Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Rabbi Solomon Schiff on the occasion of his retirement as Director of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation's Community Chaplaincy Service, and as executive vice president of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami. The entire South Florida community has benefited from his more than 40 years of outstanding community service. Rabbi Schiff has become one of the most recognizable members of the south Florida Jewish community, and his tremendous influence extends far beyond the Jewish people. As a spiritual advisor, an interfaith liaison, and a dedicated community leader, he has truly touched the lives of countless individuals representing all religious persuasions and backgrounds. Anyone having met Rabbi Schiff can attest to his love of his fellow man, his desire to make the world a kinder and gentler place, and his ability to bring people of all faiths and political persuasions together. Rabbi Schiff has been called upon several times to offer prayers both in the House of Representatives and the Senate. In 1992, President George H. W. Bush appointed Rabbi Schiff to serve on the ``We Will Rebuild Committee.'' This committee helped restore the areas in south Florida that were severely damaged by Hurricane Andrew. Lawton Chiles, the late Governor of Florida, appointed Rabbi Schiff to serve on a task force to examine the problems of the homeless. Thanks to that task force, two new homeless assistance centers were created in Miami-Dade County alone. More recently, Florida Governor Jeb Bush invited Rabbi Schiff to serve on his Faith-Based Advisory Board. Rabbi Schiff is known and admired for treating everyone with equal dignity and respect. He has always found time in his schedule to visit as many in need as possible, from ill hospital patients to the homeless. His spiritual guidance is an enduring legacy to the countless individuals he has encountered throughout his career. Although Rabbi Schiff has won numerous awards, and has served on many local and national committees, the greatest honor he has ever received is the love and support of his family. He and his wife, Shirley, have three grown sons, Elliot, Jeffrey and Steven, and they are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren. I wish him well as he begins this new chapter in his life, and we all celebrate his many remarkable achievements.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor a great man whose life represents an American success story. Sadly, Louis Lafayette Huntley passed away, but he left behind a legacy of service for generations to follow. Mr. Huntley's life is a testament to commitment, faith and perseverance. Louis Huntley grew up in a large family in Northeast Florida where he learned from his parents the hard work it takes to be successful in life. Following high school, he served in the U.S. Army for one year and after graduating from the University of Florida in 1950, he committed himself to over 40 years of service, first to the Florida National Guard and later to the Army Reserve until he retired as a Colonel in 1991. In that same period, Mr. Huntley's distinguished himself in the Florida business community, going out on his own and starting his own business. By the time he sold it in 1990, Huntley's Jiffy Stores, Inc. had amassed 342 locations across Florida and Southeast Georgia. The success of his business endeavors was truly earned. This success translated into politics where he served as president of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce and as a Florida State Representative from 1964 to 1966. Mr. Huntley's largest accomplishments, however, can be attributed to what he gave back to his family and community. Mr. Huntley was a great family man, with a loving wife, Mary, by his side for over a half- century. Together, they raised three children, Ward, Frank and Edith, who along with their nine grandchildren will carry on his legacy for generations to come. He loved to keep active with charities like the Boy Scouts of America and Rotary International, where he had a perfect attendance record for decades. He was also a man of deep Christian faith who employed his strong family values in his professional and personal life. Mr. Huntley's life was successful not only because of his hard work and determination, but because he cared so much about those around him. Through innovation and leadership, he was able to create so much in his professional life, yet he still found time be a loving father and husband. He earned the respect and friendship from those that knew him; he will truly be missed. I would like to send my condolences to his family and those mourning his loss. Although he will be greatly missed, his story will live on for others to follow.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am attaching an exchange of letters between Chairman Hyde and Chairman Thomas concerning the bill H.R. 5877. ``To amend the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 to extend the authorities provided in such Act until September 29, 2006''. Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, July 26, 2006. Hon. Henry J. Hyde, Chairman, Committee on International Relations, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Hyde: I am writing regarding H.R. 5877, a bill ``To amend the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 to extend the authorities provided in such Act until September 29, 2006,'' which is scheduled for floor consideration on Wednesday, July 26, 2006. Because H.R. 5877 would amend the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 (ILSA) to have the effect of extending the application of an import ban, it falls within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means. However, in order to expedite this legislation for floor consideration, the Committee will forgo action on this bill. This is being done with the understanding that this legislation is being expedited in order to ensure that ILSA does not lapse while the Congress is considering additional changes to ILSA such as those contained in H.R. 282, the Iran Freedom Support Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives on April 26, 2006. This action is also being done with the understanding that it does not in any way prejudice the Committee with respect to the appointment of conferees or its jurisdictional prerogatives on H.R. 5877, H.R. 282, or similar legislation. I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming this understanding, and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration. Best regards, Bill Thomas, Chairman.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5877) to amend the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 to extend the authorities provided in such Act until September 29, 2006.

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in strong support of H.R. 5877, a bill I introduced yesterday with Chairman Hyde of the House International Relations Committee; Mr. Lantos, coauthor of the Iran Freedom Support Act and ranking member of the International Relations Committee; and my ranking member on the Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia, Mr. Ackerman. This bill is a simple housekeeping measure to, on one hand, prevent the original Iran and Libya Sanctions Act from lapsing; and, on the other hand, to afford additional time for the House and Senate to reach an agreement on the final text of the comprehensive Iran legislation, the Iran Freedom Support Act. The focus of the Congress continues to be that articulated through the Iran Freedom Support Act, which is to address the totality of the Iranian threat and strengthen our approach to this rogue state; to hold Iran accountable for its threatening policies; and to induce greater cooperation from our allies to compel Iran to cease and desist in its pursuit of nuclear weapons capabilities. To achieve that end, Mr. Speaker, we need H.R. 5877, which would extend the original ILSA until September 29 of this year, affording us the additional time to finalize the text of the Iran Freedom Support Act to be sent to the President for his signature. I ask for a ``yes'' vote on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise tonight to request the support of my colleagues for House Resolution 844, a resolution congratulating the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative on 10 years of achievement in advancing the search for an HIV/AIDS vaccine. Since emerging in 1981, HIV/AIDS has viciously spread across the globe, compromising economic and political stability in developing countries and indiscriminately taking the lives of over 25 million men, women and children. The cost of HIV/AIDS has been staggering. Thankfully, the global response has accelerated. From the beginning, countless organizations and individuals took up the battle against HIV/ AIDS, committing extensive resources and giving deeply of themselves to fight an epidemic which would prove to be a formidable foe. Until 1996, however, insufficient attention and resources were being devoted to the development of a preventive HIV/AIDS vaccine, a development that would have the potential to end a plague that has devastated much of our world for a quarter century. It was this realization, Mr. Speaker, that led to the founding of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative in 1996. Founded as a public-private partnership, the Initiative's mission is the development of safe, effective and accessible HIV/AIDS vaccines, especially in developing countries where the need is greatest. With a philosophy that has galvanized scientists, academics, nonprofit organizations, governments and faith communities, the Initiative's progress has been substantial. The Initiative has opened a Core Clinical Immunology Laboratory and a network of field laboratories throughout the countries hit worst by HIV/AIDS, conducting numerous vaccine trials in countries such as Kenya, India and South Africa. As a testament to their vitality, activism and commitment, the majority of new HIV/AIDS vaccine candidates are due in large part to the efforts of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. We are reminded that HIV/AIDS is a global obstacle which continues to challenge our collective goal of a free, prosperous and peaceful world. In the struggle against this disease which infects nearly 14,000 people a day, the Initiative's work is of tremendous importance and its progress has been notable. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution to extend the House's congratulations to the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative on 10 years of achievement. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I also have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 844) congratulating the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative on ten years of significant achievement in the search for an HIV/AIDS vaccine, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. 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 resolution under consideration.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. I rise today in strong support of this bill introduced by my distinguished colleague and friend, Mr. Shadegg of Arizona. This measure establishes a grant program to fund joint ventures between American and Israeli businesses and scholars and calls for the creation of an International Energy Advisory Board comprised of U.S. and Israeli representatives working in tandem toward the diversification of our sources of energy. Today, due to our reliance on the foreign supply of oil, the United States is in a troubling position that is quickly escalating. As reported by the Department of Energy, U.S. dependence on foreign oil will increase by 33 percent in the next 20 years. What makes the situation even worse is that frequently the money invested in foreign oil to meet our energy needs is then manipulated to fund terrorists who aim to attack us and our closest allies. Part of the solution to this problem is simple: eliminating our dependency on Middle Eastern sources of energy and developing alternative energy sources to meet our needs. Although developing alternative energy sources, that is, forms of energy, is far from easy, it is necessary for our continued security. Working together with Israel on developing such alternatives and on improving energy efficiency makes perfect sense. Israel is a close and much valued friend of the United States, one with whom we share a deep bond based on mutual values of freedom, justice and democracy and one with whom we stand side by side in our struggle against terror. Israeli scientists have developed some of the world's most advanced technology, contributing greatly to breakthroughs in vital fields. One of Israel's many technological breakthroughs in the field of renewable energy sources includes a technique that significantly increases the efficiency of using solar energy to generate hydrogen for use in energy cells. Mutual collaboration would yield great benefits for both the United States and Israel in an effort to develop technological solutions to our energy dependency problem. Mr. Speaker, by supporting this bill, the United States Congress will enhance the cooperation between our two countries and will jump-start the creative process for the development of innovative approaches to a critical issue with domestic and national security implications. And I thank the gentleman, the sponsor, for his time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, as an original cosponsor of this legislation, as well as the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 5682, the United States and India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act. I would like to thank Chairman Hyde and Ranking Member Lantos for their dedicated work on this important issue, and for their willingness to work with me as well as other Members of the House International Relations Committee to ensure that the bill before us today achieves that delicate balance between strengthening our democratic ally, India, and expanding our bilateral strategic efforts, while promoting U.S. nonproliferation priorities. Given the overwhelming positive committee vote on this measure, I am confident that we have achieved this balance, Mr. Speaker. By providing the legal foundation for full civilian nuclear cooperation, this bill supports the strategic objectives for our global partnership with India, and that was signed a year ago by President Bush and Prime Minister Singh. As India stands firm with the United States and our efforts to confront and eliminate the scourge of global terrorism, and to prevent the spread of dangerous nuclear technology, this bill seeks to reward and recognize India's commitment, while building upon our bilateral cooperation and strategic relationship to address broader U.S. national security priorities. Mr. Speaker, this is not a proposal that we would offer to just any nation. It is a venture we would only enter with our most trusted and proven democratic allies. As such, the bill we will be considering today clearly notes that India is a special case. It outlines the record of achievement that distinguishes India from the pack, and that has earned India this special treatment. Notably, I am referring to section 2 of the bill, Mr. Speaker, which defines certain criteria that are crucial to the U.S. and which India has met. Section 2 recognizes that India is a country that has demonstrated responsible behavior with respect to the nonproliferation of technology related to weapons of mass destruction programs, and the means to deliver them; that India is working with the United States in key foreign policy initiatives related to nonproliferation. India's commitment to cooperate with us on such major issues as the spread of nuclear weapons material and technology to groups and countries of concern, such as Iran, advances the strategic security interests of us in the United States. However, to reiterate, Mr. Speaker, this bill seeks to go beyond the status quo, and it builds upon existing commitments and cooperation. Section 3 of the bill focuses our policy on securing India's full and active involvement in dissuading, isolating, and if necessary, sanctioning and containing Iran for its efforts to acquire chemical, biological and nuclear weapons capability, and the means to deliver those deadly unconventional weapons. This section also establishes, as U.S. official policy, the need to secure India's participation in the Proliferation Security Initiative, including a formal commitment to the statement of interdiction principles. It also calls for the achievement of a moratorium by India, by Pakistan, and by China, of fissile materials for nuclear explosives purposes. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, this bill ensures that Congress can exercise its congressional oversight, and it outlines a number of steps that the President must determine and report to the Congress that have taken place before we consider the final agreement. Among other conditions, the certification under section 4 requires that India provide the U.S. and the International Atomic Energy Agency with a credible plan to separate its nuclear facilities, and that India file a declaration with the IAEA regarding the civilian sites. It calls for India and the International Atomic Energy Agency to have concluded an agreement that subjects these nuclear facilities to perpetual safeguards. The President must also certify that India is taking concrete steps to prevent the spread of dangerous nuclear- related technology, such as by enacting and enforcing comprehensive export controls and regulations that are in keeping with the highest regional and international standards, such as those of the Nuclear Suppliers Club. More importantly, Mr. Speaker, Congress will be able to review and approve the final framework agreement for U.S.-India nuclear agreements. Lastly, H.R. 5682 calls on the U.S. Government to provide Congress with detailed annual reports on implementation of this deal and on U.S. nonproliferation policy throughout South Asia. In short, nuclear cooperation under this proposed legislation could enhance not just U.S. security but actually international security as a whole. In light of the vital implications of this legislation, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in joining me and voting ``yes'' on the U.S. and India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act. I thank my good friend for the time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for the time. I rise in strong support of the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement. Following the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement last year, Mr. Speaker, the U.S.-Oman FTA sends a clear message that we are committed to improving our relationship with the Middle East while improving our international trade interests. The agreement goes beyond addressing trade issues. As part of the FTA, Oman commits to intensifying its political reform efforts to enhance participation of all of its citizens in the process. Oman has also implemented economic changes that will make entry into its domestic and international markets more accessible to private citizens. Additionally, the FTA has stipulations that Oman complete labor reforms by October 31 of this year. However, of its own volition, Oman began enacting these reforms beginning in 2003, and earlier this month many of the remaining reforms were implemented by a royal decree. Some of the recent changes include dispute settlement procedures for labor representatives, the ability to call for strikes, and strengthening of legal protections for women and foreign workers. Oman has ratified the International Labor Organization conventions against child and forced labor. Not only has Oman undertaken domestic reforms, but it has also made strides to change its international policy by pulling out of the Arab League boycott of Israel and repealing all aspects of the boycott. This shows a clear commitment to Oman's desire to function in accordance with international trade norms of equality and full market access. The 9/11 Commission report states that economic reforms will be the key to changing the cultural landscape in the Middle East. As such, this FTA is about much more than trade; it is a tool for advancing U.S. strategic interests. Oman is a key ally in the global war on terror and has provided critical assistance to our Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. In short, this U.S.-Oman FTA will help to improve our market access and increase national security; and, therefore, I would like to reiterate my strong support for this mutually beneficial agreement.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hensarling).

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the chairman of the Subcommittee on International Terrorism and Nonproliferation.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of our time. Madam Speaker, I also would like to thank the gentleman from California, our ranking member of the International Relations Committee, for handling this debate in such a skillful manner. We want to thank our majority leader Mr. Boehner, who was one of the authors of this resolution; and, of course, our esteemed chairman of the International Relations Committee, Mr. Hyde. I would like to thank all of the Members who participated in this debate, in this very civil debate on a very important topic.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I am so pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Franks).

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, before yielding my time to Mr. Lantos, I would also like to recognize the work of Jen Stuart, the foreign policy advisor to the majority leader, who has spent so many hours working on this resolution. And with that, Madam Speaker, I will be glad to yield the remainder of our time, minus 1 minute, so we can close, to Mr. Lantos.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady).

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, before yielding to my colleague from Florida, I would like to thank Mr. Dan Freeman, our parliamentarian of the House International Relations Committee who has steered us correctly through this debate; and Dr. Yleen Boblete, who spent so many hours drafting this resolution; and, of course, our staff director for the committee Dr. Hillel Weinberg, who has been working so many hours as well. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon), who is ever patient.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time. Today I rise in strong support of H. Res. 911, and I would like to join my fellow Members of this Chamber in expressing our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of the victims. Last Tuesday, as all of us know, the explosions in India's financial capital of Mumbai killed 207 people, wounding an additional 800. As the deadly bombings occurred during Mumbai's rush hour, aimed at killing as many innocent civilians as possible, they constitute the most heinous acts of terrorism. The United States stands in solemn support of the Indian people in the face of this terrible tragedy. As cochair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, which I am proud to share with the gentleman from New York (Mr. Ackerman), I take the everlasting bond between the United States and India very seriously. Just last night Mr. Ackerman and I, along with other colleagues and members of the Indian American community, were together in celebrating this expanding and positive relationship between our two countries. We greatly value India's commitment to democracy, and we are grateful that it stands beside the United States as an ally in the war on Islamofascism. In the wake of the tragic September 11 attacks, India was the first nation to step forward and offer assistance to our Nation. Five years later, the United States humbly offers its assistance to India. Your loss is our loss. Your struggles are our struggles. Due to the Indian Government's swift response to the attacks, police have captured five persons suspected to be involved. America stands by the Indian people and its government in their efforts to bring to justice those responsible, and we will work together with India to disrupt and dismantle the networks that have made attacks like these all too possible.