Representatives

Floor Speech

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Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, as the dean of the Florida delegation, I have the honor of welcoming Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida's 20th District to the United States House of Representatives.

Our new colleague will fill the seat of my late dear friend, Alcee Hastings. Now, similar to the district that I am honored to represent, Florida's 20th District is extremely diverse and covers urban and agricultural areas in both Palm Beach and Broward Counties.

Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick is the proud daughter of Haitian immigrants, and she was born in Brooklyn, New York.

Madam Speaker, after finishing college at Howard University, she moved to Florida to attend St. Thomas University School of Law.

Although she left Florida to become a project manager at the New York City Transit Authority, it wasn't long before Florida's sunshine brought her back to Florida. In 1999, she joined Trinity Health Care Services and eventually became the company's CEO.

Madam Speaker, this once single mother is the epitome of the American Dream and represents the aspiration of so many of our South Florida neighbors. I look forward, Madam Speaker, to working with our newest colleague on the issues of importance to our country and to South Florida. Florida's congressional delegation is honored to welcome Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick to the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick), who is our newest Member of Congress.

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