2016 is quickly coming to a close and it is time to reflect on the year that was. Looking back, I am encouraged that 2016 was also a year of many bipartisan accomplishments. From the 21st Century Cures Act to facing the Zika threat, to the NICA Act, I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in Congress to help advance the interests of our South Florida community and our nation.
With my support, the 21st Century Cures Act, finally passed through Congress and was signed into law by the President. This important bipartisan law will help hasten the pace of development of treatments, cut bureaucratic barriers in the delivery of cures, and allow for more cooperation between researchers; all of which will help improve the lives of patients. In South Florida, the 21st Century Cures Act will directly benefit cancer patients by shielding cancer hospitals like Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center from Medicare cuts. This bill also includes the Anna Westin Act, a measure I introduced which will help men and women with eating disorders, and which marks the first time the federal government directly addresses eating disorders and its resultant harms.
This year, our community was forced to face the grave threat posed by the Zika virus to local families, businesses, visitors and our economy. The work of emergency responders and the efforts of an informed public, successfully limited the spread and impact of this epidemic. In fact, earlier this month, Gov. Scott terminated the travel warning over South Beach, ending the last active local transmission zone for the mosquito-borne disease in Miami-Dade County. At the national level, I was proud to lead our South Florida Congressional delegation’s relentless and months-long campaign to bring about federal aid and ensure that our community had all the needed resources to combat this threat. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that South Florida receives the federal support it requires to reimburse local governments for their Zika costs, support local small businesses impacted by travel warnings, and to further augment Zika detection and healthcare resources in Miami-Dade County.
Important progress in the fight for the advancement of human rights and democracy worldwide was also achieved in 2016. This year, the House unanimously approved my NICA Act, a bill which will hold Ortega and his regime accountable for violating human rights and manipulating the electoral process for his own political gain. By passing this bill, the House has taken action to prevent Ortega from accessing international funds until reforms are implemented that promote democracy, strengthen the rule of law, and respect human rights in Nicaragua. We have shown that we will continue to support the people of Nicaragua and assist civil society in democracy and governance programs, and will not allow Ortega to continue down this dangerous path without any serious repercussions. I also worked to ensure the extension of the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act. This law helps the embattled people of Venezuela and addresses the lack of human rights and democracy in the country by penalizing human rights violators, while also demonstrating that the U.S. will continue to stand firm in solidarity with those who seek freedom and justice.
2016 finally brought the end of the infamous life of Fidel Castro, whose half century of bloody rule destroyed the lives and prospects of generations of Cubans. Although the island remains prisoner of the Castros, the message for the tyrant is now clearer than ever: No regime, regardless of its leader, will have any legitimacy if it has not been freely and democratically chosen by the people of Cuba. Now more than ever, I am committed to stand with and serve as a voice for those who yearn for freedom until the gulags are closed, elections are held, political prisoners are freed, and liberty is restored in Cuba.
Despite the many challenges, in 2016 Republicans and Democrats were able to come together, find common ground, and provide much needed solutions to many pressing issues. We were able to reform the way we develop and deliver treatments and cures to Americans, while also helping cancer patients in South Florida and addressing the needs of those suffering from eating disorders. We were able to combat the Zika virus and stand for freedom and democracy around the world. Next year, I am committed to work in Congress and with the new administration to help South Florida families and improve our economy. 2016 was a testament that when people of good will come together, even if they have sharp political differences, they can still work for the good of all Americans. I look forward to building on the successes and challenges of the year that was to make South Florida an even better place to live in 2017. My best wishes to all South Floridians in the coming year!seD