Marco Rubio

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. If I may respond for a moment. I understand my colleague has to go. I know it is late and other things are going on. He is welcome to stay, obviously. There were a couple of mentions about how I characterized the resolution. I will just read from the resolution: Resolved, That the Senate [1] calls on the President of the United States to enforce existing law to revoke visas and initiate deportation proceedings for any foreign national who has endorsed or espoused the terrorist activities of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad-- People whose rocket yesterday hit a hospital in Gaza and killed innocent people-- Hezbollah, or other Foreign Terrorist Organizations-- Which is a term that is defined by the State Department who issues a list of who those are-- That participated in terrorist attacks against Israel and United States citizens before, on, or after October 7, 2023. Yes, we have a First Amendment right in this country to free speech, but everyone acknowledges there are limits to it. For example, you do not have a First Amendment right to call on people to overthrow the government of the United States. You don't have a First Amendment right to do that. You don't have a First Amendment right to incite people to violence. And there is no First Amendment right to a visa. I am not talking about U.S. citizens. And, by the way, to be abundantly clear, this is very specifically written to talk about people who have endorsed or espoused the terrorist activities of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihads. This is not about people who support a two-state solution. This is not about people who are of Palestinian descent. It has nothing to do with any of them. People have every right to espouse those views. And I may disagree with them, but they have a right to do that. What no one has a right to do, especially a visitor--not an American--a visitor to the United States granted a visa for which there is no constitutional right--that we are going to allow visitors into the country the law says they are not even allowed to be in, but now they are here. They got in because, obviously, nobody goes into their interview and says: I am a Hamas supporter, by the way, in case you are wondering. So they let them in the country. Or maybe they became a Hamas supporter while they are here. But they are here as visitors on a visa, espousing, defending, and supporting a terrorist organization that just committed a horrible slaughter, but they have been doing it for a long time--not at this scale and scope like we saw in one day. This is not about the First Amendment. This is about people that are actively calling for the support of a terrorist organization that, if they could, they would slaughter Americans. If they have the capability to conduct an attack like that in the United States, they would. There is no constitutional right to that. And there is no constitutional right to a visa to remain in this country. That is what I am talking about. That is what all this is about. It goes on, obviously, to condemn the attack and all the other things, which I think would not be controversial. But that is specifically what this is about. The law is very clear. You are not allowed--it just makes all the sense in the world. Why would any country in the world say: We are going to give out visas to people who support terrorism? They wouldn't, and our law doesn't. But now that they are here, somehow, they are immune to the application of the law? Now that visa is somehow a protected document? A visa is just like if we have to get a visa to go to another country. It is a country saying: We will allow you in as a visitor for a temporary period of time. But there are all kinds of things that can get your visa canceled. There are all kinds of things that can get your visa canceled, like if you are here to do a certain kind of job and you are not doing that job, you are in default of the visa. There are all kinds of things that, depending on the visa you are on, can get your visa canceled. Shouldn't one of them be espousing support for terrorism? Shouldn't that be one of the criteria we use? We can go back and forth. We can talk about all these other concepts. I promise you that all across America--I don't have to take a poll. If you went up to the average person and asked them: Let me ask you a question. If someone is a visitor to this country, say they are here on a tourist visa or student visa or here on a visa as a visiting professor. They are here on a visa. And that person is out there supporting and encouraging others to support a terrorist organization that hates America, hates our values, but more importantly, that carries out violence; that espouses violence as their primary tool for activism--if you went and told somebody: Should we kick people out of this country-- not Americans--who are foreign nationals who are here on temporary visas and are out there supporting terrorism inside our country? I guarantee you, the overwhelming majority of Americans would say, absolutely--absolutely, we should. I have had Democratic colleagues come up to me and say that today. All this resolution does is--it doesn't even force the administration to do it. It just calls on them to do it. So I honestly don't understand the objection. I don't understand the rationale behind the objection. I hope we can maybe vote on it one day. Maybe we can get a vote on this, and that way everybody could be on the record. We shouldn't have foreign nationals in our country that support Hamas or Hezbollah or any of these other groups. I specifically tailored the language of this resolution to stick to the law and nothing more. I do not believe anybody should be out there committing acts of violence against people because of their ethnic heritage, because of their religion. I tell this to people all the time. Do people realize, for example, that in the Israeli Army right now, there are Israeli Arabs who will be called to go into Gaza and fight in the war? There are Israeli Arabs who will fight for Israel because they are against terrorism. Do they realize in the Armed Forces of the United States, there are men and women who are Muslims, followers of Islam who have fought for the freedom of this country? This is not a Nation where your value as a person or status of American is determined by your religion or ethnic background. I reject that categorically. We are heartbroken, for example, by a story that some deranged person knocks on a door and murders a little boy the other day screaming something about Muslim. That is a crime. I am glad he was arrested. He should go to jail. Anyone who does that should go to jail. That is the kind of violence that terrorists do. No one is defending or talking about anything like that. What I am saying is common sense. You are a visitor. You are not even an American. You are a foreign national. You are here because we gave you a visa to be here temporarily, and now you are out there defending and supporting Hamas, a terrorist organization. You need to go. That is what this resolution asks the administration to do. I hope we can get a vote on the Senate so at least everyone will know where everybody stands. I yield the floor.

Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, I want to read here, briefly, from the law of the United States of America. This is the existing law; I am not trying to pass a law today. And it says: section 212(a)3(B), subsection--I am not going to read the whole number. The law of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act mandates that you are ineligible to enter into the United States if you endorse or espouse terrorist activity or persuade others to endorse or espouse terrorist activity or support a terrorist organization. What that basically means is, if you are a supporter of a terrorist group or you encourage others to support the actions of a terrorist group--a designated terrorist group--the statute defines what that is, you are not supposed to get a visa. And so it is reasonable to conclude that if you are already in the country--understand what I am talking about, I am not talking about American citizens; I am talking about someone who is a foreign national and that person is in the United States on a visa and that person is out there defending or encouraging others to defend and take the side of a terrorist organization, like, for example, Hamas or maybe Hezbollah or somebody else--if they are not supposed to have a visa to come into the country, once they are already here, if they do that, they should lose that visa. That is applying existing law. And so what I am going to come here on the floor and try to do today is pass something that I, frankly, thought was common sense, doesn't go any further than this, that basically urges--it is not even a new law. It is in the resolution. It basically says the Senate is asking the Biden administration, if they come across anyone who is here--a foreign national on a visa who supports Hamas--that that person's visa should be canceled, and they should be removed from the country through the proceedings involving removal. That is what this resolution does. It, obviously, does things like condemns anti-Semitism and condemns the horrible attack from Hamas. But all it basically says is if you are a foreign national in the United States, you are here on a visa as a visitor and you support Hamas or you encourage others to support Hamas, you should lose your visa and you should be gone. That is what I hope to be able to do here today. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to consideration of S. Res. 413, which is at the desk; further, that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, I recognize CMSgt Wendy Thi as she retires from a distinguished 28-year career in defense of the Nation in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. Chief Master Sergeant Thi began her career in the Navy as an electricians mate, graduating from one of the first classes at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in Orlando, FL, that included women. After a 6-year tour with the Navy that included a deployment in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, she transitioned to the Air Force Reserves in 2001. Chief Master Sergeant Thi spent 6 years in public affairs and 9 years as a first sergeant, helping thousands of airmen and their families. Critically, she served as the Reserve liaison to the Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, where she was instrumental developing and executing the first-ever enlisted professional military education curriculum at the Royal Saudi Air Force that supported women, peace, and security. In her final position in the Air Force, Chief Master Sergeant Thi served as the senior enlisted adviser to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. In that position, she advised on a wide array of issues ranging from recruiting challenges, readiness support, and food insecurity. Chief Master Sergeant Thi's work over the decades has had an immeasurable impact on our servicemembers and the civilian employees of the Navy and Air Force. Her dedication to the mission and tireless efforts have contributed to the safety of all Americans. I extend my best wishes to Chief Master Sergeant Thi in her retirement in Florida.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Carolyn Jayne Arrington, the DeSoto County Teacher of the Year from DeSoto County High School in Arcadia, FL. Jayne has more than 20 years of experience developing lesson plans and classroom strategies to ensure students succeed. She commits her time and talents to helping students meet their personal educational goals. Jayne's passion for providing quality student education drives her ambitions as a teacher. Her pledge to her students for the school year is to ensure they leave her classroom confident in the subject material with a mastery that lasts with them throughout their academic career. Jayne has taught Algebra 1, Algebra 1A/1B, Pre-calculus, and Advanced Placement Calculus at DeSoto County High School since 2015. She also has served as her school's mathematics department head since 2017 and was named Mathematics District Lead Professional Development representative for the county in 2021. Jayne earned her master's degree in mathematics education and her bachelor's degree in mathematics with a minor in education from the University of Florida in 1993 and 1994, respectively. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Jayne for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Tracy Clauson, the St. Johns County Teacher of the Year from Sebastian Middle School in St. Augustine, FL. Tracy works with other teachers in developing support sessions that acclimate them into the classroom. She sets high expectations to be successful and ensures their students learn to the best of their abilities. Tracy created and hosted development training programs for her fellow educators, emphasizing student engagement and classroom management. Her work with the Professional Development Certification Program and clinical educational training offers the best opportunity for their students' success during the school year. Tracy teaches seventh and eighth grade Spanish at Sebastian Middle School. She has more than 12 years of teaching experience in reading and in English, Spanish, and English for speakers of other languages classes. Tracy also serves as district lead for middle school Spanish and participated in the 2022-2023 Instructional Literacy Coach Academy. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Tracy for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Katrina Feola, the Putnam County Teacher of the Year from Crescent City Junior-Senior High School in Crescent City, FL. Katrina became an educator because of her desire to help students obtain a bright future. She always works to help them achieve their goals and often meets with students after they leave her classroom. Katrina makes her classroom available to other teachers and administrators as they work together for students. They design lesson plans to find a student's weakness and turn it into their strength. Katrina teaches English 1 and has more than 30 years of education experience in the Putnam County School District. She returned to teaching in 2021 and serves on various committees at her school and within the school district. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Katrina for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Sundai Waston Grillo, the Collier County Teacher of the Year from Gulf Coast High School in Naples, FL. Sundai believed she would have a career in nonprofit work after graduating from college. Instead, her time on the University of Florida Gators Volleyball team offered her an opportunity to continue her playing career in Asturias, Spain. While there, she lived across the street from a school and began working with children to develop their English language skills. It was there that she found her passion for educating others. After Sundai returned to the United States, she began working at her alma mater, teaching English and reading to English language learners. Sundai serves as the literacy coach at Gulf Coast High School. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in public relations and image management from the University of Florida in 2013 and was a 4-year letterman for the Gators Volleyball team. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Sundai for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Emily Murphy, the Suwannee County Teacher of the Year from Suwannee Springcrest Elementary School in Live Oak, FL. Emily believes Suwannee's schools provide students the best choice to further their educational goals. She commits each day to ensure her students learn something new and takes pride in showcasing their success across Florida. Emily enjoys working with her fellow teachers as they develop lesson plans suited to meet the needs of their students. She views her job as making the first educational impact on her young students and hopes they take what they learn in stride. Emily was humbled to receive this important recognition because she works alongside many great educators. Emily teaches kindergarten at Suwannee Springcrest Elementary and has worked in the Suwannee County School District for the past few years. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Emily for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Krashelle Skelly, the Dixie County Teacher of the Year from Dixie County High School in Cross City, FL. Krashelle loves connecting with her students by finding or creating ways to present her lesson materials for real life usage. Often, she will show angle measurements in roof trusses or how the area relates to buying flooring and paint for homes. Krashelle considers herself a lifelong learner and is always looking for ways to become a better educator for her students. Her passion as a mathematics educator drives her to ensure her students reach their academic goals. Krashelle is an instructional coach at Dixie County High School, where she has taught for the past 8 years. She graduated with her bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in food and resource economics. She earned her associates in arts degree from Santa Fe College in business administration and management. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Krashelle for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Brett Wasden, the Gilchrist County Teacher of the Year from Bell High School in Bell, FL. Brett is passionate about empowering his students to grow academically and personally. He works to be a role model for his students and appreciates those who helped him become the teacher he is today. Brett is dedicated to promoting his students and ensuring they have the tools necessary to be successful. His lesson plans focus on their personal development, and he strives for his students to have a solid grasp of the subject material. Brett has been an agriscience teacher at Bell High School since 2020. He earned his master's in community and leadership development from the University of Kentucky and his bachelor's in agricultural education and communication from the University of Florida. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Brett for his commitment to his students. I look forward to hearing about his continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Estela Gonzalez, the Glades County Teacher of the Year from West Glades School in LaBelle, FL. Estela attends every school event for students, dressing in costume or as the school's mascot. She often spends time on the playground with the younger grade levels, developing relationships with her future students. She does this because she knows earning a student's trust early on is important to their success. Estela's commitment to students results in many asking to be in her classroom. Once in her classroom, she holds students to high expectations and develops cooperative teaching strategies to teach students and ignite a passion for learning. Estela also shares her plans with her fellow teachers to ensure all of their students reach their full potential. Estela has taught third grade at West Glades High School since 2017. She has also served as the co-athletic director to ensure students have a sports season. She has led the accelerated reading committee and involves herself in other committees when needed throughout the school year. I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Estela for her commitment to her students. I look forward to hearing about her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I pay tribute to a remarkable Cuban- American patriot whose life embodied the American Dream. Caridad Roque Perez, who went to eternal glory at the age of 82, was a beloved journalist and an iconic former political prisoner who unjustly endured more than 15 years of imprisonment under the criminal Castro regime. Cary's tireless pursuit of freedom and justice made a lasting impact not just in South Florida but also within the Cuban-American exile community across our nation. While our community mourns the loss of one of its most resilient and courageous voices, it is our moral duty to honor and remember her legacy as well as to carry on her relentless advocacy for a democratic Cuba, free from tyranny. Jeanette and I unite in prayer alongside the Cuban exile community for the repose of the soul of this brave anti-Castro dissident who dedicated her life to service and advocacy.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize the 10-year anniversary of the Tampa Veterans Treatment Court and Veteran Mentors Program. Among the largest veteran treatment courts in the nation, the Tampa Veterans Treatment Court and Mentors Program was established in 2013 thanks to the efforts of retired U.S. Army COL DJ Reyes. The purpose of the program is to help identify and provide the necessary U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs treatments and counselling to veterans whose involvement in the criminal justice system is often connected to a condition or disorder incurred during their military service. At the height of the program, the Tampa Veterans Treatment Court and Mentors Program grew to more than 225 veteran defendants and more than 100 volunteer veteran mentors. The program currently enjoys a 90- percent graduation rate and is nationally recognized as the model for newly formed veteran treatment courts. In June 2019, Colonel Reyes was invited to both the White House and Capitol Hill to brief policymakers on the success of the Tampa Veterans Treatment Court and Mentors Program and in support of Federal legislation to support State veteran treatment courts. This bill, the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act of 2019, which I cosponsored, was signed into law by President Trump in August 2020. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Colonel Reyes and everyone associated with the Tampa Veteran Treatment Court and Mentors Program for their work assisting our veterans and wish them many years of continued success.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Thomas Matthew Batura, a summer 2023 intern with my Orlando office, for the hard work he has done for my office and the people of Florida. Thomas is currently studying at the University of Central Florida, where he is completing a master's degree in public administration. He is a dedicated and diligent worker who was devoted to getting the most out of his internship experience. I extend my deepest gratitude to Thomas for his work with my office, and I look forward to hearing of his successes in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Ximena Rafaela Hakime, a summer 2023 intern with my Orlando office, for the hard work she has done for my office and the people of Florida. Ximena is currently studying at the University of Central Florida, where she is completing a bachelor's degree in political science. She is a dedicated and diligent worker who was devoted to getting the most out of her internship experience. I extend my deepest gratitude to Ximena for her work with my office, and I look forward to hearing of her successes in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Bennett Aaron Bert, a summer 2023 intern with my Orlando office, for the hard work he has done for my office and the people of Florida. Bennett is currently studying at the Catholic University of America, where he is completing a bachelor's degree in politics with a minor in business. He is a dedicated and diligent worker who was devoted to getting the most out of his internship experience. I extend my deepest gratitude to Bennett for his work with my office, and I look forward to hearing of his successes in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Gabriela Sofia Bravo, a summer 2023 intern with my Orlando office, for the hard work she has done for my office and the people of Florida. Gabriela is currently studying at the University of Central Florida, where she is completing a bachelor's degree in political science with an emphasis in intelligence and national security, as well as a minor in international and global studies. She is a dedicated and diligent worker who was devoted to getting the most out of her internship experience. I extend my deepest gratitude to Gabriela for her work with my office, and I look forward to hearing of her successes in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Vicmarie Palomares- Colon, a summer 2023 intern with my Orlando office, for the hard work she has done for my office and the people of Florida. Vicmarie is currently studying at the University of Central Florida, where she is completing a bachelor's degree in legal studies. She is a dedicated and diligent worker who was devoted to getting the most out of her internship experience. I extend my deepest gratitude to Vicmarie for her work with my office, and I look forward to hearing of her successes in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Fiona Ferrero, a spring and summer 2023 intern with my Orlando office, for the hard work she has done for my office and the people of Florida. Fiona is currently studying at Ocoee High School. She is a dedicated and diligent worker who was devoted to getting the most out of her internship experience. I extend my deepest gratitude to Fiona for her work with my office, and I look forward to hearing of her successes in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Ethan Craig Folkman, a summer 2023 intern with my Gulf Coast regional office, for the hard work he has done for my office and the people of Florida. Ethan is currently a student at Boston College, where he is majoring in political science. He is a dedicated and diligent worker who was devoted to getting the most out of his internship experience. I extend my deepest gratitude to Ethan for his work with my office during these challenging times, and I look forward to hearing of his continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Pablo Elias Fortich, a summer 2023 intern with my Orlando office, for the hard work he has done for my office and the people of Florida. Pablo is currently studying at the University of Central Florida, where he is completing a bachelor's degree in political science with a concentration in national security and intelligence. He is a dedicated and diligent worker who was devoted to getting the most out of his internship experience. I extend my deepest gratitude to Pablo for his work with my office, and I look forward to hearing of his successes in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Rhyan Furda, a summer 2023 intern with my Orlando office, for the hard work she has done for my office and the people of Florida. Rhyan is currently studying at Colorado State University, where she is completing a bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in business administration. She is a dedicated and diligent worker who was devoted to getting the most out of her internship experience. I extend my deepest gratitude to Rhyan for her work with my office, and I look forward to hearing of her successes in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Gabrielle India Asiiag, a spring and summer 2023 intern with my Orlando office, for the hard work she has done for my office and the people of Florida. Gabrielle is currently studying at the University of Central Florida, where she is completing a bachelor's degree in psychology. She is a dedicated and diligent worker who was devoted to getting the most out of her internship experience. I extend my deepest gratitude to Gabrielle for her work with my office, and I look forward to hearing of her successes in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Camryn Elizabeth Rios, a summer 2023 intern with my Gulf Coast regional office. Camryn is currently a student at The University of Mississippi, where she is majoring in public policy leadership with a minor in journalism. I extend my gratitude to Camryn for her work with my office during this semester.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Gianna Sofia Roman, a summer 2023 intern with my Orlando office, for the hard work she has done for my office and the people of Florida. Gianna is currently studying at the University of Florida, where she is completing a bachelor's degree in political science and women's studies. She is a dedicated and diligent worker who was devoted to getting the most out of her internship experience. I extend my deepest gratitude to Gianna for her work with my office, and I look forward to hearing of her successes in the years to come.