Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, 102 years ago, Cuba achieved its hard- fought independence from the tyranny of Spanish imperialism. This moment of triumph and relief ushered in a new era of freedom, a republican age. The ideals of self-government had trumped despotic rule, and all were captivated by the promise of enduring liberty. May 20, 1902 immediately assumed a profound significance for the Cuban nation, melding a fierce passion for independence with a zeal for democracy. Indeed, May 20, paralleling America's own 4th of July, celebrates the same democratic fervor that Americans fondly recall whenever we reflect on our own sorely won freedom. Unfortunately, the promise of a lasting and viable democracy would never be fully realized in Cuba. As we know all too well, the veil of ``freedom'' Fidel Castro promised with his Revolution soon descended into one of the worst tyrannies in modern history. July 26, a date sanctified by Castro as a symbol of his own political triumph, replaced May 20 as the new national holiday, wiping away all memories of democratic hope. The Cuban people watched in stunned silence as they witnessed the dismantling of their republic and the institution of Marxist-Leninist totalitarianism. Soon the Soviet juggernaut had extended its iron fist across the ocean, marking the dawn of crushing religious, political, and artistic repression and the emergence of a culture of fear, theft, stagnation, and moral bankruptcy. After suffering countless state- sanctioned crimes throughout the decades, the indomitable will and courage of the Cuban people keep the hope of freedom and democratic change alive as an achievable goal. Mr. Speaker, I proudly serve the cause of democracy as a United States Congresswoman, and continue the fight against the Castro regime and the oppression of the Cuban people. Ever cognizant of Cuba's plight, I feel compelled to call this oppression to your attention this day, May 20, 2004, a day representing freedom, and reminding us all of the tyranny that has usurped freedom. Mr. Speaker, this 20th of May, liberty has once again eluded the Cuban people. Yet, I know that soon May 20th will once again stand as an affirmation of Cuban democracy, as a new birth of freedom, as a celebration of victory over dictatorship. Positive change will no doubt come, and we work toward it every day. I unite my thoughts and prayers with the Cuban people, and ask them to believe: a true 20th of May celebration is on the horizon--Cuba will once again be free.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, Sister Jeanne O'Laughlin is a name synonymous with compassion, love, and energy. As the President of Barry University for the past 23 years in my hometown of Miami, Sister Jeanne has brought hope not only to our South Florida community but also to the international community. Sister Jeanne is known and loved by all of our South Florida residents. She is a dynamic and energetic champion for education and has worked tirelessly to ensure that Barry University far exceeded its goals. She has dedicated her entire life to education and to the improvement of the human condition. Sister Jeanne's concern for others and her willingness to fight for justice makes her an irreplaceable part of our South Florida family. We have been blessed to have Sister Jeanne in our community. We love her, we thank her, and we wish her much success and happiness in all of her future endeavors.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to send my best wishes and warm congratulations to the people of Taiwan for having successfully concluded their most recent presidential election. As the people of Taiwan prepare to inaugurate their incumbent President, Mr. Chen Shui-bian, I salute them and the democratic endeavor that we have recently witnessed. In the last 4 years, under the leadership of President Chen Shui- bian, Taiwan has continued to prosper. It has one of the strongest economies in the world and its people enjoy unprecedented prosperity. Taiwan has solid schools, a good transportation system, and sound medical care for its citizens. Furthermore, the people of Taiwan enjoy political freedoms, such as direct elections, a free press, and human rights. Mr. Speaker, the people of Taiwan have every right to be proud of their presidential election. I look forward to working with Mr. Chen's new administrative team in the next 4 years and beyond. Taiwan and the United States are truly friends and this relationship is stronger now than at any other time. Americans and the people of Taiwan are also allies in the war on terrorism. Moreover, we share an abiding concern about peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan's participation in world organizations, such as the World Health Organization. Congratulations again to the people of Taiwan and President Chen Shui-bian.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by commending Congresswoman Millender-McDonald for introducing this bipartisan bill. H. Con. Res. 352 recognizes the contributions of people of Indian origin to the United States and the benefits of working together with India towards promoting peace, prosperity, and freedom among all countries of the world. As the world's 2nd most populous nation and the largest democracy in the world, India and the United States have forged a long-lasting friendship. For the past month, peoples from all over the country of India went to the polls and marked their choice for Parliament. This act of citizenship shows India's neighbors, and nations across the world, that democracy works. Reports indicate that over 50 percent of the population voted in this year's elections. India shows us that the commitment to democracy is strong and that the ties between India and the United States are even stronger. The everlasting bond that is forged by the 1.7 million Indian-Americans living in the United States is a shinning example of our commitment to one another. Indian-Americans lead thriving lives in communities throughout the U.S.--the contributions to our society demonstrate the resilience and fervor of the Indian-American spirit. It is that spirit that holds the future between our two nations together. Mr. Speaker, following the September 11th cowardly and evil terrorist attacks on the United States, Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee offered to cooperate with the Bush Administration ``in the investigation of this crime and to strengthen our partnership.'' The following day, the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security voted unanimously to offer the United States the use of Indian facilities for any U.S. military operation in pursuit of the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks. Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld states that, ``the United States and India share important interests in fighting terrorism. . . .'' In the past two years, the United States and India have held numerous joint exercises involving all military branches. Last September U.S. and Indian special forces soldiers held a two-week joint exercise in Ladakh near the India-China border, and the largest-ever ``Malabar 2003'' joint naval exercises off the southern coast of India that included an American nuclear submarine. In the 2002 report of the National Security Strategy of the United States, the White House made the following statement: ``The United States has undertaken a transformation in this bilateral relationship with India based on a conviction that U.S. interests require a strong relationship with India. We are the two largest democracies, committed to political freedom protected by representative government. India is moving towards greater economic freedom as well. We have a common interest in the free flow of commerce, including through the vital sea- lanes of the Indian Ocean. Finally, we share an interest in fighting terrorism and in creating a strategically stable Asia.'' I could not agree more. Another great example of this fruitful bond is the fact that trade between India and the United States has shown a healthy growth in recent years. Last year, U.S. exports and imports from India totaled $5.0 billion and $13.1 billion, making India the 24th largest U.S. export market and the 18th largest supplier of U.S. imports. With a GDP of $390 billion and an annual growth rate of 6.8 percent, India is not only an important ally in defense, but also a key ally in international trade. Bilateral trade now stands at around $15 billion, with software exports at another $3 billion--emphasizing the true relationship between our two countries. 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. Mr. Speaker, H. Con Res. 352 is truly fitting. I stand here and pay special recognition to the proud and resilient people of Indian origin in the United States. Their devotion and hard work have brought great prosperity to countless communities in the United States. I am proud to be cosponsor of this bill and proudly congratulate all peoples of Indian origin for their perseverance.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Vision Caucus, I would like to recognize May as Healthy Vision Month, and to discuss the important recommendations of the Vision Problems Action Plan, A National Public Health Strategy as a way to prevent blindness and vision loss. Good vision is critical to conducting activities of daily living, is a portal for language, and affects developmental learning, communicating, working, and quality of life. Unfortunately, a large number of people are at risk for losing their vision. More than 80 million Americans have a potentially blinding eye disease, 3 million have low vision, 1.1 million are legally blind, and an additional 200,000 are more severely visually impaired. Despite the fact that half of all blindness can be prevented, far too many people do not access the care they need. If we do not take action, the number of blind and visually impaired individuals will double by 2030. Awareness, early diagnosis and prevention are crucial for all. Healthy Vision Month, a component of Healthy People 2010, is a national eye health campaign to raise awareness about the various conditions that can affect eyesight and cause vision loss. This week, a coalition of leading eye health experts, including Prevent Blindness America, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lighthouse International, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, released the Vision Problems Action Plan, A National Public Health Strategy. This important document will provide our nation with a framework for preventing vision loss. This groundbreaking study recommends that, in order to reduce the occurrence of vision loss and its accompanying disabilities, our nation must concentrate our efforts three priority areas: prevention/public health, access to care and treatment including rehabilitation, and research. Our public health and prevention campaign must ensure that vision programs at the National Eye Institute (NEI) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have the resources they need to improve communication and education campaigns, increase surveillance, epidemiology and prevention research; and implement appropriate programs, policies and systems changes. In order to ensure access to and availability of treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals with vision loss, we must support programs at the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that remove barriers and improve access to eye exams currently covered under Medicare, such as diabetic eye exams and glaucoma detection for high risk populations. We must also strengthen the Medicare program to advance coverage for Medicare vision rehabilitation services as provided by orientation and mobility specialists, rehabilitation teachers and low-vision therapists including in patients homes and their environment. Finally, we must bolster our research efforts to improve our understanding of the eye and visual system in health and disease, as well as developing the most appropriate and effective means of prevention, and access to treatment and rehabilitation. This report provides the roadmap we need to raise awareness about vision loss, give individuals the tools they need to prevent it, and give hope to the millions already suffering from vision loss that better treatments for can be found. We would like to thank all of the organizations involved in drafting this report, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, Lighthouse International, the National Alliance For Eye and Vision Research, the National Eye Institute (NEI) and most importantly, Prevent Blindness America. Prevent Blindness America should be commended for spearheading this effort, for bringing together these various groups, and for its almost century-long tradition of preventing vision loss.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I congratulate the gentleman from Massachusetts for this very important resolution that, as has been pointed out, does several things. It recognizes the importance of increasing awareness of this affliction, autism. It supports programs for increased research and improved treatment of autism. It improves training and support for individuals with autism. But one of the causes that I believe is one of the most important ones is that it recognizes and commends the parents and relatives of children with autism for their sacrifice and dedication in providing for the special needs of children with autism and for absorbing significant financial costs for specialized education and support services. As has been pointed out before, each one of us could probably be here on the floor with a personal story about how we know someone who has autism, a family that has been affected by this disease, this affliction; and I am no exception to that. My best friends, Charles Flick and Patience Plumer Flick, have three children, two of whom have autism. Bonnie, a teenager, is able to communicate both verbally and in written form. She is able to do simple arithmetic. She is probably in the higher level of high- functioning autism disorder. However, her young brother, Willis, is not able to communicate, is not aware of his surroundings, makes no connection to those around him in a very direct way, nor is he able to communicate in any way, shape or form except for grunts and pointing at simple pictures. It has been a great experience for the family, a great challenge, to have them deal with the special needs of these two children. It presents a special challenge as well to their oldest child, Penny Flick, who is a graduating senior from high school this year. Autism affects not just the children, those individuals with autism; it affects and it impacts the entire family. It has been a blessing, I believe, for the Flick family to have children with autism because it has made them more aware of God's many blessings upon them and makes them cherish life all the more. I think that this clause in this resolution of the gentleman from Massachusetts is very poignant because it recognizes and commends the parents and the relatives of children with autism because they deserve a very special place in our society and in our community. Caregivers of people with special needs so often do not go noticed and are not given the attention that they deserve. It takes a special heart and a special family to cope with the daily challenges that autism gives to the families. I commend the gentleman from Massachusetts for this resolution, and I congratulate the Flick family and everyone involved with Bonnie and Willis for their great care.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the gentleman from Illinois for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, as a political refugee from a brutal, sadistic regime, I know of the terrible crimes that dictators commit against their own people. Yet after talking to survivors of Saddam Hussein's regime and speaking with the teams who uncovered Iraq's mass graves, I was left speechless in the face of such atrocities. The Iraqi dictatorship indiscriminately slaughtered Iraqis but the women were among the most vulnerable. The notorious Fedayeen beheaded women in public, dumping their severed heads at their families' doorsteps. According to the September 2001 report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur, at least 130 Iraqi women were beheaded between June 2000 and April 2001, in just 1 year. The regime used widespread rape to extract confessions from detainees and would intimidate members of the opposition by sending them videotapes of the rapes of their female relatives. At times, family members were forced to watch those tapes. However, Saddam Hussein's legacy of terror knew no boundaries. Even small children were not spared the butchery as evident from the tiny skeletons found in mass graves throughout Iraq. In 1998, the evidence of the Iraqi regime's threatening behavior continued to mount and we as Members of the United States Congress in a unified manner overwhelmingly approved the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998, calling for the regime of Saddam Hussein to be removed from power and replaced with a democratic government. By 2003 after 6 more years of Saddam's oppression, the death toll had reached frightening proportions. The U.S. could not watch idly and do nothing. As a Nation which stands for freedom, democracy and human rights, we were compelled to act. Today as a result of the President's resolve in Iraq and the courageous dedicated service of our troops, the Iraqi people are free. As Iraq's new female minister of Municipalities and Public Works said last week to us: ``On April 9, 2003, Iraqis were offered the opportunity to begin to dream their future.'' To determine if going to war in Iraq and liberating the Iraqi people was the right decision, just ask Dr. Khuzai, a member of the Iraqi Governing Council and National Council on Women. After being prisoners in their own country for 35 years, she told us: ``For the Iraqi women, the morale is so high that you can't understand it unless you go and see. All the Iraqis are very grateful to Mr. Bush and to the U.S. for liberating us from the dictatorship regime. We will be grateful forever.'' Today, the United States is helping Iraqi women reintegrate themselves into Iraqi society and, indeed, the outside world. Toward this end, the administration has embarked on the Iraqi Women's Democracy Initiative to train Iraqi women in the skills and practices of democratic public life. It has also established the U.S.-Iraqi Women's Network, helping to mobilize the private sector. This is just the beginning. We will have a better, safer world for the Iraqi people, especially for the Iraqi women, and for all.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of freedom, liberty and the power of charting one's own future. I rise in support of all peoples around the world who continue to struggle for self- determination and rejoice in democratic choice. The citizens of the Republic of China on Taiwan share these values and hope for a bright future where the evils and terror of Communism are vanished. Our relationship with the island of Taiwan has been a solid one, of true understanding and of support for democratic values. President Bush has publicly stated that the United States will do ``whatever it takes'' to help Taiwan's defense--an unprecedented statement which no prior U.S. President has made. As the people of Taiwan prepare to cast their ballots on numerous issues dealing with their future and their democratically elected government, I stand tall, shoulder to shoulder, with the men and women who understand the democratic process and truly believe in it. This prosperous island, only a few miles from the coast of an oppressive regime, continues to show the world that the ignorance of communism drowns the bliss of the imagination. Having visited Taiwan myself, I send my heartfelt congratulations to the people who exercise and demonstrate democracy at its best--the opportunity for an individual to cast their opinion in the form of a vote.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, 15 years ago today the Lebanese people and their last legitimate government, headed by Prime Minister Aoun, courageously engaged in a war of liberation against Syria. For 19 months, this heroic people fought to save and defend that which Syria wanted to destroy, Lebanese sovereignty and independence. Tragically, the Syrian regime overpowered them and succeeded in turning Lebanon into a captive nation. Today, Syria harasses, arrests, imprisons, tortures and disappears anyone who speaks out against Syria's domination of Lebanon, and its campaign of intimidation extends here to the U.S. Congress. Late last year, General Aoun appeared before the Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia, which I chair, to address Members about Syrian occupation of and terrorist activities in Lebanon. For this, he was charged with treason, tried in absentia and sentenced to 15 years of hard labor. We must send a clear message to Syria that its continued occupation of Lebanon will not be tolerated. Lebanon is a captive nation, and we must not rest until Lebanon is free from Syria's regime and their strangle hold.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, this month we commemorate the 184th birthday of a great woman in the history of our great country, Susan B. Anthony. Susan B. Anthony was one of the many exemplary feminist leaders who is now known not only for her fight to gain women the right to vote but also for her great courage in her stand against abortion. She saw abortion as a great offense against human dignity. She recognized the incomparable worth of every person and realized that whatever goes against life, whatever violates the integrity of the individual, whatever insults human dignity is a poison to society. Susan B. Anthony fought tirelessly to safeguard the dignity of motherhood, which she believed to be an inherent right for all women. So as we honor Susan B. Anthony, as a pro-life feminist and suffragist, I ask my colleagues to remember those who have fought to respect, protect, love and serve life, every human life.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution that outlines the deplorable record of China's authoritarian regime, a regime which continues to systematically violate the most basic human rights of all of its people and the civil and political liberties of all of its citizens. State security personnel are responsible for extensive abuses such as political and extrajudicial killings, lengthy incommunicado detentions, and the use of torture. Police target certain dissidents for incarceration in psychiatric facilities, subjecting them to unspeakable punishment. National, racial, and ethnic minorities remain subject to intense persecution and discrimination. Thugs employed by the regime frequently launch campaigns to crack down on opposition and pro-democracy groups. Freedom of movement, speech, assembly, and association are severely restricted. The controls on religious worship have intensified. Church leaders and other faithful are harassed and repressed with fines, detentions, physical abuse and, yes, torture. Many houses of worship have been destroyed. Catholic and Protestant leaders and believers have been imprisoned or subjected to house arrest. This cowardly, dictatorial regime has harassed, imprisoned, and tortured members of the Falun Gong group, sending women, children and men to torture camps for doing nothing but exercising their most basic, fundamental rights of freedom of conscience and belief. This deplorable action by the Chinese authorities has included the brutal torture of followers, particularly women, who have been arrested, gang-raped, and brutally beaten. They have been demoted or dismissed from their employment. They have been held in prison. They have been sent to labor camps and psychiatric hospitals, all because they chose to live by the strength of their convictions and refused to renounce their beliefs. Additionally, trafficking in persons, mainly women and children, for forced prostitution or illegal forced labor continues, placing this segment of the population in constant risk of slavery. The gross violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms by the Chinese regime and the deteriorating situation in China are highlighted in the Department of State's Human Rights Report released last week. The China report says: ``The government continued to commit numerous and serious abuses. There was backsliding on key human rights issues during the year.'' The People's Republic of China must be held accountable for its deplorable actions. Constant pressure from the U.S. and the international community is vital if any improvements are to take place in China. Madam Speaker, we must support the Chinese people in their efforts and send a clear message to their oppressors that the U.S. is committed to the defense of democratic principles and human rights. This resolution before us is an important part of that strategy. As the U.S. delegation works to ensure debate on human rights conditions in China and to secure the votes for a resolution at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights calling on China to end its terrible human rights practices, let us show them our full support by voting in favor of the resolution in front of us, House Resolution 530. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) as well as the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) for their steadfast support for the Chinese people to live free one day soon.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, faced with the many grave threats to the sanctity of life in the modern world, the value of life from its very beginning must be affirmed, as must the right of every human being to have this primary good respected to the highest degree. As a mother, I feel duty-bound to speak out on behalf of those who have no voice, the innocent unborn child. Under Federal law, an individual who commits a Federal crime of violence against a pregnant woman receives no additional punishment for killing or injuring the woman's unborn child during the commission of that crime. The Unborn Victims of Violence Act would narrow this gap in the law and would provide greater protection for women from crimes of violence. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this important legislation this week and send it to the President for his signature.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Julio Avael, Key West City Manager for his significant contribution to the citizens of the city of Key West. As a tribute to his dedication, the Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners have designated Saturday, February 21, 2004, as Julio Avael Day. During his 8-year tenure as Key West City Manager, Julio has demonstrated a profound commitment to our community. He has been especially instrumental in enhancing the government through implementation of historic preservation projects, neighborhood and park revitalization, and other citywide infrastructure improvements. Julio's hard work has enabled him to become not only a dynamic city manager, but also an energetic member of the community.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre, Mario de la Pena, and Pablo Morales, who, 8 years ago today, were murdered by the terrorist regime in Havana. These four brave men, committed to the cause of freedom and democracy in Cuba, ventured out over international waters in search of those who risked it all to reach here, the United States, the land of liberty. But what they came face to face with was the evil, ruthless, and brutal nature of the Castro dictatorship in the form of MiG-29 fighter jets. Like vultures circling their prey, these MiGs closed in, and at 3:21 and 3:27 p.m. aimed their missiles and destroyed these two Brothers to the Rescue planes. There would be no international outcry. Yet their deaths at the hands of the tyrant and his agents of terror would serve as a catalyst, a call to action, a new Grito de Baire, for Cuba's internal opposition. I ask my colleagues to remember these fallen heroes, Carlos, Armando, Mario, and Pablo, and to pray for the enslaved people of Cuba.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Jay Kislak, an outstanding member of the South Florida community. Jay is the chairman of the Jay I. Kislak Foundation, which is engaged in a collection of rare books, manuscripts, maps, and indigenous art of the Americas. Through his foundation, Jay has worked to ensure that present and future generations will have a deeper understanding of our glorious past. As a testament to his expansive knowledge and appreciation for art, Jay was appointed by President Bush to be chairman of the Cultural Property Advisory Committee, a group tasked with directing the government's efforts to protect antiquities around the world. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jay Kislak for his profound contribution to the cultural enrichment of our community and our Nation.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to speak on an issue dear to my heart. At the same moment that our fellow colleagues deliberated on a decision to weaken the vital and necessary sanctions against the ruthless Castro regime, at that same moment human rights and liberty were hurriedly moved to what is now one of the worst prisons on the island; that is what happened to Dr. Oscar E. Biscet Gonzalez. At the same time we were going to lift sanctions on Castro, Castro was putting Dr. Biscet in a dungeon. Even as we meet here today, courageous advocates suffer in jail for speaking their minds and advocating for liberty and freedom, and it is a crime to do that in Fidel Castro's Cuba. People such as Dr. Oscar E. Biscet Gonzalez are serving horrific prison sentences for promoting democratic values. Dr. Biscet is a leader, as Members have heard from the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), and we will hear from the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart) in a moment, is a leader in the Cuban opposition movement. He is a follower of Ghandi and Martin Luther King, and he was arrested earlier this year and has been arbitrarily detained over 26 times in the past 18 months. His body may be weak, rapidly deteriorating; but his courage, his spirit, his commitment to see a free Cuba from its enslavement, they are stronger than ever. Dr. Biscet sits in a jail where prisoners are tortured so intensely that their skulls are cracked, their faces are disfigured, and their bodies are dragged down rugged stairs feet first. But we are going to lift the sanctions against his jailer. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Biscet, together with an incalculable number of victims of a bloody and terrorist regime illustrates the reason why our government, the great United States of America, must remain vigilant against tyrannical regimes. Dr. Biscet's torture and cowardly imprisonment is an attempt to break the spirit of liberty from the minds of Cubans who long for a free Cuba, and there are 11 million of those Cubans on the island. Dr. Biscet previously served 3 years in prison. He was released October 31 of last year only to be rearrested on December 6 as he was to meet with human rights activists. That is a crime in Cuba. On April 7 of this year, he was summarily tried during a Cuban regime crackdown, along with 75 other activists and independent journalists, and was sentenced to 25 years for serving as a mercenary to a foreign state. Mr. Speaker, our esteemed halls of democracy have welcomed many distinguished speakers. We have received countless heroes and people of the highest honor, and these are the same caliber and fiber such as Dr. Biscet, who is one of Cuba's many unsung heroes. I would like to quote his most recent note to his wife and have his words ring loudly in these Halls so we may all understand the true brutal nature of the Cuban regime and the reasons why we must bring an end to the misery of the Cuban people. Dr. Biscet writes, ``I don't know why I am in this dismal place. I will not grieve nor be afraid for being punished in this dungeon. I will face life's difficulties in order to enjoy the germination of love. I know I will succeed, for the darker the place, the brighter and more intense the light.'' Every day more and more opposition leaders such as Dr. Biscet are sentenced to languish in squalid jail cells subjected to the most inhumane and degrading treatment. We must not be silent. We cannot and we must not be indifferent to the anguish and misery endured by the Cuban people, just 90 miles from our shores, at the hands of this depraved dictator and his agents of terror. Mr. Speaker, indifference breeds evil. Indifference is the enemy of freedom. Indifference helps cloak the deplorable actions of tyrants. Mr. Speaker, I would say to Dr. Biscet, inside your jail cell I know you cannot hear our words, but we want to express our profound admiration for you and the just cause that you are fighting for. We support you and we support all of Cuba's independent internal opposition in your struggle to be free. Let us not become indifferent to the plight of our fellow Cuban brothers and sisters. Dr. Biscet, vamos a continuar luchando hasta que usted y el pueblo de Cuba sea libre.

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 on the bill under consideration.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, just 2 weeks ago, the Senate amended and overwhelmingly passed H.R. 1828, the Syria Accountability and the Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act. The overwhelming support that the House-passed Syria bill received in the Senate and in the House clearly demonstrates a unity of purpose and an approach to the terrorist regime in Damascus. Even antisanctions advocates in the Senate recognize the serious threat that Syria poses to U.S. national security and to our interests and allies in the region. This bill seeks to hold Syria accountable for its weapons program, its continued illegal occupation of Lebanon, and its terrorist activities, including its facilitation of attacks against Americans in Iraq. The Syrian Foreign Minister has been quoted as saying that the requirements of this bill and of the U.S. in general for Syria to cease and desist on these three fronts are ``unreasonable and unrealistic'' demands. In fact, the Syrian Foreign Minister believes that ``America has too many demands.'' Meanwhile, just a few days ago, on Tuesday of this week, a French news source published an interview with a former member of Saddam Hussein's nefarious Secret Service. This former Saddam agent and current leader of the militias inside Iraq said that Syria is ``definitely'' working alongside Iraqi intelligence and other Saddam loyalists. He said that there is cooperation between Syria and his forces inside Iraq, and that ``It began before the war, through trade, which was only a cover.'' ``Armed Syrians,'' he added, ``even joined our Iraqi militia groups. And well before the war, we had forged passports that enabled us to go to that country,'' meaning Syria. He added that this coordination continues to this day. Thus, regardless of how some will spin it, the Syrian regime has the blood of Americans on its hands, and they must be held responsible for their deaths, as well as those of scores of innocent human beings murdered by Syrian-sponsored terrorists. Fully implemented, H.R. 1828 would help deny Syria the resources to continue its deplorable activities and will help prevent U.S. complicity in them. It seeks to do so by prohibiting U.S. exports of military, dual-use, and other items, as well as by prohibiting investments in key sectors that provide an economic windfall for the Syrian economy. We have every faith and confidence in President Bush's commitment to use the range of U.S. policy options, including the sanctions provided for in H.R. 1828, to hold Syria accountable for its unacceptable behavior. As the President and the Secretary of State have clearly stated, Syria is on the wrong side of history. And now, it is time for it to suffer the consequences. I ask my colleagues to concur with the Senate amendments to the House-passed bill. 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, in closing, I would like to take a moment to express my appreciation to those without whom this day would not have been possible. Of course, first and foremost, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), with whom it has been a pleasure to work for passage of this bill, the second time we pass it in just a few short weeks. Our impressive leadership here in the House, very particularly our majority leader whose unwavering commitment to U.S. national security and, thus, to this bill, were instrumental in moving this legislation. So thank you to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), my distinguished chairman, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) for his support and his assistance throughout this process, the ranking member of the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) who is always an inspiration to us all, to Tony Haddad and the Lebanese American community whose passion on these issues have served as a source of energy for us all. And I would also like to pay special thanks to Yleem Poblete, committee staff director of our Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia. This will be the last piece of legislation that she will be handling for our subcommittee because she is awaiting White House approval in a State Department job working with Secretary John Bolton. And I thank Yleem for being a valuable member of my family, my legislative family for many, many years. I remember when Yleem and I first met and she was Miss Teen Florida. That was not so long ago. But she has been a wonderful friend and a part of my family for a long time. And we wish her God speed and much success. And I would also like to ask my colleagues to reflect on the suffering of the Syrian and Lebanese people today and on the lives and the sacrifice of American, Israeli, and so many other victims of terrorist attacks supported by or facilitated by the Syrian regime. This bill is also for them. We look forward to working closely with President Bush toward expeditious enactment and implementation of this bill. Time has clearly run out for the Syrian regime. It had a choice to make, and it chose terrorism. That was the wrong choice. We have a choice to make. We have demonstrated it by our overwhelming vote in support of this bill, what our will is with respect to Syria's regime. Let us again send a strong, unequivocal message to this pariah state and concur in the Senate amendment to the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield to the gentleman from New York.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, we look forward to working on the Saudi Arabia Accountability Act and the Iran Accountability Act. We have only just begun.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 1828) to halt Syrian support for terrorism, end its occupation of Lebanon, and stop its development of weapons of mass destruction, and by so doing hold Syria accountable for the serious international security problems it has caused in the Middle East.

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), a staunch defender of human rights worldwide.