MS RUBIO: Thank you. Thank you. Good evening, everyone. My name is Daniella Rubio, and it is my honor and privilege to introduce our distinguished speaker for this year's Barbara K. Olson Memorial Lecture. Before we begin, I would like to invite everyone to join us for a reception at the promenade immediately following the lecture. We hope you will be able to join us.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio was born in Miami, Florida in 1971. He is the son of Cuban immigrants who left Cuba in pursuit of the American dream. His father worked as a banquet bartender, while his mother split time as a stay-at-home mom and hotel maid. From an early age, Rubio learned the importance of faith, family, community, and dignified work. His commitment to public service was deeply influenced by conversations with his grandfather, who had witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of communism on his homeland.
Inspired by his family's story and his belief in the promise of America, Rubio embarked on a career in public service that would take him from local government to the highest levels of national leadership. After marrying his wife Jeanette, Rubio began his political career as a city commissioner in West Miami before serving in the Florida House of Representatives, where he ultimately rose to become speaker. In 2010, he was elected to represent Florida in the United States Senate, where he served for nearly 14 years.
During his tenure in the Senate, Rubio served on several influential committees, including the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. He became particularly active on issues involving U.S. foreign policy, national security, and America's relationships with countries across the world.
Among his legislative accomplishments, Rubio was a leading force behind the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, co-led legislation supporting human rights and democracy in Hong Kong, and worked with President Trump to increase pressure on the Cuban regime, including efforts targeting the regime's military-controlled business empire.
In November 2024, President Donald Trump nominated Rubio to serve as the 72nd Secretary of State. On January 20th, 2025, the United States Senate unanimously confirmed his nomination by a vote of 99 to zero, making him the first member of President Trump's second cabinet. Rubio was sworn in as Secretary of State on January 21st, 2025. As America's chief diplomat, he leads the Department of State in carrying out the President's foreign policy and advancing Americans' interests around the world. His stated priority is to lead a department that puts America first. In his capacity as the President's National Security Advisor, he leads the National Security Council and coordinates the America First foreign policy across the interagency.
And while all of these professional achievements are truly remarkable, his greatest accomplishment cannot be measured by titles, awards, or accolades. Beyond all that he has achieved professionally, his greatest legacy will always be the value he has instilled, the importance of always putting the Lord first. And this is the example that he has set for my family: his love for a great nation and the defense of our basic rights. And for that reason, more than any other, I am most proud and most grateful and most fortunate to call him Dad. (Applause.)
