Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1433, The District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act. I want to encourage my colleagues to vote to extend full representation to the District of Columbia as well as to the state of Utah. The District of Columbia has long been recognized as one of the most Democratic jurisdictions in the Nation. Utah, by contrast, gave President Bush his largest margin of victory in the 2004 presidential elections. Extending rights to both sides of the spectrum would be the most politically neutral way to ensure proper and sufficient representation for all of our citizens. Regarding the residents of the District of Columbia, they have the full burden of Federal taxation and military conscription. These reasons alone should give the residents of the District of Columbia equal voting rights. In addition, voting rights have been extended to overseas voters, as well as to those in Federal enclaves within a State. Fairness and justice demand that Congress do the same for the citizens of the District, who are subjected to all Federal laws. Madam Speaker, some argue that the Framers never intended to give the District voting rights in Congress. In reality, however, the Founding Fathers never actually spoke about the District's rights because it was little more than a contemplated entity at the time. In fact, Congress has plenary power to address the welfare of the District and its residents. Another concern voiced by those who oppose the bill claim that the residents of the District will demand more rights. This is not necessarily true. However, if the District were to demand more rights, then it would be strictly a legal question and should therefore be reserved for the courts--not the House--to decide what is permissible and what is not. The District now has a little over half a million people, which was probably never contemplated by the Framers more than 200 years ago. It is my belief that the Framers of the Constitution would probably not support the idea that citizens of the United States are paying Federal taxes without fair and just representation in Congress. Madam Speaker, it truly is telling and somewhat shameful when several prominent international groups such as the Organization of American States (OAS), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the U.N.'s Committee on Human Rights have all advocated for DC residents to obtain equal voting rights. Shouldn't we do the same? I think so. I hope the rest of my colleagues share in this belief and vote favorably on the passage of H.R. 1433.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution celebrating the 500th anniversary of the first use of the name ``America.'' I am pleased to be introducing this resolution with my good friend from New York, Representative Carolyn Maloney. Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci was born in 1454 and traveled across the Atlantic Ocean 4 times between 1497 and 1504. During his second voyage to the Western Hemisphere in 1499, he realized the land initially discovered by Christopher Columbus was not India, but in fact a whole new continent. Eight years later, on April 25, 1507, cartographer Martin Waldseemuller, a member of the research group Gymnasium Vosagense in Saint-Die', France, published the book Cosmographiae Introductio. The book was accompanied by a map he designed naming the new continent ``America'' after Amerigo Vespucci. Incidentally, the only remaining copy of this map is housed in the Library of Congress. Naming the new continent after Vespucci was a unique and high honor, especially since he was still alive at the time. But Waldseemuller described this decision in the book by writing: ``I see no reason why anyone should justly object to calling this part. . . America, after Amerigo [Vespucci], its discoverer, a man of great ability.'' On April 25, 2007, we will mark the 500th anniversary of the first appearance of the word ``America'' on a map on a continent bordered by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As such, it is fitting that the House take time to honor Amerigio Vespucci, Martin Waldseemuller, and the contributions of so many others who have made us who we are. In the 21st century, the term ``America'' means much more than just a continent or a country. It is an ideal, a system of values which dedicates itself to ingenuity and greatness. The ability of which Waldseemuller wrote of Vespucci embodies the American spirit and the role which we play in the world. Indeed, we have the ability to make this world a better place for all. It is my sincere hope that my colleagues will support this effort and join me and Representative Maloney in honoring these two great individuals, the history of our great country and the continent on which it is located. I ask for the support of my colleagues and the swift consideration of this resolution to ensure that the House marks this celebration before the 500th anniversary.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, 200 years ago, the movement for the abolition of slavery achieved a major victory with the passage of a British law banning the trade in slaves--an anniversary that is getting heightened attention with the release of a new movie chronicling those events. Ending the trade in slaves was not the same as actually ending slavery, but it was a critical beginning to the end. Other developments have also caused us to revisit the legacy of slavery in our own country. This includes the decision by the legislature of the Commonwealth of Virginia to apologize for that state's role in the slave trade, and reports that Maryland and Missouri are considering similar steps. With a view to our own country's painful and complicated history of slavery, and as the first African-American Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I was particularly interested to learn about commemorations held on February 20th in Romania, marking the beginning of the end of slavery in that country. In the case of Romania, however, slaves were not kidnapped and transported from a faraway land. Instead, those enslaved were Roma, a people that had settled in Romania by the 14th century. This ethnic group--somewhere around 1,000 years ago--migrated to Europe from what is now India. Today, Roma make up the largest ethnic minority in the European Union, conservatively estimated at 10 million people. Romania, with an estimated 2 million Roma, has the largest Romani minority on the continent. And in that country, beginning in the 14th century and ending with the establishment of the modern Romanian state in 1864, slavery to the crown, to nobility, and to the monasteries was the exclusive status of Roma. To be clear, Roma were not serfs; they were slaves, bought and sold like chattel. In 1837, the great Romanian historian and statesman Mihail Kogalniceanu described their situation as follows: On the streets of the lasi of my youth, I saw human beings wearing chains on their arms and legs, others with iron clamps around their foreheads, and still others with metal collars about their necks. Cruel beatings, and other punishments such as starvation, being hung over smoking fires, solitary imprisonment and being thrown naked into the snow or the frozen rivers, such was the fate of the wretched Tsigan [Rom]. The sacred institution of the family was likewise made a mockery: women were wrested from their men, and daughters from their parents. Children were torn from the breasts of those who brought them into this world, separated from their mothers and fathers and from each other, and sold to different buyers from the four corners of Romania, like cattle. Neither humanity nor religious sentiment, nor even civil law, offered protection for these beings. It was a terrible sight, and one which cried out to Heaven. Unfortunately, it appears that the history of slavery in Romania--and the impact of slavery on the lives of Roma--has received little scholarly attention. As a corollary, little is taught in Romanian schools about this important chapter in the nation's history. I was very heartened, therefore, to learn that Romanian Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu announced on February 20 that the Romanian Government will establish a commission to study the enslavement of Roma. The National Agency for Roma will play a central role in setting up this commission, and the commission will produce recommendations for the teaching of Romani history and promoting Romani culture. Madam Speaker, there is an awful lot of hand wringing about the deplorable situation of Roma today. Across the OSCE region, they face profound discrimination, sometimes manifested in the worst forms of racially motivated violence. Moreover, in 2003, the United Nations Development Program issued a report on the situation in five Central European countries, concluding that, ``by measures ranging from literacy to infant mortality to basic nutrition, most of the region's Roma endure living conditions closer to those of Sub-Saharan Africa than to Europe. `` But if you want to know where you're going, you have to know where you came from; if we want to change this status quo, we have to understand the past, which makes this new commission vital for Roma. With respect to Roma, that means three things. First, it means understanding the history of Roma before World War II, and in the case of Romania and Moldova, that requires teaching, studying, and acknowledging the enslavement of Roma. Second, the genocide of Roma during World War II must also be remembered, and more must be done to study and understand the diverse experiences of Roma during the war in different European countries. Finally, we must put an end to the pernicious, dangerous myth that communism was ``good'' for Roma. With all this in mind, Prime Minister Tariceanu's initiative is really an extremely important step in addressing so many of the problems that Roma face today. I commend him for his leadership and I look forward to following closely the work of this body.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 99, the Fiscal Year 2008 Congressional Budget proposed by my esteemed colleague from South Carolina, the Chairman of the House Budget Committee John Spratt. I would specifically like to commend the hard work and expertise of my colleagues of the House Committee on the Budget that has brought forward this budget that prioritizes education, the environment, agriculture, health care, and positive international relations for the future of our Nation. I never forget in my work within the walls of this House that I am my brother's keeper. To this end, I am willing to contribute financially what is necessary to complete that task. All citizens of America must take ownership of the vital services, which require Federal funding to maintain. Mr. Chairman, every day in the House Rules Committee, Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle propose legislation that has financial implications. I hear about necessary programs for veterans affairs, education, alternative energy development, health care, and every other possible issue, all of which cost money to implement. Interestingly, though not surprisingly, no one ever comes to Committee talking about giving money back to pay for their requests. You see, it costs money to provide the necessary services and infrastructure to our constituents. But it is clear that Republican opponents of Chairman Spratt's budget are not willing to pay. The Fiscal Year 2008 Democratic budget is fiscally responsible in its projections for revenue generation and ability to pay for necessary services for our constituents. While we may have inherited an economic mess from the former Republican majority, this budget will repair the damage inflicted to our economy and provide for a budget surplus by 2012. It is fiscally sound and domestically and internationally responsible. Mr. Chairman, the House today has an opportunity to consider an alternative budget offered by the Congressional Black Caucus. While I wholeheartedly support the budget prepared by Chairman Spratt, I would also like to express strong support for the Congressional Black Caucus Alternative Budget brought forth by my friend Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia. I commend Congressman Scott and my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus for their work on this budget. The Congressional Black Caucus Alternative Budget meets a stringent test of fiscal responsibility by providing for a budget surplus of $141 billion in Fiscal Year 2012 while funding even more national priorities. More specifically, under Function 300: Natural Resources and the Environment, this budget allocates over $1 billion more than Chairman Spratt's budget for Hurricane Katrina recovery, environmental justice, and national parks. Another key feature of this budget is that it funds the State Children's Health Insurance Program at a level that will provide insurance for every uninsured child in America. Mr. Chairman, I could speak for quite some time about the phenomenal features of the Congressional Black Caucus Alternative Budget. I hope that all of my colleagues in this Congress recognize its innovation and merit as another possible means to overcome the budgetary challenges that were exacerbated by the former Republican majority. Both the Democratic and Congressional Black Caucus budgets are common sense solutions to the difficult financial situation with which we have been forced to deal. I urge my colleagues to support both plans.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

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

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the ``Pollinator Protection Act.'' This legislation reflects my deep concern for the future of agriculture in this country by authorizing funding to confront the drastic decline of North American pollinators. Madam Speaker, an alarming number of honey bee colonies have experienced irregular die offs throughout the United States in recent years. This phenomenon has been recently termed ``Colony Collapse Disorder'' because of its lack of recognizable underlying cause. This legislation that I introduce today will prioritize addressing Colony Collapse Disorder to protect the viability of American farmers. This legislation is crucial because the security of food production is in jeopardy when there is a threat to the lives of honey bees. These little pollinators are a keystone species in their responsibility for the pollination of one-third of the crops that we consume. More specifically, pollination by honey bees promotes healthy growth and adds over $15 billion annually to the value of U.S. crops. Madam Speaker, the number of honey bee colonies throughout North America has gradually declined in recent decades due to parasites, pathogens, toxins and a host of other environmental factors. However, this rate of decline has increased significantly with the emergence of Colony Collapse Disorder. If the current rate of decline continues, the United States will be forced to rely more heavily on imported foods. This destabilization of American food security would have adverse effects on the availability, price, and quality of the many fruits, vegetables, and other products that depend on animal pollination. I am proud of the vibrant variety of produce and citrus my district contributes to our Nation's food supply. However, this is an issue that not only impacts Floridians, but all citizens throughout this Nation. This is why I am honored that the Florida Department of Agriculture has contributed significantly to addressing Colony Collapse Disorder through the work of Jerry Hayes, Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Plant and Apiary Inspection. Mr. Hayes has contributed significantly to the Colony Collapse Disorder Working Group and I commend his effort along with those of his colleagues at the Pennsylvania State University, the United States Department of Agriculture--Agricultural Research Service, Bee Alert Technology, Inc., North Carolina State University, and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Madam Speaker, it is necessary to provide funding to sustain the vital research of the Colony Collapse Disorder Working Group and the United States Department of Agriculture. As a former member of the Committee on Science and a graduate of Fisk University with an undergraduate degree in Zoology, I understand the value of their critical research. More specifically, this legislation will authorize immediate funding for laboratories conducting agricultural research at United States Department of Agriculture facilities as well as a reserve of $10,000,000 for cooperative state research, education, and extension service grants to conduct relevant research to protect American agriculture. This legislation also authorizes $5,250,000 over five years to conduct research specifically on Colony Collapse Disorder in the many affected States. Madam Speaker, it is vital that this Congress takes on the task of supporting the work of the Colony Collapse Disorder Working Group. I would like to commend my colleague Chairman Cardoza of the Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture for taking up this charge by calling for a hearing on ``Honey Bee Decline'' this upcoming Thursday, March 29, 2007. I hope that the Pollinator Protection Act that I introduce today will aid in this cause and urge this Congress to prioritize this effort. I look forward to working with Chairman Cardoza on this issue and offer my utmost support for restoring stability to honey bee pollinated agriculture in this great Nation.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 270 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 my colleague and co-Chair of Florida's congressional delegation, Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, or his designee, my friend from Texas (Mr. Sessions). All time yielded during consideration of this rule is for debate only. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. General Leave

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have up to 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 270.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 270 provides for consideration of H.R. 1401, the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007 under a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour 20 minutes of general debate. One hour is to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Homeland Security and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill, except those arising under clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Homeland Security shall be considered as an original bill for purposes of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the bill. Importantly, the rule makes in order the eight amendments printed in the report accompanying this rule and waives all points of order against such amendments. The amendments may be offered only in the order printed in the report and by the Member designated in the report or his or her designee. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to commence debate on this very essential piece of legislation. Five years have passed since the terrorist attacks of September 11. While we in this body have done a great deal of talking about Homeland Security, our record on the issue suggests otherwise. Under Republican control, the majority maintained that mandating certain security enhancements was not necessary at the time. Democrats, on the contrary, believe that they are and will not allow this need to go unmet any longer. The fact that this bill was reported favorably out of the Homeland Security and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees with near unanimity and the cosponsorship of the ranking Republican member of the Homeland Security Committee suggests that our concerns are almost universal in this body. Moreover, this rule makes in order a total of eight amendments, half of which will be offered by the Members of the minority party. The rule and the process further prove that Democrats refuse to allow partisanship to supersede our responsibility to protect the American people. Congress's prior reluctance to mandate certain security enhancements out of fear that it might rock the administration's boat has left us woefully behind the curve when it comes to rail and mass transit security. That is why I am very pleased that the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act makes the necessary investment in these absolutely critical enhancements. The bill requires that the administration develop a security plan for all forms of covered transportation. The bill also creates a system and methods under which all agencies tasked with the responsibility of protecting our country can work together. We don't stop there. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to expand its coordination network through enhanced communication and cooperation at all levels of government. It requires DHS to develop security training programs for railroad and public transportation employees and extends whistleblower protections to all providers, public or private, who provide covered transportation services. Under this bill, the number of surface transportation security inspectors will increase by six times by the year 2010, and the bill mandates that the administration issue regulations requiring enhanced security measures for the shipment of security sensitive materials and requires that these shipments not go through highly populated areas. Perhaps most importantly, this bill pays for these improvements and authorizes $7.3 billion in security enhancements to make America safer. Mr. Speaker, the Government Accountability Office has determined that the United States must provide much more leadership and guidance in constructing a rail and security transit plan. This bill answers that challenge and fills the void left by the administration's failure to secure all modes of transportation in this country. It, just like the rule, is worthy of the support of this body. I urge my colleagues to support both. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute. And I would say to my friend from Florida that, in his concerns about the motion to recommit and the time to see it, I am sure my friend is mindful that when a motion to recommit comes to the House floor that it comes without the Members of the House having had an opportunity to know the substance of the motion to recommit. I might add, that period of time, particularly in the last 2 months, we have seen that when the minority has presented the motion to recommit, that what winds up happening is even Members of the minority don't know what is in the motion to recommit. Therefore, it seems more than reasonable that a sufficient amount of time be given for that purpose. And I also think in the interest of fairness that we have been considerably fair in accepting more motions to recommit than have our friends in the minority. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to a distinguished member of the Rules Committee, my good friend from Ohio (Ms. Sutton).

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to my good friend from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson), the Chair of the Homeland Security Committee.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 4 minutes to my good friend, the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee), the chairwoman of the Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee of the Homeland Security Committee.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 269 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. For purposes of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions). All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only. General Leave

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have up to 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 269.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 269 provides for consideration of H.R. 835, the Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2007, a closed rule providing 1 hour of general debate in the House, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against the bill and against its consideration except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Mr. Speaker, I do not intend to speak very long about this legislation other than to express my sincere hope that this body will move forward expeditiously with its passage. As my colleagues know, the Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act was placed on the Suspension Calendar last week after being unanimously voted out of the Committee on Financial Services by a voice vote. It was our hope, and the hope of so many Native Hawaiians, that the House would support it with as much enthusiasm as did the committee of jurisdiction. Unfortunately, as we all now know, there are some in this body who believe that it is in their best interest to create a partisan divide where no such division should exist. They have in my opinion falsely accused my friends and representatives from Hawaii of ulterior motives, and in doing so, have delayed justice and fairness to some of our most loyal citizens. Contrary to the false accusation made by its opponents, this bill is not a bill aimed at achieving Native American status for Native Hawaiians, no matter how important that issue may be. This bill provides low-income Native Hawaiians access to the American Dream. They, just like all of us in this body, have had at one point in our lives a dream to own a home. This bill brings them one step closer to realizing that dream. Shame on those who continue to paint this bill as anything other than what it is. I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying legislation which is so critically needed. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I will be the last speaker on my side. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time until the gentleman has closed for his side and has yielded back his time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of our time. I appreciate very much my friend's attitude with reference to this matter and his suggestion that he would accept the representation of our two colleagues from Hawaii as well as me and other members of the Rules Committee. I would also urge that your concerns, albeit, I believe, likely to be taken care of on another day, have been addressed by the committee that reported this out unanimously, meaning the Republicans and the Democrats on the relevant committee voted this matter out. I would also urge that the Hawaiian State legislature has indicated that there are no intentions at all to seek any special status; and the Governor of Hawaii, who is a Republican also, has made it clear that no special status is sought. Toward that end, it would seem to me that this matter, having been supported, had the enjoyment of the support of 262 Members last week, and that is a total that I hope we will reach today, because this legislation is desperately needed. This is an issue of fairness and access. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this appropriate rule and the underlying legislation and to clearly understand that it has nothing to do with citizenship and everything to do with housing. 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, may I inquire as to whether or not my friend from Texas is going to manage all the time on this rule.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

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