Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to start by thanking Chairman Engel and Ranking Member McCaul for their continued focus on the human rights situation in Nicaragua. I would also like to thank my colleague, Ranking Member Francis Rooney from Florida, for working with me to introduce this resolution. This resolution highlights the severe human rights abuses that have taken place in Nicaragua and conveys bipartisan support for the Nicaraguan people as they seek to reclaim their fundamental rights. In 2018, repression by Nicaraguan security forces resulted in over 325 deaths. According to international human rights groups, Nicaraguan security forces used a deliberate strategy of shooting to kill, committing abuses that rose to the level of crimes against humanity. While President Ortega has since released hundreds of political prisoners, seemingly in an effort to reduce international pressure, there remain at least 56 political prisoners in Nicaragua. Moreover, many of those who were released are still routinely harassed by the authorities. Political prisoners in Nicaragua are subjected to sexual abuse, suffocation with plastic bags, and electric shocks. Over 80,000 Nicaraguans have fled the country since April 2018, many of them to escape persecution. I urge the administration not to turn its back to Nicaraguans who come to the United States fleeing violence and persecution.…”