Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Certainly I will yield to my friend.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. You know, Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my good friend from California's desire to address Flight 253; but in my view, his complaints that the bill is outdated ignores the rule. The rule makes in order an amendment by Representative Schauer directed at the lessons of Flight 253. Now, listen, the intelligence community, constituted of 16 elements, is organic. It is constantly in a state of change, and there is considerable coordination and collaboration regarding the globe, not just one airplane, not just one individual. And when you isolate one individual, like the person that was on Flight 253, you do have that anomaly to show that we are steadily being set upon. But that was mild by comparison to some of those incidents that never make it in the public realm. I am reminded of the constant saying that success has a thousand fathers, but failure evidently doesn't even have a mother because anytime there is a failure, the whole community is set upon, while day after day after day, year after year after year they're stopping countless attacks on this country that go unnoticed, whether it be in the field of cyber, whether it be on the battlefield. We are constantly in that position. There have been hundreds of successes to protect our homeland security.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the resolution, as announced by our Clerk, provides for consideration of H.R. 2701, the Intelligence Authorization Act for fiscal year 2010, under a structured rule. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 of rule XXI. The resolution provides 1 hour of debate on the bill, makes in order only those amendments printed in the rule, and the resolution waives all points of order against such amendments except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The resolution provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions and provides that the Chair may entertain a motion to rise only if offered by the Chair of the Intelligence Committee or his designee and provides that the Chair may not entertain a motion to strike the enacting words of the bill. The resolution provides for a motion to consider the Senate bill and substitute its text with the text of H.R. 2701 as passed by the House. The resolution waives all points of order against the Senate bill and its consideration. It also makes in order a motion that the House insist on its amendment and request a conference with the Senate and waives all points of order against such motion. The resolution waives a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII for a two-thirds vote for same-day consideration of a report from the Rules Committee through the legislative day of Friday, February 26. It also permits the Speaker to consider motions to suspend the rules through the legislative day of Friday, February 26. The Speaker shall consult with the minority leader on the designation of any matter under this authority. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 2701, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. As vice chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I know that the intelligence community is the first line of defense against terrorists, proliferators of weapons of mass destruction, and other rogue elements who wish to do us and our allies harm here at home and across the globe. This legislation provides policy guidance for 16 agencies of the intelligence community while also improving oversight and helping to prevent disastrous consequences that faulty intelligence and a misinformed Congress can have on national security. Mr. Speaker, I have the honor and privilege of meeting many of our intelligence professionals in over 50 countries around the world during my oversight travel as a member of the Intelligence Committee. I cannot overstate how much I and the members of the committee, and I am sure all Members of this body, appreciate them and are humbled by their service. Their dedication and commitment became more evident when seven Americans made the ultimate sacrifice during a terrorist attack in Khost, Afghanistan, this past December. But the attempted terrorist attack on Northwest Flight 253 on Christmas Day was a startling reminder to all Americans that in spite of our best efforts we are still under attack, and we still have much work to do to get it right. The constant threat from violent extremists reinforces that now more than ever, and we must give the intelligence community the resources and flexibility it needs to thwart the continuing and emerging threats to United States national security. For the last 4 years, our country has gone without an intelligence authorization bill. I find it very distressing that the House Intelligence Committee, which was created to ensure proper oversight and accountability of our intelligence community, has worked diligently every year to pass a bill but has not seen one signed into law in recent years. As we have seen, the intelligence community is in dire need of independent oversight. Sadly, when we created the Director of National Intelligence, we did not create an independent Inspector General. This bill would remedy that flaw by making clear that the Inspector General does not serve at the whim of the Director of National Intelligence and also has an independent responsibility to keep Congress informed. Some of my colleagues on the other aisle have argued against the creation of a new Inspector General. I would respectfully disagree with their assessment. It is clear that this provision will help to streamline and coordinate oversight. This bill also contains a provision in the manager's amendment providing sensible reforms to the Gang of Eight process. As vice chairman of the committee, I have seen that process abused in the past, and I am glad that we are taking a careful step towards reform. I believe that the administration has a statutory and constitutional duty to keep members of the Intelligence Committee, all members of the Intelligence Committee, fully informed on certain intelligence matters. Therefore, by reforming this process, the bill enhances transparency and bolsters Congress' capacity to conduct important oversight. The bill also clarifies the responsibility of the Director of National Intelligence to cooperate with GAO investigations initiated by Congress. GAO can provide the Congress with valuable expertise and assist with oversight functions, especially in areas of auditing and security clearance reforms. I have stated time and time again that the intelligence community is not diverse enough to do its job of stealing and analyzing foreign countries' secrets. Diversity is a mission imperative. When I came on this committee, I came on after the legendary Lou Stokes, who served on this committee and advanced many measures that are in law today dealing with intelligence. My good friend and my good friend from California's good friend, Julian Dixon, who has departed life, carried that banner, as did Sanford Bishop when he was on this committee. I, along with many other members of the committee, particularly Chairman Reyes, Anna Eshoo and others countless throughout the years, Jane Harman included, we have fought for continuing diversity on this committee. We need people who blend in, speak the language, and understand the cultures in the countries that we are targeting. As my colleagues on the committee and I have mentioned on many occasions, when the intelligence leadership comes to testify, we don't see a lot of diversity at the table. We don't see enough women at the table. It is time for the community to get serious about improving diversity for the sake of our national security. A real diversity effort means more than just staging recruitment drives at colleges with a lot of black students or Latino students. Diversity means hiring, hiring more Arab Americans. It means hiring more Iranian Americans, more Pakistani Americans, more Chinese Americans and more Korean Americans. If the intelligence community is to succeed in its global mission, it must have a global face. I have offered an amendment on diversity in the intelligence community to the underlying bill. My amendment contains a requirement for the Director of National Intelligence to report to Congress on a comprehensive plan to improve diversity in the intelligence community. It calls on the Director to report on specific implementation plans for each element agency in the community. It also requires information on plans to improve minority retention, not only at the junior and mid- grade levels, but at the senior and management levels as well. Finally, it requires that the Director of National Intelligence report to the congressional Intelligence Committees on the efforts being made with diversity training and how improvement in diversity will be measured. This amendment, along with many other important provisions in this bill, will make our intelligence community more effective, more efficient, and more accountable. Given the immense security challenges facing our Nation, it is vital that Congress pass this legislation so that we may continue to fulfill our commitment to the safety and well-being of the great American people. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days with which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous materials into the Record.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to inform Members that the Intelligence Committee has received a classified document from the Department of Justice that is related to the PATRIOT Act authorities currently set to expire at the end of the month. The House may consider a 1-year extension of the PATRIOT Act today so the Intelligence Committee will be making this document available for Member review in the committee offices located in HVC-304. Staff from the Intelligence and Judiciary Committees, as well as personnel from the Justice Department and with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, will be available to answer any questions that Members may have. Members who want to review the document should call the Intelligence Committee to schedule an appointment. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from California, my good friend, Mr. Dreier. All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only. General Leave

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1105 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 117th anniversary of the founding of Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church in West Palm Beach, Florida, an institution that is as old as the city itself. The theme of this year's celebration is ``Enhancing the dream; bright hope for tomorrow''. Payne Chapel was the dream of Ed Walstine, Philip Akery, Bell Jones, Susan Gee Cook, Margaret Akery, D. Jones, and Haley Mickens, who were strongly determined to prepare the way for carrying out ``The Great Commission'' of preaching and witnessing for Christ. They founded their church, known as Bethel, in January of 1893. It was a pioneer era, and the first church was established in ``The Styx'', now Palm Beach. The first trustees were J.J. Gordon, D.J. Jones, and Philip Akery. In 1894, under the pastorate of Rev. T.W. Wilson, the church's name was changed from Bethel to Payne Chapel in honor of Bishop Daniel A. Payne. Payne Chapel was built at Banyan and Tamarind Avenue, under the pastorate of Rev. A.S. Simms, 1894-1895. During the pastorate of Rev. M.T. Carey, 1910-1914, the church's parsonage was built. Rev. S.W. Adair organized the first rally for the new Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church between 1917 and 1920. It was Rev. E.J. Jackson who purchased the present site and laid the foundation between 1922 and 1923. In 1924, Rev. S.W. Adair was again appointed pastor and began work on the new church. In 1928, a hurricane completely destroyed the old church on Banyan Street. The first Sunday in January 1929, services resumed in the basement of the ``New Church on the Hill''. Over the years, many additions were made to Payne Chapel under the pastorate of different reverends to complete the New Church. The main auditorium was dedicated in 1937, new pews were added in 1942, and the church was cleared of all indebtedness in 1948. During the pastorate of Rev. H. McNeal Harris, 1963-1966, the present parsonage was built, and under Rev. Stephen M. Peck, 1969-1981, the church was completely air conditioned. Between 1981 and 1987, land was purchased for two parking areas, the church office, pastor's study, and Christian Education Office were erected in the lower auditorium, and the lounges were completely renovated. In 1988, the New Genesis was instituted under the leadership of Shepherd W.J. Jackson. The church underwent a series of renovations and restoration, including new paint inside and out, safety guard doors, a new roof, pews, furniture, lighting, carpeting, state-of-the-art sound system, piano, organ, and tiling. Furthermore, the mortgage was liquidated and another parking area and additional property around the church were purchased. In November 2002, Bishop John Hurst Adams assigned Rev. Samuel E. Sullivan to Payne Chapel. Under his pastorate, Payne Chapel underwent further renovation and debts on the roof and organ were liquidated. During the 2004-2005 hurricane season, the church and parsonage sustained major wind and water damage. Payne Chapel's keepers worked hard to restore it to its former magnificent grandeur. The church's interior was gutted and treated for mold and mildew, and carpeting, pews, and other furnishing and equipment were replaced. On December 2, 2007, Bishop McKinley Young assigned Rev. Milton Broomfield to pastor Payne Chapel into the future. I am certain that Payne Chapel can look forward to great things under Rev. Broomfield's leadership. Madam Speaker, from 1893 to 2008, 30 pastors, 24 presiding elders, 36 bishops, and three assistant pastors have served Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church. Payne Chapel is more than a building; it is a living testament to the community that built it. As we celebrate the 117th anniversary of its founding and remember the untold numbers of dedicated people who have contributed to making the church what it is today, tomorrow is indeed bright and hopeful.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the economy in America did not transform overnight. Over a period of the last 40 years that I can account as an adult, or working person, many significant changes have taken place in this great country. It is obvious that there were Democrats and Republicans in the United States Congress during that 40 years, and that either party had control of either the House, or the Senate, or the White House, or all of the above, at some point. In my view, it is a bit of hyperbole for someone to suggest that Barack Obama, once he became President of the United States, was to cure that 40-year transformation in our economy that led to joblessness and an almost clear financial disaster for this country and this globe. To expect this President to cure that problem in 1 year is just plain ridiculous. We need a direct-hire job creation program, and we need it now.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution that celebrates the 20th anniversary of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela's release from prison and honors his lifelong dedication to building a more equitable and united world. On February 11, 1990, Nelson Mandela exited Victor Verster Prison in Paarl, South Africa, after 27 years of imprisonment. Years of international pressure from activists, artists and politicians in South Africa and the international community had finally convinced the South African government to reinstate the African National Congress (ANC) as a legitimate political party, and release Nelson Mandela. In the hours following his release, tens of millions around the world watched as Mandela stood at the City Hall in Cape Town and proclaimed his commitment to abolish apartheid and institute a system of government that protected the rights and freedoms of all people. For over 40 years, racial segregation was enforced under the law of apartheid, and severely restricted black South Africans and other people of color from basic human rights and social and economic equality. Madam Speaker, Nelson Mandela never wavered from his commitment to combat apartheid and create a free and democratic country whether he was rallying support for the ANC as a young lawyer and activist, or serving as an inmate at the infamous prison on Robin Island. Decades of menial work and degrading conditions in South Africa's prisons did not make Nelson Mandela's drive to achieve a more just and equal society any less potent. Once released, 71-year-old Nelson Mandela and his ANC colleagues continued their efforts to dismantle apartheid until it finally ended in 1994. More than four years after his release, 20,000,000 South Africans of all colors lined the streets to vote in South Africa's first election that was held under a law of universal suffrage. The people of South Africa elected Nelson Mandela as the first President of the fully representative democratic state, a man whose resilience, humility and eloquence symbolized a new era in which South Africa strove to achieve equality, communication and cooperation within its government and communities. The newly elected President Mandela addressed the world and pledged to lead a ``united, democratic, non-racial and non-sexist government'' for all people of South Africa. Madam Speaker, 20 years after his release, Nelson Mandela's wisdom, strength and work continues to inspire people of all walks of life. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution that commemorates the 20th anniversary of an important moment in world history and recognizes an extraordinary man's dedication to equality, peace and reconciliation.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution that recognizes the Senate Armed Services Committee's hearing on Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and the testimony of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Admiral Michael G. Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the hearing, as an important first step towards equality in the Armed Forces. Furthermore, my resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that this discriminatory law should be repealed in 2010. There are an estimated 66,000 gay and lesbian service members currently on active-duty, serving in all capacities around the world to protect our nation and advance our interests. The misguided policy known as Don't Ask, Don't Tell is yet another enemy to fight at a time when we are strained in two wars. In 2009 alone, we lost 428 service members to Don't Ask, Don't Tell at the estimated cost of over $12 million. We cannot allow the strength and unity of our military to suffer from a destructive force within. Don't Ask, Don't Tell is irreconcilable with the values that our great nation was built on and the values that our Armed Forces embody. The Senate Armed Services Committee's recent hearing on Don't Ask, Don't Tell was indeed historic, being the first Senate hearing on the issue in 17 years. My resolution recognizes the great significance of Defense Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen's testimonies, which sent a clear signal across the nation and through the military ranks that discrimination is not a value of our Armed Forces. Furthermore, it urges the Pentagon working group to deliver an implementation plan to Congress as soon as possible while ensuring that the needs and concerns of all service members are taken into consideration, and strongly recommends that the Senate Armed Services Committee and House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Military Personnel include active- duty service members in their upcoming hearings regarding Don't Ask, Don't Tell. While a majority of the American people support open service by gay and lesbian members of the Armed Forces, there are those who would like to see the policy kept in place. Don't Ask, Don't Tell should be repealed swiftly and replaced with a policy of non-discrimination and inclusion once and for all. Madam Speaker, the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell is long overdue. It is my sincere hope that President Obama, the Department of Defense, the U.S. military, and Congress will do everything in their power to allow gay and lesbian Americans to serve openly as soon as possible. I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution and to join me in working to bring about the full and final repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell this year.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Ira Leesfield on being a recipient of the American Jewish Committee's Judge Learned Hand Award. This prestigious award honors leaders in the legal profession for both their overall excellence in the workplace and their contributions to the community. Mr. Leesfield has always welcomed the challenge to serve the underserved, and it is this devotion that has earned him one of the American Jewish Committee's highest honors. Mr. Leesfield carries himself with great integrity, respect, and dedication in everything he does for his profession and for his community. A look into his background shows just how successful he has been on both of these fronts. In 1976, Ira Leesfield founded Leesfield & Partners, dedicating his professional life to protecting the courtroom rights of the firm's clients throughout Florida and the United States. He currently holds record personal injury verdicts and settlements in a plethora of jurisdictions, earning him recognition as one of America's top ten trial lawyers. However, Mr. Leesfield's interest reaches far beyond monetary figures as he has been recognized for prosecuting cases that benefit the public interest. He has received the American Occupational Rehabilitation Training (ORT) Jurisprudence Award for his dedication to his profession, as well as the prestigious Jurisprudence Award from the Anti-Defamation League for his success in gaining access to the courts for the less privileged. Ira was elected President of both the Melvin M. Belli Society and the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers after receiving each organization's respective awards: the Belli Award and the Al J. Cone Lifetime Achievement Award. A resident of Florida since 1956, Ira is an American Bar Foundation Fellow, life member of the American Association for Justice as well as the Roscoe Pound Foundation, and a past adjunct professor at the University of Miami School of Law. Mr. Leesfield's success hits close to home as his many accomplishments have greatly benefited myself as well as the great people of Florida's 23rd Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I am truly honored to recognize Mr. Ira Leesfield for his dedication to the legal profession and to the South Florida community as a whole.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the astonishing accomplishments of The Lord's Place, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children from the unrelenting grasp of homelessness. Currently our Nation is faced with the sad reality of more than half a million Americans without a place to call home, and some without any shelter at all. To make my district aware of the sheer magnitude of this problem, The Lord's Place will host its 3rd Annual SleepOut event on February 5, 2010, aimed at both fundraising for a solution and giving Americans a glimpse into the lives of the thousands of homeless men, women, and children sleeping either in a shelter or on the streets every night. For decades now, the steps taken by The Lord's Place have improved the lives of homeless families and individuals throughout Palm Beach County. The organization's main goal is to provide and secure economic stability for homeless men, women, and children, and for 30 years they have hosted events and organized programs aimed directly at fulfilling their mission. I admire the work of the volunteers and staff members at The Lord's Place. On a daily basis these hardworking and devoted individuals organize programs, which leave the most forgotten members of our society with a place to call home every night and walk away with something far more valuable than a hefty paycheck. This Friday night, the dedicated staff members and volunteers of The Lord's Place will aim to make the more fortunate members of our community aware of a typical night endured by homeless families and individuals. The 3rd Annual SleepOut in downtown West Palm Beach will feature a performance, presentation, and finally a movie before the participants call it a night and attempt to sleep through the bitter cold conditions faced by so many homeless men, women, or children. The main focus of the SleepOut is what The Lord's Place calls the ``2% Solution.'' If just 2 percent of our community commits to addressing the problem of homelessness, this critical issue can and will be resolved as a result of the community's hard work. I would like to extend my gratitude to those men and women who stepped out of their comfort zones and helped raise both awareness and funds for the mission of The Lord's Place. I commend The Lord's Place for helping to break the vicious cycle that has created homelessness in our community. It is because of their perseverance and compassion that a future in which the right to basic shelter is available to every man, woman, and child in Palm Beach County. As American citizens, it is not only our desire to help those in need. It is our duty to provide every homeless man, woman, and child with a warm place to sleep at night and an opportunity to sustain economic stability. Madam Speaker, I am truly honored to recognize The Lord's Place for all that they do to help the Palm Beach County community and I wish them much success during their 3rd Annual SleepOut.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Chair, I yield 30 seconds to the distinguished chairperson of the committee.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. First, let me thank Bart Gordon and this committee for the extraordinary work that they have done. And even though all of us are going to get an opportunity to say to the chairperson our thanks for his efforts here in Congress, I'd like to just personally thank him not only for the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2009, but for substantial and substantive legislation throughout the course of his career. I'm pleased to offer this amendment to address cybersecurity workforce concerns and advance the development of technical standards. If we're going to do that, we need to consider all of the different innovative opportunities out there. I was disappointed, though, to discover the significant gender and racial disparities in the cybersecurity industry. We know cyberspace touches practically everything and everyone, yet I find it mind-boggling that we haven't made more of an effort to include everyone in protecting it. Women now constitute 50.7 percent of the U.S. population as of 2008, and the U.S. Census Bureau found that only 14 percent of women pursue professional careers in science or technology. Other underrepresented groups mentioned in this amendment include African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. All of these groups have historically been underrepresented in scientific and engineering occupations. The U.S. Census Bureau recorded African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans as 28.2 percent of the U.S. population in 2008, yet these groups only represent a mere 10 percent of the science and technology industry. In order to protect cyberspace, we need a strong vision and leadership. Both will require changes in policy, technology, education, and perhaps law. This bill will be recruiting the best and brightest, and we must ensure these opportunities are available to all Americans. This amendment will address existing and potential racial and gender disparities in the industry. The first part of the amendment deals with the section on the cybersecurity workforce assessment. In this section, we require the President to transmit to Congress a report analyzing the cybersecurity workforce needs of the Federal Government. If we're going to take a good look at the sources and availability of cybersecurity talent in our country, then we must also take a more vigilant look at how we are including the talent of minorities. According to a 1995 report by the National Research Council, ``limited access is the first hurdle faced by women seeking industrial jobs in science and engineering, and while progress has been made in recent years, common recruitment and hiring practices that make extensive use of traditional networks often overlook the available pool of women.'' Madam Chair, it is truly embarrassing that 15 years later, we find ourselves having made such little progress on this issue. The second part of the amendment adds a requirement to include representatives from minority-serving institutions on the Cybersecurity University-Industry Task Force. In order to conduct a national dialogue on cybersecurity and develop more public awareness of the threat and risk, we need an integrated approach--one that includes a diverse industry that can tackle our vulnerabilities while also meeting our economic needs and national security requirements. Madam Chair, the United States needs a comprehensive framework to ensure a coordinated response and recovery by the government, the private sector, and our allies to a significant incident or threat. This amendment ensures that the process is accessible to our Nation's diverse talent. In addition to thanking the committee, and especially Chairman Gordon, I'd like to thank our colleague, Congressman Ciro Rodriguez of Texas for cosponsoring this amendment. I urge my colleagues to support this effort.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

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

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kazakhstan's new role as chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE. The decision by the OSCE participating states to appoint Kazakhstan as its chair for 2010 marks the first time that a former Soviet state will take on this leadership role. The decision was not without controversy, and I would like to acknowledge the efforts made over the past two decades to establish democracy and a market economy. I look forward to full implementation of the promises of reform made by Kazakhstan at the 2007 OSCE Madrid Ministerial. In a January 2010 video address, President Nazarbayev told the OSCE Permanent Council that, ``Kazakhstan as the holder of the OSCE Chairmanship is firmly committed to the fundamental principles and values of the OSCE.'' I welcome and applaud this statement as well as Chairman-in-Office Saudabayev's Permanent Council statement that, ``further steps in the area of democratization in Kazakhstan will be fully in line with the goals and tasks that we have set ourselves during our Chairmanship.'' This month, Kazakhstan Secretary of State-Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev has officially assumed his role as chairman-in-office of the OSCE and I believe he will dedicate his efforts toward realizing Kazakhstan's vision and goals for the OSCE this year. I know Chairman- in-Office Saudabayev's objective is to make the organization even more valid, useful, and effective. I commend Kazakhstan's effective preparation for the chairmanship, and welcome the deepening cooperation between Kazakhstan and the U.S. to make the chairmanship a success. On January 14, Chairman-in-Office Saudabayev outlined his country's plan for executing Kazakhstan's strategic vision. In light of increased threats to international security, including illicit drug trafficking and terrorism, Kazakhstan will focus on preventing conflicts that result in tragedy and disaster. It is important that the United States support these efforts. I also support Chairman-in-Office Saudabayev's intention to continue to focus on the OSCE's human dimension. One area of focus for Kazakhstan as chairmanship of the OSCE will be to address issues pertinent to the developing situation in Afghanistan. In fact, Chairman-in-Office Saudabayev has stated that a principal goal is to help the Afghan people leave behind their militaristic world and develop a lasting peaceful and productive society. To achieve this Kazakhstan has donated $50 million to a new program which will provide vocational training to 1,000 Afghanis at Kazakh universities. Chairman- in-Office Saudabayev also intends to develop cooperative projects that strengthen the border and improve law enforcement practices, and I support increasing OSCE involvement in this regard. Beyond the global peril of Afghanistan is the issue of nuclear disarmament. As a former Soviet state, Kazakhstan should be applauded for its decision to eradicate its inherited nuclear arsenal and for its example and leadership in nuclear nonproliferation. With the mantle of OSCE leadership, Chairman-in-Office Saudabayev will work with the OSCE to achieve increased global security. I commend Kazakhstan for prioritizing the fight against the deplorable and growing concern of human trafficking, particularly that of children. Trafficking has become a major international concern that warrants the attention and cooperation of the OSCE states to develop effective solutions to eliminate such practices. Chairman-in-Office Saudabayev has also expressed the need for increased tolerance and equality, especially with regard to religion, race, and gender. Various conferences and meetings are already in place to discuss the implementation of previous decisions concerning these areas. I plan to attend at least one of the conferences. And I will encourage colleagues to attend as well. Finally, as many of my colleagues would agree, energy security remains a critical global concern. Kazakhstan, with its significant oil, gas and mining potential, plays a key role as a reliable energy supplier. The past two years has seen significant challenges to energy supply and distribution in the OSCE region and there is much that the OSCE could be doing to help mediate differences and encourage greater transparency in this area. I am confident that Chairman-in-Office Saudabayev will bring to bear his country's experience and expertise in energy issues to create greater capacity for energy security both politically and institutionally in the OSCE. I look forward to helping and following the progress of the OSCE under the leadership of Kazakhstan. The priorities outlined by Chairman-in-Office Saudabayev demonstrate the challenges ahead for the OSCE. I wish Chairman-in-Office Saudabayev and the entire Republic of Kazakhstan well as the OSCE chairmanship. It is my hope that by the close of 2010, we will see Kazakhstan's OSCE leadership manifested through positive outcomes. U.S. Official on Commencement of Kazakhstan's OSCE Chairmanship (By Robert O. Blake, Jr., Jan. 20, 2010) As Kazakhstan begins to serve as the Chairman-In-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe this year, it is charting a course for a bright and promising future. It is a future in which the United States and Kazakhstan together seek peace, security, economic development and prosperity. We seek democratic values and human rights that unite free nations in trust and in respect. We seek a region in which relations are good between neighbors, between Russia and China and Afghanistan and all others in the region and of course with the United States. Kazakhstan has been a leader in international security since its earliest days of independence. After the end of the Cold War, the world applauded as Kazakhstan renounced its nuclear weapons, closed the nuclear test site at Semipalatinsk, and freely transferred over half a ton of weapons-grade uranium to secure sites outside the country under Project Sapphire. This past December, we marked the sixteenth anniversary of the landmark Cooperative Threat Reduction Program in Kazakhstan and we continue to work in partnership with Kazakhstan to advance our common non-proliferation goals. In April President Obama will welcome President Nazarbayev and other world leaders to the Global Nuclear Security Summit he will host. Since its independence, Kazakhstan has also set an example in the region with economic reforms that have attracted investment and created jobs. The Government of Kazakhstan is also making wise choices to develop multiple energy export routes and to diversify its economy to ensure that its vast oil wealth can become a source for social mobility, not social stagnation. As Kazakhstan's economy continues to recover from the global economic downturn, it should again be an engine for growth within Central Asia. Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan would benefit immensely from Kazakhstan) investment and energy supplies to stimulate growth and create jobs. And Afghanistan needs the full partnership of Kazakhstan to overcome the destitution that extremists, warlords, and civil war have compounded over several decades. Kazakhstan is providing vital logistical support to the International Security Assistance Force through the Northern Distribution Network. We welcome Astana's decision to invest in Afghanistan's next generation of leaders by generously allocating $50 million to fund scholarships for a thousand Afghan students to study In Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan's OSCE Chairmanship is highly symbolic. The OSCE had long prided itself for stretching from Vancouver to Vladisvostok. Now, for the very first time, a major international organization is headed by a new country east of Vienna. It is a recognition that the OSCE draws its strength not only from Europe and the United States, but also from Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Balkans. The challenges facing the OSCE and the international community are real but our strength comes from facing those challenges collectively and with a common purpose. The United States looks forward to working with Kazakhstan this year to meet these challenges and achieve the goal of modernizing and strengthening the OSCE, for the benefit of all participating States. Kazakhstan has successfully navigated the early stages of statehood. It has achieved a position of leadership on international security and economic development. And now, Kazakhstan, as the OSCE Chairman-in-Office has an unprecedented opportunity to lead Central Asia towards a future of democracy and to advance its own reform agenda to unleash the creative energy of its people. With continued reform, Kazakhstan can become the nexus of Eurasia in the 21st century, the point where all roads cross. For thousands of years, along the ancient Silk Road, the communities of Central Asia facilitated the global exchange of ideas, and trade, and culture. In the process, they made historic contributions to our collective human heritage. Today, as Kazakhstan assumes the OSCE mantle, it is poised and ready to break a fresh path for a new Silk Road, a great crossroads of reform linking the provinces of northern Russia to the ports of South Asia, the republics of Western Europe to the democracies of East Asia. A strong and prosperous and democratic Kazakhstan can energize the global transmission of learning, trade and freedom across the steppes of Central Asia. Kazakhstan has a glorious past and can seize a hopeful future. The United States will continue to be Kazakhstan's steadfast partner.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Veterans Pensions Protection Act of 2010, which will protect veterans from losing their pension benefits because they received payments to cover expenses incurred after an accident, theft, loss or casualty loss. When assessing a veteran's eligibility for a pension, the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, considers a variety of sources of revenue to determine a veteran's annual income. If such income exceeds the income limit set by the VA, the veteran does not qualify for a pension or loses their benefits. Currently, the VA considers any reimbursement that compensates a veteran for his/or her expenses due to accidents, theft or loss as income. Only reimbursements of expenses related to casualty loss are currently exempted from determination of income. Under current law, if a veteran is seriously injured in an accident or the victim of a theft and receives insurance compensation to cover his/or her medical expenses, the cost of replacement of the stolen items, or for pain and suffering, he/or she will likely lose their pension. This means that the law effectively punishes veterans when they suffer from such an accident or theft. Such a tragedy happened to one of my constituents, a Navy veteran with muscular dystrophy who was hit by a truck when crossing the street in his wheelchair. His pension was abruptly cut off after he received an insurance settlement payment to cover medical expenses for himself and his service dog, and material expenses to replace his wheelchair. As a result, he could not cover his daily expenses and mortgage payments and almost lost his home. This is unacceptable! The Veterans Pensions Protection Act will amend the U.S. Code to exempt the reimbursement of expenses related to accidents, theft, loss or casualty loss from being included into the determination of a veteran's income. This will guarantee the continuity of our veterans' pensions and that no veteran will have their benefits unfairly and abruptly depreciated or cancelled. Madam Speaker, we must ensure that pensions are issued to veterans who legitimately meet the income criteria and rely on such benefits to survive. We must enact regulations that help veterans live better lives, not hurt them. No veterans should be unable to pay their medical bills, unable to get the care they need, or in a situation where they could lose their home. After serving our country so valiantly, our veterans deserve no less than the very best benefits.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the students and staff of Dillard Elementary School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, for their dedication to helping the people of Haiti in the wake of the 7.0 earthquake of January 12, 2010. Not enough sorrow can be expressed for the people of Haiti and all those affected by this tragic event. Every day, more information filters in from Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas that begins to shed light on the extent of the catastrophe in Haiti. This earthquake was a horror of epic proportions. It is estimated that over 200,000 Haitians, including hundreds of people from countries around the world, have died. In the aftermath of disaster, there have been numerous aftershocks reaching magnitudes of up to 6.1, and more unrest is expected. For years, Haitians have lived in misery beyond human understanding. Long after the final aftershock, the thousands of Haitians left homeless, injured, and starving will have to rebuild their country from the ground up. It is our moral duty as members of our global community to provide aid to Haiti in its time of great need. This cry for help has been answered by the students and staff of Dillard Elementary School. They are committed to raising $5,000 for the people of Haiti through community fundraisers and have already begun a coin drive with great enthusiasm. This is our nation at its finest hour. Seeing communities all across the nation rally around this noble cause is a reminder of the human compassion and dignity that we all share. My office is proud to support Dillard Elementary School in its efforts, as are many of my constituents and businesses in Florida's 23rd district, including Paradise Bank, The Westside Gazette, and Palm Harbor Prep. Madam Speaker, the students and staff of Dillard Elementary School are role models for us all. I hope that we will follow their example and dig deep to help the people of Haiti in one of its darkest hours.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Wildlife and Zoological Veterinary Medicine Enhancement Act of 2010. This legislation will develop affordable opportunities for well qualified individuals who are seeking to become wildlife and zoological veterinarians, spur job growth and promote robust public health policy. Wildlife and zoo veterinarians are the primary source of essential health care for and management of wild animals in their natural habitat and in captivity. Not only do they preserve natural resources and animal lives, but they help protect human health by preventing, detecting, and responding to exotic and dangerous diseases. With the intensification of globalization and climate change, along with a growing interface between humans, livestock, and wildlife, the threat posed by emerging infectious diseases to humans and wildlife keeps increasing. Controlling pandemic and large-scale outbreaks of disease has become more problematic. However, the United States faces a shortage of positions for wildlife and zoo veterinarians. On average, veterinarian graduates owe $130,000 in student loans. Upon graduation, professionals practicing wildlife and zoological veterinary medicine earn relatively low salaries, compared to companion animal medicine. Lower salaries, combined with high educational debt and the small number of positions available discourage students from becoming wildlife and zoo veterinarians. The number of practical trainings and formal educational programs specializing in wildlife and zoological veterinary medicine are also insufficient to allow graduates to make significant contributions. My bill will directly address these issues which prevent and dissuade veterinarians from practicing wildlife and zoological medicine. It will participate in the national job creation effort by funding new positions for wildlife and zoo veterinarians and will ensure that veterinary students find jobs upon graduation. The bill will also limit the amount of educational debt for students while providing incentives to study and practice wildlife and zoo veterinary medicine through the establishment of scholarships and loan repayment programs. Lastly, my legislation will advance education by helping schools develop pilot curricula specializing in wildlife and zoo veterinary medicine and by expanding the number of practical training programs available to students. Madam Speaker, we have reached a point in our history when we cannot ignore the importance of protecting America's wildlife. Wild animals are a very important part of our commonly held natural resources and contribute to maintaining a balanced ecosystem. With an increasing number of endangered species, the introduction of invasive non-native species, and more infectious disease threats, wildlife and zoological veterinarians must be placed at the core of our efforts and be given the resources and recognition necessary to protect both animal and human lives. I urge my colleagues to extend a helping hand to America's veterinarians by supporting this important piece of legislation.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) women and men who were killed recently in Khost, Afghanistan. I recently returned from a House Intelligence Committee oversight visit to various locations in Europe and the Middle East. I met with a number of CIA officers, who provided me with exhaustive briefings on the December 30 bombing in Khost, Afghanistan. That bombing killed seven of their CIA colleagues and wounded a number of others, several grievously. Many others have offered words of praise for the selfless patriots who gave their lives for their country, and words of condolence to their families and loved ones. In memorial services and private funerals scheduled for the coming weeks, many more will surely do the same. I am honored to add my voice to this chorus. I have met with hundreds of CIA professionals in my years on the Intelligence Committee. I can tell you that they are invariably brave, committed patriots who have dedicated their lives to the protection of this nation. Their jobs are difficult and dangerous in the best of times. In others--as the recent tragedy reminds us their missions require the ultimate sacrifice. We owe the seven Americans killed in Khost our thanks and praise. We owe their families our condolences and our prayers. And we owe their colleagues our respect, admiration, and gratitude.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Victor Guzman, whose great generosity in creating a scholarship fund for the Palm Beach Community College Foundation will increase access to higher education for young people in the Belle Glade community. Dr. Guzman was motivated to establish the Lake Okeechobee Muck Rat Nation Scholarship Fund after reading an article last year in the Palm Beach Post. The article reported on the low graduation rates among black males in Belle Glade and detailed the low wages, high incarceration rates, insufficient job prospects, and lack of hope felt by so many young black men in the western Palm Beach County community. Living in the Glades for almost 60 years, Dr. Guzman realized that there were too many young people who did not have the economic means to go to school. The Lake Okeechobee Muck Rat Nation Scholarship Fund, named after those people who make their living working in the fields within the Everglades Agricultural Area, will enable more Belle Glade students to enroll in Palm Beach Community College. Dr. Guzman donated $100,000, most of his life savings, to establish the fund. Two $500 scholarships will be available for students who are accepted by the school, enrolled for at least 12 credits per term, live in Palm Beach County, attend the Belle Glade campus, and demonstrate financial need. Education has always been a priority for Dr. Victor Guzman, a 95- year-old retired agricultural research scientist who worked for the University of Florida. A native of Peru, the University of Florida hired him in 1951 to help improve local farmers' crop production. He spent his career developing chemicals for weed control as well as virus-resistant strains of lettuce that thrive in the rich, organic soil surrounding Lake Okeechobee. These contributions have benefited the health and nutrition of the people in his community and around the world. Madam Speaker, Dr. Victor Guzman is an excellent role model for us all. He has invested in the future of his community by making higher education accessible to more young people. Generations of students in the Glades area will be forever indebted to him for his compassion and concern.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, as Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission I wish to mark the recent passing of Micah H. Naftalin, an enthusiastic leader of the grassroots movement on behalf of oppressed Jews in the Soviet Union. His dedicated work contributed significantly in advancing the cause of refuseniks denied their right to leave the U.S.S.R. During the dark days of the Cold War, Micah was an impassioned champion for human rights for members of the Jewish community and others, including political prisoners, in the Soviet Union. Micah was similarly unwavering in his commitment to combat anti- Semitism and related violence, closely monitoring and reporting on developments in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. He was appointed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council in 1982, later serving as acting director. For more than two decades Micah served as national director of the Union of Councils for Jews in the former Soviet Union. He worked closely with the Helsinki Commission to advance democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Russia and elsewhere in the former Soviet Union. In 1993, he served as a public member on the U.S. delegation to the annual meeting to review implementation of human rights commitments by signatories to the Helsinki Final Act. In 2007, he helped found the Coalition Against Hate, a consortium of human rights NGOs from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus united in their efforts to monitor hate crimes. Madam Speaker, I join Chairman Ben Cardin and others on the Helsinki Commission in expressing our condolences to Micah's family and his many friends.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I send to the desk a privileged concurrent resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.