Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

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 thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. It will be very clear that it will be the Republican majority that defeats the rule, if it does go down. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose this silly rule. This rule provides the American people with a limited opportunity to debate this important issue. It is a rule that was written by the Republican leadership that fears the will of the American people to have an open and honest debate on campaign finance reform. If we are to maintain this institution's reputation as a representative body, then it is imperative that the American people have an opportunity to freely debate this issue here on the floor of the House. It appears the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reynolds) does not understand that when this bill is chopped up like it is, it will not have an up or a down vote, which I assure my colleagues, he is not in favor of. Mr. Speaker, I have another problem with today's debate. I want to know why we are even talking about campaign finance reform before we are talking about election reform. I would think that after last year's travesty of an election, in which it was discovered that thousands of Americans nationwide had their right to vote stripped from them, Congress would have acted by now.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

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

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

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

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding me the time. It is a pleasure to serve on the Committee on Rules with my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions), and I thank him for welcoming me as the newest member of the Committee on Rules. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Energy and Water Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2002 and in support of the rule. I also would associate myself with the remarks made by the gentleman from Texas about the many particulars that are set forth in the bill that are meritorious, in my view, for the entire body. I want to congratulate the chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Callahan), and the ranking member, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky), for their work on this bill and for their recognition of the importance to the entire country of the necessary public works projects it funds. I am especially pleased, from a parochial point of view, that this bill contains nearly $20 million for the continued restoration of the Florida Everglades. Congress and the State of Florida made a historic agreement last year to save this international treasure, and I am thrilled that Congress continues its commitment through this bill. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, this bill contains a number of significant projects important to my south Florida district, as well as those that are my colleagues that are in that area; and I would like to highlight a few of them for just a moment. In my home of Broward County this bill funds beach erosion and renourishment projects to the tune of $2.5 million. These funds are critical to protecting and enhancing Florida's pristine beaches and the businesses that thrive because of them. In northeast Dade County this bill contains funding for a study of flood patterns in the county and remediation of flooding that continually occurs in some of the poorest neighborhoods of this area. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that this bill contains projects that would greatly benefit the constituents of myself and those of my colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley), in Ft. Pierce, in St. Lucie County, and a number of projects that greatly improve conditions in Palm Beach County that are relevant to my other colleagues, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler), and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley), as well as myself. Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill; and the rule is fine as far as it goes. As the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions) noted, the rule does allow for amendments to the dollar amounts contained in the committee- reported bill. The committee Republicans chose not to allow the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley) the right to offer an amendment relating to transportation of high-level nuclear waste. This is most unfortunate, in my view, as I believe the Berkley amendment would have made the bill better. Also, Mr. Speaker, let me add my support for the amendment which will be offered by my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Davis), which will allow construction of the Gulf Stream pipeline to continue unabated. Again, Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and ranking member for bringing an excellent bill to the House. This is a bipartisan bill that helps millions of Americans from coast to coast, and I urge passage of the bill and adoption of the rule. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley) for his kind comments regarding my ascension to the Committee on Rules. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall). (Mr. UDALL of Colorado asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in tremendous support of H.R. 2052, The Sudan Peace Act. This bill will decrease the suffering in which the terrible atrocities are inflicting on the people of The Sudan. The Sudan Peace Act declares that Congress denounces any human right violations by all sides of the conflict in Sudan (including the Government of Sudan). It directs the U.S. representative to the United Nations to seek to end the veto power of the Sudanese government over the relief programs to Sudanese civilians. Further, it revises Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS); provide additional support for internationally sanctioned peace process written by the secretary of state to support the peace process, and condemns the bombing of innocent civilian targets. Mr. Chairman, this legislation requires all businesses that operate in Sudan and trade securities in the U.S. to file disclosure forms with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Thus if these businesses fail to file disclosure forms, the Securities and Exchange Commission will prohibit them from trading securities in U.S. markets. In addition, the State Department, is required within six months of enactment, to report to Congress on income generated by the development of Sudan's oil- producing sector. Finally, the act urges the use of $10 million provided in the FY 2001 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. The civil war in Sudan has raged for nearly twenty years, mainly between the National Islamic Front government in the north and Christians and animist rebels in the south, killing more than two million Sudanese directly or through malnutrition and starvation. In particular, by regularly outlawing relief flights of the United Nations' Operation Lifeline Sudan, the Sudanese government has manipulated the receipt of food and use starvation as a weapon of war. The government also has been accused of supporting raiding and enslaving parties to disrupt areas of the country outside its direct control. As a result, millions have been rendered homeless thereby creating one of the world's largest refugee problems. Mr. Chairman, I therefore strongly encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 2052, the Sudan Peace Act. With thousands of Sudanese people suffering due to starvation, lack of malnutrition, enslavement, and wide scale bombing of civilian targets, it is my sincere hope that through legislation we will establish peace in The Sudan.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Shirley Anita Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress. Ms. Chisholm was elected in 1969, and continued to serve in the House of Representatives for fourteen years. Shirley Chisholm paved the way for African-American women in Congress. The daughter of a domestic worker, she grew up believing that women needed their voices to be heard and that women should have more flexibility to enter the workforce. While serving in Congress, Ms. Chisholm founded the National Women's Political Caucus, to ensure that the role of women in Congress was clear. Ms. Chisholm never compromised her beliefs. She sponsored legislation to establish a national commission on consumer protection and product safety. She fought for the rights of minorities by calling for the end of British arms sales to South Africa. She believed that day care programs should be improved and the hours extended so mothers could go to work. She also supported expanding the minimum wage to include domestic workers. Shirley Chisholm set an example for everyone to follow. Throughout her terms in Congress, she remained an outspoken advocate of women's rights, labor, and minority rights, and held steadfast to her dreams. In 1972, she became the first woman to run for president. Congresswoman Chisholm, thank you for following your goals, and fighting for minorities and working women's rights. It is with great pride today that I commend Ms. Shirley Anita Chisholm, for all of her achievements and accomplishments.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a great friend and colleague, the late Congressman John Joseph Moakley. The passing of Joe Moakley is a loss for the entire country. Indeed, those of us who had a chance to learn from and serve with this great man will truly miss him. Throughout his career in public life, Joe Moakley was a spokesman and warrior for the people of South Boston. He made it no secret that he would do whatever he needed to bring federal funds and programs to the State of Massachusetts and the rest of the U.S. With Joe's help, Boston was able to cleanup the Boston Harbor, establish an African-American historic site within the borders of the city, create a subsidized home heating credit for those who could not afford to heat their homes in the winter, as well as move forward with a variety of major infrastructure projects. Many of us, at one time or another, looked to Joe for advice on how to get funding for programs in our own districts. While serving as a Member of Congress, Joe Moakley rarely stood at the back of the line and followed the group. On the contrary, he walked to the front of the line and lead. Joe was a leader in Latin American issues. With this profile, he often took stances on issues that were not always looked favorably upon by many of his colleagues, including taking meetings with Cuba's Fidel Castro. As Chairman of the House Committee on Rules for more than four and a half years, Joe helped structure the operations of the House and lead the Democratic Party in improving the overall quality of life in the U.S. The one thing that I will miss most about Joe Moakley, however, is the enjoyment I have gotten from watching the late Congressman fight for the issues he held closest to his heart. Last week, the Boston Daily Globe referred to Joe as the ``People's Legislator.'' That he truly was. Joe always looked forward to going home and being with the people he represented--the people he loved. As Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino said, ``The people of Boston have lost a true friend and a legend . . . one of the giants.'' During my tenure as a Member of Congress, I have attempted to emulate Joe's dedication to the people he represented. I can only hope that when I pass, I too will be referred to as a people's legislator. Thank you Joe for everything you have done for this the people of America as well as this institution. Your leadership and smile will be truly missed.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this morning the United States Commission on Civil Rights released its report on Florida's election system. To say the least, I am appalled by the Commission's findings. To think that in this day and age we find ourselves trying to justify the racist and prejudicial tendencies that exist in the American election system is both pitiful and disturbing. From purging the names of eligible voters to increasing numbers of spoiled ballots, the Commission's report clearly indicates that the problems which occurred in Florida last November disproportionately affected the votes cast by African-Americans and other minority groups. While only making up eleven percent of all eligible voters in Florida, African-Americans cast nearly 55 percent of the ballots that were rejected in Florida. In fact, African-Americans cast nearly 55 percent of the ballots that were rejected in Florida. In fact, African-American voters were nearly ten times more likely than white voters to have their ballots rejected in Florida. Nine of the ten counties with the highest percentage of African-American voters had disqualified ballot percentages above the state average. Of the 100 precincts with the highest numbers of disqualified ballots, 83 of them are majority-black precincts. African-Americans were also disproportionately purged from voter lists. Under the Motor Voter Law, voters are protected from having their names removed from voting lists unless they move, die, or are convicted of a felony. In Florida, however, it appears as if the Motor Voter Law has been replaced by a system in which the names of eligible voters are unlawfully purged. In Miami-Dade County, the number of African-American names purged from eligible voter lists outnumbered the number of white and Hispanic voters whose names were removed from eligible voting lists three to one. Moreover, the report's findings that an official of the Florida Division of Elections supported updating voting lists in a manner that removed a disproportionate number of African-Americans from eligible voting lists leaves little question that the State of Florida could have avoided the problems voters faced on election day. The Commission's report makes it clear that both Governor Jeb Bush and Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris were well aware of the potential problems that some of Florida's counties were going to face on election day. However, Mr. Speaker, the report issued by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights highlights the problems that we face in Florida, and indeed, the rest of the nation. It is disgraceful that America has yet to create an election system that encourages rather than discourages. It is disgraceful that the conversations we are having today on voter accessibility, voter education, purging of eligible voters, and improving voting technology resemble the same conversations we had during the 1960s. Those of us involved in the Civil Rights Movement had hoped that Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 would have ensured that no African-American, or any American for that matter, would be unlawfully turned away from the polls. Unfortunately, the reality is, it will take an Election Reform Act during the 107th Congress to finish what we started in 1964.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my extreme disbelief that the Bush Administration has once again turned its back on the American people and sided with the interests of big gas and oil. I would think that after calling for more environmental rollbacks than any other Administration in the 21st century, the Bush Administration would not want to harm the environment more than it already has when writing its energy policy. I would also think that after neglecting the needs of working class families and pushing a tax cut that benefits the wealthiest one percent of tax payers, the Bush Administration might take into account the needs of the American people when writing its energy policy. But as we can see from the Bush Energy Plan, I would be wrong to think these things. As we can see from the Bush Energy Plan, I would be wrong to think that this Administration has any plans or desire to represent the interests and needs of the American people. For 117 days, the Bush Big Oil Team met behind closed doors to write an energy policy that it claimed would provide a long-term solution to America's energy woes. Unfortunately, it is clear that the Administration's energy proposal is nothing more than a hand tool of the already profiting energy industry. The only long-term plan the Bush Big Oil Team came up with is one that fills the pockets of the Administration's closest friends, the oil and gas companies. Even more, the plan neglects to address the need for immediate consumer relief. Americans are paying more for energy today than they have ever paid. It is time to provide them with relief and the Bush Energy Plan does not. One month ago, I came to the floor and asked, ``What exactly is the Bush energy plan?'' Today, I come to the floor and now ask, ``How is the Bush energy plan going to work?'' The energy plan released by the Administration last week relies heavily upon drilling in some of our country's most pristine areas and does not focus on the exploration of renewable energy sources. If we do not consider a long-term energy plan that includes the exploration of renewable resources, then we are just wasting our time. From drilling in the ANWR to drilling off of Florida's Panhandle, the Administration is once again neglecting the responsibility we have to protect our environment for nothing more than a short-term solution. It is widely accepted that roughly 3.2 billion barrels of economically Finally, the Administration's energy plan fails to address the immediate need for consumer relief. In the past three weeks, the average cost of gas per gallon has increased by more than 9.5 cents to an all time high of $1.77 a gallon! Some drivers in the U.S. are paying more than $2.00 a gallon. At a time oil company profits are up more than 40 percent from this time last year, consumers are paying more at the pumps and in their homes. In failing to address this lopsided consumer-supplier relationship, the Administration has endorsed the oil industry's gauging of gas prices. Mr. Speaker, there is little question that America is faced with an energy crisis of an enormous magnitude. Our country needs to look at new ways of creating energy. If current trends continue, Americans will use more energy in the coming years than ever. The Administration's idea to drill wherever an oil well will fit, however, will simply continue to fill the pockets of oil and gas industry executives and never actually solve our current crisis. If we are going to get serious about solving our energy woes, then we need to pursue research and development programs that examine energy efficiency, renewable energy, and types of energy, including solar, biomass, hydrogen, geothermal, and hydropower. At the same time, America's energy policy cannot neglect the responsibility Americans have to the environment. I will not support the exploration of a new energy policy at unnecessary costs to the environment and public health. It is time to get serious about America's energy policy. So far, however, the Bush Administration has done nothing more than turn its back on the American people.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the events ensuing since last year's election have placed election reform on the top of the priority list of the American people. There is no question that what occurred in Florida following last year highlighted many of the problems in Florida's own election system. But as my colleagues on the Democratic Special Committee on Election Reform will agree, what occurred in Florida last November is not unique. Indeed, it is a microcosm of the problems that exist in nearly every jurisdiction in the United States. The travesties Florida voters faced last November are a representative sample of the problems voters face throughout the United States. Civil rights violations, lack of provisional ballots, increasing amounts of overvotes and undervotes, uneducated voters and poll workers, outdated voting machines, the purging of the names of eligible voters, confusing ballots, and not enough funding to improve voting systems, are not unique to Florida. These problems are not unique to any city, county, or state in the country. Instead, they are universal problems that exist from state to state, city to city, and precinct to precinct. While no silver bullet exists, the problems in our country's election system do have solutions. In the past five months, more than 1,500 election reform bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the country, and 31 states have considered or are considering legislation to upgrade or make uniform their voting standards. On May 2, 2001, the Florida State Legislature joined Georgia's General Assembly as the only two bodies in the U.S. to pass comprehensive election reform legislation. But as states such as Florida and Georgia continue to pass election reform legislation, Members of Congress cannot go home and tell their constituents that help from the federal government is on the way. As of today, help from the federal government is not on the way. In the 107th Congress, 28 bills and two resolutions addressing some aspect of election reform have been introduced. 16 bills and two resolutions have been introduced here in the House of Representatives, and 12 bills have been introduced in the Senate. Yet despite the overwhelming support for election reform, Congress has not acted on any piece of election reform legislation. Even more, just last week, the House and the Senate both passed budgets that provide no funding for election reform. On top of that, the Bush Administration has not only refused to make election reform a priority, but it has also refused to even comment on it. At a meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus eleven days into his presidency, President Bush indicated that he intended to make election reform a priority of his Administration. This promise, however, has been nothing more than words. Election reform is an issue that demands presidential leadership in order to succeed. President Bush has not been up to the task. In order for election reform in this country to be a success, a partnership must be forged between the states and the federal government. Improving voting systems and investing in voter education programs is not cheap. It costs money--a lot of money. It is disheartening to think that as states revise and revamp their election systems, the federal government is not there to assist them in their efforts. It is both unfair and unrealistic for states to spend millions of dollars updating their election systems and incur the associated costs without the federal government helping out. I am confident that state legislatures will continue to address the specific problems that exist in their state's election system, but I am less optimistic that Congress, under Republican leadership, will take the necessary steps to reinstall America's confidence in its election process. If Congress does not play a part, particularly in the area of funding, then it is almost certain that the majority of these state initiated election reform programs will fall well short of satisfactory. We have a unique opportunity here in Congress to reassure every American that he or she will never be denied the right to vote. Congress can create universal standards that do not infringe upon a state's authority to oversee its own election process, and at the same time, ensure that every vote is counted. Former President Jimmy Carter has gone so far as to say, ``The Carter Center has standards for participation as a monitor of an election, and the United States of America would not qualify at all.'' This is more than embarrassing, it is shameful. In the coming weeks, Congress must address the problems that exist in the American election process. Congress needs to pass a universal provisional ballot measure that requires poll workers to offer any person not appearing on the eligible voters list the opportunity to cast a provisional ballot. In addition, Congress needs to pass a universal anti-purging measure to reinforce the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Congress also needs to provide funding to states to assist them in the upgrading of their election programs. Finally, Congress needs to address other possible means of election reform including universal poll closing times, lengthening the amount of time Americans have to vote, the counting of military and overseas ballots, and voter and poll worker education and training. Mr. Speaker, time is running out for Congress to pass meaningful election reform legislation. America's election process has fallen under the scrutiny of the people it seeks to empower. Without the support of the federal government, not matter how much legislation states pass and how hard states attempt to reassure their citizens that the problems of Election 2000 have been solved, voters will remain skeptical. People will walk away from the polls wondering if their vote will count. This cannot happen. If Congress does not act immediately, then the lessons learned from the disasters of last year's election will be lost. Quite frankly, this is not something the people of South Florida and the rest of the country want to hear.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, as good as this bill is that is presently before us, I think this motion to recommit with instructions would make it even stronger. Mr. Speaker, there are several realities upon which we can all agree. Security and stability on the Korean Peninsula is a matter of vital national interest to the United States. Mr. Speaker, reducing and eliminating the North Korean long-range missile threat is a vital national interest of the United States. Mr. Speaker, eliminating any vestiges of a North Korean nuclear weapons program is a vital national interest of the United States. The motion that the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Allen) and I have drafted would create a special coordinator position within the Department of State for Korea. This official would be charged with serving as the primary advisor to the Secretary of State on security issues on the Korean Peninsula; coordinate United States Government policies, programs and projects; oversee discussions and negotiations with North Korea; consult with the governments of the Republic of Korea and Japan to coordinate negotiating strategy and overall policy towards the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; and serve as the primary liaison to Congress on issues related to North Korea. The previous administration had a special envoy on North Korea. This administration cannot afford to reduce the level of institutional attention to these matters by not creating a similar position. Indeed, our colleagues in Europe in the European Union have already begun to fill the void that we have created. Mr. Speaker, we must not allow ourselves to be losing opportunities to shape the future of this region which is so vital to our national security. Mr. Speaker, the North Korean threat to the United States and its allies in the region is too great to downgrade its management to lower- level officials. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this motion and allow it to be included as part of the underlying bill. It does not change the structural underlying portion of the bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Allen), my good friend, who is a cosponsor of this motion.

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

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

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am, in its current form.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Florida's late Governor and United States Senator Lawton Chiles and Diario Las Americas newspaper publisher Dr. Horacio Aguirre on the occasion of being named recipients of the Great Floridian award. This award, which is presented periodically, symbolizes the everlasting contributions these two individuals have made to the state of Florida. I am proud to stand before this body and honor these two great Floridians. From the moment he was first elected to the Florida State House of Representatives in 1958, until his untimely death in 1998, Lawton Chiles was a household name in Florida politics. As a boy, Lawton Chiles dreamed of becoming a United States Senator. In 1970, after eight years in the Florida House and four years in the Florida State Senate, his dream came true when he was elected to the first of three consecutive terms in the United States Senate. After deciding not to run for reelection in 1988, Lawton Chiles successfully ran for governor of Florida in 1990, a position he proudly held until 1998. Throughout his career, Governor Chiles represented the people of Florida with honor and conviction. Whether it is providing health insurance for all children or working to restore Florida's Everglades, the work Governor Chiles did, and the programs he supported, made the lives of millions of Floridians better. It is for his hard work and dedication to the issues he cared about, that Governor Chiles is considered by many to be one of the most successful and respected public officials in the later half of the 20th century. Dr. Horacio Aguirre, co-founder of Miami's oldest Spanish-language newspaper, is one of the most influential Hispanics in Florida. Dr. Aguirre was born in 1925 in New Orleans, Louisiana, to two Nicaraguan parents. In 1950, Dr. Aguirre completed his studies at the University of Panama, where he earned degrees in law and political science. In 1953, with the help of his brother Francisco, Dr. Aguirre founded Diario Las Americas. As the editor and chief editorial writer, Dr. Aguirre has helped shape the views and images of Miami's Spanish- speaking community. He has served as President of the Inter American Press Association, as well as a member of various newspaper and editorial organizations. Today, Diario Las Americas is read by thousands of South Floridians every day. Spanish and non-Spanish speakers alike look to Diario Las Americas for the views and concerns of Miami's Hispanic community. Mr. Speaker, the people of Florida have benefitted from the actions and accomplishments of the two gentlemen I speak of today. The late Governor Lawton Chiles and Dr. Horacio Aguirre are worthy of the praises of the people of Florida as well as the members of the House of Representatives. They are both great Floridians and Americans.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday, America celebrated its 31st annual Earth Day. In the past, Earth Day has been a day of both preservation and celebration. The day has symbolized our commitment to preserving the Earth's beauty for the enjoyment of future generations. This year, however, Earth Day means much more. This year, we are not using Earth Day as a catalyst for the creation of new and innovative ways to keep our environment clean and healthy. This year, we are not spending Earth Day talking about reducing air pollution and cleaning up the water we drink. This year, Earth Day is not a celebration of the environmental accomplishments of the past 31 years. Instead, this year, we are spending Earth Day toe-to-toe with the Bush Administration to simply maintain the status quo of our country's environmental policies. This year, we are spending Earth Day fighting against the special interests of oil and gas companies. This year, we are celebrating Earth Day with a return to the careless and unhealthy environmental practices of the 1970s. This year, Earth Day means more than it has ever meant before. In the first 100 days of President Bush's term in office, the Administration has sought to eliminate nearly every major environmental advancement of the past twenty years. Whether it is trying to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), failing to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions into the air, or halting a plan to lower arsenic levels in drinking water, the Bush Administration has made it clear that it is not serious about protecting our environment. In Florida, we are facing the relentlessness of the oil and gas industries. As recently as last Sunday, the Bush Administration restated its plan to auction nearly six million acres off of the coast of Florida's Panhandle for the purposes of drilling for oil and natural gas. This is a plan that Floridians have both feared and rejected. Florida has maintained a position that any drilling will not occur within 100 miles of Florida's coast. While Florida's neighboring states have chosen to move forward with offshore drilling programs, the people of Florida have recognized the environmental dangers of offshore drilling and chosen not to move forward with any such program. Drilling off the coast of Florida's Panhandle could have devastating outcomes. Studies show that the cost of offshore drilling far outweighs the benefits. The potential for oil spills and life-threatening accidents is there. The construction of oil rigs, combined with continued drilling, will undoubtably disrupt the marine ecosystem that currently exists. One only has to look at pictures of an oil rig sinking off the coast of Brazil to recognize the real dangers of offshore drilling. Now, the Administration is seeking not only to destroy Florida's already delicate environment, but to do it against the obvious wishes of Florida's people and government. This year, we must view Earth Day as an opportunity to rally our troops and fight against the special interests that have been dictating environmental roll backs for the past 100 days. If the Administration will not fight against the oil and gas companies, then we must. We have a responsibility to recognize the role that we play in preserving our environment. If we do not recognize and accept this responsibility, then no one will.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the life of a great leader, Cesar E. Chavez. His memory serves as a constant reminder of the hardships facing working families every day and an inspiration to those who strive to speak up for people whose voices go unheard. The teachings of Cesar Chavez have inspired millions of people in our country. One might argue that the practices of our country's labor community can be attributed to the lessons that were taught by the late Cesar Chavez. In carrying out his mission, Chavez developed and lived with a unique blend of values, philosophies, and styles. Although he organized predominantly Hispanic workers, Chavez' commitment to non- violence, volunteerism, egalitarianism, and respect for all cultures, religions and lifestyles, has served as the guiding principle of the U.S. labor movement for the past fifty years. In 1989, Chavez conducted a 36-day fast to protest the pesticide poisoning of migrant workers in California. For years, workers were coming into contact with harmful pesticides that had led to, in many cases, cancer. Farm owners had ignored the problem and Chavez was infuriated. During a speech on the 36th day of his fast, Chavez declared, ``If we ignored pesticide poisoning, if we looked on as farm workers and their children are stricken, then all the other injustices our people face would be compounded by an even more deadly tyranny. But ignore that final injustice is what our opponents would have us do.'' Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, the injustices that Cesar Chavez fought against for fifty years, and the living conditions he spoke out against, still exist today. We have a responsibility in Congress to continue the fight where Cesar Chavez left off. We have a responsibility to speak for those who cannot speak, and to fight for those who cannot fight. Improving working conditions, increasing the minimum wage, and providing quality benefits for all workers remain at the forefront of our challenges on behalf of working families. We should use today's commemoration of Cesar Chavez' life to renew our commitment not to ``ignore that final injustice,'' and protect the rights of working families. If we do ignore them, then we are forgetting the great lessons taught to us by this great hero. That would be an injustice in itself.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my disgust over the Bush Administration's unwillingness to take the necessary steps to curb the effects of global warming and protect our natural resources. When our environment needs us most, it is sad that the President is abandoning our lakes and rivers, while siding with those who pollute our air. The Administration's recent shift in environmental policy contradicts its earlier promises and commitments to the American people and at the same time, undermines previous policy statements made by the Environmental Protection Agency. This Administration has made it clear that protecting the environment is not one of its priorities. This shift in policy, however, is not just another broken campaign pledge and promise to the citizens of South Florida and the rest of the American people. On the contrary, it is a clear example that the President's position on the environment is just plain wrong. Scientists and elected officials on both sides of the aisle agree that the key to ending global warming begins with reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the air we breathe. Even more, according to a recent survey, this common sense approach toward ending global warming is supported by 80 percent of the American public. Mr. Speaker, the people of South Florida know a great deal about the importance of taking care of the environment. It was no more than six months ago that I stood on this floor with many of my colleagues fighting for protection of Florida's most sacred ecosystem, the Everglades. Thankfully, after nearly a decade of planning and fighting, we reached an agreement that ensures the Everglades will be around for all Americans to enjoy for generations to come. Today, I am once again coming to the floor to fight for the protection of our country's greatest treasures. The current Bush Administration plan to conduct exploratory drilling for oil in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is not only an action that will destroy the last remaining parcel of untouched Arctic coastline, it is also just bad energy policy. It is widely accepted that roughly 3.2 billion barrels of economically recoverable oil can be found under the ANWR. Those 3.2 billion barrels, however, represent a mere six-month supply of oil for the United States, hardly enough to build an effective energy policy around. What worries me, Mr. Speaker, is not the exploration into a new energy policy. Clearly our country needs to look into new ways of creating energy. I support looking into new possibilities for creating energy. But I do not support the exploration of new energy opportunities at the cost of the environment. If we begin drilling in the ANWR today, who is to say that we will not begin off-shore drilling in South Florida tomorrow? I assure you, Mr. Speaker, that the people of Florida have no desire to see off-shore oil rigs popping up in the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico anytime soon. We saw the dangers involved in such practices when an off-shore oil rig in Brazil collapsed just this week spilling oil for miles into the Atlantic. In the past two weeks, President Bush reaffirmed to the American public that he is not serious about leading an environmentally conscious Administration. Mr. Speaker, I am not suggesting that President Bush become a devout environmentalist. After all, you do not have to be an environmentalist to care about the environment. So far though, this Administration has yet to take any steps to show that it recognizes the basic needs of our environment. In a time that the environment has taken center stage as a national concern, the people of America demand and deserve more from this Administration.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 43. This legislation would support the authorization and printing of a revised and updated version of the House document ``Black Americans in Congress.'' This document delivers an abundance of information on the accomplishments of African Americans who served as members of Congress from 1870-1989 as well as updates the current status of African Americans in Congress. It highlights African American involvement in politics during historic periods such as the Reconstruction Era and the fight for civil rights during the Civil Rights Movement. ``Black Americans in Congress'' is important because it explains how over the past 12 years there have been African American members of Congress who have compelling stories that should be told. There are African American members of Congress that are lawyers, doctors, teachers, librarians and farmers, all of whom have very distinguished backgrounds whose lives are worth noting and should be embraced by the U.S. House of Representatives. I support the revision of this document because it is a dynamic tool in building a path of knowledge respecting the struggles, victories and losses of black politicians throughout America's history. This resolution will continue to document African American representation in Washington and will assist African Americans in becoming more informed about and more active in national politics. Mr. Speaker, I urge that the House document, ``Black Americans in Congress'' be revised so that the history and insight of the political process and the roles that black elected officials have played will have a permanent place in America's political memory and future.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to express condolences for one of Florida's best known and most respected civil rights activists who passed away earlier this month. I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mrs. Eula Gandy Johnson, a long-time personal friend and confidant, political supporter, and civil rights mentor. Eula Gandy Johnson, well known to many as ``Miss Eula,'' started her pioneering leadership in civil rights in Statenville, Georgia. A short time after, she moved on to Fort Lauderdale where she then lived for 62 years, bringing with her strong beliefs and passion for politics. She was simply a bold woman, who through her many contributions to human dignity, became an educator, opening our minds to the endless possibilities of an educated community. She was an immense resource for the National Conference of Community and Justice, to which she served as a strong supporter. Additionally, she was quite a strong force behind aspects of racial desegregation and discrimination to the African American community in Broward County. Miss Eula was a graceful lady who epitomized dignity and charm. She had a deep, abiding faith in God, being a Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church in Piney Grove and always enlightened those with her words of inspiration. She will always be remembered as having a keen mind with a way of achieving her goals with a certain fearless attitude. It is often said that everyone is expendable, no matter their greatness. Eula Gandy Johnson, for her greatness, for the unselfish contributions that she made to the African American community throughout Florida, to her friends, and to all those who had the privilege to know her, is uniquely irreplaceable.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it saddens me greatly to have to introduce this resolution along with my colleagues, our effort to support the victims of the catastrophic earthquake that struck India on January 26, 2001, on the very day the people of India were to celebrate the adoption of their first constitution as an independent people. On January 26, the people of Gujarat in western India were hit with an earthquake the size and devastation of that which hit San Francisco in 1906 killing more than 30,000. As a fellow democracy we must provide the people of India immediate relief, economic assistance and the reconstruction efforts needed to rebuild the lives and the state of Gujarat. I have had the pleasure of visiting India on a number of occasions and have established a candid and sincere relationship with the Indian community, both in my congressional district in Florida and abroad. Several governments have taken action and are providing assistance to the people of India in determining what needs are to be met during this critical time of despair. Notably, the government and people of Pakistan have been quick to send aid and much needed supplies. I am hopeful that their friendship will continue far beyond this difficult period. Moreover, I believe it is America's duty to lend a helping hand to our great neighbors. India and its people need us and it is our duty to expedite immediate assistance in reconstructing their lives and concretely showing our continued friendship and support.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. President, I object to the certificate from Florida.