Michael Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chris Tompkins, a young man whose short but extraordinary life recently came to an end. I met Chris many years ago during my first campaign for Congress. He held campaign signs for me on street comers, though the signs were nearly as big as him. I could tell then, even at such an early age, that he was a go-getter. I knew that Chris was a special young man who would achieve much. And achieve he did. Chris served as one of my congressional pages during his junior year of high school. He went on to the University of Florida, where he enrolled in the honors program. He became the University's first Truman Scholar and later served as student body president of Florida's law school. After law school, Chris worked as a legislative aide to a local state House member where he played an integral role in crafting the State's Y2K plan. Chris then returned to Hillsborough County to become an agricultural attorney. He was elected supervisor of the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District and became heavily involved in Republican politics, serving as a member of the county's Republican Executive Committee for 16 years. He also volunteered his time and talents to many civic causes because he cared about the community in which he lived. Chris was in the midst of a campaign for the Florida House of Representatives when he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia. Through it all, Chris kept his head high, often cheering up those of us trying to lift his spirits. He passed away last weekend surrounded by the friends and family who so loved him. Mr. Speaker, my heart aches for Chris and his family. I hope that his mother, Betty Jo, is comforted by knowing that Chris enriched my life and the lives of others he touched. We shall never forget him or the long legacy he has left.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a critically-important public health issue, cardiovascular disease among women. I recently attended a women's heart health symposium in my district and was surprised to learn that heart disease is the number one cause of death for American women. Heart disease kills more than 366,000 women each year, more than all types of cancer combined. One of every 5 women has some form of cardiovascular disease. One woman dies from it every minute. There are also troubling trends for women who survive heart attacks. I was astonished to learn that 38 percent of women who have heart attacks will die within one year of having that heart attack. Forty-six percent of women who have heart attacks will be disabled with heart failure within 6 years of having a heart attack. These statistics are simply unacceptable. There is good news, however. There are some simple steps both women and men can take to greatly reduce their risk for heart disease. We can lower our risk for heart disease simply by not smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a nutritionally-balanced diet because smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles are major risk factors for heart disease in us all, particularly women. As former Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, I am pleased to have been able to help double funding for the National Institutes of Health and support the work done by its National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, which currently is sponsoring a public awareness campaign on women and heart disease called ``The Heart Truth.'' This initiative is designed to spread the word that heart disease is not just a man's disease, motivate women to take their heart health seriously and encourage them to lower their risk for cardiovascular disease. Mr. Speaker, I believe that we should help raise public awareness about women's heart health issues and support policies which promote the early diagnosis and proper treatment of women with cardiovascular disease. I hope that our colleagues join me in bringing attention to the importance of women's heart health. Our mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters depend on it.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of His Eminence, Archbishop Iakovos, who faithfully led the Greek Orthodox Church in North and South America for over thirty years. With his passing on April 10th, the world lost a great spiritual leader and humanitarian who desired peace and unity between all nations and religions. Archbishop Iakovos, who was born as Demetrios Coucouzis on July 29, 1911, first set foot on American shores in 1939, after graduating from the Halki Theological Seminary. In 1945 he received a graduate degree from Harvard Theological Seminary and five years later he became an official U.S. citizen. When Archbishop Iakovos became the leader of the Orthodox faithful in 1959, he made it his goal to bring the church into mainstream life for his followers. In the spirit of incorporating Greek Orthodoxy in America, he encouraged the use of English in the liturgy, set up dialogues with other Christian denominations, as well as Jewish and Muslim leaders, and became the first Archbishop to meet with a Roman Catholic Pope in 350 years. As a humanitarian, Archbishop Iakovos also became very interested in political issues, particularly those impacting human and civil rights. He regularly visited the White House and met with every U.S. president from Eisenhower to Clinton. His strong vision for peace compelled him to voice his opposition to the Vietnam War, support for the rights of Soviet Jews, and encouragement for the Middle East Peace process. As a champion of social causes, he will forever be remembered for assisting the civil rights movement in America by marching in 1965 with Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, Alabama. Throughout his career, Archbishop Iakovos was highly honored for his work. In 1980, former President Jimmy Carter awarded him the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. He served on the World Council of Churches and also was awarded honorary degrees from over forty colleges and universities. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the life and legacy of Archbishop Iakovos, who through faithful leadership brought the ideas of faith, equality, peace, and unity to the forefront of the world's political and religious stage.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Julian Burnside, a friend and fellow veteran whose long and distinguished life recently came to an end. Julian was an extraordinary man. Born in Tampa, he worked for the city as well as for Tampa Electric Company. Later in life he worked as a safety engineer for Underwriter's Laboratories. Julian was active in the community, volunteering his time and expertise to charitable and civic causes, especially during his busy retirement. He founded a Republican Club in my congressional district back when being a Florida Republican was unusual. He was a loyal Republican who held fast to his conservative principles, though he did so amiably and without disparaging those who held differing opinions. Julian also was a distinguished and decorated Army veteran of the Second World War. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where inexperienced and battle-weary American soldiers stopped German troops from breaching their lines and splitting Allied Forces. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill called it ``undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war,'' which thwarted Hitler's last attempt to stop surging Allied fortunes. Julian justifiably was proud that some believed it was the greatest battle in American military history, a battle in which he was injured and earned the Purple Heart. Julian also endured a seven-month stay as a prisoner-of-war in Dresden, Germany, a time during which he lost 60 pounds from near starvation. He credited thoughts of his wife, and of the desire to again eat pork chops, for helping him get through those tough times. ``I could see those pork chops frying in a pan,'' he once said in his typical lighthearted way. Mr. Speaker, I was blessed to know Julian Burnside for so many years and benefit from his friendship, humor, and kindness. I will miss him as will everyone whose lives he touched.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise today to honor one of our nation's bravest servicemembers, Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith. Tragically, Sgt. Smith lost his life two years ago while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. For his valor, Sgt. Smith on Monday was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is this nation's highest military honor and is awarded in the name of Congress by the President of the United States. Before Sgt. Smith, only 3,459 men and women, who have distinguished themselves, at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, have received the Medal of Honor since its inception in 1861. Sgt. Paul Smith is the first recipient of the Medal of Honor for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also is the first to receive this great distinction since it was awarded posthumously in 1993 to two soldiers who died fighting in Somalia. Mr. Speaker, on July 12, 2004, this body approved legislation, signed by the President, to name a post office in Holiday, Florida, the ``Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith Post Office.'' On that date, I first spoke about Sgt. Smith's heroic actions. On April 4, 2003, outside of Saddam International Airport in Baghdad, Sgt. Smith's unit, the Bravo Company of the 11th Engineer Battalion of the 3rd Infantry, was tasked with securing a prison for Iraqi prisoners of war at the Baghdad airport. While Sgt. Smith and his men were working in the POW prison, they spotted members of the Republican Guard nearby. Sgt. Smith called for a Bradley fighting vehicle, which was at a nearby roadblock, and he prepared his men for engagement. Sgt. Smith took charge and led the effort while they waited for the Bradley, which would bring an intimidating fire force. Even though Sgt. Smith and his men were outnumbered by more than two to one, they continued to fight back. Without concern for his own life, Sgt. Smith jumped on an Army vehicle and began firing a .50 caliber machine gun. He fired and reloaded and continued to fire, killing 50 enemy soldiers until he was shot and killed. Sgt. Smith's efforts saved the lives of all of his men and the more than a hundred American soldiers in the surrounding area. For Sgt. Smith, this was his job. In a letter he wrote to his family, which he never mailed, he said, ``It doesn't matter how I come home, because I am prepared to give all that I am, to ensure that all my boys make it home.'' Mr. Speaker, the Medal of Honor will never bring Sgt. Smith back to his family. He will not be able to play baseball with his son David. He will not be able to walk his daughter Jessica down the aisle when she gets married. He will no longer be able to kiss his wife Birgit goodnight. But because of his unyielding courage, his ``boys'' will have that chance with their families. Since Sgt. Smith's death, Iraq has been liberated from a brutal dictator, had democratic elections, and is now a beacon for freedom and hope for all Middle East countries. The United States is safer today than we were before the fall of Saddam. I know that without the actions of Sgt. Smith and others like him, this goal could not have been achieved so promptly. Sgt. Smith's life was not lost in vain. We are truly honored to have had a man such as Sgt. First Class Paul Ray Smith serve in our nation's military. He has become an inspiration to all men and women of the Armed Forces. His story will forever resonate in the history of this great nation and his name and legacy will never be forgotten. May God bless the Smith family and continue to watch over the country Sgt. Smith so loved.

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 include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today I proudly rise to celebrate Greek Independence Day and its strong ties that bind the nation of Greece and the United States. Mr. Speaker, 184 years ago, the people of Greece began a journey that would mark a symbolic rebirth of democracy in the land where those principles to human dignity were first espoused. They rebelled against more than 400 years of Turkish oppression. The revolution of 1821 brought independence to Greece and emboldened those who still sought freedom across the world. I commemorate Greek Independence Day each year for the same reasons we celebrate our 4th of July. It proved that a united people, through sheer will and perseverance, can prevail against tyranny. Both our nations share an illustrious history and defense of this cherished ideal. The concept of democracy was first conceived by the ancient Athenians more than 2,500 years ago. Men such as Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, and Euripides developed the then-unique notion that men could, if left to their own devices, lead themselves rather than be subject to the will of a sovereign. It was Thomas Jefferson who said, ``One man with courage is a majority.'' Jefferson and the rest of the Founding Fathers looked back to the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers for inspiration as they sought to craft the Declaration of Independence. On March 25, 1821, Archbishop Germanos of Patras embodied the spirit of those words when he raised the flag of freedom and was the first to declare Greece free. News of the Greek revolution was met with widespread feelings of compassion in the United States. Several American Presidents, including James Monroe and John Quincy Adams, conveyed their support for the revolution through their annual messages to Congress. Various Members of Congress also showed a keen interest in the Greeks' struggle for autonomy. Henry Clay, who in 1825 became Secretary of State, was a champion of Greece's fight for independence. After 7 years of fighting, the Greeks finally got their independence. Unfortunately, many people were killed in the struggle for freedom. We all know that the price of liberty can be very high. History is replete with the names of the millions who have sacrificed for it. This year's celebration of Greek Independence Day is especially fitting in light of the current wave of political and social movements around the world in the name of democracy. International events in recent months have brought stunning news of political upheaval and dramatic changes from the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe. Most notably, through peaceful demonstrations, Syria lost its political stronghold on Lebanon. Ukraine elected Viktor Yushchenko as its new President, and Iraq held its first democratic elections. The common theme among all of these movements has been democracy. However, at a time of democratic celebration, the divided Republic of Cyprus remains a sore spot. Sadly, Turkey still illegally occupies Cyprus, as it has since its invasion in 1974. Despite sincere efforts by the United Nations and the United States, a fair plan was not presented to the people of Cyprus on April 24, 2004. Many people, including the Greek-Cypriots themselves, regret that the plan presented to them did not allow both communities to respond positively. It is one thing for others to comment on the terms and conditions for settlement; but it is the Cypriots, the Cypriots who must live with whatever plan that would be adopted. Finding a fair resolution for Cyprus will help stabilize a region marked more often by conflict than accord. I urge our government to remain committed to finding a peaceful settlement for Cyprus. Although the ties between Greece and America go back hundreds of years, the fruit of this bond is visible today. During the early 1900s, one out of four Greek males immigrated to the United States. Today there are close to 3 million Greek Americans. I am especially proud of my fellow Greek Americans who have made contributions to our society in the fields of medicine, science, business, law, and politics, among other areas. In the words of a notable British poet, Percy Shelley, he said, ``We are all Greeks! Our laws, our literature, our religion, our art have their roots in Greece.'' Mr. Speaker, on this 184th birthday of Greek independence, we celebrate the triumph of the human spirit and the strength of man's will. Today we commemorate the reaffirmation of the democratic heritage that our two nations share so closely. Lastly, this occasion also serves to remind us, Mr. Speaker, that we must never take for granted the right to determine our own fate. Mr. Speaker, today I proudly rise to celebrate Greek Independence Day and the strong ties that bind the nation of Greece and the United States. One hundred and eighty-four years ago, the people of Greece began a journey that would mark the symbolic rebirth of democracy in the land where those principles to human dignity were first espoused. They rebelled against more than 400 years of Turkish oppression. The revolution of 1821 brought independence to Greece and emboldened those who still sought freedom across the world. I commemorate Greek Independence Day each year for the same reasons we celebrate our Fourth of July. It provided that a united people, through sheer will and perseverance, can prevail against tyranny. Both our nations share an illustrious history in defense of this cherished ideal. The concept of democracy was first conceived by the ancient Athenians more than 2,500 years ago. Men such as Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, and Euripides developed the then-unique notion that men could, if left to their own devices, lead themselves rather than be subject to the will of a sovereign. It was Aristotle who said: ``If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost.'' It was this concept that our Founding Fathers drew heavily upon in forming our representative government. It was Thomas Jefferson who said that, ``One man with courage is a majority.'' Jefferson, and the rest of the Founding Fathers, looked back to the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers for inspiration as they sought to craft the Declaration of Independence. On March 25, 1821, Archbishop Germanos of Patras embodied the spirit of those words when he raised the flag of freedom and was the first to declare Greece free. Revolutions embody a sense of heroism, bringing forth the greatness of the human spirit. Encouraged by the American Revolution, the Greeks began their rebellion after four centuries of Turkish oppression, facing what appeared to be insurmountable odds. Both nations faced the prospect of having to defeat an empire to obtain liberty. Although many lives were sacrificed at the altar of freedom, the Greek people rallied around the battle cry ``Eleftheria I Thanatos'' ``liberty or death,'' mirroring the words of American Patriot Patrick Henry who said: ``Give me liberty or give me death.'' These words personified the Greek patriots' unmitigated desire to be free. Not surprisingly, the Greek Commander-in-Chief Petros Mavromichalis appealed to the citizens of America, ``Having formed the resolution to live or die, we are drawn toward you by a just sympathy since it is in your land that liberty has fixed her abode. . . . Hence, honoring her name, we invoke yours at the same time, trusting that in imitating you, we shall imitate our ancestors and be thought worthy of them if we succeed in resembling you.'' News of the Greek revolution was met with widespread feelings of compassion in the United States. Several American Presidents, including James Monroe and John Quincy Adams, conveyed their support for the revolution through their annual messages to Congress. William Harrison, our ninth president, expressed his belief in freedom for Greece, saying: ``We must send our free will offering. `The Star-spangled Banner' must wave in the Aegean . . . a messenger of fraternity and friendship to Greece.'' Various Members of Congress also showed a keen interest in the Greeks' struggle for autonomy. Henry Clay, who in 1825 became Secretary of State, was a champion of Greece's fight for independence. Among the most vocal was Daniel Webster from Massachusetts, who frequently roused the sympathetic interest of his colleagues and other Americans in the Greek revolution. Many Americans sympathized with the ``Philhellenic'' cause and sent the Greeks supplies, food, and medicine; anything that could help maintain and boost the moral of the Greeks. In fact, many traveled to Greece to join the revolution in the fight for freedom. After seven years of fighting, the Greeks finally got their independence. Unfortunately, many people were killed in the struggle for freedom. We all know that the price of liberty can be very high-- history is replete with the names of the millions who have sacrificed for it. Many great scholars throughout history warned that we maintain democracy only at a great costs. The freedom we enjoy today is due to a large degree to the sacrifices made by men and women in the past--in Greece, in America, and all over the world. Freedom is America's heart. It is central to our being, and from the beginning we have recognized that freedom is not just an American right. It is a God-given right to every citizen of the world. The lessons the Greeks and our colonial forefathers taught us provide hope and inspiration to victims of persecution throughout the world today. This year's celebration of Greek Independence Day is especially fitting in light of the current wave of political and social movements around the world in the name of democracy. International events in recent months have brought stunning news of political upheaval and dramatic changes from the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe. Most notably, through peaceful demonstrations, Syria lost its political stronghold on Lebanon, Ukraine elected Viktor Yushchenko as its new president and Iraq held its first democratic elections. The common theme between all of these movements has been democracy. However, at a time of democratic celebration, the divided Republic of Cyprus remains a sore spot. Sadly, Turkey still illegally occupies Cyprus, as it has since its invasion in 1974. Despite sincere efforts by the United Nations and the United States, a fair plan was not presented to the people of Cyprus on April 24, 2004. Many people-- including the Greek-Cypriots themselves--regret that the plan presented to them did not allow both communities to respond positively. It is one thing for others to comment on the terms and conditions for settlement, but it is the Cypriots who must live with whatever plan would be adopted. Finding a fair resolution for Cyprus will help stabilize a region marked more often by conflict than accord. I urge our government to remain committed to finding a peaceful settlement for Cyprus. I believe these principles of which my colleagues and I have spoken about today are not uniquely Greek or American. They are our promise to the world and they form a legacy that we all cherish and have responsibility to protect and defend. The priceless ideas of democracy and equality born in ancient Greece have strongly shaped the American national identity. We continue to give hope and inspiration to millions around the world who yearn to live in a free society like ours. We enjoy our freedom only because we have been willing to fight and die for it, just like our forefathers and the valiant Greeks in 1821. Greece set the example for us and we have set the example for countless others. Although the ties between Greece and America go back hundreds of years, the fruit of this bond is visible today. During the early 1900s one out of four Greek males immigrated to the United States. Today there are close to three million Greek-Americans. I am especially proud of my fellow Greek-Americans who have made contributions to our society in the fields of medicine, science, business, law and politics, among other areas. In the words of a notable British poet, Percy Shelley, ``We are all Greeks! Our laws, our literature, our religion, our art, have their roots in Greece.'' Mr. Speaker, on this 184th birthday of Greek Independence we celebrate the triumph of the human spirit and the strength of man's will. Today we commemorate the reaffirmation of the democratic heritage that our two nations share so closely. Lastly, this occasion also serves to remind us that we must never take for granted the right to determine our own fate. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to pay tribute on Greek Independence Day to one of the United States' most important allies and one which is regarded with such deep affection by millions of Americans of all ethnic origins. Western civilization as we know it today owes the deepest debt and, indeed, its very origins, to the Greek nation. Greek philosophy, sculpture, and theater set standards to which today's practitioners still aspire. And, as the cradle of democracy, Athens is the spiritual ancestor of our own Republic and, in many respects, its role model. Mr. Speaker, the history of Greek independence is one of the inspiring stories of our time. It is the tale of the revival of an ancient and great people through sheer commitment, sacrifice, and love of freedom and heritage. Transmitted through the generations, the ideals of the ancient Greeks inspired their revolutionary descendants in the nineteenth century, and great and gallant stalwarts of the War of Independence such as Theodore Kolokotronis and Rigas Velestinlis wrote of their belief in the rights of man. The histories of the United States and Greece have been intimately intertwined ever since the beginning of modern Greek sovereignty. The cause of Greek independence evoked sympathy throughout the Western world. Well known is Lord Byron, whose uncompromising commitment to Greece was epitomized by his declaration ``In for a penny, in for a pound.'' Less renowned but no less committed were the many American Philhellenes, who repaid their debt to Greek culture by crossing the ocean to fight for Greek liberation. I am pleased that these American citizens have been honored with a monument in Athens. Mr. Speaker, Greek citizens also crossed the ocean in the other direction, emigrating to the United States, where they enjoyed great success and shared their prosperity with their kinfolk in their original homeland. They have served as a bridge of understanding between our two nations, and they have refreshed America with their spirit, their patriotism, and their hard work. Today, some five million Americans claim Greek ancestry, with understandable pride. Our close relations with Greece became even closer after World War II. The Truman Doctrine helped save Greece from communism, indeed helped save it for the Western and democratic world, and the Marshall Plan helped in Greece's economic regeneration. In 1952, Greece joined NATO, formalizing the deep, mutual commitment of Greece and the rest of the Western world to protecting freedom. In more recent times, Mr. Speaker, Greece has been one of the world's amazing success stories. A full-fledged member of the European Union for nearly a quarter-century, Greece has become increasingly prosperous; it whipped chronic inflation and joined the ``Euro currency zone.'' Its once unsettled domestic politics--including the sad chapter of military rule from 1967-74--has long since given way to an incontestably stable, yet still colorful, democracy. The Greek people cherish democracy not only as their contribution to world civilization but as a system which they achieved only through enormous sacrifice and commitment in modern times. Greece remains one of our critical strategic partners in today's post-cold war world. We cooperate closely in promoting peace and stability in the Balkans. Economic ties with Greece are vital to virtually every Balkan state. Athens has been a firm supporter of a just, lasting, and democratic settlement of the Cyprus issue. More than 1,300 Greek troops took part in Operation Enduring Freedom and helped liberate Afghanistan from Taliban tyranny. And I'm sure everybody in this body applauds Greece's historic and courageous effort to resolve differences with its neighbor Turkey, punctuated by its strong backing last year for Turkey's successful bid to open accession talks for EU membership. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Greek people on the 184th anniversary of their independence and in thanking them for their substantial contributions to world civilization and especially to our nation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Evans, in public forums with the Armenian community, recently characterized what President George W. Bush has described as an ``appalling tragedy of the 20th century, the massacre of as many as 1.5 million Armenians through forced exile and murder at the end of the Ottoman Empire,'' as Genocide. I rise today to join with Ambassador Evans and other public officials who have affirmed the truth and recognize that reconciling with the past is an important first step in creating a better future. Recognition of the Armenian Genocide is widely acknowledged. One hundred and twenty-six Holocaust scholars publicly affirmed the incontestable fact of the Armenian Genocide during the 30th Anniversary of the Scholars' Conference on the Holocaust and the Churches. And in 1981, former President Ronald Reagan stated: ``Like the genocide of the Armenians before it, and the genocide of the Cambodians which followed it--and like too many other such persecutions of too many other peoples--the lessons of the Holocaust must never be forgotten.'' In addition, a recent study released by the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) on the use of the term Armenian Genocide and the applicability of the 1948 Genocide Convention to events which occurred during the early twentieth century in Ottoman Turkey, found that ``the Events, viewed collectively, can thus be said to include all of the elements of the crime of genocide as defined in the Convention, and legal scholars as well as historians, politicians, journalists and other people would be justified in continuing to so describe them.'' As we approach the 90th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, we must ensure that we do not forget the lessons of the past. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in the Preface to the Encyclopedia of Genocide, published in 1999 by the Institute on the Holocaust and Genocide in Jerusalem, writes: ``It is sadly true what a cynic has said, that we learn from the history that we do not learn from history. And yet it is possible that if the world had been conscious of the genocide that was committed by the Ottoman Turks against the Armenians, the first genocide of the twentieth century, then perhaps humanity might have been more alert to the warning signs that were being given before Hitler's madness was unleashed on an unbelieving world.'' Mr. Speaker, let us never forget and let us affirm the truth.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Congresswoman Tillie Fowler, our friend and former colleague who recently passed away. Tillie Fowler was a unique individual. She was tough. She was smart. She was determined. She was gracious. She was an effective advocate for her Jacksonville-area constituents. She also was a loving wife and devoted mother, as well as a friend of mine. Born in Georgia as the daughter of a politician, Tillie quickly distinguished herself as a force with which to be reckoned. She earned a law degree from Emory University. She became a congressional aide and White House staffer. She was elected President of the Jacksonville City Council. Tillie won election to Congress in 1992 and did such a good job that she was unopposed in her three subsequent elections. She became the most powerful woman in Congress during her time here, rising to become Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference. She willingly retired from Congress after serving eight years, though her public service continued until the day she died. Those who knew her remember her wisdom, common sense, fairness, and gentle disposition that could disarm even the most hardened opponent. Mr. Speaker, Tillie once said that ``I'd rather have people's respect than have them like me.'' I think I speak for all of us when I say that she gained our love, admiration, and respect. I join our colleagues in mourning Congresswoman Tillie Fowler's passing and celebrating her life. I extend my thoughts and prayers to her husband, Buck, and her daughters, Tillie and Elizabeth.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 418, the REAL ID Act. As a member of the Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus, I join with my colleagues to raise attention to the serious flaws in our immigration system which leave our Nation exposed to potential threats. The 9/11 Commission made several recommendations which were not enacted as part of the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-458), including provisions to strengthen identification document standards and to secure our borders. The commission specifically recommended that the Federal government should set standards for the issuance of birth certificates and sources of identification such as driver's licenses. In addition, the commission recommended the Department of Homeland Security's, DHS, completion of a biometric entry-exit screening system and the improvement of U.S. border security standards for travel and border crossing. I was disappointed that the conference committee on the intelligence reform bill opted to remove the immigration-related provisions approved by the House during its consideration of H.R. 10 last fall. I commend House leadership for honoring the commitment made to Chairman Sensenbrenner to allow the consideration of the bill we have before us today. We have a real opportunity to adopt meaningful reforms to improve our immigration system. H.R. 418 establishes strict proof of identity for all applicants for State-issued driver's licenses and identification documents. This bill serves to protect the integrity of our immigration laws by requiring States, in effect, to confirm lawful immigration status or disclose the lack of confirming identification on the face of cards issued. H.R. 418 also makes aliens deportable for terrorism-related offenses to the same extent that they would be inadmissible for the same grounds. If nothing else, our immigration system must prevent potential terrorists from entering the United States. We would not be exercising our responsibility to protect national security if we were to allow our immigration system to be exploited by those malevolent individuals who seek to destroy Americans and our way of life. Mr. Chairman, there are many flaws in our immigration system which need to be fixed. H.R. 418 does not address them all, but it does represent a good step forward in discouraging lawbreaking by those who would choose to exploit our welcoming nature. As a cosponsor of the REAL ID Act, I urge my colleagues to improve our Nation's security and strengthen our immigration laws by voting for H.R. 418.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on the motion to suspend the rules and adopt H. Con. Res. 16. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on the motion to suspend the rules and adopt H. Res. 39. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, Metropolitan Anthony, who recently passed away. Metropolitan Anthony ascended to great heights from very modest beginnings. He was born on the Greek island of Crete, one of six children struggling to grow up under the brutal Nazi occupation of the island. He became the first member of his family to leave his village, ultimately graduating in 1960 from the prestigious Halki Theological School of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. He came to the United States after his ordination to the priesthood to serve the Church in this country. Metropolitan Anthony was elected Bishop of San Francisco in 1979. He served as Bishop and later Metropolitan of the Diocese of San Francisco, which covers seven western states, for more than 25 years. He was responsible for a significant expansion of ministries and programs during his tenure. He oversaw the founding of more than 25 new parishes and missions, as well as the establishment of three monasteries. He also developed the annual Metropolis Folk Dance Festival, the largest exhibition of authentic Greek folk dance, costume, and music in the world. In addition, he established a multi- million dollar endowment fund to provide scholarships for seminarians and theological students to attend holy school. Mr. Speaker, Metropolitan Anthony inspired many because he was a great leader and devout man of faith. He challenged the faithful not only to dream great dreams but to make them a reality. I hope our colleagues will join me in expressing our heartfelt condolences to his family, his followers, and to future generations who will be enriched by his legacy.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a fallen soldier from the Ninth Congressional District of Florida. Lance Corporal James Phillips, from Plant City, Florida, was shot and killed as Marines were clearing houses in Fallujah, Iraq on December 23, 2004. James' decision to join the Marines demonstrates his dedication and service to this Nation. Following high school, our young people have many opportunities and wide open doors to pursue their dreams. James chose the path of the Marines because he believed that it was his honor and duty to serve his Nation and protect our freedom. He did not choose this path because he thought that he would one day become a war hero or that this career would provide him a lucrative and extravagant life. I know it has been a very hard and difficult time for James' family and friends, especially to lose him so close to the Christmas holidays. I hope they know that the Nation thanks him for his service and we appreciate the sacrifices they had to make for us as well. Let freedom ring where all can hear it and let Lance Corporal James Phillip's memory be eternal.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today to honor Doctor Autar Krishen Kaw for being named Florida's Professor of the Year. Doctor Kaw, a professor at the University of South Florida near my congressional district, received the award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education for his contributions to undergraduate instruction. Dr. Kaw has taught nine different courses during his tenure at USF, three of which he developed himself. Doctor Kaw believes that, as he says, ``great teaching is not just an art; it can also be a learned habit.'' He credits his success to being organized, using teaching tools effectively, being compassionate, providing rapid feedback to and having great expectations of his students, and asking questions. He has done that and more, integrating state-of-the-art research into his courses, which have ranged from classes larger than 70 to smaller than 10. Mr. Speaker, I am proud that Doctor Kaw has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to undergraduate education and wish him the best of luck as he continues in his most noble profession.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 430) recognizing the importance of early diagnosis, proper treatment, and enhanced public awareness of Tourette Syndrome and supporting the goals and ideals of National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 430.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 430 introduced by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), my friend and colleague from my home State of Florida. This resolution recognizes the importance of early diagnosis, proper treatment and enhanced public awareness of Tourette Syndrome and supports the goals and ideals of National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month. Tourette Syndrome, or TS, is a neurological disorder that arises during childhood or adolescence. TS is characterized by repeated and involuntary body movements, tics, and uncontrollable vocal sounds. Tics can include eye blinking, repeated throat clearing or sniffing, arm thrusting, kicking movements or jumping. Although the symptoms of TS vary from person to person and range from very mild to severe, the majority of cases fall into the mild category. Some associated conditions can include attention problems, impulsiveness and learning disabilities. The National Institutes of Health, NIH, estimates that about 2 percent of Americans are affected by TS. However, these numbers are thought to be conservative because individuals with varied mild symptoms may never seek medical attention. TS is also four times as likely to occur in boys as in girls. Most people with TS lead productive lives and participate in all professions. However, lack of public awareness has increased the social stigma attached to TS. Increased public understanding and tolerance of TS symptoms are of extreme importance to people with Tourette Syndrome. With early diagnosis and treatment, as well as increased social understanding and acceptance, much of the physical and psychological harm of TS can be prevented. I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 430 today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), the author of this legislation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I, too, want to compliment and thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) and all of the committee staffers for their work on this and for their cooperation. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our colleague Phil Crane, who will be leaving this hallowed institution after nearly 35 years of service to his constituents in Illinois and the citizens of the United States. I honor him as a patriot, a public servant, and a friend. The longest-serving Republican in the House of Representatives, Phil Crane championed conservative ideals before it was popular to do so, and he continues to be a leader to which many Members turn for guidance. As a former college professor and published author, he always brings thoughtful opinions and ideas to the table. Supporters of free trade certainly owe him a debt of gratitude. The institutional knowledge and prosperity for policy he exhibits demonstrate that he is truly a legislator. Phil also is a devoted husband to Arlene, a father and grandfather. My wife Evelyn and I have had the privilege of entertaining the Cranes in my Florida congressional district on a couple of occasions. Both of us will miss Phil and Arlene as this chapter of their lives draws to a close. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that we take time today to honor our friend and colleague. May God bless you, Phil, as you and Arlene pursue new dreams and challenges throughout the coming years.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 500) honoring the goals and ideals of National Nurse Practitioners Week.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the House Concurrent Resolution 500.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 500, honoring the goals and ideals of National Nurse Practitioners Week, introduced by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess). The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners has designated the week of November 7 through 13, 2004, as National Nurse Practitioners Week in recognition of the many contributions that this dedicated group of health care professionals makes to the people and well-being of the people in the communities they serve in this great country. Currently, there are more than 100,000 licensed nurse practitioners in the United States providing high-quality, cost-effective health care. These nurses have advanced education and advanced clinical training, most with Master's or post-Master's degrees. Every day they, in coordination with physicians and other health care providers, diagnose acute and chronic conditions, prescribe medications, treat illnesses, and counsel patients on health care issues. I urge my colleagues to offer their support to nurse practitioners around the country and to help us support H. Con. Res. 500. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess), the writer of this bill, a gentleman who is a medical doctor, who certainly has practical real- world experience in the world of nurse practitioners.