Mario Diaz-Balart

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I was delayed in arriving to the first vote of the vote series on June 10, 2025. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 162, H.R. 2096.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding public servant, a venerated leader in South Florida, and a dear friend of mine, Mayor Esteban ``Steve'' Bovo, Jr. For years, Mayor Bovo has dedicated himself unreservedly to this shared mission of serving with honor the people of Hialeah. He consistently maintained the highest standards of leadership and a clear vision for Hialeah: to bring our community to new heights. As the son of Cuban exiles whose family was forced into exile in search of freedom and opportunity, he understands firsthand the importance of democracy and freedom. His father, the heroic Esteban Bovo Caras, served courageously as a pilot of the 2506 Brigade, the group of brave Cuban exiles who fought in the Bay of Pigs invasion. This created a legacy for the Bovo family that Mayor Bovo would carry throughout his life and career. Growing up in a household that ingrained in him the value of sacrifice and of civic duty, Mayor Bovo developed a strong sense of responsibility to serve others and to defend the values that his family and so many others have fought to preserve. From his time serving in the Florida House of Representatives, to his leadership at the county and municipal levels, Mayor Bovo has successfully championed policies that protect small businesses, improve public safety, and preserve the unique culture that defines South Florida. During his time as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner from 2011 to 2020, Mayor Bovo demonstrated his dedication to fiscal responsibility and government transparency. He has always been a champion for the hardworking families of our community, advocating for lower taxes and ensuring that local government remains accountable to the people it serves. Since taking office as Mayor of Hialeah in 2021, Mayor Bovo has proven in word and deed his commitment to our community. He has supported local law enforcement, stood with our first responders, and has never wavered in his mission of seeing our community thrive. His hands-on approach to leading the people of Hialeah has solidified his reputation as a trusted, effective, and admired leader in our community. Beyond his official duties, Mayor Bovo has always remained deeply and personally engaged with the community. Whether supporting local businesses, expanding youth development programs, working with nonprofit organizations, or attending neighborhood events, he has proven his dedication to serving and knowing the people he serves. Above all, Mayor Bovo is a loving husband to Viviana and a proud father to his five children; Oscar, Bianca, Esteban, Sofia, and Alessandro. I am honored to recognize today my dear friend Mayor Esteban Bovo for his decades of service and his devotion to our community. He is a true public servant, a man of the utmost integrity, and a cherished leader who has earned the respect and gratitude of the people he has served.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Florida, the Honorable Randy Fine, and the gentleman from Florida, the Honorable Jimmy Patronis, be permitted to take the oath of office today. Their certificates of election have not arrived, but there is no contest, and no question has been raised with regard to their elections.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable woman whose lifelong dedication to service has profoundly impacted the lives of countless children and families in South Florida. Zoe Prieto, a devoted leader, mother, grandmother, and cancer survivor, has spent decades ensuring that children in need receive the resources, support, and opportunities they otherwise might not. For the past 13 years, Zoe has served as President of the Children in Action Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 1996 to support underserved children in Miami-Dade County and beyond. From the moment she took on this role, she has remained relentless in her pursuit of guaranteeing that the Foundation live out its mission of ``Making a Difference One Child at a Time''. Under Zoe's leadership, the Foundation has provided school supplies, holiday meals, Christmas gifts, and financial assistance for medical treatments to children and families who need them most. Operating entirely through volunteer efforts, the organization has grown to serve 28 elementary schools across communities in South Florida, impacting the lives of countless families across Florida's 26th congressional district. Through every season of the year, Zoe and the Children in Action Foundation are present to serve our community. At the start of the school year, the Foundation personally delivers backpacks filled with school supplies to 350 students. At Thanksgiving, 200 families receive baskets filled with turkeys and meal essentials. During the holiday season, over 400 children gather for a Christmas toy giveaway, where they are treated to a day of games and a special holiday meal. Every child receives a wrapped toy, and 100 bicycles are raffled to spread even more joy. No matter the time of year, and in instances where many families feel the strain the most, Zoe and the Foundation are there to stand in the breach. Looking to the future, Zoe and her team are working to expand their impact even further by launching summer and after-school programs that will provide children, including those with special needs, with opportunities to grow and develop strong values of good citizenship and volunteerism. Their undying drive to serve and to meet the members of our community where they are only serves to build on their growing legacy across South Florida. Beyond her leadership, Zoe's personal resilience serves as an inspiration to all who know her. A brave cancer survivor of 37 years, she has long embodied the spirit of hope and of perseverance and has pushed through adversity to share that with those around her. Through her efforts, she has given children joy when starting a new school year and given parents the relief of knowing their child can receive the medical care they need. Zoe Prieto is a shining example in our community of a servant leader. Her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children and families exemplifies the true spirit of Women's History Month. It is with great admiration and appreciation that I recognize and celebrate Zoe Prieto's contributions toward ``Making a Difference One Child at a Time''.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of an inspiring leader and pillar in our Southwest Florida community, Florida House Representative Lauren Uhlich Melo, in recognition of Women's History Month. From an early age, Representative Melo expressed a calling to serve those in her community. Her first step in becoming the servant leader we know today began when she chose to volunteer with the Florida Guardian ad Litem program. As a Guardian ad Litem, she was responsible for representing the best interests of a minor child, an incapacitated adult, or other vulnerable individual in a legal case, a job few can or are willing to take on. When the time came to begin a new chapter of her life and career, Representative Melo transitioned towards pursuing business administration which allowed her to start a thriving enterprise in Southwest Florida. In 1991, Representative Melo founded her own trucking company with nothing but a single truck, eventually growing the fleet to over 100 trucks and providing vital job opportunities for our community. While many know her for being a formidable entrepreneur, Representative Melo has likewise proven herself to be a dauntless fighter in the face of great adversity. Nothing demonstrated this more clearly than when she was forced to confront one of life's toughest battles: a fight against breast cancer. Even as she served her community and supported her son, Dare, who was then deployed on his first combat mission to Afghanistan, Representative Melo was forced to face her own war on her health at home. During a year-and-a-half battle with breast cancer, she continued to lead her business without interruption and remained a resilient and stalwart presence in her community. Despite these hardships, Representative Melo's health improved, as she bravely beat back the cancer, her firm remained successful, and she was able to welcome her son home as a combat veteran. To this day, Representative Melo's personal fight against breast cancer has fueled her advocacy for related causes. She actively participates with the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation's Virtual Advocacy Days, while being a dedicated advocate for veterans, understanding firsthand the sacrifices that military families make. Her passion and service for her community ultimately culminated in her decision to run for state office herself and becoming an exceedingly effective legislator. Most recently, in 2020, Lauren was elected as the State Representative for Florida's District 80, and following redistricting, now represents District 82. Her re-election in both 2022 and 2024 are a testament to her continued leadership and the trust her constituents have in her ability to understand their needs and to work tirelessly for them. Representative Melo is not just a public servant--she is a survivor, devoted wife to her husband Robert Melo, a proud mother to her three children, Rachele, Dare, and Annabelle, and a loving grandmother to her two grandchildren, Ruby and Lily. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us reflect on the incredible contributions of women like Representative Lauren Uhlich Melo. It is an honor to recognize her today, and I look forward to witnessing the impact she will continue to have on our community and beyond.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, due to the passing of a cherished member of my family, my elder brother and former Member of Congress, the Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart, I was unable to vote the week of March 3, 2025. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on H.R. 856--Roll Call No. 54; YEA on H.R. 758--Roll Call No. 55; YEA on Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 177--Roll Call No. 56; YEA on H.J. RES. 177--Roll Call No. 57; YEA on H.J. RES. 61--Roll Call No. 58; YEA on H.J. RES. 42--Roll Call No. 59; NO on Motion to Table on H. RES. 189--Roll Call No. 60; YEA on S.J. RES. 11--Roll Call No. 61; and YEA on H. RES. 189--Roll Call No. 62.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote today as I had an immovable commitment. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 32, Trahan Amendment to H.R. 27 and YEA on Roll Call No. 33, H.R. 27. Personal Explanation

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote today as the last vote timed out. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 17, H.R. 30; Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act. Personal Explanation

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

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

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on November 15, 2024 as I had an immovable commitment. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 465 for H.R. 8932.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Manuel Milanes Pizonero, a cherished friend of mine, constituent of Ave Maria, Florida, and a bold anti-communist voice within the Cuban American community in South Florida. On August 22, 2024, Manuel faced a life-altering situation few ever encounter in their lifetimes and made a heroic split-second decision even fewer choose to. As Manuel sat at home in his living room, a sudden loud sound like a crash broke the silence outside his home. Knowing his son had just stepped outside to take out the trash, Manuel immediately rushed out, fearing the very worst. Stepping onto the scene, he saw a man approaching a car in what appeared like a move to assist the family inside. As Manuel moved closer in an attempt to provide help, the man outside the car quickly asked him for a tool to break the car window, leading Manuel to go back inside to retrieve the appropriate device. Upon returning, however, the situation rapidly shifted when one of the passengers stuck inside the car cracked the window open begging Manuel not to break the window. The passenger quickly revealed that the man outside the car was armed and threatening to kill the mother and her four children inside. Manuel, demonstrating an incredible measure of bravery did not hesitate to act but began pleading with the assailant, even while unarmed, to stop, attempting to deescalate the situation and fervently insisting that he not act on his impulses and harm the family. At this, the man turned his weapon on Manuel, placing him directly in the line of fire, and instructed him to return to his home and stay out of it--yet Manuel refused to back down. Running back to his home, he grabbed his own gun, and quickly returned outside to help. However, in that short amount of time, the assailant managed to shatter the car window and force his way inside the car with the family. In seeing this, Manuel immediately stepped in to subdue him, once more placing himself in harm's way in the hopes of disarming the shooter. Refusing to drop his firearm, the man turned the gun on Manuel once more, firing at him and hitting him in the left shoulder and chest, shattering his clavicle and causing severe blood loss. Despite being shot at two more times, Manuel held his ground, ready to protect the mother and her children as the shooter fled the scene. It took one instant and Manuel single-handedly changed the course of events in the lives of a mother and her four children, choosing selflessly to place their wellbeing before his own. Manuel narrowly escaped the ordeal with his life, with his heart stopping a total of 3 times mid-emergency surgery and requiring over 30 liters of transfusions. Though he faces a long road to recovery and subsequent surgeries, Manuel maintains that he would do it all over again if necessary. Since his successful discharge from the hospital, the community of Ave Maria has coalesced in a show of solidarity and pride around him, offering their prayers and support. Manuel Milanes is the preeminent example of the very kind-hearted, God-fearing and freedom-loving immigrant our country has long thrived as a result of. Originally from Cuba, Manuel made the United States his home in 2017 after living in the Dominican Republic, where he met his loving wife, Kenia Rodriguez. Together, they set down roots in the Ave Maria community, building a family and a successful business. He notes that it is his Christian faith that has guided him in choosing a business that serves others, while also providing generously for the families of his 50 employees. Beyond his business pursuits, Manuel is a passionate anti-communist freedom fighter who has never forgotten his Cuban roots or the mission of achieving true democratic freedom for Cuba. Turning his convictions into action, Manuel created a YouTube channel dedicated expressly to denouncing the brutal Castro regime's human rights abuses and raising funds to support political prisoners and their families in Cuba. To this day, he remains blacklisted by the regime for speaking out against the ruthless dictatorship. Through his efforts, he has successfully provided medicine, food, and financial support to those still fighting for freedom, both in the opposition and those wrongfully imprisoned under the regime's oppressive hand. Exemplary citizens like Manuel Milanes are the very reason I remain hopeful for the future of our Nation and remain convinced the American Dream is yet alive and well today. His unrestrained willingness to risk his life for others, his unwavering commitment to freedom, and his deep faith make him a true patriot and a living example of the values we cherish in this great Nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Manuel Milanes Pizonero, a hero who represents the best of America. We remain forever grateful to him and his family for their selfless contributions to our community and our country.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on July 8th and 9th as I had an immovable commitment. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on H.R. 5441--Roll Call No. 337; YEA on H.R. 897--Roll Call No. 336; YEA on H.R. 7700--Roll Call No. 343; and YEA on H.R. 7637-- Roll Call No. 341.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

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

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

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

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Chair, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Tiffany) who is opposed, as I am, to this amendment.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Chair, may I ask how much time I have remaining.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Chairman, the reason for the situation at the southern border can be explained by just two words: Joe Biden. That is who has created the crisis at the southern border. Now, this amendment attempts to strike section 7045(f). By the way, much of this is already in existing law. What this amendment is really basically saying is: We don't have an issue with the southern border. There is no problem with the southern border. Madam Chairman, we have to realize that close to 10 million people have crossed unlawfully into the United States under this President. That is roughly the population of the entire State of Michigan for God's sake. This bill attempts to do what we can, despite the President of the United States, to stop this crisis that has been created by Mr. Joe Biden. The bill prohibits outright funding for programs that push migrants toward the United States unlawfully either by giving them cash cards or giving them information about future stops, where to go, connecting them with lawyers and even coaching them in order to answer the questions falsely while claiming asylum. How can anyone support that? This is a country that believes in the rule of law. If that were not enough, this amendment also proposes to strike the prohibition on funding to the Safe Mobility Offices and the welcome court unless authorized. That is what the language in the bill does. If that is something you support, then authorize it for God's sake. These are gimmicks which spend tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to circumvent U.S. law for God's sake. In the case of the welcome court, this is, in essence, like a matchmaking entity like match.com for folks trying to get here to the United States illegally. It recruits in the United States so-called sponsors to sponsor these individuals, even though they have no connections other than now this kind of like match system. By doing so, the Biden administration, frankly, has made the situation even worse. For God's sake, the administration is now even trying to get universities involved. This is coming out of our Foreign Affairs budget which is intended to support our national security. Again, safe mobility centers are operating overseas in places like Ecuador and Colombia to facilitate a fast track of tens of thousands of people to use a mobile app to obtain authorization to then literally then show up on the southern border that is wide-open-- let me restate that--that is controlled absolutely by the Mexican narco cartels, and that is how these folks are coming into the United States. All of this is to facilitate the cartels and to help the cartels market this illegal cartel business. I know some people might say: Well, they are going to come anyway or another way if we don't do this. However, advertising and using taxpayer money to become the advertising source for marketing to folks who come into the United States unlawfully is, frankly, something that is totally unacceptable. If these programs that the gentlewoman wants to fund are so good, then bring them up in front of Congress and have them authorized. They would get shot down dramatically because everybody can see what this is. This is using taxpayer money to circumvent the law which hurts not only our national security efforts and our national security interests, but it also hurts the folks who have been waiting years to try to come legally into the United States. Madam Chairman, I could not urge our colleagues in a more forceful way to strongly oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment.

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

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

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

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague for bringing this important amendment to the floor. Mr. Chairman, the CCP's influence at the FAO is real. It is dramatic, and it is real, as the gentlewoman mentioned in her opening statement. I think she did a great job explaining it. If there is a change in leadership in that organization, maybe we can start supporting this organization, but there have to be consequences. Mr. Chairman, I am grateful to my colleague for bringing this important amendment. I strongly support it.

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

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, we use the term ``my friend'' all the time here, but I will tell you that the gentleman from Arizona and I are friends. I have great respect for him, but I do have to claim the time in opposition. Congress recently provided $1.6 billion in foreign military financing for Ukraine--not in this bill; that was already done--and other countries impacted by the situation in Ukraine. While foreign military financing funds in this bill are not designated for Ukraine--there aren't any--let me tell you why I still respectfully have to stand in opposition. I think this sends a pretty bad message during a time of active war. I think it would be a monumental mistake, potentially emboldening our enemies, including Russia, and send a dangerous signal of United States' weakness, something that, unfortunately, this administration does every single day, and a lack of resolve to others around the world, including potentially Communist China and other adversaries. I will also note that House Republicans successfully secured language in the fiscal year 2024 State and Foreign Operations bill that brings unprecedented transparency and oversight requirements on all assistance going to Ukraine, which I think is a very important thing to do, and I think all of us agree with that. I want to repeat: There are no FMF funds in this bill for Ukraine. The only FMF we have in this bill goes to other key partners, and I mentioned that, like Taiwan. I think that a prohibition potentially sends a very bad message. There are no funds, but I think this would send a very bad message. I have great respect for somebody who actually is a friend of mine. We are good friends, but I respectfully have to oppose this amendment. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.