Peter Schorsch
U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, the first Cuban-American elected to Congress, is retiring at the end of her term next year, saying it’s time to move on after 38 years in office.
Politicians and pundits across Florida and the nation lauded the Miami Republican. Here is a compilation of those reactions:
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, via Twitter:
Not only is @RosLehtinen a tireless advocate for freedom & human rights – she is my friend. Florida will miss her.
Gov. Rick Scott, via Twitter:
Congresswoman @RosLehtinen has fought hard for FL families throughout her service in D.C. Her strong leadership will be greatly missed!
National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Steve Stivers:
“Her tireless work ethic was only matched by her charismatic personality. She represented her South Florida district well and she will be dearly missed in Washington. I wish her and her family the best. I am confident we will keep this seat red in 2018.”
U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist:
“I’ll miss having my friend in Congress with me, but I’m very grateful for her long, bipartisan service to our country.”
U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch:
“Ileana Ros Lehtinen’s retirement is a tremendous loss for South Florida and for the entire country. As a public servant, she has worked tirelessly for her constituents for over three decades. Hardly a day goes by where Ileana isn’t on the House floor celebrating a remarkable person or event in her district.
“Ileana broke barriers as the first Hispanic woman elected to Congress and the first female Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. She has been a stalwart champion for human rights around the world, a voice for the oppressed, an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ equality, and one of the most steadfast defenders of Israel. Her legislative contributions have led to some of the toughest international sanctions against Iran, North Korea and Venezuela, and the promotion of democracy worldwide.
“From the moment I arrived in Congress, Ileana has been a friend and a partner. We have worked together countless times from championing equality to strengthening the U.S. – Israel relationship. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve with her as Ranking Member of the Middle East Subcommittee. Her humor and good nature (see photo!) provides a welcome respite from the partisan challenges we face each day. Every Member of Congress should learn something from the way Ileana has conducted herself over the past 28 years. She has crossed the aisle to stand up for what she believes is right. She has stood firm in her convictions and stood up for those she represents even when it meant making tough political choices.
“As she finishes out her current term, I know that Ileana will work just as hard as she always has for the people of South Florida and on behalf of our country. I look forward to continuing to work alongside her for the next year and a half, and I will miss working with her when she is gone.”
U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart:
“Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is one of the most respected and admired Members of Congress. For almost four decades, Ileana has served our community with honor and integrity. From her days as an educator, to the Florida Legislature, and now ending her tenure in Congress, Ileana truly exemplifies what it means to be a public servant. She never seeks political expediency and always puts the interests of her constituents first. From one corner of the globe to another, she is tireless in her crusade for human rights and democracy.
“To say Ileana is a trusted friend and mentor to me is an understatement; she is a part of my family, and I will dearly miss ‘mi hermana legislativa’ in the halls of Congress. I wish nothing but the best for Ileana, her husband Dexter, their children, and their grandchildren as she begins this next chapter in her life.”
The Florida Democratic Party didn’t offer a tribute; instead it commented on the challenge facing Republicans in the 2018 election cycle:
“It’s not surprising that moderate Republicans are retiring as their party no longer represents American families, but a Trump-style political platform that is divisive and only benefits the politically connected or the very wealthy. In the upcoming special elections and on into the 2018 general elections, Democrats are looking forward to a massive turnover in Congress. We are putting forth candidates that will present a better way forward in which a prosperous America means prosperity and good jobs for all of us. Democrats will resist Trump’s Republican Party, their secret backroom deals and will stand against Republican plans to build an American economy that only benefits those at the very top.”
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz:
“Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is an incredible public servant and a dear friend. She has served South Florida for 38 years with honor and distinction, and unfailingly defended the unbreakable bond between Israel and the United States; she is easily one of Israel’s strongest allies in Congress. The irony is that Washington today is castigated for being too partisan, and a place where no one can get along. But Ileana’s warmth and love for life is infectious, and friendship and finding common ground were her calling cards.
“I was proud to call her a close friend and to work with her on tough issues as varied as protecting Florida’s roads and beaches, to teaming up on Haitian policy and LGBTQ rights. She’s always been willing to take the tough stand, and sought to do what was right. It’s been an honor to serve with her in Congress, and play alongside her on a softball field in the Congressional Women’s Softball Game, where we served as co-captains. She will be sorely missed, not just around Florida, but throughout Congress and the rest of the country. Mis mejores deseos mi companera y mi amiga.”
Material from the Associated Press was used in this post.
