Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the National Commission on Employment and Economic Security Act of 2009. This legislation is a necessary and vital investment in the people of the American workforce and their families. This bill will establish a national commission to examine issues of economic and psychological insecurity within our workforce that have been caused by employment displacement. Further, it will propose solutions, including recommendations for legislative and administrative action, to Congress and the President. Since the recession began in December 2007, more than 5.1 million jobs have been lost. Last month, the national unemployment rate reached an unprecedented 8.5 percent, the highest it has been since the recession of 1983 and it is much higher in many states like Florida, at 9.7 percent, and it has topped 12.6 percent in Michigan. Over the past year, unemployment rates have increased in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The scope of the economic downturn is so large that its impact is felt virtually everywhere along the economic spectrum. While Americans lose their jobs and their incomes shrink, too often, they face the loss of their family's health insurance and, subsequent to the loss of income, even their housing. According to a September 2008 survey by the American Psychology Association, 80 percent of Americans say the economy is a significant cause of stress, an increase from 66 percent since April 2008. Perhaps even more disturbing, calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline have increased by more than 20 percent from January 2008 to January 2009. Madam Speaker, the mental health of the American worker will be integral on the road to economic recovery and Congress must face this problem head on and help the very people who are facing unemployment, loss of health insurance, home foreclosure, stress, increased violence, and depression. It is time that we create this Commission and get our nation back on track. We have a solemn responsibility to ensure the greatest possible assistance to the American workforce, whose commitment to economic participation has been a defining feature of the cultural fabric of our country. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I remember the millions of souls who died at the hands of the Nazis and, specifically, the approximately six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. I remember the approximately one and a half million children who were brutally murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators. In the United States Congress and all over the world, we embrace this solemn day of remembrance. It is Yom HaZikaron laShoah ve-laGvura, `Remembrance Day for the Holocaust and Heroism,' known commonly in Israel and abroad as Yom HaShoah or Holocaust Remembrance Day. I have always aspired to stand by the saying `Never be a bystander.' For that reason, I find it appropriate to recall the story which took place on the 27th of the Hebrew month Nisan, which is the day in 1951 the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, designated as Yom HaShoah. On this day in 1943, a small group of less than one thousand Jewish rebels in Poland's Warsaw Ghetto were in the midst of fighting back against the elite Waffen-SS soldiers who had been tasked with ``liquidating'' the Ghetto. With only a few firearms, a tiny supply of ammunition, and a small number of makeshift explosives, it took the Nazis nearly a month to defeat the small band of Jewish fighters. Better known as `the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising,' this was the most significant act of Jewish resistance during the Holocaust. They never lost hope and, although the story ultimately ended tragically, it remains today an inspiration to us all of the unshakable will of human beings to live in freedom. I quote my friend, the fifth Prime Minister of Israel, Yitzhak Rabin, when he spoke at the Central Memorial Assembly in Warsaw on the 50th Anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in 1993: `There were those who believed that, with the fall of the Nazis, racism would be abolished from the earth. They were mistaken. Fifty years after the fall of Hitler, his successors have arisen in various corners of the world.' Today is a time for reflection, but it is not enough to simply remember. We must continue to fight hatred and intolerance wherever it exists, for human freedom depends on the presence of justice, the justice that was denied to so many during the dark days of World War II. To ignore that lesson is unforgivable. Today in the Darfur region of Sudan, genocide is taking place. This conflict has engulfed millions of people and cost hundreds of thousands of lives. Innocent people are being murdered, starved, and driven from their homes simply because of the color of their skin. As we commemorate Yom HaShoah, it is my hope that all people will banish the sort of dark hatred that gave rise to the Holocaust and, more recently, to the events in Darfur. May our consciences prevent us always from being bystanders in times and places where that sort of evil is present. Today I remember the past and take a stand for our future.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution that pays tribute to Pedro Zamora, a world renowned educator and activist who moved millions to confront their fears and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. Pedro Pablo Zamora y Diaz was born on February 29, 1972, in the outskirts of Havana, Cuba, the eighth and youngest child of a tight- knit family. Like countless others, the Zamora family left Cuba's shores for a better life. And on May 30, 1980, Pedro, his brother, sister, and parents boarded a crowded boat and began the 25-hour treacherous voyage to Hialeah, Florida, a suburb of Miami. Pedro was eight years old. Five years later, tragedy struck the Zamora family when Pedro lost his beloved mother to skin cancer. The precocious teenager responded by immersing himself in academics and extracurricular activities, becoming an honor student, president of the science club and captain of the cross-country team, and was voted ``most intellectual'' and ``most all around'' by his peers. However, it was Pedro's actions outside of school which changed the course of his life. Struggling with being gay and seeking to fill the void that was created by his mother's death, the 14-year-old honor student began having unprotected sex with multiple men. Unbeknown to Pedro, the first Surgeon General's report on HIV/AIDS was issued around the same time. At the height of the Reagan era and the ``War on Drugs'' another war was being waged against a new disease that was killing an alarming number of people in the gay community and beyond. Ironically, the Surgeon General's report stated that comprehensive sex education was the most powerful weapon against HIV/AIDS and should begin at the lowest grade possible. The report also mentioned the importance of teaching children about healthy heterosexual and homosexual relationships, and acknowledged that HIV/AIDS had a disproportionate effect among Latinos and blacks. And yet, this lifesaving message failed to trickle down into many classrooms across the country. The sex education that Pedro Zamora received within his Miami school stigmatized HIV/AIDS, portrayed homosexuality as shameful, and failed to provide him and other students with a relevant, factual and thorough understanding of HIV/AIDS. On November 9, 1989, Pedro Zamora received confirmation that he had contracted the HIV virus. He was 17 years old. Refusing to let the devastating news damper his spirit, Zamora joined a Miami-based HIV/AIDS resource center called Body Positive, where he met others who were living with HIV/AIDS. A new desire to educate others about AIDS was ignited, and Pedro decided to devote his talents as a thinker and communicator to a career in AIDS education. Pedro began raising awareness about HIV/AIDS within the Latino community in South Florida. He lectured at schools from the primary to collegial level, churches, community centers, and other venues around the country. He spoke about the need for evidence-based education for preventing and managing HIV/AIDS, forming healthy relationships, de- stigmatizing HIV/AIDS and combating homophobia. In mid-1993, Pedro Zamora sent his audition tape to the producers of MTV's television reality series The Real World. Out of more than 25,000 applicants, he was chosen to live in front of the camera along with six other cast-mates in San Francisco for over four months. In the following year, Zamora made history on The Real World as one of the first openly gay men living with HIV/AIDS featured on a television series in the United States. Pedro's activism, charisma, struggles with HIV/AIDS and relationships were captured on film-- including a blossoming romance with Sean Sasser, another man of color living with HIV/AIDS. In another historical first, the two pledged their love to each other in a commitment ceremony on the show. Soon, Pedro's story and efforts received national attention from The Wall Street Journal, Geraldo, and Oprah Winfrey. But, Pedro had his sights set on Washington, D.C. In 1993, Zamora spoke about living with AIDS as a gay man of color at a Capitol Hill reception, and in 1994, he testified during a Congressional hearing on HIV/AIDS prevention. In the following months, President Bill Clinton and Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala personally recognized and thanked Pedro Zamora for his leadership and work on the AIDS Action Council Board and for humanizing and personalizing those living with HIV/AIDS. However, this gifted and courageous young man, like many others, was uninsured. And his lack of insurance proved to be as deadly as the virus that was plaguing his body. In August 1994, Pedro Zamora checked into St. Vincent's Hospital in New York City and was diagnosed with a rare and fatal viral inflammation of the brain resulting from a severely suppressed immune system. At the age of 22, Pedro was told that he had three to four months to live. On November 11, 1994, Pedro Zamora died in the company of his family, partner Sean, and friends. He was buried two days later in Miami Lakes, Florida. Numerous memorial funds and fellowships have been established in Pedro's memory, and in 2008, a film that dramatized his life and legacy was completed. Madam Speaker, 15 years after Pedro's death, HIV/AIDS has become one of the most serious global health concerns in modern history and has spread to every continent, infecting and affecting people across the lines of race, class, religion, and sexual orientation. Sadly, a quarter of HIV/ AIDS infected persons are unaware of their status and less than 30% of HIV-infected persons receive anti-retroviral treatment. Latinos and blacks are still disproportionately contracting and dying from AIDS. My home state of Florida has consistently ranked third in the nation in the number of cases of HIV/AIDS. And, the majority of infected persons reside in South Florida, which also has the highest concentration of uninsured people in the state. In the absence of a cure, prevention, education, and antiretroviral drugs still remain our best weapons against HIV/AIDS. Culturally competent and age appropriate education about sex, sexually transmitted infections (STI), and treatment and prevention options must be available in our nation's schools, prisons and communities. And, the de-stigmatization of HIV/AIDS, sexual behavior, and sexuality remain no less important today than it was a decade and a half ago. During his testimony before Congress, 22-year-old Pedro Zamora said, ``What we need is the collective will to care about young people and about people with different backgrounds and make sure that one day people grow up in a world without AIDS.'' His words are timeless, and challenge us to be diligent in our efforts to stop HIV/AIDS, and the disease of intolerance in this country. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution commemorating the life, sacrifices, and grace of a remarkable man and teacher who has left an enduring memory and legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 294 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Reclaiming my time, I am putting a question to my colleague, and I will then reference time for him. When you said we should incentivize the private sector, who is the ``we'' that you are talking about?

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Yes.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Reclaiming my time, it is still the government as an institution that you refer to that is going to do these things. It is just that somehow or another, I guess, ideologically, my good friend and I are opposites when it comes, not only to health care, but to a variety of issues of major consequence. If this Nation does not face up to its responsibilities having to do with Social Security, if we do not significantly address the issues of Medicare and Medicaid, then somehow or another, I think we are leaving the least of us out of this process. It is one thing to believe that if we incentivize the Tax Code that it is going to solve the problem, but that is not going to reach those persons at the very bottom. For example, I hope that this budget addresses community health facilities. I believe this resolution represents the vital first step toward adequately addressing health care reform, energy policy and climate change, financial regulation and oversight, job growth and the recovery and long-term stability of our Nation's economy. Now, in spite of the criticism from our friends on the other side, if they feel about this rule that it is unfair, perhaps unprecedented, our only intention today is to ensure that this resolution is considered in a timely manner so that our committees may be adequately funded and so that we may continue to do the work of the American people. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule. I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. For the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the distinguished gentleman, my friend from California (Mr. Dreier). All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only. I yield myself such time as I may consume. General Leave

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I also ask, Mr. Speaker, unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 294.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 294 provides for consideration of the 111th Congress committee funding resolution. As my colleagues may know, clause 7 of rule X provides for the interim committee funding until the permanent funding resolution is in place. That temporary funding expires today. Therefore, it is very important that we consider and pass this rule and the underlying resolution today. The committee funding resolution before us is the result of a bipartisan effort between Chairman Brady and Ranking Member Lungren of the Committee on House Administration. It was reported from the committee by a voice vote, and included an amendment by the ranking member to help increase transparency and accountability in the committee funding process. This is a very fair and modest funding resolution which seeks to keep costs down, but still allow committees to fulfill their duties. This resolution recommends to the House an authorization to expend approximately $149.6 million in the first session and $154.9 million in the second session. This totals approximately $12.4 million below the combined levels requested by each of the committees. It further reflects the commitment of Democrats to fairness and bipartisanship. The resolution incorporates an amendment by Ranking Member Lungren and carries forward the ``one-third'' rule in which a third of committee resources are used to support the work of the minority. Rather than blindly tying committee funding to inflation or some other arbitrary number, this resolution is tailored to meet the unique challenges and circumstances facing this Congress. As we work to implement the sweeping agenda of Democratic leadership and the new Democratic administration while simultaneously addressing seemingly unprecedented challenges, this resolution sensibly provides targeted increases to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Small Business, and Standards of Official Conduct, among others. The 12 percent increase recommended for the Committee on Financial Services is vital, considering the committee's stewardship of our Nation's financial recovery. It ensures that the committee not only has the resources to develop the legislation necessary to further our economic recovery, but also ensures that the committee has the capacity to adequately oversee the execution of these policies. This increase, as well as the increase in funding for the Committee on Small Business, will help ensure that hard-earned taxpayer dollars are going into the right hands and helping the right people. Additionally, with health care reform a priority for this Congress and our new President, H. Res. 279 provides an increase of 11 percent for the Committee on Energy and Commerce so we can continue our efforts to provide health care for every single American, in addition to working to finally achieve energy independence. And while Congress continues to take on the task of overseeing our Nation's financial industry and the execution of our recovery initiatives, this body is ever-more scrutinized by the watchful eye of the American public. In order to ensure public trust in Congress, this resolution provides for an increase of 10 percent for the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. This resolution provides a pragmatic, fiscally prudent approach to committee funding, increasing total funding in 2009 by less than 5 percent, an amount within the D.C. cost of living adjustment. Further, it provides a 3.9-percent increase in 2010, to accommodate the increased legislative and oversight work load typically seen in the second session. It also assures adequate oversight by requiring committee chairs and ranking members to return to the Committee on House Administration by February of 2010 to report on committee spending. This funding resolution strikes a responsible balance between the expanded oversight duties of the 111th Congress and the realities of our current economic climate. It will help this Congress adequately meet our economy's pressing needs, while working toward implementing the policies that will drive our Nation into the 21st century. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this rule and of the resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I inquire of my good friend from California if he has any remaining speakers?

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I am the last speaker for this side, so I will reserve my time until the gentleman has closed for his side and has yielded back his time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to address one of the concerns that my good friend raised with reference to Oversight and Government Reform. It remains the second best-funded committee in the House with the second largest staff, and Oversight and Government Reform did not use $700,000 of their funding last year, showing that they have a good cushion of additional funding to use this year. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 297 is a practical resolution that reflects the new pressing priorities of the 111th Congress. The funding levels authorized in this resolution will provide our committees with the resources necessary to carry out Congress' increase in oversight responsibilities and to implement the sweeping legislative initiatives of the President's and Democrats' in Congress, referencing yet one more item raised by my good friend as he references the things that are being done. When people tell me that we are trying to do too much, I always ask: What is it that they would leave out that we should not be doing? Would they leave out education? Do they think that energy independence is not particularly critical? Is there anyone in this body or anywhere in this country who does not understand the critical need for health insurance for all Americans? One thing is certain: When we are talking about the economy, we are talking about health care, and if we do not do things with reference to health care, then we are not going to be able to solve our economic crisis.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Of course, I will yield.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

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

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution that acknowledges the admirable role of assistance dogs in helping our wounded veterans live more independent lives, expresses gratitude to the Tower of Hope, and supports the goals and ideals of creating a Tower of Hope Day. We currently have over 170,000 troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thousands of those brave service men and women have been seriously wounded in combat. Many of these courageous soldiers suffer from brain injuries, single and double amputations, and other traumatic wounds. As a result, they are required to spend weeks, months, and years in hospitals recovering from their injuries. Madam Speaker, we must not forget that these brave men and women are still in genuine need of assistance to continue their recovery. Assistance dogs will help to empower veterans in need of assistance to live a more comfortable and independent life. The Tower of Hope is dedicated to providing wounded soldiers with service dogs. The Tower of Hope was created following the September 11th terrorist attacks in an effort to bring about hope and happiness to our wounded veterans. Among other things, these dogs assist wounded veterans with the necessary everyday tasks such as using the stairs, retrieving items, pulling wheelchairs, and even turning lights on and off. In addition to these essential life tasks, service animals offer priceless companionship and unconditional love. Madam Speaker, we are at a point in our history where the demand for our troops is high and the nature of their work puts them in grave danger on a daily basis. We must not overlook the great sacrifices that our soldiers make each and every day in the name of freedom. It is unacceptable that fewer than 75 veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan have service dogs because they cannot afford them or are unaware of their benefits. Currently, such brave men and women have to wait up to two years to receive an assistance animal. Our soldiers deserve nothing less than our steadfast support and access to services that improve their quality of life. The Tower of Hope has been dedicated to substantially improving the lives of veterans. Through tireless and devoted work, the Tower of Hope has raised funds for training assistance dogs and labored to educate people about the benefits of such animals. Most of all, the Tower of Hope has been able to award grants to veterans, allowing them to enjoy these dogs' services at no cost. This resolution lauds the outstanding work of the Tower of Hope and expresses gratitude to all the volunteers and donors who have made these programs possible through their generosity. Additionally, this resolution supports the goals and ideals of creating a Tower of Hope Day. Madam Speaker, throughout the years, this great nation has been shaped by our willingness to help our neighbors in their greatest time of need. This giving spirit that defines our country is embodied in the Tower of Hope. We owe it to our veterans and the history of this country to support the development of a program that inspires hope and strengthens our tradition of compassion to those who need it most. I urge my colleagues to extend a helping hand to America's veterans by supporting this resolution.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of Earth Hour 2009, sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The WWF has been a major advocate for our earth and addressing the environmental threats we face. Earth Hour 2009 is an opportunity for individuals all across globe to join together in responding to the rapid deterioration of our earth's climate. On March 28, 2009 at 8:30 pm (EST), the world will come together to participate in the first global vote for action on climate change. With their light switch as their ballot, hundreds of millions of people in more than 75 countries will cast a powerful, visual vote for action by turning off their lights for one hour. Earth Hour was first celebrated two years ago in Sydney, Australia in partnership with the WWF, when 2.2 million people and thousands of businesses turned off their lights for one hour. In March 2008, Earth Hour went global with more than 50 million people in over 400 cities participating, including an estimated 36 million Americans. Earth hour 2009 has expanded its reach with the support of nearly 1,000 cities around the world, including U.S. cities Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, St. Louis, and Washington, DC. Additionally, international cities committed to the cause include Beijing, Copenhagen, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Moscow, and Paris. Madam Speaker, by participating in Earth Hour here in the U.S., it sends a message that Americans care about climate change and stand with the rest of the world in raising awareness about this escalating crisis. With every flick of a light-switch, a vote is cast for meaningful action. I urge my colleagues take part in this historic event by turning off their lights and taking a stand for our environment on March 28.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution that addresses one of the most crucial health concerns facing our nation: expanding access to quality long-term care in the home and community. Long-term care is a broad range of health and social services that are used by people who cannot care for themselves because of a physical, cognitive, or mental disability. Eighty percent of long-term care now occurs in the home. The majority of long-term care is provided by family caregivers that are accompanied by community services such as Adult Day Care Programs, home-delivered meals programs, mental health services, and home health workers. Sadly, too many patients and families are enduring the physical, emotional and financial consequences of having poor access to long-term care services. Madam Speaker, well over 9.4 million adults receive long-term care in the United States of America. And this number is expected to rise. Longer life spans among the chronically ill and disabled, and higher incidences of acquired disabilities from unmanaged conditions such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, obesity and heart disease will increase our reliance on long-term care. In little more than two decades, one-fifth of the U.S. population will be age sixty-five or older. States with significant elder populations--like Florida--know the importance of ensuring that our health care system is well equipped to provide decent and routine long- term care services. However, the increase in demand for long-term care services has not been followed by an increased incentive to effectively address and solve the disparities in access to high-quality long-term care. Amazingly, there has never been a national plan for long-term care, and nearly twenty years have passed since Congress comprehensively reviewed long-term care policy. The lack of streamlined standards and dominant payment methods for long-term care has left our long-term care system handicapped: depriving countless people of much needed services and placing a tremendous financial and emotional burden on families and caregivers. A significant portion of long-term care is financed with personal funds, and Medicaid is the largest public payer for long-term care. Medicaid and out-of-pocket-spending exclude countless persons from receiving health care service, which can lead to more costly and invasive medical interventions. Madam Speaker, this is an important bill that must be supported during a critically important time when we are tasked with solving one of the most serious financial and health challenges of our era. This resolution calls for integrating long-term care into health care reform and for making long-term health more affordable. The resolution regards preventative health and the management of chronic disease as essential components in decreasing the future dependence on long-term care by preventing conditions from becoming permanently debilitating or disabling. And, it encourages collaboration among local, state and federal health care entities to improve working conditions and training for home health aides to lower turnover rates, staff shortages, patient abuse and raising the standard of care. This resolution supports funding for existing technologies, programs and intiatives that assist informal care givers, and help maintain and improve long-term health services for the disabled and elderly. Lastly, it commits to aiding relevant parties in composing, executing, and economic disparties that limit access to care. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution and to truly invest in the present and future welfare of our nation's health care system.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation that commends the Australian government for apologizing for its mistreatment of Indigenous Australians and Torres Islanders, and for committing to fighting the disparities that continue to impact Indigenous communities. Indigenous Australians first arrived on the continent more than 50,000 years ago, developed one of the oldest cultures on earth, and made world renowned contributions to the arts, politics and athletics despite the hardships that they faced at home. From the mass killings of Indigenous people by European settlers during the 18th Century to restricting Indigenous Australians from the right to vote until 1962, violence, discrimination and disenfranchisement have however, played a significant role in European and Indigenous relations for centuries. Perhaps Australia's most notorious action against the Indigenous population during the 20th Century was the Australian government's authorization of the removal of tens of thousands of children of native and mixed ancestry from their homes under the Protection Acts. These were inspired by racist and pseudo-scientific notions of cultural and racial superiority, and designed to eradicate Indigenous culture and the very existence of the Indigenous people. The victims of this national atrocity are often referred to as the Stolen Generation. Madam Speaker, the legacy of official and unofficial discriminatory practices by the Australian Government has contributed to substandard education, health, employment and lack of political power among Australia's Indigenous population. On average, Indigenous Australians die 17 years earlier than white Australians, and have higher instances of infant mortality, unemployment and homelessness. These figures are a jarring reminder that Australia's prosperity has yet to fully reach the people who first inhabited the land. On February 13, 2008 millions of Australians of all colors and ethnicities witnessed Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's formal apology--on behalf of the Australian Government and its Parliament--to the Indigenous and Torres Island community. The long awaited apology was accompanied with a promise from the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to donate $4.6 billion to fund initiatives to improve life expectancy, health, education and employment in Indigenous communities. Nearly a year later, Prime Minister Rudd addressed the nation and reported on the status of the initiatives that were implemented and drafted after the apology, and reiterated the importance of change and reconciliation. Madam Speaker, American Theologian Tryon Edwards said, ``Right actions in the future are the best apologies for bad actions in the past.'' The value of Australia's apology is undoubtedly determined by the Australian government's ability to aggressively address the systemic inequalities that exclude most Indigenous people from the standard of living that is held by the vast majority of non-Indigenous Australians. Like Australia, racial disparities exist in the United States. As we commend Australia on its willingness to confront its past, let us also reflect on our history with the purpose of comprehensively targeting the residual barriers that prevent some Americans from accessing opportunities in this country.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce a resolution commending the International Criminal Court for issuing an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. This resolution reaffirms our nation's commitment to supporting a multifaceted approach to bringing about peace and stability in the Darfur region. After over six years of conflict in Darfur, six years of government-led genocide against its own people, six years of murder, rape, torture, and oppression, I applaud the international community for taking a major step forward in the name of justice, humanity, and the rule of law. Madam Speaker, no leader who commits such horrific crimes should be allowed to remain free. President al-Bashir has directed the Sudanese government's efforts to use the very worst kinds of crimes to carry out an active program of oppression. While the roots of this conflict run deep, combining a complex mix of racial, tribal, religious, political, geographic, and environmental matters, surely there can be no excuse to engage in the kind of violence that President al-Bashir has inflicted on the people of Darfur. It is well past time to bring him to justice. I laud the International Criminal Court for issuing a warrant for President al-Bashir's arrest. This was a long time coming. The ICC owes a great deal to the grassroots efforts of a wide range of non- governmental organizations (NGOs), human rights groups, individual experts, and other activists for keeping up the pressure on the international community to act. This warrant has not yet resulted in an arrest, nor even in a cessation of hostilities. In fact, President al-Bashir responded to the warrant by expelling over a dozen international aid agencies from the region, further threatening the lives of well over 1 million people who depend on these organizations for food, water, shelter, health care, and personal safety. Such is the measure of the Sudanese government and its leadership. But this warrant is a major step forward. When the international community begins to hold leaders responsible for their unconscionable crimes, we begin to prevent such abuses from occurring in the future. Madam Speaker, I am under no illusion that this arrest warrant--even if it results in President al-Bashir's arrest and removal from power-- will end the conflict in Darfur. This warrant is yet another step on the long road to ending this conflict and achieving some measure of stability in the war-torn region. But it will require a comprehensive approach combining positive political, economic, social, and even military efforts. The United States, for one, needs to build on the ICC's momentum by immediately committing to an intense diplomatic effort. I welcome Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's affirmative remarks on the ICC's warrant, and I further encourage President Obama to appoint a full-time, high-level envoy to the region. We can and we must build on the ICC's efforts to bring to justice those responsible for the atrocities in Darfur. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and achievements of long-time Indian River County civic leader and humanitarian, James ``J.'' Ralph Lundy, who died on February 27 at the age of 90. During this most difficult time, I want to extend my thoughts and prayers to his family. I hope that Mr. Lundy's family takes comfort in knowing that his memory and legacy of philanthropy will live on within the Gifford community and in Indian River County for generations to come. Mr. Lundy always put others first, and extended a helping hand to all those in need. Mr. Lundy first came to Indian River County in the 1950s as a reporter for the Jacksonville Journal to cover Dodgers baseball legend Jackie Robinson. Later, he became production manager at the Press Journal where he wrote a column about the community for the paper. In 1963, Mr. Lundy started the community radio show entitled, ``Gospel Caravan,'' one of the longest-running gospel music programs in Florida, and later created the program ``Give them their flowers,'' as a way to honor lesser-known community leaders before they died. Mr. Lundy's love for the Gifford community and activism earned him the title ``Gifford's spokesman.'' He spent about 30 years as president of the Gifford Progressive Civic League, and in that time, made significant contributions to the lives of the people of Gifford. Mr. Lundy pushed county officials to install traffic lights to increase public safety, established a voting precinct and the Gifford Community Center to bolster community pride, and brought clean water to Gifford to improve its residents' health. In 1988, he helped establish Our Father's Table Soup Kitchen to provide meals for the community's most needy. In 2007, Mr. Lundy won the Jefferson Award, a national award that recognizes individual public service contributions. Madam Speaker, through all of these roles, J. Ralph Lundy had an indelible impact on the spirit and well-being of his community, and touched the lives of many in Indian River County. He will be remembered for his heart, compassion, and dedication to his fellow man. I am fortunate to have known him and will miss him dearly.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

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

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it shall be in order at any time without intervention of any point of order to consider in the House the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 38) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2009, and for other purposes; such joint resolution shall be considered as read; such joint resolution shall be debatable for 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the Chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations; and the previous question shall be considered as ordered on such joint resolution to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to Ms. Lofgren.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the remainder of our time. This is a good rule, Mr. Speaker, that not only addresses our current housing crisis but it also more precisely targets relief to those who need it most. In January of this year alone, in St. Lucie County that I am privileged to serve, there was 1,372 home foreclosures, according to RealtyTrac. This was the second highest foreclosure rate in my State of Florida, up 44 percent from the previous year. This legislation is not a giveaway, it is not welfare, it is a collective bill that will help those who have played by the rules. We must lay the foundation in this country to help us get out of this crisis, and we must make every effort to rebuild this country. We can't turn a blind eye to the nearly 6 million households in America that are possibly facing foreclosure. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support this rule that will put this great Nation back on track and will give millions of Americans the opportunity to continue living in their homes. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.