Claudia Tenney: “I am happy to stand here with my colleagues to honor our friend and our great colleague, Representative Ileana Ros…”

“I am happy to stand here with my colleagues to honor our friend and our great colleague, Representative Ileana Ros- Lehtinen, who will be retiring at the end of the 115th Congress after more than 35 years in public service. I know I speak for everyone on both sides of the aisle when I say that we will sincerely miss Ileana's bright smile, strong leadership, and fierce advocacy for her constituents. Today, we look back on her service with gratitude. We recognize her commitment to human rights, providing equal opportunity to all, supporting public education and especially our Nation's veterans. We recall our memories of her great sense of humor and wish her a fond farewell as she begins her next journey in life. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen broke through barriers, becoming the first Hispanic woman to serve in the Florida statehouse and senate, later rising to become the first woman to chair the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Her record of service is beyond reproach. At the age of 8, Ileana's family fled the oppressive communist regime of Fidel Castro in Cuba. This life-changing experience has guided her journey in public service and led her to remain committed to protecting human rights. Although I haven't had the opportunity to serve as long as other Members alongside Ileana, the time I have spent serving with her has been inspirational and an incredible honor.…”