Albio Sires

over the years I've been very critical of the OAS, critical because, in reality, you know, they never spoke up about human rights abuses anywhere.

I commend Secretary Almagro for speaking up. It is consistent with his additional duties on the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

I couldn't agree with you more that they should only serve one term, because I think what happens if they can serve--you know, they like to cozy up to these countries so they get reappointed.

I think that while we sleep, countries like Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran are plotting how to undermine this country.

In closing, keeping the internet open, interoperable, and secure is of critical importance to America's national security, economy, and domestic values. We must use all the diplomatic tools to develop strong international norms, bolster…

I am disheartened by the President's unrelenting effort, the State Department's efforts to defend freedom of speech around the world.

I do not agree with you that the State Department morale is improving. I still see qualified people leaving.

I don't know anywhere in this world where the Russians have a footprint that is better off today than before.

I remember we came close to nuclear war when they tried to put nuclear weapons 90 miles away from here.

I see what is going on now in the Western Hemisphere where the Russians are trying to influence and trying to damage any kind of a system.

I grew up in Cuba. I left in 1962. I think I know a little bit about Communism.

I again want to thank Chairman Royce, Ranking Member Engel, and mi hermana from Florida, my sister, Ileana Ros- Lehtinen, for their work on this bipartisan measure and for their commitment to democracy in the Western Hemisphere. They have…

Our country is reeling from a natural disaster that has left dozens dead, caused billions of dollars in damage, and forced thousands out of their homes. Hurricane Harvey has wrought a level of devastation and suffering that is nearly…

I am concerned with some of these cuts for these programs for women.

I think that machismo is still pretty much alive in the Western Hemisphere in all these countries.

I always figured that one of the issues that held my mother back was that my mother was 13 and my father was 23 when they started going out.

I cannot agree with you more that education and economic opportunity changes the whole formula.

I think the fact that we have a bipartisan effort now with this legislation to put some sanctions on Russia and to send a strong message that this is something that we will not allow--I just cannot understand why this White House seems to…

I want to take this moment to thank my colleague and my chairman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee for always being present on all the important issues, human rights issues in the Western Hemisphere. And of course, I want to thank my…

I thank my colleague from Florida. I want to commend her for her passion and her commitment to helping the people of Venezuela. I thank her for making me part of this Special Order. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the ongoing crisis…

Thank you, Congressman. Thank you for all your passion and all your effort on behalf of those people who need it the most, the people in Venezuela. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to end by saying, you know, I remember years ago when Spain…

Every day, we see the situation becoming more dangerous with the Venezuelan people suffering at the hands of Maduro's authoritarian tactics.

I will never forget the experience that Ranking Member Sires and I had last year when we visited the binational dam at Itaipu.

The U.S. cannot fall behind as the Western Hemisphere plays a critical role in our energy security.

I believe integrating our energy interests in the region have been ignored for far too long.