Note: Mack gave the following remarks at an event on Capitol Hill sponsored by the Center for International Private Enterprise, a nonprofit organization that promotes private property rights and free markets in Latin America and around the world.  Hernando de Soto was honored for his work in promoting private enterprise and democracy in Peru.

Thank you for welcoming me today.  It is an honor to be here with you all and to highlight Hernando DeSoto’s work promoting freedom, free markets, and the rule of law in Latin America.

As the top Republican on the House Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, the work of the Center for International and Private Enterprise, or CIPE, is very important to me.

Since I have been in Congress, I've had the opportunity to immerse myself in a variety of important issues concerning our nation's role in promoting the ideals of freedom and prosperity around the world.

But it's important to understand that my staunch commitment to the ideals of freedom, security, and prosperity was forged when I was growing up. For these were the ideals I was exposed to every day.

My father, mother, and I often talked about the perils of communism and tyranny, and the right of people to live in freedom.  In fact, it was my father who instilled in me the simple idea that freedom is the core of all human progress.

And yet we live in an era in which we are reminded every day that freedom is a fragile thing.

Dr. DeSoto and the people at CIPE have shown that they share a commitment to the ideals of freedom, security, and prosperity.

From Colombia to Peru to the Dominican Republic, CIPE is dedicated to democracy and free market reforms which ultimately put people on the path to prosperity and stability.

CIPE and Hernado have a long history together.  Its first partnership was with Hernando’s organization, the Institute for Liberty and Democracy in Peru.

CIPE helped the Institute develop a program that would increase citizen participation in the government’s decision making process. This work led to 300,000 small enterprises integrating into Peru’s formal economy.

CIPE has also worked with legislatures from over 15 countries throughout the hemisphere.

Today, CIPE educates legislators in both Colombia and Argentina, making sure that they have the right tools to be more active and effective in passing legislation.

We have seen that CIPE’s approach toward governance works.

We have witnessed the poor results of governments that reject market oriented approaches and how these choices have real consequences for its people.

Take Venezuela, for instance.

Venezuela is suffering under the oppressive regime of Hugo Chavez.  He is crushing the hopes and dreams of the Venezuelan people.

According to experts, Venezuela will be the only country in the hemisphere that will not grow in 2010.

CIPE and Hernando understand that a democracy that is market oriented has the best chance for success.

Their hard work has shown this and tonight we honor Hernando for his commitment.  I appreciate being here today to honor Hernando for his good work.

Thank you.