Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, in 1944, President Roosevelt created the War Refugee Board in order to undertake efforts to rescue Jews from the Nazis and the atrocities of the Holocaust.

That same year, a young Swedish diplomat accepted an appointment to travel to Hungary on a humanitarian mission, in large part sponsored by our War Refugee Board, to help protect Hungary's Jewish community. This young diplomat, Raoul Wallenberg, risked his life to save tens of thousands of Jews, if not more, from almost certain death in Nazi concentration camps.

For his remarkable courage and humanitarian spirit, Wallenberg had been recognized and memorialized across the globe. In 1963, Yad Vashem recognized him as a righteous man among nations. In 1981, Raoul Wallenberg became the second person to be bestowed honorary United States citizenship. In 1995, Congress unveiled a bronze bust dedicated to Wallenberg here in the Capitol, and today, it can be found, appropriately, in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center. Just 3 years ago, Mr. Speaker, Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to Raoul Wallenberg--the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed by Congress.

Yet, for all of these memorials and all of these tributes since Raoul Wallenberg was last seen as a free man on January 17, 1945, his true fate remains a mystery. For 72 years now, the truth has eluded us and, worse, Raoul's family, loved ones, and the countless that he saved have been unable to receive the closure they deserve.

For many years, my good friend and colleague, the late Tom Lantos took up the mantle of resolving the Wallenberg mystery. Not only was Tom the only Holocaust survivor to ever serve in Congress, but he managed to escape the horrors of the Holocaust, thanks to the actions of Raoul Wallenberg.

It was Tom who introduced the legislation that became law bestowing honorary citizenship to Wallenberg; Tom who kept the focus on this case, never allowing it to be cast aside. It has been 72 years, Mr. Speaker, yet we still do not have the answers. It is now our turn to be asking the unanswered questions. We have a responsibility, indeed an obligation, to do the right thing.

It was the United States Government and the War Refugee Board, along with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee that largely sponsored Wallenberg's work in Hungary. We named him an honorary citizen and we bestowed upon him the highest honors. Yet, we have not done what needs to be done to resolve the questions surrounding his disappearance.

When proclaiming Raoul Wallenberg a United States citizen, President Reagan asked: How can we comprehend the moral worth of a man who saved tens and tens of thousands of lives, including those of Congressman and Mrs. Lantos?

We cannot possibly comprehend Raoul Wallenberg's moral worth, Mr. Speaker, but we must ask ourselves what our moral worth is if we don't do everything in our power to end this 72-year search for answers.

I have presented a bipartisan resolution, H. Res. 58, which seeks to raise awareness of the Wallenberg case. This resolution builds upon the tireless efforts of so many: Wallenberg's parents; his half-brother, Guy; Guy's daughters, Marie and Louise; and Raoul's half-sister, Nina.

It was Nina, Mr. Speaker, who served as guest of honor at the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony in this building in 2012. This resolution builds upon the tremendous research by the scholars and volunteers over the years by raising outstanding questions that linger to this very day.

The resolution also urges the administration, from the President on down, to raise the case of Wallenberg to their Russian counterparts, and it calls upon Russia to open its archives so that we can finally get some answers.

I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution. Remember, H. Res. 58. I urge all of us to show just a little bit of courage--the same courage that Raoul Wallenberg exemplified--by taking action. It is our duty to remember Raoul's heroic actions, his sacrifice, and to build upon his legacy, Mr. Speaker. It is also our duty to bring an end to this tragic injustice and to finally resolve the mystery of the fate of Raoul Wallenberg.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the organizations that work every day to make a positive impact in the lives of south Florida's youth.

By changing the world one woman at a time, the group, Women of Tomorrow, has transformed the lives of more than 11,000 at-risk girls by matching them with a highly accomplished professional woman and providing them with scholarship opportunities.

Another great organization, Mr. Speaker, is Take Stock in Children. It has given low-income students, most of whom come from minority families, a chance to improve their lives through college preparation programs, through scholarships, and by partnering with them with caring mentors.

Studies show that children with mentors achieve more educational success, have higher personal aspirations, and are more confident.

I would like to encourage everyone in south Florida to become a mentor and, thereby, make our community a better and safer place for our vulnerable youth.

Mr. Speaker, this Saturday night is Israel Bonds' ``Una Noche en la Playa''--``A Night on the Beach''--in Miami Beach.

Over the years, I have had the honor of participating in many of Israel Bonds' programs. The work that Israel Bonds does is vital in expanding and growing Israel's economy and has helped Israel become a global leader and innovator in so many sectors.

With all of the threats now facing the Jewish state, the work of Israel Bonds is more important now than ever. The

guest speaker will be none other than the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, my good friend and Miami Beach native, Ron Dermer.

The Israel Bonds event will also serve as a commemorative tribute to Isaac and Nieves Olemberg. Isaac and Nieves were dear friends who did so much for the south Florida community, for the American Jewish community, for the Cuban American community, and for Israel, herself. Their memories will forever live on through their kindness and compassion.

Mr. Speaker, as our nation celebrates National Catholic Schools Week, I rise to recognize the lasting contributions of Catholic education in my South Florida community.

Marian Center School and Services, Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School, Cardinal Gibbons High School, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll High School, Archbishop Curley-Notre Dame High School, Immaculata-LaSalle High School, Monsignor Edward Pace High School, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, St. Brendan High School, Archdiocese of Miami Virtual Catholic School, St. John Vianney Seminary, Belen Jesuit Preparatory, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, Christopher Columbus High School, and Archbishop Curley Notre Dame are just a few of the Catholic institutions serving my district.

These schools do more than provide their students with an excellent education.

Each one of them is also dedicated to instilling a religious grounding, academic excellence, and moral values in their students so that they can dedicate their lives to serve God, their families, and their community.

Congratulations to the teachers, administrators, and staff at our fantastic Catholic schools.

Thank you for your dedication to building a brighter future for South Florida.

Mr. Speaker, as our Nation celebrates National Catholic Schools Week, I rise to recognize the lasting contributions of Catholic education in my south Florida community.

Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, and Immaculata-LaSalle High School are just a few of the many Catholic institutions serving my district. These schools do more than just provide their students with an excellent education, Mr. Speaker. Each one of them is also dedicated to instilling a religious grounding and moral values in our students so that they can dedicate their lives to serve our God, their families, and our community.

Congratulations to the teachers, administrators, and staff at our fantastic Catholic schools. Thank you for your dedication to building a brighter future for all of south Florida.

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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, an amazing nonprofit service organization which is located in my congressional district, on its recent Diamond Anniversary Celebration of 85 years of service.

The Miami Lighthouse has served south Florida since 1931, offering essential programs and experiences for all of those who have visual impairments.

As a co-chair of the Congressional Vision Caucus, I understand the importance of the mission of the Miami Lighthouse: to provide vision rehabilitation, eye health services that promote independence, to collaborate with and train professionals, and to conduct research in related fields.

Mr. Speaker, organizations like the Miami Lighthouse form the backbone of our civil society.

Congratulations to my dear friend Virginia Jacko and all of the staff and many volunteers of the Miami Lighthouse as they continue their life-changing work into their 86th year.

Mr. Speaker, I am heartened by the administration's announcement that it will preserve workplace protections for LGBT Federal contractors. This is a meaningful and positive step toward ending discrimination against hardworking LGBT Americans who only want to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families.

For many years I have been working with my congressional colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect skilled, qualified, and motivated LGBT employees. Too often these individuals experience rejections at job interviews, are denied promotions, or face other types of harassment in the workplace simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This shameful practice of discrimination on the job runs counter to our core values of fairness and equality. I hope that the administration and Congress can work together to extend equal rights to LGBT individuals in every sector.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to object to the administration's recent executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and visas from certain countries in the Middle East and east Africa. Protecting our national security, of course, must always be our number one priority.

This executive order, however, Mr. Speaker, does not focus on the precise challenges that we face. We can keep our homeland safe by immediately implementing more thorough screening procedures rather than pursuing this broad brush approach.

Although this measure is temporary and some individuals will continue to be admitted on a case-by-case basis, Congress needs to work to ensure that this order does not apply to U.S. residents, does not apply to those who have already been issued a visa, or does not apply to those who have already been granted refugee status.

I urge the administration to work with Congress and Federal agencies to find a measured plan that protects our national security, honors our existing commitments, and follows the letter and spirit of the law.

Mr. Speaker, January 28 marks the 58th anniversary of the founding of La Rosa Blanca, or as it is known in English, The White Rose.

Founded by Rafael Diaz-Balart, The White Rose is an important organization that is dedicated to opposing Castro's Communist tyranny and to offering a blueprint for Cuba's future reconstruction. It promotes democracy and freedom and prepares for the day that Cuba will finally be returned to the people of Cuba.

These ideas are embodied in The White Rose Institute, which is a nonprofit that was started by Rafael's son, my dear friend and legislative brother, Lincoln Diaz-Balart. The White Rose Institute will honor two Cuban leaders who have come to embody Rafael's ideas: Jorge Luis Garcia Perez ``Antunez'' and Felicia Guillen Amador.

Bravely fighting the Castro dictatorship for even the most basic of human rights, Antunez, Felicia, and those like them are the real future of Cuba, which is a future without the Castros' dictatorship, without the brutal repression. It is a future as Rafael and The White Rose envisioned--of freedom, sacred freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to recognize El Dorado Furniture, a family-owned business in my congressional district celebrating its 50th anniversary.

El Dorado was founded by Manuel Capo and his two sons Luis and Carlos within a year of arriving to the United States after fleeing Cuba due to the rise of the evil Castro regime.

They deemed it only appropriate to name their store El Dorado named after the small boat upon which they sailed to freedom to our lovely country.

Today, there are 14 locations throughout Florida, and it is recognized as the largest Hispanic-owned furniture retail business in the country. Not only does this company provide hundreds of jobs, but it also partners with numerous organizations in order to give back to the community and to those in need.

I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating El Dorado Furniture's 50th anniversary, and congratulate the Capo family, and wish them all the best and continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, today marks the seventh anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti which struck near its capital, Port-au-Prince, leaving behind in its wake total devastation and tens of thousands dead.

Haitians have been resilient in their efforts to come back from this massive disaster, and the United States will remain committed to helping Haiti get back on its feet.

I have had the privilege of visiting Haiti many times during my time in Congress, and, most recently in October, I had the opportunity to travel to Haiti with my dear Florida colleague Frederica Wilson weeks after yet another terrible disaster, a hurricane, hit Haiti.

I would like to commend local organizations in south Florida led by the Haitian Women of Miami, FANM, for holding a silent march this afternoon, beginning at 4 p.m., from 62nd Street and North Miami Avenue to the Little Haiti Cultural Center.

Mr. Speaker, let's continue to help Haiti and the Haitian people.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Meg Daly, the board of directors, the founders and partners who have rallied behind the great vision of creating The Underline.

Located in my congressional district, The Underline is a 10-mile linear park, an urban trail that extends from the Dadeland South station to the Miami River and that will connect millions of Americans across Miami-Dade County through safe, alternative methods of transportation.

Mr. Speaker, this is underutilized land below Miami's Metrorail that has transformative potential for community mobility, positive economic impact, and enhanced quality of life.

Thanks to the overwhelming collaboration of our south Florida community, there are also many new ideas that will be incorporated in creating this vision, such as dog parks, yoga programs, street art, and pop-up stores. This Saturday, January 14, this recreational space will feature local artists, and the public will be able to experience art that inspires and challenges us to be healthy, mobile, and connected.

Congratulations to Meg and to all involved in The Underline.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th anniversary of the founding of Friends of St. Jude--Miami.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is a leading institution in the fight against pediatric cancer and other diseases that harm children.

Friends of St. Jude--Miami is made up of young professionals in south Florida, who, like my dear friend Wendy Grant, are dedicated to St. Jude's lifesaving mission and who have continued to help the organization to ensure that no family ever receives a bill for the world-class care their son or daughter requires.

To Wendy and, indeed, all of the members of the Friends of St. Jude in south Florida, thank you for the difference you continue to make in the lives of children across our Nation and across the world.

Mr. Speaker, I thank our esteemed chairman for the time.

This resolution, Mr. Speaker, will not undo the damage that has been done at the Security Council, but it sends an important message to the world that the United States Congress resoundingly and in a strong bipartisan manner disapproves of the vote taken on Resolution 2334, and it sends a warning to the nations that will gather in Paris next week to discuss the peace process that there will be repercussions if there is a move to introduce a parameters resolution before the 20th in an effort to further isolate Israel.

Our closest friend and ally, the democratic Jewish State of Israel, has been under constant attack by the United Nations. Abu Mazen and the Palestinians have pushed a campaign to delegitimize the Jewish state, to undermine the peace process, to achieve unilateral statehood recognition. We have seen it this year at UNESCO, where that sham of an institution voted on several occasions to deny and distance Jewish and Christian historical and cultural ties to Jerusalem.

We have seen it at the Human Rights Council, where Israel is constantly demonized and falsely accused of human rights violations while the real abusers of human rights go unpunished because that body has utterly failed to uphold its mandate. This is a body that allows the worst abusers of human rights--like Cuba, Venezuela, and China--to actually sit in judgment of human rights worldwide. What a pathetic joke. Yet the only thing they can agree on is to attack Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East and the only place in the region where human rights are protected.

We have seen this scheme to delegitimize Israel at the General Assembly, where, in its closing legislative session, the General Assembly passed 20--20--anti-Israel resolutions and only 4, combined, for the entire world.

These institutions have no credibility, and now we have the unfortunate circumstance of the White House deciding to abstain from this anti-Israel, one-sided resolution at the Security Council. Our ally was abandoned, and credibility and momentum were given to the Palestinian schemes to delegitimize the Jewish state, to undermine the peace process.

While the damage has been done, Mr. Speaker, by this act of cowardice at the Security Council, we will have an opportunity to reverse that damage. In the coming weeks and months, this Congress and the incoming administration must show unyielding support for our ally Israel and undo the damage done.

This resolution by the chairman and the ranking member is an all- important first step that signals our intent. I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I look forward to working with Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel in further strengthening our U.S.-Israel bond.