Michael Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, I support the amendment of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady.) I would like to commend the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) for his important work crafting this important bill to protect fundamental human rights. I support this bill because it sends a clear message that the United States supports freedom of religion and human rights worldwide. The bill also contains language I offered to stop the religious persecution of Orthodox Christians in Turkey. The Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, Turkey, is the spiritual center for nearly 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, including 5 million in the United States. It has repeatedly been the target of attacks which have resulted in the deaths of its personnel. The latest act of violence against the Patriarchate came in December 1997, just months after Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to Patriarch Bartholomew. When he accepted the Congressional Gold Medal last year, the Patriarch emphasized that the Orthodox Church: ``May be opposed, but opposes no one; may be persecuted, but does not persecute; is fettered, but chains no one; is derived of her freedom, but does not trample on the freedom of others.'' It is incumbent upon us as leaders of the greatest democratic republic in the world, a Nation founded on the free exercise of religion, to ensure that the Patriarchate is free to carry out its non- political religious mission. My language urges the United States to use its influence with the Turkish government to protect the Patriarch, the Patriarchate personnel, and all Orthodox faithful residing in Turkey. It also requires the administration to reported to Congress annually on the status of its efforts to achieve these goals. H.R. 2431 states: ``Governments have a primary responsibility to promote, encourage and protect respect for the fundamental and internationally recognized right to freedom of religion.''

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and its Ladies Auxiliary conduct the Voice of Democracy contest. This year more than 93,000 secondary school students participated in the contest competing for the 56 national scholarships which were distributed among the 54 national winners. The contest theme this year was ``My Voice in our Democracy.'' Hillary Anne Underwood is this year's Latin America/Caribbean winner. She is the recipient of a $1,000 Roy Chandler VFW Post 762 and its Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Award. I want to congratulate Hillary on her accomplishments and her scholarship award. I would also like to share Hillary's award winning script with my colleagues. 1997-98 VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition, ``My Voice in our Democracy'' (Hillary Anne Underwood, Latin America/Caribbean Winner) Welcome! I'd like to thank each of you for attending choir tryouts. ``Democracy'' is the theme song for today. Let's being rehearsal by reciting the first of three verses. FREEDOM. Isn't it amazing how just one word can hold so much? We live in a democracy, and HERE people are free to say what they please, ask what they may, and be whomever they want to be. Our forefathers fought endlessly for freedom through the American Revolution and the Civil War. Through these two very significant wars, the government of the United States separated itself from the threshold of the church, developed the sovereignty of the people that still lives today, wrote the constitution, and have offered insights that have aided other countries in their quests for democracy. Today, my voice for democracy can be heard through my greatest freedom . . . the right to vote. Freedom is the core of democracy. Without the freedom of speech . . . press . . . and religion . . . Our society would sound like this: ------------ Perfectly silent. No opinions, No thoughts, No voices, . . . ALL of our voices would be mute. My Voice, Your Voice We are the voices of freedom, We are the Chorus of Democracy. Excuse me, before we continue, you two, in the back, . . . tyranny and prejudice . . . I am going to have to ask you BOTH to leave. There is absolutely no room for you in a democracy. Now, Let us continue with the second verse . . . EQUALITY. In our Declaration of Independence and in Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, ``All men are created equal.'' Some people are still struggling in their never ending fight for equality; where women are regarded as inferior. They are not acknowledged as equal human beings. If you listen carefully, you can hear the desperate cries for help from the heart-broken little girls in orphanages, abandoned by their families. Can you imagine living in a society like that . . . Where you are practically non-existent because of your gender or race? I consider myself fortunate, we've never had to experience a situation of this kind . . . Because we . . . live in a democracy. There is only ONE single race . . .

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, As chairman of the Health and Environment Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the National Institutes of Health (NIH), I want to take this opportunity to express my strong support for increasing Federal funding to support the vital, life- saving research performed by NIH experts. I recently endorsed a proposal to double Federal funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over the next 5 years. On March 26, my Health and Environment Subcommittee held a hearing on new developments in medical research. This hearing was an important opportunity to learn more about the NIH priority-setting process and ongoing research efforts related to a number of specific diseases. At this hearing, we heard testimony from a distinguished group of witnesses, including Muhammad Ali, National Spokesman for the National Parkinson Foundation, Dr. Harold Varmus, NIH Director, and representatives of patient groups. While advocating different approaches to disease research funding, all agreed on the need to provide more money for biomedical research. To that end, I recently introduced H.R. 3563, the Biomedical Research Assistance Voluntary Option or ``BRAVO'' Act. This bipartisan measure would allow taxpayers to designate all or a portion of their Federal income tax refund to support NIH biomedical research. These taxpayers would be entitle to a charitable deduction under existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Under my bill, funds designated by taxpayers for use in biomedical research would be transferred by the Treasury Department to the gift fund of the National Institutes of Health. The bill specifically states that transfers to the gift fund may not offset amounts that otherwise would be appropriate for the National Institutes of Health. In addition, my bill would give the Treasury Department flexibility in developing regulations to implement the Act. The bill would only require the designation to be made either on the first page of the return or on the page bearing the taxpayer's signature. Passage of the BRAVO Act will help channel additional funds to support the critical research efforts ongoing at NIH. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to achieve the goal of doubling Federal funding for NIH over the next 5 years.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise today to remember one of the most appalling events in human history, the genocide of the Armenian people. It shames and saddens me to say that the human race is no stranger to genocide: the great purges in Russia, during which Stalin methodically killed millions of Russians; the Holocaust, in which 6 million Jews were systematically slaughtered by the Nazis; and less well known but certainly just as significant, the Armenian genocide, in which 1.5 million Armenians were exterminated by the Ottoman Turks. I feel a special kinship to the Armenian people. As many know, I am of Greek descent and my ancestors, too, suffered at the hands of the Ottoman Turks. In fact, this past March 25, my colleague, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn Maloney) and I conducted a special order to celebrate Greek Independence Day. On that day, 177 years ago, the Greeks mounted a revolution which eventually freed them from the tyranny of the Ottoman Empire. Unfortunately, the Armenians were not as fortunate as their Greek brothers and sisters. Between 1915 and 1923, one and one-half million Armenians were murdered, and hundreds of thousands were driven from their homes by the Ottoman Turks. Today I want to acknowledge this tragedy and remember those Armenians who lost their lives. As citizens of a Nation that celebrates the strength of its diversity, we should always remember those dark moments in history where people were persecuted because they were different. Mr. Speaker, there is an unfortunate tendency to forget these horrific tragedies and bury them in the past. However, it is only through the painful process of acknowledging and remembering that we could keep similar dark moments from happening in the future. I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Porter) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), the cochairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, for helping us do that.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the work of one of my constituents, Dr. Paul Dreschnack. Dr. Dreschnack is a plastic surgeon who spends several weeks each year in India, voluntarily performing free operations on children born with facial defects. I recently nominated Dr. Dreschnack and his mentor, Dr. Sharadkumar Dicksheet, for a Nobel Peace Prize. I would like to share with our colleagues the letter I submitted with their nomination application. I nominated these outstanding men because they embody the essence of humanitarianism. They have selflessly given their time, money, and energy to improve the lives of others. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I thank Dr. Dreschnack and Dr. Dicksheet for their tireless work. They are very worthy of this prestigious award and would uphold its tradition of outstanding recipients if it is awarded to them. Dear Nobel Committee Members: It is my distinct privilege to bring before the Committee two physicians whose humanitarian contributions in the area of medicine have prompted me to submit their names for consideration as Nobel Prize Laureates. I became acquainted with the work of Dr. Dicksheet and Dr. Dreschnack during a recent meeting with representatives from a local chapter of an international civic organization, the Rotary Club of Dunedin, North. The story that unfolded over the next several hours could be subtitled by the headlines of some of the articles contained in their packet: ``The Doctor's Heart: A New York Doctor Returns to India to Give His Life's Earnings Back''; ``New Life to the Deformed''; ``One Man, 20,000 Lives.'' Most of us, as we mature and recognize that we have been the recipient of unearned blessings or talents in life, desire to give back to the community. Such is the motive driving both Dr. Dicksheet and Dr. Dreschnack. But their vision, the longevity and the largesse of their contributions sets them apart among men. For thirty years, Dr. Sharad Dicksheet has spent approximately six months each year in the poorest regions of India, providing free surgery to those in need. He brings with him a small team of surgeons, often paying for their travel out of his own funds. They arrive at one of the many Plastic Surgery Camps, or Shibers, as they are called. Year after year, the routine has been the same. By daybreak, hundreds of people have arrived, (some traveling hundreds of miles) to be evaluated for treatment. In recent years the number arriving at each site has often increased to over one-thousand people. Time and resources dictate that only those deemed treatable can be assured of surgery. The patients are primarily cleft lip and or cleft palate cases but include a variety of facial deformities, burn injuries, including burn contractures of joints, and deformed ears and eyes. By nine o'clock, separate operating tables have been set up for the team and the surgeries begin, continuing uninterrupted until six o'clock in the evening. An average of thirty-five surgeries are performed daily, but many times the number reaches more than fifty. The statistics are phenomenal. Since Dr. Dicksheet began his work in 1968, more than 40,000 operations have been performed. Financially, his contributions exceed $80 million. But, what does the work mean to his patients? Nothing short of a new life! Infants who would have died, unable to suck milk, now thrive. Families outcast by the social stigma of deformity, are restored. Young girls, (and boys), unmarriageable and unable to work or make a living, have a future. Each of the 40,000 cases has a life changing story. It would be impossible to accurately estimate the thousands of people whose lives have been positively affected by Dr. Dicksheet and his associates. And, when you consider that the doctors also teach surgical techniques to Indian surgeons through the Indian Medical Society, the number increases even more. What makes Dr. Dicksheet's story even more remarkable is that the doctor has conducted the majority of his humanitarian work while he, himself, has been in grave health. About 18 years ago he underwent surgery for laryngeal cancer. His speech is, for the most part, inaudible and he must communicate in writing much of the time. Ten years ago he suffered a severe heart attack, followed by another attack in 1994. In spite of his health he has continued to raise funds, travel and operate from a wheelchair. At this time, however, his health has further deteriorated. He is not expected to live much longer. Over the years he has treated each day as a ``bonanza,'' and filled it with giving his life to his fellow man. ``I feel good in giving this service to my countrymen,'' he responds when asked about his work. What will happen to his work? Preparation has been made to turn the work over to the very capable hands of Dr. Paul Dreschnack, who has worked with Dr. Dicksheet for nine years and shares his vision, enthusiasm and dedication. As Dr. Dreschnack responded in an interview in 1995, ``I'll be doing it (the work) for a long time.'' I am very proud to count Dr. Paul Dreschnack as a resident of my Congressional district. The humanitarian contributions of these men sets an example for the world. They exemplify how much more we can give when we are willing to give our lives, totally. They show us how much larger our vision can be when we refuse to see obstacles and we view our fellow man as our brother. I am very pleased to bring Dr. Sharadkumar Dicksheet and Dr. Paul Dreschnack before you. With best wishes, I am Sincerely yours, Michael Bilirakis, Member of Congress.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 87) to direct the Secretary of the Senate to make certain corrections in the enrollment of the Senate bill, S. 419, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, as Members recall, the House passed S. 419, the Birth Defects Prevention Act, on March 10, 1998. Since that time, we have become aware that certain corrections are required in the enrollment of the bill. This concurrent resolution directs the Secretary of the other body to make those changes. The concurrent resolution has been cleared with the Minority on the Commerce Committee, and I am not aware of any objection to its approval.

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 legislation just adopted.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on March 25, 1998, I had the privilege of introducing a close friend of mine, Wayne Hitchcock, to the members of the House and Senate Committees on Veteran's Affairs. Wayne is the National Commander of the American Ex-Prisoners of War and was appearing to present his organization's legislative priorities to the Committees. Throughout the history of the United States, in six major wars spanning 221 years, more than 500,000 Americans have been taken prisoner. Each of these courageous men and women has experienced horrors unimaginable and undefinable in the annals of civilized existence. Most endured long-term deprivation of freedom and the loss of human dignity. Wayne was among those 500,000 Americans, and I wanted to take a moment to share his story with my colleagues. Wayne was reared on a farm in Indiana and entered the military in 1942. He was assigned to the Army Air Corps and sent to Aerial Gunnery School at Buckingham Air Base. He remained there as an instructor and later joined a combat crew and trained for overseas duty in B-24s. Upon arriving in Foggia, Italy, his crew was assigned to B-17s. Wayne, flying as tail gunner, was short down on his 14th mission over Hungary. After a few infamous box car rides, he spent 13 months in Stalag 17B in Krems, Austria. The camp was evacuated on April 8, 1945. The prisoners were marched across Austria and liberated on May 3, 1945 by Patton's Third Army. Wayne was awarded, among others, the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf, the European Campaign Medal with four stars and the Prisoner of War Medal. Upon returning home, Wayne became a homebuilder, land developer and real estate broker. He later returned to government service and retired after 30 years, including 23 years as postmaster. Upon his retirement, he and his wife, Jo, moved to Florida. Since then, they have donated their time to the American Ex-Prisoner of War. Wayne has held office and served on essential committees at the department and national level since 1982. He was also instrumental in obtaining funds for the National Prisoner of War Museum at Andersonville, Georgia. This past year, he served as Senior Vice Commander for the American Ex-POWs and as their National Legislative Chairman and Legislative Reporter. He was elected and installed as National Commander of the American Ex-Prisoners of War on September 27, 1997, at the 50th National Convention held in Tacoma, Washington. Wayne is also a life member of the VFW, the American Legion and the DAV. His service to the community goes beyond his work for our nation's veterans. He also served as a Boy Scout master for 20 years and is a 40 year member of Lions International. I have known Wayne and Jo since I became a member of Congress. Without question, they are among the finest people that I know. Over the years, Wayne has served as a member of my veteran's advisory council. As a member of the House Committee on Veteran's Affairs, I have always valued his advice and support. He is a good friend and a great American.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman. I thank her for leading this Special Order and for her great work regarding the human rights areas particularly of Greece and Cyprus. Mr. Speaker, I too proudly rise today to lead my colleagues in honoring the valiant Greek freedom fighters who began an arduous struggle to win independence for Greece and its people on this day 177 years ago. So today, we do celebrate Greek Independence Day. My colleagues may ask themselves, why we are commemorating those who secured independence for Greece, and the answer is really simple. Greek Independence Day, like the 4th of July, reminds us that we have a duty, a moral responsibility, to defend freedom, whatever the cost. Today we pay tribute to all of history's freedom fighters. We honor their triumph and spirit, because they valiantly fought and died for the ideals we and they hold dear. One American patriarch, President Ronald Reagan, said that freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. He reminded us that freedom is not ours by inheritance, but must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation. As we know, freedom is not free. Our freedom has been paid for with hundreds of thousands of lives, with sweat and blood, and with a measurable sacrifice. The freedom we enjoy today is due to the sacrifices made by men and women who were willing to accept the highest and most noble responsibility, that of defending and promoting freedom. This spirit of freedom began in ancient Greece, but it has manifested itself around the world in different centuries throughout history. History has provided shining examples of heroic fights for freedom. For instance, we saw it in Afghanistan, where its people defied the Soviet Union and refused to be oppressed. Afghanistan, like Greece, was ravaged, its people murdered and its villages destroyed. Just as the Greek patriarchs fought foreign domination, the Afghan people refused to submit to Soviet aggression. They persevered because they believed that they should determine their own destiny. Let me emphasize that all civilized nations inherited the principles of freedom and democracy from ancient Greece. The Greeks forged the first society which was governed by these principles. We also celebrate this day because it marks the symbolic rebirth of democracy. On this day, as we have already said, 177 years ago Greece began to restore its glorious heritage through a desperate and unequal struggle for freedom. On March 25, 1821, the Greek people rose in rebellion, igniting a 7-year struggle for independence from 4300 years of foreign domination by the Ottoman Turks. That historic day led to a widespread revolution that attracted international attention. In fact, President James Monroe issued a declaration in December, 1822, supporting, as he called it, Greece's noble struggle. It read, in part, and I quote, ``That such a country should have been overwhelmed and so long hidden under a gloomy despotism has been a cause of unceasing and deep regret. A strong hope is entertained that these people will recover their independence and resume their equal station among the nations of the Earth.'' When the Greeks began this glorious revolution after 4 centuries of Turkish oppression, they faced what appeared to be insurmountable odds. It was truly David versus Goliath. The Greek freedom fighters had an unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom, and were prepared to live free or die. Reminiscent of Patrick Henry's famous declaration, ``Give me liberty or give me death,'' the Greeks adopted their own creed, ``Eleftheria I Thanatos,'' liberty or death. In his book, Freedom and Death, renowned Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis recounted the last battle of his hero, a Captain and Greek patriarch who was surrounded by Turkish forces and contemplated the wisdom or folly of sacrificing himself and his men. Kazantzakis writes, ``He looked about him at the comrades, down at the Turks far below, up at the uninhabited sky high above. Freedom or death, he muttered, shaking his head fiercely, freedom or death. Oh, poor Cretans. Freedom and death, that's what I should have written on my banner. That is the true banner of every fighter, freedom and death, freedom and death.'' In the ensuing battle moments later a bullet pierced his head and gave him both, freedom and death. Our Greek brothers earned their liberty with blood. As I have recounted many times before, the history of the Greek war for independence is filled with acts of heroism. The fabric of Greek independence is woven from remarkable acts by common people united with a singular purpose to break free from Turkish oppression. It is a story of the Klephts who descended upon their invaders from the mountain stronghold. It is also the story of the Hydriots, seafarers who broke the Ottoman naval blockade. It is a story about the Philhellenes who took tales of heroic Greek actions to Europe, where they gained international recognition. The spirit of Greek heroism continues in freedom's defense. The Greek landscape has changed remarkably since I came to Congress. I was elected to this body when tensions from the Cold War had reached epic proportions. We lived in a world that feared, if not expected, nuclear war and its devastating consequences. Eastern Europe remained behind the iron curtain of communism, and its people lived largely at the mercy of leaders in the Kremlin. We lived in a world divided between those who were free to determine their destinies and those who were not. There is probably no better or perhaps worse symbol of this division than the Berlin Wall. The wall divided Berlin physically, but its meaning divided the world. Through determined American leadership and a strong desire to be free, the winds of freedom blew through Eastern Europe and liberated a continent oppressed by Communist rule. I know my colleagues shared the pride that I felt watching tiny cracks of freedom grow until the Berlin Wall crumbled under the weight of its oppressive rule. We have witnessed freedom and democracy triumphing over tyranny and oppression time and time again. Yet, in some parts of the world, the struggle for freedom and independence continues today. Ironically, it is still being challenged in the Mediterranean. Turkey continues, Mr. Speaker, to illegally occupy Cyprus, as it has since its brutal invasion, code named Atilla, in 1974. Since the invasion, 1,614 Greek Cypriots and five Americans have been missing. As a result of a congressional mandate, our government recently discovered the remains of one of these Americans, a young boy, Andreas Kasapis, who was 17 when the invasion occurred. I am proud to announce that I am an original cosponsor of legislation to address this serious matter. The bill was introduced by my co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn Maloney), and urges the President to resolve the unacceptable division of Cyprus. This legislation also asks the President to report to Congress on U.S. efforts to promote a solution in Cyprus. The United States, Mr. Speaker, we know cannot be the world's policeman, but we must use our freedom to help others who share our passion for liberty and peace. Our Nation has always been willing to fight for freedom on behalf of others. As Americans, as defenders of democracy, as righteous human beings, we must not and cannot remain idle while Cyprus remains divided. Finding a fair resolution for Cyprus will help stabilize a region that is more often marked by conflict than accord. Cyprus has been a strong U.S. ally for many, many years. As partners in the fight for freedom the United States must accept responsibility and meet its obligation to Cyprus. Actions do speak louder than words, and thus far our actions have paled in comparison to our words. Let me emphasize that this is certainly not a partisan issue. Cyprus has been divided for 24 years, a time that has spanned both Republican and Democratic administrations. To those who preach freedom but promote inaction, the U.S. did not remain neutral when imperialism shook Europe's foundations during World War I, and the U.S. did not fail to act when the clouds of German and Italian atrocity descended upon Europe and the rest of the globe during World War II. Throughout the history of the United States, we have answered the call of freedom. We are fortunate to live in the greatest democratic republic in the world. Therefore, as the leaders of the free world, we must foster freedom when it is challenged. In October we were graced by his All Holiness, Patriarch Bartholomew, who is the spiritual leader of 300 million orthodox Christians worldwide, including 5 million Americans. In his remarks in the Capitol Rotunda, Patriarch Bartholomew eloquently noted that the orthodox church ``may be opposed, but opposes no one; may be persecuted, but does not persecute; is fettered, but chains no one; is deprived of her freedom, but does not trample on the freedom of others.'' I was heartened, Mr. Speaker, when Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to Patriarch Bartholomew in October. He received this honor, the highest that can be bestowed upon an individual by Congress, because of his commitment to promote peace, understanding, and religious tolerance around the world. The Patriarch spread his message of peace, even though the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul has been repeatedly subjected to terrorist attacks. The latest act of violence came only weeks after the Patriarch delivered his stirring speech to Congress. I have introduced legislation urging the U.S. government to provide protection to the Patriarchate and its personnel. Again, I would, Mr. Speaker, like to thank my friend, the chairman of the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), who always joins us in our special orders, for supporting the inclusion of this language in the conference report on the State Department Reauthorization Act. We must continue to take a strong stand in support of religious freedom and human rights worldwide. Let me close with the words of President John F. Kennedy, who in June, 1963, spoke to the citizens of West Berlin at the Berlin Wall. He correctly pointed out that freedom is indivisible, and when one man is enslaved, all are not free. He went on to say that all free men were citizens of Berlin. Mr. Speaker, all free men are Philhellenes. We must end the division of Cyprus and reaffirm our commitment to the Greek patriarchs who led Greece out of the darkness of tyranny and into the light of freedom and democracy. If we are to maintain our freedom, we can neither take it nor its architects for granted. That is why I stand here with the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney), and so many of my other colleagues who have yet to speak, every year to honor those who secured independence for Greece. Again, I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Pombo/Kennedy/Frank/Pappas amendment to H.R. 2578, the Visa Waiver Pilot Program Act. This amendment simply allows Greece and Portugal--and only Greece and Portugal--to participate in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program. Let me make it clear that I have the highest respect for my colleague and friend from Texas, Chairman Lamar Smith. As a fellow subcommittee chairman, I know the rigors and demands of directing a panel, which contains an array of divergent views. It was his strong and determined leadership that allowed the House to pass historic and much needed reform of our nation's immigration laws in the 104th Congress. We have an honest difference of opinion about whether Greece and Portugal should be allowed to participate in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program. Rather than rehashing the same arguments and issues that have already been debated, I want to focus on Greek citizens and why they want to participate in this program. My staff in Clearwater, Florida, informed me that they have been approached by individuals who have faced difficulty entering the United States when a loved one has passed away. Currently, Greek citizens have to go to one of two U.S. consulates in Greece to initiate the application process to obtain a travel visa. The simple logistics of travel are, in many cases, prohibitive to Greek citizens seeking temporary entry into the United States. The entire process can often take two weeks or more and requires considerable cost and effort. I am dismayed that, in some arguments against this amendment, it has been insinuated that terrorism and domestic crime will increase in the United States if Greece and Portugal are permitted to participate in this program. It is important to note that Greece and Portugal are the only member nations of the European Union to be excluded from the program and whose citizens must obtain a visa to enter the United States. Ironically, Americans do not need a visa to enter Greece. Some of my colleagues believe that allowing Greece to participate in this program would lead to increased illegal immigration, because individuals would overstay their visas. In fact, the number of immigrants from Greece and Portugal who settle in the United States each year is not significantly higher than the number of Americans who establish residence in these countries. I want to make one final point. It is my understanding that Chairman Smith opposes this amendment because he believes the two percent refusal rate is a fair and equitable level. In my judgment, we are quibbling about numbers, and very small numbers at that. The other body passed legislation which raises the refusal rate threshold to three percent. It unanimously approved an amendment to allow Greece and Portugal to participate in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program. We should do the same. Tonight, I am conducting a special order in this chamber to commemorate the 177th Anniversary of Greek Independence Day. Today marks the day when Greece began restoring its democratic heritage after nearly four centuries of foreign oppression. I can tell you personally, as the son of Greek immigrants, that the Greeks share a love of the United States which may be unparalleled abroad. Greece and the United States share a common bond: an intense desire for freedom and democracy. It was, in fact, the ancient Greeks who forged the ideas upon which our nation was founded. Greece has been our staunch ally for many years. We should reciprocate that treatment and approve the Pombo/Kennedy/Frank/Pappas amendment to H.R. 2578.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, S. 419, introduced by Senator Bond of Missouri, calls for a national strategy to prevent birth defects. This legislation has a history of bipartisan support with key provisions having passed both the House and Senate previously. It passed the Senate by voice vote on June 12, 1997. The bill was cosponsored by 34 Senators, including both the majority leader, Senator Lott, and the minority leader, Senator Daschle. The companion House bill, H.R. 1114, was introduced by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bonilla) and has 162 cosponsors. The Birth Defects Prevention Act was first introduced by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz) in 1992 in response to a tragedy that occurred in south Texas where a cluster of devastating birth defects escaped detection for several years. I want to particularly, Mr. Speaker, commend the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz) for his commitment to preventing birth defects and for his leadership on this legislation; and to best exemplify that commitment, I would share with my colleagues the fact that when I called him as a matter of courtesy with a plan to offer Senator Bond's bill, rather than his, because the Bond bill was already passed by the Senate unanimously, he without hesitating said, ``Mike, I don't care about credit. The important thing is to get the bill passed.'' Mr. Speaker, each year 150,000 infants are born with serious birth defects according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many more children are found to have such disorders later in life. According to the March of Dimes, birth defects have been the leading cause of infant mortality for more than 20 years. Birth defects cause one out of every 5 infant deaths and they are responsible for about 30 percent of all pediatric admissions to hospitals. Among the babies born with birth defects who survive, a large number develop serious disabilities with high emotional and social costs. Families from all racial, ethnic and economic groups share the risk of having a child with a serious birth defect. S. 419 authorizes a national plan to prevent birth defects. These efforts would be coordinated by the CDC as a partnership between the Federal and State governments, as well as health and education groups involved in birth defects prevention. The strategy has three components: surveillance, research, and prevention. First, surveillance is necessary to track the incidents of birth defects and identify communities and populations at higher risk. Currently, 31 States have some surveillance program. In my own State of Florida, a surveillance system was approved and funded in 1997 and will become operational in 1998. According to the Florida Department of Health, 21 percent of infant deaths in Florida are related to birth defects. Florida's Secretary of Health, Dr. James T. Howell, has expressed strong support for the measure under consideration today. S. 419 directs the CDC to carry out through the States a program to collect, analyze and report statistics on birth defects. Over the past several years the CDC has received additional Federal support to provide this technical assistance and to fund cooperative agreements to help States establish or improve the State-based surveillance programs. Additional funds were included in the fiscal year 1998 budget which will provide assistance to additional States this year. The second component of the bill relates to CDC research activities. The causes of 75 to 80 percent of birth defects and developmental disabilities are unknown. Until the causes are known, prevention strategies cannot be developed. S. 419 authorizes at least 5 regional centers to conduct and apply epidemiological research on the prevention of birth defects. As of October 1, 1997, 8 centers for birth defects research and prevention are already in operation, and these are located in Massachusetts, Iowa, California, New York, Texas, Arkansas, New Jersey and Georgia. These centers contribute cases into an ongoing collaborative study to determine causes of birth defects. The National Birth Defect Prevention Study is one of the largest case control studies of birth defects ever conducted, Mr. Speaker. The study also provides a mechanism for collaboration among the most prominent national researchers into the causes of birth defects. In addition, each center will expand and approve their State birth defects surveillance systems and will conduct additional studies of potential genetic and environmental causes of birth defects. The research conducted by these centers will dramatically increase our understanding of the causes of birth defects and will provide information for developing effective programs to prevent the tragedy of birth defects. Finally, prevention activities also include professional and public education about birth defects as called for in the bill. The CDC has helped to establish a new organization called the National Birth Defects Prevention Network. This network provides technical assistance to States in the development and implementation of programs, publishes a newsletter, conducts special projects, and holds workshops for members. The network will play a major role in improving the quality of data collected about birth defects. The goal of birth defects surveillance and research is to develop intervention strategies to integrate into our public health and medical care systems. Preventing those defects will reduce costs for medical care and other services for affected families and society. S. 419 is supported by many groups representing families of children with birth defects, researchers working to find the causes, and health officials trying to prevent birth defects. Passage of the bill is also the top Federal legislative priority of the March of Dimes. This organization's mission is to prevent birth defects and infant mortality. The March of Dimes has 99 chapters around the country and 3 million volunteers. Last September over 500 March of Dimes volunteers and staff came to Capitol Hill to urge passage of the bill. I was impressed by the commitment of the volunteers from my district, John and Suzie Haden and their daughter, Lindsey, who live at Palm Harbor, Florida. Mr. Speaker, 1998 marks the 60th anniversary of the March of Dimes and I believe that passage of this bill is a fitting way to commemorate this important anniversary. Passage of S. 419 today will underscore this Congress's strong commitment to the most vulnerable in our society, our children, and particularly those with special health care needs. Again, Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bonilla), for their leadership in sponsoring this legislation. And I certainly thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) for their willingness to basically waive the rules and bring this to the floor, and I urge all of my colleagues to support passage of S. 419. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to say that the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz) has thanked me and others, but all of us as well as the little children out there should be grateful to him, because he has worked awfully hard on this particular issue. The only reason we brought up Senator Bond's bill is because it has already been taken care of in the Senate and it would just expedite the process. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Emerson).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. Bilirakis asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

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 to include extraneous material on S. 419, the Senate bill presently under consideration.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 419) to provide surveillance, research, and services aimed at prevention of birth defects, and for other purposes.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Texas is very certainly correct. States have historically provided accommodations in their laws for individuals whose religious beliefs and practices would be burdened by certain governmental programs. This act does not preempt those existing State religious accommodation laws. Moreover, this bill does not limit a State's authority to enact religious accommodation laws in the future.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, we have Senator Bond here, who I know must be chomping at the bit to get up and talk about this. We are certainly very grateful to him for his leadership in the Senate. I guess our rules do not allow that. 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 would like to share the following essay with our colleagues. It was written by one of my constituents, Ms. Christa Carpenter, and won first place in the March for Life national essay contest commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of legalized abortion in the United States. I believe she presents a compelling argument in support of the sanctity of all human life. We March On for Life and Truth God's truth is eternal, absolute, universal, and impartial. It is our most powerful weapon in the battle to end abortion. During the past twenty-five years of the murdering of our brothers and sisters, His truth has been marching on in the pro-life movement. Our Faith tells us that a pre-born baby, from the moment of fertilization, possesses a soul, and is created in the image and likeness of God. Despite the physical condition of the baby, or the circumstances of conception, all are equal in the sight of God. Whether deformed, retarded, black or white, protectors of life must keep in mind that Christ's truth is without exception, and all pre-born babies possess the right to life. There are no exceptions, no compromises, when it comes to the life of ANY baby. The Catholic Church proclaims that all men are ``obliged to honor and bear witness to the truth''. In fact, it is our duty to defend the pre-born. St. Thomas Aquinas states, ``As a matter of honor, one man owes it to another to manifest the truth.'' Abortion is a direct violation of the truth. The entire platform of the pro-abortion movement is based on lies. Their many statements such as ``It's a woman's body''; ``It's a blob of tissue''; ``The mother's life is at stake'' are attempts to justify the murder of a pre-born human being. Abortion can never be justified, for everyone knows in his conscience that it is wrong. These remarks have been proven wrong by people who have LIVED Christ's truth. The most vivid example in my mind happened two years ago during my Mother's crisis pregnancy, when her water broke and she went into labor prematurely. The doctors refused to give her medical treatment to help save my twenty-week old pre-born brother, John Paul. They said my Mother would die if the pregnancy continued, and declared she should have the abortion for the ``sake of the mother''. With the help of many friends, Mom was able to stay at home, never leaving her bed for ninety-three days. Our family endured many trials to keep my brother alive. We were rewarded when he was delivered at thirty-three weeks, for this was long after the time the doctors said he would be dead. He lived twenty-three hours, and received Baptism and Confirmation before he went ``straight to Heaven''. Many in the world took our experience for a failure, but we take comfort in the fact that John Paul is a saint, and sees God ``face to Face''. Thanks to the truth we learned from those in the pro-life movement, we know Christ's truth. It conquered the lies of the pro-death world in the case of my Mother. She is living proof that the ``life of the mother'' exception is just an excuse to kill a baby. Defenders of life, world-wide, have shown their commitment to the truth by sacrificing their time and comfort for the abolition of the Massacre of the Innocents. Actively they protest at abortion clinics, and present the pro-life message at every opportunity: on television, in newspapers, on radio, and in schools. More often than not, we never see the ``fruits'' of our endeavors. Some say our efforts in the pro-life movement will never be able to stop the mass murder of children throughout the world. Yet, whether representatives of His truth are the majority or the minority; whether abortion increases or stops entirely; whether we have no political support or have the help of the entire government; His TRUTH will perpetually reign supreme. When it comes to the life of a baby, all know that a baby is a child created in the image and likeness of God, and abortion is the murder of that precious infant. This battle may ensue for our lifetime or for the next generation to come, but His truth will ultimately ``set us free'' from the evil of abortion. Advocates of life, take heart: for as His truth is marching on, our God is marching with us.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I once heard beauty described as ``unity in variety.'' In considering our American people, that definition could easily be expanded to describe the beauty of America--a nation of people gathered from a diversity of backgrounds united in their belief in the freedom of all human beings and their deep love for the country that protects those freedoms. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce you to an exemplary American, and a good friend, Odessa E. Tevis. Odessa is being honored on Sunday, February 1, 1998 by the Tarpon Springs Historical Society and by the community, for her 25 years of volunteerism in this area. Born in St. Louis, Missouri on November 27, 1908, Odessa, like so many children during wartime and a troubled economy, moved several times during her childhood. Having moved from Missouri to Chicago to Iowa then back to Chicago, Odessa graduated from High School and then junior college. On the last day of 1931, she married her high school sweetheart, Harry Tevis. Harry worked for the Illinois Bell Telephone Company, and for the next eighteen years, every promotion meant yet another move to another city in Illinois. There was one interruption--WWII--and Harry had orders to go overseas. But, before he left, he helped Odessa find a job at the Atlas Educational Film Company in Oak Park, II where she worked on scripts and even did a little acting when needed. Having made several trips to this area over the years, when Harry retired in 1973, they decided the Florida Suncoast was where they wanted to live. The two cars and camper were barely unpacked when Odessa began making the community her own. Within a year her beloved Harry had passed away and Odessa filled those open hours by helping others. If someone needed a ride to the doctor or the hospital, or needed medication; or a friend to stay through an extended illness or watch a child--Odessa was there. Even today, at 89 years of age, her days are divided between at least two projects such as volunteering at an eye care clinic and a local museum. When asked why she does so much, she chuckles and matter-of-factly replies, ``might as well''! Her 25 years of involvement in many organizations, including the Women's Club of Tarpon Springs, the New Port Richey Garden Club, the Tarpon Springs Garden Club, the Friends of the Library, the Republican Women's Club of Tarpon Springs, and the Tarpon Springs Historical Society, to name a few, has endeared her to the community. Her involvement in projects for the last quarter century has resulted in countless improvements in the community and benefited many, many residents indeed. Because of her energy and her example, Odessa has the ability to gather people from diverse backgrounds and unify them by a common goal . . . and has therefore made a beautiful difference in our community. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to join my community members and the Tarpon Springs Historical Society in honoring our own Odessa E. Tevis as an exemplary American volunteer.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker I rise today to add my voice to the chorus of voices singing the praises of our colleague Sonny Bono. I am not sure there is anything I can say that has not already been spoken. It was with deep sadness that I learned of Sonny's death. In life he was vibrant and witty, always quick to offer a smile, an amusing story or a simple word of encouragement. Many of our colleagues have shared personal stories about working with Sonny, but I would like to share something a member of my staff just today told me which illustrates why Sonny was loved in life and why he will be remembered in death. My aide told me of an encounter he had with Sonny in 1995. He was walking between the House office buildings when he encountered Sonny in the street. When they passed, my staffer gave Sonny a puzzled look. Sonny, realizing that my staffer recognized him but maybe couldn't place the name with the face, turned around and said hello. I tell this story simply because it is indicative of Sonny's engaging personality. In his long and immensely successful career, Sonny never got too big to remember those around him. He was at ease with Hollywood stars, politicians, his constituents and, of course, his wonderful family, and, most important, Sonny made those around him feel at ease. Sonny visited my district for a Lincoln Day dinner last year and won the hearts of my constituents immediately. In fact, I had to get him out of town quickly because I was afraid they would ask him to move to Florida and challenge me. I think it is important, Mr. Speaker, not to let stories of Sonny's generosity and kindheartedness overshadow his legislative accomplishments. He was a serious and effective legislator. He was an average guy in a business where we often take ourselves too seriously. He worked diligently on behalf of his constituents, and he entered the political arena for the right reasons. I repeat that. He entered the political arena for the right reasons, because he saw the problem, in his case, of business shackled by excessive regulations, and he figured the best way to solve that problem was to change it himself. He was a true citizen legislator. I would like to close by sharing the impression Sonny has left on me. I am sure that those of you who attended his funeral and those who watched on television were struck not by the profound sadness of the affair, but by the joy and happiness which Sonny brought into people's lives. Mixed with the tears of joy and happy memories of Sonny was that unforgettable picture. Each time the television camera cut to a shot of Sonny's picture with that engaging smile, I could not help but laugh and think, that is Sonny. It was almost like he was there. And the thing is, Sonny is here with each and every one of us who had their opportunity to work with him and share a piece of his unique perspective on life. So let me wish Mary and their wonderful children, Chesare and Chianna, God's blessings. They may have lost a father, but they have gained a House full of aunts and uncles. I think I speak on behalf my colleagues by saying we will always be willing to help whenever it is needed. Sonny, may you keep them smiling up there.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise, of course, in support of the conference report. As chairman of the subcommittee of jurisdiction, I believe the conference report represents our best effort in many years to improve the health and safety of all Americans. In short, this comprehensive law will chart a new course in public protection, allowing the Government to fulfill its obligation to protect the public health without undue delay, while ensuring that we preserve the economic incentives inherent in our free market system. Although it has taken many months, indeed, many years of hard work, this legislation represents a bipartisan effort to work through our political differences and resolve contentious issues. Over the last 3 years, Mr. Speaker, the Committee on Commerce and my Subcommittee on Health and Environment in particular have produced a number of landmark bills which have enjoyed support from both sides of the aisle. Last year, for example, the Subcommittee on Health and Environment produced the innovative Food Quality Protection Act and legislation to substantially improve the operation of the Safe Drinking Water Act. In addition, my subcommittee crafted a health insurance portability act to make basic reforms to the health insurance system and worked on the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to include the new children's health care program and important reforms to the Medicare and Medicaid programs. We also reauthorized the Ryan White Act, thus authorizing Federal dollars to States for HIV education, prevention and health service programs. I am very proud of these important accomplishments, particularly because they were done in a bipartisan way. The foundation of the present FDA bill was developed during the last Congress, and from the beginning, our effort has been an open process, open to anyone interested in FDA reform. Our committee conducted 17 separate formal hearings on FDA reform and FDA-related issues. This represents 72 hours, 44 minutes, and 2,094 pages of testimony. There are many who deserve credit for bringing this legislation to the floor today, several Committee on Commerce members in particular: The gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Greenwood]; the gentleman from North Carolina [Mr. Burr]; the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Barton]; the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Klug]; the gentleman from Kentucky [Mr. Whitfield]; the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Brown]; the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Eshoo]; the gentleman from California [Mr. Waxman]; the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Klink]; the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Hall]; the gentleman from New York [Mr. Towns], along with our personal staffs who have dedicated many long hours to this bill. However, it was the leadership and direction, of course, of the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Bliley], our full committee chairman, and the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Dingell], our ranking minority member, which enabled us to bring the consensus bill before the House today. At the beginning of this Congress the chairman of the full committee made it clear that he wanted action to FDA legislation and his determination to see this through has been a guiding force in our deliberations. In addition, the cooperation of both HHS Secretary Donna Shalala and Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Michael Friedman during this process enabled us to achieve our ultimate goal of creating thoughtful and practical FDA reform legislation which will be signed into law, I trust, by the President this year. Finally, I want to acknowledge and thank the most important people, the committee staff on both sides of the aisle, for their dedication and hard work in crafting this important legislation, especially Howard Cohen, Kay Holcombe, who is leaving us, and, boy, are we going to miss her; Rodger Currie, Eric Berger, David Meade, Pete Goodloe and Pattie DeLoache of my personal staff. I am proud of this legislation, Mr. Speaker. It will reduce the overregulation of research-based businesses while greatly improving the lives of millions of Americans. I believe we have done our work and done it well. I urge my colleagues to support this conference.