Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of House Resolution 1350. And I want to thank my good friend and colleague from California, Ambassador Watson, for introducing this worthy measure. {time} 1310 This issue is important to me not just as the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee or as a Member who represents one of the top 20 refugee resettlement areas in the United States, but also as a former refugee. Refugees have been a core component of our wonderful Nation since its creation. Whether they were early colonists fleeing religious persecution in Europe or families of the 20th century fleeing Communist tyranny, as mine fled the Castro regime, refugees have found in this great Nation safety, freedom, and opportunity. From the Displaced Persons Act of 1948 to the Refugees Act of 1980 until today, I am proud of the work that Congress has done over the years to keep refugee protection a priority of our government. Traditionally, the United States has resettled more refugees on an annual basis than the rest of the world combined. But our country also lives up to its own highest ideals when we reach out overseas to help and protect those most vulnerable of the vulnerables, those forced from their home by persecution.…”