HONORING BAILA VENEZUELA'S COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS IN CARACAS

On 2026-08-31, Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN-5) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING BAILA VENEZUELA'S COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS IN CARACAS" in the House.

HONORING BAILA VENEZUELA'S COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS IN CARACAS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 137 (Monday, August 31, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 137 (Monday, August 31, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E819] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BAILA VENEZUELA'S COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS IN CARACAS ______ HON. ILHAN OMAR of minnesota in the house of representatives Monday, August 31, 2026 Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the countless Minnesotans who have dedicated their time and resources to helping those impacted by severe earthquakes in Venezuela, which took place in June 2026, and Baila Venezuela, a dance organization based in Richfield, Minnesota, which quickly acted and made a call for donations to support Venezuelans. According to initial estimates by the International Organization for Migration, up to 6.76 million Venezuelans may be affected by this natural disaster and the need for humanitarian aid is immediate. As many Minnesotans have family and friends in Venezuela who have been out of reach, organizations like Baila Venezuela are working tirelessly to collect and transport humanitarian aid supplies. While typically a dance group, Baila Venezuela shifted gears temporarily to help those in need, even from more than 3,000 miles away. What was initially intended to be an organizational initiative became a larger community response. Baila Venezuela collected over 220 boxes of non- perishable supplies such as medicine, diapers, baby supplements, and much more, to be delivered to Miami and then Caracas, Venezuela. In the words of Baila Venezuela's leader, Roiny Rojas, ``We don't just show up to celebrate Venezuela's wins, we also show solidarity during difficult times.'' As the death toll continued to rise and the dancers wait to hear from their loved ones, their commitment to aiding extended beyond their initial estimates and the donations received exceeded their space, leading them to sleep outside in the parking lot to ensure that these resources remained secure as they awaited shipment to Miami. This demonstrates to the world who we are and what we value as Minnesotans: generosity, community, and unwavering commitment to help those in need. We realize that no matter if you help your neighbor across the street or someone several thousand miles away, we share a common humanity that calls us to action. It is my great honor to pay tribute to Baila Venezuela and the many individuals dedicating their time and resources to support Venezuelans facing the brunt of climate change abroad. Minnesotans have shown us that there is no limit to compassion and willingness to help those who are in need. Our community responds to these issues, not because they are easy, but because it is the right thing to do. I am deeply proud to represent a community that values supporting those in need. ____________________