Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, before I yield back the remaining time, I just want to emphasize how important I believe it is for the House to consider both an authorization and appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security this year. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of legislation I have introduced, H.R. 2490, which would codify and expand a Coast Guard pilot program to collect biometric information on aliens interdicted at sea. I want to thank Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson for his willingness to move this bill through our committee and to the floor for consideration today. I also want to thank Peter King, our ranking member, for his support of this measure and his determined effort to strengthen our homeland security, first as chairman of our committee and now as ranking member. I am honored to serve with both of these great men. The House unanimously adopted H.R. 2490 as an amendment to the Coast Guard Authorization Act several months ago. However, I believe it is important for this body to act on H.R. 2490 independently, given the uncertain prospect for enactment of the Coast Guard bill in this Congress. My bill requires the Coast Guard to move forward on its biometrics at sea effort within 1 year and provide a cost analysis to Congress on expanding these capabilities to other Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security vessels and units. As part of this analysis, my bill also encourages DHS to give priority to expanding mobile biometric collection capability to assets and areas that are most likely to encounter illegal border crossings in the maritime environment. The efforts of the Coast Guard in this area show great promise. Since the collection of limited biometrics on individuals interdicted at sea began, the Coast Guard has collected biometric data from 1,530 migrants, resulting in nearly 30 matches against databases of wanted criminals, immigration violators and others who have previously encountered government authorities. Instead of being released to repeat their dangerous and illegal behavior, these individuals are now detained and prosecuted. The U.S. Attorney's Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has prosecuted more than 118 individuals for violations of U.S. immigration laws and other offenses based substantially on information obtained through the biometrics program. The Coast Guard reports that illegal migration in the Mono Pass, an area between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, has been reduced by 50 percent in just the past year as a result of the biometrics program. By leveraging its relationships with DHS, the Coast Guard now has access to millions of fingerprint files it can use to positively identify individuals encountered at sea, those who are without identification and are suspected of attempting to illegally enter the United States. Now that the Coast Guard has determined the most effective way to collect biometrics at sea, the Department of Homeland Security needs to determine the most appropriate way to move forward and expand this effort as cost effectively as possible, which is what my bill requires. Given the success of existing efforts on biometrics by the Coast Guard, I believe that it is imperative that we move forward on this bill so that these efforts are cost effective and will do the most good. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the collection of biometrics at sea by the Coast Guard is already helping greatly deter illegal migration and prevent the capture and release of dangerous individuals so we are not releasing them anymore, and that is very important. I urge all of my colleagues to help further that effort by voting for this bill. Mr. Speaker, before I yield back the balance of my time, I urge this House to consider both the authorization and appropriations bills this year, the Homeland Security authorization and appropriations bills. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 4806, the Reducing Over- Classification Act sponsored by my Homeland Security colleague, Representative Jane Harman, the distinguished subcommittee Chair on Intelligence. H.R. 4806 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and administer policies, procedures, and programs to prevent the over- classification of homeland security information. This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to continue its current practice of producing unclassified versions of the majority of its classified products. For example, just last month when the Department produced its classified periodic review of border security issues facing the United States, it produced an unclassified version as well. The bill specified that law enforcement agencies, emergency first responders, and private sector customers should benefit from these products, thus reinforcing the Department's commitment to State and local entities. Hopefully, this will encourage the widest possible dissemination of these unclassified products to better inform our frontline agencies. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4806 will further strengthen ongoing efforts to prevent the over-classification of homeland security information, and I look forward to its passage. I reserve the balance of my time

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to reiterate that we need the appropriations and the authorization Homeland Security bills on the floor this year. 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 today in support of H.R. 6193, the Improving Public Access to Documents Act, sponsored by Homeland Security Committee colleague, Representative Jane Harman, who does such great work. H.R. 6193 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and administer policies, procedures, and programs to implement the President's controlled unclassified information framework to standardize the many sensitive but unclassified categories of information. The bill requires the Secretary to coordinate with the Archivist of the United States and consult with representatives of State and local governments, privacy and civil rights advocacy groups, and the private sector in this effort. This bill codifies many of the policies and procedures included in a May 7, 2008 executive memorandum, which directs executive department heads to begin consolidating the over 100 known sensitive but unclassified designations. Information designated as sensitive but unclassified doesn't merit a security classification under Executive Order 12958 regarding classified national security information but is still sensitive that general disclosure is not in the public's best interest. Information that is law enforcement sensitive or designated for official use only are two examples of information that will now be marked as controlled unclassified information under this new construct. Mr. Speaker, I am confident that H.R. 6193 is a helpful first step in standardizing the many types of sensitive but unclassified information so as to improve homeland security information sharing. I urge my colleagues to support it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I thank the gentlelady for the information, and let's hope that the Senate gets to that authorization bill in September. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 901, congratulating and recognizing Tim Tebow for his many athletic accomplishments, including winning the 2007 Heisman Trophy and his humanitarian and academic achievements. Before enrolling at my alma mater, the University of Florida, Tim spent three summers in the Philippines engaging in missionary work. He spent time at an orphanage listening to the stories of daily struggles that these children face and giving him the opportunity to be a guiding and positive influence in their lives. His example inspired UF football coach Urban Meyer to take a mission trip to the Dominican Republic earlier this month. His leadership on the football field began when he played quarterback at Nease High School in Ponte Verde and led the Nease Panthers to a State title in 2006. Tim joined the University of Florida Fighting Gator football team in 2006. He helped the Gators win the 2006 SEC championship as well as the BCS national championship that same season. During the 2007 season, Tim had an astounding total of 51 touchdowns, setting the SEC record. He became the first sophomore to ever win the Heisman Trophy last December. What makes his story even more incredible is that he did it all while maintaining a 3.77 grade point average, majoring in family, youth, and community sciences. Incredible. Madam Speaker, this young man has served as a great role model for students both at the University of Florida and throughout the Nation due to his exemplary character, his academic achievement, and his unparalleled achievements on the football field. He has said himself that his priorities, in order, are faith, family, academics, and football. It is with admiration that I rise today to honor his achievements by supporting this resolution. Go Gators.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this bill, as I stated earlier. I yield back.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6098, the Personnel Reimbursement for Intelligence Cooperation and Enhancement of Homeland Security Act, sponsored by a great Member, again, another great Member that I am fortunate to serve with on the Homeland Security Committee, Congressman Dave Reichert. This bill, which I have cosponsored, would clarify that grant recipients under the State Homeland Security Grant Program, and the Urban Area Security Initiative, can use grant funding to help pay for analysts at State and local fusion centers. This clarification is critically important because some of these fusion centers have had to limit their operations and some may have to cease operations altogether because of unnecessary restrictions on Federal funding, despite the intent of the 9/11 bill that became law last year. Congressman Reichert's bill wisely updates current law to make clear that UASI and SHSGP funding can be used to hire and retain these intelligence analysts without a limitation on how long grants can be used for this purpose. This bill also would allow grant recipients to use up to 50 percent of their annual grant award for personnel and operational costs, including overtime. Mr. Speaker, state and local fusion centers play an important role in filling gaps in information sharing with the Federal Government and facilitating the dissemination of critical information to States and localities. I encourage all of our colleagues to help these centers maximize our ability to detect, prevent and respond to criminal and terrorist activity by supporting H.R. 6098. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 5170, the Department of Homeland Security Component Privacy Officer Act, sponsored by my committee colleague, Chris Carney. H.R. 5170 would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate a full-time privacy official within components of the Department. These components include the Transportation Security Administration, Citizenship and Immigration Services, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, FEMA, the Coast Guard, the Science and Technology Directorate, the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, and NPPD. The bill provides that each component privacy official will report directly to the Department's Chief Privacy Officer. Each component privacy officer shall have primary responsibility for implementing the Department's privacy policy within its component. The bill provides for a dual direct report relationship to both the privacy official's component head and the Department's Chief Privacy Officer in carrying out his or her duties. I think we all can agree that protecting the privacy of our Nation's citizens is of great importance, and that privacy considerations should be integrated into the decision-making process at all DHS components. I am pleased that the Department has already recognized the importance of privacy protection. In November, 2007, Secretary Chertoff signed a DHS memorandum entitled Designation of Component Level Privacy Officers. This memorandum calls for the designation of full-time component privacy officers at CBP, ICE, FEMA, the Bureau of Citizen and Immigration Services, the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, and the Science and Technology Directorate. Both TSA, US-VISIT, and the Bureau of Citizen and Immigration Services had their own privacy officials for some time. H.R. 5170 takes the additional step of statutorily mandating component privacy officials. The approach this bill takes certainly has much merit, though I hope that we can address some of the Department's concerns about the impacts the bill's mandates may have on the ability of the next Secretary to manage the administration of the Department as the legislative process moves on. Mr. Speaker, having said that, I intend to support H.R. 5170 and encourage all our colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to welcome a good friend and inspired leader from Tampa Bay, Father James Rousakis of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater, Florida. I have known Father James for nearly 20 years and have become a big admirer of him, as well as his wonderful wife, Presvytera Vasiliki, an incredible woman who is just as much a leader at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church as Father James. When I asked Father James what compelled him to a life in the church when he was on a completely different career path at age 23, he said he was attending Holy Thursday church services during Easter and a compelling voice said over his left shoulder, ``You need to be here every day!'' Listening to that voice, Father James became ordained as a priest in 1971, and the rest is history. He has served the Orthodox faithful in Rochester, New York; Atlanta, Georgia; Portland, Maine; Indianapolis; and now Clearwater Florida. As Vicar of the Tampa Bay Greek Orthodox Church for the Metropolis of Atlanta, Father James Rousakis will begin his 18th year of pastorship in my district. With his boundless energy, Father James has helped to foster incredible growth in the membership and ministries at Holy Trinity. Madam Speaker, I wish Father James many more years of compassionate and enlightened service in the Tampa Bay area, and am glad that he didn't ignore that profound voice 45 years ago. Welcome, Father James.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Walter Glenn Kelm, who was recognized this week by Florida Governor Charlie Crist with the Points of Light Award for his outstanding volunteerism. Glenn has committed countless hours and tireless efforts for the past 16 years to provide healthy meals for those less fortunate. Glenn began his volunteer mission in 1992 when he established the Shephard's Cupboard. Each day after work Glenn would collect food from local grocery stores and donate it for those who otherwise could not afford a nutritious meal. Then, in 1997, he left the Shephard's Cupboard to help start the Volunteer Way Food Bank. Glenn has served many roles at the Volunteer Way, including volunteer board member and later treasurer, but has always stepped up with a smile to do whatever needed to be done. Because of Glenn's active involvement, the Volunteer Way quickly expanded their outreach. Last year they distributed over 5,000,000 pounds of food all over central Florida to those who most need it. Madam Speaker, Glenn's devoted volunteer efforts have helped provide so many Floridians with healthy meals. I am very much honored to recognize a man whose work has greatly improved the lives of those less fortunate, and will undoubtedly continue to do so. I congratulate him for deservingly receiving the Points of Light Award and believe all American can learn from his commitment and passion.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise not only as a Member of this esteemed body, but more importantly, as a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and also as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues. I stand before you today to recall a somber anniversary that has pained the Cypriot and Hellenic communities for the past 34 years. Mr. Speaker, even though the tragic events of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus took place as long ago as July 20, 1974, believe it or not, the suffering of the victims has not subsided. This anniversary is a time for America to respectfully remember the brutal Turkish military invasion of Cyprus, to mourn those who lost their lives, and to condemn the continued occupation. Five thousand Cypriots were killed in 1974, and more than 1,400 Greek Cypriots, including four Americans of Cypriot descent, still remain missing. Since the invasion, Turkey has established a heavily armed military occupation that continues to control nearly 40 percent of the island. Forced expulsions of Greek Cypriots on the occupied land have left nearly 200,000 people displaced. These Cypriots were kicked out of their homes, making them refugees in their own country. Those properties have been unlawfully distributed and are currently being used by the tens of thousands of illegal settlers from Turkey. To this day, Greek Cypriots are prevented by Turkey from returning to their homes and properties. Another tragic result of this 34-year occupation is the division among Greek and Turkish Cypriots, who have been forcibly separated along ethnic lines. This unnatural division of the island Nation is a crime against society and the people of Cyprus that can only be resolved by ending this occupation. Mr. Speaker, 34 years is just too long. On the occasion of this anniversary, we need to take a long, hard look at our own commitment toward helping Cyprus reach a lasting and enduring peace, free from occupation, division, and oppression. Last year, the U.S. House had the wisdom and foresight to unanimously pass H. Res. 405, a measure I introduced, which expressed strong support from this body for the implementation of the July 8 agreement. This year, a new President was elected in Cyprus. President Demitris Christofias has followed through on his promise to make the solution of the Cyprus problem his top priority and principal concern. The day of his election, he extended a hand of friendship to the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Talat, and called on him to meet face-to-face to begin implementing the July 8 agreement. The Republic of Cyprus has also worked alongside its European neighbors to bring about a stronger integration of Turkish and Greek Cypriot interests for the good of the island. This has included a partial lifting on restrictions of movement across the cease-fire line that continues to forcibly divide Cyprus. As a result, since 2003, more than 13 million Greek and Turkish Cypriots have crossed without incident. Additionally, the per capita income of Turkish Cypriots has nearly tripled in the last 3 years because of an aggressive integration policy by the Republic of Cyprus. Mr. Speaker, I believe that because of this continued integration between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, and the economic and political successes that the Republic of Cyprus so readily wants to share with its neighbors, it is possible to bring closure to this 34-year occupation. Cyprus has long been a strong and faithful ally of the United States. It continues to work with us in the global war on terrorism and has supported our efforts in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Aside from providing over-flight rights and port access, the Government of Cyprus has joined only a handful of Nations who have acted on their commitment to cancel Iraq's outstanding debt. Mr. Speaker, 34 years is long enough. It is not impossible to conceive one day having a Cyprus that is unified under a bizonal, bicommunal federation with a single sovereignty, single international personality, and single citizenship with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots. We, Americans, as friends of the Cypriot people, owe it to them to do everything in our power to support peace and an end to this illegal occupation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert E. ``Roy'' Parke, who was taken from us on June 5, 2008, at 87 years of age. The man many called Florida's strawberry king and founder of Parkesdale Farms in Dover, Florida, is remembered as a driving force in Florida's strawberry industry. A native of Northern Ireland, Roy Parke and his family migrated to the United States when he was 5. He attended a one-room school in Pennsylvania, and then served his country in World War II as a sergeant in the 63rd Infantry Division. He founded R.E. Parke & Sons in 1957 with money from a G.I. Bill of Rights loan. Today, the operation has more than 500 acres of berries and vegetables. Roy pioneered the first successful overseas air shipment of strawberries to Europe in 1963, and he was the first to protect strawberries with overhead irrigation. In 1983, Roy was the first inductee into the Florida Strawberry Hall of Fame and was a vocal proponent of the state's strawberry industry. Roy was someone who I have admired and respected for many years. He was not only a renowned success in his business endeavors, but he was also a prominent leader in his diverse volunteer efforts. The communities of Dover and Plant City will forever bear his imprint and the memory of the ``Strawberry King'' will surely be eternal. Madam Speaker, my heart aches for Roy's family. He is survived by his wife, Helen; daughters Cheryl Meeks, Sandee Sytsma and Colleen Fulton; sons Bobby Parke and Gary Parke; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. May God bless the Parke family. We shall never forget Roy.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 295, which I introduced. I would like to thank Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter for allowing this resolution to come to the floor. I also want to thank Mr. Courtney and, of course, Mr. Rogers. Among the many things that make our Nation so great is our strong and valiant military. The strength, courage, and dedication of the men and women in uniform keep us safe at home from threats abroad. While Congress rightfully has and continues to recognize these men and women, so too should we honor their family members who serve as constant pillars of strength for them. Behind each and every one of the more than 2 million individuals serving in the United States Armed Forces is a multitude of family members, be it mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses, aunts, uncles, extended family, offering encouragement and providing the emotional and physical support our defenders need to successfully protect our Nation. These family members make daily sacrifices as they forgo time with their loved ones and face increased worry and uncertainty as members of the Armed Forces serve extended tours abroad and engage in more frequent training missions. Even under the most difficult circumstances, when one of our soldiers is wounded in action, these families willingly take on the role of caregiver. They selflessly postpone their personal goals and rearrange their lives to meet the physical and emotional needs of their loved ones as they transition back to civilian life. Our members of the Armed Forces are able to exhibit the level of strength and devotion that is their trademark, in part because of the network of support that they know they have at home. That is why I have introduced H. Con. Res. 295, which recognizes the integral role the families of our servicemembers play in defense of our Nation. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and privilege that I rise today to express my deepest appreciation to the immediate and extended families of the members of the Armed Forces for their unwavering support that they provide to our Nation's heroes. I urge all my colleagues to do the same by supporting this resolution.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4264 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs Spinal Cord Injury Center at the James Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa, Florida, after my father, former Congressman Michael Bilirakis. I would like to thank Mr. Miller for introducing this legislation, my colleagues from Florida for their support, and you, Mr. Speaker, as well as Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer for their leadership. I appreciate all of their hard work in recognizing my father's dedication to providing our veterans suffering from spinal cord injuries with a much needed state-of-the-art facility. As a veteran himself, my father came to Washington in 1982 to be a strong advocate for our Nation's veterans in the halls of Congress. He served as a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs during all of his 12 terms in office. During the last 6 years of his career, he served as vice-chairman of the full committee. He also founded the Military Veterans Caucus in the 108th Congress. Through his work on the committee, my father sought to recognize the great contributions of our Nation's veterans and the sacrifices made by their families. He consistently fought to ensure that veterans received the benefits and services that they earned through their military service. In fact, he often said that veterans' benefits were our one true ``entitlement'' because individuals had to earn their benefits by wearing our Nation's military uniform. It took 12 years to secure the funding, but the construction of the new Tampa SCI Center was one of my father's most important achievements in Congress. There are over 3,000 veterans suffering from spinal cord injury disabilities living within the Tampa VA spinal cord injury service area, as well as another 3,000 to 4,000 veterans with spinal cord dysfunctions living in the region. Before the construction of this facility, the Tampa SCI Unit occupied space originally designed for psychiatric patients and was not well suited for the unique needs of SCI patients. My father made getting this spinal cord treatment center one of his top priorities while in Congress. As a matter of fact, he has dedicated his life to veterans; he is still working for veterans. In total, he secured $44 million for the construction of this facility, which serves as a much needed addition to the James Haley VA Medical Center. Since opening in February of 2002, it has provided essential services to local veterans suffering from these debilitating injuries. My father will be so proud--and I appreciate all of you, my colleagues--and honored; he would be honored to have his name attached to the Spinal Cord Injury Center that he worked so hard to establish while in Congress. His leadership and his advocacy on behalf of veterans' issues continues today, as I said, and this bill brings the deserved recognition for one of his great accomplishments and his devoted mission to support our Nation's brave men and women.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 3546, which authorizes the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program at fiscal year 2006 levels through 2012. Earlier this year I was disappointed to learn of the administration's draconian reduction in funding which would have limited the ability of our law enforcement officers to obtain the necessary manpower, equipment, and other tools to reduce criminal activity, putting them in a reactive rather than proactive mode. The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program allows States and local governments to improve their criminal justice system by supporting activities that help prevent and control crime. H.R. 3546 authorizes $1.095 billion annually through FY2012 for the grant program. It is critically important that States and local law enforcement agencies have access to these much-needed resources, which help fight crime and drug proliferation in our communities. Madam Speaker, we must properly fund our local law enforcement officers, who put their lives on the line daily to keep the rest of us safe. Therefore, I encourage my colleagues to join me in voting for this very important legislation to keep our neighborhoods safe!

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1029, which congratulates and recognizes Mr. Juan Antonio ``Chi- Chi'' Rodriguez for his success on the golf course, for his devotion to charity and for his dedication to the intellectual and moral development of low-income and disadvantaged youth throughout our Nation. Mr. Rodriguez' knack for golf began at a young age. He learned to play golf with makeshift golf clubs fashioned from guava tree limbs and from tin cans hammered into golf balls. He shot a remarkable 67 at age 12. By the end of his professional career, he had won 22 Senior PGA tour events and the hearts of many Americans with his trademark toreador dance. Part of what makes Mr. Rodriguez such a remarkable individual is that he took his own professional accomplishments and channeled them into the Chi-Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation, which supports the Chi-Chi Rodriguez Academy, which is in my congressional district. Starting in 1979 and with just 17 students, the mission of the academy is to assist at-risk children by improving their self-esteem, character, work ethic, social adjustment, and academic performance by using the golf course as a classroom. The academy encompasses a public-private partnership school that fosters students' achievements through interactive experiences in various real- world business environments: The First Tee of Clearwater, incorporating life skills with golf skills; the After School Enrichment program, reinforcing and furthering academic studies; and the Community Service program, designed to help students fulfill their graduation and scholarship volunteer service hour requirements. Madam Speaker, my kids have had the honor of meeting Mr. Rodriguez, and I have had the pleasure of seeing firsthand his good work in my district. Mr. Rodriguez, after meeting with Mother Teresa, embraced her lesson of living to help other people, and he has served as an inspiration to thousands of young men and women over the past three decades. His unique idea to teach the important life skills of self- control, responsibility and respect for others to at-risk youth while maintaining an atmosphere that builds confidence and positive educational experiences through golf is truly commendable. It is with great admiration that I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Mr. Chi-Chi Rodriguez by supporting this resolution.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pasco County Library system for receiving the Florida Library Association's 2008 Library of the Year Award. Each year, an awards committee, composed of members from libraries across the State, reviews nominations for this prestigious award. Although all libraries are eligible, if no library meets the outstanding circumstances, the board can deem it appropriate to withhold the award. However, the Pasco County Library System was selected because of its creative and innovative programming, exemplary service to county residents, and leadership in the community. Madam Speaker, the Pasco County Library system serves as a model for libraries across my home State of Florida as well as across the Nation. It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the Pasco County Library System for its receipt of the Florida Library Association's 2008 Library of the Year Award.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride in support of Senate bill 254 to posthumously award Constantino Brumidi the Congressional Gold Medal. We have just heard from the previous speakers the life and times of this inspired artist with whom I'm very proud to share the same Greek heritage. Many walk through the halls of Congress, but do not know much about the man who dedicated most of his professional life to beautifying it. Constantino Brumidi, a Greek and Italian immigrant, came to America in search of freedom and opportunity. What he accomplished rivals most any immigrant success story. Constantino Brumidi's life and work exemplify the lives of millions of immigrants who came to pursue the American dream. Soon after becoming an American citizen, Brumidi was commissioned to decorate the structure which houses the greatest democratic institution in world history. This feat is a testament both to Brumidi's resolve, and our great Nation's willingness to embrace those who want to share in the American dream. I would also love this award to be accompanied with a statue that would adorn the Capitol Visitors Center. That's why I have introduced H.R. 1313. A statue of Brumidi, along with a Congressional Gold Medal, will serve as a shining example of American ideals and inspire people everywhere who wish to embrace freedom. While it has taken over 130 years, it is never too late for the installment of this Gold Medal in recognition of the contributions of Constantino Brumidi to the Nation. Congratulations, and I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 353 I was unvoidably detained and missed rollcall vote No. 353. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''