Mario Diaz-Balart

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I think you just brought up, frankly, something that's very scary, should be very scary to us. And you mentioned what happened there is--that's how it started in Europe. That's how it started in Greece, and eventually it basically started to collapse, which is why then the European Union had to bail out Greece, and then they had to talk to Spain about not spending any money, about cutting their spending, et cetera. And so when we talk about how--and not us, when economists--around the country, now even around the world, and leaders around the world say it's unsustainable, it's because that's where we are headed if we don't change that. But you know what adds insult to injury to me? I represent the great State of Florida. I will tell you it's probably the greatest place to live in the entire planet. We have a lot of senior citizens, many of whom depend on Medicare for example. Well, we know that Medicare will be going insolvent in I think just, you know, a handful of years--2016 or 2017 is when it goes insolvent. So here we are borrowing and borrowing and spending and spending and borrowing and spending. Are we using that money? Is the Speaker and is the President using that money to shore up Medicare for our senior citizens? Are they using that money to shore up Social Security for our seniors? No. They've now created a new entitlement that we know we can call the mother of all entitlements. So not only are they not solving the problems that we have, they're creating new entitlements, which is going to add to the fiscal problem that we're already in. So not only are they borrowing and spending more, they're doing so recklessly, while not dealing with the issues that we all know, everybody knows we have to deal with. So that just adds insult to injury. And when you mentioned that about remember what happened in Greece, it got to the point where then the market said, we're not going to-- your debt is so high that we're not going to buy it unless you pay much higher interest rates. And it gets to the point where then it becomes this vicious circle where all you're doing is paying interest, you know, like people get into with credit cards. This administration, this President are doing exactly the same thing to our country. And the American people are starting to understand. World leaders are starting to tell the United States, slow down. What are you guys doing? And yet, this Congress, and our President who, I guess--I don't know--I just don't exactly understand what they're looking at. They're looking at the same numbers that we're looking at. And the things they've done have been dismal failures. I mentioned obviously the stimulus. But let's talk about one more. How about the billions of dollars that the taxpayers dished out to the car companies, automobile companies? Remember, in order for them to not go bankrupt, all right? So what happened? They didn't go bankrupt? No, they actually did go bankrupt, but after the taxpayer, who's struggling, by the way, and they're losing their jobs, and there's no Federal bailout for them, and they're losing their homes, and there's no Federal bailout for them. No, no, no. Take their money to bail out the auto companies because we can't let them go bankrupt. And they went bankrupt anyway. So I don't know. That's not a failure? Only in Washington do you say I'm going to spend all this money and it's going to stop unemployment from going above 8 percent, and then it goes way above 8 percent and they don't call that failure. Only in Washington. Only in Washington do you take taxpayers' hard-earned money, say that you are going to stop these auto companies from going bankrupt, and then they go bankrupt anyway and you say, oh, we got to do more of the same. It's nuts. It's insane. But everybody has realized, everybody, including world leaders--again I repeat myself, and then I will stop--but when you have world leaders of France saying to the United States of America you are borrowing and spending too much, if that's not a wake-up call, then what will it take for this President and this Congress to wake up? And you are right, that's why they are not presenting a budget, because their numbers are frankly unsustainable. The American people would go ballistic if they saw their proposals. But you know something? The American people know what's going on anyway. Thank you for your time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I thank the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee from my Florida delegation, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, for yielding. I rise to strongly support this important resolution. This past Sunday, as we have just heard, 20 million of Colombia's citizens turned out to the polls and elected former Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos as President with a resounding 69 percent of the vote. And yet the true champion and the true winners of this presidential election were who? The Colombian people and democracy as a whole were the winners and, yes, the United States of America, because the Colombian people not only elected someone who I know will lead them with brilliance, but also a person who understands the special ties between Colombia and the United States of America. Madam Speaker, words are important, but so are actions. It is now also time--yes, we have to pass this important resolution, but we also have to bring forward to this House the free trade deal with Colombia that has been lingering and just waiting for congressional action. Colombia is a strong ally, they've done everything right. The people have once again spoken--with huge numbers--and supported a person who again has been pushing for the free trade deal just like his predecessor, the current President of Colombia, President Uribe, who again has demonstrated great leadership. It's time that we bring up the free trade deal, it's time that we passed the free trade deal, it's time that not only do we shower Colombia with kind words, but that we show with our action, this Congress, that we do care for democracy, that we understand that we have to support our allies, none more important than Colombia. It's time to pass the free trade deal with Colombia, and in the meantime, I urge your support of this important resolution.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Chair, when the President announced his decision to repeal the current policy, known as ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'' earlier this year, the military service chiefs and the Secretary of Defense requested the opportunity to carry out the President's directive in an orderly manner that would assure the maintenance of discipline and morale in the Armed Forces. It was agreed at that time, including by the President, that a survey would be sent to all the troops so that their input would be taken into account regarding how best to implement the new policy, and that a report with such recommendations as to how to best implement the new policy would be issued this December, before any legislative action was taken. I believe that that process, which was agreed to by the President pursuant to the request of the service chiefs and the Secretary of Defense, should be followed. Breaking the agreement now by having this vote is most unfortunate, and I strongly disagree with the decision of the President, the Speaker, and the majority leadership to break that agreement today.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and thank The Reverend Dr. Walter Thomas Richardson of South Florida for his 26 years of service to Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Richardson's historic tenure at Sweet Home began in October of 1983, and for nearly three decades, he has dedicated his life to serving others. Under his leadership, the parish has achieved great things. Sweet Home transitioned from two-Sunday a month worships to weekly Sunday worships, as well as going from one-morning service to two-morning services. Sweet Home also grew from a small facility to a modern and up-to-date facility with classrooms, offices and seating capacity for 500 in 1991. In 2009, the facility grew yet again to house more than 1000 people and sits on 24 acres of land. The staff at Sweet Home also grew and now has full-time employees. During his tenure, Sweet Home has also been involved in advocating for social justice and multicultural integration, protesting against hate crimes, drugs and corruption, and taken part in building the first Habitat for Humanity housing project in Miami-Dade County. Pastor Richardson has preached and ministered across our great nation and around the world, including places like Korea, South Africa, Haiti and the Caribbean. More than 51 associate ministers have served with him at Sweet Home, and at least 16 are now serving as senior pastors and chaplains throughout the country. He has counseled more than 200 couples, married more than 100 couples, performed more than 1000 funerals, baptized more than 2000, and preached more than 5,000 sermons. Pastor Richardson currently serves as an adjunct professor at St. Thomas University in South Florida, and will continue to lecture, speak, and preach at conferences, churches and seminars in the U.S. and around the world. Pastor Richardson retires in the coming weeks but the end of his tenure as Senior Pastor at Sweet Home, does not mark the end of his work in our community, our nation and the world. I am certain that Pastor Richardson will continue to serve and inspire others and change lives. I ask you to join me in honoring the work of Pastor Richardson, thanking him for his service to our community, and wishing him the best in future endeavors.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I'd like to yield myself such time as I may consume. The gentleman from Georgia, I think, just did a great job explaining why we are here today. I'm not going to go through, again, this distinguished American's extensive record of public service. I do want to, though, as the gentleman from Georgia just mentioned, highlight what he just said, that this is the first person to serve as chief judge in two different Federal circuits, which is really a remarkable achievement. Also, prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Godbold was in private practice, but he also served in the U.S. Army. I always like to highlight when we're here on the floor and we're doing something like naming a building, if, in fact, someone has also served in the U.S. military, which I think is the most noble way to serve our country. I think it's important to highlight. So again, I want to thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis) for bringing this bill. I understand that the entire Georgia delegation is not only supporting this legislation but are cosponsors with him. Again, this is an individual who has an extensive record of public service. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Andrea Ivory of Miami Lakes, the Founder and Executive Director of the Florida Breast Health Initiative and a breast cancer survivor. In late 2006, Mrs. Ivory, along with her husband Willie Ivory, started the organization, which is dedicated to educating women about the importance of breast health and provides them with the resources to battle the disease. The group works to reach out to uninsured women in low-income areas who cannot afford mammograms. Staff and volunteers have knocked on more than 20,000 doors in neighborhoods throughout Miami including Miami Gardens, Opa-locka, Hialeah and Northwest Miami- Dade and have offered women the opportunity to be screened in mobile mammogram units and receive other low-cost services. To date, they have facilitated over 600 free or low-cost mammograms, and as a result, discovered four cases of cancer. Today, Andrea has been cancer free for five years and her work and dedication to serving others in the community has been recognized by several news outlets and organizations. In 2009, she was selected as one of CNN's Top 10 Heroes of 2009 and was also featured in our home town newspaper, the Miami Herald. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in thanking Andrea Ivory for her commitment to creating awareness about breast cancer and ensuring that other women have access to care. I also congratulate her on her personal strength and willingness to overcome breast cancer.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Maria Costa Smith, successful horticulturalist, businesswoman and agricultural engineer in South Dade, Florida. Maria currently serves as the color division president of Costa Farms. She is part of the third generation of the Costa family to run the farm. Started in 1961 by her grandfather, Jose Costa, and father, Tony Costa, Costa farms is one of South Dade's largest small businesses, now employing 2,200 and owning over 2,600 acres of land. In addition to its thriving foliage and plant divisions, Costa Farms operates merchandising and transportation companies in south Florida, North Carolina, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica. Maria runs the farm with her husband, Chief Executive Officer Jose Smith, and her brother, Jose, who is vice president of the foliage division. Recently, the Dade County Farm Bureau Women's Committee recognized Maria Costa Smith as the 2010 Woman of Distinction in Agriculture. She was recognized for her valuable contributions to the South Dade agriculture and agribusiness. Today I honor her for those reasons and many more, including her commitment to seeing through the dream of her grandfather, helping others in the community and ensuring that South Florida's local economy continues to flourish. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in congratulating and thanking Maria Costa Smith for her outstanding dedication, work ethic and desire to see her community prosper.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a talented and hardworking physician from South Florida, Dr. Sarah Messiah. As a member of the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Messiah is taking part in ground-breaking research on childhood obesity and how to best prevent childhood diseases through healthy eating, more exercising and overall changes in lifestyle habits. She has testified before the Senate, and her work has been reviewed by the White House. As a mother of three and a former Olympic athlete, Dr. Messiah understands the need for ensuring that children lead a healthy lifestyle starting at a young age. One of her daughters is even a participant in an awareness campaign throughout Washington, DC, calling for healthier eating habits and foods for children. I commend Dr. Messiah for her commitment and dedication to the wellbeing of our community's children and thank her for the work she continues to do each day, as a mother and as a professional. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask that you join me in congratulating Dr. Messiah for her accomplishments in medicine and her commitment to excellence.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of our community's most unique entrepreneurs, Susie Levan, who for years has been inspiring women in South Florida and beyond to achieve personal growth. Susie is the founder of the Work-Life Balance Institute for Women and Balance Magazine, non-for-profit organizations that have been helping women in South Florida achieve a healthy balance between work and family life for more than ten years. ``Health, wealth and happenings'' are three guiding principles that Susie uses to empower women. She focuses on creating workshops, conferences, seminars, and forums to help women empower themselves and their families, lead better and healthier lives, and promote their businesses. She is also one of the hosts of Be(e) You Radio, a weekly radio program airing Sundays on 101.5 Lite FM in South Florida. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask that you join me in thanking and congratulating Susie Levan for her success in motivating women to change their lives and her commitment to helping others.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker I rise today to honor an exceptional leader and dignitary, the Honorable Carmenza Jaramillo, former Consul General of Colombia to the U.S. and current President of the Colombian American Chamber of Commerce in Miami. Ms. Jaramillo has served around the world in various posts, including Ambassador of Colombia to India, representing her native Colombia and advancing the needs of her people. Most recently, she served as Consul General in Miami, ensuring that the U.S. and Colombia strengthen their partnership as allies and their presence as the hemisphere's leading democracies. Ms. Jaramillo has also been very much involved in working to promote and advance Colombian American small businesses in our community and has been engaged in issues like trade and commerce, serving as a leading voice in urging the passage of a Free Trade Agreement between the U.S. and Colombia. Ms. Jaramillo is also dedicated to serving the needs of others and is involved in various community organizations and non-profits and has received numerous recognitions for her work. She serves with professionalism and has dedicated her life to her country. She truly embodies the ideals of liberty and democracy. She is a friend to the U.S. and stands prepared to serve not only her country, but ours as well. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in honoring and thanking Ms. Carmenza Jaramillo, for her dedication to her country, her countrymen and to the cause of freedom and democracy.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ivonne Alexander, a leader in South Dade's agriculture industry, and Chief Financial Officer of Nature's Way Nursery. A native of Havana, Cuba, Ivonne came to the U.S. with her family at the age of 12. She studied accounting and finance at Miami-Dade College and Florida International University and took her first job with Farm Credit in 1972 as an accounting clerk. She later became a loan officer, and went on to be Internal Auditor, Senior Vice President and Area Manager. In 1995, she left Farm Credit and became general manager for Mike Costa Foliage, while at the same time, building her own business, Happy Days Nursery, and offering consulting to others. Today, Ivonne continues to guide the agribusiness community in South Dade, and is the leader on issues affecting the industry like labor, immigration, the environment and the economy. She was the first woman in the Nation to be a loan officer and certified appraiser with Farm Credit and was named Agriculturist of the Year by the Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce. She has paved the way for others, specifically women, to follow her in the agriculture industry, in both farming and business components. Ivonne has the right attitude and mind frame to get the job done, and does not stop until she achieves positive results. Her passion, commitment and hard work have allowed her to get as far as she has, despite the fact that she is a woman in what has historically been a man's industry, and has inspired others to do the same. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask that you join me in thanking Ivonne Alexander for her contributions to the agriculture industry and honoring her work.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Martina ``Teena'' Borek, one of South Dade's best known farmers, and a dedicated mother. Teena grew up in a small fishing village in Newfoundland and would visit her aunt's farm in South Dade during summer breaks. It is there where she met her late husband, Steven Borek, who came from one of Homestead's oldest farming families. The two married and started their own farm, Steven Borek Farms. They also had two children, Steven Jr. and Michael. Unfortunately, Steven lost his life shortly thereafter in an accident on the family property and Teena was left to raise the children and run the farm. Despite the loss of her husband, and a lack of knowledge in farming, Teena managed to successfully continue the family business, which continues to thrive today. She has proven to be one of South Dade's most innovative farmers, being Homestead's first to use a linear irrigation system and a computer for her work. She does not shy away from using new technologies and products, has engaged in research efforts and has learned to follow the changing market, responding to demand and adapting her crop. Teena has also surpassed devastating freezes and the hit of Hurricane Andrew, which forced her to basically start from scratch. Despite facing adversity on several occasions, Teena has not given up. Her hard work and passion coupled with her desire to succeed, have allowed her to be both a loving mother and savvy businesswomen. She is a leader in the agriculture industry and never fails to give back to our community. She has been involved with the Dade County Farm Bureau, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange, the Florida Heartland Heritage Foundation, the Florida Farm Bureau Labor Advisory Committee, South Dade High School Agricultural Advisory Council, Dade County Women in Agriculture and the Everglades Community Association, to name a few. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in honoring Martina ``Teena'' Borek, a successful businesswoman, community leader and mother, who vowed to continue her husband's legacy. Her story and accomplishments should serve as inspiration to others.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Jeanette Said-Jinete, the first woman to be sworn in as a police officer and receive the rank of Captain in the Town of Medley Police Department. Jeanette began her law enforcement career at the age of 19 with the city of Homestead Police Department. Years later, she joined the town of Medley and in 1984, was sworn in as the first female Medley Police Officer. In 1986 she became a detective and in 2002 was awarded Officer of the Year for her success in investigating and solving crimes. In 2004, Jeanette was assigned as the assistant to the mayor and a liaison for the police department and in June of last year, was promoted to captain, becoming the first female appointed to this rank and second in command of the police department. Jeanette is also a member of the Police Honor Guard, the Miami Dade Association of Chiefs of Police, the Florida Police Chiefs Association, and the International Association of Chief of Police, and is a certified computer voice stress analyzer and a certified code enforcement officer. Aside from her personal achievements in her career, Jeanette has been a driving force for Medley, obtaining numerous grants for public safety and homeland security equipment, and making possible funding for the town ``Tot Lot'', basketball court, and the Riverside Domino Park. She has also been instrumental in planning community events and ensuring the Town's participation and partnership with other local entities. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in thanking captain Jeanette Said-Jinete for her commitment to making the town of Medley a safe place to live, work and play, and congratulating her for her outstanding work ethic and personal achievements.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to public service and political activism, Ms. Lois Jones. Educated in Kingston, Jamaica, Ms. Jones then made California her home, serving 23 years in the California Legislature. During her tenure, she was a liaison to the African American Community and played an active role in exposing high school and college students to the legislative process through internships. Years later she moved to Florida where she has been involved in a number of issues ranging from small business development to public relations and international trade. She is very active in our community, always engaging with minority groups, religious groups and civic leaders, and working to help advance their priorities. For nine years, Ms. Jones served as Jamaican Honorary Consul in California. She was appointed by the Prime Minister of Jamaica and worked on several issues including international trade. Ms. Jones is also a featured writer, frequenting opinion pages in newspapers across the country and expressing her views on community empowerment and public policy issues. Currently Ms. Jones serves as a member of the City of Homestead Charter Review Committee and is involved in various community organizations including the City of Homestead Education Committee, the City of Homestead Mayor's Youth Council, the State Partnership for School Safety & Security, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of Women Business Owners, to name a few. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in congratulating Ms. Lois Jones for her invaluable contributions, dedication to and leadership in our community.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Maria Cristina Andreu Regueiro, Co-Founder and President of Florida National College in Hialeah. Maria Cristina Andreu Regueiro was born in Havana, Cuba. After living in New York for 10 years, she moved to Palm Springs North in 1973. She attended the University of Miami, and after graduating, joined her late husband Jose in carrying out his dream of providing educational opportunities to the growing Hispanic community in South Florida. In 1986, they opened Florida National College in Hialeah. Today, the College serves more than 3,000 students, has more than 20,000 graduates, and is spread across Miami-Dade County with three locations and a distance learning program online. Maria Christina has been instrumental in assisting minority students achieve their educational goals. What began as her husband's dream, has become a reality and an opportunity for thousands. She currently serves on the Mayor's Educational Advisory Board for the city of Hialeah and is a member of the Board of the South Florida Workforce. She has also been a member of the State of Florida Community Hospital Education Council, a commissioner for the Commission for Independent Education of the Florida Department of Education, and various other community organizations that promote education. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in thanking Maria Cristina Regueiro for her commitment to serving others, and her determination and hard work, which have allowed her to achieve her dreams. I also ask that you join me in remembering her late husband, Jose Regueiro, who also made a commitment to our community and dedicated his life to making education and opportunity a reality for many.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeanne Jacobs, accomplished educator and President of Miami Dade College's Homestead Campus. As administrator of the College, she has advanced the mission of the institution and brought national attention to South Dade. In addition to her leadership role at Miami Dade College, Jeanne serves on the Board of Directors of Homestead Hospital and in several community organizations, including the Executive Council of the Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce, the Senior Advisory Council of the Red Cross, and the Vision Council of Homestead. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Administration of Higher Education with a minor in English from the University of Alabama. This month, Miami Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez, the Miami Dade Commission for Women, and Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation honored Jeanne at their annual ``In the Company of Women'' Awards Ceremony, a well-known recognition and high distinction in the South Florida community. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I too honor and recognize Jeanne for her contributions to and achievements in the fields of education and research. Her leadership has truly made a difference in the lives of students and has taken this fine institution of higher learning on a continued path of excellence.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this flawed health bill.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong opposition to the eventual government takeover of health care that took place on the floor of the House today. Though I strongly believe that America needs health care reform, I cannot in good conscience cast a vote for a bill that will take our country down the path of bankruptcy. This deeply flawed legislation raids Medicare, which faces insolvency in 2017, by over half a trillion dollars in order to create a massive new entitlement program. It raises taxes on our families and small businesses by over half a trillion dollars. It will lead to increases in insurance premiums, increase overall spending on health care by over $200 billion and will result in job losses. This bill will also increase the national debt and deficit, leaving our children and grandchildren to pay the price. Today Democrat leadership abused and manipulated the legislative process for political gain, in an effort to force an eventual government takeover of health care that the American people do not want. This legislation was drafted in secret and is loaded with backroom deals for certain Members of Congress and special interests. The American people need, demand and deserve health care reform that will increase access, improve quality and lower costs. What the American people do not want is this ill-conceived legislation that will bankrupt our country and leave a lasting negative impact on generations to come. Nothing is more sacred in this country then our freedom and democracy. These are the fundamental principles that make America the greatest country in the world, and I cannot and will not vote for legislation that jeopardizes the freedom, democracy, prosperity and opportunity of future generations of Americans.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, just this week, Congress declared March as Red Cross Month. Today I rise to honor the American Red Cross, South Florida Region chapter and its leadership. Since 1917, this chapter has been mobilizing South Floridians to aid those in need and has provided relief in times of crisis. The American Red Cross is a community funded and supported organization, which arrives on the scene of an emergency, natural disaster or catastrophic event, almost immediately, to offer moral and material support. Volunteers assist all disaster victims, whether that disaster is a house fire or a storm. Time and time again the South Florida chapter has been at the forefront of meeting our community needs. Last year, they responded to 388 local disasters, providing 727 families with direct emergency assistance. Most recently, the South Florida chapter has played a leading role in providing aid and relief to the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake. The chapter helped in sending more than 80 American Red Cross Creole-speaking volunteer translators to Haiti to support the medical mission of the USNS Comfort. The chapter also fielded volunteers at the three airports in our region to greet and offer assistance to repatriated Haitian Americans, and the Chapter's headquarter office was responding to an average of 500 calls daily in the wake of the earthquake. Under their excellent leadership the South Florida chapter staff works with professionalism every day and is dedicated to helping those in need. They are local community heroes. As we celebrate Red Cross Month, I thank the South Florida chapter for its service and congratulate its leadership, staff and members for their continued success. I am honored to recognize them and their work and appreciate their invaluable contributions to our community.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about Orlando Zapata Tamayo, a prisoner of conscience who went on a hunger strike in one of the Cuban gulags, one of the many gulags that is full of political prisoners in that island prison of Cuba. He went on a hunger strike to protest the multiple constant beatings that he was suffering under, that he and other political prisoners have to deal with on a constant basis. So he did, he went on a hunger strike. And after 80 days of being on a hunger strike, he passed away. He passed away after 80 days on February 28. Right after that, another pro-democracy activist, very well known, another also former political prisoner named Guillermo Farinas, also began his own hunger strike. Mr. Speaker, he is still on a hunger strike today, 21 days after the death of Mr. Orlando Zapata Tamayo. He is already under very, very difficult circumstances. He is exceedingly frail, and his health is quickly deteriorating. But he is not stopping, again, to protest the conditions of the many political prisoners, but also to protest the lack of freedom, and to demand freedom for all political prisoners in Cuba and demand freedom for all who live on that enslaved island. On March 11, Mr. Speaker, Felix Bonne announced that if and when Guillermo Farinas were to give his life in this hunger strike, that he would follow him; that he would be willing to give his life on a hunger strike to protest the conditions on the island, to protest the enslavement of all Cuban people, and the mistreatment of the political prisoners. Today, March 17, 30 women known as the Ladies in White who go and protest peacefully in the streets of Havana, and what they ask for is for the release of the political prisoners, of their relatives, their husbands, their sons, their brothers, today, 30 of them were thrown in prison. They were arrested, again, just because they were asking for the freedom of the political prisoners. Today's march was led by Reina Zapata. She is the mother of Orlando Zapata Tamayo who, as I mentioned, died after 80 days on a hunger strike. Again, they were also arrested, taken away. Some of them had to be sent to the hospital because of the way that they were taken away. And I mention this, Mr. Speaker, because it is important that the world understand that the people of Cuba are standing up, they are speaking out, they are protesting. They are protesting the conditions on the island, the lack of freedom, the oppression, the brutality of the Castro brothers who have been now the dictators on that island for over half a century. So it is important that we also stand up and speak out, that we stand side by side with those in Cuba who are giving their all, including their lives, in the cause of freedom. I know that there are some who still believe that it is okay to excuse those horrors; that we should try to make a buck, if we can, from that regime, with that regime at the expense of the suffering of the Cuban people. But, Mr. Speaker, as you know, there is no more noble people than the American people, which is why the vast majority stand side by side with the suffering of the Cubans, with the cause of a free Cuba. So it is important that we remember as we debate and as we speak and as we live in freedom that just 90 miles away from the shores of the United States there are people who are suffering and who are dying for the cause of freedom. Mr. Speaker, we stand with them, we admire them, we support them. And we know that that cause will not be in vain, that their deaths will not be in vain, and that Cuba will be free.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, in 2017, Medicare goes insolvent. It goes broke in 2017. So do the Democrats have a plan to reform and save Medicare? No. The Democrats' plan actually raids one-half trillion dollars from Medicare to create a massive new government-controlled health care program. So even though the Speaker is writing this bill behind closed doors in secret, Madam Speaker, the American people, particularly senior citizens, are not being fooled. They oppose this massive bill that will nationalize health care and that will raid one-half trillion dollars from Medicare. They oppose it, and so should we.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 103, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of our community's most humble and steadfast leaders, the mayor of Florida City, Mr. Otis T. Wallace. For nearly three decades, the people of Florida City have put their trust in him as mayor, leader and friend. A graduate of Michigan State University and the University of Miami Law School, he is the director of TIB Bank. Mayor Wallace is completely dedicated to the residents of Florida City and ensuring that the needs and priorities of his community are met. Despite the pressures that elected office can bring, Mayor Wallace keeps his cool, always smiling and acting humbly, with the best interest of others in mind. He has proven to be a dependable, hard working and selfless leader, always willing to work with others to find commonsense solutions. Mayor Wallace is no stranger to civic engagements. He is the chairman of the Florida City Community Redevelopment Agency and a member of the Homestead-Florida City Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as the chairman of the Florida City Foundation and on the board of directors of the Florida National Parks and Monuments Association, Inc., the Miami-Dade Criminal Justice Council and the Homestead Area Indigent Care Foundation, Inc. He is also a member of the NAACP. As we celebrate Black History Month, please join me in recognizing and thanking Mayor Otis Wallace for his dedication to the residents of Florida City and his commitment to ensuring that his community continues to thrive.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor one of the most devoted and beloved leaders in South Florida, Dr. Walter Thomas Richardson, whose dedication to God, his faith and his community has allowed him to break social barriers and touched thousands of lives. Since 1983, Pastor Richardson has served as Senior Pastor of Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Perrine, Florida and his preaching has enriched the faith and lives of many. He is a Miami native, married to M. Dolores, father to Walter L. and LaKisha, and proud grandfather of seven. His family has played a key role in his development as pastor and community leader. He learned of the importance of community service at a young age, from his parents, Bishop Walter H. and Mrs. Poseline M. Richardson and in 1969, while serving in the military, felt a calling for the ministry. His education has also played an important role in his formation. He obtained both Bachelor and Master Degrees from St. Thomas University, and a Doctorate from Trinity Theological Seminary. Pastor Richardson is a leading voice of social justice and multicultural integration. His congregation is formed by Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, Haitians and several Caribbean Islands among many other groups. His love of service has manifested itself in multiple ways. He is a professor of religion at St. Thomas University, Chaplain in the Miami-Dade Police Department, and Board Member of Florida Memorial College, New World School of the Arts, the Community Relations Board and the Alliance for Human Services, to name a few. He is also author of Going through Samaria, a book which teaches about the importance of Christianity, and had recorded 30 songs and composed more than 100. His unique service and leadership has gained him recognitions from the City of Miami, the City of Fort Lauderdale and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. As we celebrate Black History Month, I ask you to join me in honoring the work of Pastor Water Thomas Richardson and thanking him for his service to our community. He has improved the lives of many.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of our outstanding community leaders, Fred Thomas of Immokalee, Florida. Mr. Thomas truly embodies the ideals of service, selflessness and leadership. For 16 years, Mr. Thomas served as the Executive Director of the Collier County Public Housing Authority, and during his tenure, significantly increased public housing in Immokalee, a farm-worker community in rural Southwest Florida. Though he retired from public service in 2002, he has continued his activism and involvement in the community. No one knows Immokalee better than Mr. Thomas, who is known by friends and neighbors as the unofficial mayor. He dedicates each day of his life to advancing the needs of his community and ensuring that Immokalee thrives. He is a selfless community leader and answers the call of duty not for recognitions or merits, but because of a true love for his town and a desire to see it prosper. Originally from New York, Fred has been a proud resident of Immokalee for more than two decades and enjoys much of what Florida has to offer, like hunting and fishing. He is also a talented and recognized photographer, always capturing Florida's unique wildlife and pristine environment. He is married to wife Cheryl, a well-respected and beloved leader in her own right. Mr. Thomas is a passionate advocate for Immokalee and an eloquent voice for his country. He often frequents commission meetings and speaks out on behalf of his neighbors and the needs of Immokalee residents. His professional and business affiliations include: Commissioner of the Immokalee Water and Sewer District, Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Collier County Municipal Planning Organization, Vice-Chairman of the Immokalee Enterprise Zone Boar, Chairman of the Immokalee Community Development Advisory Board, Collier County Sheriff's Commission, Board of Directors of Immokalee Chamber of Commerce, Member of the Immokalee Rotary and Member of the Immokalee Optimist. Most recently, in 2009, he was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist to serve as a Board Member of the South Florida Water Management District's Big Cypress Basin. As we celebrate Black History Month, please join me in thanking Fred Thomas, and his wife Cheryl, for their invaluable service and contributions to the southwest Florida community and their leadership, which makes a difference in the lives of many each day.