Member, Congressional Boating Caucus, present

Co-Chair, Congressional Children's Caucus, present

Member, Congressional Fire Services Caucus, present

Founder and Vice Chair, Congressional Hispanic Conference, present

Member, Congressional Horse Caucus, present

Member, Congressional Human Rights Caucus, present

Member, Congressional Sunbelt Caucus, present

Member, Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, present

Member, Speaker's Task Force for a Drug Free America, present

Former Member, Central Intelligence Agency Subcommittee, United States House of Representatives

Former Member, Foreign Affairs Committee, United States House of Representatives

Former Member, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, United States House of Representatives

Former Member, Subcommittee on Department of Defense Intelligence and Overhead Architecture, United States House of Representatives

Former Chair, Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa, United States House of Representatives

Former Member, Subcommittee on NSA and Cybersecurity, United States House of Representatives

Former Member, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, United States House of Representatives

Co-Chair, Congressional Vision Caucus, 2006-2008

Co-Chair, National Marine Sanctuary Caucus, 2006-2008

Astrological Sign:

Cancer

— Awards:

• 2013:

  NALEO - Edward R. Roybal Award for Outstanding Public Service

• Friend of Israel Champion of Freedom Award -- Young Israel of Kendall
• Close Up - Civic Excellence Award
• Dade County Bar Association - Excellence Award for Outstanding Public Service
• Miami Today Newspaper - Living Legend Award
• Lincoln-Marti Schools - Lincoln-Marti Schools Recognition
• American Association of Community Colleges - Outstanding Alumni Award
• Latino Information & Technology "Campeones" Beacon Award
• Shining Star Award -- Americans for Immigrant Justice

  2012:

  Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida Award

• Economic Development Beacon Award - Beacon Council
• South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Award
• Premio Libertad - La Herencia Cultural Cubana
• FIU Medallion for Outstanding Alumna
• Outstanding Legislator Award - Protect Our Heritage Pac
• Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO)
• The American Farm Bureau Award- The Miami-Dade County Farm Bureau
• National Policy Leadership Award - Lupus Foundation of America
• Recognition of Exceptional Leadership and Vision - Latina Style Inc.
• Thomas Jefferson Award - International Foodservice Distribution Association
• Lupus Foundation - National Policy Leadership Award
• The Living Legacy - Congressional Leadership Tribute Event
• Log Cabin Republicans - Spirit of Lincoln Award

  2011:

  Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award -- International Foundation for Electoral Systems

• Esa Soy Yo Soy Latina Award -- Discovery Familia
• Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom -- Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation
• American Optometric Association - Health Care Leadership Award
• Hebrew Academy - Community Service Award
• Jewish War Veterans Medal of Merit
• Cuban-American National Council Award
• American Security Council Foundation Award
• South Florida Business Leader - Women Extraordinaire Award

  2010:

  NHLI Women's Award

• Champion of Public Health Award
• Log Cabin Republican's Spirit of Lincoln Award
• NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award
• National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Leadership Award
• SaveDade Champion of Equality award
• Congressional Management Foundation 111th Congress Silver Mouse Award
• UNOS Donate Life -- Transplant Leadership Award
• David Berry - Write Your Congressman's Constituent Award
• The World Trade Center Miami - International Women's Day Award
• Equality Florida "Voices for Equality" Award
• Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Award from the International Republican Institute's (IRI) Women's Democracy Network (WDN)
• Union Positiva, Inc, Champion in the battle against HIV/AIDS in the Latino Community of South Florida
• 2010 NCLR Capital Award

  2009:

  Korean American Voters Council Certificate of Appreciation

• Century Council Leadership in Combating Underage Drinking Award
• Pillar Award for Civic Engagement
• Florida Monthly Magazine, Best Legislator Award
• InterAmerican Foundation's Dante Fascell Award
• Miami-Dade County Farm Bureau Award
• American Children's Orchestra for Peace Award
• Hispanic Police Officers Association Award
• Boy Scouts of America Hispanic Heritage Award

  2008:

  American Optometric Association Health Care Leadership Award

• Booker T. Washington Senior High School Plaque
• Congressional Crime Fighter Award from the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
• 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 from the Air Force Association
• Florida International University Thank You Recognition
• Florida Keys Outreach Coalition for the Homeless Award
• Food Distribution International Thomas Jefferson Award
• Green Living & Energy Education Green Award
• Humane Society Legislative Leader
• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Certificate of Recognition
• 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
• Miami-Dade County Award of Special Recognition
• Minority Equality Forum Severo Ochoa Award for Commitment to Fighting Minority HIV
• Mote Marine Laboratory the Honorable Andy Ireland Costal Stewardship Award
• National Breast Cancer Certificate
• National Write your Congressman Constituent Service Award
• National Hispanic Bar Association Capital Award
• NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award
• Phi Theta Kappa International Society Distinguished Alumni Award
• President Achievement Award- Hispanic US Chamber of Commerce
• 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
• Children Champion Award
• 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
• National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems Safety Net Award
• National Latina Symposium Latina Style Award
• New Generation Leadership and Workforce Institute Unidad Community Leadership Award
• NTM Information and Research Bipartisan Leadership Award in NTM Healthcare
• Policy Pioneer Award from the National Foundation for Women Legislators and the National Women's History Museum
• Presentation of a READ poster at Shenandoah Public Library
• Ripon Society Rough Rider Award
• Spirit of Lincoln Award from the Log Cabin Republicans
• South Florida Mental Health Association Lifetime Achievement Award
• The AIDS Institute/ National HIV/AIDS Cure and Treatment 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
• Communities Advocating Emergency AIDS Relief Partnership Award
• Distinguished Community Health Superhero Award from the National Association of Community Health Centers
• 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:

  American Hellenic Institute Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award

• Albanian American Civic League Balkan Peace Award
• Borinquen Healthcare Center recognition for commitment and leadership to uninsured communities
• 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
• The Seniros Coalition Brighter Vision Award
• 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

• Associated Builders and Contractors Champion of the Merit Shop Award
• Century Council recognition for commitment to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking
• 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
• National Jobs Corp recognition
• 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:

  Americans for Tax Reform Hero of the Taxpayer Award

• Ana G. Mendez Excellence in Education Award from the Ana G. Mendez University System
• Benjamin Leon JL Leon Medical Award
• Combined Federal Campaign Recognition of Staff
• Miami River Commission Friend of Miami River Award
• NFIB Guardian of Small Business 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
• National Association of Manufacturers Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence
• 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
• Friend of the Farm Bureau Award
• Hero of the Taxpayer Award
• League of United Latin American Citizens National Legislation 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
• United Cuban Organizations Recognition Award

  1997:

  Associated Builders and Contractors Champion of the Merit Shop

• ASPIRA Public Policy Leadership Program Development of Effective and Responsible Hispanic Leadership
• Cuban American Veterans Association Award
• 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
• Jefferson Award from Citizens for a Sound Economy
• 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
• 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:

  Awareness Achievement Award from the Board of Sponsors of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

• 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

• Appreciation for efforts on behalf of tourism in the US from American Tours International
• Eagle of Freedom Award from the American Security Council Foundation
• 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

Favorite Book:

Faith and Fantasy by Michael Oren, Power, A Separate Peace

Favorite Movie:

Saving Private Ryan, Bridget Jones's Diary, Young Frankenstein, Love Actually, Before Sunrise

Favorite Musician:

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers, The Beatles, Oldies, The Zombies, Country and Spanish Ballads

Favorite TV Shows:

CSI: Miami, Seinfeld, Monk

Names of Grandchildren:

Morgan Elizabeth and Caroline Grace