Mario Diaz-Balart

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, let me start by thanking Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger for their leadership. A lot has been said about Chairwoman Lowey, and I don't want to repeat myself, but the bottom line is: You are one class act, and you will be sorely missed by this institution. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Price for his friendship, his transparency, and his openness in this process. I strongly support so many aspects of the T-HUD portion of this bill. I am particularly pleased with the inclusion of funding and language requests from Members on both sides of the aisle in a nonpartisan way. I appreciate, for example, the $300 million for port infrastructure grants. It is important, obviously, for coastal States like Florida, but also for our entire country's freight network, and our economy. It is clear that ports are crucial for our economy. The bill also includes $389 million for a Maritime Academy Training Ship program--something that had been, frankly, ignored for too many years. This bill supports the training ship in Texas, which will double as a disaster response asset for the region. The bill continues investments in our Nation's highways, rail, transit and airport infrastructure. It builds on progress we have made in recent years through, again, this bill creating jobs, improving the quality of life, and spurring innovation. The bill makes important progress to enhance safety on our roads and railways. Now, these are programs championed for years by Chairwoman Lowey, and, obviously, Chairman Price. And I share her support in these areas, but, again, this has been her driving force. Funding for FAA will modernize air traffic technologies, improve the safety of our skies, and address noise concerns from our colleagues in our communities. The bill renews housing assistance for millions of Americans in need. It is our duty. It is our duty to meet this commitment, especially for our elderly, for our disabled, for our heroes, for our veterans. These housing assistance programs are not just a safety net for millions of Americans, but they are a path for opportunity and self-sufficiency to so many. Chairman Price has included new innovative programs to support our efforts to end homelessness in America, including a focus on families at risk of becoming homeless, victims of domestic violence, and veterans. Again, Chairman Price has made so many smart and, by the way, tough decisions, but smart, good policy decisions that I, unfortunately, like my colleagues, find it unfortunate that I cannot support this bill in its current form right now. A major portion of this T-HUD bill division is based on, frankly, a funding gimmick--$75 billion in new infrastructure spending is designated as an emergency. This violates last year's bipartisan agreement. It puts our entire appropriations process at risk. The bill also includes controversial DOT and HUD policy riders. Some of these were dropped last year, again, consistent with the budget agreement that we all--most of us--voted for. And they have to be dropped again. Despite these concerns and, obviously, despite the fact that at this moment I can't support the bill, I need to thank Chairman Price for making, again, as I mentioned, some really, really good important decisions. He had to make some tough decisions. That is what this job entails when you are an appropriator and you are a cardinal, but he has done so. Mr. Speaker, I am confident--no, I am certain--that we will be able to address these concerns as this process moves forward. Chairman Price knows how to reach across the aisle and how to strike a deal, as does our committee leadership, Chairwoman Lowey, and our ranking member, as well. The question is not ``if,'' but ``when'' we will be able to get a bill that can be sent to the President and will be able to get his signature. Again, this bill isn't that right now, but I am confident that we will be able to move forward.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the dean of the House of Representatives of the United States.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. McHENERY. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the Pascrell/Kaptur amendment that would increase funding to the United States Postal Service to carry out a pilot program for postal banking. In 2018, President Donald Trump created a special task force to specifically review the Post Office and necessary reforms. The Treasury Department was directed to release the Task Force's recommendations, which it did in its report, ``United States Postal Service: A Sustainable Path Forward.'' In its report, the Task Force was clear: ``given the USPS's narrow expertise and capital limitations, USPS should not pursue expanding into new sectors, such as postal banking, the USPS does not have a demonstrated competency or comparative advantage, or where balance sheet risk would be added.'' The Post Office agreed. In response to a widely criticized and highly unusual report by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Post Office made clear that despite any recommendations to the contrary from the OIG, the Post Office core mission ``is delivery, not banking.'' The Government Accountability Office (GAO) agreed. In March, the GAO released a report finding that new, non-postal services like postal banking may have limited viability. Based on interviews the GAO conducted with the USPS officials, postmasters, postal employees, and consumer groups, GAO cautioned that postal banking may ``generate minimal revenue and [the] USPS may face factors limiting the viability of these offerings.'' The Task Force said no. The Post Office said no. The GAO cautioned against it. Yet there are some in Congress who seemingly have put blinders on the overwhelming expertise of those who say this is a bad idea. The cost of this willful blindness is at the expense of community banks and small financial institutions. Since Dodd-Frank, community financial institutions have struggled with the regulatory burdens and compliance regimes that are now required to provide basic financial services to more Americans. Allowing the federal government to go into banking via the Post Office might well be more than these financial institutions can bear. In short, postal banking is a bad idea. And one that I have fought over the years and will continue to fight as needed going forward.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express how I would have voted on S. 2163. I was unable to vote because I was with the Vice President of the United States. If I had been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' for the bill.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, next month the United States will celebrate the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage. On August 26, 1920, our nation finally recognized the right of women to vote with the passage of the 19th Amendment. For the past 100 years, women increasingly have been participating in the democratic process, not only as voters but as those who serve their constituencies in the U.S. Congress, state legislatures, and numerous other elected positions. While we commemorate this important milestone, we must give thanks to those men and women who worked to ensure that women were fully included in the political process. It took the courage of trailblazers like Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and the women who gathered at Seneca Falls so many decades ago to demand that their voices be heard. As we celebrate the centennial anniversary of women's right to vote, I urge women across our nation to continue to use their voices and actively participate in the democratic process, as they have already for so many years. Our nation's political system, as well as our families, economy, and culture, are made stronger through the full participation of women. In March, the House celebrated Women's History Month and acknowledged the accomplishments of women across the nation and around the world. Throughout the years, I have been proud to recognize key female figures in my district who have played significant roles bettering South Florida. From educational leaders to dedicated city employees, it has truly been a privilege to celebrate their impressive achievements and highlight the diligent work that they do for Florida's 25th Congressional District. Over the nearly two and half centuries since our nation's founding, successive generations have worked to extend the sacred promises of liberty to all Americans. We are ever striving toward the more perfect union for which our government was established, and we have come a long way. We have more work ahead of us, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that these foundational rights and freedoms are secured for all Americans. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, and in thanking women across the United States for their activism, leadership, and service in creating the vibrant democracy of today.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I rise today to recognize Stephanie Busin, for her unwavering dedication to her community. She has been a steadfast activist supporting children's education initiatives and has left an impressive and unforgettable mark on Southern Florida. Born in Pahokee, Florida, Stephanie is a third generation Hendry County native and has spent her life giving back to her community. After graduating from Clewiston High School in 1996, she enrolled in Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. However, her interest in journalism brought her home, where she joined The Clewiston News staff. It is during this time period that she found her passion for education, which later led to her becoming an integral member of the Hendry County School Board in 2014. Presently, she serves as the Chairman of Hendry's District 4 School Board. Stephanie has been a passionate advocate for raising awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in her community, particularly among law enforcement officers. In fact, in 2017, she created a training program, LAWTISM, which educates officers on how to identify and properly respond to people who may have ASD. She also championed autism awareness in the classroom, by establishing a nonprofit that fundraised to create the Educators Affecting Autism Classroom Grants. These grants, which are an award of $250, are used to support the sensory and academic needs of students who are on the autism spectrum. Stephanie's dedication to community service is of the highest caliber, and her selfless character is truly demonstrated in the work she has done. It would be remiss to celebrate Stephanie without recognizing her loving husband, Tony, and her two greatest treasures, her sons Anthony and Baron. The love and support Stephanie receives from her family allows her to be a leader and activist in her community. Madam Speaker, it is truly a privilege to honor my good friend, Stephanie Busin, for the impressive work she has done for Southern Florida. Her commitment, perseverance, and drive cannot be matched, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I rise today to recognize Susie V. Castillo, whose inspiring life journey and determined work ethic has had a significant impact on all those around her. In 1961, her parents and two older brothers were forced into exile by the Castro dictatorship and had to begin a new life in South Florida. Very quickly, Susie valued the importance of giving back to her community, and as a young woman, began working as a secretary in the same elementary school where her mother taught. This decision started Susie's career of over twenty years dedicated to jobs in public service. Susie spent time working in Miami-Dade County's Superintendent's Office and then became a legislative aide for a member of the School Board, Mr. Frank Bolanos. This experience gave her a greater understanding of how local policies can help students excel in the classroom, parents prepare their children, and teachers perform their jobs. It proved beneficial when, in 2004, she served as Chief of Staff for the City of Doral's founding mayor, Mr. Juan Carlos Bermudez, for over eight years. In this role, she strived to ensure that the needs of students were met and developed city-wide education initiatives, including one centered on financial literacy. In 2012, she was elected to serve on Miami Dade County's School Board, a position she currently holds. Throughout her eventful life, Susie has proven that she is a strongminded and driven individual, even in the most adverse of times. This was evident when, her daughter, Andrea, who was an aspiring educator, tragically passed away at the young age of twenty-one. Susie used Andrea's passing as her compass and dedicated herself even more to her community. In her daughter's memory, she created the Andrea Castillo Foundation, which gives scholarships to students majoring in Education at public colleges and universities in Miami-Dade. Susie has ensured that her daughter's legacy will not be forgotten; she will live on in every student who receives this scholarship. Madam Speaker, it has truly been a privilege to work with Susie Castillo over the years and I greatly admire her commitment to Miami Dade County. Her dedication and unwavering spirit, even in the most trying circumstances, deserves our respect, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this exceptional individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, in recognition of Women's History Month, I rise today to honor Janet Face Glassman, whose long-term dedication to her community and helping other women and girls has had a significant impact on Southern Florida. Janet was born and raised in Massachusetts, where, at a young age, she found a lifelong passion for civic engagement and empowering young women. In 1971, she graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, with a B.S. in Mathematics. Shortly after, she met her husband, Alan, who has been her strongest advocate for over forty-four years. She spent her professional career working in the insurance industry and received her license to become a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) in 1995. Janet moved to Naples, Florida in 2010, and has been a pillar in her community ever since. While she has volunteered with many organizations over the years, some of her most impactful work has been with the PACE Center for Girls Collier, located in Immokalee. PACE is a nationally recognized and highly successful program that mentors high-risk middle and high school aged girls. Since its opening in Immokalee in 1998, PACE has helped over 1,200 girls, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. In 2018, she was the sponsorship chair for PACE's annual Love that Dress event, which resells gently used dresses, shoes, handbags, and other accessories to help PACE continue with their diligent work. Janet passionately believes in PACE's mission and has visited Washington, D.C., to meet with Members of Congress to further gain support and raise awareness of this exceptional organization. In 2019, PACE Center for Girls Collier awarded Janet the Pacesetter award for her nine years of exceptional volunteer and advocacy work. Janet's love for her community knows no bounds and is constantly displayed in the ways she gives back to others. While she has already made a lasting impact on those around her, she continues to find ways to be a leader and better her community. In March of 2018, Janet graduated from the Greater Naples Leadership Program, where she and other leaders in Collier County learned how to best serve and fulfill the needs of their community. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have such a dedicated community leader in the district I serve. Janet Face Glassman's love for service and assisting those around her has truly made a difference in Collier County, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, in recognition of his long-standing contributions to the engineering profession and his dedication to bettering South Florida, I rise today to honor my good friend, Mr. Carlos A. Penin. Born in Holguin, Cuba, Carlos was forced into exile by the Castro dictatorship with his mother and three sisters in 1962. They arrived in Miami, Florida where they rebuilt their lives in pursuit of the American Dream. Carlos knew that with hard work and perseverance, he could turn this dream into a reality. In 1977, he graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and Construction Management. He continued with his studies and received an M.S. in Environmental and Urban Systems from Florida International University in 1982. After graduation, Carlos remained in South Florida and worked for several architectural and engineering firms. He played a key role in designing and managing major infrastructure projects, including the Joe Robbie Stadium, now known as the Hard Rock Stadium. Despite his success, Carlos always knew he wanted to start his own company and give back to the community that has given so much to him. In 1989, he took a chance and began C.A.P. Government, Inc. (CAP), and, in 2019, CAP celebrated its thirtieth anniversary. Under his leadership, CAP has provided unparalleled expertise for government clients who need assistance with building department services. Presently, they serve over sixty municipalities and six educational institutions across Florida. While Carlos's professional accomplishments are impressive, it would be remiss to honor him without touching on the love he has for his three daughters, Monica, Teresa, and Isabel. His daughters are truly his greatest treasures, and, with their support, he has become not only a successful businessman, but also a leader in his community. He has been actively involved in promoting the importance of engineering careers through leadership positions in several organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Cuban American Association of Civil Engineers (CAACE), and, in fact, is the 2020 recipient of their Plinio Villanueva Award. This award recognizes his commitment and dedication to advancing the civil engineering profession. Further, it acknowledges the difference that he has made in the lives of so many, and it is one that he greatly deserves. Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to call Mr. Carlos A. Penin a close friend, and to pay tribute to his impressive accomplishments. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I urge defeat of the previous question so that we can amend, as the gentleman just explained the rule, to immediately consider my resolution condemning Senator Sanders' blatantly false comment regarding the racist, terrorist, murderous Castro regime in Cuba. I have said this before: If anybody wants to know the devastation of socialism and the tyranny that so often accompanies it, I invite you to speak to some of my constituents, including thousands of former political prisoners now in exile. Let me just mention some of those. Jorge Luis Garcia Perez, ``Antunez''; Angel de Fana; and Roberto Martin Perez. There are so many others who are in south Florida who have suffered in the prisons of Cuba just because they have asked for and fought for freedom. But there are also former political prisoners who are still on the island, and I can mention many of them. Let me just mention Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, who just recently was arrested, harassed, and then it looks like potentially released; and the relatives of current political prisoners such as: Jose Daniel Ferrer, Mitzael Diaz Paseiro, Miguel Diaz Bauza, and Yanet Perez Quevedo. You can't speak to them because they are in prison currently, but you can speak to their relatives. All of them have witnessed firsthand the destruction that socialism causes. All of these political prisoners have to be released at once. That is what we should be demanding. Now, unfortunately, this is not new coming from the Progressive movement. But I remind Senator Sanders and the Progressive movement that the Castro regime is not only a threat to the national security interests of the United States, but also to the democracies in our hemisphere. I want to remind Senator Sanders of the Cuba regime's close relationship with some of the world's worst thugs, such as Iran. Iran and the Cuban regime held the first Iran-Cuban business forum in Tehran in August of 2019 and have signed memorandums of understanding affirming their commitment to expanded trade and coordination. There were, just recently, two high-profile visits of the Iranian so-called Foreign Minister and also the so-called President of Iran to Cuba in 2016. For years, the Cuban regime has been on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism for their support of other terrorist states, terrorist organizations, and violence around the world and in this hemisphere. In 2013, the Cuban regime, I remind folks, was caught smuggling weapons to North Korea in the largest violation of international sanctions against that rogue regime. It has been propping up the Maduro regime with thousands of intelligence operatives to oppose the Venezuelan people and, in some cases, to kill the Venezuelan people. The Cuban regime has been harboring fugitives from U.S. justice, including FBI's most wanted terrorist Joanne Chesimard and terrorist bomb maker William Morales. That is just to name a few. So that is why, Madam Speaker, I filed the resolution that condemns the blatantly false comments of Democratic Socialist candidate for President Senator Bernie Sanders. This resolution also rejects the false claims that Cuba's healthcare, education, and literacy rate have improved as a result of the Castro regime, the Castro dictatorship. Those claims have been debunked by numerous sources. Let me just go over a couple of facts. According to a State Department report, Cuba's infant mortality rate was 32 of 1,000 live births, one of the best in the Western Hemisphere. But, Madam Speaker, this was not Castro. This is in the 1950s, pre- Castro. Cuba's life expectancy was also one of the highest in Latin America in the 1950s, pre-Castro. No, it wasn't Castro. This was pre-Castro. Cuba's literacy rate was one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere, pre-Castro in the 1950s. Those are the facts, Madam Speaker, the realities of Cuba. In Cuba now, over 1 million people--in a country of just 11 million-- have risked everything to try to find freedom, to try to get away from that socialist tyranny. Many have perished on rafts as they place themselves and their children at risk in shark-infested waters for just a chance at freedom.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, why would they do this if things in Cuba are just not all that bad? Again, in contrast, during the pre-Castro Cuba, more Americans were traveling to Cuba and going to Cuba than Cubans coming to the United States. Today, now, Madam Speaker, here we have an opportunity to condemn Senator Bernie Sanders' blatantly false and hurtful comments regarding the racist, terrorist Castro regime. Join me in standing in solidarity with the Cuban people and, by extension, also solidarity with the Venezuelan people who are working to regain their freedom against what the OAS Secretary General has called the Cuban army of occupation in Venezuela. So join me in standing in solidarity with the people and not with the regime that oppresses them.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, today we stand in support of the international day of commemoration in the memory of those victims of the Holocaust. January 27 is also the day, again, 75 years ago, when Auschwitz was liberated, a day to remember the atrocities of the Holocaust so we may never allow such a horror to happen again anywhere on this planet. We must rededicate ourselves to ensuring that we confront evil and oppose all forms of anti-Semitism. Mr. Speaker, inconceivably, some have the audacity to deny that the Holocaust happened. Others advocate for boycott, divestment, and sanctions in regard to our democratic ally, the State of Israel. We have seen shocking anti-Semitic attacks waged against Jewish communities all over the world and even here in the United States. That is why I am so proud to join with my colleagues here in the House from both sides of the aisle in remembering our responsibility to confront indifference to evil whenever evil raises its head. Last week, I met with friends from the American Jewish Committee back home in the district, and I learned that 25 percent of Jews are afraid to visit their place of worship or to proudly display their deeply held beliefs in public because they are concerned or potentially afraid for their safety. Seventy-five years ago, the world saw this horrific revelation of the depths of human depravity. That is why, today, on the House floor, we stand united, together. Despite our potential differences, our religious traditions, our backgrounds, we stand united, together, to reiterate that anti-Semitism will not be tolerated, Mr. Speaker, and that Israel will always have the support of the United States of America.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 5.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I rise to support this bill, and particularly, I want to talk about the transportation and housing portion of it. Chairman Price and I worked with our Senate colleagues to craft a fair agreement to meet our Nation's transportation and housing needs. The T-HUD discretionary total is $74.3 billion, which is $1.5 billion below the House-passed level. I would note that there are a lot of pressures in this bill. We required $2 billion above last year just to meet housing inflation and another $2 billion just to make up for lost receipts, so there is a $4 billion hole to start with. Some tough choices had to be made. Let me talk about specifics: $2.4 billion for highway grants, which provides funding directly to our State DOTs, $1 billion for BUILD grants to help transform communities, and $225 million for port infrastructure. This bill also emphasizes safety, and that is something we should be proud of. For HUD, we provide $3.4 billion for Community Development Block Grants, a huge priority for Members, both Democrats and Republicans. The bill meets our commitment to provide housing assistance to our most vulnerable, including the elderly, the disabled, and our veterans. I am proudly particularly proud and pleased that the bill provides $2.8 billion for homeless assistance grants. I have seen the results of this program firsthand. In Miami-Dade County, we, in essence, effectively eliminated homelessness among veterans in our county. As a final point on the T-HUD bill, I would note that this agreement drops all the controversial riders in the bill. Once again, Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger led us through difficult negotiations by working day and night and never giving up, and we are grateful for their leadership. Finally, I thank Chairman Price for his friendship and his partnership. He has been a joy and a delight to work with, as well as our Senate counterparts, Senator Collins and Senator Reed. I am proud of this bill. I think it is a great bill for transportation and infrastructure, and also for our housing needs, and I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the underlying bill, the Agriculture Workforce Modernization Act. Now, when you read the title, maybe folks will think that this is only an agriculture bill. But in reality, this bill also helps to deal with a vital national security issue: A stable supply of agricultural goods produced here in the United States of America. Not by a foreign power who does not have our interests in mind, and could use our food security as a weapon, but, no, agricultural products grown here by patriotic American farmers. And this issue will not happen by itself. The H-2A system that our farmers now use to get their workforce--frankly, when they are not able to find American workers--is absolutely broken. It is antiquated, and it is just not responsive to the changing needs of the patriotic American farmer. That is why Members from both sides of the aisle have come together with over 300 farming organizations to draft a bill that ensures that in the United States of America those who grow our food will be able to continue to grow our food and have the adequate workforce that they need. No bill is perfect, and this one isn't perfect either. But, again, this bill, if it moves forward and gets to the President's desk--and this bill, if it moves forward, can be changed and tweaked to make sure that it gets to the President's desk--and if we don't do that, we will be, frankly, letting down our farmers, letting them down one more time, and, again, opening up the door to a national security threat that we do not need to allow to happen. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the underlying bill. But before I yield back, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank a few people. Some have already been thanked: Mike Carlton from Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, for his work to ensure that Florida's agricultural interests were represented in the negotiations. I also would like to thank a few staffers: I thank David Shahoulian from the Committee on the Judiciary who has been amazing over these years; Carrie Meadows from Representative Newhouse's staff; and also Cesar Gonzalez, my chief of staff, who has been invaluable, by the way, in years of working to try to have solutions to an issue that we all know needs to take place.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Colorado for yielding. I rise today to strongly support this bipartisan bill. You have heard today that, for decades, Congress has been talking about the broken H-2A system, the system that our farmers use to get the workforce that they need to grow our food. We have been talking about it for decades. It is broken and not only creates an economic issue for our farmers and for the country, but it also creates a national security issue. Imagine if we were forced to start having to import our food. Isn't it time to kind of just stop talking and start working to bring forward real bipartisan solutions? That is what this bill does. Is it perfect? No, but that is what this bill does. This bill helps our farmers, finally brings help to our farmers. It also regularizes our farming workforce, which helps our farmers, helps our communities, helps our economy, and helps our national security. Again, this is crucial for those folks who work hard every single day and who are tired of hearing from Congress just words of how broken the system is. We finally have a bipartisan bill that does what we have been talking about for so many years. That is why I am proud to support this bill.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, in recognition of American Education Week, I rise today to congratulate Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee on celebrating their 55th anniversary and to commend them for their dedication and exemplary service to Southern Florida. Originally named Immokalee Child Care Center of Immokalee, Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee was founded in 1962 by members of the Church Women United, who recognized a need for childcare facilities in their community. At the time, working parents, specifically migrant workers, were left with few options for childcare. This led to parents having to make a difficult decision--leave their children unattended or take them to the fields during the workday. Both options posed significant dangers for these children. Knowing that this practice cannot continue, dedicated members and community groups worked together to raise funds and open a facility, which immediately served twenty- five children. Since its founding, Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee has not strayed from its mission of providing quality education and developmental services for the children of Southern Florida. Presently, Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee serves 125 students from diverse backgrounds and continues to grow. Their curriculum centers on developing critical social, emotional, linguistic and academic skills for their students to ensure that each child has the ability to meet age-appropriate milestones. However, understanding that children need more than just in-classroom teaching to be successful, Pathways plays an active role in supporting children and their families after the school day ends. They identify students who need additional assistance and partner with agencies who provide them with access to mental health services, food and shelter needs, and healthcare options. Having had the privilege of working with Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee for a number of years, I continue to be impressed by their steadfast commitment to each and every child they teach. It cannot be stated enough how important early childhood education centers, like Pathways, are for empowering students to reach their full potential. I am proud that Florida's 25th Congressional district is home to such a dedicated childcare center. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee for their fifty-five years of service to Southern Florida and the Immokalee community and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable organization.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I am gravely concerned for the welfare of Jose Daniel Ferrer, a courageous Cuban pro-democracy activist and hero of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). Ferrer was seized on October 1, 2019, and remains held without access to family, friends, legal counsel, international human rights groups, or other concerned members of his organization. Human rights groups including Amnesty International have cited alarming but unverified reports of torture and maltreatment at the hands of the regime's thugs, including the withholding of necessary medical care, food and water. It is a disgrace that the King and Queen of Spain are in Cuba, while Ferrer languishes in prison, and have failed to exercise simple human decency by demanding his release, or meeting with other courageous independent democracy and human rights activists. The regime in Cuba has the blood of innocents on its hands, those whose only ``crime'' was daring to speak against the evils of the dictatorship including: Orlando Zapata Tamayo, who died in state custody on February 23, 2010; Juan Wilfredo Soto Garcia, who died on May 8, 2011; Laura Pollan, the renowned leader of the Ladies in White, who died under suspicious circumstances on October 14, 2011; Wilman Willar Mendoza, who died on January 19, 2012; Armando Sosa Fortuny, who died on October 28, 2019; We also remember Oswaldo Paya and Harold Cepero of the Christian Liberation Movement, both of whom died on July 22, 2012 in a suspicious car accident that has not been fully and appropriately investigated. The regime of firing squads, political prisoners, the Tugboat Massacre, the Brothers to the Rescue shootdown, the Black Spring, and the murders of activists continues its evils to this day. It continues to intimidate, detain, encourage acts of repudiation, and inflict brutal violence to suppress the Cuban people. Jose Daniel Ferrer must be released immediately and without condition, and those who participate in vile human rights abuses must be held accountable. The world is watching. Should any harm come to Ferrer, the murderous Cuban dictatorship headed by Raul Castro and his puppet Miguel Diaz-Canel bear sole responsibility.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I also rise in support of this continuing resolution. As an appropriator, and you have heard it from all of us, this is not the best choice--it is not our first choice--to do continuing resolutions. But this short-term CR is necessary to give the Senate time to move its appropriations bills through the process. In the meantime, Mr. Speaker, this legislation is absolutely critical for our men and women in uniform, for our first responders, for our air traffic controllers, and so many other public servants who keep us safe each and every day. This legislation also has a limited number of provisions that are, frankly, important to Members on both sides of the aisle. Let me just give you a couple of examples. Disaster response tools are in this CR and extension of flood insurance and relief for the men and women who help put the food on our table, the American farmers. Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, this legislation gives us the opportunity to complete our full-year appropriations bills by November 21. I am absolutely confident that we can finish our bills by this date because we have a bipartisan budget deal that was signed by the President. I am particularly looking forward to working with Chairman Price to finalize a T-HUD bill to address the infrastructure, safety, and housing needs of our great country. I also know that because of Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger, they will lead us through this process in a transparent, clear way, as they always have. Mr. Speaker, again, we need to pass this bill. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the ranking member for allowing me this time. I want to start by commending--and I have done this before--by commending the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Soto), for his relentless leadership on this issue. He has a tradition of working in a bipartisan way. He has a tradition of working on things that are important to the people of Florida. This is not only important to the people of Florida, but when you talk about Venezuela, as the gentleman knows, this is important for the national security interests of the United States. Now, the gentleman mentioned about the reality in Venezuela today. The reality of what we have seen because of this Socialist regime in Venezuela is what used to be one of the wealthiest countries in Latin America has now become a place where Venezuelans don't have access to, frankly, food and medicine. Mr. Speaker, the most important thing is the repression that they are suffering under day in and day out. The heroic Venezuelan people are doing everything they can to recover their freedom. I am proud of what this administration, the Trump administration, has done in support, in solidarity with the Venezuelan people, in support of the cause of freedom. But while that is going on, a lot of us believe that it would be unacceptable to return Venezuelans to the situation that the gentleman, my colleague from Florida (Mr. Soto), just mentioned, and what I just mentioned as well. And that is what this legislation is all about. We all know that the real solution, the permanent real solution for Venezuela is very simple, and it can be boiled down to one word: freedom. The freedom of the Venezuelan people. And we are working, and the administration has done an amazing job, again, in solidarity with the cause of freedom of the Venezuelan people. But in the meantime, Venezuelans cannot be returned to that dictatorship that we have spoken so much about. So, again, I want to thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Soto). I want to thank also my south Florida colleagues. The gentleman mentioned a number of them. I see Congresswoman Shalala is here, and so many others who have been working on this. Not only working on this, but also helping in the cause of freedom for the Venezuelan people. So, again, Mr. Speaker, this is not to be confused with issues dealing with immigration, with a lot of controversial issues that are out there. This is to deal with the specific case of the Venezuelan people who are struggling under this repressive Socialist regime. While that is going on, we should not turn people back. That is what this bill does. So I would urge a favorable vote.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement as President of two local International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) chapters, I rise today to commemorate the years of service my close friend, Mr. Gerardo Becerra, has given to the maritime industry and the thousands of members he passionately represented in South Florida. Gerry is a remarkable individual whose legacy in the port industry and the ILA will never be forgotten. Born in 1941 in Havana, Cuba, Gerry escaped the Castro dictatorship in 1960 and had to build a new life for himself in South Florida. Shortly after arriving to the states, Gerry enlisted in the United States Army in 1962 and served our nation for a number of years. After being honorably discharged from the army, Gerry began working at the ports and in 1965 he was one of the original charter members for ILA's Local 1922 chapter. Gerry's retirement closes his chapter of over fifty-four years of service to the longshoremen industry and the ILA. From 1965 to 1983, Gerry worked as a checker and plan clerk and through his hard work and dedication, he was appointed Vice President in 1984 for Local 1922, Local 1922-1, and Local 2062. In this role, he represented checkers, mechanics, and truck drivers. In 2005, he became President of Local 1922 and Local 1922-1 and served in this position until his retirement. Additionally, he served as Vice President of the ILA from 2006 until 2018. During this time, Gerry was integral in negotiating contracts, mediating grievances, and representing the interests of his colleagues. Having had the privilege of working with Gerry for many years, his determination and passion for bettering the longshoremen industry never wavered. While his retirement marks the end of an era, I have no doubt that Gerry looks forward to spending more time with his wife of fifty- six years, Carmen, his two daughters, nine grandchildren, and extended family. Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the impressive career of my dear friend, Mr. Gerry Becerra, and the strides he has made for the hardworking men and women in the port industry, and I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I first commend my colleague from central Florida (Mr. Soto), for his leadership and his perseverance. I want to also thank my colleagues from south Florida, many of whom are here today in support of this important piece of legislation. Look, I know that there are concerns about an immigration system that is absolutely broken in this country, and it is. I know that there are concerns about even the TPS system. I get that. But we have to take a step back. What we are dealing with here is a very specific, unique situation, which is why Congress today will have this opportunity to vote on it. You know the situation. You have heard the situation about the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. Over 3 million people have fled Venezuela because what was the wealthiest country in South America, because of the radical socialist policies of the two last dictatorships, now has become among the poorest, where people don't have access to any basic issues of--whether it is healthcare or even food, medicine. You know all that, but, you see, there is something else: The extreme repression that is taking place in Venezuela, that is the real reason people are fleeing. That is the reason that Venezuelans are dying. That is the reason that the heroes in Venezuela have hit the streets. That is the reason why this young leader, President Guaido, has come to the forefront leading these heroic people. And this administration has recognized that fact. This administration--and I am so grateful--has applied tough sanctions against the dictatorship, has shown great solidarity with the people of Venezuela. So I ask you, let's not confuse this with all of the issues of immigration and the broken immigration system. Really, with what is going on in Venezuela, should we be sending Venezuelans back to that dictatorship, or could Congress act in a very specific circumstance to give them the ability to stay here, at least while this dictatorship, this horrific situation is taking place in Venezuela? That is what we are dealing with. Not the horrors of complications or the messed up parts of the immigration system which has got issues, obviously. It is this very specific issue. Again, thanking, particularly, my colleague, Mr. Soto, I would just urge my colleagues in the House to take a step back. These are specific circumstances dealing with this dictatorship in Venezuela. The administration has shown solidarity, Congress now has the opportunity to do the same. Madam Speaker, I ask for a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Speaker, I rise today to include in Record how I would have voted on H.R. 2515, H.R. 3050, and H.R. 2409. I was unable to vote yesterday because my scheduled flight was cancelled. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' for each bill.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.