WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Carlos Gimenez (FL-28) congratulated his dear friend U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of the Great State of Florida on his official nomination for Secretary of State by President-elect Donald J. Trump. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Senator Marco Rubio has proven to be a strong leader from his early beginnings as a commissioner in the City of West Miami, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, our U.S. Senator, Republican presidential candidate, and now America's next Secretary of State, the nation's top diplomat.

“President Trump has made a truly historic and brilliant choice in selecting Senator Marco Rubio as our nation’s Secretary of State,” said Congressman Carlos Giménez. “Senator Rubio is America’s statesman, a proven expert in international affairs, and an unequivocal champion for freedom, democracy, and global Human Rights. As a fellow Floridian, Miamian, and Cuban American I am beyond proud of Senator Rubio and his accomplishments. Senator Rubio will be the highest-ranking Hispanic leader in U.S. history, and undoubtably the most consequential Secretary of State of our lifetime. I know our nation, our region, and the world will be safer, more secure, and freer under his leadership."

Watch Rep. Gimenez's video statement in English HERE.

Watch Rep. Gimenez's video statement in Spanish HERE.

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Congressman Carlos Giménez is the only Cuban-born Member of the 118th Congress, having fled his homeland shortly after the Communist takeover of the island. He is the first career firefighter paramedic elected to the House of Representatives and served as the former Fire Chief of the City of Miami and Mayor of Miami-Dade County. Representative Gimenez represents Miami-Dade County and the beautiful Florida Keys. He serves as the Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, the Armed Services Committee, and the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.