Lincoln Diaz-Balart

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, first I'd like to thank my friend, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Perlmutter) for the time. And I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, Mr. Speaker, if I may, I'd like to remember and ask the House to recall that today is June 4. Twenty years ago a massacre occurred in Beijing. Thousands of students and other pro-democracy activists were murdered. Subsequently, they were rounded up, those who had not been murdered, who had been in the square, and thrown in dungeons and tortured. And so it's been 20 years, but we cannot forget. The regime is still in power there. They haven't had much reason to regret their murders and their systematic oppression of the people. But over you, in something that distinguishes this Congress, we read the words ``In God We Trust.'' And I do. I trust that justice will be done, and that those who committed the murders at Tiananmen Square in June of 1989 will be brought to justice. We can never forget, Mr. Speaker. With regard to the rule being brought forth today, bringing forth important legislation to the floor today, in order to protect our transportation systems after the cowardly attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress passed and President Bush signed into law on November 19, 2001, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act. That legislation created the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, improving aviation security and restoring public confidence in air travel. The underlying legislation that's being brought forth today for consideration by the Congress, by this rule, authorizes $7.6 billion in appropriations for the TSA during the fiscal year 2010, and provides a 6 percent across-the-board increase for fiscal year 2011. In their report to Congress, the 9/11 Commission criticized the existing process for allocation of Federal homeland security grants. The report recommended that, ``Homeland security assistance should be based strictly on an assessment of risks and vulnerabilities,'' and that the distribution of the grants ``should not remain a program for general revenue sharing.'' I have long worked to make certain that homeland security assistance follows the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and that funds are distributed through risk-based assessments. As such, I am pleased that this legislation requires TSA to update Congress on its implementation of a risk-based system for allocating security resources. The underlying legislation would establish an Aviation Security Advisory Committee to assist and make recommendations to the Secretary with issues pertaining to aviation security. It also establishes an Air Cargo Working Group to provide recommendations for the implementation of the cargo screening initiatives proposed by the TSA to meet the 100 percent air cargo screening mandates set forth in the ``Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act.'' I am pleased there is a provision that provides for the reimbursement of airports that took the initiative and used their own funding to install explosive detection systems after the September 11 terrorist attacks. Those airports installed the systems after receiving assurances from the Federal Government that they would be reimbursed for these expensive yet very important protection systems. Unfortunately, after all these years, we're still waiting for the Federal Government to provide the promised reimbursement. I congratulate our colleague, Mr. Bilirakis, for having this important provision included in the legislation. While I plan to support the underlying legislation, Mr. Speaker, I must express concerns that the legislation was really rushed to the floor by the majority. On such an important issue as the safety of our transportation systems, one would think the majority would want the input of the very agency affected by the legislation. And yet it decided it was more important to move forward than to wait until the administration, the new administration, had selected a TSA administrator who could provide Congress the necessary input and new ideas on how Congress can improve the agency. So the majority, it can be said, used excessive haste to rush the bill to the floor. On Thursday, May 14, the majority announced that the House would consider the Transportation Security Administration reauthorization bill the week of May 18. However, at the time of the announcement, the legislative language of the bill was nowhere to be found. The majority kept the text, as you know upon which amendments are based or can be based, hidden under lock and key until late on Monday, May 18. And just as they released the text, they set a hard and fast deadline of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, for Members to submit their amendments. What this did was give Members, in effect, one business day to read the legislation that reauthorizes the TSA and draft and submit amendments. The majority justified their short amendment deadline by saying that the Rules Committee was going to meet the next day, Thursday, to report a rule for amendments, with the idea that the bill would be on the floor on Friday, May 22. But the House decided to leave for the Memorial Day district work period on Thursday evening, without considering the TSA bill, and rather than allowing Members more time to review the bill, the majority pushed ahead, eliminating the opportunity for Members to further review the legislation and propose amendments to improve it. I bring this up, Mr. Speaker, because it is not an anomaly on the majority's part, but it's business as usual. Since the majority took power in Congress in January 2007, Members have been given an average of one business day or less to submit amendments than we did when we were in the majority. And that's important because it's important for people here representing their constituents to have time to read legislation before having to introduce amendments to try to improve the legislation. I am pleased that the majority agreed to allow an amendment that I introduced in the Rules Committee for consideration. However, there were other amendments from Members on both sides of the aisle that were blocked. For example, the majority blocked an amendment by Representative Souder that would require the TSA to place all of the detainees held at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility on the no-fly list, an amendment that I'm sure would have overwhelming support on the floor. So I would simply urge the majority to allow an open process, as it promised in its campaign, and not just on noncontroversial legislation such as this one. This is legislation, in terms of the merits of the legislation, it was brought forth in a bipartisan manner within the committee. The chairman, Mr. Thompson, is known to work in a very respectful and bipartisan manner with all of the members of his committee, and I think all of us are grateful for that and commend him for it. So I would urge, though, that not only on noncontroversial legislation but also on upcoming, for example, health care and climate change legislation, that openness be allowed in the House. It's important. It's, I think, required by the spirit of the democratic process. So both of these upcoming pieces of legislation, energy, health care, they will obviously have far-reaching consequences for our constituents and for the economy, and so I would hope that on such important issues the majority does not block the opportunity for Members of the House to bring forth their amendments seeking to improve the legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would ask my friend if he has any other speakers.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I'd like to thank my friend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Arcuri) for the time, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, south Florida has a rich and proud flying history. Aviation's entry into south Florida came in 1911 when the Wright brothers delivered a biplane for Miami's 15th anniversary celebration. After World War I, the city rapidly developed as an aviation center. By 1928, Pan American Airways had moved its headquarters to Miami, followed soon by Eastern Airlines and National Airlines. In 1937, Amelia Earhart took off from Miami Airport in Hialeah on her final fateful around-the-world flight. During World War II, Miami transformed into a training base and departure point for the theaters of war. Following the victory, commercial aviation experienced an explosion in growth and development, and Miami International Airport rose to prominence. Today, that airport continues to be one of the busiest in the Nation and a major gateway to the Americas. In 2008, almost 34 million passenger passed through Miami International Airport. Almost half of them were international passengers. MIA is not only a hub for international travel, it also plays an integral role in global trade. The airport is among the Nation's top air cargo handlers, with almost 2 million tons handled last year, and a record 2.1 million tons processed in 2006. Also, MIA handled nearly 80 percent of all air cargo imports and exports between the United States and Latin America. Because it is both an international hub for passengers and cargo, the airport provides the south Florida community with an economic contribution of over $26 billion annually, generating almost 300,000 jobs, almost $700 million in Federal aviation tax revenue, and almost $1 billion dollars in State, county and municipal tax revenue. However, if MIA is going to continue to play such an important role as a trade gateway, it obviously must continue to grow. The airport is currently in the midst of a $6.2 billion capital improvement program that has made progress. It's had some problems, but it's made progress, despite costly delays and large cost increases. This capital program, when completed in 2011, will expand the terminal and concourses by over 3.9 million square feet, for a total of 7.4 million square feet, with added cargo facilities increasing from 2.7 million square feet of space and 17 buildings to nearly 3.5 million square feet and 20 cargo processing buildings. If U.S. air travel is to continue its fundamental role in our economy, we have to make certain that we have the safest, most modern and efficient transportation system in the world. By reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration funding and safety oversight programs, the underlying legislation that is being brought to the floor takes an important step toward that goal. H.R. 915 helps airports meet the challenges of congestion and delays by, among other things, authorizing over $16 billion for the Airport Improvement Program. That program provides grants to airports to help them with capacity and infrastructure problems. The bill also provides over $13 billion for facilities and equipment programs to expedite the deployment of the Next Generation Air Transportation System, and to assist airports in repairing, replacing and upgrading existing equipment and facilities. Currently, there is a contract dispute between the air traffic controllers and the Federal Aviation Administration. Now, I admire air traffic controllers. They are highly trained, hardworking professionals. I'm honored to know those who are in south Florida, the air traffic controllers, and I'm very proud of them. I'm very proud of them for their extraordinary work and their dedication. Under great pressure, with no room for error, they manage our skies and keep the traveling public safe. I'm pleased that the distinguished chairman has acknowledged the dispute and taken steps to resolve the issue. Although I support the underlying legislation, Mr. Speaker, very important underlying legislation, I must oppose the rule that is bringing it to the floor because it blocks, that rule blocks a complete and fair debate unnecessarily, once again and unfortunately, once again. The rule brought forth by the majority today forbids the House from considering amendments from Members on both sides of the aisle. Yes, it allows four out of six Republican amendments that were introduced in the Rules Committee, but it blocks, it prohibits, a total of 21 amendments. Some of those amendments are bipartisan amendments, and most are amendments from the majority party. I may not have voted for all those amendments that were blocked by the majority on the Rules Committee, but I certainly believe that this House should have had the opportunity to debate them, to consider them, and to vote on all the amendments. I don't know why, Mr. Speaker. I'm not sure why the majority, each time a bill comes up for consideration under a rule, it consistently, the majority consistently blocks amendments from debate. Why? Why is the majority blocking amendments? Is it that they're afraid of debate? Are they afraid of losing the vote on some amendments? Are they protecting their Members from what they consider to be tough, difficult votes? Are they afraid of the democratic process? Or is it all of the above? I reserve.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. We thought we did, but we don't. So at this point we will be urging a ``no'' vote on the previous question and a ``no'' vote on the adoption of the rule. Again, Mr. Speaker, the underlying legislation is important, and it's going to enjoy great bipartisan support, but we think that the process of debate should have been fully open, so that's why we'll be asking for a ``no'' vote on the previous question as well as on the rule. At this point, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my dear friend and colleague and the fact that he shares also my admiration for the air traffic controllers and my support for the measures to increase their quality of life and to recognize the extraordinary work that they do each day and the importance of the extraordinary work that they do each day. With regard to the fact that when he was in the minority he experienced some of his amendments being denied, I've also had that experience. Obviously, it's a lot more challenging to be in the minority than it is to be in the majority. Of course, I'm always hopeful because, in the next bill that's going to be considered by the Rules Committee, I'm going to introduce another amendment. So there's hope. There's hope. I never lose hope that there will be additional fairness in the next rule. I say to my good friend Mr. Arcuri--and he is my friend, as Mr. Hastings is--that, yes, I recognize, on this particular rule a significant number of Republican amendments were made in order. What I fail to understand is the logic in opening up the process on legislation, especially on legislation that obviously enjoys almost consensus support. I recognize the obligations of the majority to frame debate here and to organize the floor. I recognize that. I had the privilege for many years of being on the Rules Committee in the majority. We've had closed rule after closed rule after closed rule, not in this case, as this is a structured rule where there have been more amendments authorized, but the amount of very strictly organized rules and especially the amount of closed rules has been really extraordinary and, I think, unnecessary. That's the point that I've been making. I would inquire of Mr. Arcuri if he has any additional speakers.

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

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida

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 rise today because it is the 107th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cuba. May 20, 1902. Most people, Mr. Speaker, think that independence of the Republic of Cuba was obtained from Spain. It was not. The fight was against Spain for almost 100 years. Hundreds of thousands of heroic Cubans lost their lives. Then, the United States intervened to help Cuba in 1898. And this Congress was instrumental in making certain that after there was pacification--and obviously Spanish colonialism had been expelled--that the Republic of Cuba would be possible. The United States voluntarily left Cuba. Withdrew. Granted Cuba its independence by withdrawing. May 20, 1902. So, today is an anniversary of a very important occasion. It's a sad anniversary, because 50 years ago the Cuban Republic fell in the hands of a demented serial killer, a demonic mass murderer, Fidel Castro. And he continues to rule. He has been ill for some years and so he has granted some titles of power to his brother. But he continues to be the absolute, personal, total dictator of the totalitarian circus that oppresses the Cuban people. There are hundreds of recognized prisoners of conscience-- journalists, librarians, teachers, lawyers, physicians; people who simply have expressed their point of view that they want to see Cuba free. They're in the dungeons. And there are thousands of others who are there as well because they violated so-called laws that would not and do not exist in democratic nations. They're imprisoned for things such as dangerousness. Untold thousands thus are political prisoners in Cuba, suffering in the gulag because they have bothered that demonic mass murderer in some way, because they seek freedom, those political prisoners. Now the system, the totalitarian system that has lasted 50 years, is rotten to the core, Mr. Speaker. Not only does it have the abject opposition, rejection of the entire people, in consensus fashion, the entire nation, but it's putrefied. It's absolutely rotten. And that system is in effect a corpse that is unburied. So, when the dictator does finally die, that circus, that system, totalitarian, oppressive system will die with them. We have seen, in recent examples in very personalized dictatorships, whether it's Franco in Spain or Trujillo in the Dominican Republic, it's a matter of months or years. Their systems die with them. That's what we're going to see in Cuba. Now, Mr. Speaker, I will submit for the Congressional Record a very important letter and list of signatories received just a few days ago. It was sent to the Organization of American States because there's this pathetic, grotesque effort to readmit the Cuban military dictatorship that's lasted 50 years into the inter-American system, including the Organization of American States. And 300 dissidents have signed this letter. These are the heroes of Cuba; mostly young people, many of them wearing bracelets like this, calling for change. They're the future of Cuba. And I recommend to my colleagues and the American people--and I will put it on my Web site--that they see the names of the future leaders of democratic Cuba. To the Organization of American States Republic of Cuba, May 15, 2009 We, members of the Cuban democratic opposition, along with our brothers in the Resistance who are exiled, consider it necessary to address you in the name of our people's sovereign democratic aspirations. We contemplate how a call for the readmission of the longest-lived and most oppressive of Latin American dictatorships to has been raised in the Latin American region, which, as if were not enough, the Castro dictatorship itself has reviled. It is a painful contradiction for the complete normalization of all ties with this tyrannical regime and the diplomatic acceptance of despotic rule on our Island to be proposed precisely on the 50th anniversary of the advent of totalitarianism in Cuba. Cuba has not been separated from the OAS. It is the tyrannical regime which violates the public liberties of Cubans that has been separated. It is the Cuban nation which has continued to belong to this organization in symbolic tribute to the thousands of Cubans who have paid harshly for their democratic resistance against this regime. Nevertheless, what worries us most is not the affront which would be committed against our rights by accepting the dictatorship which oppresses us as an equal in terms of the fundamental values of its democratic neighbors, but rather the damage that would be inflicted on the hemisphere itself. It has cost great pain and sacrifice to banish dictatorships from our Latin America. To ignore the Inter American Democratic Charter, and specifically articles 1, 2, and 3 which state: Article 1--The peoples of the Americas have a right to democracy and their governments have an obligation to promote and defend it. Article 2--The effective exercise of representative democracy is the basis for the rule of law and of the constitutional regimes of the member states of the Organization of American States. Article 3--Essential elements of representative democracy include, inter alia, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, access to and the exercise of power in accordance with the rule of law, the holding of periodic, free, and fair elections based on secret balloting and universal suffrage as an expression of the sovereignty of the people, the pluralistic system of political parties and organizations, and the separation of powers and independence of the branches of government. To readmit the totalitarian Castro regime to the OAS would mean opening the door to every kind of future despotism for the region, and would portend grave and unpredictable consequences for the millions of human beings who are part of the Latin American community. We ask you, in the name of the very values of civilization, not to take this step. To do so would be to lower our American democratic community to the level of totalitarian barbarism. The 1962 Resolution expresses a clear democratic principle: there can be no democratic tolerance for the institutionalized violation of human rights embodied totalitarian, Marxist-Leninist regimes. The Inter-American Commission of Human Rights, an institution affiliated to the OAS, has been one of the most serious and consistent institutions to document the atrocities committed by the Castro dictatorship against its own people. Furthermore, we consider that the free Cuban nation would leave through the same door that the Castro regime may potentially be admitted to the OAS. Consideramos ademas que por la misma puerta que entraria la dictadura castrista al ser admitida potencialmente por la OEA, saldria la nacion cubana libre. Embrace the Cuban people. Condemn its dictatorship. Do not reinstate the Castro regime in the Latin American democratic community; open the doors of the OAS to the Cuban civil society that non-violently struggles for democratic transformation. Signatures: 1. Adailsa Emilia Calderon Castillo, Liliana Morfis Nunez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguin 2. Adis Noris Cruz Viamonte, Movimiento de Resistencia Civica Pedro Luis Boitel, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 3. Aide Viamontes Marquez, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 4. Alberto Gonzalez Sardinas, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos, Ciudad de La Habana. 5. Alberto Reyes Morales, Plantados, Coalicion Central Opositora. 6. Alcides Rivera Rodriguez, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 7. Alejandrina Garcia de la Riva, Dama de Blanco, esposa del prisionero politico Diosdado Gonzalez Marrero, Matanzas. 8. Alejandro Dominguez Merino, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguin 9. Alejandro Tur Valladares, Jagua Press, Coalicion Central Opositora. Cienfuegos. 10. Alexis Carrillo Llanos, Fundacion Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 11. Alexis Munoz Calvo, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 12. Alfredo Borroa Gallo, Partido por Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Holguin. 13. Alfredo Pozo Carbonell, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 14. Amado Ruiz Moreno, Partido Democratico 30 de Noviembre Frank Pais, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 15. Ana Margarita Perdigon Brito, Coalicion Central Opositora, Sancti Spiritus. 16. Ana Rosa Alfonso Arteaga, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 17. Andres Fernando Bilbao Garces, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 18. Angel Batista Vega, Partido por Derechos Humanos de Cuba Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov. 19. Angel Luis Santiesteban Rodes, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Fundacion Cubana de Derechos Humanos. 20. Aniceto Mena Contreras, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Coailicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 21. Antonia Rodriguez Mirabal. Activista de Derechos Humanos, Villa Clara. 22. Antonio Arias Torres, periodista independiente del Centro de Informacion Hablemos Press, Proyecto Comunitario Alegrias Infantiles, Ciudad de La Habana. 23. Aramilda Contreras Rodriguez, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 24. Ariel Gonzalez Cendina, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana. 25. Armando Gonzalez Benitez, Partido del Pueblo Cubano, Ciudad de La Habana. 26. Armando Llanez Govin, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 27. Arnaldo Esposito Zaldivar, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguin. 28. Arnoldo Batista Batista, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguin. 29. Asnay Sauri Ibarra, Partido Liberal de Cuba, Coalicion Central Opositora. 30. Barbara Jimenez Contreras, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Movimiento Femenino Martha Abreu, Villa Clara. 31. Barbara Ortiz Piris, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguin. 32. Belkis Mena Contreras, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 33. Benigno Perez Santiesteban. Fundacion Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 34. Bernardo Rogelio Arevalo Padron, ex prisionero politico y de conciencia, Cienfuegos. 35. Bienvenido Pedigon Pacheco, Partido Democratico 30 de Noviembre Frank Pais, Coalicion Central Opositora. Sancti Spiritus. 36. Blas Fortun Martinez, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 37. Caridad Burunate Gomez, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov. 38. Caridad Caballero Batista, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Alianza Democratica Oriental. Holguin. 39. Carlos Artiles Perez, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 40. Carlos Cordero Paez, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Movimiento Mario Manuel de la Pena. 41. Carlos Lescalle Silva, Centro de Informacion Hablemos Press, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciego de Avila. 42. Carlos Luis Pineda Moreno, Partido Democratico 30 de Noviembre Frank Pais, Manzanillo, Granma. 43. Carlos Manuel Cardenas Gonzalez, Centro de Informacion Hablemos Press, Ciudad de La Habana. 44. Carlos Manuel Gonzalez Rodriguez, Movimiento de Resistencia Civica Pedro Luis Boitel, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 45. Carlos Manuel Hernandez Reyes, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Guantanamo. 46. Carlos Michael Morales Rodriguez, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 47. Carlos Palacios Gonzalez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguin. 48. Carlos Rio Garcia, periodista independiente, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos, Pinar del Rio. 49. Carlos Zaldivar Palacios, Liliana Morfis Nunez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguin. 50. Carmen Char Faez, Liliana Morfis Nunez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguin. 51. Celestino Hernandez Gutierrez, Movimiento Civico Nacionalista Cubano, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 52. Celso Pena Velis, Liliana Morfis Nunez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguin. 53. Cesar Gonzalez Figueredo, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 54. Clara Marta Fonseca Quevedo, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos, Ciudad de La Habana. 55. Cristian Toranzo Fundichely, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia. 56. Damaris Moya Portieles, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 57. Damaris Velazquez Arevalo, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 58. Damian Diaz Napoles, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 59. Daniel Miguel Benitez Romero, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguin. 60. Dayami Ortiz Molina, Fundacion Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 61. Dayami Romero Ortiz, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguin. 62. Deikel Arias Pena, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 63. Delmides Fidalgo Lopez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 64. Delvis Martinez Alvides, Fundacion Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 65. Dervis Martinez Alvides, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Holguin. 66. Diego Sevila Martinez, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Guantanamo. 67. Diosiris Santana Perez, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 68. Dixan Saavedra Prats, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Alianza Democratica Oriental. Holguin. 69. Dixy Carreno Llanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos, Holguin. 70. Donaida Perez Paseiro, periodista independiente Coalicion Central Opositora. 71. Doraiza Correoso, Presidio Pedro Luis Boitel, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Santiago de Cuba. 72. Eddy Rodriguez Cabrejas, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas. 73. Edelmira del Carmen Quinones Abraham, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Holguin. 74. Eisy Marrero Marrero, Fundacion Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Camaguey. 75. Elaine Vargas Betancourt, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas. 76. Elia Rosa Moreno, Partido Democratico 30 de Noviembre Frank Pais, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 77. Emerida Hastie Perez, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Holguin. 78. Emilio Bringas Evora, Partido por Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Matanzas. 79. Ernesto Borges Perez, Partido por la Unidad Democratica Cristiana de Cuba, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana. 80. Ernesto Jesus Jacome Hernandez, Partido por Derechos Humanos de Cuba afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Provincia Habana. 81. Ernesto Mederos Arrozarena, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 82. Esperanza de la Paz Sanchez, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Holguin. 83. Esteban Pena Vera, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 84. Esteban Rodriguez Oliva, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 85. Esteban Sander Suarez, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Alianza Democratica Oriental. 86. Eulicer Serrano Mayo, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguin. 87. Eusebio Pereta Godoy, Partido Liberal Cubano. 88. Felix Reyes Gutierrez, Bibliotecas Independientes, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 89. Fidel de Jesus Novoa Chavez, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 90. Francisco Rangel Manzano, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Partido por Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov. 91. Francisco Safuser, Partido por Derechos Humanos de Cuba afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Ciudad de la Habana. 92. Francisco Santiago Guerrero Gonzalez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguin. 93. Frank Reyes Lopez, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 94. Froilan Guardado de la Torre, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 95. Gaspar Batista Gonzalez, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 96. George Perdigon Brito, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalicion Central Opositora. Sancti Spiritus. 97. Gerardo Leiva Hidalgo, Partido por Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Holguin. 98. Gerardo Paez Diaz, Partido Accion Consultadora Democratica, Provincia Habana. 99. Geraudis Palacio Esposito, Partido por Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Holguin. 100. Gertrudis Ojeda Suarez, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks. Holguin. 101. Guillermo del Sol Perez, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 102. Guillermo Farinas Hernandez, Cubanacan Press, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 103. Guillermo Figueredo Rivero, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas. 104. Guillermo Perez Yera, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 105. Gustavo Quintana Rodriguez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 106. Hector Lopez Perez, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Guantanamo. 107. Heriberto Santorio Leiva, Alianza Democratica Oriental. 108. Higiniio Gonzalz Rodriguez, Movimiento de Resistencia Civica Pedro Luis Boitel, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 109. Hugo Damian Prieto Blanco, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana. 110. Idalberto Gonzalez Gomez, Movimiento Civico Nacionalista Cubano, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 111. Idalmis Desdin Salgueiro, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks. Holguin. 112. Idalmis Nunez Reinoso, Presidio Pedro Luis Boitel, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Santiago de Cuba. 113. Idania Yanes Contreras, presidente Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 114. Ilais Menendez Leand, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Alianza Democratica Oriental. 115. Ileana Hermita Rodriguez, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 116. Ilsysi Varona Bermudez, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 117. Ines Maria Lopez Sanchez, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Guantanamo. 118. Inima Marcos Mondeja, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Circulos Municipalistas. 119. Iris Tamara Perez Aguilera, presidente Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 120. Isidoro Marrero Fernandez, Alianza Democratica Oriental. 121. Ismael Bermudez Periche, Liliana Morfis Nunez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguin. 122. Ismael Fernandez Perez, Liliana Morfis Nunez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguin. 123. lzmaris Salomon Carcaces, periodista independiente, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos, Ciudad de La Habana. 124. Jannis Alibet Marrero Morales, Fundacion Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 125. Janny Morales Hernandez, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Holguin. 126. Jesus Cordero Suarez, Conductores de Bicitaxis, Ciudad de La Habana. 127. Jorge Alberto Rustan Hinojosa, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 128. Jorge Corrales Ceballos, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Guantanamo. 129. Jorge Gonzalez Valazquez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 130. Jorge Luis Garcia Perez ``Antunez'', Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 131. Jorge Luis Gonzalez Rodriguez, Movimiento de Resistencia Civica Pedro Luis Boitel, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 132. Jorge Luis Ortiz Tamayo, Fundacion Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 133. Jorge Luis Rivas Marin, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Holguin. 134. Jorge Luis Santiesteban Rode, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguin 135. Jorge Toledo Figueroa, Partido Liberal de Cuba, Coalicion Central Opositora. 136. Jose Avalos Perez, Director de la Biblioteca Independiente ``Henry Reever'', Ciudad de La Habana. 137. Jose Felix Rodriguez Rodriguez, Confederacion Obrera Nacional Independiente, Pinar del Rio. 138. Jose Hernandez Lopez, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Circulos Democraticos Municipalistas, Matanzas. 139. Jose Luis Cabrera Cruz, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 140. Jose Luis Ortiz Tamayo, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Alianza Democratica Oriental. Holguin. 141. Jose Marino Ortiz Molina, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Alianza Democratica Oriental. Holguin. 142. Jose Paez Fuentes, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Guantanamo. 143. Jose Verdecia Diaz, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguin. 144. Juan Alberto de Ia Nuez Ramirez, Fundacion Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Cienfuegos. 145. Juan Carlos Gonzalez Leiva, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana. 146. Juan de Dios Medina Vazquez, Partido Liberal de Cuba, Coalicion Central Opositora. 147. Juan Luis Rodriguez Desdin, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Alianza Democratica Oriental. Holguin. 148. Juan Miguel Escalona Grass, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Holguin. 149. Juan Miguel Gonzalez Marrero, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov. 150. Juan Miguel Martorell Leiva, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas 151. Juan Oriol Verdecia Evora, Partido pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov. Holguin. 152. Juan Rafael Santiesteban Marrero, Liliana Morfis Nunez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba; Holguin. 153. Juan Ramon Rivero Despaigne, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Santiago de Cuba. 154. Juan Sacarias Verdecia, Alianza Democratica Oriental. 155. Julian Enrique Martinez Baez, Secretario General del Partido Pro Derechos Humanos de Cuba afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Provincia Habana. 156. Julio Arsemio Zaldivar de la Torre, Liliana Morfis Nunez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguin 157. Julio Pena Martinez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 158. Julio Romero Munoz, Movimiento Solidario Expresion Libre, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 159. Julio Sarmiento Pineda, Partido Democratico 30 de Noviembre Frank Pais, Manzanillo, Granma. 160. Karel Caballero Pimentel, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 161. Kenia Sanchez Ramayo, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguin. 162. Lazara Barbara Cendina Recarte, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana 163. Leonardo Fernandez Cutino, Movimiento 10 de diciembre, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 164. Leonardo Morejon Sorra, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 165. Leticia Ramos Herreria, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos, Movimiento Femenino Martha Abreu, Matanzas. 166. Libertad Acosta Diaz, esposa del ex prisionero politico y de conciencia Bernardo Arevalo Padron, Cienfuegos. 167. Liliana Bencomo Menendez, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 168. Liliana Morfis Nunez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguin. 169. Liliana Morfis Nunez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguin. 170. Lisandra Domibguez Mora, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 171. Lissete Zamora Carrandi, periodista independiente, Coalicion Central Opositora, Villa Clara. 172. Lizardo Vargas Gonzalez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 173. Loreto Hernandez Garcia, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 174. Luciano Vera Leiva, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 175. Luis Gonzalez Medina, Partido pro Derechos Humanos de Cuba afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Provincia Habana. 176. Luis Julian Baez Sierra, Partido Democratico 30 de Noviembre Frank Pais, Manzanillo, Granma 177. Luis Miguel Gonzalez Leiva, Partido Liberal de Cuba, Coalicion Central Opositora. 178. Luis Orlando Quintana Rodriguez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 179. Luz Maria Barcelo Padron, Partido pro Derechos Humanos de Cuba afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Provincia Habana. 180. Magaly Norvis Otero Suarez, periodista independiente Agencia ALAS, Ciudad de La Habana. 181. Maikel Verdecia Torres, Fundacion Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 182. Maiky Martorell Mayans, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas. 183. Mailet Sierra Pupo, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguin. 184. Maite Verdecia Torres, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel. 185. Manuel Gonzalez Miranda, Movimiento de Resistencia Civica Pedro Luis Boitel, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 186. Manuel Gonzalez Rodriguez, Movimiento de Resistencia Civica Pedro Luis Boitel, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 187. Manuel Martinez Leon, Circulos Democraticos Municipalistas, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 188. Marcelina Lara Morales, Consejo Nacional por los Derechos Civiles, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Coalicion Central Opositora. Villa Clara. 189. Marcos Antonio Fuster Ciguenza, Movimiento Cubano de Jovens por la Democracia, Santiago de Cuba. 190. Marcos Pupo Ramirez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 191. Margarito Broche Espinosa, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Villa Clara. 192. Maria de la Caridad Noa Gonzalez, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Villa Clara. 193. Maria Esther Blanco Aguirre, Dama de Blanco, esposa del prisionero politico Prospero Gainza Aguero, Holguin. 194. Maria Lopez Baez, Fotoreportera del Centro de Informacion Hablemos Press, Ciudad de La Habana. 195. Maria Magdalena Moreno Cadenas, Partido Democratico 30 de Noviembre Frank Pais, Manzanillo, Granma. 196. Mariano Hernandez Creag, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Guantanamo. 197. Mariano Vera Espinosa, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 198. Mario Camoira Aguilera, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Holguin. 199. Mario Hechavarria Driggs, periodista independiente, Ciudad de La Habana. 200. Maritza Ross Morrieta, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguin. 201. Marlene Bermudez Sardinas, Asamblea para Promover la Sociedad Civil en Cuba, Bibliotecas Independientes, Camaguey. 202. Marlon Guillermo Martorell Quinonez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Holguin. 203. Marta Diaz Rondon, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Alianza Democratica Oriental. Holguin. 204. Mayelin Mendez Rivas, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas. 205. Maylin Katiusca Sanchez Ramayo, Liliana Morfis Nunez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguin. 206. Mayra Morejon, Partido por la Unidad Democratica Cristiana de Cuba, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana 207. Melba Santana Ariz, Dama de Blanco, esposa del prisionero politico Rodolfo Dominguez Batista, Las Tunas 208. Mercedes Fresneda Castillo, Circulos Democraticos Municipalistas, Partido por la Unidad Democratica Cristiana de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana. 209. Michel Oliva Lopez, Plantados, Coalicion Central Opositora. 210. Miguel Angel Lopez Herrera, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Guantanamo. 211. Miguel Carmenate Batista, Partido Liberal de Cuba. 212. Miguel Lopez Santos, Partido Democratico 30 de Noviembre Frank Pais. Ciudad de La Habana. 213. Miguel Martorell Quinones, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas. 214. Milagros Rondon Leiva, Fraternidad de Ciegos Independientes de Cuba, Ciego de Avila. 215. Mildred Nohemi Sanchez Infante, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Holguin. 216. Milena Rodriguez Pelayo, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Holguin. 217. Nelson Ramon Pena Camejo, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 218. Nestor Rodriguez Lobaina, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Alianza Democratica Oriental. 219. Nestor Rodriguez Lobaina, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Guantanamo. 220. Niober Garcia Fournier, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Guantanamo. 221. Noelia Pedraza Jimenez, Consejo de Realtores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Dama de Blanco, Villa Clara. 222. Norberto Gomez Paz, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas. 223. Odalina Cruz Ricardo, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas. 224. Orestes Rodriguez Bustamante, Corriente Martiana, Provincia Habana. 225. Osmani Cobas Rodriguez, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Guantanamo. 226. Osvaldo Rams de la Cruz, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Santiago de Cuba. 227. Pedro Enrique Martinez Machado, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Santiago de Cuba. 228. Pedro Gonzalez Rodriguez, Movimiento de Resistencia Civica Pedro Luis Boitel, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 229. Pedro Luis Olivera Martinez, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 230. Pedro Maga Zaldivar, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguin. 231. Prudencio Napoles Hidalgo, Fraternidad de Ciegos Independientes de Cuba, Ciego de Avila. 232. Quirenia Cossio Fonseca, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Santiago de Cuba. 233. Rafael Meneses Pupo, prisionero politico, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel. 234. Rafael Santiesteban Marrero, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Holguin. 235. Ramon Reyes Orama, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Alianza Democratica Orienta, Holguin. 236. Ramona Sanchez Ramirez, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Guantanamo. 237. Raul Borges Alvares, Partido por la Unidad Democratica Cristiana de Cuba, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana. 238. Raul Hipoli Leiva, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas. 239. Raul Hipoli Miranda, Sindicato Obrero Independiente Victoria, Las Tunas. 240. Raul Luis Garcia Tirado, Partido Liberal de Cuba. 241. Raul Luis Risco Perez, ex prisionero politico, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Movimiento Solidario Expresion Libre, Pinar del Rio. 242. Raul Menendez Martinez, ex prisionero politico del Presidio Politico Historico, Villa Clara. 243. Raul Parada Ramirez, Centro de Informacion Hablemos Press, Cienfuegos. 244. Reina Luisa Tamayo Danger, Dama de Blanco, madre del prisionero politico Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Holguin. 245. Reinaldo Cabalet Del Risco, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 246. Reinaldo Rivera Fasli, Liliana Morfis Nunez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguin. 247. Reinaldo Villafana Villavicencio, Movimiento 24 de febrero, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 248. Ricardo Gonzalez Cendina, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana. 249. Ricardo Pupo Sierra, Plantados, Coalicion Central Opositora, Cienfuegos. 250. Roberto de Jesus Guerra Perez, Centro de Informacion Hablemos Press, Ciudad de La Habana. 251. Roberto Escalona Blanco, Fundacion Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 252. Roberto Marrero La Rosa, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 253. Roberto Pupo Sierra, Partido Liberal de Cuba, Coalicion Central Opositora. 254. Roberto Yoel Fonseca Rojo, Partido Democratico 30 de Noviembre Frank Pais, Manzanillo, Granma. 255. Rodolfo Dominguez Batista, prisionero politico y de conciencia, Las Tunas. 256. Rodolfo Ramirez Cardoso, Movimiento Linea Pacifica Democratica, Ciudad de La Habana. 257. Rogelio Tavio Lopez, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Guantanamo. 258. Rogelio Tavio Ramirez, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Guantanamo. 259. Rolando Rodriguez Lobaina, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Alianza Democratico Oriental, Guantanamo. 260. Rosaida Ramirez Matos, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Guantanamo. 261. Rosina Gonzalez Cruz, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 262. Ruben Ignacio Nunez San Miguel, Partido Democratico 30 de Noviembre Frank Pais, Manzanillo, Granma. 263. Ruperto Perez Zayas, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 264. Sahili Navarro Alvarez, Dama de Blanco, hija del prisionero politico Felix Navarro Rodriguez, Matanzas. 265. Sandra Guerra Perez, Centro de informacion Hablemos Press, Provincia Habana. 266. Sandra Rey Moreno, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Coalicion Central Opositora, Villa Clara. 267. Santa Lilian Rodriguez Rodriguez, Movimiento de Resistencia Civica Pedro Luis Boitel, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 268. Santos Alberto Escalona Blanco, Fundacion Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 269. Segundo Rey Cabrera Gonzalez, Comite Cubano Pro Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Sancti Spiritus. 270. Solicito Mena Contreras, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalicion Central Opositora, Villa Clara. 271. Sonia Alvarez Campillo, Dama de Blanco, esposa del prisionero politico Felix Navarro Rodriguez, Matanzas. 272. Tamara Carmenate Betancourt, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 273. Tania Maseda Guerra, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Ciudad de La Habana. 274. Tatiana Murillo Guerra, Partido Democratico 30 de Noviembre Frank Pais, Manzanillo, Granma. 275. Tatiana Parra Perez, Liliana Morfis Nunez, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Hoguin. 276. Teofilo Alvarez Gil, Circulos Democraticos Municipalistas, Fundacion Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 277. Victor Kindelan Sanchez, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Holguin. 278. Virgilio Mantilla Arango, Fundacion Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 279. William Alexis Reyes Mir, prisionero politico, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel. 280. William Rodriguez Paredes, Movimiento 24 de febrero, Provincia Habana. 281. Wladimir Aguilera Portelles, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Holguin. 282. Wladimir Hall de la Torre, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Holguin. 283. Yaite Dianellis Cruz Sosa, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks. 284. Yamila Sofia Saumell Naranjo, Partido Democratico 30 de Noviembre Frank Pais, Manzanillo, Granma. 285. Yamisleidy Portilla Olivera, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 286. Yanoski Echevarria Rodriguez, Partido Cubano Democrata Cristiano, Unidad Camagueyana de Derechos Humanos, Camaguey. 287. Yoan Alexis Mir Torres, Colegio de Pedagogos Independientes de Cuba, Holguin. 288. Yoan Alexis Mis Torres, Partido Pro Derechos Humanos Afiliado a la Fundacion Andrei Sajarov, Alianza Democratica Oriental, Holguin. 289. Yoandri Naoski Ricardo Mir, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Holguin. 290. Yoandris Beltran Gamboa, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Guantanamo. 291. Yoandris Duran Sanchez, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Holguin. 292. Yordan Velazquez Rodriguez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 293. Yorkis Rodriguez Dominguez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin. 294. Yorledis Duvalon Guivert Ortiz, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Santiago de Cuba. 295. Yudalmis Fernandez Martinez, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Circulos Democraticos Municipalistas, Matanzas. 296. Yudelmis Fonseca Rondon, Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks, Holguin. 297. Yudisleidis Saavedra Sanchez, Movimiento Cubano de Jovenes por la Democracia, Holguin. 298. Yumisleidy Fonseca Rondon, Fundacion Cubana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Relatores de Derechos Humanos de Cuba, Holguin. 299. Yunieski Garcia Lopez, Presidio Politico Pedro Luis Boitel, Coalicion Central Opositora, Villa Clara. 300. Yurisander Gomez Hernandez, Movimiento Cristiano de Cuba, Holguin.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. The fact that there were earmarks in the bill is a separate debate.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, in case there was some confusion, we have not alleged that this is a closed rule. This is a rule that is known as a ``structured rule'' that permits, authorizes, some amendments to be debated and made other amendments not in order, in other words, did not authorize other amendments. We heard Mr. Kirk, for example, of Illinois, who had an amendment, proposed an amendment before the Rules Committee, and he explained it in detail. It was a bipartisan amendment. And it was not authorized. It was not made in order for debate today. What we are pointing out is that on legislation like this, for example, that has passed the House before, that today will likely pass the House again with a bipartisan vote, it really does not seem logical, and Mr. Kirk was quite eloquent in describing it, that ideas brought forth by Members are not allowed to be considered by the House. And with regard to closed rules, I pointed out that the rules that allow any Member to propose an amendment and have it debated, those are, as you know, Mr. Speaker, called ``open'' rules. And the majority, both in 2006 and 2008, promised an open process in their campaigns. In 2\1/2\ years, they have allowed one open rule. So that is a major contrast with the promise. The reality contrasts quite dramatically with the promise. At this point, I would yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished ranking member of the Rules Committee (Mr. Dreier). (Mr. DREIER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk).

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

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my friends on the other side of the aisle for their participation as well, obviously, as my friends and colleagues from our side of the aisle. As I stated before, this is legislation that has passed before. It passed with some bipartisanship. There is some legitimate substantive debate on the underlying legislation, but I think more objection, certainly, on our part to the unfortunate nature in which the way the process, the debate in the House has been closed down unnecessarily by the majority. We had an example today, an amendment that was brought before the Rules Committee with bipartisan authorship, and yet it was not allowed for discussion and consideration by the full membership, and that is unnecessary and unfortunate. Having said that, we will consider without any doubt this legislation even though I think the rule that brings it to the floor should have been an open rule, and the majority would have thus had an opportunity to double its record of open rules. Since they took the majority about 2\1/2\ years ago, they have allowed one open rule. That is something I would have never expected. I would have never expected. Certainly it is very different from the promise made to the American people of an open process. It is unfortunate. But we move forward. Thank you for listening, Mr. Speaker, and for your fairness in guiding this process as always. Having said that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I thank my friend, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis), for the time. I yield myself such time as I may consume. The condition of our public schools is increasingly becoming a troubling issue. Parents, students, and teachers feel that many schools are increasingly overcrowded, unsafe, and obsolete, detracting from student performance. The deteriorating conditions in many schools has forced school systems throughout the Nation to spend progressively more of their budgets on school renovations and construction projects instead of on students and teachers. Today, the House of Representatives is set to consider H.R. 2187, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act. This bill will direct the Secretary of Education to make grants and low- interest loans to local educational agencies for the construction, modernization, or repair of public educational facilities. These funds will help school systems pay for renovations and construction projects so that they can dedicate more of their budgets to improving the education of our Nation's students. It also requires the funds to be used only for projects that meet certain green standards, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, known as LEED; Energy Star, or an equivalent State or local standard. One of the central tenets of the majority party's campaign both in 2006 and in 2008 was that they would run Congress in a more open and bipartisan manner. For example, the distinguished Speaker said, We promise the American people that we would have the most honest and open government--and we will. However, that promise has yet to come to fruition, as the majority has consistently blocked an open process through their control of the Rules Committee. A prime example of how they have consistently stymied openness and bipartisanship can be seen by looking at the virtual absolute lack of open rules that they have allowed since they took control of the House of Representatives in 2006. In nearly 2\1/2\ years, the majority has allowed one open rule--and that was over 2 years ago. Instead of fulfilling their campaign promise, the majority consistently closes the amendment process and keeps Members from offering amendments to important legislation. Earlier this year, the majority rushed through some of the largest and most significant pieces of legislation through a closed rule process, including the nearly $800 billion so-called stimulus and the over $400 billion so-called omnibus appropriations bills. Now, Mr. Speaker, I bring up this lack of an open process and the continued use of the closed rule by the majority because later today the Rules Committee is expected to meet to consider yet another closed rule for fiscal year 2009, the War Supplemental Appropriation Act. That legislation will provide over $90 billion to fund the Department of Defense and related programs. Now it is time that the majority lives up to its campaign promise and allows an open debate process. It's not enough to allow amendments on generally noncontroversial legislation like the one we bring to the floor today that authorizes over $6 billion for school construction. They should allow an open process, Mr. Speaker, on, for example, the over $90 billion supplemental appropriations bill that we will consider later this week, and on energy and health care legislation expected to be taken up in the coming weeks. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I was talking about the process that does not permit amendments on the floor. That's what we're referring to when we talk about closed rules.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Will my friend yield?

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I yield to the gentlewoman from California, the distinguished Speaker of the House. Speaker PELOSI. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I thank him for giving us this opportunity, he and Mr. Hastings, to express our appreciation to a great leader for our country. Here he is, modestly sitting in the furthest corner of the House-- well, it is his regular spot--but a person we all seek out, wherever he sits or wherever he is standing for his advice and his guidance. Speaking from the standpoint of a member of the Appropriations Committee, when Mr. Young was our distinguished chairman, I know everyone who served at that time on the committee agrees that he was a great chairman and that he listened to his members very carefully, that he moderated the debate, that the dignity he brought to that chairmanship was something that made us all proud on both sides of the aisle. And whatever the outcome, we knew that he would give everyone a chance to make his or her case. I wish to associate myself with all the other remarks that were made about Mr. Young. Oh, my goodness. Thousands and thousands of votes. But I also want to point out that all of us who care about our troops, our men and women in uniform, and particularly those who are harmed in the service of our country, not only of Mr. Young but his wife Beverly, who has been an angel in meeting the needs of our troops. Mr. Young officially on duty here, Beverly on a day-to-day basis, bringing comfort and refreshment to our troops. They are living examples of what we say in the military, that on the battlefield, we will leave no soldier behind, and when they come home, we will leave no veteran behind. My thanks to Mr. Young for what you do to protect America, what you have done to advance the debate, and for your ongoing service to our country. I know I speak for everyone here when I say we are proud, each and every one of us, to call you ``colleague.'' Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Thank you, Madam Speaker. And thank you, our dear friend, Bill Young.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I have the honor of co-chairing the Florida delegation along with my friend, Congressman Alcee Hastings. I rise to inform my colleagues that our good friend, the gentleman from Florida, Congressman Bill Young, the longest-serving Republican in the House and the dean of the Florida Delegation, has just cast his recorded vote number 20,000 in the House of Representatives. It is, indeed, a small and select group, Mr. Speaker, of distinguished Members in the history of the House of Representatives who have reached that important milestone. Bill Young was first elected in 1970 to the Congress. He cast his first recorded vote in January 1971. His vote total would be even higher today had the House not waited until 1973 to institute electronic voting. He cast his vote number 10,000 on November 18, 1991, to give approval to the conference report on the fiscal year 1992 defense authorization bill, which I believe is fitting, considering that he has devoted his career on the Appropriations Committee to the well-being of the men and women who serve our Nation in the Armed Forces. It has been my deep honor to serve with him. And I ask all of you, as I now yield to my dear friend, colleague and cochairman, Mr. Hastings, for all of us to congratulate Bill on this extraordinary achievement.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I yield to the distinguished Republican leader, the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I yield to the distinguished majority leader, the gentleman from Maryland.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay respects to a friend who passed away this weekend, Sarvelio del Valle. Sarvelio del Valle was the director of the sports department, sports broadcaster, and commentator for Radio Mambi, WAQI in Miami. He was also so much more. A lifelong journalist, he possessed an unparalleled knowledge of sports and sports history. And he was also the personification of cordiality, grace, good humor, patriotism, decency, and friendship. To his beloved wife, Yaya, and his entire family, my most sincere condolences. I will greatly miss Sarvelio del Valle. And like his many friends and the countless thousands who were his devoted listeners, I will never forget him. May God bless the soul of my friend, Sarvelio del Valle.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Arcuri), for the time, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Water is the most essential and basic natural resource to sustain life. The single greatest factor that has contributed most to the spread of public health in the United States is access to clean water. Across the country, approximately 40 billion gallons of water are used each day for industrial purposes, for home landscaping, for personal hygiene, for thirst, and for many other uses. The average American uses about 100 gallons of water per day. As our cities and communities continue to expand, one of the greatest challenges faced by local governments is finding ways to sustain adequate clean water supplies to meet the growing demand. However, our knowledge about water resources and conservation is based on research conducted in the middle of the last century. The underlying legislation being brought to the floor now, the National Water Research and Development Initiative Act, will help bring our knowledge of water resources into this century by coordinating national research and development efforts to ensure adequate water supplies through greater efficiency and conservation programs. Specifically, the bill establishes an interagency committee to develop a national water research and assessment plan in coordination with State, local and tribal governments, and it will also coordinate all research development data and other activities related to water, and it will ensure the optimal use of resources and expertise by avoiding duplicity through better intergovernmental cooperation. I had the privilege during the last district work period of meeting with constituents throughout my district about issues that matter to them. No one mentioned anything related to this bill. It's an important bill; it's an important issue, but there are other issues that are much more pressing, issues that, I think, we should be debating, instead of spending an entire week on a water bill that enjoys absolute consensus, bipartisan support in this Congress. We should be working on issues that really matter the most to our constituents--the pressing and critical issues Americans deal with on a daily basis. For example, we could be working to help the people of our great Nation to rebuild their retirement, college and personal savings accounts. Earlier this week, the Inspector General of the Treasury Department released a report confirming the lack of oversight and accounting of taxpayer money in the TARP program. By the way, in my almost 17 years here, Mr. Speaker, there is no vote that I'm happier to have cast a ``no'' on than for that of the TARP program. I knew the future would be lined with scandal. Less than one-half of 1 percent of that TARP program has gone to the State that I'm honored to represent, really Ground Zero in the housing crisis, Florida. Less than one-half of 1 percent. Wall Street was more than taken care of. Yet, troubled assets, that was what we were told was the purpose of that legislation, troubled assets recovery. I don't think one troubled asset has been purchased. Those are the kinds of issues we should be dealing with. So the question I would ask you, why doesn't the majority address those critical issues? For example, bring forth legislation to increase transparency in that TARP program. Water is an important issue, but we could bring it here summarily on suspension. It doesn't need to take a week of the precious time of this Congress. By the time we finish debating this rule, Mr. Speaker--there is a clock there over your head and we see the minutes passing--the Federal Government will have spent over $400 million just during the minutes that have ticked during this debate. That's four times what President Obama has asked his Cabinet to cut earlier this week. We could have spent this time helping cut Federal waste and reducing the debt being piled on our children and their children. It's another example of the issues that we should be debating in this Congress. Yet, instead of addressing the challenges that confront the American people, the majority has chosen to devote precious floor time and, in effect, to take an entire congressional week to consider a noncontroversial water bill. That's the way this majority has chosen to run Congress. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reiterate, water is important, but to have taken an entire week of congressional time on this bill when the American people are facing so many challenges is not appropriate. At this time, I yield 4 minutes to my distinguished colleague, the great leader in this Congress from Michigan (Mrs. Miller).