Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 568, which I introduced, together with the distinguished ranking member of the committee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman), my friend. The Iranian regime continues to pose an immediate and growing threat to the United States, to our allies, and to the Iranian people. In fact, just over the weekend, it was reported that the IAEA discovered a drawing that shows an explosive containment chamber of the type needed for nuclear arms-related tests. This was based on information from inside an Iranian military base. Iran remains the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, aiding multiple groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas, which continue to destabilize the Middle East and which are responsible for the deaths of Americans. It was only a few months ago that U.S. officials foiled a planned attack on U.S. soil that was commissioned by the Iranian regime, and the Iranian regime is believed to have been behind the attacks against Israeli Embassies that took place earlier this year. I have much more to say, Mr. Speaker, but at this time I will reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as we know, Iran continues to sponsor violent extremist groups in Iraq and Afghanistan that have killed our men and women in uniform. With a nuclear weapons capability, the regime would dramatically increase its ability to threaten the United States and our allies. We are running out of time to stop the nightmare of a nuclear weapons-capable Iran from becoming a reality. Estimates from the U.S. and Israeli officials indicate that Iran could develop nuclear weapons in less than 1 year. And even before the regime actually develops nuclear weapons, Iran may enter into what the Israeli Defense Minister calls a ``zone of immunity,'' and after that point we would have very few options left to actually stop Iran from going nuclear. Right now, the regime is doing all it can to run down the clock and enter that zone of immunity. The most recent set of negotiations are just another way for Iran to hold off Western sanctions and buy more time to further their capabilities. We need to stop the regime before it possesses the capability to develop nuclear weapons, not before it makes a decision to develop nuclear weapons, because we may not know that they have actually made that decision until it is too late. Once that regime enters into the zone of immunity, it can decide at any time to develop nuclear weapons, and we would probably not be able to stop them. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. For the Iranian regime, the possession of the capability to produce a nuclear weapon would be almost as useful as actually having one. Tehran would be able to intimidate its neighbors and engage in even more threatening actions by reminding us that they could develop nuclear weapons anytime the regime wanted. Tehran might even decide not to reveal whether or not it had developed nuclear weapons, thereby keeping the world guessing and off balance indefinitely, all while claiming innocence. Tehran would be in the driver's seat, and the security of the United States, Israel, and our many other allies would be in their hands. We need to make clear that containing a nuclear Iran is not an option, that nothing short of stopping Iran from developing a nuclear- weapons capability is good enough. So that is why Ranking Member Berman and I have introduced the resolution before us, House Resolution 568, which strongly supports preventing the Iranian regime from acquiring a nuclear-weapons capability. It rejects any policy that would rely on efforts to contain a nuclear weapons-capable Iran. It supports the right and democratic aspirations of the Iranian people. Lastly, it urges the President to reaffirm the unacceptability of an Iran with a nuclear-weapons capability and to oppose any policy that would rely on containment as an option. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. This resolution reaffirms the position of the House with respect to U.S. policy on Iran's nuclear program. Efforts to misrepresent this resolution really distract from the real problem, which is the increasing threat posed by Iran's nuclear program and the need to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapons capability. Tehran has repeatedly lied to the world about its secret nuclear activities; Tehran has violated international nonproliferation obligations; and it has repeatedly threatened to destroy our ally Israel. Just earlier this year, Ayatollah Khamenei said: The truly cancerous Israel must be destroyed in the region, and this will without doubt come to fruition. It is abundantly clear that Iran cannot be trusted with uranium enrichment or any component of the nuclear program. Even the U.N. Security Council resolutions have demanded that Iran stop all uranium enrichment and reprocessing. Unless compelled to change course, Iran will soon have all of the basic components or capabilities to produce a nuclear weapon. The only thing that would be left for them to do will be to put the pieces together. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran is expanding its stockpiles of uranium, advancing its missile capabilities, and burying and hiding its nuclear infrastructure. As if that were not enough, the smoking gun in the IAEA's November 2011 report was that Iran carried out, ``work on the development of an indigenous design of a nuclear weapon, including the testing of components.'' In addition, the IAEA uncovered evidence that Iran was attempting to miniaturize a warhead to fit on top of a ballistic missile. As we fast-forward to this weekend, drawings were revealed showing a secret chamber at an Iranian military facility of the type needed for nuclear weapons testing. Again, the regime is building up its capacities on all fronts. When it has mastered all of these, Tehran would be able to intimidate its neighbors and engage in even more threatening actions, always with the threat that it could flip the switch and produce nuclear weapons at any time. At that point, the U.S. and other responsible nations would have no other option but to sit in fear of this nuclear-armed state sponsor of terrorism. We must reaffirm our commitment to adoption of this resolution and stronger sanctions legislation to prevent this doomsday scenario from becoming a reality. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Some may put forth the argument that this resolution undermines and threatens the ongoing P5+1 negotiations. The truth is, Mr. Speaker, that the Iranian regime is using these negotiations as a way to buy time and continue enrichment without any additional sanctions. Time and again, the United States has come to the table with Iran, made concession after concession, and left with nothing in return. In one example, last month, the Los Angeles Times reported that U.S. officials are now willing to let Iran continue enriching uranium, even though multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions demand that Iran immediately halt uranium enrichment. And today's New York Times included a report, entitled, ``Iran Sees Success in Stalling on Nuclear Issue,'' and the report states: Iran's negotiation team may be less interested in reaching a comprehensive settlement than in buying time and establishing the legitimacy of its enrichment program. I couldn't say it better. It's time to stop glorifying negotiations for the sake of negotiations. This resolution strengthens the U.S. position and our leverage. With that, I reserve the balance of our time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time to close on the resolution.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Just 2 months ago, President Obama extended the national emergency, as we heard, with respect to Iran, declaring that the regime's activities pose ``an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.'' Well, this resolution is an important statement, clarifying congressional commitment to countering the Iranian threat. However, our focus must be on rapidly and dramatically ratcheting up sanctions, without the glaring exceptions that we now have, in order to put our boot on the throat of this dangerous regime. We must compel the Iranian regime to permanently and verifiably dismantle its nuclear program, abandon its unconventional and missile development programs, and end its support for violent extremism. We do not want to look back, Mr. Speaker, and wish that we had heeded the warning signs. We anxiously await the other body's strengthening and passage of companion legislation to the measures that the House passed months ago. We must meet our responsibility to the American people and protect the security of our Nation, our allies, and the world from this threat of a nuclear capable Iran. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012, of which I am an original cosponsor; and I thank the distinguished majority leader and minority whip for sponsoring this important legislation. The democratic Jewish State of Israel is our closest and most important ally. We share the same interests. We share the same values. And, lamentably, we share the same threats. Today, 64 years after Israel's founding, these same shared threats to both of our nations are stark and they are growing--particularly the threat posed by the Iranian regime, which continues racing towards nuclear-weapons capabilities, and by Iran's partner in crime, the Assad regime in Syria. Israel continues to face the danger of Iranian- sponsored violent extremists, including Hamas and Hezbollah, which continue to expand their capabilities to threaten Israeli civilians and its infrastructure with tens of thousands of rockets, mortars, and missiles. As a result of our shared commitments, the United States and Israel have worked together to advance technologies and policies to keep both of our countries safe and secure. Israel's proximity to the Iran-Syria- Hamas-Hezbollah nexus eliminates any room for error in Israel's defense capabilities. We are here today to reaffirm our unequivocal support for Israel's right to defend herself. And even beyond affirming Israel's right to defend herself, we aim to expand Israel's ability to protect her citizens against the dangers which they are subjected to day after day. This bill expresses the sense of Congress that our country should support an increase to the totality of our bilateral security relations--from joint missile defense systems, intelligence cooperation, military exercises between the United States and Israel, to increasing Air Force training as well as providing increased excess defense articles and munitions to Israel. This legislation also seeks to counter the Israel bashing that has become commonplace in international forums such as the United Nations. The United States must not allow Israel to be isolated and demonized in international organizations and must work together to withdraw U.S. participation in and funding from organizations that do so. This legislation also extends the authority to provide loan guarantees to the Israeli Government that provide the Jewish state with a cushion of support in times of need at no cost to the American taxpayer. As the United States and Israel work together to stop the challenges posed by the Iranian and Syrian regimes, and by violent extremists like Hezbollah and Hamas, the U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act, the bill before us today, marks the triumph that we have achieved through our existing cooperation and advances our alliance to new levels. I want to again thank my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for their strong support for this measure. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4133) to express the sense of Congress regarding the United States-Israel strategic relationship, to direct the President to submit to Congress reports on United States actions to enhance this relationship and to assist in the defense of Israel, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to submit remarks and include extraneous material on the legislation under consideration.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am so pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), who has the honor of chairing our Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe), a member of our Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Judiciary.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, what an honor it is to yield 1 minute to our esteemed majority leader, Mr. Cantor, the coauthor of this important legislation.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly), an esteemed member of our Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank my good friend from California. We just have a few more speakers. Mr. Speaker, I am so pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Dr. Murphy, a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I am proud to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights. (Mr. SMITH of New Jersey asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Duncan), who is a member of our Foreign Affairs Committee and also a member of the Homeland Security and Natural Resources Committees.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert), a member of the Judiciary and Natural Resources Committees.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the remaining time, and I thank my good friend from California (Mr. Berman) for his leadership role in bringing this bill to the floor today. I thank our majority leader, Mr. Cantor, as well as the minority whip, Mr. Hoyer. This bill before us, Madam Speaker, the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act, is an important one. It sends a clear signal and a clear message throughout the world, to our friends and to our enemies, that the United States stands foursquare with our indispensable ally, the democratic Jewish State of Israel. This bill is a reaffirmation of our staunch commitment to Israel's security, its right to self-defense, and its right to exist. It is a testament to our friendship with Israel that has served us so well for the last 64 years, and will continue to serve us well for many generations to come. And it is a pledge that the United States and Israel, continuing to work together, will address the challenges to our common security so that we can ensure a safe, prosperous, and free future for both of our Nations. With that, Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize a remarkable woman who has meant so much to our South Florida community--Ofelia Ruder. Ofelia has dedicated her life in service to the Cuban Hebrew Congregation of Miami for the last 50 years, starting out as Secretary in 1962 and eventually becoming its Executive Director. For the last half-century, Ofelia has been the cornerstone of the Cuban Hebrew Congregation in Miami Beach. Through her tireless work on behalf of the congregation she has become an influential leader and role-model, not just for the Cuban-Jewish community, but for South Florida as a whole. What started out as a small group of Jewish Cuban families in 1961, many of whom having been forced to flee their home country for a second time, the Cuban Hebrew Congregation has become a dynamic and thriving institution that represents a cultural and educational epicenter for Judaism in South Florida. The Cuban Hebrew Congregation's community, ``El Circulo,'' with Ofelia at the forefront, has been committed to outstanding service to the Jewish community. For more than half a century Ofelia has been actively engaging our entire community, committed to improving our South Florida community and instilling the importance of community service and unity among those around her. In addition to her numerous accomplishments, Ofelia is a proud mother of two sons, Albert and Bernie, who have continued her legacy of public service and have become dedicated public servants themselves. On behalf of ``El Circulo'' and the entire South Florida community, I wish to congratulate and thank Ofelia for her 50 years of service with the Cuban Hebrew Congregation. I expect to hear ever greater things yet from Ofelia and the Cuban Hebrew Congregation.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a great south Floridian and a dear friend, Guarione Diaz, who after 34 years as President and CEO of the Cuban American National Council is retiring. He leaves behind an immense legacy of service. Fleeing Castro's tyrannical regime in 1961, Guarione left his native Cuba and immigrated to the United States. While working odd jobs, he graduated with a degree in sociology and philosophy from St. Francis College in New York. He later received his masters in social work from Columbia University. Guarione first worked for New York City's Department of Employment and the Community Development Agency, where he held numerous management positions. In 1972, Guarione was invited by Father Mario Vizcaino to join CNC. Initially named the Cuban National Planning Council, the Council was the first non-profit organization conducting research on the socio-economic needs of Cuban Americans in the United States. In less than a decade, the Council transformed itself to address the educational, housing, employment needs of all Hispanics. I have had the privilege to have worked with CNC on numerous occasions. From pre-school programs to internships to employment services and low-income housing, CNC has helped prevent so many in our community from slipping through the cracks. It has been a tremendous asset and support system for so many in our south Florida community. Not only has CNC assisted those who have fallen on hard times, they have also nurtured the next generation of Hispanic leaders. Even though his public persona has been as head of the Cuban American National Council, I consider Guarione a part of my extended family. Given that he has been friends with my dad for nearly 50 years, he has been a dear part of my life for as long as I can remember. His life has always been marked by a sense of responsibility towards those most vulnerable in our society. Guarione's entire professional career has been centered on this mission. Whether it's his work with community organizations, such as the National Association for the Hispanic Elderly, National Council of La Raza and the Florida Commission on Education Reform and Accountability, Guarione has never forgotten his roots or commitment to provide help for those who most need it. In many ways, his experiences as a Cuban exile have informed so much of what he has done. As a fellow Cuban- American, I know the indelible mark that is left by the struggles of leaving one's homeland and fighting against tyranny. The desire to give back to this great Nation that welcomed so many of us with open arms, as we fled Castro's totalitarian grip, is something Guarione has never forgotten. Even though Guarione will be an irreplaceable voice as he retires from CNC's leadership, his legacy will be the foundation for what I am sure will be CNC's continued success.