Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Andreas G. Tzakis, who is the recipient of the Panhellenic Federation of Florida Award. A Professor of Surgery at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Tzakis is one of the top transplant surgeons in the world, as well as a preeminent educator and research scientist. A native of Greece, Dr. Tzakis attended the University of Athens Medical School and served in the medical corps of the Greek Air Force. He came to the United States in 1977 where he spent the next 6 years as a resident at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and then the State University of New York at Stony Brook. It was said that he transformed into ``one of the best surgeons in the world,'' while serving as a surgical fellow with the world renowned transplant team of Dr. Thomas Starzl at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Tzakis has served in several leadership positions and is a member of numerous professional organizations. He is a founding member of the International Pancreas and Islet Transplant Association. He has also published over 600 papers, abstracts, and book chapters, and has been a visiting professor at medical schools across the United States, Europe, and Asia. He was recognized internationally in 1994 for the transplantation of two baboon livers into humans, and has led the way in transplanting insulin-producing cells from the pancreas and performing intestinal and multi-visceral organ transplantations. Madam Speaker, Dr. Tzakis is not only a great surgeon but has also developed innovative techniques that have advanced transplant surgery in general. I am truly honored to recognize a person who has contributed so much to modern medicine, his peers, and the world. His work to save lives is legendary.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, for the past 60 years, the United States and Taiwan have enjoyed a unique and vital relationship. Forged during a period of mutual confrontation with communism, our ties have flourished over the years. Indeed, what began as primarily a security- focused partnership has become one based on a wide range of mutual interests. The growth of our relations was in no way a coincidence. Instead, the common values of freedom, democracy and prosperity have guided both our peoples over the years. During the past two decades in particular, America's support has helped Taiwan develop a vibrant democratic government and strong economy, which in turn have provided hope and inspiration to others in the region and around the world. Today, as Taiwan prepares for yet another milestone in its democratic progression--the inauguration of a new President later this month--I would like to recognize some of the successes we have had together under the leadership of its outgoing President, Chen Shui-bian. From President Chen's first months in office, the United States and Taiwan worked to advance its rightful role in the international community. This began with cooperative efforts to first call for and later secure Taiwan's entry into the World Trade Organization. Our governments also worked closely together during this period of increasing global health awareness and activity. Over the past several years. America has consistently pushed to have Taiwan included in international forums where it can convey lessons learned from its experience with SARS and the Avian flu. In addition, our senior diplomats--backed by strong congressional direction in 2003--have sought a meaningful role for Taiwan in the World Health Organization. Our security interests have also been closely aligned during President Chen's tenure. The tragedy that befell the United States on September 11, 2001. was met with a swift response by Taiwan, which assisted with resources for coalition efforts in Afghanistan. cooperative efforts to track and shut down terrorist financial networks, participation in our government's Container Security Initiative, and many other joint efforts. Taiwan even contributed generously to the Pentagon Memorial Fund, in recognition of those who lost their lives on 9/11. The partnership we have built with Taiwan has also served both governments well as we have been compelled to respond to hostile Chinese gestures in recent years. Perhaps the starkest example of this during President Chen's time in office occurred in December 2004, when China unveiled and subsequently enacted its Anti-Secession Law, a measure providing legal authority for the People's Liberation Army to invade Taiwan without provocation. A steady and determined response by President Chen was matched by strong statements of concern from the international community, signaling to China that hostile action would be met with strong resistance. America has also sought ways to counter a wide range of other Chinese measures that seek to isolate Taiwan: Militarily, China has noticeably increased its threat to Taiwan's security through the steady deployment of missiles targeting Taiwan, in numbers that have grown by more than 100 per year and now far exceed 1,000 in number. Diplomatically, China has attempted to block at every turn Taiwan's efforts to participate in the global community. It opposed Taiwan's recent application to join the United Nations as a full member, and has repeatedly thwarted Taiwan's attempts to join the UN and its affiliate organizations--such as the World Health Organization--even as an observer. Economically, China has sought to prevent Taiwan from expanding its role in international markets--using the dependence created by their over $80 billion in annual bilateral trade as a means to advancing unification. At the same time, it has been working to build bilateral and regional free trade agreements (FTAs) that deliberately exclude Taiwan. Politically, China's authorities refused to communicate with Taiwan's elected leadership during President Chen's tenure, despite repeated offers by him to engage in open dialogue. As evidenced by the constructive efforts cited earlier, the United States and Taiwan have worked closely to address each of these threats as they have arisen. And we will continue to do so when President Ma Ying-jeou assumes office on May 20th, building on the record of achievement that our governments have amassed in just the first years of this new century. I look forward to working with President Ma's government as we seek to further advance our common values and interests.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk made in order under the rule.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I also want to thank Chairman Oberstar for the kind words and Mr. LaTourette, my good friend. This is a great amendment. Thanks for your cooperation. I appreciate it.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Chairman, I would like to thank Chairman Thompson and also thank Ranking Member King for supporting this good bill and my amendment. Thank you very much.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise to offer an amendment to the Coast Guard Authorization Act that will strengthen maritime security. My amendment would replace section 708 of the bill which incorporates language from a stand-alone bill I have introduced with tougher language that would codify and expand a Coast Guard pilot program to collect biometric information on aliens interdicted at sea. My amendment requires the Coast Guard to move forward on this program within 1 year, and provide a cost analysis to Congress on expanding these capabilities in other Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security vessels and units. As part of this analysis, my amendment would encourage DHS to give priority to expanding mobile biometric collection capabilities 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 1,513 migrants resulting in nearly 300 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. laws, immigration laws, and other offenses based substantially on information obtained through the biometrics program. The Coast Guard reports that illegal migration in the Mona Pass area, an area between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, has been reduced by 50 percent in the past year as a direct result of the biometrics program. By leveraging its relationships within 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 an illegality and illegally entering 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 amendment requires. Given the success of existing efforts on biometrics by the Coast Guard, I believe it is imperative that we strengthen section 708 of the underlying bill on clarifying congressional intent in this area so that these efforts are cost effective and will do the most good. It is clear 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. I urge the distinguished Members of this House to help further that effort by voting for this amendment. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Clifton Conrad Curry III, who was taken from us on March 1, 2008, at just 20 years of age. Trey, as he was known, was a young man who greatly enjoyed life and loved the people that crossed his path. It has been said that he never met a person that he did not like, and, in turn, everyone loved him. His kindness toward others, compassion, and bear hugs for close friends and family will not soon be forgotten. Trey attended Hillsborough Community College and Tallahassee Community College. He was a 2006 graduate of Newsome High School and a 2003 graduate of Brandon Academy. He was a member of both the Junior Varsity and Varsity football teams as a freshman at Tampa Catholic High School and played many seasons of South Brandon Little League Baseball. Trey was an avid Florida State University fan who enjoyed golfing with Coach Bobby Bowden and attending home football games with family. He was an outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, snow skiing, and golfing. Madam Speaker, my heart aches for Trey's family. He leaves behind his parents, Terry and Clif, his brother and sister, Colton and Mary Beth, and many other family and friends who loved him and will forever miss this most remarkable young man. May God bless the Curry family. We shall never forget Trey.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, Patrick J. Miller of New Port Richey, Florida, was killed in Iraq over the weekend defending the freedom and liberties of those unable to defend themselves. Private First Class Miller, also known as P.J., was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas. He was deployed in Iraq since September 2007 and was fatally wounded when his unit came up against an IED attack and small arms fire during combat operations in Baghdad. Although I did not have the privilege of knowing this courageous young man, by all accounts he was someone who lived every day with the same honor and integrity that he brought to the service of his country. Prior to joining the Army, P.J. graduated from Mitchell High School in New Port Richey. While there, he excelled both in academics and athletics. These traits would serve him well later in life in both college and as a soldier in the U.S. Army. P.J. eventually earned his bachelor's degree in biology from the University of South Florida and aspired to one day further his education in graduate school. Private First Class Miller's life was one of courage, perseverance and determination. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect us and the country he loved. This is a debt that can never be repaid to his family and loved ones. Madam Speaker, I am saddened by the loss of P.J. and grieve for his family. May God bless them and comfort them in this time of great loss. May God also bless this great country for which Private First Class Miller so nobly fought and died. We shall never forget him.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for a resolution of a 15-year impasse on a mutually agreed upon name for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as we near the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Heads of State and Government summit in Bucharest, Romania. One of the major issues considered will be the expansion of NATO and the possible extension of membership invitations to Albania, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Greece is the greatest supporter and promoter for the realization of the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of all countries in S.E. Europe and has contributed to that end enormous human and financial capital. Greece has been FYROM's best friend in the Balkan neighborhood by donating over $1 billion in aid and bolstering its fledgling market economy. While Greece wholehearted, however, cannot agree to the accession of FYROM that is wholly contrary to the principles of NATO. According to the Membership Action Plan NATO adopted in 1999, potential members must first display a willingness ``to settle international, ethnic or external territorial disputes by peaceful means, commitment to the rule of law and human rights, and democratic control of armed forces.'' Clearly, the FYROM has failed to meet even this first criterion. The addition of FYROM to NATO would undoubtedly enhance the Alliance but only if it displays an adherence to the rule of law. FYROM must resolve the name issue in accordance with adherence to U.S. policy and a UN-brokered agreement that calls for ending negative propaganda against Greece by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and settling the name issue. Madam Speaker, I hope that NATO and the international community will do the right thing by requiring FYROM to work with Greece in reaching a mutually agreed upon name resolution that comports with bilateral and international agreements. Once that is accomplished we can then and only then know that FYROM is serious about engaging in good neighborly relations.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman, and thank you, Representative Berkley, for those kind words on my grandparents' country. I am so proud of my Greek heritage. Madam Speaker, I rise today with great pride and in strong support of House Resolution 1024, recognizing the 187th anniversary of Greek independence and celebrating Greek and American democracy. Like the American revolutionaries who fought for independence and established this great Republic we call the land of the free and the home of the brave, Greek freedom fighters began an arduous struggle to win independence for Greece and its people 187 years ago. When the Greeks began this glorious revolution after four centuries of Ottoman oppression, they faced what appeared to be insurmountable odds. It was David versus Goliath. On March 25, 1821, Archbishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of freedom and was the first to declare Greece free. This day of rebellion was not chosen by chance. This holy day was 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 emboldened those who still sought freedom across the world. It was proved to the world that a united people through sheer will and perseverance can prevail against tyranny. The lessons the Greeks taught us then continue to provide strength to victims of persecution around the world today. By honoring the Greek struggle for independence, we reaffirm the values and ideas that make our Nation great. We also remember why freedom is so important. In the history of the Greek war for independence, there were many acts of heroism. From Theodoros Kolokotronis, the leader of the Klephts, who refused to submit to Ottoman domination, to the fiercely patriotic women of Suli, who, left alone, learned that Turkish troops were fast approaching their village, they began to dance the Syrtos, a patriotic Greek dance. One by one, they committed suicide by throwing themselves and their children off a mountain top. They chose to die rather than surrender and face slavery. There was also Athanasios Diakos, a legendary hero, a priest, a patriot, and a soldier. In full knowledge of their fatal fate, he led 500 of his men in a notable stand against 8,000 Ottoman soldiers. Diakos' men were wiped out and he fell into the enemy's hands, where he was tortured before his death. He is the image of a Greek that gave all for love of faith and homeland. Long live his memory. Although many Greeks died, they were undeterred from their ultimate goal. ``Eleftheria I Thanatos,'' liberty or death, became their battle cry. These legends underscore Greece's absolute commitment to independence. As we all know, the price of liberty can be very high, hundreds of thousands of lives. Socrates, Plato, Pericles and many other great minds throughout history warned that we maintain democracy only 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, as I said, my Greek and American heritage. Each time I perform my constitutional duties, I am doing so in the legacy of the ancient Greeks and our American forefathers. 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. And as Americans, we must continue to pursue this spirit of freedom and liberty that characterizes both of these great nations.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Garland Forbes. A graduate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, with an Endodontic Certificate from the Graduate Dental School of Ohio State University, Dr. Forbes has been providing quality care and comfort to patients in Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando Counties with exemplary endodontic services. However, his devotion to his community does not rest solely within his trained profession. He also organizes and executes his annual Plant 1,000 Trees Before You Die observance. In December of 2005, Dr. Forbes, with the help of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America, distributed 1,000 trees to area dental office personnel and their staff. In 2006, the event doubled with the distribution of 2,000 as Dr. Forbes partnered with the United Way and a local bank. The event reached further into the community as the public was invited to pick up trees to plant. In 2007, Dr. Forbes again decided to increase the number of trees by one hundred percent, distributing 4,000 trees. Because of Dr. Forbes's efforts, more than 7,000 trees have now been planted in the Florida counties of Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Hernando, and Polk. Madam Speaker, Dr. Forbes is a terrific example of how just one person can make a difference both locally and environmentally. His service to the community, through his endodontic services as well as his Plant 1,000 Trees Before You Die initiative truly serve as an inspiration to others. I am delighted today to acknowledge such an influential member of my community, and I hope that the example by which Dr. Forbes leads will serve as an incentive for others to contemplate how they too can serve their communities.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I really urge strong support for this resolution. We can't put up with this any longer. And I really appreciate this resolution. I want to thank the author and the chairman on this. And I urge strong support, as I said.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the author of this measure, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Garrett).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 951, which does not merely condemn the ongoing Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians, but also clearly articulates that the United States stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Israel in their time of need. Since the inception of the Palestinians' latest war against Israel, which started in September of 2000, Palestinian suicide bombers have struck at crowded buses, hotels, cafes, and other civilian targets, shedding innocent blood in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other communities. Additionally, during the war in Lebanon during the summer of 2006, Hezbollah rockets rained down on Israeli civilian populations, claiming dozens of innocent lives. And then, Mr. Speaker, there is Sderot and other Israeli communities bordering Gaza where every day ordinary people must cope with the fear that a rocket could fall at any moment, killing or maiming them and their loved ones. Last month, as the international press covered a Palestinian demonstration against Israel, Hamas and other Palestinian jihadist groups launched rockets that struck Sderot and elsewhere. The scene was terrifying. A father of four died of shrapnel wounds after a rocket struck his car, and a 10-year-old boy lay severely injured after being struck in a supermarket as his 8-year-old sister tried to comfort him. These are just a few instances of Israeli suffering in the border communities broadcast internationally, but the trauma endured by innocent Israeli civilians in such attacks has been ongoing and extensive. The psychological impact from continued rocket attacks has affected all segments of the population. However, the brutal impact has been most vivid on the Sderot children. Reports indicate that almost one- third of the people between the ages of 4 and 18 have suffered post- traumatic stress disorder, and I have spoken to some children that were under this situation. Many more exhibit feelings of severe anxiety and feelings of helplessness that warn of more serious problems to come. And, Mr. Speaker, the rockets continue to fall. With the help of Iran and Syria, Hamas and its accomplices are developing, acquiring, and firing rockets with longer range, more accurate lethality. It is an unfortunate situation, Mr. Speaker, and we have to do something. Yet, even though Palestinian extremists continue to target innocent men, women, and children in clear violation of international law, the response of other nations and other international bodies, such as the United Nations, has often been openly hostile to the Israelis, the very people under attack. In multiple U.N. forums, not a word is uttered about the Hamas rockets falling from the sky, and Israel is denounced for inflicting suffering on Gaza when it defends itself against those who attack its citizens, including through an economic blockade, a blockade which does not apply to food, medicine, and other vital necessities. While the European Union earlier this week denounced Israel's actions against those who launch rockets against the Israeli people, it said next to nothing about the countless Israeli victims of Palestinian violence. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, it is vital that Congress takes a stand against this double standard. This resolution states that the Palestinian extremists behind the rocket attacks against Israeli civilians are in clear violation of international humanitarian standards as they not only brutally target civilian populations, but use peace-loving Palestinian civilians as human shields against Israel's self-defense measures. Furthermore, this resolution calls on the President to direct the U.S. permanent representative to the U.N. to introduce a resolution at the U.N. Security Council condemning Palestinian rockets and other attacks against innocent Israeli civilians and direct the Secretary of State to raise this issue in all applicable bilateral and international fora. Finally, this resolution sends a message to the very people under daily attack by these rockets, our Israeli friends and allies, that the Congress of the United States stands firmly behind them in their struggle against Palestinian extremists. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this critical resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hensarling).

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1084, the Reconstruction and Stabilization Civilian Management Act. I want to thank Chairman Berman; the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr), the author of the bill; and my dear friend, Mr. Saxton, the lead Republican cosponsor of the legislation, for working to reach the bipartisan agreement before us. The text we are considering today was finalized in consultation with the State Department and the White House. It provides the President and Secretary of State with the basic authorities they have been seeking for expanding reconstruction and stabilization activities in order to assist countries whose descent into internal crisis may endanger the national security interests of the United States. The legislation formally creates and gives full legislative support to the 4-year-old office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization. It also provides the President with the authority to create a Federal Response Readiness Corps and a volunteer Civilian Reserve Corps, a proposal based on a December 2005 Presidential directive and which enjoys the support of a broad cross-section of U.S. agencies. These new corps will work to prevent future conflicts overseas and ensure that we are better prepared to effectively address post-conflict scenarios in countries that are important to our Nation's security interests. The hope is that, by preorganizing and training qualified civilian personnel, any future reconstruction and stabilization operations can be better coordinated and more effective in order to free up our Armed Forces to better focus on strategic military and security objectives. It is important to note that the text before us provides these authorities in a limited, careful manner, subject to greater congressional oversight. In contrast with the original text and other proposed drafts, there are several things that today's suspension text does not do: It does not mandate specific funding levels, and limits funding authorities to a 3-year trial period, from fiscal year 2008 through 2010; it does not create additional budget draw-down authority for emergency peacekeeping assistance; it does not mandate a minimum number of Civilian Reserve Corps personnel; and it does not include special personnel authorities such as waivers to allow dual compensation of Federal retirees or an increase in the premium pay cap. Although we are attempting to create a system that is better equipped to intervene more effectively in foreign crises, we are not intending to lower the threshold for U.S. involvement in such situations. This is not an invitation to ``nation building.'' For this reason, the amended text requires a Presidential national security interest determination and advance congressional notification before any deployment of the corps to a country in crisis. We also intend that these activities be conducted in a transparent and fiscally responsible manner. Toward that end, the text includes an annual worldwide cap of $100 million on all reconstruction and stabilization assistance provided under the act. In order to mitigate the potential domestic impact, the text we are considering today mandates that the Civilian Reserve Corps be staffed in a way that does not diminish the capacity of State or local governments from which the volunteers may be drawn. It also charges the Office of the Coordinator to avoid duplication with other U.S. foreign assistance activities. Finally, it requires enhanced reporting to Congress on the structure, operation and cost of core operations, their relations to other U.S. foreign assistance efforts, and any impact on U.S. domestic readiness and capabilities. I am gratified that we are able to reach this compromise, and look forward to working together in the future to ensure the success of this and other U.S. foreign assistance programs. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

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

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), the ranking member of the Committee on Small Business and a longstanding friend of Taiwan.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would also like to thank Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen for authoring this great piece of legislation, the resolution. I would like to take this opportunity also to offer our varied Asian American communities, Taiwanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Singaporean, belated wishes for good fortune in the lunar new year which began last month. I wish all these communities health, long life, and prosperity as they welcome the Year of the Rat, a year which brings hard work, activity, and renewal. We also expect hard work and much activity in the months ahead in what promises to be a dynamic 2008. Taiwan faces a very competitive campaign in the next 2 weeks before the March 22 presidential election. No one is able to predict the final outcome. That in itself is an indication of a thriving democracy. Those skeptics who once said that democratic values would never thrive in a Chinese cultural context need to look no further than Taiwan. Free and fair elections in Taiwan bear a significance which reaches far beyond the shores of one island. Taiwan, through its maturing democratic institutions, stands as a shining example for other Asian states struggling with the introduction of representative forms of government and the rule of law. Taiwan's free elections, however, have the greatest impact on those who are still yearning to breathe free in the vast Chinese mainland just across the narrow Taiwan Strait. Taiwan's young democracy faces constant military threat and intimidation from neighboring China. Yet in spite of these belligerent threats and the constant saber-rattling by Beijing, Taipei has continued to stand tall for freedom. Taiwan's evolving and dynamic democracy serves as a beacon of hope for those still suffering under oppression in the Communist Chinese mainland. Taiwan's democracy is a torch which shines ever brighter, far outshining the Olympic torch of the Chinese regime which hopes this year to use sports to achieve propaganda victory. Freedom shines brighter than any medal, Mr. Speaker. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in giving their strong, enthusiastic support to this resolution which welcomes Taiwan's fourth direct and democratic elections as part of our ongoing efforts to promote democracy around the world and in the Asian region in particular. I wish the people of Taiwan continued peace, prosperity, and liberty in this Year of the Rat, and in the years and decades ahead. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.