Michael Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. He is always so very eloquent on all subjects, I might add. I now yield to the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Pappas], one of our newest Members of the House, very welcome here.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for doing so very well. The Greek struggle for independence, as has already been related by Mr. Gekas and Mr. Pappas, is filled with stories of heroes and acts of heroism. It is the story of the Hydriots, seafarers who broke the Ottoman naval blockade. It is the story of Bishop Germanos of Patras who raised the Greek flag at the Peloponnese Monastery of Agias Lavras and cried out, Eleftheria I Thanotos, liberty or death. It is the story of Philhellenes, like Lord Byron, who gave his life for this cause. It is also the story of U.S. President James Monroe, who said the following in his 1822 State of the Union Address, and I quote: The mention of Greece fills the mind with the most exalted sentiments and arouses in our bosoms the best feelings of which our nature is susceptible. That such a country should have been overwhelmed and so long hidden, as it were, from the world under a gloomy despotism has been a cause of unceasing and deep regret to generous minds for ages past. A strong hope is entertained that these people will recover their independence and resume their equal station among the nations of the earth. These acts of courage, Mr. Speaker, and the words of President Monroe serve to highlight an important bond between America and Greece: the love of freedom. Like our Founding Fathers, the Greek people sought the right to govern themselves and to determine their own destiny. They felt that there is nothing more precious than freedom and democracy. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Pallone].

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his very profound remarks and for participating in this special order. And I suppose maybe the most draconian but possibly best form of campaign reform might be the lot process. I am not sure whether we would all agree that that is the way we should go. Continuing on, Mr. Speaker, at one time or another we have all read the passionate and stirring words of our American patriot Patrick Henry. It was 222 years ago on March 23, 1775, that Mr. Henry admonished all of history when he proclaimed, and I quote, ``Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.'' We all learned that certainly in our schooling. This same yearning for freedom, Mr. Speaker, would echo throughout the hearts and minds of every Greek patriot fighting for liberty. As these Greek freedom fighters boldly challenged Ottoman-Turk domination, they too proclaimed the defiant battle cry, ``eletheria I thanatos!'' Liberty or death. During this battle for freedom rose the exceptional figure of Demetrios Ypsilantis. In 1825, Ypsilantis, along with 300 soldiers, defended the Castle of Argos for 3 days against an army of 30,000 Turks. After they had exhausted their ammunition, Ypsilantis, along with his 300 men, secretly escaped through Turkish lines without any losses. This brave feat moved the whole world. The story reached as far as the United States. In fact, so inspired were the inhabitants of a new town in Michigan that they decided to name the town after Ypsilantis. Today the town of Ypsilantis, MI, has 30,000 people and a statue of Demetrios Ypsilantis still stands next to the old water tower. This epic account certainly illustrates the common bond and heritage that both the United States and Greece share. The relationship between our two countries is based on mutual respect and admiration. Like many Americans, Mr. Speaker, I am the son of immigrants who taught me a great love for the United States. I am proud that the values of freedom and democracy that we as Americans hold so dear originated in ancient Greece. We are all reminded that these democratic principles born so long in Greece were embraced by our Founding Fathers. Others have said this. It is an example of the ancient Greeks that we recognize each March the 25th. We also celebrate the return of democracy to Greece on this day of glory for the Greek people. The spirit of democracy lives on. Many today continue to give their lives in order to defend its principles. We owe it to those defenders of democracy that we honor the freedom and independence of Greece on the floor of the House of Representatives here tonight, the world's greatest hall of democracy. In doing so, I think that we reaffirm the democratic heritage that Greece and the United States have shared throughout the years. These principles are not uniquely Greek or American. However, our battles for democracy have given courage to the rest of the world. Freedom and independence form a legacy that we cherish and have a responsibility to protect and to defend. We must ensure that the light of liberty shines bright throughout the world. Wherever it is not, we have a responsibility to share our example. Unfortunately, today liberty is not shining in all parts of the world. One need only to look at the current civil unrest in Albania or the dictatorship in Cuba to realize that more work must be done. While the Berlin Wall has been dismantled and Russia has been opened to the world, the Nicosia wall continues to divide the country of Cyprus. Mr. Speaker, we must stop this senseless division. A divided Cyprus only serves to fuel more tension between Greece and Turkey. In fact, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, in her own testimony before the House Committee on International Relations stated that, and I quote her words, ``The dispute divides more than two Cypriot communities; it continues to act as a wedge between two NATO allies, Turkey and Greece. In doing so, it threatens European stability and our vital interests.'' According to Secretary Albright, the United States, and I quote her, ``Is prepared to play a larger role in promoting a resolution to the conflict.'' As lovers of freedom, Americans cannot continue to tolerate the aggressive behavior of Turkey, which still suppresses the light of liberty in Cyprus. As we celebrate democracy today, let us remember that our fight is not over; that more work must be done, but that together we can ensure that freedom and democracy comes to Cyprus.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, since 1983, Congress has joined with the Eye Bank Association of America in proclaiming March as National Eye Donor Month. March is a time to encourage all Americans to register their eyes for donation. Throughout the country, the miracle of transplant surgery is drastically improving people's lives. Today I rise to request that my colleagues take a few minutes to focus on eye donations. Some of you may not realize that a person's vision can be restored through corneal transplantation. Every year, thousands of corneal transplants are performed across the country, restoring precious sight to both the young and old. In 1995, over 44,000 corneas were made available by our Nation's eye banks for transplantation procedures. While figures for 1996 are still being tallied, even greater totals are expected. In fact, just outside my district, the Lions Club of Tampa, FL, operates one of the largest eye banks in the world. The Central Florida Eye and Tissue Bank restores sight to over 2,000 people every year. Nevertheless, the need for corneal transplants continues. The benefits of sight-restoring transplant surgeries extend well beyond the people who receive the transplants. The benefits also extend to the transplant recipients' families, friends and communities. In recent years, the public education campaigns launched by Congress, educators, and the media have had a positive impact on the success of eye donation programs. Since 1961, when the Eye Bank Association of America was founded, member eye banks have made over a half million corneal transplants possible. The success rate of these transplants, Mr. Speaker, exceeds 95 percent. Let me stress an important point. Anyone can be an eye donor. It does not matter if people have cataracts, poor eyesight, or other eye ailments. They can still contribute to improving the life of fellow human being, regardless of age or health status. Another area that is somewhat confusing is how one becomes an organ donor. Many States have potential organ donors declare their intentions on their driving licenses. However, in order to guarantee that an organ donation will occur, a person must share, and I repeat, must share these intentions with his or her next of kin and other family members. In some cases, the deceased person's next of kin may object to their loved one becoming an organ donor because the matter was never discussed. If an individual's next of kin objects to their loved one becoming an organ donor, those wishes are usually respected. It is extremely important that potential organ donors make their intentions clear with family members before it is too late. Today, Mr. Speaker, we have a tremendous opportunity to educate our fellow Americans about eye donations. We must take this occasion to encourage all Americans to give the gift of sight. What better legacy to leave than to have our eyes become someone else's miracle?

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, March is National Eye Donor Month. All throughout the country, the miracle of transplantation surgery is allowing people's lives to be enhanced or saved. Nationwide thousands of people are benefited every year through organ and tissue transplantation surgery. Today, I rise to request that we take a moment to focus on eye donation and on the importance of preserving and restoring sight through corneal transplantation. The benefits of sight-restoring transplant surgeries extend well beyond the people who receive the transplants; they also extend to their families, friends, and communities. In recent years, the efforts of Congress, educators, and the media have had an enormous impact on the success of eye donation programs. Corneal transplants have been performed since 1905, and eye banks have existed in this country for over 50 years. Since 1961, when the Eye Bank Association of America was founded, member eye banks have helped make possible over one-half million corneal transplants, with a success rate over 95 percent. Every year, thousands of corneal transplants are performed across the country restoring precious sight to both the young and the old. The Eye Bank Association of America is the Nation's oldest transplant association and is dedicated to the restoration of sight through the promotion and advancement of eye banking. In 1995, over 44,000 corneas were made available by our Nation's eye banks for use in transplantation procedures. Additional eye donations were used for research, training, and other surgical procedures. While figures for 1996 are still being tallied, even greater totals are expected. In fact, just outside my district, the Lions Club of Tampa, FL runs one of the largest eye banks in the world. The Central Florida Lions Eye and Tissue Bank restores sight to over 2,000 people each year. Nevertheless, the need for corneal transplants continues. Many Americans do not realize that they have it in their power to give someone else the gift of sight. If you declare now that after your death, you want your eyes to be donated to an eye bank, your eyes can become someone's miracle--a gift of sight. This is a great opportunity and a great responsibility that all Americans should take very seriously. Anyone can be a donor. Neither cataracts, poor eyesight, nor age prohibit one from donating. However, it is important for individuals who want to be donors to inform family members of their wishes. We, in Congress, can lead the effort to educate the public about the need and importance of eye donation and encourage more Americans to become donors. We have joined the Eye Bank Association of America every year since 1983 in proclaiming a ``National Eye Donor Month.'' The purpose of National Eye Donor Month is to remind all Americans that they have the power to make the miracle happen for someone and that we can make the tissue available. By making this proclamation, we call on all Americans to support us in promoting eye donation in order to enhance the lives of our fellow citizens through the restoration of sight.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say goodbye to a friend. Although many Members of this body have risen and recounted what kind of man, legislator, and public servant Frank Tejeda was, I believe it certainly cannot be said enough. I had the privilege of serving with Frank on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs for 6 years. As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, he was an ardent supporter of our Nation's veterans and their families, and it is little wonder why. He joined the Marines when he was 17 and served for 4 years. During that time, Frank was sent to Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, the Commandant's Trophy, the Marine Corps Association Award, and the Colonel Phil Yeckel Award for ``the best combined record in leadership, academics, and physical fitness.'' While in Congress, Frank continued to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve. Frank was a true American patriot. His love and pride for his country was evident to all who knew him. when his country called, he answered and fought hard--putting his life on the line. He knew the price of freedom and did not shirk from it. There is no question that he served the 28th District of Texas and the citizens of our country very well. I know he will be missed by all those who were fortunate to come into contact with him over the years. We were all heartened at the way Frank remained strong during his battle with cancer. Whenever I saw him in a committee hearing or on the House floor, I realized just what kind of devotion and commitment he had for his service to his constituents and to his country. Mr. Speaker, we will all miss Frank Tejeda. I know, however, that his work in this body will serve as a lasting tribute to a man who devoted his life to public service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary generosity of two wonderful people who live in my Ninth Congressional District in Florida. Allen Leepa and his wife Isabelle have donated a $2.15 million endowment and a multimillion dollar art collection to be housed in a new museum at the Tarpon Springs campus of the St. Petersburg Junior College in Tarpon Springs, FL. Mr. Leepa has said that ``art is a vehicle to promote education,'' and his gift will certainly benefit not only the students and faculty of the college, but the residents of Florida's suncoast as well. The college will be building the Leepa/Rattner Museum of Fine Arts, which is to honor Mr. Leepa and his late stepfather, Abraham Rattner. The museum will house 150 works by Mr. Leepa, an abstract artist, and 20th century modernists including Georges Rouault, Hans Hoffman and Henry Moore. Two works by Pablo Picasso will also be included. A resident of my birthplace in Tarpon Springs for 14 years, Dr. Leepa studied art in Chicago, New York, and Paris at the Sarbonne. He has taught at several fine universities around the country, and he has published three books about modern art. Mr. Speaker, art means different things to different people. However, it does serve as an outlet for the creative side of all of us. Throughout history, the expressions of talented artists have contributed to a greater understanding of our society and of ourselves. As a result of Dr. Leepa's generosity and kindheartedness, Floridians will be able to enjoy the finest in art right in the heart of Florida's suncoast. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Dr. Leepa and wishing the Leepa/Rattner Museum all of the best in the future.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I renew my request for unanimous consent.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. The gentleman from Florida, Mr. Speaker, moves that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3632) a bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act regarding nursing home facility inspections.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I did not hear the question, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Well, the gentleman certainly sounded, with all due respect, like he did have some objection a few minutes ago. So where are we now? All I want to do is get this bill passed that both sides wanted to get through the system today.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move the House suspend the rules and pass the bill H.R. 3632, a bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act regarding nursing home facility inspections. Point of Order

Mr. BILIRAKIS. If the gentleman would forgive me. I am not sure who has the time, but, Mr. Speaker, I would at this point to take back my unanimous-consent request.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. His staff is what I said.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I wish the gentleman would talk to Mr. Waxman's staff about this.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I saw them with my own eyes consulting.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. The only reason I added unanimous consent in there is because of the technicality. We are about 5 minutes short of that 1- hour notice.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. If the gentleman will continue to yield, consultation between the minority and majority staffs took place, I understand, regarding bringing up this piece of legislation at this time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman will continue to yield, this is a bill we marked up a few days ago in the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. We did, sir. Questions were raised. It was a bipartisan thing. It was approved by the gentleman from California [Mr. Waxman]. I know question was raised by either Mr. Waxman or someone in the minority about the quality standards, does this hurt the quality standards. Assurances were given there would not be any adverse consequences.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3632) to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to repeal the requirement for annual resident review for nursing facilities under the Medicaid Program and to require resident reviews for mentally ill or mentally retarded residents when there is a significant change in physical or mental condition.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman will yield, the reason I asked for the unanimous-consent request was because the 1-hour notice was not given regarding the bill H.R. 3632. It was an inadvertent mistake on the part of the majority. The 1-hour notice was given for H.R. 3633, and it was the intent it also be given for H.R. 3632, so I thought I would go through the process but raise the red flag, and do it right and ask for unanimous consent.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. To suspend the rules and to pass this bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. With the understanding that the 1-hour's notice was not given. THe SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida?

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