Cuba Day on Capitol Hill to Celebrate ‘Ladies in White,’ Cuban Human Rights Activists

Photo: Maria Gabriela Zambrano

ADVISORY – May 12 – Cuba Day on Capitol Hill to Celebrate ‘Ladies in White,’ Cuban Human Rights Activists; Keynote Address by Human Rights Activist Janisset Rivero

(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is proud to join her colleagues Congressmen Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), and Albio Sires (D-NJ) in sponsoring the 13th annual Cuba Day on Capitol Hill. This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, May 12th from 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. and will raise awareness about the plight of the Cuban people and honor the courage and sacrifices of Cuba’s “Ladies in White,” Orlando Zapata Tamayo, and Guillermo Fariñas. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

“This event is an important opportunity to honor the courage and sacrifice of those struggling in Cuba to be free from the atrocious brutality of the Havana regime. I am particularly excited that the courageous Janisset Rivero will join us to provide her insight on the state of human rights in Cuba.

“The life and death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo represents the dream of all who live and breathe for freedom in Cuba. His strength and perseverance resonates still today as courageous human rights activists like Guillermo Fariñas and the ‘Ladies in White’ carry on the struggle to bring freedom to Cuba’s shores.

“Because we will never give up hope, we will continue to spread this message for freedom and human rights until they emanate from all corners of Cuba once more.”

Note: Cuban human rights activist Janisset Rivero will speak about the current situation on the ground in Cuba, the brutal tactics employed by the Castro regime, and the state of Cuban civil society.

****Information on room location will follow**** #####

House Foreign Affairs Committee U.S. House of Representatives Republicans Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Ranking Republican For Immediate Release April 30, 2010 Contact: Brad Goehner, (202) 226-8467 Alex Cruz, (202) 225-8200

Howard P. “Buck” McKeon Tapped for House Republican National Security Working Group

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.), the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, was tapped today by House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) to join a new National Security Working Group. Led by Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Peter T. King (R-N.Y.), the solutions group will take the lead in advocating and developing better solutions to the national security challenges facing America and hold the Administration accountable when it pursues misguided policies that make the American people less safe.

“The American people deserve and are demanding a stronger national defense,” opened McKeon. “While our citizens are skeptical of some of the decisions made by this Administration, they fundamentally want to trust the federal government to provide for the common defense. Our efforts, combined with those of Kevin McCarthy, will be focused on listening to the American people, including our brave troops and their families, and developing national security policies that are responsive to their needs and concerns.”

“Republicans joined in support with the President when he made responsible decisions, such as renewing the U.S. commitment to winning the war in Afghanistan. However, we opposed him when he made decisions that we believed could compromise our national security, including his efforts to import Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his terrorist cohorts into the United States,” continued McKeon.

“We are committed to providing our troops with the tools, time and support they need to do their jobs as safely as possible. This overarching goal will continue to drive our discussions and actions,” concluded the Ranking Member.

In addition to Rep. McKeon, the following members from the House Armed Services Committee were tapped as members of the National Security Working Group: Rep. Michael Conaway (R-Tex.), Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ari.), Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), and Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Tex.). ###

News and Press Releases :: April 29, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lindsey Mask

U.S. Congressman Buck McKeon Washington, D.C. Office Congressman Howard P. Buck McKeon U.S. House of Representatives 2184 Rayburn HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 ph: (202) 225-1956 fax: (202) 226-0683