|
|
| Standing for freedom in cuba |
|
|
This week we saw something we have not seen in 62 years of communist tyranny in Cuba: organic protests across more than 40 cities calling for an end to its Marxist, socialist regime.
In response, the Cuban regime turned to its same disgusting tactics: shooting unarmed protestors, abducting dissidents and their families, and shutting down channels of communication.
America should stand in solidarity with protestors crying “libertad!” – “liberty!” – in the streets. Instead, the Biden Administration has offered a weak and muted response. His allies in Congress like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) are disgustingly parroting the Cuban government’s effort to blame its economic woes on the United States.
I heard those talking points when I visited Cuba in 2015. I see now what I saw then: a country and people full of potential being repressed by the failures of socialism and a government desperately looking for someone else to blame.
It is one thing for some of the Cubans I met with to fall for their government’s lies and brainwashing but it is absurd that a United States Congresswoman would do the same. Sadly, she’s not alone.
Lifting the United States’ embargo against Cuba will not end the suffering of its people. As we saw with the thawing of relations during the Obama Administration, it will only further empower the repressive regime and do little to improve the plight of most Cubans.
America must sand with those seeking freedom in the streets of Cuba. We should maintain the Trump-era policy of strength against the regime until political prisoners are released and the Cuban people can assemble freely. We should stop excusing countries around the world, especially in Europe, who turn a blind eye to the atrocities there.
The situation in Cuba is the inevitable result of socialism. For that there is only one antidote: freedom.
|
|
|
This week's edition of Buddy's Briefing comes to you from beautiful Pooler Park where I played baseball growing up as did each of my three sons:
|
| From Your Nation's capitol CCCXXI |
Monday, July 12, 2021: After joining in on our all staff conference call, I head to the recently opened Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Hospital in Savannah, the only children’s hospital in southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina.
Buddy at Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital |
|
This outstanding facility was made possible by the generous donations of those in our area and by the financial commitment of Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), the parent corporation of Memorial University Hospital. After a great visit, I head to a meeting with the CEO of SolAmerica Energy, a Georgia company that specializes in the development and engineering of solar systems that provide energy for large commercial and industrial facilities, and one of the reasons Georgia is ranked in the top 10 states in the U.S. for solar energy. Next, I head to our Savannah District Office where I have a virtual call with Mike Worley, the President and CEO of the Georgia Wildlife Federation, as we discuss the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act and how this legislation would support Georgia’s outdoor economy and conservation to prevent fish and wildlife from becoming endangered. Afterwards, I have a meeting with a constituent to discuss the impact of climate change, particularly on sea level rise and possible approaches to mitigation. After a great meeting with the Director of the American Jewish Committee’s Southeastern Office to discuss U.S. support for Israel and the rise of antisemitism in the U.S., I film a video honoring my friend and former Congressional colleague, the late John Lewis, to be included in a tribute on the one-year anniversary of his death. Next, I head to Game Changers in Richmond Hill in Bryan County where, along with my good friend Richmond Hill Mayor Russ Carpenter, I donate blood with the American Red Cross. Emergency room visits typically run high during this time of year and, combined with the many non-elective surgeries being performed now that were delayed during the pandemic, blood supplies are at low levels and the need for donations is high.
Tuesday, July 13, 2021: I’m up early and headed to Kingsland in Camden County this morning where I attend the ribbon cutting of the Three Rivers Trail on Laurel Island Parkway.
Buddy Speaks with Constituents at Three Rivers Trail Opening
|
|
The Three Rivers Trail is a 4.6 mile hard-surface bike and pedestrian pathway expansion that was constructed as part of the regional trail that will connect St. Marys, Woodbine and Crooked River State Park. The trail has also been designated part of the East Coast Greenway, which runs along the East Coast of the United States from Maine to Florida. After this great event, I head back north to Brunswick in Glynn County and, during the drive, I join in virtually on the Energy and Commerce (E&C) member day hearing. Typically, each committee in Congress holds a member day where members who are not on the committee have the opportunity to present issues or legislation they would like to be considered. Once in Brunswick, I am honored to be the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the Brunswick Exchange Club where I give them a congressional update. Afterwards, I head to our Brunswick District Office where I have a meeting with a constituent to discuss the failing family structure in America and afterwards I film a video for Swiss National Day.
Wednesday, July 14, 2021: I’m in Rincon in Effingham County this morning as I tour the Georgia-Virginia Transformer manufacturing facility that was built in 2009 by Efacec Energia. The facility was acquired in 2015 by Georgia-Virginia Transformer, a company headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia, and who recently celebrated their 50th year in business.
Buddy Tours Georgia-Virginia Transformer
|
|
After a great visit of this impressive facility, I head to our Savannah District Office where I have a meeting with a local emergency room physician to discuss private equity in health care and non-physician practitioners in health care. As health care remains one of my primary focuses in Congress, I always welcome input from health care professionals on how to improve our system. Afterwards, I join in virtually on a joint E&C Environment and Energy Subcommittee hearing on oversight by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Next, I have a virtual call with the Georgia Business Council at their monthly meeting where I bring them up to date on our work in Washington and then introduce my good friend and colleague, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), ranking member of the E&C committee who brings the group up to date on the workings of our committee. Afterwards, I join in on an E&C Health Subcommittee member call as we preview legislation that will be included in our markup tomorrow, before heading out to Atlanta. During my drive to Atlanta, I join in on a White House bipartisan member briefing where we are updated on cybersecurity efforts by different agency heads.
Thursday, July 15, 2021: My first meeting this morning is a virtual call with Poly CEO, Dave Shull. Poly is the new name after the merger of Polycom and Plantronics and is an American company that makes premium audio and video products used by multiple federal agencies including the military. Afterwards, I join in virtually on an E&C Health Subcommittee markup that lasts for 2 ½ hours and where we pass 19 bills. Next, I join in virtually on a Select Committee on Climate Change hearing where we discuss environmental justice through climate action. A link to my questions can be found here. Afterwards, I have a virtual call with Walmart representatives to learn more about their commitment to U.S. manufacturing. Joining us on the call is the CEO of Joe’s Gourmet Seafood, who shares with me their story of how their American made products are placed in Walmart stores.
Buddy with members of the Indian Community
|
|
After a meeting in the Atlanta area, I head to the India Consul General’s residence for a delightful and informative meeting with members of the India and Hindu communities.
Friday, July 16, 2021: I’m up early and at the Atlanta airport this morning as I am traveling to San Diego this weekend for the USNS John Lewis Christening Ceremony. Named in honor of Civil Rights leader and former Congressman John Lewis who passed away a year ago, the ship is a replenishment oiler and the lead ship of her class. She is part of the Military Sealift Command fleet of support ships and was built by General Dynamics, the parent company of Gulfstream Aerospace.
Once I arrive, I head to Naval Base San Diego where I join other members of Congress for a tour of this magnificent ship.
Buddy with the Official Delegation at USNS John Lewis Christening
|
|
Saturday, July 17, 2021: Appropriately, the Christening Ceremony for the USNS John Lewis is a grand event as we hear from General Dynamics executives, Naval officers, politicians, and members of the Lewis family. The pomp and pageantry is fitting for a magnificent ship named in honor of a man who lived a magnificent life and was such an inspiration to all Americans. A link to the video I made in honor of my friend John Lewis can be found here.
Buddy with the USNS John Lewis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
