In the hours after Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen announced she would leave Congress once her term ends in 2018, politicians from across the state and around the country offered praise for the longest serving representative in Florida history.
House Speaker Paul Ryan tweeted out a message shortly after the news broke of Ros-Lehtinen's decision, calling her a "force" and a voice for the voiceless. Florida Gov. Rick Scott tweeted that she had fought hard for Florida families and her strong leadership "will be missed."
Sen. Marco Rubio, who was an intern for Ros-Lehtinen in the summer of 1991, called her a "tireless advocated of freedom and human rights" while Rep. Ted Deutch, a Democrat from the 22nd district that includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, praised her ability to work with both parties.
"Every Member of Congress should learn something from the way Ileana has conducted herself over the past 28 years," Deutch said in a statement. "She has crossed the aisle to stand up for what she believes is right. She has stood firm in her convictions and stood up for those she represents even when it meant making tough political choices."
Another Democrat, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, echoed those sentiments while adding she was proud to call Ros-Lehtinen a friend and work with her on issues from Israel to Haiti to LGBTQ rights.
“She’s always been willing to take the tough stand, and sought to do what was right. It’s been an honor to serve with her in Congress…She will be sorely missed, not just around Florida, but throughout Congress and the rest of the country. Mis mejores deseos mi companera y mi amiga.”
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez tweeted in both English and Spanish that she was a “tireless public servant” and wished her the best in the next chapter of her life.
