Foreign Affairs

I am honored and  humbled to serve you as a Member on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.  Growing up in my home state of Florida with its diversity of ethnicities and cultures has well prepared me as I begin my career on this august Committee.  I remain committed to fighting for the underserved, the downtrodden and the persecuted as I determine the path our country should take toward the world.

The Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have come at great expense.  Since the beginning of the war in Iraq, more than 4,400 American soldiers have died, and more than 32,000 Americans have been wounded.  Our nation has been at war in Afghanistan longer than we have in any other conflict in our nation’s  history.  Afghanistan is not only long, it has cost thousands of American lives.  For every service member in Afghanistan, it costs us one million dollars per year.  This is the first time in American history that our country has fought not one but two wars and there was not a tax increase to help pay for these wars.  Instead, Congress passed three tax cuts benefiting the richest one percent of all Americans.  We have to be smarter with the people’s purse. 

I support a strong military, and will fight for our service members to have the best equipment, munitions and support.  The one percent of all Americans who voluntarily raise their right hand and swear to protect all Americans even at the risk of their lives deserve nothing less.  These individuals, who are the best and brightest that we have to offer, deserve  honest, forthright and clear answers whenever we choose to send them into harm’s way.  As a Member of Congress, I will make sure that we make smart, intelligent decisions regarding the use of military force.

Middle East

Israel is and always has been a staunch friend and ally of the United States. In turn, we must continue standing by Israel through thick and thin. Our bond with Israel is unbreakable, rooted not only in shared history and culture but, most importantly, in shared values.  For over six decades, Israel has faced existential threats to its security and relentless violence against its citizens. Given this hostility, Israel has an undeniable right to self-defense. We must first and foremost grasp this basic reality.

I look forward to the day when Israelis and Palestinians achieve comprehensive peace. To achieve that goal, however, the Palestinians must first meet basic preconditions, including Hamas renouncing violence, honoring previously-signed agreements, and recognizing Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. The final point requires Palestinians to accept that the refugee issue must be solved outside of Israel’s borders. Furthermore, it is unacceptable for the Palestinians to push for a unilateral declaration of statehood at the United Nations this fall.

Israel deserves a credible partner for peace – not terrorism perpetrated by Hamas. Ultimately, the exact outlines of a peace deal must be determined by the two negotiating parties, but any settlement must recognize the realities on the ground and Israel’s right to defend itself and its citizens.

I have been, and will always be, a strong supporter of Israel.  My experience with discrimination and racism in America leads me to believe that like in the United States, the future of peace in the Middle East depends on reason, understanding and the mutual agreement that everyone has the right to co-exist.  I have been blessed to have been taught to build coalitions between communities through partnerships, dialogue and discussion. 

In this time of turmoil in the Middle East, we must support and stand by Israel.  The United States must do all that we can to bring about a stable Middle East.

Western Hemisphere

I care deeply about our closest neighbors in the Caribbean.  I have Caribbean roots and ancestors, and am proud of my Caribbean heritage.  My interest in the Caribbean include economic and political security.  There are 20 independent nations in the Caribbean that is one of the most diverse regions in the world.

The Cuban government has repeatedly illustrated that it refuses to grant the majority of its citizens the basic human rights of freedom of assembly, free elections, a free press and multi-party elections.  I will advocate for a Cuba that protects the human rights of all of its citizens.

And of course Haiti has my full attention.  It always has, and it always will.

I have been to Haiti several times during my life, and every time I am touched in a different way.  A most recent trip reinforced the fact that help is still needed as Haiti attempts to rebuild.

Moving forward, I will be an ardent advocate for any measure that benefits Haiti, and pledge to work to help rebuild Haiti and expand educational opportunities, not only through U.S. government assistance, but also through the talents and ingenuity of the Haitian diaspora.

And while I applaud the President on his decision to extend TPS until 2013 I will continue my fight for extended Temporary Protected Status for Haitians currently in the United States

Asia and the Pacific

As a Member of the Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee, I will ensure that American foreign policy further reaches out to the Asian region with the message that the U.S. is committed to human rights, the protection of women and children, social equality, economic development, and democratic governance in Asia.  Asia is one of our largest trading partners, and indeed, there has been increased economic interdependence between the U.S. and Asian continent.  More than one third of U.S. total trade is conducted in the region, and it ranks as our second-largest trading partner after Canada and Mexico. 

This region will prove to be an international flashpoint for many years to come.  The Korean peninsula, Taiwan Strait, Kashmir, and our current war in Afghanistan have made this true. The continued challenge of human rights in Tibet, North Korea and Burma will also be a focus of the subcommittee for this Congress.