Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill, H.R. 1918, the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act, also known as the NICA Act, and I want to thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for working with my office to bring this important measure to the floor today.

I also want to thank my legislative ``brother,'' ``mi hermano,'' the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Sires), who is the Democratic lead on this legislation, because his leadership on all things related to human rights is admirable, and his steadfast support for the people of Nicaragua has been unwavering.

I also want to thank the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Duncan. He has been helping us in leading the effort and bringing attention to the human rights abuses that are sadly occurring in Nicaragua.

This legislation before us, Mr. Speaker, is straightforward, and it is simple. There have been a lot of exaggerations about what this bill does and what this bill doesn't do.

Our bill is aimed at leveraging America's influence and conditioning our vote at any of the international financial institutions for Nicaragua until the leadership in that country takes significant steps to restore democratic order.

I think that we would all agree, as Members of the United States Congress, that to have democracies in our region is beneficial; and to have strong governance and strong rule of law and a strong independent judiciary, these are all values that we share and that the people throughout the hemisphere would like to have that in their countries as well.

So let's go over, just briefly, what are some of the conditions in this bill. And please, as I go through them, ask yourself: Is that a damaging condition, or is that something that would help the people? Not whether it helps the ruling class, the rich guys, the fat-cat bankers, not whether it helps the regime or the government in power, whether it helps the people of those countries.

So let me go through the list, Mr. Speaker. This bill has as conditions:

To promote democracy. Promoting democracy, promoting an independent judicial system. Those are wonderful values. Promoting an independent electoral council, so that the ruling party doesn't steal elections;

Strengthen the rule of law so that you don't have corrupt judges deciding in favor of the rich guys and against the poor of the country;

Fighting corruption, including investigating and prosecuting government officials who are credibly alleged to be corrupt, who go against the people of Nicaragua and further enrich those who wish to do damage to the country.

What else does the bill do? Well, one of the conditions is that it protects the right of political opposition parties. Don't we want that, political opposition parties; journalists who are trying to get the truth to the Nicaraguan people just as they do here to the American people; trade unionists; human rights defenders and other civil rights advocates to operate without interference. Isn't that what we want for all countries to have?

These conditions, Mr. Speaker, they are not unheard of; in fact, they are similar to what this country has already passed, what this Congress has already passed for the Northern Triangle countries of Honduras, of Guatemala, and of El Salvador. And now we want to do that for Nicaragua, so it is intended to help the people of Nicaragua.

This bill has safeguards in place to ensure that humanitarian assistance continues to be provided to address basic human needs. Humanitarian assistance will continue.

Some of those basic needs that we talked about, such as free and fair elections, they are not being met today due to the failed leadership in Nicaragua. And who does that help? Well, it helps the leaders, and it hurts the people when you don't have free and fair elections. We want to help the people of Nicaragua.

Now, reports have surfaced that the Nicaraguan electoral council is giving away identity cards, so that minors, underage individuals can be allowed to vote. Nicaraguans who are not on the electoral rolls are also being allowed to vote.

What does that mean, Mr. Speaker? It means that there will be no way to determine if the individual voted more than once, and that is exactly how the status quo wants it; the fat-cats, they like it so that they can stay there and they can manipulate the results of the elections.

We are also seeing civil society leaders publicly expressing their concern regarding the deterioration of human rights in Nicaragua. As a result of speaking out against the government, they have been targeted for persecution. You speak out against the government, you are going to have some false charges thrown at you.

And what about the indigenous communities? They have also expressed their concern regarding land grabs by the government. Violence is breaking out as the Nicaraguan military is being dispatched to squash the peaceful protests by these indigenous communities.

So let us not forget, Mr. Speaker, just what kind of leadership structure we are dealing with in Nicaragua. The Russians have set up operations in Managua, they are proud of it, they put it in the front pages, and that poses a threat to U.S. national security interests.

Mr. Speaker, Nicaragua continues to offer its unconditional support to Nicolas Maduro and his dictatorial regime in Venezuela. And according to congressional testimony, Venezuela's entity, PDVSA, has also used its subsidiary in Nicaragua, which is called Albanisa--and I will give the exact letters of those names--to launder money.

So, Mr. Speaker, if Venezuela's Maduro is using Nicaragua in order to evade U.S. sanctions, we need to take a closer look at these ties. We need to hold people accountable because all of that hurts the people of Venezuela and the people of Nicaragua. It helps the government, but it doesn't help the people.

That is what this bill does. We want to hold the Nicaraguan Government accountable, just like we have done in other countries, as I said, in Central America. This is not something new, out of whole cloth, that we have invented. It has worked, and it has truly helped the people.

Now, earlier this year, Mr. Sires and I, we traveled to Honduras, we traveled to Guatemala, and we saw firsthand how conditioning our support for these countries works and has been extremely effective.

Has it hurt those countries? It has not. It has worked. It has strengthened their democracy. It has strengthened the rule of law, the independent judiciary.

So placing conditions incentivizes countries to do the right thing, and it makes institutional reforms, as needed, to improve the livelihood of their citizens.

So I know that the Nicaraguan Government does not like this bill, but I tell you, Mr. Speaker, the people of Nicaragua would like to know that the United States Congress stands with them as they call for reforms that promote democracy, that strengthen the

rule of law, that fight corruption, and that protect the rights of all political opposition parties, and that is exactly what this bill does.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Cancer Link, an amazing volunteer organization dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer and assisting those in south Florida whose lives have been impacted by this disease.

Cancer Link was founded in 1987 by a small group of 10 Miami women who wanted to spread awareness about breast cancer after suffering the devastating loss of a friend. In the years since, this wonderful organization has grown into an impactful volunteer group that has supported essential breast cancer research at the Sylvester Cancer Center in Miami, Florida.

The volunteers at Cancer Link have also helped provide essential community healthcare programs that ensure that healthcare for breast cancer treatment is accessible to every woman in our community.

Congratulations again to all who have been a part of Cancer Link throughout the years, and thank you for 30 years of service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, as early as March 6, 2018, hundreds of thousands of young immigrants, who are as American as you, could be forced to leave our great country.

The United States is their home, and the DACA program has afforded these DREAMers the opportunity to come out of the shadows, work legally, and pursue their educational goals. They are buying homes, creating businesses, working in our schools and hospitals, and contributing to our economy. Simply put, they are active members of our community.

Mr. Speaker, Congress can save these young Americans from deportations. I have introduced, along with my friend, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, legislation that will ensure DREAMers can continue to fully participate in the American way of life and one day even become proud American citizens. The love for this country is already embedded in their hearts.

There are other alternatives that we can pass, such as the RAC Act, sponsored by my good friend and Florida colleague, Congressman Curbelo; and the BRIDGE Act, sponsored by my friend, Congressman Coffman, that gives DREAMers a chance to continue to build their future.

Congress has less than 6 months to act. The clock is ticking, Mr. Speaker. Let's do what is right and vote on these bills.

Mr. Speaker, the tragic announcement made by the Trump administration to kill the DACA program is heartbreaking, reckless, and wrong. This decision means that our country is turning its back on 800,000 young, hardworking immigrants who only know America as their home. Each of these DREAMers has a compelling story and a desire to pursue their educational and professional opportunities, while strengthening our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, that is why I am proud to have introduced the DREAM Act along with my good friend, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, to give these young individuals the certainty to plan for a future in our great country, their great country. For too long, their dreams have been put on hold and they have been living under constant fear.

I call on each one of my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, to come together so that we can pass a legislative solution that is humane. This is long overdue, Mr. Speaker. Let's not wait months for a vote. The lives of hundreds of thousands of bright, talented, and patriotic young men and women are at stake.

Mr. Speaker, let's show now that Congress does indeed have a heart.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize the plight of Yon Goicochea, a 36-year-old political prisoner who is being unjustly detained in a Venezuelan prison. On August 29, 2016, Mr. Goicochea was arrested by the Venezuelan secret police because of his role as a leading advocate for a democratic and transparent Venezuela. Over the past decade, Mr. Goicochea has played a crucial part in leading pro-democracy movements in Venezuela. At one point, he even led the pro-democracy opposition party, ``Voluntad Popular.''

After working for various opposition movements, Mr. Goicochea found himself and his family increasingly under threat by the repressive Maduro regime. Mr. Goicochea made the decision to leave Venezuela with his family in 2013 and come to the United States to pursue a degree in Law from Columbia University. Three years later, Mr. Goicochea returned to Venezuela to fight for freedom, democracy and human rights.

Mr. Goicochea has remained in prison since his arrest in 2016. As highlighted in a recent report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Arbitrary Detentions Group, Mr. Goicochea has been denied the right to due process and subject to brutal forms of solitary confinement. Unfortunately, Mr. Goicochea is only one of thousands to have been unjustly imprisoned by the Maduro regime.

The United States must address these egregious human rights abuses by fully implementing and applying additional sanctions against Maduro regime officials who continue to violate the most basic principles of human rights and liberty and who are responsible for the plight of the Venezuelan people. Maduro and his thugs must not be allowed to continue to oppress the people of Venezuela without paying a significant price. We must demand the release of all the political prisoners who have been denied their fundamental human rights.

The Venezuelan people have illustrated an unrelenting resolve to bring about a just and democratic Venezuela. Just during the past three months, over ninety people have been

killed, thousands injured, and hundreds have been subject to politically motivated arrests, as the people of Venezuela have taken to the streets to protest the undemocratic nature of this brutal regime. The United States must stand with Mr. Goicochea, all political prisoners, and the people of Venezuela in their pursuit of a democratic society.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the alarming crisis that is ocean acidification. This is not only an environmental issue, but it is an economic issue as well, and one that greatly impacts my congressional district in south Florida.

South Florida's world-famous beaches, delicious seafood, incomparable fishing, boating, and sailing, and spectacular marine life are all dependent on a healthy ocean. However, our oceans are becoming more and more acidic as seawater absorbs increasing amounts of carbon pollution, causing what is known as ocean acidification.

This increased acidity makes it harder for corals, oysters, shrimp, lobster, and other sea animals to develop their shells or skeletons, which they rely on for survival to grow. These organisms are extremely important to the vitality of our ecosystem.

In addition, corals host a vast number of ocean species, protects coastlines from large waves and hurricanes, and attract visitors with its beauty.

Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--NOAA-- also suggests that tourism, recreation, and fishing related to south Florida's coral reefs alone generates more than $4.4 billion in local sales and $2 billion in local income.

Ocean Conservancy, which is a tremendous environmental advocacy group, has been a champion in raising awareness about the negative impact of ocean acidification. Recently, they premiered an outstanding documentary, a short film which highlighted two gentlemen who either work for or own ocean-dependent businesses that are located in my congressional district.

Dale Palomino, right over here, this fine-looking young man, he is the general manager and head chef at Captain's Tavern Restaurant and Seafood Market, a family-owned business in Miami and one of my favorite places to dine with my husband, Dexter, and our grandkids.

And Captain Ray Rosher, right here, who owns and operates Miss Britt Charter Fishing and R&R Tackle in Coconut Grove, also located in my congressional district.

In addition, this film highlights ocean expert, Dr. Chris Langdon, a professor from my alma mater, the University of Miami--Go Canes. His research on coral reef ecosystems has allowed us to better understand the capacity and limitations of coral to adapt to a changing physical and chemical environment. Dr. Langdon has also been a leader in bringing stakeholders together to learn about the threats posed by ocean acidification to commercial and recreational fishing and tourism industries throughout Florida.

These two gentleman know a lot about the impact of ocean acidification on their business because saltwater recreational and commercial fishing combined support an estimated 175,000 jobs across our beautiful Sunshine State.

Mr. Speaker, it is truly astounding the amount of jobs and revenue that come out of ocean-related industries. Our country enjoys thousands of miles of coastlines with so many people benefiting from their environment and providing jobs and nutrients for their family. From the oyster hatcheries in the Pacific Northwest, to the lobster in Maine, and South to the reefs and fish in Florida, the real world implications of ocean acidification will spell trouble for these ocean-dependent jobs, which is why we must not wait until the tragedy truly unfolds.

My constituents and I are also blessed to live, to work, and to play in the paradise that is south Florida. Our kids and our grandkids, they want to enjoy the same positive experiences we have, but in order to do so, it is vital that we act now.

In Congress, we need to do a better job at listening to all stakeholders who are speaking out, and we need to continue to promote the valuable work of researchers, people like Dr. Langdon, the work that they are doing to ensure that these important marine research institutions and organizations have the resources they need.

My district is home to a community that cares deeply about the ocean, and it is because of the efforts of folks like these two gentlemen and Dr. Langdon of south Florida that I have learned more about the issues and what is at stake.

I remain committed to continue to work with my colleagues, with industry experts, with all stakeholders in tackling head-on these important issues and lead in mitigation and adaption solutions to the changing ocean around us and, indeed, across the globe.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Lieutenant Commander Miguel Santiesteban, who is receiving the U.S. Navy's nomination to be commander. Having fled Castro's regime at a young age, Miguel moved with his family to south Florida.

Driven by his desire to serve our great country, Miguel joined the Navy in 1989. While stationed in Japan as a deck seaman, Miguel was one of the few selected to attend the Hospital Corpsman ``A'' School.

He earned a master's degree in healthcare service administration at my alma mater, Florida International University.

Miguel was commissioned in 2001 and completed his first duty assignment at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He is currently an administrative officer for research and development at the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.

Miguel has earned many accolades, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the NATO Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal several times. Miguel lives the Navy's core values of honor, courage, commitment.

I join Lieutenant Commander Miguel Santiesteban's family and friends in congratulating him on this well-deserved nomination. We are so proud of you, Miguel.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Royce, as well as my good friend, the ranking member, Mr. Engel, for their help in bringing H. Res. 317 to the floor today and for their tireless efforts to hold the Iranian regime accountable for all of its illicit activity, including the taking of American citizens and U.S. legal permanent residents as hostages. They have been incredible supporters of this movement, and I thank them for their unwavering support.

Of course, I want to thank Ranking Member Nita Lowey for her help--I had the opportunity of meeting one of the family members with her before this presentation--and Judge Poe, who is always at our side; and my south Florida colleague and my dear friend, Ted Deutch, the ranking member on our Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee. We have all joined together in authoring and introducing this resolution.

The resolution, Mr. Speaker, is important for all of us. But for Ted Deutch, for my friend from south Florida, I know how very personal this is for him because it is his constituent, Bob Levinson, who continues to be held by Iran 10 years after his disappearance.

Just yesterday, Ted and I convened a hearing in our Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee with some of the family members who are named in this very resolution.

Doug Levinson, for example, Bob's youngest child, testified.

Babak Namazi, son of Baquer and brother of Siamak testified.

Omar Zakka, son of Nizar, testified.

All three of them testified before our subcommittee, and their stories were moving, they were heartfelt, and they were heartbreaking. Each one, along with their families, forced to live in their own personal hell.

In Doug Levinson's case, Mr. Speaker, he presented photos, emails, even videos of his father who, after more than 10 years, is the Nation's longest held hostage in our history. What a sad distinction.

We heard how Iran has reportedly and repeatedly failed to live up to its promise to assist in Bob's case and help return him to his loved ones, including the five grandchildren that Bob has yet to meet.

We heard Omar plead for his father's life, as Nizar is now 1 month into his fifth hunger strike. But this time, Mr. Speaker, Nizar has vowed that there will be no turning back. Nizar says that he will continue with his hunger strike for himself and the others who are unjustly held by Iran, stating, it is ``liberty or death; there is no turning back.''

So can you imagine, Mr. Speaker, being 19 years old, a teenager, and he is testifying in front of us yesterday, and he is hearing his father say that he is willing to die in Iran in pursuit of truth and justice, and his throat was breaking as he is testifying in front of us.

We also heard Babak distress over the health of his father and his brother, two loved ones. Mr. Namazi's father has lost more than 30 pounds in Iran's notorious prisons. He is 81 years old. He suffers from a severe heart condition. He had to be hospitalized twice in just the past few months. Babak fears that his father's physical and mental condition--they are both rapidly deteriorating.

His brother, he fears, has given up hope because of the horrific conditions he is being held under. He is kept in isolation. He is mentally abused. He is physically abused. That is horrifying. That is heartbreaking.

Though we heard the sorrow in their voices, Mr. Speaker, we also heard defiance and determination. Defiant in accepting the Iranian regime's absurd claims against Bob, against Baquer, against Siamak, against Nizar; defiant in accepting that their fates are sealed, that there is nothing more that can be done; defiant in remaining silent as their loved ones suffer under the terror regime in Tehran.

We saw their determination--determination as each of the witnesses before us yesterday vowed that their fight is not nearly over, that they remain determined that they can force the return of their loved ones.

And they looked to us, Mr. Speaker, they looked to us to use our positions as Members of the United States House of Representatives to pressure the Iranian regime to release all American citizens, all American legal permanent residents, unconditionally.

They looked to us to demand that Iran be held accountable for its tactic of taking our people hostage in order to get financial or political concessions. They looked to us to stand up and to decry this practice for what it is--morally corrupt, ethically corrupt, and legally wrong.

That is why Nita, and Ted, and Judge Poe, and Chairman Royce, and Ranking Member Engel, and I introduced this resolution before us today, and that is why Ted and I convened our hearing yesterday; and that is why, today, I am urging all of our colleagues to stand in solidarity with us, with the family members, with the hostages, and demand that Iran release all American citizens and legal permanent residents that it is holding hostage immediately and unconditionally.

Mr. Speaker, I hope that our colleagues will indeed stand with us. I hope that this resolution sends a strong message to Iran that this practice will not be tolerated. And I hope that it sends a strong message to our own administration that Congress is heavily invested in the fate of Americans being held by Iran and that we will demand action to win their unconditional release, their immediate release.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight the Care Corps Demonstration Act, a bill that Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham and I will be introducing this week.

Every year, millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities find themselves in need of long-term care and services. However, our Nation faces a critical shortage of caregivers. To address this growing problem, I have joined Michelle to introduce the Care Corps Demonstration Act.

This commonsense and bipartisan bill will create a grant program that will provide compassionate young men and women an opportunity to gain valuable experience working with seniors and individuals with disabilities across our great land.

Care Corps will not only help empower our young adults to meet our Nation's senior needs, but it will also provide them with essential educational assistance and give them an opportunity to start or further their careers as caregivers.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to cosponsor this bill so that our seniors and those with disabilities receive the care they so desperately need while empowering our youth to advance their careers.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Log Cabin Republicans as it celebrates 40 years of advocating and advancing equality and justice for LGBT Americans. Formed by a small group of LGBT conservatives in California, Log Cabin Republicans emerged to defeat what is known as the Briggs Initiative, a measure prohibiting gay teachers from teaching in public schools.

This measure was rejected, thanks to the tireless work of this organization and President Reagan with his forceful opposition to the discriminatory policy.

Since then, Log Cabin Republicans have expanded their presence and created over 50 chapters across our great Nation, including in my hometown of Miami. Together we have won many great victories and have taken a historic stride toward equality with the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and the legalization of marriage equality.

Mr. Speaker, as a proud ally of the LGBT community, I commend Log Cabin Republicans for advancing our principles of limited government, individual freedoms, and personal responsibility to create a more inclusive party that ensures fairness and equality for all Americans.

Happy 40th to LCR.

Madam Speaker, last night I was proud to present my legislative director, Gabriella Boffelli, with the Vermillion Award of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, CHLI, named after the late Steve Vermillion, the former chief of staff to Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart.

This award is presented each year to two staffers who exemplify Steve's huge heart and dedication to freedom. None are more deserving than Gaby, and her fellow honoree, Angela Ramirez.

Since starting as an intern in my Miami office 6 years ago, Gaby has risen through the ranks, year after year, serving our south Florida community with wisdom, grace, and integrity. Now completing a master's degree at Johns Hopkins University, Gaby is the consummate public servant, selflessly working on behalf of our constituents, while constantly fighting for democracy and human rights in places like Nicaragua.

It has been an honor to have Gaby Boffelli on my team, and I know this is just the beginning of an extraordinary career.

Congratulations, my friend. Felicidades, mi amiga.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in great admiration of Harve Mogul, who, for more than a quarter century, has served as the CEO of United Way of Miami-Dade.

Through its many successful programs in education, financial stability, and health, this wonderful organization strives to create a stronger Miami.

Harve has been dedicated to public service from a young age, serving as a teacher in the Peace Corps and working at several United Way chapters across our great Nation. In 1991, he took on the great task of leading the Miami chapter, where he arduously worked to broaden the organization's advocacy and philanthropic efforts.

Throughout his tenure, Harve has spearheaded many campaigns, including a national event to advance the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, of which I am proudly a council member.

Harve is now ready for a new chapter in his life. He will be stepping down from his CEO position, but he will continue to advance the goals of this noble organization.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of our community and the many individuals who have been positively impacted by Harve's contributions, I want to say thank you to my friend, ``mi amigo.'' He is an inspiration to us all. Good luck and Godspeed to Harve Mogul.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the bombing in Buenos Aires, Argentina, of the Jewish Community Center, also known as AMIA.

This cowardly terrorist attack killed 85 people, with hundreds more injured. Yet, nearly 25 years later, the Jewish community and the people of Argentina are still waiting for justice to be served.

This was an attack perpetrated by Iran and its terror proxy, Hezbollah. In fact, these individuals you see here on this poster, Madam Speaker, are responsible for the AMIA bombing. We know who they are and the damage they caused.

My friend, Alberto Nisman, was appointed as a special investigator in Argentina to look into this terrible bombing. He found clear evidence that linked the Iranian regime and Hezbollah to the AMIA attack and the attack at the Israel Embassy in Buenos Aires just 2 years earlier, in 1992. Tragically, on January 19, 2015, just a few hours before he was set to produce the evidence to the Argentinian Parliament, Alberto was found dead in his apartment under very mysterious circumstances.

So here we are, another sad anniversary later. Congress can play a crucial role in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the embassy bombing, the AMIA bombing, and for Alberto's family.

This past March, along with Chairman Royce, Ranking Member Engel, Ted Deutch, Jeff Duncan, and Albio Sires, I introduced H. Res. 201, which supports Argentina in its efforts to investigate and hold Iran and Hezbollah accountable for these cowardly acts of terror.

Madam Speaker, today, on the 23rd anniversary of the AMIA bombing, we continue to mourn the lives lost on this tragic day, as we strive for justice. I urge my colleagues to support my resolution, and I urge this body to send a strong message to the Jewish community, the people of Argentina, and the Iranian regime that we will not continue to let another anniversary pass without taking meaningful action.

Ecuador Homes

Madam Speaker, today I rise to commend a constituent, Nina Vaca, for the humanitarian effort she has undertaken in her home country of Ecuador.

On April 16, 2016, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated Ecuador. You can see the devastation still today. It wrecked entire communities, killed hundreds, and left over 25,000 people either injured or homeless.

A year later, Ecuador continues to struggle, with hundreds of families still living in tents. Nina has made it her mission to get these families back into homes.

Determined to make a difference, she founded TRI for Homes, with the goal of building 40 homes for some of these families. Soon, Nina will compete in an IRONMAN triathlon in Ecuador to raise awareness and support for her cause.

I commend Nina for her determination to raise awareness and for building homes for Ecuadorian families. I wish her good luck, and we will all be rooting for her.

Captive Nations Week

Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate this week as Captive Nations Week.

As a Cuban refugee who had to flee my native homeland of Cuba due to a murderous communist regime, I know how important freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights are. Captive Nations Week serves as a reminder that there are millions of people who continue to live under a brutal, repressive regime.

Tomorrow night, on the east steps of the Capitol, I will speak at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation's Captive Nations Week event called No Che Noche to set the record straight on one of history's most sadistic murderers, Che Guevara.

Madam Speaker, our support for those who yearn for freedom and democracy should not be limited to just 1 week. I urge my colleagues to join those around the world who are suffering under oppressive regimes.

We as Americans benefit greatly, and we can do more to make sure that others get the same rights and freedoms we enjoy in this great country.