MOURNING THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART

On 2025-03-03, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) delivered a floor speech titled "MOURNING THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART" in the House. The speech addressed trade policy.

MOURNING THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 40 (Monday, March 3, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 40 (Monday, March 3, 2025)] [House] [Page H939] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] MOURNING THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART (Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I announce to the House the passing of the respected and revered former colleague from the State of Florida, Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart. Lincoln and his brothers are family to me, and Lincoln was a man whom I was honored to learn from, a respected public figure who was in politics and public service for all the right reasons. The one thing you must know, Mr. Speaker, is he loved this country. Lincoln was a fierce patriot. He championed many issues important to our community, our country, and our continent, but few, if any, fought any harder for a free and democratic Cuba. Whether as a Democrat or later as a Republican, he was always a guiding light in this fight for freedom in Cuba and around the world. I am so grateful I was able to serve with him for 6 years and then continue our work with his brother and ``my brother,'' ``mi hermano,'' Mario, ``at the same time,'' ``en el mismo tiempo.'' Mr. Speaker, he was exactly who you wanted in your corner because he was a fierce fighter who put principle over politics. Lincoln Diaz-Balart was a kind and giving leader and a remarkably effective legislator who led by example. He also loved this institution, what it represented, and his constituents. He served as a member of the Rules Committee including serving as ranking member from 2007 to 2011. Lincoln also worked to open this building and our legislative process to more Americans, especially Hispanic Americans. To that end, he; his brother, Mario; and former Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen started the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute. Today, as a mark of respect for that legacy, the institute has a public service fellowship named in his honor. Congressman Lincoln Diaz- Balart will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I ask that all Members in the House Chamber along with Members, staff, and guests throughout the Capitol complex rise for a moment of silence in remembrance of Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart. Mr. Speaker, ``may his memory be for a blessing,'' ``Que su recuerdo sea una bendicion.'' ____________________