Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3288, the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Member requesting: Gus M. Bilirakis Bill number: H.R. 3288 Account: Economic Development Initiatives Name of requesting entity: Central City Community Development Corporation Address of requesting entity: 2612 North Tampa Street, Tampa, Florida 33602 Description: The $500,000 will be used to rehabilitate property to house homeless veterans. Member requesting: Gus M. Bilirakis Bill number: H.R. 3288 Account: Surface Transportation Priorities Name of requesting entity: City of Tampa, Florida Address of requesting entity: 315 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33602 Description: The $500,000 will be used to widen Cross Creek Boulevard, which provides an important connection from the city to the regional and statewide transportation network. The widening will reduce traffic congestion and its resulting environmental impacts. Member requesting: Gus M. Bilirakis Bill number: H.R. 3288 Account: Transportation and Community and System Preservation Name of requesting entity: Pinellas County, Florida Address of requesting entity: 315 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756 Description: The $300,000 will be used for the costs associated with replacement of the Beckett Bascule Bridge, which is the primary access route to and from the mainland for contiguous coastal communities in Pinellas County. Member requesting: Gus M. Bilirakis Bill number: H.R. 3288 Account: Economic Development Initiatives Name of requesting entity: Hillsborough Community College Address of requesting entity: 39 Columbia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33606 Description: The $200,000 will be used to replace the exterior skin on one of the college's buildings, improving safety and increasing energy efficiency.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recall an anniversary that for the past 35 years has plagued the Cypriot and Hellenic communities, as well as all freedom-loving people. Mr. Speaker, even though the tragic events of the Turkish invasion took place so long ago on July 20, 1974, the pain and suffering is still felt because the divisions of the invasion still exist, unfortunately. This week is a time for this body to solemnly remember the Turkish military invasion of the island of Cyprus, to mourn those who lost their lives in the invasion, and to condemn the ongoing Turkish occupation. On July 20, 1974, in flagrant violation of international law, Turkey invaded Cyprus and violently captured the northern part of the island Cyprus' territory. As a result of the Turkish invasion and occupation, 160,000 Greek Cypriots, 70 percent of the population of the occupied area, were forcibly expelled from their homes. In addition, 5,000 Greek Cypriots were killed, and more than 1,400 Greek Cypriots, including four Americans of Cypriot descent, remain missing since the Turkish invasion, and their fate is still unknown. As a result of the invasion and occupation, Greek and Turkish Cypriots were forcibly divided along ethnic lines and remain so to this day. The United Nations has adopted numerous resolutions which reflect the universal condemnation of Turkey's invasion. Moreover, the European Court of Human Rights has found the Government of Turkey responsible for gross and systematic violations of human rights in Cyprus. Cypriots should have the right to return to their homes, and the illegal settlers who were transported from Turkey to the occupied parts of Cyprus should relinquish their homesteads and properties to the rightful owners. Thirty-five years is 35 years too long for the island and people of Cyprus to endure an illegal occupation and division. Negotiations that began with President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat last year have provided some measure of hope. Negotiations are moving forward. The key to a successful outcome of the negotiating process and reunification of the island remains with Ankara. A solution to the Cyprus problem cannot be reached without Turkey's full and constructive cooperation. It is essential that Turkey exhibit the necessary political will that would enable the negotiations between the two communities in Cyprus to move forward. A solution must come from the Cypriots themselves and must serve the interests of the Cypriots. Secretary Clinton promised me in a recent hearing that the administration would support a solution of the Cyprus problem and, specifically, a bicommunal, bizonal federation. The U.S. should use its influence toward Turkey to also actively and publicly support the process and the reunification of the island as a bicommunal and bizonal federation. Mr. Speaker, let's hope the people of Cyprus won't have to suffer another year longer. Let us hope that Cyprus will once again be a unified nation where all freedom-loving Cypriots can live together in peace.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly oppose efforts by the majority to rush through a misguided health care experiment that will greatly increase the already sky-high unemployment in my State. At a time when Floridians are facing double-digit unemployment, Congress should not be pushing through a government takeover of health care that will be paid for by a tax hike on small businesses. And a recession nearing double-digit unemployment nationally will discourage job growth and creation leading to even higher unemployment and people with employer-based health insurance being forced onto the government plan. This job-killing tax, combined with the crushing debt some in Congress have been piling on our children and grandchildren to pay for Big Government programs, will make it much more difficult for future generations to succeed. I urge my colleagues to reject this small business tax.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I rise today to honor Mr. Jack H. Jones, who was recently elected Imperial Potentate of Shriners International, which makes him the highest-ranking Shriner in the world. I want to share with my colleagues, many of whom may be unfamiliar with the work of the Shriners, what they are all about. Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship, and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. There are approximately 375,000 members from the 191 temples, or chapters, in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Panama. I am proud to be a Shriner and support their ongoing charitable efforts. Shriners International supports Shriners Hospitals for Children, a one-of-a-kind international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Since 1922, Shriners Hospitals for Children have significantly improved the lives of more than 865,000 children. Mr. Jones has been involved with Shriners for more than 30 years. He has served as Imperial Recorder, part of the body that governs the Shriners. Prior to his election to that position, he served on the Elected Divan of Egypt Shriners in Tampa, Florida. His Masonic affiliations include Egypt Shriners, Hillsborough Lodge No. 25 F.&A.M., Tampa York Rite, Tampa Scottish Rite, Red Cross of Constantine, Royal Order of Jesters, and National Sojourners. He also is a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason. Mr. Jones has earned many awards for his service with the Shriners, including the Benjamin Franklin Award for the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, the Henry Prince Medal from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and the Andrew Jackson Medal from the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. In 2006, he was presented the Imperial Potentate Award of Merit, which is the highest honor in the Shriners fraternity. In his new position, the Imperial Potentate will serve as chairman of the Board of Directors for Shriners International and Shriners Hospital for Children. I am certain that his immeasurable talent and experience will greatly help the Shriners and the many people who benefit from their work. Madam Speaker, I encourage all of our colleagues to congratulate Mr. Jones on his election as Imperial Potentate and recognize the contributions that Shriners worldwide make to the betterment of our world.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3183, the Energy and Water Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Member requesting: Gus M. Bilirakis Bill number: H.R. 3183 Account: Operations and Maintenance Name of requesting entity: Tampa Port Authority Address of requesting entity: 1101 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602 Description: The $5,600,000 will be used for dredging the federal navigation channels in Tampa Harbor. The Tampa Harbor is a federally- authorized project for which, by statute, the Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for maintaining. Maintenance of these channels is essential to ensuring that commerce can move efficiently and safely through Tampa Harbor.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member for yielding. And thank you, Mr. Skelton, for including this in the en bloc amendment. I rise today in support of a provision included in this en bloc amendment which my colleague from Florida, Ms. Castor, and I have offered to provide postal benefits to our combat soldiers. This amendment recognizes the sacrifices made by servicemembers and their loved ones back home. Tough economic times have made it increasingly difficult for those who send care packages to troops to pay the resulting shipping costs. This amendment will help address that problem. The legislation on which our amendment is based has strong bipartisan support garnering 237 cosponsors. In addition, it has gained a great deal of support from our constituents and people all across the country. It is with great humility that I rise today to honor our servicemembers and those who tirelessly support them. I urge all of my colleagues to support this very important amendment.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I yield myself the balance of my time to close. I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member, and I urge my colleagues to help strengthen our Nation's homeland security by supporting this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Chair, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise to offer this important amendment which will help increase our Nation's visa screening capabilities overseas to stop the entry into our country of terrorists, criminals, and others who may wish to do us harm. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee and a ranking member of the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and Oversight, I have come to understand the importance of being proactive in strengthening our homeland security. At the same time, I have also become concerned about the inadequacies in the screening process and background checks conducted on those seeking temporary admission to our country. While many visa seekers simply want to come here to study or work and comply with the terms of their visas, some do not. And some, as we tragically saw on 9/11, want to enter our country to wage war against us. That's why we need to strengthen the process by which temporary visitors are screened prior to their entry into the United States. Congress recognized this weakness and created the Visa Security Program, which places Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel overseas at risk locations to more carefully screen and investigate visa applicants. This important terrorist detection program allows ICE to proactively investigate and review visa applications to identify potential terrorists or criminal suspects before they gain entry into the United States. That is the key. Unfortunately, the administration did not seek increased funding for this valuable program in its budget request. While I am pleased that the bill we are considering today ensures that a portion of the funding for this program will be reserved to open several new visa security units in high-risk locations, I think we should provide additional resources to accelerate ICE's plan for expanding to other critical locations, which is what my amendment does. ICE currently operates 14 visa security units overseas. My amendment increases funding for the Visa Security Program by $1.7 million which will allow ICE to stand up an additional visa security unit. ICE has identified additional locations for new units but has not yet opened its units in these areas, largely due to the resource constraints. To offset this increase, my amendment would take a corresponding amount from the Office of the Secretary, which under this bill receives $147 million, a $24 million increase over fiscal year 2009, including $3 million for establishing a new intermodal security coordination office that largely will duplicate existing department efforts. We must be mindful of the way we spend our scarce resources. When it comes to security, we must avoid creating more bureaucracy and ensure that we are allocating funds where the risk is greatest. This amendment will help do that and ensure that the department is operating as effectively and efficiently as possible. My amendment will provide needed resources to keep terrorists out of the country while still allowing sufficient funding for establishing an office for which the need is questionable. I urge all of my colleagues to help strengthen our Nation's homeland security by supporting this amendment.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2996, the Department of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Member requesting: Gus. M. Bilirakis Bill number: H.R. 2996 Account: STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project Name of requesting entity: City of Clearwater, Florida Address of requesting entity: 112 South Osceola Avenue, Clearwater, Florida 33756 Description: The $500,000 will be used for wastewater treatment facility improvement in the City of Clearwater, Florida. The funds will help the city maintain the community's public water infrastructure, a vital public service, as well as save public sector jobs. The project meets all cost-sharing requirements for projects funded by STAG infrastructure grants.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 408, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2487, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Member requesting: Gus. M. Bilirakis Bill number: H.R. 2487 Account: COPS Law Enforcement Technology Name of requesting entity: Florida Department of Law Enforcement Address of requesting entity: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308 Description: The $100,000 will be used for the operation of the Florida Silver Alert Program, which helps locate missing seniors and others with dementia-related illnesses. Member requesting: Gus M. Bilirakis Bill number: H.R. 2487 Account: COPS Meth Name of requesting entity: Hillsborough County, Florida Address of requesting entity: 601 East Kennedy Boulevard, 26th Floor, Tampa, Florida 33602 Description: The $250,000 will be used to strengthen the County's methamphetamine enforcement and cleanup efforts.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise in support of this resolution, which gives long overdue recognition to the accomplishments of sumo champion Takamiyama Daigoro, who won Japan's top division sumo championship in 1972. This native son of Hawaii, also known as Jesse Kuhaulua, was the first foreigner to achieve this distinction since competitive sumo tournaments first appeared in the 16th century. Athletes have long been recognized as goodwill ambassadors who can often promote international understanding more effectively than professional diplomats. For example, 2 years ago former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice named baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr. as a goodwill ambassador to expand the role of athletes in diplomacy. Mr. Daigoro, who retires tomorrow from the professional ring at age 65, has spent three and a half decades using his athletic skills to promote understanding and friendship between the people of the United States and the people of Japan. I, therefore, join Ms. Hirono and my congressional colleagues from the Aloha State in supporting this resolution, which offers congratulations and thanks to this outstanding athlete for his remarkable record in sumo, for his role in diversifying that which had previously been exclusively a Japanese sport, and for his service as an athletic goodwill ambassador to our close ally, Japan, for the past 37 years. Happy birthday, Jesse. Thank you for your many accomplishments, and good luck in your future endeavors. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation. The United States has committed over $30 billion in assistance to Afghanistan since 2001, and with the President's stated intention to increase the size and scope of our efforts, it is necessary that we provide all of our inspectors general operating in Afghanistan the authorities and resources necessary to mitigate fraud, waste, and abuse in these programs. However, the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, or SIGAR, currently lacks such authorities and resources. Despite its establishment nearly 1 year ago, SIGAR officials have reportedly had difficulty hiring individuals for this unique and challenging assignment, and the staffing shortfall has contributed to the lack of an independent audit or investigation by the office thus far. This legislation would amend the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2008 to provide to SIGAR personnel authorities similar to those given to the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. The legislation would expedite the standard hiring process for civil service provisions by permitting SIGAR to use employment authorities granted to heads of temporary organizations. Such authorities allow organizations to hire staff for limited terms, notwithstanding the requirements normally applicable to civil service positions. This legislation is intended to help the SIGAR quickly hire experienced, well-qualified employees to conduct necessary oversight of reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. Employees hired under this new authority could serve until the termination of the SIGAR office. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation which gives the SIGAR additional hiring authorities to facilitate his ability to quickly hire experienced, well-qualified employees to fill critical positions. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I yield back my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise today in support of this resolution which expresses our condolences and sympathy for the people of Italy following the terrible loss of life which occurred in the central Abruzzo region last April which was struck by a powerful earthquake. Tragically, the 6.3 magnitude earthquake, which struck in the early morning of April 6, killed over 250 people. Tens of thousands more were left homeless as their family properties were destroyed. Over 15,000 buildings rich in culture and history were obliterated in just moments by the powerful shocks. I note that despite the danger from the strong aftershocks after the earthquake, heroic Italian rescue workers nevertheless entered the unstable buildings at risk to themselves and pulled hundreds of survivors to safety. Mr. Speaker, when we think of Italy, our first thoughts are of the beauty, the history, the culture, and especially the warmth and kindness of its people. As a Nation, America also has a tremendous affinity for Italy since our country has been greatly enriched by those Italian immigrants who came to our shores, became part of our American Nation, and contributed so much to our culture and economic prosperity. And so in the wake of that immense disaster, Americans mourned in sympathy with the people in Italy over their tremendous loss and committed to stand with them as they work to rebuild and recover. I'm pleased to support this resolution which expresses our deepest condolences to the Italian people and note that with the support of American citizens, humanitarian organizations are continuing to provide assistance in the rebuilding of those cities that were affected by the earthquake. I urge my colleagues to support passage of this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of this resolution put forward in March by my good friend and Homeland Security ranking member, Peter King, to show solidarity with our South Korean allies in their hour of need. Its consideration is timely; it is timed to coincide with tomorrow's Washington summit meeting with the President of the Republic of Korea. North Korea is fast becoming a foreign policy crisis spiraling out of control. In April, there was a long-range missile launch; in May, there was another underground nuclear test. Only 1 week ago, a Pyongyang kangaroo court took the provocative and morally reprehensible act of sentencing captured U.S. citizen journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee to 12 years in a labor camp. North Korea also continues to hold a South Korean citizen as a hostage. Our thoughts and prayers are with those captives and their families. The United Nations Security Council has finally passed a resolution with some teeth. Unfortunately, U.N. Resolution 1718, passed in 2006 after Pyongyang's first nuclear test, was ignored when North Korea returned to the negotiating table. North Korea's response to this latest U.N. resolution has been more bluster and brinkmanship. The North Koreans revealed, to no one's surprise, that they have maintained a highly enriched uranium program all along, in addition to their plutonium program. They now threaten the world with more bombs and possible nuclear war. Earlier this month, Kim Jong Il sent a patrol boat into South Korean waters to back up his threats made against our South Korean ally. Some are now convinced that there will be a future military confrontation along the DMZ or in the Yellow Sea. And today, 28,500 U.S. military personnel still stand guard in South Korea, a country often called ``the last frontier of the Cold War.'' The ``Dear Leader'' is obviously testing the mettle of this President and this Congress. Kim Jong Il has responded to the outstretched hand of President Obama's inaugural address with missiles, nuclear bombs, the seizure of American citizens, and a threat of war. He is preparing to launch yet another long-range missile, one that could reportedly reach the United States and is likely to conduct yet another underground nuclear test. I say enough is enough. Now is the time for the consequences which our current North Korean Special Envoy, Stephen Bosworth, promised after the April 5 missile launch. Last week, Secretary Clinton raised the re-listing of North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism as one possible consequence. But a few days later, the House Rules Committee refused to allow consideration of an amendment to the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, offered by my good friend and ranking member, Representative Ros-Lehtinen, which would have done just that. It is unfortunate that Secretary Clinton would consider this, but not the House leadership. The time for hesitancy is over, Mr. Speaker. America needs to respond to North Korea. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the ranking member, Mr. King from New York, as much time as he may consume.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, the Member from California (Mr. Royce).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Once again, I want to thank my good friend Peter King, the ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee, for introducing this very important resolution, very timely as well. And I urge quick and unanimous passage.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.