Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 10 seconds to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis).

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney) for a unanimous consent request.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 10 seconds to the distinguished gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio).

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 10 seconds to the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Torres) for a unanimous consent request.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 10 seconds to the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman).

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 10 seconds to the gentleman from California (Mr. Huffman).

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson) for a unanimous consent request.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Ruiz) for a unanimous consent request.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Correa) for a unanimous consent request.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) for a unanimous consent request.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko) for a unanimous consent request.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Ms. Tsongas) for a unanimous consent request.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, with the Members who have come here and asked for unanimous consent and with its being denied by virtue of the gentleman from Washington's not agreeing to the unanimous consent and with the notion in mind that the period for debate is what is to be recognized, my question is: Do the people who did come here and seek unanimous consent--although it was not accepted--have the opportunity to insert a statement in the Record that signifies their intentions with reference to the matter at hand?

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, how much time remains on both sides?

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I inform the gentleman from Washington that I have no further requests for time and I am prepared to close.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. The majority leader just got through saying all of the things they are getting ready to do to drain the swamp. My feeling about what is happening--and I am speaking for myself--is they may very well drain the swamp, but if you take out the alligators and you put in crocodiles and you put in snakes, you have just made the swamp that much more dangerous to the American people. Mr. Speaker, the cavalier nature by which my friends across the aisle approach the awesome responsibility of governing is as disturbing as it is disappointing. They all own this now. They are in charge. Although I may understand the emotive desire to turn things on their head, they all would be wise to come to the realization sooner rather than later that their actions affect real people. All they have to do is just see what transpired this past weekend. The children, the elderly, the students who are waiting in airports across our country who are wishing to flee their oppressors or who are simply returning to their lives here at home are real people. They heard them being identified in the denied unanimous consent requests of my colleagues who came forward here. The children, the elderly, and all of the other folks who have to live in environments that are less clean and that are more likely to make them sick because of their flippant approach here today are real people. To be taken seriously, they must act seriously. Within that context, I would have to surmise that they all would be judged and found wanting. To truly convey the devastating consequences of what has happened these past few days, I could quote from one of the Founding Fathers about the ideal of freedom from religious persecution; or I could recite for them the inscription on the Statue of Liberty, which has guided and inspired generations of immigrants and refugees as they have come here to seek better lives for themselves and their families; or I could quote from Luke 10:25 wherein Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan. I will not. Instead, I will leave them with the words of Dr. Amir Heydari, a bariatric surgeon and United States citizen who has lived in the United States for nearly 40 years and who was detained for questioning this past weekend: ``I wanted to live somewhere that celebrated freedom--freedom of speech, freedom of religion, all of these kinds of things. That's what everyone in the world thinks about the USA, and unfortunately, when these types of actions are taken, the image is not the same anymore.'' I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule and the underlying measure. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS

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

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my heartfelt thanks to Ambassador Kairat Umarov for his service and friendship to our country, while serving as Kazakhstan's Ambassador to the United States. For the past 25 years, Kazakhstan and the United States have developed an enduring relationship built on nuclear nonproliferation and security. This association has evolved to include a strong relationship on trade, economic integration, and the support of democracy. Since its independence, Kazakhstan has been a strategic partner to the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The diplomatic cooperation between our two countries has contributed to the reconstruction of Afghanistan and strengthened security in the Central Asia region--accomplishments that were greatly served by Ambassador Umarov's dedicated work. Mr. Umarov has served as Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United States since 2013, and his steady leadership over the past four years has enhanced ties between our two countries. Ambassador Umarov's focus on commercial and technological cooperation has solidified Kazakhstan's path as a future trade hub for the entire New Silk Road region. His significant contributions to the upcoming EXPO 2017 event will prove to be essential to its success. Ambassador Umarov's time in Washington has shown him to be a gracious and gifted diplomat, and although I am sad to see him leave, I am confident that he will remain a true champion for the people of Kazakhstan as he assumes his new duties on behalf of his country at the United Nations. Mr. Speaker, I once again want to thank Ambassador Umarov for his hard work and friendship as Kazakhstan's Ambassador to the United States, and I wish him the best of luck on all his future endeavors.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Rollie Massimino, who is currently the head coach of the Keiser University Basketball Team in West Palm Beach, Florida. Serious fans of the sport of basketball know the history of this great sportsman. Mr. Massimino began his head coaching career at SUNY Stony Brook in 1969, and after nearly 50 years, recently compiled his 800th victory. His other head coaching positions have included stints at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Cleveland State University. Mr. Massimino came to national attention as head coach of the Villanova Wildcats from 1980-1992. He is most famous for leading the Wildcats to their unforgettable upset of the top-seeded Georgetown Hoyas in the 1985 NCAA title game. All who have known Mr. Massimino have been impressed by the sincerity and determination that he imparts to all the young men who have looked up to him throughout the years. Not a person who seeks the limelight, he is a truly great sportsman who has always been known for concentrating on winning and playing the game clean. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Massimino's current Keiser team is 15 and 2 and riding a 12 game winning streak. His continual success is not surprising to American basketball fans, who admire him for his expertise and talent. I am very pleased that Mr. Rollie Massimino is presently guiding a team in my Congressional district to such distinction. He is a hero to many and a fine citizen, worthy of acclaim from us all.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Justice for Yazidis Act, legislation that will expand mental health, physical therapy, and other health services to religious minority groups that have suffered the greatest persecution under the Islamic State (IS). These programs, though modest, are greatly needed and will help victims of genocide begin the long process of healing. In addition, this legislation establishes a P2 Processing system for Iraqi and Syrian religious minority groups, allowing these groups and individuals to apply directly to the United States for refugee status without compromising the rigorous vetting standards already in place. The crimes committed by IS are horrifying and brutal. Countless articles have been published detailing the unimaginable abuse that groups like the Yazidis have endured. Apart from the mass killings, the beheadings and torture, IS created a system of organized kidnapping, rape, forced marriage, and sexual slavery primarily targeted against girls from religious and ethnic minority groups. It's not hidden: they sell captives in the open, like cattle at market, where militants come and go as they please to select slaves as young as nine years old. Once sold, girls and women are traded among fighters for months at a time. Fighters believe they are entitled--and obligated--to enslave, rape, and forcibly convert these girls. They even published a pamphlet in December 2014 on how to treat female slaves. Thousands of women remain enslaved. For those who have escaped or been rescued, the road to recovery in war-torn Syria and Iraq is daunting. The United States, through the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided services and goods for these groups, but the need continues to grow on a daily basis. Human Rights Watch recently documented the severity of the need for trained trauma specialists, explaining that ``doctors need to be better trained in examining women who have been victims of sexual assault . . . otherwise, the exams could be harmful and humiliating for women and girls, and make them feel like they have no control over their bodies-- which is what they felt when they were abducted by ISIS.'' By dedicating specific resources dedicated to providing access to trauma- informed counseling, the United States can play a significant role in rehabilitating these traumatized and often suicidal survivors of IS. Mr. Speaker, I hope this body will expeditiously pass this measure. Doing so will reaffirm America's commitment to those around the world suffering from great injustice.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor Payne Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church on the occasion of its 124th anniversary. This fine church, originally named Bethel, was founded on the island of Palm Beach in January 1893. Following its move to West Palm Beach in 1894, the name of the church was changed to Payne Chapel in honor of Bishop Daniel A. Payne. Payne Chapel, located on one of the highest hills in West Palm Beach, has always been recognized and appreciated for its heritage and the many services and contributions it has provided for its members and the citizens in surrounding communities. I want to congratulate the Reverend Henry E. Green, III, pastor of Payne Chapel, and all the church's members and friends on this momentous occasion. I am very proud to have such a fine institution of worship in my Congressional district.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Phil Smith, a dear friend and philanthropist in South Florida, who touched the lives of countless people. Phil tragically passed away on December 14, 2016, after an 18 month battle with ALS. Phil was born in New Jersey and moved to South Florida at the age of three. He attended Chaminade High School in Fort Lauderdale and was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Florida Atlantic University's (FAU) College of Business in 1969. During college, Phil began to work at a Ford dealership in Pompano Beach. He was so successful he stayed after graduation, was given the opportunity to open a dealership, and never looked back. Phil went on to found Phil Smith Management, Inc., serving as President and CEO. He operated eleven automobile dealership locations representing 25 franchises in Florida and North Carolina. His company employs 780 people. He never forgot where he came from or the people who worked for him, and started an annual college scholarship program for the children of his employees. Phil also served as the Co-Chair of the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee and sat on the Boards of the Orange Bowl Committee and the Broward Workshop, a nonprofit organization that represents the interests of 100 Broward businesses and professions. Because of his community involvement, Phil was awarded with the Florida Sun Sentinel Company's 2013 Excalibur Award for Business Leader of the Year in Broward County. He always gave back and was well-known for his civic, charitable, and philanthropic involvement throughout South Florida. He was involved with a number of advocacy groups serving the public, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Humane Society of Broward County, the American Cancer Society, and the Make a Wish Foundation. His most recent donation was to Holy Cross Hospital--a gift of $7 million to fund state-of-the-art neurological care. Phil and his wife Susan also gave to his alma mater, and gifted Florida Atlantic University $5 million to establish the Phil Smith Center for Free Enterprise. Supporting the strategic plan of the College of Business, the Center will add chaired professorships, support research and educational programs for faculty members and students, and support distinguished visiting faculty along with a lecture series and other educational programs focused on the principles of free enterprise. After his diagnosis with ALS, Phil became more involved in efforts to fight this terrible disease. He worked with Holy Cross Hospital in South Florida to establish the Phil Smith ALS and Movement Disorders Clinic, which provides access to leading edge clinical trials and research through an expanded relationship with Massachusetts General Hospital. After an 18 month battle with ALS, Phil tragically passed away at the age of 70 last week. He is survived by his wife of 30 years Susan, his sister Judy, his daughter Shawn, son-in-law Charlie, and three grandchildren James, Kaelin, and Cali. Mr. Speaker, Phil was a dear friend and kind soul. He touched the lives of so many, and his philanthropic efforts in Florida will go on to touch the lives of many more. It is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor his life and accomplishments, but most of all, to honor our friendship. He will be so dearly missed.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Pahokee Senior High School football team of Pahokee, Florida. On December 8, 2016, the Pahokee Blue Devils won their 7th state championship. They finished their season 14-0, defeating all of Florida's top rated teams in Class 1A. Along the way, the Blue Devils won the Muck Bowl, which annually pits them against the Raiders of Glades Central High School in Belle Glade, Florida, one of Florida's most well-known rivalries, for the first time in eight years. First year coach Mr. Orson Walkes, who won four state titles with the team as an assistant, guided his very talented players to the peak of perfection. With their winning effort in 2016, they have shown the potential for future championships. While the seniors will be adding their skills to the football teams of some of America's finest colleges and universities next season, returning players will be joined by other talented players in what will surely be another exciting season for the Blue Devils. Mr. Speaker, The Blue Devils of Pahokee, Florida are the only football team from Palm Beach County to win a state championship this year. I am delighted that such a fine coach and extremely talented group of players represent my Congressional district.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Edna Hall Riley Walker of Riviera Beach, Florida, who on December 23rd will turn 103 years young. Mrs. Walker, one of Florida's over four thousand centenarians, is a lifelong resident of Wakulla County. Mrs. Walker continues to follow an incredible journey through life and has seen drastic changes in the world since she was born in 1913. Mrs. Walker was born the middle child of three in Shadeville, Florida. She started a family with Herbert Riley and had three children: Anthony, Allan, and Ianthia. Working as a Master Seamstress since the 1950s, Mrs. Walker deeply understands the value of hard work. Mrs. Walker to this day is still an active member of her community, still a faithful servant of God, and still sharp as a tack. She is a deep believer in the golden rule, and often tells people she meets, ``I would do you right before I would ever do you wrong. It's so important to do unto others as you want them to do unto you. That's what Jesus said.'' These days, Mrs. Walker often travels throughout the United States to see her many children and grandchildren. Her descendants have flown far and wide, from New York to Texas, a testament to her wide-reaching legacy. She most enjoys reading and playing games with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Clearly, Edna Riley Walker is still leaving her mark. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to acknowledge this incredible woman on her many accomplishments in life and to wish her a very happy 103rd birthday.