WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Carlos Gimenez spoke on the House Floor in support of  Speaker Kevin McCarthy as he faces a Motion to Vacate. Under the Speaker’s leadership, the House passed the strongest border legislation to date to tackle the historic Biden-Mayorkas border crisis, put Washington back on track to fiscal responsibility, and averted a disastrous government shutdown. 

“Speaker Kevin McCarthy has been a champion for the American Dream his entire career,” said Rep. Carlos Gimenez. “I lost my native homeland of Cuba to a brutal Communist tyranny — everything I am is because of America. We need to keep Speaker McCarthy and continue fighting to protect our freedoms!”

To watch Rep. Gimenez’s speech, click HERE. 

See below for a transcript of Rep. Gimenez’s Floor speech:

Good afternoon,

My name is Carlos Gimenez.

I stand before my colleagues and the nation, as a proud representative of the great state of Florida.

I truly am beyond blessed to represent paradise: Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys.

And I am beyond proud as the representative of my community before this Congress, to stand with a leader who has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our country and to the principles that define us as Americans: our Speaker, Kevin McCarthy.

Today is historic for so many reasons.

Not only because this hasn’t been attempted since 1910, yes, 1910 – over 100 years ago! But it’s also because we are part of a Congress with historically tight majorities for the Republicans in the House, for the Democrats in the Senate, and a Democratic White House. Divided Government. The need to negotiate and find solutions to the issues facing the Nation. A reflection of principles that are uniquely American. Principles that make this country exceptional. And principles that allowed me, an exile who arrived in the United States as a six-year old boy, fleeing Communist Cuba with my family, to serve in this very institution.

You see, I was not born in America. But everything I am, have been, and ever will be is thanks to America. The best part about it, is that my story, the story of the community that I am so proud to represent, and the story of so many in this body, is that we are not the exception – in America, we are the rule.

That’s the America that Kevin McCarthy has fought for his entire Career. Kevin McCarthy is a champion for the American Dream and he’s proved it as our Speaker.

Thomas Jefferson once said, "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."

McCarthy, throughout his time as Speaker, has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the responsible use of taxpayers' hard-earned dollars.

Under his leadership, he has fought for fiscal responsibility, ensuring that our government remains efficient, effective, and accountable to the American people.

Speaker McCarthy has been a staunch defender of our freedoms and the values that underpin our great nation. His commitment to safeguarding our Constitution, protecting individual liberties, and promoting a thriving free market economy has been unwavering.

In closing, let us remember the greatness of America. A country that allows a young Cuban refugee like myself to rise from humble beginnings to become a member of Congress.

Let us recognize Kevin McCarthy's accomplishments.

Let’s Keep Kevin McCarthy as Speaker.

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 serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Select Committee on China. 

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