Mario Diaz-Balart

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order against the amendment because it proposes to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriations bill and, therefore, violates clause 2 of rule XXI. I ask for a ruling from the Chair.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I, again, want to thank you and your staff, who have been great on this issue, understanding the problem. At this time I would ask unanimous consent, Mr. Chairman, to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, due to inclement weather, my flight was delayed and I was unable to cast the following votes. If I had been present, I would have voted as follows: rollcall vote 412, I would have voted ``yea''; rollcall vote 413, I would have voted ``yea''; rollcall vote 414, I would have voted ``nay''; rollcall vote 415, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, today I want to bring attention to the cases of four human rights activists who have dedicated themselves to pro-democracy efforts in North Korea. Kim Young Hwan, Yu Jae Gil, Kang Shin Sam, and Lee Sang Yong reportedly were arrested in Dalian, in Communist China, and remain imprisoned by Communist China's Ministry of State Security in the Liaoning Province, near the border with North Korea. These human rights activists are in serious danger. Many fear that Kim in particular, once a North Korean regime insider who has become one of the most outspoken advocates for freedom and human rights for the North Korean people, has been subjected to harsh interrogation and even torture by Chinese state security or North Korean security thugs. Even while living in South Korea, he often suffered harassment and intimidation for his activism and work on NKnet by pro-North Korean sympathizers. As the Daily NK reported on May 16, 2012, if Kim was transported to the Sino-North Korean border to be interrogated by North Korean agents, ``then what is the difference between throwing a piece of meat to a dog and handing Kim to the North Korean National Security Agency, whose men come and go from Dandong as if it were their own house?'' The conditions of the other three activists are unknown because they have been denied consular access to representatives of South Korea, and they have been refused family and attorney visits as well. Like Kim, they were arrested on March 29, 2012 under Communist China's nebulous ``threat to national security'' edict, but further reasons for their detainment have not been provided. There are well-founded concerns that they have undergone harsh interrogations. I commend the ``Committee for the Release of North Korean Human Rights Activist Kim Young Hwan'' for raising awareness of this critical human rights issue, and urge human rights advocates to press for the immediate release of these brave pro-democracy activists.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Orlando Zapata Tamayo who would have turned 45 years old today, had his life not been cut short by the murderous Castro dictatorship. Orlando Zapata Tamayo was a member of the pro-democracy organizations Movimiento Alternativa Republicana and the Consejo Nacional de Resistencia Covica. He was arrested several times, including on March 20th, 2003 during Cuba's notorious ``Black Spring.'' During his many years in prison, he suffered beatings, humiliation, and long periods of solitary confinement. Zapata Tamayo began a hunger strike on December 3rd, 2009 to protest inhumane prison conditions and arbitrary extensions of his sentences. His hunger strike lasted more than 80 days. During that time, he was deprived of water, suffered abhorrent prison conditions, and ultimately died at the hands of the Castro regime on February 23rd, 2010. Sadly, the two years since his death have been years of increased repression and more murders by the Castro regime. The number of political arrests doubled between 2010 and 2011, and the first three months of 2012 have proven even more brutal and repressive than the same period last year. While we continue to mourn the loss of Zapata Tamayo, his spirit and mission have nonetheless strengthened Cuba's courageous pro-democracy movement. Shortly after Zapata Tamayo's death, other pro-democracy activists continued his cause such as Jorge Luis Garcia Perez (``Antunez''), who founded the ``Orlando Zapata Tamayo National Front for Civic Resistance and Civil Disobedience.'' In so many ways, he still lives. Among the pro-democracy activists that honor him and continue his mission, Mr. Zapata Tamayo is an enduring symbol of perseverance in the face of brutal repression. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Orlando Zapta Tamayo. Although his life was brutally cut short, he will forever be a blessing to Cuba's courageous pro-democracy movement and to the activists that will not allow his sacrifice to be in vain.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. I thank the gentleman. For years, the territories have expressed concern with the funding levels, and I believe that PPACA was a vehicle to try to alleviate some of those concerns. My hope is that we can work together, along with Governor Fortuno, who has been the most fiscally responsible Governor in Puerto Rico, looking into the funding levels in Medicaid so that we can properly address the needs of the millions of U.S. citizens in the territories.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. If I may have an additional 30 seconds, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise today to engage in a colloquy with my friend from Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts), chairman of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. Mr. Chairman, I am clearly no fan of ObamaCare, and I know that you are not as well, Mr. Pitts. You and your committee have done some excellent work in the reconciliation process in eliminating some of the major spending abuses in this law. I do have a concern, however, with one of the provisions that would affect Puerto Rico and what they receive in Medicaid funding. The fact of the matter is the question regarding Medicaid funding for the territories was separate and has been separate from many issues that many of us on this side of the aisle find so objectionable in ObamaCare--for example, like the individual mandate and the raid on Medicare and the slew of job-killing new taxes and regulations. They are at least partially responsible for the unacceptable unemployment situation, including 10 percent unemployment among Hispanics in the United States. As you know, the bill before us returns the Medicaid funding cap and Federal match to pre-ObamaCare levels for the U.S. territories.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Aime Kalangwa, a remarkable individual who has been an inspiration in the Miami community. Aime is an 18 year old refugee originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. An ongoing civil war in his country left him, and his brother, orphaned by the age 15. Being the only survivors from their family they attempted to find political asylum in neighboring countries. Eventually they found refuge in the United States, and were brought to Miami in January of 2011. After arriving in the United States, Aime and his brother were adopted by Stephen and Melissa Kepper, constituents of Florida's 21st District. The Kepper's themselves are extraordinary individuals, whose dedication to children is unmatched. Not only did they adopt Aime and his brother, but they also adopted two children from Florida's foster care system. In August of 2011 Aime and his brother moved into their new home, and Aime shortly began his senior year of high school. During this time he had to overcome many cultural and language barriers, and worked daily with his tutors to pass his classes and learn English. One of Aime's hardest classes to learn was American history. His tireless efforts were enriched on a recent trip to Washington, DC where he received a tour of the U.S. Capitol building from Jay Pierson of the Speaker's office, and visited numerous other museums and national landmarks. His hard work did not go unnoticed and towards the end of his senior year Aime received an award for Outstanding Achievement in American History at his Senior Awards Night. He will also be receiving his diploma on June 3, 2012. Aime now plans to attend Broward College to study Criminal Justice. When he graduates from the refugee program at 22 years old he has the possibility of obtaining U.S. citizenship. Aime has grown from an orphan in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to hopefully becoming a U.S. citizen in the very near future. He is the epitome of the American dream, and an inspiration to us all. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Aime Kalangwa and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, today, I call attention to the brutal, unjustifiable imprisonment of pro-democracy activist and member of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), Jose Daniel Ferrer Garcia, who was once again arrested on April 2, 2012 and remains in prison more than three weeks later. Ferrer was one of the seventy-five pro-democracy activists arrested during the infamous Black Spring of 2003, when Castro's thugs brutally arrested and imprisoned those who dared to speak out against oppression. Ferrer works closely with Cuba's well-known pro-democracy group, the Ladies in White, and has often documented the details of their arrests, beatings and other harassment to disseminate to the international community. On April 2, at the time of the arrest, Ferrer's 14-year-old daughter, Martha Beatriz Ferrer Cantillo, reported that Ferrer and his wife, Belkis Cantillo, a Lady in White, were arrested in their home in Palmarito de Cauto in the province of Santiago de Cuba. Both Ferrer and Belkis were brutally beaten and removed from their house, and several of their personal items, including a picture of Laura Pollan, the courageous founder of the Ladies in White murdered by the regime, were taken by Castro's thugs. Their minor daughter was also beaten and threatened by Castro's thugs. Ferrer remains confined in abhorrent conditions in the Versailles Police Unit prison used for violent criminals. His wife was able to visit him in prison for a few minutes on April 10, and she said that Ferrer was covered in insect bites and had become very thin. Earlier this week, Ferrer began a hunger strike to protest his imprisonment. He told his wife that, ``they are killing me slowly.'' Amnesty International once again listed Ferrer as a prisoner of conscience and called for his release, saying that he was ``detained only for peacefully exercising [the] right to free speech.'' Prior to his arrest, Ferrer was offered the chance to go into exile and escape the regime's brutality. However, he bravely chose to stay in Cuba and continue the struggle for freedom. Regrettably, the arrest of Ferrer is not an isolated instance, but a common tactic of the regime. These arrests are part of an increasingly brutal campaign of oppression meant to silence Cuba's growing pro- freedom movement. For example, we remember the daring protest of Andres Carrion Alvarez, the ``mysterious'' protester who dared to speak against the regime's oppression during the Pope's visit last month. Like Ferrer, he also languishes in prison for exercising his fundamental right to speak. In fact, according to the Cuban Commission on Human Rights and National Reconciliation, the number of political arrests more than doubled in 2011 from those in 2010. This year, the regime is on course to make even more arrests. For the first three months in 2012, the Castro dictatorship has made 2,393 political arrests. The days of the aging Castro dictatorship are numbered, and soon the real criminals will be held accountable for their crimes. Until then, we must call on the international community to stand with brave pro- democracy activists like Ferrer, and we must continue to recognize those who refuse to stay silent in the face of brutal oppression. The Cuban people are demanding freedom, and many pay a high price for their courage. Here in the halls of Congress, the Cuban people are never forgotten. While Ferrer waits in a dark, humid cell covered with insect bites and growing thinner each day, he is never alone.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Lourdes Lozano, a remarkable leader in the South Florida community. Mrs. Lozano was born in Las Villas, Cuba and attended the Escuela Normal de Maestros in preparation for her teaching profession. After graduation she received a post graduate degree from the University of Martha Abreu, in Santa Clara. Once arriving in Miami, she received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from St. Thomas University. Mrs. Lozano began her professional career working at ARSCO International, a company in the paint roller industry. While working for this company she became the first woman in the industry to hold the position of Plant Manager. She later went on the become Vice President and General Manager of the company. Mrs. Lozano has also worked as a realtor for the past 28 years and as a supervisor for twelve social workers and one specialist for 22 years. In the past she has been appointed to serve the community as a Commissioner for Hialeah's Housing Authority, and is currently serving as a Council Member for the City of Hialeah. Mrs. Lozano's work does not stop there, as she has been a volunteer for Liga Contra el Cancer and for the Muscular Dystrophy Association for over 30 years. Along with her husband Richard Irizarry, Mrs. Lozano has made tremendous contributions to our community and both are highly admired for their hard work. In 2004 she was recognized as one of the eight public service employees in Miami-Dade who perform their professional duties with excellence. She has also received the ``Most Humanitarian Award'' from the Department of Children and Families. She has also been recognized by the Mayor of the City of Hialeah, for her leadership on a number of projects which help alleviate some of the burdens of needy families in the community. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute my dear friend Mrs. Lourdes Lozano for her continued service to the South Florida community. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual and wish her continued success.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Lourdes Ubieta, a Venezuelan-born journalist and freedom fighter. Ms. Ubieta speaks three languages and has profound experience in journalism, with a specific interest in human rights. In her current position, she serves as a co-host on a daily talk radio program broadcasted on Actualidad 1020AM. The two-hour long program focuses on domestic and international issues, which informs and educates thousands of Spanish speakers in our community. Ms. Ubieta's leadership was instrumental in the organization of Venezuela's 2012 Presidential primary elections in Doral, Florida. With her assistance, twenty voting stations were set up at a strip plaza in order to accommodate the expected turnout. In all, more than 8,000 Venezuelan's exercised the right to vote in their homeland's primary. Ms. Ubieta's commitment to democracy and the Venezuelan community in South Florida is clearly evident and extraordinary. The numerous awards Ms. Ubieta has received are further proof of her hard work and dedication. In the past three years, she has been recognized by the Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce, Broward Community Center, and has received the Venezuelan Business Club Award, among many others. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize a dear friend, Ms. Lourdes Ubieta for her outstanding professional career and leadership in our community. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this accomplished individual and wish her continued success.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Women's History Month, I rise to honor one of South Florida's finest community leaders, Ms. Geraldine ``Gerry'' Smith. Ms. Smith currently serves as President of the Women's Club of Hialeah. She was born and raised by in Hialeah and has dedicated her time and efforts to our community. She has a passion for helping others, and relishes her current role as president. Previously she worked on the School Board in Hialeah, a position she enjoyed and served admirably. More recently, she has found a way to combine her artistic ability and her passion for the community by providing an educational hobby for local senior citizens. Every Saturday morning Ms. Smith teaches a group of senior citizens how to make jewelry, along with other activities. Her goal is to ensure that senior citizens have a great time and remain active after retirement. She also donates her time and money to Angel's Reach, an organization which helps children with autism. Together with the Women's Club of Hialeah, Ms. Smith actively supports the autistic community in South Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Ms. Gerry Smith for her continued service to the South Florida community 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 Patricia Andrade, a remarkable leader in the South Florida community. Mrs. Andrade was born in Venezuela and has been living in the United States for more than 20 years. She holds both a law degree from Universidad Santa Maria and an International Diploma in Human Rights from the United Nations Association in Venezuela. These academic achievements have directly contributed to her campaign against human rights abuses by Hugo Chavez, following his rise to power. In 2004, Mrs. Andrade founded the Venezuela Awareness Foundation, an organization whose focus is denouncing and defending human rights in Venezuela. Her commitment to democracy and respect for human rights around the world is a daily battle, yet she perseveres and finds motivation in all the Venezuelans living under oppression today. Mrs. Andrade works to keep close contact with political prisoners' family members and goes to great lengths to alleviate their economic hardships. Once a year, she works to promote education in Venezuela by providing political prisoners' children with school supplies including uniforms, books, and registration expenses. Mrs. Andrade is also a weekly columnist in Miami's newspaper El Nuevo Herald, along with other Venezuelan online news sites. To further promote awareness of Venezuela's current situation and the abuse of human rights, she participates in different forums and conferences throughout South Florida and Germany. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mrs. Patricia Andrade for her continued service to the South Florida community and to all Venezuelans who continue to be oppressed daily by Chavez' fist. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual and wish her continued success.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Women's History Month, I rise today to honor Ms. Iliana Curra, a Cuban patriot who is the epitome of a freedom fighter. Her life's story has been one of hardship but has also been one of valor. Ms. Curra was born in 1959 in Regla, Havana during a year of great turmoil in Cuba. As a result, she was unable to complete High School and began working at the young age of seventeen as a secretary. At this time, her political problems also began. She was transferred from one job to the next and cast as ``disloyal,'' commonly done to those who opposed the regime. On July 16, 1992, she was arrested and detained for 84 days at the Headquarters of State Security, known as Villa Marista, for spreading ``propaganda.'' Upon her release, Ms. Curra courageously joined the opposition, the National Agenda Movement. After several arbitrary arrests, she was sentenced to three years in the Women's Correctional Facility for her political beliefs and associations. During this time, Ms. Curra witnessed horrendous and inhumane treatment. After completing her sentence, Ms. Curra was exiled from Cuba and began a new life in Miami, Florida. In 1998, a year after her release, Ms. Curra started working for the freedom of Cuba. She began sharing her firsthand experiences of human rights abuses in Cuba, and continued fighting against the tyrannical Castro regime. Her life's mission will not cease until the Cuban people are truly free. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Iliana Curra for her continued service to the South Florida community, and solidarity with the Cuban people. A true advocate for democracy and human rights, she dedicates every second of her life to freedom and justice. She is an inspiration not only to women, but to all of us. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding individual, and wish Ms. Curra continued success and happiness in the future.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Women's History Month, I rise to honor State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, an outstanding individual serving the South Florida community. Mrs. Fernandez Rundle was appointed to her position in 1993, and has subsequently been re-elected five times. Throughout her career, she has served South Florida admirably and has been a stalwart supporter of the community. Over the past two decades, she has served Miami-Dade County with distinction and has worked diligently to maintain the safety of our community. Her leadership has been critical in the creation of numerous programs dealing with issues that affect our area such as teen truancy, domestic violence, child support, and victim's rights. Mrs. Fernandez Rundle served as the first and only Hispanic female on the State Constitutional Revision Council. Her passion and interest in public service is in large part due to the inspiration of her father, Dr. Carlos Benito Fernandez, one of Miami's first Hispanic Judges and a founding member of the Cuban American Bar Association, the largest Hispanic legal organization of which Mrs. Fernandez Rundle was elected its first female President in 1991. Additionally, the State Attorney's office is the fourth largest district attorney's office in the nation with over 1,200 employees, 300 of them prosecutors also known as Assistant State Attorneys. Her office is the only prosecutor's office in the state that protects the rights of children with the creation and enforcement of a strict child support program. Other programs that have been established under her direction are the Juvenile Gun Offenders Program, the S.T.A.R.T. Program, and the Second chance Sealing and Expungement Program. Amongst her duties as State Attorney, she is also a founding member and Vice-President of Women of Tomorrow, a mentoring program that looks to inspire and motivate young at-risk high school women. In addition, Mrs. Fernandez Rundle is also very active in other organizations including City Year Miami, Amigos for Kids, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle for her continued service to the South Florida community 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. Claudia Puig, a highly recognized national broadcast executive with over 26 years of experience in the U.S. Hispanic media market. Ms. Puig was born in Cuba but was forced into exile after her father, a Cuban hero, was taken from her side by the tyrannical Castro regime. Since that time, Ms. Puig has worked hard and established herself as one of Miami's premier broadcast executives. She began her career in advertising/sales at AT&T BellSouth; having a strong work ethic, she quickly achieved Elite Club status, making her one of the company's top performers. A few years later, Ms. Puig accepted an opportunity in broadcasting and has held management positions in the country's top Radio Broadcasting companies ever since. In 1997, Ms. Puig joined Univision Radio, formerly known as the Hispanic Broadcasting Corporation, as General Manager of their four radio properties. After years of continued success, she was promoted to her current position as Senior Vice President/Eastern Regional Manager. Ms. Puig's current responsibilities are extensive, from the overall supervision of operations, finances, sales to programming for Univision Radio in Miami, Puerto Rico, and New York's nine radio stations. During her tenure, her leadership has been remarkable and has resulted in high revenues and ratings, particularly for Univision Radio in Miami and Puerto Rico. Ms. Puig's accomplishments go beyond her professional career; her commitment to community service has led to leadership roles in several Miami charitable and civic groups. She was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to serve as a member of Florida International University's Board of Trustees, and was recently re-appointed by Governor Rick Scott. Ms. Puig currently serves as the Chair of the Florida Association of Broadcasters. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Ms. Claudia Puig for her outstanding professional career and dedication to our community in South Florida. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this accomplished individual, and wish her continued success in the future.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Women's History month I rise today to honor Ms. Tina McCain Matte, an outstanding individual and someone who has continuously supported the Southwest Florida community. Ms. Matte is currently serving as President of Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold, an influential marketing and public relations firm located in Fort Myers. The firm specializes in developing long-term, results- oriented public relations programs for regional residential and commercial developments, resorts, governmental agencies, professional firms and nonprofit organizations. She has excelled in her position as President and in 2008 was named a Top 50 Power Player by Gulfshore Business, in recognition of her influence and leadership in Southwest Florida. The Florida Public Relations Association has also awarded her numerous times for her excellent service. Amongst her duties as president she has also finds the time to be active in her community. From 2002-2008 she was appointed by then Governor Jeb Bush to serve on the Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission, where she served as chair from 2006-2007. Currently, Ms. Matte serves on the Board of Directors for the Salvation Army, as well as Floridians for Better Transportation, a statewide business and transportation association committed to making transportation safer and more efficient in Florida. Throughout her career, Ms. Matte has served the community admirably and has been a stalwart leader in the state. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Ms. Tina McCain Matte for her continued service to the Miami community and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Women's History Month, I rise today to honor Ms. Jennifer Valoppi, an outstanding individual and leader in South Florida. Ms. Valoppi is a multi-Emmy Award winning TV journalist, award winning author and social entrepreneur. Ms. Valoppi is the President and Co-Founder of the Women of Tomorrow Mentor and Scholarship Program (WOT), a unique mentoring organization that helps young at-risk women live up to their full potential. She is currently engaged in expanding WOT nationally to inspire and motivate women across the nation. Through Ms. Valoppi's leadership, WOT has received national recognition and has been the focus of study by the Harvard Business School Community Partners Program. As lead anchor at NBC 6 WTVJ in Miami, Ms. Valoppi covered historic moments including the 2000 Presidential election, the Elian Gonzalez saga, the Versace Murder, the Olympics, and California's Northridge earthquake. She also took a leading role in driving the stations commitment to fair, accurate, and balanced journalism. Both Ms. Valoppi and her husband, Christian Berdouare have made tremendous contributions to our community and are highly admired for their hard work. Ms. Valoppi is a recipient of Florida Jeb Bush's Points of Light Award, the highest honor in Florida. She was named a Heavy Hitter in Non-Profit by the South Florida Business Journal. She has also been awarded the ``Inner Circle of 12 Distinction'' from the American Cancer Society and the ``Woman of Impact Award'' from the Women's History Coalition, among many other awards and recognitions. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Ms. Jennifer Valoppi for her continued service to the South Florida community and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a dear friend and an exemplary individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Women's History month, I rise today to honor Mrs. Lourdes Lozano, a remarkable leader in the South Florida community. Mrs. Lozano was born in Las Villas, Cuba and attended the Escuela Normal de Maestros in preparation for her teaching profession. After graduation she received a post graduate degree from the University of Martha Abreu, in Santa Clara. Once arriving in Miami, she received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from St. Thomas University. Mrs. Lozano began her professional career working at ARSCO International, a company in the paint roller industry. While working for this company she became the first woman in the industry to hold the position of Plant Manager. She later went on the become Vice President and General Manager of the company. Mrs. Lozano has also worked as a realtor for the past 28 years and as a supervisor for twelve social workers and one specialist for 22 years. In the past she has also been appointed to serve the community as a Commissioner for Hialeah's Housing Authority. Mrs. Lozano's work does not stop there, as she has been a volunteer for Liga Contra el Cancer and for the Muscular Dystrophy Association for over 30 years. Along with her husband Richard Irizarry, Mrs. Lozano has made tremendous contributions to our community and both are highly admired for their hard work. In 2004 she was recognized as one of the eight public service employees in Miami-Dade who perform their professional duties with excellence. She has also received the ``Most Humanitarian Award'' from the Department of Children and Families. She has also been recognized by the Mayor of the City of Hialeah, for her leadership on a number of projects which help alleviate some of the burdens of needy families in the community. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to my dear friend Mrs. Lourdes Lozano for her continued service to the South Florida community. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual and wish her continued success.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I have great admiration for Mayor Rudy Giuliani. He is a courageous American leader who speaks with authority when it conies to the safety and security of the American people. On Saturday, March 24, 2012, on the occasion of the Iranian New Year, Nowrouz, Mayor Giuliani addressed a conference in Paris attended by nearly 1,000 people to discuss ways to counter the Iranian threat and standing with the people of Iran and their organized opposition. His remarks are crucial since they were preceded just a few days before by a campaign by unidentified U.S. Government officials who wanted to silence him and other senior former U.S. Government officials who had called for regime change in Iran and support for the Iranian opposition. Mayor Giuliani was flanked by other former officials including Attorney General Michael Mukasey, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, Ambassador John Bolton, Congressman Patrick Kennedy and others who called for the removal of the main Iranian opposition movement, the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), from the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. They also called for the U.S. Government to uphold its written commitment to the safety and security of the 3,400 Iranian dissident residents of Camp Ashraf as well as those who relocated to Camp Liberty. Mayor Giuliani and his colleagues have extensive support in the U.S. Congress who commend their work. In this respect, nearly 100 of my colleagues have co-sponsored H. Res. 60, which calls on the Secretary of State to remove the MEK from the terrorist list. I am pleased to submit Mayor Giuliani's remarks in Paris. Mayor Rudy Giuliani: Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. I want to begin by joining Madam Rajavi in expressing my deep sympathy and empathy and prayers for the families of the victims of excessive fundamentalism here in France. As mayor of a city that suffered that fate over ten years ago, I think I have particular understanding of how much pain and suffering that causes. I also want to join Madam Rajavi in her pointing out that this is an example not of Islam or the Islamic religion, but an example of how any religion or ideology can be taken to excess by people who misuse it. And I think the people of France understand that as the people of America did. I also want to assure you, speaking for myself and so many of my colleagues, that anonymous, cowardly sources in the State Department or elsewhere who unknowingly are doing the bidding of the mullahs don't frighten me, won't stop me, won't stop any of us, ever. It would seem--thank you. It would seem to me that the resources of my government could be better used to try to figure out who these anonymous leakers are in the State Department who seem to be doing the bidding of the Iranian regime, rather than fighting for freedom and democracy and decency in Iran. But if anything, this will just make us more determined. I also want to congratulate all my colleagues who have shown great courage in dealing with this, as I knew they would. And really, it doesn't take a great deal of courage. It just takes doing the right thing. We believe we are right. We are aware of the pressures. And I'm going to tell you what I believe and I'm also going to tell you how I think this can be easily resolved in sort of a common sense, sensible way. First of all, I believe that, I believe that Camp Liberty is an inhumane and indecent place. I don't believe it's a detention facility at all. I think it's a prison camp. The amount of space that's being given to the people there is a couple of feet per person, well below the minimums for American prisons, significantly below what's given to accused terrorists at Guantanamo, for example. I believe it's a place in which there are prison guards and police that menace the people who now are at Camp Liberty. I believe that they are in danger, the people of Camp Liberty are in danger of possibly having the same fate as the people at Ashraf, of whom some 47 have already been killed, 11 in 2009 and 36 in 2011. And I believe that there is no facility in Camp Liberty for processing these people the way you would process people if, in fact, in good faith, America and the UN were living up to their promise. Now, I believe all these things in my heart. I've seen proof of it. I've seen indications of it. I've seen evidence of it. But I guess I could be wrong. Here's the way to find out. If the anonymous sources in the State Department are so convinced of the validity of what they're saying, and I say this with greatest respect also for the Secretary of State, Mrs. Clinton, for whom I have a great deal of respect; send me there. Let me go there. Let me see it with my own eyes. I have eyes. I have a brain. I have senses. If you bring me back, you can put me under oath and ask me to tell the truth about it. I can bring a camera with me so that we don't have to dispute whether I'm right or you're right. Let's see how much space they have. Let's see how decent or indecent these facilities are. Let's see if there are provisions being made to relocate people or there are not. In other words, let's see if my country that I love, the United States of America, is living up to the promise that it made to the people of Ashraf to protect them and to treat them decently or it's breaking that promise. I promise you, I will tell the truth about it if you let me go there. And if you don't want to send me, you can send Judge Mukasey or Tom Ridge or Patrick Kennedy or four or five of us and then you can put us before Congress and put us under oath and I assure you, we'll tell the truth about it and we'll get this resolved. Are we being misled or is the State Department breaking its promise to the people of Ashraf? Let's get an answer to it once and for all. I hope they take us seriously. And I hope they want to get this resolved because this is truly a humanitarian issue of gravest importance, above and beyond all of the other political issues. Twelve hundred people have now been moved to Camp Liberty. We are aware of what happened to the people in Camp Ashraf in 2009 and in 2011, where Maliki, doing the bidding of the Iranian government, had them killed. We have grave fears that somehow that may happen again and we have grave fears that this is not a decent, legitimate attempt to relocate people. This has to be resolved. This is beyond all of the other issues that are involved. Delisting, how to deal with the Iranian regime. This is just a matter of common decency and I am so disappointed. I can't express to you how disappointed I am in my government and the way they've acted here. They made a promise to protect these people and they are unwilling to live up to that promise. And we are going to fight very, very hard to make sure that they do. The second point that I would like to make is that I fear that this is all part of a dangerous and misguided approach that will yield many, many more problems beyond this. I believe that my president and my country, at least with regard to this policy, has a serious and dangerous misconception that you can negotiate with the mullahs, that you can negotiate with Ahmadinejad. I believe the President still is attempting to do that. He's still writing letters to the Ayatollah. I can't imagine what's in those letters. I don't even know how you begin a letter to an ayatollah. Dear Ayatollah, your eminence, your holiness, or I don't know what you call them, but in any event, President--Somehow I don't think letters are going to persuade him to become humane, decent, to embrace democracy, and to stop trying to develop nuclear weapons. I have a feeling that the only thing that will stop him and the only thing that will stop Ahmadinejad is if they see strength, if they see power, if they see determination, if they see an America that is willing to support the people that want to overthrow the regime of Iran. We are for--America is and has participated and has been for regime change in Egypt, regime change in Libya. We now talk of regime change in Syria. All of which is fine, particularly Syria. But much worse than all three combined is the regime in Iran for the last 20 or 30 years. So how can we possibly be for regime change in these three places, but we're not for regime change in the worst actor in the region, the biggest supporter of state sponsored terrorism in the world, and the biggest opponent of the United States of America, at least since 1980? So, how about we now are for regime change in Iran and we side with the people like you who hopefully can bring that about? There are people that say that you have no influence inside Iran. The same anonymous sources from the State Department then say that you're responsible for identifying Iranian nuclear scientists that the Israeli agents are killing. Well, you deny that. The Israelis deny that. But somehow I can't figure out if these anonymous sources are talking to each other. Either you have no influence inside Iran, in which case you couldn't possibly be responsible for fingering and identifying these scientists, or you have a lot of influence inside Iran, which is something, you know, we should take into consideration. So, these sources are so contradictory that I don't know how anybody can rely on them. Here's what I know. You, Madam Rajavi and all of you, stand for democracy. That's an American value. You stand for freedom of religion. That's an American value. You stand for a secular government. That's an American value. You stand for due process of law. You stand for a non-nuclear Iran. You stand for the rights of women. And these place that hates you the most is the Iranian government. The EU has delisted you. The United Kingdom has delisted you. I can't find any other place that lists you as a terrorist group but two. Iran, and they are executing people in Iran who they believe are members of the PMOI. One is up for execution right now. That shows how dangerous Iran thinks you are. I kind of get encouraged by groups that Iran finds dangerous. So, I think it's about time that the Secretary of State make a decision. Almost a year ago, she was ordered to make that decision. It's supposed to be made in 180 days. Again, from what I see, from the facts that I see--I don't have possession of all the secret facts--but so far every single fact that I've seen is that this organization stands for everything that gives us hope of a decent life and a decent future in Iran. And if there are any facts to the contrary, then why is it taking so darn long to make this decision that should have been made eight or nine or ten months ago? If you have facts that are contrary to that, it's really easy to write them and it's really easy to put it out there and it's really easy to file the decision. So, I hope that over the course of the next several months, we can accomplish two things. We can protect the people in Ashraf who are moving to Camp Liberty. We can get there. We can get to see it and we can allow them to make the changes that might be necessary to make it a decent and livable place. We can get them relocated to places where they can be safe. And we can finally see a delisting of a decision that was the wrong decision in the first place. It was a decision that was intended to placate. It was a decision that was intended to appease. It was a decision that was intended to try to set up a dialogue years ago that never worked. And right now, the enemy, the enemy of stopping a nuclear Iran is appeasement. That's the enemy. That's the false notion that has made Iran bolder, stronger, and more determined to become nuclear. Let's stop the appeasement. Let's stop trying to negotiate. Let's stop writing letters to the ayatollah. And let's stand up, united as Americans in saying we are for regime change in Iran and we will take any step necessary to stop Iran from becoming nuclear. Thank you.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Women's History month I rise today to honor Ms. Maria Travierso, a professional bilingual journalist serving the South Florida community. Ms. Travierso graduated from the University of Costa Rica with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Public Relations. She furthered her education by learning English at Florida National College and Miami- Dade Community College. Ms. Travierso began her journalism career as a reporter for La Republica newspaper in Costa Rica in 1980. However, her talents were truly recognized when she became Editor-in-Chief of El Diario, a community newspaper based in Miami. Her passion and commitment to journalism is clearly evident, and admirable. Ms. Travierso most recently served as Senior Editor and Copy Editor of the Sun-Sentinel, a position she held for many years. Her thorough reports on various topics ranging from immigration policy to Hispanic culture have informed countless English and Spanish speaking individuals in South Florida. During her tenure, she received various awards and recognitions including first place in Community Story Writing for the Spanish Language Division in the Florida Society of News Editors 2010 Competition. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Ms. Maria Travierso for her continued service to the South Florida community and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, due to being unavoidably detained I was unable to cast the following votes. If I had been present, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall vote 132--I would have voted ``yes,'' rollcall vote 134--I would have voted ``no,'' rollcall vote 135--I would have voted ``no,'' rollcall vote 136--I would have voted ``no,'' rollcall vote 137--I would have voted ``no,'' rollcall vote 138--I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Women's History Month, I rise to honor one of South Florida's finest award-winning, bilingual journalists, Helen Aguirre Ferre. Having profound experience in journalism, she dominates various media platforms including, TV, radio, and print media. Having more than two decades of experience, Mrs. Aguirre Ferre currently serves as the Opinion Page Editor for El Diario Las America. Her father, Horacio Aguirre, an exceptional leader in South Florida, founded El Diario, Florida's oldest independent Spanish-language newspaper. For more than half a century, El Diario has maintained a high level of intellect, professionalism, and integrity. Mrs. Aguirre Ferre is also a political guest analyst for Univision, where she frequently appears on ``Despierta America'' and ``Al Punto.'' She also co-hosts Univision's ``Prohibido Callarse,'' a highly rated daily political talk show, and moderates the weekly public-affairs series Issues for WPBT2, a South Florida PBS station. Her accomplishments go beyond her professional career; Mrs. Aguirre Ferre co-founded Operation Saving Lives, a humanitarian effort responsible for sending money, medicines, food, and clothing to hurricane victims in Central America. She is the first woman to chair Miami Dade College's Board of Trustees and she serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. Additionally, Mrs. Aguirre Ferre is a member of the International Women's Forum, the Council on Foreign Relations, the Inter-American Institute for Democracy, the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, Mercy Hospital's Angels of Mercy, the Mater Center, and the American Nicaraguan Foundation. She has received numerous awards from various organizations, including the Cuban American National Council, Barry University, Saint Anselm College, the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, the Women's History Coalition, the American Nicaraguan Foundation, the Cuban Women's Club, the Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United States (CAMACOL) and Hispanic Media 100, among many others. Mrs. Aguirre Ferre has earned the respect and trust of our community in South Florida, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a dear friend and accomplished individual. I wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Women's History month I rise today to honor Ms. Mary Scott Russell, a dedicated and committed individual to the community of South Florida. Ms. Russell, a native to Miami, is currently serving her fifth year as president of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater South Dade. She has served South Florida with distinction and admiration over the past two decades in various capacities. Ms. Russell served as the third female Mayor for the City of South Miami, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, and as chair of the City's Environmental Review and Preservation Board. During her tenure as Mayor, she created the Junior Commission for Women, allowing young women in the community to participate in an advisory group to the Mayor and City Commission on issues that affect their gender and age group. Additionally, Ms. Russell was appointed President of the Miami Dade League of Cities, the fourth female leader of the organization in 50 years. Her dedication to issues concerning children and the environment is evident through her service on the Board of the Children's trust, and on the Fairchild Palms Board of Directors over the past 7 years. Amongst her many roles and duties, she has found time to be a member of many organizations including, the General Obligation Bond Citizen Advisory Committee, Miami Dade College Center for Service Excellence Advisory Board, the College of Business and Technology Advisory Board, and the Informed Families South Miami Drug Free Coalition. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Ms. Mary Scott Russell. She is not only a great mother, friend, and servant to the community, but also a leader who dedicates countless hours to making a difference for those around her. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.