Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to the honor the life and accomplishments of George Paraskevaides, a humanitarian of unmatched proportions. Mr. Paraskevaides was one of the most renowned Cypriot philanthropists of his day. His life story reads like a classic tale of rags to riches. Born in Athens, Greece in 1916, George Paraskevaides moved with his family back to Cyprus where he excelled in school and ultimately graduated from the Polytechnic Institute in Milan, Italy. After World War II, Mr. Paraskevaides, together with Stelios Ioannou, formed the most preeminent architectural engineering firm in Cyprus, Joannou & Paraskevaides. George Paraskevaides' keen intellect and unmatched work ethic, allowed Joannou & Paraskevaides to become one of the most prolific firms in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. This lucrative company allowed Mr. Paraskevaides to engage in the work he enjoyed most: helping others. George quickly became recognized in Cyprus as a champion of Cypriot issues and sick children. His death on December 5, 2007 at the age of 91 has left a gaping hole in the hearts of Cypriots the world over. He was the voice of all that is true and good about the island nation. President of the Republic of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, said of the passing of George Paraskevaides. ``He was a model of humanity, dignity and kindness. He offered a lot in a selfless way to those who needed help and was a benefactor for Cyprus, serving his country with patriotism. He leaves behind him charity work for which he will be dearly remembered as a man of high moral standards.'' I could not concur more with this sentiment. George Paraskevaides is recognized the world over for his good works and philanthropy. He has received innumerable awards including the Medal of Exceptional Contribution, the highest honor of the Republic of Cyprus, Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) by Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Oman III, Class Civil by Sultan Qaboos of Oman, the Rotary Foundation Medal. and the Medal of Merit of the Lions International Club of Nicosia, the St. Paul's Medal by the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of North and South America, and the St. Marcus Medal by the Pontifice. He is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and was also honored with the Holy Cross of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. In addition, the works of the George and Thelma Paraskevaides Foundation has been recognized for having formed links with Shriner's Hospital in Springfield. MA, and Children's Heart Fund Hospital in Minneapolis and has provided numerous scholarships for less fortunate Cypriots. Paraskevaides founded the Cyprus Kidney Association, the Surgical and Transplant Foundation and the Cyprus Heart Association. Madam Speaker, while the list of awards is impressive. I am sure the biggest award that George Paraskevaides won in his life was the love and affection of his wife, Thelma, and his family. He will be missed but never forgotten. May his memory be eternal!.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Andrew Mousalimas, Spiro Cappony, Greg Pahules, Charles Antinopoulos, Gus Kraras, Nicholas Pappas, Peter Photis, Angelus Lygizos, Theodore Russell, Spiros Taflambas, and Vic Miller. All of these distinguished gentlemen are American veterans of United States commando units, who served behind enemy lines and fought alongside Hellenic Armed Forces in occupied Greece during World War II. World War II involved the first U.S. experience with clandestine commando warfare. Under a classified plan developed by the Office of Strategic Services, OSS, precursor of the CIA, small Operational Groups, OGs, of specially trained U.S. Army infantrymen of various ethnic backgrounds--Greek, Yugoslav, Italian, French, and Norwegian-- were infiltrated into occupied Europe to assist local partisan groups in resisting the Nazis. Among these OGs were more than 200 bilingual American soldiers. Their mission was to work with the andartes, the Greek partisans, to make the Nazi withdrawal from Greece in 1944 as costly as possible. At the time, the OGs' brand of warfare was unique in the history of American arms. They learned special commando tactics at the OSS's secret training center on the grounds of the Congressional Country Club in Chevy Chase, MD, and received demolition training at another clandestine facility in Hagerstown, MD. Beginning in April 1944, they were inserted by night into Greece from Italy, either by boat or air drop. They then walked through the mountains to their operational bases. Once in place, they could not expect reinforcements, tactical support, or medical aid. They had no withdrawal route and were expected to remain in Greece indefinitely, living off the land and moving around on foot. They punched far above their numbers and succeeded far beyond expectations, making 76 deadly strikes against the withdrawing Germans, on average about once every 3 days, killing or wounding over 1,800 enemy soldiers and blowing up miles of roads, track, and bridges. Their effectiveness can be judged by the severity of the German response. Even though the OGs deployed in uniform, an illegal Wehrmacht order directed that they be slaughtered to the last man if captured. The OGs' presence was a great morale booster for the andartes. OGs were the close-assault troops in operations by Greek partisans and contributed greatly to their success against occupation forces. With their mission completed, they were withdrawn from Greece at the end of 1944 and officially disbanded a year later. Records of their actions were sealed for 40 years. Having operated autonomously and formally under Allied command, their war record was not fully recognized, with U.S. Army separation papers often not mentioning ground combat in Greece. Some never learned that they had been awarded a Presidential unit citation. Madam Speaker, I commend and honor these American heroes--recognition of their bravery will be forever memorialized in the U.S. Congress with these remarks. Their dedication to the cause of freedom and democracy shall never be forgotten.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, 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 today in support of H.R. 3320, a measure to provide support for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, which was introduced by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), my good friend. This bill would authorize funding to assist in the development of the permanent collection of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. As we all know, the knowledge of history is tremendously important, both to understand our heritage and to our efforts to ensure that mistakes made in the past are avoided now and in the future. The Jewish people have a long and rich history in Poland. In fact, at the beginning of World War II, Poland had the largest Jewish population in Europe. Tragically, almost all of that population in Poland was murdered in the Holocaust. The Polish Government has donated land and has also agreed to provide millions of dollars for construction of the museum. I ask my colleagues to support this bill, which would go on to assist in the development of the museum's collection. The tremendously rich 1,000-year history of the Jewish people in Poland should not be forgotten, Mr. Speaker. I urge my colleagues to pass this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of this bill, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2705, the Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act of 2007. The United States shares a uniquely close history and friendship with the Pacific Island nations of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau. In the aftermath of World War II, the United States administered those islands as Trust Territories until they became independent, sovereign nations in the 1980s and the 1990s. Our relations with those countries are governed by compacts of free association which guarantees certain forms of U.S. assistance and cooperation in exchange for defense rights and obligations that are unique in the world. Those Pacific nations remain stalwart friends of the United States and dependable partisans in the United Nations General Assembly. Some of their citizens continue to serve with great distinction and personal sacrifice in the United States Armed Forces, including Iraq and Afghanistan. The 108th Congress extended and significantly restructured the compacts of free association with Micronesia and the Marshall Islands in the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003. This bill makes technical corrections, updates, and minor changes to that act, as well as to the Palau Compact. Most importantly, it improves the disaster assistance agreements required by section 105 of the act, which were subsequently negotiated between the parties and presented to Congress. I want to thank the author, the gentlelady from the U.S. Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen) for providing us this opportunity to reaffirm our friendship with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. The measure before us today has also been modified to include the text of H.R. 3912, the Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2007, which was requested by the Department of Defense and introduced by the gentleman from California, our great chairman, Tom Lantos. According to the Secretary of the Navy, authority to transfer surplus vessels is an important aspect of our ship disposition strategy. It enables the Navy to manage its inventory while strengthening the ties with our allies by transferring the ships that enhance their defense capabilities. This bill authorizes the transfer of eight decommissioned naval vessels to certain friends and allies of the United States, specifically Lithuania and Turkey and Taiwan. Five ships will be transferred on a grant basis, as excess defense articles, and three will be transferred through foreign military sales under section 21 of the Arms Export Control Act. Importantly, the legislation also requires that any expense incurred by the United States in connection with a transfer authorized by this bill shall be charged to the recipient. Likewise, it states that, to the maximum extent feasible, repair and refurbishment of these vessels shall take place in U.S. shipyards. I urge support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I stand to join my colleague, my good friend from American Samoa, today to express my sincere sympathy and support for those who have suffered as a result of the recent torrential storms in southern Mexico. The damage has been devastating. It is reported that as many as 1 million people have been affected by the flooding, with the homes of an estimated 500,000 people being destroyed or damaged. The Governor of the State of Tabasco has stated that 100 percent of the State's crops have been lost and 80 percent of his state is underwater. What a shame. Sadly, with more than 300,000 people reported trapped inside their homes or on rooftops and additional downpour predicted, it is still too early to quantify the total destruction wrought by these unrelenting rains. Just over 2 months ago, Mexico was ravaged by Hurricanes Dean and Henriette. Now what President Calderon has characterized, and I quote, one of the worst natural disasters in the history of Mexico has followed. I am awed by the perseverance of our friends in Mexico and commend the courage they continue to demonstrate in their efforts to overcome the damage of these storms. Furthermore, I admire the contributions made by relief organizations and private citizens from around the world to assist in the aftermath. My prayers are with the families and friends of those harmed by the perils of this storm. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the coauthor of this resolution.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan resolution before us condemning the cowardly suicide bombings in Baghlan, Afghanistan, recently which killed at least six members of the Afghan Parliament and dozens of innocent men and women and children. Countless others were wounded. Those who oppose the emergence of a free, democratic and stable Afghanistan mistakenly believe that through such nefarious acts they can deter the Afghan people from realizing their goal of a viable and independent Afghanistan that is secure and free from terrorism. This cowardly act will not deter us, nor will it deter the people of Afghanistan from achieving those vital goals. It only strengthens the will of the Afghan people to not revert back to the days of totalitarian rule by the Taliban and its radical allies. Last month, the committee met with the Speaker of the Afghan Parliament here in Washington and we discussed the challenges and common goals we all face and share in Afghanistan. I am confident that he and his colleagues, both men and women democratically elected by the people, will carry on, despite the loss of their colleagues in this brutal attack. Mr. Speaker, I believe that President Karzai of Afghanistan spoke for all of us when he condemned the attacks and noted it was against Islam and said, ``It is the work of the enemies of peace and security in Afghanistan.'' This brutal attack is a solemn reminder that Afghanistan continues to be subjected to a campaign of unrelenting violence by the Taliban, Hizb-I Islami, and other terrorist organizations. The security climate has the potential to further compromise reconstruction and relief efforts by the United States, our allies and the international community. In particular, the poppy cultivation and opium production, which directly supports local warlords and sustains and finances insurgents, militias and terrorist organizations behind these attacks, continues to increase at a staggering rate. In response, this critical resolution demonstrates the continued commitment from the United States and the international community to support the people of Afghanistan in their time of need. I want to thank Congressman Price and Congressman Dreier for their leadership in ensuring that this resolution was considered by the House in a unified, expeditious manner. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary life and accomplishments of St. Petersburg Police Department Sergeant Phillip David Quandt. Phillip Quandt was a lifelong resident of St. Petersburg, Florida. He was born on February 2, 1962 in St. Anthony's Hospital. He graduated from Central Pinellas Christian School in 1980 and earned his Bachelor's degree from Bob Jones University. Never one to sit idle, Phillip not only obtained his Master's degree in 1997 from Troy State University, but was working on his Doctorate at Argosy University until his recent passing and tragic death on August 27, 2007. Madam Speaker, Phillip Quandt's ambitions set him on a bright law enforcement career with the St. Petersburg Police Department where he was hired on November 5, 1984. Sworn in as a police officer on July 31, 1985, Phillip immediately distinguished himself as a rising star in the Department. In addition to serving as a patrol officer, Phillip was a prolific DUI officer, Community Police Officer, Career Criminal Detective, and Auto Theft Detective. Then on May 1, 2000, Phillip Quandt was promoted to the high ranking level of Sergeant. He served as both a Community Policing Sergeant and a Patrol Sergeant. Even though Sgt. Quandt was a shining star in the St. Petersburg Police Department, he shone even more brilliant in his family life. He met his lovely wife, Robbyn, in college and fell deeply in love. The two were married on January 2, 1987. Phillip and Robbyn were blessed with two wonderful children, fifteen-year old, Ryan, and eleven-year old, Trevor. Like the St. Petersburg Police Department, Robbyn and the boys are absolutely devastated by the sudden and unexpected passing of Phillip. While their loss is profound, I am certain that they are proud to continue the legacy of service and honor that Sgt. Quandt has left behind. Madam Speaker, I salute Sergeant Phillip David Quandt for a job well done and pray for his family and their well being.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, in the early morning hours of August 29, 2005, a catastrophe obliterated New Orleans. The ocean had breached the city's levees and our Nation looked on while tens of thousands clung to rooftops. Hundreds of thousands of Americans were suddenly homeless and scattered across the country. Many coastal States have been in crisis ever since, including my home State of Florida. Upon arriving in Congress this year, I introduced two bills to help with this crisis. One bill would strongly encourage homeowners to hurricane-proof their homes by providing a tax credit for the cost of specific home modifications. The second bill I introduced would authorize Gulf Coast States to enter into an interstate compact to pool their resources and spread the risk of disaster. Today, I am pleased to have an opportunity to vote on H.R. 3355, the Homeowners' Defense Act. This important legislation authorizes loans to States that will have to be repaid to the Treasury. This is a fiscally sound approach to disaster planning. Further, Chairman Frank, with my colleague, Ms. Brown-Waite, who has been working on this issue for 4 years, and the sponsors of this bill, and as a result of genuine bipartisanship, the manager's amendment will implement a critically needed Federal catastrophe fund. I thank the sponsors of this legislation, and I thank the chairman and Ms. Brown-Waite for their efforts in bringing this bill to the floor. I strongly encourage my colleagues to vote for this bill and the manager's amendment and protect Americans from the devastating effects of natural disasters.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Pinellas County Sheriff's Sergeant Bryan E. Tarsitano. Bryan Tarsitano was born to proud parents, Bonnie and Bob Tarsitano, on February 21, 1972, in Park Ridge, Illinois, and grew up along with his sister, Janelle, in the Chicago area. The Tarsitano family moved to Clearwater, Florida in 1983, and Bryan graduated from Countryside High School in 1990. He went on to graduate with a bachelor of science degree in criminology from Florida State University where he was an avid Seminoles fan. This degree served as a stepping stone for Bryan's illustrious career in law enforcement. In 1996, Bryan Tarsitano was hired by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office as a deputy sheriff. His star quality was obvious to his superiors and he was soon appointed as a Field Training Officer--a leadership role that had him mentoring new recruits. As Bryan Tarsitano continued to excel in his career, the most important part of his life was also blossoming. Mr. Tarsitano met and fell in love with Carolyn Milanese. The two were married on October 28, 2000, and were blessed with the arrival of their beautiful daughter, Angelina Marie, on August 9, 2002. Angelina was the apple of Bryan's eye. Father and daughter were inseparable. When Bryan Tarsitano wasn't serving and protecting the citizens of Pinellas County, he could be found in the park playing with Angelina or watching their favorite movies together. While a devoted husband and father, Bryan Tarsitano was also the best law enforcement officer in every sense of the word. In 2001, Bryan became a detective. As a detective for 6 years, Tarsitano was able to help hundreds, if not thousands, of victims with his keen intellect and crime-solving ability. Bryan Tarsitano had the honor of being promoted to Sergeant on January 14, 2007 and served with distinction until his untimely death on May 24, 2007. During his 11 years with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Sgt. Tarsitano was a shining star who earned numerous medals, awards, and commendations. His loss has been, and will continue to be felt, both at the Sheriff's Office and in the community at large. Madam Speaker, while we mourn the sudden and unexpected passing of Sgt. Bryan Tarsitano, I rise today to celebrate his life. For what Bryan accomplished during his short time on earth, is what most fail to do in a full lifetime. While Sgt. Tarsitano has left an impressive legacy with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, his enduring legacy is the beautiful wife and daughter he has left behind. Madam Speaker, I pray for his family and salute Sgt. Tarsitano for a job well done.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to welcome Mr. Alexis Galanos, the elected Mayor of Famagusta, Republic of Cyprus to Washington, DC. Mayor Galanos is the only democratically elected and exiled mayor of a population that is primarily constituted of refugees. He was elected Mayor of Famagusta in December of 2006 and has since worked tirelessly to raise humanitarian awareness about Famagusta and its exiled people. He is here championing the global campaign undertaken by the Citizens of Famagusta for the return of their city in the occupied area of Cyprus which has been a ``ghost town'' since the 1974 illegal invasion by Turkey. Famagusta was the main town of the second largest district of Cyprus both in terms of its population and surface area. The cultivation and production of the potato crop, the rich and fertile mainland, the port, tourist and industrial sectors, were the most significant contributors to the city's economic dynamism prior to the 1974. The development of the tourist industry in the late 1960s and early 1970's had very beneficial effects for the construction industry and moreover, supplied many jobs to the local population, in particular with respect to services related to tourism. A great number of people came to Famagusta on a daily basis, primarily for work. This greatly enhanced the economy of the city and assured a steady rise in its living standards. Famagusta was the island's most cosmopolitan destination. The construction of a modern harbor for Famagusta in 1932 was an important factor in the promotion and development of the city and contributed to a surge in its economic activity. The expansion and deepening of the harbor, completed in 1965 solidified Famagusta's position that became dominant in terms of the flow of merchandise coming in and out of the island. On July 20, 1974, Turkey unlawfully invaded Cyprus, and a few weeks later, on August 14, Turkish military forces in the second phase of the invasion moved further south and bombarded Famagusta relentlessly. Greek Cypriots were forced to flee their homes in fear and terror, never to return again. Turkish forces sealed off the city with barbed wire fences. 45,000 inhabitants of Famagusta became refugees in their own country. They lost their land, their properties, their homes and businesses and many of their own people. Since the Turkish invasion, religious symbols, churches, monasteries, and cultural heritage of Cyprus have been subject to destruction, looting and vandalism, stolen, and illegally excavated and sold on the black market. More than 500 Greek Orthodox churches and chapels, 17 monasteries in the occupied area in the north have been pillaged, destroyed, turned into casinos and stables. The ecclesiastical items for these sites-- including more than 15,000 portable icons--remain unaccounted for. Since 2003, with the partial lifting of movement restrictions by the occupation regime, Greek Cypriot displaced persons could visit their homes and properties, but are stilt denied the right to return and live where they were born and raised. A large proportion of the properties from which the Greek Cypriot owners were expelled, was unlawfully distributed to and is currently being used by the tens of thousands of illegal settlers from Turkey. Unprecedented illegal construction is taking place on land which belongs to Greek Cypriots forced to abandon their homes during the invasion by Turkey. The U.N. General Assembly, the U.N. Security Council and the U.N. Commission of Human Rights, as well as the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and several other international organizations have repeatedly demanded the urgent return of the refugees to their homes in safety. In particular, since 1974, more than 75 resolutions have been adopted by the U.N. Security Council and more than 13 by the U.N. General Assembly, calling inter alia for the return of the refugees to their homes and properties. Furthermore, in regards to Famagusta/ Varosha area, OP 5 of the the U.N. Security Council resolution 550/ 1984, inter alia states, that it ``considers attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible and calls for the transfer of this area to the administration of the United Nations''. These resolutions are being ignored by Turkey, which has refused to comply, and flagrantly continues to violate the basic human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Greek Cypriots, including the freedom of movement and ownership. The European Court of Human Rights found Turkey guilty of violating relevant articles of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms for refusing to allow the return of any Greek Cypriot refugees to their homes and denying them access to and use of their property. In the 1979 High Level Agreement between the then President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Kyprianou and the then Turkish Cypriot leader Mr. Denktash, it was agreed that ``priority will be given to reaching agreement to the resettlement of Varosha under U.N. auspices simultaneously with the beginning of the consideration by the interlocutors of the constitutional and territorial aspects of a comprehensive settlement. After agreement on Varosha has been reached it will be implemented without awaiting the outcome of the discussion on other aspects of the Cyprus problem''. Unfortunately, Turkey has not adhered to this agreement in any discussions regarding the return of the refugees. Expatriated and uprooted Famagustians worked very hard, both in Cyprus and abroad to make a living, they had to start from scratch. The people of Famagusta, like all other Greek Cypriot refugees, have a burning desire and right to return to their homes. I commend Mayor Galanos for the extraordinary outreach he has engaged in to bridge the gap between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot divide and work towards a reunified Cyprus and a thriving and bustling Famagusta.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 549, a resolution that I have introduced to recognize the importance of increased maritime domain awareness and support the goals of America's Waterway Watch program. It has become clear in the years since 9/11 that all Americans have a shared responsibility for our country's security. That is why I am pleased to highlight the importance of a program that encourages citizens to do their part to strengthen our homeland defenses. The Department of Homeland Security has begun to focus greater attention on potential security threats from individuals aboard small vessels and the importance of increasing maritime domain awareness. Many of us who represent coastal States already know and understand how vitally important it is to take reasonable and appropriate security precautions to secure our maritime borders from such threats. The Coast Guard currently conducts a maritime homeland security public awareness program called America's Waterway Watch. This program, which is the maritime equivalent of a Neighborhood Watch program, encourages boaters and others who live, work or engage in recreational activities around America's waterways to maintain a heightened sense of awareness and report suspicious and unusual activities. This voluntary public outreach program educates America's 70 million boaters about the types of suspicious activities they should be looking for and encourages them to report any such abnormalities to the Coast Guard's National Response Center, which is manned 24 hours a day at 877-24-WATCH. Calls to the center are immediately evaluated and, if necessary, acted upon by local Coast Guard sector assets and other law enforcement authorities. This program, which the Coast Guard promotes by distributing educational materials and other information to recreational boaters, marine dealers, marinas and other businesses located near waterways, acts as a force multiplier for the Coast Guard and local law enforcement to help increase maritime domain awareness and strengthen maritime security. There is no question that we need to improve waterway security and bolster our maritime defenses. However, it is critically important that we do so in a reasonable and responsible manner with the input and advice of America's recreational boaters and manufacturers. I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security conducted a National Small Vessel Security Summit in June to educate small vessel operators and other stakeholders on current security risks and initiate a dialogue about possible solutions to close whatever gaps exist in our maritime security. Summit participants highlighted America's Waterway Watch and its contributions to increasing maritime domain awareness and urge greater support for it. I agree that America's Waterway Watch program is a sensible and reasonable step toward bolstering our maritime defenses without imposing costly and confusing new regulations on recreational boaters who play an important economic role in my district. I look forward to a continuing and productive dialogue between them and Federal Homeland Security officials before any rules or mandates are proposed. Before I finish, I want to thank Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar and Chairman Cummings and Mr. LaTourette from Ohio and particularly also my Florida colleague, Ranking Member John Mica, for moving this resolution through their committee and allowing it to come on the floor today. I also want to thank my colleagues from Florida who have shown their bipartisan support for this resolution, which is indicative of how important the issue of marine security is for our State. I would like to thank all of our colleagues who have cosponsored this particular resolution. Mr. Speaker, I believe it is necessary to emphasize the importance of increasing maritime domain awareness and encourage recreational boaters and others to report suspicious and unusual activities, which is what America's Waterway Watch program does. I urge all of my colleagues to embrace the goals of this program and our shared responsibility for homeland security by supporting House Resolution 549.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1727, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act. Millions of Americans suffer from paralysis and mobility impairment. They struggle each and every day to perform even the most basic of tasks that most of us take for granted. The impact this impairment has on the lives and the lives of those who love them and care for them is staggering. As one who has struggled with hearing and vision problems nearly my entire life, I know how difficult any physical impairment can be, both physically and emotionally; but I cannot imagine what people with severe paralysis go through and their constant struggle to maintain hope that they one day will walk or move again. Madam Speaker, I am very proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill, which will encourage collaborative research in paralysis and hasten the discovery of treatments and potential cures to improve the lives of people with paralysis. I am especially pleased that this bill is modeled after legislation I introduced at the beginning of this Congress. My bill, the language of which this bill includes, also has provisions to utilize VA facilities to improve paralysis research and better track the work that is being done in this area within the world's largest system of hospitals. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin for sponsoring this bill, and also Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell and Ranking Member Joe Barton for moving it through their committee. I also want to give special thanks to my father, former Congressman Mike Bilirakis, who first introduced this bill several years ago after meeting the extraordinary men and women for whom this bill was named. His persistence and determination helped build the necessary support to get us where we are today. Although I never had the honor of meeting Christopher or Dana Reeve personally, my father has shared with me their strength, dignity, and courage in dealing with what only people similarly situated can fully understand. They pushed to the national forefront the issue of the need for better research into paralysis and greater emphasis on rehabilitation. I wish they were here to share this moment with us today, though I am sure they are both smiling down on our efforts here today. Madam Speaker, I believe we can and must do more for those suffering from paralysis and mobility impairment. I urge all my colleagues to help take a significant step forward in this area by supporting this bill today.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2553, the Public Diplomacy Resource Centers Act of 2007. Every year, thousands of people living overseas visit an American Cultural Center or one of dozens of American Corners that are maintained by our State Department. Those libraries and cultural outposts are indispensable tools in our public diplomacy efforts around the world. They help foreign audiences better understand our Nation, our people, our government, and our society. The bill before us today will strengthen this American outreach by establishing a new film series and by requiring a report to Congress analyzing the effectiveness of libraries and resource centers. Also, by providing specific statutory authority for the establishment and maintenance of these centers, this bill will create an annual appropriations line item, which will allow Congress to oversee these activities in the future. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from California, my good friend, Ambassador Watson, and the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, my good friend, Representative Ros-Lehtinen, for introducing this measure, which deserves our support. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bill H.R. 2185, which would reauthorize and amend the Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998. As the total territory of the world's tropical forests continue to decline, programs such as that created by the Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998 are an important component of international efforts to slow and hopefully reverse the decline at the start of the new century. Under the Tropical Forest Conservation Act, a country with a tropical forest within its borders may seek an agreement with the United States whereby some of the debts it may owe us can instead be utilized to support activities that maintain those tropical forests. The bill would reauthorize this important conservation program through fiscal year 2010. The bill also amends the program in order to make coral reefs eligible for coverage under the program as well. This is an important response to the increasing evidence of decline in the world coral reefs, which, along with tropical forests, are a vital environmental resource. It is important that we preserve such underwater treasures, not just for future generations to enjoy, but to ensure the sustainability of our world's fragile ecology. Mr. Speaker, enactment of this bill would authorize a continuation of these important conservation efforts for the next 3 fiscal years. I support this measure and urge my colleagues as well to support this measure.

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