Biography Page - U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Since my election in 1989 to the United States Congress, I have proudly represented Florida’s 18th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Forced to flee with my family from the oppressive communist regime of Fidel Castro, I became the first Hispanic woman and first Cuban-American elected to Congress.

Public Service

Throughout my life, I have been dedicated to serving our community. After completing public education in Miami and graduating from Miami-Dade Community College, I followed my passion for education and earned a Bachelors of Arts in Education from Florida International University. I then founded and served as the principal and teacher of a private bilingual elementary school in Hialeah. My passion for education continued while completing a Masters in Educational Leadership at FIU, and earning a Doctorate of Higher Education from the University of Miami.

Understanding the issues facing South Florida, I was elected in 1982 to the Florida State House of Representatives, becoming the first Hispanic woman in that body. In 1986, I was elected to the Florida State Senate in 1986. While serving, I met and married fellow Florida legislator Dexter Lehtinen, who became the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. We have two children, Amanda Michelle and Patricia Marie, and two step-children, Katharine and Douglas.

When the 18th Congressional District seat was vacated by the passing of Claude Pepper in 1989, I won the seat, and have been strongly returned to Congress since, winning 62% of the vote in 2006.

A Powerful Voice for South Florida

I have been a strong leader in the United States Congress, fighting to advance the needs of South Florida and ensuring that the nation continues to prosper. Addressing the needs of the unique community in South Florida, I have worked so our precious ecosystems are preserved for future generations to enjoy. I have consistently opposed any efforts to drill off Florida’s coasts.

In addition to preventing offshore drilling, I have fought to secure in excess of $42 million to provide for the dredging of the Miami River, ensuring that the river remains a vibrant natural resource. This important project removes contaminated materials from the river, protecting coral reefs and other important marine life in Biscayne Bay.

I have voted consistently on helping homeowners not lose their homes during this period of market uncertainty. I voted in favor of the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act, which recently passed the House. This legislation provides mortgage refinancing assistance to keep families from losing their homes, protects neighboring home values, and helps stabilize the housing market. I also supported the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act. This bill establishes a national affordable housing trust fund to build or preserve over a million homes over the next decade. Increasing the supply of affordable housing will help ensure that South Florida families who have lost their homes can find housing.

I voted in favor of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. This bi-partisan legislation was enacted as an effort to reinvigorate the economy and help hard-working South Floridians who are struggling with rising costs of fuel and groceries. I have worked hard to lower the burden of high taxes on families so that they can keep more of their money. I have supported legislation to lower the income tax rate, eliminate the death tax and reduce the marriage penalty tax. I have cosponsored the 401Kids Family Savings Act to allow tax-free distributions from a Coverdell education savings account for first-time homebuyer expenses and permit rollovers from Coverdell education savings accounts to Roth individual retirement accounts. I also cosponsored the Financial Security Accounts for Individuals with Disabilities Act to establish tax-exempt financial security accounts for individuals with disabilities to pay certain expenses of such individuals, including expenses for education, medical care, and employment training.

Given the importance of the Port of Miami to the South Florida economy, and its position as the gateway to the Americas, it is vital that the port receives the security it requires to meet the challenges of the 21st century. I have fought to bring attention to the critical needs of our ports, which are high priority targets for those who aiming to inflict chaos on the United States. Working with the County, Port of Miami officials and the State of Florida, I have ensured that the cargo facilities are equipped with security resources to keep this important piece of infrastructure safe, in turn protecting the local community and the economy.

As a former educator, I have has been a strong voice for addressing the education needs of our community. While in the Florida Senate, I introduced legislation to create Florida’s first Pre-Paid College Tuition Plan. This plan has enabled students to attend college, equipping them with the resources to reach their highest ambitions. Without this plan, many of these students would have been denied this opportunity. Continuing my support for the education of our future leaders, I recently voted in favor the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act. This will give the Department of Education the authority to purchase student loans from lenders, increase the unsubsidized Stafford loan limit, and provided an optional grace period so that parents can defer certain loan payments until after their children graduate.

I have been a strong advocate of programs that address the serious problem of violence against women. As a co-sponsor of H.R. 2876, which reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act, I sent a strong message to the community that violence against women is unacceptable, and ensured that programs to address this problem continued to be funded into the future.

A Strong Commitment to Foreign Affairs

I am the Ranking Member on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Serving in this role, I have been a tireless advocate for the advancement of human rights across the globe, as well as continuing to be a strong voice in opposition to Castro’s dictatorial regime in Cuba. This marks a long involvement in foreign affairs, having previously served as Chair of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia, the Subcommittee on Africa, the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights and as Vice-Chair on the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.

For more information on Ileana, click here (MS Word doc).

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Awards and Recognition
2008

Florida Keys outreach coalition for the homeless award for 2008
Homeless pioneer award of the year
American Optometric Association Health Care Leadership Award
Booker T. Washington Senior High School Plaque
Cuban American National Council Award
Dominican American National Roundtable Award
Florida International University Phi Theta Kappa Most Distinguished Alumnus Award
Florida Congressperson of the Year Award
Florida International University Thank You Recognition
Green Living & Energy Education Green Award
Inducted as an honorary Member of Sigma Iota Roe
Inducted into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame
League of United Latin American Citizens Award
Lincoln-Marti Schools Recognition
Mote Marine Laboratory the Honorable Andy Ireland Costal Stewardship Award
National Breast Cancer Certificate
National Hispanic Bar Association Capital Award
Phi Theta Kappa International Society Distinguished Alumni Award
Royal Palm Elementary Thank You Recognition
Teach for America Recognition
The Board of Directors of Helen B. Bentley Family Health Center Inc. Appreciation Award
University of Miami FEC Yuca Award

2007
Amnesty International Human Rights Advocacy Honor
Associated Builders and Contractors of the Merit Shop Champion Recognition
Certificate of Excellence from the National Breast Cancer
Community Smiles Community Leadership Award
Endowment for Middle East Truth Speaker of the Truth Award
Florida Breast Cancer Coalition Appreciation
Florida International University Recognition
Hope for Vision Recognition
Miami Dade County Board of County Commissioners the Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Day Recognition
Miami-Dade Holocaust Survivors Service Award
Monroe County Board of Commissioners Recognition
Municipios de Cuba en el Exilio Proclamation Recognition
New Generation Leadership and Workforce Institute Unidad Community Leadership Award
NTM Information and Research Bipartisan Leadership Award in NTM Healthcare
Presentation of a READ poster at Shenandoah Public Library
Ripon Society Rough Rider Award
The Child Assault Prevention Inc Project of South Florida Humanitarian Award
The Child Assault Prevention Project of South Florida Humanitarian Performance Award

2006

Albanian American Civic League Balkan Peace Award
American Optometric Association Health Care Leadership Award
Barry University Education Leadership Award
Bienestar and Aids Foundation of HIV/AIDS Work for Latino Community Recognition
Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award
Communities Advocating Emergency AIDS Relief Partnership Award
Eating Disorders Coalition Award for Policy Leadership
Florida International University Leadership and Support Award
Florida International University Leadership and Support of Biology and Nanotech Research Recognition
Grand Lodge of District of Colombia Masonic Medal of Freedom
Health Choice Network Jessie Thrice Heroes Award
Hindu American Foundation Human Rights Leadership Award
Hope for Vision The Best of the Best Award
International Foodservice Distributors Association Thomas Jefferson Award
National Hispana Institute Leadership Award
National Marine Sanctuary Stewardship Award
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Randy Shifts Visibility Award
Smithsonian Latino Center Advancing Latino Culture Recognition
South Florida Mental Health Association Lifetime Achievement Award
The Freemasons Freedom Medal
The Seniors Coalition and Age Related Macular Degeneration Alliance Brighter Vision Award
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Recognition
U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services Outstanding American by Choice Award

2005

Albanian American Civic League Balkan Peace Award
Coconut Grove Playhouse Making a Difference Award.
Community Blood Centers of South Florida Award for Dedication and Support of Blood Drives
Eating Disorders Coalition Award for Policy Leadership
Florida International University Martin Luther King Service Award
Florida International University Multicultural Programs and Services Recognition
Hope for Vision Friend of Research Award
Jackson Health System Doctor for a Day
Joe Martinez and Carlos Alvarez Award for Special Recognition
Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency Recognition
Local Support Initiatives Corporation Leadership Award
Miami Dade College Commencement Address
Miami River Day Award
Miami-Dade Lions Club Certificate of Appreciation for Support to the Crusade Against Darkness and Silence
National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc Distinguished Community Health Superhero Award
National Breast Cancer Coalition Certificate of Excellence
National Hispana Institute Leadership Award
National Marine Sanctuary Stewardship Award
National Mental Health Association Legislator of the Year Award
Nicaraguan American Chamber of Commerce Special Recognition
Nicaraguan American Chamber of Commerce Acknowledgement Award
Reserve Officer Association Miami-Dade Chapter Minuteman Award
Small Business Administration Appreciation Recognition
The American Jewish Committee Congressional Leadership Award
The Century Council Recognition for Dedication to Fighting Alcohol Abuse
University of Miami School of Medicine & Jackson Health System and Public Health Trust Commitment Toward Patient Safety Award
Women’s Health Advocate Award, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Youth Co-op, Inc. Inspiration and Dedicated Service through Support of Education Leading to the Employment and Self-Sufficiency of Members of South Florida Recognition

2004

Americans for Tax Reform Hero of the Taxpayer Award
Central America - US Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Appreciation
DMR Appreciation
Iranian Society of South Florida Appreciation
Jordanian House of Representatives Honorary Plaque of Amman’s Gate
Miami Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation Certificate of Appreciation
Miami River Day Appreciation
NOVA Southeastern University Doctor of Public Service
Peruvian American Coalition Support of Peruvian Community Recognition
Small Business Advocate Small Business Survival Committee Award
State Coordinators of Refugee Resettlement Recognition of Service and Dedication to New Americans
The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association Pericles Award
The Foundation Fighting Blindness Good Will Ambassador Award
The Foundation for Fighting Blindness The Centurion Award
The Latin Auxiliary of Douglas Gardens Spotlight on Achievers Award
University of Miami Academic Merit Award
University of Miami Doctor of Education

2003

75th Anniversary National Business Women's Week Recognition
Anti-Defamation League Distinguished Public Service Award
Christian Israel Public Action Campaign Defender of Israel Award
Community Service Award, Premios Tesoro (Treasure Award), President of Glamour en Espanol
Dedicated Support of Israel’s Continued Effort to Build and Sustain a Strong Economy and to Achieve a Secure and Lasting Peace Recognition
Florida Farm Bureau Friend of Florida Farm Bureau
Florida International University Alumni Association Torch Award
Global Mission to Rescue Persecuted Falun Gong Practioners Conscience and Courage Award
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society Leadership of Congressional Refugee Caucus
Latin American Friends Huellas Award
Latin Business Club of America Latino of the Year Award of Excellence
Miami-Dade Community College Hall of Fame 2003 Award
National Recreation and Park Association National Congressional Award
The Foundation Fighting Blindness Founder of the Congressional Vision Caucus
Theodore R. Gibson Memorial Fund, Inc. Honor Award
United Way Miami Dade Recognition of Good Works in the Community

2002

Benjamin Leon JL Leon Medical Award
Combined Federal Campaign Recognition of Staff
Miami River Commission Friend of Miami River Award
The Blind Sailing Team of Shake-a-Leg Support of Educational Programs for Disabled and Disadvantaged
The Foundation Fighting Blindness and Heart Sight Goodwill Ambassador Award

2001
Florida Coalition for Hispanic Aging Outstanding Service Award
Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison Support of Miami River Cleanup Project
Miami Children’s Hospital Child Advocacy Award
Municipios de Cuba en el Exilio Comision Nacional de Mujeres Municipalistas Recognition
Municipios de Cuba en el Exilio Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Day Recognition
Municipios de Cuba en el exilio Proclamation
National Alliance for Autism Research Recognition in Support of Autism Research
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and the Jerusalem of Aish Hatorah The Friend of Zion Award
Squadron Flag 93rd Expeditionary Fighter Recognition
The Century Council Award In Recognition to Fight Drunk Driving

2000

Americans for Tax Reform Recognition
Citizens Flag Alliance Thank You Recognition
Citizens for a Sound Economy Jefferson Award
City of Miami Beach Certificate of Appreciation
Combined Federal Campaign Recognition of Staff
Florida Breast Cancer Coalition Outstanding Support
Hero of the Taxpayer Award
Miami Design Presidential League Award
NAAR Appreciation
National Hispana Leadership Institute Recognition
United Parcel Service Appreciation
XXVI Jose Marti School Parade Certificate of Participation
Youth Crime Watch of America Elected Official of the Year

1999

A Resolution of Thanks Organ and Tissue Donation Appreciation
BAUNIC "Bloque de Apoyo a la Unidad Nicaraguense"
Charles R. Hadley Elementary Recognition for the Continuous Support Towards Education
Christian Coalition For Dedication to South Florida "Sancitity of Human Life" Award
City of Coral Gables Proclamation
City of Homestead Proclamation
City of Miami Beach Proclamation
City of South Miami Proclamation
City of West Miami Proclamation
Community Blood Centers of South Florida, Inc. Certificate of Appreciation
De Ex Presos Politicos (AICEP) Certificate of Appreciation
Exilio Cubano Lincoln-Marti Merit Medal Award
Florida Breast Cancer Coalition Appreciation for Outstanding Leadership in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Haitian American Grassroots Coalition Honoring Our Champions Award
National Breast Cancer Coalition Breast Cancer Award
NOVA Southeastern University Honorary Degree Citation Recognition
Senior Companion Program 25th Anniversary Award
Southwest High School Alumni Association Southwest Miami High School Hall of Fame
Southwest Miami High Alumni Association Hall of Fame Induction Award
Unidad Hondurena (Honduran Unity) Hard Work Obtaining Legal Status for the Honduran Community Recognition
Village of Key Biscayne Proclamation

1998

Hispanic Unity of Florida Gracias Award
John Lummins Legislative Award
Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Recognition of Leadership Award
Miami Senior Adult and Community Appreciation
National Marrow Donor Program Support of Marrow Donor Program
Outstanding Leadership and Contribution to our Children, their Education, and Collective Future, Dade County School Board
People of Cyprus Pancyprian Association of Fl. Kyrenia II Award
Red Cross Hispanic Donor Award
The City of Opa-Locka "Commitment to Humankind" Award
Unidad Hondurena (Indio Limpisia) Appreciation

1997

ASPIRA Public Policy Leadership Program Development of Effective and Responsible Hispanic Leadership
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Leadership Award
Coordinadora Nicaraguense por el Exilo Capitulo San Francisco California Labor Appreciation
Dade County School Board Demetrio Perez Leadership Recognition
Florida Foreign Trade Association Contribution and Support of Miami’s Role in International Trade
Kendall Lakes Elementary School Award
Local Herald Newspaper Eight years on the Job Recognition
Los Leones Cubanos (El Exilo US and Cuba) Recognition
Metropolitan Dade County Park and Recreation Dept. Natural Area Management Award
Miami Spanish Yellow Pages Admiracion Appreciation
Nicaraguan American Chamber of Commerce Congresswoman of the Year Award
Nicaraguan American Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Leadership and Accomplishment Award
The Dade County Association of Occupation/Placement Specialist & the Alliance for Career Education Award
The Great Lodge of Cuba Recognition for Extraordinary Work in Congress
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Leadership on the Taxpayer Relief Act of
Unidad Revolucionaria Orden Mambisa de Mento

1996

Association of Real Estate Latina Woman of the Year Award
Circuit Court Employees Certificate
Community Action Elderly Award
Financial Women International 1996 Award Winner
Financial Women International 1996 Award Winner
Florida International University Alumni Association Award
Florida International University Speak Off Keynote Speaker
Metropolitan Dade County Park and Recreation Dept. Natural Area Management Award
Miami Medical Team Foundation Humanitarian Award
Miami Medical Team Foundation Humanitarian Performance Award
National Council of La Raza Recognition for Outstanding Contribution to the Hispanic Community
People Helping People Elderly Award

1995

Coordinadora Internacional de Ex-Prisioneros Politicos Cubanos Orden "Noelia Ramirez"
Cuban Kindergarten Association Accomplishments Obtained as a Woman, Teacher, and Congresswoman Recognition
Cumbre Patriotica Cubana Award
Hispanic American Builders Association Award
Hispanic Association of Correctional Officers Certificate of Appreciation
Miami Police Hispanic Heritage Committee Hispanic Pioneer in Politics and Positive Role Model
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Award of Honor
The Community Coalition for Women's History Woman of Impact Award
U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce National Government Hispanic Business Advocate of the Yea
Willy Chirino Fund Acknowledgement Award

1994

American Red Cross Blood Shortage Certificate of Recognition
Brigada de Asalto 2506 17 de Abril Orden al Merito Giron
City of Miami Police Department Appreciation Award
International Fine Arts College Doctor of Fine Arts
Melrose Town Homes Key
Miami-Dade Police Department Outstanding Service in Support of Women Empowerment
Nova University Community Service Award

1993

Amor Fraternal No 5 Appreciation
Comite Pro Democratizacion de Nicaragua Appreciation
CONIPOE Help of the Poor Exile of Nicaraguans in Miami Recognition
Hispanic Heritage and Leadership Committee Eagle Award
Hispanic Magazine Recognition
La Associacion de Ex Prisioneros Politicos Nicaraguenses "Por su Ayuda A Las Victimas" Recoginition
National Women of the League of United Latin American Citizens National Woman Achievement Award
Republica de Nicaragua Communidad Appreciation
Republica de Nicaragua Labor Appreciation

1992

American Heart Association Woman of the Year
Florida International University Omicron Delta Kappa
Greater Miami Jewish Federation Community Leadership Award
Habad of the Grove Recognition for Her Untiring Work In Congress
KAM Induction Ceremony Certificate of Recognition
National Security Leadership Award
South Shore Hospital Claude Pepper Community Service Award
Women’s Committee of One Hundred Trail Blazer Award
Women's Committee of 100 Trail Blazer Award

1991

City of Miami - U.S. General Services Administration Ceremony
Congressional Fire Services Caucus Member in Good Standing
Hispanic American Support Group Persian Gulf Certificate of Appreciation
Jewish War Veterans of U.S.A. Certificate of Appreciation
Key Biscayne Commission Honorary Plankowner
La Associacion de Manzanilleros en el Exilio Award
Monsignor Edward Pace High School Award
Republian National Hispanic Assembly RNHA Distinguished Award

1990

American Cancer Society Ladies Auxiliary Spring Fantasy Luncheon Recognition
El Ex Preso Meritos
Hispanic Elected Official of the Year Award
L.B.A. Political Figure of the Year
National Community Den Week Recognition
Puerto Rican Congress of N.J. Hispanic Women's Resources Center of Catholic Community Service Award
South Florida NAPS Recognition
Veterans of Foreign Wars Outstanding Support on behalf of Veterans Recognition

1989

Association of Veterans of Bay of Pigs Recognition
Campaign Volunteers Recognition
Comite de Nicaraguences Pobres en el Exilio Recognition
El Ex Preso Recognition
Ex Presas Politicas Recognition
Gold Coast Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors Recognition
Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Partnership
La Prensa Centro Americana Recognition
LBPW Woman of the Year Award
Nicaraguan American Chamber of Commerce Inc Recognition
Southside Elementary School Recognition of Excellence
Transportistas Unidos Recognition