Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the annual Walking 4 Friendship event.

This past March 18, friends, families, and neighbors from my congressional district walked three kilometers to promote awareness and acceptance of children, teens, and young adults with special needs.

More than 1,000 of my constituents walked to raise support for The Friendship Circle of Miami. This volunteer organization provides a number of social, recreational, and educational programs for some of the most vulnerable members of our society and helps them build lasting friendships.

Mr. Speaker, the positive impact of The Friendship Circle is felt widely throughout our community and brings so much joy and comfort to young people with special needs and their families.

I would like to thank the countless volunteers and local sponsors who make this organization and this wonderful annual event possible. Let us not forget their theme: Together, we can perform miracles.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to congratulate The Victory Center for Autism and Related Disabilities on the upcoming completion of its state-of-the-art education facility in south Florida.

Since its founding in 2000, The Victory Center has excelled at providing children with autism and related disabilities comprehensive individualized treatment and education. For 18 years, the teachers at The Victory Center have achieved amazing success working out of only a handful of rooms on the campus of the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center in North Miami Beach.

This outstanding institution is proud to offer five programs covering a range of services, and it is recognized as one of the top schools for children with autism in the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, by opening this brand-new facility, The Victory Center will continue to grow and offer a positive and nurturing educational environment.

Once again, I would like to congratulate everyone at The Victory Center for all that they have accomplished. I thank their staff for helping so many children in our south Florida community achieve their full potential and leave their own beautiful mark on our world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Best Buddies International for a successful 5K walk in downtown Miami this past Saturday, March 17.

Best Buddies International was founded in 1989 by one of my constituents, Anthony K. Shriver, and it promotes the idea that every person has a gift and that every person can contribute. This message is emblematic of what makes America successful, and it has made Best Buddies a thriving global organization serving thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Best Buddies Friendship Walk allows those who are often excluded because of their differences the opportunity to create one-on-one friendships that last a lifetime. It is that model that has allowed Best Buddies to make extraordinary advancements in the autism community to increase understanding and acceptance of the disability.

I would like to extend my congratulations for a successful Best Buddies Friendship Walk. I am so delighted to see my constituents giving the gift of friendship to individuals in south Florida with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep respect that I recognize the tragic loss of Staff Sgt. Carl Philippe Enis, one of seven brave U.S. service members killed in a helicopter crash last Thursday, March 15, 2018 in western Iraq.

Carl, a South Florida native who grew up in my Congressional District in Pinecrest, was an Air Force pararescueman serving in a combat role in Iraq for the 308th Rescue Squadron from Patrick Air Force Base supporting Operation Inherent Resolve when his helicopter went down.

Sergeant Enis was a Reserve Citizen Airman combat rescue and recovery specialist who supported Air Force and special operations.

Carl's job truly embodied his heart and spirit where he consistently put his own life at risk to save others both in combat and humanitarian environments.

He always tackled every challenge with a smile on his face, no matter the danger or difficulty.

Carl was also an active outdoorsman who embraced his passion for fishing, hiking, hunting and scuba diving and lived his life to the fullest.

Sergeant Enis was a graduate of Gulliver Prep and Florida State University.

Carl is survived by his wife Angela, his mother Colleen, and his brother Edward.

Their families, the community, and all Americans can be proud knowing that Sergeant Enis gave his last full measure performing his mission and serving the most noble Pararescue creed: `These things we do, that others may live'.

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep respect that I recognize the tragic loss of Staff Sergeant Carl Philippe Enis, pictured here, who was one of seven brave U.S. servicemembers killed in a helicopter crash last Thursday, March 15, 2018, in western Iraq.

Carl, a south Florida native who grew up in my congressional district in Pinecrest, was an Air Force pararescueman serving in a combat role in Iraq for the 308th Rescue Squadron from Patrick Air Force Base supporting Operation Inherent Resolve when his helicopter went down.

Sergeant Enis was a Reserve Citizen Airman combat rescue and recovery specialist who supported Air Force special operations. His job truly embodied his heart and spirit, where he consistently put his own life at risk to save others both in combat and humanitarian environments. He always tackled every challenge with a smile on his face, no matter the danger or difficulty.

Carl was also an active outdoorsman who embraced his passion for fishing, hiking, hunting, and scuba diving, and lived his life to the fullest. He was a graduate of Gulliver Prep, in my congressional district, and Florida State University.

Carl is survived by his wife, Angela; his mother, Colleen; and his brother, Edward. Their families, our community, and all Americans can be proud knowing that Sergeant Enis gave his last full measure performing his mission and serving the most noble pararescue creed: ``These things we do, that others may live.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to bring attention to the sad and tragic truth of what is going on in Venezuela today under a cynical socialist thug, the Maduro regime.

Even though this administration has stepped up and has taken a strong stance against Maduro--we have sanctioned a lot of individuals--there is still much more that needs to be done.

And the first step is getting more action by making sure that my fellow colleagues are aware of the ongoing crisis in Venezuela and helping those who refuse to believe that Maduro can be that bad. Yes, he really can be that bad. And we need to understand the suffering and the frustration of the Venezuelan people.

The second step is urging the administration to increase the pressure, to use the tools that are available to us, to hold Maduro and his evil cronies accountable. We have already seen how some of these tools are working, Mr. Speaker.

Our sanctions are working, so much so that Maduro is actively looking at ways to circumvent our sanctions, like this crazy idea of launching his own cryptocurrency. We are hitting him where it hurts, and we need to build on that momentum.

But we must also not forget to advocate on behalf of the people of Venezuela who are suffering, who are malnourished, and who are sick and poor. They lack the most basic medical and food supplies that they need--again, all as a result of Maduro's policies. Who would have ever thought 30 years ago that Venezuela, that was a breadbasket for South America, is now having food shortages throughout the country.

So I call on the international community to try to see what we can do to ease this humanitarian crisis that Venezuelans are going through, because this situation is terrible, but I fear that it will get worse.

Maduro and his thugs are taking advantage of the worsening humanitarian situation, defrauding organizations that are looking to bring much-needed food and medicine into the country, and making it much harder to deliver aid to those who desperately need it.

This is why my dear friend, Ranking Member Eliot Engel of our Foreign Affairs Committee, and I have introduced the Venezuela Humanitarian Assistance Act. This bill calls attention to the food shortages, to the water shortages, to the severe lack of medicine, to the severe lack of medical supplies, and to the lack of other vital goods and services. But, more importantly, it directs our great agencies--the USAID, especially, and the Department of State--to develop a plan to determine how the U.S. can help send in some humanitarian assistance through credible and independent nongovernmental organizations that are operating in Venezuela or in neighboring countries. It is very difficult to get that aid to the people who need it because Maduro does not want to help the suffering Venezuelan people.

This bill passed the House last year, and it sends a strong message that we see the millions of people of Venezuela who are suffering and that we want to

help. As the political situation continues to deteriorate because socialism does not work, communism does not work, with Maduro announcing his sham of elections, another round of elections that only the opposition is shut out and only the cronies can win, political leaders are still in prison, and protestors continue to be met with violence, we must do what we can until this grave humanitarian crisis is resolved.

That is why I urge the international community to take notice of what is going on in Venezuela, see how we can come together and pass these important measures so that we can help the Venezuelan people. We must not stop working until we see once again a free and open, democratic Venezuela, free from this socialist and communist regime.

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Women's History Month and the resilient women who have challenged the status quo, I am honored to recognize my congressional colleague and dear friend, Representative Marcy Kaptur.

In 1981, Marcy defeated the incumbent in an upset that gained national attention, leading her to become the longest-serving woman in the U.S. House of Representatives and a senior member of the powerful and highly coveted Appropriations Committee.

I met Marcy during my first tenure in the House back in 1989, and at that time there were only 31 women serving in all of Congress. Marcy welcomed me with open arms, and I quickly realized that Marcy embodies what any legislator should be: principled, truthful, and a fierce fighter for her constituents.

It was because of Marcy's vision and tireless advocacy that Americans from all over the country are now able to visit the World War II Memorial here in D.C. and honor the dedication and sacrifice of the brave men and women who defended our country.

Marcy, you are an inspiration to women everywhere, and I want to thank you for your commitment to advocate for so many important issues that matter to all Americans. Congratulations on this honor, the longest-serving woman in U.S. history.

Mr. Speaker, last week sadly marked the third anniversary of the murder of the Russian human rights activist Boris Nemtsov.

On February 27, 2015, Boris was assassinated while crossing a bridge near the Kremlin in Moscow, shot in the back in the most cowardly manner. Boris' murder was no doubt directed by Putin, because Boris had actively organized rallies against the regime and even had the courage to report in detail on corruption in the Putin regime. His death was a great loss for the people of Russia who are fighting for a free and Democratic society.

I was lucky enough to have known Boris and met with him several times over the years. I had the great privilege to work with him on getting the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act passed into law in 2012. In fact, I met with Boris right after the House passed that bill.

That day, Boris told me something that resonated with me, Mr. Speaker. He told me that Putin had made stopping the Magnitsky Act his utmost priority.

Though that resonated with me, it did not surprise me, because I was born in communist Cuba, and I was forced to flee my homeland with my family to get away from the Castro regime. And I know that Castro would have had the same reaction as Putin, because thugs fear the people who are brave enough to challenge their authoritarian rule.

That is why Putin feared Magnitsky; that is why Putin feared Boris; and that is why Putin fears my friend and close friend of Boris' Vladimir Kara-Murza, who the Putin regime has tried to kill on two occasions, both by poisoning.

Vladimir has bravely picked up the mantle from Boris, and he carries out his mission of speaking the truth about the Putin regime and calling attention to the human rights abuses in Russia. He has carried on the legacy and brought Boris' message to the world. And through Vladimir's efforts, the legacy has been memorialized right here in Washington, D.C.

Last week, Mr. Speaker, I attended the unveiling of the naming of the plaza right in front of the Russian Embassy after Boris. Boris personified the fight for human rights in Russia.

And now, in front of the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C., 3 years after Boris was murdered, he is now memorialized as a symbol--a symbol signifying that one person or one idea can be more powerful and more threatening to a corrupt regime than even the biggest army.

That plaza also serves as a symbol for the future because one day Putin will be gone and Boris' dream will become a reality. When that day comes, the diplomats who come to the United States, representing a free and democratic Russia, will be able to look out the windows of their embassy beaming with pride at what Boris' sacrifice helped them realize.

And they will honor Boris' legacy and everyone else who told the truth about the regime of Putin and who gave everything for a free and democratic Russia, where human rights and the rule of law are respected, not feared. I hope that day is soon upon us, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alberto Carvalho, the superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the Nation's fourth largest school system, with more than 500,000 students.

For the past decade, Alberto has worked tirelessly on behalf of students and educators throughout my congressional district. His efforts have propelled Miami-Dade public schools into a position of national prominence, and it is now one of the Nation's highest performing urban school systems.

Recently, Mr. Carvalho was offered the opportunity of a lifetime to run the largest school system in the country, and that is chancellor of New York City schools, but he showed his dedication and commitment to south Florida's students and teachers when he decided to stay in Miami- Dade. As a former Florida certified teacher, I am so glad that he is staying to continue leading Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of our grateful community and countless individuals who have been positively impacted by Alberto Carvalho's unwavering dedication, I want to say: Thank you, ``friend,'' ``amigo.'' Please stay.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the upcoming 2018 Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, and Cutler Bay Relay for Life.

On March 17, friends, families, neighbors, and community leaders from my congressional district will gather together to remember lost loved ones, to honor survivors, and to raise money for a cause that has affected too many in our community and around the Nation.

Sadly, in 2018 alone, over 1.7 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer and more than 600,000 individuals will lose the battle against this dreadful disease.

That is why, Mr. Speaker, Relay for Life is such an important event to raise awareness and funds to help cancer patients and their families in my area of south Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the countless volunteers and local sponsors who are going to make this wonderful day possible, a day filled with activities, games, and fun.

Let us all join together to make a difference in the fight against cancer and make this year's Relay for Life the best one yet.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Remedios Diaz Oliver, a prominent member of our south Florida community, on her retirement from All American Containers.

Remedios is a powerhouse. Along with her husband, Fausto, she established All American Containers, a multimillion-dollar business, a bottling company in Miami that serves corporations worldwide. Her son, Fausto, Jr.; her daughter, Rosie; and her grandchildren, Jackie and Fausto III, also work in the family business.

Like me, Remedios was forced to flee the Castro regime in communist Cuba, and she has been an unstoppable commitment of force for the island's freedom.

Remedios has been a trusted adviser to Presidents, to Senators, and to Members of Congress on the issue of her native homeland. And her advocacy in charitable events is second to none.

Remedios has been a leader in the American Cancer Society, raising funds and awareness to assist those stricken with this terrible disease.

While Remedios may be retiring from All American Containers, she is not retiring from our community, and I look forward to her next endeavor.

I love you so much, my friend. Te quiero mucho, amiga mia. Thank you. Felicidades to Remedios.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the Brothers to the Rescue shoot-down, where three U.S. citizens and one U.S. resident were murdered by the tyrannical Castro regime.

On February 24, 1996, Carlos Costa, Mario de la Pena, Armando Alejandre, and Pablo Morales were on a humanitarian mission over international airspace, over international waters when they were illegally and brutally shot down. This mission over the Florida straits sought to save the lives of Cubans fleeing Castro's grip of power in search of freedom.

Sylvia Iriondo was rescued in a Cessna and brought to the safety of our shores. You see, Mr. Speaker, Sylvia was aboard the only plane that survived on that fatal day. She recounts how, after seeing the burst of smoke over the skyline, the pilot, Jose Basulto--who, along with Sylvia, has testified before the U.S. Congress--pleaded on the radio for his colleagues to respond. Twenty-two years have passed and justice for the deaths of our American heroes has yet to be achieved.

Ruben Martinez Puente, Lorenzo Alberto Perez y Perez, and Francisco Perez y Perez have all been indicted in our U.S. courts for their roles in the murderous Brothers to the Rescue shoot-down, but they have yet to be held accountable.

I have urged administration after administration to bring these perpetrators to the United States so that they can be prosecuted and justice can be served.

Furthermore, the Obama administration made the grave error of releasing Cuban spy Gerardo Hernandez, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage and conspiracy to commit murder for his role in the deaths of these brave pilots--released.

I will continue to urge our Department of Justice to pursue legal action against all current and former Cuban regime operatives who perpetrated that murderous attack against the Brothers to the Rescue aircrafts, its unarmed victims, and all Cuban operatives who planned or otherwise participated in the shoot-down.

To this day, the same regime that violated international law to kill Carlos, Mario, Armando, and Pablo remains as oppressive as ever, routinely beating and harassing peaceful protesters and incarcerating journalists.

We cannot let anyone forget the blood at the hands of the Castro regime. The Brothers to the Rescue and their families will forever serve as an inspiration to those who are willing to endure great sacrifices for the sake of a free Cuba.

Commemorating the 2018 Florida International University Torch Awards

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the recipients of the 2018 Torch Awards from my alma mater, Florida International University.

The Torch Award is the highest honor given to both faculty and alumni by the FIU Alumni Association, highlighting the excellence that they bring to their professions and the pride they bring to FIU as an educational institution. Their exceptional achievements and contributions not only to our university but to our Miami community at large have earned them this prestigious award.

This year's honorees include:

Alumnus of the Year Chad Moss, class of 1994. Chad currently serves as the executive vice president of Moss and Associates, one of Florida's largest private construction companies.

Outstanding Faculty Award Recipient Dr. Mark Allen Weiss. Dr. Weiss is an eminent scholar chaired professor and the associate director of academic affairs for the FIU School of Computing and Information Sciences.

Community Leadership Award recipient Seth Crapp of the class of 1998. Seth is a pediatric radiologist and has demonstrated exemplary service and civic engagement in his community through his activism at Knots4Kids, T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society, and two-time chair of the group's annual health fair which has benefited thousands of underserved children in Palm Beach.

Lastly, the Charles E. Perry Young Alumni Visionary Award recipient, Manny Varas, class of 2010 and an MBA in 2014. Manny, the president and CEO of MV Group, a full service construction company, has made great strides in the early stages of his career.

These individuals, Mr. Speaker, and the many other distinguished alumni honored this year exemplify what it means to be an FIU Panther. Their service to the betterment of our community makes them valuable and deserving of this great honor. I congratulate them all.

Go Panthers.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Wilson for presenting this bill before us today, and I rise in strong support of his bill, the Hamas Human Shields Prevention Act. I was proud to join Mr. Wilson and others as an original cosponsor.

Three years ago, the House and Senate both unanimously passed a concurrent resolution that I authored which denounced the use of human shields by Hamas and, indeed, any other terror group.

Using human shields is an unconscionable practice. It is a gross violation of international laws and norms. Yet, invariably, the use of human shields ends up being a winning strategy for Hamas. Why?

Because the international community falls for its deadly ploy. This is despite the fact that Israel is unmatched in its efforts to avoid civilian casualties.

We know Hamas forces Palestinians into becoming human shields, and the terror group is known for firing on Israeli targets from heavily populated areas or from places like schools or mosques. They do this on purpose.

This disgusting practice underscores the fact that Hamas doesn't care at all about the well-being of the Palestinian people, and the sole purpose of Hamas is to try to force Israel into a situation in which it may harm civilians, hoping to turn the public sentiment against the Jewish State.

Mr. Wilson's bill, therefore, puts down an important marker, Mr. Speaker. It builds upon our previous efforts by adding punitive measures identifying and then sanctioning anyone affiliated with Hamas who uses human shields.

Responsible nations must not allow Hamas to continue to use this cynical ploy, and we in the United States have a responsibility to lead and to ensure that this gruesome tactic is ended once and for all.

I thank Mr. Wilson from South Carolina for this initiative, and I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this important and much- needed measure before us today. I thank Mr. Wilson for, once again, highlighting this cynical, deadly, and disgusting ploy being used by Hamas.

Mr. Speaker, as we observe American Heart Month, we are reminded of how important diet and lifestyle choices are to our health.

Sadly, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in our country. Making heart healthy choices, knowing your family's heart history, and regular checkups are all integral parts of cardiovascular health.

Organizations like our very own United Way of Miami-Dade work alongside community clinics to conduct screenings and tests to help prevent and manage health issues. This month, United Way of Miami-Dade is partnered with FamilyWize, a program that provides access to affordable prescription medications.

The University of Miami's HeartAware risk assessment is an online screening survey offered by UHealth. This program helps patients identify their risk for developing cardiovascular disease, learn the next steps based on their risk factors, and promotes lifestyle changes to lower their risk of heart disease.

Let us all take time during American Heart Month to focus on our hearts and encourage not only ourselves but our family and friends to live healthier lives.

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.