Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his longstanding support of this important legislation that really reflects the values that we stand for here in the United States of America. I particularly thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) for the back and forth--depending on who is in the majority in our Chamber in each successive Congress--as we sort of trade responsibility for who leads this bill. In addition, I have also previously co-led this legislation with our former colleague, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Mr. Diaz- Balart also joins us, as well. There is really broad bipartisan support for this bill, and I am so proud to lead this legislation on the Democratic side of the aisle. This legislation would ensure that our government is never complicit in theft and expropriation ordered by autocracies. By prohibiting U.S. recognition of illegally confiscated trademarks, this bill stands strongly against attempts by the Cuban regime to profit from hijacked intellectual property. Representing a diaspora community as I do, I have heard countless constituents recount how their home countries stripped them of hard- earned wealth. Many Cuban families had to start from scratch when they arrived. They had property and their businesses confiscated. Our Nation has benefited immeasurably from their cultural contributions and entrepreneurial spirit. We are not just a nation of immigrants. We are a nation of innovators.…”