[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E305-E306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         THE PROMISE OF FREEDOM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER DEUTSCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 1997

  Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of the death of 
four Cuban-

[[Page E306]]

Americans whose civilian aircraft were shot down by the fighter planes 
of the brutal Castro regime. For those who doubted the cruel means the 
Cuban dictator is willing to employ to protect his stranglehold on the 
island nation, this act was a shocking example.
  On this first anniversary of their death, it is important to remember 
those who have given their lives to fight against Fidel Castro and to 
realize that this fight is still far from over. Of all of the lessons 
arising from this tragedy, perhaps the most telling is the need for 
America to maintain its resolve, to lead by example and to show that 
these patriots did not die in vain.
  Most of the Members in this Chamber were here last year when we voted 
on the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act, sponsored by 
Senator Jesse Helms and Representative Dan Burton. The passage of 
Helms-Burton was a bold step toward tougher sanctions on Cuba and 
signified an American commitment to add teeth to our policy toward 
Castro. Helms-Burton was not meant to punish the Cuban people, but 
rather to focus our efforts on Castro himself and to highlight the 
hypocrisy of those who choose to do business with the oppressive 
dictator.
  Mr. Speaker, I find it unfortunate that it took a tragedy in the 
Florida Straits to energize Congress and the administration to act on 
tougher sanctions. I am hopeful, however, that the passing of these 
four brave individuals will help usher in a new era of change for Cuba 
and that we will forever remember the risks some are willing take for 
the promise of freedom.

                          ____________________