WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez issued the following statement, in English and Spanish, following the passing of Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart.

"To speak of Congressman Lincoln Díaz-Balart is to speak of a titan, a patriot, and a champion for freedom, said Congressman Carlos Gimenez. "Lincoln’s leadership has always been an example to follow & he has inspired so many of us with his unwavering fight for a free Cuba. His advice, counsel, passion, & sincere friendship were staples throughout my career in public service and I will miss him tremendously. Lourdes & I are praying for our dear friends the Díaz-Balart family & express our sincerest condolences at this time."

"Mencionar el nombre del congresista Lincoln Díaz-Balart es mencionar a un titán, es mencionar a un gran patriota y a un campeón de la libertad," dijo Congresista Carlos Gimenez. "El liderazgo de Lincoln siempre ha sido un ejemplo a seguir y ha inspirado a muchísimos de nosotros con su lucha inquebrantable por la libertad de Cuba, nuestra patria que sufre. Sus consejos, su pasión y su amistad fueron fundamentales a lo largo de mi carrera en el servicio público y lo extrañaré enormemente. Lourdes y yo estamos orando por nuestros queridos amigos, la familia Díaz-Balart, y expresamos nuestras más sinceras condolencias en este momento. Siempre lo tendremos presente y nunca lo olvidaremos."

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Congressman Carlos Giménez represents Miami-Dade County and the beautiful Florida Keys. He is the only Cuban-born Member of the 119th 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. Rep. Gimenez was appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson to the Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents and serves as Vice-Chairman of the Republican Governance Group. 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.