Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. But on Venezuela, Mr. Speaker, it seems as if we hold a different standard, and that is unacceptable. For too long, Venezuela has been shielded from criticism and action at the U.N. by its cronies, like the equally corrupt and morally reprehensible Castro regime in Cuba. This is precisely the kind of situation for which the U.N. was created to respond; yet, to date, the response has been woefully inadequate and shamefully void of substance. We have got to lead on this effort, and this bill is what we need. There are millions of people suffering in Venezuela. We are in a situation to help. I would point out to our chairman and the ranking member that we had some excellent news in the minutes that we have been speaking. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the nomination of our former committee chief of staff, Yleem Poblete, for Assistant Secretary of State for Verification and Compliance. It now goes to the full Senate. I know that she will be with us on these measures that attack atrocious regimes and will help alleviate the humanitarian crisis.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for the time, and I thank the ranking member for those very sweet words. Mr. Speaker, I echo what Ranking Member Engel said about my trusted staff director, Eddy Acevedo. This is his last week with us. He starts Monday with the USAID. He has got the whole weekend to party on. He has been my partner in all of these battles in favor of freedom and democracy and against autocratic regimes, which brings us to this bill before us, Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of this bill, H.R. 2658, the Venezuela Humanitarian Assistance and Defense of Democratic Governance Act of 2017. I am proud to be, as the chairman said, the Republican lead on this important legislation. I have been proud to work side by side with the author of the bill, our ranking member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Eliot Engel, in putting this bill together. Eliot has been a leading voice in this legislative body in support of freedom and democracy across the globe, as has our esteemed chairman. But Eliot has really focused in on this hemisphere, especially on Venezuela. I want to thank him for his leadership on this issue. I also want to thank his trusted adviser sitting two seats away from him on all Western Hemisphere-related items. Eric Jacobstein is my buddy from Haiti. We have enjoyed as much as one can enjoy going to an island nation that needs so much help. The people of Haiti are beautiful, and it has been a joy to travel with Eric and with Eddy. Throughout the years, Eric has worked closely with us and with our office. We work in a bipartisan manner. That is the tone that our esteemed chairman has set for the committee. Eric and Eliot work that way as well. Their knowledge and expertise on this topic has been instrumental to our committee. The bill before us, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2658, is simple, it is straightforward, and it is important. Maduro, like Chavez before him-- two thugs--has turned Venezuela from a once vibrant and thriving nation into a country on the brink of utter collapse. The results have been disastrous for the people of Venezuela. There is food shortage, there is water shortage, and there is a severe lack of medicine and medical supplies. There is a lack of goods and services everywhere you turn. The people need to get proper nutrition. They need proper care, but they can't find it. It is a crisis that Maduro and his thugs have denied exists because he is eating very well. The other day he was making a televised public declaration. He opens up the drawer, takes an empanada, and he is stuffing his face. But the people are starving. But recognizing it would mean that Chavismo has utterly failed, so they refuse to recognize this. So what happens? The Venezuelan people suffer from severe malnutrition. They are subject to price controls. It is unbelievable the prices of items there. If they can ever get the food, if they can ever get the services they need, then the people can't afford them. They are subject to substandard and unhygienic conditions. This has led to a sharp rise in infant mortality, and really mortality rates across the board in Venezuela have gone up. In short, the majority of the people in Venezuela are living in misery. What was once the breadbasket of the whole hemisphere, now the people don't have food. They are living in misery. The Maduro regime is not only to blame, but it is ensuring that the humanitarian situation gets even worse. It was Maduro who ordered the supreme court to block a law from the opposition that would have helped facilitate humanitarian aid from NGOs and other international entities. As a result, it is ever so difficult to get the supplies needed to respond to this crisis into Venezuela to the people who so desperately need it. That is why, Mr. Speaker, this bill is so important. It directs USAID, the institution Eddy will be a partner of in just a few days, and our great Department of State to develop a plan in order to determine if and how the U.S. can possibly help with some of the humanitarian assistance through credible and independent NGOs, or nongovernmental organizations, that are operating in Venezuela or neighboring countries to ensure that this assistance does get to the people who desperately need it. The bill also directs our Ambassador to the United Nations to use our full voice, full vote, and full influence of the United States to place the humanitarian and political crises in Venezuela on the agenda at the U.N. Mr. Speaker, this body, alongside our friends in New York at the U.N., has worked to hold rogue regimes accountable for failing to allow humanitarian assistance in their countries. Whether it is Syria or Yemen, this body has spoken in a unified manner that humanitarian assistance should not be prevented from reaching the people.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank our wonderful chairman for yielding me time. I also thank our ranking member, Eliot Engel for his hard work. This committee is a model for other committees in the U.S. House of Representatives. We truly work in a bipartisan manner and it is because of the leadership of Mr. Royce and Mr. Engel. They set the pace. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill before us, H. Res. 259, by my Florida colleague, Congressman Ron DeSantis, who has been very active in the issue of human rights in our Western Hemisphere. His bill expresses concern and condemnation over the dire political, economic, social, and humanitarian crisis that is taking place in Venezuela today. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important resolution. I thank him for his leadership on this issue, on the issue of the lack of freedom and democracy in my native homeland of Cuba, and what he is helping the people of Nicaragua achieve in having separation of powers. Mr. Speaker, there has been a real problem throughout the hemisphere, and by approving this important measure, which is bipartisan, today, this body will once again demonstrate that we stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela and their fight for justice, freedom, and democracy. These are values that we hold so dearly in our country. We take it for granted that we live in this great country where we can express our thoughts in this wonderful republic, but in so many places in our very own hemisphere, Mr. Speaker, they don't have that luxury. Venezuelans have been deprived of these key values of justice, freedom, and democracy for far too long, first at the grip of Hugo Chavez, a failed socialist leader, and now with his handpicked successor, another failure of a man and a leader, Nicolas Maduro. The Maduro regime has hijacked all democratic institutions in Venezuela. It has run the economy so far into the ground that there is hardly any food or medicine or even basic necessities. Inflation is at an all-time high and people cannot afford their daily life. The economic situation is in turmoil. It is heading towards an even deeper downward spiral because this regime of Nicolas Maduro is corrupt and is incompetent and they only care about filling their own coffers and staying in power, no matter what. All the while, the people of Venezuela continue to suffer. But this does not seem to trouble Maduro. It does not seem to trouble his cronies. They are enriching themselves on the suffering of the people of Venezuela. From this illicit activity, like drug trafficking and corruption, they are filling their coffers.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, they are even using this humanitarian crisis that they have created to defraud organizations that are looking to bring much- needed food into the country. This resolution in front of us, Mr. Speaker, is bipartisan and strong. It calls on the administration to support the people of Venezuela, to continue to impose targeted sanctions on those responsible for the destruction of democratic institutions in Venezuela. This resolution also urges important bodies, like the Organization of American States--and we will have soon a new U.S. Ambassador to that esteemed institution--to support the principles of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. It demands a noncorrupt electoral council, as well as calling for the release of all political prisoners. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. DeSantis for authoring this resolution. I urge my colleagues to offer their strong support and to join us in sending a unified message to Maduro that his actions will not be allowed to continue without a strong U.S. response. What is that response, Mr. Speaker? I call on the administration to use more targeted sanctions. We have sent to the administration a very long list of names. So have Senators Rubio and Menendez. Mr. Sires, Mr. Royce, and Mr. Engel have joined me. There are many more people, thugs and cronies of Maduro, who are enriching themselves with the suffering of the Venezuelan people. They want to come to the U.S. We should not extend that courtesy to them. There are consequences to these acts. We will continue to pressure the Maduro regime until democratic order is restored in Venezuela and this grave humanitarian crisis is resolved once and for all. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Royce for the time. I thank Mr. Engel; my friend, Mr. Acevedo; and Eric Jacobstein on the Democratic side for their help with this resolution. I most especially thank the author of this resolution, our great Congressman, Ron DeSantis.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk about Jamie Dupree, who serves as the radio news director of the Washington Bureau of the Cox Media Group. I have had the privilege of knowing Jamie for more than two decades. With his professional coverage of both congressional and national politics, Jamie has become a trusted voice for radio listeners in Atlanta, as well as in my home State of Florida. However, in the summer of 2016, Jamie, a radio reporter, lost his voice to tongue protrusion dystonia, a neurological condition which can create severe speech, swallowing, and breathing difficulties. This is a rare condition, which has no known treatment, and it prevents Jamie's brain from connecting to his mouth and causes his throat to push his tongue out of his mouth when he attempts to speak, squeezing the sound out of his voice--a radio reporter. However, in spite of his severe health problems, Jamie has remained active through Twitter and his news blog. Mr. Speaker, Jamie Dupree is a perfect example of the positive role that devoted and professional journalists play in our free society, and I wish him and his family all of the best during this most difficult time. Thank you, Jamie. Godspeed.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the Jewish Community Services of South Florida and the second generation of Miami- Dade Holocaust Survivors. Together, these two organizations will join forces to hold a Cafe Europa, a function that honors Holocaust survivors and their families. The name ``Cafe Europa'' is derived from a small lounge in Stockholm. Here, survivors from liberated concentration camps would search for family and friends after the war, share stories and experiences, and begin to rebuild their lives. Today, the practice remains strong in its commitment to bring survivors together, where they can share insight and thoughts on topics surrounding our world today. Cafe Europa also allows us to honor these individuals and gain vital knowledge about this dark period in history. This event this year will be held at the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center on Sunday, December 3, at 11:30. My constituents David and Irene Mermelstein, Herbie Karliner, Joe Sacks, Alex Gross, David Schaeter, and Wendy Rothfield will attend this important event. Holocaust survivors will share stories, grieve over loved ones lost, and recommit that these horrendous days of our history that they survived will never again be repeated. Mr. Speaker, we must cherish the time that we have left with these brave souls, to listen and to learn about their tragic stories, stories that must be passed along to future generations about this brutal period of injustice, and ensure that no such tyranny ever happens again. Congress Must Act on a Legislative Solution for Our DREAMers

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, as we quickly approach the month of December, we are reminded of the very few legislative days left on this calendar to debate and pass a permanent solution to protect our Nation's DREAMers from deportation. I introduced, along with my dear friend, my colleague, Lucille Roybal-Allard, H.R. 3440, also known as the Dream Act, to allow over 800,000 young immigrants living in our great country to remain here, the only home that they have truly known. This bill will allow DREAMers to apply for conditional permanent residency, and eventually to citizenship. Each day of inaction by our body to pass the Dream Act or any legislative fix is a loss for our communities and our country. Study after study demonstrates the reality that we already know: that failure to provide a solution for our DREAMers will result in hundreds of billions of dollars lost in GDP, a truly devastating blow to our economy. The business community, faith leaders, colleges and universities, advocacy groups, all have joined a large bipartisan coalition standing behind these young immigrants, and that is because they recognize the positive contributions of these individuals, contributions that should not be imperiled by their legal status. But they are looking at us, Mr. Speaker. They are looking at Congress. It is up to us. It is up to you and me and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to act. It is our responsibility, and we must not delay action any longer. These individuals who came to this country as children only want an opportunity to attend school, to work, to provide for their families. Mr. Speaker, this Nation, our Nation, was born and continues to be built and made stronger by immigrants like these DREAMers, willing and determined not only to realize their dreams, but truly to love, serve, and protect this land with all of their hearts. That is precisely why we must act now. This Chamber cannot and should not stand idly by while these young immigrants, who are already as American as anyone else in their hearts and their minds, live under fear and uncertainty in this country, a country that is a beacon of hope and a land of opportunity to those who seek it. The lives of hundreds of thousands of bright, talented, and patriotic young men and women depend on us, on this Congress. It is up to us to rise to the challenge to legalize the status of these DREAMers so they can truly make their dreams into a reality.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, December 1 is World AIDS Day, so we celebrate our many accomplishments in the fight against HIV/AIDS around the globe. As Americans, we can look back and be proud that our Nation has been a transformative force in the global fight against AIDS and a ray of hope for millions of lives around the world. Globally, our efforts through programs like PEPFAR are currently supporting treatments for more than 1 million people and have averted more than 16 million HIV infections around the world. However, there is still much work to be done. Currently, more than 36 million people in the world are living with HIV, and nearly 1,000 girls are infected with HIV every day. Mr. Speaker, December 1, World AIDS Day, reminds us to redouble our efforts on behalf of those suffering from this terrible disease. Now more than ever, it is essential that we remain committed to creating a future without HIV/AIDS

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career of Lourdes Meluza, who has recently retired after 39 years in journalism. As a native from my homeland of Cuba and a graduate from the University of Miami--Go Canes--my alma mater, I got to know Lourdes as she began her tenure as a writer for the Miami Herald, where she covered my first election to the Florida State House of Representatives. In 1987, Lourdes joined Miami's Univision station, and shortly after, she became the network's D.C. correspondent, reporting to millions of Hispanics in the U.S. about important policy issues being discussed in our Nation's Capital. For over two decades, Lourdes interviewed Presidents and Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and heads of state. Her professionalism has earned her our respect and admiration. Lourdes will be enjoying her well-deserved retirement in Coral Gables, in my congressional district. Lourdes told me that she never considered journalism to be a career but, rather, an adventure. Mr. Speaker, to my esteemed amiga, I wish her all the best in her next adventure, and I look forward to seeing her in our south Florida paradise. Godspeed, Lourdes Meluza. Felicidades, amiga.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of Monsignor Franklyn Casale, who will retire this coming spring after serving as president of St. Thomas University for the past 24 years. Monsignor Casale has led an exemplary life of service, including many leadership positions. In south Florida, we are most thankful for the monsignor's distinguished presidency of St. Thomas, which included the expansion of campus facilities, positioning the university as a leader in the fight against human trafficking, and the establishment of the university's first doctoral program. During his tenure, Monsignor Casale created a legacy of committed service, which transformed St. Thomas into one of the Nation's leading universities, and prepared thousands of his graduates to become leaders in their fields. Once again, congratulations, Monsignor Casale, on a well-deserved retirement and on a remarkable career advancing St. Thomas' legacy of academic achievement and spiritual development. Your lifelong emphasis on Catholic values, diversity, and student success has helped empower many students to take on the world with compassion and strong conviction. ``Congratulations, my friend,'' ``Felicidades, mi amigo.''

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Transgender Awareness Week to bring attention to the challenges that transgender individuals still face today. Our great country was founded on the values of opportunity and freedom. Unfortunately, we hear about bills and a public discourse that only seek to divide and discriminate against this vulnerable population. Transgender individuals are active members of our community. They are our friends, our neighbors, and our children. As the mother of a transgender son, I know that there is a great need for public understanding of gender identity. These are Americans who have the same hopes, the same dreams as everybody else, and should not be treated differently from their peers. Mr. Speaker, the reality is that transgender Americans around the country work hard and want to succeed and provide for themselves and their families. They deserve to be fully protected under our laws. We must come together as a country to say no to prejudice, no to discrimination, and no to harassment. That begins by respecting, by accepting, and by embracing each individual. Congratulations to Dr. Eduardo Padron

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Dr. Eduardo Padron on being selected into the board of trustees of the Urban Institute. The Urban Institute is among our Nation's leading public policy think tanks, with a mission to open minds, to shape decisions, and to offer solutions. It is not hard to see why it selected Dr. Padron as its board member. Dr. Padron serves as the president of my alma mater, Miami Dade College, and he has dedicated his life and his career to advocate on behalf of underserved populations. Throughout his presidency, Miami Dade College has been propelled into a position of national prominence, and it is a shining example for how a college can bring about real and positive change in a community. Dr. Padron's efforts and strong record of service have helped transform the lives of many in my community of south Florida, and I am confident that his tenure at the Urban Institute will be a successful one. Once again, Dr. Padron, ``felicidades,'' ``congratulations.'' Recognizing Stanley Tate for His Public Service

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay recognition to a true Florida icon, Mr. Stanley Tate. Hailing from Miami, Stanley is a man committed to public service and helping those who need it most. He has dedicated his life to serving as a voice for the voiceless and has never ceased to put the needs of others before his own. I am proud to have had the opportunity to have worked extensively with Mr. Tate throughout my time in the Florida State Legislature. Together, we pioneered many great initiatives, including the creation of the Florida Prepaid College Plan that is our Nation's premier savings plan to improve opportunities in the Sunshine State and advance higher education. In addition to his many accomplishments, Stanley has remained a strong advocate for our Nation's leading and closest ally, the democratic Jewish State of Israel. He has remained steadfast in his commitment to fight issues like BDS and anti-Semitism, and I join him in his fight toward equality and acceptance for all. Mr. Speaker, I wish Stanley Tate the best in his future endeavors, and I thank him for his tireless service to our community. Issues Associated with Climate Change

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to renew my commitment to addressing the many issues associated with climate change and to urge my colleagues to help be part of the answer by joining the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus. My home district of Miami has experienced the impact of climate change firsthand. In Miami Beach, my constituents experienced ever-more frequent king tides that flood the streets with saltwater. Across all of south Florida, beaches and coastlines continue to erode away. These are just a few of the examples of the real consequences of sea level rise, which is a direct consequence of climate change. These facts cannot be ignored. I would like to thank our colleagues Congressmen Carlos Curbelo and Ted Deutch, the founders and co-chairs of this important caucus, for recognizing that we cannot afford to ignore climate change any longer. It is not just a Florida issue. It impacts our entire country. I am proud to be a part of this diverse group of Members seeking to answer some of the most difficult questions associated with climate change and work on practical solutions to mitigate its effects and build a more resilient nation.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the chairman of our committee, for yielding me the time, and I rise today in support of H. Res. 599--expressing the sense of the U.S. House of Representatives with respect to United States policy toward Yemen. I want to thank my other colleague from California, Mr. Khanna, and Mr. McGovern from Massachusetts for offering this important resolution before us. I want to thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for always working in a bipartisan manner in our committee, including with our leadership, to bring this resolution before us today. Mr. Speaker, there are approximately 2 million internally displaced persons in Yemen right now. International aid agencies consider Yemen to be one of the four current famine countries alongside South Sudan, Somalia, and Nigeria. We must ensure that access and safe passage is being given to reach the people of Yemen who desperately need this assistance. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have security and terror concerns in Yemen, and they have to mitigate those, but there should not be any obstacles to prevent the delivery of vital humanitarian assistance to Yemen. It is positive news that this morning Saudi Arabia announced that it will begin reopening airports and seaports in Yemen; so, hopefully, that aid will come quickly for those starving people. Since this campaign began in 2015, the United States has been the largest contributor of humanitarian aid to Yemen. We must ensure that the aid is not being diverted and is actually reaching the right people who need it the most. A political solution is needed in Yemen where all parties can sit down and negotiate a path forward, but that becomes increasingly more difficult when we have to deal with the negative influence of Iran and the Houthis. Here are some examples. In February 2017, General Soleimani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Quds Force, reportedly pledged to increase Iran's assistance to Houthi-Saleh forces. According to press reports, two incidents occurred in October 2016, off the coast of Yemen, where missiles were fired targeting our Navy destroyers. After Houthi forces targeted U.S. warships near Yemen, the vice admiral, who heads U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said: ``We believe that Iran is connected to this.'' Since April 2015, U.S. warships have intercepted at least five Iranian shipments of weapons to Houthi forces. Just last week, the U.S. Forces' central commander said that a missile fired by the Houthis at Riyadh was manufactured by Iran. In Yemen, we cannot forget that we need to undermine Iran's influence over the Houthis. Last month, the White House released a new strategy when it comes to Iran, and it stated: ``The Iranian regime has taken advantage of regional conflicts and instability to aggressively expand its regional influence and threaten its neighbors with little domestic or international cost for its actions.'' I believe that targeted sanctions are needed against Iran for providing weapons to the Houthis, weapons that are being used to directly target U.S. soldiers in the region. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, we cannot forget about the threats emanating from a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization, al-Qaida, in the Arabian Peninsula, also known as AQAP. The United States must continue to operate and conduct operations in Yemen to counter the threats from AQAP, but we cannot do it alone. A few months ago, the UAE and the U.S. teamed up with local Yemeni forces to target AQAP militants. This is another positive sign in the region where we can partner with our Gulf partners to fight extremist elements jointly. These operations are essential to protecting our national security interests and to help bring regional stability in the region. While a lot of the focus is traditionally put on Hezbollah and Hamas in the region, we cannot forget about the dangerous malign and illicit activities that Iran is undertaking through its proxy in Yemen, the Houthis.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask for my colleagues' support for the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act, which I introduced along with my good friend, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. As a former Florida certified teacher, I know that education is the key to unlocking long-lasting and positive change in all of our communities. But in today's interconnected world, students must gain foreign language skills and the ability to learn from other cultures. Study abroad programs are an excellent way to learn these essential skills. However, Mr. Speaker, the ability to study abroad remains just a dream for rural, minority, and first-generation college students. Cheri Bustos and I filed this bill to address this problem by establishing a competitive grant program that will allow universities to provide low-income and other underrepresented undergraduates with the means to be able to study abroad. Mr. Speaker, the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act is a commonsense bill that will help our students gain essential skills and empower them to thrive in a global and interconnected marketplace, and I thank my friend, Congresswoman Bustos, for allowing me to enter this bill with her.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, November 9 marks the 79th anniversary of Kristallnacht. Referred to as the ``Night of Broken Glass,'' the German high command issued orders to target Jews because of their faith. Disguised as normal citizens, members of the SS and the Gestapo destroyed hundreds of synagogues, looted and vandalized thousands of businesses, arrested tens of thousands of innocent civilians, and killed nearly 100. This atrocity was a harbinger of one of history's darkest periods, the Holocaust. The anniversary of this grave tragedy serves as a constant reminder of what happens when hatred and bigotry flood the minds of our world. When evil is met with silence and indifference, all of mankind suffers. Unfortunately, the world has not learned a lesson from the past. Anti-Semitism has seen a troubling rise across the globe, and we must continue our fight toward ending this brutal chapter of intolerance. Mr. Speaker, November 9 serves as a reminder of this tragedy, but also as an opportunity to fight this hatred and all forms of hatred, and vow to never let such an atrocity to ever occur again.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, the administration has announced that it will terminate temporary protected status, or TPS, for Nicaragua while extending the immigration protection for Honduras for merely 6 months. In the coming weeks, an announcement on Haiti's TPS designation is expected. I am greatly worried about these decisions because over 100,000 Hondurans and Haitians legally residing in our communities could be deported and forced to go back to the instability and chaos in their home countries. For years, the United States has been providing necessary funding for Honduras, which is still struggling with crime and security challenges, and for Haiti, which continues to be impacted by devastating natural disasters. This is precisely why Congress enacted TPS: so that we can provide a safe haven to those who are unable to securely return to their home countries. Mr. Speaker, the decision to send these individuals back would be a setback to our bilateral relations with those nations while tearing these families apart. I strongly urge the administration to extend TPS for Hondurans and Haitians residing in our beautiful country.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, the lives of over 300,000 legal immigrants are at stake. Central Americans and Haitians, many of whom are my constituents, could be facing deportation if their temporary protected status, known as TPS, were to end. This vital program, signed into law by President George Herbert Walker Bush, has allowed individuals fleeing instability and chaos in their home countries to legally live and work here in the United States. Reports indicate that the administration is considering eliminating TPS for these populations, a decision that will have negative humanitarian, economic, and national security concerns, and that could undermine U.S. investment in the region. Mr. Speaker, as a longtime supporter of TPS, I urge the administration to continue to extend this program and provide a safe haven for Central Americans and Haitians unable to securely return to their home countries. My heart aches at the thought of massive deportations of good, hardworking people from my hometown. Mr. Speaker, TPS beneficiaries are important and integral members of our community, and it would be a mistake to turn our backs on them.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, there are less than 21 legislative days left this calendar year, and the House has yet to vote for a permanent solution to protect DREAMers from deportation. H.R. 3440, known as the Dream Act, introduced by Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard and me, is an effort to put an end to the fear and the uncertainty that surrounds over 800,000 young immigrants living in our country. This bill will allow qualified DREAMers an opportunity to better plan for their future in the only country they truly know as home--the United States. After several years, they will be able to apply for conditional permanent residency, and eventually for citizenship. And during that time, they will continue to participate in their daily activities, such as contributing to our communities, helping our economy, and showcasing their talent and ingenuity. Mr. Speaker, let's do what is right for these young immigrants because they are already Americans in their hearts and minds. Let's bring the Dream Act for a vote so that these young professionals can make their American Dream a reality. The clock is ticking, Mr. Speaker.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I wish to highlight the Step Forward to Cure TSC Miami Walk, which took place last weekend at my alma mater, Florida International University. Tuberous sclerosis complex, or TSC, is a rare genetic disease that causes uncontrollable tumor growth across the face, body, and organs of impacted individuals. Unfortunately, there is no cure for TSC. South Florida's own hero, Max Lucca, pictured here, was diagnosed with TSC when he was only 2 weeks old. Now, he is 9 years old, and he has thrived because of the constant love and care provided by his parents, Vanessa and Max. The TSC Miami Walk brings together patients like Max Lucca and their families with supporters who are committed to improving their lives. Every year, the walk plays an essential role in advancing lifesaving research and programs to increase awareness of TSC, and expanding the network of resources that improve the lives of patients and their families. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the work of Vanessa Vazquez; her husband, Max; and all of the other activists who are so needed from the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance who work so hard to make this walk a reality. I want to thank everyone who came out to FIU last Saturday and made this event a resounding success. Due to your efforts, due to your commitment, I am confident that we will be able to increase the research and education needed to find a cure for this tragic disease. Meanwhile, go Max Lucca. Commit to Ending Pediatric HIV/AIDS Worldwide

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage my colleagues to support H. Res. 593, a bipartisan resolution reaffirming our national commitment to ending pediatric HIV/AIDS worldwide. It is a resolution that I introduced with my friend, Congresswoman Barbara Lee. The fight against pediatric AIDS is a great example of how our country is a positive and transformative force in the lives of many across the world. Because of our leadership here in the United States over the past 12 years, there has been a 62 percent increase in the number of women receiving mother-to-child transmissions prevention services. Wow. Thanks to positive American involvement through programs like PEPFAR, more than 11.5 million expectant mothers around the world have received HIV testing and counseling, and nearly 2 million babies have been born HIV-free. However, even though we have made great strides in a fight against pediatric AIDS over the last few years, we cannot rest, Mr. Speaker. We cannot rest while more than 400 children around the world are born with HIV every day; 400. We cannot rest when less than half of the children suffering from HIV have access to the lifesaving treatments they so desperately need; less than half. Indeed, we must redouble our efforts to reach every single mother and child impacted by this terrible disease. For this reason, my friend, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and I just reintroduced H. Res. 593, a bipartisan resolution recommitting our country, the United States, to eradicating pediatric AIDS worldwide and supporting those who have been impacted by this epidemic. Our resolution also supports our national efforts to provide women and children with HIV counseling, with HIV testing services, as well as expanding their access to lifesaving treatments. America's ongoing commitment has helped save the lives of many, but so much more remains to be done. We are one of the greatest hopes for a better future for countless others. Now, more than ever, it is essential to ensure that we remain committed as a nation to creating a future where no child suffers from HIV/AIDS. I urge my colleagues to support this worthwhile cause and cosponsor our resolution, H. Res. 593.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Royce for authoring this bill alongside our good friend Ranking Member Eliot Engel, the dynamic duo of Foreign Affairs. I want to thank them for their leadership and their continued effort in holding Iran accountable. Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan bill is called the Iran Ballistic Missile and International Sanctions Enforcement Act, authored by our chairman and ranking member. It is a strong and important bill. It sanctions Iranian and foreign persons and entities that support, that facilitate, that finance Iran's ballistic missile program. It is a necessary measure because, as we know, Iran has felt emboldened to continue advancing its missile program since the P5+1 and Iran concluded the weak nuclear deal. Tehran has taken advantage of this deal and the U.N. Security Council resolution that endorsed the agreement. Despite language that prohibits Iran's ballistic missile testing in U.N. Resolution 2231, Iran has actually increased its missile activities, violating both the spirit and the letter of the resolution. With the President having made his determination 2 weeks ago that Iran is not in compliance with its commitments under the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, we now have an opportunity to address the weakness in the nuclear deal and also Iran's illicit activity. We must continue to press forward on a dual track. We must continue to hold Iran accountable for its nonnuclear illicit activity, while also looking to address our concerns with the nuclear deal. They are not mutually exclusive, Mr. Speaker. Both are extremely important for our national security. This is an important step. I thank the Members for their great leadership. I support passage of Chairman Royce and Eliot Engel's measure.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank our dynamic duo once again for this wonderful legislation and for bringing this bill before us this afternoon. I rise in strong support of H.R. 3342, Sanctioning Hizballah's Illicit Use of Civilians as Defenseless Shields Act, authored by our friends, Congressmen Gallagher and Suozzi. I thank the gentleman for their leadership. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill, Mr. Speaker, and I applaud our effort here in the House to take up several measures, as you have heard, that address a variety of threats that Iran and its proxies pose to our national security and the security of those in the region. The use of human shields is unconscionable, morally unacceptable, and a clear violation of human rights. Yet for terrorist groups such as Iran proxies, Hezbollah, and Hamas, the use of human shields is an acceptable tactic. It is a tactic used because they engage in terror activity and asymmetric warfare. They don't have the same beliefs and morals of the United States or Israel. It is an attempt to cause innocents to be dragged into their conflict and to cause as many casualties as they can with no regard whatsoever for human life. Iran and Hezbollah know that if they engage in hostilities with Israel, the world will be quick to blame Israel for civilian deaths despite the great precautions Israel takes to not only save human lives, but to only go against belligerents. Responsible nations must condemn this tactic by Hezbollah and by all of its state sponsors of terrorism. We must take action to hold anyone who engages in such actions accountable. Iran and Hezbollah will continue to take advantage of our morality-- what they perceive to be a weakness on our part--and they will continue to employ the use of human shields during armed conflicts until the world sends a strong and unified message, and that is what this bill does. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and I thank the ranking member.