Mario Diaz-Balart

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order on the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order on the gentlewoman's amendment.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, the amendment proposes a net increase in budget authority in the bill. The amendment is not in order under section 3(d)(3) of House Resolution 5, 114th Congress, which states the following: ``It shall not be in order to consider an amendment to a general appropriations bill proposing a net increase in budget authority in the bill unless considered en bloc with another amendment or amendments proposing an equal or greater decrease in such budget authority pursuant to clause 2(f) of rule XXI. Mr. Chairman, the amendment proposes a net increase in budget authority in the bill in violation of such section. I respectfully ask for a ruling from the Chair.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, at this time, I yield as much time as he may use to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), a friend, a leader, a teacher, and the chairman of the full Appropriations Committee.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. The authorization for this program expires this year, Mr. Chairman. Frankly, there are many questions, and it is not really clear whether or not the next authorization would accommodate this funding fee level. I understand the gentlewoman's passion, but I must respectfully urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, the amendment proposes a net increase in budget authority in the bill. The amendment is not in order under section 3(d)3 of House Resolution 5, 114th Congress, which states the following: ``It shall not be in order to consider an amendment to a general appropriations bill proposing a net increase in budget authority in the bill unless considered en bloc with another amendment or amendments proposing an equal or greater decrease in such budget authority pursuant to clause 2(f) of rule XXI.'' The amendment proposes a net increase in budget authority in the bill in violation of such section. I ask for a ruling from the Chair.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Culberson).

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I am glad this amendment is here. President Obama said--and he said this a while ago--that his policies are to help promote the Cuban people's independence from Cuban authorities. Now, no one can claim that the Cuban military and the Cuban intelligence community and their direct family members are not the Cuban authorities. Nothing is more authority than those two things. Let's unmask what this amendment does. The language in the mark, in the bill, simply affirms that we should not send exports--I will make this very clear--to the Cuban military or the intelligence community or their immediate families. In unmasking this amendment, what this amendment is saying is no, no, no, that we do support and that we do want to do business with the Cuban military and the Cuban intelligence services and their immediate families. By the way, it is the same military and intelligence services that brutalized the Cuban people, that beat prodemocracy demonstrators, that beat a number of American citizens in Panama recently, that illegally smuggles weapons, which has members of that Cuban military under indictment here in a U.S. Federal court for the murder of American citizens. I am glad this amendment is here because this amendment unmasks the underlying issue, and the chairman's mark specifically deals with-- again, as I mentioned--the Cuban military and the intelligence community and their immediate relatives. If this amendment were to happen, what we would be saying is that we want to do business, not with Cuba and not with the Cuban people, but with the Cuban military and the intelligence services and their direct relatives. Frankly, I am glad this amendment is here because it does unmask the issue. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Curbelo).

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sofia Victoria de la Pena on her work founding Fit Kids Day, and establishing the group in the South Florida community. Sofia Victoria was a ninth grader at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart in Coconut Grove, FL when she recognized an increased need for health programs for children. She wanted to add to the work being done to combat childhood obesity, and came up with a plan. Her idea was an entire day focused on fitness, which became known as Fit Kids Day. To get the event started, Sofia Victoria reached out to leading students at other schools to be ambassadors for the program. The students walked throughout their neighborhoods, to spread awareness for the event and attract community support. Local businesses chipped in to help with the first event, providing services and food to the participants, which were offered free of charge. Since the first Fit Kids Day, the program has expanded, and multiple cities have organized their own events. In these cities, mayors or city managers organize a day of activities that are popular in their area. Fit Kids Day caught on as an event, and is now a nonprofit organization. The Presidential Fitness Counsel has since talked to Sofia Victoria about using the Fit Kids Day model for their organization. The event was created by kids, for kids, and offers many leadership opportunities. In addition, the program has helped introduce fitness ideas and plans to less fortunate communities. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate Sofia Victoria de la Pena on her accomplishment, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing her outstanding achievement. It is an honor to know a family that continues to work hard to improve their community every day.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I first need to commend and thank Chairman Price for all of his hard work in putting this budget resolution together. This is a rare occasion on this floor. It has been a long time since we have had a budget agreement, and it is not an easy thing to do. As one of the House budget conferees, I can tell you that a lot of work has to be done and that a lot of difficult choices have to be made. Mr. Chairman, you have done a spectacular job in getting this here to the floor. One of the most important things, Mr. Speaker, that the budget resolution has to do is to, frankly, set the stage so that we can move forward on the appropriations process. We need a budget that puts Congress and our committees on a path to move forward, and this budget resolution does it. It balances the budget within 10 years, and it does so without raising taxes. It is no secret, I believe--and I think many of us believe--that the first responsibility of the Federal Government is to protect the American people, and it is no secret that the world around us--I think greatly due to the failed foreign policy of this administration--is almost in flames. We see a growing instability, and we see a growing pressure to our allies, and we see the thugs and the enemies of freedom who believe they have a green light. We must provide for a strong national defense through the robust funding of our troops, of their training, of their equipment, of their readiness. This budget does so. It accomplishes these goals while staying under the budget control caps--in other words, adhering to the law of the land. It funds the military over the President's request, without breaking the law and without raising taxes. Again, something that is easier said than done, but Chairman Price has been able to do that. At a time when we see China's rapidly growing defense capabilities, North Korea's nuclear weapons program, Iran pursuing theirs, and growing threats from terrorist groups, let's not forget what our number one priority has to be. This budget resolution reflects our commitment to our national security, to the men and women in uniform, to the safety of the American people. It does so, balancing the budget within 10 years. It does so without raising taxes. I know it is very easy to be critical; it is very easy to lecture why this is not perfect. It has been a long time coming. I am grateful for the leadership of Mr. Price, of his counterpart in the Senate, Chairman Enzi. I ask the Members of this distinguished body to approve this well-thought-out, hard-negotiated budget that funds our priorities, doesn't raise taxes, and even balances within 10 years.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I actually came here to thank Chairman Simpson for putting together this great bill, a responsible bill and, again, for putting up with me and working with me on issues dealing with Everglades restoration. I don't have to tell anybody here that is a national treasure. It is important not only for southern Florida's drinking water, but also for our economy. I also want to specifically thank the chairman for his help in the Herbert Hoover Dike, which is crucial, again, for the folks in that area. Again, Mr. Chairman, this is a great bill. Chairman Simpson has a very difficult task. He has done a spectacular job. Again, thank you, sir, for working with me on these important issues.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Arthrex, Inc. on being named a Fortune Top 100 company to work for, and to commend its exemplary service to the Naples community. Arthrex is a global medical device company in Naples, FL. Their mission is to help surgeons treat their patients as best as possible, and they have more than surpassed that goal. The company is a leader in new product development and medical education in orthopedics. More than that, Arthrex is a pioneer in the field of arthroscopy and has developed more than 8,500 innovative products and surgical procedures to advance minimally invasive orthopedics worldwide. Fortune uses an expert firm that has developed a methodology to evaluate workplace cultures, and a 58-question employee survey to measure trust. Two-thirds of a company's score is based on the employee survey, while one-third is based on a culture audit. Hundreds of companies apply to be on the list, making Arthrex's accomplishment that much more special. However, by looking at their company, it is clear to see why they made the list. Under the leadership of Mr. Reinhold Schmieding, Arthrex continues to grow and thrive in the community. Having visited their facility in Naples, I saw firsthand the important work they are doing and the impact the company has in the area. Not only does Arthrex provide countless jobs, it also fosters a culture of personal and professional growth, with excellent benefits and services. These services include tuition reimbursement, internships, apprenticeships, and a comprehensive benefits package. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate Arthrex, Inc. on their accomplishment, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing their outstanding achievement.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Women's History month I rise today to honor Dr. Aileen Marty, an outstanding individual in the South Florida community. Dr. Marty is currently professor of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Medicine at Florida International University's Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. She served admirably in the United States Navy for 25 years, specializing in tropical medicine, infectious diseases pathology, and disaster medicine. She has also served as a professor at Uniformed Services University, Johns Hopkins University, the National Defense University, and the University of Valencia, Spain. Dr. Marty's previous experience also includes coordinating work between the Department of Defense, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security. She developed interagency training programs involving the Department of Agriculture and Homeland Security. Dr. Marty has worked with the White House, Congressional Conferences, has served on Blue Ribbon Committees, and has been a delegate to the World Health Association. She has worked on numerous research teams, has responded to various global emergencies, and provided consultation on a wide range of health issues. Most recently she has worked tirelessly in the fight against Ebola. Her quarter century experience in the practice, training, and research of tropical medicine, infectious disease, and pathology has led to her having published over 90 books and peer-reviewed journal articles. Beyond her work in infectious diseases, she is an expert on chemical, biological radiation, and high-energy weapons. She is one of only 403 people listed in the international roster as a member of the United Nations Monitoring and Verification Team for Weapons of Mass Destruction. In 2001, the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) designated her ``Subject Matter Expert on Weapons of Mass Destruction'' and used her experience and expertise to help develop plans and programs, and to coordinate with NATO allies. She has a reputation for in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in all aspects of biological agent research, clinical medicine, travel, and tropical medicine, and has earned a worldwide reputation for providing and producing excellent scientific data and innovative research. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Dr. Aileen Marty for her continued service to South Florida, and the world at-large, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Women's History month I rise today to honor Ms. Patricia Huff, an outstanding individual in Southwest Florida. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Ms. Huff moved to the Florida Keys in 1984. She soon became involved in several community organizations, including the Friends of the Museum of the Everglades, serving as its President in 2003, 2004, and 2007 to 2010. She has published the Friends' Newsletter since 2001 and continues to serve on the Board of Directors as Vice-President. She also conducts the historic walking tours around Everglades City. Ms. Huff co-founded the Everglades Society for Historic Preservation in 2005, serving as President from 2005 to 2008, and continues as a member of the Board of Directors today. She has been a member of the Collier County Historic and Archaeological Preservation Board since 2005, and in 2009 served as Chairperson. In addition to these organizations, Ms. Huff has served as President of the Friends of Fakahatchee Strand in 2003-2004, a member of the Everglades Area Chamber of Commerce Board from 2004-2007, and currently serves on the Everglades Association. She is also co-Director (and co-founder) of the River of Grass Greenway (ROGG) Executive Committee of the Naples Pathways Coalition. ROGG has received a federal grant to fund a Master Plan and Feasibility Study for the proposed pathway from Naples to Miami. Ms. Huff is currently serving on the Project Team and Steering Committees for the study. I am privileged to know Ms. Huff, and admire her commitment to the community. In her spare time, Ms. Huff is an avid bike rider. Along with her husband Steve, they have bicycled throughout the United States and Europe every year, covering over 25,000 miles since the year 2000. She is also publisher of the ``The Mullet Rapper'', a bi-weekly newsletter for the Everglades community and the primary source of information for city events. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Ms. Patricia Huff for her continued service to Southwest Florida, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Women's History month I rise today to honor Ms. Josie Bacallao, an outstanding individual in the South Florida community. Ms. Bacallao is currently President and CEO of Hispanic Unity of Florida (HUF). Founded more than 30 years ago by community leaders, HUF was formed to ease the acculturation transition for immigrants from other nations. Today, this nonprofit organization provides assistance, through 19 programs, to Broward's diverse community. HUF remains the county's largest agency dedicated to the immigrant population, providing them with the tools they need to build a new life. Having been born in Cuba, raised in South Florida, and educated at Florida International University, no one is better suited to lead this organization. Prior to her work at HUF, Ms. Bacallao was Vice President/Marketing Director for the Sun-Sentinel Company and worked for The Miami Herald/ el Nuevo Herald as their VP/Marketing for more than 20 years. Beyond her professional background and work, she also sits on the board of CareerSource Broward, Greater Ft Lauderdale Alliance, and the Advisory Board of Florida Blue. She is a member of the Ft Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and the Broward Chamber of Nonprofit Organizations. Throughout her career Ms. Bacallao has been recognized for her achievements. She was honored with the Silver Medallion from National Conference for Community and Justice; was named to the Broward County Women's Hall of Fame; and received United Way of Broward County's Human Services Professional Award. Legal Aid and Service of Broward County bestowed the Russell E. Carlisle Advocacy Award on Ms. Bacallao for her work in creating pro bono immigration clinics. She also received one of the most meaningful awards of her career, The Jim Moran Foundation Award, for her work leading a nonprofit organization. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Ms. Josie Bacallao for her continued service to South Florida, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I rise today, first, to thank the chairman of the Budget Committee for the job he has done and the staff of that committee. As the chairman stated, this budget actually deals with the issues that are important to our country. The President has put together and has put forward a budget, but as the chairman stated, it is a budget that assumes that the law is not the law. He assumes that you can just throw money on top of the law and that it is going to stay there by some miracle of nature when the reality is that we know, as the chairman stated, that that is fake, because if we were to mark up to those numbers, the sequester would kick in and just eliminate those funds outright. This budget deals with reality. This budget deals with the fact that, if we don't deal with and if we don't reform what is causing, frankly, the debt, the deficits--which is mandatory spending--it will consume 100 percent of the budget in a generation. This budget also demands from Congress tax reform, tax reform that we all know would increase the economy, that would create more jobs, that would make it easier for Americans to open businesses--small, medium, and large--to create jobs here in this country. I want to thank the chairman because it also recognizes the fact that, no, al Qaeda is not on the run; that, no, we have not defeated terrorism; and that the world is not as safe as any of us would like it to be. This recognizes that we have to give our military what it needs to do its job. Yes, the President adds money to the base, but I repeat--and the chairman mentioned this--that that is fake because, unless you change the law, which this budget cannot do, that money automatically goes away. The one thing that we can do that is in the hands of this bill, of this budget that is in front of us, is to do precisely what the chairman has put forward. Is it perfect? Absolutely not--it is responsible. It helps create jobs, and it will grow the economy. It will stop this out-of-control spending; and, yes, it will deal with making sure that our military has the tools that it needs to fight the enemies of freedom and the enemies of America. It does it in a realistic fashion, not in this dream world that the President's budget seems to be living in. I encourage my colleagues to support this effort from our chairman of the Budget Committee. Again, I thank the chairman for his effort.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, due to being unavoidably detained I was unable to cast a vote for roll call vote 44. If I had been present I would have voted ``NO''.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Let me first thank you, Madam Chairwoman, for your leadership. As we heard tonight, your leadership in the cause of freedom does not stop at the shores of Cuba. Wherever there is repression and oppression, there is the clear concise voice of Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, as we have heard again tonight. Mr. Speaker, we have heard a lot. And I know that the time is getting short, but I want to quote somebody whom we have not quoted, as far as I remember here tonight, and this is President Obama. When Mr. Obama was running for President he stated what the right policy, what his policy would be to deal with the Cuban tyranny. He said: ``My policy towards Cuba will be guided by one word, `libertad'--freedom. And the road to freedom for all Cubans must begin with justice for Cuba's political prisoners, the right of free speech, a free press, freedom assembly, and it must lead to elections that are free and fair.'' Mr. Obama went on to say: ``I will maintain the embargo. It provides us with the leverage to present the regime with a clear choice. If you take significant steps towards democracy, beginning with the freedom of all--all--political prisoners,'' Mr. Obama said, ``we will take steps to begin normalizing relations. That is the way to bring about real change in Cuba,'' Mr. Obama said, ``through strong, smart principled democracy.'' Mr. Speaker, in essence, that day, then-candidate Obama, Senator Obama, and now-President Obama drew a red line about what the right policy was to deal with the Cuban regime; sadly, on December 17, President Obama announced that he was breaking that promise, that he was, once again, crossing--breaking--his own red line. We have heard tonight that we have also heard from the vast majority of the pro-democracy leaders within the island who are struggling. They have objected to President Obama's change of policy. Mr. Speaker, if President Obama doesn't want to do it for the sake of a future of freedom for the Cuban people, he should stand firm for the sake of the national security interests of the United States. As we have heard today--right now, as we speak, not 50 years ago--the Cuban regime harbors fugitives from American law, including cop killers and terrorists. What is President Obama's answer? ``No problem, we will normalize relations.'' The Cuban regime has an active espionage network against the interests of the United States. What is the President's answer to that? ``No problem, we will normalize. You can continue to do that.'' The Cuban regime shot down two American airplanes in international airspace; and for the people who are in prison, including one who was in prison for conspiracy to murder, not only is it okay--no problem, we will normalize--but no. We will send them back. You can go back home. Mr. Speaker, the night is late, but I know and I am confident that, unlike President Obama, this Congress will continue to stand firm with the cause of freedom and the cause of a free Cuba, even while President Obama does not.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Steve Sauls, and to congratulate him on his retirement. Mr. Sauls is an outstanding individual who has served as the Vice President for Governmental Relations at Florida International University. Steve has spent over 20 years at FIU, helping build the university into one of the top research institutions in the country. At FIU, he was instrumental in establishing and funding both the law school and medical school, and the expansion of graduate programs. His assistance has also led to millions of dollars of research funds being made available for the International Hurricane Research Center, Wolfsonian- FIU, and countless construction projects at the university. Steve's accomplishments include much more than just his work at FIU. He is the author of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980, which was created to provide educational assistance to Mariel and Haitian refugees. In the 1980s he also provided staff support to Governor Bob Graham of Florida. He was instrumental in the resurrection of the Everglades Coalition as part of the Save the Everglades program, and the purchase of Fakahatchee Strand, which protected Florida's panther habitat. Having known Steve for over 20 years, and been able to work with him since my time in the Florida state legislature, I can attest that he has consistently demonstrated the highest degree of integrity, character, and professionalism. He has been dedicated to his career and has worked tirelessly for the state of Florida and FIU. Beyond that, over the years I have had the privilege of getting to know Steve on a personal level, and am honored to now call him my friend. I wish nothing but the best for Steve in the future, and again congratulate him on his retirement. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Steve Sauls for his tremendous service to Florida, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida and also Mr. Kinzinger, the sponsor for this fine resolution. In 1 minute I have one very simple thing to say. It is time that we recognize who we are dealing with here. I know that it is easy and it is fun to talk about diplomacy and diplomatic talk and pretend that Mr. Putin is this democratic leader who has democratic aspirations, but as this resolution clearly states, facts just do not bear that out. So I thank the sponsor, and I thank the chairwoman for bringing to the floor the truth of what Europe is threatened with and the world is threatened with. Mr. Putin, that regime, is a regime of a thug for thugs, and he must be treated that way.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mater Gardens Academy and to congratulate the school on being recognized as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon recipient. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Every year the U.S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, and Mater Gardens Academy has earned that distinction. This is quite an accomplishment, and a testament to the commitment the school has shown to educating its students and providing them with the best faculty and resources to succeed. The school has truly taken its mission of bringing about meaningful achievement enabling students to become confident, lifelong learners. Mater Gardens Academy opened its doors in August 2006 as a K-8 charter school sponsored by Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Mater Gardens upholds core values that pave the way for student success: setting high expectations, valuing individuality, expecting accountability, and demonstrating respect, honesty, and integrity. The school has consistently been recognized for outstanding achievement. In 2011 Mater Academy placed sixth in the county on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) Science, and has also won the Gold Award from Miami-Dade County Public Schools in 2006 and 2007. In 2012 and 2013 the school was named one of the top 10 schools in Miami-Dade County. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mater Gardens Academy for their tremendous service to its students and the tireless work of their faculty, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable school.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Doral Performing Arts & Entertainment Academy and to congratulate the school on being recognized as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon recipient. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Every year the U.S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, and Doral Academy has earned that distinction. This is quite an accomplishment, and a testament to the commitment the school has shown to educating its students and providing them with the best faculty and resources to succeed. The school has truly taken its mission of preparing students, and instilling in them a belief in their own efficacy, seriously. Doral Academy opened its doors in 1999, and currently serves 2800 students. Doral Academy believes that engaging families and communities contributes to greater academic achievement and to the improvement of the school as a whole. This model of engagement is predicated on three core beliefs: student achievement increases the more knowledge parents have about their children's school experience; greater involvement of families through non-academic channels still contributes to greater academic buy-in by all; and the more a school invests in a community, the more resources, support networks, and allies are available to bolster the health and vitality of the school holistically. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Doral Performing Arts & Entertainment Academy for their tremendous service to its students and the tireless work of their faculty, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable school.