Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 69) expressing the sense of Congress that Althea Gibson should be recognized for her ground breaking achievements in athletics and her commitment to ending racial discrimination and prejudice within the world of sports.

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. 320) expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the importance of motorsports.

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 concurrent resolution under consideration.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, Americans have loved speed since anyone can remember, and that is why I commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney) for introducing House Concurrent Resolution 320 that expresses the sense of the Congress regarding the importance of motorsports. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney). (Mr. FEENEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks, and include extraneous material.)

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would say to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney) that he confirmed what I heard from Danielle from the office of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), and the soccer moms of the 1990s have been replaced by the NASCAR dads of this century, or the NASCAR families of this century.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

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. I have no other speakers. I commend the distinguished chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary for introducing this significant resolution. I urge all Members to support the adoption of H. Con. Res. 313.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2130) to redesignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 650 Kinderkamack Road in River Edge, New Jersey, as the ``New Bridge Landing Post Office,'' as amended.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 1718) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3710 West 73rd Terrace in Prairie Village, Kansas, as the ``Senator James B. Pearson Post Office''.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the bill before us today offered by the distinguished Senator from Kansas, Senator Pat Roberts, names this Prairie Village, Kansas, postal facility as the Senator James B. Pearson Post Office. Senator James Pearson was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 7, 1920. At a young age, he moved with his family to Virginia and went on to attend Duke University. He bravely served as a pilot in the Naval Air Transport in 1943 during World War II. He was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant and returned home to graduate from the University of Virginia Law School in 1950. Pearson moved back to Kansas and became a practicing lawyer in the town of Mission in 1950. Two years later, he became the assistant county attorney of Johnson County, and in two more years, in 1954, the county probate judge. Pearson threw his hat into the political ring for the first time in 1956 when he earned a seat in the Kansas State Senate. On January 31, 1962, he was appointed to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Senator Andrew Schoeppel. He was elected for the first time in a special election in November of that year and earned reelection in both 1966 and 1972, retiring in 1978. Senator James Pearson served his home State of Kansas and indeed the entire Nation with distinction, and he highly deserves the commemoration provided by this legislation. Mr. Speaker, Senator James B. Pearson continues to live here in Washington, D.C., and outside Baldwin City, Kansas, and we wish him well. In addition to the Senator from Kansas, I want to recognize the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore) who introduced the companion legislation here in the House, H.R. 3255, and I know both gentlemen worked together to ensure that James B. Pearson would be honored with this post office. I am pleased that Senate bill 1718 will soon be on the President's desk for his signature. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, South Florida is honored, as leaders from over thirty nations from the Western Hemisphere convene in my beautiful hometown of Miami to discuss what is to be one of the largest free trade agreements in history. The FTAA would be the world's largest free market, with combined GDP of nearly $13 trillion in over 30 countries, and nearly 800 million consumers. The creation of the FTAA would foster economic growth and opportunity, promote regional integration and good governance. In concert with my colleagues in the U.S. Congress, I have corresponded and met numerous times with Ambassadors Zoellick and Cobb to discuss at length the selection of Miami as the headquarters for the Secretariat. Miami is a perfect location for the Secretariat due to its bustling economy, multilingual population and its role as the hub for Latin America. I have supported efforts on behalf of Miami that involve the Permanent Secretariat of the Free Trade Area of the Americas; especially the most current appropriations of $8.5 million that will assist our local South Florida community. Free trade cannot encompass nations that are dictatorial, ruthless, and that lack regard for freedom and human rights. Ruthless regimes cannot be allowed entry into any free trade agreements as they lack the fundamental premise for market-based trade to succeed freedom. Without a democratic system of government, free trade cannot flourish. Brutal dictatorships in our Hemisphere should not have access into any form of free trade agreements until they hold independent elections, free its political prisoners, allow freedom of press, and respect and upheld other basic liberties. It is the hope of our South Florida community that the Administration will select Miami as the U.S. candidate city to serve as home to the FTAA Secretariat, when an agreement is completed. Miami's special and close relationship with our Latin neighbors make the city a natural choice to play this important role. As leaders of the Western Hemisphere meet to discuss the vital issue of a tentative FTAA, it is important to remember our local citrus industry. As we strive to open new markets and expand opportunities for U.S. workers and businesses through seeking new trade agreements, we must ensure that our workers and businesses have fair opportunities to compete in the increasingly global marketplace. Any reduction of tariffs on imported orange juice would impede these important objectives. These tariffs help to promote competition, enabling us to compete on a level playing field in the global marketplace. It is very clear that any reduction in the tariff would have serious consequences on Florida's citrus industry and could potentially devastate the State's economy. The citrus industry is the State's second largest, contributing over $9 billion to our economy. In addition, the citrus industry accounts for nearly 90,000 direct and indirect jobs throughout Florida and the country. As delegates congregate in South Florida to discuss the future of trade in the Western Hemisphere, I call upon our leaders of the Hemisphere to not forget the hard workers of Florida and the importance of Florida Citrus.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Armando Olivera for his outstanding contribution to our South Florida community. Armando has been selected to serve as president of Florida Power & Light Company which, with annual revenues of over $8 billion, is widely recognized as one of the country's premier power companies. During his 32-year tenure with FPL, Armando has demonstrated a proven track record of excellent organizational ability, as well as a profound commitment to our community. On November 5, 2003, Armando will be honored by the Miami Dade College Foundation and Dr. Eduardo J. Padron, President of Miami Dade College, for his continuing achievements. As we conclude the celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month, and reflect upon the contributions of countless Hispanics across the Nation, it is important to recognize people like Armando. His resilience and hard work have enabled him to become not only a successful businessman, but also a proud member of the community who gives hope to fellow Cuban political refugees.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Reverend Roger Tobin of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, in my Congressional District, on the 25th Anniversary of his ordination. Reverend Tobin is an outstanding member of the South Florida community who enlightens and inspires all who are blessed to know him. Through his dynamic leadership during the last 17 years at St. Thomas, Reverend Tobin has seen both the church and the school double in size, a true testament to his unwavering dedication to his church community. Not only is Reverend Tobin striving to improve the physical plant at St. Thomas through a major reconstruction project, but he is also striving to deepen his own intellectual and spiritual life through a personal retreat. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Reverend Tobin on 25 years of tireless service to the Episcopal Church. Thank you Reverend, and may God continue to bless you, your lovely wife, Janice, and your sons, Jonathan and Nathaniel as you continue your mission.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, would the gentleman yield? I am sure that we will be glad to consider any further resolutions in the future, but right now we are just so very proud of the Fish. And I am sure that you would agree that there is always next year.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers. I want to congratulate again the Marlins manager Mr. McKeon, the Florida Marlins team, all the administrators, and everyone involved, including the fans, for the remarkable World Series championship. I also want to congratulate my colleagues from Florida once again, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Meek) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart) for giving their support to this resolution being considered by the House today. I urge its adoption. Go Fish.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, 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 on the resolution under consideration.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 415) congratulating the Florida Marlins for winning the 2003 World Series.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Florida Marlins are World Series champions, again. ``The Fish,'' as they are affectionately known in our hometown, this low-budget baseball team that plays in a football stadium, amazed the sports world by defeating the New York Yankees in the World Series on Saturday night. Who would have expected the Marlins, in only their 11th year of existence, after starting the year with only 19 wins in their first 48 games, after firing their manager in May, that they would rebound to win their second World Series in the last 7 years. But it was not easy. The Marlins' road to the championship was nearly as bumpy as it was unexpected. When the Marlins struggled early in the season, many commentators speculated that the season was hopeless and that the team would soon unload many of their veteran players to save money for the future. Instead, the Marlins did the opposite, aggressively acquiring key players midway through the summer who proved integral to their eventual championship run. Under the direction of new manager Jack McKeon, the Marlins turned it around and began winning. The Marlins finished the season with a relatively astonishing record of 91 wins and 71 losses, and earned the wild card berth in the National League. In the first round of the playoffs, the Marlins were slated to take on the most feared slugger in baseball, Barry Bonds, and the defending National League champions, the San Francisco Giants. After dropping game one, the Marlins defeated the Giants in three straight games to win the series. Who could forget Jeff Conine's clutch throw from left field to catcher Ivan Rodriguez for the final out in game 4 that clinched the series. In the League Championship Series, fate seemed to challenge the Marlins as much as their opponents, as the Marlins squared off against the Chicago Cubs. The red-hot Cubs, who had not even advanced to the World Series since 1945, seemed to have a date with destiny as they took a 3-games-to-1 lead on the Marlins in the best-of-7 series. Incredibly, the Marlins again bounced back to win three straight games and the last two in Chicago to defeat the Cubs in this unforgettable classic. The unlikely Marlins advanced to the World Series to play the giants of baseball, the New York Yankees. Just like during the regular season, and the two previous playoff series as well, no one besides the Marlins themselves and their fans believed they had a chance. Once more, the Marlins fell behind in the series; this time the Yankees captured a 2- games-to-1 advantage. But remarkably, the Marlins were not to be denied. Paced by their pitching ace, World Series Most Valuable Player Josh Beckett, they triumphed in three consecutive games to win a series for the third time. The entire baseball world was stunned as the Florida Marlins became the World Series champions. The standouts on this Marlins team were many during the season and through the playoffs, and it seemed like a different player excelled each game. Catcher Ivan Rodriguez seemed to always deliver timely hits and great defense. Pitchers Josh Beckett, Mark Redman, Dontrelle Willis, Carl Pavano, and Brad Penny provided underrated performances all year long, and 20-year-old Miguel Cabrera was called up from the minor leagues in mid-June and was one of the most valuable hitters down the stretch; and their double-play combination of Alex Gonzalez and Luis Castillo was perhaps the league's best. And we must certainly recognize the manager, Jack McKeon, a man who took over the struggling team midway through the year and led them all the way to a World Series crown. Jack kept the Marlins from unraveling early and motivated them to reach unthinkable heights. Mr. Speaker, this was the Marlins' second world championship in their short history. It is important to note that the Marlins have never lost a playoff series, winning all six in which they have played. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a cosponsor of House Resolution 415, and I strongly support its speedy adoption. I commend both of my colleagues, the gentleman from Miami, Florida (Mr. Meek), as well as the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart), for introducing this timely measure. I congratulate the Florida Marlins for their unforgettable season. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart), lead cosponsor of this resolution.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to a very frustrated Cubs fan, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton).

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on House Resolution 198, the resolution just considered.