The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) will host its 13th Annual Gala & Leadership Awards: A Tribute to Freedom, on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, in Washington, D.C. At this year’s Gala, CHLI will be honoring Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient, Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, with CHLI’s Leadership in International Relations Award. The distinguished Cuban physician was awarded the United States’ most prestigious civilian award by President George W. Bush in 2007. Dr. Biscet has been imprisoned on multiple occasions for his nonviolent pro-democracy work in Cuba. To this day he continues his non-violent struggle for human rights in Cuba. CHLI is honored that Dr. Biscet has agreed to accept its Leadership in International Relations Award for 2017. Every year CHLI recognizes, with its Leadership in Public Service Award, exceptional public servants who support the advancement of the Hispanic community in the United States. This year, CHLI recognizes the outstanding contributions of Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and Congressman Gerald Connolly of Virginia (D-VA).