Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

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 to include extraneous material on H.R. 4053, the bill under consideration.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I ask that all my colleagues support H.R. 4053, the United States International Leadership Act of 2004. This bill was introduced by my distinguished colleague and ranking Democratic member of the House Committee on International Relations, and a dear friend of mine, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), who was joined by the chairman of the Committee on Rules, the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), in advancing this idea of boosting U.S. diplomatic leadership within multilateral organizations. On a daily basis, the U.S. is participating in a wide range of multilateral organizations, and this requires a strong, well-trained diplomatic corps. There are also times when high profile issues are being debated within the U.N. Security Council, and those demand astute and skillful negotiators. This bill strengthens the U.S. diplomatic representatives in multilateral situations, it encourages participation of foreign service officers in such positions, and it authorizes the establishment of an Office on Multilateral Negotiations, which will facilitate U.S. participation in these negotiations. This bill also encourages the Secretary of State to establish a Democracy Caucus at the United Nations to forge common positions and work to update regional voting schemes. Mr. Speaker, as a former chair of the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights, I witnessed firsthand the negative dynamics developing in international fora and the need for freedom- loving Democratic nations to join together to offset these negative destructive patterns. Some of the steps outlined in this Act could go a long way to better represent the interests and the concerns of these Democratic countries. This measure moved smoothly through the Committee on International Relations, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the passage. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 460, regarding the security of Israel and the principles of Middle East peace. I want to thank the gentleman from Texas, our majority leader, for his unwavering commitment to the State of Israel and stability in the region, and commend him, as well as the gentleman from Maryland, the Democratic whip, for their efforts in drafting this measure. It is a resolution that supports the principles outlined in the President's April 14 letter, and in doing so it articulates our own vision of the path toward a lasting peace. It has long been our enduring hope that Israel's neighbors would see the wisdom of laying down their arms and negotiating in earnest, instead of killing. Egypt and Jordan arrived at this point and have found peace with Israel. There are others, however, who murder and employ terror against innocent civilians to achieve their political ends. The people of Israel have done their part toward peace and have made terrible sacrifices in human and material terms for this effort, yet they continue in their search for closure to this long battle. Yasser Arafat, on the other hand, lacks the will to fulfill the commitments required of Palestinian officials. Arafat seems more intent on enriching himself and his cronies and in accommodating Hamas than he is in achieving peace with Israel so that his own people can reap the political and economic benefits that would come from that peace. As the President noted in his recent letter, the United States stands ready to lead efforts to help achieve the goal of peace between Israel and the Palestinians, working with Egypt and Jordan to build the capacity and the will of Palestinian institutions to fight terrorism and bring a permanent end to such violence. However, we have been down this road before. Arafat promises, but Arafat never delivers. The suicide bombings continue, and the death toll rises without so much as a modicum of effort from Arafat- controlled security forces to prevent it. He promises to disarm the radicals, to arrest them; but he does neither. Instead, he has acted as a revolving door for the terrorists that he pretends to arrest. He swore to end terrorism only to carry out a massive campaign of murder against innocent Israelis riding on school buses, shopping in open-air malls, and simply going about their daily lives. He has failed completely in his commitments, and he has brought only misery to a people seeking a peaceful existence. As underscored in this resolution and articulated by the President, Israel has a sovereign and undeniable right to protect herself and her people, including taking actions against terrorist organizations. In the same vein, we remain strongly committed to Israel's security and well-being as a Jewish state. The President has clearly laid out his vision and has pursued it on multiple fronts. Through this resolution, we again declare our support for Israel for the great sacrifices she has made, and we congratulate the President for recognizing those sacrifices and the importance of Israel's commitment to peace. We also call on the Palestinians to help build a peace that is mutual and lasting and not one of fleeting adherence and rhetorical assurances to score political points. Their adherence to peace must be real, and it must be enduring. For the welfare and security of the people of the State of Israel and for the future of the Palestinian people, Arafat and the Palestinian leadership must come to the realization that it is in their best interests to build the institutions necessary to fight and defeat terrorism in order to live side by side in peace together with Israel. Mr. Speaker, this resolution expresses our support for principles that are crucial to Middle East peace, and it reflects the current reality on the ground. These principles are consistent with U.S. policy priorities, and I ask my colleagues to render their strong support for this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence). (Mr. PENCE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to close with the remainder of the time that I have. Mr. Speaker, in closing I would like to congratulate the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for always being a leader on the human rights front and always being a strong supporter of peace in the Middle East, and I would like to highlight some of the more critical principles that are outlined in the resolution that is before us. I want to read just four of the ``whereas'' clauses. It says, ``Whereas in the April 14, 2004, letter the President stated that in light of new realities on the ground in Israel, including already existing major Israeli population centers, it is unrealistic to expect that the outcome of final status negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians will be a full and complete return to the armistice lines of 1949, but realistic to expect that any final status agreement will only be achieved on the basis of mutually agreed changes that reflect these realities.'' Furthermore, it says, ``Whereas, the President acknowledged that any agreed, just, fair and realistic framework for a solution to the Palestinian refugee issue as part of any final status agreement will need to be found through the establishment of a permanent alternative and the settling of Palestinian refugees there rather than in Israel.'' And, ``Whereas, the principles expressed in President Bush's letter will enhance the security of Israel and advance the cause of peace in the Middle East.'' Whereas, there will be no security for Israelis or Palestinians until Israel and the Palestinians, and all countries in the region and throughout the world, join together to fight terrorism and dismantle terrorist organizations.'' And, ``Whereas, the United States remains committed to the security of Israel, including secure, recognized and defensible borders, and to preserving and strengthening the capability of Israel to deter enemies and defend itself against any threat.'' And I think that on that wording, we can all come to agreement, because this resolution is in keeping with our national and international antiterrorism goals, our hopes for a lasting and profound peace and for a region of freedom-loving nations based on the rule of law, respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms; and it shows a unity of purpose. It sends a message to the world that the policies relating to Israel's security and existence as a Jewish state, relating to peace for Israel and the Palestinians and relating to combating terrorism are not just the President's policies or the position of the U.S. Congress but of the United States Government as a whole. The path outlined in this resolution is clear. And what awaits us at the end of the road? Peace and stability. So let us join together and vote overwhelmingly for this measure. 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 2 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor).

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), our distinguished majority leader and the author and prime sponsor of this legislation.

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

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional minute from our time to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) so that he can control it.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the heroes who have given their lives in our fight against world terrorism. Every generation of Americans has been asked to leave their farms and towns and cities so that freedom could be spread throughout the world. As a citizen of this great Nation, I honor the sacrifices of the military in Iraq, Afghanistan, and all over the world who have given their lives in the fight against terrorism, and those who before them paid the ultimate price for freedom. Like their forefathers in World War II, Floridians who have fought in the name of freedom are selfless citizens who answered the call of duty. Among these are my husband Dexter Lehtinen, who served this country bravely in the Vietnam War, and my stepson, Aviator 1st Lieutenant Douglas Hooper Lehtinen, who is currently serving in the Marines. Special mention is due to honor the six soldiers from South Florida who lost their lives in our war against world terrorism. I, and all of the citizens in my district, am thankful for their service. This Nation can never repay the debt owed to these six men; their honor and service, however, will never be forgotten. In Operation Enduring Freedom, South Florida lost Army Specialist Pedro Lazaro Pena- Suarez, who was 35 when he lost his life in Kuwait on November 7, 2002. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, we lost Marine Corporal Armando Ariel Gonzalez, who was 25 when he gave his life in Iraq on April 14, 2003. Army Private First Class Charles M. Sims was only 18 when he perished in Baghdad on October 3, 2003. Army Sergeant Edmond L. Randle was 26 when he gave his life in the north of Taji on January 17, 2004. Army 1st Lieutenant Christopher J. Kenny was 32 when he fell in Baghad on May 3, 2004, and Army Private First Class Jeremy Ricardo Ewing, who was 22, gave his life in Baghdad on April 29, 2004. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan B. Bruckenthal, 24, based in Opa Locka, perished on April 24, 2004 in the Northern Persian Gulf. These men remind us that freedom is indeed not free. We must forever be vigilant to the rise of tyranny and be willing to fight it wherever it exists. We must never take for granted our democratic government. We must remember that in places like Cuba, North Korea, and Iran, human beings are still oppressed by horrible dictators. Let us fight these regimes until freedom rings in every nation of the world. God bless all the men and women in our armed forces who have given their lives so that others may live in freedom.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on June 30th, Iraq will assume control of its own destiny. Iraq will enter the post-Saddam era with the hope of the world resting upon them. No longer will the Iraqi people be subjected to a climate of fear and desperation. Saddam's murderous, thieving cronies have been removed. Uday and Qusay's henchmen likewise, will no longer be free to roam the streets, terrorizing their people. The challenge now for the Iraqi people and their new government is to set their future on a course for open thought, popular choice of their leaders, and freedom of action in which to conduct their lives and their futures. The Iraqi people must understand that, with this new-found freedom comes responsibility--a responsibility to remember the interests of all Iraqis. Each and every Iraqi has a stake in that nation's future and now with our transfer of sovereignty to them, that stake can be fully realized. We are thrilled to have played a role in empowering the Iraqi people and supporting them in their efforts to rebuild their country, after decades of corruption and oppression. They have the opportunity to make their nation a shining light for all to see, not only in the Middle East, but around the world. A nation filled with talent beyond imagination, Iraq can create a climate of freedom and opportunity for others to emulate. Problems have arisen. Yet, we must all acknowledge that this opportunity could not have happened without the brave men and women of the United States military. Through their courage, commitment and sacrifice, we have managed to free an enslaved people. We have brought down a tyrant who killed as many as one million of his own people. And thus, history will record that the United States brought a beacon of light and hope to a people who had only known misery, suffering, and brutality under Saddam Hussein. The future will judge us to have done right for the Iraqi people and for our nation. We are, however, not naive about the challenges that lie ahead. Freedom and democracy take time and hard work. They take vigilance and dedication to truth and a commitment to justice. These are things that come with patience. The terrorists want to deprive the Iraqi people of their future. But Iraq can and will prevail. Iraq's chance is now. Let us stand by the Iraqi people as they struggle to enjoy those rights and liberties that they denied for so long. Let us be motivated by the knowledge that we have helped make the world a better place for the Iraqi people and for all. As our beloved former President, Ronald Wilson Reagan, would say: ``You and I have a rendezvous with destiny . . . If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done.''

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, our children are the hope of our world. ``Los ninos son la esperanza del mundo,'' said Jose Marti, the Cuban freedom fighter; and from humble beginnings that helped to form their character, they become tomorrow's leaders. Amigos for Kids, a most worthy nonprofit organization in my hometown of Miami, Florida, is helping our precious youth to realize their true potential, a potential that may never have been uncovered without the intervention of such esteemed individuals such as Jorge Plasencia, a dear friend of mine and cofounder of the organization. Jorge is an outstanding member of our south Florida community and founded Amigos in response to the diverse needs of the abused, neglected, and less fortunate children and their families. Throughout his 13-year history, Amigos has come to the aid of many of the children through education, prevention and community involvement. Jorge's hard work with Amigos is a testament to his strength and unwavering commitment to our cherished children. Muchisimas Gracias, Jorge. Thank you so much for your help to our south Florida's children.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4061) to amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide assistance for orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries, as amended.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) for this wonderful bill; we look forward to its passage; and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of the Assistance for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Childrens Act of 2004. This is an important bipartisan bill introduced by my good friend, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) and cosponsored by me as well as 84 other Members. H.R. 4061 amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to create a new title, authorizing the provision of assistance to orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries. H.R. 4061 will prepare USAID for the important responsibility as established by Public Law 108-25, the United States leadership against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003, which specifies that by the year 2006, not less than 10 percent of all HIV/AIDS monies must be programmed in support of the needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by AIDS. By the year 2010, Mr. Speaker, it is estimated that there will be 25 million children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS. Entire villages are already being affected by this pandemic. This bill recognizes that the United States Government will need to establish improved capacity to deliver assistance to such orphans and vulnerable children through partnerships with private voluntary organizations, including faith- based organizations. H.R. 4061 will authorize the President to provide assistance for the care and the treatment of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. It encourages the use of community care councils, of responsible citizens to identify the needs of and assist orphans in their communities instead of sending them off to orphanages or institutions. As the number of orphans increases, the ability of communities to provide basic care for their children is limited. Assistance to support the provisions of basic care by communities is necessary, in addition to the assistance furnished directly by U.S. agencies through the President's initiative on AIDS and Public Law 108-25. This bill also encourages the use of assistance to eliminate school fees in developing countries. This practice results in keeping orphans and vulnerable children out of school. Children of all circumstances should be in school and not kept out if they are affected by or infected with HIV/AIDS. This legislation establishes greater accountability within USAID by establishing an Office for Orphans and Vulnerable Children that will have oversight of all programs for such children, not just AIDS orphans. It will enable USAID to adopt a more comprehensive approach to assisting children through the work of its field missions and through centrally managed activities. In summary, H.R. 4061 creates accountable mechanisms within USAID. It will also ensure that other U.S. assistance for orphaned and vulnerable children is accountable, measurable and coordinated. H.R. 4061 promotes accountability and effectiveness of existing United States foreign assistance. I seek Members' support for this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize a truly remarkable member of the Florida community, Dr. Manuel Cereijo. A proven leader in the fields of science, engineering, education and technology, Dr. Cereijo was previously acknowledged in 1991 for his Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement committee and his exceptional dedication to the advancement of his profession and students. Dr. Cereijo currently serves as President of the Professional Advancement Corporation and Lecturer of Engineering at the University of Miami, while simultaneously presiding as member of the Board of Directors on several prominent business, research, and engineering organizations in the Miami area. Dr. Cejeiro has furthermore received several reputable awards such as the Faculty Teaching Award at Florida International University in 1999 and his induction into the Hall of Fame of the National Association of Hispanic Engineers in 1998. Dr. Manuel Cereijo consistently employs his expertise through means beneficial to his colleagues and students and is an outstanding representative of the state of Florida. It is my honor to recognize him and thank Dr. Cereijo for his incredible service and dedication.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, we are honored to be here today to bid farewell to a great statesmen and friend, Ambassador C. J. (Chinn-Jen) Chen. The Taiwanese government has much to be proud of from the Ambassador's long career of selfless service to his country. He is a distinguished diplomat who has served Taiwan's foreign service for thirty-seven years, and in many ways served all of us, and the world. Ambassador Chen has spent much of his career strengthening the close and friendly ties between Taiwan and the United States. He first came to Washington, D.C. in 1971 as a Third Secretary assigned to the Republic of China Embassy in the United States where he served through 1979. By then, he had been promoted to First Secretary, and from that position, he was able to play an important role in the formulation of a new framework for improved relations between the people's of Taiwan and the United States. During the 1980's and 1990's, as the Ambassador earned a series of promotions to posts of greater and greater responsibility--both in Taipei and in Washington--he continued to serve as an effective bridge from bringing Taiwan and the United States closer together. As Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister and then Foreign Minister, he insured that his country's foreign policy reflected that tremendous economic progress and democratic development taking place on Taiwan. And, by emphasizing the common values and joint interests that the United States and Taiwan share, Ambassador Chen has fostered mutual trust and cooperation between successive administrations: from Ronald Reagan to George W. Bush in the United States; and from Chiang Ching-kou to Chen Shui-bian in Taiwan. Over the last four years, the Ambassador has, in his capacity as Taiwan's chief representative in the United States, endeavored to further enhance the military, political, cultural and economic aspects of our bilateral relationship. Apart from his personal friendships with a number of high-ranking administration officials, he has built quite a following in Congress. He strongly encouraged and supported the establishment of the House Taiwan Caucus and the Senate Taiwan Caucus. Working closely with us, he has earned our respect and affection. Most importantly, thanks to diplomats like Ambassador Chen, Taiwan and the United States are truly friends and our relationship is stronger now than at any other time. Having visited Taiwan myself, I have seen how much the Ambassador's country has been able to benefit from better relations, and I'm sure that his work has made Taiwan a better place. Mr. Speaker, as Ambassador Chen concludes his tour of duty in Washington and his returning to Taipei, I bid him a fond farewell and wish him all the best. He has been a true friend, a man of principle and integrity, and we will surely miss him.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the heroes who have so far given their lives in Iraq. Every generation of Americans has been asked to leave their farms and towns and cities so that freedom could be spread through the world. As a citizen of this great nation I am here to honor the sacrifice of the fallen in Iraq, and those who before them paid the ultimate price for freedom. Like their forefathers in World War II, the 23 Floridians who gave their lives in the name of freedom were selfless citizens who answered the call of duty. Among these I would like to personally honor the 4 soldiers from South Florida. I and all of the citizens in my district are thankful for their service. This nation can never repay the debt owed to these 4 men; their honor and service however, will never be forgotten. Private First Class Charles M. Sims was only 18 when he died in Baghdad on October 3, 2003, Sergeant Edmond L. Randle was 26 when he perished in the north of Taji on January 17, 2004, 1st Lieutenant Christopher J. Kenny was 32 when he fell in Balad on May 3, 2004, and Private First Class Jeremy Ricardo Ewing, who at 22 gave his life in Baghdad on April 29, 2004. These men remind us that freedom is indeed not free. We must forever be vigilant to the rise of tyranny and be willing to fight it wherever it rises. We must never take for granted our democratic government, we must remember that in places like Cuba, North Korea, and Iran, human beings are still oppressed by their horrible dictators. Let us fight these regimes, until freedom rings in every nation of the world. God bless all the men and women who gave their lives so that others may live in freedom.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it is a real pleasure to welcome a special guest to our House from Miami, Florida, who shared her message of prayer and inspiration with us today, Rabbi Joui Hessel. We are happy to have the Rabbi and her wonderful family, who reside in my congressional district in Miami, Florida, with us here today. Rabbi Hessel was ordained from the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion in New York in 2001. While in Rabbinical School in New York, she served several congregations and also served as the Education Intern at Leo Bacck Temple in Los Angeles, California. Rabbi Hessel is currently serving at the Washington Hebrew Congregation right here in Washington, D.C., as associate Rabbi. She has been in that capacity since June of 2001 and is active in many programs, including youth activities and adult education. The Rabbi is currently working on an educational article for a book on Parenting Young Adult Children. Thank you, Rabbi Joui Hessel, for your spiritual leadership and for your prayers and for having such wonderful parents, who are my constituents.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Agustin Velasco, a valued Member of our South Florida community. Agustin's contribution to our community dates back over 4 decades, serving as a leader, entrepreneur, and an example of determination to succeed. Agustin is currently the president and original founder of the Inter- American Bank, a bank with humble beginnings, now proudly celebrating its 25th anniversary of service to the people of South Florida. After fleeing Communist Cuba in 1961, Agustin sought refuge in Miami and quickly became a dynamic and flourishing member of our community. Joining the ranks of thousands of very hard-working Americans, Agustin became the realization of the American dream. A father of two and a grandfather of five beautiful girls, I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Agustin Velasco and wishing him continued success. Felicidades, Agustin.