Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Marilyn Giordano, a wonderful woman who recently lost her courageous battle with colon cancer. I came to know Marilyn through her work with the American Vitiligo Research Foundation. Vitiligo is a condition in which one's skin loses pigment and becomes discolored. It is a disease that can easily destroy the spirit of those it afflicts. Marilyn cared passionately about people with Vitiligo, especially children who are often not emotionally prepared to deal with its psychological affects. Marilyn dedicated her life to helping these precious children deal with their condition the best they could. Marilyn's friend Stella Pavlides, the founder of the American Vitiligo Research Foundation, shared with me the courage with which Marilyn battled colon cancer. Stella said that Marilyn never lost faith that she would survive, refrained from complaining or asking why she was going through such an ordeal, and remained optimistic and positive until the very end, which came peacefully on April 29. That sounds just like the Marilyn I came to know. Stella has asked me to become an advocate for raising awareness about colon cancer in the days since Marilyn's death. She correctly points out that colon cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer in its advanced stages, though it also is one of the most treatable in its earliest stages. I was pleased that the House passed H. Con. Res 60 earlier this year, which supports the observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March and emphasizes the importance of early detection and screening of this disease. I also recently cosponsored H.R. 1189, the Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment Act, which would establish a colorectal cancer screening program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and provide grants to states for colorectal cancer screening and treatment programs. I believe the House should pass this vitally-important bill to improve the detection and treatment of this deadly disease. Madam Speaker, I urge all of our colleagues to honor Marilyn's life by passing H.R. 1189 and improving the detection and treatment of this disease. Although her earthly life has ended much too soon, I am certain that her legacy will live on in the lives that will be saved by raising awareness about this treatable but deadly disease, and in the children with Vitiligo whose lives she has forever changed for the better.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act. This bill will help to enhance our Nation's transportation security and contains many important provisions. I'm particularly pleased that the manager's amendment includes a provision I authored to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation with respect to the security of pipelines. I thank Chairman Thompson for working with me on this issue and for including this in the manager's amendment. Over the past 36 years, there have been multiple instances of individuals rupturing pipelines in areas surrounding my district. Most recently in November 2007, three teenagers drilled into an anhydrous ammonia pipeline after being told that the pipeline contained money. The pipeline breach necessitated the evacuation of nearly 300 people in my district. At the time, local officials received conflicting guidance from the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation about whether this was a security incident or a safety incident. My provision seeks to resolve issues of this sort by requiring the Comptroller General to study the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation with respect to pipelines and report the results of the study to the Committee on Homeland Security within 6 months. Finally, my amendment requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to review and analyze the GAO study and report to the Committee on Homeland Security on her review and analysis, including recommendations for changes to the Annex to the Memorandum of Understanding between DHS and DOT or other improvements to pipeline security activities at DHS. Clarifying the respective roles of DHS and DOT will help to ensure that the officials in the areas that we represent do not receive conflicting guidance in the event of a future pipeline breach. I'm also pleased that the bill includes my provision that would provide reimbursement to airports that used their own funding to install explosive detective systems after 9/11. These airports installed such systems after receiving assurances from the Federal Government that they would be reimbursed. However, to date, they have not been reimbursed. Congress addressed this issue in section 1604 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act. But despite this explicit direction in 2007, TSA has not yet reimbursed a single eligible airport. My provision requires TSA to establish a process for resolving reimbursement claims within 6 months of receiving them. It also requires TSA to report to the Committee on Homeland Security an outline of the process used for the consideration for reimbursement claims, including a reimbursement schedule. This is a commonsense provision that will ensure that airports that did the right thing to protect the traveling public after the September 11th attacks will finally get the reimbursement they were promised by TSA and Congress.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor two of my constituents, brothers Ralph and Robert Brown. Ralph and Robert will be attempting a 2nd Guinness World Record this summer by sailing non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean from Tampa, Florida to Hamburg, Germany to raise funds for Wounded Warrior Foundations. In 2007, Ralph and Robert set their first Guinness World Record for the ``longest nonstop ocean voyage in a flats boat'' traveling from North Carolina to Bermuda and back to New York in a 21-foot open fishing boat of their own design. This voyage garnered a great deal of publicity and convinced the brothers to use this notoriety to raise money for Wounded Warriors Organizations in the future. Ralph and Robert will be using the publicity from their second voyage to raise money for six Wounded Warrior and Disabled Veterans Organizations, having set a goal of $3 million. In 1980, former Marine Ralph Brown was placed on the roster to liberate the American Embassy in Iran during the hostage takeover. However, at the last minute Ralph's group was replaced by another group of soldiers, out of which three men were killed. Mr. Brown and his brother have since dedicated their lives to honoring the lives of these three soldiers and their many other brave countrymen. Madam Speaker, Ralph and Robert Brown truly are doing more than just saying ``thanks,'' by raising money and awareness for our nation's wounded warriors. And they are doing so in one of the most original manners possible.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I strongly recommend that the Members vote favorably on this very important amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, this Congress has an obligation to protect taxpayers. The $590 billion that was handed to Wall Street firms does not belong to Wall Street. That money is the property of the American people. The fact that I voted against the TARP legislation is no excuse for me to wash my hands of the matter. I have a duty to my constituents and to the American taxpayers to do everything in my power to protect their investment. H.R. 1664 will impose restrictions on TARP recipients who refuse voluntarily to change their excessive compensation practices. However, those firms that are not receiving taxpayer dollars who directly engage in business with a TARP recipient must be assured they will not find themselves falling within the compensation restrictions of this bill. The bill, as written, recognizes this and states that a company that did business with a recipient of TARP funds will not be subject to the requirements of the bill. This language gives assurance to the non-TARP recipients that it is safe to do business with those firms on taxpayer life support, which is vitally important to protect taxpayer investments. However, this same language in the bill has the potential to inadvertently let most, if not all, TARP recipients off the hook. For example, Goldman Sachs is a TARP recipient and has engaged in business with AIG, another TARP recipient. Since Goldman Sachs does business with a recipient of TARP moneys, then by the terms of the language of the bill, Goldman Sachs will no longer be subject to the requirements of the bill. And for that matter, AIG will not be subject to the requirements of the bill because AIG does business with Goldman Sachs which is a TARP recipient. As you can guess, virtually all of the largest TARP recipients have done business with each other and therefore will escape the compensation restrictions of H.R. 1664 if this language is not corrected. My amendment solves this problem by clarifying the language in the bill to eliminate the possibility of this unintended result.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Yes, I will yield.

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I have no more speakers, Mr. Speaker. I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 1148, and I thank the chairman. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I yield myself, Mr. Speaker, as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1148 which I introduced earlier this year. This bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a cost analysis and determine the most appropriate places to expand upon a successful pilot program conducted by the Coast Guard that collects biometric information on illegal aliens interdicted at sea. This tool, as used by the Coast Guard, has made a measurable impact on our border security and could be used by other DHS components with assets in the maritime environment, such as Customs and Border Protection. The expansion of this program will further enhance the Department's efforts to secure our borders. The February 3 episode of Homeland Security U.S.A. showed the Coast Guard using this technology at sea when it rescued a boat full of illegal aliens attempting to make it from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico. As a result of the use of these biometrics, the Coast Guard was able to identify and detain 10 individuals with criminal records in the United States, including a repeat human smuggler who was wanted by Customs and Border Protection. This episode illustrated the use of biometrics at sea and on land. It works. In fact, the Coast Guard has reported that illegal migration in the Mona Pass, the narrow body of water between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, has been reduced by 75 percent as a result of the biometrics program. Since the beginning of the Coast Guard's biometrics pilot in the Caribbean in November, 2006, the Coast Guard has collected biometric data from 2,455 migrants using handheld scanners. This has resulted in the identification of 598 individuals with criminal records, and the U.S. Attorney's Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has prosecuted 271 individuals for violations of U.S. law, with a 100 percent conviction rate. We have seen the success of this pilot program. It ensures that individuals attempting to enter the United States illegally by sea that have criminal records will not simply be returned to their homelands. They will be detained so they cannot attempt to enter the U.S. again. It is now time for the Department to determine the best and most effective manner to expand this program to enhance border security. I hope the Department will deploy this program in the most risk-based, cost-efficient manner possible consistent with the current appropriations of the Coast Guard and other DHS components. I also look forward to expanding the appropriations for this program. And I urge my colleagues to join me in this effort. This is the third time that the House is considering legislation to authorize this program. An amendment I offered to the Coast Guard Authorization Act that was similar to the bill was considered, it was passed actually, last year by a voice vote on April 24. In addition, the House passed a stand-alone version of that amendment last summer, as Mr. Carney said, with his support, at 394-3. The biometrics program is another tool that is being used by the Department in its effort to secure our borders. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1148. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride and strong support for House Resolution 273, recognizing the 188th anniversary of Greek independence and celebrating Greek and American democracy. I thank my good friend and ranking member, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, for introducing this resolution. Like the American revolutionaries who fought for independence and established this great republic, Greek freedom fighters began an arduous struggle to win independence for Greece and its people 188 years ago. When the Greeks began this glorious revolution after four centuries of Ottoman oppression, they faced incredible odds. It was David versus Goliath. On March 25, 1821, Archbishop Germanos raised the flag of freedom and declared Greece free. This day of rebellion was not chosen by chance. It was a holy day, dedicated to the mother of God. To the Greeks of 1821, Theotokos was their champion, their savior, their protector. The revolution of 1821 brought independence to Greece, and emboldens those who still seek freedom across the world. It proved to the world that a united people, through sheer will and perseverance, can prevail against tyranny. By honoring the Greeks' struggle for independence, we reaffirm the values and ideas that make our great Nation. We also remember why freedom is so important. In the history of the Greek war for independence, many Greeks died, but they were undeterred from their ultimate goal. ``Eleftheria I Thanatos''--liberty or death--became their battle cry. We know the price of liberty can be very high. Democracy can only be maintained at a great cost. Our Greek brothers earned their liberty with blood, as did our American forefathers. The freedom we enjoy today is due to the sacrifices made by men and women in the past. I take great pride in both my Greek and American heritage. As Thomas Jefferson once said, ``To the ancient Greeks . . . we are all indebted for the light which led ourselves . . . American colonists, out of gothic darkness.'' We celebrate Greek independence to reaffirm the common democratic heritage we share. As Americans, we must continue to pursue this spirit of freedom and liberty that characterizes both of these great nations.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Cao).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his quick consideration of the bill, House Resolution 234, a resolution expressing support for the designation of a ``Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.'' I commend my colleague, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez of California, for introducing this resolution. The desire to welcome home our Nation's Vietnam veterans is strong across the country. It has now been 36 years since the American troops left Vietnam. It was March 30, 1973, when the United States Army completed the withdrawal of combat troops from Vietnam. Last Congress, we passed House Resolution 1231, a bill that recognizes the importance of Vietnam Veterans Day. In that legislation, we urged Americans to recognize the date and participate in local events. Across the Nation, several States have already organized Welcome Home events for Vietnam veterans on March 28 and March 29 of this year. This legislation before us would continue our support for this effort; provide honor and recognition of the contributions of veterans of the Armed Forces who served in Vietnam, and encourages the people of the United States to observe Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 234. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this resolution. It is long overdue. And I encourage Members to sponsor a ``Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day'' in their districts. I yield back the balance of my time. General Leave

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I have no other speakers at this time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Broun) 3 minutes.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume I rise today in support of H.R. 1617, the Department of Homeland Security Component Privacy Officer Act of 2009. Introduced by my committee colleague, Chris Carney, this bill is identical to H.R. 5170, which passed the House by voice vote last summer. H.R. 1617 directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate a privacy officer in each of the Department's components, including the Transportation Security Administration, the Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, FEMA, Customs and Border Protection, the Coast Guard, the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, the Science and Technology Directorate, and the National Protection and Programs Directorate. Each of these privacy officers would be responsible for implementing the Department's privacy policy at the component level and would report directly to both the component head and the Department's Chief Privacy Officer. We can all agree on the importance of ensuring privacy issues are considered and addressed when the Department's programs are developed and implemented. That is why I am pleased that the Department, under former Secretary Chertoff's leadership, has already taken the steps to establish privacy officers at the component level. The bill we are considering today will further strengthen these positions by statutorily mandating them and their roles and responsibilities. I hope the committee will work to craft an authorization bill for the Department this year to address issues such as this one and to ensure the Department has all the necessary tools to achieve its vital mission. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1617. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 1617, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 126, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my grave concern about the upcoming elections in El Salvador this week. Under its current and recent governments, El Salvador has served as a Forward Operating Location in the war on drugs and cooperates closely with the United States. However that may change if the opposition party, the FMLN, comes to power in Sunday's election. The Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) is a pro- terrorist party with direct ties to sponsors of terror like Cuba, Iran, and FARC, the narcoguerrilla terrorist organization in Colombia. Based on its relationships, the FMLN clearly is not a reliable partner in the fight on drug trafficking and money laundering. If the FMLN were to enter government in El Salvador, the Department of the Treasury would be forced to use its legal authority to monitor, control, delay, or terminate the movement of nearly $4 billion in remittances and other money transfers to El Salvador. The United States must be prepared to apply, on an urgent basis, the full array of legal instruments available should circumstances after the Salvadoran election require the urgent termination of the flow of remittances to that country. The government of El Salvador has shown itself to be a reliable and trustworthy counterpart regarding U.S. national security. For the sake of the Salvadorans and the United States, I pray that the FMLN is defeated, so that the United States can maintain its special relationship with the government of El Salvador. On Election Day, El Salvador will be choosing between remaining a close U.S. ally, or realigning itself with countries hostile to the U.S. Let's hope they choose freedom, security, and good neighborliness with the U.S.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding an earmark I received as part of H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009. Member requesting: Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis Bill number: H.R. 1105 Account: OJP--Byrne Discretionary Grants Name of requesting entity: Phoenix House Address of requesting entity: 6604 Harney Road, Tampa, Florida 33610 Description: The $200,000 will be used to help develop an enhanced residential substance abuse treatment program for women in Hillsborough County, Florida. This funding is justified because Byrne discretionary grants are used to help states and local communities prevent drug abuse and crime, which is the purpose of this program.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, fellow Members, I'm glad to be on the House floor with you this afternoon discussing this very important topic of adult stem cell therapy. The breakthroughs in technology that have been already discussed, they are exciting, the breakthroughs. And I'm encouraged that science and medical communities are moving toward an ethical approach to treating very sick patients. This miracle of ethical adult stem cell therapy really hit home with me last month when I met with a Florida cardiologist by the name of Dr. Zannos Grekos, who has been using adult stem cells to treat his very sick cardiopulmonary patients. The doctor has had extraordinary results, and the best part is no embryonic stem cells are used. Dr. Grekos' groundbreaking procedure involves a simple blood draw which extracts adult stem cells from the patient's own blood. Since it is the patient's own blood, there is no possibility of the body rejecting its own stem cells. The few naturally occurring stem cells in the blood are cultivated into millions of regenocytes. The regenocytes are re-injected back into the patient's heart or blood vessels. They then stimulate tissue re-growth and greater blood flow to the affected area. This treatment has proven to have miraculous results, and once again, the best part is that embryos are not destroyed and, because regenocytes are extracted from the patient's own blood, they cannot be rejected by the patient's body. It was reported on CNBC.com a couple of weeks ago that this groundbreaking treatment has successfully treated heart disease, and even helped a patient beat a rare metabolic condition known as Fabry Disease, which would otherwise require a heart transplant Madam Speaker, the government should not be in the business of funding destruction of embryonic stem cells. We should be in the business, however, of assisting bright, young, innovative doctors and scientists like Dr. Grekos, who have forged a path of ethical adult stem cell therapy. I, for one, am excited about the future of this therapy, and encourage this body to do all we can to support ethical adult stem cell therapy.