Mario Diaz-Balart

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Maurice ``Moe'' Veissi, an outstanding realtor and person who has supported the Miami community for over 40 years. Having known Moe for several years, I can attest to his exemplary character and his commitment to his profession and the people he serves. Moe is the 2011 President-Elect of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and broker-owner of Veissi & Associates located in Miami, FL. He served on the Strategic Investment Reserve Advisory Board for NAR, also serving as a regional vice president for Region V in 2005. Moe has served on NAR's Board of Directors since 1999, along with numerous NAR committees. Moe was also elected president of the Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) in 2002, and in 2003 was named ``Realtor of the Year''. On the local level, he has served as president of the Realtor Association of Greater Miami and The Beaches, and was twice appointed to as the Economic Development Chairman. Active in his community, Moe founded the Silent Angels Charitable Foundation, has coached several youth sports teams and also volunteers for numerous organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Maurice Veissi for his continued service to the Miami community. It will be great to have a model South Floridian representing such a well-respected national organization. He is an exceptional leader for the community, and I am privileged to call him my friend. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Luis H. Serentill, an outstanding physician and person who supports our community and the ideals of freedom and democracy. Dr. Serentill is a professor of surgery at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University. Graduated from the Salamanca University School of Medicine in Spain in 1968, and has been practicing in Florida since 1974. During this time he has served as a diplomat to the American Board of Surgery, and was also appointed to the Florida Board of Medicine by Governor Bob Martinez from 1987 to 1991. He has been Chairman of the Department of Surgery at various hospitals in Charlotte County, Florida and President of the Charlotte County Medical Society. One of Dr. Serentill's proudest moments was when he was able to join the operation ``Sea Signal'' Joint Task Force 160 at Guantanamo Bay in 1994. For his voluntary service to this operation he received a citation from the Commander. It is instances such as these that demonstrate Dr. Serentill's unselfish character and dedication to service. On July 3, 2011, Dr. Serentill was awarded the Medal of the Order of Dr. Carlos J. Finlay for distinguished services to his profession and services to honor underserved nations. Dr. Serentill has always expressed his belief in the greatness of his adopted homeland, and the opportunities our nation provides. He continues to practice surgery and teach in Miami Dade County, and was recently appointed as the Scientific Director of the XXI International Medical Congress of the Cuban Medical Association. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Dr. Luis H. Serentill for his continued service to the Miami community and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. I want to thank Chairman Camp not only for that great explanation that he just gave, but for bringing this bill to the floor. Look, I keep hearing a lot about the horrors of Colombia. A couple of facts: Because of the Andean trade pact preferential act, Colombian goods that come to the United States already basically come almost tariff- free. This would even it out so our products, created by American labor here, can go to Colombia with the same preferential treatment, fact number one. And fact number two, the chairman just talked about this. I keep hearing about this Colombia, which is really, frankly, a caricature, an offensive caricature of what Colombia really is, as if we can just throw those things out there pretending that it doesn't mean anything. Colombia is a democratic ally, Mr. Speaker. They have taken incredible steps to move forward to lower violence, to lower crime, to lower narcotrafficking. They're even now training police forces across the world, including Mexico, in their fight against narcoterrorism.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, it's an offensive caricature of Colombia, a democratic ally, a place that is fighting for democracy and for freedom and for due process and the rule of law. We should recognize it, commend them, thank them for being such an ally, for being a democracy. Mr. Speaker, isn't it ironic that a lot of the people that want to do business with Castro's Cuba, where labor unions aren't even permitted, complain about Colombia because they are a democracy, because they're an ally, because they're doing the right thing. Let's pass this commonsense thing. Let's also thank the President for finally doing what he said he was going to do a long time ago when he said that it was time to pass this. It's better late than never, Mr. President, but thank you for finally sending it.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. I yield to the gentleman from Washington.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. I reclaim my time. Despite what the gentleman says, Mr. Speaker, the previous President's administration denied the funding for Solyndra because they knew it was a scam, regardless of anything else. This administration did that. Now, the reason we have to support this CR--let's cut politics aside. Let's not talk about revolutions of money blown like stimulus money, that was blown. The reason this CR makes sense is because there are people who are suffering from natural disasters. This CR funds that program and it helps them out. And the reason this is important is because it controls the size and the cost of the Federal Government that is totally out of control. So no more gimmicks, no more giveaways to friends of friends because of high pressure. Let's pass this CR so we can keep the government rolling, so we can slow down the growth of government, and so we can help the victims without corruption of those who have friends in high places.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, what the previous gentlemen did not say is that Solyndra received $500 million because they have friends in high places. Despite even people in this administration who said don't do it, they received $500 million. If that was in a different country, we wouldn't call it waste; we would call it corruption. But we won't do that here. The gentleman didn't say that. He talks about the revolution. This cuts $100 million from a program that gave because of influence, because of friends in high places, because of bundlers of campaign contribution funds to a corporation that went bankrupt and laid off a thousand people after receiving this money.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor one of our former colleagues, a woman who is really an institution in south Florida, in Florida, and in the Nation, and that is, of course, Congresswoman Carrie Meek. She was the first African American elected to the Florida Senate in 1982, and then along with two other colleagues became the first African American to be elected from Florida to the U.S. Congress since Reconstruction. But here is what I know and remember about Carrie Meek. She is the consummate stateswoman. She is a person who loves her country. She loves this institution. It doesn't matter what party you're from. Whenever you have a need, whenever you have an issue, when you want counsel, she's the person that to this day we continue to go to. So today again, Madam Speaker, I'm here to honor a great woman, a great stateswoman, a person who in the State of Florida is revered by Republicans and Democrats alike. Her son followed her into Congress, Kendrick Meek, and he did a wonderful job, and also comes from that great tree that is Carrie Meek. Again, I'm here to honor Carrie Meek. Carrie, we love you, we miss you, we honor you.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Monsignor Gabriel Ghanoum for his dedicated service to the Miami area. Monsignor Ghanoum has been a fixture in the community since 1994, and currently serves as pastor of the St. Nicholas Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Delray Beach, Florida. In 1999 Monsignor Ghanoum started the Spanish Ministry at St. Jude's Melkite Catholic Church, and served as its pastor until 2010. He still celebrates mass with St. Jude's, often given to a standing room only crowd consisting of people from all over the state of Florida, and all over the world. He also provides mass for the homeless community of Miami, the JFK Medical Center and his current parish, St. Nicholas'. It is through his homilies that Monsignor Ghanoum gives his parishioners strength, motivation and insight into the power of prayer and devotion to God. Throughout his time in Miami, Monsignor Ghanoum has established diverse programs for the needy and homeless, assisted at Miami Children's Hospital, and has served as a Victim's Assistance Coordinator for Child Abuse, among various other programs and services. Currently, he assists the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa in the archdiocese of Miami. Along with his work in Miami, he has been a stalwart supporter of the Mexican Association of Aid to Children with Cancer. It is through programs such as these that Monsignor Ghanoum truly shines, and impacts the lives of countless human beings. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Monsignor Gabriel Ghanoum for his continued service to the Miami community. As a true servant of the Lord, he has dedicated himself to his faith and his community. He has gone beyond the call of duty, and has consistently demonstrated the high values of priesthood. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding individual, and I wish him continued success and happiness in the future.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 573 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jeanne Kucey on her recent election to the Board of Directors at the National Association of Federal Credit Unions, NAFCU. Ms. Kucey has served as President and CEO of JetStream Federal Credit Union since 2009. Responsible for operations in both Miami Dade County and Puerto Rico, her extensive experience in the financial services arena, including her time with credit unions in Atlanta, Georgia and San Diego, California, will be a tremendous asset to the NAFCU board. Not only does Ms. Kucey bring a wealth of financial management knowledge to the table, she exemplifies the community based nature of credit unions through her work with the ``Marlene Ericca Empowering Workshops'' which provides life skills and mentoring to local disadvantaged women. Ms. Kucey is also an active member of the Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Kucey is a welcomed addition to the NAFCU board and will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact in her new role as recent regulatory reforms have created a particularly challenging time in the credit union community. It is because of the hard work and dedication of Jeanne and others like her that the credit union community has been able to continue to serve its members during the tough economic times our country continues to experience. I wish Ms. Kucey the best of luck in her new role as a member of the NAFCU Board of Directors. I look forward to working with her in this capacity and ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating Jeanne on this achievement.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work and accomplishments of a distinguished radio journalist, artist and community activist of South Florida, Ninoska Perez Castellon. Ninoska Perez Castellon is a prominent figure among the exiled Cuban community and deserves our upmost respect for always promoting democracy and freedom. Ninoska was born in Havana, Cuba. At the age of nine, her family was forced to flee from communist Cuba, leaving Ninoska to begin a new life in the United States. Ninoska's family began to transition to their new life by adapting to the American culture and language; nevertheless, their roots were never forgotten. Being raised and educated in Miami allowed her to be close to her family who ingrained values and morals into Ninoska that hold true today. Her mother, Mrs. Rogelia Castellon has not only been a loving mother but has also been a fountain of knowledge and wisdom for her daughter. Rogelia is an intellectual and indefatigable fighter for the liberty of Cuba. Despite the tribulations she has endured, Rogelia refuses to be discouraged. Learning perseverance from her mother, Ninoska completed her studies at Miami-Dade College and the University of Miami. At a very young age, Ninoska began her role as an active leader against the tyranny of Castro's communism. She has not only advocated for Cuba's liberty on American soil but her message has reached many hearts and ears around the world. Her voice has broken many barriers of an enslaved country living under the most prolonged and cruelest dictatorship in the continent. Ninoska and her husband, Roberto Martin Perez, tirelessly condemn each crime committed by the Castro regime. Roberto is an exemplary individual who experienced firsthand the horrors of Cuban prisons with courage and dignity for 28 long years. Ninoska's profound knowledge and expertise led her to testify before the U.S. Congress as an expert witness on Cuban issues. As a founder of various Cuban-American organizations, Ninoska has gained the respect of numerous exiled communities residing in South Florida. Ninoska symbolizes the American dream and is testament to what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication. For over 25 years, she has developed professionalism in her work as a journalist and is now one of the most recognized personalities in radio, television and print media. She currently produces and directs the program Ninoska Mambi on the emblematic Spanish radio station Radio Mambi. In addition to her continued journalistic success, Ninoska is also a talented artist. Her artwork portrays her undying love of Cuba and has been displayed in many galleries. As a lover of freedom and democracy, Ninoska defends the United States with the same dedication and passion as she does for Cuba. Ninoska, having immense passion, has never ceased to denounce the crimes and abuses of totalitarian regimes. Her ideas and knowledge will be everlasting in the books she has written. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing my dear friend, Mrs. Perez Castellon for her morals and principles, her loyalty and love of Cuba, as well as her talent and dedication to our community of South Florida. My most sincere appreciation and admiration goes out to you, Ninoska Perez Castellon, you are a special person who has dedicated a life both, personally and professionally, fighting for democratic principles and the liberty of Cuba.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work and accomplishments of a distinguished radio journalist and community activist of South Florida, Armando Perez Roura. Armando Perez Roura is a highly recognized and admired member within the communications arena. Born and educated in Cuba, Mr. Perez Roura became President of the National Broadcast College of Cuba at a very young age. Aside from being a grand communicator, Mr. Perez Roura is known for combating the Castro dictatorship from the moment they kidnapped Cuba in 1959. In 1969, he was forced to flee from his native land. The United States welcomed him upon his arrival. Since then, Mr. Perez Roura has contributed tremendously to the community of South Florida and has worked unremittingly for the liberty of Cuba. He is Founder and President of ``La Unidad Cubana,'' an anti-Castro coalition encompassing various organizations. Due to his profound knowledge and expertise, Mr. Perez Roura has been a political advisor to various countries. Mr. Perez Roura, with his unique style, has relentlessly condemned each of the crimes committed by the Castro regime and raised awareness on their efforts to spread terrorism around the world. He has kept the memory of all those who have been victimized by the regime alive in our hearts. Mr. Perez Roura embodies the American dream and is testament of what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication. Breaking through both language and culture barriers Mr. Perez Roura has become one of the most listened to radio personalities in Miami. Having received a Bachelor in Political Science, Mr. Perez Roura serves as a docent and mentor to many journalists, political leaders, and activists. He is the pioneer of Spanish Radio and TV, which further exemplifies his exceptional work as a journalist. Mr. Perez Roura is the Founder and Director of Radio Mambi one of the most famous radio stations in South Florida. He produces, hosts and co-hosts various talk shows, Noticieros, En Caliente, La Noticia y Usted and Mesa Redonda. He also produces a daily editorial Toma Nota and regularly writes for Diario las Americas and El Semanario Libre. Throughout the years, Mr. Perez Roura's work has received various awards. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the voice of Cuban exiles, my dear friend, Mr. Armando Perez Roura. He has defended democratic principles, Republican ideals and Cuba's freedom. In the words of Jose Marti, apostle of the liberty of Cuba, ``Honrar, honra.''

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember the brave patriots of Brigade 2506, and their American co-fighters, on the fiftieth anniversary of the Bay of Pigs Invasion. On April 17, 1961, 1,400 brave Cuban men landed along the beaches of the Bay of Pigs. Although the Brigade was outnumbered and out-supplied, it managed to inflict massive damages on Castro's military. Those brave fighters were a cross-section of Cuban society. They were doctors, students, and farmers. Some were only teenagers. They were supported by four brave Alabama pilots who ignored their superiors' orders to abandon the brigade and their mission. When the smoke cleared and the fighting ended, the survivors endured nearly two years of torture by some of the most sadistic, expertly trained torturers the world has ever known--on the direct orders of Cuba's cruel dictator. Today, that dictatorship is failing. When that oppressive regime finally dies, the Cuban people will be rid of the shackles that have burdened them for decades. The heroes of the Bay of Pigs invasion were early warriors in the struggle for the freedom of the Cuban people. History will remember them not only for their heroism on the beaches of Playa Giron, but also for their role in the ultimate liberation of the homeland of Jose Marti. The U.S. Congress is an especially fitting venue to commemorate a day of such importance to both Cuban and American history. It is appropriate that on this day, and in this place, we remember the Cuban people's call for a true democratic transition, the recognition of basic human rights, the adherence to the rule of law, those heroic freedom fighters of Brigade 2506 and the four brave Alabama pilots who refused to abandon their Cuban brothers. We free Americans must continue to stand with the long-suffering Cuban people at this critical time in their history. I humbly and with gratitude salute the brave patriots who attempted to liberate the Cuban people from tyranny fifty years ago. Their sacrifice, and their valor, will never be forgotten.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I think we should boil it down to what this debate is all about. The supporters of this resolution, including myself, believe that the Internet has been, frankly, rather efficient and innovative and creative--clearly more efficient and innovative and creative than the Federal Government bureaucracy. The administration, however, believes that the Federal bureaucracy can do a much better job running the Internet. Therefore, they are proceeding to regulate the Internet. Here is the bottom line, Mr. Speaker. If you believe that the Federal Government bureaucracy should regulate, i.e., should run the Internet because they can do better, then please vote against this. However, if you believe that the Internet does a pretty good job and that the Federal bureaucrats' hands should be again kept out of the Internet, then you would vote ``yes'' for the resolution. It is, frankly, just that simple.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. I appreciate the recognition. Mr. Speaker, on March 28, former President Jimmy Carter arrived on a trip to Cuba at the invitation of the Cuban dictatorship. He arrived there, and originally in his agenda that was made public he had no meetings with any of the internal opposition leaders, no meetings with any of the civil society leaders, no meetings with anybody other than the regime. I know that he met with the dictator who's been oppressing and torturing and savaging that population without obviously having free elections for over 52 years, for over half a century. He called the dictator, Mr. Castro, his dear friend. Mr. Speaker, right before former President Carter arrived at that enslaved island, the regime went about arresting and detaining a rather large number of people, people who they wanted to make sure didn't make trouble. Now, remember, that making trouble in that totalitarian regime, Mr. Speaker, is speaking out, asking for freedom, just getting together and organizing and asking for some basic human rights. So they started systematically detaining and arresting and harassing people so that former President Carter wouldn't have to see, wouldn't have to be bothered with the inconvenience of people actually speaking out and asking for freedom and asking for democracy. A group of people, Mr. Speaker, actually went in front of the old capitol building. A capitol building, by the way, that doesn't look very dissimilar to this Capitol building, where at one time, debates in the democratic society used to take place, where people argued and debated in a peaceful fashion about their future, about their agreements and disagreements. So a group of people decided to demonstrate in front of that building, which is actually very emblematic as to what they were talking about, and basically just to say, We want freedom. We want democracy. We want the ability to speak out and determine our future. But for that they were again harassed, and for that they were arrested. Eriberto Liranza was reportedly beaten by state security rather harshly. Several were detained at the protests in Havana, including activist Eriberto Liranza Romero, the president of the Cuban Youth for Democracy movement, and Boris Rodriguez Jimenez, a member of that same organization. Mr. Speaker, one of the heroes that I greatly admired is a man named Jorge Luis Garcia Perez. Everybody knows him as ``Antunez,'' by one name. He mentions, and he said, This action, this action of just demonstrating is a demand for the freedom of the political prisoners; and in response, a moral slap in the face for the campaign's undertaking by the regime to divide the opposition. He went on to say, Mr. Speaker, ``We are true to our motto: The streets belong to the people.'' But, you see, unfortunately in Cuba, just standing out, walking together, like the Ladies in White do, and when they just demonstrate peacefully together, they walk together as a symbol of just speaking out because their relatives, their husbands and fathers and sisters and daughters and brothers and sons, et cetera, are in prison. Just for doing that, they get savagely beaten by that regime. While President Carter was there, did he insist on free elections for the Cuban people? No. Did he insist on meeting with and speaking about and talking about those who are suffering in the dungeons, the political prisoners? No, Mr. Speaker, he did not. And as I mentioned at the beginning, sir, he really didn't even have it on an agenda to even meet with anybody, other than the regime, until I guess he was a little bit embarrassed by some of the reports and eventually decided to allow some people to try to meet with him. So did he speak out about the savagery of the regime? Did he speak out about the lack of elections? Did he demand free elections for the enslaved people? Did he demand for an end to the apartheid system? Did he demand that that regime turn over the multiple, the many fugitives from American law who are harbored by that terrorist regime 90 miles away from the United States? No, Mr. Speaker, he did nothing of that sort. But let me tell you what he did do. He spoke of and he complained about the sanctions that the United States Government has to try to show solidarity with the Cuban people, to have leverage with that regime once Castro is no longer in the picture, which I think is sooner than people expect. He complained about the attitude and the policies of the United States Government but not about the policies of that thug, that dictatorship 90 miles away. He didn't complain about what they do, what that dictatorship does to its own people. Did he complain about the mass arrests of those heroes who wanted to speak out and who decided to use that opportunity in front of the capitol building to just ask for freedom? No, he didn't do that, Mr. Speaker, but he did complain about U.S. policy. He went a step further. He went on to demand the release in the United States of five convicted criminals, five people who were convicted in the United States, in a country where we have due process, we have all the rights and all the rights that are provided to a defendant, five people who were convicted of espionage and one who was also convicted of conspiracy to commit murder. So former President Carter did ask that those convicted in a court of law, with all the due process that we have in this country, for espionage and for conspiracy to commit murder, he did ask and demand their release. But he did not ask or demand the release of the hundreds and hundreds of political prisoners who are rotting in prison while he was there. So it's a sad day, Mr. Speaker. It's a sad day, I think, for humanity. I know a lot of people who are listening are probably not surprised. I recall that when the Cuban dictator was gravely ill, it was reported that former President Carter wrote him a nice little letter, a nice note, hoping that he would recover and that he would recover his health. And now, again, former President Carter called him his dear friend, hoping that he would recover. This is a regime who had asked on multiple occasions for the then- Soviet Union to strike the United States with nuclear weapons, to do a first strike on the United States with nuclear weapons, and yet former President Jimmy Carter was hoping that he would recover. This is a regime that is a state sponsor of terrorism 90 miles away from the United States, and yet former President Jimmy Carter sent him a note that he would hope that he would fully recover. This is a regime who our GIs died in Grenada, the island of Grenada, liberating that island and died at the hands of the troops that the Cuban regime had sent there, and yet former President Jimmy Carter was hoping and writing that that dictatorship would fully recover. This is a dictatorship that harbors U.S. fugitives, that harbors terrorists, that is on a list of states that sponsor terrorism, one of just four on that list, and yes, former President Jimmy Carter was hoping that he would fully recover. Well, unfortunately, the dictator has somewhat recovered. And what has he been doing? Well, more of the same. He still harbors the terrorists. He still harbors the fugitives, and he still is creating all sorts of havoc around the hemisphere. But he also, in addition to that, continues to enslave his people, to oppress his people, to torture his people. And we've seen example after example of that with, again, the last arrests that I just spoke of. Mr. Speaker, a couple of weeks ago a group of us here in Congress spoke to another one of my heroes, Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet. Oscar Elias Biscet is a brilliant young Afro-Cuban physician. He founded the Lawton Foundation for Human Rights in 1997, and that was founded just to promote the study and defense of human rights and to denounce human rights violations inside of Cuba and wherever else they may take place. Now, for denouncing the double standards and discrimination against the Cuban people, the discrimination that the Cuban health care system has for the Cuban people, he was forbidden from practicing medicine. Again, he is an M.D. In November of 1999, Dr. Biscet was imprisoned for 3 years just for organizing a peaceful pro-democracy protest. He was released in 2002. By the way, again, he was no longer allowed to practice medicine. But he was released in 2002. So what he did was he organized seminars on just the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I snicker because, you know, that's something that every day people talk about. I mean, my colleague on the other side of the aisle just spent quite a large part of his time talking about the evolution of the Constitution, et cetera, and human rights. Well, Dr. Biscet, when he was released in 2002, he talked about the Declaration of Human Rights. So he was arrested once again in December of 2002 for attending seminars and for organizing some of those seminars. On April 7, 2002, Dr. Biscet was sentenced to 25 years in prison. He has been incarcerated in multiple prisons around the island in multiple gulags and has suffered greatly in his incarceration. On November 5, 2007, President Bush recognized Dr. Biscet by presenting him, in absentia of course, he was not allowed to visit with him, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and stating that Dr. Biscet is a champion in the fight against tyranny and oppression. Despite being persecuted and imprisoned for his beliefs, he continues to advocate for a free Cuba in which the rights of all people are respected. I said, Mr. Speaker, that a group of us, Chris Smith from the State of New Jersey, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, chairperson of the International Relations Committee, and I, spoke to Dr. Biscet by telephone. And, obviously, the first thing was we asked him about his health. And he has suffered greatly in prison. I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, that he has not, however, given up his efforts. He said, You know, I am recuperating so I can continue the struggle for freedom. We asked him about, well, what was his opinion about the policy, the United States policy? By the way, the same policy that former President Jimmy Carter now has just criticized. He said, there are some that claim that if we just opened up trade and we just opened up and we got rid of the sanctions that freedom would come to the Cuban people. He was emphatic. He was so emphatic. He said, no, no, no, no, no. He said, tyrants are always looking at ways to get more money. Tyrants are always looking at ways of getting more revenue. But he further stated, the only thing that would do--and I'm paraphrasing what he said--but he was very emphatic and very clear. The only thing that would do, he said, would be to strengthen the dictatorship. It wouldn't help the Cuban people. It would strengthen the dictatorship. Did former President Jimmy Carter meet with Dr. Biscet, the recipient of the Medal of Freedom? No, he did not. He did not because he probably would have not liked to have heard what Dr. Biscet would have had to say. He would have not liked to have heard about the oppression and the lack of human rights and the lack of dignity that those who suffer in Castro's gulags have to suffer, while former President Jimmy Carter calls the dictator in Havana his good friend. There are other such incredible heroes that are on the island, Mr. Speaker. I mentioned Dr. Biscet, but I also want to mention Antunez, as I mentioned before. Antunez served almost two decades in prison. He received incredible tortures, beatings, multiple beatings, while he was there; and, yet, when released, his attitude has been what? His attitude has been one of great dignity, of great courage, of standing up and he continues to demand elections, continues to demand freedom. And he also would tell you, if he could be speaking here today, that we have to stay firm and we have to hold steadfast and show solidarity with the Cuban people, not with the regime, not with those that former President Carter calls his good friends, not with those that former President Carter says that they should continue to prosper, when they were ill, hoping that they would do well and fully recover. No, we have to hold firm and stand with the Cuban people. Mr. Speaker, I'm so convinced, so convinced that the Cuban people will be free, despite the apologists, despite those that go out of their way to try to make the regime look good, try to make the regime look like they're this wonderful, charitable regime because every once in a while they may free a political prisoner as a token gesture. Despite that, the Cuban people continue to stand firm. Their heroes are still there; the Mandelas and the Havels of Cuba are on the island. They're speaking out. Most of them, many of them have been in prison. Many of them have been tortured and beaten, but their spirit remains strong, Mr. Speaker. They continue to speak out. And despite individuals like, unfortunately, former President Jimmy Carter, who looks for every excuse and every opportunity to criticize the policies of the United States and yet refused to criticize the savagery of that dictatorship, despite that, I'm absolutely convinced that the Cuban people will be free because of the heroes like Dr. Biscet and Antunez and many more. So I am not discouraged. I am not discouraged when I see these gestures of solidarity with the dictatorship. I am not discouraged when people go down to Havana and, you know, might have a mojito and relax and go to the beaches and tour the hotels where the Cubans are not allowed to go unless they're accompanied by foreigners. I'm not discouraged because ultimately truth always reigns, because ultimately the rights of individuals always surface. Ultimately, those that sacrifice and that work hard and the heroes who, by the way, are the future leaders of a free Cuba, those heroes who are in the dungeons or who are in and out of the dungeons, they don't give up. And they're not discouraged, and they're not quieted, and they will not be intimidated. So, Mr. Speaker, despite this, what some would call a slap in the face to the cause of human rights and democracy in Cuba, I will tell you further than that, the cause of human rights and human dignity around the planet, despite that that former President Jimmy Carter has just attempted to do, I'm not discouraged. On the contrary, I am as encouraged as ever. I think I might end by reading a letter, if I actually have it here. No, I don't think I have it. I do want to mention, though, that one of our colleagues in the Senate, a Democrat, Democrat from New Jersey, Senator Menendez, wrote a letter to former President Jimmy Carter where he expressed, and I will be submitting that for the Record, Mr. Speaker, where he expressed what Jimmy Carter, what former President Jimmy Carter should be talking about. And he expressed how it was rather incredible that the former President would not demand the freedom of the Cuban people and would criticize the policies of the United States. And as Senator Menendez says in that letter, the issue is not what the policy of the United States is with the Cuban regime. The issue is the policies of the regime and the oppression of the regime with its own people. And once again, Senator Menendez, Democrat from New Jersey, is right on. With that, Mr. Speaker, I just want to again say that we do not forget the heroes in the island. We do not forget those who are struggling and working and speaking out and suffering the consequences for their actions in the island. We do not forget them. We admire them. We support them. We are humbled by their courage. We are humbled by their love for freedom and what they are willing to sacrifice for that freedom, and we know that sooner than I think some may believe and clearly sooner than some would like, they too will be free. They too will be able to discuss the issues in public. They too will be able to make the determination as to the future of their country. I am encouraged and humbled by their leadership, despite sometimes the sadness of what we have to listen to by those who still continue to call Fidel Castro their good friend. March 29, 2011. Hon. Jimmy Carter, The Carter Center, One Copenhill, Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, GA. Dear President Carter: I am writing to express my grave concern about your visit to Cuba this week to discuss improving U.S.-Cuba relations. Your visit suggests that the improvement of relations between the United States and Cuba is contingent upon some action by the United States, rather than acknowledging that it is Cuba's intolerant and tyrannical actions that continue to define the future of U.S.-Cuba relations. While you are visiting with President Castro and other Cuban officials to learn about new economic policies and the upcoming party Congress, the regime's thugs are in the streets harassing and arresting scores of political dissidents who dared to hope that you would hear their pleas and argue on their behalf for the adoption of political reforms. The fate of American Alan Gross, a USAID contractor who sought to assist the island's Jewish community, also hangs in the balance while you meet with the political elite that are directing the crackdown on Cuba's peaceful civil society activists. On Sunday, the regime detained activists Adriano Castaneda Meneses, Yris Tamara Perez Aguilera and Jorge Luis Garcia Perez Antunez and on Monday, Liranza Romero, president of the Cuban Youth for Democracy Movement and Boris Rodriguez Jimenez were arrested when they attempted to stand in front of the Capitol with signs reading ``Freedom without Forced Exile for Cuba's Political Prisoners'' and ``The Streets belong to the Cuban People.'' I urge you to address with President Castro the aspirations of Cuba's civil society to live in a democratic state whose laws are derived and implemented by their democratically elected representatives and are based on the core principles of respect for human and civil rights, including the freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. As we witness unprecedented movements for democratic change in the Middle East, I appeal to you to recognize that same heartfelt desire amongst the Cuban people and to urge the regime to fulfill the democratic aspirations of the Cuban people. Sincerely, Senator Robert Menendez.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, there are a couple of things that are really not debatable. I think the American people understand, and I think everybody understands, that we are on an unsustainable path. We're on an unsustainable path as far as unemployment. The unemployment numbers are still frighteningly high. We are on an unsustainable path as far as borrowing and as far as spending. So, frankly, we have a couple of options here. We can continue that unsustainable path, which is borrowing more and spending more, or we could change the way we're doing and try to get our fiscal act and our fiscal house in order. I commend the chairman, Chairman Rogers, for bringing forward a CR, an extension, that does just that, that brings some sanity to this process, that reduces the size, the scope, and the amount of spending, that does so responsibly after reviewing programs and reviewing funding and reviewing what the Federal Government is doing. And that's exactly what we have in front of us today. Yes, we wish that we could have not just an extension but that we could go through the entire year. The reason, by the way, that we are even talking about this right now is because the Democrats failed to pass it. So now we are forced to do so. We already passed a CR for the remaining part of the year; but, unfortunately, the Senate has not been able or has not been willing to do their part. So we are forced, once again, to do an extension. This is a real extension that reduces cost, that reduces expenses, that does so responsibly, and takes us off this unsustainable path. This does so by borrowing less, by spending less. And, yes, it will have the effect, Mr. Speaker, of getting our fiscal house in order and once again allowing this country to start creating jobs in a real way, not just in a piecemeal way. So I urge our colleagues to support this responsible CR.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. I thank the gentleman from Arizona. We do have a disagreement here, as I think most of us know. I obviously will continue to work on this issue.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Again I will continue to work on this issue. Obviously the issue of freedom is something that I think is cherished by this House. There is a history of supporting freedom, and I know we will continue to support freedom. But we will have ample opportunity to debate this and discuss this and other opportunities.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to really just echo what the gentleman from Georgia just did here on the floor of the House. He actually brought some common sense to this debate. Everybody has their talking points and their little notes and they're reading them and they're trying to confuse the issue. Let's take a step back, if we might, Mr. Chairman. Let's just ask a very simple question, a very simple question. Can somebody name an area in this country or in this world that has had more innovation, that has blossomed more, that has opened up communications and connected people more in our country or anywhere in the world in the last decade than the Internet? Can anybody name it? Anything. No. It's impossible. Think about what's happened. The Internet was even recently credited for helping bring down the government of Egypt. It's allowed the people to see the atrocities in Iran. It's allowed things like Facebook and Twitter and iPhones to blossom. It's given access to millions of people, and it has created millions of jobs. So what is the answer then for that incredible blossoming of something that has revolutionized the way we communicate, that the world communicates? What is now the answer of the Federal Government? We keep talking about letters. It's the Federal Government. What is the answer of the Federal Government to deal with that unprecedented blossoming, of innovation, imagination, of job creation? Oh, Mr. Chairman, the Federal Government now has to regulate. Why? Because it's too much innovation. The prices have dropped too much. It's too much imagination. It's too positive. And, therefore, the Federal Government must step in because the Federal Government can do it so much better. The Federal Government has all the answers. Mr. Chairman, a little bit of common sense. I'm talking to my colleagues here but also to the American people. If you believe--and think about 10 years ago--if you believe that the Federal Government, if it's in charge, if it would have been in charge, would have done a better job in blossoming this innovation, this job creation, then you have to be with our friends on the other side of the aisle. You then should support Federal Government intervening, taking care of, regulating the Internet. But if you believe that that miracle of innovation took place because of individuals, people with imagination, and because the government got out of its way, you would support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Just very briefly, look. Come on. Let's get real. Mr. Chairman, everybody supports protecting the environment. Every American supports protecting the environment. We also support protecting the jobs of the people who live within that environment. Yet some of us don't support arbitrary decisions that are made that are going to cost thousands of jobs and that are going to close plants. So, again, while there is a consensus in this body on protecting the environment, there does not seem to be, Mr. Chairman, a consensus on protecting the jobs of the American people, of those who are desperate for jobs. But without this amendment, we are going to lose more jobs. Let's have some common sense. Let's protect the environment and protect American jobs.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of a dedicated civil servant, Ms. Josephine ``Josie'' Aviles. Josie has been committed to Homestead Air Reserve Base since 1984, working relentlessly to support and maintain the mission of the 482d Fighter Wing. Josie has demonstrated genuine dedication as a Protocol officer, providing extraordinary assistance to each Group, Squadron, and Tenant organization. She is well known and admired amongst her peers for her expertise, excellent work ethic and selfless attitude. Throughout her unwavering leadership, Josie directed the command staff after Hurricane Andrew destroyed Homestead Air Force Base in 1992; served as Administrative Team Chief for the fighter wing's first Operational Readiness Exercise; and arranged events and conferences as the first Protocol officer. She has demonstrated a level of commitment to her country, community, and colleagues that deserves our sincere admiration and respect. Mr. Speaker, I am truly honored to pay tribute to my friend Josie, a true leader who has dedicated her life to public service. As her colleagues, friends and family gather together to celebrate the next chapter of her life, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting this outstanding civil servant on this very special occasion. I wish Josie continued success and happiness in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Village of Palmetto Bay on the grand opening of the new Village Hall, the first ``Platinum'' LEED-Certified Municipal Center and Emergency Operations Center in the State of Florida. This state-of-the-art facility will provide much needed services and support for the residents and Council members of Palmetto Bay. Located on E. Hibiscus Street, this new 26,005 square-foot Municipal Center is easily accessible and welcomes all residents. The facility was internationally recognized as a green building by its ``Platinum'' LEED-Certification. The design and construction of the building aims at energy savings, water efficiency, improved indoor environmental quality, and carbon dioxide emissions reduction. The framework used reflects environmental awareness and economic responsibility. The Municipal Center provides a center for government and serves as the emergency operating center for the Village designed to withstand category 5 hurricanes. I commend Mayor Shelley Stanczyk and her staff for finalizing the move and creating a smart and conservative community to engage the residents of Palmetto Village. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me on this special occasion and commend those who have worked relentlessly to make the opening of the Municipal Center a reality.