Shelley Berkley

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2254, a bill to name a Boulder City, Nevada Post Office for Mr. Bruce Woodbury in honor of Mr. Woodbury's public service to both his hometown of Boulder City and the entire Las Vegas Valley. Bruce is a native of Las Vegas, growing up in the Valley and graduating from Las Vegas High School. He ventured away from Nevada to attend the University of Utah and Stanford School of Law, but returned to his home state to begin his family and career. He is a father and grandfather and has dedicated more than two decades of his career to public service. Bruce has served as a member of the Clark County Commission since 1981. For the last 17 years, he has served on the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada during a time when Clark County continues to be among the fastest growing counties in the country. Bruce has been instrumental in planning for this tremendous growth, including advocating for the construction of the Las Vegas Beltway and working for two decades to secure funding for the monorail that will soon carry millions of passengers each year. Bruce has dedicated himself to many community organizations, providing leadership for the Children's Museum, the Nevada Special Olympics, the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, the Henderson Chamber of Commerce and the American Red Cross to name a few. Bruce Woodbury's talents, vision, integrity, and energy have made a lasting, positive impact on the Las Vegas Valley and its residents. I am proud to call him a friend and I am equally delighted to support legislation to name the Bruce Woodbury Post Office in Boulder City, Nevada.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Chairman, I was under the impression that I had voted on rollcall vote No. 270. In reviewing the record, my vote did not register. If the vote had registered, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 270.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Chairman, I feel somewhat like a skunk at the church picnic, but I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote against this senseless and useless piece of legislation. I know something about gaming and gaming law. I was a gaming attorney for many years before I came to the United States Congress, and I represent Las Vegas. This bill, in spite of what its sponsors say, will not stop illegal Internet gaming, and, if passed, it will have serious unintended consequences. This legislation, let me reiterate, will not stop Internet gaming. It exists today. There are over 1,600 gaming Web sites offshore already. Americans are playing online now. But instead of playing on well- regulated sites, they are placing wages on the existing 1,600 offshore unregulated sites which have no requirement to verify the identity, the age, the background, or the location of the person placing the wager. In most cases, there is no regulation of offshore sites. A child can place a wager on these offshore sites, a compulsive gambler can place a wager on these sites, and there is no guarantee that players will receive their winnings from these offshore sites. My good friend, the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus), speaks of mob influence and speaks of protecting children from gambling. There is not one thing in this legislation that will remedy any of the problems that he speaks of. Let us not be foolish enough to believe that this bill will stop people from gambling online. Despite efforts by every credit card company in the United States to prohibit the use of their financial instruments for Internet gaming, the General Accounting Office predicts that the offshore Internet gaming industry will continue to grow to a $4.2 billion industry in 2003 with a growth rate of 20 percent per year. Passing this bill will do nothing to impede that growth. Online gaming is here to stay. If these unregulated and unscrupulous offshore sites continue to flourish, the integrity of the legal gaming industry is also at risk. Instead of prohibiting online gaming, we should be closely examining online wagering to see if it can and should be regulated and taxed as a legal business. No one knows the answer to this, but it might turn out that it may be the only effective way to stop illegal online wagering and the problems it creates. H.R. 2143 would cut off this option, and we should not pass it. For those people that are so worried about funding of terrorists, let us have our so-called Saudi allies and our moderate Arab allies, let them stop the money they are flowing into the terrorists, and not kid ourselves to think that stopping online Internet gaming is going to do the trick for us.

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, it has become very apparent to me after listening to this debate that the supporters of this bill not only oppose the Internet gaming, they are opposed to any form of gaming whatsoever. They speak of gaming and they speak of addiction and crime and drugs and suicide. Well, I grew up in Las Vegas. Las Vegas has 1.5 million residents; 37 million visitors come to our community every year to enjoy our entertainment, and our wholesome family entertainment, I might add. I grew up in Las Vegas. I represent the good people of Las Vegas who depend on the gaming industry for their livelihood. My father was a waiter when I was growing up. He worked in one of these casinos that you disparage so handily. Let me state what Las Vegas means to me. On a waiter's salary my father was able to put a roof over our heads, food on the table, clothes on our backs, and two daughters through college and law school. That is not so bad on a waiter's salary. And the reason he was able to do it was because of the strong economy that the gaming industry created. Las Vegas to me is churches and synagogues and families and Saturday soccer and proms at this time of year and graduations and hopes and dreams and aspirations to millions of people that come to Las Vegas and the 1.5 million people that live there. And, quite candidly, the people in this Chamber ought to be ashamed of disparaging a community like Las Vegas that I daresay lays shame to all of your own. So please be careful when you speak of my community and the major industry that takes care of the people that live there and provides good educations, good economy, good living conditions, and a quality of life that is the envy of the rest of the United States of America.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 70th birthday of my dear friend, Irwin Kishner. Irwin is a premier captain of both industry and philanthropy in my hometown of Las Vegas, beginning his career there more than 4 decades ago. Like me, Irwin is a native New Yorker, but his family's journey to Las Vegas took him on a less direct route to Florida first as a young teen. Graduating from the University of Florida in 1954, followed by the University of Miami School of Law in 1958, Las Vegas beckoned and Irwin relocated there in 1960. Ever since, he has been a leader in the Las Vegas community, intricately involved in the professional, civic and cultural aspects of not only Las Vegas, but Nevada as a whole. Joining the Junior Chamber of Commerce upon his arrival in Las Vegas, Irwin was soon selected by the State of Nevada as one of the Outstanding Young Men of America. He served with distinction on the Las Vegas Chamber Board of Directors for 13 years, chairing committees and as Vice President of the Chamber. In 1999, his efforts on behalf of the Chamber were recognized when he was awarded the Greater Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Community Achievement Award for Tourism. Long before receiving that award, however, Irwin had been--and still is--at the forefront of the hotel/motel industry in Nevada, expanding an industry that provides so many jobs. In 1962, only two years after arriving in Las Vegas, Irwin opened the Somerset House Motel--a three story ``high rise'' with an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Also in 1962, he joined the Rocky Mountain Hotel and Motel Association, which later evolved into the Utah-Nevada Hotel and Motel Association. Irwin's forward thinking role with this Association enabled him to become one of the founding members of the Nevada Hotel and Motel Association (NH&MA), passionately developing the NH&MA through a variety of roles including Committee Chairman, Vice President and Member of the Board of Directors. Within the framework of NH&MA, Irwin has been a tireless champion for the Americans With Disabilities Act, working actively to ensure compliance of this Act by smaller properties. Irwin's many awards with the NH&MA include being named ``Hotelier of the Year'' and NH&MA's first Lifetime Service Award. Governor Kenny Guinn of Nevada has recently appointed Irwin to serve on the Governor's Commission on Tourism. Irwin's accomplishments in this industry have not been limited to Las Vegas and Nevada. He has been very active in the American Hotel and Motel Association (AH&MA) over the years, serving on its Board of Directors representing Nevada since 1993. Also since the mid-1990s, he has been a member of the National Tourism and Travel Committee and was a founding member of the National Gaming Task Force. Irwin was also the Nevada Representative to the White House Conference on Tourism. He has represented both the AH&MA and the NH&MA in drafting a national tourism strategy for the 21th Century. Recognizing Irwin's outstanding contributions to the advancement of the lodging industry, the AH&MA presented Irwin with their prestigious Lawson A. Odde Award in 1997 and the Most Valuable Volunteer Award in 1999. Irwin's commitment to his community does not stop at the industry and professional level. Through his time and generosity, he has provided community leadership and service to many civic and philanthropic groups throughout the city and the state. Irwin was a founding member of several organizations including the Boys and Girls Club of Clark County and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Center for the Performing Arts. The United Way of Southern Nevada utilized his services on their Board of Directors and Board of Trustees and he held many positions with the National Conference of Christians and Jews. Irwin has chaired a variety of committees for Child Haven and Opportunity Village over the years, and has worked as a volunteer administrator for the Clark County Juvenile Court Services, a Charter Member on the Board of Directors of Secret Witness and on the Board of Directors of the Southern Nevada Drug Abuse Council. Irwin is a man of tremendous talent and energy! He is dedicated to his family. He has two lovely daughters, Joanna and Sharon, both of whom have followed in their father's footsteps as attorneys, and four grandchildren who adore him. I thank Irwin for all he has been to Las Vegas, Nevada, our country, his family and to me personally, and wish him the happiest of birthdays and many, many more in the best of health.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, United States Marine Corps First Lieutenant Frederick Pokorney was killed in action in Iraq on March 23, 2003. On that day, Nevada lost a true American patriot, a proud Marine, and a loving husband and father. Fred was born in California and raised himself from an early age, until he moved to Tonopah, Nevada, to live with Wade and Susie Lieseke, whom he regarded as his parents. Fred's first love was his family, with his favorite time being spent with his ``best little helper,'' his daughter. His second love was the Marines and this great Nation. When I spoke to Fred's wife, Chelle, she said that he embodied what it is to be a Marine: honor, courage, commitment. Lieutenant Pokorney's daughter Taylor expressed her loss in these words: ``My daddy, my hero, I will take care of mommy for you as you asked. We will be best friends. I will take her to Sea World for my birthday like you planned. I love you. I need you. I miss you.'' The hearts of all Nevadans and all Americans go out to his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Shelly, and their 3-year-old daughter, Taylor.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, on February 1, 2003, a terrible tragedy took the lives of seven brave astronauts aboard the space shuttle Columbia. The second in command was Commander William McCool, son of Las Vegans Audrey and Barent McCool, and all of Southern Nevada mourns the loss of their son. Audrey, a professor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), and Barent, a retired Marine and Navy pilot and UNLV graduate student, inspired their son to become a pilot. William, called Willie by family and friends, built model airplanes as a boy and followed in his father's footsteps to become a naval aviator. As a student at Coronado High School in Lubbock, Texas, Commander McCool aspired to be a pilot and he demonstrated his abilities and inherent gift when he graduated second in his class of 1,100 students from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1983. Commander McCool continued his education, earning a master's degree in computer science from the University of Maryland in 1985 and a master's degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1992. Commander McCool described his path to aviation as a series of doors of opportunity opening to him, first the door to the Naval Academy and then another to naval aviation. Then in 1996, NASA accepted Commander McCool for astronaut shuttle training, and he, his wife, Lani, and their three sons moved to Houston. Commander McCool's experience as a test pilot, and his reputation as one of the Navy's elite aviators, led to his opportunity to fly on the Columbia. Commander McCool dedicated himself to space exploration and to the progress of mankind. He brought his extraordinary gift to students in the classroom through a NASA Program that sent astronauts to speak with students. Commander McCool had a unique ability to reach the students and cherished this opportunity. Because of these opportunities to speak with students, he dreamed of retiring from NASA and becoming a high school science teacher. Commander McCool would be pleased to know that children name him as a personal inspiration. Children all over the country say that Commander McCool has inspired them to go after their dreams, to not give up, and to achieve. He taught them that you do not have to be extremely wealthy or a genius to reach one's dreams. Commander McCool was a regular person and believed regular people who set goals and work hard can produce great things. Space travel and exploration excited Commander McCool and he believed that the experiments on board the Columbia would improve people's lives on earth. Commander McCool and his crew mates were concerned about the environment and the well-being of people on this earth. The crew hoped, through their flight, to set an example for others as to the importance of working in harmony for the betterment of the planet, its environment and all humanity. While aboard Columbia, Commander McCool said ``I've had the opportunity to be on the flight deck, to look outside and really soak up the sunrises and sunsets, the moonrises and moonsets, the views of the Himalayas, Australia, all the continents.'' Commander McCool will be remembered for articulating to all of us his awe of the majesty and mystery of space, his dedication to advancing our knowledge, and his love for his family. As Audrey said of her son, ``He did not die in vain.''

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, United States Marine Corps First Lieutenant Frederick Pokorney was killed in action in Iraq on March 23, 2003. On that day, Nevada lost a true American patriot, proud Marine, and loving husband and father. The hearts of all Nevadans and all Americans go out to his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are for his wife, Carolyn Rochelle, and three year old daughter, Taylor Rochelle Pokorney. Fred's first love was his family with his favorite time being spent with his ``best little helper'', Taylor. His second love was the Marines. Fred was born in California and raised himself from an early age until he moved to Tonopah, Nevada to live with Wade and Susie Lieseke, whom he regarded as his parents. An excellent athlete, he was a standout football and basketball player at Tonopah High School. Fred enlisted in the Marines in February of 1993 and received his second Rifle Expert Award in 1994, the Navy Achievement Medal for Professional Achievement from September 1995 to November 1995, and a Letter of Commendation for efforts above and beyond the call of duty in 1997. Fred completed Officers Candidates School in 1999 and was promoted to a command field artillery officer in March of 2001 after he had earned a degree in Political Science and History from Oregon State University. Fred met Carolyn, ``Chelle'' as Fred called her, while stationed in Bremerton, Washington at Bangor Submarine base. They were married on March 29, 1996. Fred was a proud father, a proud husband, and a proud Marine. He always gave one hundred and ten percent, especially in building a life for his family. Fred and Chelle recently celebrated their 7th anniversary via a phone call from his Marine encampment overseas on March 4, wishing Chelle a happy early anniversary and telling Taylor he loved her. It was his last call home. Fred, a man of large stature and friendly nature, believed in doing things the right way the first time. He spent his last days in the field trying to help and improve the conditions for his troops as they faced difficult combat assignments. On March 28, 2003, 500 of Fred's friends, teachers, neighbors and loved ones from the small town of Tonopah mourned their loss during a ceremony at Tonopah High School. Fred was remembered by Tonopah as a star athlete, intelligent student, a brave Marine, and a person of great energy and the highest character. ``Chelle'' has expressed her loss in these words ``Fred not only was my husband, but my gentle giant, my best friend. He wanted to give me and Taylor the best of everything. He embodied what it is to be a Marine--honor, courage, commitment. We shared a love that helped us through the trials and tribulations of life and marriage to me and the Marines. I find comfort in knowing that the last eight years were the best years of our lives, especially the past three years since the birth of our daughter Taylor. I will dread the nights, knowing that we will never share our bed together again. He will no longer hold me, comfort me and make me feel safe.'' And, Lieutenant Pokorney's daughter, Taylor, expressed her loss in these words. ``My Daddy, my hero. I will take care of Mommy for you as you asked. We will be best friends. I will take her to Sea World for my birthday like we planned. I love you! I need you! I miss you!''

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Maura Lyle Lasater of Las Vegas, NV, Nevada's 2003 Cherry Blossom Princess and dear friend of mine. I have known Maura since she was a youngster. I have watched her grow from an energetic toddler, through her competitive ice skating and horseback riding years as a young girl, high school at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, college at the University of Puget Sound graduating with a Communications degree, all the way to the intelligent, poised and personable young woman with a great sense of humor she is today. Maura was an active and valuable participant in her mother's two successful Las Vegas mayoral races and also her run at the Nevada governorship. Maura is now a trusted and valuable member of my staff. Her first day at work was September 11, 2001. Reporting to work at 9 a.m. that morning, new to this city and without a network of friends, within less than 45 minutes America and the world changed and Maura's own personal world became even more unsettled. My staff, rallying together in the face of their own unknown terror, embraced ``the new girl'' and kept her with them as they sought and found a safe place to wait out the day's events. In the chaotic days following 9/11--including the anthrax scare--Maura established herself as a tireless, reliable and dedicated public servant, despite her short time on the Hill. Much has transpired since that day and Maura now is an experienced and knowledgeable Hill veteran, much loved and respected by her colleagues. She has her own network of friends and has continued her volunteer efforts on behalf of candidates and causes. Maura is an excellent representative of her home State of Nevada in the Cherry Blossom Festival. The story of the Cherry Blossoms has been told many times--the Japanese Government, working with then First Lady Helen Taft, donated 2000 cherry blossom trees. When they arrived, they were found to be diseased and unfortunately had to be destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease to our own agricultural products. The Japanese Government was gracious enough to provide another donation--this time 3000 gorgeous cherry blossom trees. These were planted not only in the Tidal Basin, but all throughout Washington, DC. There are now less than 200 of the original trees remaining, and efforts are underway through new research and cuttings to regrow these trees so there will always be descendants of Japan's gracious gift to America. Maura and the other Cherry Blossom Princesses are an integral part of this time-honored tradition fostering continued good will of our two countries and the beauty the trees provide. Maura spent a whirlwind week of customs and ceremonies as Nevada's representative to the Cherry Blossom Festival. I was filled with pride when I escorted her in the introduction ceremony at the Congressional Reception, attended by the Ambassador of Japan and Mrs. Ryozo Kato. Las Vegans and all Nevadans can be proud to have Maura Lasater as their representative. I look forward to Maura's continued success in life and wish her all the best as she pursues her dreams and goals.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this rule and this bill. It is beyond comprehension that this Chamber is considering an energy policy that would increase our dependence on oil and nuclear power. This is 20th century thinking, totally out of sync with 21st century realities. Let me remind my colleagues, there is no safe method to get rid of deadly nuclear waste. Yet the administration is pushing a massive and costly expansion of nuclear reactors, 50 more of them scattered throughout cities across this country. They will generate tens of thousands of tons of additional deadly nuclear waste. The shame of this policy, the shame of it is that there are responsible and clean alternatives to nuclear power. We should be investing in these clean, renewable energy alternatives, wind, solar, geothermal, not in nuclear energy. For the safety and security of our kids and future generations, I urge us not to pass this very foolish piece of legislation. My State of Nevada has made a wise decision to require that alternative energy sources provide a substantial amount of the power that Nevadans use. This is a forward-thinking policy that should be the model for the Nation so we can reduce our need for fossil fuels and nuclear power. The bill we are considering today is not balanced, and it clearly does not create a plan for America's energy viability or our future energy independence. I urge my colleagues to vote against this legislation.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Chairman, as a Democrat who voted for the 2001 Bush tax cut, I am here tonight to say that I would never support a vote for this Republican budget proposal. The Republican budget completely abandons the goal of a balanced budget. It embraces deficits and debt. It slashes critical programs for our working families, and it is fiscally irresponsible. The Republican budget would mean a cut of hundreds of millions of dollars from Nevada's hospitals and health care providers due to cuts in Medicare and Medicaid. Nevada already has a health care crisis. We cannot afford these cuts in medical care for our elderly and our poor. The Republican budget eliminates after-school programs for over 2,900 children in Nevada. Southern Nevada has one of the highest dropout rates in the country. Abandoning these kids who are struggling to stay in school would be a disaster. The Republican budget cuts almost 8 percent from highway funding. In Nevada, the fastest-growing State in the country, this translates into a $16 million cut and represents a loss of more than 760 construction jobs for Nevada. At a time that our Nation is going to war, the Republican budget cuts $28 million from the veterans budget. I urge all of my colleagues to support the Spratt proposal and not the Republican budget debacle.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege today to introduce to my House colleagues our guest chaplain, Reverend Willie Davis from the Second Baptist Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pastor Davis has served the Second Baptist Church of Las Vegas since 1978. Under Reverend Davis's leadership, the membership at Second Baptist Church has more than doubled and the church has improved and expanded services offered to the community. Given the unique work schedules of the residents of Las Vegas, Second Baptist was the first African American congregation to begin an early morning worship service, as well as a live broadcast. It has expanded its facilities to incorporate a new sanctuary with seating for 2,000 people, new classrooms, a small chapel, a pastor's study, and administrative offices. From a tent in the desert, Second Baptist has bloomed into the miracle on Madison Avenue. The glory of Second Baptist's transformation is reflected in the church's awards-winning choir which will be performing at noon today in HC-8 of the Capitol building, as well as other locations. It gives me great pride and pleasure that they are here, and it is very fitting that as long as Reverend Davis is here in our Nation's Capitol, along with the choir from Second Baptist, that he give the morning prayer.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, last week the world witnessed a tragic setback in the search for a peaceful settlement on the Island of Cyprus. Nearly 30 years after Turkish troops invaded and occupied approximately one-third of the territory of Cyprus, the United Nations' efforts to achieve a negotiated solution appeared to have a real chance for success. U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan convened the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to a meeting at the Hague last week, and asked them to agree to hold a democratic vote on the U.N.'s plan to establish a bi-communal federation. The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, speaking for the Greek Cypriot community, agreed to the referendum, despite reservations with the details of the plan. Unfortunately, Mr. Rauf Denktash, the Turkish Cypriot leader, rejected it, out-of-hand. Mr. Denktash's veto of the U.N. peace plan was not only a rejection of the efforts of the world organization, and the interests of its member states, but most importantly, in direct contradiction with the interests of the Turkish Cypriots themselves. This community has recognized that they have the most to gain from reunification, and have strongly supported the U.N. plan, as demonstrated by unprecedented popular expressions of support from within the community. Mr. Denktash has thwarted the will of the people he purports to represent. The reunification of Cyprus would help to enhance the local and regional stability of this island nation located a little more than a 100 miles from Israel, Lebanon and Syria, to the benefit of all of Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, the U.S., E.U. and the whole world body. Reunification would be a great boon economically to the Turkish Cypriots, as the Greek Cypriot community is about to join the E.U. and command the many political and economic advantages of membership in that cgmmunity. A settlement would have allowed the Turkish Cypriots to join in those benefits. Failure has condemned them to suffer without. If the civilian and military leaders in Ankara were serious about achieving a negotiated settlement on Cyprus, they could clearly prevail upon Mr. Denktash to deal in good faith. By doing so, Turkey would not only be helping the Turkish Cypriots, but would be acting in its own self-interest, as Turkey's own bid for E.U. membership hinges to a significant degree on its playing a constructive role in ending the division of Cyprus. On March 4th of this year, the E.U. warned Turkey that ``if Cyprus settlement efforts failed, the E.U. would find it very difficult to start accession talks with Turkey'' since Turkey would find itself in the untenable position of not only failing to recognize a member of the E.U.--Turkey still does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus--but also occupying militarily part of E.U. territory. As in any process of negotiations, both sides have to give up something. The Greek Cypriot side has, over the years, made one concession after another in the search for peace. The most recent plan put forward by Secretary General Annan forced the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to make many difficult decisions. Still, at the end of the day, President Papadopoulos--who was just recently elected in free and fair elections--was willing to put the Plan before the people in a democratic manner. On the other hand, Mr. Denktash, who has been in power for three decades, was unwilling to concede on his demand for two separate states--a goal completely contrary to the reunification favored by the people of Cyprus and the entire world community. Mr. Denktash is apparently afraid of what his own people would say when given a chance to express their views at the ballot box. This latest setback need not be a fatal one for the peace process of Cyprus. President Papadopoulos has left the door wide open to resuming the process of negotiations. After the Hague meeting, President Papadopoulos said that the Greek Cypriot side will ``continue the efforts for reaching a solution to the Cyprus question both before and after Cyprus joins the E.U.'' Furthermore, on his return from the Hague to Cyprus, Mr. Papadopoulos pledged one more time to ``continue the efforts for a Cyprus settlement that would properly serve the interests of both Cyprus communities, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots,'' adding that there ``are no last chances'' for a Cyprus solution. Our State Department has been clear in expressing its disappointment over Mr. Denktash's rejection of the U.N. referendum proposal, and in voicing hope that the process can resume. But now it's time for our government to put the necessary pressure on Mr. Denktash and the government of Turkey to negotiate in good faith and agree to a referendum. Continued obstructionism by Mr. Denktash should trigger coordinated U.N. sanctions against the Turkish Cypriot leader. The new government of Turkey must recognize its share of responsibility in the current stalemate, and show leadership in guiding Mr. Denktash back to the path of peace . If Turkey refuses to accept that responsibility, and Mr. Denktash continues his intransigence, the government of the U.S. must consider those policy prescriptions, of the highest orders, to bring the parties back to the table. The peace of the region, and the well-being of the Cypriot people, are too important to allow Mr. Denktash to destroy all our hopes for peace.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I fear we are doing a terrible disservice to our Nation's physicians and the patients who depend on them. We are deceiving them by passing a bill that does not ensure that doctors will actually benefit from these caps. As a representative of southern Nevada I am all too familiar with the medical liability issue. Nevada has faced a serious medical malpractice crisis for years. Doctors cannot afford insurance premiums and they are threatening to leave the State. Some have and some are refusing to accept new patients. In August of 2002, Nevada passed a carefully balanced tort reform bill which limited noneconomic damages to $350,000 and allowed for judicial discretion in particularly egregious cases. Nevada passed caps. But the medical insurance companies have refused and have failed to reduce their premiums. This Congress cannot for a minute pretend that we have addressed the real problem of skyrocketing insurance rates if we limit our prescription to liability caps. We must also provide doctors with insurance reforms as well. Medical liability reform is worthless if we ignore all of the evidence demonstrating that the current crisis is due more to insurance company miscues than liability claims. We must combine them both and I urge you to reject this rule. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule. As a Representative of southern Nevada, I am all too familiar with this medical liability issue. Nevada has faced a serious medical malpractice crisis for the last year. Doctors cannot afford insurance premiums and are threatening to leave the State. Some have or are refusing to accept new patients. I convened discussion groups of doctors and lawyers at my home to try to understand the medical malpractice issue, and it's a regular conversation in my own home as my husband and I, a doctor and lawyer, have searched for effective solutions to this crisis. Nevada's problem is not one of obscene awards and lawsuits, but of poor calculations and bad decisions on the part of insurers over the past couple of decades. Nevada's problem is the result of artificially inflated profits, over saturation and price slashing by the insurance company and when Nevada was no longer profitable, St. Paul Insurance Co. withdrew from the market. When that happened, 60% of Nevada's doctors lost their insurance carrier and the remaining medical malpractice insurance companies raised their rates to unconscionable extremes. In August of 2002, Nevada passed a carefully balanced tort reform bill which limited non-economic damages to $350,000 and allowed for judicial discretion in particularly egregious cases. Nevada passed caps, but the medical insurance companies have refused and have failed to reduce their premiums. The evidence demonstrates that judgements are not the full, or even a large measure of the problem. And therefore caps will have a very limited effect on solving this problem. This Congress cannot--for a minute--pretend that we have addressed the very real problem of skyrocketing insurance rates if we limit our prescription to liability caps. We must also provide doctors with insurance reforms as well. Medical liability reform is worthless if we ignore all the evidence demonstrating that the current crisis is due more to insurance company miscues than to liability claims. It is fundamentally unfair and bad public policy to limit jury awards without directly addressing reform of the insurance industry. If this Congress is going to pass tort reform, it should be accompanied by insurance reform so that insurance companies will pass along the savings, and doctors become the direct beneficiaries of cap limitations. Anything less will fail to solve the malpractice crisis in my State and in this Nation. I urge my colleagues to vote against this Rule. We are doing a terrible disservice to our Nation's physicians and to the patients that depend on them. We are deceiving them by passing a bill that does not insure that the doctors will actually benefit from caps.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution. Iraq, under the tyrannical dictatorship of Saddam Hussein, has been in violation of 16 different United Nations' resolutions over the past decade, resolutions passed to ensure that Iraq dismantle its chemical, biological and nuclear weapons programs and destroy any remaining weapons of mass destruction. Ensuring compliance with these U.N. resolutions, which represent the will of the international community, is essential. Iraq has demonstrated its willingness to use these horrific weapons in battle and against its own people. One particularly gruesome example occurred in the late 1980s when Saddam Hussein unleashed deadly chemical gas attacks over entire villages in Iraq, killing thousands of innocent men, women and children, so he could experiment, experiment, with finding the most efficient ways to spread nerve, blister and mustard gas. Given Saddam Hussein's 11-year record of defying and misleading the international community, I believe the United States, our allies and the United Nations are justified in their efforts to rid Iraq of biological and chemical weapons. Just this week, a new CIA report exposed Saddam's vigorous concealment record as further proof that he has no intention whatsoever of honoring his U.N. commitments by giving up his ever-expanding stockpile of weapons of mass destruction. Month by month, Saddam Hussein increases his arsenal of chemical and biological weapons, while he aggressively works to build nuclear capacity. The CIA now believes that Iraq could make a nuclear weapon within a year if it manages to obtain weapons-grade material from abroad. The CIA further reports that Saddam is intent on acquiring nuclear weapons, and Iraq's expanding international trade provides growing access to the necessary materials. Given these developments, we simply cannot wait any longer. September 11 taught us that there are those who would use any means to harm Americans. I am increasingly concerned about weapons of mass destruction being transferred from Iraq to terrorists like Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network, bent on destroying Americans, or being used by Saddam himself against his neighbors, our allies, or against the United States. The United States should seek to achieve our objective with as little risk to Americans and Iraqi civilians as possible. However, we must act to permanently disarm Saddam Hussein, because the cost in lives and misery if we do not act will be incalculable. Before any action is taken, the President is right in seeking approval of Congress, and I commend him for that. The more information the American people have, the stronger our Nation will be. Further, it is important that we continue to make every effort to marshal international support. I would prefer to work in concert with the United Nations. Saddam Hussein is, after all, a threat to international security. But, in the final analysis, my responsibility is to protect my constituents and protect the national security of our Nation, so I will be voting in favor of this resolution.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support Taiwan's bid to return to the United Nations. It is my understanding that a number of member-states have renewed their request that the UN General Assembly reconsider this legitimate and timely request. Taiwan is a vibrant multiparty democracy that serves as a beacon of hope to East Asia's population--most of which lives under the tyranny of authoritarian regimes. As the world's oldest and most enduring democracy, the United States has an obligation to voice its strong support for Taiwan's 23 million people to be represented in the UN. In just five decades, Taiwan has transformed herself into an established democracy as well as one of East Asia's economic ``Tigers.'' It is inconceivable to me that a peaceful, democratic member of the international community has not yet been offered membership to the UN. Taiwan is a peace-loving country that embraces the core values of democracy--liberty, justice, the rule of law and respect for basic human rights. Moreover, Taiwan is willing and able to carry out all UN Charter duties and obligations. With respect to the Chinese mainland, Taiwan has repeatedly sought a peaceful settlement to the political issues of concern to both countries. In recognizing Taiwan's peaceful intentions, the UN must encourage a dialogue between the two countries. Indeed, granting Taiwan UN membership would be an important first step toward permanent peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. I urge my colleagues to support Taiwan's bid to return to the United Nations.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to observe the 42nd anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus. Despite the political tensions between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots that have taken place since its independence in 1960, the Government of the Republic of Cyprus remains committed to the core values enshrined in the Cyprus Constitution guaranteeing basic rights and freedoms for all its citizens. This year, Independence Day comes at a time of great hope for the people of Cyprus. In particular, we have made significant advances in U.S.-Cyprus relations, and Cyprus is a leading candidate for European Union membership during the EU's next enlargement round. Both chambers of Congress have passed resolutions expressing the Sense of Congress that security, reconciliation, and prosperity for all Cypriots can best be achieved through EU membership. However, Cyprus' Independence Day is also clouded by territorial disputes with Turkey. Despite Turkish violations of UN Security Council resolutions, Cyprus remains committed to achieving a peaceful resolution through UN- sponsored negotiations. Immediately after the September 11th terrorist attacks, Cyprus was among the first nations to express its solidarity with the U.S. Cyprus has taken many concrete and active steps to target the perpetrators, collaborators, and financiers of terrorism--and the relationship between Cyprus and the U.S. is strong and enduring. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Republic of Cyprus on this 42nd anniversary of its independence.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands for being so sensitive about the needs of my community. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation. I would like to thank the gentleman from Nevada for his work on this bill and the members of the committee on both sides of the aisle for coming up with a compromise that serves the people that I represent very well. Mr. Speaker, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is one of our Nation's great treasures. Its spectacular views and exciting trails have provided tremendous enjoyment to the people of Nevada and the United States. Everyone who visits agrees that Red Rock Canyon must be protected in its natural state for future generations to come. Development in Las Vegas now threatens approximately 1,000 acres of high-ground lands at the eastern edge of Red Rock. This land directly connects to some of the mountains surrounding Red Rock Canyon, making protection of this high-ground acreage an important element of the western Las Vegas Valley view-shed. While these acres appear to be part of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, they are actually owned by the Howard Hughes Corporation. We are extremely fortunate that the Howard Hughes Corporation never developed this land. In fact, it is the Howard Hughes Corporation who has volunteered to forgo development of the high-ground lands and proposed that the United States acquire title to the land so that they can be preserved in perpetuity to protect and expand Red Rock. This bill would accomplish that acquisition. It would transfer the high-ground lands to the United States in exchange for the transfer of other lands of approximately equal value to the corporation. The net effect will be to expand the Red Rock Canyon area. The bill also contains a provision that will provide Clark County with over 1,000 acres of land for the purpose of developing a nature park. Clark County will construct the trails and the trail heads within this open space with the intent of leaving portions of the Old Mormon/ Spanish Trail with the regional trail system. Mr. Speaker, under this bill, our entire community will benefit. The Federal Government obtains invaluable environmentally-sensitive land, Clark County obtains a nature park that it will care for, and the Howard Hughes Corporation obtains lands that it will be able to develop. As someone that grew up in the southern Nevada area, I cannot emphasize how beautiful this area is and how important this legislation is to protect it. My entire community supports this legislation. Environmental groups, nature lovers, homeowners, and the Howard Hughes Corporation, have been instrumental in our efforts to preserve Red Rock Canyon so that future generations of Nevadans and generations to come, my children and my children's children, and beyond that will all be able to look up and enjoy Red Rock Canyon just as I did as a child.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the closed rule for H.R. 4600. Nevada's health care crisis reached alarming proportions this past year. Malpractice insurance premiums jumped as much as $150,000 a year for many of our doctors. At least 150 Nevada doctors closed their practices, and 1 in 10 obstetricians have stopped delivering babies. Others are limiting their practices. Pregnant women find it difficult to get care. Our largest emergency center closed temporarily when huge malpractice rates forced doctors out the door. So, Madam Speaker, I know firsthand the problems caused by runaway insurance rates, but H.R. 4600 is not the answer. Let me tell the Members how this harms this Nation's health care. It caps noneconomic damages in the aggregate, barring punitive damages even in the most gross acts of malpractice. It caps noneconomic damages in a way that hits low-income Americans the hardest. There is no provision for enhancing patient safety. Judicial discretion of egregious circumstances does not exist, or streamlining our court cases. This bill wipes out all of the hard work that Nevada's legislature and its carefully-crafted solution and legislation would solve. The State of Nevada has passed a reform plan that is a far better starting point than H.R. 4600. This measure, signed by the Governor last month, is a product of hard negotiations and compromise, hard work by the medical and the legal and the insurance professionals. It passed a bipartisan legislature unanimously. I find it very interesting that many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle keep talking about Nevada's health care crisis. Not one of them will stand with me and suggest that Nevada's health care solution might be an answer to the problem. The Nevada plan holds both doctors and lawyers accountable while setting limits on noneconomic damages. It allows judges discretion to make higher awards in the most egregious cases of malpractice. It does not let medical products manufacturers or HMOs or the pharmaceutical companies off the hook. Madam Speaker, in an unwise rush to vote on H.R. 4600, my amendment that brings the Nevada plan to the floor was denied. My husband is a physician. I know firsthand the crisis facing the medical profession. I live with it every day. This Congress has an obligation to help ease the crisis so doctors can continue to treat their patients. This legislation is so extreme it has no chance, no chance of passing and getting to the President's desk for signature. While this Congress is playing games with medical malpractice problems, the problem only gets worse, and this legislation will do nothing, absolutely nothing, to help because it will never be passed. This is an election year ploy, and it is shameful in its transparency. I am embarrassed. I am embarrassed for the United States Congress. I am embarrassed for the other side of the aisle.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, due to a family medical emergency, I missed Roll Call votes No. 320, No. 321, No. 322, and No. 323. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 320, ``yea'' on No. 321, ``nay'' on No. 322, and ``nay'' on No. 323.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I express my opposition to this shameful bill that is particularly harmful to the senior women in my district.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Thurman) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald), the cochair of the Women's Caucus for organizing this Special Order. I am here to discuss an issue that is absolutely crucial to seniors across America, Medicare coverage for prescription drugs. This is one of the most important issues that Congress will work on this year. This is a defining issue. Who exactly do we represent in this body? Do we represent millions of older Americans or do we represent the CEOs of the pharmaceutical companies? Seniors have the greatest need for prescription drugs. In many cases medicine is the most effective, perhaps the only, treatment for illness; and yet one-third of senior citizens do not have any prescription drug coverage at all. This means that millions of seniors in our country have no prescription drug insurance, and soaring drug prices are putting necessary medications out of their reach. They simply cannot afford them. Nowhere is this problem more apparent than in my district in southern Nevada. Southern Nevada has the fastest growing senior population in the United States. When I go home every weekend, my seniors tell me about the drugs they are taking, the medications they need. They tell me how much they cost, and they tell me how difficult it is and what difficult choices they have to make. Do they cut the prescribed doses to make the medicine last longer? Do they take their medicine every day? Every other day? Do they pay their rent? Do they pay their electric bills? Do they buy groceries, or do they buy medicine? We have to do better as a Nation. We have to do better. We must enact the prescription drug benefit under Medicare. Our seniors are demanding it. Our seniors deserve it from their elected representatives. They are counting on us to honor our promises, our campaign promises to provide affordable prescription medication under Medicare, where it belongs, to older Americans. This legislation, the legislation that the Republican majority is sponsoring is a sham. It is not a prescription medication benefit. It is a press release, and it is a campaign ad. Their so-called benefit is complicated, and it is not guaranteed. There are gaps in the coverage and it will do nothing, absolutely nothing to lower the prices of prescription drugs. Their plan will not get the job done for our seniors. The majority bill also does a terrible disservice to our Nation's Medicare providers. If the Republican majority cared one wit for Medicare patients, for their doctors, we would pass a freestanding bill to restore Medicare reimbursements to doctors and other health care providers. Our doctors and health care providers, our nurses, our hospitals, other health care providers, are being deceived and they are being hurt by being thrown into the middle of this divisive issue. By attaching the Medicare reimbursement to a useless sham of an insurance based prescription bill, the Republicans have unfortunately doomed both. I am for a prescription drug benefit that is comprehensive, affordable and guaranteed. I am for a benefit that will provide uniform coverage for every senior in America no matter where they live or what their income. It does not matter if they live in the State of Nevada where we have a State program. It matters that all seniors are covered throughout the United States. America's seniors are depending on us to give them a benefit, the right benefit. Let us act responsibly and give them what they need, what they deserve, what they are counting on. Our Nation is depending on us. They are looking to us to do the right thing, and it is time for us to step up to the plate, fulfill our campaign promises and improve the lives of older Americans in this country. I thank the gentlewoman, and I appreciate the opportunity.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a prescription drug benefit under Medicare. I represent the fastest-growing community in the United States, the fastest-growing senior population. Every weekend I go home, and every weekend I hear story after story from my seniors who simply cannot afford the prescription medication that their doctors have prescribed. For so many of these older Americans, Medicare is the only health insurance that they have. It does not make sense to deny them a benefit for prescription drugs. Prescription medication is the least expensive, most cost-effective way of dealing with illness. Seniors are demanding relief now, and we ought to give it to them. Older Americans need a Medicare prescription drug benefit that is comprehensive, guaranteed, and affordable. Every senior should have access, no matter where they live or what their income. Let us pass a prescription drug benefit that will work for all the American people and ensure that our Nation's seniors will have the medications they need to keep them healthy, active, and vital. In the long run, a prescription medication benefit will not only save the lives of millions of older Americans, it will save billions of taxpayers' dollars.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, a recent executive order paves the way for privatization of our air traffic control system. The order states that air traffic control is no longer an inherently governmental function. Air traffic controllers play a significant role in our national security. National security is inherently a government function. On September 11, our air traffic controllers safely grounded nearly 4,500 aircraft in less than 2 hours, proving that the current system works and works well. Proponents of privatization cite the systems in Great Britain, Canada, and Australia as efficient and effective. However, the systems in Great Britain and Canada are facing financial crisis and the controllers in Australia report poor working conditions. Our system works. Our air traffic controllers have demonstrated it time and time again. We should not privatize our air traffic control system.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today we are here discussing H.R. 2054, a bill that relates to the compact between Utah and Nevada regarding a change in the boundaries. This is a good bill. It is important to the people that live in both States and in the cities of West Wendover and Wendover, but this Congress should also be focusing on the high cost of prescription drugs and the millions of seniors who need help paying for them. Point of Order