Lincoln Diaz-Balart

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recall the tragic anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus that occurred on July 20, 1974. Thirty-five years ago, Turkey attacked the Republic of Cyprus. Tragically, the legacy of that brutal act--43,000 Turkish occupation troops on Cypriot soil--continues to this day. Turkish troops, in blatant disregard for the Rule of Law and the basic rights of the Cypriot people, continue to illegally divide the island into two areas. As a result, the Republic of Cyprus is one of the most militarized areas in the world. I strongly urge both sides to fully comply with the guiding principles of the July 8, 2006 agreement. This agreement sought to establish working groups to operate together to reunify Cyprus into one bizonal, bicommunal federation. Since September 3, 2008, the leaders of the two communities have held more than 35 rounds of direct talks and those talks are continuing regularly. The July 8 agreement is an important achievement that has given both parties the framework to work toward a permanently unified and free Cyprus. I commend the opening of Ledra Street in Nicosia that occurred on April 3, 2008 and the recent agreement between the Turkish and Cypriot leaders to open the Limnitis crossing point to Kokkina. These are positive steps toward realizing the goals of the July 8 agreement and toward liberating the Cypriot people. While the international community may certainly support the Cypriot and Turkish leaders as they work toward a solution, the solution to the illegal occupation of Cyprus must be solved by the Cypriots themselves and any solution must serve the interests of the people of Cyprus. A solution cannot be imposed by outside parties or subject to arbitrary timelines. Madam Speaker, I remain committed to the goal of a united and free Cyprus. After thirty-five years of illegal occupation, the Cypriot people deserve to be free from division and oppression at last.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, through their annual rally this week, Falun Gong practitioners and sympathizers have focused international attention on the horrible suffering of so many Falun Gong practitioners in Communist China. At that rally, I stood in warm, heartfelt solidarity with them and I will continue to do so until the Chinese people are free. On the occasion of this rally denouncing 10 years of persecution against the Falun Gong, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the names of several students, professors and lawyers who have suffered for their opposition to Communist China's brutal tyranny. Currently, twelve professors and students from the prestigious Tsinghua University are known to be detained in Communist China under deplorable conditions due to their Falun Gong beliefs: 1. Mr. Bai Rongchun 2. Ms. Zhu Tong 3. Ms. Cong Dayang 4. Ms. Liu Zhimei 5. Ms. Yao Yue 6. Mr. Meng Jun 7. Mr. Wang Xin 8. Mr. Wang Weiyu 9. Mr. Yu Chao 10. Mr. Zang Lianjun 11. Mr. Yuping 12. Mr. Bao Weizhong I would also like to commend and thank the handful of brave human rights lawyers who have accepted the challenge of representing Falun Gong adherents, as well as other oppressed citizens, and who themselves have been subjected to harassment, disbarment, detention and even torture as a result. Madam Speaker, these attorneys have taken an enormous risk for their fellow countrymen and I commend and admire their honorable efforts: 1. Zhang Kai 2. Li Chunfu 3. Wei Liangyue 4. Tang Jitian 5. Lan Zhixue 6. Jiang Tianyong 7. Li Heping 8. Li Xiongbing 9. Li Fangping 10. Pu Zhiqiang 11. Zhang Kai 12. Jiang Tianyong 13. Li Heping 14. Li Xiongbing 15. Li Chunfu 16. Wang Yajun of Globe-Law in Beijing 17. Cheng Hai 18. Tang Jitian 19. Yang Huiwen of Anhui Law Firm in Beijing 20. Xie Yanyi 21. Li Dunyong of Gongxin Law Firm in Beijing 22. Wen Haibo 23. Liu Wei of Shunhe Law Firm in Beijing 24. Zhang Lihui of Beijing G&G (Giant and Goal) Law Firm in Beijing 25. Li Jinglin of Jiurui Law Firm in Beijing 26. Wei Liangyue of Jiaodian Law Firm in Heilongjiang 27. Yang Zaixin of Baijuming Law Firm in Guangxi 28. Sun Wenbing of Xinhe Law Firm Most recently, sometime between July 2 and July 8, these three brave lawyers were arrested for their efforts to defend Falun Gong practitioners: 29. Ruping Liu 30. Wang 31. Wang Ping Yonghang Madam Speaker, the ruthless, despicable persecution against Falun Gong practioners and other oppressed minorities must end and these brave prisoners of conscience must be released immediately.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, FY2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, FY2010 Account: Department of Energy, Science Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Barry University Address of Requesting Entity: 11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33161 Description of Request: I have secured $1,200,000 to fund Phase II of the Institute for Collaborative Sciences Research which is intended to create a state-of-the-art research infrastructure through new laboratory and teaching space in health care and physical sciences programs. The focus of the Institute will be to prepare minority leaders for future work in healthcare professions while facilitating important research that has a direct benefit on minority populations in my South Florida community. Requesting Member: Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, FY2010 Account: Department of Energy, Science Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Miami-Dade College Hialeah Campus Address of Requesting Entity: 1780 W 49th Street, Hialeah, FL 33012 Description of Request: I have secured $400,000 to implement a Physical and Biological Sciences Laboratory Learning Center at Miami Dade College's Hialeah Campus. Funding will develop both face-to-face and virtual Physical and Biological Science labs, and technology- enhanced learning systems to support student recruitment, retention and graduation rates in Science career fields. Having these options will allow students to use technology to conduct experiments and test hypotheses in class under the direct supervision of an instructor or in the traditional wet lab setting. The Physical and Biological Sciences Laboratory Learning Center at MDC-Hialeah Campus will promote graduation rates in degree programs in the sciences fields. The national need for college educated workers in STEM fields is well documented. Requesting Member: Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, FY2010 Account: Army Corps of Engineers, Investigations account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Miami-Dade County Address of Requesting Entity: 111 NW 1st Street, Suite 1032, Miami, FL 33128 Description of Request: I have secured $600,000 for dredging of the Miami Harbor at the Port of Miami which includes the design, preparation of plans and specifications for bidding. The Chief of Engineers has recommended the deepening project to 50-52 feet and Congress has authorized the project (Title I, Water Resources Development Act of 2007). It is essential that the Planning, Engineering, and Design (PED) begin in FY09. Extended delay in the proposed dredging improvements could be detrimental to the economy of South Florida and the nation. Cargo growth at the Port of Miami has been phenomenally strong. However, the industry standard container ship is becoming larger, and the Port cannot handle the newer ships without deeper channels. In addition, the Port has been facing increasing competition from foreign ports with existing significantly deeper channels and faces lost business to foreign ports (such as Freeport). Requesting Member: Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart Bill Number: H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, FY2010 Account: Army Corps of Engineers, Construction account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: South Florida Water Management District Address of Requesting Entity: 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Description of Request: I have secured $210,239,000 to continue authorized projects included in the comprehensive South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration project.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the H.R. 3170, Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, FY2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart Bill Number: H.R. 3170, Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, FY2010 Account: Small Business Administration, Salaries and Expenses account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Chamber South Address of Requesting Entity: 6410 SW 80th Street, South Miami, FL 33143 Description of Request: I have secured $100,000 to start a job incubator program in Richmond Heights, Florida. Richmond Heights is a part of un-incorporated Miami-Dade County with a predominant African- American population. Due to the recent economic recession, the population of Richmond Heights has experienced severe job loss. Chamber South works to foster economic and job growth in South Florida, especially Richmond Heights. They bring together local business, government entities such as the SBA and local residents to encourage economic production. Requesting Member: Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart Bill Number: H.R. 3170, Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, FY2010 Account: Small Business Administration, Salaries and Expenses account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Miami-Dade College Address of Requesting Entity: 300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33132 Description of Request: I have secured $300,000 to establish an Institute for Intermodal Transportation to provide careers addressing the future needs of the transportation industry. A major focus is to provide small businesses with opportunities to train and retrain their workforce, as well as providing certifications and degree programs. The Intermodal Transportation Training Center allows MDC to effectively meet the training requirements of all forms of transportation, and transportation related activities. The planned location of the Intermodal Transportation Center is at the Miami International Airport (MIA), which would situate the School in close proximity to the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) currently under construction. This location would serve as a benefit to both the MIC and the school as a trained and skilled workforce is developed by the School to meet the ongoing employment needs at the MIC. Courses at MIA are set to begin January 2010.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my friend, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui) for the time, and I yield myself as much time as I may consume. The underlying legislation, the Energy-Water Appropriations Act, provides over $33.2 billion in funding for critical water projects. It helps to develop a cleaner, more dependable energy sector that is less dependent on unreliable sources of foreign energy. It also supports our national defense system by funding critical weapons and nonproliferation programs. The Water Resources Development Act of 2007, known as WRDA, authorized the deepening of the Miami Harbor to a depth of 50 feet. The underlying legislation follows up on that authorization with $600,000 for the planning of the dredging project. Reaching a depth of 50 feet by the time that the Panama Canal expansion is completed in 2014 is of both local and national importance. Once the Panama Canal expansion is complete, a new class of supercargo carriers will be able to traverse the canal and will be looking for new deepwater ports to unload their cargo. However, there are very few ports in the United States ready to handle those carriers. Once Miami reaches the 50-foot depth mark, it will be the closest U.S. port to the Panama Canal that can handle the carriers and will serve as a vital entry point for international trade in and out of the United States. The ability of the Port of Miami to accommodate those carriers will double the amount of cargo the port is able to handle and will serve to cement Miami's position as the trade capital of the Americas. It will also create numerous high-paying jobs; and it will have an extraordinary impact, obviously, on the local economy. The Florida Everglades is a great national treasure. The Everglades' combination of abundant moisture, rich soils and subtropical temperatures traditionally supported a vast array of species. Flood control and reclamation efforts in the 1940s and the 1950s manipulated the Everglades' hydrology, redirecting fresh water destined for the Everglades out to sea. Its ecosystem was also harmed by degraded water quality. Pollutants from urban areas and agricultural run-off, including pesticides and excess nutrients, have harmed plant and animal populations. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, which I strongly support, will capture fresh water destined for the sea, the lifeblood of the Everglades, and direct it back to the ecosystem to revitalize it. At the same time the project will also improve water supplies, provide flood control for South Florida and protect wildlife. My colleagues in the South Florida delegation and I have worked closely with appropriators to secure funding for this important project. I'm thankful to my colleagues, and I am pleased the Appropriations Committee agreed on the importance of this project by appropriating $210 million. I would like to thank Chairman Pastor and Ranking Member Frelinghuysen for their bipartisan work on the important underlying legislation that we're bringing to the floor today. While I support the underlying legislation, I must oppose the rule by which the majority is bringing this bill to the floor. Last month the majority set a dangerous precedent to limit debate on appropriations bills, debate that, historically, was almost always considered under an open rule, an open process of debate. Today, Mr. Speaker, we are set to consider the eighth of 12 appropriations bills, and every bill considered so far has been considered under a structured rule that severely limits the ability of Members from both sides of the aisle to bring amendments to the floor for debate and for a vote and is not in the usual open procedure which allows every Member to offer their amendments. During last week's Rules Committee hearing on the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill, the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, Mr. Lewis, testified that there was still time to undo the majority's new precedent, restricting the ability of Members to offer amendments to appropriation bills. Mr. Lewis asked the majority to reconsider the use of structured rules on appropriations bills, to return to regular order, to historical order, to the tradition of an open debate process on appropriations bills. He even offered his services to persuade Members to not offer dilatory amendments, which would hamper the ability of Congress to complete its appropriations work on time, something that both the majority and the minority wish to accomplish. Ranking Member Dreier of the Rules Committee and I also offered to help Ranking Member Lewis rein in any Members who wished to unnecessarily prolong the debate process. I really hoped that the majority on the Rules Committee would heed Mr. Lewis' thoughtful suggestion and accept his offer to help move the process along if an open debate process was returned to. However, the majority, once again, blocked the overwhelming majority of Members from both sides of the aisle from having a full opportunity to debate the bill and represent the interests of their constituents. So, Mr. Speaker, the majority has not understood the damage it is causing this House by closing debate unnecessarily on appropriations bills by breaking, in effect, two centuries of precedents. It is sad. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry).

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve my time.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise).

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Nathan Deal.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my good friend, Mrs. Matsui, once again for her courtesy, and I want to thank all of my distinguished colleagues who have participated in this debate on the rule bringing forward to the floor the appropriations bill, the Energy and Water appropriations bill. I was particularly impressed by the arguments brought forth by Lee Terry who explained--and I wasn't aware of it--how, in the authorizing committee, and, quite frankly, then the Appropriations Committee, there have been systematic attempts to limit, close down debate, really, on developing, encouraging in a serious, comprehensive way nuclear power for the Nation. It reminded me of what I consider an unfortunate aspect of the dogma of the left of the United States. Curious is their opposition to nuclear power. Not necessarily is that the case with the left everywhere. In France, for example, where about 80 percent of electricity is generated from nuclear power, governments of the left and the right. President Mitterand was a strong supporter of nuclear power, as obviously was President Giscard, and then President Chirac, and now President Sarkozy. Left and right in France have seen the critical importance of developing nuclear power and the importance of reprocessing, which was what Lee Terry was talking about, that ever since the Carter years here we have limited, we have excluded, in effect, that option. So we're at a point now where we spend so much--we use so much imported oil in this country to generate electricity. That's insane when there is a clean option, nuclear power, which requires reprocessing in order to be really effective, as demonstrated in France. And yet the dogma of the American left on that issue curiously does not make that option possible. Let me ask, how much time do I have remaining, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp).

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I yield myself the remainder of my time. It is a pillar of thought of the American left's opposition to nuclear power. I think it's evident. And the American left controls the leadership of this Congress, and it's unfortunate, as Mr. Wamp pointed out, because, and as I tried to point out earlier, in other countries left and right agree on the importance of nuclear power. It's clean energy that is available, readily available, and safe to reduce dependence on oil immediately. Alternative sources are being developed, and they're important. But in terms of the significant substitution of oil with new sources, clean and reliable sources of energy, there is nothing that's available that can be more impacted or more effective than nuclear power. So it's a curiosity. As a student, I studied comparative politics, comparative law. As a student of the left and the right in many countries, I find it curious as to why it is, because it is evidently a pillar of thought of the American left--opposition to nuclear power--but it's a fact. I will be asking for a ``no'' on the previous question, Mr. Speaker, so we can amend this rule so we can allow an open process. There is no question that the rules the majority bring forth today will help to cement the dangerous precedent that it set last month. It will further damage bipartisanship and comity in this body. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question so we can uphold our tradition of allowing free and open debate on appropriations bills. If we do not do so, I believe the majority will come to regret their decision to close down the deliberative process of the House on appropriations bills. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment and extraneous materials immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I want to thank my dear friend from Texas, a great leader in this House, Mr. Sessions, for the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise because this legislation that we are bringing to the floor today includes the last installment in a project that is very important to the community that I represent. The Southern Command is in the congressional district that I represent, and it is receiving in this legislation $55.4 million that completes the $237 million required for the new headquarters of the Southern Command, which is extremely important to the national security of the Nation and of the hemisphere, the defense of the hemisphere, and obviously to the community that I am honored to represent. SOUTHCOM personnel and supporting services have contributed over $1.2 billion and over 20,000 jobs to south Florida, and south Florida is the right place for SOUTHCOM. And we have been, for many years, working to make sure that it stays in south Florida. I want to thank Chairman Edwards and Ranking Member Wamp and really all of the members of the Florida delegation and others who have worked so hard in a united fashion to make this a reality, a permanent facility for SOUTHCOM. It's in a location that is leased from the State of Florida for the great total of $1 a year, long-term lease, $1 a year. That's what it is going to be costing the taxpayer. So I want to thank former Governor Bush, Jeb Bush, for his help, in making this a reality, as well as Governor Charlie Crist, who has also demonstrated great leadership in making this project a reality. We have worked with the county. We have worked with Mayor Bermudez of the City of Doral. The City of Doral has been marvelous in its cooperation with the men and women of SOUTHCOM; so, too, General Craddock, with whom we began working on this important project; and then Admiral Stavridis, who has done a tremendous job as the head of SOUTHCOM, and now he is leaving us to go to Europe and defend that continent; and now General Fraser, who has joined SOUTHCOM as the new head. All of them have done a tremendous job, along with all of the men and women there at the Southern Command. So I thank all who have had an important role in this development and wish the men and women of SOUTHCOM well as I congratulate them, because Congress has done its job in funding the new headquarters.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding an earmark I received as part of H.R. 3082--Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, Fiscal Year 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart Bill Number: H.R. 3082--Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, Fiscal Year 2010 Account: Military Construction--Army Legal Name of Requesting Entity: SOUTHCOM Headquarters, Incr 3 Address of Requesting Entity: United States Southern Command, Doral, FL 33122 Description of Request: I have secured $55,400,000 to complete construction of a new headquarters for the United States Southern Command in Doral, Florida adjacent to the existing facility. Currently, the Department of Defense is leasing the land on which SOUTHCOM is now located from a private individual. The land for this facility is leased from the State of Florida. SOUTHCOM received $100 million in the FY08 Military Construction Appropriations bill and $81.6 million in the FY09 Military Construction Appropriations bill as the first two installments of $237 million, authorized by section 2101(a) of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (division B of Public Law 110-181; 122 Stat. 504).

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank my friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Cardoza) for the time. I would like to thank Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger for their efforts on this important legislation. This bill provides almost $50 billion in funding for a number of U.S. government programs and activities, including the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development, foreign economic and military assistance, contributions to international organizations, and international broadcasting programs. In today's world, foreign assistance is as important to our national interest as it is ethical. I am pleased that the legislation recognizes our shared democratic values and our special friendship with Israel, and includes $2.2 billion in Foreign Military Financing programs, FMF assistance, for that great friend and ally. Our aid to Israel is especially important as the ruthless tyranny in Iran threatens to wipe it off the face of the map and rockets continue to rain down on Israel from terrorist groups, whether they be Hamas or Hezbollah. Israel is a true friend and partner of the United States, and we must now, more than ever, show unwavering support for our friends, not only through this legislation, but through every other available means. I am deeply concerned about the funding provided in this legislation to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. Without determining that the agency does not have members of Hamas on its payroll, U.N. agencies such as that, for example, such as the so-called Human Rights Council, a club of tyrannies, do not deserve American taxpayer support, just like the useless embarrassment that is the Organization of American States. Now, there are some good things, very good things in this legislation. The legislation provides $165 million in Economic Support Funds, for example, for Haiti, to help the authorities consolidate democratic gains and promote development. Since the recent devastating storms hit Haiti, I have called, first on the Bush administration and then on the Obama administration, to grant temporary protected status to Haitian nationals in the United States. I visited Haiti last month, and my visit reinforced my belief that TPS for Haiti is well overdue. Again, I call on the Obama administration to finally grant TPS for Haitians. The Obama administration needs to stop dragging its feet on this important issue. I wish to thank the Appropriations Committee for the $20 million in Economic Support Funds for pro-democracy activities in Cuba in this bill. Those funds will support efforts for a transition to democracy and freedom in the only totalitarian dictatorship in the Western Hemisphere, through support for dissidents, human rights activists, independent librarians and others who risk their lives each day struggling for freedom in that enslaved island, the only country in the Western Hemisphere where free elections have been denied to its people for over 50 years. The legislation includes $1.4 billion for the Millennium Challenge Corporation, MCC. Assistance to foreign nations from the MCC is linked to greater responsibilities from those nations. The new responsibilities those developing nations accept in exchange for the funds ensure that the assistance we provide does not go to waste and has the greatest possible impact on those who need the help the most. I have been a longtime supporter of the MCC. But last year I learned that one recipient country may not be keeping up their end of the bargain. APR Energy, a Florida company, has an ongoing contract dispute with Tanzania, which I understand Tanzania has failed to resolve. I urge the Tanzanian government to comply with both the contract with APR Energy and their MCC compact and expeditiously resolve the dispute with APR Energy pursuant to the law and the utmost transparency. I have concerns with the increased funding levels in two areas of the bill, the United Nations Population Fund and international family planning. In the past, this United Nations fund has been found to support and participate in programs of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization. While the international family planning money doesn't go directly to fund abortions, it will go to organizations that promote and provide advocacy for abortion. I do not think this is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars. Even though the majority on the Rules Committee last night rejected the Smith-Stupak amendment on this issue, I continue to hope that the issue will be addressed in conference. I commend the committee, the Appropriations Committee, for recognizing many other important foreign policy priorities in the bill, $21 million for the American Institute in Taiwan, for example, and over $740 million for broadcasting through such important media outlets as the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and for Radio and TV Marti. I also commend the committee for maintaining the Greek language broadcasts in the Voice of America and also for wisely providing assistance to promote as much as possible the reconciliation to end the violence in Sri Lanka. Mr. Speaker, while I support the underlying legislation, I must oppose the rule by which the majority is bringing this bill to the floor. Last month, the majority set a dangerous precedent to limit debate on appropriations bills, debate that historically was almost always considered under open rules, open debate process. Today we are set to consider the sixth of 12 appropriations bills, and every bill considered so far has been considered under a structured rule that severely limits the ability of all Members of this House to introduce amendments and have them debated. During yesterday's Rules Committee hearing, Appropriations Ranking Member Lewis testified that there is still time to undo the majority's new precedent restricting the ability of Members to offer amendments on appropriations bills. He asked the majority to reconsider the use of structured rules on appropriations bills, to return to regular order, to historical order, to the tradition of an open debate process on appropriations bills. He even offered his services to persuade Members to not offer dilatory amendments which would hamper the ability of Congress to complete its appropriations work on time. Rules Ranking Member Dreier and I also offered to help Ranking Member Lewis rein in any errant Members, any Members who wished to prolong unnecessarily the appropriations process. I really hoped the majority on the Rules Committee would heed Mr. Lewis' thoughtful suggestion and accept his offer to help move the process along if an open debate process was returned to. However, the majority once again blocked Members from both sides of the aisle from offering amendments. Mr. Speaker, the majority has simply not understood the damage, unnecessarily, that it is causing this House by closing debate on appropriations bills, by breaking two centuries of precedence. How myopic. How sad. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt).

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I yield 4 minutes to my friend, the distinguished gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton).

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mack).