Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 61) commending the people of Israel for conducting free and fair elections, reaffirming the friendship between the Governments and peoples of the United States and Israel, and for other purposes.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor), for introducing this important resolution commending the people of Israel for conducting free and fair elections and reaffirming the close friendship between our two nations. Virtually since its creation in 1948, the state of Israel has been the only democratic ally of the United States in the region. Today, it is the only country in the Middle East with truly free elections, a vibrant free press, an active civil society and other elements which constitute a free society, making it indeed the only country in the Middle East classified as free by Freedom House in its report on democracy and human rights in the region. Its declaration of independence, its system based on separation of powers, particularly its emphasis on an independent judiciary, its guarantee of equal access for women and minorities, and its guarantee of freedom of religion to the entire population are but some of the parallels that we share, which further strengthen the bonds between our countries. However, our nations share more than just democratic principles. Regrettably, we have both been victimized by terrorism, the common enemy of the civilized world. The continuing terrorist attacks against Israel clearly follow the pattern of attacking democratic countries which support and implement the rule of law, mistaking the openness and tolerance of such societies as a sign of weakness. Israel is targeted in part because it is our friend and in part because it is an oasis of liberal, democratic values in a vast expanse of authoritarian regimes, fanaticism and bigotry. As a liberal democracy under repeated attack by murderers who target innocent men, women and children, Israel deserves our steadfast support. This support is essential to Israel's continued survival as a free and democratic nation, for only the United States has the power and political will to provide meaningful assistance to the only parliamentary democracy in the region. While we may have shared interests with Arab states in the Middle East, it is with Israel that we share core values. As it was in Afghanistan, U.S. foreign policy should be about more than geostrategic concerns. It should also reflect who we are as a nation and as a people. There is an expression in Spanish which says, loosely translated, ``Tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are.'' Let then the U.S. be judged by its friendship and by its partnership with Israel, the region's truly free, democratic society. I strongly urge my colleagues to support the gentleman from Virginia's 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 Virginia (Mr. Cantor), the author of this resolution, who is our new chief deputy whip and a person with whom I had the pleasure of going to Israel with last year. I look forward to my next visit to Israel just this Friday. I wish that he would be going with us.

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 rise today to honor and congratulate the M. Ensemble Company for its upcoming ``Medal of Honor Theater Project,'' which honors the life and service of the first black soldier ever awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Vietnam War. I would like to especially thank fellow Miamians Patricia E. Williams and Shirley Richardson who are cofounders of the M. Ensemble Company for all of their leadership and dedication to this praiseworthy organization. For more than 30 years, the theater company has been providing training and career-building opportunities for the south Florida community. This recognition is especially fitting as our country celebrates the countless African American contributions to our rich history. Please join me in congratulating the M. Ensemble Company and its Medal of Honor project for its tremendous tribute to the cause of arts and learning for all.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, this month we celebrate the birthday of a great woman in the history of the United States, Susan B. Anthony. Susan B. Anthony is known not only for her fight to gain women the right to vote, but also for her great courage in the stand against abortion. She was a feminist who fought tirelessly to protect the dignity of motherhood, which she believed to be an inherent right of all women. Susan B. Anthony saw abortion as a grave offense against human dignity. I am proud to honor Susan B. Anthony for her dedication to the cause of life, and I hope that my colleagues will join me in this.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me the time. As we have heard, Mr. Speaker, on January 20 of this year, Libya, a gross violator of human rights and a state sponsor of terrorism, was elected to chair the United Nations Commission on Human Rights despite the Bush administration's best effort to block this farce. Hiding behind procedural explanations and diplomatic maneuverings, 33 countries ignored Libya's use of terror, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, persecution and harassments of political opponents, the selling of human beings into bondage as slaves; and instead, they voted for Libya to preside over this foremost human rights body. The commission is one of the few international forums confronting human rights violators, and it sets much of the tone and the agenda for a global human rights accountability. Its mission essentially is to give voice to those who are oppressed; thus, the selection of Libya was not only a defeat for justice and human dignity but a betrayal of all those brave souls worldwide who risk imprisonment, exile or even death to fight for universal rights and for fundamental freedoms. It was, and is, a betrayal of millions upon millions living under brutal regimes from North Korea to Cuba to China to Vietnam to Iran and Iraq. It is a betrayal also of the suffering endured by the families of the victims of Pan Am Flight 103. It shows contempt for the mission and work of the commission, and it only serves to empower and embolden pariah states who are increasing their presence on the commission and manipulating its agenda in order to legitimize their unacceptable practices. How can a regime which does not allow U.N. human rights monitors into its borders and refuses to comply with its obligation under international human rights covenants be a member of the commission, much less be elected to preside over it? How can a nation subject to U.N. sanctions for its role in terrorist attacks be rewarded with a leadership position such as this? Enough is enough. The U.S. cannot and will not sit idly by and allow dictators and terrorist states to further hijack the commission and other U.N. bodies. That is why the resolution before us, which I had the pleasure of drafting with my friend, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on International Relations, and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), our ranking member, not only provides overwhelming evidence about Libya's record on human rights and terrorism but gives direction and support to the Bush administration as it attempts to reclaim the commission from the tyrants. Toward this goal, we look forward to continuing our discussions with the administration on such possible areas of reform such as the establishment of at least a minimum set of standards which should be met by all states who seek to be members of this body; also, the creation of a democracy caucus where its members make decisions based on shared values and commitments, rather than regional or bilateral considerations; to establish criteria for accreditation of nongovernmental organizations to the commission, to make sure that these NGOs are not agents of violator governments; also, to provide recognized prisoners of conscience and human right dissidents in exile an opportunity to render testimony on the situation of their country of origin during debate of pertinent resolutions at the annual session of the commission. This resolution extends beyond the commission. It seeks to prevent a repetition of this unacceptable situation in other U.N. fora, forums such as the Conference on Disarmament which may have Iraq at its helm in May of this year. And to achieve these goals, Mr. Speaker, the resolution calls for a diplomatic initiative to ensure that states that are gross violators of human rights, sponsors of terrorist activities or subject to U.N. sanctions, they will not be afforded membership or elected to any leadership position on any non-General Assembly U.N. entity or affiliated agency. Article V, in fact, of the U.N. charter provides, in principle, the suspension of a member state's rights if it is subject to U.N. sanctions. In addition, the resolution seeks to address attempts made by the Libyan dictator to escape his regime's responsibility for the Pan Am 103 bombing. It calls on the President to seek full reinstatement of sanctions against Libya until it is in full compliance with all of its obligations under these sanctions, sanctions which were imposed, Mr. Speaker, as a result of Libya's orchestration of this terrorist attack. Finally, Mr. Speaker, this is a comprehensive, forward-looking resolution which seeks to restore the commission's moral authority as well as the relevance of other U.N. bodies so they may fulfill their mandates. It enjoys bipartisan support, and I ask my colleagues to vote for passage of this resolution today.

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Mercury Red Bone Celebrity Tournament and their founders, Gary and Susan Ellis, members of my Congressional district, for their outstanding commitment to the fight against cystic fibrosis. On March 15 of this year, Mercury Redbone and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will hold their fourth annual 10K Walk to Pigeon Key. The walk will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, an organization dedicated to the fight and the cure of this disease. Cystic fibrosis is the number one genetic killer of children and young adults in our country, and thousands of people have it. Please join me in thanking the Ellis family and Redbone for their commitment to this noble cause.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, January 29, 2003, the 150th anniversary of the birth of Cuban patriot Jose Marti, the University of Miami dedicates the Roberto C. GToizueta Pavilion to house the University of Miami Libraries' Cuban Heritage Collection. Under the accomplished direction and dynamic leadership of Professor Esperanza B. de Varona, the Cuban Heritage Collection is widely recognized as the premier collection of materials documenting the Cuban exile and Cuban American experience as well as the largest repository of historical and cultural Cuban materials outside of Cuba. The history of the Cuban Heritage Collection is inextricably tied to that of the University of Miami. As early as 1926, faculty from the University of Havana came to teach at the University, and the collection of library materials related to Cuba grew to support course work and scholarship in Latin American and Caribbean studies. The arrival of thousands of Cuban exiles in the early 1960s accelerated the collection's expansion. In 1998, the Otto G. Richter Library's vast and growing holdings of Cuban, Cuban exile and Cuban-American monographs, and special materials were brought together under the Cuban Heritage Collection with Esperanza B. de Varona as its head. Mrs. de Varona is capably assisted by the Collection's bibliographer, Lesbia Orta Varona. The Roberto C. Goizueta Pavilion, the new home of the Cuban Heritage Collection, is an elegant and spacious addition to the University of Miami's Otto G. Richter Library. It is named in honor of Roberto C. Goizueta, a Cuban refugee who lived, relished, and, indeed, embodied the American dream. Mr. Goizueta served as chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive officer of The Coca-Cola Company from March 1, 1981 until his death on October 18, 1997. Born in Cuba in 1931, Mr. Goizueta began his career with The Coca-Cola Company in Havana in 1953. In 1960, after the Communist regime of Fidel Castro assumed power in Cuba and nationalized all private businesses, Mr. Goizueta, his wife Olga and their children left Cuba for Miami. Within 30 years of leaving Cuba, Mr. Goizueta was leading an American company that symbolizes freedom around the world--The Coca-Cola Company. Roberto C. Goizueta was more than a business leader. He was the ideal citizen who believed that every person who enjoys freedom and opportunity has a duty to cherish, protect, and nurture it. He strived to make America stronger, not only through his inspirational and exceptional business leadership but also through his generous philanthropic contributions. Mr. Goizueta established The Goizueta Foundation in 1992 to provide financial assistance to educational and charitable institutions. In 1999, under the leadership of Olga C. de Goizueta, wife of the late entrepreneur, The Goizueta Foundation made a challenge grant of $2.5 million to the University of Miami in 1999 toward the building of a new home for the Cuban Heritage Collection. With additional support from the late Elena Diaz-Verson Amos and the Fanjul family, the Cuban Heritage Collection's Roberto C. Goizueta Pavilion was completed in the fall of 2002. From its new location, the Cuban Heritage Collection is able to continue to carry out its mission of collecting, preserving, and making accessible materials related to Cuban, Cuban exile, and Cuban American history and culture. It is a privilege for the collection to be doing so in the name of a man whose life, mission, and presence so influenced this community, this nation, and our world: Roberto C. Goizueta.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate James McDonough, who is the director of the Florida Office of Drug Control, for being named a national champion of youth by the Youth Crime Watch of America. James has made incredible strides in protecting the dignity and the innocence of our youth in South Florida through several successful drug and alcohol prevention programs. Mr. McDonough's hard work and devotion have profoundly changed the lives of many of our young people. James has worked with Youth Crime Watch of America, which strives to create an environment free from crime and violence so that our children will be able to flourish. Please join me in thanking James McDonough for his selfless dedication to the care of our community's children.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedication and the life of a dear friend of this great Chamber, former Congressman Wayne Owens. Wayne Owens was an energetic Member who served the American people faithfully for four terms. As a member of the International Relations Committee on which I serve, Wayne Owens reached across the political aisle, committing himself to the peace process in the Middle East. As the founder of the Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation, Wayne Owens brought together different leaders from the Middle East in his tireless pursuit of a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace. Mr. Speaker, many were touched by Congressman Wayne Owens. I want to extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Marlene, their two children, their grandchildren, and to all of his family and friends. Wayne will surely be missed.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on October 10, 2002, the people of Taiwan celebrated their 91st National Day. I would like to take this opportunity to extend to them my best wishes on this joyous occasion. The people of Taiwan should be very proud of their achievements as their nation celebrates its rich history dating back to Dr. Sun Yat-sen and his launch against the Ching Dynasty in 1911. As the 7th largest market for U.S. exports with total trade at $51.5 billion in 2001, Taiwan is a significant trading partner and of great importance to our nation. After joining the world stage as an observer- nation of the World Trade Organization this past January, the Taiwanese and U.S. governments may now trade more equitably and form new alliances as the 21st Century evolves. Taiwan distinguishes itself not only in the practice of international trade with other nations but also in its assistance in fighting terrorism. Taiwanese airports and seaports have tightened their security measures to protect citizens of all nations in its efforts in combating terrorism. The country also stands with the United States on safeguarding human rights and international cooperation. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that this great day be one of many for the Taiwanese people. As Taiwan celebrates its national day, I look forward to a further strengthening of the bonds that unite our two nations--a relationship built on our love of and commitment to freedom.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary have permission to file a supplemental report on the bill (H.R. 3215) to amend title 18, United States Code, to expand and modernize the prohibition against interstate gambling, and for other purposes.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor several organizations and individuals in my congressional district who have done an extraordinary job of serving their communities. It is my pleasure to recognize the American Cancer Society Hispanic Advisory Board, the Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services, Rabbi Katsof with Words Can Heal, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and last but not least, Matthew Krawcheck, all wonderful examples of the organizations and people who display true selflessness and dedication to our community. Evidence of such altruistic acts is demonstrated by Armando Rodriguez, Harold Robaina, Remedios Diaz-Oliver, and Liliam Sanchez- Martinez who have worked hard for the American Cancer Society Hispanic Advisory Board to successfully launch the Mi Vida Cancer Awareness Campaign for the Hispanic community for my area in Miami-Dade. The Mi Vida campaign promotes early detection by informing the Hispanic community of the various Spanish-speaking educational materials and a 24-hour Spanish toll-free phone numbers. The American Cancer Society's continued commitment to the cure for cancer in the Hispanic area serves as an inspiration to us all. I am also happy to recognize these efforts, just as I am pleased to also honor the compassionate efforts of the Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services and my good friend Judy Reinach. This great organization has provided emergency shelter for the south Florida youth for the past 27 years. By keeping its doors open 24 hours per day, Miami Bridge provides safe haven for over 1,000 at-risk adolescents each year. Its tireless efforts provide a continuum of nonresidential and residential services that are designed to empower teenagers and turn their lives around. Another exceptional group that demonstrates true commitment to the improvement of our lives is the Words Can Heal organization. Rabbi Katsof and Words Can Heal have dedicated their efforts in reducing verbal violence and gossip. At a time when dialogue is so needed in our communities, Words Can Heal and Rabbi Katsof have been the motivational and organizational force behind educating the public. In its short history, Words Can Heal has effectively mobilized its efforts to reach an influential and growing audience such as the clergy, actors, musicians and elected officials who have all become actively involved in the organization's efforts. As a former educator, it is also my pleasure to honor another very important contributor to the cause of education, the Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Through the efforts of John Doyle, Lilian Citarella- Polit, Charles Murray, Sharon Shelley and Maria Elena Keenan, the Miami-Dade Public Schools plans to hold a fantastic competition this upcoming December 6. The We, the People, The Citizen and the Constitution competition is a national contest that encourages civic competence and responsibility among our Nation's students. This extraordinary competition, now in its 15th year, teaches our community's youth the philosophical and historical foundations of our great Constitution and our Bill of Rights. I cannot conclude my statement without also congratulating Matthew Krawcheck, a constituent from my congressional district and a grand prize winner of the Expressing Freedom arts competition. Matthew's awesome painting ``Three Self-Portraits'' was displayed at the awards ceremony in the Rayburn foyer recently. Expressing Freedom is a contest for young artists with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 25 that is supported by VSA Arts and Volkswagen of America. I would like to send special thanks to Soula Antoniou from VSA Arts and Joseph Kennebeck from Volkswagen of America for their commitment to America's disabled people. I wish to give my sincerest congratulations to Matthew and all of the young people who participated in this competition. Mr. Speaker, it is such a pleasure tonight for me to commend these individuals for they are shining examples of what this country is all about, and they are an inspiration to us all.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor several organizations and individuals in my congressional district who have done an extraordinary job of serving our communities. It is my pleasure to recognize Marilyn Adamo, Monsignor Emilio Vallina, the Brickell Homeowners Association, John ``Footy'' Cross, Steve Safron, Davrye Gibson-Smith and the Miami Heat basketball team, Norman Lipoff, Johnathan Mayer, and Debra Berger, just a few shining examples of what altruism and selflessness are all about. For example, Marilyn Adamo, working through Protect America's Children, should be commended for her work on passage of the Jennifer Act, a law protecting children against crimes and abductions. Marilyn Adamo will soon begin a national campaign to ensure that the critical importance of the Jennifer Act is extended to every jurisdiction nationwide. The Jennifer Act authorizes the police and prosecutors to apprehend and to convict child stalkers and sexual predators before the child's physical safety is irreversibly placed in harm's way. The law makes any credible threat or intentional stalking of children under 16 years of age a third degree felony. I am happy to recognize these selfless efforts just as I am pleased to also recognize humanitarian efforts by individuals like Monsignor Emilio Vallina, the first recipient of the Monsignor Bryan O. Walsh Humanitarian Award. This award, established by the Mercy Hospital Foundation, recognizes an individual displaying a deep commitment to our community and whose devotion has shown great acts of love, compassion and honor. I want to thank Monsignor Vallina for the positive impact he has had on the lives of so many people. I am glad to know he is being honored for his devotion to the needy and that he has made such positive impacts on the lives of so many in South Florida. Individuals sharing the values of self-sacrifice like the Monsignor, I am also happy to say, sometimes also join forces to work together toward similar goals. A great example is the Brickell Homeowners Association made up of residents along downtown Miami's Brickell Avenue corridor and those on Brickell Key. This coalition of over 30 condominium associations has helped build a community and mobilize support for critical quality-of- life matters. The BHA has tackled issues affecting our area and has worked closely with professionals and elected officials to find solutions that enhance the residential character of their neighborhood. The BHA President Tory Jacobs, Vice President Veena Panjabi, Treasurer Norman Mininberg, Secretary Mac Seligman, and Chairperson Herbert Bailey do a great job of leading efforts to help 16,000 residents from the Miami River to the Rickenbacker Causeway and are shining examples of volunteerism and activism. In today's world these two virtues are increasingly important and one man who steps forward every year in embodying them is John ``Footy'' Cross. Footy, along with Steve Safron, head Here's Help, a local drug rehab center fighting drug abuse in our community. Every year, Footy and Steve Safron together with Y-100 radio station have the Bubbles and Bones event, a festival drawing over 50,000 people each time. The event features a competition with South Florida restaurants, national entertainment, an amusement area, and a celebrity auction, with the proceeds benefiting Here's Help. I have mentioned just a few common individuals exemplifying an uncommon charitable character. However, when organizations like the Miami Heat basketball team, that have already had national recognition come together to help our community, it is indeed noteworthy. The Miami Heat moved forward to do something constructive about low test scores and performance ratings in some of our Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The Miami Heat sponsors the HEAT Academy, an after-school enrichment program offering tutoring in reading and math to students in our community attending low-performance schools in mostly minority- populated areas. As a former educator, I take my hat off to the Miami Heat and Davrye Gibson-Smith of the HEAT Academy for their efforts in assisting all children and their families in pursuit of a quality education and a positive environment. But I could not conclude my statement without also congratulating Project Interchange, an institution devoted to educating American policymakers and opinion leaders about Israel through firsthand experience. Norman Lipoff of Coconut Grove and Jonathan Mayer of Miami Beach along with Deborah Berger, founder of Project Interchange, are celebrating its 20th year. This year Ms. Berger will be honored for her outstanding career dedicated to educating leaders of all races through intensive seminars by advocating acceptance and respect. Together with Ms. Berger, Mr. Lipoff and Mr. Mayer have been instrumental in sending nearly 3,000 leaders to the Interchange's crash course seminar that for the past 20 years has encouraged and maintained pluralism and tolerance in the United States. It is a pleasure today for me to commend these individuals. They are shining examples of what makes this country great.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, a year ago we stood in this Chamber trying to recover from the shock that no longer were U.S. interests threatened by terrorists; but the United States itself, our people, our way of life, our very existence was the target of terrorists. We were awakened and disbelief turned to a commitment, a commitment that we would work together as one Nation, one government, and take every appropriate and necessary action to prevent another day like September 11, 2001. We afforded the President the resources and the broad support to ensure a swift, effective and successful campaign against a global terrorist network that killed thousands of our citizens on that fateful day a year ago. That campaign was built on the impression, the understanding that our military objectives must also have a political objective, a requirement that was underscored by Secretary of State Colin Powell when he was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and so it was that we not only dismantled the al Qaeda operations inside Afghanistan, but also helped the Afghan people free themselves from the oppression of the Taliban regime, thereby diminishing future threats from Afghanistan by helping democracy to finally take root. What we are authorizing the President today and the resolution that is before us, Madam Speaker, is not much different than what we afforded him a year ago. We steadfastly supported this effort a year ago as the debris of the World Trade Center continued to burn. Now that time has passed, the smoke has cleared, the fires have subsided. Let us not waiver in our commitment to destroy the terrorist network. Let us not waiver in our commitment to the safety and welfare of the American people. A year ago we were surprised. Today, we have the opportunity to destroy the enemy's capabilities before they can be used against us. As President Bush so carefully articulated last night, Saddam Hussein's regime trained al Qaeda operatives in bombmaking, harbors these terrorists and provides medical treatment in Baghdad to some of its senior leadership. Saddam Hussein is not far from developing and acquiring the means to strike the United States, our friends and our allies with weapons of mass destruction. Thus, if we do not act now, when? Saddam Hussein's regime is pursuing unmanned aircraft to deliver chemical and biological weapons. The United Nations weapons inspectors and the U.S. intelligence community concluded a few years ago, based upon intelligence reporting statements by Iraqi defectors and the Iraqi Government's own admission, that Iraq had a more extensive prohibited biological weapons program than previously admitted, including the weaponization of these deadly biological agents. The Iraqi regime has dozens of ballistic missiles and is working to extend their range in violations of United Nations restriction. The former deputy chairman of the U.N. inspection team for Iraq and the dossier on Iraq's capabilities prepared by the British Government, both of these sources support the Bush administration's assertion that Iraq is at the threshold of possessing nuclear weapons. Satellite imagery has revealed that Saddam Hussein's regime is actively rebuilding its nuclear infrastructure and working to develop and acquire enriched uranium. Thus, if we do not address the problem now here today, will it be a better time when the Iraqi regime is stronger and its weapons programs are even more advanced? The Iraqi regime has ordered the use of chemical weapons against its own people. It has committed genocide and ethnic cleansing in northern Iraq, ordering the extermination of between 50,000 and 100,000 people and the destruction of over 4,000 villages. As former President Ronald Reagan once said: ``We have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on Earth. 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.'' Let us all do what we can to protect our Nation and the American people. Let us vote ``yes'' on this resolution today, and I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of Florida's outstanding agricultural heroes, Seymour Goldweber. Near Jersey City, Seymour was born on July 24, 1918. As a young boy he moved with his family to Miami where he completed primary and secondary school and became an Eagle Scout with Miami's oldest scout troop. He then joined the United States Marine Corps before the start of World War II. Seymour served throughout the war in the Pacific Theater where he fought in many military campaigns, including the Marines' costly battle at Iwo Jima. Following his military service to our country, he returned to Miami-Dade County where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in botany at the University of Miami in 1950. Seymour Goldweber began his professional career at the University of Miami's Tropical Fruit Research Farm at Richmond Field conducting horticulture research studies on tropical fruit. His work brought these unknown species from around the world into productive specimens, worthy of national and international marketing, including guavas, mangos, and avocados that we enjoy today. Mr. Goldweber joined the University of Florida-Miami-Dade County Cooperative Extension Service as their fruit crops agent in 1960 where he designed their nationally and internationally prominent extension programs. In particular, his extension programs for the development of tropical and subtropical fruit has had an enormous impact in establishing south Florida's tropical fruit industry for distribution across the USA and for export around the globe. Seymour has shared his extensive knowledge and expertise by training numerous other extension office faculty and staff. He is a role model and mentor of outstanding caliber and performance. He made the mold. Seymour Goldweber is widely recognized by our local and State agencies. He is the choice to lecture to visiting professors, tour with college students, host an event, or guide a bus full of journalist and legislative representatives through America's grocery, South Miami-Dade County. Seymour is the go-to guy for his vast knowledge, his capabilities in research and instruction, and his friendly style. His voice is reassuring and recognized across Miami and South Miami-Dade County. You can see the stamp of Seymour Goldweber's experience and loaned expertise with many organizations, including the American Society for Horticultural Science, the Dade County Farm Bureau, the Florida State Horticultural Society, the Florida Avocado and Lime Administrative Committees, the Mango Forum, and the Dade County Youth Fair, Miami-Dade County's Fruit and Spice Park, and the State of Florida's Farmers Market, and so many others. Seymour is a founding member of the AGRI-Council, the Rare Fruit Council International, the Tropical Agriculture Fiesta, and Fairchild Tropical Gardens. He also serves on the South Dade Soil and Water Conservation District Board and the Dade County Public School Citizen Advisory Committee for AGRIbusiness and Natural Resources. He is a member of the National Association of the Federal Retired Employees and a proud member of the American Legion. Seymour Goldweber has been honored by the National Weather Service for 24 years as the liaison to the agricultural community. He also has an annual scholarship in his name that is presented by the AGRI Council to the outstanding agricultural student of the year. He has received the Dedicated Service in Agriculture award by the Horticultural Society of Florida, the Distinguished Service in Agriculture award by the Florida Mango Forum, and the Outstanding Service Award by the Dade County Youth Fair. Seymour was named Man of the Year by the Horticulture Studies Society of Florida in 1980. He was honored to receive the Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Homestead for furthering understanding of people of the world. Mr. Goldweber is the sought-after speaker for highly diverse audiences, including farmers, master gardeners, community and agri- business leaders, school teachers, homeowners, youth and 4-H programs, and local, State and Federal Government representatives. Many growers, local leaders, and organizations seek him out for his knowledge and his repertoire on agricultural issues and historical events. Upon his retirement from the Cooperative Extension Service in 1984, after 24 years of outstanding service, Seymour was awarded the first Extension Agent Emeritus Designation in the State of Florida. Though he was officially, and is supposedly, retired, his service to the community has continued to this day. Seymour Goldweber continues to work for us, for the sheer love of agriculture, tropical fruits, and the growers who need and love him. To our hero, Seymour Goldweber, and his wonderful wife, Libby, felicidades a los dos.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize tonight and congratulate a very special constituent in my congressional district, Heather Ivanyi, who is a teacher at Oliver Hoover Elementary School, and I want to thank her for her tireless efforts on behalf of our community's special children, those who have special needs, and for having been featured recently as a Super Teacher in the Miami Herald. Heather not only teaches her students spelling and arithmetic, but more importantly, she develops their creativity and positive self- esteem. At home she focuses on her beautiful 6-year-old daughter Kayla Rae, who has Down's Syndrome. Knowing firsthand the special needs of children like her daughter, Heather spends her free time working for groups like the Association of Retarded Citizens, the Possible Dream Foundation and the American Rehab Corporation to further assist children with Down's Syndrome, with cerebral palsy and other such disabilities. Along with her assistant Daphne Noisette-Andre, Heather Ivanyi dedicates and cares for the special needs children of our community and we are a better community for that, and I would like to read just a few lines from the article that was written in the Miami Herald by Yohana De La Torre, and it is entitled, ``A special teacher works for special children, Hoover's Heather Ivanyi is tireless.'' It says, ``A Miami native, Ivanyi graduated from Killian High School and received her associate degree from Miami-Dade Community College.'' ``In 1994, she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in varied exceptionalities while working full time. She volunteered, became a teacher, but it says teaching did not stop there for Ivanyi. She started to build awareness within the community and made contacts with Costco, Toys R' Us and corporations like Target. Thanks to her persistence, these corporations still donate toiletries, food, toys, books and diapers to help places like the Association for Retarded Citizens and another special needs foundations called Dr. Geraldi's Possible Dreams Foundation. She says, ``I never take no for an answer. I have no shame in asking. I want people to learn that children with disabilities are human, too.'' Her long-time friend Frances Capo, who is also a teacher, said this about Ivanyi, I do not know how to describe her. There are no words to describe her. She is a go-getter and always has a positive outlook on everything. She not only goes in there to teach but also to believe in her students. There are many heroes in our community, Madam Speaker, heroes like Heather who do not get the special recognition they deserve. Many of them are our teachers in our private and public schools, and to them we say thanks and muchos gracias.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, not to bid farewell, but to extend my heartfelt wishes for a future of success and happiness, to Susan Hirschmann. Susan has served as the Chief of Staff to our Majority Whip, Tom Delay, since 1997, managing the personal, district and Whip offices for our good friend from Texas. Many of us have turned to her throughout the years for her political acumen and superb strategic skills. Since moving to Washington, D.C. in 1987, she has been in the trenches promoting the Republican agenda--America's agenda. She is more than a colleague. She is a friend. While she is leaving the Hill, her passion and commitment to priority issues will keep her nearby. I will surely miss the dinners we shared, as well as the late-night discussions over Chinese food and fried chicken in the Whip's office. Godspeed Susan!

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Sandra Peebles, a constituent of my congressional district, for her support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in its fight to find a cure for these deadly diseases. Susan became involved with the society's team and training with the goal of completing a 13-mile marathon by September 1. Leukemia is the number one killer of children under the age of 15; and with the commitment of individuals like Susan, however, the cure for lymphoma and leukemia will one day become a reality. Susan gets donations from concerned citizens as she runs her marathon on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I am proud to know generous and concerned individuals like Susan Peebles who give up their time for such a worthy cause. I ask my congressional colleagues to join me in congratulating Susan Peebles and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.