Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to commend my colleagues, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), for their dedication and support of this resolution. I would also like to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde), as well as the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), our ranking member, and our entire leadership for bringing this resolution to the floor today. I rise today to call attention to the horrific specter of the repression imposed upon a peaceful spiritual movement, the Falun Gong, by the largest authoritarian regime in the world today, the Communist regime in China. On July 22, 1999, a date which will live in the annals of human rights violations as a day of infamy, the Beijing authorities declared the Falun Gong illegal, branding it a so-called ``evil cult.'' This immediately prompted mass arrests, torture and reported deaths of Falun Gong practitioners in official custody, which continues unabated to this present day. These Falun Gong practitioners still in Chinese custody include at least one American citizen, Dr. Charles Lee. Members of Congress have repeatedly called for his immediate release, and we renew that call here today. This chamber has repeatedly condemned the Chinese regime's abhorrent violations of human rights and the violations of freedom of belief and conscience of the Falun Gong. We have done so by rendering our overwhelming support to bipartisan resolutions that I have introduced with my colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey), and numerous others. However, H. Con. Res. 304 is different. This resolution before us today is addressing something even more ominous. With over 70 cosponsors, this resolution focuses on reports and investigations on the use of fear, intimidation and oppression, often connected with violence, right here within the borders of our own country, within the United States. Falun Gong practitioners, while peacefully and nonviolently exercising their constitutional rights to free speech and assembly, have been intimidated from California to New York by agents of the Chinese regime. They have, as we have outlined in this resolution, been physically harassed on the streets of San Francisco, assaulted on the streets of Chicago outside of the Chinese consulate and attacked on the streets of New York by individuals with reported ties to the Chinese regime. Let those listening to this debate, including representatives of any foreign governments having strategies for suppressing free speech in this country, remember one thing: This is the United States of America, the cradle of freedom and democracy. We will not sit idly by as you infringe upon the rights of our citizens and residents who practice Falun Gong. Any interference in the exercise of free speech inside our land will result in the expulsion of those who engage in such actions. In the land of the free, all voices will be heard. In the home of the brave, a hundred or more flowers will bloom, including the Falun Gong's spiritual movement. I ask my colleagues to send a clear message to the Chinese regime and to immediately and unconditionally stop its deplorable treatment of the Falun Gong spiritual movement, both inside China and specifically here in the United States. I ask for a ``yes'' vote on H. Con. Res. 304. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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. 496) expressing the sense of Congress with regard to providing humanitarian assistance to countries of the Caribbean devastated by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne, as amended.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 496, expressing the sense of Congress with regard to providing humanitarian assistance to the countries of the Caribbean devastated by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. As a Member whose home State of Florida has experienced firsthand the fury of these hurricanes, my heart goes out to our neighbors in the Caribbean as they begin to rebuild their lives amidst the debris. Thus, at a time when hundreds of thousands of people across the Caribbean are coping with the destruction left by these four recent hurricanes, this resolution could not be more timely. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) for introducing this measure, and I would like to thank our Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere chairman, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Ballenger), as well as the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), and our leadership for their efforts in helping to bring this resolution to the floor this evening. Mr. Speaker, in August and September of this year, Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne swept over the Caribbean, battering the islands of Grenada, the Bahamas, Jamaica, the Caymans, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and other smaller islands. In their wake, they left nearly 2,000 dead, many thousands more injured and hundreds of thousands homeless. The cost in lost homes and property has yet to be tallied, but in many of these places the destruction has been near total. While the humanitarian response has been immediate, a long-term recovery plan is needed to prevent further suffering. I would like to commend the administration for immediately dispatching to the Caribbean emergency relief teams from USAID and the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. Through their efforts, humanitarian relief supplies have been reaching the affected areas and the many who are now suffering. As we speak, the Bush administration is preparing a recovery package which will likely be included in an emergency supplemental appropriations bill that is expected on the floor at a future date. But this is only the beginning. As with the recovery and the reconstruction of our own communities in those States ravaged or affected by these hurricanes, the full magnitude of the situation and the total need will not become clear for weeks to come. However, our friends and neighbors in the Caribbean need our help now. It is, therefore, my hope that this resolution will pass the House, as I believe it serves as an official call to action to help relieve the suffering caused by these recent hurricanes. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this important resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, although I will not be present when the House convenes on Thursday, September 30, 2004, for consideration of the H.J. Res 106, the Marriage Protection Amendment. I oppose it, just like Vice President Dick Cheney, because it undermines the principles of federalism espoused by most Republicans and interferes with the rights of States that have been recognized since the founding of our country. Furthermore, we should not change the Constitution for the purpose of singling out one group for discrimination. A constitutional marriage amendment is also unnecessary given that the Defense of Marriage Act already defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Finally, the argument that the Marriage Protection Amendment is needed to stop activist judges and courts from forcing the American people to accept gay marriage is unfounded, a fact evidenced by the numerous marriage-related bills--both in favor of and against same-sex marriage--currently pending in more than two dozen State legislatures around the country. That is why, if I were present, during the vote for H.J. Res. 106, I would have voted against the Marriage Protection Amendment. In light of the fact that the first Presidential Debate is being held in my congressional district on Thursday, I must remain in Florida.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and recognize The Century Council and Nickelodeon for their creation of an innovative new program to educate middle-school- age students about the problems of underage drinking. The Century Council is a national not-for-profit organization funded by America's leading distillers to develop and implement programs designed to stop drunk driving and underage drinking. Nickelodeon, the very popular children's TV network, has joined The Century Council on a creative multimedia program for middle-school-age kids and their parents called ``Ask, Listen and Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don't Mix.'' As a mother of two teenage daughters, I realize the critical role that parents play in the efforts to reduce and eliminate illegal underage drinking. I commend The Century Council and Nickelodeon for providing such a dynamic and valuable communications tool.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries--Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Additionally, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18. These are some of the countries that comprise our diverse ethnic group, which have enriched our beautiful Nation. The 2000 Census found that 35.3 million people identified themselves as Hispanic Americans. This represents a 58-percent increase from the previous Census of 1990. Hispanic Americans continue to thrive and exemplify the American dream. A larger percentage of Hispanic Americans are becoming proud homeowners. Hispanic-owned companies made up 6 percent of the Nation's 20.8 million nonfarm businesses, and earned $186.3 billion in revenues. Since 1822, 73 Hispanic Americans have served in this very Chamber, in the U.S. House of Representatives. In March of last year, the Congressional Hispanic Conference, of which I am proud to serve as chair, was inaugurated. We are comprised of a group of Representatives of Hispanic and Portuguese descent, as well as Members who are interested in promoting policies of importance to Americans of Latino descent. The Conference will inform Hispanic Americans that their issues and concerns are being listened to and acted upon in the U.S. Congress. Lower taxes, affordable health care, and the education of our youth are all issues that are imperative to our conservative values. We will be strong advocates to ensure that the largest minority group in the United States has a loud and powerful voice in the Halls of Congress. Educational advancement and funding continues to be an important issue for all Americans, especially Hispanics. Congress has increased funding for Hispanic Serving Institutions by more than 750 percent-- from $10.8 million in 1996 to $92.4 million in 2003. The Bush administration has also proposed an additional 5-percent increase in funding for minority serving institutions in FY05. This would increase funding for Hispanic Serving Institutions to $94 million. This vital funding works to advance the educational pursuits of Hispanic Americans across our country. Congress continues to amend and improve tax policy to the benefit of all Americans. H.R. 839, The Renewing the Dream Tax Credit Act, modifies the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow an income tax credit for the provision of homeownership and community development. This bill would create tax incentives for the construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing for low-income families. The ability to afford and own your own home is a quintessential part of living and pursuing the American dream. This Congress and our President are committed to ensuring that Hispanic Americans continue to seek economic opportunities and achieve prosperity. The huge increases in educational funding are unprecedented and will continue to serve the needs of the ever-growing Hispanic American community. A stronger, smarter, and fairer tax policy will continue to serve the needs of all Americans. A vibrant, stronger, and more educated Hispanic American population contributes to the greatness of this wonderful nation making us competitive for the new global economy in this technologically advanced society.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize the generous volunteer efforts and incredible artistic abilities of Mr. Xavier Cortada. A Miami-based artist, attorney, and activist, Mr. Cortada has worked in collaboration with diverse groups across the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Africa to create pro-social community murals. I have been proud to observe his innovative works commissioned by such esteemed institutions as the White House, State Department, World Bank, Florida Capitol, and the International AIDS Conferences in Geneva and Durban. Xavier's commitment to volunteer work around the world is not only commendable, but inspirational as well. He has been the rightful recipient of several prestigious awards, including the ``Millenium International Volunteer Award'' from the U.S. Department of State/USA Today and the ``Florida International Volunteer Corps 1999 Outstanding Achievement Award''. It is my pleasure to recognize the contributions that Xavier continues to make to both our local communities and people worldwide. I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the amazing dedication of Mr. Xavier Cortada.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

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. I want to thank the leadership and the chairman and the ranking member of the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for bringing House Concurrent Resolution 363 to the floor today. This important resolution expresses the grave concern of Congress regarding the continuing gross violations of human rights and civil liberties by the Syrian dictatorship. The Syrian regime is one that not only supports and facilitates terrorist attacks against innocent civilians throughout the world, but also engages in a widespread campaign of terror against its own people. Throughout this year, Syria's tyrannical regime has intensified its crackdown against Syrian Kurds and pro-democracy forces inside the country. The arrest and the detention in the last few months of Syrian peaceful demonstrators clamoring for the right to exercise their fundamental liberties is but the latest example of the brutal regime of the dictatorship in Damascus. International human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and others, have reported that the security forces of Syria are targeting emerging Syrian human rights organizations, as well as their attorneys, in an apparent attempt to intimidate those organizations into submission and silence. Unfortunately, the gross violations of human rights are not limited to Syria's immediate borders. The repressive apparatus also extends into neighboring Lebanon, which Syria continues to occupy, making Lebanon a captive nation. This fact was recently acknowledged by the international community through the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559, calling on all foreign troops to withdraw without delay from Lebanon and to stop meddling in the country's November elections. Hundreds of Lebanese civilians are believed to have been killed or disappeared by Syrian occupation forces or its secret police. House Concurrent Resolution 363 details and condemns the persistent repression of our Syrian and Lebanese brothers and sisters at the hands of the terrorist regime in Syria. It articulates our support for Syria's human rights and pro-democracy activists and calls on free and democratic nations to take a unified stance and condemn the deplorable and heinous human rights record of the Syrian dictatorship. It expresses congressional support for the people of Syria in their daily struggle for freedom, for respect for human rights and civil liberties, for democratic self-governance, and for the establishment of the rule of law. House Concurrent Resolution 363 further encourages the President and the Secretary of State to reach out to dissidents and to the nonviolent democratic opposition in Syria. It calls for the United States to assist them in their efforts to help bring freedom to Syria so that they can achieve the ultimate goal of a democratic form of government in Syria that is truly responsive to the needs of its people and has permanently abandoned any support for terrorism and the development of deadly unconventional weapons. The people of Syria and the dissidents, such as the chairman of the Committees For the Defense of Democratic Liberties and Human Rights in Syria, need our support. Upon being temporarily released from jail last month, this human rights activist said: ``I will persist. I will never retreat. And I will continue to exert more pressure for democratic initiatives.'' My colleagues, we cannot stand idly by and allow the Syrian regime to continue these deplorable practices. We too must maintain the pressure on this pariah state. And so, accordingly, I ask my colleagues to support this important 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 and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 363, the concurrent resolution now under consideration.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 363) expressing the grave concern of Congress regarding the continuing gross violations of human rights and civil liberties of the Syrian people by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic, as amended.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox), the principal sponsor and the author of this resolution.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 667 expressing support for freedom in Hong Kong. This resolution comes to the floor at an important time. Yesterday, the people of Hong Kong went to the polls to elect the members of their Legislative Council, and for the first time in Hong Kong's history, half of the seats in the Legislative Council were directly elected through universal suffrage. Unfortunately, the remaining seats are still distributed among a cadre of narrow constituencies that receive disproportionate power over Hong Kong's governance. The people of Hong Kong, along with all other human beings, deserve universal suffrage and full, complete democracy. There is no city in the world that is better equipped to make the transition to self-governance. Renowned for its open economy, transparency, and excellent rule of law, Hong Kong is widely regarded as the freest economy in the world. Hong Kong is also celebrated for its tradition of respect for civil liberties, including freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion. However, despite a rich tradition of democratic values, the people of Hong Kong still lack the most basic of freedoms, the freedom to elect their own government. This year's massive pro-democracy march on July 1 attracted half a million of Hong Kong's residents. It was powerful evidence that the people of Hong Kong are interested in far more than just economic prosperity. The record voter turnout in yesterday's legislative elections was further proof that the people of Hong Kong want to participate in the political process. The people of Hong Kong have already been promised universal suffrage in their mini-constitution, known as the ``Basic Law,'' but the document fails to outline a timetable for full democracy. Last April, Hong Kong's legislature was robbed of its tremendous opportunity to implement complete democracy when the People's Republic of China abused its authority to reinterpret Hong Kong's ``Basic Law.'' The National People's Congress in Beijing made the decision that Hong Kong could not have universal suffrage in the election of the chief executive in 2007 and in the election of the legislature in the year 2008. This outrageous decision unacceptably interfered in Hong Kong's internal affairs, it halted the city's orderly progress toward universal suffrage and crushed the democratic aspirations of the people of Hong Kong. Beijing proved yet again that it cannot be trusted to keep its commitments. Last summer, the Chinese Communist Party tried to exert more authority over Hong Kong by pushing through anti-sedition legislation that could be used to target groups such as the Falun Gong. Thankfully, a people's power movement in Hong Kong stopped this legislation from going forward. Last winter, the Chinese news media launched vicious attacks against pro-democracy legislators in Hong Kong, using vitriolic rhetoric that harkened back to the days of China's cultural revolution. In the spring, freedom of the press in Hong Kong was compromised when three prominent radio talk show hosts resigned from their talk shows due to intimidation and threats relating to their participation in the democracy movement. Over the past year, there have been numerous reports of vandalism against pro-democracy legislators. Even yesterday's election was marred by accounts of voter intimidation, as is documented in a recent report published by Human Rights Watch. Such tactics show that the Chinese Communist Party continues to distort the truth, relies on intimidation to control the people, and rules by coercion. While Beijing may not have directly precipitated all of these events, they have certainly fomented the sentiment behind them. It is my hope that the people of Hong Kong will soon realize their hope for democracy. We congratulate them on the completion of yesterday's election and call on the PRC to respect the ``one country, two systems'' model and allow the people of Hong Kong to come up with a timetable for democratic reform. Mr. Speaker, I hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting the people of Hong Kong as they work to realize their hope of real democracy. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) for his resolution. 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 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. 667) expressing support for freedom in Hong Kong.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, in a few minutes, my other colleagues from Florida will be speaking on the horrible disasters that have befallen our State. I am proud to stand with my Florida colleagues in a bipartisan manner to congratulate and thank all of the men and women who have helped to make our fellow citizens be better able to cope with this crisis. I want to express my condolences for the victims of Hurricanes Frances and Charley and the victims of Hurricane Ivan in the Caribbean. These storms have caused a great loss of life and property, but it would have been far worse had it not been for the sound planning and the quick response from Governor Jeb Bush and President George W. Bush. Governor Bush organized an effective plan and ensured that the National Guard would mobilize in the areas that were hardest hit. I also would like to commend President Bush for his quick declaration of an emergency and his handling of the disasters. Thanks to President Bush, Floridians were able to quickly receive the essentials that they needed. President Bush traveled to Florida to inspect the disaster and was handing out water and ice to those affected and he spoke to Floridians who had lost everything in this disaster. Here in Congress, we acted last week to pass an emergency supplemental appropriations bill to help FEMA pay for the disaster relief of Hurricane Charley. Soon our colleagues in Congress are once again rising to the same challenges as we prepare to pass another supplemental appropriations bill for Hurricane Frances. I am proud to represent both Miami-Dade County and Monroe County. Miami-Dade experienced the loss of electricity in many areas as well as a shortage of fuel, and the Florida Keys have been evacuated twice, leading to a huge economic loss to that area. Today for the third time in a month, another part of Florida braces for a disastrous storm. All of south Florida prays for the safety of those in the path of Hurricane Ivan, and I am confident that if it were to strike our State, Governor Bush and President Bush and all of the emergency workers will once again be ready to quickly respond. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to bring to the attention of this Chamber the economic losses which the Florida Keys have suffered as a result of the two mandatory evacuations imposed in less than a month. Tourists had to leave, which meant a huge economic loss for the area. The Florida Keys badly depends on the thousands and thousands of tourists who come to enjoy south Florida. My good friend, the colorful commissioner of Key West, Tom Oosterhoudt, will be manning the emergency operations center tonight from 10 to midnight when the winds of Hurricane Ivan will be whipping by Key West. The Florida Keys, as all of us know, are the southern-most point of Florida. Their abundance of nature and beaches, fishing, and coral make them one of the largest destinations for tourists, and they come from every corner of the globe to bask in the year-round beach weather. Conservationists and nature lovers come to enjoy the many birds and plant species that are found in no other place. However, because of these three hurricanes that have threatened to strike, the Florida Keys have been evacuated at various times in these weeks. And for an economy that is heavily dependent on tourism, these hurricanes have been economically devastating. My district office staff helped out today at Florida International University, the shelter for the Monroe County residents who had to evacuate their lovely keys. This week alone Key West lost 20 to $30 million in lost sales tax revenues. This is just in 1 week. So I call on all Americans to plan a visit once again to the Florida Keys now that the hurricanes have almost passed. I invite them to discover the beauty and the wonder that Hemingway and President Truman fell in love with and which encouraged them to make the Florida Keys one of their homes. Come to our beaches, swim in our coral reef, fish in our waters, enjoy the sun; and while there, of course, a mandatory visit to a bar in Key West; swim in Sombrero Beach in Marathon, and ride a jet ski in Key Largo. As the Florida Keys representative in Congress, I welcome people to come and visit the Florida Keys and all of south Florida once again, and they will see why I am so proud to represent such a beautiful and diverse place.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4027. This is an important bill to my constituents, indeed to the people of all of south Florida. Madam Speaker, this bill makes available to the property on Virginia Key, Florida, under the jurisdiction of NOAA for use by the University of Miami for a marine life science center. This property may be made available to the University via easement, lease, license or long-term agreement. Madam Speaker, Virginia Key, Florida, which is located just a few miles from downtown Miami, is the site of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric's National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Fisheries Science Center. It is also the home for NOAA's Office of Atmospheric Research Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, as well as the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. Due to their proximity and because they overlap in research interest, NOAA and the Rosenstiel School have had a close working relationship for many years. This legislation is designed to maintain and strengthen that relationship. Located on a 16-acre campus on Virginia Key in Miami, the Rosenstiel School is the only subtropical applied and basic marine and atmospheric research institute of its kind in the continental United States. Rosenstiel's research interests include satellite oceanography, with particular emphasis on remote sensing and satellite imagery, as well as experimental fish hatchery. It also leads in the field of global marine and atmospheric chemistry program, comprehensive oceanic and atmospheric numerical modeling activities, sedimentary geology and marine geophysics groups with considerable expertise in seismic methods, and has an innovative ocean acoustics program. In short, Madam Speaker, the Rosenstiel School is a proud and indispensable establishment for all of us in south Florida, in the State of Florida and indeed throughout the Nation. The genesis of a new University of Miami and NOAA marine science complex will bring together expertise in environmental and fisheries research, assessment and management, and facilitate the intellectual exchange of ideas and results. H.R. 4027 is a critical first step in reaching the goal of establishing a new marine science complex. Madam Speaker, I am proud to have introduced this important legislation and am most appreciative of the consideration and focus of this vital project in my congressional district.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This bill reauthorizes the Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998, TFCA, through fiscal year 2007. The current authorization for this important program expires at the end of fiscal year 2004. H.R. 4654 authorizes appropriations for debt reduction for eligible countries through fiscal year 2007 at $20 million in fiscal year 2005, the President's budget request; at $25 million in fiscal year 2006; and $30 million in fiscal year 2007. The bill adds a new section to the underlying statute which authorizes the use of funds for audits and evaluations of this program. In addition, the bill allows for TFCA debt reduction agreements to redirect reduced principal payments for forest conservation activities. Current law allows only the redirection of reduced interest payment into forest conservation funds. Ensuring fiscal and programmatic accountability requires the ability to contract for independent audits. While it is the intent of H.R. 4654 to maximize the amount of funds going to new TFCA agreements, a modest authorization level is provided as a good management procedure to ensure that some audits be undertaken each year. The $200,000 authorized by the bill to be made available to carry out audits and evaluations of programs is not intended as a limit on expenditures for these important functions. The bill would allow principal on debt incurred before January 1, 1998, to be eligible for treatment under the straight debt reduction option. Currently, only interest can be treated. The benefit of also treating principal in this matter is that the U.S. Government can generate more funds for forest conservation. 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. 4654, the bill under consideration.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman), the prime sponsor and the author of this bill.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4654) to reauthorize the Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998 through fiscal year 2007, and for other purposes.

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to be part of this Florida delegation. We are working in unison and in a very strong bipartisan manner through the good times and the bad times. After Hurricane Andrew hit my district so strongly 12 years ago, we learned valuable lessons about emergency preparedness and responses to devastation such as that. After that, building codes were strengthened so that structures could withstand these winds that were so devastating. So we learned our lesson in Hurricane Andrew. But Floridians are resilient people. We have to keep learning new lessons as every hurricane season rolls around, and we are going to come back stronger than ever. We have faith in each other. We have faith as a people, as a community; and we know that no hurricane can knock Floridians off our feet for very long. We thank individuals like Chairman Young and Congressman Shaw, the dean of our delegation. With their leadership, they have made sure that this appropriations will be spent in a wise way and will be given to FEMA for this disaster emergency. And we want to thank Governor Jeb Bush who has been coordinating this emergency response and President Bush who is going to be touring in the Miami National Hurricane Center. FEMA and the Red Cross volunteers, Salvation Army, faith-based organizations, all Floridians have come together in this moment of crisis.