Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my support of H.R. 243, and to recognize the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the National Safe Boating Council for their efforts to promote National Safe Boating Week. I represent Florida's 18th District, and a large portion of my Congressional district is surrounded by water. To many of my constituents, and to many Floridians, boating is a way of life. National Safe Boating Week reminds us that even the most experienced boater must always be attentive and vigilant to prevent accidents that hurt or kill thousands of Americans each year. The National Safe Boating Council deserves our thanks for its public education efforts. The Coast Guard's mission is not limited to our home waters. Numerous Coast Guard vessels are deployed to U.S. Central Command in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, including two 110-foot patrol boats from South Florida--the USCGC Baranof and the USCGC Maui, each with 22 personnel aboard--are currently deployed in Bahrain and patrol in the North Arabian Gulf. I join the citizens of South Florida in saluting the bravery and dedication of the men and women serving in the United States Coast Guard who are keeping the American people safe and who are defending our freedom both at home and abroad.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Congresswomen Brown-Waite, Solis, Capps and the entire Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues to recognize the 8th Annual Women in the Military Wreath Laying Ceremony hosted by the Caucus at Arlington National Cemetery. The purpose of this event is to honor our nation's servicewomen and female veterans for their courage and achievements, and to remember women who have died in service to the United States. Today, we have the opportunity to recognize five outstanding female servicewomen, one selected from each branch of the military. These women serve their respective branches with honor, dignity, and courage. These highly decorated leaders chose to defend our freedom and embody the spirit of those that served before them. From the United States Navy, we will honor Force Master Chief Karen H. O'Connor, who currently serves at the Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet representing 40,000 enlisted sailors. Force Master Chief O'Connor has served the Navy in a variety of duty station and capacities such as Command Master Chief in the USS BONHOMME RICHARD (LHD 6), completing an accelerated deployment in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in 2002 and then deploying 14 months early in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in January 2003. During this tour Bonhomme Richard received two Battle ``E'' awards and two consecutive Edward F. Ney awards for Food Service Excellence. Force Master Chief O'Connor has repeatedly demonstrated outstanding performance, leadership, and devotion to the U.S. Navy as is evidenced by the numerous personal awards she has received such as the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and various campaign and service awards. Force Master Chief O'Connor continues to distinguish herself as an invaluable leader in the Navy, and it is a honor for each Member of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues to recognize the courage and commitment of Force Master Chief O'Connor and all women in the military.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the newest baseball, State of Florida, High School Champions, the Key West High School baseball team. Located in the southernmost point of Florida, the Conchs captured their 11th State title by beating Orlando Bishop Moore by a score of 7- 0. This is the first State title for the Conchs since 1998, capping an incredible season. At the beginning of the year, the Conchs were ranked fifth in the Nation by Baseball America Magazine, and they surely did not disappoint. Their 27-to-5 record demonstrates their commitment and their resilience, Mr. Speaker. Key West High School is the little school that could; and, boy, they sure did. Congratulations to the Key West High School baseball team on its incredible season. Hats off to the athletes, their proud parents, the coaching staff, the school administrator, the Monroe County Public School Superintendent Randy Acevedo, and all of the proud residents of Monroe County, and most especially Key West. Their win is a victory for all of Monroe County. Go Conchs!

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the Pulmonary Hypertension Association for raising awareness and for creating a network of support for patients with pulmonary hypertension. I would especially like to recognize the dedication of my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and his family, but especially the courage of his granddaughter, Charity Sunshine, who suffers from this rare, chronic, debilitating condition, which is characterized by increased pressure in the pulmonary vessels. It is encouraging to note that significant advances have been made, enabling doctors to provide more effective medical therapies. So please join me in thanking the Lantos family and the PHA for their unwavering commitment to finding a cure for pulmonary hypertension. My prayers are with all who are affected by this condition.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to pay tribute to Jack Horkheimer, the Executive Director of the Miami Space Transit Planetarium. For over 25 years, Jack has been a pioneer in the advancement of science exploration and discovery. Jack Horkheimer has worked diligently throughout his tenure at the Miami of Science to enhance and transform planetarium presentations. He is best known as the creator, producer and host of the television show, ``Star Hustler/Star Gazer,'' that has been shown weekly for over 25 years. His sign-off motto, ``Keep Looking Up,'' has become familiar to many. Mr. Horkheimer has appeared on major television and radio networks, and has led several solar eclipse expeditions, as well as the first Halley's Comet Chase. Presently, Mr. Horkheimer is assisting associates position a telescope on the International Space Station. In January 2001, the International Astronomical Union renamed ``Asteroid 1999 FD,'' the asteroid that orbits between Mars and Jupiter, to ``Asteroid Horkheimer'' in honor of his contributions to astronomy. Mr. Horkheimer has also received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Astronomical League, as well as the 12 Good Men Award presented to him by the Ronald McDonald House. In May 2000, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the International Fine Arts College, and was also the recipient of the Klumpke-Roberts Award from the Astronomical Society ofthe Pacific. He is the Founding Member of the International Planetarium Society, co-editor of ``The Planetarium,'' and past editor of ``Southern Skies,'' In addition, Mr. Horkheimer has established several annual scholarship funds for young students, providing them the opportunity to study astronomy. Mr. Speaker, many in my home state of Florida have benefited immeasurably from Mr. Horkheimer's leadership and involvement in our community. My daughters are among many South Floridians that have had the unique opportunity to visit this exceptional facility. It is truly an asset to our community, and I encourage my colleagues in the House to pay tribute to Mr. Jack Horkheimer.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

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 concurrent resolution under consideration.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. It is a pleasure to welcome His Excellency Hamid Karzai, the President of Afghanistan, to the United States and to underscore the growing and strong friendship between our two nations. As we continue to lead the fight against the forces of terror and oppression, we are joined by courageous leaders such as President Karzai, and we are motivated and strengthened by the strong will of the Afghan people, who experienced, firsthand, what it is to live under these dual threats. Despite the Taliban's brutality and intolerable injustices that comprise the Taliban's legacy, their removal from power has generated clear and evident signs that the future of Afghanistan holds great promise. Millions of Afghans, once oppressed by the Taliban's terrorist regime, cast their ballots in their country's free elections in October of 2004 and elected Hamid Karzai as their leader. A defender of freedom, President Karzai has worked tirelessly to unite and rebuild Afghanistan during this time of transition and has strived to bring security and stability while working to improve daily life. Afghanistan has made great strides with respect to democracy, to reform, and to political openness. The women of Afghanistan, once forced to live as subhumans under a shroud that served as both a physical and symbolic instrument of the Taliban's oppression, are now vibrant and active participants in Afghan society. Afghans enjoy restored liberties and opportunities that were unheard of in recent memory. Schools have been reopened. A new banking law is in place. Businesses are blossoming around the country. But most importantly, there is hope for a better future. The United States has stood by the Afghanistan dilemma during this critical time. We have stood by the Afghan people, helping them with the construction of centers for women, schools, building up their infrastructure, providing assistance to promote political participation, and to improve human rights for all. The United States must continue to fulfill its role as a friend to Afghanistan by providing resources and expertise and assistance to the people and the government of Afghanistan as they struggle to reconstruct themselves socially, economically, and politically. I, therefore, Mr. Speaker, urge my colleagues to support this important resolution and clearly demonstrate to the people and the Government of Afghanistan that the United States stands firmly with them. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 153) welcoming His Excellency Hamid Karzai, the President of Afghanistan, on the occasion of his visit to the United States in May 2005 and expressing support for a strong and enduring strategic partnership between the United States and Afghanistan.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Government Reform, I rise in support of H.R. 2066, the General Services Administration Modernization Act. This legislation would provide a reorganization of the General Services Administration, the Federal agency that is charged with procuring the facilities, products, services, and technology that Federal agencies and their employees need every day. H.R. 2066 will ensure that the GSA maximizes its use of taxpayer funds. This legislation has been under consideration in our Committee on Government Reform for a number of years, and it has been the subject of multiple legislative and oversight hearings and was included in the President's budget proposal for fiscal year 2006. Specifically, H.R. 2066 would combine GSA's current Federal Supply Service and Federal Technology Service into a single entity, operating out of a united fund. This would provide Federal agencies with a one-stop shop to acquire all of their commercial goods and services. The separate technology fund was created in the 1980s to assist agencies as they incorporated complex mainframe computers into their daily operations. But today information technology is as common in the Federal workplace as furniture. Having two separate entities within GSA, one focusing on IT goods and services, one focusing on non-IT goods and services, is no longer appropriate. So H.R. 2066 would provide GSA with the statutory structure that it needs to bring it in line with the current commercial market. Overall, the reforms provided in H.R. 2066 would help GSA streamline its operations, improve its performance and efficiency far into the future. I urge its passage today, Mr. Speaker, and I congratulate the bill's distinguished authors, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) for working to create such a thoughtful bill. 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 H.R. 2066.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my motion to suspend the rules on H.R. 2066.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

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 H. Res. 280.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 280 celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The resolution honors the immense contributions that Asians and Pacific Islanders have made to our Nation. This month, May, is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and the theme is ``Freedom For All--A Nation We Can Call Our Own.'' Today, more than 14 million native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Asians call America their home nation. This legislation is a fitting tribute to our Asian and Pacific Island friends and neighbors. I thank the House leadership, particularly the Majority Leader for scheduling this meaningful resolution today. Congress first observed this commemoration in 1978 as Asian Pacific American Heritage week during the first 10 days of May. Then, in 1992, Congress expanded the commemoration to designate the entire month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The first 10 days of May include two important historical dates, May 7, which in 1843 marked the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States, and May 10, the date in 1869 on which the first North American transcontinental railroad was completed. The railway was built heading east from Sacramento, California, and west from Omaha, Nebraska, and converged in Utah thanks to the hard work of thousands of laborers, most of whom were Chinese immigrants. Mr. Speaker, as the war on terrorism continues today, I also wish to recognize the service that more than 300,000 Asian and Pacific veterans have made throughout American history. From the Army's courageous First and Second Filipino Regiments that General Douglas MacArthur sent to spy behind Japanese lines in World War II, to the indescribable bravery of today's soldier heroes like Marine Lance Corporal Victor Lu and Army Specialist Thai Vue, who have lost their lives in the past year in Iraq. Asian and Pacific Americans have indeed sacrificed so much for our cherished liberty and freedoms. I know that all Members of the House join me in commending the selflessness of these veterans and active duty soldiers. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished chairman of our Committee on Government Reform, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) for his hard work on House Resolution 280. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of the resolution, and I urge all of my colleagues to support its adoption. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con.Res. 149) recognizing the 57th anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel, as amended.

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), the author and the lead sponsor of this concurrent resolution.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 149 marks the 57th anniversary of the State of Israel. Since its birth in 1948, Israel has stood out as a symbol of morality and courage. It has struggled constantly to maintain its independence, surmounting military attacks from hostile neighbors and prolonged terrorist campaigns. Even while at war, Israel's democracy and its vibrant diverse and free society have stayed strong. Its doors have remained open to victims of persecution and intolerance around the world. It is the nature of the Israeli nation and the character of the Israeli people that have helped form an unbreakable bond between our nations and our people, and we are proud to call Israel our friend and ally. The United States and Israel have a long history of friendship and cooperation. In 1948, the United States was one of the first nations to recognize Israel, doing so only 11 minutes after its creation. From that point onward, the relationship between our Nation and Israel has continued to grow. As the first and only true democracy in the Middle East, Israel is a remarkable example to its neighbors. Israel has an active free press that constantly holds up a mirror to the government and its policies. It holds regular, free, and fair elections and has a transparent independent judiciary. Israel is home to a remarkably diverse and multiethnic society that includes Jews of Middle Eastern descent, Arabs, Druze, and immigrant communities from Russia, Ethiopia, India and, indeed, all parts of the world. Israel exemplifies religious tolerance and respect. The Israeli people have demonstrated over and over again their commitment to peace and to security in the face of terrorist threats. Israel has worked with the neighboring countries of Egypt and Jordan to establish peaceful bilateral relations and has seen those bonds flourish and strengthen through initiatives such as the Qualified Industrial Zones which have brought prosperity and development to all of the participants involved. Israel has also continued seeking peace with its Palestinian neighbors, despite the relentless onslaught of suicide bombers that brought the deaths of over 1,000 innocent Israelis over the last 4 years. Even while facing militant threats from its neighbors, Israel has flourished and has given the world great gifts through its literature and art and through its medical, technological, and scientific advances. The bond between our nations and our people has never been stronger. Accordingly, I wish to extend my best wishes and congratulations to the people of the State of Israel on their 57th Independence Day and strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution. 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 in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 149, the concurrent resolution now under consideration.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay special tribute to an outstanding citizen from my south Florida community, Dr. Luis Glaser. For the past 19 years, Dr. Glaser has served as provost for the University of Miami. He has been one of the university's most dynamic and energetic leaders. As a recent graduate of the University of Miami, I am proud to have experienced firsthand his exceptional leadership. As a Jewish refugee who fled his native Austria at the dawn of the Holocaust, Dr. Glaser understands the experience of refugees of so many countries who have made the University of Miami the international academic center that it is. His sensitivity and his insight have allowed him to fully engage in the academic life of the university and to maintain direct personal contact with its students. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Dr. Luis Glaser for his wonderful service, as well as to his great wife, Ruth, for their unparalleled commitment to our south Florida community and to the University of Miami community. Go Canes. Thank you, Louie.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today I stand here filled with emotion and hope. When the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) and I began working on legislation that expressly called for Syria's full and unconditional withdrawal from Lebanon toward the restoration of the Lebanese independence, we could not have imagined that this day would come just a few years later. This is a testament to the unwavering commitment, determination, and courage of the Lebanese people and to the tireless efforts of the Lebanese- American community in the United States. The elections scheduled to begin on May 29 mark a very important moment; but it is only the beginning of a journey toward full sovereignty and free, democratic governance. Electoral reform is necessary to ensure that future parliamentary and municipal elections are to be considered fair. We must help the Lebanese people in their quest for a free and fair electoral law as opposed to the current Syrian-orchestrated 2000 law that discriminates against certain sectors of Lebanese society and would actually help perpetuate Syrian influence in Lebanese politics. The resolution reflects our commitment to supporting the people of Lebanon in their quest to strengthen civil society, develop democratic institutions and safeguards, and transcend sectarian divisions. A free and democratic Lebanon would have the potential to become a model for the region and a source for stability and peace. Within this context, we must work to ensure full and immediate implementation of all aspects of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559, beginning with international verification that Syria has withdrawn all security and intelligence forces from Lebanon. That must include the removal of pro-Syrian security officers such as the military intelligence chief, the police chief, the directors of general security and state security. United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 clearly calls for free and fair elections devised without foreign interference and influence. We must safeguard against manipulation of the election registration process to allow Syria to keep its tentacles in Lebanese politics. Simultaneously, steps must be undertaken, both bilaterally and in consultation with European allies and the United Nations, to ensure the immediate and unconditional disarming of all militias and terrorist organizations prior to the next round of elections. The people of Lebanon should not have to live under repressive terrorist organizations any more than being forced to live under an oppressive Syrian-sponsored regime. For freedom and justice to fully blossom in Lebanon, all Lebanese prisoners of conscience held in Syrian and Lebanese jails must be released and the disappeared must be fully accounted for. The policy of apathy must end. Lebanon was once a land of promise, a vibrant democratic society known as the ``Paris of the Middle East.'' Ending the occupation and conducting free, fair, and transparent elections would take a quickly recovering Lebanon one step closer to realizing its full promise. To the people of Lebanon, I would like to say that they are an inspiration to us all. They remind us of how precious liberty is; and we assure them, as they stand for their freedom, the United States will stand with them. I want to thank the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McCotter) for introducing this important resolution. It was a pleasure working on this text with the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McCotter) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), my partner on all of these issues. My utmost appreciation goes to the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), ranking member of the Committee on International Relations, as well as to our leadership for moving this resolution expeditiously and bringing it to the floor. I urge my colleagues to support this measure and, in turn, to support the Lebanese people in their efforts to cast off the shackles of tyranny and occupation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 191) urging the Government of Romania to recognize its responsibilities to provide equitable, prompt, and fair restitution to all religious communities for property confiscated by the former Communist government in Romania, as amended.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

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 concurrent resolution under consideration.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 89) honoring the life of Sister Dorothy Stang.