Tom Lantos

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, how much time remains?

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is significant that within the recent past, three areas in the Middle East have succeeded in holding free and open elections, some of them under the most difficult and dangerous circumstances. We applaud the people of Afghanistan, who not long ago suffered under the horrific yoke of the Taliban, for organizing and conducting free and open elections. And I particularly want to recognize the fact that this took place with the full participation of the women of Afghanistan. We in this resolution are commending the Palestinian people, who have lived under an undemocratic regime for too long, for organizing and conducting fair and open elections. And, of course, this past weekend we were all thrilled as we were watching our television screens seeing the courage of the Iraqi people under the most brutal and bloody threats go to the polls and exercise their right to select their own leaders. These are very encouraging signs. And it is highly appropriate for the United States to take the lead in underscoring the obvious, that just as in every other part of the globe we have led, assisted, and cleared the coming of free and open elections, at long last we are doing so in the Middle East and adjacent territories. So, Mr. Speaker, I believe our resolution is more than appropriate. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin), my good friend and distinguished colleague.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 56, and I want to commend the bipartisan leadership for introducing this important resolution. I also want to commend the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) for her leadership on this issue. I fully endorse the message of this resolution. The Palestinian people deserve our commendation for conducting a free and fair election and for electing as their leader a man who has spoken out against the use of violence. I salute Mahmoud Abbas for opposing the intifada. Far too few Palestinians have had the courage to do so. The change of Palestinian leadership has had a salutary effect on peace prospects. I am encouraged by recent steps taken by both Israel and the Palestinians, steps that have reduced the level of violence. I share the optimism of many that, for the first time in years, we now may have an opportunity to make real progress toward peace. Mr. Speaker, I think it is desirable that this body welcome and contribute to the improved atmosphere between the parties. This resolution is an entirely appropriate way to do so. But what I would not want this body to do is to contribute to unrealistically high expectations. In that regard, I would like to make two points which bear on the subject of the resolution before us. First of all, I respect the good intentions of the new president of the Palestinian Authority. I first met with Mr. Abbas in Ramala on the eve of his becoming Prime Minister some 2 years ago, and he emphasized to me his commitment to peace. But good intentions and commitment will not be enough to assure his success as a leader. In fact, they are barely enough to get him off the starting block. To succeed, Mahmoud Abbas will have to show backbone that, unfortunately, he has not revealed in his previous high-level positions. As the resolution correctly suggests, he will have to take immediate and significant steps to dismantle the Palestinian terrorist infrastructure. He needs to confiscate unauthorized weapons. He needs to arrest and bring to justice the terrorists who have engaged in so much violent activity. He needs to consolidate and take charge of all Palestinian security organizations, and he needs to end anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic incitement in the Palestinian media, schools, mosques, and all other institutions. Mr. Abbas is an intelligent man, and he surely knows that, in the long run, there is no such thing as a cease-fire with terrorists. He will control and defeat the terrorists, or he will be controlled and defeated by them. I am hopeful that he will be up to the task. I think he knows that, as the leader, he does not have the option of giving in to frustration and just walking away, as he did during the Camp David negotiations in 2000 and during his brief stint as Arafat's Prime Minister. Although the incidence of violence has declined in recent weeks, the infrastructure of terrorism has, in many ways, grown stronger and more sophisticated. Kassam rockets that threaten Israeli civilians inside and near the Gaza Strip are becoming more accurate and gaining greater distance. In my travels to the region, I have discovered that Iran and Hezbollah are increasingly engaged with Palestinian terrorists. Mr. Speaker, I think we must also keep in mind that there is no moral equivalence in the use of violence in this struggle. The Israelis have no interest in violence for the sake of violence but, unfortunately, some Palestinians do. If the current lull in violence breaks down, I am certain it will be because Abu Mazen could not control Palestinian terrorism. Secondly, Mr. Speaker, we need to be realistic about the current state of the peace process and Israeli-Palestinian relations. The Israeli government which, since Prime Minister Sharon's recent coalition agreement with Labor Party leader Shimon Peres, now includes Israel's two largest parties, is preparing to take an historic action. In fact, it is the boldest, most creative act in the peace process since the outbreak of the intifada in September, 2000. The government of Israel is preparing to redeploy its forces from the Gaza Strip and to dismantle all of its Gaza settlements. This unprecedented action will pave the way for the Palestinians to govern their own contiguous territory and to demonstrate their ability to establish a free and orderly society. Mr. Speaker, I fully identify myself with the hope and belief expressed in this resolution that a lasting peace in the Middle East is achievable and that we now have an opportunity to take steps in that direction. But we must be realistic about the time frame. Israel's decision to redeploy from Gaza is politically courageous, but it is also politically dangerous and difficult. The overwhelming majority of Israelis support it, and I fully expect it to be accomplished by the latter half of this year, as scheduled. But it will not be easy. Then, once Israel does redeploy, the onus will be on the Palestinians to prove that they have what it takes to run the equivalent of a state. If and when they do so, I am certain both sides will move with dispatch toward a final settlement. But that agreement is certainly not going to be achieved in the next few months or even in the next year. It would be unfair to the parties to place on them such a burden of expectation. For now, let us be content that both sides are taking significant steps to create a beginning, and let us remember that it is only a beginning. With those thoughts as context, Mr. Speaker, I would like once again to congratulate the Palestinians on their ably-conducted election. I support H. Res. 56, and I call on all of my colleagues to do likewise. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank both of my colleagues for their extremely generous and kind remarks. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee), my good friend who has been fighting for peace in that region ever since she came to this body and before.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California, (Mrs. Capps).

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased and proud to yield the balance of our time to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the democratic whip, who has been a leader in the field of expanding the arena of freedom globally.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, before yielding back our time, may I just remind all of my colleagues and all of the American people that we have been debating three important policy resolutions with a degree of bipartisan unity that should fill us with pride and joy in the recognition of the fact that, despite all the commentary of deep divisions in this body, we stood together, Republicans and Democrats, supporting the same resolutions and the same policies. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. I first want to commend the bipartisan leadership of this body for bringing this resolution to the floor. Mr. Speaker, the votes are still being counted in Iraq, but it is already clear that democracy has won. The people of Iraq have cast their ballots in favor of freedom, including the right to choose their own leaders and their own fate. We should not be surprised. We have seen people choose freedom over tyranny repeatedly during the past 15 years in country after country. But Iraqis voted in unprecedented circumstances, literally risking life and limb merely to exercise the privilege that most of us take for granted and many of us do not even exercise. Their courage inspires us, reinvigorating our own love for democracy and testifying to the power of freedom's call. Mr. Speaker, I would like to have been a fly on the wall of those in power throughout the Arab world who watched the televised spectacle of Iraqis freely choosing their own leaders. We do not know yet who will lead the new Iraqi government, but we know that that government will be the sole representative of democracy in the halls of the Arab league. And we know that increasing numbers of Arab citizens in other Arab countries are already asking why their governments, with very limited exceptions, are chosen and perpetuated only at gunpoint. The evident success of the election should boost the self-confidence of all concerned. Iraqis themselves organized the campaign and election. They monitored the vote, they secured the polling places, and now they are counting the ballots. U.S. forces wisely situated themselves beyond the horizon of the polling places, but no one should lose sight of the fact that it was American and coalition soldiers who made this day possible because of their performance on election day and for many days and weeks before. Mr. Speaker, we must pay special tribute today to the bravery shown by our fighting men and women, to the commitment shown by our civilian personnel in Iraq and to the dedication and sacrifice shown by their families. I am proud that this resolution does just that. We also acknowledge with respect those who have been wounded in the prosecution of this war, and we remember with the deepest sadness those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Not the least of the gratifying developments on Sunday was the excellent manner in which the Iraqi armed forces acquitted themselves. We need to pay special tribute to General David Petraeus for his extraordinary work in training Iraq's military forces. Mr. Speaker, I believe Sunday's election is an important milestone in the democratic development not only of Iraq but the entire Middle East. But it is also another battle won in the fight against the antidemocratic terrorists who opposed the election and continue their pernicious struggle. The impressive voter turnout, perhaps most impressive in the Sunni areas where antidemocratic intimidation was the most intense, is the surest sign that Iraqis as a whole are embracing the legitimacy of their new government and their new security forces. But we must be realistic, Mr. Speaker. Democracy entails far more than a day at the polls. The major challenges are still ahead for Iraq. Can Iraqis ensure that all segments of their nation have the opportunity to be heard? Will they produce a fair and workable constitution leading to a durable democracy? Will they learn the art of compromise that will be essential to their success? Will they be moderate or will they dig in their heels on the difficult issues such as the role of religion or the disposition of the contested city of Kirkuk? Building democracy in the Middle East will require immense patience. It surely is a multigenerational project. Even building democracy in just one nation, especially one with a complicated society such as Iraq's, is a long-term challenge. But for today, Mr. Speaker, let us recognize that the Iraqi people have just taken a first but vitally important step towards meeting that challenge, and let us affirm that they merit the admiration of all free peoples across the globe. And last, but hardly least, let us take pride in America's enormous contribution towards true Iraqi self-determination. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi); but before turning the microphone over to her, let me just say she has devoted her life to expanding the arena of freedom and democracy throughout the globe, and we are proud to have her represent us as our leader in this body.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey). (Ms. WOOLSEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to commend my good friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly), for his strong and powerful statement. I particularly want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on International Relations, my good friend, for leading us on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I just returned from a very substantive mission to North Korea, China and Taiwan, where I met with many of the key leaders of those countries. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's security interests in the Asia-Pacific region, including the national and economic security of our friends and allies in the Asia-Pacific area, were paramount on my agenda. While the Asia-Pacific region remains calm at the moment compared to other parts of the world, this calm can be deceiving. The United States has tens of thousands of troops deployed in Asia, and their security is directly threatened by the shortsighted and greed-driven initiative emanating from Europe. This initiative, Mr. Speaker, is the European Union's current effort to lift its ban on arms sales to the People's Republic of China. I, therefore, commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the chairman of our full committee, for introducing this important resolution and for moving it forward so expeditiously. Mr. Speaker, it is frightening to contemplate that American Armed Forces may one day be deployed in the Taiwan Strait to defend the island nation for a possible invasion by mainland China, and if key leaders in Paris, Berlin and Brussels have their way, our soldiers may very well be facing the latest in high-tech weaponry manufactured by our allies in Europe. Mr. Speaker, based upon my recent meetings in China and Taiwan, I remain optimistic that tensions across the Taiwan Strait can be resolved peacefully and that the United States will not be drawn into Taiwan-related conflict. Key policymakers in Beijing fully understand that military action against Taiwan would spark international isolation, possible military conflict with the United States and a certain boycott of the much- prized 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Taiwan's leaders, for their part, fully understand that the increasing economic ties between Taiwan and the mainland would be threatened by provocative steps. President Chen and Vice President Lu in Taiwan fully understand that Taiwan must negotiate with the mainland from a position of strength, which requires immediate approval by Taiwan's legislature of a supplemental defense package. Despite these factors working in favor of peace across the Taiwan Strait, it is possible that mainland hard-liners might push for military action against Taiwan after the 2008 Olympics or that conflict in the Strait may begin because of miscalculation by either side. It is in this context that the European Union's current deliberations on lifting its arms embargo on China are so outrageous. With enormous loss of human life, the United States liberated the Nations of Europe during World War II, including France and Germany. For the new generation of European leaders to turn their backs on American national security interests and consider opening up the floodgates of weapons sales to the People's Republic of China shows that they have truly lost their moral compass. Europe's leaders have argued that they will continue to restrict most arms sales to Beijing, even if the ban is lifted. Mr. Speaker, I simply do not believe this assertion. If there is money to be made in a troubled part of the world through arms sales, key European arms manufacturers are the first through the door to make that sale. Mr. Speaker, the decision by the European Union is not final, and it is my strong hope that President Bush and our new Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice will make it a top priority to convince the European Union to reverse this dangerous course. Sadly, the key reason for the imposition of the arms embargo, China's horrendous human rights record, remains unchanged, more than 15 years after the massacre at Tiananmen Square. Europe's leaders must understand that there will be severe ramifications for the transatlantic relationship if they fail to do what is right and just, if they fail to respect internationally recognized human rights and the national security interests of their historic liberator and their most important ally, the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support our resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the Democratic leader who has long been our leader on policy with respect to China.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I just want to make a comment about my good friend's observations. He is absolutely correct. This greed-driven policy by a Europe which was twice liberated in the 20th century by the United States, a policy which, by the way, this past year, in 2004, resulted in over a half a billion dollars of military sales already to China, with again the French leading the way. The degree of cynicism, the degree of greed displayed by some European leaders turns one's stomach. I strongly urge all of my colleagues to vote for our resolution. Mr. Speaker, we have no additional requests for time, and we yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I invite my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Bill Price, a lifelong supporter of the labor movement, a strong advocate for the rights of senior citizens, and a founding member of both the Senior Action Network and the California Alliance for Retired Americans. Mr. Price will be honored for his truly exceptional contributions to his community at his 90th birthday celebration on February 24, 2005. Since his early years working in the hotel industry in Seattle, Mr. Price has been a dedicated union leader. In 1937, he helped to organize employees who voted to join the Building Service Employees, Local 6. After serving for two years in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Price moved to San Francisco in 1947 to work in his father's grocery store. There, he joined the Retail Clerks Local 648 and was an active member. By the early 1960s, Mr. Price was elected to the Executive Board of Local 648, in which he served first as Vice President, then Organizer, and eventually Business Agent until his retirement. Mr. Speaker, after retiring, Mr. Price has been busy working to better the quality of life for seniors, families, and working people. A founding member of both the Senior Action Network (SAN) and the California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA), Mr. Price currently serves as the President of SAN and as Vice President of CARA. Both of these organizations value his leadership, enthusiasm, and persistent efforts on behalf of senior citizens in the Bay Area. True to his selfless nature, Mr. Price asked that his birthday present be celebrated through the continued support of these two organizations that he has worked so hard to create and develop. In addition to his commitment to the labor movement and the welfare of senior citizens, Mr. Price is also an avid sports fan. A season ticket holder for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Giants, he continues to find time to root for the local teams. Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Price celebrates his 90th birthday, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring his outstanding achievements and remarkable dedication to the well-being of his community. I look forward to celebrating many more milestones with Mr. Price in the future.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, today's debate is an extremely important conversation on the future of Social Security. Unfortunately, it is soured by the sharp rhetoric of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. We simply cannot allow for misleading analysis and flowery language to disguise the truth of this debate. Not only do our current and future retirees deserve better, but also our children and grandchildren, who will be most directly affected by this new proposal, deserve better. Social Security is truly one of our greatest success stories, virtually eliminating poverty for the aged. While we all agree that important concerns about Social Security should be effectively addressed, I do not believe turning this matter into a crisis should force us to accept what would otherwise be unacceptable. The scenarios touted by the Administration and their Republican allies are better suited for a work of fiction, not a domestic policy debate. Manufacturing a crisis in order to force this ideological agenda on retirees is unacceptable. The $11 trillion shortfall is a figure plucked out of thin air using fuzzy math based on voodoo economics. And finally, the Administration is selling semi-privatization of Social Security as the solution to all of our problems. Let's not be fooled by hyperbole. The facts are indisputable and should not be misrepresented by the President or Members of Congress. Crisis? What crisis? If we do absolutely nothing to Social Security, the Trust Fund will be able to pay out 100 percent of benefits for the next 50 years. The real, worst-case scenario shortfall based on a 75- year projection used by the economists at the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) would be between $2 trillion to $3.7 trillion. While these numbers require our undivided attention, privatizing part of Social Security is not the solution. The President's plan to create private retirement accounts will cost at least $2 trillion to implement, equivalent to the entire 75-year shortfall predicted by the CBO. In addition, most proponents of semi-privatization admit that the creation of these accounts will not avoid a shortfall on their own merits. In order to achieve its goal, the Administration is also recommending the guaranteed benefits be cut by as much as 40 percent. This cut is in addition to the diversion of almost a third of Social Security funds to private accounts. Social Security is the core of old-age support and was intended as an income supplement and a crucial safety net for seniors, not a money making scheme. We must preserve Social Security through sound fiscal discipline and legitimate policy adjustments to meet the demands of future generations. I believe that the Administration should immediately strengthen Social Security by submitting to Congress a balanced budget. If not a balanced budget this year, then the Administration should submit at least a plan or announced course of action on achieving a balanced budget. I also call on the President to reevaluate his tax cut proposal. Making the tax cuts permanent will cost as much as 3 to 5 times the cost of the Social Security shortfall. These fiscally responsible, common sense proposals will help protect Social Security and can be done now. Once these steps are taken we can more responsibly solve any un-addressed concerns. Instead of weakening Social Security I believe that it should be strengthened and made more secure ensuring its success for generations to come. We cannot turn Social Security into Social Insecurity.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, we have just recently commemorated our national holiday recognizing the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and we are about to enter February, the month designated Black History Month. We as a nation recognize and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to our society. As part of that celebration, KQED Public Broadcasting has recognized six individuals and I rise today in order to pay tribute to these six, who have made significant contributions to the African American community. KQED has provided the Bay Area with high quality noncommercial media since 1954. The station call letters represent an acronym for the Latin ``quod erat demonstrandum'' (which was to be demonstrated) a motto the station has continuously lived up to by airing programming that makes its listeners think, feel and explore new ideas. As part of its commitment to the public KQED recognizes and rewards those who work tirelessly, and sometimes thanklessly, to try and better the place they live with a ``Local Hero Award''. The Award spotlights the achievements in particular individuals and profiles them with KQED programming throughout the month. This year KQED has chosen six extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their lives to improving their community. I would like to share a few words about each of these well deserving recipients. Mr. Speaker, three of the recipients, Dr. Veronica Hunt, Dr. J. Alfred Smith Sr. and Terrance Kelly, have been tremendous examples in the field of education. Dr. Hunt has worked for the last 35 years to expand educational and job-training opportunities for the residents in her community. As the dean of the Southeast Campus of City College of San Francisco, she has expanded the school's curriculum and instituted new programs, including the Partnership to Achieve Academic Success, a wonderful mentoring program. She recently became involved in a program that moves incarcerated young people from the penal system to college. Dr. Smith is the Senior Pastor at the Allen Temple Baptist Church as well as a professor at the American Baptist Seminary of the West in Berkeley, California. He has ranked among the 100 Most Influential Black Americans, and was named one of the Top 15 Greatest Black Preachers of 1993. Dr. Smith has authored 16 books, spoken throughout the world, and earned numerous awards, including the Greenlining Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Kelly provides guidance to many in the community through music. Terrance is the Artistic Director at the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, as well as the director of the Foothill Community College Gospel Choir. He provides guidance to adults and children alike, as well as to stars like Linda Ronstadt and the Kronos Quartet. Terrance won an Emmy Award for the 1995 choral arrangement of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir's KGO-TV public service announcement. Mr. Speaker, Mikael Wagner is a leader in the public health field. He has sought to empower those disenfranchised populations in the Bay Area, and has been instrumental in HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaigns. He is also the founder and president of Promotions West, a public relations firm that helps local and national organizations implement community outreach strategies. He established a financial literacy training program called ``MoneyWi$e'', which has benefited thousands of people. In the arts, Sally Joan Baker and Andre White are proven leaders capable of influencing their community on a grand scale. Ms. Baker has worked for the last 20 years trying to reach at-risk children through poetry. Sally is the Executive Producer and host of WEE POETS, a weekly television program where children ages 7 to 13 recite original poems on camera. She allows children to express themselves through poetry in front of a wide audience. She provides free television technician internships to unskilled, at-risk teens. The internships have led 95 percent of participants to major in broadcasting when they go to college. Mr. Andre White is a renowned portrait painter. He was commissioned to paint the portrait of our friend and former colleague, Congressman Ron Dellums in 1996, which hangs in the House Armed Services Committee Room. Andre received a commission for the portrait of District Court Judge Vanessa Gilmore and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Andre's works are displayed in private and public collections across the nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of these extraordinary Bay Area residents. These activists are shaping the future of the next generation through the arts, in education and in the field of public health. Their contributions to the African American community are of the utmost importance and will be cherished for years to come.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to recognize the tireless work of the forty-four year old San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Canine Unit, as it continues to serve the people of San Mateo County. As the longest running canine unit in the state of California, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Canine Unit is the only such unit in San Mateo County to provide full time patrol coverage, twenty-four hours a day, seven days per week. The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Canine Unit was founded by Sergeant Bill Sweeney in 1961 with the purchase of three German shepherd dogs. Since its meager beginnings, the Canine Unit currently maintains twelve highly trained canine teams, which have various specialties. Each canine is trained in and performs general patrol practices such as obedience, handler protection and suspect searches. These canine teams are also assigned to and trained in expert detection of narcotics, tracking and explosives. Over four decades of service, the Canine Unit has located hundreds of wanted felony suspects, uncovered tons of narcotics, and performed numerous explosive detection sweeps for United States' presidents, Senators, Representatives and foreign dignitaries. In addition to protecting the citizens of San Mateo County, the Canine Unit also performs an average of thirty canine demonstrations per year for community and church groups, and middle and elementary schools. I became acquainted with this excellent Unit and its myriad accomplishments and abilities at one of these superb demonstrations. On October 16, 2004, in conjunction with the public opening of ``Art that Speaks for Homeless Pets,'' an art exhibit by animal rights activist and artist Cyrus Mejia, and photographer Clay Myers, at the San Mateo County History Museum, my wife Annette and I had the pleasure of attending one of these demonstrations. The Canine Unit brought five impressively trained German Shepherds to illustrate the precision and professionalism with which both the canines and their officers carry out explosive and narcotic detection. I'd like to recognize the capabilities of the five teams that successfully entertained and educated the attendees: Deputy Andy Armando and K9 Ando Deputy Rod Larmour and K9 Abe Deputy Todd Finato and K9 Vito Deputy Keith James and K9 Haus Deputy Sean O'Donnell and K9 Colt. While I am an adamant animal lover and animal rights activist in my own right, indisputably, I was not the only spectator captivated by the animals discipline and sweetness. Indeed, all individuals in attendance were astonished and delighted to see the work of these loyal, well- trained canines and their equally dedicated officers. According to Sergeant Mark M. Duri, Bomb Technician and Canine Trainer, the goal of these demonstrations is to educate the public of the great service the twelve canine and handler teams provide for San Mateo County. Moreover, the demonstration also functions to educate younger school children on the dangers of drug abuse and entanglement. It is with gratitude to the long standing quality of service and protection provided for the residents of San Mateo County, that I sincerely commend the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Canine Unit's continued excellence.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. This is one of the finest moments of this body. We stand together without any difference as to party or geographic region in our determination that human rights throughout our land and throughout this globe be honored and respected. I urge all of our colleagues to vote for this resolution. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gene Green) who has fought against discrimination, bigotry and anti-Semitism throughout his entire career.