Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Martha De Norfolk, a single mother in my congressional district who has worked to found and maintain the Arthogryposis Foundation. In order to help her disabled child Bryant Amastha and other local children, Mrs. De Norfolk has dedicated her time and effort to the success of this foundation. One in every 3,000 babies is born with arthogryposis, which limits the motion in joints and causes severe muscle weakness. In the classic case of this disease, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, feet and knees are affected. Most people with this disease are of normal intelligence and are able to lead productive lives. However, if not treated through physical therapy or surgery, this disease can become fatal as the body deforms so that internal organs are unable to function properly. With the help of the foundation that my constituent Martha De Norfolk is working to establish, children suffering with this disease will soon have financial assistance and support groups on which to depend, and local doctors will have access to education on this disease and its treatment, and that is why I congratulate her today.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, in October thousands of south Floridians will participate in the City of Hope's Walk for Hope to Cure Breast Cancer at Aventura Mall and Sawgrass Mills. Walk for Hope Against Breast Cancer will help raise funds for life-saving research at City of Hope Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, a National Cancer Institute dedicated comprehensive center. This walk is just one step in what will be a successful journey toward a cure for breast cancer. This year in south Florida alone almost 3,000 women will die from breast cancer. In addition, over 13,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in my area. I congratulate event cochairs of the walk, Lauryn Gilliam, Billy Fischer, Suzanne Chesser, and Cathy Blanchard. I also commend the City of Hope and all involved with Walk for Hope for their dedication in our battle against breast cancer.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call the Chamber's attention to the serious issue of juvenile diabetes which is usually but not always diagnosed in children and remains with them for life. It has stricken over 16 million Americans, and it kills one American every 3 minutes. By the time that my brief remarks are over, two children will be diagnosed with the disease, kids like my constituent Victor Suarez. Diagnosed at age 14, Victor has to administer daily shots of insulin to keep him from falling into a diabetic coma from which there may be no recovery. Victor's friends must keep constant watch of his condition. This is no way for Victor or any child to live, but unfortunately this scene is repeated millions of times every day across our country. Mr. Speaker, let us work toward finding more funding for research to ensure that Victor and other children will not be forced to suffer with juvenile diabetes. I congratulate the South Florida chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International as well as its president, Sheldon Anderson, for their sincere commitment to finding a cure for diabetes and its serious complications. Founded in 1991 by a group of dedicated individuals, this south Florida chapter has already contributed over $8 million to diabetes research. Mr. Speaker, I join 274 Members of Congress and 67 Senators who recently signed a letter requesting support for increased juvenile diabetes research funding. I believe, as do my colleagues, that a cure for juvenile diabetes is just around the bend and that by working together, we can make it a reality.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I just want to echo the sentiments on this side of the aisle about our sadness regarding the departure from this wonderful institution of our dear colleague, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek). In my 20 years of elective office, I have served every one of those days with my colleague, Carrie Meek. The Congresswoman from Florida has been a distinguished member of every institution I have had the pleasure to serve. In the Florida house we served together. We moved together to the Florida senate, and then we served here in the U.S. Congress. In those many years, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek) has distinguished herself as a dedicated public servant, carrying the water on so many items of interest to south Florida and, indeed, our Nation; because I think her legacy extends far beyond her Liberty City district, far beyond our Sunshine State, far beyond our borders. She leaves a legacy of leadership, of dignity, of dedication, and a real sense of community service. Carrie, we are going to have you to kick around for a lot of years. You are not retiring; you are going to be in our hearts and you are going to be in our community for many decades to come. I cannot imagine serving here without you. So every day when we are voting, you will be a part of this institution, you will be a part of our body, you will be a part of our legacy. Asi que te va vamos a estranoi, mi amiga. You are my friend. We have traveled many a hard road together, and we will continue that struggle together for many more years. You are not leaving, so we are not going to say good-bye. Adios, mi amiga.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the American Gold Star Mothers and congratulate them for their 65th national convention. I want to send special thanks to my constituent, Georgianna Carter- Krell, the former national president, and Barbara Calfee, the national treasurer, whose tireless efforts made this convention a great success. The American Gold Star Mothers is an organization of women who have lost a son or daughter while in the service of our country. They are compassionate, loyal women who channel their grief and sorrow into healing others through their many hours of volunteer service for veterans and their families. I commend them for their hard work and dedication in helping those who were injured in the service of our country and also for their sincere efforts to instill and inspire the ideals of patriotism and love throughout our Nation.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Michael-Ann Russel Jewish Community Center to commend them for their efforts on the Interfaith Solidarity with Israel rally which recently took place in my home district of Miami. I want to especially thank Rachel Sapoznik, international division chairwoman from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Fanny Hanono and Avy Weberman from the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center for their tireless efforts in making this rally a giant success. The event included a variety of speakers from different religious denominations, parochial schools, youth groups and community organizations. The rally provided an opportunity for folks to voice their support for the State of Israel and gave them specific information on the different ways that they can help both of our countries fight the international war on terrorism. I want to especially thank those organizers of the Interfaith Solidarity with Israel rally for uniting our community in its support for this embattled country.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the Step Ahead to Success Farmworker Youth Program and congratulate the program's 2002 graduates. I want to especially commend the program's director, Maria Garza, and Miami-Dade County Manager Steve Shiver, whose tireless efforts have made this program a great success. Since its inception in late 2000, the program has provided 275 at- risk young people from farmworker families with services to help develop their academic, social, and safety skills. In Miami-Dade, 50 young people have received leadership training and FCAT tutoring and have participated in several community service activities. One amazing young man, Jose Rodriguez, came to the program with a 1.2 grade point average and was behind credits for graduation. But the program helped Jose to improve his grades, receive a stipend for financial help, graduate on time; and he will soon begin to serve our country upon finishing the Marine Corps basic training on July 27. I want to thank all of the dedicated workers of the Farmworker Youth Program for their unending devotion to these children.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute to David McLean Walters, our former ambassador to the Vatican as he celebrates his 85th birthday. As an ambassador, Mr. Walters served our country, but as patriarch of Miami Children's Hospital, he has impacted our Nation's future. Ambassador Walter's vision of creating a facility that provides top pediatric care for the children of south Florida has blossomed and become a reality through his tireless efforts over the past 30 years. The tragic loss of the ambassador's granddaughter to leukemia served as his impetus for expanding a small local hospital. But what began as a humble idea has developed into one of the top children's medical facilities in the country, earning the title ``Pinnacle of Pediatrics.'' Today, Miami Children's Hospital diagnoses and treats thousands of suffering children, providing them with the best possible care. Ambassador Walters' accomplishments have assured a brighter future for our children, and, indeed, our Nation.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the South Florida Regional Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic at the University of Miami for its outstanding dedication and treatment of those suffering from craniofacial malformations. I would like to especially recognize Dr. Seth Thaller, Dr. Magdalena Plewinska and Mrs. Maria Santiago, whose selfless devotion has made this clinic successful. This clinic is the largest in South Florida, and it utilizes the expertise of community and university doctors, surgeons and dentists who graciously volunteer their time to treat their patients. This outstanding treatment center is initiating a program entitled Adopt a Smile, which will allow corporate and private donors to identify patients and follow their treatment over the years. The treatment of facial anomalies at the Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic at the University of Miami has improved the lives of thousands, and I congratulate all who are involved in it.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stand firm against the impunity with which the girls and women of Burma are raped, tortured, beaten, and killed as part of a systematic campaign by the Burmese army to terrorize and subjugate its people. This week, a report was released detailing the heinous acts of rape and other forms of sexual violence carried out on the women and girls of the Shan State on the Burmese border with Thailand. Compiled from interviews with brave victims who would talk about their story, the report serves merely as a microcosm of the ongoing and endemic commitment by the Burmese army to thwart resistance and opposition by officially condoning the use of rape as a weapon of war against its civilian population. Mr. Speaker, the reports that have surfaced describe how the overwhelming majority of these rapes are being carried out by officers, and usually in front of their own troops. Girls and women are being beaten mutilated, suffocated--tortured. A quarter of these rapes result in death, and in some incidences the victim's body is publicly displayed to send out a message of terror and fear to local peoples. These crimes against humanity are often times even taking place within military bases where some women have been detained for up to 4 months-- only to be raped, even gang raped, repeatedly by soldiers.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Epilepsy Foundation of South Florida for its dedication to promoting a community awareness of this disorder, and for its work to improve the lives of individuals afflicted with this terrible disease. Epilepsy affects 2.3 million Americans, and over 180,000 individuals develop epilepsy each year. In my area alone, over 60,000 people suffer from this disease. The foundation, however, believes that epilepsy should not keep people from achieving a productive life. With this goal in mind, the foundation has raised funds to help provide medical evaluations, treatments, and employment training tailored to meet the needs of these individuals. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the Epilepsy Foundation of South Florida for its use of innovative programs and services that improve the lives of so many in our community.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sister Jeanne O'Laughlin, President of Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. During her 21-year tenure as President, Sister Jeanne has resuscitated a once-dormant campus with limited resources into a thriving, world-class institute of higher learning. Setting ambitious goals for the university, Sister Jeanne has been a poised and relentless leader in seeing them through to fruition. Once a struggling university with only 2,000 students, Barry now boasts a student population of 8,500. Barry's student body represents more than 70 countries and has earned the distinction of being the most diverse southern regional university. Sister Jeanne's contributions, however, are not limited to the boundaries of Barry's campus. As a woman of faith and compassion, Sister Jeanne has dedicated herself to serving those in needs. We count children, the homeless, and women among the many lives she has touched. Please join me in recognizing Sister Jeanne for her selfless commitments to our community and for turning Barry University into a factory of men and women who graduate better prepared to serve their fellow man.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Could I ask the gentleman to yield a minute of his time?

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, last month we celebrated Haitian- American Cultural Heritage Month. I want to join all who took part in the commemoration of the rich Haitian culture. I want to send special thanks to Dr. Rosy Toussaint from the Haitian-American Cultural Society, North Miami Mayor Joe Celestin, artist Edward Duval Carrie, as well as Miami Dade Mayor Alex Penelas, for their hard work in making this month-long celebration a great success. Daily activities of this month-long event were shared within south Florida and showed incredible examples of Haiti's colorful culture. These fabulous events included a Taste of Haiti extravaganza, entertaining film festivals, book and poetry readings, spectacular art exhibits and dance performances, all of which shone a bright ray of Haitian culture on our south Florida community. I am very happy that the people of south Florida had a chance to celebrate the wonder and delight of the Haitian people and their beautiful traditions.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for his kindness in yielding. I would like to recognize Anthony Zecca on his retirement as chief of police for the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians. Chief Zecca has been a pillar of strength and trust for his community and has provided assistance and protection for all. His leadership as a law enforcement officer over the last 45 years has earned him respect and admiration from his community. Chief Zecca began his career as a police officer with the New York Police Department and came to the Miccosukee Tribe in 1976. Within a year he was promoted to lieutenant and was appointed chief of police in 1978. Please join me in recognizing Chief Anthony G. Zecca for the commendable service he has provided and for his commitment to the south Florida community. And I thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), and I know that he knows the Miccosukee Tribe very well and knows Chief Zecca.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, students from MAST Academy, a high school in my Congressional district, recently represented Florida proudly in the national ``We the People, the Citizen and the Constitution'' competition. For the first time ever, due to hard work and diligent preparation, MAST Academy competed against 50 schools from every State in the Union. I warmly congratulate the following students: Bianca Badia, Tanaz Berahman, Lisette Cabezas, Ama Campbell, Angela Casale, Christopher Cruz, Maria Cullen, Melissa Estape, Myriam Ferzli, Tina Fregeolle, James Gawley, Maria Guerrero, Jackie Lee, Kathryn Magil, Yanique McGregor, William Mitchell, Melissa Montanez, Katherine Powell, Crystal Prince, Lauren Smith, Julian Strolen, Chayenne Thomas, Joelle Urrutia, Francisco Vasquez, and Corey West. With the help and guidance of their teacher, Tanya Hanson, these young students demonstrated vast knowledge and understanding of our U.S. history as well as the fundamental principles and values of our constitutional democracy. I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in commending these fine students and their excellent teacher for an outstanding achievement.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, today I recognize the students of Sunset High School's Holocaust Studies class and their instructor, Mr. Irv Madnikoff. Their hard work and dedication in remembering the Holocaust through their class's exhibit ``Sunset of Our Memories'' should be commended. This amazing class is one of its kind in Florida and has brought to our community this important presentation so that we can always remember the brave victims of the most deplorable time in the world's history. Over the past 3 years, 9,000 people have visited Sunset High School's interactive exhibit. One visitor commented that it was the best exhibit, next to the one in Washington, D.C., that he had ever seen. I again want to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Irv Madnikoff and his students at Miami's Sunset High School for taking an active role in keeping alive the memories of innocent Holocaust casualties.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, health care experts are worried that a national nursing shortage could become widespread later in the decade, just as the aging U.S. population requires more care. Educational institutes, hospitals and Congress are working feverishly to fill this global shortage, because it is nurses who impact the lives of people in times of health, illness, pain, stress, and even death. Nurses' talents, long hours and many sacrifices should be recognized. One of the ways in which Baptist Health South Florida appreciated nurses is by having recently hosted ``Shadow a Nurse Day.'' Baptist Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, and Baptist Outpatient Services were the health care sites which participated in this event. By helping the population to gain a greater understanding of the issues facing nurses today, these health care sites perhaps contributed to helping relieve the existing nursing shortage plaguing our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Baptist Health South Florida for its commitment to the future of nursing.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to join my colleagues today in rendering a salute to the heroic men and women who fought tirelessly for the sake of freedom 61 years ago at the Battle of Crete. As we come upon this anniversary which marks an incredible turning point in what would become the Allied victory of World War II, we are once again reminded of the current and unabated commitment of our Greek allies to the defense of freedom, especially today as we wage a global campaign against terrorism. Sixty-one years ago, over a 10 day period, Nazi Germany committed a grave error: it underestimated the might and will to resist repression amongst the people of this quiet island nestled in the Mediterranean waters. Lured to Crete by its strategic amidst three continents, the Axis Powers believed this island, the temporary station of retreating Allied units and home to an unarmed local community, would be an easy victory. That was not the case. The battle Hitler thought would take a few hours took many days. Nazi Germany launched its first and most substantial airborne attack during the WWII at Crete. The outcome was a disastrous and shameful loss of strength for the Germans. Over 4,000 Axis Powers troops died. This loss rendered the German airborne division a faint tool in the War, never again to be used with the same intensity. The great blow suffered by the Germans at Crete prevent the Axis Powers ability to penetrate the Middle East, but most importantly delayed their invasion of Russia--a determining moment in the victorious end of WWII. Mr. Speaker, what makes the Battle of Crete such a remarkable moment in the history of our modern time, is that it epitomized the resilience of people when left with no other choice but to fight against repression. The people of Crete took on the fight for their homeland. Faced with a weak Allied presence and the mounting invasion of the Germans, the people of Crete--men and women, farmers, local police, townspeople-- armed with mere pistols pitchforks, hand grenades, knives their bare hands created a resistance against the Germans that began the Battle of Crete and lasted until the end of German occupation of Crete in 1945. Thus, Mr. Speaker, it is with solemn honor and respect that I stand here today to render this tribute to a people who fought with every bit of might and kept the spirit of freedom alive through their resistance. Their unwavering struggle represented to a world engaged in war hope in the face of despair and the promise of a more peaceful existence.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Chairman, the bill that we are debating today serves as a symbol, a measure of the commitment and guarantees by the United States and, indeed, the international community to support the Afghan people so that they can quickly stand on their own. As the bill title reflects, it is intended to create the necessary conditions and environment for stability and peace to take root in Afghanistan. With the Loya Jirga, the seeds of freedom were planted. However, without the targeted assistance described in this legislation, democracy and respect for human rights cannot fully develop and flourish in this nation which has been devastated by decades of war and oppression. Of foremost importance is the support for security during the transitional period in Afghanistan. This country has undergone great internal turmoil and tremendous brutality in recent history, resulting in deeply embedded scars in the psyche of its people, a people worried about the recurrence of violence. Sporadic incidents throughout the course of the last several months underscore the potential for such a negative outcome. In providing for such security assistance, we are responding to and reflecting the demands of the Afghan people who want, as Chairman Karzai stated earlier this year, to ensure that ``people will not have an opportunity any more to try to meddle in Afghan affairs or to cause trouble or civil strife.'' The Lantos amendment will expand later upon this. In further addressing the internal situation, this bill also provides a multi-year authorization to finance a variety of necessary programs to meet urgent humanitarian needs, to assist in the development of civil society, and guaranteeing the full participation and reintegration of women in all sectors of Afghan life. My dear colleagues, if we do not want a return to the grim past when Afghans were tortured and beaten, when they were repressed, when Afghanistan was a safe harbor and training ground for international terrorists, then we must render our support to this important legislation. Let us not abandon the Afghan people. Vote ``yes'' on the Afghan Freedom Support Act.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Barbara Gaynor, founder and director of Mothers' Voices of South Florida, for her vision in targeting parents, caregivers and our youth. Under her leadership, Mothers' Voices has helped scores of families strengthen communication about sexual health. Barbara Gaynor lost her son to HIV. Her inability to save him served as the catalyst in forming Mothers' Voices and in strengthening her resolve to reduce the number of HIV infections among our youth through prevention, education and awareness. According to the Office of National AIDS, 50 percent of all HIV infections occur in 13 to 26-year-olds. As a mother who was hit at home by HIV-AIDS, Barbara Gaynor knows best the impact that parental involvement can have in preventing children from becoming statistics. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Barbara and all of the people that work at Mothers' Voices for their commitment to preserve the future of our Nation's youth.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Larry J. Behar of Fort Lauderdale and Maria Lorts Sachs of Boca Raton for receiving the Distinguished Humanitarian Award from B'nai B'rith and the Sons of Italy Florida Foundation. This award gives recognition to two individuals whose activities have contributed immeasurably to the advancement of our community. Mr. Behar is a prominent attorney with a specialization in immigration and naturalization affairs, and he has traveled extensively throughout the world to bring international issues to the table. Ms. Sachs has served as the President of Florida's Association of Women Lawyers, and she founded Women for Excellence, a nonprofit organization of professional women which provides resources and provides leadership for women. Please join me in recognizing Larry J. Behar and Ms. Maria Lorts Sachs for their commitment to our south Florida community.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 126, due to an illness in the family I had to be in my district. If present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 126.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, keeping in mind the national nursing shortage that health care experts cite could become pervasive, I would like to congratulate the School of Nursing at my two-time alma mater, Florida International University, for its commitment to the future of nursing. The school recently celebrated its 20th year of existence and already has produced exceptional nurses, nurse practitioners and nursing leaders who contribute to the health and well-being of south Florida. Its prominent faculty includes as director Dr. Divina Grossman; Dr. Kathleen Blais; Dr. Marie-Luise Friedemann; Paula Alexander-Delpech; and Dr. John McDonough. By reaching out to high school and first year college students, focusing on underrepresented minority groups and retraining foreign doctors for nursing, the school is working toward a slogan of Solving the Nursing Shortage Through Excellence and Opportunity. Mr. Speaker, the FIU School of Nursing has come a long way, and I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating it for 20 years of unparalleled excellence for our community and indeed our Nation.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am here to congratulate the Girl Scouts of America on its 90th anniversary. Since 1912, Girl Scouting has empowered girls with the confidence to develop their potential, and the counseling and guidance to formulate sound values and decision-making skills. Girl Scouting allows the opportunity for girls to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually, and enables them to make significant contributions to our society. Over 50 million American women, including two-thirds of our doctors, lawyers, educators, community leaders, and even my colleagues in the U.S. Congress, were Girl Scouts. My daughters, Amanda Michelle and Patricia Marie, benefited from the joys of being Girl Scouts, and just several years ago I served as their Girl Scout troop leader. Girl Scouts is indeed a place where girls grow strong. I ask my colleagues in Congress to join me in congratulating Girl Scouts of all ages, and the Girl Scouts of America as it celebrates its 90th anniversary.