Michael Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. Obviously, that is the hope we all have. I cannot say how proud I am to be working with the gentleman on this issue, as well as so many others. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Rhode Island [Mr. Reed].

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I thank the gentleman for joining us in this very important special order, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California [Mr. Horn].

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Bliley] for yielding this time to me, and I rise to speak on the motion to instruct. I think the motion reflects the understandings reached concerning the inclusion of title V within H.R. 3604, the bill to amend and reauthorize the Safe Drinking Water Act approved by the Commerce Committee. In general, H.R. 3604 provides for a new State revolving fund--or SRF. The express purpose of the SRF is to provide loans and loan guarantees for expenditures that will facilitate compliance with national drinking water standards. SRF funds may only be used for compliance efforts or for other efforts that would significantly further the health protection objectives of the Safe Drinking Water Act. EPA has estimated that $8.6 billion is currently needed to bring public water systems into compliance with current standards. H.R. 3604 will go a long ways toward meeting this needs, but the fund needs to be insulated from demands which could compete with its basic purpose. The language offered in the motion to instruct merely reflects the desire expressed by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to similarly protect the SRF. Statutory language to this effect was included in H.R. 2747, a bill reported from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to provide water supply infrastructure assistance. H.R. 3604 adopted nearly identical provisions. I therefore urge the adoption of the motion to instruct by the full House of Representatives.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I am still out of breath running here from the airport, but I appreciate the gentleman from Arizona yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3674, the veterans educational and compensation benefits amendments. I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. I am pleased that a bill I introduced, H.R. 109, has been incorporated into H.R. 3674, My bill addresses a problem that confronts the surviving spouse of a recently deceased veteran. Under current law, if a veteran dies before the end of the month, even if it is only by a few hours, the surviving spouse will have that month's disability compensation revoked. Clearly this policy creates a huge financial burden for a recent widow, especially if she is not eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation. H.R. 3674 allows a surviving spouse to retain compensation or pension payments by prorating these payments to the date of death, and therefore, provides the surviving spouse with compensation for each day the veteran lived in that final month. For example, if the veteran lives until the 15th of the month, his spouse will be allowed to keep his compensation from the 1st through the 15th. In the 104th Congress, my legislation has received widespread bipartisan support in the House and is supported by the veterans' organizations and the VA. I want to thank Compensation Subcommittee Chairman Everett and Education Subcommittee Chairman Buyer for their support on this important issue. The enactment of H.R. 3674 would recognize that the financial obligations of a veteran's household do not vanish upon the veteran's death. Rent or mortgage payments and other bills will still come due, and a surviving spouse should not be left without any contribution from the VA for the last days of a veteran's life. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3674.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express the importance of natural disaster assistance. Our dear friend, Mr. Emerson introduced the Natural Disaster Protection partnership Act the Congress, and I am pleased to be one of 267 cosponsors. This much needed legislation will provide for an expanded Federal program of hazard mitigation, relief, and insurance against the risk of catastrophic natural disasters. To understand the importance of this legislation, one need only be reminded of the devastating effects of Hurricane Andrew that struck Florida in 1992 and Hurricane Hugo in 1989. In Florida, many insurance companies are canceling insurance policies. Currently, Hurricane Bertha continues it uncertain path along the eastern seaboard. Hopefully, Hurricane Bertha will not cause any damage and dissipate at sea. While we here in the United States are fortunate that Hurricane Bertha has not yet made landfall, I want to highlight the importance and need for the Natural Disaster Partnership Act. H.R. 1856 will promote stability in the insurance industry, encourage personal responsibility, and reduce Federal disaster relief costs. I urge my colleagues to ensure passage of this important bill.

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 Bill Emerson was, I believe it certainly cannot be said enough. I always thought that one of Bill's most outstanding qualities was that he held passionate beliefs about how to improve the lives of our Nation's citizens, while at the same time possessing the innate quality to debate divisive issues in an honest and straightforward manner. Bill was one of the driving forces behind the formation of the Alliance, a group of Republicans who believe that we must return civility and respect to the debates in the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, we did not serve on the same committees in Congress, in fact, our congressional districts were in very different parts of this country. I was, however, pleased to have the opportunity to serve as a member of the Alliance with Bill, and to see him working at our weekly meetings. I also was able to work with Bill several years ago as cochairs of the House Task Force on Fair Trade and Open Markets. There is no question that he served the Eighth District of Missouri 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 Bill remained strong during his last days in this institution which he loved so much. Whenever I walked on the floor and saw him following the debate, even though it was obvious that lesser men would have been unable to do so, 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 Bill Emerson. 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. I yield to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me, my full committee chairman. Over 5 months ago, I chaired the Health and Environment Subcommittee hearing concerning priorities for the reauthorization of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The subcommittee heard testimony from public officials, private water systems, and the environmental community. And, while opinions varied, no one disputed the essential task before us--the need to overhaul a well-intentioned, 10-year-old statute which has served us well, but which has not aged gracefully. Many have cited the need for flexibility in the administration of the law. EPA has also estimated that the capital expenditures needed to comply with current requirements total $8.6 billion. So the question has not been whether to act, but how to best correct identified problems. At first, I must admit the job looked easy, especially given the action of the other body to vote unanimously in favor of reforms. The careful review of the Commerce Committee, however, has helped to shape legislative provisions which are improved and which I believe will stand the test of time. We have improved the standard setting language which lies at the heart of the act, making it more workable and efficient. In addition, the bill strengthens certain provisions regarding capacity development and operator training. The bill will directly improve the human factor in the safe drinking water act. All of these changes are not universally popular with every interested party. But a careful balance has been struck in this legislation between flexibility in administration and certainty in regulation. I believe we have a good bill before us. It is a bill which bears the imprint and hard work of many Members too numerous to mention. I would urge its approval to help ensure the continued safety of the Nation's drinking water supply.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize the achievement of Yvonne A. Zuber, a resident of Dunedin in my ninth district of Florida, who has been selected as the Coast Guard's Enlisted Person of the Year. She is certainly the cream of the crop. This is the second year for the Coast Guard's Enlisted Persons of the Year Recognition Program. Awards are given annually to one active duty and one reserve member who demonstrate exceptional standards in leadership, work ethics, Coast Guard knowledge, uniform appearance, and military bearing. Petty Officer Zuber is a reflection of what every enlisted person can achieve at their best. Currently, she is assigned to the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center [ATC] in Mobile, AL. She is a loyal volunteer for the Mobile Area Special Olympics and has, for the past 3 years, helped over 6,000 special athletes reach their full potential-- assisting them in reaching the State and national games. She has also devoted many hours as a rape-crisis hotline counselor helping rape victims seek assistance and coping with the tragedy of rape. She also volunteers with the ATC's Partner's in Education Program. She has been the recipient of numerous awards, including: Coast Guard Achievement Medal, Commandant's Letter of Commendation, DOT Gold Medal for Outstanding Achievement, Coast Guard Unit Commendation and Operational Distinguishing Device, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Coast Guard Bicentennial Unit Commendation, Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Coast Guard Special Operations Ribbon, Coast Guard Restricted Duty Ribbon, Coast Guard Recruiting Service Ribbon, and the Coast Guard Sharpshooter Pistol Shot Ribbon. In addition, she is also the 1995 Sailor of the Year for her dedication to the vision and core values of the Coast Guard and her tireless community involvement. It is evident that she serves as an excellent example of dedication, discipline, and responsibility that is necessary to serve ones country well. Mr. Speaker, I can think of no greater compliment that you could pay to your families than to honor them with the dedication to personal achievement and service to your country that Yvonne Zuber has demonstrated. I would like to congratulate her once again, and wish her the best of luck in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with my colleagues an excellent essay from an intelligent young student in my district named Jennifer Tutak. She writes that, looking back over the past 200 plus years of our country's history, we have made remarkable advances and are indeed the best of the best. I would encourage my colleagues to take a moment and read her very optimistic and uplifting account of what we as Americans have accomplished since the beginning of our country. I certainly agree that the United States is the best country in the world, and Jennifer does well in reminding us of that. The Best of the Best (By Jennifer Tutak) Just over two hundred years ago, America was nothing more than a small band of colonies lacking unity and a strong government. Yet today we are leading the world in technological advances, medical breakthroughs, agricultural production, and global politics. A universal superpower, we have tremendous amounts of food, rich, vast lands, superb military forces, and a successful government. How did this happen? In two centuries, how did we surpass countries which have existed for thousands of years? The answer lies in the strong governmental and moral values of dedicated citizens which have pushed us to the top and continue to bring us to new heights and achievements. It takes proficiency to make an administration strong, and our federal system of government provides just that. The ethical codes of each of the three branches have built up a stable governing body which meets the needs of its people and serves as a model for the rest of the world. The judicial branch protects the rights of all United States citizens, declaring them ``innocent until proven guilty''. Both the legislative and executive branches create laws to produce new benefits for the country, like safety regulations and trade agreements. We hold public votes for our representatives in accord with the belief that the government directly serves us. They reflect our values and wishes and work to institute them. The United States strongly advocates world peace and belongs to a myriad of organizations and committees to promote goodwill, assistance, and trade between countries. We value our environment, the clean, crystal water, fresh air, and lush forests. The country recognizes the resources which we take for granted actually belong to our chil- dren's children's children. The government likewise has set up national parks, land reserves, pollution regulations, and created protection for endangered species. A third standard demanded by the people involves that of education. Our government provides public schooling for every child in this country, so that they may grow up with the means to make bright futures for themselves. Another area in which the American public and their administration have used strong ideals lies in the economy. We have always fiercely believed in a free enterprise system. The incentives of owning a private business and making profit instigated millions of citizens to work hard and develop the country. In doing so, the United States started growing as a capitalist giant through mining, farming, trade, industry, entertainment, and building, to name a few. The money brought in, new inventions, and immigrants eager to try their own hand in business never let the country look back. The government did uphold and expand on such values, but it was the American voices behind them who presented these ideals and their own customary, unwritten morals. As already shown in the example on free enterprise, U.S. citizens have been zealous believers of hard work since the country's formation. The Founding Fathers set up a government and turned a loose group of states into a nation. Pioneers opened up the West. Immigrants introduced their ideas and joined the fight to advance America. Oil was found, railroads were connected, the Wright brothers flew the first airplane, women won the right to vote, America met victories in both World Wars, Dr. Jonas Salk found the polio vaccine, man landed on the moon, computers were invented, and we continue to speed down the Information Superhighway to new prospects on the horizon. The determination and devoted labor of all Americans has proved quite possible to be our greatest strength. Besides working hard, the policy of helping others has long been a value which has made America great. Whether it be a neighbor in trouble like Mexico, a devastating earthquake in southern California, or the atrocious Oklahoma City bombing, Americans have come to the rescue. The Red Cross, 911 Emergency Medical Services, police departments, fire stations, and a multitude of other volunteer organizations come forth in times of need. We care about our brothers and sisters. U.S. citizens give money, volunteer time and talent, spread hope, and even donate their own blood and organs for each other. In a country where Good Samaritans live, good things are bound to happen. Thus, by supporting the ethics of the Constitution and the values of hard work and love, the American people and their government have made our country the international force it is today. We value our freedoms and friends as much as hard work and free enterprise. We value education, the environment, and a peaceful world. We value all of these because we value the future of America. As the 21st century arrives, we shall accomplish new feats and set new goals and continue to make our great country even better.

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. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment which limits the amount of economic support funding for Turkey to $22 million until the Turkish Government acknowledges the Armenian genocide. As my colleagues know, this April marked the 81st anniversary of the Armenian genocide. The great Armenian massacre, which took place between 1915 to 1916, shocked public opinion in the United States and Western Europe. As Henry Morgenthau, Sr., the former U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, stated ``I am confident that the whole history of the human race contains no such horrible episode as this. The great massacres and persecutions of the past seem almost insignificant when compared to the sufferings of the Armenian race in 1915.'' Last year, Members of Congress from both Houses in a bipartisan initiative called upon the President to reaffirm the Armenian genocide as a crime against humanity. While I appreciated the fact that a statement was issued by the White House, many of my colleagues and I were disappointed that the President did not use the word ``genocide'' to describe the systematic annihilation of one and one-half million Armenians. In fact, earlier this year, I joined many of my colleagues in sending a letter to President Clinton expressing disappointment in the fact that he used the word ``massacres'' rather than the word ``genocide'' to describe this terrible tragedy. We must also send the same message to Turkey. Turkey must take steps to acknowledge and honor the memory of the victims of the Armenian genocide. I am proud to have cosponsored H. Con. Res. 47, which enjoys the bipartisan support of 178 Members and honors the memory of the victims of the Armenian genocide. In closing, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. The survivors of the genocide and their descendants have made great contributions to every country in which they have settled--including the United States, where Armenians have made their mark in business, the professions, and our cultural life. The time has come for Turkey to acknowledge the injustice that took place. For it is only through acknowledging it that we hold out hope for the future that no such event will occur again.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I express my pride in joining with the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Visclosky] in this amendment. This amendment, which has already been said, will narrow the President's waiver authority under the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act which prohibits U.S. funds available under the foreign operations appropriations bill from going to countries that block U.S. humanitarian assistance. While this amendment is not country specific, the only country in violation of the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act is Turkey. Therefore, our amendment will ensure that Turkey does not receive economic support funds until it ends its blockade of U.S. humanitarian assistance to Armenia. Turkey has signed numerous international agreements guaranteeing human rights and freedom of religion. Despite this, Turkey continues its illegal blockade of U.S. assistance to Armenia. Turkey began its blockade of Armenia in April 1993, when it refused to allow land or air passage to the International Red Cross relief workers bound for Armenia with medical supplies to be used for disaster relief. Turkey also continues its suppression of religious expression within its borders. The Turkish government has systematically repressed the religious freedom of the Greek community and other ethnic minorities in Turkey. Particularly disturbing to me is Turkey's failure to take strong action in the wake of several recent terrorist attacks against ecumenical patriarch Bartholomew I. The patriarch is the spiritual leader of the eastern Orthodox Christian church, representing over 250 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, including over 5 million residing in the United States. In addition, Turkey continues its illegal occupation of northern Cyprus--one recognized by no other government. Turkey continues to station more than 30,000 troops on the island of Cyprus and also maintains 65,000 settlers there. In fact, the amount of U.S. aid we send to Turkey each year is roughly equal to the amount needed to maintain the 30,000 plus troops illegally occupying Cyprus. Altogether, this illegal occupation represents over two decades of division, over two decades of human rights violations, and over two decades of cultural destruction. On May 16, President Clinton waived the Corridor Act with regard to Turkey, clearing the way for continued U.S. economic assistance. Opponents of our amendment argue that it ``would effectively curtail U.S.-Turkish cooperation and counter U.S. foreign policy interests.'' By defending the presidential waiver of the Corridor Act, our opponents are acknowledging that Turkey is in violation of the Act. Mr. Chairman, last year, Congressman Porter of Illinois offered a similar amendment that cut economic aid to Turkey to hold Turkey accountable for its egregious human rights violations and suppression of religious freedom. His amendment passed the House with the bipartisan support of 247 members. I urge my colleagues to again hold Turkey accountable for its continued violations of human rights by supporting this much needed amendment. Neither the American people nor the U.S. Congress should tolerate, much less subsidize, Turkey's illegal and immoral blockade of Armenia. Is it right, we have to ask ourselves, is it right that they receive U.S. taxpayers' economic support while at the same time they prevent assistance, they prevent the same type of assistance to Armenia, and also are very guilty of other human rights violations? I think not. If my colleagues agree then they must vote for this amendment.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to touch upon the importance of having access to education. Education not only plays a vital role in the development of an individual, but also of a nation. Benjamin Disraeli noted in a speech to the House of Commons in 1874, that ``upon the education of the people of this country the fate of this country depends.'' While we in the United States may sometimes complain about the skyrocketing costs of college tuition or the need for more classrooms, what we often take for granted is the fact that everyone has access to education. This is not always the case in other countries. For example, in countries such as Albania and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, ethnic minorities are often denied access to education. Although international law and treaties signed by Albania guarantee ethnic Greeks a right to education in their native tongue, they are still denied equal access. Indeed, as Mrs. Porter, wife of Congressman John Porter of Illinois, pointed out to me in a letter dated December 14, 1995: ``The oppression on the Greek minority in Northern Epirus is palpable. It is evident in the lack of Greek schools in towns and villages with predominately Greek populations and the denial by the government that such need exists.'' While this situation troubles me, I am encouraged by the friendship and cooperation agreement that the two countries signed this March. In addition, to the situation in Albania, a similar situation exists for ethnic Albanians in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The Albanian-language University of Tetova still has not been officially recognized by the government. Ethnic Albanians are denied equal access to education. Indeed, as my friend and colleague, Congressman Gilman, stated last September, the government ``is not taking sufficient steps to ensure that those citizens from its considerable Albanian population are provided with adequate opportunities for higher education in the Albanian language.'' Mr. Speaker, the challenge we face is to bridge the education and cultural gaps that exist in these countries to ensure that their respective ethnic minorities receive the education to which they are entitled. We must work to encourage removal of educational barriers, not only in the southern Balkans, but also in other parts of the world.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Greenwood]. Mr. Speaker, tough acts to follow, certainly as we are all here this evening to talk about improving and saving people's lives. That is really what it is all about. We all want to ensure the health and safety of our citizens, and streamlining the approval process at the FDA will help to do just that. Simply stated, the FDA must be reformed. Simply stated, it has to be reformed. Consumers must have quicker access to safe and effective new drugs, medical devices, and foods. Countless numbers of individuals and groups have contacted Congress to ask for help, and many of us have received this message loud and clear. The message is that FDA approvals, as so many of us have already said, of drugs, medical devices, and foods take too long. Mr. Speaker, I would like everyone here today to know that this message has not fallen on deaf ears. I will not say that the message which we all have received time and again over these many past years has fallen on deaf ears prior to this Congress, but the fact of the matter is nothing was done by the Congress. Since this effort was started this year, some approvals all of a sudden, I might add, have been expedited. I am sure that is just a coincidence. Anyhow, Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Health and Environment Subcommittee, I am really proud to be part of the FDA reform team created by the gentleman from Virginia, Chairman Bliley, and spearheaded by the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Mr. Greenwood. The team has come forward with several bipartisan proposals for reform that will speed up the approval process for drugs, medical devices, and foods so that consumers will have increased access to these products while still being assured of their health and safety. I want to underline that, as others have, while still being assured of their health and safety. This goal has guided our team in this effort. As we have heard, the approval process takes much too long. Today, it takes something like 12 years and $350 million to get the average new drug from the laboratory to American patients who need it. To make things even worse, as others have said, the majority of the new drugs approved by the FDA in the last 5 years were already approved and in use in other countries. The FDA approval process actually interferes with the essential need to approve vital research in products that fight serious illness. This legislation changes that. In the medical device area, I know it has been very thoroughly discussed. The average time it takes for the FDA to approve a medical device has increased from 415 days in 1990 to 773 days in 1995, all while the FDA is required by law to take no longer than 180 days to approve new medical devices. The legislation introduced in the House addresses these concerns. Mr. Speaker, let me stress that streamlining and improving the FDA does not weaken our resolve for the safety or effectiveness of products. Once again, I would like to thank Chairman Bliley for his leadership on this issue and especially Jim Greenwood, who has directed our FDA reform effort. Together with Joe Barton, Richard Burr, and Scott Klug, we have developed a balanced, bipartisan approach to approving the FDA's approval process. I am proud of you guys. You have done good, as we say in the South. As I have said before, in closing, Mr. Speaker, the safety and health of our Nation's citizens is my and our concern. This FDA reform legislation is a balanced, bipartisan approach that will streamline the approval process to allow safe and effective drugs, devices and foods to reach patients, consumers more quickly and efficiently without sacrificing safety. So I urge my colleagues to carefully consider this legislation which would streamline and improve the approval process to allow our Nation's citizens better access to safe and effective drugs, medical devices, and foods. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his wonderful work.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 178, the fiscal year 1997 budget resolution, clearly the best and most responsible of the proposals we consider here today. First and foremost, it draws a philosophical difference that fundamentally sets it apart from any of the alternatives--the Black Caucus and coalition budgets as well as the President's proposal: It seeks to shift power, money and influence out of Washington and back into the hands of the American people where it belongs. None of the other proposals can say that--each of them raises more revenue and keeps more of it at the Federal level. It also includes responsible tax cuts, and I emphasize the word ``responsible.'' I categorically reject the claim that this budget resolution cuts taxes at the expense of the poor and elderly. First, the tax cuts are needed to balance the budget. Let me say that again-- the tax cuts are needed to balance the budget. Why is this? Because whenever we have decreased tax rates in the past, receipts have gone up. Cutting rates means less tax sheltering and this means more revenue. By also controlling spending--and this legislation includes 130 Federal program terminations--we can live within our means. Furthermore, the social safety net programs in the Federal budget will be increased under this budget resolution. Medicare, Medicaid, education spending--all go up. These programs are not being cut to provide tax cuts for the wealthy--it just isn't true. Reforms that are included are necessary to save the programs. The President's own advisors have told the Congress that some of these programs are in very real danger of going bankrupt unless reforms are made now. We simply must face this very real problem now, or very quickly it will grow beyond our ability to control it. We can debate the size and shape of these reforms--I myself have questions about this--and as chairman of the Health Subcommittee, I will be active in this debate, but this budget resolution is simply a blueprint. It is a general guideline to set the tone for the budget debate to come. It is the beginning of the process, not the end. This guideline sets a responsible tone, it provides tax relief for America's families without endangering support programs for our Nation's elderly and veterans, it puts more money into the hands of the people and cuts the size of the Federal Government. I urge support for the resolution.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend my colleague, Congressman Ron Klink of Pennsylvania, for holding this special order. I rise to today to join my colleagues in commemorating a valiant stand made more than a half-century ago on what was then the frontier of freedom. It was a stand made by a battered but brave group of individuals thrown together to halt the domination of a smaller, weaker nation by a larger, more powerful aggressor. Greece was engulfed in conflict--along with the rest of the globe-- during some of the darkest days of World War II. Indeed, in the spring of 1941, Nazi domination of the European continent was nearly complete. Following a valiant struggle against overwhelmingly superior German forces in and among the mountains to the north, Greek forces had been pushed entirely off the continent and were taking refuge on the island of Crete. The German Army looked covetously across the sea to Crete. If captured, it would provide air and sea bases from which the Nazis could dominate the eastern Mediterranean and launch air attacks against Allied forces in northern Africa. In fact, the Nazi high command envisioned the capture of Crete to be the first of a series of assaults leading to the Suez Canal. On May 20, 1941, the largest German airborne attack of the war commenced against Greek, Cretan, and British forces, battle-weary and crippled after the withdrawal from the mainland. Waves of bombers pounded the Allied positions followed by a full-scale airborne assault. Elite paratroopers and glider-borne infantry units fell upon the rag- tag Allied soldiers, who valiantly stood firm in the face of certain defeat. Watching death descend upon them from above, the brave defenders of Crete--having endured hours of vicious bombing, decimated the crack Nazi troops at two key airfields. However, the Germans managed to gain a foothold at a third airfield and soon were being resupplied and reinforced by air. Seven days later, the defenders of Crete--though clinging to their rocky defensive positions--knew that they would soon be overrun. The evacuation order was given, and nearly 18,000 men were rescued. These valiant survivors had bought the Allies a week's precious time free of Nazi air and sea attacks based from Crete. More importantly, they inflicted severe losses on the German airborne forces, the showpieces of the Nazi Army. Nearly, 2,000 German soldiers were killed and more than 4,000 were wounded or missing. So injured were the German units, in fact, that they never again attempted an airborne assault of the magnitude of that launched at Crete. This month marks the 55th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, a proud day in the defense of liberty and self-rule; when the sons of Greece and Crete along with their British allies firmly answered the Nazi challenge to freedom. In closing, Mr. Speaker, may we take inspiration from the shining example of the defenders of Crete in ensuring that this is indeed the case. We must not forget those who have sacrificed their lives to secure our freedom.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to highlight an important event that is taking place this week in Washington. This event celebrates 175 years of friendship, diplomacy, and mutual respect for democracy that is the legacy of the United States and the Republic of Greece. The renowned Greek artist, Ms. Frederiki Pappas is previewing a remarkable collection of portraits of American and Greek leaders today in the Capitol. This exhibit is called: ``A Celebration of Democracy: Commemorating 175 Years of Greek and American Democratic Tradition.'' Ms. Pappas is a graduate of the Athens School of Fine Art and has exhibited in galleries around the world and has been commissioned by many private clients and public institutions. I have known her for many years and have come to admire her inexhaustible energy and vision in showcasing the history of courage and triumph of our two great nations. I remind my colleagues that Americans participated in the independence movement in Greece during the last century, sacrificing their lives to ensure that the world's first democracy was again a democracy. From the days of our great leader and democratic visionary, Thomas Jefferson, to the present, Hellenes and Americans have worked and fought side-by-side for freedom and independence. As a Greek-American, I am especially proud of this tradition and applaud the continued strength of our mutual diplomatic ties as exemplified by this week's visit by President Constantine Stephanopoulos. The Hellenic Republic remains a key ally and friend and I am especially pleased that Ms. Pappas' exhibit coincides with President Stephanopoulos' visit. Her work serves as a beautiful and appropriate reminder of this long and great friendship between our two democratic nations. Thomas Jefferson, perhaps underscores the spirit of freedom and independence best in his letter to A. Korais, leader of the Provisional Government of Greece in 1823 in which he states: Possessing ourselves the combined blessings of liberty and order we wish the same to other countries, and to none more than yours, which the first of civilized nations, presented examples of what man should be. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Pappas' work reminds us of the importance of tradition and mutual love of freedom. I urge all of my colleagues to see if firsthand and reflect upon the importance of celebrating democracy.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Coburn] who has added an awful lot of grassroots and personal experience to the subcommittee and to the full committee and, obviously, to this particular piece of legislation, and we are very grateful for his work on Ryan White. (Mr. COBURN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the conference report. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut [Mr. Shays].

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman will continue to yield, yes, it was my understanding, Mr. Waxman, and I hope this colloquy and conversations with the Health Resources and Services Administration will help to clarify this point prior to funds being distributed to States.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I would say to the gentleman that that is correct.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, my compliments and commendation to the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Blute] for his great work on this matter. I thank him, of course, for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to serve as a United States Representative. I consider it an honor and a privilege to represent the residents of the Ninth Congressional District of Florida. I have heard from many of my constituents who believe, rightly so, that the debate in the house has become very partisan and inflammatory. While we each hold strong beliefs and values, these can be expressed in a constructive manner to facilitate debate, rather than in a manner which relegates debate to caustic, partisan attacks. As a Member of the mainstream conservative alliance, I gladly signed the civility pledge, and intend to continue to debate the issues before us honestly, fairly and in a constructive manner. As the pledge states, we should ``respect the people who elected us through proper conduct, including honoring and showing consideration to one's colleagues regardless of ideology or personal feeling.'' I believe Members of this Congress all want the same thing. We want to educate our children, take care of our senior citizens, protect our environment and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed in our society. We may differ on the means to achieve these goals, but I believe we all agree on the goals themselves. I have consistently made it a point, when speaking on the floor of this House, to debate constructively and without resorting to personal attacks. Regardless of ideology or party affiliation, we must all respect each other, this institution and our constituent by promoting civility, comity and adherence to the House rules above party loyalty. Mr. Speaker, I will continue to accept the trust of my constituents and respect them by honoring this venerable institution. I would urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in this pledge.

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 and submit extraneous material on the conference report to S. 641.