Joe Crowley

Mr. CROWLEY

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

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1402) supporting a transition to democracy through free, fair, credible, peaceful, and transparent elections in Bangladesh.

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and yield myself such time as I may consume Bangladesh is going through an important time in its history as she attempts to move back to a representational government. Since October 2006, Bangladesh has been under the control of two different caretaker governments. After the January 2007 elections were postponed, a second caretaker government, backed by the military, came into power, and since then has been attempting to deal with what has become rampant corruption, violence and political instability. Once in power, the caretaker government instituted a state of emergency that suspended fundamental rights guaranteed by the Bangladeshi constitution. They subsequently detained a large number of politicians and others on suspicion of involvement in corruption and other crimes. While I continue to remain concerned about the arrests of so many under the emergency powers rule, I must commend the caretaker government for establishing institutions to fight corruption and bring about national reconciliation between the political parties. But these gains have been marred by serious reports of human rights violations of those held in custody. Bangladesh must respect all the rights of her people and prosecute cases before her to the letter of the law. The next step is getting people back the power in Bangladesh. Nearly 2 years after the postponement of elections and the state of emergency was declared, the caretaker government is following through with a roadmap towards elections that they have presented. Just this past weekend, the chief adviser of the caretaker government announced that parliamentary elections will be held on December 18, 2008. This is an important step, but an election held under a state of emergency is a questionable approach to establishing democratic governance in Bangladesh. The bill before us calls on the caretaker government to relax or suspend the state of emergency to ensure that public gatherings during the campaign are allowed to take place. This election is about bringing true democracy back to Bangladesh, and it must be held with all the freedoms their constitution grants her people. Bangladesh has been a strong friend and ally of the United States and is a moderate Muslim nation, and we should do what we can to foster continued growth of democracy, not only in the nation of Bangladesh, but throughout that region. We must work to ensure that the elections held in Bangladesh are free, fair, credible, peaceful and transparent. I introduced this legislation in July to set out what we, the United States Congress, expect of Bangladesh and we the people of the United States expect of Bangladesh. I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation. It has the backing of the Bangladesh Caucus, which I chair here in the House of Representatives. I believe that with fair, free, transparent and open elections, Bangladesh will move towards a more Democratic society. Madam Speaker, I retain the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I just wanted to add a couple of more points for the record. In order to ensure the transparency of these elections, I believe it's imperative that the Government of Bangladesh, the present caretaker government, invite foreign governments and nongovernment organizations to observe and monitor the elections of December 18, 2008. The restoration of democracy, though, in Bangladesh, is not the only challenge that Bangladesh is facing. Just last year, Cyclone Sidr caused massive devastation in Bangladesh and destroyed the annual rice harvest in parts of the country. The global rise in fuel prices has also had a major effect on the livelihoods of all the people of Bangladesh over the last year. The Congress, therefore, strongly supports the continuation of a robust economic support and humanitarian program for the people of Bangladesh, particularly in helping the nation get back on its feet after the cyclone. But free, fair, and transparent and open elections, together with the continuation of American assistance to Bangladesh, will serve to further strengthen the relationship between our two countries. With the restoration of democracy, the political, economic and strategic ties between the United States and Bangladesh will become even stronger. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution and yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend and colleague, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, as well as Congressman Brad Miller, for urging the condemnation of the most vicious crime imaginable, the systematic rape and mutilation committed against women, girls and boys taking place in the Democratic Republic of Congo, known as the DRC. The conflict in the DRC has been called the deadliest since World War II. Within the last 10 years, more than 5 million people have died, and the numbers keep rising. In fact, more people have died because of war in the DRC than in Iraq, Afghanistan and Darfur combined. As in other wars, women in the DRC are overwhelmingly the target of military aggression. Rape and mutilation are the perpetrators' preferred weapon of choice. Unlike other wars, the scale and systematic nature of rape in the DRC is unparalleled. In some villages, as many as 90 percent of the women and girls have been raped. This important resolution encourages the Secretary of State to work with the DRC Government to develop a strategy to address and end the large-scale sexual violence in the DRC. Our State Department and our American embassy in the DRC should have this extremely important mission. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues in the House to support this resolution. With that, I will reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I would now yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from New York, Mrs. Carolyn Maloney, the sponsor of the resolution.

Mr. CROWLEY. We have no further speakers on our side, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1227) condemning sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and calling on the international community to take immediate actions to respond to the violence, as amended.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. CROWLEY

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

Mr. CROWLEY. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution and yield myself as much time as I may consume. I want to thank our colleague, Mr. Ferguson of New Jersey, for introducing this resolution that draws congressional attention to an ongoing dispute in Lithuania about construction on the grounds of a former Jewish cemetery in that country. I would also like to thank my good friend, Representative Ros-Lehtinen, for her leadership on this issue, and recognize the efforts of Representative Shimkus in seeking to find a constructive solution to this problem. One of many tragic consequences of the Holocaust was the decimation of Jewish populations that would otherwise have cared for communal property that represents an important part of Europe's history. The Jewish cemetery in the Snipiskes area of Vilnius, Lithuania, is just one example. Archival documents suggest it was established as Vilnius's first Jewish cemetery in the 15th century, served as the burial place for more than 50,000 Jews, and was closed by Czarist Russia in 1831. As part of our ongoing dialogue with Lithuania regarding the 2002 U.S.-Lithuanian agreement on the preservation of the cultural property of the victims of the Nazi regime, Congress has been concerned about construction on perceived boundary lines of this cemetery. Despite repeated requests by the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius and Jewish organizations to the Lithuanian Government to address this issue, there has been little movement in recent years. Congress welcomed the decision by the Government of Lithuania to conduct a geological survey and archaeological investigation of the site this past summer to establish these cemetery boundaries. While the Government's designation of the area as a cultural heritage site is also a helpful step, the fact that the entire site remains in the hands of a private developer raises concerns about the prospects of future construction on the site. Congress feels very strongly that the Lithuanian Government should take steps to guarantee the permanent preservation of the Snipiskes cemetery, including the possibility of placing the land under government ownership. The government should also consider the recommendations of the International Experts Commission regarding the preservation of these sacred grounds. The United States greatly values its long friendship with Lithuania, which could be further enhanced by a prompt and sensitive resolution to this difficult situation. I strongly support this resolution and encourage my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. I want to thank my good friend, Congressman Ackerman, for holding this Special Order this evening. It's late; it's 9:30. And I want to thank all my colleagues from New York who are here on the floor right now. I would venture to say that if it was a little earlier, Michael, we would have every New Yorker here this evening. And, who knows, before the evening is out, we may just have that, or close to it. But it's only a reflection of the time of the evening we're doing this Special Order, Michael, and not a reflection upon you because I think the heartfelt appreciation of all your colleagues will be made known to you at some point. But we, from the New York delegation, want to take this opportunity to let you know what you know already, how special you are to all of us. I have known Mike McNulty--although you may not know this--for 24 years. In fact, Mike was present in the Chamber when I was sworn in as a freshman member of the New York State Assembly. He was there as backup to swear me in in case Dick Connor didn't show or Stan Lundine, who was then the Lieutenant Governor, who was going to come in. Both did make it, but Mike was there as well. I didn't really know Mike at the time, but Mike is an institutional guy, and being one of the local legislators, was there to make sure that the legislature performed in a ceremonial way as well, as it did in terms of an efficient way in terms of doing the people's business. And Mike has a great appreciation for the history of the New York State legislature and the House of Representatives as well. I have traveled the world with Mike McNulty. My first trip with Mike McNulty--he may not remember this--was not to what he may be thinking as Ireland, but it was actually Israel some 21, 22 years ago. And what a great trip that was, both of our first exposure to the Holy Land and to Israel and to experience that together, not only Jerusalem, but Galilee and all the important places from an historical and a religious aspect that I know he appreciated tremendously. And that brings me to another issue, and that is international again, it is Ireland. There are many people in the Democratic and Republican Caucus who take their rightful place in terms of their input in bringing peace with justice--and we continue in that vein--to northern Ireland, the whole island of Ireland. But Mike McNulty takes second seat to no one on that issue. From his days in the legislature in his support of the McBride principles--and Mike McNulty was there when Sean McBride came to the New York legislature and addressed the New York Assembly. It was there, when the New York Senate refused to even let him on the floor of the Senate, but Mike, through his moral suasion, was able really to accommodate Sean McBride on the floor of the House of the State Assembly, along with his colleagues, and how historic that was, the champion of the McBride principles Mike McNulty was in the New York State legislature. One of the founding members of the Irish Legislative Society--I know he is still a frequent visitor to their meetings, I know how much it means to him. But Mike and I also had the chance to travel to Ireland on two occasions. Probably the most special occasion was with former President Clinton in year 2000 as he was ending his term as President. And we were there for the Thank You Tour, the Farewell Tour. And what a great opportunity that was for both of us to be in our ancestral homeland to see America so appreciated by another country for what we did to bring peace and justice to northern Ireland. We continue in that vein, and we will do so in Mike's honor. Mike has been no stranger to trials and tribulations himself. On a personal level, he has known physical difficulties. And whenever we see Michael struggle, we all say, thank you, God, that I don't have that. And Mike has carried that for not only himself, but for all of us and for any person who has known a disability in this country. He has done it in a quiet and a dignified way, and it's something that I want him to know I've always admired you for, Michael. He has also known the loss of a brother, a brother who was killed during the Vietnam War. But Michael has taken every ounce of anger and frustration and he has channeled it for the betterment of our country. We can all take a lesson, a page out of Michael McNulty's life. And if we could all do just a little bit of what Mike McNulty has done with the channeling of his own life experiences, we would all be a better Nation for it. And I would just say lastly about Mike--and I know my other colleagues want to speak as well--but I had the great honor this year to serve as the third member of the Ways and Means; there's Charlie Rangel, there's Mike McNulty, downstate and upstate, and now Joe Crowley. But Mike welcomed me to the committee. And there is a certain decorum that goes on in the committee, a certain way of doing things. It has its own Sergeant at Arms, its own little way of life. And knowing that Mike McNulty was on the committee was of great comfort to me--not that I'm afraid of new beginnings, but it was a little challenging at first. I don't serve on the subcommittee that Mike serves as chair on, but Michael knows that I've sat in on a number of his hearings this year and last year and got to see Michael in action as he asked piercing questions of people who came before the committee. Mike McNulty was always prepared. Mike McNulty was not caught off guard too often. Mike McNulty was always prepared when it came to his committee work, but also when it came to votes on the floor. Mike was always thoughtful about every position he took. He wasn't someone you just could come up to and say, Mike, I need your vote. It was, well, let me tell you why I'm not voting that way, or let me tell you why I'm supporting you. That's the kind of legislator Mike McNulty was--from Green Island, New York. And I know Mike's dad and his family are incredibly proud of the career that Mike McNulty has had, serving both in the House of Representatives and the State Assembly and as Mayor of Green Island, that Mike's career is not over. It is a new beginning for Mike McNulty, maybe it's going back to his hometown, maybe it's going back to the Capitol region that he has served so well all these years. Mike has many, many, many more years of contributions to make both to the State of New York and to our country. Mike, I love you. You are a great man. And you will always be my friend. So thank you for your years of service.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, let me just remind my colleague regarding accusations as to who is responsible for this particular piece of legislation being added to this bill. Initially this was air-dropped into the overall bill to help New York recover after 9/11 by Chairman Thomas. So I guess to some degree Chairman Thomas is responsible for this particular provision being here today, without consultation with not only the ranking member, Charlie Rangel at the time, or Mike McNulty from New York State. Even his own colleague from the Republican side of the aisle, Amo Houghton at the time who was a Member, was not consulted about the addition of this into the legislation.

Mr. CROWLEY. I thank the gentlelady from New York for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I have often wondered what the capacity for remembering my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have. Apparently, it extends no further than 7 years and 5 days. Seven years and 5 days ago, my city, the City of New York, was attacked on 9/11. Have you forgotten that? For the purposes of your point of order in opposition to this bill coming to the floor, it's the lack of someone taking responsibility for the $1.2 billion that you call an earmark. It's Crowley, C-r-o-w-l-e-y. It's the U.S. Congress that did this 7 years ago, after our country was attacked on 9/11, 7 years and 5 days ago. I, 5 days ago, stood out on the steps of the Capitol and sang ``God Bless America'' with both my colleagues from the Republican side of the aisle and this side of the aisle. What we are doing today is simply fulfilling a promise, a promise. This is not an earmark. This is already law. We are adapting it, we are changing it so New York can use the money. But I need to remind my colleagues on this side of the aisle, there is still a 16\1/2\ or 17- acre hole in lower Manhattan. We need to do all we can to help rebuild that, rebuild the economy of New York. I daresay my colleagues from New York on the other side of the aisle, they are opposed to this point of order. They will oppose your position on this point of order, because they know this is not an earmark. They know this is going to help rebuild New York. It's a promise that was made by the administration. The President does not call it an earmark. It is in the President's budget. I would also object to what my friend, the colleague from Virginia, said about the chief of staff on the Joint Tax Committee. Ed Kleinbard, on May 15 of this year, stated that on the issue of limited tax benefits, the answer is that this is a matter wholly within the prerogative of the chairman. He alone decides this issue. Mr. Rangel does not call it an earmark; I don't call it an earmark. I daresay, many of your colleagues on your side of the aisle do not call it an earmark. This is not an earmark. This is to help New York City rebuild after 9/11. With all that's going on, as we read in the papers today about the markets, New York City is under tremendous duress. Don't add to that. Don't add to that today by bringing up this type of tactic to limit the ability of New York City to rebuild itself.

Mr. CROWLEY. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. CROWLEY. Thank you. Would the gentleman agree that the President has included this in his budget for this fiscal year?

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. I want to thank my friend, Mr. Rahall, for yielding me this time. Let me just remind my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, when this bill passes and when it becomes law, after passage of the Democratic energy bill, 85 percent of the total oil available offshore will be open for exploration and drilling. My colleagues on the other side simply can't take yes for an answer, and I am perplexed by that. We continue to come back, and I know that my friend Mr. Flake made reference once again, to a provision in this bill that would restructure the 9/11 New York Liberty Zone bonds. We had a more extensive debate about this earlier today, and I don't want to necessarily go back into that. But I think it is important to note for the record, on May 15 of this year, under questioning within the Ways and Means Committee, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy, Karen Sowell, stated that the President would oppose earmarks, but supports restructuring the New York Liberty Zone bonds and that the language included in his budget reflects that, that this is not an earmark. Once again, I repeat: The 9/11 restructuring money is not an earmark. It is part of the $20 billion that you, that we, promised New York after the attacks of 9/11, $18 billion of which has already been delivered, or thereabouts. $2 billion has yet to be used, and, quite frankly, in the form it is in today, is not usable, and that is why we are doing this. This is not something new. We have already passed this four previous times. We just have not yet been able to get it enacted into law. So I would just remind my colleagues once again that this is not an earmark. In fact, your former chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Mr. Thomas, he is the person who put this into law. We are trying to fulfill a promise that you made.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I am sure I will not use all that time, and I thank the gentlelady from Texas, Ms. Sheila Jackson-Lee, for giving me this time on the floor. I want to thank my friend and colleague from Florida, Congressman Bilirakis, for his working with me to further expand the resolution that we have on the floor today to include all media outlets that promote hate and intolerance in the Middle East. This is a bipartisan resolution, and I greatly appreciate his input and his support on this legislation today. I initially introduced this legislation in response to reports that Hamas was using and is using their television network, al-Aqsa TV, to depict violence and acts of hatred on a show called ``Tomorrow's Pioneers.'' The show has Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny look-alikes telling their children viewers that they will ``finish off the Jews and eat them.'' Another puppet show also on the network, as was mentioned earlier, acted out the murder of President Bush on that network. The use of children's programming to send these kinds of messages is despicable and deplorable, and we cannot stand by and let this blatant propaganda continue because, at best, it perpetuates misinformation and, at its worst, it will serve to indoctrinate children, incite them towards hatred and violence against our ally Israel and possibly others, including the United States, and undermine efforts to firmly establish peace in the Middle East for generations to come. Instead of promoting violence, our children should be taught to respect and accept all people, no matter their faith or their nationality. If we are going to establish lasting peace in the Middle East, and it is all of our fervent hope that we do that, it will require far more than an end to military hostilities between warring factions. It will require the creation of an environment where people can live side by side in peace. Today, we send a clear message to our friends and foes alike in the Middle East that we do not tolerate the indoctrination of hate in children. The next leaders of our world should not be brainwashed into hating the West and Israel. I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor, salute, and pay tribute to one of our brave fallen soldiers. Army Staff Sergeant Alex Jimenez went to Iraq for the first time in 2005. Already fluent in Spanish, he quickly taught himself Arabic and became a translator for fellow soldiers who needed to communicate with the Iraqi people they had been sent there to protect. Army officials always praised his leadership and strength. Alex took pride in the Army and his responsibilities as a soldier. He once told his cousin, ``Honestly, I signed the contract, and it doesn't matter what my opinion is. I just think about the guy to my left and the guy to my right making it home. That's all I care about.'' He recognized the importance of his duties, writing, ``I believe that in the United States Army, I may reach my goals which are--making positive differences, bringing peace to the innocent, and making justice my duty as a U.S. soldier.'' Without a doubt, Alex achieved all of these goals. Without a doubt, Alex made his family, his army, and his hometown community of Corona, Queens very proud. And, without a doubt, Alex's services to our country was honorable and distinguished. Sadly, however, on May 12, 2007, Alex Jimenez, along with six of his fellow soldiers, was patrolling a deserted highway south of Baghdad, looking for insurgents planting roadside bombs, when he and the group came under fire. Staff Sergeant Alex Jimenez, who was on his second tour in Iraq, Specialist Byron Fouty, and Private First Class Joseph J. Anzack Jr. were taken prisoner. The four soldiers who died in the attack were Sergeant Anthony J. Schober, Private First Class Daniel W. Courneya, Private Christopher E. Murphy, and Sergeant First Class James D. Connell, all of Delta Company, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. Private First Class Joseph J. Anzack Jr.'s body was recovered on May 23, 2007. The Queens community mourned for the loss of Alex's fellow soldiers and, together, we prayed for the safe return of Alex and Byron. Despite our wishing and hoping for the best, the bodies of Staff Sergeant Alex Jimenez and Specialist Byron W. Fouty were found on July 8, 2008. So many worked tirelessly to bring Alex home, and the Queens community and Alex's family are so appreciative and grateful for their efforts. Because now, we have the opportunity to say goodbye to Alex one more time and to lay his body to rest. As a parent, I know that this loss will stay with Sergeant Jimenez's family forever. But, I hope that in some small way, Alex Jimenez's parents have some relief now that they finally have the opportunity to lay their son to rest. Those closest to him will always remember his love for music and his family, and his loyalty as a soldier and friend. I extend my deepest and most sincere sympathies to the family of Staff Sergeant Alex Jimenez, and thank them for their sacrifice for our country. I would like to close my remarks by reading a few pieces of the U.S. Army Soldier's Creed, which exemplifies the type of person Staff Sergeant Jimenez was; a man who loved his family and his country. I am a Warrior, and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American Soldier.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. On July 20, 1974, Turkish military forces invaded the island of Cyprus in violation of international law. Turkish troops occupied the northern part of Cyprus, and established a heavily-armed force that continues to control nearly 37 percent of the island. As a result of the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation, nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots were forcibly expelled from their homes and approximately 5,000 Cypriots were killed. On today's anniversary of the invasion, we mourn those who lost their lives in the invasion, and condemn the ongoing occupation. Just as Congress recognizes the anniversary of the Turkish invasion we must come together and support the Cypriot goal of reunification under a single internationally recognized government, a government that has its own international personality, and respects human and fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots. We must condemn the illegal invasion and work towards stopping the ongoing military occupation that is a gross violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots. I am encouraged by the recent partnership expressed by Greek President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Mehmet Talat. The opening of Ledra Street in Nicosia, a key thoroughfare through the last divided capital, and the progress made in the July 8 agreement, which calls for the implementation of specific confidence-building measures such as establishing bicommunal working groups and technical committees to examine and discuss issues affecting the day-to-day lives of the people of Cyprus, have been outstanding. A great deal more, however, must be done. Again, I would like to express my support for the continued efforts to find a solution to this ongoing conflict and hope to see a unified Cyprus in the near future.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution, condemning the attack on the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA), and I would like to thank my friend from Florida, the Ranking Member on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Congresswoman Ileana Ros- Lehtinen for sponsoring this meaningful resolution. Mr. Speaker, on July 18th, 1994, a huge explosion rocked the city of Buenos Aires--marking the second murderous attack against Israeli and Jewish targets in Argentina, which is home to the largest Jewish community in Latin America. The first occurred 2 years prior and was aimed at the Israeli Embassy. The second was the bombing of the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association--where 85 people were murdered and hundreds more wounded. It has been 14 years since the Jewish Mutual Association was attacked. Yet, the culprits have not been brought to justice. Part of the reason is there is extensive evidence linking the planning of the attacks to the Government of Iran and the execution of that attack to Hezbollah, an umbrella organization of radical Islamic Shiite groups with strong links to Iran and Syria. Iran and Hezbollah have a history of supporting and sponsoring terror, and they have been unwilling to cooperate with investigators. I have denounced their actions, particularly Iran for being the engine behind these attacks by financing, training, and arming terrorist organizations like Hezbollah. And, the time has come for all nations to fully cooperate with the AMIA investigation. Too many lives have been lost. Too many families have been ripped apart. Too many have suffered. It is time for the world to join together to move peace forward in the Middle East, to end violence against the Jewish community at-large, and to foster respect and understanding for all people throughout the world. I believe we can start by bringing the perpetrators of the attacks on Argentina to justice. By punishing those who caused death, harm and conflict in Argentina, we will set a clear signal to the world that killing will not advance their cause. Thanks again to Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen for sponsoring this resolution. It is important for the Argentinean government to know that we support their efforts to bring the perpetrators of this horrific crime to justice. And again, my deepest condolences and sympathy to the people of Argentina and Israel for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by this attack.

Mr. CROWLEY

Mr. CROWLEY. I thank my friend from Michigan for yielding me this time. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for expressing their support for what I believe is a very valuable piece of legislation. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the renewal of the sanctions on the Burmese junta. I am proud to follow in the footsteps of the previous author of this important legislation, the late Tom Lantos. It was Tom's drive and energy that ensured that this legislation was passed in the past Congresses, and I am now pleased that I am able to pick up the mantle and to be the lead sponsor of this legislation as it moves forward. Like Mr. Lantos, I believe that the United States has a moral obligation to stand up for those citizens of the world who cannot stand up for themselves. For many years now, the Burmese military junta has committed endless atrocities toward rival factions and ethnic groups inside their borders. Over 1 million of the Burmese people have been forced to relocate from their homes. More than 2,700 villages have been annihilated while junta leaders deny much-needed humanitarian aid to reach refugees as a result of Cyclone Nargis. Millions have been subjugated into forced labor, what the International Labor Organization calls, and I quote, a modern form of slavery. The junta is one of the few remaining repressive regimes still in power in the 21st century. The entire world witnessed the repression that existed only last fall in Burma when the military junta smashed a burgeoning democracy movement. Once again, it was demonstrated when the military junta denied humanitarian assistance to its own people during Cyclone Nargis. President Bush and the First Lady continue to bring attention to the people of Burma's struggle for freedom and democracy, and I congratulate and commend both of them for that. Most recently, the President signed the Congressional Gold Medal of Freedom for Aung San Suu Kyi, which again further demonstrates the commitment of the President and of Congress in terms of bringing notoriety to her cause. But we need to pressure our allies, specifically the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, known as ASEAN, as well as, I believe, China and India, to do more to clamp down on the junta's finances and international travel. If we ignore this terrible situation, it will only continue to worsen. The time to act against these Burmese atrocities is upon us. Times such as now are when a strong voice is needed to push the world in the right direction. As a collective group, we can come together to save lives and to save a culture from being swallowed by inhumanity. I want to again thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, who may have some skeptical thoughts about the imposition of sanctions, but I think you've already alluded to other countries and what they're doing now as a result of what we did, maybe unilaterally. But we are making a difference by not ignoring the plight of the people of Burma, who are being held, in many respects, in bondage by their own government. And so I applaud you for recognizing the effects that these sanctions have had and will continue to have and will grow. We're looking for more partners in this effort. And I believe by passing this legislation today, it demonstrates our further commitment towards the people of Burma, who have very few people in the world looking out for them but the United States. So I congratulate you all for supporting this legislation and I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.