Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Right, additional money.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey) be given 5 minutes time in addition to what we have already allocated to speak in opposition to the bill.

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

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today on a motion offered pursuant to this order, it adjourn to meet at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 2, 2007, unless it sooner has received a message from the Senate transmitting its concurrence in House Concurrent Resolution 179, in which case the House shall stand adjourned pursuant to that concurrent resolution.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the business in order under the Calendar Wednesday rule be dispensed with on Wednesday, July 11, 2007.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Commerce have until midnight on July 9, 2007, to file a report to accompany H.R. 2900.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, an influential Republican voice on foreign affairs admitted that the war in Iraq is doing more harm than good and that, I quote, ``Our course in Iraq has lost contact with our vital national security interests in the Middle East and beyond.'' Those are the words of Republican Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana, who went to the Senate floor last night to say that changes in strategy need to be made before September. Lugar's comments should be listened to very carefully by my Republican colleagues who continue to hold out hope that the President's troop escalation strategy can work. Senator Lugar is just the latest to admit that the President's plan is not working and that a new strategy is needed in Iraq. Last week, General Petraeus himself said that we will not meet the target of seeing any positive results from the troop escalation plan by September. Now, Senator Lugar's realistic assessment of the war in Iraq is commendable, but words are simply not enough. If Lugar is convinced that the war in Iraq is no longer in our Nation's best interest, he must join us in finding an alternative that begins to bring our troops home.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to pay tribute to Margo Pellegrino for her remarkable Journey from Miami, FL to Camden, ME. On Monday, May 7, 2007 Margo Pellegrino, a 40-year-old mother of two, with limited training, began paddling her 20-foot outrigger canoe up the Intracoastal Waterway, ICW, and along the Atlantic coast. Her reason? To highlight the importance of coastal issues up and down the coast. Ms. Pellegrino's efforts are an inspiration to us all. During her 11 week trip she will make 74 stops along the East Coast in her personal quest to help save our oceans from pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction. She understands that we need responsible management of our rich coastal resources. Margo Pellegrino is doing her part to ensure that our Nation's coastal beauty can continue to be enjoyed by both present and future generations. She shares my commitment of improving the quality of our coastal environment while enhancing the interests of those who live and work in America's coastal communities. Her efforts will help achieve those goals. As Ms. Pellegrino paddles her 40 miles a day she has encountered endangered reefs and dredged beaches--problems that she wants to bring to light throughout her journey. One of Margo's major concerns is dwindling fish populations. Overfishing is largely responsible for the rapid decrease in fish populations and has put our oceans in peril. It is important to note that Ms. Pellegrino is not a professional athlete. She is a mother and an environmentalist who is showing her children how to make a difference in the world and inspire others to take an active role in the stewardship of our oceans. This week, she paddles along the coast of New Jersey. As she continues her journey up through New England to Maine, I wish her the best. And I once again ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Margo Pellegrino for her exceptional journey from Miami to Maine to bring attention to our coastal environment.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize the achievements of the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey. Since its establishment in 1912, this nonprofit, voluntary organization has treated individuals of all needs and ages living in my district and the surrounding region. In its 95 years of service, the organization has undergone numerous successful expansions, helping it to become a top provider of hospice and in-home health care in central New Jersey. With an original mission to improve prison conditions and approaches to public assistance, the agency over the years has broadened the type of community care it provides. Now it is most well known for its outstanding in-home services. These services are critical to individuals who need frequent and adequate care in order to remain in their own homes. The association's team of nurses continually strive to keep up with in-home technological advances, ensuring that patients receive the latest in quality care. VNACJ looks after the aging population, founding a local hospice program in the 1980s and 1990s. At the other end of the spectrum, VNACJ also focuses its efforts on the needs of children. The organization has worked to expand handicap services to children as well as establish parenting and nutrition education programs, children's shelters, and well-child conferences. In addition to treating patients of all ages, the agency attends to all types of health matters. In the 1940s and 1950s, VNACJ played an important role in establishing Monmouth County branches of some of today's most important health care organizations, including the Heart Association, the Cancer Society, and the Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center. The agency also pays particular attention to providing health care services to migrants as well as veterans. Community immunizations and AIDS treatments are just a few of a comprehensive list of services the VNACJ provides. Under the leadership of its chairman and my friend, Judith Stanley Coleman, and with the help of over 1,000 employees treating 100,000 patients each year, the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey claims a spot among the nation's largest nonprofit in-home health groups. On a personal level, almost every family in my district has, at one time or another, called upon the Visiting Nurses for help with a pressing health need. The reaction from the families I have spoken with over the years is uniformly positive: they deeply appreciated the warmth, the skill and the professionalism of the visiting nurses who came to their homes and helped their loved ones. It is with great pleasure that I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the 95 years of quality care the VNACJ has provided to residents of central New Jersey.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I was hopeful at the beginning of this week that we were finally going to address America's homeland security needs and also increase funding for our veterans' health care by a significant amount, more than has been done, I think, in over 50 or 70 years. But instead what we saw was a concerted effort by the Republican minority to delay every one of these appropriations bills: the Homeland Security bill that deals with our local responders, in response to 9/ 11, and in the case of the Military Construction and Veterans bill, they constantly delayed our efforts to move a bill that was going to increase funding and benefits for our veterans. It really is awful to see what they've been doing all week in trying to delay and delay. If you go back to when the Republicans were in the majority, they weren't even able to pass the appropriations bills. They weren't even able to get their work done because they constantly delayed until they actually lost the election and never finished the bills. At the same time, they keep talking about spending. Well, every year when they were in the majority the amount of Federal spending continued to go up. The Democrats finally have gotten spending under control and at the same time trying to address the fact that we have this huge Federal debt, a legacy of the Republican majority over the last 12 years. And what do the Republicans do? They constantly try to delay. I just hope that it's over today and we don't see more efforts to delay these important bills on the part of the Republican minority.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth than the Republican claims of increased spending. The fact of the matter is, during the 12 years that they were in the majority spending on the budget on appropriations bills increased every year. It was a free-spending Congress. It was a Republican Congress that continued to put this country further and further into debt. And now that the Democratic majority is trying to pass bills, what is happening on the other side? They're trying to delay it. That's all they're about is delay. They couldn't pass a budget in the last Congress. They couldn't pass the appropriations bills before they lost control. They increased spending every year. Don't believe their rhetoric. When Democrats took control, we vowed to do things differently. We vowed to pass a budget, and we did that earlier this year. We also vowed to pass every appropriations bill in a timely fashion, and that's what we're trying to do. But rather than joining us and making this institution run more smoothly, congressional Republicans have chosen to constantly bring forward procedural motions to delay action on the spending bills that help us protect our homeland and help the veterans.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, just how bad do things have to get at the Justice Department before congressional Republicans say enough is enough? On Monday, Senate Democrats tried to bring up a vote of no confidence in Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. While seven Republicans supported an effort to allow for an up-or-down vote, the rest of the Senate Republican Caucus blocked it procedurally. Are my Republican colleagues serious? Do they actually believe, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that this Attorney General can continue to serve as the Nation's leading law enforcement officer? Let's not forget that Gonzales still does not remember why he fired eight U.S. attorneys last year. Nor should we forget that Gonzales tried to pressure then-Attorney General Ashcroft into signing off on the secret telephone surveillance program while Ashcroft sat in a hospital bed preparing for surgery. Mr. Speaker, Democrats are restoring real accountability to Washington, but it would be nice if we could get a little help from our Republican friends.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I would like to take the time to recognize the most recent achievement of an outstanding member of the New Jersey community, Mr. Kirti Desai. In a ceremony on Ellis Island on Saturday May 12, 2007, NECO presented Mr. Desai with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor recognizes individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds who have successfully maintained their cultural heritage and traditions while making outstanding achievements in their communities, personal lives, and professional endeavors. Since 1986 the Ellis Island Medal of Honor has been sponsored by NECO, a non-profit organization with a mission ``to honor our diverse Past, to advocate for positive change in the Present, and to build strong leaders for the Future.'' For over twenty years U.S. Presidents, artists, athletes, businessmen, entrepreneurs, and humanitarians have been recognized with this prestigious award. In receiving this award, Mr. Desai ranks among an impressive list of past medalist recipients ranging from former President Bill Clinton to famed athlete Muhammad Ali. With his own list of notable achievements, Mr. Desai is well deserved in finding a place among these outstanding Americans. Mr. Kirti Desai, better known as Kenny, is the President, CEO, and founder of TAK Group of Companies. With a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, a hard-work ethic, and unstoppable determination, Mr. Desai built his business from the ground up. Mr. Desai continued to expand his business into a conglomerate encompassing an increasing number of markets, eventually forming TAK Construction, TAK International, TAK Realty and Investment Company, and Sycamore Manor. While it is one thing to establish a business, it is quite another to receive continuous recognition for its quality and success. In this regard, Mr. Desai's companies have been recognized with the New York and New Jersey Port Authority's Construction Company of the Year Award and SBA Construction Award from Washington, D.C. under the Clinton Administration. Successful businesses such as these result from exceptional qualities of the individuals behind them. As an active member of a number of various philanthropic organizations, Mr. Desai is as relentless in his commitment to his community as he is to his business companies. Somewhere between managing his business enterprises and raising three children, Mr. Desai is a leader in cultural and educational institutions including serving as a Director and Board member of the Bharitya Vidya Bhavan; the Chairman of the Indian Culture Society of Union, New Jersey, and the President of Vraj. He has even been involved in aiding the completion of the Mahatma Gandhi Center and Hindu Temple in Wayne, New Jersey. The New Jersey State Assembly and the Township of Clark, New Jersey have already written proclamations acknowledging Mr. Desai's remarkable achievements in his life. It is only fitting that I now also acknowledge Mr. Desai's most recent recognition. I would like to thank Mr. Desai for his contributions to the New Jersey community and congratulate him on this Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation. I thank my good friend from California (Mr. Thompson) for sponsoring it. This legislation is necessary to ensure that our Nation's doctors, who are brave enough to serve their country in a time of war, have a medical practice to serve in when they come home. Currently, Medicare allows for a physician who is ordered to active duty as a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces to enter into a 60-day billing arrangement with another physician. These arrangements allow for physicians to maintain their practices while they go off to take care of our soldiers in combat. Unfortunately, what we are finding is that they are often away longer than 60 days, which puts them at odds with the current Medicare antifraud rules. This legislation fixes that problem by lifting the 60- day limit currently in place, and allowing a physician who is called to active duty to find a substitute physician to watch over his patients for as long as he or she is deployed. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Just in response, I understand where Mr. Barton is coming from. But I just want to point out that we do have bipartisan support in the House on the bill. And it is only a temporary measure that lasts for 1 year and provides immediate relief to these physicians that are going overseas and fighting for the country. It is a very special circumstance, which I don't think provides any real precedent here, because we do have these physicians who are going to serve their country in Iraq and we just don't want them to have a situation where they come back and they don't have any medical practice. I just don't think that is fair. I would mention to the ranking member that if we wanted to make a permanent change in this, we would be sure to spend more time and work with our Republican colleagues in accomplishing that goal. This is a temporary measure, and it is just because of the circumstances. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson) such time as he may consume.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would just say again, this is a temporary measure. We have these brave men and women who are leaving to care for our troops in Iraq, we're in a time of war, and I think it's just a very special circumstance right now. So I would urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support passage. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2429) to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide an exception to the 60-day limit on Medicare reciprocal billing arrangements between two physicians during the period in which one of the physicians is ordered to active duty as a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I was going to inquire whether my colleague on the other side does.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, for 6 years President Bush and Republican Congresses ignored the record gas prices that seemed to pop up every year just before Memorial Day. Once again this year, American consumers are paying for their inaction. Finally, last week President Bush announced an executive order addressing this growing problem. Unfortunately, his plan doesn't call for any action until the weeks before he leaves office in 2009, and this is far too little and years too late. Since taking control of Congress this year, Democrats have already passed measures to reduce the price of gas in this country and invest in renewable energy. We are dedicated to curbing our Nation's addiction to foreign oil and investing in our resources in the Midwest, instead of buying more from the Middle East. Mr. Speaker, Democrats refuse to stand idly by while gas prices rise across the country. This week we will fight price gouging, something that the past Republican Congresses were unwilling to do. American consumers need help now, not in 2009, and this new Democratic Congress is going to deliver.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor this evening to discuss a contract recently awarded by the U.S. Government to Lockheed Martin for 18 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods, or ATPs, to be sold to the Government of Pakistan. Sniper ATPs allow aircrews to perform intelligence, targeting, surveillance and reconnaissance missions from extended standoff ranges. Mr. Speaker, I believe it is irresponsible for the U.S. Government to sell high-grade weapons technology to Pakistan, a nation that has turned a blind eye to the increasingly dangerous Taliban insurgency in the western region of its country. Numerous press accounts in recent months have discussed the growing presence of Taliban training camps and bases in the tribal regions of western Pakistan that border Afghanistan. Just last week, in the port city of Karachi, over 40 people were killed, with even more injured during 2 days of gun battles and mayhem in response to an antigovernment rally. Most reports claim that this violence against protesters was perpetrated by the Muttahida Quami Movement, or MQM, which is an ethnically based Mafia allied with Pakistani President Musharraf. In a country that claims to be somewhat democratic, the actions of the MQM and President Musharraf seem to be just the opposite. Coupled with the Pakistani President's refusal to put forth a good-faith effort to root out Taliban insurgents in his country, it hardly seems like a good idea for the United States to be selling arms to the Government of Pakistan. Earlier this year, Democrats passed H.R. 1, which implemented the recommendations of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission. Included in this bill was language that would end U.S. military assistance and arms sales licensing to Pakistan in the 2008 fiscal year unless Pakistani President Musharraf certifies that the Islamabad government is ``making all possible efforts to end Taliban activities on Pakistani soil.'' I believe that the U.S. should live up to this commitment by ceasing the sale of arms to the Government of Pakistan. I fear that if we do, in fact, provide these weapons technologies to countries in unstable regions, such as Pakistan, they could be used against U.S. allies, such as India. This U.S. policy of military sales to Pakistan will contribute to increasing security concerns throughout South Asia. The U.S. has no way of knowing if these technologies will be used against al Qaeda and the Taliban, and not against India or other peaceful nations. In fact, the government has simply watched while terrorist groups like Lashkar-e- Tayyaba, or LET, committed terrorist acts in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India. The actions within its own country prove themselves not fit for, in this case Pakistan, for receiving these weapons. Mr. Speaker, although Pakistan has claimed to be an ally in the global war on terror, it clearly has not taken the necessary steps to end terrorism in its own backyard. I strongly believe that economic assistance is necessary to support economic restructuring that will stop Pakistan from becoming a breeding ground for terrorists. At the time after 9/11, when we decided that we would allow economic assistance to Pakistan and development assistance, I was all for it because I think it makes sense; that's the way to lead to a democratic and stable Pakistan. But military assistance is another matter. Allowing this sale sends the wrong message, I think, particularly in the climate that we live in here today, and what Pakistan has been doing in not living up to its part of the deal in fighting the Taliban.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the people of Armenia on the May 12 Parliamentary elections. This is the first positive assessment of an election in the former Soviet Republic since it gained independence in 1991. This encouraging outcome will most certainly enhance and deepen U.S./Armenia relations, while also elevating Armenia's reputation regionally and internationally. Over the past few months, U.S. administration officials in Washington and Yerevan have stressed the importance of these elections and explained that substantial improvement must be made. Based on public preliminary reports, Armenia has fulfilled the test set forth by the administration and received a free and fair stamp of approval. The International Election Observation Mission issued a statement which read, in part, and I quote, ``The election is assessed in line with OSCE and Council of Europe commitments, other international standards for democratic elections and national legislation.'' I'm especially pleased that the U.S. Embassy in Armenia joined the chorus of praise with its own assessment which reads, and again I quote, ``We share the satisfaction of international observers that the election infrastructure, both legal and technical, has been greatly improved.'' Mr. Speaker, I join in sharing the pride of our embassy and the contributions we have helped make in advancing the course of democracy and the rule of law in Armenia. These results are the best evidence to date that our assistance to this fledgling Republic is indeed serving its intended purpose. Our shared values and the strong bonds between the United States and Armenia will no doubt continue to expand. In doing so, we will continue to foster democracy in Armenia and work towards stability in the South Caucus region. Earlier this year, dozens of my colleagues joined me in sending a letter to the chairman of the House State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee calling for $75 million in assistance for Armenia in fiscal year 2008. As the appropriation process continues, I'd like to remind my colleagues of this request and renew it again today. This assistance demonstrates our commitment to Armenia, which is a friend and a supporter of U.S. policies for peace and security in that part of the world. Armenia's achievement also addresses concerns expressed by the Millennium Challenge Corporation with respect to these elections. Armenia has met the necessary threshold, and I'm confident that the people and the Government of Armenia will only continue to improve upon their accomplishments in achieving the standards and norms of a democratic society. And accordingly, I urge the MCC to fully fund its compact with Armenia in an expeditious manner. These elections are an historic step towards a fully democratic Armenia, a goal to which the nation has demonstrated its commitment and leadership in the region through democratic reform. I congratulate the people of Armenia for this remarkable accomplishment. I would also like to enter into the Record a letter I sent with Congressman Knollenberg marking this achievement. Congress of the United States, Washington, DC, May 18, 2007. Hon. Serzh Sargsyan, Prime Minister, The Armenian Embassy, Washington, DC. Hon. Robert Kocharian, President, The Armenian Embassy, Washington, DC. Dear Prime Minister Sargsyan and President Kocharian: We write to congratulate you both on the success of the May l2th Parliamentary elections in Armenia. The success of this free and fair election cycle reflects the great progress made by Armenia in recent years to move further away from its Soviet past and towards a flourishing democracy. The importance of this round of elections was well- understood and carried out honorably by your government. We appreciate Armenia's willingness to work with the U.S. government to ensure the elections were indeed free and fair. Your hard work and dedication has led to the citizens of your country following the lead of their government officials in operating in a free and democratic way to elect a new Parliament. We look forward to our continued work with you to advance the Armenian and Armenian-American agenda in the U.S. Congress. Sincerely, Joe Knollenberg, Frank Pallone, Jr., Members of Congress.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I come to the floor this evening to discuss the historic power-sharing agreement in Northern Ireland as leaders today were finally sworn in to the Northern Ireland Assembly outside of Belfast. The people of Northern Ireland are long past ready for the assembly to meet and take the final steps towards lasting peace, prosperity and devolved government. It is important for the members of the assembly-- particularly party leaders Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley--to not dwell in the past but rather get to work on building a strong economy and providing for the people of Northern Ireland. We must remember the 3,500 people that died and thousands more that were injured during the Troubles over the last 30 years. But now is a time of peace and a time for the people of Northern Ireland to look forward. Taoiseach (tay-shuck) Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister Tony Blair are to be commended for their lasting commitment to permanent peace and justice in the North of Ireland. It is my hope that the next Prime Minister of Great Britain will share Mr. Blair's passion and perseverance for lasting peace in Northern Ireland. The progress made in Northern Ireland is absolutely remarkable considering the violent past it has had. I would like to commend Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams for taking the steps necessary towards completely disbanding the IRA and supporting the policing institutions so that an agreement could be made. I would also like to thank Ian Paisley for finally saying ``yes'' and sitting at the table with Gerry Adams. Both sides made difficult concessions during this process but the concessions are worthwhile to bring an end to the tragic violence. It is now time for the two sides to fully work together to improve schools, roads, hospitals and the economy so that the people of Northern Ireland can have the representation they deserve. Madam Speaker, this truly is a historic day for Northern Ireland as it steps into a future of peace and diplomacy and steps out of a past filled with violence and unease.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1642.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, each year, the Department of State issues a report outlining the human rights practices of various Nations, and I object this evening to the inaccuracies in the Armenia section of the 2006 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Originally, the State Department issued erroneous language about Armenia being an occupier of Azerbaijani territory and Nagorno- Karabakh, the report was substantively revised with more balanced, although still not fully accurate, wording and then revised again to restore the original inaccurate language. I am deeply disturbed by the State Department's mischaracterization of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is unprecedented and counterproductive to our government's goal of actively promoting constructive engagement in the peace negotiations of the region. It also sets a troubling example by allowing a foreign State, in this case Azerbaijan, to shape the assessments of our human rights report. To assert that Nagorno-Karabakh is Azerbaijani territory or that Armenia occupies Nagorno-Karabakh and other territories is simply wrong. This version ignores the reality that the current conflict is about the self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. Like many other ethnic autonomous regions with the status of Oblast under the Soviet Constitution, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh declared their independence. They then conducted a referendum as set forth in the same Soviet Constitution, and they are now an independent republic and should be recognized as a Nation, just like Azerbaijan, Armenia and any other former Soviet Republic. The situation has absolutely nothing to do with Armenia. The only role Armenia plays in this conflict is that country's part in peace negotiations. Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that Armenia is being characterized as an abuser of human rights in the region when it is Azerbaijan who continues to maintain a blockade of both Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia, and regularly threatens a new wave of violence against Nagorno- Karabakh. Such misrepresentations will undermine our Nation's credibility as an impartial mediator and jeopardize prospects for successful peace negotiations. It could also have a negative impact on U.S.-Armenia relations. Our common aim as a country should be to focus on workable diplomacy that brings parties together in the spirit of conflict resolution, not to cause additional tension by introducing new and controversial elements into an already complex negotiating process. Mr. Speaker, the United States has a long history of supporting Nagorno-Karabakh's democracy and its right to live in freedom and peace. The State Department has never made assertions in previous reports about Armenia being an occupier of Azerbaijani territory and Nagorno-Karabakh. Last week, I sent a letter to Secretary Rice with my concerns over the State Department report's language, and I urged her to quickly reverse the State Department's mischaracterization.