Mario Diaz-Balart

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeannette Varela, a successful entrepreneur with a commitment to her community. Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, Jeannette was the second of eight children. At the age of eighteen, Jeannette left her home country with just thirty dollars and a limited grasp of English. She came to the United States seeking a new life in the ``land of opportunity.'' Jeannette found work in various jobs to make ends meet, eventually working in the heavy equipment industry in Miami, Florida. She has a heart for helping others, has been recognized for her philanthropic endeavors and is a respected community leader. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in honoring Jeannette Varela.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I wish to provide further remarks on the Senate Amendments to H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education, GIVE, Act. While I support the goal of the underlying legislation, to provide voluntary service opportunities for Americans to give back to their communities, I oppose the Senate's removal of important taxpayer protections which were intentionally included by the House of Representatives. The Motion to Recommit, which I supported on March 18, 2009 and which passed the House by a vote of 318 to 105, prohibited taxpayer funds being funneled through programs authorized in this legislation to organizations that have been indicted for voter fraud. Additionally, organizations that provide or promote abortion services, including referral for such services or any organizations that co-locate with such organizations would be ineligible to receive funds through this legislation. Unfortunately, the Senate removed these protections. If this bill were to be signed into law as it is written today, taxpayer dollars could be used to fund organizations like the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, ACORN, which has a record of carrying out unethical practices aimed at undermining the legitimacy of democratic elections in our nation. For these reasons, I oppose the passage of this legislation.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true professional, entrepreneur and a woman who has broken barriers in the business world as the only female Floridian to sit on the Board of Directors of three Fortune 500 companies simultaneously, Remedios Diaz-Oliver. After leaving Cuba in 1961 seeking freedom, Remedios started a new life in the U.S. working during the day and attending school at night. She dedicated her career to learning the business of importing, exporting and trade and later went on to open her own business. In 1991, she founded All American Containers, Inc., a company she built from the ground up. Today she is President and CEO, oversees 167 employees and sales of up to $105 million, and takes on full administrative and financial responsibilities. Her lifelong partner and husband Fausto Diaz-Oliver stands by her side and serves as COO. Her son, daughter and granddaughter also work in the business. Remedios has made All American Containers, Inc., a leading supplier of glass, plastic and metal containers with operations in Miami, Tampa, Atlanta, Dallas, Puerto Rico and Mexico and a network spanning across the globe to Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Her clients include companies such as McCormick, Schering, Pepsi Cola, Coca Cola and Seven-Up. She is a pioneer in the packaging industry and has served on the Board of Directors for Avon Products, Inc. and Barnett Bank (Bank of America). Prior to starting her own business, she was President of the Association of Exporters, Freight Forwarders and Manufacturers of Greater Miami and of Emmer Importing & Exporting, Inc. She has also been a member of the National Advisory Council of the Small Business Administration and the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda. In 1988 she was appointed as a member of the Advisory Board for Trade Policy, Negotiations and International Policy for the President of the United States and again in 1992. Remedios keeps strong ties to the community she serves and her civic involvements include the Round Table, the Cuban Liberty Council, the United Way and the Public Health Trust. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask that you to join me in congratulating Remedios Diaz-Oliver, an exceptional business woman, wife, mother and friend who is proof that in America anything is possible. Many say it's a man's world, but in the words of Remedios herself ``it was a man's world.''

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a very special lady from the State of Florida, Karin Brown. She has dedicated her life to being an exceptional educator, community activist and fighter for Florida's children. Karin currently serves as the President of the Florida Parent Teacher Association, an organization to which she has dedicated many years of service at both the local and state level. A wife to Bill Brown for nearly 40 years, mother of five and grandmother of three, she has made it her life mission to create a healthy relationship between students, parents and teachers and ensuring a stable environment in the classroom and at home for children. Her civic involvement includes serving on various community advisory boards, governing boards, task forces and as a liaison to organizations all focusing on child development, education and well being. During my years in the Florida State Senate, I worked closely with Karin when she was Vice President of Protect America's Children in passing the Jennifer Act. This legislation, which I sponsored and became law in 1997, makes any credible threat or attempted assault of a minor 16 years of age and under a third degree felony. In 1982 Karin and her husband found out that they were expecting their fifth child. The doctors also handed Karin a life-threatening diagnosis of Arterial Vinous Malformation on the left side of her brain. Karin and her son survived and one year after giving birth, she successfully overcame more than nine hours of brain surgery. She does not see her handicap as an ailment; on the contrary, it motivates her to continue serving the community and working for children. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in congratulating Karin Brown, a woman who lives her life with courage, a will to live, and a genuine passion to serve others.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and lives of two remarkable colleagues from the South Florida Delegation, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. With unprecedented courage, a love of family and a strong commitment to service, these women have made history in our community, our state and our nation. Today I take the time to honor their work and thank them. I had the pleasure of serving with Debbie Wasserman Schultz in the Florida State Legislature, where she made history as the youngest woman ever elected to the Florida House at the age of 26, and later the Florida Senate. I was proud when she joined me in Congress in 2005 as the first Jewish Congresswoman ever elected from Florida. Debbie works tirelessly for the people of South Florida and has dedicated her life to public service. In just four short years, she has made herself known on Capitol Hill as a leader on the House Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on the Judiciary and as a Chief Deputy Whip for her party. Debbie takes special interest in ensuring that Americans and people around the world are treated fairly and with respect. She is a leader in the Jewish Community, an advocate of human rights and has introduced and passed key legislation protecting Florida's working families, women and children. Despite many legislative victories throughout the year, Debbie's greatest accomplishment is her family. Aside from prioritizing the needs of her constituents, she also makes life at home a priority as a loving wife to Steve Schultz, her husband of 17 years, and an exceptional mother of twins Jake and Rebecca and youngest daughter Shelby. We recently learned that Debbie successfully battled breast cancer after finding a lump during a routine self-examination last year. In an effort to create awareness of breast cancer among young woman she has shared her story and introduced the EARLY Act, legislation that develops and implements a national education campaign to increase awareness of the threats posed by breast cancer in young women of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Debbie's story is an inspiration to women across the nation and she represents what can be accomplished through hard work, dedication and perseverance. She is undoubtedly one of the most influential Members of Congress and I know that a bright future lies ahead. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen has been a public servant for more than two decades and this year marks her 20th in the United States Congress. In 1989, she was the first Hispanic woman and first Cuban-American elected to the House of Representatives. She began her career as an educator in Miami, FL and was elected to the Florida State Legislature in 1982, becoming the first Hispanic woman in the Florida House. She later served in the Florida Senate. Ileana's list of accomplishments runs long, but she is best known for ensuring that the needs of the diverse community she represents are met. She takes a particular interest in education, safety for Florida's families and protecting our environment. In her role as the Ranking Member on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs she has worked to advance democracy around the world, promote human rights and improve our nation's relationships abroad. She continues to be a strong voice for the oppressed people of Cuba and an advocate for peace in the Middle East. In 2008 Ileana's work was recognized by the State of Florida when she was inducted into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame, a great honor in our state. Alongside a successful 25 year career in public service, has been Ileana's dedication to her family. She is a loving wife to husband Dexter Lehtinen, mother of Amanda Michelle and Patricia Marie and stepmother of Katharine and Douglas. By her side each day are her parents, Enrique and Amanda Ros, who left Castro's communist regime in search of freedom, when Ileana was just seven years old, so that their daughter could take advantage of the opportunities this country has to offer. Although Debbie and Ileana come from different backgrounds and different political parties, they share a common goal and that is to improve the lives of South Floridians. They seize all opportunities to work together with the rest of the South Florida Delegation for the best interest of the diverse community which we represent. They truly are an inspiration to woman of all ages. It is an honor and a privilege to call these outstanding women my friends and serve with them in Congress. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in congratulating our colleagues Congresswomen Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen on their invaluable contributions to our nation and their remarkable achievements.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlelady from Florida, and also all the sponsors of this legislation. I rise today in recognition of the 30th anniversary of this landmark legislation, the Taiwan Relations Act. It codifies into law the basis for the continued special relationship between the United States and the Republic of China on Taiwan. Our two nations share so many common beliefs and values. We both cherish freedom, human rights and democracy. And last year, during the most recent Presidential election, they once again showed that, yes, of course they are a true, vibrant democracy. The Republic of China on Taiwan continues to be our strong ally on the war on terrorism. And they continuously prove that they are a true partner of the people of the United States of America. Now contrast that, Mr. Speaker, with what just took place a month ago when the Communist Chinese dictatorship sent a number of ships to harass an unarmed U.S. Naval surveillance ship. This provocative action, and many others like it, should serve as a cause for concern when dealing with that nation that regularly violates human rights. Again, that highlights the importance that the people of Taiwan know and that the world knows the United States Congress stands with this strong and proud democracy. Again, Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for this resolution, for having the opportunity to support this resolution, and make sure that our friends in Taiwan understand that Congress stands with them, really stands with them.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Damas de Blanco (the Ladies in White) a peaceful pro- democracy group of women in Cuba dedicated to creating awareness of the political realities, human rights violations and lack of basic freedoms on the island. Today marks the 6th anniversary of the Black Spring in Cuba, in which 75 human rights activists, independent journalists, librarians, economists and pro-democracy leaders were jailed for simply expressing their opposition to the lack of political freedoms on the island. All were unfairly sentenced to an average of 25 years in Castro's gulag and 55 still languish there today. The Damas de Blanco consists of the wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and nieces of these 75 dissidents. The group came together soon after the crackdown. Each day, these courageous women protest the imprisonment of their loved ones, call for their immediate release and the release of all political prisoners in Cuba, and seek to draw international attention to the lack of basic freedoms on the island. They wear white to symbolize innocence and purity, attend mass each Sunday, and walk through the streets of Cuba in peaceful protest. The group has been internationally recognized and in 2005 was awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, alongside Reporters Without Borders and human rights lawyer Hauwa Ibrahim, by the European Parliament. Members of Damas de Blanco were banned from attending the award ceremony in France by the Cuban regime. The Damas de Blanco are a voice for the hundreds of political prisoners in Cuba and those who live in the shadows of oppression. With unprecedented courage and bravery, they take to the streets each day and risk their own lives in order to draw attention to the harsh realities in Cuba. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in honoring the Damas de Blanco, remembering the 75 jailed dissidents of the Black Spring in Cuba and all of Cuba's political prisoners, and standing in solidarity with the Cuban people.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional businesswoman, journalist and community activist from Naples, Florida, Mayela Rosales. As Executive Vice President of Azteca America SWFL and host of the most popular Spanish language TV show in Southwest Florida, D'Latinos al Dia, Mrs. Rosales is an example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. With a degree in Journalism and Communications from the University of Zulia in her native country of Venezuela and 12 years of experience in the field, she came to the U.S. 13 years ago. Since then, she has worked towards ensuring that the fast-growing Hispanic community in Southwest Florida has access to news and information through Spanish language television programming and print. In 2003, Media Vista Group, the company she owned, integrated with Media Vista Publications and now produces the D'Latinos Magazine, D'Latinos online and D'Latinos al Dia program. Mrs. Rosales is Executive Director of the monthly magazine and host of the television show, which has been the only live, Spanish language program in the area for six years and airs every weekday in more than 400,000 homes. In 2006, Mrs. Rosales, in partnership with her husband Orlando Rosales and others, acquired local TV station WTPH 14 Azteca America Southwest Florida in Naples. The station serves as a venue for Spanish language programming and news including D'Latinos al Dia. In addition to her business ventures and career in journalism, Mrs. Rosales is a dedicated wife to husband Orlando and mother of two boys, Gabriel and Daniel. She is also active in a number of civic and charitable organizations including the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, the Children's Museum of Naples, the American Heart Association, the Fifth Third Bank, the Ronald McDonald House, Hospice of Naples, Catholic Charities and Literacy Volunteers, and was the founder of the Council for Hispanic Business Professionals. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in congratulating my dear friend Mayela Rosales for her invaluable contributions to the Hispanic community and her dedication to professionalism and communicating accurate and valuable information to residents of Southwest Florida.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker I rise today to honor a great leader from the State of Florida, Stephanie C. Kopelousos. She was appointed Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation in 2007 and since then has been working to ensure our safety on Florida's roads. Secretary Kopelousos got her start in public service right here in the halls of Congress in 1993 as a Legislative Assistant to then Congresswoman Tillie K. Fowler of Florida's 4th District and Chair of the Transportation Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations and Emergency Management. In 2001 she joined the Florida Department of Transportation as their primary federal liaison in Washington, D.C. focusing on transportation, emergency management and disaster relief, and housing. She was instrumental in negotiations during the reauthorization of the federal transportation bill. In 2005 she became the Department's Chief of Staff, and in early 2007 was appointed Interim Secretary. Secretary Kopelousos carries with her more than a decade of professional experience in state and federal public policy, with a particular emphasis in transportation. As Secretary, she oversees more than 7,000 employees and an annual budget of $8 billion, always keeping with the agency's mission of providing a safe transportation system that fuels economic growth and enhances quality of life for all Floridians. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in congratulating Secretary Stephanie C. Kopelousos for her commitment to ensuring a safe and efficient transportation system in Florida and her invaluable contributions in the field of public service.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, if I may inquire from the gentlelady from Maryland if she has any other speakers at this time?

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As we just heard, this bill names the United States Courthouse to be constructed in Jackson, Mississippi, as the R. Jess Brown United States Courthouse. R. Jess Brown grew up and was educated in the public school system of Muskogee, OK. He attended Illinois State University, Indiana University, and the Texas Southern Law School. Mr. Brown was actively involved in civil rights issues and dedicated his career to pursuing equality for all citizens. In 1948, he was a co-plaintiff in a lawsuit brought on behalf of African-American teachers in Jackson, MS, seeking equal pay. After being admitted to the bar in Mississippi, he became Associate Counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense and Educational Fund. As Associate Counsel, he filed a civil rights case in Mississippi seeking to enforce the right of African Americans to register to vote. Later, in 1961, Mr. Brown represented James H. Meredith in a lawsuit that was filed and won. This case opened the door to allow Mr. Meredith and other African Americans to enter and study at the University of Mississippi. Mr. Brown was active in many other cases that helped to break down barriers related to discrimination in the areas of public transportation and accommodations. He was a leader not only in the civil rights movement, but also more broadly in the legal community. Among his many accomplishments, he co- founded the Magnolia Bar Association, served on the Board of the National Bar Association, and was admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court. I have no objections to the passage of this bill and support its adoption. I understand the other side has a speaker, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As you have just heard, this bill names a United States courthouse located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, the ``J. Herbert W. Small Federal Building and United States Courthouse.'' I too support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 15 seconds. I would be remiss without thanking the gentleman from North Carolina for his persistence, for his leadership, for fighting for this. And as you have heard today he does so with great passion for someone who he admired greatly. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As you just heard from the gentlewoman from Maryland, this bill names the Federal building located in the United Nations Plaza in New York as the Ronald H. Brown United States Mission to the United Nations Building. This bill has already passed the House once before and, as you have heard the explanation, here it is in front of us.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the remaining part of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Again, this bill designates the Federal building and United States Courthouse located on Barr Street in Lexington, Kentucky, the Scott Reed Federal Building and United States Courthouse. At this time, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I yield myself such time as I may consume. This bill names the United States Courthouse located on East 4th Street in Davenport, Iowa, as the James A. Leach United States Courthouse. As we recall, he was also a former colleague of ours here in this distinguished body. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King).

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentlewoman from Maryland for her description of this bill. This is something that this House has done for many, many years. And for many years the distinguished majority leader, Mr. Hoyer, has sponsored a resolution to authorize the use of the Capitol grounds for this event, and Congress has clearly supported it. It provides children a fun way to allow children to show off their dedication, their work, and creativity as they compete for trophies and the opportunity to race in other competitions. Girls and boys between 8 and 17 will race down the Capitol Hill in their home-made cars. We are all looking forward to that. The winner of each division will then be qualified to compete in the National Soapbox Derby. I support this resolution and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the gentlewoman from Maryland has done a great job explaining this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 39 authorizes the use of the Capitol grounds for the District of Columbia's Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run to be held on June 5 of this year. The Special Olympics is an internationally recognized organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities through athletic competition and through athletic events in general. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest grassroots effort that raises funds and awareness for the Special Olympics program, Mr. Speaker. The event in D.C. is one of the many law enforcement torch runs throughout the country and across 35 Nations leading up to the summer Special Olympics. The Torch Run is a special event during which members of law enforcement run the ``Flame of Hope'' to the site of the local Special Olympics games. Mr. Speaker, this event has become a regular occurrence on the Capitol Grounds. And this year's event will represent the 24th time it has occurred on these grounds. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this resolution along with the chairwoman of our Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management. I support this resolution and encourage my colleagues to do the same. If I may at this time, Mr. Speaker, if I might inquire of the gentlewoman from Maryland if she has any further speakers.