[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 60 (Tuesday, May 10, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H3068-H3071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING SUPPORT OF THE HISTORIC MEETING OF THE ASSEMBLY TO PROMOTE 
                       THE CIVIL SOCIETY IN CUBA

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 193) expressing support to the organizers 
and participants of the historic meeting of the Assembly to Promote the 
Civil Society in Cuba on May 20, 2005, in Havana.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 193

       Whereas Fidel Castro's terrorist regime has continued to 
     repress all attempts by the Cuban people to bring democratic 
     change to Cuba and denies universally recognized liberties, 
     including freedom of speech, association, movement, and the 
     press;
       Whereas thousands of political prisoners are currently 
     imprisoned by Fidel Castro's totalitarian regime;
       Whereas in March 2003 Fidel Castro carried out a massive, 
     island wide crackdown on members of Cuba's pro-democracy 
     movement, under which pro-democracy activists were arrested, 
     subjected to ``summary trials'', and sentenced to up to 28 
     years in prison for their pro-democracy activities;
       Whereas the Department of State's 2004 Country Reports on 
     Human Rights Practices, in referring to Castro's Cuba, 
     states: ``Members of the security forces and prison officials 
     continued to beat and abuse detainees and prisoners, 
     including human rights activists. . . . Prison conditions 
     remained harsh and life threatening, and the Government 
     restricted medical care to some prisoners as a method of 
     control. Prisoners died in jail due to lack of medical 
     care.'';
       Whereas on May 20, 1902, the Republic of Cuba obtained its 
     independence;
       Whereas in the spirit of Jose Marti, many of the future 
     leaders of a free Cuba have called for a meeting of the 
     Assembly of the Civil Society in Cuba, an organization that 
     consists of over 360 opposition and civil society 
     organizations in Cuba;
       Whereas on May 20, 2005, the Assembly to Promote the Civil 
     Society in Cuba seeks to convene an historic meeting in 
     Havana on the 103rd anniversary of Cuban Independence;
       Whereas the Assembly to Promote the Civil Society in Cuba 
     will focus on bringing democracy and liberty to the enslaved 
     island of Cuba;
       Whereas the Assembly to Promote the Civil Society in Cuba 
     is led by three courageous pro-democracy opponents of the 
     Castro regime--Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello, Felix Bonne 
     Carcasses, and Rene Gomez Manzano;
       Whereas organizers and participants are convening a meeting 
     of the Assembly to Promote the Civil Society in Cuba at great 
     risk to themselves and their families; and
       Whereas President George W. Bush stated in his second 
     inaugural address on January 20, 2005: ``All who live in 
     tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not 
     ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you 
     stand for your liberty, we will stand with you. Democratic 
     reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: 
     America sees you for who you are--the future leaders of your 
     free country.'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) extends its support and solidarity to the organizers 
     and participants of the historic meeting of the Assembly to 
     Promote the Civil Society in Cuba on May 20, 2005, in Havana;
       (2) urges the international community to support the 
     Assembly's mission to bring democracy to Cuba;
       (3) urges the Administration and international community to 
     actively oppose any attempts by the Castro regime to repress 
     or punish the organizers and participants of the Assembly; 
     and
       (4) shares the pro-democracy ideals of the Assembly to 
     Promote the Civil Society in Cuba and believes that this 
     Assembly and others will hasten the day of freedom and 
     democracy for the people of Cuba.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).


                             General Leave

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend 
their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 193.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 193, and I 
commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart) for writing 
this important measure and bringing it to the floor. I would like to 
also thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the ranking 
member of the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos), as well as the House leadership, for helping 
us bring this resolution to the floor in such an expeditious manner.
  Mr. Speaker, even the most violent and repressive dictatorships 
cannot extinguish freedom when it lives in people's hearts, and Cuba is 
no exception. The dictator Fidel Castro has always used fear to keep 
himself and his cronies in power.
  Two years ago, the tyrant again attempted to silence the cries for 
liberty and democracy that emanate from every corner of the Cuban 
gulag. He arrested over 75 dissidents and sentenced them to prison 
terms each up to 25 years. What were their crimes? Simply daring to 
exercise their fundamental freedoms, for daring to be free men and 
women.
  These 75 are just some of the most recent ones. There are many more 
Cuban prisoners of conscience who languish in squalid jail cells. 
However, Mr. Speaker, all of Cuba is an island prison; and today we 
rise to commend and support the activities of Cuba's peaceful internal 
opposition.

  On May 20, Cuba's democratic opposition will convene in an Assembly 
to Promote the Civil Society in Cuba. This historic meeting will 
discuss ways to bring democracy and liberty to the nation of Cuba, 
which has suffered under a brutal dictatorship for more than four 
decades. May 20, 2005, will also mark the 103rd anniversary of the 
Cuban Republic, of Cuba's birth as a free nation.
  Yet the Cuban opposition is determined to correct this injustice and 
reclaim their rights as free people in a free, democratic, and 
sovereign nation. The May 20th Assembly to Promote Civil Society in 
Cuba is an important step toward the fulfillment of this goal.
  Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello, Felix Bonne Carcasses, and Rene Gomez 
Manzano and many others are the organizers of this landmark meeting. 
Despite the risks and the constant threats that the dictator holds over 
their heads, they are living examples to their countrymen of courage 
and determination, of how to follow in the footsteps of Pope John Paul, 
II, and be not afraid.
  Just recently, a group of young Cubans held an essay contest focusing 
on a democratic transition in Cuba. One of the finalists, Edgar Lopez 
Moreno, struck a chord that doubtless resonates with the vast majority 
of his countrymen. He wrote: ``After 46 years of political ostracism 
and imposition by the Communist Party and its maximum leader, today the 
process of transition to democracy on the island is closer than ever.''
  The winds of freedom are behind the Cuban opposition. The just nature 
of their cause has given them wings. Soon democracy will take flight in 
Cuba. Soon the Cuban people will free themselves from the grip of this 
dictator, but they need our help. They need our support, and it begins 
here and now.
  I urge my colleagues to stand with these brave Cubans by joining me 
in voting for the resolution of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario 
Diaz-Balart) today.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. Mr. 
Speaker, I too

[[Page H3069]]

want to commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the ranking 
member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for facilitating 
consideration of this resolution. I also want to thank my good friend, 
the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart), the sponsor of this 
resolution, and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), the 
ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, for his 
never-ending battle for human rights in Cuba.
  Mr. Speaker, 2 weeks ago on the House floor, we chastised the Cuban 
regime for its inexcusable continued detention of political dissidents, 
many of whom are jailed because of their conviction to seek freedom and 
democracy in Cuba. Unfortunately, there is no indication from Castro 
that he ever plans to implement political and economic reforms that 
would give hope to the approximately 11 million citizens on the island 
who have suffered for far too long.
  Many internationally recognized human rights groups like Amnesty 
International and Human Rights Watch have denounced Castro's brutal 
dictatorship over the years and called for reforms, the release of 
political prisoners, and urged the totalitarian government to respect 
basic human freedoms.
  This year the Human Rights Commission called attention to the 
injustices which continue to be inflicted upon those innocent 
individuals who toil in Castro's prisons. Undeterred, thousands of 
brave Cubans have sought to bring about political change through 
opposition and civil society organizations which are loosely 
coordinated by the Assembly of the Civil Society in Cuba.
  The assembly is planning a historic meeting next week on the 103rd 
anniversary of Cuban independence. Mr. Speaker, I would like to 
encourage the organizers of the meeting of the assembly to include in 
the meeting political dissidents who may disagree with them about 
whether to engage officials within Castro's government on the 
transition process, in particular, the supporters of the Varela 
Project, a grassroots, non-violent, citizens' movement in Cuba that 
seeks fundamental political change by petitioning the Cuban government 
for a referendum on reform according to that country's constitution.
  These groups should feel as though they are welcome within the 
broader coalition that opposes Castro's policies. Regardless of which 
groups of political activists attend the assembly, I am concerned that 
Castro's henchmen will once again try to suppress dissent through the 
use of force. As a result, I strongly concur with the sentiment 
expressed in the resolution urging the administration and the 
international community to stand ready to respond to such an atrocity.
  This resolution demonstrates our unequivocal commitment to stand 
shoulder to shoulder with the Cuban people if such an unjustified 
response were to occur. As a result, Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my 
colleagues to support House Resolution 193.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart), the author of the 
resolution.

                              {time}  1445

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the 
gentlewoman from Florida, also my dear friend the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Wexler) from West Palm Beach.
  Today, Congress is supporting these brave individuals in Cuba who, 
despite all of the dangers, are standing up for freedom, are standing 
up for democracy, from within Cuba, from within that totalitarian 
island.
  The three main organizers, Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello, Felix Bonne 
Carcasses, and Rene Gomez Manzano, all three of which have suffered 
prison time by the Cuban dictatorship, are standing up because they 
know that the answer to the problems that the Cuban people face is 
simply just one: It is freedom, total, absolute freedom.
  That entails the release of all political prisoners. It entails 
political parties. It entails freedom of press. It entails free 
elections, and they are standing up from within Cuba and with many 
other hundreds of their countrymen who are standing up, having this 
event on May 20 to express their sentiment and also to prepare and work 
for a free Cuba.
  This resolution, Mr. Speaker, extends and supports solidarity to the 
organizers and to the participants of the Assembly to Promote the Civil 
Society, which again is on May 20 in Havana.
  It urges the international community to support the assembly of these 
heroes that are standing up for freedom despite the risk.
  It urges the administration and also the international community, Mr. 
Speaker, to oppose any attempts by Castro's terrorist regime to punish 
or repress the organizers and the participants.
  It obviously shares, also, Mr. Speaker, the pro-democracy ideals of 
the assembly.
  The commissions, Mr. Speaker, that these individuals are working with 
are hard to believe. The Department of State's 2004 Country Reports on 
Human Rights Practices, referring to the Castro regime, states the 
following:
  ``Members of the security forces and prison officials continued to 
beat and abuse detainees and prisoners, including human rights 
activists. Prison conditions remained harsh and life threatening, and 
the government restricted medical care to some prisoners as a method of 
control. Prisoners died in jail due to lack of medical care.''
  President Bush said, Mr. Speaker, in his second inaugural address, 
and I am quoting him now, ``All who live in tyranny and hopelessness 
can know: The United States will not ignore your oppression or excuse 
your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with 
you.''
  The Cuban people are standing tall, Mr. Speaker, for their freedom. 
Today, by voting for this resolution, the United States Congress stands 
with them, lets them know that they are not alone, that despite all the 
risks, despite the horrendous conditions that they are facing on a day-
to-day basis, the United States Congress stands with them, admires them 
and supports what they are doing.
  Cuba will be free because of the efforts of the heroic Cuban people, 
and it is wonderful, Mr. Speaker, to see that the Congress of the 
United States, once again, is supporting the Cuban people in their 
efforts, in their struggle to be free.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart).
  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the 
distinguished gentleman from south Florida (Mr. Wexler) for the time.
  This resolution is very important because it continues the very 
important, historic tradition begun here in this Congress, by this 
Congress in April of 1898 when, after a century of fighting by the 
people of Cuba for the independence of Cuba, the United States, because 
of the Congress of the United States, came out in support of Cuban 
independence. In April of 1898, this Congress passed what is very well-
known in Cuban history, the joint resolution that recognized that Cuba 
is and of right ought to be free and independent. So this Congress 
began a tradition in April of 1898 that continues to this day, a 
tradition in support of the right of the Cuban people to be free.
  For the last 46 years, the Cuban people unfortunately have been under 
the boot of a totalitarian dictatorship that, while it has perhaps been 
the most inept, certainly one of the most inept of the Communist 
dictatorships in having achieved the systematic, utter destruction of 
what was one of the most prosperous economies in this hemisphere; in 
that sense, it has been absolutely inept. In terms of totalitarian 
control, it has been quite effective, and it maintains an absolute, 
intense oppression over the Cuban people to this day.
  My colleagues have mentioned the onslaught of 2 years ago that was 
condemned by a resolution offered by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. 
Menendez) a few weeks ago, and it was condemned by this House, the 
absolute campaign, if you will, of the march of 2003 that arrested 
dozens and dozen and dozens, almost 100 pro-democracy leaders and threw 
them in prison, but the campaign continues.

[[Page H3070]]

  The campaign of oppression and intimidation, beginning in January of 
this year, the totalitarian Communist regime in Cuba has begun a 
systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing. Hundreds of young people, 
mostly young men, 95 percent of whom are black, have been rounded up 
and thrown in prisons beginning in January of this year in what the 
dictator calls Operation Containment, containment of the young people.
  Now, this assembly was organized, as has been mentioned by my 
distinguished colleagues, by Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello and Felix 
Bonne Carcasses and Rene Gomez Manzano, is an important, historic 
development. There are some people who now say that we must reject the 
subterfuge seeking to attack this assembly, that they have not invited 
all pro-democracy groups. All pro-democracy groups, the organizers of 
this assembly have invited all individuals and organizations within 
Cuba who support democracy. Some say then they have not been invited. 
In fact, they have been invited, but that is not the problem of the 
organizer. That is the problem of somebody else, very important.
  This is an important, extremely valiant effort that over 360 civil 
society groups, pro-democracy groups within the island have called for, 
and they seek to meet on May 20. So what this Congress today is saying 
is: We support you. We know what you are doing. We know the courage 
that it entails to say, within a totalitarian state, that a meeting 
will be held in support of freedom and democracy and free elections and 
the legalization of political parties and freedom of religion and 
freedom of the press and freedom of expression. Within the totalitarian 
state, to say that there will be a meeting engaged in such discussion 
is really a heroic act, and so today, what we are saying is that we 
recognize that, and we support you.
  Simply to end, Mr. Speaker, as I commend the gentleman from Florida 
(Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart) for having brought forth this resolution today 
in such an important and timely manner, I simply want to read the names 
of some of the thousands of political prisoners who cannot have their 
voices heard. Obviously, they all deserve to be heard, but I would like 
to read some of their names.
  It is my privilege and honor to serve in this Congress with my 
brother Mario, where there are two brothers who are serving in prison 
in Cuba simply because they came out publicly in support of freedom and 
democracy. One brother, Jose Daniel Ferrer Garcia, was sentenced to 25 
years in the gulag for his support of democracy. The other one, Luis 
Enrique Ferrer Garcia, was sentenced to 28 years in the gulag because 
he supports democracy.
  Someone who I admire very much, I have followed his long and 
distinguished fight for freedom for many years, has been languishing 
since 1990, mostly in solitary. His name is Jorge Luis Garcia Perez, 
also known Antunez. He was sentenced to 18 years because, ever since he 
was in high school, he said he favors democracy and rejects 
totalitarianism, and so he has suffered the consequences since then.
  Juan Carlos Herrera Acosta, 20 years in the gulag.
  Diosdado Gonzalez Marrero, 20 years in the gulag.
  Felix Navarro Rodriguez, 25 years.
  Prosperso Gainza Aguero, 25 years.
  Hector Maseda Gutierrez, 20 years.
  Claro Sanchez Altarriba, 15 years.
  Victor Rolando Arroyo, 26 years.
  And perhaps the best known, certainly someone who is a symbol of 
resistance, character, dignity, as all these men and women are, Dr. 
Oscar Elias Biscet, 25 years.
  There are thousands, Mr. Speaker, of men and women like this, many, 
by the way, charged with what they call in the totalitarian system 
common crimes, like seeking to leave, seeking to flee to freedom. That 
is a common crime. So the regime does not even recognize them as 
political prisoners. There are thousands of political prisoners in Cuba 
such as these men whose names I have read. We owe them our solidarity.
  Today, we are expressing our solidarity, and specifically through 
this resolution, our solidarity with the meeting convened for May 20, 
which will seek to develop ways to hasten what is inevitable, and that 
is an end to the totalitarian nightmare and the commencement of the 
dawn of freedom.
  Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for this 
resolution--sponsored by my distinguished friend and neighbor, Mr. 
Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida--which recognizes the upcoming Assembly To 
Promote Civil Society in Cuba.
  I am proud to associate myself with causes that seek to increase 
freedom, security, and prosperity for people throughout the world. On 
May 20th, we will mark Cuban Independence Day. This is the day Cuba 
proclaimed to the world its sovereignty and independence. Sadly, 
freedom for the Cuban people was short-lived. The world stood by as 
Cuba lost its liberty and slipped into the abyss of authoritarian rule 
and the clutches of Fidel Castro's thuggish regime.
  Madam Speaker, today Cuba is a lonely island nation separated by 90 
miles from the greatest beacon of freedom the world has ever known--the 
United States. Many in Cuba thirst for the waters of liberty, only to 
see those yearnings suppressed by a brutal dictator.
  America has always stood for freedom, and always will. Under the 
leadership of President George W. Bush, we have endeavored to spread 
liberty to the Middle East and throughout the world. It is past time to 
shine the light of freedom on the despotic regimes in our own backyard.
  Madam Speaker, I strongly support the right of the Cuban people to 
live in a free and democratic society. I am confident that the Assembly 
To Promote Civil Society in Cuba will help spark the flame of liberty 
on the island and the rest of the Americas. I urge my colleagues to 
stand for liberty and to champion the spirit of freedom for the people 
of Cuba.
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Speaker, I am proud to join a bipartisan group of 
original cosponsors of this resolution which supports the development 
of democracy and civil society in Cuba. As you know, on May 20th, 
opposition leaders are organizing a historic Assembly on the 103rd 
Anniversary of Cuban independence.
  In this momentous meeting of 365 irdependent organizations, Cuba will 
hear a dialogue of freedom and progress. This Assembly will continue a 
discussion--from within Cuba--of how to begin the process of 
reconstructing a democratic culture, promoting civil society, combating 
poverty, and establishing labor rights. They are Cuba's bravest and 
brightest--they are Cuba's future.
  Who among us would not be supportive of the right to peaceful 
assembly and public discourse? That is what this resolution and Cuban 
civil society is calling for on May 20th.
  As we learned in a Western Hemisphere Subcommittee hearing early this 
year, the organizers and the participants in this event are risking 
their personal freedom for the freedom of the Cuban people.
  This resolution makes it clear that we oppose any attempt by the 
Castro regime to repress or punish the organizers and participants of 
the Assembly, as Castro has done with so many others who have spoken 
out against repression. News reports indicate that Cuban dissidents who 
are choosing to participate in the Assembly are already being harassed.
  This past April 20th--not even a month ago--three of these dissidents 
took the time to speak to many of us about their situation. They told 
of the beatings, detentions, interrogations, harassment and political 
slander which they and other dissidents are being subjected to as the 
Cuban regime continues to try to repress and de-legitimize their 
struggle for freedom.
  And let us not forget the crackdown on human rights two years ago, 
when Castro arrested 75 dissidents, subjected them to summary trials, 
and sentenced them to long jail terms. Many of the prisoners, along 
with other prisoners of conscience, spent over a year in solitary 
confinement. Some have been deprived of adequate medical treatment, and 
reports from Cuba detail beatings and harassment.

  Clearly, the Castro regime has no respect for the Universal 
Declaration of Human Rights, which states in Article 4 that, ``No one 
shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading 
treatment or punishment.''
  That is why I am proud of my resolution that passed with bipartisan 
support condemning Castro's brutal crackdown and demanding that the 
Cuban regime immediately release all political prisoners, legalize all 
political parties, labor unions, and the press, and hold free and fair 
elections.
  On that day, we came together from both sides of the aisle, to stand 
together for a universal cause, human rights, and to celebrate the 
strength and perseverance of the Cuban people.
  That is why I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution. 
This resolution

[[Page H3071]]

 says again that we stand behind those who risk repression and 
harassment to bring freedom to their long-suffering people.
  It says that the international community is watching Castro, and that 
we will not accept the abuses of human and civil rights that the Castro 
regime employs so indifferently.
  And it says that we believe in the Assembly and the ability of a 
group of individuals with a strong faith in democracy to free their 
people from a tyrant's restrictive grasp.
  To my brothers and sisters who suffer in Castro's jails, under his 
regime, to their families and friends both here in the United States 
and in Cuba, to the leaders and participants in the Assembly to Promote 
Civil Society in Cuba, and to the Cuban people, I say that Castro's 
days are numbered. Over a hundred years ago, the Cuban people won the 
battle against brutality and oppression and fought for their freedom. I 
have no doubt that we will win again. I look forward to that day, which 
is coming soon, when on May 20, our independence day, we will all 
celebrate a free and democratic Cuba.
  I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this resolution.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. 
Res. 193, which expresses support for the courageous advocates of 
freedom in Cuba, who are gathering ten days from now in Havana for the 
first Assembly to Promote the Civil Society conference which will focus 
on bringing democracy, liberty, and the rule of law to this enslaved 
island.
  Madam Speaker, in recent years, this House has overwhelmingly passed 
numerous resolutions condemning the egregious human rights violations 
of the Castro regime. These violations, which have been continually 
cited through comprehensive, compelling reports, include the pervasive 
use of torture and vicious beatings of political prisoners. We know 
that this year the UN Convention on Human Rights in Geneva also passed 
a resolution condemning the government of Cuba's deplorable human 
rights record.
  Today, we celebrate those brave Cubans who have been undaunted by 
Castro's reign of terror and who continue to speak out fearlessly for 
freedom in Cuba. Mr. Speaker, I note that on March 3, three of the main 
organizers of the Assembly to Promote the Civil Society testified via 
telephone at a joint hearing I chaired with the Africa, Global Human 
Rights, and International Operation Subcommittee and the Western 
Hemisphere Subcommittee. The hearing was appropriately entitled ``Year 
Two of Castro's Brutal Crackdown on Dissidents.''
  The three who spoke at this hearing were Martha Beatriz Roque, an 
internationally renowned Cuban economist; Felix Bonne, a Cuban 
engineering professor; and Rene Gomez Manzano, a Cuban attorney. All 
three have spent time in Cuba's prisons for their pro-democracy 
activities and co-authored a book, ``The Homeland Belongs to Us.'' The 
courage they demonstrated through testifying was truly inspiring and 
they provided a tremendous witness of the desire of the Cuban people to 
be free.
  Martha Beatriz Roque was arrested in the now infamous March 2003 
crackdown of Cuba's bravest and brightest were rounded up, paraded 
before kangaroo courts on trumped up charges and given harsh prison 
sentences with sickening speed. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison 
but released in July of 2004 because of poor health. In an interview 
after her release, Roque said: ``I leave prison without having accepted 
any sort of conditions. I am a dissident and I will remain one.''
  Madam Speaker, we gather today in support of Roque, Bonne, Manzano, 
and these other brave leaders as they prepare for this historic event. 
I have been invited to participate in the Assembly to Promote the Civil 
Society and sent my visa application through the Department of State to 
Cuba through the US Interest Section.
  Madam Speaker, I note that in March of 2003, I also requested to 
travel to Cuba along with my colleague, Congressman Frank Wolf, but we 
were denied visas. This is a regime that has strongly advocated for 
trade and travel with the United States, and yet the government of Cuba 
would not give visas to two Members of Congress, each of whom have 
served in the House of Representatives for nearly 25 years.
  What do they hide? What do they fear?
  I hope that the Cuban government will allow me to travel. I hope to 
be with the brave leaders of freedom in Cuba on this day of peaceful 
advocacy. The world will be watching next week Mr. Speaker, and I hope 
that the regime will allow this event to take place. If they fail to do 
so, they will continue to experience alienation from the world 
community.
  Our hopes and prayers are with the brave leaders of the Assembly to 
Promote the Civil Society next week. I urge my colleagues to strongly 
support this resolution that supports the brave advocates for freedom 
in Cuba.
  Mr. WEXLER. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of our time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Capito). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 193.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________