Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today because Sunday, July 20, marks the 40th anniversary of the division of the Republic of Cyprus.

I fully support the reunification of Cyprus, and it is encouraging that the Government of Cyprus remains fully committed to the U.N.- sponsored process to reach an enduring settlement that would reunify Cyprus based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation in accordance with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions.

The occupation of Cyprus has led to thousands of Greek Cypriots being denied their fundamental right to return to their homes, freedom of worship continues to be severely restricted, and access to religious sites blocked.

Cyprus is an important ally of the United States, and its newest discovery of offshore gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean will strengthen cooperation with the United States and with our ally, Israel, and offer an alternative source of energy supply to Europe.

As a strategic partner of the United States, Madam Speaker, Cyprus can help us promote security and stability in this volatile region.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Live Like Bella Foundation for Childhood Cancer, an organization based in my home district of Miami.

Inspired by Bella Rodriguez-Torres, a young girl who courageously fought cancer six times until her death last year, this foundation supports the fight against pediatric cancer, while offering much-needed support for families.

Cancer is the number one cause of death in children under the age of 15. Live Like Bella is dedicated to raising funds for innovative cancer research at Miami Children's Hospital.

During National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the foundation will host its first annual Bella's Ball, where Miami will dress up in golden shimmer and shine in memory of Bella and in order to create awareness of childhood cancer.

The event enjoys broad support from Miami celebrities, such as Jon Secada, and athletes like Eddy ``The Jet'' Alvarez, as well as from many local businesses.

I encourage everyone in our south Florida community to attend this event on Saturday, September 13, which supports a wonderful cause in need of greater public attentiveness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in full support of our friend and ally, the democratic Jewish State of Israel.

Since Israel's disengagement from Gaza in 2005, Gaza has been a lawless region and, since 2007, has been under the rule of the U.S.- designated foreign terrorist organization, Hamas. Hamas' sole reason for existence is to wipe Israel off the face of the planet.

Over these past few weeks, Hamas kidnapped and killed Gilad, Eyal, and Naftali--three Israeli teens--and launched hundreds of rockets at innocent Israeli civilian population centers, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. No nation would allow terrorists to take aim at its citizens so indiscriminately, and Israel cannot be expected to allow Hamas to continue this attack unabated.

The U.S. must support our ally, Israel, as she seeks to protect her citizens, and we must call for the PA to divorce itself from Hamas. No U.S. funding until Abu Mazen does so.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a dear friend and former Congressional colleague, the Honorable Benjamin Gilman.

Ben, ever a true statesman and gentleman, served as a mentor to me, especially during his time as Chairman of the House International Relations Committee. His tenure was marked by a supreme dedication to those in need: the hungry, the oppressed, and the neglected around the world.

Whether through his work in promoting microcredit and micro- enterprise programs, or his leadership investigating religious intolerance, Chairman Gilman served as a model for all of his colleagues. He used his voice and platform to speak for those the world could not hear.

A proud veteran of the Second World War, Chairman Gilman also focused on returning prisoners of war to their homes, the plight of the working poor in countries whose economies were paralyzed by international drug trade, and so very many more.

To his former constituents in New York, he was known as ``Gentle Ben,'' and fortunately for his former colleagues, Ben is, to this day, an active participant in our government.

I am grateful to Chairman Gilman for his great works, and for the inspiration he gave me years ago when he wielded the gavel of the International Relations Committee.

I am pleased to also recognize that Chairman Gilman is still being recognized to this day for his great contributions to our country. In fact, this past Sunday, June 29, Orange Hall of Orange County Community College held its Paintings for World-Harmony exhibit dedicated to Ben. This heartfelt event contained the renowned works of his longtime friend, Sri Chinmoy (Deceased--2007).

Ben, your portrait hangs in our Committee Hearing room, but truly, we need no such reminder of your tenure. Your work on behalf of all Americans in advancing freedom and justice is ongoing, and ever-present in our minds.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of Sonia Garro, a member of the pro-democracy group, Ladies in White, las Damas de Blanco, who, after being in prison for more than 2 years in one of Castro's gulags, will face a kangaroo trial on Monday. She faces the likelihood of 10 to 12 years in jail because she is brave enough to speak out, demanding respect for human rights and democratic change.

Cases like those of Sonia--and there are so many others--show us the true nature and brutality of the Castro regime. There have been efforts by Castro apologists aimed at changing our policy toward Cuba, but it is the Castro regime that must change its oppressive policies against the people of Cuba.

While Castro's thugs continue to flagrantly violate the fundamental liberties and the dignity of the Cuban people, the U.S. will stay on the side of

the Cuban people who call for freedom like Sonia Garro.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Florida, the Honorable Curt Clawson, be permitted to take the oath of office today.

His certificate of election has not arrived, but there is no contest and no question has been raised with regard to his election.

Mr. Speaker, as dean of the Florida delegation, it is a great honor to welcome our newest Member of this proud body, Congressman Curt Clawson.

Like all of us here, the Congressman believes in a bright economic future for all of America, and I am sure that with his extensive background as a former CEO this will help us in our pursuit to make that future a reality.

Curt, from the basketball court to Capitol Hill, you have proven that no obstacle is too great and that with your dedication and your skills you will be able to accomplish whatever you set out to do.

Your journey to get to this point has been a long, storied, and successful one, gathering knowledge and understanding of our State and our Nation's needs and developing a clear vision along the way.

I am confident that together, along with the entire bipartisan Florida congressional delegation, you will be able to represent our great State to the highest degree and join us in a constructive, insightful debate to lead our Nation to domestic and international prosperity.

Last night was surely a joyous night for you, for your family, and for your community. It was a culmination of months, years, and a lifetime of hard work. We hope that you continue your efforts for the good of the people who shared your vision with you last night and for our entire State and country.

Before I yield to my distinguished colleague, I would like to once again welcome Congressman Clawson as our newest addition to the Florida delegation familia.

Congratulations, Curt, and welcome.

I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. Speaker, Andrew Tahmooressi is a 25-year-old United States marine from south Florida who served our country bravely and honorably during two combat tours in Afghanistan. Andrew was meritoriously promoted on the battlefield to sergeant during his last tour, which shows the true character of this young man who once told his mom that he was ``nudged by God'' to join the military.

Andrew suffers from posttraumatic stress disorder and was invited by a fellow marine to seek treatment in San Diego. He accidently ended up at the Mexican border, where he was arrested by Mexican authorities for possessing firearms.

Andrew's mistake was taking a wrong turn. The administration's mistake is to let him languish in Mexican prisons where he faced threats and abuses. President Obama and Vice President Biden both had opportunities to demand his release, but they shirked their responsibilities and their obligations to this young man and his family.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to bring our marine home now.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4587) to impose targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for carrying out or ordering human rights abuses against the citizens of Venezuela, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

First, after my remarks, I will place into the Record letters between the chairmen of the committees of referral on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4587, the Venezuelan Human Rights and Democracy Protection Act. This bill has received bipartisan support from many of my colleagues in the House and was passed more than 2 weeks ago by our Foreign Affairs Committee.

I would like to thank Chairman Royce, Ranking Member Engel, subcommittee Chairman Salmon, and Ranking Member Sires for working with my office to craft the legislation that is before us this afternoon.

Mr. Speaker, we are here today to condemn the ongoing human rights abuses being committed in Venezuela and to answer the cries of the people of Venezuela.

On February 12, 2014, also known in Venezuela as National Youth Day, students began protesting in several cities against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's inability to stem violent crime, his undemocratic actions, and a rapidly deteriorating economy marked by high inflation and shortages of consumer goods. Since then, these students and the Venezuelan people, as a whole, have been met with intimidation, with violence, with imprisonment simply for calling for the respect of human rights and democratic change.

One example is the case of Leopoldo Lopez, a pro-democracy leader who continues to be in prison at a military facility on trumped-up charges by Maduro in an effort by Maduro to silence his many critics.

The case of Maria Corina Machado is another example. This courageous woman, a member of the Venezuelan National Assembly until just recently, has stood up for the people of Venezuela. And for drawing attention to the abuses being committed by the autocrat, she was stripped of her legislative seat.

Since the protest began, Mr. Speaker, there have been 42 people killed, nearly 60 reported cases of torture, more than 2,000 people unjustly detained, and hundreds more injured. And throughout this crisis, the so-called dialogue discussions with Maduro and UNASUR has provided no results, no actions, no concessions, and the innocent are still being imprisoned. And just 2 weeks ago, Mr. Speaker, 250 teenage protesters, ones who had camped out in public squares to protest, were rounded up and thrown in jail. Teenagers.

But the problems in Venezuela go beyond these protests. Venezuela has now become one of the most dangerous countries in Latin America. According to press reports, between January 2014 and April 2014, there were over 4,500 homicides in Venezuela. That is a staggering statistic, Mr. Speaker.

This call for freedom and democracy in Venezuela did not just start in February, and it is a shame that it has taken the events of these past few months for us to get active about the plight of the Venezuelan people. The struggle for freedom in Venezuela has been ongoing for over a decade due to the oppressive policies put forth by the late Hugo Chavez, which have now continued under his handpicked successor.

The legislation before us, Mr. Speaker, is very direct and very clear. It seeks to target Venezuelan officials by denying them visas to enter the United States, blocking property, freezing assets, and prohibiting financial transactions to members of the Venezuelan regime who are responsible for the commission of serious human rights abuses against the people of Venezuela. It is very clear, very direct.

The United States Congress must stand ready to act on the calls of freedom and democracy around the globe, and the Venezuelan people have sent us a distress signal for help. Today, we answer that call by condemning the actions taken by the Maduro regime and showing our support to the people of

Venezuela who are seeking liberty, freedom, human rights, and justice.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Ways and Means,

Washington, DC, May 23, 2014.

Hon. Edward R. Royce,

Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,

Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Royce: I am writing concerning H.R. 4587, the

``Venezuelan Human Rights and Democracy Protection Act,''

which was favorably reported out of your Committee on May 9,

2014.

Given that certain provisions in the bill are within the

jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means, I appreciate

that you have addressed these provisions in response to the

Committee's concerns. As a result, in order to expedite Floor

consideration of the bill, the Committee on Ways and Means

will forgo action on H.R. 4587. Further, the Committee will

not oppose the bill's Floor consideration, based on our

understanding that you will work with us as the legislative

process moves forward to ensure that our concerns continue to

be addressed. This is also being done with the understanding

that it does not in any way prejudice the Committee with

respect to the appointment of conferees or its jurisdictional

prerogatives on this or similar legislation.

I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming

this understanding with respect to H.R. 4587, and would ask

that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be

included in the Congressional Record during Floor

consideration.

Sincerely,

Dave Camp,

Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Messer), a member of the Committee on Financial Services.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, we are gathered here because we believe we must speak for those who cannot speak freely, because our Venezuelan brothers and sisters are engaged in a critical battle for freedom and democracy against a brutal enemy. And we are gathered here because, even as we enjoy the freedoms to assemble and express our beliefs, we want our brothers and sisters in Venezuela to enjoy this and other basic liberties.

Millions of people throughout the country have expressed themselves in the past 3 weeks in support of democratic change. But the Maduro regime has responded with tear gas, with rubber bullets, and even live ammunition, killing at least 42, injuring hundreds, and unjustly detaining countless others.

We must act because democracy and human rights aren't issues for Venezuelans only. They matter to all of us who seek to advance human dignity, rule of law, justice, and freedom. Tyrants like Maduro fear a small group of committed citizens because they know that they are the only force that has changed history. And we don't have to go far in history to see that even one person can make a difference.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I am going to reserve the balance of my time to close if Mr. Castro is prepared to yield back.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I will introduce our closing speaker. I never thought that I would utter these words, but it was a pleasure to work with Mr. Castro.

In closing for our side, Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart), my legislative brother, a member of the Committee on Appropriations and a champion of freedom, democracy, and human rights in the Western Hemisphere and around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4028) to amend the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to include the desecration of cemeteries among the many forms of violations of the right to religious freedom, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the fundamental freedom to practice the religion of one's choosing is a fundamental right and an essential element of democratic governance. Religious organizations of all kinds view their cemeteries, Mr. Speaker, as hallowed ground, deserving of respect and protection. Freedom of religion includes the right to gather at these sacred sites and to pay our respects to the beloved faithful who have gone before us.

Yet, in many places around the world, the desecration of religious cemeteries is an ongoing problem: sometimes through vandalism by intolerant groups; sometimes by construction or demolition without proper consultation of religious authorities. For example, Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, more than 50 graves were vandalized in a Jewish cemetery in northeast Hungary--their headstones toppled and smashed.

I was proud to be an original cosponsor of a similar effort by former Congressman Robert Turner last Congress, and I want to commend the gentlelady from New York (Ms. Meng) for her leadership in introducing H.R. 4028 this year. The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, which this bill modifies, guides U.S. policy in promoting freedom of religion around the world.

Among other aspects, that law requires the State Department to report annually on violations of religious freedom abroad. By adding ``desecration of cemeteries'' to the examples of religious freedom violations listed in that act, H.R. 4028 says loudly and clearly that Congress and the American people stand in staunch opposition to the deliberate desecration of religious burial grounds.

In this way, the bill provides extra incentives for foreign governments to respect the rights of religious organizations regarding cemetery preservation.

In addition to Ms. Meng, I also want to recognize the important contributions of the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins) during the Foreign Affairs Committee markup of this bill. Their bipartisan efforts have led to the good bill before us today, which deserves our unanimous support.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want to, again, thank Ms. Meng for her wonderful leadership role in this and many other pieces of legislation going through our Foreign Affairs Committee and commend Mr. Collins, as well, for this blow against hatred and intolerance and in favor of religious free exercise around the world. I strongly support the bill by Ms. Meng, H.R. 4028.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 599) urging the Government of the People's Republic of China to respect the freedom of assembly, expression, and religion and all fundamental human rights and the rule of law for all its citizens and to stop censoring discussion of the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations and their violent suppression.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in strong support of House Resolution 599. I am proud to stand with the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith); with the Democratic leader, Ms. Pelosi; and their bipartisan cosponsors in urging the Beijing regime to respect the fundamental human rights of all Chinese citizens, to observe the rule of law, and to stop censoring discussions of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.

Twenty-five years ago, a million Chinese citizens from all walks of life gathered in and around Tiananmen Square to call for democracy, to call for reform, to call for openness.

Similar demonstrations sprang up in more than 400 other cities around China, but the hopeful idealism of those Chinese patriots was met with tanks, with bullets and bayonets, and the so-called People's Liberation Army murdered a still-unknown number of the people of China. The Tiananmen Square massacre was the brutal start

of a massive wave of repression against Chinese democracy advocates.

During the past two-and-a-half decades, Mr. Speaker, much has changed inside China. China's economic and military power have grown dramatically, and its governing ideology owes less to Marx, Lenin, and Mao than to a state-fed nationalism, but other things have not changed.

China remains a one-party state where a regime obsessed with maintaining social control commits wide-ranging human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings; disappearances and illegal imprisonment at so-called black jails; detention of lawyers, journalists, and bloggers; coercive population control involving forced abortion and sterilization; and restriction on freedom of religion, of the press, and assembly.

Repression is even harsher against disfavored minorities such as Tibetan Buddhists, the Muslim Uighurs, and Falun Gong practitioners.

According to the most recent State Department Country Report on Human Rights, the Chinese regime ``consistently blocked access to Web sites it deemed controversial, especially those discussing Taiwan, the Dalai Lama, Tibet, underground religious and spiritual organizations, democracy activists, and the 1989 Tiananmen massacre.''

A quarter of a century later, why is the regime in Beijing still so afraid of the truth? How strong is a Communist Party that feels the need to harass and muzzle the aging Tiananmen mothers who lost their sons and daughters in 1989? In the biting words of one 76-year-old mother, Ms. Zhang:

Such a great, mighty, and correct party is afraid of a

little old lady. They are afraid of us oldtimers because we

represent righteousness.

Today, Mr. Speaker, with House Resolution 599, we stand in solidarity with the righteous mothers of Tiananmen, with the Ladies in White-- Damas de Blanco--in Cuba, and with all those who struggle for liberty and for human rights where tyrants rule. Those who have sacrificed their lives in pursuit of freedom are not forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, cochairman also of the Congressional Executive Commission on China, and the author of this resolution.

I reserve the right to close, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I yield the remainder of our time to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), subcommittee chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, whose bill will be before us today, cochair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, and a tireless advocate for human rights in China.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG) and their mission to develop programs focused on ensuring that Jewish culture, heritage, and values are preserved in Jewish communities throughout the world.

This year, this organization is honoring Michael Bloomberg on his selection as the inaugural Genesis Prize Laureate. The goal of the Genesis Prize, awarded by the Genesis Philanthropy Group, is to instill in the younger generations of the Jewish Diaspora a sense of belonging--both to a collective future and to a collective past. This $1 million award is endowed by the Genesis Philanthropy group and is annually presented by the Prime Minister of Israel to an individual who has attained excellence and international renown in their chosen professional field, and whose actions and achievements embody the character of the Jewish people. This award is the result of a unique partnership between the Israeli Prime Minister's office, the Genesis Philanthropy Group, and the Office of the Chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency for Israel.

The Jewish people have celebrated and relied on the strength of their shared identity throughout history. In today's society there is an increasing emphasis on finding a ``global identity'', and technology has allowed people to be interconnected in new and fascinating ways. However, it is important to remember the past, and for younger generations to reaffirm their Jewish identity and assert pride in their Jewish heritage by highlighting the inherent Jewish values that inspire the laureates' achievements.

Mr. Speaker, let us stand by the Genesis Philanthropy Group and its important mission of advancing and celebrating Jewish peoplehood.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak out for Sonia Garro, a member of the pro-democracy group, Las Damas de Blanco--the Ladies in White--who has languished in one of Castro's prisons for over 2 years.

Her case is one of many that demonstrates the dismal condition of human rights under the Castro tyranny in my native homeland of Cuba.

In 2012, Sonia and the Ladies in White sought an audience with the Pope, but, unfortunately, were imprisoned in the wave of repression leading up to the visit of His Holiness.

I, along with many of our congressional colleagues, have asked Amnesty International to designate Sonia as a prisoner of conscience. The Castros cannot tolerate dissent and use violence to silence calls for democracy by beating and imprisoning dissenting voices.

The Cuban people are courageous, Mr. Speaker, and they will continue to fight for liberty, for human rights; and we must help them in their struggle for freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a pro-democracy civil society organization called M.A.R. Por Cuba, Mothers and Women Against Repression--M.A.R.

For 20 years, this Miami-based group of women has been advocating for freedom in Cuba, and it continues to be a voice for those being repressed under the brutal Castro regime.

The mission of M.A.R. Por Cuba is to help and advance causes like justice, liberty, and fundamental freedoms for the people of Cuba. This civic organization has been vital in educating the public about the reality of the atrocities committed on the island and has given a voice to those who put their lives on the line for a free Cuba.

I thank the organization's president, Sylvia Iriondo, for her endless commitment and dedication to the causes of liberty and free elections in Cuba. I commend the important work of the women of M.A.R. Por Cuba, who remind us that we must not ignore the brutal repression that takes place only 90 miles from our shores.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join my colleagues this month of May to observe Lupus Awareness Month, a time where we work to increase public understanding of this cruel mystery.

Affecting approximately 28,000 people in my south Florida community and almost 1.5 million Americans nationwide, lupus is a tragically misunderstood disease. With symptoms that imitate many other illnesses, lupus is extremely difficult to diagnose and usually develops anywhere between age 15 and 44. Of those who are diagnosed, Mr. Speaker, 90 percent are women, and it impacts minorities two to three times more than Caucasians.

Along with my fellow cochairs of the Congressional Lupus Caucus--Tom Rooney, Bill Keating, and Jim Moran--I am committed to increasing awareness about lupus and finally putting an end to this terrible disease.