Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, 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. 32) expressing the grave concern of Congress regarding the occupation of the Republic of Lebanon by the Syrian Arab Republic, as amended.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve 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 thank Yleem Poblete and Paul Ostburg Sanz, long and dedicated, hardworking members, staffers on our committee on these measures and the work of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia. I would like to thank Chairman Hyde of the International Relations Committee, for understanding the need to support the Lebanese people at this critical time, and moving this resolution quickly through the Committee. I would also like to commend our leadership for their commitment to freedom and democracy for all the people of the Middle East. Lastly, I must make special mention of the efforts and cooperation of our Subcommittee Ranking Member, Gary Ackerman, and especially our Full Committee Ranking Member, Tom Lantos. Tom Lantos has experienced first hand what happens when one appeases dictators and ignores the oppression of human beings. We cannot stand idly by and allow Syria to continue to deny the Lebanese people their rights and their nation. Thanks to the cooperation of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, we are able to send a clear and unified message to both the Syrian oppressors and to the Lebanese people. As we did with the Syrian Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration, we have an opportunity today, by supporting H. Con. Res. 32, to demonstrate a united front and show that freedom transcends party lines, geographic borders, and language barriers. When it comes to freedom and democracy, the U.S. is speaking with one voice, as the Lebanese people are speaking with one voice. In so doing, we become one with our brothers and sisters in Lebanon as they seek to remove the shackles of Syrian tyranny and occupation. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 10 minutes of my time to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and ask unanimous consent he be permitted to control the time.

Mrs. ROS-LEHTINEN

Mrs. 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. Con. Res. 32, expressing the grave concern of Congress regarding the occupation of the Republic of Lebanon by the Syrian Arab Republic.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank the leadership for bringing this important resolution before the House today at a time when hundreds of thousands of Lebanese are flocking to the streets issuing cries for freedom. It is critical that the United States Congress reaffirm its commitment to the restoration of Lebanese sovereignty and independence and specifically acknowledge the plight that Lebanon has endured as a captive nation. House Concurrent Resolution 32 does exactly that, Mr. Speaker. For too long Lebanon has been denied its independence by the regime in Damascus, a regime that has imposed its will upon the Lebanese people through electoral intimidation, through political persecution, through assassination of opposition leaders and brutal military force. But the Lebanese people's desire to be free and sovereign could not be silenced and could not be repressed any longer. The protests that have followed the Valentine's Day bombing in Beirut that killed former Prime Minister Hariri ushered in an immediate demand from a unifiable and diverse Lebanese opposition for Syria to withdraw from Lebanon. The streets of Beirut earlier this week boasted the largest anti-Syrian demonstration in Lebanese history and possibly the largest pro-democracy rally in Middle East history in response to the Syrian and Iranian-sponsored Hezbollah rally a week earlier. For the first time, a number of moderate Shiites joined the Druze, Sunnis and Christian groups whose anger and grief over the brutal tactics of the Syrian occupiers and their Lebanese collaborators have galvanized them into action, into a coordinated effort to reclaim Lebanon's sovereignty. House Concurrent Resolution 32 clearly articulates the threat to U.S. national security interests and to regional stability posed by Syria's presence in Lebanon. And the threat is not limited to Syrian intelligence and military, but to its terrorist proxy, Hezbollah, which uses Lebanese territory as a launching pad for attacks against Israel and a training ground for terrorists targeting U.S. and other Western interests. Thus, at a time when this body has clearly articulated our stand regarding Hezbollah just a few days ago, let us underscore that we will not tolerate an appeasement of Hezbollah in Lebanon. House Concurrent Resolution 32 builds on recent developments and calls for the President to instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to present and secure support for a Security Council resolution classifying Lebanon as a captive nation. It calls for the President, pursuant to existing law, to freeze all assets in the U.S. belonging to Lebanese Government officials who are found to support and aid in Syria's occupation of Lebanon. Finally, Mr. Speaker, it calls for the United States policy to include support for the independent human rights and pro-democracy advocates in Lebanon and for the full restoration of sovereign democratic rule there. The resolution underscores the U.S. position against Syria's brutal occupation of Lebanon and U.S. policy about holding state sponsors of terrorism accountable for their actions. Calling for Syria to depart from Lebanon once and for all is in keeping with the post-9/11 approach of forcing terrorists out of their caves and placing them on the run. The U.S. position on Syrian withdrawal forces the terrorists to retreat to their own soil; and in doing so, it seeks to limit their impact so that freedom and democracy can flourish once again in Lebanon and throughout the region. The Lebanese people have had enough, and they will not allow their territory to continue to be used as a staging ground for terrorists and their state sponsors. Let us stand with the Lebanese people and overwhelmingly adopt this resolution. I strongly urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 32 and send a clear message to the Syrian terrorist regime to get out of Lebanon. Not to the border; not to the Bekaa Valley. Completely out. God willing, as our Arab-speaking Lebanese brothers and sisters would say, inshallah, we will soon witness a free, independent, sovereign, and democratic Lebanon. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today I stand in this great Chamber of democracy to adopt a Cuban political prisoner. Although this idea may seem like an idea that has no effect, it actually has a profound and everlasting impact on those who are enslaved. Three years ago, Castro, whom we know to be an evil dictator who abuses the human rights of his people, swept the streets of Cuba and imprisoned over 70 innocent men and women who were calling for democracy on the island. One of these victims is Lester Gonzales Penton. This young man who will turn 28 next week was sentenced to 20 years and is currently held in one of Castro's most shameful prisons, Kilo 7. I am honored to adopt Lester, and I urge my colleagues to join me in adopting these courageous, peaceful activists, activists who sit in squalid jails for crimes we consider to be some of the most sacred rights: freedom, democracy, and freedom of expression. We stand here today to honor these heroic souls and demand their release. I invite my colleagues to join us at noon today at HC-7 to hear more about our Adopt a Cuban Political Prisoner Campaign.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, as so many of the viewers of C-SPAN know by now, we are here today in great sadness but also in great joy that we celebrate a wonderful life exemplified by Tillie Fowler. We came together last week when we announced the unexpected death of Tillie Fowler, who passed away at the age of 62; but she made such a strong imprint on the lives of so many and on the lives of this House. Tillie, as we have heard, was a fiercely loyal, dedicated public servant from our home State of Florida, a true crusader for the citizens of our State and especially for all who served in our Armed Forces, the men and women in uniform. She fought hard, especially for the women serving in the military so that they would be treated fairly, so that they would be free from sexual harassment, so they would be free from discrimination. During her four terms in Congress, Tillie became the highest- ranking woman in the House leadership. She possessed a quiet tenacity. She had the grace and the strength to rise above partisan differences and to continuously reach across the aisle in a true spirit of unity, as we just heard from my good friend from California (Mrs. Capps) who really showed that in a very clear way. Tillie was an outstanding member of our Florida team. She was a true asset to our community. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have served in the House of Representatives with her. I think it is most appropriate, Mr. Speaker, as we commemorate this week, which is the Stop Violence Against Women Week, that we celebrate Tillie's life and Tillie's work here in Congress, because through her tireless efforts, she worked to protect women from all types of injustices. During her short tenure in Congress, she and I worked together on a number of important women's issues, such as breast cancer research, the protection of our environment, the security of our women, so many issues that we were involved with. All of us in the House extend our heartfelt condolences to Tillie's beloved husband, Buck; to their two beautiful daughters, Tillie and Elizabeth; and to the rest of her loving family. Our thoughts and our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Thank you, Tillie, for your gentle leadership. You were a true friend to me, to our Florida community, to all whose lives you touched. You will be greatly missed. Our country is safer today because of Tillie's hard work, and the women who are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces are better protected because of your efforts, Tillie. Tillie leaves a strong legacy of service with honor, and it was my honor to call her my friend.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize the efforts of the Eating Disorders Coalition and its affiliated organizations for promoting awareness regarding the need for education, prevention, and treatment of eating disorders. They are commemorating the ``National Eating Disorders Awareness Week'' from February 27 to March 5th of 2005, and they have been devoted over the years to educate the community and offer help and support to our population to promote the well-being of patients with eating disorders. Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, and impact millions of Americans each year. The consequences of these disorders could be devastating to the physical and mental health of those afflicted. Although eating disorders affect mainly females, males can be affected by these disorders. We need to educate the general population to recognize the problem and teach them how to seek adequate help. Prevention should start at an early age, and the best method of prevention should be education and the promotion of healthy eating habits and self-esteem. Please join the efforts of all those who work hard to fight these serious medical conditions, and recognize the important work that the Eating Disorders Coalition and its affiliated organizations do on a daily basis to promote the health of patients with eating disorders.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, as we commemorate the 185th birthday of Susan B. Anthony, I wish to honor her for her courageous effort in ensuring that all women receive the respect and dignity they truly deserve. Susan B. Anthony was one of the greatest women advocates in history. She is known not only for her fight to gain women the right to vote, but also for her great courage in fighting for the rights of the unborn. She was a feminist who fought tirelessly to protect the dignity of motherhood, which she believed to be an inherent right of all women. I am proud to honor Susan B. Anthony for her dedication to preserving the precious gift of life and I hope that my colleagues will join me in promoting a true culture of life.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Mr. Fidel Gonzalez. Fidel Gonzalez practiced law in Cuba and defended many dissidents of the Fidel Castro regime. Among his various activities in the United States, he has worked as a social worker in the city of New York's Social Welfare Program. He studied nights and weekends at Fordham University in New York, where he received a Master's Degree in Social Work and graduated with a high grade point average. When he retired as a social worker, he began working with a well- known law firm in Union City. In addition, Fidel Gonzalez was an outstanding leader of the Cuban Attorneys Delegation in New York and New Jersey. He has been a member for many years of the Pan-American Culture Circle, where he has participated in their conferences as coordinator of the historic and literature sessions.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the amazing achievements and munificence of Tibor and Sheila Hollo. These two individuals have assumed a remarkable leadership role in the South Florida community and I thank them for their countless contributions and admirable generosity. Raised in a small town in France, Tibor Hollo and his parents were victims of the concentration camps, and though he and his father survived, his mother did not. Symbolic of his perseverant nature, Mr. Hollo went on to earn his architectural engineering degree in Paris and moved to the United States where he embraced the ``American Dream'' and is now one of the most prominent business leaders in South Florida. Transforming Miami's midtown district into one of South Florida's dynamic epicenters of business and entertainment, Mr. Hollo is the proud developer of several key complexes in my Congressional district. The Venetian/Omni, Bay Parc Plaza, The Club at Brickell Bay and Opera Tower and the Grand are just a few of his developments. As the first recipient of the City of Miami Visionary Award, Mr. Hollo was recognized by his colleagues and the City of Miami for his outstanding foresight and determination to fulfill such visions. Mrs. Hollo shares her husband's regard for philanthropic efforts and serves on the Board of the Foundation and Board of Trustees of the Mount Sinai Medical Center. She proudly presided over the Mount Sinai Medical Center Founders, Women's Cancer League of Miami Beach, Sunflower Society and the Temple Emanuel's PTA. This inspirational couple provides a wonderful example of diligence and generosity. I commend their efforts and I am grateful to have them as part of our South Florida community.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored and grateful for the opportunity today to recognize the inspirational challenges that the Tuskegee Airmen courageously embraced and surmounted as the first African-American pilots in our Nation's distinguished Armed Forces. I commend my colleague, Mike Rogers, for introducing H. Con. Res. 26, that recognizes the invaluable contributions that these valiant men made to our country and the significant example that they continue to offer us today. An illustrious group of men who served the United States with honor and bravery, the Tuskegee Airmen defied both fascism abroad and racism at home, as they proved determined to defend our families, communities, and Nation as a whole throughout the course of the Second World War. As the only unit ever to secure the impressive and unprecedented record of flying over 200 escort missions without the loss of a single bomber aircraft to the enemy, the Tuskegee Airmen confirmed, without a doubt, that skill and determination, not skin color, are the determining factors not only in aviation, but in anything we endeavor to achieve yesterday and today. The example set by these individuals encouraged millions of Americans of every race to pursue careers in air and space technology. But it extends even further then this. The extraordinary feat of the Tuskegee Airmen to overcome segregation and prejudice to go on and become one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War II established the possibility for all Americans--despite race, culture, religion or gender--to achieve their own dreams and aspirations. Their courage to confront the constraints of American society contributed to the courage of others to confront the dangers of the war, and today continues to contribute to the courage of Americans to persevere and succeed in the face of adversity and hardships. Once again, I express my utmost sincere gratitude and admiration for the courage of the Tuskegee Airmen and hope that our colleagues here today will join in this much deserved recognition of their sacrifices and contribution.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, as we stand here today, Chinese military buildup along Taiwan's coast continues, and China has announced plans to enact an anti-secession (or anti-separation) law aimed specifically at Taiwan. China's proposed anti-secession law assumes the unification of China and Taiwan and proposes that those opposed to the unification are subject to punishment. It further assumes that Chinese leaders have the right to invade Taiwan if they suspect the engagement of Taiwanese leaders in separatist activities. Mr. Speaker, the dismayed and freedom loving people of Taiwan have reacted to the proposed law with disappointment. In a recent public opinion poll 70 percent of Taiwanese people oppose China's institution of the ``anti-secession'' law. I share the sentiments of the people of Taiwan and stand with them in the zeal for freedom and liberty.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible achievements of Ms. Helen Aguirre-Ferre. An accomplished journalist in print and television, Helen is currently the Opinion Page Editor of Diario Las Americas and moderator of the weekly public affairs program Issues for WPBT Channel 2. In addition, I am proud to acknowledge the wonderful distinction Helen earned by being elected as the first female President of the District Board of Trustees of Miami Dade College. Helen's enthusiastic ability to balance the responsibilities and obligations of these challenging positions is a commendable feat and serves as a testament to the diligence and determination she exerts as she continues to succeed in her professional endeavors. She truly lends an impressive example of purpose and fortitude to the communities of South Florida. I invite my colleagues today to join in the much-deserved recognition of Ms. Aguirre-Ferre and wish her much continued success in the future. Congratulations, Helen!

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Franks).

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole) be permitted to manage the balance of the time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston).

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), a member of the Committee on International Relations.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller).

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart), the vice chair of the Committee on Rules.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this important resolution relating to the free elections held in Iraq on Sunday, January 30. I commend the leadership for bringing this important measure to the floor at this time. This past Sunday, freedom permeated from all corners of Iraq. Iraqis celebrated their vote. They reveled in it and embraced it. They clearly demonstrated to the terrorists and to the world the power of the human spirit. They showed the indomitable will of a free people anxious to exercise their rights as human beings and citizens. We witnessed women in this Arab nation taking their place as free individuals alongside men, their voices and their votes given equal weight. The Kurdish people, who have been the victims of unspeakable human rights violations under Saddam Hussein's evil regime, at long last voted to take their well-earned, equal, respected place in a new Iraq. Both Shias and Sunnis, through the ballot box, were afforded an equal opportunity to exercise their rights and a role in their future government. Some naysayers have focused on percentages and what ethnic group voted more than others. I, however, will always remember the images of the young and old Iraqis, of men and women of all backgrounds, proudly showing their ink-stained fingers, while hugging and waving to American soldiers in a show of gratitude. I have never been prouder to have been an American and know that we have and will continue to contribute to make these images of hope possible. It is a testament to the power of freedom that as we commemorated the liberation of Auschwitz we finished that same week with elections in a country previously shackled with decades of tyranny. It is a victory for those of us who believe that people throughout the Middle East are not just ready but enthusiastic for democracy. It is a victory for the principle that human rights are universal and not gifts bestowed to a select few. However, our work is by no means complete. From Iran to Libya, from Saudi Arabia to Syria and beyond, much of the Middle East remains engulfed in oppression under the iron grip of dictatorships. Only by securing a decisive shift towards democracy across the region can the misery endured by the people of the Middle East be relieved. Simultaneously, we must encourage those governments and populations in the region who have heeded the call for political and economic reform to expand those efforts, as they will surely ensure a prosperous future for their people and a more secure and stable world for us all. Let us congratulate and commend the courageous Iraqis for defying the terrorists in going to the polls in huge numbers. Let us honor the brave men and women of our Armed Forces and all Iraqi security forces, officials and innocent civilians who have given their lives so that all Iraqis were given the opportunity to exercise a valuable, cherished freedom. As the great communicator, former President Ronald Reagan, said on January 20, 1981, ``No weapon in the arsenals of the world is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.'' This was clearly evident in Iraq this past Sunday. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to overwhelmingly 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 within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 60.