Michael Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1, and I urge my colleagues to lend their support to this very important bill. We have before us a historic opportunity to provide our constituents with a meaningful prescription drug benefit that our Nation can afford. While the bill before us certainly is not perfect, it targets the $400 billion available under our budget resolution towards areas where it can do the most good. Our bill provides a great deal of assistance to our lower-income seniors for whom we waive a deductible and coinsurance requirements. These seniors, those with incomes below 150 percent of the poverty level, which in 2002 was $13,290 for an individual and $17,910 for a married couple, will only be responsible for a small copayment per prescription. In addition, the bill targets the prescription drug benefit towards where the need is greatest. Beneficiaries are only responsible for 20 percent of their drug costs between a $250 deductible and a $2,000 initial coverage limit. When we consider that the 2003 median drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries are estimated to be $1,390, it is clear that our bill provides a very good, up-front benefit. Finally, the bill ensures that seniors will have the peace of mind of knowing that their annual drug costs will be capped at no more than $3,500 out of pocket. While that number does rise for some wealthier seniors, I would note that 95 percent of seniors will qualify for the $3,500 figure. Our bill makes other improvements to the Medicare program, and includes some Medicare payment modifications to ensure that beneficiaries will still have access to high-quality health care. I would like to close by noting my great disappointment with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, who for 30 years when they controlled this House did not do a thing for Medicare. I had to sit through a 3-day markup where my intentions and those of my colleagues were constantly questioned. Republicans were often accused of not being willing to commit adequate resources to a Medicare prescription drug benefit. I find that odd since in 2001, 2 years ago, the Democratic substitute to the budget resolution included only $330 billion for a new drug benefit. Republicans added $70 billion to that number only 2 years later, and still our colleagues accuse us of underfunding that benefit. Mr. Speaker, all this tells me is that most Democrats only care about engaging in a reckless bidding war with Republicans and not about developing a reasonable, affordable benefit. H.R. 1 is a good bill, and its passage today will move us one step closer to a law which will provide real help to tens of millions of Medicare beneficiaries.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the cooperation of the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown). He has always been very cooperative. This is an illustration of bipartisanship at work and all the work obviously of the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers; and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 110) recognizing the sequencing of the human genome as one of the most significant scientific accomplishments of the past 100 years and expressing support for the goals and ideals of Human Genome Month and DNA Day.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on House concurrent resolution 110.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 110, a concurrent resolution recognizing the sequencing of the human genome as one of the most significant scientific accomplishments of the past 100 years and expressing support for the goals and ideals of Human Genome Month and DNA Day. This legislation, introduced by our colleague, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter), was unanimously approved by the Committee on Energy and Commerce on April 30 of this year. April 2003 marked the 50th anniversary of a momentous achievement in biology: James Watson and Francis Crick's Nobel Prize-winning description of the double helix structure of DNA. In addition, this past April we celebrated the culmination one of the most important scientific projects in history, the sequencing of the human genome. The science and technology of genomics have become the foundation of research and biotechnology for the 21st century. In addition, health care has undergone phenomenal changes, driven in part by the Human Genome Project and accompanying advances in human genetics. While these advances will certainly present a myriad of challenges for policymakers, I feel confident that this information will truly revolutionize the practice of medicine and greatly improve our quality of life. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support passage of H. Con. Res. 110. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns). (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 212, I was attending the burial of a leading veteran from my district at Arlington National Cemetery. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 147) commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Orphan Drug Act and the National Organization for Rare Disorders, as amended.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 147.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 147 which commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Orphan Drug Act and the National Organization for Rare Disorders. This legislation, introduced by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley), was unanimously approved by the Committee on Energy and Commerce on April 30 of this year. H. Con. Res. 147 recognizes the great contribution the Orphan Drug Act has made to the rare disease community. In the decade before the Orphan Drug Act was enacted, only 10 new treatments for orphan diseases were developed. In the 20 years since it was passed, more than 200 new drugs, foods and devices have been approved by the Food & Drug Administration, and an additional 900 are in various stages of development. These treatments for rare disorders treat an estimated 11 million patients in the United States. Eighty-five percent of orphan drugs are being used to treat serious or life-threatening diseases, 31 percent treat rare forms of cancer, and approximately 50 percent are approved for pediatric uses. Last year President Bush signed into law two important bills dealing with rare diseases. The Rare Diseases Act of 2002 established an Office of Rare Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, while the Rare Diseases Orphan Product Development Act of 2002 increased funding for the Food and Drug Administration's Orphan Product Research Grants Program. I am glad we are following the enactment of these important bills by recognizing both the original Orphan Drug Act and the National Organization for Rare Disorders, which has advocated tirelessly for the victims of rare diseases. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this important resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley), the writer of this resolution.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Clair Miller, a true American hero whose life has come to an end but whose legacy will endure. Clair lived a remarkable life. He grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, where he played the piano, started a band, and became a professional musician. He joined the Army Air Forces in 1942 to serve his country. He was captured by the Germans and spent nine months as a prisoner of war, a time during which he endured constant beatings and mental and physical abuse. He received the Purple Heart and many other medals for his service. In 1964, Clair joined the Office of Special Investigations to investigate Nazi persecution during the war. He then joined the staff of Mease Dunedin Hospital and worked there for 18 years. He was appointed to the Dunedin City Commission in 1979, a body on which he served so ably that it proclaimed December 17, 1982, as ``Clair Miller Day.'' Clair also was active in many volunteer, service, and military organizations. He selflessly devoted his time, energy, and money to help those less fortunate than himself, to preserve the City of Dunedin's rich history, and to protect the benefits that our veterans earned as a result of their service to our country. Clair Miller's story, however, is more than that of veteran, volunteer, and community leader. He was a loving husband to his beautiful wife, Geale. He was a patriot who preached about the importance of freedom and the price to protect it. He also was my friend. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have known Clair Miller. I will miss him, as will his many friends, family, and others whose lives were fortunate to have crossed paths with his. I hope my words here today will in some small measure comfort his family and serve as a lasting memorial to a modern day patriot.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the inaction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the Triennial Review of the 1996 Telecommunications Act adopted on February 20, 2003. Mr. Speaker, regardless of where members come down on the issue of local telephone competition, one thing is clear to all of us; NO ONE has seen the order which was adopted more than two months ago. If the House of Representatives considers legislation pertaining to this matter, we should have the actual document to review before we vote. The FCC adopted rules dealing with local telephone competition more than two months ago that have yet to be put to paper so that the affected companies can review the order, and the telecommunications industry is hemorrhaging. Jobs, capital investment and investor equity are being squandered at an unprecedented rate. This lack of clarity is prolonging this downward spiral. Many have referred to the chaos and uncertainty in the industry caused by this order. While some of this may be rhetoric, every day that goes by adds more credence to the fact that the delay in the release of this order is detrimental to the telecommunications industry. I urge the FCC to release its Triennial Review as soon as possible.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be here tonight to commemorate ``National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day.'' Sacrifice. It's a word we all know. All of us have made some sacrifices in our lives. We make sacrifices for our family, for our close friends, even for our neighbors and coworkers. Anyone who has ever served or is serving in our Armed Forces knows that military life requires many sacrifices. Over one million Americans have given their lives, the ultimate sacrifice, while serving in our nation's Armed Forces. Throughout history, the brave men and women of our Armed Forces have risked their lives. They have done so not merely for family or coworkers, but for a cause represented by the American flag--the freedom to choose and the liberty to succeed. But no one knows the meaning of sacrifice better than America's former prisoners of war. All those who have been POWs know the true meaning of freedom. They have paid a tremendous price for the liberty we all cherish. Their service and sacrifice, and that of their fellow veterans, make our way of life possible. Throughout the history of the United States, more than 500,000 Americans have been taken prisoner. Each of these courageous men and women has experienced horrors unimaginable in the annals of civilized existence. Most have endured long-term deprivation of freedom and the loss of human dignity. Today, many continue to experience prolonged battles with various illnesses and other disabilities. There are no words to adequately describe the sacrifices made by our former POWs. Humble words can never repay the debt we owe these brave men and women. However, special days like today provide us with the opportunity to reflect upon the terror that these great Americans endured in service to their country. While we can never fully comprehend the suffering they experienced, we must respect their unwavering dedication to life. Without question, American POWs have demonstrated an unfailing devotion to duty, honor and country. Their service helped preserve our freedom through two world wars and regional conflicts of the cold war era. Our former prisoners of war have given more than most Americans will be called upon to give for their country. As we honor our former POWs tonight, we are reminded of our current prisoners of war being held in Iraq. We pray for their safe return and are working to secure their freedom. ``Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day'' serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifice and commitment of all the American men and women whose patriotism has been tested by the chains of enemy captivity. Their experiences underscore our debt to those who place their lives in harm's way and stand willing to trade their liberty for ours. As a nation, we must always remember the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jack Eckerd, a man who has dedicated his life to public service as he celebrates his 90th birthday. Jack Eckerd's life is a testament to what one can achieve with hard work, dedication, and perseverance. After flying air cargo flights for the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, Mr. Eckerd opened a now well known chain of drug stores in the Tampa Bay area. These stores, named after their founder, were the first self-service drugstores in Florida. Many of the concepts he instituted at his stores, such as senior citizen discounts and two-for- one photo processing, have become standard practice in drugstores across the country. Jack Eckerd's story is more than that of veteran, successful businessman, and devoted husband to his wife, Ruth. Mr. Eckerd quickly became involved in his community after founding Eckerd drugstores. He contributed his time, talents and money to help organizations such as the YMCA, United Way, and Morton Plant Hospital in my congressional district in Clearwater, Florida. He also founded, in 1968, Eckerd Youth Alternatives, an organization dedicated to finding innovative solutions to help troubled youths. Eckerd Youth Alternatives, which he considers his proudest accomplishment, today is one of the nation's leading and most respected programs for troubled young people. Jack Eckerd ran for the U.S. Senate in 1974 and later co-chaired former Florida Governor Ruben Askew's study on management and efficiency, which found more than $100 million in state budget waste. President Gerald Ford appointed Mr. Eckerd to head the General Services Administration from 1975 to 1977. President Ford, commenting on Mr. Eckerd's tenure, said ``Jack ran GSA cleaner than a hound's tooth.'' He later was appointed by then Governor and now Senator Bob Graham--the man who defeated him in his Senate race-as chairman of the board of Prison Rehabilitative Industries, a state program to provide jobs and skills to inmates and to make such institutions self-supporting. Since his retirement in 1996, Jack Eckerd has remained involved in his community. Mr. Eckerd's financial generosity is legendary. He and his family have given millions of dollars through the years to improve education, promote the arts, and encourage the health and well-being of our fellow citizens. Jack Eckerd has received many awards for his public service and philanthropy over the years. The greatest honor he can receive, however, is to know that he has had a profoundly positive impact on those whose lives he has touched. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to thank Jack Eckerd for his life's work and congratulate him as he celebrates his 90th birthday on May 16. I wish him and his family many years of continued health and happiness.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in commemorating one of the most appalling violations of human rights in all of modern history--the eighty-eighth anniversary of the Armenian genocide. I want to commend my colleagues Representatives Joe Knollenberg and Frank Pallone, the co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, for once again sponsoring this special order. Each year, we join the world in the commemoration of the Armenian genocide because the tragedy of lost lives through ethnic cleansing must not be forgotten. By remembering the bloodshed and atrocities committed against the Armenian people, we hope to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. On April 24, 1915, 300 Armenian leaders, scholars, and professionals were gathered, deported, and killed in Constantinople. Later that day, 5,000 more Armenians were butchered in their homes and on the streets of the city. By 1923, two million men, women, and children had been murdered and another 500,000 Armenian survivors were homeless and exiled. The Armenian genocide was the first of the twentieth century, but unfortunately as we all know, it was not the last. Talat Pasha, one of the Ottoman rulers, stated that the regime's goal was to ``thoroughly liquidate its internal foes, the indigenous Christian.'' The regime called the mass murder a mass relocation, masking its horrendous acts from the rest of the world. The Ottoman Empire was fully aware that the possibility of foreign intervention was minimal considering the world was preoccupied with World War I at the time. However, the massacre was immediately denounced by representatives from Britain, France, Russia, and the United States. Even Germany and Austria, allies of the Ottoman Empire in the first World War, condemned the Empire's heinous acts. Henry Morgenthau, U.S. Ambassador to Constantinople at the time, vividly documented the massacre of 1.5 million Armenians with the statement, ``I am confident that the whole history of the human race contains no such horrible episode as this. The great massacres and persecutions of the past seem almost insignificant when compared to the sufferings of the Armenian race in 1915.'' Winston Churchill used the word ``holocaust'' to describe the Armenian massacres when he said that, ``in 1915 the Turkish government began and ruthlessly carried out the infamous general massacre and deportation of Armenians in Asia minor . . . [the Turks were] massacring uncounted thousands of helpless Armenians--men, women, and children together; whole districts blotted out in one administrative holocaust--these were beyond human redress.'' The orchestrated extermination of people is contrary to the values the United States espouses. We are a nation which strictly adheres to the affirmation of human rights everywhere. No one can erase a horrendous historical fact by ignoring what so many witnessed and survived. Recognition and acceptance of misdeeds are necessary steps toward its extinction. Without acceptance, there is no remorse, and without remorse, there is no catharsis and pardon. We all want to forget these horrific tragedies in our history and bury them in the past. However, it is only through the painful process of acknowledging and remembering that we can prevent similar iniquity in the future. The survivors of the Armenian genocide and their descendants have made great contributions to every country in which they have settled, including the United States where they have made their mark in business, the professions and our cultural life. In closing, I would like to ask that we all take a moment to reflect upon the hardships endured by the Armenians, and acknowledge that in the face of adversity, the Armenian people have persevered. Today, we commemorate the memories of those who lost their lives in the genocide, as well as the resilience of those who survived.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) for writing this bill and for yielding me time. I also rise in strong support of H. Res. 165, a bill which expresses support for a renewed effort to find a peaceful and lasting settlement to the Cypress problem by declaring appreciation for the efforts of Kofi Annan, the United Nations' Secretary General. Mr. Speaker, the U.N. peace process, which is strongly supported by the United States and the entire international community, has sought to reunite Cypress as a single, sovereign bi-communal federation. With Cypress poised to join the European Union in May 2004, Secretary General Annan chose to get personally involved in bringing the two sides together, asking the two community leaders to put the U.N. plan before their people in a referendum. President Papadopoulos of Cypress said he was prepared to do so. Unfortunately, Mr. Denktash, the Turkish Cypriot leader, was not prepared to agree to put the plan to a referendum. It is a shame that the Secretary General's personal diplomacy was met by this kind of flat-out rejection. The bill expresses strong disappointment that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Denktash, rejected the comprehensive settlement offered by Secretary General Annan, thereby denying the Turkish Cypriot people the opportunity to determine their own future. This legislation also indicates that we in the House of Representatives remain committed to giving any assistance needed to find a just and durable settlement for the Cypress problem. H. Res. 165 urges the United States Government and others to redouble their efforts to seek a fair solution to the Cypress problem. And finally, H. Res. 165 urges the governments, the governments of Turkey and Greece to do everything possible to support the search for a settlement, including actions by the Government of Turkey, helping to persuade Mr. Denktash to reach an agreement which would reunite the island. Mr. Speaker, again I want to thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) for his commitment and perseverance in resolving the 29-year- old problem in Cypress, and I urge my colleagues to support the legislation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend America's spirit of volunteerism and to highlight an organization that is helping the families of active-duty military personnel in my congressional district. Millions of Americans perform acts of kindness and compassion every day by helping their neighbors or by working through the many volunteer organizations that make our country great. One such organization, Operation Brave Kids, is a Tampa Bay area charitable organization that provides financial assistance to the families of active-duty military personnel. The group provides resources that can make the difference between obtaining the necessities of daily life or going without. John Ghee, the founder of Operation Brave Kids, summarized the group's mission by stating that ``we want the family and the soldier to know that the community is behind them.'' Mr. Speaker, these troubled times require each of us to contribute in our own way to the cause of freedom and the care of our countrymen. I am proud to say that the spirit of caring and volunteerism is flourishing today in the land of liberty. May God protect our troops and continue to watch over the United States of America.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the subject of this Special Order.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today I proudly rise to celebrate Greek Independence Day and the strong ties that bind the nation of Greece and the United States. 182 years ago exactly on this date, the people of Greece began a journey that would mark the symbolic rebirth of democracy in the land where those principles for human dignity were first espoused. They rebelled against more than 400 years, 400 years of Turkish oppression. The revolution of 1821 brought independence to Greece and emboldened those who still sought freedom across the world. I commemorate Greek Independence Day each year for the same reasons that we celebrate our Fourth of July. It proved that a united people through sheer will and perseverance can prevail against tyranny. Men such as Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, and Euripides developed the then unique notion that men could, if left to their own devices, lead themselves rather than be subject to the will of a sovereign. It was Aristotle who said: ``We make war that we may live in peace,'' a timely statement considering today's events. On March 25, 1821, Archbishop Germanos of Patras embodied the spirit of those words when he raised the flag of freedom and was the first to declare Greece free. Revolutions embody a sense of heroism, Mr. Speaker, bringing forth a greatness of the human spirit. As Thomas Jefferson once said: ``To the ancient Greeks we are all indebted for the light which led ourselves, American colonists, out of Gothic darkness.'' Quoting Jefferson on the anniversary of Greek independence is particularly appropriate. Jefferson and the rest of the Founding Fathers looked back to the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers for inspiration as they sought to craft a strong democratic state. In 1821, the Greeks looked to our Founding Fathers for inspiration when they began their journey toward freedom. We all know that the price of liberty can be very high. History is replete with the names of the millions that have sacrificed for it. Many great scholars throughout history warn that we maintain democracy only at great cost. The freedom we enjoy today is due, to a large degree, to the sacrifices made by men and women in the past in Greece, in America and all over the world. Freedom is America's heart. It is central to our being, and from the beginning we have recognized that freedom is not just an American right. It is a God-given right to every citizen of the world. Even as we commemorate Greek Independence Day, American servicemembers are fighting to liberate the Iraqi people who have suffered for decades under Saddam Hussein's brutal regime. We must never forget that freedom must be constantly guarded. It is a noble, but fragile, thing that can be stolen or snuffed out if not protected. We cannot take for granted that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights. We enjoy our freedom only because we have been willing to fight and die for it, just like our forefathers and the valiant Greeks in 1821. Mr. Speaker, on this 182nd birthday of Greek independence, when we celebrate the restoration of democracy to the land of its conception, we also celebrate the triumph of the human spirit and the strength of man's will. The goals and values that the people of Greece share with the people of the United States reaffirm our common democratic heritage. This occasion also serves to remind us that we must never take for granted the right to determine our own fate. Mr. Speaker, today I proudly rise to celebrate Greek Independence Day and the strong ties that bind the nation of Greece and the United States. One hundred and eighty two years ago, the people of Greece began a journey that would mark the symbolic rebirth of democracy in the land where those principles to human dignity were first espoused. They rebelled against more than 400 years of Turkish oppression. The revolution of 1821 brought independence to Greece and emboldened those who still sought freedom across the world. I commemorate Greek Independence Day each year for the same reasons we celebrate our Fourth of July. It proved that a united people, through sheer will and perseverance, can prevail against tyranny. The lessons the Greeks and our colonial forefathers taught us provide hope and inspiration to victims of persecution throughout the world today. Men such as Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, and Euripides developed the then-unique notion that men could, if left to their own devices, lead themselves rather than be subject to the will of a sovereign. It was Aristotle who said: ``We make war that we may live in peace.'' On March 25, 1821, Archbishop Germanos of Patras embodied the spirit of those words when he raised the flag of freedom and was the first to declare Greece free. Revolutions embody a sense of heroism, bringing forth the greatness of the human spirit. It was Thomas Jefferson who said that, ``One man with courage is a majority.'' Quoting Jefferson on the anniversary of Greek independence is particularly appropriate. Jefferson, and the rest of the Founding Fathers, looked back to the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers for inspiration as they sought to craft a strong democratic state. And in 1821, the Greeks looked to our Founding Fathers for inspiration when they began their journey toward freedom. The history of Greek independence, like that of the American Revolution, is filled with many stories of courage and heroism. There are many parallels between the American and Greek Revolutions. Encouraged by the American Revolution, the Greeks began their rebellion after four centuries of Turkish oppression, facing what appeared to be insurmountable odds. Both nations faced the prospect of having to defeat an empire to obtain liberty. And if Samuel Adams, the American revolutionary leader who lighted the first spark of rebellion by leading the Boston Tea Party, had a Greek counterpart, that man would be Alexander Ypsilantis. Ypsilantis was born in Istanbul, and his family was later exiled to Russia. Ypsilantis served in the Russian army, and it was there, during his military service, that he became involved with a secret society called the ``Philike Hetairia,'' which translated means ``friendly society.'' The ``friendly society'' was made up of merchants and other Greek leaders, but the intent of the society was to seek freedom for Greece and her people. The group planned a secret uprising for 1821 to be led by Ypsilantis. He and 4,500 volunteers assembled near the Russian border to launch an insurrection against the Turks. The Turkish army massacred the ill- prepared Greek volunteers, and Ypsilantis was caught and placed in prison, where he subsequently died. However, the first bells of liberty had been rung, and Greek independence would not be stopped. When news of Greek uprisings spread, the Turks killed Greek clergymen, clerics, and laity in a frightening display of force. In a vicious act of vengeance, the Turks invaded the island of Chios and slaughtered 25,000 of the local residents. The invaders enslaved half the island's population of 100,000. Although many lives were sacrificed at the altar of freedom, the Greek people rallied around the battle cry ``Eleftheria I Thanatos''-- liberty or death, mirroring the words of American Patriot Patrick Henry who said: ``Give me liberty or give me death.'' These words personified the Greek patriots' unmitigated desire to be free. Another heroic Greek whom many believe was the most important figure in the revolution was Theodoros Kolokotronis. He was the leader of the Klephts, a group of rebellious and resilient Greeks who refused to submit to Turkish subjugation. Kolokotronis used military strategy he learned while in the service of the English Army to organize a force of over 7,000 men. The Klephts swooped down on the Turks from their mountain strongholds, battering their oppressors into submission. One battle in particular, where Kolokotronis led his vastly outnumbered forces against the Turks, stands out. The Turks had invaded Peloponnese with 30,000 men. Kolokotronis led his force, which was outnumbered by a ratio of 4 to 1, against the Turkish army. A fierce battle ensued and many lives were lost, but after a few weeks, the Turks were forced to retreat. Kolokotronis is a revered Greek leader, because he embodied the hopes and dreams of the common man, while displaying extraordinary courage and moral fiber in the face of overwhelming odds. Athanasios Diakos was another legendary hero, a priest, a patriot, a soldier. He led 500 of his men in a noble stand against 8,000 Ottoman soldiers. Diakos' men were wiped out and he fell into the enemy's hands, where he was severely tortured before his death. He is the image of a Greek who gave all for love of faith and homeland. While individuals acts of bravery and leadership are often noted, the Greek Revolution was remarkable for the bravery and fortitude displayed by the typical Greek citizen. This heroic ideal of sacrifice and service is best demonstrated through the story of the Suliotes, villagers who took refuge from Turkish authorities in the mountains of Epiros. The fiercely patriotic Suliotes bravely fought the Turks in several battles. News of their victories spread throughout the region and encouraged other villagers to revolt. The Turkish Army acted swiftly and with overwhelming force to quell the Suliote uprising. The Suliote women were alone as their husbands battled the Turks at the front. When they learned that Turkish troops were fast approaching their village, they began to dance the ``Syrtos,'' a patriotic Greek dance. One by one, rather than face torture or enslavement at the hands of the Turks, they committee suicide by throwing themselves and their children off Mount Zalongo. They chose to die rather than surrender their freedom. The sacrifice of the Suliotes was repeated in the Arkadi Monastery of Crete. Hundreds of non-combatant, mainly the families of the Cretan freedom fighters, had taken refuge in the Monastery to escape Turkish reprisals. The Turkish army was informed that the Monastery was used by the Cretan freedom fighters as an arsenal for their war material, and they set out to seize it. As the Turkish troops were closing in, the priest gathered all the refugees in the cellar around him. With their consent, he set fire to the gunpowder kegs stored there, killing all but a few. The ruins of the Arkadi Monastery, like the ruins of our Alamo, still stand as a monument to liberty. News of the Greek revolution met with widespread feelings of compassion in the United States. The Founding Fathers eagerly expressed sentiments of support for the fledgling uprising. Several American Presidents, including James Monroe and John Quincy Adams, conveyed their support for the revolution through their annual messages to Congress. William Harrison, our ninth President, expressed his belief in freedom for Greece, saying: ``We must send our free will offering. `The Star-Spangled Banner' must wave in the Aegean . . . a messenger of fraternity and friendship to Greece.'' Various Members of Congress also showed a keen interest in the Greeks' struggle for autonomy. Henry Clay, who in 1825 became Secretary of State, was a champion of Greece's fight for independence. Among the most vocal was Daniel Webster from Massachusetts, who frequently roused the sympathetic interest of his colleagues and other Americans in the Greek revolution. It should not surprise us that our Founding Fathers would express such keen support for Greek independence, for they themselves had been inspired by the ancient Greeks in their own struggle for freedom. As Thomas Jefferson once said, ``To the ancient Greeks . . . we are all indebted for the light which led ourselves . . . American colonists, out of gothic darkness.'' Our two nations share a brotherhood bonded by the common blood of democracy, birthed by Lady Liberty, and committee to the ideal that each individual deserves the right of self- determination. We all know that the price of liberty can be very high--history is replete with the names of the millions who have sacrificed for it. Many great scholars throughout history warned that we maintain democracy only at great cost. The freedom we enjoy today is due to a large degree to the sacrifices made by men and women in the past--in Greece, in America, and all over the world. I recount these stories because they pay homage to Greece's absolute commitment to freedom and liberty and the common bonds which we share. Unfortunately, our devotion to the principle of freedom is not shared by many people whose interests are better served by applying oppression to their own people and spreading terror elsewhere. The cowardly attack of September 11, 2001, against our great Nation backfired because these horrific acts united our country as Americans rushed to the aid of their fellow countrymen. The terrorist attacks brought out the best in America and showed the world that ordinary people like you and me will do extraordinary things when called upon. Freedom is America's heart. It is central to our being, and from the beginning we have recognized that freedom is not just an American right. It is a God-given right to every citizen of the world. Even as we commemorate Greek Independence Day, American servicemembers are fighting to liberate the Iraqi people who have suffered for decades under Saddam Hussein's brutal regime. We must not overlook those who are still fighting for their independence in other parts of the world, such as in the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey still illegally occupies Cyprus, as it has since its invasion in 1974. Finding a fair resolution for Cyprus will help stabilize a region marked more often by conflict than accord. As with so many intentional issues, U.S. leadership is essential to urge Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leaders toward peace. It is unfortunate that the Turkish Cypriot leadership has recently rejected the plan proposed by the U.N. Secretary General, aimed at reuniting the island under a government of shared power and having the united island admitted to the European Union. This is a vision worthy of our attention and full support because it will end the illegitimate division of Cyprus, improve the relations between Turkey and Greece and promote stability in the sensitive region of Eastern Mediterranean. We must never forget that freedom must be constantly guarded. It is a noble but fragile thing that can be stolen or snuffed out if not protected. We cannot take for granted that we are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights. We enjoy our freedom only because we have been willing to fight and die for it, just like our forefathers and the valiant Greeks in 1821. Mr. Speaker, on this 182nd birthday of Greek Independence, when we celebrate the restoration of democracy to the land of its conception, we also celebrate the triumph of the human spirit and the strength of man's will. The goals and values that the people of Greece share with the people of the United States reaffirms our common democratic heritage. This occasion also serves to remind us that we must never take for granted the right to determine our own fate.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in very reluctant support of H. Con. Res. 95 because I believe that the cuts contained in the budget resolution, particularly as they relate to healthcare and veterans issues, will have dire consequences for a substantial portion of our nation. However, I will support the budget resolution today to ensure that this process moves forward. I know that last year Congress was unable to pass a budget resolution, and it greatly harmed our ability to move forward and to the work of the American people. It's critical that the House move the budget process forward, with the hope that the Senate will do its share and also pass a budget, which will trigger a conference. It is my hope that after today we will be one step closer to creating a fairer budget that maintains fiscal discipline while still meeting the needs of our constituents. As a four-year veterans, I have always worked hard to be a vocal advocate for veterans throughout my congressional career. I strongly oppose the provisions in H. Con. Res. 95 that call for approximately $15 billion in mandatory spending programs for veterans. These programs include compensation for service-connected disabilities, survivor benefits and veterans' education benefits. I do not believe that forced budgetary reductions in these important mandatory spending programs are in the best interest of disabled veterans and their families. While I will vote in favor of H. Con. Res. 95 in order to get the bill into conference with the Senate, I want to make it perfectly clear that I will not support the conference report on the budget resolution or any deeming resolution if it contains these or similar reductions in veterans' mandatory spending and does not provide sufficient funding for veterans' health care programs. Nor will I support the conference report if it contains significant reductions in Medicare funding. Moreover, if the conference report contains these types of reduction, I will do everything in my power to overturn them. What kind of message are we sending to the men and women currently serving in our Armed Forces, especially those in Iraq, when we cut funding for programs that benefit our nation's current veterans? I want to remind my colleagues of a quote by our first Commander-in-Chief George Washington: ``The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.'' We must support the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to keep our nation free. The Medicaid cuts contained in this budget can not be sustained. The cuts will seriously damage a program depended upon by our most vulnerable citizens. Waste, fraud, and abuse, particularly abuse, do exist but we must have time to excise these problems, without being forced into mandatory programmatic reductions. Also, we must realize that each of our States will be particularly hit hard by these cuts. Mr. Chairman, I do believe that we can strike a balance that will provide tax relief to American families, fund our national priorities, while still achieving a balanced budget. I refuse, however, to do so on the backs of some of our nation's most vulnerable citizens; and I declare that I will consider myself bound by this resolution should the House and Senate fail to pass a joint budget resolution.