Michael Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5204) to amend section 340E of the Public Health Service Act (relating to children's hospitals) to modify provisions regarding the determination of the amount of payments for indirect expenses associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs.

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 the bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5204, which would amend section 340(e) of the Public Health Service Act to modify provisions regarding the determination of the amount of payments for indirect expenses associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs. This legislation was introduced by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Eshoo), a lady who does so many great things in the Congress, particularly for her district. Children's hospitals receive important funding through the Federal Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education, which we call GME, Payment Program. This funding helps train residents and better enables children's hospitals to serve all children, regardless their ability to pay. Next year, the Committee on Energy and Commerce plans to work to reauthorize the Children's Graduate Medical Education Program. As chairman of the Health Subcommittee and a proponent of the children's hospitals throughout my entire time in Congress, I plan to vigorously support this reauthorization. However, while we will be working to reauthorize the program next year, H.R. 5204 provides a necessary, immediate fix for a small number of hospitals that treat a disproportionately high number of healthy infants. Healthy infants. This legislation would allow these hospitals to receive fair CHGME payments by excluding the number of healthy beds and bassinets in children's hospitals from the case mix adjustment. By excluding these healthy beds and bassinets, these hospitals will no longer be penalized for treating healthy babies. I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 5204 today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5213) to expand research information regarding multidisciplinary research projects and epidemiological studies, 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.R. 5213, as amended.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5213, the Research Review Act. I introduced this legislation only with the fantastic cooperation of my colleagues and friends, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) from Ohio, the ranking member on my subcommittee. It was with their cooperation and with the hard work of members of the staff, Mr. Speaker, we were able to get this thing done at really almost the 11th hour. As chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health, I am extremely concerned, as I think all of us are, about how Federal agencies that fall under our committee's jurisdiction set their priorities for disease research. Every day I have patients, along with their families and friends, looking to me to increase research funding for diseases and conditions that afflict them or their loved ones. While I know that it is not in anyone's best interests to mandate agencies to conduct research into specific diseases, I do believe it is my job, I believe it is our job, to ensure that the Federal initiatives are sufficient. Next year, I look forward to working with the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Barton), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) and all the members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce to reauthorize the National Institutes of Health. My subcommittee has held five hearings during this Congress, the 108th, to highlight research activities at the NIH and to educate members and others about the work that the NIH is doing so we can assess how to help NIH better meet its stated mission. One thing that has become clear is that while NIH is an exemplary agency, its transparency and accountability in letting Members of Congress and the public know what research is being funded and why could be improved. Providing the public with information is not a problem that is unique to the NIH, however; many of our agencies have similar problems translating their efforts to the public. I introduced H.R. 5213 to take an additional step in assisting Congress to understand the process of Federal agencies. I believe that this legislation will assist Members of Congress as we work with Federal agencies in the future. It will allow two agencies, the NIH and the CDC, to highlight their involvement using the examples of two debilitating conditions that afflict many individuals, paralysis and inflammatory bowel disease, which we refer to as IBD. H.R. 5213 directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Director of the National Institutes of Health, to prepare a report outlining the methods by which the roadmap for medical research created by Director Dr. Elias Zerhouni has advanced the use of multidisciplinary research teams and institutions to advance treatments, develop new therapies and collaborate in clinical trials, and to also include in this report how this relates to the Federal research initiatives into spinal cord and paralysis research. The bill also requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, to prepare a report outlining epidemiological studies conducted at the CDC, including the irritated bowel disease study currently under way at CDC. The study would include a description of the activity CDC is undertaking to establish partnerships with research and patient advocacy groups to expand these studies, such as the partnership between the CDC and the Chron's and Colitis Foundation. Additionally, H.R. 5213 directs the General Accounting Office to conduct studies on the Medicare and Medicaid coverage standards that apply to patients with inflammatory bowel disease for therapy, such as medically necessary food products and nutrition services, and the problems that IBD patients encounter when applying for Social Security disability benefits. Both paralysis and inflammatory bowel disease are crippling diseases, Mr. Speaker, though in very different ways, and both can be extremely debilitating. I would like to thank the Christopher Reeve Foundation and, in particular, Mr. Christopher Reeve and the Chron's and Colitis Foundation for all of their help. I have worked closely with both of these groups, as well, as I indicated, with the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) to develop this legislation. I do want to thank the staff, Mr. Ford from the other side, Cheryl Jaeger and Jeanne Haggerty of our staff on this side, for their hard work in getting this piece of legislation ready to come to the floor today; and also I would like to thank the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Barton) for his leadership in working to provide oversight and reauthorize these Federal agencies; and obviously the cooperation I have always had with the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown). I urge my colleagues to approve this important bipartisan bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly), who probably knows more about IBD, with the exception of the medical doctors in the Congress, and she shares that information with us, and we are just very indebted to her for making us aware of the horrors of this disease.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, 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 would like to take this opportunity to commemorate the 44th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus. On October 1, 1960, Cyprus became an independent republic after decades of British colonial rule. The relationship between Cyprus and the United States is strong and enduring. Over the last decades, Cyprus and the United States have established close political, economic and social ties, developing a valued friendship. Cyprus and the United States share a deep and abiding commitment to democracy, fundamental human rights, free markets, and the ideal and practice of equal justice under law. As the Republic of Cyprus celebrates its 44th Independence Day, I share the Cypriots' joy for having created a prosperous, open society based on solid foundations. Furthermore, I believe this is an opportunity for the United States of America and Cyprus to come closer together, as we stand united in our resolve to fight the battle on terrorism. As we move forward, I am confident that our friendship will continue well into the future.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to submit for the Congressional Record an excerpt from the recent (9/23/04) address by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos, to the General Assembly of the United Nations. In his remarks, President Papadopoulos eloquently outlined his concerns about the U.N. proposed plan, and his hopes for peace and reunification for Cyprus. I would like to emphasize how proud we are that Cyprus is now a full member of the European Union. The European Union has outlined an extensive set of priorities for this Session of the General Assembly. As the statement delivered by the Dutch Presidency has delineated these priorities, I will not elaborate on them any further. This year marks 30 years since the occupation of 37% of Cyprus' territory as a result of the invasion of the island by Turkish troops. It also marks 30 years of relentless efforts by the Greek Cypriots to achieve a just and peaceful settlement, with the support of the international community, to which I would like here to express our deep appreciation. The Greek Cypriot side has repeatedly demonstrated in the past thirty years, its readiness to move forward by making many painful sacrifices and concessions, while the Turkish Cypriot leadership always lacked the necessary political will. The quest and eagerness of Greek Cypriots for a solution never meant, however, that they would accept any settlement proposed to them nor that they would be ready to embark on an adventure, in all probability condemned to failing, with irreversible consequences. The latest effort by the UN Secretary-General to solve the Cyprus problem resulted in a Plan, which, by some was described as a historic opportunity to solve one of the longest standing international problems. I will only briefly outline why, despite the hard work invested in the process by all involved, the end product of this effort was judged to be inadequate and fell short of minimum expectations from a settlement for Greek Cypriots. Firstly, the Annan Plan was not the product of negotiation nor did it constitute an agreed solution between the parties. Secondly, the Plan did not place the necessary emphasis on achieving a one State solution with a central government able to guarantee the single sovereign character of Cyprus. Thirdly, it failed to address the serious concerns of the Greek Cypriot Community regarding their security and effective implementation of the Plan. In rejecting the Plan as a settlement for the Cyprus problem the Greek Cypriots did not reject the solution or the reunification of their country. They have rejected this particular Plan as not effectively achieving this objective. We remain committed to a solution which will ensure the reunification of the country, its economy, and its people. We are committed to reaching a solution on the basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. However, there are a number of essential parameters the Greek Cypriot Community insist this solution to be founded on. The withdrawal of troops and settlers and the respect of human rights for all Cypriots, the underlying structures for a functioning economy, the functionality and workability of the new state of affairs, the just resolution of land and property issues in accordance with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, and the respect of the right of return of refugees. To this end, we welcome the recent Pinheiro Progress Report on property restitution in the context of the return of refugees and internally displaced persons. Simultaneously, it pains me to bring to your attention, Mr. President, that certain provisions of the Annan Plan have encouraged an unprecedented unlawful exploitation of occupied properties in northern Cyprus, something alluded to even in statements by officials of the occupying power itself. The most paramount feature of any settlement is the ability to install a sense of security to the people. The mistakes of the past must not be repeated. Cyprus must in its future course, proceed without any grey areas with regard to its sovereignty or its relation to third states. If the people feel that their needs have not formed the basis of any solution reached or that the characteristics of this solution have been dictated by the interests of third parties, then this solution will unsurprisingly be bypassed. Indeed, the spirit and practice of effective multilateralism not only encompasses, but also derives from, the comprehension and consideration of local realities and particulars, on which it must then proceed to formulate proposals. This should not be interpreted by third parties as a lack of will to solve the Cyprus problem. Instead, it must be unequivocally understood that the people who will have to live with this solution are in the best position to judge what is suitable for them, that it is imperative for the people to be called upon to ratify any plans that are drawn to this effect, and that their verdict must be respected. In the framework of the European Union, and with the aim of promoting reunification and reconciliation, my Government, despite the obstacles placed by the current status quo, is consistently pursuing policies aiming to enhance the economic development of the Turkish Cypriots. While not intended to serve as a substitute for a solution, such policies are in our view the most effective way to foster the maximum economic integration of the two Communities, and increase contact between them, so as to ensure the viability of a future solution. Responding to the expanding possibilities on the ground, we have intensified our efforts to ameliorate the situation and seek ways to benefit citizens. In this context, my Government has recently proposed the withdrawal of military forces from sensitive areas and refraining from military exercises, the opening of eight additional crossing points across the cease fire line and the facilitation of the movement of persons, goods and services across the Green Line, as well as the extension of the so far unilateral de- mining process initiated by my Government. We have also declared our readiness to make special arrangements whereby Turkish Cypriots will utilize Larnaca Port for the export of their goods. Furthermore, subject to the area of Varosha being returned under the control of the Government of Cyprus and to its legitimate inhabitants, we could accommodate the lawful operation of the port of Famagusta. The Cyprus problem is not always perceived in its correct parameters. The fact remains that this problem is the result of a military invasion and continued occupation of part of the territory of a sovereign state. This fact should not be conveniently overlooked in people's perception, by concentrating on peripheral parameters. Any initiative to solve the problem must have at its core, this most basic and fundamental fact and be based on the premise that international legality must be served and the occupation lifted. Unfortunately, the fundamentals of the situation on the ground remain unchanged for the past 30 years since the Turkish invasion in Cyprus. This situation is one comprising of severe violations of the most fundamental human rights. The yet unresolved issues of the missing persons, an issue of a purely humanitarian nature, as well as that of the enclave of the Karpass peninsula, are in themselves an indication of Cyprus' enduring suffering. This should not only point towards the specifics of the solution to be pursued but must also guide our actions with regard to managing the current status quo. For instance, the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), assigned with the task to manage the status quo inflicted 30 years ago, should remain specific to the situation on the ground. The accession of Cyprus to the European Union, in conjunction with the lack of an agreement on the settlement of the Cyprus problem, in spite of our efforts and our preference for a settlement prior to accession, signifies the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. I firmly believe that the new context defined by the accession of my country to the EU and by the expressed will of Turkey to advance on the European path offers a unique opportunity and could have a catalytic effect in reaching a settlement in Cyprus. Our vocation is to be partners and not enemies. Hence, in this new era, we plea to Turkey, to join us in turning the page and seeking ways to mutually discover, mutually beneficial solutions to the various aspects that compose the Cyprus problem. The mere realization that peace and stability in our region serve the interests of both our countries is ample evidence to prove that what unites us is stronger than what divides us.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 567) congratulating the American Dental Association for sponsoring the second annual ``Give Kids a Smile'' program which emphasizes the need to improve access to dental care for children, and thanking dentists for volunteering their time to help provided needed dental care.

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 this legislation and to insert extraneous material on the bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H. Res. 567, introduced by the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor). The resolution congratulates the American Dental Association for establishing the ``Give Kids a Smile'' program and thanks the thousands of dentists who volunteered their time to treat an estimated 1 million children on February 21 of last year, 2003. Giving children access to dental care is crucial. Dental decay is one of the most common chronic infectious diseases among U.S. children. This preventable health problem begins early, and among low-income children, almost 50 percent of tooth decay remains untreated and may result in pain, dysfunction, underweight and poor appearance, problems that can greatly reduce a child's capacity to succeed in the educational environment. The ``Give Kids a Smile'' program provides a much-needed service to our community by emphasizing the need to improve access to dental care for children. The program began in 2002 by a group of dentists in the Greater St. Louis Dental Society. Since then the program has grown, and in 2004 events took place at approximately 2,500 locations across the Nation, with about 36,000 dental team volunteers, including over 14,000 dentists, to provide free services to underserved children. The ADA has been crucial in implementing and expanding this program, and they deserve to be commended for their efforts. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, 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 move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 551) to provide for the implementation of air quality programs developed in accordance with an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the State of Colorado concerning Air Quality Control on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, and for other purposes.

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 this legislation and to insert extraneous material on the bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The bill we are considering today, S. 551, the Southern Ute and Colorado Intergovernmental Agreement Implementation Act of 2003, provides the congressional authorization necessary to allow the Southern Ute Indian tribe and the State of Colorado to implement an important agreement to protect air quality on the Southern Ute reservation in Colorado. This Intergovernmental Agreement enjoys broad local and regional support. In addition, this bill authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to recognize the Southern Ute Tribe as a State for purposes of administration of the Clean Air Act on the tribe's reservation and allows the tribe to enforce air quality programs within the borders of its reservation. S. 551 also provides a process for the tribe and the Southern Ute/ State of Colorado Environmental Commission, created by the Intergovernmental Agreement, to enforce their orders under an approved air quality program. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my highest praise and congratulations for the magnificent way Greece hosted the 2004 Summer Olympics. I strongly support H. Res. 774, a resolution which commends the people and government of Greece for the superb Olympic Games held this summer in Athens. The task of hosting the modern Olympic Games is filled with honor, but also presents a colossal challenge. With dedication, commitment to hard work, and inspirational leadership, Greece met the challenge while proudly showcasing the ideals of the Olympics and promoting friendship and peace among nations. As the host to the biggest sporting event in the world, Athens rose magnificently to the challenge and demonstrated the pride and honor that comes with such an occasion. The leadership shown by the government of Greece, and more specifically, the Prime Minister of Greece, Costas Karamanlis, inspired Athens to a great celebration of commitment, dedication, and human endeavor. The mayor of Athens, Dora Bakoyianni, was responsible for presenting the Olympics not only as a modern sporting occasion, but also as an ancient tradition with superb new modern facilities surrounded by historic and architectural wonder. The Olympic Games left behind not only a memory of great athletic competition, but a legacy of peace, nobility, and honor that should be at the forefront of all international occasions. The Athens Olympic Organizing Committee, under the direction of Gianna Dasklaki- Angelopoulos, presented such a colossal event which surpassed all expectations. She and her staff succeeded in showcasing all that Athens has to offer, old and new, as the birthplace of the Olympics and a frontrunner in modern development. With Athens being the birthplace of the modern Olympics games and containing so many beautiful ancient monuments, there could not have been a more perfect setting for a truly wonderful celebration of athleticism. The citizens and government of Greece put on a show that made Hellenes from around the world proud. As a Greek-American, I am most proud. I commend Greece for ensuring that the 2004 Summer Olympic Games would not be forgotten. I encourage my colleagues to support H. Res. 774.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, last week the House approved H.R. 3734, which would designate the federal building located at Fifth and Richardson Avenues in Roswell, New Mexico, as the ``Joe Skeen Federal Building.'' Naming this building after our late colleague would be a tremendous honor to his memory and his family, and I strongly support this legislation to accomplish that goal. Representative Skeen was a dedicated patriot who answered the call of his country by joining the Navy and the Air Force Reserves. He built his life on helping people, serving his neighbors and fellow citizens in the New Mexico State Senate before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a write-in candidate in 1980. He served in this venerable body for 22 years, the longest-serving Member of the House from New Mexico. He was respected by his colleagues and loved by his constituents for being honest, caring, and hard-working. I had the privilege of serving with Joe for 20 years in Congress, and I am proud to have been his friend. I remember many conversations I had with Joe over the years. He spent much of his time on this floor sitting in the ``Florida corner,'' delighting us with his wonderful sense of humor and thoughtful opinions. He is greatly missed. Mr. Speaker, Joe's death from Parkinson's disease in December 2003 may have closed the book on a life characterized by unfailing public service, but it did not extinguish his memory, which lives on in the hearts of his family, his friends, and the Members of this body. The ``Joe Skeen Federal Building'' will stand as a testament to the great New Mexican who served his constituents and the people of the United States so tirelessly for many decades. I thank my colleagues for honoring Joe by approving H.R. 3734.