Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, the Western Hemisphere is set to see many key Presidential, parliamentarian, and municipal elections this year, and those will have far-reaching implications. Sadly, one place where we know we won't see elections is in my native country of Cuba. The Cuban people continue to be denied the right to choose their own leaders. The system in Cuba is a farce. The President of Cuba--using that term loosely--is selected by the National Assembly, and the National Assembly is selected by the regime in what can only be described as a circle of corruption. Raul Castro claims that he will step down and allow for a transition of power in April. The reality is, even if there is a so-called transition, the balance of power will remain with Raul Castro and the Cuban people will continue to suffer. The U.S. must not give Castro any concessions until we see the regime meet the basic conditions laid out in our laws, U.S. law. We want to help the people of Cuba work toward freedom of expression; freedom of assembly; and free, fair, and transparent elections. Then there is Castro's protege in Venezuela: Maduro. Venezuela is set to hold elections this year, but with Maduro in power, there is little that we can expect. Even if elections are held, Mr. Speaker, we know that it will be a fraudulent process, just as the municipal elections were last year. Maduro's grip on the supreme court and the supreme electoral tribunal make it impossible for the voice of the people to be heard.…”