Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, in the limited time that I am here this morning, I have heard a significant number of Members speak to the subject of welfare reform. In 1996, allegedly, we were supposed to move people from welfare to work. In the State of Florida that I represent, it did not work. So for all of those coming here talking about welfare reform being an unqualified success, let me suggest to my colleagues that there were some failures along the path of their alleged success. One thing needs to be understood by this body. If we do not have child care, no matter what we do in here with reference to welfare, it is not going to work. If one does not have educational benefits, if one does not have training for people, then what we are going to do is lead people into dead-end work that leads to dead-end lives. Enough already. We have trapped people in this program, and what we are preparing to do is to trap them even more and create that cycle.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

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

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the memory of Mrs. Harriette Glasner. For those of us who have dedicated our lives to progressive causes, we have suffered a great loss with the passing of South Florida legend Harriette Glasner. Mrs. Glasner founded ten major social, cultural and human rights organizations. Among those she founded or co-founded are the Palm Beach County chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, as well as the Urban League. For fifty years, Mrs. Glasner dedicated her life to the betterment of our society. Harriette Glasner worked tirelessly for the desegregation of schools and colleges, lending financial assistance as well as her time and energy to the legal fight. She was also an early campaigner for the expansion of women's rights. Along the way, she founded the area's first Planned Parenthood office. Well-known among people active in the civil rights movement, Harriette truly never gave up and never gave in. Generations of South Floridians owe her a debt of gratitude. Her determination to fight for the rights of the poor and underprivileged and minorities have made our state and nation better places to live. I knew Harriette Glasner through our work with the ACLU and the battles for integration. I will always remember her kind heart, keen intelligence and her selfless devotion to the many causes that have made our nation the great place it is today. Mr. Speaker, while Harriette's passing will leave a huge hole in the front line of many progressive battles, I know the gap will be quickly filled by people who loved and respected her and are determined to continue the fights she started. That is the best tribute that can be offered for this life very well lived.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I will vote for H.R. 4546, the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003. It is noteworthy that it is named for the chairman, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), and it will be a tremendous legacy once finalized. The bill has flaws, however, and there were numerous amendments that were offered by Members on both sides of the aisle which were not made part of this rule. However, I do feel overall that the rule will allow for support for our fighting men and women as they wage war against terrorism. It equips them with the technology, training and personnel that they need to attain victory, and also demonstrates our commitment to providing an improved quality of life in granting of funds for military living and working facilities. However, due to the structured rule, we have been denied the opportunity to debate several amendments, including one I introduced. The amendment I introduced would have increased funding currently authorized for military health care by $2.5 million, with the necessary offsets that would not have affected the Pentagon at all. Not $25 million, not $250 million, but just $2.5 million specifically for retirees and their dependents. In addition to serving active duty, the military and their families, the military health system provides services to military retirees and their dependents. While the number of people on active duty is not projected to increase dramatically over the next few years, the number of retirees and their dependents, especially over the age of 65, will. We face immense challenges in this regard. I regret that the structured rule has denied me and other Members the opportunity to provide a much-needed boost to the military health care system. Be assured that my support, as my colleagues, for our military extends to support for veterans and their families, and I will continue to support them however, wherever, and whenever I can. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for H.R. 4546, the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003. This bill shows the nation's unwavering support for our fighting men and women as they wage war against terrorism. It equips them with the technology, training and personnel they need to attain victory. It also demonstrates our commitment to providing an improved quality of life in the granting of funds for upgrades to military living and working facilities. However, due to the structured rule, we have been denied the opportunity to debate the amendment I introduced. My amendment would have increased funding currently authorized for military health care by $2.5 million, specifically for retires and their dependents. Mr. Speaker, in addition to serving active duty military and their families, the military health system provides services to military retirees and their dependents. While the number of people on active duty is not projected to increase dramatically over the next few years, the number of retirees and their dependents, especially those over the age of 65, will. The greatest challenge facing the military health care system is caring for retirees--especially those over the age of 65. Again, I regret that the structured rule has denied me the opportunity to provide a much needed boost to the military health care system. Be assured that my support for our military extends to support for veterans and their families and I will continue to support them however, wherever, and whenever I can. Mr. Speaker, there are a few other aspects of this bill that remain troublesome--one concerns our environment and the other concerns the deployment of American troops in Colombia. Regrettably, this structured rule has denied us the opportunity for further debate on these two important issues. This bill grants special exemptions to the Department of Defense environmental programs. This provision is, and I quote, ``intended to restore a balance between environmental responsibilities and military readiness.'' It relieves DoD, when conducting training exercises, from observing the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Act, and the Marine Mammal Act. The ESA already contains a provision that permits DoD to request a waiver from compliance with the Endangered Species Act if that compliance poses a threat to national security. I question the necessity of granting the Department of Defense with a blanket exclusion from the laws that the rest of us must adhere to. An amendment, offered by Mr. Maloney sought to strike this language from the bill, and another from Ms. Sanchez required annual reports from DoD on its stewardship of the environmentally sensitive areas on military bases. Both of these amendments would have initiated a much needed debate on this issue, but we have denied that right by the rule that has been invoked. Secondly, Mr. Taylor offered an amendment to limit the number of U.S. troops in Colombia to not more than 500. Mr. Speaker, I have some grave concerns about the necessity of increasing the number of American troops currently in Colombia and would have welcomed the opportunity to debate this issue with my colleagues.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, last week, the Immigration Reform and Accountability Act was passed by an overwhelming majority. I rose at that time to express my concerns that the bill did not, as its title suggested, actually reform any of our immigration policies, it simply restructured the INS for the purpose of efficiency--a laudable first step to be sure. But a ``first step'', and little else. Countless times, I have risen to express my concerns that more needs to be done to support and assist Haitian aliens in our country. A newspaper article published just last week quotes the Office of the UN's High Commissioner for Refugees saying that our policy on Haitian asylum seekers is ``contrary to the norms and principles of international refugee law''. As disturbing as that statement is, even more disturbing is the knowledge that the INS policy on Haitian aliens differs from the policy on aliens from other nations. I am introducing a bill today that will rectify some grievous inequities in the current INS immigration policies. Policies that grant different types of treatment to refugees, based solely on their country of origin. My bill is specifically focused on Haitian aliens who have been living and working in our country for several years. It enables the Attorney General to adjust the status of these eligible aliens to that of ``permanent resident''. Further, my bill also includes provisions for permanent resident status when the alien is the spouse or child of an alien lawfully admitted as permanent resident. In point of fact, this bill does nothing more than provide fair treatment to aliens who have been living and working in this country for years as good neighbors and dedicated employees. Study after study has shown that legal immigrants give us more than they take out in the form of benefits. They are asses to our economy and are often successful entrepreneurs who pay taxes and hire employees. Thus, I continue to believe that legal immigration is one of the sources of America's greatness, as our country has prided itself on the strength of its diversity. We are a Nation of immigrants and those who enter our borders legally should be afforded equal opportunity to excel and prosper. When we passed the Immigration Reform and Accountability Act last week, we missed an opportunity to take steps to actually ``reform'' our immigration policies. The bill I introduce today is an essential first step in ensuring ``justice for all . . .'' I urge my colleagues to support his legislation. [From the Miami Herald, Apr. 24, 2002] Misguided INS Policy The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service continues to detain Haitian asylum seekers, denying them a fair shot at winning their cases on merit. The policy is discriminatory and wrong. It also is ``contrary to the norms and principles of international refugee law,'' according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The commission's opinion comes as local immigration advocates have sued for release of the Haitian refugees. The lawsuit, which seeks class-action status, charges that the INS has singled out Haitians for mistreatment because of their race and nationality. It also accuses the INS of constitutional violations. The INS says the Haitians haven't been officially admitted to the United States, don't have constitutional protections and that releasing them is contrary to ``the public interest.'' The policy has been in place since Dec. 3, when 165 Haitians were brought ashore from an overcrowded boat that foundered near Miami. Now in INS custody, most have been found to have credible fear of persecution. After passing this hurdle, other nationalities are generally released to pursue their cases. But the Haitians, who now number more than 240, remain locked up and subjected to expedited asylum proceedings. The situation ensures that most Haitian refugees won't be able to find a lawyer, gather necessary documents or prepare adequately to argue the merits of their asylum petitions. For those fortunate enough to have obtained pro bono attorneys, contacting them has become increasingly difficult. That's what attorneys say after having to wait hours to see Haitian clients at INS's Krome detention center and in a county jail. In court documents, the INS says that its policy is designed to deter a Haitian exodus. Federal officials were concerned ``that paroling the migrants from the Dec. 3 vessel might cause others to attempt dangerous maritime departures . . . or trigger a mass migration,'' said Michael Becraft, INS's Acting Deputy Commissioner. Thus, the harsh new policy. Haitians seeking refuge from threats of death, rape, beatings and other political persecution now get locked up. They remain jailed at taxpayer expense until deported or granted asylum--processes that take months or years.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost) for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today in support of this rule and the spirit of the underlying resolution. While we continue to consume ourselves rightly with our own war against terrorism, we cannot forget that Israel has been waging its own war against terrorism as well as its own fight for democracy for more than 54 years. Today, I stand with my colleagues in sending a message to the people of Israel that the support Israel enjoys from the United States is stronger today than it has ever been. As we send this positive message to Israel, we must also recognize the unique role we play as moderator in the peace process. On two occasions recently, once in February and again in March, I wrote to President Bush urging him to personally become engaged in this region's peace process, but to my disappointment, I have yet to receive a response. Early last month I introduced a resolution condemning violence in the Middle East. I am not suggesting that my resolution is the end solution by any means. However, my resolution does something that this one does not. It recognizes that there are things that can be done by both Palestinians and Israel that will curb the ongoing violence and hopefully get the parties back to the peace table. We need to understand that as we embark on this difficult journey we need to ask how do we educate and re-educate misinformed communities in the Middle East. We, in addition to that, need to bring to the attention of everyone the complex manifestations of ongoing violence in the Middle East, and we need to bring to this Congress' attention the increasing amounts of anti-Semitism and racism that are emerging in Europe. This is a harsh reminder to those of us in the black and Jewish community that the fight against racism and prejudice is far from over. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today in support of this rule and the spirit of the underlying resolution. While we continue to consume ourselves with our own war against terrorism, we cannot forget that Israel has been waging its own war against terrorism, as well as its own fight for democracy, for more than 54 years. Today, I stand with my colleagues in sending a message to the people of Israel: The support Israel enjoys from the United States is stronger today than it has ever been. As we send this positive message to Israel, we must also recognize the unique role we play as a moderator in the peace process. With that in mind, I ask, as a cosponsor of the underlying resolution, ``How does this resolution bring us closer to a comprehensive solution and ultimate peace accord?'' The answer, Mr. Speaker, is that I am not certain. Over the past five months, we have watched violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories spiral out of control. We have watched hundreds of Israelis fall victim to suicide bombings, and we have seen the deaths of more than 1,000 Palestinians. And while the numbers of deaths increased and the likelihood of a peaceful solution decreased by the day, the Bush Administration remained largely silent. On two occasions, once in February and the other in March, I wrote to President Bush, urging him to become personally engaged in the region. But much to my extreme disappointment, I have yet to receive a response. There are many who claim the U.S. involvement will do little, if anything, in bringing a solution to this ongoing problem. To them I say, if we do not try, then that will become a self fulfilling prophecy. The Administration's vacillations in Middle East policy have left the U.S. in two precariously unfamiliar positions when it comes to the peace process--on the outside and unable to deliver. If we are to optimize our chances of influencing Israel and the Palestinians, then it must start from the top. The President must accept that the Israeli- Palestinian conflict is his problem and, ultimately, his responsibility to help remedy. Early last month, I introduced my own resolution condemning violence in the Middle East. I am not suggesting that my resolution is the end solution by any means. However, my resolution does something that this one does not. It recognizes that there are things that can be done by both the Palestinians and Israel that will curb the ongoing violence and hopefully get the two parties back to the negotiating table, a place that both have been absent from for some time. Mr. Speaker, if the United States is to continue down the daunting trail of bringing peace to the Middle East, we cannot and should not forget to address a variety of other complex manifestations of the ongoing violence in the Middle East. For example, Congress must address the increasing amounts of anti-Semitism and racism that are emerging in Europe. This is a harsh reminder to those of us in the black and Jewish communities that the fight against racism and prejudice is far from over. Furthermore, as we embark on this difficult journey, we must also ask: How do we educate and reeducate misinformed communities in the Middle East? How do we stop countries such as Syria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and others from teaching hate? Finally, how do we maintain the balance of cultural, religious and political differences in a region that, historically, has not desired such a balance? In the end, Mr. Speaker, I will support the underlying resolution because I support Israel and its right to defend itself. Nevertheless, if we are to have success in bringing a real and lasting peace to the Middle East, then we must accept the realities that I have raised and hasten our resolve and engagement to assist in ending this seemingly endless conflict.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

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

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank my good friend, the gentlewoman from Charlotte, North Carolina (Mrs. Myrick), for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, this bill reauthorizes the Export-Import Bank of the United States through fiscal year 2005. It mandates changes in bank programs and creates a new division in the Bank for Africa. And I would like to personally extend my thanks to my colleague and good friend, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), for enhancing this bill through working with our colleagues to provide that provision. The Export-Import Bank operates under a renewable charter, the Export-Import Bank Act of 1935, and was last fully authorized in 1997 through September 30, 2001. A short-term extension through April 30, 2002, was passed by voice vote on March 19. I supported that measure in 1997 and likely will support the base bill today. But, Mr. Speaker, although some amendments were permitted, five, and I think each of them highlights concerns that our Congress Members have, certainly I do, of the many amendments that were not accepted, one in particular, in my judgment, should have been. That amendment, authored by the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky), represented the creation of a Human Rights Impact Assessment Office within the bank. That office would have been tasked to ensure that the bank identify human rights' concerns when projects were considered for financing. In addition, the amendment would have directed that the new office would report to the President and the Congress on the potential human rights impact of every proposed project of $10 million or more. Mr. Speaker, if the bank is using taxpayer dollars to fund projects, it should also have at its disposal the tools to ensure that those projects do not violate human rights. In my view, this should be a minimum expectation. On the subject of human rights, one amendment has been permitted to be considered. It was also authored by the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky). It states the sense of the Congress that the bank should have available to them an assessment of each financed project's potential impact on human rights. This is a good start, Mr. Speaker; but it does not direct the bank to report on the human rights impacts of its projects, nor does it identify where the bank will get this data. Mr. Speaker, another important amendment accepted for consideration with this bill was introduced by the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Sanders). This incredibly thoughtful amendment would prohibit companies from receiving future Export-Import Bank assistance if they lay off a greater percentage of workers in the United States than they lay off in foreign countries. Mr. Speaker, the original bill was introduced in 1935 to create jobs in the midst of the Great Depression. We need to make sure that the bank fulfills that mission, and does not simply finance large corporations with little or no thought to American workers. An investigation in the other Chamber recently revealed that over $650 million loans were given to Enron. We still do not know if those loans will be defaulted at the taxpayers' expense. Once again, a major corporation, Enron, had a party, and the American people may have a hangover. Mr. Speaker, this bill does take some positive steps, but in my view it does not go nearly far enough. These two amendments that I just mentioned address human rights and American workers issues which are critical to the original intent of the bill. I urge my colleagues to support these amendments, and give active attention to the debate as it progresses today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute. Mr. Speaker, to respond to the gentleman with reference to the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky), my feeling is that the human rights division of the State Department does cover many of these measures; but I do believe that they would have to rely upon the information that they receive from the Export-Import Bank. If the Export-Import Bank does like some agencies do, then they very well may not have a full report.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Sanders), the former mayor of Burlington, Vermont, who has particularly keen insight into the matter the gentleman is about to discuss.

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 come before you today to encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 2109, a bill which would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of historic Virginia Key Beach, FL, for the inclusion into the National Park System. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support a very important bill which will allow Congress to preserve and protect this beautiful beach site area. This legislation allows for the beautiful palm-studded old Florida beach located on a 1,000-acre barrier island, one of Miami's real treasures, to be recognized as a National Park. Miami's historical Virginia Key Beach has been one of Florida's most beautiful and unique areas since 1896. When I was growing up, Virginia Key was at one time one of Miami's most popular beaches for African-Americans to enjoy. With its scant four-tenths of a mile of actual shoreline, the park was the only bathing beach in the county legally available to African-Americans. Mr. Speaker, this bill does not add to the national debt, therefore I urge my colleagues to realize there is no need to oppose it for economic reasons. This bill does not change any of the requirements for the inclusion process for national parks. All this bill calls for is the recognition of the 77-acre historic Virginia Key Beach site in Miami, FL. Passing this bill would be a reasonable and responsible approach in recognizing the significant value of this former ``colored beach.'' Florida needs a place that is recognized for its historical significance, a place that can be enjoyed today for both recreational purposes and so that people can learn about the history of this extraordinary scenic recreational site that was once cherished as a ``Paradise.'' I respectfully ask that my colleagues in this Congress vote in favor of H.R. 2109 which would induct historic Virginia Key Beach into the National Park System.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4\1/2\ minutes to 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, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Linder), for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support of the Barbara Jordan Immigration Reform and Accountability Act of 2002. Before I launch into my remarks, I would like to preface them by asking the question, What would Barbara Jordan do? I wish I could give the rule that we will presently consider the type of support that I would offer for the Barbara Jordan Immigration Reform and Accountability Act. However, the Committee on Rules' refusal to allow a number of thoughtful substantive amendments to be considered by the House this morning does give me some small reason to pause. That fact notwithstanding, I want to commend the authors of this bill, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gekas) and the ranking members, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) and the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). They have produced a bipartisan bill that is sure to improve the performance and accountability of the way this Nation handles its immigration procedures. I should better say that they hope it will do that. My next sentence, Mr. Speaker, I am sure will be music to the ears of the multitudes who sometimes run up against the brick wall known as the INS. This bill abolishes the Immigration and Naturalization Service and replaces it with two separate bureaus: the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Bureau of Immigration Enforcement. Please do not get me wrong, Mr. Speaker. There were thousands and thousands of hard-working INS employees, many of whom I have the privilege to represent and my offices, particularly those in Florida, interface with on a day to day basis. They are extremely responsive with the limited technology that they have and the limited ability to try to handle the massive number of changes. So to the hard-working INS rank-and-file employees, I would ask my colleagues to back off of them a bit and to go after those people who really have caused the problem, sometimes some of us politicians. It is unfortunate, however, that the leadership of the INS over the past generations has made it into literally the laughing stock of the Federal bureaucracy. While I am convinced you will find no harder working employees than the rank and file at the INS, I am equally convinced that many of these people are justifiably confused and frustrated by management and structural and institutional paralysis at their agency. The bill we consider today makes a number of changes that I hope will help pave the way for a system and structure that the American people can be proud of and one that treats visitors to our country fairly, keeping in mind the very serious responsibilities of safety and security for our citizens. The Barbara Jordan immigration reform bill establishes the office of the Associate Attorney General for the purpose of immigration affairs. Under the measure, the Associate Attorney General would be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Associate Attorney General will be hired to have a minimum of 5 years managing a large and complex organization and will be responsible for coordinating the administration of natural immigration policy and overseeing and supervising the work of the directors of the immigration services and enforcement bureaus and reconciling any conflicting policies between the bureaus. While the legislation was passed out of the Judiciary Committee by an overwhelming majority, I cannot, however, ignore the very cogent dissenting views offered by my friends, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt), and others. They argue that the bill, as it currently stands, will not substantially reform the agency. The bill simply reconfigures the INS by splitting authority over the two essential elements of INS, immigration and enforcement, into two bureaucracies instead of one. While their view is shared by some of us, I am hoping the amendments to be offered later today will perfect some of the shortcomings that currently exist. Additionally, although the title of the bill suggests that we are reforming both immigration structure and policies, it fails to address many substantive issues that many Members, myself included, would have liked to have seen more fully explored. For example, the amendment I intended to offer, which was not given a waiver and not made in order, would have added some substantive meat to the legislation, adjusting the immigration status of eligible Haitian aliens by granting them permanent resident status in the United States, those that are here since 1995. The amendment would have been a critical first step in rectifying grievous inequities in current INS policy. They grant one type of treatment for refugees from certain countries and a different, second- class, if not third-class type of treatment to migrants from other countries. No later than yesterday, the Miami Herald and the Sun Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale editorialized that this policy is discriminatory. It needs to stop. And we offered an amendment that would stop it, and of course, it was ruled as not germane. I do not know what could be any more germane, and I do not know where a waiver obtains in the Committee on Rules, but I rather suspect that we did not want to offer this measure so as how not to impinge on this so-called reform that we are headed down the road to. Mr. Speaker, we cannot as a democratic Nation continue to condone an immigration policy that favors immigrants from some nations while discriminating against those from others. I have always believed that legal immigration is one of the sources of America's greatness, as our country has prided itself on its diversity, its strength through that diversity. We are a Nation of immigrants, and those who enter our borders legally should be afforded equal opportunity to excel and prosper, and there is evidence that that has been the case in this great country. They should enjoy the benefits that those of us born here take for granted. As I said, Mr. Speaker, I do support the base bill on the floor today and I think the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) have done an outstanding job, and I urge my colleagues to do likewise. I only wish that the Committee on Rules had permitted a few more amendments to make in order those things that would make this bill a lot more meaningful. I do end by saying what I said at the outset, Mr. Speaker, and that is, we have named this bill the Barbara Jordan Immigration Reform and Accountability Act of 2002. Like many people in this room, I knew Barbara Jordan, and I ask the question, what would Barbara Jordan do? Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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 reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from April 16, 2002, through April 18, 2002, I was absent from the House of Representatives proceedings because I was fulfilling my duties as a member of the Helsinki Commission and Vice President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. While serving in this capacity, I missed rollcall votes 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102 and 103. Had I been present for these votes, I would have voted the following way: On 93, yes; 94, yes; 95, yes; 96, yes; 97, no; 98, no; 99, no; 100, no; 101, no; 102, no; and 103, no.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in commending the service of the Girl Scouts of America on their 90th Anniversary. I salute them for their dedicated service to the young women of this nation. Girl Scouting began in March of 1912, when founder Juliette Gordon Low assembled 18 girls from Savannah, Georgia, for a local Scouting meeting. Ms. Low strongly believed that all girls should be given opportunities to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. These ideals continue in the organization today as girls acquire self- confidence, take on responsibility, and are encouraged to think creatively while acting with integrity. As many of us know, the mission of the Girl Scouts is to help all girls grow strong. The organization works hard to empower our nation's young women to develop to their full potential as leaders and to set a foundation of values for sound decision-making. The Girl Scouts have continued to expand programs to address contemporary issues while still maintaining their core values. Membership in the Girl Scouts has reached 2.7 million, making it the largest organization for girls in the world. Well over 30,000 girls are involved in the Girl Scouts in South Florida alone. The numbers continue to grow as more girls across the nation are exposed to the incredible experiences that the Girl Scouts provide. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank and commend the Girl Scouts for their efforts over the past 90 years in providing invaluable opportunities for girls' growth and development as citizen leaders.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to indicate that this rule serves as an example for those of us who continually point out that bipartisanship is a rhetorical idea that the majority refuses to turn into a reality. Sure, the rule allows for one Democratic substitute. But yesterday evening the Committee on Rules shot down along party lines more than 12 amendments that were offered by Members on both sides of the aisle. I particularly paid attention to the one offered by the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Gutknecht), which I think should have been permitted by the Committee on Rules. Many of these amendments would have aided the leadership of both parties to move closer together on comprehensive and agreeable compromise. But as we see this morning, the majority is not in the business of compromise. The notion of pension reform was raised from the rubble of the Enron scandal. Congressional hearings and law enforcement investigations have shown that to prevent future Enrons, Global Crossings and countless others, Congress must address the issues of diversification, auditor independence, honest and accurate information, tougher criminal enforcement, and most important, equal treatment of employer and employee retirement plans. Let me repeat that. Equal treatment of employer and employee retirement plans. Yet while we know what needs to be done, the majority's bill inadequately addresses these issues. The Republican bill does not require employers to notify employees when they are dumping stocks. It locks employees, but not employers, into 3- or 5-year stock holding situations, thus continuing down the dangerous road of nondiversified portfolios. It denies employees a crucial vote on pension boards. It does not hold employers liable in the case of another Enron or Global Crossing, and continues the special treatment of employers' pensions. This bill fails to protect employees and often yields power and leverage to executives and business owners. Candidly, it is an act of irresponsibility. The Democratic substitute addresses these issues; and it addresses them in a manner that treats the retirement packages of employees equal to those of their employers, even more, in holding employers accountable for violating workers' pension rights. The Democratic substitute fills a large hole in the majority's bill. Mr. Speaker, I hope that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle realize that we have the chance for a bipartisan compromise on pension security. We could have reached one during the hearing process before last night's Committee on Rules meeting, and certainly today. Instead, the majority is trying to push through its own misguided bill that fails working families at a time we need to be protecting them. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule, oppose the underlying bill, and support 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, I come to the floor today to introduce a House resolution condemning violence and terrorist attacks in the Israel and the Palestinian Territories. As I come to the floor today, it is with a heavy heart for the families of the more than 400 Israelis and 1,200 Palestinians who have lost their lives over the past year to continuing violence in the Middle East. I also come to call attention to those who will undoubtedly lose their lives to future acts of violence if the United States fails to intervene today. In the past year, more than 1,500 people have had their right to live stripped from them as a result of unending violence in the Middle East. Since January 22, Israel has fallen victim to more than 35 suicide attacks, or more than an attack every day for the past 9 weeks. Just last week, 43 innocent Israelis were murdered in multiple suicide bombings, while another 125 were wounded. Moreover, more than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed since violence erupted less than one year ago. As violence in Israel continues, the total number of Israeli and Palestinian deaths and casualties continue to increase every day. Clearly, the need for immediate U.S. leadership in the region is critical. The President's recent decision to send Secretary of State Colin Powell to the region is obviously a step in the right direction. However, I fear that while Secretary Powell's presence in the region may help in temporarily curbing the violence, a permanent solution to this ongoing conflict is impossible without the President's personal intervention and absolute commitment to the peace process. The past four Administrations have shown that, when determined, the President can succeed in bringing together Israel and her neighbors. Whether in Egypt or in Jordan, we see the fruit of past Administration's labor in the permanent peace accords that Israel signed with both of these countries in 1978 and 1994, respectively. Subsequently, we see in the Madrid Conference, Oslo Accords, Wye River Memorandum, Sharm el-Sheikh Memorandum, and the Camp David II negotiations, that a historical willingness for peace and coexistence exists among Israelis and the Palestinians. Furthermore, the international community has historically looked to the United States as the guiding light for peace in the Middle East. Precedent shows that when a U.S. administration is actively and publicly engaged in the region, peace agreements between Israel and her neighbors occur. Unfortunately, in the weeks preceding Secretary Powell's trip to the Middle East, the Administration--at the highest of levels--appeared to remain largely dormant. Now, don't get me wrong, Mr. Speaker. I remain as ardent of a supporter of Israel, her right to exist as a Jewish state, and her right to protect herself, as I did the day I was first elected to Congress. At the same time, the idea of a Palestinian state is one that has already been accepted in Israel, the United States, and every country in the world. Nevertheless, achieving a Palestinian state cannot and will not be done by means of terrorist attacks on Israel. Palestinian radicals expressing their desire for an independent Palestinian state by blowing themselves up in a Jerusalem cafe is counter productive to the Palestinian nationalism they are fighting for. Rightfully so, Yasser Arafat must be held accountable for the agreements that he has already made. If he cannot deliver, then we must find someone who can. Mr. Speaker, while some have turned pessimistic that a peaceful solution is possible, I remain hopeful that with direct presidential involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a peaceful solution is indeed plausible. Like so many of my colleagues, I remember vividly the handshake on the White House south lawn between the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin and PA Chairman Yasser Arafat. Prime Minister Rabin and Chairman Arafat showed us then that peace was possible. Today, it is time for all of us to show Israel and the Palestinians that peace remains the only real solution. I urge the House to move swiftly and pass this needed resolution.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the customary 30 minutes. Let me say at the outset that I commend the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) for bringing this legislation to the House. The Digital Tech Corps Act creates an exchange program under which Federal agencies and private sector companies may exchange information technology managers. Assignments under the program could last from 6 months to 2 years. Participants in the program would continue to receive their pay and benefits from their original employer, not their host. A Federal employee who participates in the program would be required to return to the civil service for a time equal to the duration of his or her assignment following the completion of the exchange. If an employee fails to return to the civil service, that person would have to repay the Federal Government for all expenses, including salary, of the assignment. There will be some interesting amendments offered. I know that the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Velazquez) have amendments that are going to be of critical import to the overall membership. H.R. 3925 subjects the private sector employees who participate in the program to the same ethics rules that govern Federal employees. To ensure that none of the private sector employees that participate are able to unjustly enrich themselves or their companies, strict guidelines have been put in place. The bill requires the Office of Personnel Management to submit a semiannual report to Congress summarizing the program. The report would include descriptions of assignments, including their duration and objectives. The OPM would also be required to submit two additional reports. The first, due no later than 1 year after enactment of the bill, would identify and detail existing exchange programs. The second report, due no later than 4 years after enactment of the bill, would evaluate the effectiveness of the program established by this bill and recommend whether it should be continued or permitted to lapse. This bill allows for a productive exchange of not only individuals between the Federal Government and the private sector, but ideas, cultures, and management styles. The intention is that this kind of cross-fertilization will benefit American government and American businesses. Mr. Speaker, I hope that this bill begins a discussion of new and innovative ways that the Federal Government can recruit and retain the most talented people in their respective fields. The private sector is far ahead of the government in its efforts to do the same. I encourage my colleagues to examine the programs the private sector has fashioned to locate, recruit, and retain talented young individuals. If we are to streamline government, ensure the cost-effective expenditure of the American people's tax dollars, and create a more efficient bureaucracy, we have no choice but to duplicate such efforts. I do believe that the rule is a fair one as offered, allowing Members to come forward as they see fit. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank my very good friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for giving me an opportunity to speak on this matter, as well as the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen). The chairman of the committee and I spoke about this matter shortly after the Olympics and our respective offices were proceeding apace with legislation; and now we come to this, and I am delighted today that it has come to fruition. I rise today to join with my colleagues in congratulating all of the people of Utah, the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, and the athletes of the world for a successful, inspirational, and a truly breathtaking 2002 Olympic Winter Games. I do not talk too much of the winter stuff, because I come from Florida; but the fact is that it was exciting, and I had an opportunity to view much of it. The 2002 Olympic Games represented the best of human spirit. The games were an exemplary exhibition of dedication, perseverance, and unity that we all strive for and need during these violent times. This year marked the 19th Winter Games, which brought 78 nations and more than 2,500 athletes to this global arena and gave us some of the most historical and memorable moments of any of the Winter Games. These games showed us tremendous American diversity and determination, and that is where my interest came in with reference to this resolution. It showed us determination and diversity when, for the first time ever at our Winter Games, African American and Hispanic American athletes graced the winner's podium. I hope that the accomplishments of those African Americans, particularly bobsledder Vonetta Flowers and Hispanic American speed skaters Jennifer Rodriguez and Derek Parra, have opened doors for all of those who dare to dream, despite difficult circumstances. The 2002 games also showed us the spirit which forms the very foundation of these games. When the Kazakhstan Women's Hockey team came to the Olympics wearing hospital scrubs with holes in them, a transportation volunteer took notice and started a collection. As a result, anonymous gift baskets were placed on the team's bus. Mr. Speaker, these games were a tremendous success. The athletes shined and the fans cheered. All of this was made possible by sheer hard work and determination of the thousands of volunteers, law enforcement agencies, and our armed services. The 60 security organizations entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the athletes, coaches, judges and spectators rose to the challenge to provide the safest Olympic games ever and set an impressive precedent for providing security in the future. I would also like to congratulate and thank the residents of Salt Lake City for opening up their homes and, more importantly, their hearts to the world and making this a truly magnificent experience for all Americans. I also am immensely proud of the success of the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games. The athletes taking part in these games represent the epitome of resolve and dedication. I think that Rudy Garcia-Tolson, a 13-year-old boy who has lost both of his legs to congenital birth defects, but has gone on to compete in triathlons, said it best when he stated, ``My spirit thinks I am a regular boy and an athlete. My spirit soars.'' Today I congratulate those who protected, provided, and performed in the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Thanks to the countless efforts of hundreds of determined men and women, this year's Olympics were victorious over anxiety and skepticism and brought off a spectacle that was equal parts entertainment and uplift. The 2002 Winter Olympic Games and 2002 Paralympic Winter Games have brought forth the feeling of unity that is much needed in today's world. If thousands of athletes, fans, volunteers, and service persons can come together for a few weeks and personify the human spirit, then there is no reason to doubt that the nations of this world can come together and join in that human spirit. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and the gentleman from Utah (Chairman Hansen).

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my colleagues in commending the great work that the Pentagon Renovation Program and its contractors have completed so far. The renovation effort, also known as the Phoenix Project, is slated to be complete on September 11, 2002--exactly one year after the despicable act of terror. I am proud to acknowledge that the Phoenix Project is running 6 weeks ahead of schedule. The dedication of the government employees and independent contractors once again shows the resolve that this nation has always shown in times of adversity. In fact, initially the workers toiled around the clock to continue this extraordinary effort. They have even put up a digital clock at the site, counting down the days to September 11, 2002, to remind them of the victims who perished, with the intentions of finishing the reconstruction on September 11, 2002. Mr. Speaker, after the terrorist attacks on September 11 on the Pentagon, 400,000 square feet of demolition work had to be carried out before the reconstruction efforts could begin. This process was expected to take 4 to 7 months, but was finished in just one month. Also, out of about 4600 displaced employees, 1500 have already returned to their old office spaces. The speed, resiliency, and efficiency with which this project has been carried out is a reminder of the determination that our nation has, the determination that was first seen on the United and American flights, and continues to be seen in the efforts of these workers. Mr. Speaker, before September 11, these workers were working about 5 days per week to renovate the Pentagon, but after the attack, they have put aside their own fears and returned for even longer work days. A lot of these workers lost their loved ones in these terror attacks, yet they have endured through their personal grief to offer some solace to the rest of the nation. This reconstruction effort is more than just the rebuilding of the old Pentagon building. Additional security concerns are being addressed including updated ventilation system to guard against nuclear, biological or chemical attacks. The work continues around the clock. This is a testament to the selfless dedication that these unsung heroes have shown for the past six months. Mr. Speaker, the workers involved with the Phoenix Project have aptly adopted the words once uttered by Todd Beamer as their motto. The sign reading ``Let's Roll'' now sits above the digital clock constantly reminding them and all of us of all the challenges that lie ahead and all the challenges that we have already overcome. I would like to assure everyone involved with this renovation project that we are behind them every step of the way in this monumental task that they have taken on with such grace.