[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 61 (Friday, May 3, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING YOANI SANCHEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE GARCIA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 3, 2013

  Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a courageous woman 
whose work on behalf of the advancement of human rights has inspired 
millions around the world and continues to shine a light on the cause 
of freedom just 90 miles from our shores.
  For over 10 years, Yoani Sanchez has documented the realities of life 
in Cuba through her blog, Generacion Y, and drawn worldwide attention 
to Cuba's civil society. Her riveting accounts detailing human rights 
violations and other injustices have earned her praise and recognition 
throughout the world. She has been named as one of Time magazine's 
``100 Most Influential People in the World'' and won the prestigious El 
Pais 2008 Ortega y Gasset Prize for Digital Journalism.
  Yoani stands as a beacon of hope for Cuba's future, and her strength 
in the face of incredible odds has earned our community's profound 
admiration and respect. If my colleagues would indulge me, I would like 
to say a few words in Spanish.
  Es un gran honor reconocer la valentia de Yoani Sanchez quien es una 
fuente de inspiracion para los millones alrededor del mundo que buscan 
la libertad y los derechos humanos. Yoani estara con nosotros aqui en 
el Capitolio la semana que viene e invite a todos mis colegas que 
vengan a conocerla para aprender sobre las realidades de Cuba y 
rendirle un homenaje a ella y la causa de los derechos humanos.

                          ____________________