Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar shared controversial information during a hearing, leading to her removal.
Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar
via Rep. Barbara Lee
Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) ejected Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) from a House committee hearing on US-Cuba relations, accusing Lee of spreading “communist propaganda.”
Kicked out
via Telemundo
Rep. Lee wrote, “I was just kicked out of a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing on Cuba policy because the Republican Chair didn’t like my views.”
Cut out the sound
via Telemundo
“I’d share the livestream, but Republicans cut out the sound when I stood up to defend myself & call them out,” claimed Lee.
Not entitled to speak
via Telemundo
Salazar, a Cuban-American, defended her action by stating that Lee, a non-member, was not entitled to speak without the committee’s consent.
Communist propaganda
via Telemundo
Rep. Salazar explained, “Today, I exercised my authority as Subcommittee Chairwoman to not allow an off-Committee Member to spread communist propaganda during my Cuba hearing. Members are not entitled to join any Committee proceedings without full consent of the Committee Members,” she continued.
She was silenced
via Telemundo
Lee, a proponent of normalizing US-Cuba relations, argued that she was silenced and that Salazar’s actions undermined democratic principles.
An important discussion
via Telemundo
Rep. Salazar said, “Barbara Lee tried to disrupt an important discussion about the Biden Administration’s lenient policies toward the Cuban regime.”
A communist sympathizer
via CBS
“Barbara Lee is a communist sympathizer who was a personal friend to Fidel Castro, has visited Cuba 21 times, and has been a mouthpiece for the Cuban Regime since 1977,” continued Salazar.
Doesn’t believe in democracy
via Telemundo
Lee claimed, “She’s trying to silence me. And what her move was today demonstrated that she really doesn’t believe in democracy. She believes in only her point of view; she does not believe in the inclusion of different points of views when we talk about Cuban policy,” alleged the lawmaker.
The ongoing debate
via Telemundo
The incident underscores the ongoing debate over US-Cuba policy, with Salazar advocating for a tough stance and Lee pushing for normalization and an end to the embargo.
A distinguished career
via CBS
Born in Miami, Florida, to Cuban exile parents, Salazar has deep roots in the immigrant community and a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with the American dream. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Miami, Salazar embarked on a distinguished career in journalism, working as a news anchor and reporter for various Spanish-language media outlets, including Telemundo and Univision.
Important issues
via CBS
Salazar’s experience as a journalist provided her with a platform to shed light on important issues affecting the Hispanic community, from immigration reform to healthcare to economic empowerment. Her commitment to journalistic integrity and impartiality earned her respect and recognition from viewers across the country, laying the foundation for her transition into politics.
Faced an uphill battle
via Telemundo
In 2020, Salazar ran for Congress in Florida’s 27th Congressional District, a diverse and politically competitive area encompassing parts of Miami-Dade County. Running as a Republican in a predominantly Democratic district, Salazar faced an uphill battle, but her message of unity, opportunity, and conservative values resonated with voters, propelling her to victory in a closely contested race.
Wasted no time
via Telemundo
Since taking office, Salazar has wasted no time in making her presence felt on Capitol Hill. As a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Small Business, she has focused on a wide range of issues, including promoting democracy and human rights in Latin America, fostering economic growth and entrepreneurship, and addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses.
Signature initiatives
via Telemundo
One of Salazar’s signature initiatives is her bipartisan efforts to address the ongoing crisis in Cuba and support the Cuban people’s quest for freedom and democracy.
A vocal advocate
via Telemundo
Drawing on her personal background and connections in the Cuban-American community, Salazar has been a vocal advocate for imposing sanctions on the Cuban regime, providing humanitarian aid to the Cuban people, and amplifying their voices on the world stage.
Foreign affairs
via Telemundo
In addition to her work on foreign affairs, Salazar has also been a staunch advocate for economic development and job creation in her district and beyond. She has championed policies to support small businesses, reduce regulatory burdens, and expand access to capital and resources for entrepreneurs, particularly women and minority-owned businesses.
Approach to governance
via CBS
Salazar’s bipartisan approach to governance and willingness to reach across the aisle have earned her praise from colleagues on both sides of the political aisle. She has been recognized for her pragmatism, civility, and willingness to find common ground on issues of shared concern, making her a respected and influential voice in Congress.
Remains committed
via CBS
As she continues her tenure in Congress, Maria Elvira Salazar remains committed to representing the interests of her constituents, advocating for policies that promote prosperity, opportunity, and freedom for all Americans.
Dedication to public service
via Telemundo
With her unique background, tireless work ethic, and dedication to public service, Salazar is poised to make a lasting impact on American politics for years to come.
