Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 10 seconds. Mr. Speaker, there is a recent study reported in USA Today of medical malpractice insurance that concluded that, on average, doctors still spend less on malpractice insurance, 3.2 percent of their revenue, than on rent. I offer that for the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Fletcher). Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the distinguished Democratic whip.

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 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), my very good friend. (Mr. SCOTT of Virginia asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks and include extraneous material.)

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 30 seconds. In response to my good friend and colleague regarding the fairness and openness and the 1 hour of debate, 31 amendments were offered last night in the Committee on Rules and my good friend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reynolds) and I were there. Not one, not one, was permitted. What is fair about that? In response to Dr. Weldon's defensive medicine argument, some people claim that billions of dollars are being wasted on so-called defensive medicine. Our own Congressional Budget Office has concluded that the idea of defensive medicine is uncertain and hypothetical. You can find that on page 74 of House Report 108-32. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost), the distinguished ranking member of the Committee on Rules. (Mr. FROST asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

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 1 minute to my good friend, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining on both sides?

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in great support of H.R. 342, the Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act. Mr. Speaker, mosquito borne-diseases are increasingly plaguing the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), last year alone there were more than 5,000 people infected with mosquito borne-illnesses such as Dengue Fever and the West Nile virus. As a member of Congress, I am greatly concerned with the West Nile virus's rapid spread nationwide. Out of my concern for the victims of West Nile virus and other mosquito borne diseases, I not only cosigned legislation and letters seeking grants and research dollars to combat this deadly virus, but I also wrote a letter to Dr. Julie Gerderding, the CDC's director. In the letter, I expressed the importance of the CDC, the NIH, and Congress to work cooperatively to communicate the concerns and resolutions in combating these deadly viruses. Considering West Nile virus is prevalent during the summer and early fall, it is imperative that the necessary steps are taken in the virus's prevention and vaccination before the onset of the next summer season. Mr. Speaker, I believe H.R. 342, the Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health (MASH) Act, would do exactly that. Essentially, H.R. 342 would establish two temporary grant programs to help state and local governments assess mosquito problems, and coordinate and operate mosquito control programs. This measure would also authorize $100 million in FY2003, and such sums as necessary each subsequent year through FY 2007, for these grants. While Florida was not as severely affected as Illinois or Michigan last year by the West Nile virus, Florida certainly has the propensity to be dramatically affected by this virus due to its annual warm climate. The increasing growth of outbreaks and spread of West Nile virus each year qualifies it as a public health threat that is likely to be with us for years to come. Addressing the problem now through H.R. 342 will provide benefits in the future, and most importantly save lives. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the M.A.S.H Act.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 441, a bill endorsing observer status for Taiwan at the annual summit of the World Health Organization in May 2003. I thank my good friend, Mr. Brown of Ohio, for introducing the bill, and I look forward to voting for it. Madam Speaker, over the years, this body has been divided on a variety of foreign policy issues. What the House has not been divided on, however, is its support for Taiwan, especially as it pertains to its status in the World Health Organization. The fact remains that Taiwan's exclusion from the WHO not only hurts Taiwan, but also the entire international community. The WHO's constitution states that ``the enjoyment of the highest standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.'' Yet, the constitution of the WHO has been disregarded when the inclusion of Taiwan in the WHO, even at observer status, has been laid on the table. This time for this to change is now. Few recall that Taiwan was an original member of the WHO, participating as a full member from 1948 until 1972. The United Nations' 1972 decision to award Taiwan's seat to the People's Republic of China resulted in Taiwan's replacement at the WHO. Since then, Taiwan has sought to be readmitted into the WHO at the same time it has built one of the world's most dynamic free market economies and become a leading technological and scientific population. Tragically, the world community has never fully benefited from the medical advancements made by Taiwanese doctors and scientists because Taiwan lacks WHO membership. Taiwan enjoys one of the highest life expectancy rates in Asia, has relatively low infant and maternal mortality rates, and has eradicated major infectious diseases such as cholera, smallpox, and polio. Additionally, Taiwan's government was the first in the world to provide children with free hepatitis B vaccinations. Until the international community recognizes that each country in the world will benefit multi-fold from Taiwan's inclusion in the WHO, political pressure from the People's Republic of China will trump the spread of Taiwan's medical advancements. Madam Speaker, health has no borders, and certainly neither does disease. Taiwan's 23 million citizens suffer every single time relief is delayed simply because Taiwan is not a part of the WHO. Likewise, the world community suffers each time its access to Taiwan's medical advancements is limited for the same reason. Taiwan's readmittance to the WHO is long overdue. With passage of this bill today, the State Department is again given the necessary tools to push forward on Taiwan's request. H.R. 441 is not a political statement against the People's Republic of China. Instead, it is recognition of opportunity for the entire world community. The successes of Taiwan's medical experts must no longer remain locked in a chamber of politics, and access to these ideas must be extended to all countries. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. May we all look forward to a day when Taiwan is admitted back into the World Health Organization, an organization it helped build 55 years ago.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 36, a resolution to honor and celebrate the 140th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and commending Abraham Lincoln's efforts to end slavery. On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States, signed a proclamation stating that as of January 1, 1863, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State shall be forever free. As the great grandson of a former slave, I am proud to be able to stand before this body, in this capacity, and state my appreciation for one of the most pivotal acts of government. To the decedents of slaves the Emancipation Proclamation and the thirteenth amendment allow us to realize and seize our dreams. To each person living within America's borders these doctrines laid the framework for America's diversity and opportunities. This remarkable demonstration of political courage by President Lincoln, although slow, ignited a fire that blazed a trail for equally pivotal acts of government such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 140 years since the Emancipation Proclamation and 138 years since the abolishment of slavery, America is still realizing President Lincoln's dream and the dream of the numerous civil rights activists that followed him. For this, Mr. Speaker, I am grateful. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 36 and to continue to work to preserve this nation's legacy of justice and equality for all.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. J. Res 27. It is a privilege to take a few minutes to pay tribute to the men and women responsible for our national defense. More than 1.4 million men and women make up America's active and reserve forces. I join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in acknowledging the soldiers and sailors, airmen and marines in both the active and reserve components, who distinguish themselves daily in selfless service to this nation and bring great pride to us all. Last month, I had an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of nineteen members of our armed forces. In observance of African American history month, I chose to acknowledge African Americans who have served with distinction in the U.S. Armed Forces. Each day of the month, I distributed brief biographies to my colleagues, which honored the accomplishments of generals and privates, paratroopers, cooks, and nurses, who have contributed to our rich history. Many fought for freedoms they did not fully enjoy themselves. It was interesting to learn that despite a diversity of ethnicity and culture, today's military men and women are not very different from the doughboys that fought in World War I, or the GIs who stormed the beaches in Normandy, or the troops who fought in Korea and Vietnam. From generation to generation, they continue to embody the qualities we respect in all walks of life and in all fields of endeavor; a commitment to excellence, a vision of a better future, and a dedication to selfless service. It is both fitting and timely that we commend the members of the United States Armed Services today. However, I'd like to add two things to this tribute. First, I'd like to acknowledge our nation's military veterans. Their sacrifices have helped make America the world's best hope for freedom and lasting peace. And second, I'd like to acknowledge the families of those who serve our nation. It is a sacrifice to send your son or daughter, your husband or wife, into harms way. Your contribution to our nation's freedom is deeply appreciated.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with the pinnacle of respect that I rise today to pay tribute to retired Congresswoman Carrie Meek. For the past 10 years, I have had the distinct honor and privilege to not only know Carrie, but to serve in this great body with her, all the while being the gracious beneficiary of her wealth of spirit and depth of character. Only in America can the granddaughter of a slave and the daughter of a former sharecropper believe that she can achieve and conquer all that presents itself in opposition to her dreams. Franklin Delano Roosevelt stated in one of his fireside chats, ``The true test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.'' Carrie is the embodiment of that quote. She has fought with relentless effort for the people of the 17th Congressional District of Florida and has served them and her country well. Carrie Meek has set the stage and perpetuated the legacy of political astuteness for all of us, but particularly for African-American women everywhere. Carrie is truly a political pioneer and I and this legislative body have been, without a doubt, made the better for having just been in her element.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep and continued commitment to affirmative action. Like many of my colleagues, I am baffled by the fact that almost thirty years since the enactment of the Civil Rights Act and the full implementation of affirmative action, many still question its importance and significance. It astounds me that a country that brags on its riches in diversity of people can not equally boast on their diversity in university class rooms and company board rooms. Affirmative action is not a hand out! It is an all access pass for people who have long been denied the chance to achieve their potential because of an American society steeped in institutionalized racism and sexism. Mr. Speaker, as you may know, there has been a recent uproar over the issue of affirmative action. In the past such states as Texas, California, and more recently my home state of Florida has prematurely abolished affirmative action, deeming it no longer necessary. Now, we are faced with this issue again. However this time, it's Michigan. In 1999, the state of Florida brought an end to affirmative action under a plan named the One Florida Initiative. This initiative not only sparked hundreds of protest, but also ignited a march in Tallahassee, Florida's capital. Former state senator and current U.S. Congressman Kendrick Meek led this demonstration. Mr. Speaker, as much as I wish affirmative action was an expired concept from an archaic time, the fact is, it is not. It is still needed. We as a Nation will no longer need affirmative action when we address the inequalities found at the heart of the educational system and corporate America. Then and only then should we discuss its abolishment.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I chose to celebrate African American History Month 2003 by acknowledging African Americans who have served with distinction in the United States Armed Forces. Each day of the month, I distributed brief biographies to my colleagues, which honored the accomplishments of generals and privates, paratroopers, cooks, and nurses, who have contributed to our rich history. I chose this theme because the integration of the Armed Forces was a momentous event in our national and military history. Although the pressures generated by the civil rights movement compelled the U.S. military to reexamine its traditional practices of segregation, in fact, African Americans have been integral in the service to this nation since its beginnings. I hope that my colleagues and their staffs have taken a few moments each day this month to read the stories of these inspiring men and women. Some distinguished themselves with their impressive accomplishments; the first African American General in the Air Force, the first African American in space, and the first African American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Some, in a moment of gallantry and courage, sacrificed their lives in the line of duty or for their fellow soldiers. Following are the names of the men and women I chose to honor during African American history month. General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., Tuskegee Airman. Graduating from West Point in 1936, Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. became one of only two black general officers in the U.S. Army at the time--the other was his father. With his promotion to Brigadier General, Davis became the first African American General in the U.S. Air Force. He retired in 1970, and served under President Nixon as Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Environment, Safety, and Consumer Affairs. Colonel Guion S. Bluford, Jr. Guion S. Bluford, Jr. has the honor of being the first African American in space. Bluford has also served as a mission specialist on STS 61-A (Challenger) in 1985 and on STS-39 (Discovery) in 1991. Sergeant Major Christian A. Fleetwood. Fleetwood served in the U.S. 4th Colored Troops and was one of thousands of African Americans who fought in the Civil War. At the battle of Chapin's Farm, Virginia, in July 1864, Fleetwood valiantly defended the American flag and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism. In 1948, his daughter donated his Medal of Honor to the National History Museum, making him the first African American veteran to be honored by the Smithsonian. Ensign Jesse LeRoy Brown. Brown was the first African American to achieve the status of Naval Aviator. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service during the Korean War. In 1973 the USS Jesse L. Brown, a 3963 ton Knox class ship, was named in honor of Ensign Jesse L. Brown. Private William Cathy. In 1866, with little employment opportunities, Williams disguised herself as a man, assuming the name William Cathy and enlisted with Company A, 38th United States Infantry. Williams was determined `fit for duty' following a limited medical test and within months she had become a ``Buffalo Soldier'' serving with one of the six black units. Williams served for two years. Sergeant William H. Carney. During a siege at Fort Wagner, South Carolina, on July 18, 1863, Sergeant William Carney displayed the courage that won him the Congressional Medal of Honor, making him the first African American to receive the prestigious medal. Despite being shot twice, Carney planted the colors announcing, ``Boys the old flag never touched the ground.'' Dorie Miller. On May 27, 1942, Dorie Miller was presented with the Navy Cross for extraordinary courage in battle. Miller served on the USS West Virginia when the battleship was attacked by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor. Miller valiantly aided the mortally wounded Captain of the ship, manning a 50 caliber Browning anti-aircraft machine gun, which he had not been trained to operate. Miller continued to fire until he ran out of ammunition. In addition to the Navy Cross, Miller earned the Purple Heart Medal. Colonel Charles Young. In 1889, Charles Young became the third African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served with the Buffalo soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalries, and the 25th Infantry. When the Army created the Military Information Division, he was one of the first military attaches, serving in Port Au Prince, Haiti. Young was the highest ranking African American officer in the Army when World War I started. General Daniel James, Jr. Daniel ``Chappie'' James, one of the Tuskegee airmen, was commissioned in 1943. An outstanding fighter pilot, he flew over 100 combat missions in Korea and over 300 in Vietnam. In September 1975, he became the first African American in the history of the United States military to attain the rank of 4-star General. Moses Jones. On May 11, 1898, the Revenue Cutter Hudson joined two U.S. Navy gunboats at the Battle of Cardenas Bay in Cuba. When one of the Navy gunboats was hit and began drifting towards shore, the Hudson and its crew, despite being directly in the line of fire, managed to tow the gunboat to safety. The courage of the crew was recognized by a joint resolution of Congress and Moses Jones received the silver Medal of Honor. Sergeant First Class William Maud Bryant. Sergeant Bryant was a member of Company A, 5th Special Forces Group, in the Republic of Vietnam in 1969. He received the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action. When his battalion came under heavy fire and was surrounded by 3 enemy regiments, SFC Bryant charged an enemy automatic weapons position, overrunning it, and single- handedly destroyed its 3 defenders. General Clara L. Adams-Ender. Clara L. Adams-Ender was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1961. In 1967, she became the first woman in the Army to qualify and be awarded the Expert Field Medical Badge. In 1976 Adams-Ender received a Master of Military Arts and Sciences from the U.S. Army Command and Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Adams-Ender was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 1987, and appointed Chief of the Army Nurse Corps. General Calvin Waller. Lt. Gen. Calvin Waller served as deputy commander of the allied forces during the Persian Gulf War. Waller died of a heart attack in 1996, leaving behind an enduring legacy. Waller's service during the Gulf War was invaluable. In 1998, the Army honored Waller, when a 100,000 square foot personnel center at Fort Lewis, Washington was named Waller Hall in his honor. Private First Class Milton Lee Olive, III. Pfc. Olive was a member of the 3d Platoon of Company B in Vietnam. He and four other soldiers were moving through the jungle together when a grenade was thrown into their midst. Pfc. Olive saw the grenade, and then saved the lives of his fellow soldiers by grabbing the grenade in his hand and falling on it to absorb the blast with his body. ``For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty'', PFC Olive was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Private First Class Malvin L. Brown. Private First Class Malvin L. Brown, was a medic and member of Headquarters Company, 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion. The 555th or ``Triple Nickles,'' was the nation's first all-black parachute infantry test platoon, company, and battalion. In 1945 the Army dispatched the 555th to the Western U.S. to combat fires set by Japanese fire bomb balloons and by lightning. In attempting to climb out of his harness and lower himself with a rope, PFC Brown slipped or lost his grip and crashed into a rock bed 150 feet below. He was the first airborne firefighter, or ``smokejumper'', killed in the line of duty. General Julia Jeter Cleckley. Jeter Cleckley has served with the military for 27 years. In September of 2002, she became the first African-American woman to be promoted from full colonel to flag officer in the Army National Guard. She was also the first minority woman to become a branch chief at the National Guard Bureau; the first African-American woman to be promoted to colonel in the Active Guard and Reserve Program, and the first woman to serve on the Army Guard director's special staff as the chief of Human Resources. Salem Poor. Details of what took place at the Battle of Charleston, today known as the Battle at Bunker Hill are scarce, however it is clear that Poor's conduct was exceptional. A petition to the Continental Congress was signed by fourteen of his officers in an attempt to cite him for his heroism. The petition read, ``A Negro called Salem Poor of Colonel Frye's regiment, Captain Ames' company, in the late battle at Charleston, behaved like an excellent officer, as well as an excellent soldier. It would be tedious to go into more detail regarding his heroic conduct. We only beg leave to say, in the person of this Negro centers a brave and gallant soldier.'' Despite the petition, Poor was never officially recognized for his actions. In 1975, two hundred years after the Battle of Bunker Hill, Salem Poor was honored on a stamp by the U.S. Postal Service. Sergeant Cornelius H. Charlton. Charlton served during the Korean War. When his platoon was heavily attacked, he took control, rallying the troops and spearheading an attack up a heavily defended hill. Sgt. Charlton took control of two hostile positions and killed six enemy troops. Though wounded, he continued the advance and managed to damage a gun emplacement. Charlton was then hit by another grenade, this time mortally wounded. In recognition of his heroism, Cornelius Charlton was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1952. In 1999 the U.S. Navy named a Cargo ship the USNS Charlton, in honor of Sergeant Charlton. General Colin L. Powell. Current Secretary of State Powell was a professional soldier for 35 years, during which time he rose to the rank of 4-star General. His last assignment, from October 1, 1989 to September 30, 1993, was as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the Department of Defense. He was the first African American to hold this position. During this time, he oversaw 28 crises, including Operation Desert Storm in 1991. After being unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, he was sworn in as the 65th Secretary of State on January 20, 2001.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the President to present posthumously a Presidential Citizens Medal to Frederick Douglass, in recognition of his achievements in civil rights and service to the nation. Abolitionist, editor, orator, reformer, and civil rights activist, Frederick Douglass was one of the most influential African-American leaders of the 19th century. The fourth of seven children born to a field hand in Talbot County, MD, Frederick Douglass escaped slavery with great adversity to become a forefather in civil and women's rights. Throughout his extraordinary life, Frederick Douglass gained international prominence for his lecturing and autobiographical writings, in which he detailed the callousness of slavery. However, his notoriety was largely attributed to the founding of the North Star, a weekly newspaper that not only spoke out against slavery and oppression, but also served as a station on the Underground Railroad. Douglass' civil rights achievements were also highlighted by a successful political career. As a staunch Republican, Douglass served as an advisor to Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. He was appointed as Assistant Secretary of the Commission of Inquiry to Santo Domingo by President Ulysses S. Grant, was appointed U.S. Marshal of the District of Columbia by President Rutherford B. Hayes, and was named Recorder of Deeds for the District of Columbia in 1881 by President James L. Garfield, all of which were firsts for African Americans. My Speaker, for these achievements and many others, which are too numerous to name, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and the subsequent letter to the President urging him to posthumously present a President Citizens Medal in honor of Frederick Douglass.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking Democrat for yielding me this time. I want to ask any Member in the House of Representatives to please tell me what is in that thing. I rise today in strong opposition to the closed rule and underlying bill. When Democrats were in the majority, I cannot tell everyone the number of times Republicans complained about closed rules. They swore that a Republican majority would mean the end of closed rules. Today's rule, like so many rules of the last 8 years, is proof that closed rules have a permanent seat in the Republican Caucus, and the Republican Committee on Rules shows this 3,000-page monstrosity as a work in progress. It evidently is. During the normal appropriations process, open rules are the custom of this body. An open rule allows all Members the opportunity to improve the legislation on the floor and ensure that the dollars spent by Congress are utilized to their fullest potential. There is no requirement for an open rule. However, when Democrats were in the majority, the Committee on Rules always allowed for an open rule during the appropriations process as a common courtesy to all Members. As the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost) said, we saw this monstrosity for the first time at 7 o'clock this morning in the Committee on Rules. However, we come down here, we cannot amend it, and we do not even know what is in it. An initial, cursory review has environmental rollbacks and inadequate agricultural disaster assistance in the conference report. I ask farmers to look at their future with reference to funding cuts. Across-the-board cuts in domestic spending leave this country inadequately prepared to deal with the problems of unemployment, education, public housing, job training, Social Security, prescription drugs and fighting a global war on terrorism and, potentially, two and maybe three fronts in a war. How could the majority bring a bill like this to the to the floor without some type of kickback to the wealthiest? I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I will try to walk this monstrosity back. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Ranking Democrat of the Committee, my good friend from Texas, Mr. Frost, for the time. I rise today in strong opposition to the closed rule and the underlying bill. When Democrats were in the Majority, I cannot tell you the number of times Republicans complained about closed rules. They swore that a Republican majority would mean the end of closed rules. Today's rule, like so many rules of the last eight years, is proof that the closed rule has a permanent seat in the Republican Caucus. During the normal appropriations process, open rules are the custom of this body. An open rule allows all Members the opportunity to improve the legislation on the floor and ensure that the dollars spent by Congress are utilized to their fullest potential. There is no requirement for an open rule. However, when Democrats were in the majority, the Rules Committee always allowed for an open rule during the appropriations process as a common courtesy to all Members. At 7:00 this morning, the Rules Committee met to pass a rule on a ten-thousand page Omnibus Appropriations Conference Report that non of us had seen. My Republican colleagues on the Committee challenged Democrats to offer a specific amendment to the Conference Report. However, how can we amend what have not seen? How can we change what we don't know? An initial, though cursory review, has indicated that environmental rollbacks that this body approved more than a decade ago are buried in this morass available for discovery three months from now; the offsets for the inadequate agriculture disaster assistance in the conference report hold the potential to open up assistance programs for farmers to future funding cuts; and across the board cuts in domestic spending leave this country inadequately prepared to deal with the problems of unemployment, education, public housing, job training, Social Security, prescription drugs, and fighting a war on two, possibly three, fronts. And how could the Majority bring a bill like this to the floor without some type of kickback to the wealthiest of Americans? It can't. The report includes a $40 million down payment of a $120 million deal to acquire the oil drilling rights in three of Florida's national preserves and wildlife refuges. Yet, I can't seem to figure out if the down payment for the drilling rights is a proenvironmental gesture by the Administration or another Bush-sponsored corporate subsidy. I should also mention that the drilling rights are currently owned by the Collier Family, a family that contributed more than $100,000 to Republican reelection campaigns. The buying of the rights is necessary, and I indeed support it. But appropriating $120 million without prior Congressional approval? Do you know what $120 million can buy us? We can spend it on job training centers, public housing, or fully funding the Help America Vote Act. I should note that election reform is grossly under-funded by more than $600,000. The President has threatened to veto a bill that costs more than he wants to spend. However, let me share with you the lead headline from today's Congress Daily. ``As Omnibus Heads for Floors, fiscal year 2003 Supplemental Starts Up.'' Tell me, Mr. Speaker, is this omnibus report not fiscal year 2003 spending? And if Congress passes a supplemental for fiscal year 2003, will that not be 2003 spending as well? So, why not take the recess, give Members a chance to review the report, and include the Supplemental spending priorities in the Omnibus report? Wouldn't that be a more accurate account of how much we're spending this year? What we see in the spending cuts of the Omnibus bill is the residual effect of the Republican tax cuts and economic plan. Cut taxes to the wealthy while eliminating domestic spending on the neediest. It's the reverse Robin Hood syndrome, Mr. Speaker. Take from the poor to give to the rich. After months of negotiations and delay, to bring the Fiscal Year 2003 appropriations process to an end without debate or opportunity to amend is a disservice to the millions of Americans who will benefit from this conference report. I urge my colleagues to oppose the rule and the underlying bill.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I rise today in strong support of this resolution commending Vaclav Havel. He served as president of Czechoslovakia from 1989 to 1992 and president of the Czech Republic from 1993 to 2003. Mr. Havel has lead an interesting and exemplary life. In 1948 his homeland of Czechoslovakia was taken over by the Communist Party. He served in the Czechoslovakian army from 1957 to 1959 and later achieved great esteem as a playwright during the politically tolerant period between 1962 and 1968. This period was quickly brought to a conclusion by the Soviet invasion of 1968. The era of Soviet control over the Czechoslovakian people was a very difficult period in Mr. Havel's life. This new government banned his plays and arrested him in 1975, 1977 and 1978 for anti-government activities. In 1979, Mr. Havel was given a choice between exile and imprisonment. He chose imprisonment and was therefore in prison until 1983. He was imprisoned for another nine months in 1989 for leading anti-government demonstrations. Mr. Havel was one of the many people whose hard work led the Communist Party to fall from power in December of 1989. He was elected interim president of Czechoslovakia on December 29, 1989 and was elected to the presidency on July 5, 1990. His main initiatives and reforms during his time in office included abolishing the death penalty, encouraging political tolerance and establishing a democratic government. Mr. Havel resigned as president of Czechoslovakia on July 20, 1992 in protest of the dissolution of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. He was subsequently elected president of the Czech Republic on January 26, 1993 and reelected president on January 20, 1998. Under his leadership the Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and will become a member of the European Union in 2004. Vaclav Havel should be commended for many reasons. His devotion to freedom and democracy stands as a model for all nations. He has never stopped working hard for human rights and other causes that he believes in strongly. His leadership has carried both Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic through tumultuous periods in their histories.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Rochester for yielding me time. I looked into the Congressional Record, and we have now made it a part of the democratic views, the Congressional Record in March of 1993, and the following remarks appeared there, Mr. Speaker: Every time we deny an open amendment process on an important piece of legislation, we are disenfranchising the people and their representatives from the legislative process. The people and their representatives are not even being treated as second class citizens. They might as well not be citizens at all given how little impact they have on shaping legislation in the House. If that is not undemocratic, I would like to know what is. In other words, Mr. Speaker, the further you and your leadership stray from the regular order around here, the more you are insulting a new order which is not democracy by any definition. The people are sick and tired of this political gamesmanship. They want back their own House, and they want it to be open and democratic, not closed and dictatorial. Those were the words of the former chairman of the Committee on Rules, a good friend of mine that I traveled the world with, Gerald Solomon; and they were true in 1993, and they are true today as we consider H.R. 4. This bill is opposed by Children's Defense Fund, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, and the National Council of Churches. And for good reason. It does very little to address the two primary purposes of welfare, to help those who need help and to provide opportunities to move out of poverty. Although a number of items in this bill concern me, there are two key aspects that demonstrate its fundamental failure. First, the narrow definition of work activities. H.R. 4 does not include educational programs and training activities. This bill restricts the States from providing education and training opportunities to welfare recipients and does not allow them to count vocational education as a work activity. I believe that any educational opportunities, vocational training, internships, ESL, GED, and even basic literacy courses are the keys to success. The only way to get out of poverty and achieve permanent self-sufficiency is through education and training. When we place people in deadend jobs and fail to give them any opportunities for advancement, we have simply placed them in a dead end. The second aspect of this bill that concerns me is one that severely impacts my State of Florida as well as California, Texas, and New York. These are the four States with the highest populations of both legal and illegal immigrants. H.R. 4 discriminates against legal immigrants by denying them Federal assistance even if they have been living in this country for a number of years. Both the National Governors Association and the National Conference of State Legislators have recommended that States be given the option to use Federal funds to serve legal immigrants; but under H.R. 4, legal immigrants must be living in this country for 5 years before they are eligible for Federal aid. Even more distressing is the fact that many of those affected by this discrimination are children who were born in the United States and are, in fact, United States citizens. We have always been very quick as a Nation to judge other cultures as advanced or civilized, and now the time has come to judge ourselves. The measure of how advanced and civilized we are is not in the number of Blackberrys, CDs and DVDs, SUVs, and laptops we possess per capita. The true measure of how advanced and civilized we are is the manner in which we care for the most vulnerable members of our society. I urge our colleagues to vote against this measure and vote for Cardin and Kucinich.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that I rise today to pay tribute to Flinders University of South Australia Washington, DC Internship Program. The Flinders University program is to be commended for providing five Australian college students with the opportunity to experience the American political process first hand, while at the same time, furthering the already strong relationship between the United States and Australia. For the past six weeks, I have had the privilege to participate in the Flinders University program. The intern assigned to my office, Ms. Tamera Gale, has been an incredible asset to my staff and me. I have learned from her, and I certainly hope that she has learned from me. Tamera is a third year college student at Flinders University in her hometown of Adelaide, Australia. She is majoring in American Studies. When speaking with her recently, Tamera expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to intern in my office. But as I told her then, I truly appreciate the opportunity to have her working with my staff and me. During her time in my office, Tamera has assisted in the drafting of a resolution honoring the long-standing U.S.-Australia relationship, as well as educating herself and others on the rich history of African Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces. The fruit of Tamera's labor has been passed on to my colleagues in the House of Representatives through my African American History Month Dear Colleague letters honoring the lives of a different African American military hero each day. Mr. Speaker, we live in a good country filled with opportunity and good people. However, we venture outside of our borders all too little. The Flinders University of South Australia Washington, DC Internship Program provides Australian students with the opportunity to travel to the United States and view our democracy and life in our country. Equally, the program provides Members and staff with an opportunity to learn about the political process and life in Australia, a country and continent that too few of us visit. It has been an honor to have Tamera intern in my office, and I wish her and her fellow intems good luck and fortune in all of their future endeavors. I look forward to participating in the Flinders program next year and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution extending this body's congratulations to Israel on their recent elections. I stand with my colleagues and commend Israel as it continues to conduct democracy in a region filled with dictatorship and totalitarian regimes. On January 28, 2003, nearly four million Israelis went to the polls to participate in the country's 15th national election since becoming a state in 1948. The election was Israel's 5th in the last decade, and comes at an extremely critical juncture in the country's short history. An ongoing conflict with the Palestinians, a looming U.S. war against Iraq, the global war on terrorism, and a struggling Israeli economy all played pivotal roles in the campaign. But when all was said and done, Israelis reelected Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, and established a near majority for the Likud Party in the Israeli Knesset. Prime Minister Sharon's victory was especially significant, as it was the first time in 25 years that Israelis reelected a sitting Prime Minister. As the sole democracy in the Middle East, Israel is the most reliable ally of the United States in the region. I come to the floor today and further express my commitment to a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. Israel has stood by the U.S. in our war on terrorism, and we shall stand with Israel as it continues down the daunting road toward peace and security. Terrorism never has been, and never will be, an ingredient to peace in the Middle East, and the U.S. must stand by Israel in its efforts to protect its borders and its citizens. Mr. Speaker, each of us has his or her own unique way of expressing our support for Israel and the relationship that the U.S. enjoys with the small Middle Eastern country. Coming to the floor today in support of this resolution is just one way Members can show their support. Traveling to Israel is another. I make my commitment today to visit Israel sometime during the 108th Congress to show my support for the Jewish state, and I urge my colleagues to make similar commitments. Israel is a place rich with history. It is filled with beauty and its people are filled with kindness and generosity. Members of Congress can make no stronger statement of their support for Israel then to travel there and experience first hand the issues facing Israeli leaders attempting to make peace. I am looking forward to the trip that I am co-hosting over the Memorial Day recess with black and Jewish Members, and I do hope that my colleagues will make similar statements of their support. Only next time, we make them in the streets of a peaceful Jerusalem.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn in the strongest possible terms the selection of Libya to chair the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. Libya has committed untold acts of terror against the United States and its citizens. Libya has not demonstrated sufficiently that it does not support international terrorism. Nor has it abandoned its quest for weapons of mass destruction. Congress correctly extended the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act until August 2006. To be sure, lets look at Libya's record of uncivilized behavior during the last two decades: In the 1980s it was reported that Libya used chemical weapons against government rebels in the Chad civil war. It was also reported that during this time Libya was seeking chemical and nuclear weapons. Muammar al-Qadhafi also stated that he supported international terrorism, and defended terrorism in wars of national liberation. Because of this support, the United States named Libya a state sponsor of terrorism on December 29, 1979. Libya was suspected of being involved in the April 5, 1986 bombing of a Berlin nightclub frequented by U.S. Armed forces personnel. Three U.S. soldiers died in the blast. On April 15, 1986 the United States bombed three target areas in Libya in retaliation for the Berlin incident. The United States and the United Kingdom accused Libya of complicity in the December 21, 1988 explosion of Pan American Airways flight 103 en route from London to New York that crashed in Lockerbie Scotland, killing 259 passengers and crew and 11 people on the ground. Also, France suspected that Libyans were involved in the bombing and crash of UTA flight 772 over Niger in Africa in 1989. The United States has noted al-Qadhafi recent recantations on his support for terrorism with some skepticism and caution. Mr. Speaker, if indeed Mr. al-Qadhafi and his regime have indeed reformed, the civilized world would feel a lot better if they had more time to establish a favorable track record in this regard. To reward such recent behavior with this very important and prestigious appointment makes a mockery of what this commission stands for.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the earliest of time, man has yearned to explore the unknown--to chart the distant stars. This unquenchable spirit to learn what is beyond the horizon, or over the next hill, is part of who we are. As Americans, this character is, more than anything, a defining part of us as a people. Indeed the America that we lovingly call home is far from the distant lands of most of our early roots. From Lewis and Clark to the ``iron horse'' and the wagon train, the earliest quest for manned flight and, yes, even the first efforts to explore the heavens are celebrated mileposts on our journey for discovery. The Space Shuttle Columbia and the brave crew that she carried into space were, and is, part of this long voyage. We have always known and accepted the risks associated with our most daring of efforts. This does not, however, lessen the deep pain in our heart or fill the empty void in our soul brought on by this tragedy. Space Shuttle flights were never without risks, though many had grown to view them that way. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that this Congress, indeed, the nation and the world, honor and remember the members of this diverse and international space crew that was lost. We must express our deepest appreciation to them and their families for the sacrifice that they made for the advancement of humanity. For their mission was a noble one. As a Floridian, the Columbia tragedy hits very close to home. Florida's east coast was where the crew trained and prepared for its mission, and it was to be where they would be reunited with their families and friends after 16 days amongst the stars. The Kennedy Space Center, located at Cape Canaveral, is no more than 90 minutes north of my Congressional District. On a clear day, my constituents can see the glow of the space shuttle as it launches toward the heavens. In some instances, some have even felt the Earth tremble beneath their feet as the Columbia and her sister ships departed Florida's east coast. We will never forget Air Force Colonel Rick D. Husband, Navy Commander William ``Willie'' McCool, Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Michael P. Anderson, Navy Captain David M. Brown, Dr. Kalpana Chawla, Navy Commander (Captain-select) Laurel Blair Salton Clark, and Colonel, Israeli Air Force, Ilan Ramon. All will occupy a space on life's honor role for their selfless dedication to mankind. On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy stood before a nation immersed in a race to space with the former Soviet Union and declared, ``I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth.'' Barely eight years later, Americans from Florida to Honolulu and from Maine to California heard the famous words of Neil Armstrong as he became the first human being to step foot on the moon. ``That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.'' Since then, well over 300 men and women from more than 25 countries have lived the dream for which so many of us have longed. That is, to see what our planet looks like from the heavens. Outer space is a place where the beauty of the blues and greens of the Earth overshadow the day-to-day difficulties facing Americans and others throughout the world. It is a place where uncertainty is accepted, but answers are always sought. It is a place that every child--male and female, tall and short, black, white, and brown--falls asleep, at least one night in their lives, fantasizing about what it would be like to see the Earth from a place amongst the stars. These dreams and aspirations, as we all know, were not limited to American children. In Israel, Colonel Ramon's participation in Columbia's mission was extremely special, as Ramon was Israel's first ever astronaut. Israelis watched Colonel Ramon's every move with great enthusiasm and anticipation. Updates on his mission and conversations with Israeli news personalities provided the Israeli, community with a much-needed break from a never-ending conflict with the Palestinians. The tragic death of Colonel Ramon, however, means that no one will be returning to Israel to talk about what it was like in space, looking down at a world where violence and terrorism is not so obvious. Here in America, Dr. Chawla, the first Indian-American astronaut, was another example of breaking down walls for minorities. Her participation in the mission sent a clear message to Indian-American children, and other minorities, that space travel can be a reality for all Americans--regardless of their ethnic background and color of their skin. Realize, the studies that were being done by Dr. Chawla and others were to impact many of us here on Earth. Captain Anderson, the crew's only African American, was attempting to grow prostate cancer cells, a disease that disproportionately affects black males; Colonel Ramon was studying the effect that dust storms have on global warming; and Commander Clark, one of the crew's medical doctors, was examining how space affects the human body and the lives of other animals and organisms. It is under these studies and findings, as well as others currently underway in the International Space Center, with which the American space program must expand and grow. In the coming days, months, and years, federal agencies, from NASA to NORAD, will investigate what happened during Columbia's reentry. Their findings will make it safer for Americans and others to visit the heavens, but no investigation will ever replace our seven astronauts, our seven brothers and sisters that we lost last Saturday. And certainly no investigation will ever erase the glowing image of Columbia breaking up as it reentered the Earth's atmosphere. That image will forever be etched in our memory, much like those of the Challenger and the initial Apollo mission. Whether it is increasing minority participation in the space program or reaching a new scientific discovery that will save the lives of thousands, the space program remains a vital ingredient in the America spirit of innovation. We have overcome the odds of the past, and are now face to face with the difficulties of the future. Mr. Speaker, Socrates said in 500 B.C., ``Man must rise above the Earth--to the top of the atmosphere and beyond--for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.'' Every time that we travel amongst the stars, we learn more about the world of which Socrates so eloquently spoke. For it is a world in which we one day hope to live, and may the memories of those who perished on the Columbia last Saturday forever guide us on that path.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a Resolution that mirrors the sentiments expressed by the Honorable Senator Byrd, and key members of the United Nations Security Counsel. The United Nations weapons inspectors must be given more time to continue their work in Iraq. Further, if the weapons inspectors are able to present evidence that the Government of Iraq has revived its nuclear weapons program, and is in material breach of U.N. Security Counsel Resolution 1441, we must seek another Security Counsel Resolution authorizing the use of force against the Government of Iraq. Although progress is slow in Iraq, it is progress. I believe that with continued pressure from international emissaries, Saddam Hussein will soon have no choice but to relinquish power voluntarily. We must continue to work together to exhaust peaceful and diplomatic means for disarming Saddam Hussein, because we have little to gain and much to lose in a unilateral preemptive strike against Iraq. First and foremost, the men and women of our Armed Forces are already fully engaged in a war on terrorism. This must remain our highest priority. Second, it stands to reason that the more aggressive and belligerent our posture as a nation becomes, the more we invite another terrorist attack. Make no mistake, passing a bill to create a Department of Homeland Security did little to make our homeland more secure, and we are woefully unprepared for another terrorist attack on our soil. Third, even though the administration has tried to play down the looming crisis in North Korea, last week, the top military commander in the Pacific requested an additional 2,000 more troops to join the 37,000 already in South Korea. And fourth, when I rose to speak against the Iraq Resolution five months ago, I voiced concerns that the Administration did not have any post-invasion plans in place yet. There is no doubt in my mind that the United States, alone, or as part of a coalition, can prosecute a war to a successful conclusion, but the question is--and then what? We still haven't been provided with any estimates on how long our troops would be engaged in peacekeeping or peace enforcement operations in the Middle East, or what the estimated costs will be for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction. On January 24th, I joined 129 Members of the House in signing a letter to the President urging him to make every attempt to achieve Iraq's disarmament through diplomatic means and with the full support of our allies. Toady, I urge your support in sending the same message to the President with this Resolution.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I dare not say that it is with great pride that I rise today in support of the resolution offered by my good friend from Tampa, Mr. Davis. After all, I am a Miami Dolphins fan. However, it is with high regard, as well as a bit of shock, that I rise today to honor the Super Bowl XXXVII champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a Floridian, I share in Mr. Davis' excitement. For who would have ever thought that the Buccaneers would ever make it to the Super Bowl, let alone win it? But seriously, Mr. Speaker, all of us need to tip our hats in admiration of the accomplishments made by the 2002-2003 Buccaneer team. As I said to one of my staffers on Monday morning, ``Yeah, Oakland didn't really show up to play, but could you believe the Bucs' defense?'' Not since the Steelers' Iron Curtain defense of the 1970s has the National Football League seen a defense as dominating as the Tampa Bay defenses of the late 1990s through this past season. Credit must be given to those who deserve it, and the Buccaneer defense is where credit is due. The team's defensive leaders such as Warren Sapp, Simeon Rice, Greg Spires, Ronde Barber, John Lynch, Dwight Smith, and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player, Dexter Jackson, are to be truly credited for leading the team that everyone wanted to win, but no one thought could, to a Super Bowl championship. No pun intended, Mr. Speaker, but the buck didn't stop at Tampa's defense. The team's offense was equally impressive. Quarterback Brad Johnson, running backs Michael Pittman, Mike Alstott, and wide receivers Keenan McCardell, Joe Jurevicius, and Keyshawn Johnson were virtually unstoppable. Who would have ever thought that a team like the Buccaneers, built for defense but capable of an offensive explosion, would ever register 48 points against a relatively good Oakland Raider defense? I certainly didn't. Additionally, I commend Tampa head coach Jon Gruden and his entire coaching staff, especially longtime Tampa Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffin, for a job well done. As a Miami fan, I hope that Coach Kiffin finds his way into a head-coaching job out of the state of Florida. Frankly, the Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars are itching to regain the title of ``Florida's Best NFL Team.'' Finally, I would be remiss if I sit down before honoring the work that had been done by Tampa's previous coach, Tony Dungy. Coach Dungy built the Tampa team that won last weekend, and he is as deserving as anyone of credit for the Super Bowl victory. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I remind the gentleman from Tampa, Mr. Davis, that the greatest team in NFL history was a team that went 17-0 from a little city in South Florida that we call Miami. The 1972 Dolphins, now that team was perfect. Nonetheless, today is about the Buccaneers. Therefore, today, I congratulate the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for winning Super Bowl XXXVII. As for tomorrow, Mr. Speaker, well, go Dolphins!