News Release, July 10, 2000

DIAZ-BALART POINT OF ORDER STRIKES ANTI-SANCTIONS PROVISION

Washington, DC - Today on the floor of the House of Representatives, Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) raised a point-of-order, a procedural move striking Title VIII of the Agriculture Appropriations Bill, therefore striking a provision which would have allowed unrestricted agricultural trade with terrorist states.

"Once again, the Republican Congressional leadership has stood on the side of the U.S. national interests and against terrorism.  Today we saw another example of democracy at work in protection of the national interest", said Diaz-Balart.  

Diaz-Balart strongly supports an agreement worked out Tuesday, June 27th with other members of Congress which he hopes and fully expects will be included in the Agricultural Appropriations Conference Report later this month.

DIAZ-BALART WINS AGAIN

Washington, DC - In another huge victory in the Agriculture Appropriations Bill, Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) fought off an attempt by Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) to lift sanctions on the oppressive Castro dictatorship. 

Diaz-Balart successfully struck language Rangel attempted to add to the bill which would have been in direct conflict with a negotiated agreement on the Cuban embargo which tightened certain aspects of current law. 

"This surprise amendment was a weak attempt to circumvent the rules of the House and I am pleased to have stopped it," said Diaz-Balart.

Earlier in the day, Diaz-Balart raised a point of order striking a provision in Title VIII of the Agriculture Appropriations Bill, which would have allowed unrestricted agricultural trade with terrorist states.  The Agriculture Appropriations Bill is being debated by the House of Representatives this week.