Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the contributions of Dr. Bernardo ``Bernie'' Fernandez to medicine in south Florida.

Dr. Fernandez will soon assume the post of CEO of Baptist Medical Health Group, and he is an accomplished doctor with a record of success as CEO of Cleveland Clinic Florida. His leadership in the field of medicine earned him the distinction of being named one of America's best doctors and the title of Fellow at the American College of Physicians and the Society for Vascular Medicine and Biology.

Dr. Fernandez has given back to the south Florida community by actively participating in charitable groups and supporting our shared alma mater, the University of Miami. However, none of this is done in a vacuum and is only accomplished with the love and support of his wife, Rosy, and their children, Steven and Cristina.

Again, I congratulate Bernie for his leadership, and I know that our south Florida community will continue to benefit from his more than 25 years of experience. Congratulations to Bernie.

Mr. Speaker, 35 years ago next week, on April 10, 1979, the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) codified America's commitment to our democratic ally Taiwan. Since then, this watershed legislation has served as an anchor for peace and security in the Western Pacific region and the cornerstone of close defense, economic, and cultural relations between our peoples. The TRA serves the interests of both of our nations by fostering United States power in the Pacific and allowing the people of Taiwan to sustain a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous way of life by mandating the availability of necessary U.S. defense articles and materials to enable a sufficient Taiwanese self- defense capability to counter Chinese aggression.

In 1979, there was much consternation in Washington that American security and economic interests in Taiwan would be neglected by President Carter's unjust decision to recognize the People's Republic of China and derecognize the Republic of China (Taiwan). The TRA was enacted to address these concerns and its guidelines now govern, in the absence of diplomatic relations, nearly every facet of U.S. relations with Taiwan. In the face of a hostile military posture by China, the new law helped level the defense capabilities across the Strait so that Taiwan's future could be determined by peaceful means.

China's rapidly increasing defense budget and provocations in the East and South China Seas are evidence of China's regional hegemonic ambitions. In order to counter and preserve the Taiwanese people's ability to determine their own future, we must reaffirm, clarify, and strengthen relations with our democratic ally and friend Taiwan. That is why I was proud to introduce, with my colleagues, the co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart, John Carter, Albio Sires, Gerald Connolly, the Taiwan Policy Act (TPA), which seeks to accomplish these goals.

If enacted, the TPA would codify that it is U.S. policy to support the people of Taiwan, their democracy and human rights, and that Taiwan's future must be determined peacefully and with the Taiwanese people's assent. The bill would reaffirm the continuation of longstanding policies established within the TRA and by the Six Assurances of 1982. It would strengthen our ally's ability to defend itself against Chinese aggression by advancing the sale or transfer of necessary defense articles like F-16 C/D fighter aircraft, Perry class guided missile frigates, as well as other air and air defense, maritime, and ground capabilities. It would help Taiwan build its capacity to partner with other friendly foreign militaries in matters of intelligence, communications, and training and further economic ties by promoting bilateral investment and tax agreements with the ultimate goal of a Free Trade Agreement. The TPA would also encourage visits by cabinet-level and other high-level officials and support meaningful participation in international organizations like the World Health Assembly, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and United Nations entities.

The TRA serves as an enduring reminder of the extent to which Taiwan and the United States share a common commitment to freedom and a government elected by the people and for the people. As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the TRA, there is no better time to recommit to the people of Taiwan and reaffirm that the United States will ensure the flame of liberty continues to burn brightly in the face of Chinese aggression.

Mr. Speaker, the United States must stand in solidarity with human rights in Venezuela and against the repressive actions of Maduro. Since protest began almost 2 months ago, there have been nearly 40 killed at the hands of this brutal regime.

At the Organization of American States here in Washington, DC, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was prevented from speaking the truth about the democracy crisis in Venezuela. And as a result of her appearance at the OAS, Maduro's top henchman, Diosdado Cabello, stripped her of her position in the Venezuelan legislature. The highest kangaroo court backed this attempt to silence dissent, proving that it, too, is nothing more than a political tool used by Maduro to attack the opposition.

Today, Maria Corina, joined by thousands of supporters of democracy, marched to protest this politically motivated act, but were met with tear gas from Maduro's security thugs.

These actions must not go unpunished. It is shameful that the Obama administration continues to neglect the suffering of the Venezuelan people. The time to sanction human rights violators in Venezuela is now.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Roxcy O'Neal Bolton, a pioneer and champion for the rights of women and an honored constituent in my south Florida congressional district. Yet Roxcy is truly larger than life and belongs to our entire State as well as our Nation.

This week she will be recognized as a Women of Character, Courage and Commitment Honoree by the National Women's History Project. This accolade is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her efforts to lead American women out from lifetimes as second-class citizens into an era of far greater equality between the genders, all while being a committed wife and mother.

Just as she did in her home life, Roxcy demanded equal respect in the workplace. From equal opportunity to equal pay, she knew that if women banded together, we were going to make a difference.

In 1972, she founded Women in Distress, the first women's rescue shelter in Florida to provide emergency housing, rescue services, and care to women who found themselves in situations of personal crisis.

Roxcy was also a fighter on behalf of abused women. At that time, no one talked about rape, much less did anything about alleviating the horrendous trauma that the victim undergoes. Brave crime victims who actually reported their rapes were often treated callously. Roxcy used her amazing presence, her force of will and characteristic personality as aggressive tools for positive change.

As an outspoken woman, she made waves on these topics, and by 1974, her efforts facilitated the creation of the first rape treatment center in the country located in my regional congressional district at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. In 1993, this center was proudly renamed after Roxcy. She is also known for organizing Florida's first crime watch to help curb crime against women.

For all of these efforts and more, Roxcy has been the recipient of numerous civic awards related to her work. That includes the prestigious induction into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame in 1984 for forcing police and prosecutors to make rape crime a priority, as well as illustrating to health departments the need for rape treatment centers.

She is a true champion for womankind. Her legacy as a champion for human rights, an end to sexual discrimination in employment and education, as well as in preserving and recognizing women's role in history will forever be remembered.

I am proud to have Roxcy O'Neal Bolton in my congressional district. As Roxcy would certainly say, the struggle for women's equality issues is far from over. Yet, with her example, I am confident that we will continue to push ahead and positively change the future for our daughters and granddaughters.

So, again, Roxcy, congratulations on being honored as a National Women's History Project 2014 Women of Character, Courage and Commitment. You have given countless girls and women the ability to pursue their full potential.

Congratulations to Roxcy, and may you keep fighting for many years still.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the College of Engineering and Computing at my alma mater, Florida International University, known as FIU, on its 30th anniversary of proven excellence in producing high-quality graduates.

The college was established with one mission in mind: to provide public access education to those interested in these fields and to serve as an instrument for economic development in our vibrant south Florida community. They have accomplished that and much more. From using nanotechnology to improve human health to building superior bridges, people's lives across the country are impacted each and every day in a positive way through FIU's STEM graduates.

FIU has also created many programs to encourage young students to pursue careers in STEM fields. Their latest innovative approach was to create an Accelerated Technology Magnet Program that would prepare low- income high school students for employment and educational options in computer science and information technology. I am certain FIU will continue to lead and produce more skilled professionals in these fields.

Go, FIU. Go, Golden Panthers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to congratulate a dear friend and an incredibly kind and compassionate woman, Jana Falic, the president of Women's International Zionist Organization, WIZO, U.S.A.

This Wednesday, March 26, Jana will be honored at this year's annual WIZO Gala with the prestigious Joseph Handleman Light of Philanthropy Award for her outstanding contributions to securing Israel's future.

Through her time, effort, and generosity, Jana has helped WIZO secure the needs of vulnerable Israelis through assistance, education, and empowerment so that they too can realize the hope of a better tomorrow.

Her philanthropic endeavors are motivated by her deep affection for the democratic Jewish State of Israel and have helped improve the lives of so many children, women, and elderly Israelis.

I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award than Jana Falic, and I only regret that I cannot be there in person to congratulate this good friend of Israel, this good friend of the United States.

Congratulations, Jana.

Mr. Speaker, due to National Women's History Month every March, we celebrate the tremendous contributions of women who have helped make this Nation the greatest on Earth.

But when thinking about our amazing female forebearers, what becomes clear is that their primary mission was one of education. Education is the key in getting girls and boys, women and men to believe in themselves, to have the confidence and know-how to use their individual, God-given abilities to better their own lives and improve the condition of our communities.

As we celebrate the wonderful legacy that our American heroines have left across the United States, let's not forget that the mission of education is not yet finished.

As a former Florida certified teacher, Mr. Speaker, I have witnessed the transformational impact that education can have. Let's follow the lead of great women that we are honoring this month, and let's continue working together to make a quality education a reality for all, both here in our great Nation and around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a great sense of urgency over the critical need to have more Customs and Border Protection officers at Miami International Airport, known as MIA. MIA, which I humbly represent, is not only the busiest airport in the State of Florida, but it is also the second largest international gateway in the Nation. In fact, international passenger traffic at MIA has steadily grown over the last few years far more than any other U.S. international gateway. However, the insufficient Customs and Border Protection officers, known as CBP, staffing levels at MIA pose a threat to this welcome growth of travel and tourism into our country.

Passengers are experiencing long wait times for immigration and customs processing. For example, just a few days ago, last Wednesday, the 7,681 passengers who arrived at the Federal Inspection Service at MIA's North Terminal were held in line for more than 2 hours. Out of the 72 lanes available to assist passengers, only 20 were open. And there is only one simple explanation for this problem. CBP staffing does not meet the numbers needed for

the safe and efficient processing of passengers and cargo going through our airport.

As time passes by, this endemic problem has only proven to deteriorate. The Miami-Dade congressional delegation and MIA officials have long been focused on how to fix this problem while ensuring a safe and seamless travel experience for our local residents and our many, many visitors.

Earlier this week, I wrote a letter to Secretary Johnson of the Department of Homeland Security asking for his immediate action on alleviating the ongoing shortage of CBP officers, a deficiency that sets back efforts to make Florida competitive; and it hurts our travel and tourism, two vital engines to our Nation's economy.

The entire Miami-Dade congressional delegation, including our Senators, is united on this bipartisan, bicameral effort.

With a strategic location to handle connections between the Americas and Europe, MIA serves as the doorstep to the United States. In 2013, a record 40 million passengers passed through MIA's doors as they made their way to their final destinations. These people come to our port of entry either to visit south Florida or to make connections to other national and international destinations. We need to welcome them with the world-class airport that MIA can be and not with long lines, hassles, and congestion.

Under the leadership of Dr. Emilio Gonzalez, the director of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, MIA has taken a number of steps to ease the lack of CBP officers. How have they done this? Installing automated passport control self-serve kiosks; also, increasing the Miami-Dade Aviation Department staffing, participating in a reimbursable fee agreement pilot program approved by Congress which allows for needed overtime, and by closing certain gateways in order to concentrate CBP officers in appropriate areas.

However, despite MIA's innovative approach, CBP's insufficient staffing levels continue to pose serious challenges to the airport's daily operations. With the growing number of passengers arriving or transitioning through MIA and with the World Cup in Brazil approaching, MIA will have an even busier summer. We need to be prepared. And that is why we ask for Secretary Johnson's assistance in providing much- needed CBP staffing and to remember that MIA's success is our Nation's success.

Mr. Speaker, I cannot stress enough the pressing need for Federal staffing at MIA, which will only allow for a further streamlining of long lines and will also help in the reduction of wait times for visitors and for residents, alike.

Mr. Speaker, Amos Rojas, Jr., was sworn in yesterday as the U.S. Marshal for our southern district of Florida.

A consummate public servant, Marshal Rojas served 24 years of his career with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, including 8 years as a special agent in charge of the Miami region's operations center.

Marshal Rojas was most recently deputy director of the South Florida Money Laundering Strike Force within the Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office.

The U.S. Marshal Service traces its roots back to the Judiciary Act of 1789 under President George Washington and has played many important roles throughout our Nation's history.

I am proud to see Marshal Rojas join this elite and storied law enforcement agency.

Congratulations, again, to south Florida's new top cop.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Florida, the Honorable David W. Jolly, 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 my pleasure to welcome the newest Member of this proud body, Congressman David Jolly.

Today is a significant progression for David, from staffer to elected Representative; a progression beginning from his many years working for his community as a staffer for our esteemed late colleague, Congressman Bill Young.

I am confident that David has returned to these Halls to ensure that Bill's legacy is carried on, one of extraordinary constituent service, as well as his unwavering respect and civility for all of us in this Chamber. I also know that David will, in his own words, ``bring his own deep desire and drive to get things done for this country.''

David is a fifth-generation Floridian, and is joined in the gallery today by his rightfully proud parents and family to mark this momentous occasion. I am certain that he will work hard to maintain that sentiment with each of them, as well as his constituents in Pinellas County. He is a welcomed addition to our Florida delegation familia--a fresh and strong voice for our Sunshine State and our great Nation.

Before I yield to my distinguished colleague, Corrine Brown, let me also say that just like you, David, I, too, won a special election to fill the seat of a legend of this institution, so believe me when I say that having big shoes to fill should be seen as both an exceptional honor as well as an exceptional opportunity.

Congratulations, and welcome from all of us.

I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown).

Mr. Speaker, every day, teachers across our Nation reach into their own pockets to pay for classroom supplies like books, software, and pencils, without ever being reimbursed by their schools; and since 2002, teachers could at least count on a $250 above-the-line tax deduction to help defray the cost of these purchases.

But at the end of last year, this tax deduction was allowed to expire, meaning that teachers are not able to claim it on their individual returns this tax season or count on it next year, as they continue to purchase supplies for their classrooms and their students.

The REPAY Supplies Act, introduced by Carol Shea-Porter and cosponsored by more than 50 of our colleagues from both parties, aims to fix this problem and make the educator expense deduction permanent.

Ms. Shea-Porter and I were disappointed to learn that this modest deduction was not included in the recent tax reform proposals, and we will send a letter in the coming days to ask that a hearing on the REPAY Supplies Act be held as soon as possible.

I hope that my colleagues will join us in signing this letter to the Ways and Means Committee and give teachers the opportunity to testify before Congress about the impact the deduction has had on their checkbooks and on their classrooms.

Mr. Speaker, I am a former Florida-certified teacher, and I know how important it is that students come to school prepared and ready to learn; but without the basic supplies needed to take part in lessons, students are put at a disadvantage in the classroom, forced to rely on outdated materials and without essential learning tools, and too often, teachers go into their own pockets to make up the difference.

For many educators, teaching is more than a full-time job. They arrive at the school while many of us are still getting ready for work. They stay late into the evening. They prepare lesson plans, grade papers, and deal with parents and grandparents, like us, who can admittedly be a handful when guaranteeing that their child is receiving the best education possible.

Teachers care deeply about their students and are often willing to sacrifice personal needs in order to provide them with the best learning experience possible. According to the latest status of the American public school teacher report by the National Education Association, educators are spending approximately $477 per year on basic school supplies for their students and their classrooms.

Mr. Speaker, we all want the best for our children. We work hard every day in this Congress to make sure that our children have a bright future; and education, we know, is a key to this success, an essential component of that brighter future that we are trying to create for the next generation.

But it doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense that we are hamstringing the very people we have entrusted with their education. Teachers are giving up their own time and money to help students learn and be engaged in school. The least we can do is to provide them with this modest $250 deduction to help mitigate the financial and personal sacrifices that they are already making.

Every 2 years since 2002, Congress has come together in a bipartisan manner to extend this deduction on behalf of our country's educators. By making this tax deduction permanent, Congress can give teachers certainty that at least some of their purchases will be paid back, that it will improve access to essential learning materials, and that it will give our educators the recognition they deserve.

I urge Members to join Ms. Shea-Porter and me in this fight, and I look forward to working with all of us to ensure that our Nation's teachers and our children have the education and the tools necessary to succeed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize K9s for Warriors, a remarkable Florida organization that is providing therapeutic service dogs for veterans suffering from issues like posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD.

One in five of our heroes returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD, a tragic epidemic that can disrupt the transition to civilian life and often causes the loss of hope, damage to family relationships, or harm to themselves and others.

Since its inception, K9s for Warriors has provided over 100 therapy dogs to veterans, at no cost to the veterans, teaching, certifying, housing, and feeding each warrior as they learn to train the dog to address their specific disabilities and assist in mitigating posttraumatic stress.

K9s for Warriors is not only healing invisible disorders and putting suffering veterans on the path to recovery, but it is also giving new hope to the heroes and their families who put their lives on the line to defend ours.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize the hardworking women leaders who, throughout the years, have made instrumental contributions to the district I so humbly represent and to our entire South Florida community, in fact.

On March 13th, the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women, the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, and the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department will be hosting the ``In the Company of Women Awards'' in celebration of Women's History Month. This annual ceremony honors some of the exceptional women in our community in fields like arts, communications, government, and athletics.

The honorees during this year's event will be: Valerie Riles, Wendy Kallergis, Jacqueline Menendez, Judy Brown, Honorable Migna Sanchez- Llorens, Alyce Robertson, Nilda Peragallo Montano, Marie-Elsie Dowell, and Angela Smith.

In addition, Linda Robinson, the former Vice-Mayor of Palmetto Bay, a village I represent, will receive the Mayor's Pioneer Award.

Constable Thelma Hardison will be bestowed with the Posthumous Award, and Marcia Fernandez-Morin will be presented with the Community Spirit Award.

These 12 honorees will join the ranks of many outstanding women, including my late mother, Amanda Ros who was honored during the third annual ``In the Company of Women'' celebration.

As a fellow recipient of this award also, I am pleased that the great passion and dedication of these women leaders will be recognized, and it will inspire them to do even better work.

Their many accomplishments are an example of what women everywhere can strive to attain.

Congratulations to each award winner.

Mr. Speaker, as we stand here today in this chamber as Members of the People's House sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the ideals enshrined therein-- freedom and democracy--it would only be fitting that we honor the life and legacy of a man who embodied those ideals.

Authorizing a bust of Vaclav Havel to be forever memorialized in these hallowed halls of the United States Capitol alongside some of the world's greatest voices for freedom, equal rights, and human dignity would be an apropos testament to a man who was a tireless advocate for liberty, human rights and for the right of self-determination for the people of Czechoslovakia.

It was Vaclav's unwavering commitment to his country and to democracy that inspired generations to rise up and break free from decades of communist rule.

But the fervor for which he opposed ruthless dictators wasn't limited to just Eastern Europe, but to wherever they may be.

His support of the people of my homeland, Cuba, meant a great deal and revealed Vaclav's true nature.

Vaclav advocated for the rights, dignity, and liberation of the Cuban people and created the International Committee for Democracy in Cuba in order to increase the visibility of the plight of the Cuban people and generate global support for freedom and democracy on the island.

I was honored to have authored the House Resolution in 2012 that celebrated the life and legacy of Vaclav Havel after his passing, and I stand here today to express my utmost support for H. Res. 506.

Every time we will see his bust in the Capitol will serve as a reminder that we must never give up the struggle against tyranny and oppression--and that is how we will forever honor the memory of Vaclav Havel.