Mario Diaz-Balart

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Flood).

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Gimenez).

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Chairman, we may be nearing a dangerous inflection point in this war. If the thug Putin were to win, it would be a disaster for our national security; frankly, on par with the Biden administration's chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Imagine how this outcome would embolden Russia's key strategic ally, Communist China, to undertake military coercion and aggression against Taiwan and the fateful consequences that would stem from that. I remind my colleagues that appeasement never works. Harry Truman and Ronald Reagan both understood, as President Reagan said: ``We know only too well that war comes not when the forces of freedom are strong, but when they are weak. It is then that tyrants are tempted.'' It is time to be resolute. Let's heed the lessons of history and support this bill. Finally, I thank Speaker Johnson for his principled leadership and his fortitude in moving forward with this bill. In the face of daunting obstacles, his resolve is a testament to his strength of character. I also thank Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro for their leadership on this bill. I urge a strong ``yes'' vote. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment from one of the people I most admire, a dear friend and colleague from Florida. This is clearly a well-intended amendment. Frankly, when I was listening to her presentation, there were so many things I agreed with in what she said, but it would strike all funding in the bill, except for the foreign military financing. As I mentioned, there are so many things I agreed with in what she said. I agree, for example, that over time the United States must focus our efforts on intelligence and essential military support. I totally agree with that. She also talked about how we need to narrow the scope. I would argue that, unfortunately, the amendment needs to be narrowed a bit. It should have been narrowed a bit because it would be really counterproductive the way it is written at this time. Let me, respectfully, explain why. First, the amendment would zero out funding to keep U.S. personnel in our Embassy in Ukraine safe. I don't think that is something that we should be doing right now. Also, the funding to enhance the U.S. Government's presence in order to conduct oversight, which is something that I have been clamoring for, that a lot of us have been clamoring for, begging and pleading and working for, this would eliminate that, as well. By the way, it would also eliminate funding for the oversight of the military portion of the assistance. Secondly, it would eliminate funding for the State Department's and USAID's inspectors general from whom we require unprecedented oversight plans. Obviously, we need to give them the resources for this critical work because we have to have oversight. That is something that I know, at least on my side of the aisle, we all agree on, regardless of what you believe our role should be in Ukraine. Again, unfortunately, as I mentioned, this would eliminate the funding for that. Third, it would also eliminate the funding for investigations of Russian war crimes in Ukraine, as well as assistance to help secure Ukrainian nuclear facilities. We have seen those in the news under threat by the Russians. Also, it eliminates funds for potential clearance of Russian mines. Finally, it would eliminate economic support for Ukraine, and that is something that the sponsor of this amendment is really focused on. I would argue even there that this is essential at this moment right now. Look, it is pretty clear that Putin has been targeting farmlands, infrastructure, energy infrastructure, road infrastructure, and Ukraine's industrial base. By the way, he is doing that for a reason. You see, crippling Ukraine's economy, and Putin knows this, has a direct impact on Ukraine's ability to stop Putin. As chairman of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, I can assure you that not only do I understand the sponsor of this amendment's frustration, but I get it and share it. That is why, again, we need to have the language that is currently in the bill. I understand her concern and frustration because of the lack of transparency and strategy on the funding that has already been provided. That is why this is very clear. That is why this legislation includes many of the critical oversight and burden-sharing priorities that I am very proud originated in the FY24 State-Foreign Operations bill. These include unprecedented cost matching requirements so that other donors step up. They must step up. The bill imposes layers and layers of conditions on the funding, including for in-person monitoring, for example. This bill requires--I know, a novel concept--a strategy that must be developed and submitted so that Congress can evaluate the execution of aid and its alignment with U.S. national security interests. Another significant change, by the way, from the Senate supplemental is a requirement in this bill that the economic support to Ukraine be repaid, transforming assistance from a grant to a loan. I am so grateful to the sponsor of this amendment for her work. I appreciate the intent of this amendment, but we cannot afford to shortchange our oversight funding, our diplomatic security funding, and other strategic priorities. Mr. Chair, for those reasons, with, again, great admiration and respect for the sponsor of this amendment, I must urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 29) providing for a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 815, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I rise today to pay tribute to Miriam Urra, an exemplary leader whose dedication and tireless efforts have profoundly impacted Allapattah for decades. Born in Las Villas, Cuba, Miriam's journey to Miami in 1961 marked the beginning of a life dedicated to service and strengthening her community. After graduating from Miami Senior High, Miriam pursued higher education at Miami Dade Community College and Florida Memorial College, setting the stage for a career defined by compassion and commitment. Miriam's professional journey began in the optical field before she and her husband, Orlando Urra, established their own business. A leader, paratrooper and Prisoner of War in the first battalion of the Cuban Democratic Revolutionary Front Bay of Pigs operation, Orlando Urra remains nothing short of a hero and a legend in the Cuban South Florida community. A beloved friend and personal source of inspiration as he was, it is a surprise to no one that his wife, Miriam, should have taken up his mantel with equal strength, vigor, and dedication In 1981, Miriam's path took a pivotal turn as she embarked on a new role with the City of Miami, serving as a Counselor for the Entrant Assistance Program. Through her work, Miriam provided invaluable support to refugees, such as the Cuban Marielitos who sought refuge in our South Florida community, offering counseling, referrals, and guidance to ensure their successful integration into society. Miriam's dedication to community development only grew stronger as she transitioned to the Department of Community Development, City of Miami, where she served as a Community Involvement Specialist. In this capacity, she tirelessly advocated for residents, disseminating information about vital city programs and services while championing citizen participation in policymaking processes. Following the passing of her beloved husband, Orlando, Miriam retired from the City of Miami and embraced a new chapter as the Executive Director of Allapattah Community Action. Under Miriam's leadership, Allapattah Community Action has flourished, overseeing vital programs for the elderly and childcare while also championing affordable housing initiatives. Her visionary approach and unwavering dedication have transformed lives and uplifted communities. Miriam's influence reaches well beyond her professional achievements. As a pillar of our community and a cherished friend, she embodies the essence of what makes Allapattah great. Serving as a true leader and mentor to countless individuals, myself included, it's with great pride that I recognize her today. In recognition of her outstanding service and unfaltering dedication, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to Miriam Urra for her exemplary leadership, love, and commitment to South Florida.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I rise today to recognize Silvia Diez, a community leader who has utilized her platform to amplify new voices and celebrate the strength and resilience of women in Southwest Florida. Silvia first began her career in 2000 in the communications and media industry in the United States after graduating from a prestigious university in her native country of Argentina. Throughout her career, Silvia has been a dynamic force in the media, overcoming a variety of challenges, and redefining industry standards. Silvia was the host of the first local Spanish-language television show ``Que Pasa SW Florida'' on the Comcast Network, and for 19 years, was the editor of the first leading Hispanic newspaper in Southwest Florida, Nuevos Ecos. Currently, Diez is the Journalist and Marketing Director of El Mensajero, the leading Spanish newspaper in Southwest Florida, and the host of the show Power Latino TV, a platform that highlights Hispanic businesses in Southwest Florida. Silvia is devoted to ensuring that every woman in both Collier and Lee counties has the opportunity to reach their full potential. This commitment has culminated in her current role as owner and CEO of ``Mujeres Emprendedoras'' (``Women Entrepreneurs''), a business initiative that brings together talented and resilient women seeking to own their own businesses. In 2022, her passion for empowering women and inspiring change was recognized by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Florida, and she became a finalist in the ``Women of Distinction'' Awards. Aside from being a trailblazing Hispanic entrepreneur, Silvia is a proud mother whose son, Emiliano, is currently in the Marine Academy. As a mother, she keenly understands and has sought to meet the needs of the children in the surrounding community. Every year, Diez dedicates her time to organizing a ``3 Kings Day'' toy drive for the children of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. Silvia continues to build a lasting legacy of generosity and love through her drive to serve. Her relentless desire to foster strong leaders and build thriving communities has contributed to numerous successes for residents in Southwest Florida and my district. Mr. Speaker, as a true leader in her community, Silvia Diez has proven her unwavering commitment to expanding opportunities for those in our community through her leadership and acts of selfless service. Today, in honor of this outstanding individual who has dedicated her time and expertise to our Southwest Florida community, I thank Sylvia for her invaluable contributions and work in advancing the futures of thousands of Floridians.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for yielding and also the Speaker for bringing us to this point. Let me tell you, I am proud of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs portion of the bill that we are dealing with today. Let's take out a little bit of the noise and the rhetoric and let's talk about what is in the bill. It includes a 6 percent reduction from fiscal year 2023. Let's be clear, we are at a critical point in our history. One of our most important allies is in its time of greatest need, and this bill answers the call. It is the strongest pro-Israel State-Foreign Operations bill that we have ever seen. So let's talk about facts. It provides $3.3 billion in FMF, Foreign Military Financing, for Israel. Almost as important as what is funded, is what is not funded in this bill. The bill prohibits funds to UNRWA, which has become, frankly, a de facto subsidiary of Hamas. The passage of this bill means not one additional dollar from American taxpayers will fund this deeply flawed organization. But if we go to a CR, we are going to continue to fund it. The passage of this bill also prohibits funds for the anti-Semitic UN Commission of Inquiry against Israel. The passage of this bill means no funds can be used to delist the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization or to implement that infamous nuclear agreement with Iran. Another top priority, Madam Speaker, is countering Communist China. This bill includes $300 million Foreign Military Financing for Taiwan-- the first time ever in an appropriations bill that we have done that. The passage of this bill prohibits the use of foreign aid to repay Chinese debt. Also another priority to strengthening our national security is supporting democracy around the world and defending human rights and human dignity. This bill increases funding to promote democracy and human rights in Cuba and establishes strict guidelines to ensure that this crucial funding supports the democratic opposition.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. So it helps the democratic opposition and not the terrorist regime's chosen businesses. We also stand strongly against human trafficking and particularly human trafficking of doctors. This bill also supports those struggling for freedom in our hemisphere's most repressive, anti-American dictatorships in Venezuela and Nicaragua. If we fail to pass this bill, we lose provisions on the prohibition of funds for encouraging, organizing, facilitating, or promoting migrant caravans to the United States border. If this bill fails, then those funding sources to again, organizations that are promoting caravans of illegal folks to the United States will continue. That is factual. That is in this bill. If this legislation were not to pass, we lose the protection of free speech by limiting how funds can be used under the pretext of countering disinformation. If this legislation were not to pass, we would go back to current law. We would lose the restriction that only the U.S. flag may be flown or displayed over a facility of the State Department. Madam Speaker, this bill reduces spending. It reprioritizes funding towards our vital national security interests and carries crucial limitations and smart policy changes to rein in the Biden administration. If this bill were to fail, we are giving carte blanche to the Biden bureaucracy. It is a dramatic improvement, Madam Speaker, from current law. Before I close, let me thank the staff for their hard work, and again, Madam Speaker, this is an important bill at a crucial, critical time when American leadership is sorely needed. We are not getting it from the White House. This bill goes a long way to reestablish American leadership.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a concurrent resolution and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank the gentleman from California, Chairman Calvert, for his leadership in drafting this critical bill, along with Chairwoman Kay Granger and the leadership for bringing this forward. Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Calvert just said, yes, there has been genocide, but the genocide has been from Hamas. If the world needed yet another reminder of the importance of Israel as a safe haven for the Jewish people, then the attacks of October 7 should be that wake-up call. This is not that complicated. I have been disgusted and shocked by some of the things we have been hearing, including the sheer glee displayed in celebrations even in this country because of the murders on October 7. Remember, those grotesque celebrations and demonstrations happened before Israel even began its military action to defend Israelis in Gaza. Let's be clear: Those demonstrations, those statements, those celebrations were and are in favor of the terrorist group Hamas. The despicable anti-Semitism which has dramatically increased since October 7, that we have even seen here sometimes on this floor, has to be condemned and has to stop. Israel is on the front line in the battle against terrorism--the terrorists of Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS, you name it. All of them continue to wait for an opportunity to strike at Israel, as they have, just like they want to strike here at the American people of the United States. Israel and the United States do not want violence, but the problem is that the terrorists do, and they are the ones who have killed and butchered and maimed innocent Israelis. Last November, the House passed another Israel security supplemental, which was fully offset by a rescission of the IRS funding, and that was the reason why the White House claimed that they opposed that bill. Now, there are zero excuses to oppose this bill. This bill does one thing, Mr. Speaker. It provides urgently needed funding for our friend and ally, Israel, to defeat the terrorists that they are dealing with. The United States must stand with Israel to eradicate terrorism. This is not that complicated. You can use every excuse in the world with the purpose of supporting Hamas and justifying the murders. This bill stands with Israel--no ifs, no ands, no buts. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to Chairman Calvert for bringing this important piece of legislation, and I wholeheartedly support it.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a concurrent resolution and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the exceptional career of Elizabeth M. Gonzalez, Chief of Congressional Affairs at U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), and a dear friend with whom I have had the privilege of working with for many years. Elizabeth was born in Hialeah, Florida to her loving Cuban American parents, German and Celia Gonzalez. Having been forced out of Cuba by Fidel Castro's regime in 1960, her parents instilled in her from a young age a deep appreciation for the sacrifices they made, the value of freedom from communist oppression, and an unshakeable pride in her Cuban heritage. Known for her drive and pursuit of academic excellence, Elizabeth graduated from Hialeah Senior High as the Valedictorian of her class, later graduating with honors from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and a Master of Education in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy. Propelled then by her tenacity and heart for service, Elizabeth stepped into what would be a remarkable career in service to our great Nation. Elizabeth began working in 2002 at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters as a Presidential Management Intern (PMI), where she developed and managed a distance learning science program for bilingual children that aired internationally on over 30 television stations. She quickly rose in the ranks at NASA. working as a Legislative Specialist and finishing her tenure in the Office of the NASA Administrator as a Policy Analyst focused on NASA's space exploration mission. Upon returning to South Florida in 2005, Elizabeth served as the Deputy Director of Congressional Affairs at SOUTHCOM, directly advising the Commander on legislative matters. While in this position, she would hone her policy-making skills that she would later demonstrate throughout the rest of her career. In 2009, Elizabeth then pursued an opportunity to serve as Advisor to the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe and Director of Congressional Affairs for U.S. European Commander at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) Headquarters in Belgium. After serving two years in this role, Elizabeth returned to Miami to serve as the Chief of Congressional Affairs at SOUTHCOM, a role she has since executed with such excellence as to merit two awards. Elizabeth was hailed by her own colleagues as the ``driving force behind Southern Command's outsized success and stellar reputation on our Nation's Capitol Hill,'' and has been venerated for her ''visionary leadership, [and] exceptional strategic guidance''. Among her many hard-earned achievements, accolades, and awards, Elizabeth remains especially proud of her role as a loving mother to her son, Jake. She looks forward now to spending more time with her son and family enjoying white corn dinners after her many years of dedicated public service. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to commend Elizabeth Gonzalez for her tremendous service to our Nation and our shared enthusiasm. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a long- standing friend and community leader, Mr. Robert Coker, as he retires in his 42nd year of service from U.S. Sugar, working on behalf of farmers across South Florida. Mr. Coker began his successful career with U.S. Sugar in 1982 in its Community Affairs Department. By 1993, he became Vice President of Community Affairs, ascending to Senior Vice President by 2000. For 23 years, Mr. Coker served as senior Vice President, elevating U.S. Sugar and its Public Affairs department to a new, nationally recognized standard of excellence. A man known across government, industry, and the South Florida community as a consummate professional; a man of integrity and unwavering dedication to his community, Robert Coker leaves behind a legacy of legislative victories for Florida's agricultural sector. From transportation, tax, and trade to agriculture, environment, and labor policy, Mr. Coker ensured that farmers' needs were well-represented, from Tallahassee to Washington, D.C. A loving husband to his wife Mendy and dedicated father to his three children, Mr. Coker's impact both personally in his community and professionally has left an indelible mark on us all. I know his work will serve as the foremost example for all those to follow, and I wish him the very best as he steps into this next stage of his life. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to be able to address the House on behalf of my dear friend, Robert Coker, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to extend debate for both sides by 10 minutes.

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

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the State of Nevada (Mr. Amodei).

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Valadao), another fellow appropriator.

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

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. D'Esposito), an amazing leader.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Molinaro), another great leader.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, we deal with a lot of complicated issues in this House, and this is not one of them. Let's be clear: 12 hours from now the Federal Government shuts down if we don't act. This bill will fund the Federal Government for 45 days with a clean continuing resolution, with just the addition of disaster funding. That is all this is. Let's not get too complicated. We are out of time. We either vote ``yes'' to keep the Federal Government open or we will shut the government down. This is not very complicated. We either vote to keep the government open by voting ``yes,'' or vote ``no'' and take responsibility for shutting down the Federal Government. This could not be simpler. This could not be easier. The American people are wise, and they get it. It is hard to believe that some Members of Congress would be confused on something so easy.