Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 514 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Washington, my namesake and good friend, Mr. Hastings. All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only. I yield myself such time as I may consume. General Leave

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I also ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 514.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 514 provides for consideration of H.R. 2643, the Department of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2008. It is an open rule, and allows all Members the opportunity to amend the bill. Mr. Speaker, the funding levels in the underlying bill make clear the change in priorities of this new Democratic Congress. This bill refocuses our Nation's priorities to ensure that all Americans have access to clean water and air as well as appropriately addressing climate change and conservation, all of which have not been seen since Democrats last controlled this body in 1994. Democrats are restoring our obligation to the American people to protect and preserve the land and shores and all creatures who inhabit this Earth. I commend Chairman Dicks and Representative Tiahrt for their hard and, perhaps most importantly, bipartisan work on this legislation. I do believe that they did a tremendous job in crafting this bill. This bill restores our promise to America's underserved minority communities and to our children to ensure that our cherished land, water, and air will be preserved for generations to come. I commend the committee for including funding for important environmental justice programs I have long advocated for such as $1.1 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. This is $437 million above the administration's request and will help over 150 communities with drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The bill also includes $140 million for sewer and water grants, which received zero funding in 2007 and was not in the President's budget request this year. Further, this legislation provides $16 million for rural water technical assistance that was also zeroed out in the President's budget request. We are ensuring that all communities have clean and safe drinking water. The underlying legislation also includes limitation language that I authored in the 109th Congress, ensuring that EPA respects the needs of environmental justice communities. It appropriate $7 million for environmental justice programs, the amount that Congresswoman Hilda Solis, I, and others requested. This is $3 million over the administration's budget request and $2 million over fiscal 2007 levels. This bill provides much-needed funding for our national parks and wildlife protection. The legislation includes $2.5 billion for our national parks, $223 million above the 2007 levels. Democrats are appropriating $1.4 billion for the Fish and Wildlife Service, $86 million above 2007 levels and $130 million above the President's budget request. Ladies and gentlemen, our national parks have been shortchanged for too long. This funding will be used for critical maintenance and repair, conservation, and recreation, and for the preservation of our natural heritage. Importantly, the underlying legislation maintains the longstanding Presidential and congressional moratoria on drilling for natural gas on the Outer Continental Shelf. The committee rightly rejected attempts to permit drilling to occur off the shores of coastal States, including my home State of Florida, and I am sure my colleague from Tampa (Ms. Castor) will speak more specifically to that issue during her time on the rule. In doing this, we continue to protect and preserve the health of Florida's beaches and tourism industry, the largest industry in our State. Amendments may be offered today on the floor that will seek to strip Florida and other coastal States of their protections. I urge all of my colleagues to do what is right for our Nation and reject such amendments. Drilling for natural gas on the Outer Continental Shelf will have zero impact at the gas pumps. It will not under any circumstances reduce the cost of a gallon of gasoline. This legislation offers a more forward thinking approach to our Nation's energy needs. Instead of looking for short-term, short-sighted solutions, Democrats have a smarter, long-term energy strategy. For starters, Democrats have increased funding for programs such as the global climate change research, providing $10 million above the President's request for new research on global climate change and its impact on rivers, groundwaters, and on organisms. The bill also increases our investment in energy conservation and alternative fuels and research capabilities by nearly 60 percent. What a difference a change in Congress does make for our Nation. Critically important to my district and to the entire State of Florida is restoration of America's Everglades, one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world and a unique and world-renowned eco-region. The Everglades is one of the Nation's most fragile ecosystems and remains an area of national and international significance. Increased funding to advance this restoration initiative ensures that the Federal Government keeps its commitment to the River of Grass, the largest environmental rescue in the world. Chairman Dicks and Representative Taylor, in my judgment, should both be applauded for their continued effort to restore and preserve this pristine ecosystem. Democrats also take significant steps to finally work to fulfill our promise to our neglected Native American communities. In all, the bill provides almost $250 million more in funding for Native American health care and education opportunities than last year. This legislation truly provides for each and every one of us. By investing in the health of America's natural resources, we are investing in the future of this majestic country. Finally, Mr. Speaker, later today I intend to offer an amendment that would designate $1 million for grants for the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, the only national program dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and dissemination of underground railroad history. I urge my colleagues to support this important amendment. I am pleased to support this rule and the underlying bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased at this time to yield 6 minutes to my good friend and member of the Rules Committee, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor).

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, before yielding to my good friend on the Rules Committee, let me clear up something for the American public. Mr. Dicks and Mr. Tiahrt, in a very responsible manner bringing this appropriations measure to the floor, had to work assiduously to ensure that this is a bipartisan effort and that we are being proper stewards of the environment. There is no question, I don't believe, that anybody can say about that. But I've listened now for a considerable number of days about the hammering of earmarks. Now, I'm not here as an apologist for anybody, but I think something needs to be understood that is not clear in the minds of many, particularly in the American public because of the confusion that has been put forward by my colleagues on the other side. Let me use as a ``for example'' in this particular measure some of the so-called earmarks that I say are needed in these communities. And I go specifically to Florida and specifically to Republicans who work on this floor with me. I support the city of Sarasota's water system placement that Congressman Buchanan asks for. I support Congressman Crenshaw's town of Callahan for the wastewater treatment plant. I support the fourth- ranking member of the Republican Party's request for the city of Brooksville Southwest Florida Water Management District for the Peace and Myakka Rivers. I have fished in those rivers. I have seen them be damaged. They are nowhere near the district that I am privileged to serve, but I support that particular effort of Congressman Putnam. I support the city of Clearwater for wastewater and reclaimed water infrastructure. I have been in Clearwater when it was flooding and the people had problems in that area. That's offered by Mr. Young, the former appropriations Chair, and Mr. Bilirakis. Enough already, colleagues. These people need this environmental protection. They need these water treatment facilities. They need the things that Mr. Dicks and Mr. Tiahrt have worked out. And it's wrong for folks to come down here and to try to give the American public the impression that because somebody that is sent here for the purpose of trying to use the budget for the purposes of protecting the environment and the American people, that they have done something wrong. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Vermont, my good friend who is on the Rules Committee (Mr. Welch).

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 155. This resolution recognizes Juneteenth's significance in crafting a rich African American legacy. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom or Emancipation Day, is an informal observance in fourteen states in the United States. It marked the beginning of a new phase in African-American history, when emancipated slaves along with their former owners began, slowly and haltingly, to travel the long road to equality and integration. Celebrated on June 19th, Juneteenth is the name given to emancipation day by African Americans in Texas. On that day in 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger read General Order #3, officially proclaiming freedom for slaves in that state. Granger's ride through Galveston culminated a two-and a half-year trek through America's deep south to liberate the enslaved. Juneteenth is an expression and extension of American freedom, and like the Fourth of July, is a time for all Americans to celebrate our independence, human rights, civil rights and freedom. It is an occasion where time, history and culture conspire to celebrate such a symbolic event. The celebration of June 19th as emancipation day spread from Texas to the neighboring states of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. It has also appeared in Alabama, Florida, and California as African American Texans migrated to those regions. Juneteenth's commemoration did not only extend its geographic reach but it also embraced participants from all political and civic segments of the black community. Unfortunately, my home state does not officially recognize Juneteenth but has an unofficial commemoration on May 20th in the capital, Tallahassee. Even as we acknowledge the evils of slavery and the ravages it wrought upon our society while paying tribute to those who suffered with no recompense, Juneteenth challenges us to strengthen our bonds of unity and to offer support to one another. Even more importantly, Juneteenth does not polarize black and white Americans. Rather, it has become an annual cultural observance primarily devoted to civic affairs because it encourages us to be sensitive to others' conditions and experiences, so that we can make significant and lasting improvements in our society. Like the African Sankofa, we must acknowledge and honor our past. But we must always fervently forge to solidify a hopeful future. Regrettably, the African American community continues to confront many challenges in mitigating and eventually eliminating institutional racism. Emancipation did not bring equality. We still live in a society plagued by prejudices and stereotypes. I find it unfathomable that such a momentous occasion is seldom acknowledged, much less celebrated. We must not let our past dictate our present. After all, we owe it to the thousands of lives that were mercilessly destroyed by an elitist society designed to subject and suppress them. Let us take the initiative to finally tend to a gashing wound that has crippled the African American community. Let us honor our ancestors and build a future noteworthy of their legacy. Mr. Speaker, Juneteenth is a significant event that addresses the paradoxical race relations in our nation! It recognizes the impediments faced by the black community yet continues to inspire us to strive for an egalitarian society. We should set precedence on addressing past atrocities and present disparities so that we can truly embody democracy. I am honored to support this resolution.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 148 which declares June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. I am honored to be a cosponsor of this bill because it recognizes the contributions of Caribbean Americans to the social, economic and cultural landscape to the United States of America. The West Indies represents a diverse melting pot with each island bringing its own unique enriching element to this country's background. With approximately 34 million people and 16 independent nations sharing an African ethnic heritage, the Caribbean is a cosmopolitan region. Some may wonder, what are we really celebrating during Caribbean Heritage Month? What makes these dynamic groups of people so distinct? Since the 17th century, West Indian slaves were shipped to the Americas. The Caribbean region continued to suffer slavery's wrath long after its abolition. Colonialism continued to strangle the region's independence, creating fragmented and dependent economies. However, in just over 40 years of independence, the region has established democratic governments and strengthened ties with the United States. Despite extenuating circumstances, these former colonies are now rising states which continue to infuse American mainstream culture. According to the 2005 American Community Survey, some 2.2 million American residents have a West Indian background. Moreover, approximately 32 percent of the Caribbean-American population is currently enrolled in college or graduate school, and 33 percent of the West Indian population is employed in educational, health care, and social services. In my home state of Florida, there is an estimated 649,000 Caribbean Americans. Approximately 30 percent of this population is currently enrolled in college or graduate school and 25 percent are employed in educational, health care, and social services. Large, dynamic and remarkable communities with Caribbean ancestry exhibit this diversity in Florida's 23rd Congressional District. I am so privileged to represent people of virtually every single Caribbean heritage. From Lauderhill to Miramar to West Palm Beach to Oakland Park, I am honored to work on behalf of all of these communities and many more. There are approximately 153,000 Caribbean Americans currently residing in Florida's 23rd District. The Haitian community is one of the largest in the United States. In Broward County, Puerto Ricans comprise the largest Caribbean group at more than 50,000. Furthermore, the second largest concentration of Cubans in the United States is in Broward County, with approximately 50,000 Cuban-American residents. Palm Beach County has the sixth largest concentration of Cuban-American residents in the United States, with more than 25,000 Cuban-American residents. Moreover, about 25,000 Palm Beach County residents are of Puerto Rican descent, and more than 7,500 are of Dominican descent. Mr. Speaker, the National Caribbean American Heritage Month's declaration attests to the United States' reception to Caribbean influence in our country's history and its present socio-economic structure. Undeniably, the educational, political, and artistic influences of Caribbean Americans continue to permeate several facets of our society. The American spirit is a tapestry that weaves cultures together, one in which people of all traditions and walks of life convene to better protect and educate one another. The Caribbean- American people are an invaluable part of this tapestry.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 406 and the far reaching achievements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, also known as the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act. There is no question that women in this country have come a long way in the past 35 years, and there is little doubt that much of that progress is a result of title IX. Prior to the passage of title IX, it was commonplace for colleges and universities to refuse admission to women simply on the basis of their gender. Of the handful of female college professors, most taught at all-female colleges, received salaries lower than their male counterparts, and very few were ever awarded tenure. Back then, schools could deny women training in fields deemed ``inappropriate'' such as woodworking or automotive repair, and girls ere discouraged from studying math and science. Only 1 in 27 girls played high school sports, and female college athletes received only 2 percent of overall athletic budgets. This landmark legislation, passed in 1972, prohibits gender-based discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities. Its effects have been felt far beyond the classroom and athletic field. Today, women earn undergraduate and graduate degrees at much higher rates, even comprising a majority of undergraduate and graduate school enrollment. Women can no longer be denied access to the vocational courses of their choice, and girls now take upper-level math and science classes at the same rate as boys. Additionally, female participation in intercollegiate athletics has increased by 400 percent over the past 30 years. In high school athletics, female participation has increased by 800 percent. Title IX's passage has allowed girls and women to see no boundaries to their potential. Today, they can look around and see female doctors, lawyers, astronauts, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, Nobel laureates and NASCAR drivers. They even have a female Speaker of this House to serve as their role model. Title IX has led to the advancement of women in countless areas of our society. However, the work of title IX is not yet complete. Still today, women, on average, earn only 75 cents for every $1 a man earns. Even more, women continue to lag behind men in earning doctoral and professional degrees. In academia, women earn less, hold lower ranking positions and are less likely to be awarded tenure than men. Despite comprising over 50 percent of the student population, women make up only 42 percent of high school and college varsity athletes, and male athletes receive $137 million more than female athletes in college athletic scholarships. That does not even take into account the barriers that title IX does not address. Negative stereotypes, subtle discrimination, and workplace practices that indirectly adversely affect women are still pervasive in our society. Mr. Speaker, even in this great body, which is supposed to be representative of the American people, only 17 percent of our Members are female. Therefore, while we celebrate title IX's accomplishments over the last 35 years, it is necessary to remember that the struggle for gender equity continues. I proudly commend Congresswoman Hirono for introducing this resolution which celebrates the far reaching accomplishments of title IX. I look forward to the day that all Americans are able to achieve their promise regardless of their gender.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida, my good friend, Mr. Diaz-Balart. All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. General Leave

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, America's leadership role is not limited to the Presidency. Nor does it solely fall upon the shoulders of this body. Branches of our government must share responsibility. During this critical time in world history, when America's image as a global leader is tarnished and questioned, we must lead from this Chamber. We must take it upon ourselves to make it possible for America's image in the world to be restored. We must make it our business to try and make all that is wrong right. When America leads in a constructive, inclusive and thoughtful manner, others in the world follow. This approach toward global leadership is not, as some have charged, a soft approach to conducting the war on terrorism. On the contrary, it is a clear recognition that America cannot do this alone. If we have learned anything in the last 6 years, it is that no one in this world is safe from the directions of terrorism. It will take a global effort to curb the efforts of those who are seeking to destroy us and others in the world. But if we have learned anything else during the last 6 years, it is that the policies of the present administration have failed and America's standing in the world is in dire need of restoration. Parts of the Middle East, from Iraq to Gaza, are living in a civil war. People are dying in Darfur as we and others around the world do nothing. And children throughout the world are starving to death and dying of malnourishment and lack of potable fresh water. The underlying legislation, the first Foreign Operations appropriations bill of this new Democratic majority, sends a clear message to our friends and enemies alike that America's priorities in the world are making must-needed changes. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch).

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the second-ranking member on the majority side on the Rules Committee, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern).

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 498 is an open rule that provides for consideration of H.R. 2764, the fiscal year 2008 appropriations for the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and related programs. Mr. Speaker, I have seen 15 State and Foreign Operations measures go through the House of Representatives in almost 16 years of serving in this body. Some bills were well-intentioned, but fell short of meeting America's critical needs and objectives, while others missed the target altogether. Regarding today's State and Foreign Operations bill, I must commend Chairwoman Lowey, Ranking Member Wolf, their respective staffs and the rest of the committee for coming together in a bipartisan fashion to craft this meaningful piece of legislation. Despite critical budget constraints and critical concerns, the bill is fiscally responsible and begins to address our Nation's foreign policy initiatives as they relate to fulfilling our commitments abroad. In my capacity as chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe and as a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I believe I can speak to our country's need to restore world stability after years of following misguided and shortsighted foreign policy. This bill provides $34.2 billion overall for foreign assistance and State Department operations, with much-needed emphasis placed on international AIDS programs, children's health care, basic education programs and targeted peacekeeping operations. By increasing funds for critical global health, basic education, refugee and disaster assistance programs, we are heightening world stability and rebuilding our image abroad as a nation builder, not divider. In an effort to shift away from a Middle East foreign policy that focused a little too narrowly on Iraq, we are now reaching out to neighboring Mediterranean countries that need our attention and assistance. The escalating situation in Iraq has forced thousands, indeed millions, of refugees to flee into neighboring countries, Jordan being one of the most heavily affected. During a trip to the region almost 2 weeks ago, Mr. Speaker, I witnessed firsthand the heart-wrenching effects of people displaced. What I learned in Jordan and saw in Kosovo is that there are people in this world being forced to live in conditions so inhumane that even our wildest nightmares could not comprehend. As such, I am pleased to support the bill's allocation of $830 million to provide refugees worldwide with food, water and shelter. As I spoke last evening during the testimony in the Rules Committee, I said to Mrs. Lowey and to Mr. Wolf that I am hopeful in conference that they will be able to add funds specifically for Jordan for reasons that I perceive are necessary. While we must remain vigilant and diligent on combating the evils of terrorism, we must also simultaneously seize opportunities to establish, maintain and strengthen diplomatic ties in every region of the world. I am pleased also to see that the bill provides $365 million to enhance our public diplomacy efforts, and allocates $501 million for cultural, educational and professional exchange programs globally. The underlying legislation includes critical foreign aid to our allies in the world, including Israel. It also restores funding in many of the areas which the present administration sought to cut. As I mentioned, I serve as chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and the President Emeritus of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Parliamentary Assembly. Mr. Speaker, I am fond of saying that if you can say all of that, you ought to be president of the assembly. I am deeply appreciative that this bill funds America's commitment to the OSCE and the Helsinki Commission, and I indeed thank the chairwoman and ranking member, especially the chairwoman, for her efforts toward this end. Mr. Speaker, America has a responsibility in the world. We are, as is constantly reported, the last remaining Superpower. Contrary to what many might argue later in this debate, our power cannot and must not be flexed only in our military might. On the contrary, our power must be flexed in what we do to help repair many of the things that are broken in the world. The underlying legislation is a critical component in this effort. I am pleased to support this open rule and the underlying legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I also ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 498.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 498 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, while we often celebrate the efforts of those who admirably risked their lives to protect others during the Holocaust, there remain many whose efforts have gone largely unnoticed. The American Government officials who helped create the War Refugee Board may not have put their lives in danger, but their efforts on behalf of the victims of Nazi power helped save thousands. As early as 1942, our Government had received extensive, credible information confirming the atrocities being committed against Jews and other minorities throughout Europe. In spite of these substantiated reports of Nazi instigated genocide, the United States Government refused to assist those in need of our help, choosing instead to pursue a policy tantamount to acquiescence. John Pehle, a young lawyer in the Treasury Department, however, chose to act. He, along with Josiah Dubois, Assistant General Counsel of the Treasury Department, and Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau, took it upon themselves to ensure the American Government not only acknowledged the crimes being committed in Europe, but also played an active role in aiding those suffering at the hands of Adolf Hitler and his Nazi collaborators. In 1943, they presented a memorandum to President Franklin D. Roosevelt urging him to take immediate action to assist the victims of Nazi crimes. Largely as a result of these men's efforts, President Roosevelt created the War Refugee Board on January 22, 1944. Roosevelt stated that through the work of the Board, the United States would ``take all measures within its power to rescue the victims of enemy oppression . . . to afford such victims all possible relief and assistance.'' Despite its monumental mission, the War Refugee Board was only comprised of 30 employees and allocated $1 million to carry out its tasks. With the generous financial assistance of thousands of American Jews and others, the War Refugee Board was able to save as many as 200,000 Jews and other persecuted minorities. Of those, 15,000 were evacuated from areas controlled by Germany and its allies, 48,000 were transferred from Transnistria to safe areas of Romania, and at least another 10,000 were protected throughout other parts of Axis Europe by War Refugee Board funded underground activities. Additionally, through their assistance to the International Red Cross, the War Refugee Board helped to provide food parcels to civilians in internment camps as well as support and protection for some 3,000,000 Allied and Axis prisoners of war. In passing this legislation, the House will recognize not only the noble efforts of the War Refugee Board, but also the efforts of those Government officials who made it their personal mission to ensure that America's policies abroad reflected our Nation's ideals of justice and compassion. The work of John Pehle, Henry Morgenthau, Josiah Dubois, and the War Refugee Board embodied the American tradition of reaching out to those most in need and helped make America the beacon of hope it has come to symbolize for so many. Mr. Speaker, at a time when America's moral authority is questioned as strongly as it is today, it is important to remember those Americans in our history who have worked tirelessly to ensure the United States meets the ethical responsibility that comes with our standing in the world.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome an impressive delegation of Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Foreign Ministers from the Caribbean to Washington, DC for the first ``Conference on the Caribbean'' through the coordination of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the State Department, and Congress. This multifaceted and dynamic region is strikingly promising, offering an array of opportunities. CARICOM is committed to enhancing economic integration through a common market and common trade policies. Members of this organization are also committed to increasing their functional cooperation by pooling resources and services in the area of human and social development, as well as coordinating foreign policy objectives that make a concerted stride for regional advancement. The fact that this meeting is taking place in our Nation's capitol is indeed something that I applaud. However, I would be remiss if I did not emphasize the concentrated costs associated with developing an institutional framework needed to secure deeper regional integration. Therefore, it is essential that the international community invests in the socioeconomic infrastructure of this lucrative region in order to increase competitiveness and development. Aggressively pursuing partnerships and seizing opportunities to open markets are instrumental in securing a progressive future for this often ignored region. This fortified partnership is much needed to address plaguing social dilemmas that warrant international attention. As HIV/AIDS, crime, and poverty ripple through the Caribbean region, we must be compelled to advocate for this region's growing plights. The increasing West Indian influence in the U.S. legitimizes the need for continued U.S.-Caribbean relations. According to 2000 census data an estimated 1.9 million of the total U.S. population comes from a West Indian background. I am proud to represent Florida's 23rd district where approximately 115,000, or 18 percent of the entire district, has a Caribbean heritage. The growing presence of West Indians in South Florida, New York, and Washington, DC, has contributed to enhancing multicultural communities that are committed to economic development and social advancement. I applaud this important step, and look forward to working with CARICOM to improve the overall relations between the U.S. Congress and our Caribbean allies.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Stephanie N. Steele, of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Ms. Steele was a very talented artist who died recently at just 21 years of age, after fighting a long and valiant battle against cystic fibrosis. I first became aware of her great courage and remarkable skill in 2002, when she was the subject of a feature story in The Palm Beach Post. Despite her disability, Ms. Steele remained optimistic throughout her short life. She painted beautiful murals that attracted widespread attention and brought cheer to everyone who knew her. Ms. Steele was known for her sparkling personality and her sweet demeanor. In addition to her art, she was an accomplished writer, compiling 27 journals about her life. She underwent two lung transplants, both of which her body rejected. I join her family and friends in grieving this great loss. It is because of such tragedies that I serve on the Cystic Fibrosis Caucus in the House of Representatives. I will continue to fight for more funding for research into a cure for cystic fibrosis and related diseases. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Stephanie Steele for what she taught us about living with dignity and never admitting defeat. The best way we can honor her memory is to rededicate ourselves to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis so that no one else is taken from us before they can fulfill their life's potential.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, Poland. Last month, I had the opportunity to travel to Poland, and I was deeply inspired by my meeting with Jerzy Halbersztadt, the Executive Director of the Museum, and Ewa Wierzynska, the Deputy Director. I commend them for their extraordinary hard work and vision in bringing this museum to life. A groundbreaking ceremony for the museum, located in the heart of the pre-World War II Jewish district, will be held on June 26th. I also commend the municipality of Warsaw and the Government of Poland for supporting the establishment of this important institution. Jews arrived in the medieval Kingdom of Poland almost one thousand years ago, as they escaped persecution in neighboring countries. Indeed, the Hebrew word for Poland is ``Polin,'' which some translate as ``here you shall rest.'' But while everyone in Poland learns about the Holocaust, many people know little about the lives of the Jews before they met their death in the concentration camps of Nazi occupiers. This rich history spanning a thousand years must be reclaimed. Indeed, understanding the travesty of the Holocaust requires a full understanding of what was destroyed. Accordingly, the Museum of the History of Polish Jews will commemorate the 3 million Polish Jews who died in World War II. It will also celebrate the nearly one thousand years of proud Jewish culture in Poland. In addition, the Museum of the History of Polish Jews will enhance understanding of Jewish history and cultural roots at a time when anti- Semitism is growing throughout Europe. As a former President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and now as Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I am heartened by the educational role this museum can play in fulfilling the goals that the OSCE participating States have undertaken in the field of combating anti-Semitism. This museum has been some years in coming. In 1996, Yeshayahu Weinberg, a founding director of Tel Aviv's Diaspora Museum and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, created an international team of experts with the goal of establishing a museum to display and preserve artifacts which showcase the extensive culture of the Jewish people in Poland. In 1997, the Warsaw City Council donated 13,000 square meters of land for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews inside the old Jewish Quarter and opposite the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Memorial. In 2005, an international architectural competition selected a Finnish firm to design the building housing the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. The astounding architecture remarkably represents the parting of the Red Sea through ingenious use of mortar, steel and space. Approximately 500,000 visitors are anticipated to visit the museum each year. Visitors will take a virtual journey through a world where Jews experienced not only persecution and poverty but perseverance and success. If all goes as planned, the museum will open in 2009 with initial costs funded primarily by the governments of Poland and Germany, and through private donations from Jewish communities around the world. Madam Speaker, it is estimated that eighty percent of all Jews and over 9 million Americans trace some of their ancestry to the Polish Jewish community. This museum has the potential to touch the lives of our own citizens in deeply personal ways. I look forward to visiting it myself.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I have just returned from official travel as Chairman of the Helsinki Commission to several locations in Europe and the Middle East. One stop was Kosovo, which is presently high on the international agenda. As we all know, the Special Envoy for the UN Secretary-General, former Finnish President Maarti Ahtisaari, has submitted a comprehensive proposal for settling the status of Kosovo. If adopted, the proposal would end the eight years of limbo in which Kosovo has found itself since the NATO intervention ended a long period of brutality and repression by Serbian authorities under the leadership of Slobodan Milosevic. Nevertheless, some countries represented on the UN Security Council have problems with the Ahtisaari plan, and Russian opposition, based at least in part on issues having little if anything to do with Kosovo and the Balkans, would doom action at the United Nations. Last week's G-8 summit failed to break the impasse within the international community. During my stay in Kosovo, I was thoroughly briefed by the U.S. Office in Pristina, led by Tina Kaidanow, as well as by Brigadier General Douglas Earhart of the 29th Infantry Division, who commands U.S. forces in Kosovo as well as multinational task force located in the southeast portion of Kosovo. The head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, German Ambassador Werner Wnendt, provided the perspective of one of the international missions in the field. I also had the opportunity to meet the Kosovo Prime Minister, the Minister for Communities and Returns and representatives of the Kosovo ``Unity Team.'' I traveled to Mitrovica where I also met representatives of the Serb community, and I visited areas at different locations where housing has been built to accommodate the return of those Serbs and Roma displaced by violence. Based on my observations, I support the Ahtisaari proposal. It provides for independence for Kosovo, which I believe can be justified on grounds of what happened in Kosovo under Serbian rule as well as the right of self-determination, a right included in the Helsinki Final Act. The overwhelming majority of the people of Kosovo want independence, and the United Nations made it a credible possibility in Security Council Resolution 1244, adopted at the end of the Kosovo conflict in 1999. At the same time, and perhaps more important, the Ahtisaari proposal contains provisions regarding the decentralization of powers to Serb- majority municipalities, numerous human rights protections for ethnic communities, and the protection of religious and cultural heritage sites so important to the Serb community. If implemented, these provisions offer a good possibility for the Serb and other non-Albanian communities to survive in what would be a multi-ethnic Kosovo. Independence would be supervised by the international community, to ensure both a smooth transfer of authority and full implementation of the proposal. As Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I remain naturally concerned about the human rights situation in Kosovo. My priority is a Kosovo where human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected, and where democracy, tolerance and the rule of law are established, regardless of the course or outcome of deliberations on Kosovo's status. Such a Kosovo does not yet exist; many problems remain. I do believe, however, that in a situation where no answers are easily found the Ahtisaari plan has the best potential to achieve these goals, and I will work to ensure that the Helsinki Commission encourages their achievement even after status is determined. I wish to conclude my remarks, Madam Speaker, by announcing my intention to cosponsor House Resolution 309, expressing the sense of the House that the United States should support independence for Kosovo. Some of the concerns expressed in an alternative piece of legislation, House Resolution 445, are ones that I share, but continued delay on this issue helps nobody on the ground. The Ahtisaari proposal, in addition to addressing status, provides a means for securing the return and sustainability of the Serb and other ethnic communities in Kosovo, and I believe the people of the region would be best served by trying to make its provisions a reality.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today in praise of the School District of Palm Beach County, Florida, home to three high schools ranked among the best in the nation by Newsweek magazine. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Arthur Johnson, is doing an outstanding job, for which we are all very grateful. The School District of Palm Beach County currently includes 166 public schools and over 170,000 students. The efficient operation of so many institutions of learning is a considerable undertaking, and Dr. Johnson, his administrators and the faculties of the various schools deserve great praise for their hard work and huge success. I want to offer particular praise for Suncoast High School, rated fifth best high school in America by Newsweek and Dreyfoos School of the Arts, also in the top 20, both of which are in my district. Suncoast, an international studies magnet school, has been recognized before for the high quality of its programs. Additionally, at least five Suncoast teachers have been singled out for excellence, and both schools have seen many awards go to their students. On this occasion, I also want to recognize Jessica Su, a junior at Suncoast High School, one of 81 students in America to receive the 2006-07 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement. This prestigious distinction is given to students who demonstrate the highest proficiency in mathematics and science. Ms. Su is one of only seven juniors to win this award. A brilliant young lady, her remarkable accomplishment can be credited in part to the education she is getting at Suncoast. I am delighted to be able to stand here today praising these fine accomplishments, and it is with great pride that I congratulate both schools, their administrators, faculty and students and Dr. Johnson for the fine work they are all doing.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my condolences over the terrible mining accident that took place earlier today near the Russian city of Novokuznetsk in Siberia. According to news reports, as many as 38 people may have been killed and still others injured in a methane gas explosion at the Yubileinaya coal mine. This is a terrible and sad accident Words alone cannot adequately convey my sympathy over this tragic accident. Coal mining is a difficult and dangerous job often done by the economically disadvantaged and accidents such as these only make that challenging way of life harder. Indeed, we Americans are, unfortunately, no stranger to mining accidents. Just this morning the Helsinki Commission held a hearing on Russia. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those Russians affected by this tragedy and we hope that those who remain trapped are recovered soon and alive.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a man who, without exaggeration, was called ``the greatest record man of all time'' and who with great character and spirit made indelible contributions to the worldwide promotion of African-American music and American popular culture while also standing for racial equality and social justice. Unfortunately, we lost Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 2006. His legacy will live on in the music he promoted, and the legendary careers--from Ray Charles to the Rolling Stones--he helped create and develop over 60 years. PBS recently ran a documentary titled ``Atlantic Records: The House that Ahmet Built.'' This 2-hour sensation chronicled the life of Ertegun from his birth in 1923 through his childhood, career, and success. We witnessed America change through his eyes, and the emergence of African-American music into popular culture with his guidance. I urge all Members of Congress to watch this documentary if they have not had the opportunity to do so. The son of the first Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the United States, Ertegun, through music and entertainment, was instrumental in breaking down the racial barriers that so divided our country during the years of Jim Crow laws and segregation. In the 1940s at a time when Washington was segregated, he frequented African-American nightclubs and realized that ``all popular music stems from black music, be it jazz or rock n' roll or rap.'' Ertegun is often credited for coining the phrase, ``jazz is America's music.'' At every turn, Ertegun and his brother, Nesuhi, challenged the prevailing racial bigotry, stereotypes and discrimination. Despite being initially denied by the National Press Club and the segregation policies of the day, they organized the first integrated jazz concert before a white and black audience in Washington, DC at the Jewish Community Center in the 1940s. They even brought hostility to themselves in hosting the now famous integrated jazz sessions at their home of the Turkish embassy residence, again, challenging the practice of segregation. While not directly following in his father's footsteps with a diplomatic career, he practiced a true diplomacy in bringing people together. Ertegun's love of American black music led him to found Atlantic Records in 1947. For nearly five decades, Ertegun wrote and produced music, defined careers and changed the lives of household names such as Ruth Brown, Big Joe Turner, Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, and others and brought African American music and soul into the American mainstream. It was a young Turk who prominently recognized, promoted and honored the contributions of black America in the entertainment and recording industries. In a February 2005 interview in Slate Magazine, Ertegun was asked what he considered to be his legacy. His answer: ``I'd be happy if people said that I did a little bit to raise the dignity and recognition of the greatness of African-American music.'' Ertegun also became a trustee of several charitable organizations, including the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, which sought to ensure that singers and artists received their share of royalties that they had for so long been denied. As mentioned earlier, he was a contributing founder of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, whose main exhibition hall now bears his name. Ahmet Ertegun's leadership is reflected in the inspirational careers of other Turkish Americans who continue the legacy of contributing to what makes America great. I hope that my colleagues, this great institution and the American people will join me in paying tribute to the life and accomplishments of a great American icon and a proud and talented Turk.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today with my colleague from Florida, Representative Ros-Lehtinen and almost 20 bipartisan original cosponsors to introduce the National Hurricane Research Initiative Act. Although the United States possesses the most capable research enterprise, the largest economy, and the most sophisticated social infrastructure in the world, it remains extremely vulnerable to damage and loss of life from natural disasters. Among weather hazards, hurricanes account for over half of the total economic damage inflicted in the United States. Since 2001, hurricane damage has cost our nation an average of $35.8 billion in economic losses per year. Even more, the past two years, hurricanes have caused over 1,450 innocent lives to be lost. With less than a month before this year's hurricane season is set to begin, now is the time to nationally invest in new research to better prepare, respond and mitigate these disasters. The National Science Board task force, a 24-member independent advisory body to the President and Congress on national science and engineering issues, recently released a report on January 12, 2007 entitled, Hurricane Warning: The Critical Need for a National Hurricane Research Initiative. Their report warns that relative to the tremendous damage future hurricanes will inflict, the current federal investment in hurricane science and engineering is entirely insufficient. More than ever before, our nation needs a National Hurricane Research Initiative (NHRI) to provide vital hurricane research to adequately respond to these threats. I come to the floor today to introduce the National Hurricane Research Initiative Act, a comprehensive hurricane research bill which will improve hurricane research dramatically in the United States. The bill authorizes $4.35 billion in critical hurricane research funding to help scientists study and better understand how hurricanes form and intensify. This bill also provides enhanced information on early warning systems, infrastructure durability standards, and hurricane tracking and prediction capabilities. The National Hurricane Research Initiative Act of 2007 takes the general recommendations of the National Science Board and assembles the expertise of the nation's science and engineering experts to gain a better understanding of hurricane prediction and intensity. Under the bill, research is directed to further develop communications emergency networks for government agencies and non-government entities to improve disaster response and recovery. This bill also establishes a National Infrastructure Data Base to develop standards and establish public policy to better understand hurricanes and tropical storms. Madam Speaker, our nation, and my State of Florida in particular, are all too familiar with the immense damage hurricanes can inflict. When faced with strong hurricane predictions for this year, it could not be more a more appropriate time for Congress to act. We need a forward thinking approach that collects and utilizes comprehensive and improved hurricane research. My legislation would do just that. By investing in scientific research now, before the hurricanes strike, we will be able to better plan and mitigate these disasters, saving infrastructure and lives. I ask for my colleagues' support and urge the House Leadership to bring this legislation to the floor for its swift consideration.