Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, we are now less than 2 weeks away from the Iran nuclear negotiations deadline. A deal that allows Iran to enrich any uranium and to keep in place its nuclear infrastructure is a bad deal. As long as Iran maintains the capability to enrich uranium, it can create a nuclear weapon. The administration has always misinterpreted the goal of our sanctions. They are to compel Iran to completely abandon its nuclear pursuit. As the deadline looms and as Republicans are set to control Congress, I urge my colleagues to not allow President Obama to trade away the only leverage we have over the mullahs in Tehran in exchange for minor and easy reversible modifications by Iran on its nuclear weapons program. Simply pushing back Iran's breakout time is not in the interests of the U.S. national security. Ensuring that there will never be an Iranian bomb is in our Nation's interest.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to commemorate the National Day of the Republic of China, commonly known as Taiwan. National Day is on October 10, when the people of Taiwan will celebrate the birth of their country. I am proud to memorialize this significant milestone here in Congress in tribute to the great spirit and pride of the people of Taiwan, our close friend and ally. The alliance between Taiwan and the United States is strong but I believe it is time to take even bolder steps to improve and enrich our cooperation on a range of important issues that confront both of our nations. Already our 12th-largest trading partner, we should be acting aggressively to enhance our economic relationship with Taiwan in ways that will benefit both our nations. A Bilateral Investment Agreement with Taiwan is long overdue and I urge the Administration to conclude negotiations in an expeditious manner so that our two nations can sign an agreement as soon as possible. In addition to bolstering Taiwan's economic strength, there is much more the United States can do to support our democratic ally politically and militarily. We must support Taiwan's democracy and the human rights of the Taiwanese people by providing the tools and assistance necessary to resist Chinese coercion. The United States should help to modernize Taiwan's defense capabilities by building its capacity to partner with other friendly foreign militaries and through the sale of necessary defense articles. We can also support Taiwan by encouraging visits by high-level officials between our nations and supporting the meaningful participation of Taiwan in international organizations. Along with my colleagues Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart, Albio Sires, Gerry Connolly, and John Carter, the co-Chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I have introduced legislation called the Taiwan Policy Act that would accomplish these objectives, strengthening the U.S.-Taiwan relationship politically, economically, and militarily. As Taiwan's National Day approaches, let us use this auspicious occasion to find ways to improve our relations even further. Taiwan is a beacon of freedom in the Pacific and we cannot afford to support Taiwan any less than to the best of our ability. Happy Double Ten Day, Taiwan.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I thank our chairman. This proposal just examines one piece of the puzzle, not the totality of the Syrian crisis. The White House should have come to Congress for a full authorization for use of military force in Syria to put all of our options on the table with no limitations. ISIS is part of the radical Islam threat, which the 9/11 Commission identified as a serious threat to U.S. national security and to world peace and stability. I have serious reservations about the President's plan to train and equip the so-called ``moderate opposition'' in Syria because we don't want ISIL to get even more of our equipment and arms, as it did in Iraq. ISIL is not the only terror group in Syria, Madam Speaker, nor is it the only hurdle for stability in Syria and Iraq. There are dangerous terrorist groups operating in Syria, like al-Nusra and other terrorist organizations, that are waiting to take up the mantle should ISIL fall. And, then, of course, Assad is still responsible for the deaths of over 200,000 people. Last year, the President failed to act militarily when Assad used chemical weapons against his own people. We cannot have a plan that does not address the removal of Assad simultaneously alongside the destruction of ISIL and other terrorist threats. Even though I will vote for the McKeon amendment, we still won't be approaching this situation in a comprehensive manner that is required. We were successful in isolating Iran with sanctions until we unraveled that with these nuclear negotiations. We can do the same in Syria. I am afraid that this misguided negotiations approach in Iran will preempt many to acquiesce and take a deal that will undermine our national security and leave Iran with enrichment capabilities. That, Madam Speaker, is a real and present danger in the Middle East: a nuclear Iran. This could be a calamity for the region and U.S. national security interests, such as the safety and the security of our strong ally, the democratic Jewish State of Israel. Yesterday, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dempsey, revealed that the use of military forces on the ground may be needed in Syria. If our military officials believe that it is absolutely necessary to use the U.S. military on the ground, I would fully support that. We cannot take anything off the table and showcase to the terrorists what we are not willing to do. The full range of United States political, economic, and military power must be brought to bear against this radical threat. Announcing to the enemy a self-imposed limit on the part of our arsenal is signaling that we do not possess the necessary will to prevail against radical Islam. I thank the chairman for the leadership.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Collins and especially Mr. Issa, the chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, as well as our ranking member, for approving this bill and for bringing it one step closer to its full consideration by the House today. This legislation would name a post office in my congressional district in Princeton, Florida, an area in the southern part of Miami- Dade County, after a local hero, Marine Corporal Christian A. Guzman Rivera, who was killed by an IED, an improvised explosive device, while serving our country in Afghanistan. Christian was 21 years old, and was killed in the western province of Afghanistan in a place called Farah by the enemies of freedom and democracy. Christian was born on the tropical island of Puerto Rico on December 3, 1987. Two years later he moved with his family to south Florida, where he attended our public schools and joined the Junior ROTC at Homestead Senior High School. Previously a shy boy, Christian became a more confident young man through his leadership experience in JROTC. Upon graduation from Homestead High in 2006, he enrolled in Miami- Dade County's Fire Rescue Academy and graduated from the firefighter program. Christian also became a certified emergency medical technician, an EMT. But Christian, who was always dedicated to public service, also wanted to serve our country in our Armed Forces. His peers say that for Christian, becoming a Marine was not a spur of the moment decision, it was his destiny. He knew it all along. As the proud wife of a Vietnam combat veteran who volunteered for service and was severely injured in battle, and as the stepmother of two Marine aviators, I am familiar with this military calling. During a time when the United States was involved in wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Christian volunteered for Active Duty service. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. In May 2009, Christian was deployed to Afghanistan as a combat engineer attached to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. In Afghanistan, Christian excelled. He understood his duties and his responsibilities and carried them out to the best of his abilities. He was known to be one of the most dependable combat engineer Marines in the battalion. When his squad leader was wounded and hospitalized for a month, Christian stepped up and assumed his leadership role. Other Marines sometimes requested him specifically by name to accompany them on dangerous patrols. First Lieutenant Enming Lou, a former Marine Corps officer, said this about Christian A. Guzman Rivera: ``Senior explosive technicians thought of Christian as among the best combat engineers in the battalion.'' On August 6, 2009, Christian was killed while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Christian made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of liberty and democracy, the cornerstones of America's ideals. His military awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Five years have passed, and Christian was and still is deeply missed by close friends in south Florida, by fellow Marines who had the privilege of serving with him, and a close-knit family who could never replace the void left in their lives. He is survived, loved, and remembered by his mother, Velma, a wonderful lady; by his wonderful stepdad, Felix; his brother, Jonathan; his uncle, Chris, and aunts Rebecca and Vilma; his grandmother, Carmen; and cousins and friends who have endured great pain remembering Christian's sacrifice in the name of country and honor. Mr. Speaker, Christian's brave service exceeded all measures of selflessness and devotion to our country, and I encourage my colleagues to honor Corporal Christian Guzman's memory and support this bill. I am proud to name the Corporal Christian A. Guzman Rivera Post Office Building after our local hero who courageously sacrificed his life in the line of duty so that we could enjoy the freedom that makes our wonderful country so special. Christian is deserving of our continuous praise and gratitude, and I am humbled in presenting this bill to my colleagues, and I pray that our good Lord will continue to give strength to Christian's family.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank my good friend, the chairman of our committee, Ed Royce of California, as well as the ranking member, Eliot Engel, for their continued efforts in support of human rights and Israel's right to defend herself. Mr. Speaker, this resolution condemning Hamas' use of human shields in violation of international humanitarian law is an extremely important and timely measure, given the current situation in Israel and Gaza. I want to first thank my colleague from South Florida, Ted Deutch, for joining me in introducing this legislation. It was at an official factfinding mission trip that we took to the Middle East earlier this month where Ted and I realized how important this measure was needed. While we were there, Hamas had already begun to increase the frequency of indiscriminate rocket attacks against Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu was compelled to respond, but made it clear from the very beginning that the objective was to restore peace and security to the people of Israel and that quiet would be met with quiet, but Hamas would not relent and only increased its attacks. While Hamas was firing rockets at innocent Israeli civilians, Israel was taking every step imaginable to avoid Palestinian civilian casualties. Hamas' response was to intentionally place the Palestinians in harm's way. It stores its rockets and weapons underneath the homes of Palestinians and even in at least three schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, and it uses Palestinian men, women, and children as human shields, in violation of international humanitarian law, by placing its missile batteries in densely-populated areas and near schools, hospitals, and mosques. Mr. Speaker, the contrast between Israel--a legitimate sovereign state--and Hamas--a terrorist organization--could not be any clearer. Israel values and goes to great lengths to protect human life, while Hamas has no respect for human life and goes to great lengths to sacrifice anyone, including the Palestinian people, in the name of its war against Israel. Israel has accepted repeated cease-fire offers. Hamas has rejected them all. While Israel seeks to fight terrorism, Hamas is an internationally recognized terror organization that is being supported by countries like Qatar in its war against our true democratic ally, Israel, yet it is Israel that wrongfully faces international condemnation for exercising her right to protect her citizens and defend herself and gets singled out when the world should be condemning Hamas. Last week, Mr. Speaker, the U.N. Human Rights Council, an institution that has been leading the anti-Israel charge for years now and has since lost any legitimacy that it might have had, passed a resolution to investigate what it calls war crimes and human rights violations by Israel, not Hamas. There was not even a word about Hamas' attacks against innocent Israeli civilians, nor Hamas' use of Palestinians as human shields. Of the 47 members on the Human Rights Council, you would think that there would be many voices of reason--or some voices of reason--to speak out against this obvious anti-Israel bias, but the United States was the lone voice of dissent against this anti-Israel resolution. Our so-called European allies lacked the courage of their convictions, and they couldn't even muster the resolve to vote for or against the resolution. Instead, they abstained. This is a disgrace, and it is a shame. If the United Nations Human Rights Council will not act and use its voice, that is why it is so important for the U.S. House of Representatives to pass this resolution and not only stand up for the Palestinian people who have been made pawns in Hamas' mission to destroy Israel, to their detriment, but for Israel in the face of this biased anti-Israel agenda. We must be the counterbalance, Mr. Speaker. We must send a message to the world that we will continue to stand alongside Israel and that we will condemn Hamas and its use of human shields. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution to stand up for our ally, Israel, and to stand up for human rights and American ideals and principles. I thank the chairman, Mr. Royce, and the ranking member, Mr. Engel, as well as my South Florida colleague, Mr. Deutch, for their help.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today because Sunday, July 20, marks the 40th anniversary of the division of the Republic of Cyprus. I fully support the reunification of Cyprus, and it is encouraging that the Government of Cyprus remains fully committed to the U.N.- sponsored process to reach an enduring settlement that would reunify Cyprus based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation in accordance with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. The occupation of Cyprus has led to thousands of Greek Cypriots being denied their fundamental right to return to their homes, freedom of worship continues to be severely restricted, and access to religious sites blocked. Cyprus is an important ally of the United States, and its newest discovery of offshore gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean will strengthen cooperation with the United States and with our ally, Israel, and offer an alternative source of energy supply to Europe. As a strategic partner of the United States, Madam Speaker, Cyprus can help us promote security and stability in this volatile region.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Live Like Bella Foundation for Childhood Cancer, an organization based in my home district of Miami. Inspired by Bella Rodriguez-Torres, a young girl who courageously fought cancer six times until her death last year, this foundation supports the fight against pediatric cancer, while offering much-needed support for families. Cancer is the number one cause of death in children under the age of 15. Live Like Bella is dedicated to raising funds for innovative cancer research at Miami Children's Hospital. During National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the foundation will host its first annual Bella's Ball, where Miami will dress up in golden shimmer and shine in memory of Bella and in order to create awareness of childhood cancer. The event enjoys broad support from Miami celebrities, such as Jon Secada, and athletes like Eddy ``The Jet'' Alvarez, as well as from many local businesses. I encourage everyone in our south Florida community to attend this event on Saturday, September 13, which supports a wonderful cause in need of greater public attentiveness.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in full support of our friend and ally, the democratic Jewish State of Israel. Since Israel's disengagement from Gaza in 2005, Gaza has been a lawless region and, since 2007, has been under the rule of the U.S.- designated foreign terrorist organization, Hamas. Hamas' sole reason for existence is to wipe Israel off the face of the planet. Over these past few weeks, Hamas kidnapped and killed Gilad, Eyal, and Naftali--three Israeli teens--and launched hundreds of rockets at innocent Israeli civilian population centers, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. No nation would allow terrorists to take aim at its citizens so indiscriminately, and Israel cannot be expected to allow Hamas to continue this attack unabated. The U.S. must support our ally, Israel, as she seeks to protect her citizens, and we must call for the PA to divorce itself from Hamas. No U.S. funding until Abu Mazen does so.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a dear friend and former Congressional colleague, the Honorable Benjamin Gilman. Ben, ever a true statesman and gentleman, served as a mentor to me, especially during his time as Chairman of the House International Relations Committee. His tenure was marked by a supreme dedication to those in need: the hungry, the oppressed, and the neglected around the world. Whether through his work in promoting microcredit and micro- enterprise programs, or his leadership investigating religious intolerance, Chairman Gilman served as a model for all of his colleagues. He used his voice and platform to speak for those the world could not hear. A proud veteran of the Second World War, Chairman Gilman also focused on returning prisoners of war to their homes, the plight of the working poor in countries whose economies were paralyzed by international drug trade, and so very many more. To his former constituents in New York, he was known as ``Gentle Ben,'' and fortunately for his former colleagues, Ben is, to this day, an active participant in our government. I am grateful to Chairman Gilman for his great works, and for the inspiration he gave me years ago when he wielded the gavel of the International Relations Committee. I am pleased to also recognize that Chairman Gilman is still being recognized to this day for his great contributions to our country. In fact, this past Sunday, June 29, Orange Hall of Orange County Community College held its Paintings for World-Harmony exhibit dedicated to Ben. This heartfelt event contained the renowned works of his longtime friend, Sri Chinmoy (Deceased--2007). Ben, your portrait hangs in our Committee Hearing room, but truly, we need no such reminder of your tenure. Your work on behalf of all Americans in advancing freedom and justice is ongoing, and ever-present in our minds.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of Sonia Garro, a member of the pro-democracy group, Ladies in White, las Damas de Blanco, who, after being in prison for more than 2 years in one of Castro's gulags, will face a kangaroo trial on Monday. She faces the likelihood of 10 to 12 years in jail because she is brave enough to speak out, demanding respect for human rights and democratic change. Cases like those of Sonia--and there are so many others--show us the true nature and brutality of the Castro regime. There have been efforts by Castro apologists aimed at changing our policy toward Cuba, but it is the Castro regime that must change its oppressive policies against the people of Cuba. While Castro's thugs continue to flagrantly violate the fundamental liberties and the dignity of the Cuban people, the U.S. will stay on the side of the Cuban people who call for freedom like Sonia Garro.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Florida, the Honorable Curt Clawson, be permitted to take the oath of office today. His certificate of election has not arrived, but there is no contest and no question has been raised with regard to his election.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, as dean of the Florida delegation, it is a great honor to welcome our newest Member of this proud body, Congressman Curt Clawson. Like all of us here, the Congressman believes in a bright economic future for all of America, and I am sure that with his extensive background as a former CEO this will help us in our pursuit to make that future a reality. Curt, from the basketball court to Capitol Hill, you have proven that no obstacle is too great and that with your dedication and your skills you will be able to accomplish whatever you set out to do. Your journey to get to this point has been a long, storied, and successful one, gathering knowledge and understanding of our State and our Nation's needs and developing a clear vision along the way. I am confident that together, along with the entire bipartisan Florida congressional delegation, you will be able to represent our great State to the highest degree and join us in a constructive, insightful debate to lead our Nation to domestic and international prosperity. Last night was surely a joyous night for you, for your family, and for your community. It was a culmination of months, years, and a lifetime of hard work. We hope that you continue your efforts for the good of the people who shared your vision with you last night and for our entire State and country. Before I yield to my distinguished colleague, I would like to once again welcome Congressman Clawson as our newest addition to the Florida delegation familia. Congratulations, Curt, and welcome. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, Andrew Tahmooressi is a 25-year-old United States marine from south Florida who served our country bravely and honorably during two combat tours in Afghanistan. Andrew was meritoriously promoted on the battlefield to sergeant during his last tour, which shows the true character of this young man who once told his mom that he was ``nudged by God'' to join the military. Andrew suffers from posttraumatic stress disorder and was invited by a fellow marine to seek treatment in San Diego. He accidently ended up at the Mexican border, where he was arrested by Mexican authorities for possessing firearms. Andrew's mistake was taking a wrong turn. The administration's mistake is to let him languish in Mexican prisons where he faced threats and abuses. President Obama and Vice President Biden both had opportunities to demand his release, but they shirked their responsibilities and their obligations to this young man and his family. Mr. Speaker, it is time to bring our marine home now.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4587) to impose targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for carrying out or ordering human rights abuses against the citizens of Venezuela, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this bill.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, after my remarks, I will place into the Record letters between the chairmen of the committees of referral on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4587, the Venezuelan Human Rights and Democracy Protection Act. This bill has received bipartisan support from many of my colleagues in the House and was passed more than 2 weeks ago by our Foreign Affairs Committee. I would like to thank Chairman Royce, Ranking Member Engel, subcommittee Chairman Salmon, and Ranking Member Sires for working with my office to craft the legislation that is before us this afternoon. Mr. Speaker, we are here today to condemn the ongoing human rights abuses being committed in Venezuela and to answer the cries of the people of Venezuela. On February 12, 2014, also known in Venezuela as National Youth Day, students began protesting in several cities against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's inability to stem violent crime, his undemocratic actions, and a rapidly deteriorating economy marked by high inflation and shortages of consumer goods. Since then, these students and the Venezuelan people, as a whole, have been met with intimidation, with violence, with imprisonment simply for calling for the respect of human rights and democratic change. One example is the case of Leopoldo Lopez, a pro-democracy leader who continues to be in prison at a military facility on trumped-up charges by Maduro in an effort by Maduro to silence his many critics. The case of Maria Corina Machado is another example. This courageous woman, a member of the Venezuelan National Assembly until just recently, has stood up for the people of Venezuela. And for drawing attention to the abuses being committed by the autocrat, she was stripped of her legislative seat. Since the protest began, Mr. Speaker, there have been 42 people killed, nearly 60 reported cases of torture, more than 2,000 people unjustly detained, and hundreds more injured. And throughout this crisis, the so-called dialogue discussions with Maduro and UNASUR has provided no results, no actions, no concessions, and the innocent are still being imprisoned. And just 2 weeks ago, Mr. Speaker, 250 teenage protesters, ones who had camped out in public squares to protest, were rounded up and thrown in jail. Teenagers. But the problems in Venezuela go beyond these protests. Venezuela has now become one of the most dangerous countries in Latin America. According to press reports, between January 2014 and April 2014, there were over 4,500 homicides in Venezuela. That is a staggering statistic, Mr. Speaker. This call for freedom and democracy in Venezuela did not just start in February, and it is a shame that it has taken the events of these past few months for us to get active about the plight of the Venezuelan people. The struggle for freedom in Venezuela has been ongoing for over a decade due to the oppressive policies put forth by the late Hugo Chavez, which have now continued under his handpicked successor. The legislation before us, Mr. Speaker, is very direct and very clear. It seeks to target Venezuelan officials by denying them visas to enter the United States, blocking property, freezing assets, and prohibiting financial transactions to members of the Venezuelan regime who are responsible for the commission of serious human rights abuses against the people of Venezuela. It is very clear, very direct. The United States Congress must stand ready to act on the calls of freedom and democracy around the globe, and the Venezuelan people have sent us a distress signal for help. Today, we answer that call by condemning the actions taken by the Maduro regime and showing our support to the people of Venezuela who are seeking liberty, freedom, human rights, and justice. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC, May 23, 2014. Hon. Edward R. Royce, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Royce: I am writing concerning H.R. 4587, the ``Venezuelan Human Rights and Democracy Protection Act,'' which was favorably reported out of your Committee on May 9, 2014. Given that certain provisions in the bill are within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means, I appreciate that you have addressed these provisions in response to the Committee's concerns. As a result, in order to expedite Floor consideration of the bill, the Committee on Ways and Means will forgo action on H.R. 4587. Further, the Committee will not oppose the bill's Floor consideration, based on our understanding that you will work with us as the legislative process moves forward to ensure that our concerns continue to be addressed. This is also being done with the understanding that it does not in any way prejudice the Committee with respect to the appointment of conferees or its jurisdictional prerogatives on this or similar legislation. I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 4587, and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during Floor consideration. Sincerely, Dave Camp, Chairman.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Messer), a member of the Committee on Financial Services.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, we are gathered here because we believe we must speak for those who cannot speak freely, because our Venezuelan brothers and sisters are engaged in a critical battle for freedom and democracy against a brutal enemy. And we are gathered here because, even as we enjoy the freedoms to assemble and express our beliefs, we want our brothers and sisters in Venezuela to enjoy this and other basic liberties. Millions of people throughout the country have expressed themselves in the past 3 weeks in support of democratic change. But the Maduro regime has responded with tear gas, with rubber bullets, and even live ammunition, killing at least 42, injuring hundreds, and unjustly detaining countless others. We must act because democracy and human rights aren't issues for Venezuelans only. They matter to all of us who seek to advance human dignity, rule of law, justice, and freedom. Tyrants like Maduro fear a small group of committed citizens because they know that they are the only force that has changed history. And we don't have to go far in history to see that even one person can make a difference. With that, Mr. Speaker, I am going to reserve the balance of my time to close if Mr. Castro is prepared to yield back.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I will introduce our closing speaker. I never thought that I would utter these words, but it was a pleasure to work with Mr. Castro. In closing for our side, Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart), my legislative brother, a member of the Committee on Appropriations and a champion of freedom, democracy, and human rights in the Western Hemisphere and around the world.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4028) to amend the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to include the desecration of cemeteries among the many forms of violations of the right to religious freedom, as amended.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this bill.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the fundamental freedom to practice the religion of one's choosing is a fundamental right and an essential element of democratic governance. Religious organizations of all kinds view their cemeteries, Mr. Speaker, as hallowed ground, deserving of respect and protection. Freedom of religion includes the right to gather at these sacred sites and to pay our respects to the beloved faithful who have gone before us. Yet, in many places around the world, the desecration of religious cemeteries is an ongoing problem: sometimes through vandalism by intolerant groups; sometimes by construction or demolition without proper consultation of religious authorities. For example, Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, more than 50 graves were vandalized in a Jewish cemetery in northeast Hungary--their headstones toppled and smashed. I was proud to be an original cosponsor of a similar effort by former Congressman Robert Turner last Congress, and I want to commend the gentlelady from New York (Ms. Meng) for her leadership in introducing H.R. 4028 this year. The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, which this bill modifies, guides U.S. policy in promoting freedom of religion around the world. Among other aspects, that law requires the State Department to report annually on violations of religious freedom abroad. By adding ``desecration of cemeteries'' to the examples of religious freedom violations listed in that act, H.R. 4028 says loudly and clearly that Congress and the American people stand in staunch opposition to the deliberate desecration of religious burial grounds. In this way, the bill provides extra incentives for foreign governments to respect the rights of religious organizations regarding cemetery preservation. In addition to Ms. Meng, I also want to recognize the important contributions of the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins) during the Foreign Affairs Committee markup of this bill. Their bipartisan efforts have led to the good bill before us today, which deserves our unanimous support. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations.