Political Quotes

“I wish to recognize the fifth anniversary of the unfair arrest and imprisonment of an American citizen in Cuba from Maryland, Mr. Alan Gross. I stand with his wife Judy, and their two daughters in calling for the immediate release of Mr. Gross by the Cuban government. In 2009, Mr. Gross went to Cuba as a contractor for the U.S. Agency for International Development. On this visit to Cuba, he wanted to assist Cuba's Jewish community by improving their access to the internet. With a background in social work, he dedicated his career to helping others around the world. The Cuban government arrested Mr. Gross on December 3, 2009. He was held for 14 months without being charged with a crime. He was eventually charged as a spy and sentenced to 15 years in prison. At 65 years old, Mr. Gross' physical and mental health has suffered severely over the past 5 years. He has lost a significant amount of weight and developed several painful medical conditions. His contact with his family is extremely limited, compounding his anxiety. On his birthday, May 2, 2014, Mr. Gross made several statements that demonstrated the mental strain and anguish that he feels daily. Following the death of his mother in June, he was visited by his wife Judy and said his goodbyes to her. Mr. Gross's current physical and mental state is at a critical point. The Cuban government must allow him to come home to the United States. Judy Gross has never given up.…”