peace of mind. Water safety is essential in our community, and these programs can help build confidence, learn life-saving skills, and stay safe in and around the water.