On the recordJuly 23, 2019
I first commend my colleague from central Florida (Mr. Soto), for his leadership and his perseverance. I want to also thank my colleagues from south Florida, many of whom are here today in support of this important piece of legislation. Look, I know that there are concerns about an immigration system that is absolutely broken in this country, and it is. I know that there are concerns about even the TPS system. I get that. But we have to take a step back. What we are dealing with here is a very specific, unique situation, which is why Congress today will have this opportunity to vote on it. You know the situation. You have heard the situation about the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. Over 3 million people have fled Venezuela because what was the wealthiest country in South America, because of the radical socialist policies of the two last dictatorships, now has become among the poorest, where people don't have access to any basic issues of--whether it is healthcare or even food, medicine. You know all that, but, you see, there is something else: The extreme repression that is taking place in Venezuela, that is the real reason people are fleeing. That is the reason that Venezuelans are dying. That is the reason that the heroes in Venezuela have hit the streets. That is the reason why this young leader, President Guaido, has come to the forefront leading these heroic people. And this administration has recognized that fact.…
