Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to report on the successes of the fourteenth annual session of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Parliamentary Assembly which convened in Washington, DC over the first five days of July. Over 800 parliamentarians and staff were in attendance, making it one of the largest assemblies in the Organization's history, and one of the most productive. The theme of this year's session, ``30 Years since Helsinki: Challenges Ahead'' reminds us of the agreement that founded the OSCE, and the ideals which must guide us through the tests of the future. The Washington Declaration, a compendium of resolutions adopted at this year's session, is a testament to the excellent progress that has been made in central areas of social, economic, and human rights policy. The OSCE has maintained its position at the forefront of some of our world's most critical concerns; eradicating human trafficking, ensuring fair elections, combating social prejudice, and maintaining stable economic relationships between all nations. Members of both branches of Congress play a central role in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Our delegation offered a resolution entitled ``Combating involvement in trafficking in human beings and sexual exploitation and abuse by international peacekeeping forces'' that was adopted into the Washington Declaration. The practice of human trafficking is an affront to humanity, and must not be tolerated. According to the most recent Department of State estimates, between 600,000 and 800,000 people are trafficked across borders each year worldwide, including 14,500 into the United States. Combined with trafficking within countries, the total figure is estimated at between 2 and 4 million. The OSCE, as the world's largest regional security organization, is uniquely positioned to take on this critical issue. During this year's session, the U.S. delegation made major progress in international trade. Representative Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, spearheaded a resolution urging the Mediterranean Partners to work with the Arab League in order to rescind the trade boycott of the State of Israel. The boycott has existed for almost half a century, and it is clear that a healthy economic relationship between the United States, Israel, and the Middle East will be central in the fight for a stable and more peaceful world. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to serve as the current President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and delighted to have been elected to a second term. The U.S. delegation was at the forefront of efforts to preserve the quality of the OSCE's election monitoring activities, the battle against anti-Semitism and efforts to set codes of conduct for peacekeepers and international representatives. We were also privileged to welcome you, Mr. Speaker, and Secretary Rice, to address the Assembly and I am pleased to report that the conference was a major success. Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask for unanimous consent that the statement of the Honorable Canadian Senator Jerry Grafstein be added to the Record immediately following this statement. Senator Grafstein was elected to a second term as Treasurer of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, a clear endorsement of his dedication, prudence and fine leadership. I thank him for his kind words, and I thank the whole Canadian delegation for their admirable contributions to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 71, a resolution supporting the establishment of a Caribbean- American Heritage month. This resolution is admirable and deeply appreciated in its recognition and celebration of the Caribbean- American community and of the contributions that community has made to every sphere of American life. 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 his tapestry, and their influence has stretched to every field of American society, culture and politics. The State of Florida is especially indebted to the Caribbean-American community, enjoying one of the largest and most flourishing Caribbean- American populations in the nation. The contributions of this community to Florida's economy, educational system, politics and culture, and indeed to all areas of our society, are of the greatest importance to our state and to our country. 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. As early as the 17th Century, Caribbean men and woen journeyed to find new lives in America. Our regions have endured similarly difficult pasts. We shared a struggle against slavery, we shared a fight for independence, and now we share the strong ties built on social equality and democratic government. Mr. Speaker, the United States has been profoundly shaped by the achievements of its Caribbean-American citizens. Whether in technology, science, the military, fashion, politics, government, business, education or journalism, the achievements of Caribbean-Americans have been immense and invaluable. Some of the most revered figures in American art have come from the Caribbean-American community: actors, musicians, politicians, authors, educators and so many others. All of them have played central roles in the cultural development of this country. This resolution enjoys strong bipartisan support including mine because it is critical for this body to acknowledge and appreciate those who contribute to America's unique and highly respected culture. I am proud to lend my support to this most excellent resolution, I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the grounds that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

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

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, I heard several times that the matter of the minimum wage is not germane to the four measures included in this one rule. The simple fact of the matter is that an amendment was offered at the Committee on Rules last night and that amendment was voted down on a party-line vote. So at least a discussion during the period of the rule allows the germaneness of the question having to do with the minimum wage, not so much of the substance of the base bill. I will be asking Members to vote ``no'' on the previous question, Mr. Speaker, so I can amend the rule and allow the House to vote on the Miller-Owens bill to increase the Federal minimum wage. This amendment was offered in the Committee on Rules, as I just said, last night, but was defeated on a straight party-line vote. My amendment to the rule would provide that immediately after the House adopts this rule, it will bring H.R. 2429 to the House floor for an up-or-down vote. This bill will gradually increase the minimum wage for Americans from the current level of $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour after about 2 years. Mr. Speaker, it is time we in the House started helping American workers instead of taking away their rights as the four underlying bills in this rule do. I think one of the best things we can do to help working families is to increase the minimum wage. It has been nearly 10 years since this Congress has voted to increase the minimum wage, an increase that was signed into law by President Clinton in August of 1996. Since that time, the value of that increase has eroded by 20 percent. A full-time minimum wage earner is working 40 hours a week, makes about $10,700 annually, an amount that is $5,000 below the poverty line for a family of three. Clearly we are way overdue for another increase. Somehow we have had time to implement numerous tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, but we have turned our backs on those who work the hardest and are paid the least, those who struggle to make ends meet every day. I think it is time this Congress developed a conscience and started helping those who need help the most. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members of this body to vote ``no'' on the previous question so we can help these 7.5 million American workers who directly benefit from an increase in the minimum wage. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of the amendment immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the lives and endeavors of eight brave soldiers who perished in the April 24, 1980 rescue attempt of American hostages in Iran. Their courageous, and ultimately fatal, effort was an extraordinary example of bravery and sacrifice. They risked their lives for the sake of the freedom of others. It is important that we remember them and commemorate their effort, not only for the sake of their memory, but for ours as well. These American heroes provide us all with examples of sacrifice and commitment to country, with models of bravery and strength whose attitudes we may attempt to emulate. On November 4, 1979, a mob of Iranian students, calling themselves Imam's Disciples, seized the United States embassy in Tehran. Out of 90 embassy employees, 66 were taken captive as hostages. By mid-November, 14 of the hostages--the women and African-Americans--had been released, but 52 remained. President Jimmy Carter initially attempted to diffuse the situation through diplomatic and economic means. He froze Iranian assets, ceased oil imports from Iran, and expelled numerous Iranians from the United States. Unfortunately, these measures proved unsuccessful, and when the Iranian government issued a set of demands for the release of the hostages, President Carter approved the plan for a secret rescue mission called Operation Eagle Claw. In his words, ``I ordered this rescue mission prepared in order to safeguard American lives and protect America's national interests, and to reduce the tensions in the world that have been caused among many nations as this crisis has continued.'' On April 24, 1980, six C-130 transport planes set off to rendezvous with a group of nine U.S. military helicopters at a remote desert location, southeast of Tehran. Each vessel carried American soldiers ready to do whatever it took to rescue their fellow Americans. Unfortunately, the rescue was not meant to be. Two helicopters broke down and one was damaged upon landing at the rendezvous point, and the mission was forced to abort. As if the hostages not being saved on that night was not disappointing enough, the real tragedy followed immediately thereafter. One of the helicopters clipped a C-130 transport as it took off. Tragically, the helicopter crashed, killing eight United States servicemen and injuring four others. Mr. Speaker, these servicemen embarked upon their mission with one objective: to leave no man behind. It is imperative that today we do the same. We must honor the fallen soldiers and their memory. We must learn from their bravery and their determination. We must preserve the memory of each and every one of the courageous men who lost their lives in this valiant effort. In short, Mr. Speaker, we must never forget the sacrifice they made for their fellow soldiers. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a concurrent resolution in support of the goals and aspirations of the International Polar Year. The International Polar Year will allow scientist to create a benchmark for the Polar Regions and study this remote area of the world through all the seasons. The International Polar Year (IPY), co-sponsored by the International Council of Science (ICSU) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), will run from March of 2007 to March 2008. The IPY will afford an opportunity to engage the upcoming generation of scientists and focus public attention on the importance of the Polar Regions and how much the cold ends of the sphere we all live on really do influence us. I was recently in Norway and had the opportunity to talk about the significance of the IPY. The recognition of this important issue in all parts of the world further emphasizes why this resolution and issue is so important. Mr. Speaker, this concurrent resolution lends Congress' support for the International Polar Year. Past worldwide initiatives have yielded unprecedented exploration and discoveries in many fields of research and fundamentally changed how science was conducted in the Polar Regions. Now, decades later, technological developments such as earth observation satellites, autonomous vehicles, and molecular biology techniques offer enormous opportunities for an unparalleled expansion of our understanding of these complex systems. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this concurrent resolution. Encouraging the studying the Polar Regions is crucial as it will lead to a greater understanding of how this area of the world affects the rest of the earth's ecosystem and in turn, human society. This concurrent resolution furthers that goal. That is why I look forward to working with my colleagues and moving this resolution forward.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the City of Pompano Beach for its recent honor as one of the National Civic League's ten All-America Cities for the year of 2005. This award, which is presented every year to the ten cities that most represent civic excellence, is a true tribute to the great residents of the City of Pompano Beach and the state of Florida. I am proud to stand before this body and honor this great Florida city, which I am so privileged to represent. Each year, the National Civic League crowns its winners of the coveted All-America Cities Award--the nation's longest running and most prestigious civic recognition program. The National Civic League is a leading proponent of citizen democracy. Founded in 1894 by government reformers such as Theodore Roosevelt, the National Civic League is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to building community and promoting political reform at the local level. The All-America City award recognizes American cities for their civic excellence. The award honors communities, such as the City of Pompano Beach, in which citizens, government, businesses and nonprofit organizations demonstrate successful resolution of critical community issues. Since 1949, more than 4,000 communities have competed and only 500 have been designated All-America Cities. The cities honored by the National Civic League highlight the successes of communities across America and serve as examples of how to work together to overcome obstacles and achieve tangible results. In order to be named an All-America City, finalists must present three innovative community programs to a nine-person jury. These presentations addressed a wide range of social and community issues, including youth, education, poverty, affordable housing, race relations, and others. The All-America City award has been called ``a Nobel prize for constructive citizenship.'' Mr. Speaker, no city exemplifies the idea of constructive citizenship more than the City of Pompano Beach. From its humble beginnings as a small settlement on the shores of the Atlantic to its current size of over 25 square miles, Pompano Beach now boasts over 100,000 full time residents. The City was at one point the southernmost railroad station of the famous Florida East Coast Railway. It was not until the railway was built that South Florida was finally linked to the rest of the Nation. The first train arrived in the small settlement of Pompano on February 22, 1896. At that time, the town consisted mainly of farmers and a handful of railway employees and professionals. Since then, the city has grown quickly, with farmland in the west and a peaceful beach town atmosphere in the east. These two areas merged successfully in 1947 to form the present day City of Pompano Beach. The diverse population of Pompano Beach, with its thriving Black community, is its biggest asset. Pompano Beach combines the lifestyle of a quiet seaside community with the benefits of a major metropolitan area. Its high quality of living, as well as its commitment to improving the lives of its citizens, has led to a quickly growing population. Mr. Speaker, the people of Pompano Beach, Florida have brought credit and honor not only to themselves and their city but also to the people and State of Florida. The City of Pompano Beach is worthy of the praises of the people of Florida as well as the Members of the House of Representatives. It is a city truly worthy of emulation and worthy of the title All-American City.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the City of Lauderhill for its recent honor as one of the National Civic League's ten All-America Cities for the year of 2005. This award, which is presented every year to the ten cities that most represent civic excellence, is a true tribute to the great residents of the City of Lauderhill and the State of Florida. I am proud to stand before this body and honor this great Florida city, which I am so privileged to represent. Each year, the National Civic League crowns its winners of the coveted All-America Cities Award--the Nation's longest running and most prestigious civic recognition program. The National Civic League is a leading proponent of citizen democracy. Founded in 1894 by government reformers such as Theodore Roosevelt, the National Civic League is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to building community and promoting political reform at the local level. The All-America City award recognizes American cities for their civic excellence. The award honors communities, such as the City of Lauderhill, in which citizens, government, businesses and nonprofit organizations demonstrate successful resolution of critical community issues. Since 1949, more than 4,000 communities have competed and only 500 have been designated All-America Cities. The cities honored by the National Civic League highlight the successes of communities across America and serve as examples of how to work together to overcome obstacles and achieve tangible results. In order to be named an All-America City, finalists must present three innovative community programs to a nine-person jury. These presentations addressed a wide range of social and community issues, including youth, education, poverty, affordable housing, race relations, and others. The All-America City award has been called ``a Nobel prize for constructive citizenship.'' Mr. Speaker, no city exemplifies the idea of constructive citizenship more than the City of Lauderhill. Now in its fourth decade of progress, Lauderhill is meeting the challenges of the future through planned development with a focus on quality of life. The City of Lauderhill was first incorporated in 1959 with approximately 100 residents. Lauderhill grew by nearly 30,000 residents between 1970 and 1980 and now encompasses over seven square miles with a population of over 50,000 people. The business community is as diverse as its residents, with citizens from virtually every Caribbean nation from Haiti to Jamaica and every place in between. Lauderhill recognizes that its residents and business owners are key assets of the community. We are blessed to have informed, active and concerned members working for the betterment of the City and its residents. The City of Lauderhill is well known for its innovative efforts to improve the quality of life, including health and social services programs, recreational activities and events for the appreciation of culture and the arts. Lauderhill puts a premium on improving human and social services through strategic planning, expanding existing resources and creative financing techniques. Mr. Speaker, the people of Lauderhill, Florida have brought credit and honor not only to themselves and their city but also to the people and State of Florida. The City of Lauderhill is worthy of the praises of the people of Florida as well as the Members of the House of Representatives. It is a city truly worthy of emulation and worthy of the title All-America City.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the ranking member and the chairman of this committee. I recognize the constraints that they have operated under and we can go forward from there. But there comes a time when we do have to address consequential problems with reference to our actions. In this particular instance, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Al Green), and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) and myself have seen fit to join hands and bring this amendment before the body because we know that this continues to be a concern and a serious problem in our Nation. Two years ago, President Bush proclaimed June as National Home Ownership Month. In doing so, he pledged his support to help, and I quote him, ``every citizen, regardless of race, creed, color or place of birth, have the opportunity to become a homeowner.'' Yet despite the administration's rhetorical commitment, more than 3.7 million fair housing violations continue to occur each year. The Fair Housing Initiative Program and the Fair Housing Assistance Program play critical roles in fighting housing discrimination. Fair housing organizations and other nonprofit groups use Federal funds to provide vital services directly to communities. Grants are used for education and enforcement programs that educate consumers about how to recognize and report housing discrimination and to conduct investigations and testing of complaints of housing discrimination. Despite this obvious need, funding for fair housing activities in fiscal year 2006 has been cut by more than 15 percent. This unnecessary cut will reduce services and leave many potential homeowners with no programs to advocate and enforce fair housing policies on their behalf. The Green-Lee-Hastings amendment restores funding to fiscal year 2005 spending and levels the playing field for all who seek home ownership. Owning a home embodies the core American values of individuality, responsibility and self-reliance. Owning a home creates neighborhoods that promote growth and stability throughout our communities. In my view, restoring this essential funding for fair housing activities ensures the American dream can become a reality. For the last 5 years, we have been about the business of a housing boom, and during that same period of time, 3.7 million discrimination acts a year have taken place.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I join all our colleagues in asking us to come to our senses with reference to dealing with matters pertaining to the homeless. We talk an awful lot, and correctly so here in this institution, about homeless people and veterans. The connection seems to get lost in this particular argument that a significant number of the homeless are people who are former soldiers who once protected all of us in this country. I shudder to think what is going to happen psychologically to some who are presently in Afghanistan and in Iraq when they return home. I suspect that we will see them, not all, but a lot of them, on corners, like we see some of the Vietnam veterans and we saw some of the Korean veterans and some of the Desert Storm veterans. All of us want to assure that the homeless are properly cared for. Now, then, to say that the money to take care of them should come out of an intermodal system that is vital to our Nation's transportation is a bit disingenuous and, in many respects, is harmful to our overall structure. Let me ask everybody to think about September 12, after the devastating impact of terrorism here on September 11. The entire air system of the United States of America was grounded. I have not heard the argument here from many of my colleagues on either side of the aisle that transportation, the intermodal system, becomes a national security matter. Assume for the moment that those that would have Amtrak not operate, and I am not here to suggest that there are not necessary reforms within that rail system, and I believe we all know what they are, and I think a lot of us know how to help them achieve it, but as a national security matter, if by chance we did not have a passenger rail system of consequence in this Nation and we suffer yet another attack like we did on September 11, then we add to our interstate highway system the number of things that need to be transported and individuals who have necessary business. I cannot begin to tell you the number of Congress people that had to go up that corridor on Amtrak to do the business of this Nation. Please look at it realistically. Do not do the homeless this way and do not do Amtrak this way. Let us come together in a bipartisan fashion and do something that we have not done well around here, and that is work together to better Amtrak and to assure that no one in this great Nation of ours is homeless.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern) with whom I serve on the Rules Committee.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. What my colleague from Florida ignores is that we could do something today for those same veterans. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), the ranking member of the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, when the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer) was talking a moment ago about the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards) either being lucky or being good, he chose that he was lucky during the last 2 years. However, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards) spoke with hospital administrators, and that is how he got his information. And if somehow or another we were not so interested in hanging the picture of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs chairman somewhere rather than trying to figure out what hospital administrators need, all of us could be good. I know this much: At the Veterans Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida, veterans wait 6 months on occasion to get themselves treated, and I think that is ridiculous. Mr. Speaker, I will be calling for a ``no'' vote on the previous question. If the previous question is defeated, I will amend the rule so we can consider the amendment of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards) that was rejected in the Committee on Rules last night on a straight party-line vote. Mr. Speaker, the Edwards amendment would provide additional badly needed health care funds for our Nation's veterans today. The Edwards amendment uses the supplemental authority provided in the 2006 budget resolution to correct the current $1 billion shortfall mistake in funding for the health care needs of America's veterans, including the approximately 86,000 new Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans. Mr. Speaker, I am sure all of my colleagues are aware by now of the announcement last week by the Bush administration's own Secretary of Veterans Affairs that the VA is facing a $1 billion shortfall in veterans' health care. This is not news to this side of the aisle. We have known all along the funding was woefully inadequate. We have tried on numerous occasions to increase funding to care for our returning soldiers, but the Republican leadership has ignored our demands and has consistently rejected our many attempts to add money to the VA health care budget. Maybe now they will listen. Today, they will have a chance to show just how much they support our soldiers. I want to assure my colleagues that a ``no'' vote will not prevent us from considering the foreign operations appropriations bill under an open rule. But a ``no'' vote will allow Members to vote on the Edwards amendment to help our brave returning veterans get the health care they need and deserve. However, a ``yes'' vote will block consideration of this amendment and, sadly, once again, this leadership will turn its back on our wounded veterans. We make much of visiting veterans' hospitals. We make much of Veterans Day. All of these are appropriate undertakings. But when we learn that this administration has made a big mistake with reference to veterans in this Nation, we cannot muster here in the House of Representatives the oomph to do the things necessary for people that are putting their lives on the line for us and returning home in need of care. Vote ``no'' on the previous question. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of the amendment immediately prior to the vote.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone).

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, my friend from Florida, the distinguished gentleman, amazes me with his logic. We gave the veterans $2 billion more he said last year. What does that have to do with today and the fact that there is a $1 billion shortfall? This shortfall that has come to the attention of people is a mistake. When can this administration say that we were wrong about something? The veterans need $1 billion and that is that. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards) who has been denigrated for arguing this point over the last 2 years.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations who has a great deal of dedication and skill in this arena.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend, from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart) for yielding me this time, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my significant concerns about the Foreign Operations bill for fiscal year 2006. The substance of the underlying legislation will be addressed later in my statement. Madam Speaker, while the rule is similar to that of other appropriations bills, I am extremely disappointed that the majority has blocked our colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards) from offering an amendment that would have provided $1 billion in emergency funding for the Veterans' Administration. All of our colleagues here in the House know that the Bush administration and the Republican majority, by their own admission, have underfunded the Veterans' Administration by $1 billion. Without the emergency funding proposed by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards), the VA will shortly run out of money, leaving veterans, and there are 86,000 of them coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere, with nowhere to turn. But because my friends in the majority on the Committee on Rules did not make the Edwards amendment in order, the House will not have an opportunity to consider this critical amendment now. Shame on all of us. Madam Speaker, the underlying legislation has some admirable provisions yet, in several areas, it falls far short of meeting the United States' near and long-term policy needs. The majority's excuse that the budget constraints prevent greater generosity is just that: an excuse. The simple fact of the matter is that the Republicans' reckless and irresponsible economic policies have left the United States with little room to meet our important international and domestic obligations. Realize, I think that it is appropriate that we have funding allocated to fighting the plagues of our time, HIV and AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. I applaud the current appropriations and encourage this body to continue supporting these efforts until these diseases have been completely eradicated. I am also appreciative of the assistance levels for the Middle East. This past April, with the chairman of the Committee on Rules, the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), I had an opportunity to visit Israel and the Palestinian territories, and we met with officials from both sides of the conflict. I found them at that time to be committed to the pursuit of a fair and just peace and dedicated to ensuring an equitable resolution to the many issues that divide the Israelis and the Palestinians. The United States must continue to show its commitment to Israel, our most reliable ally in the Middle East. This legislation does just that. Further, we must be engaged in the region and reward positive efforts by the Palestinians with appropriate levels of assistance. I am also pleased to note that the United States is the leading donor of humanitarian assistance to Darfur, with $350 million appropriated in this legislation. This assistance is important, but not nearly enough. Frankly, the Bush administration has been neglectful of the realities on the ground, even while acknowledging that genocide is taking place. There should be no action on earth that compels us to act more than genocide. However, the House continues to refuse to move the Darfur Accountability Act, which provides for sanctions against the regime and authorizes the President to use force, if needed, to save the lives of innocent civilians. Is there a reason vastly more compelling than halting genocide that is forcing the United States to merely shake our finger in admonishment at the Sudanese Government? The world long remembers those instances in which the United States failed to take action to prevent genocide, and I fear that this is going to be another one of those times. Despite all of the positive provisions in the bill, Mr. Speaker, there are several aspects of this bill that project the wrong message to the global community. At a time of intense international hostility toward many aspects of United States foreign policy, we should not be compounding the problem with a ``sore loser'' attitude and a lack of commitment to protecting human rights. Allow me to expand. Section 528 of the underlying legislation withholds 25 percent of funding to the World Bank's International Development Association if it fails to continue implementing some procurement reforms that are supported by the United States. Once again, as with last week's United Nations Reform Act, Republicans are insisting on a my-way-or-the-highway approach. This is plain wrong. We will never reform these institutions by staying at home and complaining. We must accept compromise and continue to press for change while remaining a committed participant. Mr. Speaker, typically, the foreign operations bill is one of the most bipartisan bills that this body passes every year. While I will most likely support the underlying legislation, I am greatly concerned by the overall amount of money appropriated in this bill. Later today, we will hear from the chairman and other Republican leaders who will claim that they did the best they could with what they were given. I do not doubt that, Mr. Speaker; and I applaud the chairman and ranking member of the subcommittee for the hard and dedicated work which they do for all of us. Nevertheless, the budget constraints which the chairman and others will speak of are the creation of the Republicans' fiscal mismanagement. I am appalled that we have the money to provide egregious tax cuts to extremely wealthy people in our country; yet we do not have the money to meet our international humanitarian commitment. We have the money to provide billions in tax giveaways to the Bush administration's favorite corporate donors; yet we do not have the money to provide the necessary assistance to some of the poorest countries in the world. This is beyond shameful. It is negligent, and it leads many in the world to understandably question the seriousness of our rhetoric on human rights and the promotion of democracy. Just once, Mr. Speaker, I would like to come to this floor with Republicans in the majority and President Bush in the White House and say, We do not have the money for tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires because we have to fulfill our commitment to improving the lives of billions of people around the world, including millions right here in our own country. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with grave concern about the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2006 and the direction in which our country's priorities are going. I find it amazing that we don't have the money to continue funding critical programs in this bill because we continue to fund outlandish tax cuts for millionaires. We don't have the money to continue funding a sickle cell demonstration program which received $198,000 in fiscal year 2005 because we continue to fund ridiculous tax cuts for millionaires. We don't have the money to continue funding trauma care and emergency medical services which received more than $3.4 million in fiscal year 2005 because we continue to fund outrageous tax cuts for millionaires. We don't have the money to continue funding early learning opportunities which received almost $36 million in fiscal year 2005 because we continue to fund morally reprehensible tax cuts for millionaires. We don't have the money to continue funding arts in education programs which received $35.6 million in fiscal year 2005 because we continue to fund unconscionable tax cuts for millionaires. We don't have the money to continue funding alcohol abuse reduction programs which received $32.7 million in fiscal year 2005 because we continue to fund self-serving tax cuts for millionaires. Mr. Speaker, the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2006 provides us with a perfect example of what we are left with due to the irresponsible and reckless economic policies of the President and Republican Majority. It is a clear indication of the different approaches that Republicans and Democrats take toward ensuring the domestic security and well-being of our country. The drastic cuts in the Labor-HHS-Education bill are also clear examples of the very different philosophical approach toward government that our two parties take. Democrats, on one hand, believe that the role of government is to serve the masses, especially those who have the least and need the most. We do not demonize and slash funding for federally sponsored programs that help individuals stay in school, assist the unemployed find work, help pay for college, and further improve rural health care. Democrats believe that government exists not only to protect the people, but to provide services that, as our framers put it, ``promote the general welfare'' of all. Republicans, on the other hand, believe that government is intrusive. They believe that shared responsibility should not be a priority of our government, and the responsibility that we have to others is limited only to the unselfish and altruistic. Republicans are willing to sacrifice the greater good of the masses to further pad the pockets of the wealthy. I'm tired of hearing the Appropriations Committee say, `We did the best that we could with what we were given,' because ultimately, we aren't doing the best that we can. Congress is failing the American people when we slash funding for programs that millions depend on. Mr. Speaker, am I the only one who is offended that we don't have the money to continue funding foreign language assistance programs which received almost $18 million in fiscal year 2005 because we continue to fund odious tax cuts for millionaires? Am I the only one who is appalled that we don't have the money to continue funding literacy programs for prisoners which received just under $5 million in fiscal year 2005 because we continue to fund irresponsible tax cuts for millionaires? Where's the outrage from my Republican colleagues that we don't have the money to continue funding programs on America's Underground Railroad which received $2 million in fiscal year 2005 because we continue to fund offensive tax cuts for millionaires? Where's the infuriation from Members that we don't have the money to continue funding drop-out prevention programs, mental health integration programs in schools, and women's educational equity programs which received a combined $12.6 million in fiscal year 2006 because we continue to fund appalling tax cuts to millionaires? Just once, Mr. Speaker, just once, I would like to come to this floor with Republicans in the Majority and President Bush in the White House and say, we don't have money for tax cuts for millionaires because we have to fund programs that benefit the other 99 percent of this country.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I am convinced of some things: some of my colleagues just do not get it when it comes to human rights. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen).

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.