Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the previous order of the House, I call up the resolution (H. Res. 60) relating to the free election in Iraq held on January 30, 2005, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise as a proud cosponsor of House Resolution 57 and ask my colleagues to render their strong support to this resolution. It is unconscionable that the European Union has decided to lift its arms embargo against the People's Republic of China, a regime that is a gross human rights violator and a country of proliferation concern, given its assistance to terrorist states like Iran. The arms embargo was implemented in response to the Chinese regime turning its tanks against peaceful demonstrators in Tiananmen Square on that fateful day of June 4, 1989. The PRC has yet to acknowledge or even make amends for this massacre. The PRC harasses, intimidates, imprisons, and tortures religious worshipers, human rights dissidents, and any who seek to exercise their fundamental freedoms and who oppose the repressive apparatus of the regime in Beijing. For the EU to remove the ban and for its largest members to steadily increase their arms sales to the PRC is an affront to all of China's victims, particularly to the victims of Tiananmen Square. It also undermines global efforts to hold other human rights violators accountable for their deplorable practices. How can the EU's so-called human rights dialogue with Iran or its discussions with Syria, for example, have any credibility when the EU has given a pass to the PRC for this massacre? It is critical we also look at the implications for U.S. policy priorities on other issues. As the resolution before us articulates, the United States has significant security interests in the Asia and Pacific regions, including the security of Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and other critical areas. The EU decision could alter this delicate strategic balance in this region. An even more daunting implication is how the EU's removal of the arms embargo on China could undermine counterproliferation efforts. Chinese entities have been sanctioned under U.S. law for transferring missile technologies to Iran. Concurrently, Iran has paraded its long-range Shahab-3 missiles that could reach and threaten U.S. allies in the Middle East and American forces stationed in the region. Yet the EU decides to facilitate China's military buildup by lifting its arms embargo on the PRC. Within this context, is the EU complicit in the threat posed by Iranian missiles targeting U.S. interests with Chinese technology? For that matter, how will the EU respond to Iran missile threats when they reach European capitals, thanks to Chinese technology? How can the EU be taken seriously in its efforts to halt Iran's pursuit of a nuclear capability? This is a matter of utmost urgency. The EU's decision to lift the arms embargo on the PRC can have grave repercussions. It could trigger a domino effect that could undermine our efforts to address and curtail threats across multiple sectors. It will only serve to emboldened oppressors and proliferators. We must stand together against such threats. As the resolution underscores, this development in European security policy is inherently inconsistent within the concept of mutual security interests. Let us, through the overwhelming adoption of the resolution of the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), strongly urge European leaders to reconsider this unwise course of action. I ask my colleagues to render their strong support for this resolution.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I have no further requests for time, but I would like to take this opportunity to highlight and commend the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), our majority whip, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the minority whip, and all of our leadership for their efforts on this resolution.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the Chair of the Committee on Rules, our good friend. (Mr. DREIER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor), the chief deputy whip.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank the gentleman for his remarks, and I am so pleased that he singled out the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) who, as all of us know, recently led a delegation to Auschwitz where we commemorated the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) is a Holocaust survivor who lost family members in this horrible tragedy, and we thank him for his leadership in the House throughout the years. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am so pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence), a member of our Committee on International Relations and an original sponsor of this legislation.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today I rise in support of House Resolution 56, introduced by the House leadership, commending the Palestinian people for holding recent elections. This resolution is a reflection of our support for President Bush when he stated, ``The United States stands ready to help the Palestinian people realize their aspirations.'' The onus is on the Palestinian leadership to demonstrate that they are committed to moving peace forward by bringing an end to Palestinian terrorism. The election of Abu Mazen is a hopeful first step. Eight hundred international observers monitored the recent Palestinian presidential elections and agreed that the will of the Palestinians was adequately expressed. Palestinians from all walks of life participated in the elections, representing approximately 70 percent of eligible voters. The Palestinian Central Election Commission has been recognized for facilitating a process whereby Palestinians could vote in a positive voting atmosphere. Commission representatives trained more than 16,000 electoral officials to staff the 2,800 polling sites throughout the West Bank and Gaza and conducted their operations in a professional way. The Palestinian presidential election of January 9 of this year and the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for this July represent an opportunity for Palestinians to affirm their desire to end the violence and to forge a government that can respond to their needs. We are guardedly optimistic about Abu Mazen's recent decision to ban the use of unregistered weapons by civilians. We wish the new Palestinian leadership success in achieving a lasting peace and a prosperous future for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people and in building transparent institutions accountable to the Palestinian people. Mr. Speaker, I commend the leadership for bringing this resolution to the floor today, and I ask my colleagues to support it. 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. 56) commending the Palestinian people for conducting a free and fair presidential election on January 9, 2005, and for other purposes.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, Judge Alberto Gonzales is a true American success story, an embodiment of the American dream. He deserves to be confirmed as Attorney General. He was born in Humble, Texas, to immigrant parents and grew up with seven siblings in a two-bedroom house where his mother still lives. He was the first member of his family to go to college. He graduated from Rice University and received his law degree from Harvard University. His career includes judge of the Texas Supreme Court, Texas Secretary of State, counsel to then Governor Bush and counsel to the President of the United States. I am truly inspired by Judge Gonzales and his outstanding contributions to our Nation. He is a highly qualified nominee who is a true American success story and a source of pride for Hispanics across the country. I urge my colleagues across the Chamber to do what is best for America and confirm Judge Gonzales.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes as we commemorate Indian National Republic Day. As the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India, and a friend of the Indian American community, I have been privileged to witness and directly participate in the growing Indian-America bond. Our common goal of safeguarding liberty and combating terrorism has united our nations and stimulated an already strong relationship based on values that our cultures share. In the coming years, India and the United States will face many challenges. As the world comes together and joins forces to help its people, I am positive that the strong ties between India and the United States will serve as an example of fruitful and positive bilateral relations. And in that spirit I extend my best wishes to the people of India and Indian Americans in a celebration of such a momentous day, Indian National Republic Day.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this important resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and call on my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of the Holocaust victims and to pay tribute to the Allied soldiers who fought and sacrificed for the cause of freedom. This resolution draws from the lessons of history by calling for the strengthening of the fight against racism, intolerance, bigotry, prejudice, discrimination, and anti-Semitism. I would like to commend the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Hyde, and the gentleman from California, Mr. Lantos, for bringing this measure to the Floor at this time. When we talk of the Holocaust, we speak of a grim and unprecedented period in human history--a unique atrocity, distinct from any other. The mass murders that were inflicted upon the Jewish people and scores of other victims must never be forgotten. Similarly, we must remember the compassion of the many brave men and women who risked their lives to rescue and shelter Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi reign of terror. The incidents of countless non-Jews who risked their lives to protect people of another faith were as real as the Nazi death camps themselves. As Europe and the Middle East experience a dramatic rise in the frequency and intensity of anti-Semitic acts, it is imperative that we educate and remind the new and future generations about the atrocities committed at Auschwitz and other camps against an innocent people. Only a concerted, multi-faceted approach to combating this virulent hatred will effectively silence it. Anti-Semitism, intolerance, and bigotry must be answered and fought with all the means at our disposal, so that the horrors of Auschwitz are never again repeated. We must continue to tell the story, for we owe something to those who perished at the hands of the Nazis. As Elie Wiesel has warned: ``. . . anyone who does not remember betrays them again.'' I urge my colleagues to render their overwhelming support to this resolution and to the noble cause of eradicating prejudice and hatred throughout the world.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise representing the great people of South Florida and join with them in extending our most heartfelt condolences and thoughts to the people who have been devastated by the most recent tsunami in Asia. We offer them our prayers. Mr. Speaker, as the world continues to focus on the wrath of this dreadful disaster, it is important to remember the people who have perished. It is important to help the people who have survived and are now picking up the pieces and restarting their lives. Across 11 nations, over 155,000 people are dead and millions were left homeless. These incredulous numbers, rising by the day, hide the human facet of this appalling disaster. Countless images of men and women holding their children tight, frantically running towards the helicopters with aid. Never-ending lines of families hoping for clean water and food. Thousands upon thousands of men, women and children desperately looking among the rubble upon what was once their homes and lives. Mr. Speaker, this catastrophe is one of unbelievable magnitude and challenges all nations to join in the relief efforts. I am proud of our brave men and women in the military who are currently manning the lifeline to the devastated regions. From the crew of the USS Lincoln to the Seahawk pilots, these young Americans continue to show the generosity--the heart and conscience of--our Nation. I am also tremendously proud of the volunteers across the globe who, in a moment's notice, picked up and journeyed to Asia to help in any way they could. I applaud President Bush's decision to call upon former Presidents Clinton and Bush to raise money for victims. As we know Mr. Speaker, the greatest source of America's generosity-- our essence--is not our government; it's the heart of the American people. I call upon all Americans to give and give generously to organizations that are on the ground, helping the countless victims in the devastated region. In South Florida, organizations such as the American Red Cross of Greater Miami & The Keys, The Association of Indians in America, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami, and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation; to name a few. Mr. Speaker, we in Congress also have an obligation to help the people who have been devastated by the tsunami. As the newly selected co-chair of the India Caucus, I am confident that Congress will do its part in bringing assistance to the peoples of the regions that were hit. In India itself Mr. Speaker, the government increased its death toll to 9,571 dead and also raised its missing total to 5,914 people missing. As horrific as these numbers are, it is encouraging to hear of the joint cooperation between our two peoples and nations. The joint cooperation between the two nations to aid the people of India is clearly evident Mr. Speaker, as the Navies of India and the United States continue to work together and share information. America stands ready to aid the people of India. Again, I would like to extend our deep condolence to the families of the many earthquake and tsunami victims. We also affirm our commitment to the peoples of the affected regions and urge continued attention by relief agencies to the needs of the vulnerable populations. Our prayers and thoughts are with the victims of this horrible devastation.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and join the congregation at Temple Samu-El Or Olom in celebrating the Chanukat Ha-Bayit, the dedication of their new building, sanctuary, and educational complex on Sunday, December 5, 2004. I wish to recognize and thank Education Vice President, Richard Siegel; President, Michael Backer; Executive Vice President, Michael Slotnick; Rabbi David D. Schonblum; Cantor Ronit Rubin; Temple Administrator Dennis Miller, and the other officers and members of the Board for their immense contributions and accomplishments. Temple Samu-El Or Olom has been serving the community of Southern Miami-Dade County and, specifically, our Jewish community in South Florida, for decades. As the synagogue celebrates its 32nd anniversary, I am proud to mention that the congregation of Temple Samu-El Or Olom was the first in Greater Miami to offer multilingual Shabbat services in English, Hebrew, Spanish, Yiddish, and Ladino. Some of its members have even created and published English, Hebrew, and Spanish prayer books for use during their services. Their educational program includes Early Childhood education, as well as an annual scholar in residence program that attracts numerous participants. I recently visited Temple Samu-El Or Olom, and found it to be a very warm and welcoming congregation. I was also impressed by the breadth of religious, educational, cultural, youth, adult, senior citizen, and social programs that the synagogue offers to people of all ages. Furthermore, the synagogue's central location in Kendall, and its proximity to Miami Dade College, the Jewish Community Center, nursing homes, elder care facilities, and other institutions enables it to serve the needs of every person in the community. The motto of Temple Samu-El Or Olom is ``The Spirit of Family,'' and as we celebrate the dedication of the congregation's new building, sanctuary and educational complex, we can look forward to many more decades of the Temple's service to the community.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest congratulations to a very dedicated physician, Dr. Rene F. Rodriguez, who has been devoted not only to his patients and the underserved, but also to the improvement of America's healthcare system by breaking barriers, improving access to medical services, treating all patients equally, and integrating Hispanic doctors and other Hispanic healthcare professionals to these efforts. Dr. Rodriguez has been recognized as an excellent advocate for the underserved in America and has been the recipient of a very distinguished award, ``The 2004 Freddie-Public Service Award''. He has been an enthusiastic and compassionate physician who has done admirable work throughout years of advocacy. His distinguished medical career spans years of commitment to public service and he has been a leader with numerous achievements. He studied medicine at the University of Salamanca in Spain, and is licensed to practice medicine in several states in America. He was a Colonel in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, and retired after more than 35 years of service in the Military. While on active duty, he directed the Orthopedic Clinic at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He was appointed to the Council on Graduate Medical Education of the Department of Health and Human Services, the President's Commission of the National Medal of Science, the Surgeon General's National Workshop on Hispanic- Latino Health Executive Planning Committee, the NIH Office of Minority Program Fact-Finding Team, the Hispanic Advisor Task Force to the U.S. Senate, and the Board of Scientific Counselors of the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He is a member of the American College of Surgeons and the American Medical Association, and is the Founder and President of the Interamerican College of Physicians and Surgeons, which is the largest and oldest organization of Hispanic doctors. He founded the National Hispanic Youth Initiative to encourage High School students to study careers in sciences and research, and has been the founder of medical journals for Spanish speaking doctors and patients, such as ``Medico Interamericano'', ``Medico de Familoa'', and the book ``Usted y su Medico''. He is currently the Chief of the Orthopedic Section at the Veterans Medical Center in Miami, Florida. Please join me in recognizing Dr. Rodriguez for his outstanding accomplishments.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate a fellow South Floridian educator, Elizabeth Furmanick, for having been awarded the National Catholic Education Association's prestigious Principal of the Year Award for Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties. The Archdiocese of Miami gave Elizabeth this prestigious award for her work in leading St. John the Apostle School in Hialeah, Florida for the past 12 years. She has been with the school for a total of 28 years, serving as a teacher and vice-principal. Friends describe her as an extremely dedicated principal whose main concern is the well-being of the children entrusted to her care. She also makes it a point to know all her students by their first names. She has an open-door policy for all students and teachers. She encourages them to talk to her about their concerns and feelings so that they may have a more rewarding educational experience. Elizabeth Furmanick's receipt of the Principal of the Year Award exemplifies her dedication to educating South Florida's children. For almost three decades, she has worked tirelessly to ensure, inspire and encourage her students to reach higher goals. Thank you, Elizabeth, for your dedication.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today I join my colleagues in honoring the people of Taiwan on the occasion of their October 10 National Day. With a flourishing democracy and a thriving economy, the people of Taiwan have much to be proud of. Taiwan's economy is the 16th largest in the world with a democracy that gives its people a full range of political and civil rights, including freedom of speech and assembly. Taiwan is also a key player in the international arena. For the last 10 years, Taiwan has given $100 million dollars to 78 countries and is now providing humanitarian assistance to refugees in Afghanistan and Iraq. Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, is the fact that the people of Taiwan and of America share the same values of democracy, freedom and liberty. As the Secretary of State, Colin Powell, recently stated that ``Taiwan has become a resilient economy, a vibrant democracy and a generous contributor to the international community.'' Mr. Speaker, in a festive and joyful spirit I warmly congratulate the people of Taiwan, and their Representative, Dr. David Lee, on their National Day and wish them every success.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. While there is no question, Mr. Speaker, that tremendous progress has been made across our country in the fight against cancer and other diseases, barriers continue to exist between millions of Americans and their access to high quality health care. Whether it is due to distance, lack of health insurance, limited access to specialists, limited language skills, whatever the reason, too many Americans continue to receive a narrow range of health care services and limited options. That is why I am so pleased to join the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Pryce) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez) as an original cosponsor of the Patient Navigator, Outreach, and Chronic Disease Prevention Act and to express my heartfelt support for this vital piece of legislation that is going to improve the lives of so many people. This program provides a crucial service, primarily to the underinsured and the uninsured members of all populations, and most specifically to the Hispanic and African-American populations that studies have shown are those who are in those categories of underinsured and uninsured. Navigating the health system can be a huge barrier for many people. The patient navigator bill will greatly aid the community by providing a more efficient service for all. The patient navigator bill will also help the communities by providing a more efficient service for all minorities because it addresses the unique needs of the population that it serves through providing culturally sensitive services, including cancer screening, disease prevention counseling, assistance in obtaining Medicaid and other necessary referrals. This important legislation, Mr. Speaker, would ensure early prevention screening and timely treatment for all patients. It seeks to help close the gap that exists in health care treatment for minority communities, thus improving their quality of life and ensuring that the minority members of our community are treated with the utmost respect and care. An example of a successful patient navigator program exists right here in our Nation's capital, Mr. Speaker. It is run by Dr. Elmer Huerta, one of the founding fathers of the patient navigator program. Dr. Huerta conducts a weekly 1-hour show called, Let's Talk About Health, Hablemos de Salud, which focuses on health promotion and disease prevention. This show reaches about 75 percent of Hispanics and Latinos in the United States, over 25 million people, and it extends to Latin America. I am proud to be associated with such a dynamic and exciting program, and I thank all who have worked tirelessly to make this vital program a reality. Muchas gracias.

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 to include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 496, the concurrent resolution now 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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 304) expressing the sense of Congress regarding oppression by the Government of the People's Republic of China of Falun Gong in the United States and in China.

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. Con. Res. 304, the resolution under consideration.