Mario Diaz-Balart

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of this amendment, which would prohibit funds, as the gentleman said, to delist the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organization, very simply. I would note that section 7041 in our bill contains substantially the same limitation, one of several provisions designed to counter Iran's nuclear program and its terrorist activities around the globe. In addition, the bill provides funding to enforce a future agreement, any future agreement, related to the nuclear program of Iran until such an agreement is submitted to Congress and receives the advice and consent of the Senate. It is not that complicated. Let's be clear. With the administration's just recent decision to waive sanctions and facilitate a transfer of $6 billion to fund the mullahs in Iran, the world's top state sponsor of terrorism, this debate, this issue, could not come at a more timely moment. I applaud the gentleman for bringing this issue. It is an issue that all of us should be on the same side on, as he mentioned, because we have to continue to counter Iran. Mr. Chair, I strongly urge the support of this timely and important amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I respectfully rise in opposition to the amendment, which would impose a blanket prohibition on the transfer of cluster munitions to any ally or partner abroad. Although the bill contains a longstanding limitation on the use abroad of U.S. cluster munitions, it does permit the transfer of these weapons where the dud rate is 1 percent or less. The bill also allows the transfer of related assistance where the purpose is for demilitarization or permanently disposing of such munitions. This amendment, however, goes beyond the restrictions in this bill. It would ban the transfer of those weapons to any foreign partner under any circumstances, whether to respond to a conflict potentially in the Korean Peninsula, to support Taiwan, or in the event of a Communist Chinese invasion or other unforeseen potential issues. I say this respectfully: It would, I think, unwisely tie the hands of our military in any potential future conflict. For those reasons, I respectfully urge defeat of this amendment. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in just a few hours, the Biden administration will end the enforcement of title 42. This administration estimates that we could see 13,000 immigrant encounters per day at the border. So clearly, allowing title 42 to end with no plan to secure our border is not only negligent, but it severely jeopardizes the national security interests of our country. But you see, the cataclysm facing our border is not just due to the end of title 42, Mr. Speaker, but also to this administration's complete abdication to do even the bare minimum to secure our southern border. It is negligence and incompetence, Mr. Speaker, with fatal consequences. Instead, the administration has relinquished control to the narco-terrorist cartels who now control the southern border of the United States. The Biden administration's policies are dangerous to our national security, Mr. Speaker, but they have deadly consequences for Americans and for immigrants alike. Heck, even The New York Times has highlighted the fact that 90,000 unaccompanied minors are unaccounted for and, frankly, are possibly being trafficked. It is immoral, Mr. Speaker, that the Biden administration refuses to take action to end human trafficking, stop the deadly influx of drugs into the United States, confront the cartels, protect those minors that are being trafficked, and enhance our outdated asylum process. Those, by the way, who have legitimate claims, those folks are also victims of this broken system. However, today, this House has a solution to help take back control of our border. H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, which I am so proud to have sponsored with my colleague and friend, Mr. McClintock, provides real solutions to restore order to the southern border, strengthen our national security, enhance our broken immigration system, and protect innocent minors while enforcing the rule of law, the rule of law, Mr. Speaker. So if you are concerned about our national security, or the safety of our fellow Americans, and immigrants, the safety of our immigrants, or the rule of law, I respectfully but, frankly, strongly urge you to vote for this great bill, H.R. 2.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I rise today to recognize Madeline Pumariega whose lifelong dedication toward serving our students and her community has had a resounding impact on South Florida. A cherished friend and brilliant leader, Madeline Pumariega may have inherited her passion for academics and service excellence from her mother, a Miami-Dade County Public School teacher. Pumariega's enthusiasm only grew while attending Miami Dade College as a student. She is devoted to ensuring that students have a path toward upward economic mobility through educational opportunities. This commitment led her to serve as President and CEO of Take Stock in Children, a statewide nonprofit focused on breaking the cycle of poverty by helping students complete their high school education and advance into postsecondary education and careers. Her drive to serve and excel was exemplified in her appointment as the first female Hispanic chancellor of the Florida College System (FCS). In that role, she improved several Florida College System schools, helping them to rise in the rankings of U.S. News & World Report and other national measures. During her tenure, Florida was named No. I in higher education by U.S. News. In 2019, she became the executive vice president and provost of Tallahassee Community College, where she dutifully and successfully led the school during the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. A true trailblazer in academia, Madeline Pumariega's hard work and dedication has culminated in her current role as the President of Miami-Dade College. Under her leadership, Miami-Dade College has flourished, as Madeline has prioritized working with business partners to identify the skills needed by key industries, while tailoring higher education programs to match those needs. This intentional formation of strategic alliances and job pathways between companies and MDC students actively accelerates each graduate's ability to enter the workforce immediately. Her relentless drive to develop leaders and build thriving communities has contributed to numerous successes for students in South Florida and my district. Mr. Speaker, as a commendable leader in academia, Madeline has proven her unwavering commitment through the success of each student she encounters. It is a privilege to honor this outstanding individual for her service, dedication, and invaluable contributions to the South Florida community today. We all benefit from the successes of the educators in our communities, and I thank Madeline for her work in advancing the futures of thousands of Floridian students.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I rise today to recognize Yvette Benarroch whose lifelong dedication toward serving her country and her community has had a significant impact on Southwest Florida. Born in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, Yvette began her time in public service in the United States Air Force, serving in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm before returning to Puerto Rico. After earning her bachelor's degree in marketing from lnteramerican University of Puerto Rico and attaining her master's degree in marketing from Southern New Hampshire University, Yvette began her professional career in public relations and education. She later became a successful entrepreneur. However, Yvette never lost her servant-leader spirit inspired by her time in service to her country. She maintains that her ``service to her country has no expiration date.'' Since moving to Naples, Florida in 2003, Yvette has served as a volunteer and board member in various local nonprofit organizations, further investing in her community by coordinating several hurricane relief efforts and food collection drives. When her community needed her the most, Yvette was always there. Yvette's staunch commitment toward helping her community has been both an inspiration and a blessing to those around her. Motivated by her love of country, her conservative values, and her dedication to service, Yvette soon found herself involved in local, state, and federal politics. Additionally, Yvette also served as Vice Chairwoman for the Collier County GOP from 2020 to 2022 and was a former State Vice Chairwoman for the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Florida. Today, she is the second Vice President for the Florida Federation of Republican Women. Yvette's persistent drive to continue her involvement in her community, specifically in Collier County, demonstrates her character and profound love for her country. Throughout her distinguished career and service, she has educated, motivated, engaged, and empowered other women and American Hispanics. She has inspired others to become leaders in politics and civic engagement. Yvette is a grassroots leader and conservative activist whose impact extends through Southwest Florida and beyond. Somehow, in addition to Yvette's work, she finds the time to play tennis, ballroom dance, and spend time with her husband, two sons, and their loyal golden retrievers Rocky and Lucky. Mr. Speaker, as a lifelong public servant and true patriot, Yvette has proven time and time again her unwavering commitment to the community. It is a privilege to honor her today, and to thank her for her dedication, hard work, and service on behalf of our community and country.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my former United States Air Force fellow, Eva M. Appiah, on her promotion to Chief Master Sergeant. Born and raised in Ghana, Eva moved to the United States at 14 years of age, living and studying in Alabama before moving to Georgia for her university studies. She successfully graduated from Columbus State University with both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Eva began her distinguished career in the Air Force Reserve in May 2002. She attended Basic Military Training and Materiel Management Apprentice training at Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas, graduating in March 2003. Throughout her career, she has served in various capacities within the logistics community. Serving as a First Sergeant at Maxwell Air Force Base, she was the principal advisor to the Commander, and the liaison to other senior officers, noncommissioned officers, and base agencies where she was responsible for advising on personnel programs, ensuring welfare, morale, and readiness. In her most recent deployment, she served as the First Sergeant for the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar in support of Operation FREEDOM SENTINEL and INHERENT RESOLVE. As the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) Enlisted Legislative Fellow and a treasured member of my team, Eva provided unparalleled support in managing the defense priorities of my office, advising me in these matters, and extending the essential perspective that a member of the armed services offers to those in Congress. As a member of the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations, it was a privilege having Eva in my office in 2022. She is sharp, passionate, eager to assist, and a true patriot. My staff and I valued having her on the team, and we are proud to celebrate this important milestone with her. Mr. Speaker, this is an impressive accomplishment. Chief Master Sergeant is the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force, and I hope Eva's promotion is an inspiration for young women who are interested in a career in our treasured Armed Forces. She has shown that with dedication, hard work, and perseverance, even the loftiest of dreams can be achieved. It has been an honor to work with Chief Master Sergeant Eva M. Appiah, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of this outstanding individual on the occasion of her well-deserved promotion.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in honor of her more than 30 years of public service, I rise today to recognize Gloria Oliveros, whose unwavering dedication has had a deep impact on our community in South Florida and the constituents in my district. A long-time resident of Miami, Florida, Gloria received her Associates Degree at Miami Dade College, later continuing her education at Florida International University where she successfully attained her Bachelor's in Public Administration. While furthering her education, Gloria simultaneously began her capacity for 6 years. After I was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, she continued to serve her community by taking on the position as Deputy District Director and Office Manager in my district office. From 2003 through 2018, Gloria executed her duties as Deputy District Director with enthusiasm, compassion, and hard work, proving herself an invaluable member of the team. Today, after decades of selfless dedication and repeatedly meeting the needs of constituents, Gloria has earned many promotions to ultimately become District Director. I know that Floridians from every corner of our district have benefitted from the fruits of community driven leadership and the tireless efforts of Gloria Oliveros. For this and much more, I wish to express my gratitude on behalf of myself, our team, and our district for the years of service Gloria has given to the betterment of our community. I know that many of our constituents know firsthand that Gloria is not only hard-working and supremely competent, but she is also kind, honorable, and intensely loyal. Mr. Speaker, as a lifelong public servant, a steadfast leader, and a dear friend, Gloria has proven time and time again her unwavering commitment to the district. She is a source of great pride to us all, including her husband, Michael and her children, Carlos, Taylor, Abigail, and Michael, Jr. It is truly a privilege to know and work with her, and I am grateful for the time that she has graciously given to improve our South Florida Community. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the service and accomplishments of this outstanding individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of our colleague and dear friend, Steve Chabot, who has served in Congress as an honorable, respected, and principled public servant for 26 years. Congressman Steve Chabot has demonstrated a remarkable talent for working with Members from both parties on a variety of issues, which has made him an especially effective legislator. Of his many lasting legacies, Congressman Chabot spent years working to strengthen the Democratic Republic of China (Taiwan) by encouraging arms sales for Taiwan's defense, striving to encourage greater diplomacy between Taiwan and the United States, and strengthening trade. His Taiwan Travel Act, which became law in 2018, encourages official diplomacy between Taiwan and U.S. officials despite Executive Branch reticence under the One China Policy. He worked tirelessly to preserve a secure, free, and prosperous Taiwan. Congressman Chabot understands the threat that Communist China poses to Taiwan and the rest of the free world, and was tenacious in working to diminish that threat on behalf of the United States and our allies. While the United States continues to address a growing threat from Communist China which pirates intellectual property from American businesses, threatens its neighbors in the Pacific, and oppresses the Chinese people, this noble body benefits from Members like Congressman Chabot who harbor an unwavering commitment to freedom, democracy, and America's national security. On the home front he has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his constituents including passing and overseeing the Paycheck Protection Program as Ranking Member of the Small Business Committee and securing millions of dollars in funding for projects around Cincinnati and Warren County, Ohio, over the years. I greatly admire Congressman Chabot for his leadership and dedication to quintessential American principles and priorities. I value our years together co-chairing the Congressional Taiwan Caucus. His efforts have made a lasting mark on this body, and with the colleagues that had the honor of serving beside him. As one of many grateful for his decades of service to the American people, and to the country whose values he so ably and passionately advanced, I thank Congressman Chabot for selflessly striving to expand freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of our colleague and dear friend, Albio Sires. Chairman Sires is retiring after ten years of admirable service in the U.S. Congress. In that time, he has been a steadfast advocate for human rights, democracy, and for those struggling for freedom in the most repressed places in the world. As Chairman of the Subcommittee of the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, Migration and International Economic Policy of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman Sires worked tirelessly on behalf of the American people to manifest our American values and interests abroad. If you were to compare our voting records, you might conclude that we have little in common. That would be wrong. Like my family, Chairman Sires' family was forced into exile to escape the tyranny of the Castro dictatorship. We share the gratitude of being warmly welcomed into freedom, while also feeling compelled to help those still languishing in their island prison. So when it came to pressing for freedom for the people of Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Communist China, Iran, and elsewhere, Chairman Sires was a fierce and adept advocate. Chairman Sires and I also co-chaired the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, a bipartisan congressional organization that focuses on preserving freedom and self-government for the people of Taiwan, providing Taiwan with the tools it needs to defend itself, and strengthening the U.S.- Taiwan relationship. We also co-chaired the Colombia Caucus, which built on the success since Plan Colombia to ensure that the country did not backslide into the violence and narcoterrorism of the 1990s. No one could be a better ally in the struggle for democracy and human rights than my friend, Chairman Sires. I thank him for his service, and will always be proud of the accomplishments we achieved together to advance freedom in the Pacific and our hemisphere. He has left a lasting legacy befitting the foundational values of freedom, self-rule, and fundamental rights. Chairman Sires is a friend, patriot, and a beloved brother in the cause for freedom. I am grateful that our country has been blessed by his leadership. Indeed, his example represents the best of America, and the best of this body.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, title 42 is a critical tool to manage the crisis at the southern border. It is hard to believe that the Biden administration claims that the termination of title 42 would actually decrease the number of encounters at the border. This is not only grotesquely disingenuous; it is actually laughable. Does the administration not remember the caravans headed to the southern border when the administration just announced the end of title 42? Do you know the cartels actually used the end of title 42 to promote, to advertise, their human smuggling business? Has the administration even spoken to our brave heroes, the Border Patrol agents, who consistently say that without title 42 authority, they would lose any semblance of operational control on the border? Let's be clear. The expected influx of border crossings if title 42 ended is not just a humanitarian crisis, which it is. It is a national security crisis, as well. The cartels will once again use the increased flow as a distraction to continue to bring in record amounts of narcotics such as fentanyl. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question so that we can bring up H.R. 471, the PAUSE Act, to help give our border agents the tools that they need in order to achieve operational control of the border.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart I rise today to commemorate a true academic scholar, Mr. John F. Stack, Jr. whose commitment to democracy in international and public affairs at the Florida International University has left an impressionable mark on the community and on me. John began his career in 1976, as an instructor and shortly after Chair of the Department of Political Science at FIU and remained committed throughout his tenure to advancing FIU's core mission in providing high-quality teaching, state-of-the-art research, and collaborative engagement with our local and global communities. FIU's College of Law is credited in large part to John's leadership as Chair of the College of Law initiative in 2000 and his devotion to the rule of law in remaining part of the faculty for the past two decades. As if establishing a Law School wasn't enough, Professor Stack additionally served as the founding Director of the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy and as the founding Dean of the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs. Due in large part to his determination and vision for FIU, John led FIU to many firsts and has impacted thousands of students along the way. Under his leadership at FIU's Green School of International and Public Affairs, South Florida made history as the first university in Florida to achieve the designation of Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs, one of only 40 globally. Throughout his extraordinary career, he has received numerous awards, including Doctor of Humane Letters in 2018 presented by his alma mater, Stonehill College. Among John's proudest moment was leading and advising FIU's Model UN team to rank Number 1 in the North American College Model U.N. Championship in 2019, a first in FIU history. John was more than a professor; he became a personal mentor to me as well as to my Chief of Staff, Cesar Gonzalez. Before I began my professional career a friend recommended that I sit down with John to discuss my future. Although I was not one of John's students, he agreed to sit down with me. After a number of conversations, he urged me to consider public service. Though he considered public service demanding, he implored on me that there is no greater honor than serving your neighbor, community, country and fellow man. I am forever grateful for his mentorship and guidance throughout my time in public service. While the loss of John marks a sad day for FIU and South Florida, his legacy will remain. I am fortunate to have had the privilege of working with such a talented and honorable individual. Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to my dear friend and mentor, Mr. John F. Stack, Jr., for his outstanding leadership and dedication to higher education and public service, and I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

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

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I claim time in opposition.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, let's be clear, this is not the time to provide unilateral concessions to a designated state sponsor of terrorism. This amendment is simply a bailout for the anti-American terrorist regime of Cuba, a regime that brutally oppresses the Cuban people and continuously undermines U.S. national security interests. It aids adversaries such as Russia, the Maduro regime in Venezuela, and terrorist groups such as FARC and ELN, just to mention a couple. Remember, the law allows for unlimited quantities of food and medicine and other basic necessities that are already allowed to be sent and to be sold to Cuba. What we must not do is leave the American taxpayers on the hook to subsidize the Cuban terrorist regime. This is not the time to bail out an enemy of the United States, which harbors fugitives from U.S. justice, which allows Russian spy ships to dock in its waters, that ruthlessly oppresses the Cuban people, imprisoning even children for just speaking out for freedom. This amendment, by the way, would also ensure that American farmers are not paid because we all know that the Cuban regime does not pay back its debts. This would, again, put the American taxpayer on the hook to help the Cuban regime. Let's be clear, a vote against this amendment is a vote for freedom. A vote against this amendment is a vote for the American national security interests. A vote against this amendment is a vote for human rights and freedom for the Cuban people. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Gimenez).

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Green).

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the bill in its current form but there are some really good things in this legislation, and I will talk about why I can't support it at this time. But first, I thank my dear friend, Chairman Price, for his work on the T-HUD portion of the bill, and, most importantly, as the chairwoman said, for his lifetime of honorable service to this country. I know that the committee and Congress will miss Mr. Price. He has been, frankly, a privilege to work with. Not that we don't have disagreements, but we always work through those disagreements in a respectful, open process. Evidence of his life and his service can be found in this bill as well as other past T-HUD bills. One example, Mr. Chairman, is the manufactured housing initiative that will, frankly, help revitalize communities across the Nation. Chairman Price listened to stakeholders and developed this innovative program with his characteristic deep understanding of policy. I have said--and I know he doesn't feel it is a negative thing, on the contrary, I say it with great compliment--that he is a total policy wand, Mr. Chairman. And this is one of those areas where you see his policy involvement. Some of you may not know that the Committee on Appropriations unanimously voted to name this efficiently the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement, PRICE, after Chairman Price. And I thank the chairman for including the funding that he did for port infrastructure. I would also mention that he and I, and the entire T-HUD Committee, have always made safety a priority, and this bill continues in that tradition. The bill modernizes air traffic control systems to make sure that they are the safest in the world, as well as it makes progress in road and rail safety. We share a priority of supporting American innovation, whether it is automated vehicles to unmanned aircraft to commercial space, this bill makes key investments in those areas as well. And it provides over $3 billion above last year, just to maintain HUD's current rental assistance programs. And that is something that, obviously, we all support, but I want to mention that those are things that once we do, we have to continue to fund every single year. Obviously, I support renewing this assistance, especially to the elderly, our disabled, and our veterans. Again, much of the HUD spending in this bill will create new liabilities for future years. For example, the bill expands Section 8-- a program that obviously we all know about--by $1.1 billion. This new spending would, in essence, require several billion dollars for renewals in future years. So, in essence, it becomes a de facto mandatory requirement which creates many, many issues. Let me be clear. I cannot support the bill at its current spending level. The bill was written under unrealistic top-line numbers, set by the majority. As a result, this bill has an overall increase of 12 percent above last year, which is, again, not acceptable. Inflation is at a 40-year high.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, inflation is at a 40-year high. Contrary to what some say, we cannot address inflation by spending more money-- by continuing to spend more and more money. Instead, we need an agreement that reduces excessive spending that balances defense and nondefense spending, and, again, removes all of the controversial riders. Once that happens, Mr. Chair, I am confident that we will be able to reach an agreement that this House and the majority and the minority can live with. Again, I thank Chairman Price for his leadership, his friendship, and openness. He will be missed. I would be remiss if I didn't thank the chairwoman and the ranking member of the full committee for their leadership. I am confident that we will eventually be able to have numbers that we can live with and have a bipartisan bill, but until then, I have to oppose the bill.