Bill Lee

I think we need more resources for this, but I know in my district, again, in the city of Oakland, we care much about ensuring that all young people have access.

It is still mind-boggling to think we have a literacy problem in America.

I, too, believe we need to increase the budget, flat funding, fine, but for what you do and for what these volunteers do, we are saving a lot of money and providing real pathways out of poverty at a very cost-effective rate.

Programs like AmeriCorps VISTA, I mean, the taxpayer gets a heck of a lot for our investment.

So ethnic minorities, again, are getting cut in this budget like everybody.

This budget proposes to cut $20,000,000 out of REACH.

There were fewer African-American males enrolled in medical school now than in 1978.

I have been calling for years now to make sure that we fund it.

We need to really recognize that and try to understand the fact that this allocation at this level continues to really hamper our ability to address our Nation's current and emerging health needs.

I think our allocation right now continues to be, what is it, 10 percent below pre-sequestration levels?

We are still seeking liberty and justice for all in our own country.

Lifting the embargo, lifting the travel ban moves us closer, moves the Cuban people closer to realizing a democratic society.

It is only through discussion, dialogue and diplomatic relations will that ever occur.

No country is perfect. Vietnam, China, the United States, we have many countries that have not accomplished what we think are universal standards of human rights.

The opportunity cost to U.S. exporters of maintaining the embargo is around 1.2 billion per year

It was a special day for all of us in Washington to see that flag go up. I thought I would never see that happen, certainly in my time in Congress and maybe in my lifetime.

I want to just take a moment of personal privilege to thank you for your phenomenal work as our Secretary of State.

I have been a strong advocate for ending the 50 years of failed policy with Cuba.

I am glad to see a shift finally from locking people up, you know, because they use drugs, or deal drugs, to finding some sort of rehabilitation alternatives.

I think we have seen over 50 years of a non-engagement policy with Cuba. That hasn't changed one thing.

Thank you, Madam Chair and Ranking Member, for this very important hearing.

Let me thank the gentlewoman from California, once again, for being here and for her leadership. We have legislation, H.R. 3238, to lift the embargo; H.R. 664; and H.R. 403, also to lift the embargo and travel ban. I yield back the balance…

Absolutely. Thank you, Congressman Farr. I now yield to Congresswoman Karen Bass, who has been a great leader for many, many years. In the day, I think Congresswoman Bass was really very clear on why we needed normal relations and should…

Thank you, Congressman Farr. Let me thank you for laying out much of the history and the rationale for what seems so simple, to normalize relations between our country and Cuba. And December 17 marks another milestone, and that is the…

I thank the gentleman for his message of hope tonight and for reminding us of the fact that poverty does take its toll on the mental health and well-being of the human spirit. I want to thank all of the Members who participated. I hope we…