Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall). (Mr. UDALL of Colorado asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to yield 3 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall), a former Attorney General who had responsibilities with reference to the environment close up.

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

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 such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, at this time our speaker has not arrived, but I do wish to speaker vigorously in closing in opposition to this modified closed rule. The gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm) put it best earlier, the question is how long are we going to shut down the minority views. This is patently obvious from the speakers that we have heard here today that several of them have amendments that would help this process, not harm it at all. And the will of this body is being thwarted by those who would shut off the debate for whatever reason, and it is difficult to fathom a good reason that Members who represent significant numbers of people in this country are not having an opportunity to be heard. On one matter alone, the curtailing of judicial review, I can speak from personal experience that we talk an awful lot about what impact legislation has on various institutions that are the beneficiaries of what we did. In the Federal judiciary there can be no real guidelines when a judge is trying to understand the process that has come to him or her, and what we have done by restricting ing judicial review is cause the public to be shut out. I think that is an abomination. I think this rule is too restrictive, and I would urge all Members to please oppose the rule, notwithstanding your views with reference to the substantive-based bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer), who has a great deal of insight with reference to environmental matters.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on December 3, 2001, ENRON filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and America's working men and women are still waiting for legislation that will protect and secure their pensions. Nearly 50 million workers have 401(k)s or similar pension plans, and a number of provisions in H.R. 1000 are not in their best interests. I read H.R. 1000 with one question in mind, ``Would an ENRON employee have benefited from this legislation?'' The answer to that question is ``no.'' Not only does H.R. 1000 fail to protect working men and women from corporate abuses, in some cases it puts their retirement incomes at even greater risk. This bill opens a loop-hole for financial advisors, allowing self- interested investment firms to be the principal financial advisors to employees. This bill also locks employees into 3- year stock holding situations, undermining their ability to diversify and protect their retirement if the company fails. H.R. 1000 also fails to protect older workers' retirement incomes in cash balance pension conversions. Without protections, many older workers could see their pensions slashed by as much as 50%. The Democratic substitute addresses these issues, and it also ensures that the retirement packages of employees are equal to those of their employers. It is a sad fact that Congress is now responsible for enacting morality laws for a corporate America, who, if Enron and Global Crossings are any example, has demonstrated an inability to conduct itself ethically. We are the last line of defense between the rank and file employee and his corporate hierarchy. H.R. 1000 contains too many loopholes, oversights, and executive exemptions to effectively secure the pensions of our nation's working men and women. I urge my colleagues to vote no on H.R. 1000, and vote for the Democratic substitute. I know that if Enron's former employees were able to vote here today, they would do just that.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the exercise of political and civil liberties, including freedom of expression, assembly, association, movement, press, and the right to multiparty elections, are fundamental rights. These fundamental rights belong to every individual, be it in the United States, Iraq, or Cuba; these rights are universal. Nevertheless, regardless of this truth, the Cuban Government has carried out summary trials to expeditiously sentence prodemocracy leaders to try to intimidate and silence other prodemocracy activists on the island, while world attention is primarily focused on Iraq. The oppressive Cuban Government has attempted to suppress the will of its own people on fabricated charges, accusing pro-democracy activists for purportedly ``working with a foreign power to undermine the government.'' Fearing a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba, under two draconian laws, the Fidel Castro regime has tried to silence the inherent right of individuals to freedom. I rise to vehemently denounce these actions. Mr. Speaker, in early 2003, dozens of supporters of the Oswaldo Paya's Varela Project were harassed, jailed, and threatened. On February 18, 2003, two members of the Oswaldo Paya's Christian Liberation Movement, Jesus Mustafa Felipe and Robert Montero, were sentenced to 18 months in prison on charges of contempt and resisting arrest. On March 18, 2003, the Cuban Government began a massive crackdown on democracy activists. About 80 activists were arrested and made subject to swift trials and prosecutions that began on April 3, 2003. Foreign journalists and diplomats were excluded from the trials. Within days, over 50 of the activists had received prison terms ranging from 6 to 28 years. These sentences, which are an example of the dependency of the judiciary branch on the will of Fidel Castro, further call into question the legitimacy of Castro's regime. I condemn the illegitimacy of the Cuban judiciary system, and the Cuban Government. In a further deterioration of Cuba's rule of law, on April 11, 2003, the Cuban Government executed three men who had hijacked a ferry in Havana in an attempt to reach the United States. The men were executed by firing squads after summary trials that were held behind close doors; four other ferry hijackers received life sentence while another received 30 years in prison. Although their crimes should have been punished, this dismal excuse for a judicial system never allowed the suspects a chance. In one of the most deplorable signs of judicial dependency of the past decade, the three men accused of hijacking the ferry never received a fair trial. Under the Cuban ``Kangaroo Courts,'' they were found guilty in three days, and only given a few days to appeal their sentences before being executed by a firing squad a day later. I am appalled at these murders. Disgusted by the crudeness of the Cuban Government's repression, on April 8, 2003, I supported House Resolution 179, which condemns the Cuban Government's crackdown, calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners, and endorses basic human rights and free elections in Cuba. I will continue my high level of advocacy for a democratic Cuba in the 108th Congress, supporting a variety of legislative initiatives regarding sanctions, human rights, and drug interdiction cooperation. But more importantly, I will tirelessly labor to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island of Cuba. In conclusion, I praise the courage of those Cubans who have been targeted in this most recent government crackdown, and strongly condemn the recent arrests and murders committed by Castro's regime.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the patriotic people of Vieques, Puerto Rico, for their tolerance and understanding during more than 60 years. In the past, the Vieques training range helped prepare the U.S. Navy forces for deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf. Nevertheless, military training activities on Vieques interrupted local fishing operations and other economic development, and the effect of the activities by the Department of the Navy reduced the potential for developing the island as a tourist destination. Also, the pollutants released in to the local environment caused some concern among residents who feared an increase in the incidence of cancer and other diseases. I applaud the Department of the Navy for recognizing that for these reasons, among many, the island of Vieques is no longer a satisfactory place for training exercises. Recognizing that the serenity and beauty of Vieques should be enjoyed, and not destroyed, on April 30, 2003, the Navy closed the base and transferred the land to the Department of the Interior to turn it to a wildlife refuge and a wilderness area. These days, we hear so much about weapons, terrorism, and the military. It warms my heart that the sounds of exploding bombs has been replaced by the laughter of children enjoying hiking, cycling, wild life observation, swimming, and fishing. But worries about Vieques remain. Now that the military training exercises are over, the land must be cleaned up. The Island needs to be rid of the pollutants--thousands of unexploded bombs and toxins in the land, water, and air. Only then, would the land be truly returned to its rightful owners.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Army Staff Sergeant, Tarik Jackson, a graduate of Miami Springs High School, is a pride to the Florida Community. During an ambush on March 23 near Nasiriyah, Southern Iraq, he was shot while trying to get several injured soldiers out of the way of enemy fire. Motivated by his indescribable bravery, Sergeant Jackson walked for a mile after he had been shot in the arm, hip and thigh, and encouraged others to keep going. The Purple Heart Staff Sergeant Jackson was awarded correctly recognizes his exemplary character and great courage. I am glad to hear that the doctors expect Army Staff Sergeant Tarik Jackson to fully recover, although I understand that he will need months of rehabilitation. Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Jackson's injury only crystallizes the great risk and danger these brave men and women experience in the name of the people of the United States. We never forget that the peace and prosperity that we enjoy are founded on the sacrifices made by those who have been maimed or killed in war throughout our nation's history. They have earned our gratitude and respect.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a saddened heart for the untimely death of a South Florida resident who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. Captain Armando Ariel Gonzalez was killed on April 14, 2003 in a non-hostile accident when a commercial refueler collapsed at a supply area in Southern Iraq. I wish to express my deepest condolences to Captain Gonzalez' wife, and the entire Gonzalez family. Equally, I offer all my support and prayers. I believe that a person's life is not measured by the time spent on this earth, but by what is accomplished while here. With this in mind, Captain Gonzalez will always be considered a hero. The ultimate passing of any true hero is a tragedy. This tragedy only crystallizes the great risk and danger these brave men and women experience in the name of the people of the United States. All of America mourns the loss of our military men and women, though we cannot feel the depth of the families' pain. We must never forget that the peace and prosperity that we enjoy today are founded on the ultimate sacrifices made by those who have lost their lives in war throughout our Nation's history. They have earned our gratitude and respect. Mr. Speaker, because of the very high regard in which I hold all members of the United States armed services, it is especially disturbing to me when one of these fine young men or women is killed. By any measure, their contributions, in terms of human sacrifice, are immense. As a nation we share the sense of loss that the Gonzalez family is experiencing. Though sorrow runs deep, our pride for Captain Gonzalez shines brightly.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and the distinguished ranking member, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost) for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, my colleague and good friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reynolds) spoke about the fact that Democrats have received a motion to recommit for all the years that he is here. For all the years he is here, if we added up all of the motions to recommit that are allowed by the Republican majority, it would not add up to 9 hours of debate. We are given 10 minutes on a motion to recommit. That does not help very much in a free and open society in what is supposed to be the most deliberative body in the world. That has been curtailed and democracy loses when we close our rules, and democracy loses here today. Regarding the substance of the matter, envision that you are profoundly in debt and you have only a portion of the money you need to pay for major expenses coming up. What would you do? Would you, instead of working harder, saving more and paying off your debt as soon as possible, run up your credit card balance with expensive gifts for your wealthiest friends? No. The mere idea is preposterous. Mr. Speaker, if our economy was growing like it was before last year's obese, obtuse and downright obnoxious tax cut, I would be the first one to support cutting taxes, but our economy is not growing. In fact, it is hurting more that we are in a war, the war on terrorism, and we are not funding our homeland security responsibilities. The President and majority argue that further tax cuts will head off recession because to them tax cuts are a one-size-fits-all solution. The President and the majority have a tax cut obsession. Stretched over 10 years and designed with wrong priorities in mind, the cuts are not aimed where they can light a fire under the economy. Instead, the Thomas tax plan takes money out of needed social programs and gives it to people who are wealthy. Right now America needs an economic plan that focuses on providing relief to low and middle income families hardest hit by the Bush recession. Instead of making tax cuts for families a priority, Republicans make the increase in the child tax credit a temporary afterthought. The so-called increase in the child credit is like a magic trick, sort of like the marriage penalty, it is there and in 3 years it is gone. Indeed, America's greatness is based on its willingness to sacrifice today for the freedom and prosperity of tomorrow. This tax cut plan is completely out of touch with economic reality in America. It might as well come out of the Iraqi Information Ministry. We know how truthful they are. House Democrats are proposing a package that is front-loaded and fast acting, a real stimulus plan that will jump-start the economy. I urge my colleagues to vote no on the rule and on the underlying principle: The bigger the wallet, the bigger the benefit. Mr. Speaker, the following is the story of Thomas Zogg, one of my constituents that e-mailed me, which is emblematic of the problems we are talking about today. Dear Congressman Hastings, I wanted to bring to your attention that while I most certainly appreciate the help I'm getting from Unemployment, the bi-weekly payment of $550.00 is just not enough. I was laid off back in August of 2002 and have yet to secure a job that actually pays enough to survive. So far, I have had to spend all of my savings, cash in my retirement plan, sell my car just to make ends and pay the rent. It's a terrible situation and now that I have nothing of value left to sell, all of my unemployment money needs to go toward paying rent. All of my bills are falling behind, and there is no money left to buy food. I don't even have any money to relocate even if I could find a job outside of Florida. I'm not sure what to do next. I can't get health insurance, and as a diabetic, and I can't afford to pay for a doctor's visit to get a prescription. I can't afford to pay for medication either. Lets hope it gets better soon or I'll be homeless.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a Concurrent Resolution designed to meet the most important promise we made to the people of Iraq--a promise to help them become self- governing. Rebuilding Iraq will be a daunting undertaking. The Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance has been established in Baghdad, and its leader, retired General Jay Garner, is responsible for coordinating humanitarian assistance, restoring the nation's infrastructure, and establishing an interim government. The ORHA is made up of retired generals and diplomats, government technocrats, and oil executives. Efforts to establish and maintain civilian stability and coordinate humanitarian assistance will monopolize the ORHA for some time to come; tasks that would be daunting enough if they had inherited an intact bureaucracy and police force. But the ORHA's biggest stumbling block may turn out to be that none of its members have any experience in forging cooperation amongst radically differing political, religious, and ethnic factions to facilitate even the beginnings of a self-governing nation. Iraq is the test case for our peacekeeping, nation building and humanitarian policies and success will demonstrate, to ourselves, and the rest of the world, that we can both win wars and transform societies. The three post-war initiatives of providing humanitarian assistance, restoring infrastructure, and establishing an interim government, must commence and progress simultaneously. The Resolution I introduce today calls on the President to request former President Jimmy Carter and members of the Carter Center to assist the ORHA in establishing an interim government in Iraq. Former President Carter is uniquely qualified to forge a peaceful, cooperative structure among Iraq's political, religious, and ethnic factions. He has dedicated himself to resolving conflicts and enhancing freedom and democracy throughout the world. Regardless of our opinions on the invasion of Iraq, we must keep the promises we made to the Iraqi people. U.S. and allied soldiers, civilians, and diplomats remain committed to what is certainly the most critical phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this Resolution to ensure they have all the experience and expertise available to help ensure their success.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman.

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

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member for yielding me this time, and I am thankful for the opportunity for this intervention. I rise to offer the amendment to the Workforce Investment Act Reinvestment and Adult Education Act of 2003. Although this amendment is a technical one, if enacted, it will result in an increase of need- based funding for virtually every workforce development board in the country. In fact, if the administration's fiscal year 2004 budget request is appropriated, the amendment would result in an increase of no less than $77.5 million in guaranteed formula or need-based funding in areas with highest demand for assistance. Specifically, the amendment requires that no less than 85 percent of the total funds allocated to local boards under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Activities for Adults program are formula based. H.R. 1261, as reported, establishes a formula for this funding that takes into consideration the unemployment rate of a given area compared with the entire State and the size of the workforce. Further, it gives priority to those living in areas of high unemployment as well as disadvantaged individuals. I rise today to offer an amendment to the Workforce Reinvestment and Adult Education Act. Although my amendment is a technical one, if enacted, it will result in an increase of need-based funding for virtually every workforce development board in the country. In fact, if the Administration's Fiscal Year 2004 budget request is appropriated, my amendment would result in an increase of no less than $77.5 million in guaranteed formula- or need-based funding in areas with the highest demand for assistance. Specifically, the amendment requires that no less than 85 percent of the total funds allocated to local boards under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Activities for Adults program are formula- based. H.R. 1261, as reported, establishes a formula for this funding that takes into consideration the unemployment rate of a given area compared with the entire state and size of the workforce. Further, it gives priority to those living in areas of high unemployment, as well as disadvantaged individuals. My amendment ensures that those areas with the highest unemployment rates and need for job training receive the greatest level of immediate and guaranteed assistance. Even more, my amendment limits the ability of governors--Democrat or Republican--to play politics with adult job training and education funds, as well as those funds intended for dislocated worker assistance. The amendment is fair, and it is certainly in line with what Congress intended when it initially passed the Workforce Investment Act in 1998. Mr. Chairman, America is faced with an unemployment epidemic of enormous proportion. Today, 8.8 million hard working Americans are out of jobs, many for reasons beyond their own control. Nearly 2 million of them have been without work for 27 weeks, and the average length of unemployment is almost 20 weeks, the highest since 1984. Unfortunately, relief is nowhere in site. 4.8 million workers are stuck in part-time jobs because they can't find full-time work, and there is a meager one job available for every three unemployed workers looking. My amendment sends guaranteed help to those most in need. It places assistance over politics and ensures that those without jobs receive a greater level of assistance than they currently do under H.R. 1261. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding me the time, and I would also alert my friend from Georgia, as I understand it now, we have but one speaker, so we are prepared to move forward. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill and the open rule under which it is being considered. When I think back to all of the times my friends on the other side of the aisle allowed an open rule this year, I do not have to think far, since it has only occurred once before during the 108th Congress. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for this full and open debate; and hopefully, this is a sign of what is to come. Mr. Speaker, as I said, I rise today in support of the rule and H.R. 766, a bill to provide for a National Nanotechnology Research and Development program. As my colleagues may know, nanotechnology is an emerging science that involves the engineering of extremely small materials, devices, and systems at the atomic, molecular, and macromolecular level. The science and technology of precisely controlling the structure of matter at the molecular level is widely viewed as the most significant technological frontier currently being explored. This legislation is significant because it ensures continued U.S. leadership in nanotechnology research and coordination of nanotechnology research across Federal agencies and the private sector. This measure will provide grants to investigators, establish interdisciplinary research centers and advanced technology user facilities. It shall expand education and training of undergraduate and graduate students and establish a research program to identify societal and ethical concerns related to nanotechnology. Additionally, this bill assembles a team of advisory and governing committees to work cooperatively with each of the national Federal science offices to achieve the goals and priorities set forth by this legislation and the Federal Government. Through the national nanotechnology research and development program, our Nation can and will continue to make advancements in virtually every industry and public endeavor, including health, electronics, transportation, the environment, and national security. Moreover, this bill supports the National Nanotechnology Initiative outlined in 1999 by allowing us to reach beyond our natural size limitation and work directly with the building blocks of matter. It holds the promise for a new renaissance in our understanding of nature. It holds the promise, in addition, for means for improving human performance and a new industrial revolution in coming decades. Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 766 and this second open rule of the year. Perhaps that came about because of nanoseconds.

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

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. HASTINGS of Florida asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer) who also has been in the leadership on this matter and serves on the Committee on International Relations.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Wynn) who has stood out on this issue for all the time he and I have served here in Congress.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), who has, since she has been a Member of Congress, been totally committed to trying to alleviate AIDS in the world and has been the leader in legislation with reference to this problem, and certainly working with the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), has been directly involved in this particular piece of legislation.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos). I appreciate that very much. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I yield to my good friend, the gentleman from California and the ranking member of the Committee on International Relations.