Last week, U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., showcased the “Combating Communism Act” which he introduced at the end of last month.
“The legislation directs the Department of State to create a Special Envoy to retool American foreign policy to counter communist and authoritarian governments around the world,” the congressman’s office noted.
Fellow South Florida Republican U.S. Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart and Maria Elvira Salazar are co-sponsoring the bill. U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-NY, is also backing the proposal.
“It is time for the United States to reaffirm its commitment to combatting communism and authoritarianism around the world. As the leader of the free world, we must continue to stand up for the universal values of freedom, liberty, democracy, and peace. By retooling our foreign policy, we are sending a strong signal to the world that there is no room for oppressive governments who violate basic human rights, who stifle the free expression of its people, who undermine democratic elections and institutions, and who unravel its people’s economic rights. Communism kills. Authoritarianism kills. Freedom and liberty must prevail,” Gimenez said.
The bill was sent to the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee last week. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate.