Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank Chairman Royce and my good friend Mr. Engel for their continued leadership, both of these great leaders, their longstanding engagement to greater engagement with the Caribbean and for introducing this bill that we have before us today, H.R. 4939, the United States- Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act. I am also pleased to be an original cosponsor and the Republican lead of Mr. Engel's legislation. I thank Mr. Engel. It is fitting that we bring this bill to the floor today, Mr. Speaker, during National Caribbean American Heritage Month. As a Member from south Florida, I see firsthand the wonderful contributions that Caribbean Americans have made to our local communities. The Caribbean culture has had a great and lasting impact on our country and has helped bolster our society and has enriched our traditions. But while we celebrate the contributions of the Caribbean American community to our country, we must also dedicate ourselves to doing more to enhance our relations with our neighbors. U.S. foreign policy in recent administrations--be they Republican or Democratic--have not strengthened our partnerships with the Caribbean in the right way. As the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), our chairman, pointed out, our influence and friendship with these nations has waned, allowing the negative influence of the dictatorships in Cuba and Venezuela to take root in the Caribbean.…”