Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 908) congratulating Italy on winning the 2006 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, as amended.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella), the original sponsor of this resolution. (Mr. FOSSELLA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam 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. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 784) commending and supporting Radio Al Mahaba, Iraq's first and only radio station for women.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, House Resolution 784, introduced by our colleague Mrs. McCarthy, and a measure of which I am proud to be an original cosponsor, commends and supports Iraq's first and only radio station for women, Al Mahaba. All of us who have spent time in the Middle East know of the courage that it takes for women to take to the airwaves and provide education and information for women. It was April 1, 2005, when Al Mahaba first went on the air. Despite personal risk, these courageous people took to the airwaves, in the words of the resolution, to reach out and touch people's lives, and give hope, knowledge empowerment, support and a passage to freedom to Iraqi women. Its commitment was to serve as an important education resource for women, for broadcasting in three languages, and enabling women to hear, some for the very first time, messages about women's rights and women's issues. Radio Al Mahaba provides a forum for women to voice their opinions and to hear the opinions of other women who face the complexities of life for women in the Middle East. The programming on Al Mahaba deals with issues specifically focused on women, which includes such important topics as relationships, parenting and other social issues which are not dealt with in other media. This radio station, which operates within the aura of what we in America know as our first amendment rights of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, is a wonderful example to Iraqi women and Iraqi people nationwide of the benefits of freedom. It plays an important role in paving the way for women to have more of a fundamental impact on Iraqi society. House Resolution 784 appropriately commends the efforts of these pioneers. It supports the mission of Radio Al Mahaba and it encourages it to continue with its important work. I urge my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to support this important resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, July 14, 2006 the Coast Guard Sector Miami will be holding a Change of Command ceremony. The event will also be the retirement ceremony for Captain James Maes who will be retiring after 26 years of distinguished service in the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard represents the best in public service and selfless sacrifice for our fellow Americans, and I am proud to be a strong supporter of the Coast Guard's vital missions. An occasion such as this serves to remind us of the important role the Coast Guard serves in defending our national security, ensuring public safety, facilitating commerce, and protecting the environment. Many have contributed for the benefit of protecting our shores, for the safety of those who travel to and from our coastlines, and for the general support our law enforcement and maritime communities gain from key cooperation with the Coast Guard. Coast Guard Sector Miami is the first Sector in the history of the Coast Guard. It was established in Miami Beach on July 12, 2004. Sector Miami is one of the busiest and most dynamic operational units in the Coast Guard. The 650 active duty, reserve and civilian, men and women, and 1000 Auxiliary volunteers who make up Sector Miami continue in the long tradition of dedicated service in South Florida. That tradition dates back to 1876 when the U.S. Lifesaving Service established the Biscayne House of Refuge at a location near what is now 72nd and Collins on Miami Beach. Under Captain Maes' leadership, Coast Guard Sector Miami units saved hundreds of lives, and seized thousands of pounds of illicit drugs. Sector Miami implemented and enforced new port security requirements under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, the most sweeping regulatory changes for the Coast Guard since World War II. He fully integrated the Coast Guard into regional security operations during the Free Trade Area of the Americas in 2003, and the Organization of American States General Assembly in 2005. Captain Maes was the incident commander for rescue and recovery operations after the tragic Chalk's Flight 101 crash, the largest loss of life aviation disaster in the United States since 9/11. During the devastating 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, Coast Guard Sector Miami made critical decisions to restore essential ports for commercial traffic, and open waterways for recreational boaters, as quickly and safely as possible. That is why I am pleased to call myself a supporter of the United States Coast Guard. I congratulate Captain Maes on his distinguished service, particularly the past 3 years in South Florida where he will leave a legacy of trust and cooperation among federal, state, local, volunteer, and marine industry partners. I would also like to welcome Captain Karl Schultz and look forward to the continued success of Sector Miami.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record a letter from Congressman Vernon Ehlers, chairman of the Committee on House Administration, regarding the bill before us that is under consideration. House of Representatives, Committee on House Administration, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC, June 14, 2006. Hon. J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker, House of Representatives, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Speaker: I write concerning H.R. 4416, a bill to permanently reauthorize the use of penalty and franked mail in efforts relating to the location and recovery of missing children. H.R. 4416 was ordered reported by the Committee on Government Reform on June 8, 2006. As you know, the Committee on House Administration received a joint referral on the bill because of the Committee's jurisdiction over matters concerning Congressional franking privileges. 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 it does not in any way prejudice the Committee with respect to the appointment of conferees or its jurisdictional prerogatives on this or similar legislation. Sincerely, Vernon Ehlers, Chairman.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4416) to reauthorize permanently the use of penalty and franked mail in efforts relating to the location and recovery of missing children.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4416, a bill which permanently reauthorizes the use of penalty and franked mail in efforts relating to the location and recovery of missing children. This bill was passed by the Government Reform Committee by a voice vote on June 8. I would like to thank my colleague from California, Juanita Millender-McDonald, for sponsoring this very important bill. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, every day more than 2,100 children are reported missing somewhere in the United States. We are all familiar with the missing child notices that appear in the media, on government office bulletin boards, on advertising mail and, of course, on milk cartons. These notices provide immeasurable help in bringing missing children home. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, one out of every six children featured on these notices are recovered. This bill will allow Members of Congress and Federal agencies to continue to assist in the recovery of missing children by authorizing them to include missing child notices on their official and franked mail envelopes. The wider these notices are disseminated, the greater the chances that someone will recognize a missing child and contact the proper authorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time; and I hope that our colleagues support this important legislation.

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my staff member, Eddy Acevedo, for his work in getting all of our Florida delegation united on this resolution. As my good friend from Florida (Mr. Meek) has pointed out, the Miami Heat players are not only tremendous athletes, outstanding people, but they also give back to the community so much. We thank them for their contribution to making South Florida a better place in which to live. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the adoption of House Resolution 887. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate south Florida's own Miami Heat for winning the 2006 NBA championship. This momentous occasion marks the first NBA championship title for the Heat, a young franchise with a proud basketball tradition. Despite some hardships in the beginning of the 2005-2006 season, the Miami Heat remained persistent throughout the playoffs and the finals. I would like to recognize especially the Heat fans, as they are an integral part of this championship. Their relentless support energized the Heat players to compete each and every game. The ``White Hot'' Heat fans also helped to sell out the American Airlines arena and cheer their hometown team on to victory. An estimated 200,000 Heat fans came together last Friday during a parade down Biscayne Boulevard to celebrate the team's first championship in 18 years as a franchise. The Miami Heat players are not only an inspiration on the court, Mr. Speaker, but they are also role models to the youth of south Florida. Through its many charitable organizations, such as the Miami Heat Family Outreach Charitable Fund, Heat Scholarships, and the Miami Heat Read to Achieve program, the Heat franchise has contributed to the well-being of our community. The Heat coaching and support staff, led by head coach Pat Riley and owner, Micky Arison, have shown a positive commitment to the Heat franchise by successfully acquiring, assembling, and maintaining a team of high-quality winning players. And, of course, we need to applaud the achievements of the Miami Heat players, whose hard work and dedication proved instrumental throughout this NBA championship. The outstanding support given by the city of Miami, Miami-Dade County, and the State of Florida were all crucial in forging one of the best teams we have ever seen. Congratulations to our 15-strong Miami Heat team for bringing the first NBA title, the first of many, Mr. Speaker, to the city of Miami and to everyone who has participated in this magnificent season. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 887) congratulating the Miami Heat for winning the 2006 NBA Championship.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute. I just would like to congratulate Mr. Meek for rallying the support of our delegation behind the Miami Heat. Throughout every game, even those first tough ones, he was passing out beads for the Miami Heat and rallying support, along with Members of this body, even giving Heat beads to Dallas fans. So he was winning converts one fan at a time. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield such time as he may consume to another fan of the Miami Heat championship season, my good friend, Mr. Foley.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield the remainder of our time to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gerlach) with whom I had the honor of visiting our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, the front line of the war on terror.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Pryce).

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I can think of no better person to close our segment of the International Relations Committee, and I yield the remaining time to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson), who served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1979, decorated combat veteran with two silver stars, and as all of us know is a living hero, a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. We welcome him and we thank him for closing up our segment of the debate.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, how much time do we have remaining in our segment?

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman, my colleague from Florida (Mr. Crenshaw), who has traveled multiple times to Iraq to meet with our forces.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the previous speaker for the vote of confidence. I am sure that the troops are very happy with that support as well. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to my good friend, my Florida colleague, Mr. Diaz-Balart, who has been to both Iraq and Afghanistan and has spent Thanksgiving with our troops and our coalition forces.