Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, during the rollcall vote on the Broun Amendment No. 263 to H.R. 1, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been able to vote, I would have voted in favor of prohibiting funds in H.R. 1 from being used to pay dues to the United Nations. Amendment No. 526 Offered by Mr. Wu

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. S.K. Rao Musunuru who will be recognized at the Community Aging and Retirement Services (CARES) Annual Benefit on February 5, 2011, for his continued philanthropic commitment to our community. He began his formal study of medicine in 1968, but what is most noteworthy is his ability to couple his medical expertise with community involvement--enhancing the knowledge base, furthering the medical profession, and ensuring that local needs are met. While Dr. Musunuru boasts numerous memberships in nationally and internationally acclaimed organizations, including the American Medical Association, the International Society of Heart Transplantation, and the Society of Critical Medicine, he is still mindful of the medical needs in his own backyard. He was instrumental in transforming a 50-bed rural hospital into a 290-bed Heart Institute, meriting recognition for its high standard of care. During his tenure as Chairman of the Board for Pasco Hernando Community College, the college had a 100 percent increase in nursing enrollment, and he has been vocal in his teachings of ``proper prevention and prompt intervention, so that people can live longer and stronger.'' Dr. Musunuru's involvement in the community certainly does not go unrecognized. He recently became the recipient of the 2010 Outstanding Physician Award and, for the second consecutive year, received Rotary International's highest honor, the Paul Harris Fellowship recognition. While his accomplishments and awards are extensive to list, words cannot adequately acclaim Dr. Musunuru achievements. The lives he has impacted are countless, and I applaud him for his resolve to use his talents to meet the growing needs of the community and the larger medical profession.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, we all want to increase access to quality, affordable health care. We know that in this troubled economy, Americans are concerned about making ends meet and ensuring that they are covered in the event of a health care emergency. However, the misguided health care effort that was pushed through this House during the last Congress is doing much more harm than good. The hardworking families and seniors and small businesses in my district cannot afford this health care overhaul that is costing jobs, increasing red tape, spending trillions of dollars, and actually increasing health care costs. This week the House is listening to and acting upon the message that Americans sent to Washington this past fall. We will replace the overreaching health care law with commonsense solutions that will lower costs and increase access to insurance while keeping Americans in charge of their own health care.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. William Hale. Dr. Hale began his service in the medical field as an Army medic during World War II. After leaving the Army, he studied at the University of West Virginia, the University of Florida, and then received his doctor of medicine degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He served his patients with compassion and care in the Tampa Bay area as an internist at Mease Hospital, and after just 8 years he was elected to lead the medical staff. Dr. Hale was a proactive practitioner, realizing and emphasizing the importance of preventative health care in the community. After retiring from active practice, Dr. Hale founded the Dunedin Hypertension Screening Program in 1975 to screen elderly patients for medical disorders. His program garnered attention from his colleagues throughout the world and took root on a state level as the Florida Geriatric Research Program. Dr. Hale was much more than just an excellent and innovative physician. Those who know him point to his caring nature. He was quick to help those who needed it the most, be it handicapped children, someone undergoing a difficult time in life, or arming the public with information on how to be healthier. He saw the needs of others and selflessly gave of himself so that they could live better. Mr. Speaker, the Tampa Bay area was so blessed to have Dr. Hale's talent and graces. May his spirit always live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William, Bill, Nesmith, who will retire from his position as Hillsborough County's fire chief on January 15, 2011. Mr. Nesmith has provided Hillsborough County with 41 years of service in the fire community. After spending 24 years with Tampa Fire Rescue, he joined the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue as assistant chief in 1994 and just 2 years later became fire chief. Under his leadership, the Hillsborough County Fire Department merged with Hillsborough's Emergency Medical Services to become Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, which he oversaw. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue saw immense growth after this, more than doubling its number of firefighters. During Chief Nesmith's tenure as Fire Chief, eight new fire stations were opened and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. In addition, he was instrumental in ensuring that all engines and ladders were staffed with paramedics, providing Hillsborough County's residents with the highest level of pre-hospital care. Mr. Nesmith has a quite impressive repertoire of accomplishments that coincide with his career. He was able to continue his formal education, receiving a bachelor in arts and a master in arts in industrial technology education from the University of South Florida. He served on numerous boards and committees, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Florida Fire Chiefs' Association, and has been the recipient of the Harvey Grant Excellence in Rescue Award and Hillsborough County's Distinguished Service Award. Public servants like Mr. Nesmith keep our communities safe in our most pressing times of need. His talents will be missed, and I wish him the best in the future.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 8, I was unavoidably detained due to celebration of the Greek Orthodox Epiphany. Had I been present, I would have voted, ``yes.''

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I would like to commend to my colleagues an article written by Ted Galen Carpenter, vice president for defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute, in the Washington Times on November 19, 2010. Mr. Carpenter has written an excellent article, warning of the danger in recent rumblings led by former British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw that Cyprus should be divided into two nations. The territorial integrity of Cyprus must never be sacrificed for the sake of healing relations with Turkey--a move that would only reinforce the Turkish governments disregard for international standards. [From the Washington Times, Nov. 19, 2010] Carpenter: Sacrificing an Island (By Ted Galen Carpenter) It's no secret that relations between Turkey and its Western allies have become quite testy over the past year or so regarding an assortment of issues, including policy toward Iran and the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. Western leaders are understandably eager to heal the breach with Ankara because Turkey is a significant regional power. Unfortunately, it seems increasingly likely that the small nation of Cyprus will end up being a sacrificial pawn in that effort. The latest indicator is an article by former British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw arguing that it is time for Britain and other governments to consider the formal partition of Cyprus, if the latest round of U.N.-brokered talks do not achieve a breakthrough. The northern portion of Cyprus has been occupied by Turkish troops ever since the 1974 invasion of that country. Following the invasion, Ankara set up a puppet government (which is recognized only by Turkey) in the occupied territory and brought in more than 250,000 settlers from the Turkish mainland. Periodic U.N. mediation efforts have failed to resolve the division of the island. As yet, neither London nor Washington has embraced Mr. Straw's proposal, but it has all the characteristics of a prominent trial balloon. Over the years, numerous members of the foreign policy communities in both Britain and the United States have privately toyed with the idea of imposing a formal partition. Going down that path would be a mistake--for both practical and moral reasons. The practical consideration is that the U.S. and the leading EU countries already set a dangerous international precedent in 2008 when they encouraged and then formally recognized Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia. At the time, NATO troops occupied Kosovo, preventing Belgrade from doing anything to thwart that secession. Numerous governments warned that the move trampled on Serbia's sovereignty and created a highly destabilizing precedent. That fear was soon realized when Russian troops implemented the secession of two restless provinces from Russia's small neighbor, the Republic of Georgia. Now the Western powers may be flirting with the notion of forcibly dividing Cyprus against the will of the Cypriot government and a majority of the Cypriot people. Such a move would reinforce the unhealthy recent precedents set with respect to Kosovo and Georgia--and would encourage nations and movements with secessionist agendas around the world. The moral case against partitioning Cyprus to curry favor with Ankara is even stronger. Turkey committed an act of aggression when it invaded its neighbor in 1974, and that violation of international law is made worse by the continuing occupation and the colonization effort using Turkish settlers. That should be unacceptable behavior by any country, but it is even more outrageous coming from a NATO member and aspirant to join the European Union. The tepid reaction over the decades by Washington and its democratic allies to Ankara's rogue conduct on the Cyprus issue is troubling. Those countries should not further reward Turkey's aggression by making the division of Cyprus permanent. There are other actions the West can take to help repair the fraying relationship with Turkey. In particular, the U.S. must show greater understanding that its policies in Iraq-- especially the creation of a de facto independent Kurdistan in the north--create major problems for Ankara because of Turkey's own restless Kurdish population. Likewise, the push for ever tighter economic sanctions against Iran poses major economic and strategic dilemmas for Turkey. Those issues need to be addressed squarely, and efforts should be made at least to cushion the adverse impact on Turkey. But it would be wrong to adopt the cynical approach of using Cyprus as a convenient sacrificial pawn to ease overall tensions with Ankara. Such a move would betray important Western values and, in the long run, likely undermine important Western interests.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Juan Antonio ``Chi Chi'' Rodriguez for the remarkable work he has done to improve the lives of so many at-risk youth. The same dedication and determination he displayed on the golf course is now readily apparent in his community service through youth programs. While visiting a juvenile detention center in Florida, Mr. Rodriguez realized a better way to help at risk children succeed. Through discipline and responsibility on the golf course, instructors work with youth to build self-esteem, character, work ethic, social adjustment, and academic performance. To realize his goals of helping to advance children both intellectually and morally, Mr. Rodriguez has been instrumental in raising over $4 million for his youth foundation, which supports his Academy. I am honored that that Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy is in my Congressional District. I addition to the 600 children that benefit annually from the inspiration of his programs on the golf course, Mr. Rodriguez has been able to provide more than 430 scholarships over the past three years to help Latino youth attend institutions of higher education. Mr. Rodriguez's dedication to improving the lives of children is truly inspirational. He has expanded his personal successes into youth programs based in love and respect and has laid a foundation in which pupils build confidence, learn discipline, and gain positive educational experiences. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to speak of the contributions stemming from Mr. Rodriguez's vision not just in my community, but throughout the nation, and I strongly encourage passage of H. Res. 1430.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary on its 30th Anniversary. While Pinellas County is home to many excellent schools, Tarpon Springs Fundamental brings a special quality of a back-to-basics focus to its students. The school's focus emphasizes student responsibility, structure, and academic success. This focus extends to parents as well with mandatory parental involvement in parent-teacher conferences and meetings. However, their involvement stems much further than what is required. Many parents can also be seen volunteering throughout the campus tutoring, mentoring, helping with daily classroom activities, or enjoying lunch with their child. Tarpon Springs Fundamental is one of the smallest schools in Pinellas County, so in conjunction with its highly structured curriculum model, it fosters a familiar, tight-knit atmosphere. The staff and families are able to know one another on a personal basis, providing the foundation for educators and parents to work as a team to promote strong academic skills and values. It is truly my honor to recognize Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary School as they celebrate their 30th anniversary. I look forward to watching the school continue to develop generation after generation of young minds with the core principals it has thrived on for so long.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 578, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1631, a resolution calling for protection of religious sites and artifacts from and in Turkish-occupied areas of northern Cyprus, as well as for general respect for religious freedom. First, I would like to recognize my colleagues for this incredible bipartisan effort. Thank you so much to Ranking Member Ileana Ros- Lehtinen and Chairman Berman, not only for their cosponsorship but also for assisting in fast-tracking this measure to the House floor. Also, thanks to my Hellenic Caucus cochair, Carolyn Maloney, and all of my colleagues who are cosponsors, including the U.S. House's strongest champion of human rights, Chris Smith. This display of bipartisanship illustrates that Congress can work together in a collegial spirit when it comes to protecting religious freedom throughout the world. As cosponsor and cochair of the Hellenic Caucus and member of the International Religious Freedom Caucus, we've introduced this measure to highlight the continued violations that are taking place on the divided island nation of Cyprus. Even as Cyprus celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence, we are reminded that roughly one-third of Cyprus continues to be under Turkish military occupation since 1974. This resolution demands that Turkey be held responsible for the continued violations of humanitarian law with respect to the destruction of religious and cultural property in Cyprus. The Turkish military, which continues to illegally occupy northern Cyprus, has overseen the systematic destruction of religious sites and the illegal looting of a large number of religious and archaeological objects. When northern Cyprus was invaded, churches were left open to looters and to vandals. The Turkish forces, though required to secure the religious sites by several conventions to which it is a signatory, failed to do so. Around 500 churches, monasteries, cemeteries, and other religious sites belonging to Greek Cypriots, Armenians, and Maronites have been desecrated, pillaged, looted, and destroyed, including one Jewish cemetery. Eighty Christian churches have been converted into mosques; 28 are being used by the Turkish army as stores and barracks, and many others are used for other nonreligious purposes such as coffee shops, hotels, public baths, nightclubs, stables, theaters, and barns. Since 2004, at least 15 churches have been leveled, such as St. Catherine's Church in the district of Famagusta, which was bulldozed in mid-2008. Additionally, the Church of the Holy Virgin in the site of Trachonas was used as a dancing studio until the Turkish occupiers built a road that destroyed part of it in March 2010. And the Church of the Templars was converted into a nightclub. These are a few examples of the destruction that has been overseen by the Turkish military, if not directly perpetrated by it. Mr. Speaker, this resolution urges the Government of Turkey to immediately implement the United Nations Security Council resolutions relevant to Cyprus, as well as the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, by retrieving and restoring all lost artifacts and immediately halting destruction on religious sites, stopping illegal archaeological excavations, and ceasing to traffic in icons and antiquities. Further, proper preservation and reconstruction of destroyed or altered religious sites must immediately take place, and all restrictions on freedom of religion for the enclaved Cypriots must end. Mr. Speaker, I hope the beginning of the next 50 years of Cyprus' statehood is marked by the immediate removal of the Turkish occupation forces, followed by immediate reunification of the island nation in which respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots is a reality. I urge swift passage of this resolution.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Stetson University's College of Law as it celebrates its 110th anniversary. Founded in 1900 in DeLand, Stetson was Florida's first law school. In 1954, the Law School moved to Gulfport, where a handful of students began classes. Today, it boasts an enrollment of more than 1,100 students. As a proud graduate of Stetson Law School, I can attest to the esteemed community fostered by Stetson University's College of Law in which students learn the skills necessary to become excellent lawyers and effective leaders in society. In addition to the acclaim received from its students, the law school has earned national and international attention for its exceptional programs in advocacy, elder law, environmental and biodiversity law, higher education law and policy, international law, legal writing, and professionalism. Stetson University's College of Law has educated thousands of outstanding lawyers, judges, and community leaders over the past 110 years. My experience at Stetson Law nurtured my love of the law, which eventually led me to a career in public service as a member of the U.S. Congress. Stetson has been a beneficiary of the work of philanthropists like Dolly and Homer Hand. Mrs. Hand holds the admirable designation of being Stetson Law's youngest graduate at the age of 20; additionally, she and her husband have also made tremendous contributions to the law school, as well as education throughout the State of Florida. Generations of Stetson graduates will surely benefit from the generosity of their contributions. Madam Speaker I am truly honored to call Stetson Law School my alma mater and recognize it on its 110th anniversary. I look forward to watching future community leaders and scholars graduate and contribute to our Nation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, sacrifice, and heroism of Marine Corps Lance Corporal Nathaniel Schultz, of Safety Harbor, FL. LCpl Schultz, an assistant gunner, was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan on August 21st while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province. In the finest tradition of the U.S. Marine Corps, LCpl Schultz wanted to serve his country because he wanted to serve the American people and help the young children of Afghanistan. Outside of the Marine Corps, Nate was an extraordinary young man. He was a graduate of Countryside High School who enjoyed skateboarding, playing guitars, and participating in outdoor activities. Madam Speaker, though proud to have such a fine example from the Tampa Bay community, it is with great remorse that I rise to commemorate the life of LCpl Schultz. The young men and women, such as Nathaniel Schultz, who choose to serve their countrymen in the armed forces, amaze me. I appreciate their professionalism and dedication. Their sacrifice, like that of LCpl Schultz, will not be forgotten.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 534, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Saint Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School for receiving the Department of Education's esteemed designation of a 2010 National Blue Ribbon School. Founded in 1948 with only 60 students meeting in the renovated Saint Cecelia Church rectory, today it is a hallmark of superior education for nearly 500 students. In conjunction with their mission of providing a strong spiritual and academic foundation, the highly educated teaching population at Saint Cecelia Interparochial School inspire students to achieve at a high level as they undertake core instruction in religion, math, language arts, science, and social science with further enrichment offered through courses in the fine arts, language, and technology, as well as clubs, ministries and service projects. It is no small feat for a school to receive the distinguished honor of the Blue Ribbon Award. In fact, Saint Cecelia Interparocial Catholic School was one of just 50 private schools throughout the nation to receive this distinction. Their effective school leadership and approach to education has led to a culture of excellence and a population of high performing students. As Saint Cecelia's proudly raises the Blue Ribbon flag on its campus, may those in our community and across the nation be reminded of the good work done there each day to improve the quality of life for every child passing through and look to this school as a model of exemplary educational practices.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, sacrifice, and heroism of Army Private First Class Paul Orazio Cuzzupe II, of Plant City, Florida. PFC Cuzzupe, an Army combat medic, was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan on August 8th when his unit was attacked by an improvised explosive device. U.S. Army combat medics are the battlefield's first responders, fearlessly providing first aid and basic medical care to those in desperate need. PFC Cuzzupe personified this bravery and compassion. In fact, a week before he died, PFC Cuzzupe was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his tireless efforts to save life of an Afghan child that had been severely wounded by an insurgent's bomb. Outside of the Army, Paulie--as he is known to his friends--was an outstanding young man in his own right. He had been an honor student at Armwood High School and was a talented self-taught guitarist who led his own rock band and performed songs for Sunday school students. Madam Speaker, though proud to have such a fine example from the Tampa Bay community, it is with great remorse that I rise to commemorate the life of PFC Cuzzupe. I am in awe of the young men and women like Paul Cuzzupe who choose to serve their countrymen in the armed forces. I appreciate their professionalism and dedication. Their sacrifice, like that of PFC Cuzzupe will not be forgotten.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Thank you, Mr. Carter. I appreciate it. With growing violence and drug trafficking, Mr. Carter, in Mexico and a homegrown terrorist threat, we have to crack down on illegal immigration for our Nation's security. I welcome those who enter this country through the legal means. As a matter of fact, my grandparents came here in the early 1900s. But illegal immigration is illegal, as you said. No matter how well behaved the person is, they are still breaking the law. As far as I'm concerned, those are the laws, and we must obey them. As the former heads of the 9/11 Commission found in a recent report, immigrants and domestic terrorists now pose a threat to the United States. Today's terrorist is harder to identify, so it is vital that DHS is proactive along our borders. There continues to be evidence that terrorist groups are collaborating with drug cartels along the U.S. border, as my colleague Sue Myrick reported in a recent Washington Times article. This is especially troubling given the rise of homegrown and immigrant terrorism highlighted by the 9/11 Commission. In recent weeks, several memos have been released or leaked outlining plans for rewarding illegal immigrants. The first, a memo by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services under Homeland Security, detailed ways to grant mass amnesty to illegal immigrants without any kind of legislative action. At the core, this is a separation of powers issue. As you stated, it must go through the legislative process. This is an arrogant, in my opinion, an arrogant and dangerous alternative to having Congress act on the issue. To grant amnesty to illegal immigrants undermines our immigration laws and is a slap in the face to those who go through the process of entering our country legally. And to do this by skipping the legislative process, as the Department of Homeland Security memo indicates, is wrong. It's clearly wrong. Following the memo's release, Candice Miller and I wrote a letter to Secretary Napolitano demanding clarification and to see if this memo reflects the Department's or the White House's policy plans. The response was basically a nonresponse, Mr. Carter. Another memo, highlighted by an article in the Houston Chronicle--you may have mentioned this--outlined the possibility of dismissing--and I think you did mention this--17,000 deportation cases and releasing the offenders into the United States. What kind of precedent are we setting? And a third idea from DHS involves focusing on illegal immigrants who commit more serious crimes; so, in other words, getting them off and ignoring those who commit ``minor'' infractions. So, in other words, focus on the ones that committed the serious crimes, but the ``minor'' infractions will be let off. Again, what kind of a precedent are we setting? I have asked for hearings, Mr. Carter, on this. I know you know this. And I serve on the Homeland Security Committee, and I am the ranking member of the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee. We asked for hearings to find out more about the intent of these memos. And I'm waiting for a response. I have not received one so far. But these plans and memos aren't the only actions the administration is taking to seemingly undermine immigration security. The administration has taken to suing State governments, specifically the State of Arizona, for trying to enforce immigration laws. The administration needs to take real action, in my opinion. It needs to send more enforcement to the border. Sending a few hundred extra troops to the border is not enough to protect 2,000 miles. DHS needs to improve technology along the border to help the border agents police the terrain. And it needs to improve its visa screening process. Over the past several years, there have been multiple instances that demonstrate shortcomings in the visa screening process. I have sponsored legislation to strengthen and ensure better screening and monitoring of foreign students once they are in the country. DHS also identified several high-risk areas around the world in the early 2000s where we need visa security units to properly screen our applicants. We have been very slow, and they have not been implemented. There are between 15 and 20 in place, out of several high-risk areas identified around the world. Currently, less than a quarter, as I said, of the high-risk visa issuing locations around the world have these visa security units, and I think that is unacceptable as well. I also have introduced legislation to expand a Coast Guard program that collects biometric information on interdicted aliens and checks to make sure that they have not repeatedly tried to enter the country. I believe that is currently in the Senate. It was passed in the House, and it is waiting for action in the Senate. Congress can prevent States from issuing driver's licenses to illegal aliens, stop birthright citizenship, and end funding for sanctuary cities. We also need to strengthen interior enforcement and penalize employers who hire illegal immigrants. There are many measures that Congress or DHS can take to help secure our borders and protect the country. But the amnesty plans Mr. Carter has outlined tonight are not the right way to go, and frankly stand on shaky constitutional ground. I thank you, Mr. Carter, and I pledge to continue working with you on this issue.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Rear Admiral Leroy Collins, Jr., who was taken from this world after a tragic accident in South Tampa. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Admiral Collins continued to serve our country first on active duty and then in the Naval Reserves for 34 years. He continued his dedication to country as an advocate for veterans' health and economic well being in his role as Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. At 75, Admiral Collins was still an active member of the community. In addition to maintaining a rigorous athletic schedule, he served on the boards of Tampa General Hospital, Collins Center for Public Policy, S.S. American Victory, and the Armed Forces Financial Network. I know that his wife, children, and grandchildren played an enormous role in his life and brought him great joy. It is with great sympathy that I extend my condolences to his family. I am honored to have known Admiral Collins. He has truly served our community, State, and country well and will be missed.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Reclaiming my time, I have studied this issue, and it's a top priority of mine. We need to get this done. So thank you for your willingness to work with me. With that, I appreciate the gentleman's willingness, as I said, to work with me. I look forward to doing so. Madam Chair, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. If you would agree to work with me on this particular amendment--this is a very important project, as you know. We do have our polytrauma centers, but we need the long-term care for our heroes. And this is a top priority of mine. If you would agree to work with me on this, then I will withdraw.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Chair, my amendment would provide $9.5 million to acquire and construct up to four long-term care residential brain injury medical facilities. The primary danger faced by our troops in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom comes in the form of improvised explosive devices. When an IED explodes, the blast wave can result in our servicemembers incurring catastrophic injuries including amputations, spinal cord injuries, visual and auditory impairments, traumatic brain injury, and posttraumatic stress. Wounded warriors with these complex injuries require a high level of health care coordination with an interdisciplinary clinical support team and a wide range of specialized services. Since 2003, almost 2,000 severely injured servicemembers have received state-of-the-art care at one of the Department of Veterans Affairs four Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers. But what happens to these heroes when they are discharged? Some of them require intensive medical care for the rest of their lives. My amendment addresses the problem of how to provide ongoing recovery for these wounded warriors. These heroes honorably served their country. Now we have to step up to meet our obligation to them. They need a place to go that will provide for post-acute long-term care, subacute residential rehabilitation, and outpatient day rehabilitation with the dignity, respect, and honor they have earned. Their families, who are enduring the extreme stress of having one of their own come home with catastrophic injuries, also need this long- term care facility for their loved ones. My amendment will enable the VA to construct facilities that are specifically designed to provide ongoing recovery for wounded warriors. Such facilities will enable families to visit in an atmosphere that is conducive to the rehabilitation and the reintegration. These facilities will be paid for with existing funds within the VA's budget and will allow the VA to select locations that are close enough to existing VA medical facilities to ensure that intensive, ongoing medical and specialist care is easily provided. At the same time, the facility can be in a location that would be natural and, importantly, family friendly. By supporting my amendment, you will be requiring funds already available to the VA to be directed toward relieving the obvious need for long-term, ongoing recovery for our veterans suffering from TBI and other polytrauma injuries. A properly selected and designed facility is so important, Madam Chair. My amendment will enable medical specialists from the VA to develop a special plan to allow our veterans to heal. That is so important. It should be our top priority. A doctor would be able to look in the eyes of a wounded warrior and tell him or her, This is your home, and we are going to help you participate in society and visit with your family. The facilities my amendment would promote, Madam Chairman, would enable our young wounded warriors to focus on hope and to focus on honor and have hope for a future. We owe them that, Madam Chair. Let's give them that. I ask my colleagues to recognize the extreme difficulty faced by our catastrophically wounded warriors. Show them your support and vote ``yes'' on the Bilirakis amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I yield to the gentleman from Virginia.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of George Steinbrenner. While he is readily associated with the accomplishments of the New York Yankees under his ownership, I would like to recognize his incredible contributions to the Tampa Bay area. In the 1970s, Mr. Steinbrenner chose to call Tampa his home, but he did much more than just reside there. While George Steinbrenner's name is apparent throughout the Tampa Bay area--prominently displayed on the Yankees spring training stadium--his generosity and contributions reach much further than the eye can see. Much of Mr. Steinbrenner's generosity revolved around bettering the lives of youth. In 1981, he developed the Gold Shield Foundation to assist dependents of fallen law enforcement officials and firefighters both in their immediate time of need and with higher education costs. He is also widely known for his contributions to the Boys and Girls Club, youth baseball organizations, the Pediatric Emergency Center at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, and numerous other organizations across the region. I had the privilege of knowing Mr. Steinbrenner, and his impact on our community is immeasurable. Through his contributions, countless lives have been changed for the better. The effects of his generosity are sweeping and the effects will likely be visible for generations to come. It is my honor to recognize Mr. Steinbrenner before the House of Representatives for his great generosity in building Tampa Bay communities.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, for nearly 36 years, the people of Cyprus have endured an illegal occupation and massive violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms by Turkey after it invaded a sovereign nation 36 years ago tomorrow. It breaks my heart to hear the stories of how the occupied north has been devastated, how the Turkish occupiers have converted chapels in Kyrenia into bars and tourist information centers; how once beautiful churches have been converted into mosques; how the U.N. peacekeepers on the island have watched for 36 years as the Turkish Army has laid land mines and can only sit and note what's being done--a peacekeeping force operating with no mandate to stop the lawlessness. It breaks my heart that families forcibly removed from their homes had all of their personal and real property stolen from them. More heartbreaking than anything else are the persons missing since 1974, Madam Speaker, whose families still grieve knowing they will never be at peace until their sons, brothers, husbands, and fathers are accounted for and whose bones must be laid to rest. Yet the Turkish Government still refuses to cooperate. To us, their actions aren't acceptable. That is why we will continue to fight and persist in our efforts to reunify Cyprus and make the island whole again and heal the wounds. A solution to the Cyprus problem has come from the Cypriots themselves and must serve first and foremost the interests of the Cypriots. The key to a successful outcome of the negotiating process and reunification of the island remains in Ankara, since a solution to the Cyprus problem cannot be reached without Turkey's full and constructive cooperation. Turkey must give the new Turkish Cypriot leader the freedom to negotiate a solution. Turkey must start with the removal of its occupation troops and illegal settlers from Cyprus. The role of the U.N. and the international community is to provide assistance and support the process. The process should not be subjected to false time frames. The United States has publicly supported a solution of the Cyprus problem and specifically a bicommunal, bizonal federation. As a close ally of Turkey, the U.S. should use its influence to push Turkey to actively support the process and the reunification of the island as a bicommunal and bizonal federation. And the U.S. must also push Turkey to withdraw its occupational forces. The Government of Cyprus continues to work for the genuine reunification of Cyprus and integration of its people and economy in the context of a functional and viable settlement, a solution which will bring peace, prosperity, and a better future for all of the citizens of a united Cyprus within the EU. A solution of the Cyprus problem that reunifies the island, its people, the economy, its institutions in a bizonal, bicommunal federation is in the best interest of all Cypriots. Madam Speaker, I urge this body to pressure Turkey to remove its troops from Cyprus, remove its settlers, and come to the negotiating table in good faith to find a solution that is just for the Cypriot people. Let's hope we are not recognizing the 37th anniversary of the invasion this time next year.