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“HONORING VIVIAN RODRIGUEZ AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security was published in the in the Extensions of Remarks section section on page E216 on March 14.
The Department was built out of more than 20 agencies in 2002. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lower taxes and boosting federal efficiency, argued the Department is burdened with "unneeded bureaucracy" which could be handled by other departments or standalone operations.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING VIVIAN RODRIGUEZ AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
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HON. DARREN SOTO
of florida
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Vivian Rodriguez retired from the New York City Police Department after completing 21 years of service and achieving the highest recognition within the Detective Bureau--first grade detective.
During her law enforcement career, she served in many specialized units, including the Organized Crime Control Bureau and the Dignitary and Executive Protection Unit safeguarding the New York City mayor and his family. Vivian was assigned to the Intelligence Division during the 9/11 terrorist attack and was involved in various covert anti-terrorism operations to secure New York City and the homeland from future terrorist incidents. Vivian worked for several years as a consultant and trainer with the Department of Homeland Security delivering a national Anti-Terrorism Intelligence Awareness Training Program to State and local law enforcement agencies.
Vivian relocated to Orlando, Florida, after her retirement and became active with the local Orange County Democratic Party where she eventually was elected as the vice chair. As the president of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida, Vivian advocated for Latino empowerment and inclusion and became the chair of the Florida Democratic Party Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She has been active with many Hispanic, women, and LGBTQ+ civil rights organizations including Ruth's List and the Human Rights Campaign. Additionally, she was both the president and executive director of the Gay Officers Action League in New York City and Central Florida.
In 2020, Vivian was elected as a DNC member with the Florida delegation. She currently serves on the DNC Women's Executive Committee and is the DNC LGBTQ and DNC Hispanic Caucus southern regional representative. Vivian recently retired on March 31, 2022, after serving more than 5 years as the outreach director and law enforcement coordinator for Congressman Darren Soto. She has also worked and contributed her campaign experience with several congressional, State, and local races.
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