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Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Gus Bilirakis. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
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October 9, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS
of florida
in the house of representatives
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to recognize Mr. Ricky Gude, Team Lead with Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC), for his outstanding leadership and service as part of WREC's second mission supporting the Light Up Navajo Project. Mr. Gude joined his fellow WREC employees in answering a call that extends far beyond the traditional boundaries of their work. Through the Light Up Navajo initiative, utility professionals volunteer their expertise to help bring electricity to Navajo families who have lived without this basic necessity for generations. As Team Lead, Mr. Gude helped guide WREC's efforts and ensure that this important work was completed safely, professionally, and with the spirit of service that defines our electric cooperative community. For most Americans, flipping a switch and having the lights come on is something we rarely think about. Yet for families without electricity, access to power can be life-changing. It means children can study after dark, families can safely store food and medicine, and elders can enjoy greater safety and comfort in their homes.
Mr. Gude and his colleagues chose to put their skills to work on behalf of families far from their own community. Their willingness to serve demonstrates that the cooperative principle of neighbors helping neighbors knows no geographic boundary. I commend Mr. Ricky Gude for his leadership, compassion, and commitment to this worthwhile mission. His service reflects great credit upon WREC and the community we are proud to call home.