Ginny Brown-Waite

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Mr. Josh Cooley of Pasco County, Florida, a Purple Heart recipient from Operation Iraqi Freedom. A deputy in the Pasco County Sheriff's office since 1998, Mr. Cooley enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in July of 2003. A third generation Marine, Lance Corporal Cooley was deployed to Iraq in December 2004. While on patrol in Iraq, Mr. Cooley was the victim of a roadside blast. Following the attack, Mr. Cooley has required several head surgeries to remove pieces of scrapnel, some as large as a credit card. He currently remains in a local hospital recovering from his wounds sustained in early July. While at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Mr. Cooley was presented his Purple Heart by President George W. Bush. An emotional and brief ceremony with Mr. Cooley's family was a fitting tribute to his and their sacrifices both on the battlefield and back here in Florida. In addition to the support from his coworkers and family, the entire Pasco County region has helped the Cooley family. Volunteers have hosted fundraisers to help defray the costs of his medical bills, and have even reroofed his house. We are all proud to know that the good people of Pasco County have come together to support those who defend our freedoms and liberties in the United States Armed Forces. Mr. Speaker, true American heroes like Josh Cooley should be honored for their service to our Nation and for their commitment and sacrifices in battle. I am honored to present Mr. Cooley and his family with this proclamation and let them know that America is grateful for the sacrifices of Lance Corporal Josh Cooley and that we truly consider him one of America's heroes.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the members of the Spring Hill National Dixie Youth AAA baseball team on their recent victories at the State championships and world series. The Spring Hill Nationals are made up of 9- and 10-year-olds who have worked tirelessly for their successes. The 13 members of this extraordinary team have demonstrated through their victories the traits of sportsmanship, dedication, loyalty, and discipline. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the following members of the Spring Hill team: Gabe Abbadessa, Mason Arroyo, Drue Brooks, Brandon Brosher, Alex Martin, Danny Gendusa, Derek Newman, Nic Pasarela, Nick Ramirez, Drew Dessa, Brad Smith, Evan Webster, and Joey Wright. Their manager, Dave Smith, and assistant coaches, Bob Pasarela and Dave Newman contributed to their successes. The Spring Hill National Dixie Youth AAA baseball team is Florida's team. I am honored that these fine young gentlemen are from my district and am proud of their accomplishments.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Mr. Harold Kurth of Citrus County, Florida, a Purple Heart recipient from World War II. Volunteering for service in 1943, Mr. Kurth's ambition was to join the Air Corp, but was inducted into the Army at Camp Roberts to receive his basic training instead. Following his initial training, Mr. Kurth was aboard the Sea Witch on his way to Guadalcanal when the ship was fired on by Japanese submarines. Luckily, the Sea Witch made it safely to Guadalcanal without further contact with the enemy. Mr. Kurth then took part in campaigns on the Soloman Islands and the Philippines, where he was wounded by a hand grenade while guarding a church in Manila. He was part of a group of six soldiers who came under enemy fire in the church yard following a river crossing. Several of his compatriots were injured as well in the battle. Part of the ``Heavyweights of the South Pacific,'' Mr. Kurth's division was credited with killing 12,500 enemy soldiers during World War II. Serving three years without a furlough, Mr. Kurth returned to the United States on Christmas Eve, 1945. Mr. Speaker, true American heroes like Harold Kurth should be honored for their service to our Nation and for their commitment and sacrifices in battle. I am honored to present Mr. Kurth with his long-over Purple Heart. He is truly one of America's greatest generation.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Mr. Agostino Loporto of Citrus County, Florida, a Purple Heart recipient from World War II. Inducted into the military on March 1, 1941, Mr. Loporto went to boot camp at Fort Dix, NJ, and received additional training at Fort Benning and Camp Gordon. Shipped overseas in late 1943 to Liverpool, England, Mr. Loporto was in the Battle of the Bulge on D-Day. Attached to the 4th Infantry Motorized Division in Belgium, Mr. Loporto was wounded in his shoulder by shrapnel in the Black Forest. He was taken to a hospital in Belgium and was transferred to a hospital in England when the Belgian hospital was hit by a B2 German bomber. Mr. Loporto received 4 months of medical treatment and was discharged from the military on November 4, 1945. Mr. Speaker, true American heroes like Agostino Loporto should be honored for their service to our Nation and for their commitment and sacrifices in battle. I am honored to present Mr. Loporto with his long-overdue Purple Heart. He is truly one of America's greatest generation.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of Mr. Edwin Jerome Bombly of Hernando, FL. Born in Hamtramck, MI, Mr. Bombly moved to Hernando, FL in 1978. An Army Veteran and the owner of a local insurance company, Mr. Bombly was very involved in local philanthropic activities and social organizations. Mr. Bombly was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus, chairman of the Citrus County Right to Life, and had recently been elected president of the Florida Right to Life. In addition to participating in these organizations, Mr. Bombly was a devoted family man who enjoyed playing the saxaphone. Mr. Speaker, I know that his family, friends and loved ones miss his presence but are heartened to know that he has passed on to a better place.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Corporal Joshua Joel Gramling of Zephyrhills, FL, a Marine Corps veteran of the war in Iraq. I am proud to join the entire Zephyrhills community, his friends and family, and his fellow soldiers to welcome Corporal Gramling back safely from Iraq. Following his enlistment in the Marine Corps in 1998, Corporal Gramling served as a tank gunner for the first four years of his service. Following the completion of his four-year duty, Corporal Gramling decided to re-enlist in the Marine Corps. Activated before the end of the year, Corporal Gramling was deployed to Iraq in March, 2005 where he served in Regimental Combat Team 8. During his time in the Marine Corps, Corporal Gramling has received two Good Conduct Medals, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Medal. Born into the military with both parents serving at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, Corporal Gramling comes from a long line of military veterans. A proud member of three generations of American military men and women, Corporal Gramling continues his family's tradition of service to America's Armed Forces. In fact, twelve members of his family have served in the Gulf War, the Vietnam War and in World War II. Mr. Speaker, the entire Zephyrhills Community is proud to have a native son and proud soldier return home safely from active duty. True American heroes like Corporal Gramling should be honored for their service to our nation and for their commitment and sacrifice in battle.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and sacrifice of Army Staff Sergeant Michael Schafer of Spring Hill, FL. Sgt. Schafer was killed by enemy fire July 25, 2005 in Oruzgan, Afghanistan. He leaves behind his loving wife Danielle, parents Karen and Dan Barr, brother Tim, and grandparents Ron Forbes and Stand and Loretta Barr. In times when children and families need role models to look up to and emulate, Sgt. Schafer was a true American hero. A volunteer for the Army in 1999, Sgt. Shafer performed his basic training at Fort Benning, GA and Airborne training in Fort Bragg, NC. After he completed his training, Sgt. Schafer served in both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, as well as Kosovo. A proud member of C Company, 2nd Batallion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade, Sgt. Schafer was one of the first paratroopers to jump into Kirkuk, Iraq during the March, 2003 invasion. Sgt. Shafer served 9 months in Iraq before being transferred to Afghanistan, and had expressed interest in going back to Iraq to be where the action was. In addition to serving honorably in the United States Army, Sgt. Schafer was a true and dedicated family man. Married to his wife Danielle within a week of shipping out to Kosovo, the couple was in constant contact throughout his tours of duty. At the time of his death, Sgt. Schafer and his wife were looking to adopt a baby. As a sign of the love for his family, Sgt. Schafer wrote a poem to his mother before he left for basic training. ``Mother, There comes a time in every boy's life When he leaves the warmth of the nest. Perhaps to look for all your qualities in his future wife; Or join the working class like the rest. I am standing here before you this very day. To let you know when I leave not to fear, Because I will never be that far away. And you will always be near and dear to my heart, It is where I will keep your love. I know that the bond that we have between us cannot be torn apart, And when I think of you so beautiful like a white dove, I want you to know that as I leave for the Army, If you are feeling scared, do not be afraid to show it. Your love for me won't let any one harm me. I will be back home before you know it.'' Mr. Speaker, as a mother and a grandmother, I know the pain that comes when a child leaves home for the first time. What Sgt. Schafer's family must cope with today, however, is the knowledge that their child will not be returning home. I can offer them this pledge, however: that this Congress will never forget the sacrifice Sgt. Schafer made serving his country.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and sacrifice of Army Staff Sergeant Michael Schafer of Spring Hill, FL. Sgt. Schafer was killed by enemy fire July 25, 2005 in Oruzgan, Afghanistan. He leaves behind his loving wife Danielle, parents Karen and Dan Barr, brother Tim, and grandparents Ron Forbes and Stan and Loretta Barr. In times when children and families need role models to look up to and emulate, Sgt. Schafer was a true American hero. A volunteer for the army in 1999, Sgt. Schafer performed his basic training at Fort Benning, GA and Airborne training in Fort Bragg, NC. After he completed his training, Sgt. Schafer served in both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, as well as Kosovo. A proud member of C Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade, Sgt. Schafer was one of the first paratroopers to jump into Kirkuk, Iraq during the March, 2003 invasion. Sgt. Schafer served nine months in Iraq before being transferred to Afghanistan, and had expressed interest in going back to Iraq to be where the action was. In addition to serving honorably in the United States Army, Sgt. Schafer was a true and dedicated family man. Married to his wife Danielle within a week of shipping out to Kosovo, the couple was in constant contact throughout his tours of duty. At the time of his death, Sgt. Schafer and his wife were looking to adopt a baby. As a sign of the love for his family, Sgt. Schafer wrote a poem to his mother before he left for basic training. Mother, there comes a time in every boy's life when he leaves the warmth of the nest. Perhaps to look for all your qualities in his future wife; or join the working class like the rest. I am standing here before you this very day. To let you know when I leave not to fear, because I will never be that far away. And you will always be near and dear to my heart, it is where I will keep your love. I know that the bond that we have between us cannot be torn apart, and when I think of you so beautiful like a white dove, I want you to know that as I leave for the Army, if you are feeling scared, do not be afraid to show it. Your love for me won't let any one harm me. I will be back home before you know it. Mr. Speaker, as a mother and a grandmother, I know the pain that comes when a child leaves home for the first time. What Sgt. Schafer's family must cope with today, however, is the knowledge that their child will not be returning home. I can offer them this pledge, however; that this Congress will never forget the sacrifice Sgt. Schafer made serving his country.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on July 25, I was detained in Florida due to a doctor's appointment and as a result, missed the day's votes. I ask that my absence be excused and the Congressional Record shows that had I been present: for rollcall No. 417--the motion to suspend the rules and pass H. J. Res. 59, I would have voted ``yea''; for rollcall No. 418--the motion to suspend the rules and pass H. Con. Res. 181, I would have voted ``yea''; and for rollcall No. 419--the motion to suspend the rules and pass H. Res. 376, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, 52 years ago today, on July 27, 1953, the United States, North Korea and China signed an armistice that officially ended the three-year Korean War. For too many Florida veterans, the Korean War has become known as ``The Forgotten War,'' sandwiched between World War II and Vietnam. It was through the heroic efforts of our men and women in the Armed Forces, however, that helped maintain democracy and preserved the spirit of freedom for millions on the Korean Peninsula. While the signing of the treaty may have ended the conflict, it did not end the United States' presence there. Thousands of brave men and women served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the three years of the war, as well as in the 52 years since the war ended. Today, my office is working hand in hand with local veterans groups to identify the thousands of 5th District constituents who served in Korea and deserve recognition. To date, I have proudly presented more than 175 Korean Defense Service Medals (KDSM) and more than 400 Korean War Service Medals (KWSM) to my veteran constituents. The Department of Defense created these medals to recognize the sacrifices and tenure of those soldiers who served the United States cause on the Korean Peninsula. It has been an honor to present my constituent heroes with these medals and to formally thank their families and them for the commitment showed and time served. This year's 52nd anniversary of the end of the War is an opportunity for all Americans and all Floridians to reflect on the sacrifices of the thousands of brave soldiers who died defending freedom and opportunity in a far away land. The Korean War saw 33,629 Americans give their lives for our country and for the sake of world peace. In addition to those brave heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice battling communism and oppression, another 103,824 soldiers were wounded, and 8,177 went missing in action. As too many Florida families sadly know, 577 soldiers from our great state died during the Korean War. They made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of life, liberty and freedom. In addition to those brave heroes, we must not forget the more than 1.8 million Americans soldiers who have served in Korea since 1950. These are the men and women who I have met and presented the KDSM to and who deserve praise for advancing the causes of democracy and freedom. It was these brave Americans who helped stem the Communist tide in Asia. The battle for Korea helped spare Japan from the threat of Communist invasion and showed the world that the United States and its allies were prepared to resist the Communist advance. This country paid a high price in blood for the defense of Korea, but those who fell contributed much to the security we enjoy today. Today it is clear that the Americans who fought in Korea helped build a better world for the Korean people. South Korea has flourished spectacularly under U.S. protection while Communist North Korea is in dire straits, unable to even feed its people. Like we see today in the newly liberated countries of Iraq and Afghanistan, when people have the freedom and will to determine their own fate, they will embrace democracy and freedom and the right of self-determination. As America commemorates the 52nd anniversary of the end of the War, residents of the 5th Congressional District can pay tribute to our veterans and fallen heroes by visiting Korean War Memorials throughout the district, including a brand new memorial that opened this spring in Groveland. Take the time to shake the hand of one of our brave soldiers and say thank you for defending my freedoms and for making the world a safer place. These men and women deserve no less for their sacrifices and commitment to freedom.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. This amendment that is proposed would remove a provision from a very carefully crafted piece of legislation that would require the first vacant slot on the Postal Service Board of Governors to be filled by an individual with unanimous backing by labor unions. Currently there are 11 members. This bill would provide that one of those seats become a labor seat, certainly not documented by labor. One seat would be a labor seat. The provision requiring the seat to become a labor seat has been in the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act for 11 years. No group on either side of the issue has ever expressed any opposition to the change in statute, and I am unclear why this issue has actually risen today. Simply requiring one of a nine-member Board speak on behalf of thousands of employees in everyone's district here hardly seems to be unreasonable or undoable. H.R. 22 is a bill that we have heard many people on the floor say how many years it has been worked on, well over decades. I urge my colleagues to vote against this and other amendments under consideration today that do not provide for any real improvements in the underlying text of the bill that we have before us tonight.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, mentors have played an important role for business leaders, artists, athletes and politicians for hundreds of years. Having an influential and important role model to learn from and to lean on for support and advice is priceless. Today I would like to honor and compliment my personal mentor, New York State Senator Owen Johnson from Babylon, Long Island. For over 10 years I had the honor and privilege to work for my good friend Owen in the New York State Senate. Always supportive of my entrepreneurial efforts, Owen encouraged intellectual curiosity and always gave me the latitude and freedom to complete my master's degree. While Owen had the chance to run for Congress himself, he chose to remain a New York State Senator to be closer to his family. Christel, his lovely wife, son Owen, and daughter Chirsten are truly the loves of his life. Owen Johnson, a conservative before it was fashionable, is the chairman of the prestigious Senate Finance Committee. A seasoned and polished debater and legislator, Owen and I had hundreds of spirited debates over the years. While we may not have always agreed at the end of the day, each conversation was a learning experience. I am extremely proud to call Owen Johnson a mentor, a friend, and the best State Senator New York State has ever had. Here's to you Owen for all you taught me about conservative and family values.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I certainly want to thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner) for putting together this excellent extension and reauthorization of the USA PATRIOT Act. Mr. Chairman, America faced a new kind of enemy on September 11, one that mercilessly attacked civilians on our own shores. In response, the Congress, I was not here at the time, passed the PATRIOT Act to give law enforcement agents appropriate tools to fight the new war on terror. Today, we have a great opportunity to send a strong message of support for several provisions of this bill which would have expired on December 1. I specifically want to mention the library section. For some reason, section 215 has come to be known as that. Actually, it is one that allows law enforcement officers to gain access to business records. Why would we not want to have library records and bookstore records be available if there is a suspected terrorist? By doing so, we would only be making bookstores and libraries sanctuaries for these terrorists. The purpose of this legislation was when it was originally created and now as we extend it to protect Americans. We cannot afford to make libraries and bookstores havens for those bent on harming U.S. citizens. Opponents have waged a campaign of misinformation. Recently, some Members on the other side have actually admitted that it has not been abused. We want to make sure that Americans are protected. For that reason, I fully support the reauthorization of the expiring PATRIOT Act, and I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner) for his work on this issue.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like the Members of Congress to recognize the fact we have some visitors from Iraq, some Iraqi women who are here to learn how to put together a Constitution for Iraq. These are women who have been involved in the government, very, very brave women. The Women's Caucus met with them today and pledged our full support to a free and democratic Iraq, and one that we can all be proud of in the future and that certainly will reflect the great work that our military has done to help create a democracy in Iraq. We ended our meeting with lifting glasses of water and toasting to democracy.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to honor the 157th anniversary of the women's suffragette movement here in the United States. On this date in 1848, a historic meeting of women leaders took place in Seneca Falls, New York. Their initial gathering was the first step in the long and challenging road that led women to where I stand today. Like Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton in their time, Republican women are leading the fight to highlight the equal and full rights that American women enjoy, and to expand those rights to women around the globe. Many do not know that the Republican Party first introduced the 19th amendment in 1878. Four times in a row the amendment was actually defeated by the Democrat-controlled Senate. It was not until the Republican Party regained control of Congress in 1919 that the equal rights suffragette amendment finally passed both the House and the Senate. Republicans deserve credit for promoting the first woman to the highest court in the land and for advancing the rights of women around the world. Mr. Speaker, the Republican Party has a long and distinguished track record of championing women's issues.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mac Harris of Beverly Hills, Florida. Mac Harris, a diligent, respected man in our community and at the power plant, has relinquished his post as spokesperson for the Crystal River nuclear power plant. Mr. Harris life-long journey has taken many paths including a writer, a professor, and a reporter. Along that journey, he has touched the lives of many readers, students, and co-workers. Despite his varying role, his honesty and sincerity remained constant. Mr. Harris and his wife have chosen to retire in Citrus County, Florida, where they remain active members of the civic and cultural community. In his retirement, Mr. Harris will continue to impact the community through various engagements including writing and directing plays for the art league. In his capacity as an employee at the power plant, Mr. Harris's commitment to communication with the community is outstanding. Mr. Harris was readily accessible, day and night, throughout the terrible 2004 hurricane season when thousands lost power. He goes out of the way to answer questions and concerns from residents and will be sorely missed. Mr. Speaker, honorable men like Mac Harris should be congratulated for their service. It is truly a privilege to honor Mac Harris for his lifetime of achievement and contribution.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Elsie Meloche, a resident of the 5th Congressional District of Florida, and a woman who has achieved a great deal in her long life. On July 19, 2005 Elsie Meloche will be 102. Mrs. Meloche was born in Leipzig, Germany but immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island on February 16, 1909. She moved with her family to Massachusetts shortly thereafter, making their home in Holyoke. Mrs. Meloche married Wilford B. Meloche and in 1972, moved to St. Petersburg, Florida where she made her home until 2003 and then moved to Arbor Trail in Inverness, Florida. During her lifetime, Mrs. Meloche worked many different jobs before retiring from Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, Massachusetts. With her free time she currently enjoys dancing, bingo, and reading a good book. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Elsie Meloche today. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as she has and with as much enjoyment. She is truly a remarkable woman and someone with an appreciation for the importance of friends, family, and happiness.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2005. H.R. 1220, as amended, would provide a cost-of-living adjustment, in the same amount as given to Social Security recipients, to disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. Veterans who receive disability compensation and survivors of certain veterans would receive a full COLA beginning on December 1 of this year. Congress has provided for these increases every fiscal year since 1976. This bill would also codify the current amounts of disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation. More than 2.6 million American veterans are receiving service-connected disability compensation. Many of them reside in my Congressional District. These benefits are paid monthly and range from $108 per month for a 10 percent disability to $2,299 for a 100 percent disability. Additional monetary benefits are available for our most severely disabled veterans as well as those with dependents. Spouses of veterans who died on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability likewise are entitled to monetary compensation. Additional amounts are paid to survivors who are housebound or in need of aid and attendance or who have minor children. Currently, more than 336,000 surviving spouses and children are receiving survivor benefits. The administration's fiscal year 2006 budget projects a 2.3 percent cost-of-living increase, but it may be higher or lower, depending on changes in the Consumer Price Index. The exact percentage will be calculated as of September 30 of this year. I certainly want to thank the subcommittee's chairman and ranking member, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Miller), and the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley), respectively, for their work on H.R. 1220, as amended. I also want to commend the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer), and ranking member, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) for their leadership in bringing the bill to the floor today, as well as the subcommittee staff on both sides of the aisle for their hard work on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1220, as amended.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my condolences to Floridians in the wake of Hurricane Dennis. Hurricane Dennis blasted into Florida as a category 3 storm and is estimated to have caused about $1 billion worth of damage and the loss of seven lives. I share my fellow Floridians' anguish over their losses. This hurricane unfortunately is just the first of many that will assail Florida's coasts. Last year, FEMA bungled cleanup efforts in the aftermath of four terrifying hurricanes by refusing to pay for debris removal on private roads, slow reimbursement, and exorbitant overpayments in the Miami- Dade area. I urge FEMA to respond quickly to this latest hurricane so that the 2004 debacle is not repeated.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank, on behalf of my constituents, many of whom have to have flood insurance, I would like to thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Baker) for introducing H.R. 804. As we all know from watching the television, hurricane season has arrived again. Residents of the Gulf and east coast face familiar anxieties associated with the hurricane season. They begin to cross their fingers and hope their home will not be devastated by nature's wrath and that their belongings will not be washed away. What residents should not have to be crossing their fingers over is whether the government is going to hit them with additional liabilities after they receive help. Yet, under the National Flood Insurance Program today, that is exactly what happens. The IRS considers NFIP grants as income which means any person on means-tested assistance loses. Residents who accept NFIP grants after their homes are destroyed by floods are then slapped with reduced government benefits such as health care, education or even nutrition assistance. I commend the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Baker) for introducing this legislation that prevents agencies other than the IRS from considering NFIP grants as income and I implore my colleagues to support this bill. Those who have been hit by floods should not have to choose between NFIP assistance and food stamps.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, my district is the fifth congressional district of Florida, and the area is commonly referred to as the ``Nature Coast.'' Residents of this area, most of them are not owners of beachfront property; they live on what previously were pristine, swampy wetlands that were filled in. We certainly have a beautiful view and, unfortunately, while it is the Nature Coast, it also has historically been the area where many hurricanes have hit. While this last hurricane, Dennis, did not directly hit our area, we had residual effects of the hurricane. We had storm surges, and a lot of areas were under water. Suddenly, residents thought they owned waterfront property, because right out front of their homes, waterfront existed. I am very, very glad to see that we are looking at revising the national flood maps so people who previously were denied flood insurance now, once we revise those flood maps, they will be able also to be able to purchase flood insurance.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to highlight one of the most underreported and freedom-affirming policies that the world has seen since the end of World War II. For centuries, the world has heard the oppressed, the downtrodden and the vulnerable cry out for their freedoms, for their rights and for a chance to emerge from the shadows of the tyranny and bloodshed that they had lived with. Those yearning for basic liberties and for basic rights have occasionally been led by vocal and dedicated women of the world. Their's has been too often a silent battle, however, with no clear voice, no champion and no opportunity to cry out for their freedom. I am proud to say tonight that this Congress and this President have heard those cries. We have recognized the unmistakable voice of freedom rumbling across the ocean and into these hallowed chambers, and we have answered that call. Too often, this House has dealt with the aftermath of turning a blind eye to the horrors of present regimes and of past despots. This Republican-led Congress has said, ``no more,'' to those policies. No longer should women be denied the right to vote, no longer should women be treated as second class citizens, no longer should women not be allowed to be a citizen at all. The world today is changing rapidly, and we are helping to make it better for our children's future. Since President Bush took office in 2001, this Congress has supported an agenda of democracy, freedom and expansion of rights for all peoples throughout the world. The list of non-democratic regimes that have seen significant reforms since 2001 is long and significant. Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Egypt, Lebanon, Kuwait, Georgia, the Ukraine and others have all held elections, increased minority rights or have committed to democratic reforms. We have before us a picture of an Iraqi woman who voted. She was so proud that she was able to vote. We see the ink-stained finger that told everyone that at last she had the opportunity to vote. While all of these are important and significant events, it is the United States' foreign policy that furthers the advancement of freedoms and rights for women that is the most striking for me. The world watched October 19 as 19-year-old Mokadasa Sidekey cast the first vote in Afghan's landmark presidential election. Here we have some more women participating in the Iraqi elections proudly holding up their ballots. We also have the picture of the thousands of women lined up in Afghanistan to go to vote. They value that privilege. They value that ability that they now have to vote. Today, women comprise 41 percent of the 8.2 million Afghan voters. With our support, these women will continue to lead to fan the flame of democracy and give them hope for a brighter future. Tonight, you will hear personal stories from Members who have traveled to countries like Jordan, Iraq and Afghanistan. From the tales of women who voted for the first time in their family's history to the meetings with newly elected female representatives of Iraq, these stories are truly inspiring. Now I would like to yield to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. I appreciate the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) telling us first hand your mentoring project with some female candidates, and also some supporters who just want to make sure that women are playing an active role in both the Jordanian Government and the Iraqi Government.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) made some excellent points about the bravery of the Iraqi people in going to the polls. You know, we will go to the polls, we may have to wait a little while to get in. It is nowhere near the long lines that they experienced in Iraq. And we have to remember that we are free to go to the polls. We do not face the kind of intimidation that the Iraqi women faced. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to have been joined by the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), who actually has traveled and can tell us some information about the women that she met, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Tennessee. I think anyone who has had any exposure to the Iraqi women know how very, very brave they are. Just this afternoon, Mr. Speaker, in this House of Representatives, we debated a resolution honoring Kuwait on the recent efforts to give women the right to vote. As is the case with many Middle Eastern nations, women are nowhere near equal to men when it comes to basic freedoms and rights that we take for granted every day. However, Kuwait's leaders have recognized that denying half of your population the right to vote and participating in the business of the nation is wrong. As Secretary of State Condoleesa Rice has said, half a democracy is not a democracy. While Kuwait is not a democracy, giving only half the population a voice in their government is not a policy this Congress should support and one that I am glad that Kuwait's leaders are changing. I certainly applaud the House leadership for bringing this resolution to the floor and for recognizing the significant changes made for women's rights in the Middle East. If women are not allowed to participate in the decision-making process, if women are denied the right to run for and seek elective office, if women are barred from determining their own future, then those women will suffer oppression and human rights' violations. When given the chance, women have proven they will participate in the electoral process. In Iraq, during the first free and fair elections in several decades, it was the women of many towns who led the surge to the polling booths. Women showed that they were not afraid to take their fate in their own hands and show the world what it truly means to be free. Now, I would like to recognize my colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey). I appreciate his joining us here this evening to celebrate the rights that Iraqi and Afghani women have recently received, Mr. Speaker.