Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. I am sure that the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) considers the reference to my hometown as ``the People's Republic of Miami'' to be an example of his piquant wit. I find it to be personally offensive, and I would ask him to please refrain from such characterizations. But it is a shameful day today. It is shameful today that as former Cuban political prisoners stand before the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva calling for the international condemnation of the Castro regime's systematic violations of human dignity, civil liberties, and fundamental freedoms, today in this Chamber, a vivid symbol and an instrument of democracy, we are discussing a measure that will provide the Castro dictatorship with the financial means to continue its oppression and its enslavement of the Cuban people. It is shameful that, as the U.S. State Department Report on Human Rights Practices reports, the use of child labor and forced labor in Cuba's farming sector is mandated, yet this Congress is considering a measure which our assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights, and labor underscored at a recent congressional hearing would serve to promote the use of child and slave labor by the Castro regime in the agricultural sector. It is shameful that, as we approach the commemoration of our Memorial Day, when we pay homage to our courageous veterans, some would seek to provide funds to a regime which sent Cuban agents to torture American POWs at a camp in Vietnam called the Zoo. It is shameful that, as a global war on terrorism intensifies, some in the Congress would be seeking to provide funds to the Castro dictatorship, a country which every recent administration, be it Republican or Democrat, has officially labeled as a State sponsor of terrorism. It is shameful that, as Columbian President Pastrana, in visiting Capitol Hill this very week, just yesterday outlined, among other details, Cuba's role in supporting narco-terrorists, and its support and training, directly or through such entities as the IRA and the Basque terrorist group ETA, of terrorist operations in the Western Hemisphere, that this body today would consider providing funds to that Castro regime to further these terrorist efforts which undermine the stability of our region. It is shameful that, as the Castro regime expands its biological weapons capabilities and builds even stronger cooperative agreements in this arena with Iran and Iraq, some would seek to facilitate these efforts, which directly threatens U.S. national security. In 1998, a Department of Defense report raised concerns about the potential of Cuba's biotechnology sector to be used for offensive purposes. In October of 2001, Dr. Ken Alibek, the former head of Russia's biological weapons program, testified before the Committee on Government Reform on the very real threat posed by Cuba's biotech sector. In the October 2001 edition of the journal ``Nature Biotechnology,'' Jose de la Fuente, the former director of research and development at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Havana, disclosed that technology and agents for treatments of a number of diseases were sold by Cuba to Iran's terrorist regime, technology and lethal agents which can be used to produce anthrax bacteria or smallpox virus. It is shameful that we would be considering a measure that would provide funds to a regime whose leader, Fidel Castro, joined Iran's Ayatollah in May of last year to underscore their commitment to ``bring America to its knees.'' Those were Fidel Castro's own words just months ago, months before 9-11. Castro said, ``Together, we can bring America to its knees.'' It is shameful that we are going to support a tyranny whose so-called attorney general, Juan Escalona, and I say ``so-called'' because there is no real justice system in Cuba. It is a dictatorship, a totalitarian state with no respect for civil liberties and which pays none of its debt. So we will be actually subsidizing with our tax dollars all of these great sales that my colleagues would like to make to Fidel Castro. Juan Escalona, when referring to the transfer of al Qaeda prisoners to Guantanamo Naval Base, was quoted in January of this year saying that he hoped that 15 or 20 of these anti-American terrorists would get out and kill Americans stationed at our base in Guantanamo. These were the words of a high-ranking Cuban official. He wants the al Qaeda prisoners to kill our American servicemen and -women in Guantanamo base in Cuba and Castro says nothing. This is the attorney general. It is shameful that as our FBI, CIA, and Defense Intelligence Agency work to repair the significant damage already done to U.S. national security by Cuban espionage in our country, we would be seeking to reward that Castro regime by providing it with access to financing to continue its terrorist and espionage activities against the United States. It is shameful that we would allow a regime that has killed American citizens to continue to act with impunity by rewarding it with access to much needed funds, funds which will never reach the Cuban people. Do not fool yourselves. Do not try to fool the Congress. Funds which only help maintain Fidel Castro in power. Mr. Speaker, the provision referenced in this motion to instruct conferees has nothing to do with helping the small farmers of America because these small farmers are the heart and soul of our country, the core of American values and principles, values which they would never seek to betray in this manner. No. The provisions in this Senate farm bill that this motion refers to is to benefit agricultural giants who wish to make profit from trading with America's enemies. If this was truly about helping America's farmers, then the Senate would have moved the Andean Trade Promotion Act, and it would have given the gentleman from California's (Mr. Dooley) farmers those free markets to sell to. Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the anniversary of a failed attempt to restore freedom and democracy to Cuba: the Bay of Pigs invasion. In a month we will commemorate the centennial anniversary of Cuban independence. So, Mr. Speaker, today I stand here and I ask my colleagues whom we wish to emulate: those who betrayed the Cuban freedom fighters in 1961 by not providing aerial support to those who landed at the Bay of Pigs, or do we wish to emulate those Rough Riders who, 100 years ago, stood side by side with the Cuban liberators and charged up San Juan Hill and helped Cuba gain its independence? Do we wish to support the Cuban people in their struggle to free themselves from their bondage, or do we wish to help their oppressor to continue its subjugation of its people and continue threatening the U.S. and, indeed, the hemisphere and the free world? If we are to stand for what is right and just, as we did with the Afghan people, we must vote ``no'' on this motion to instruct conferees and hold the House position on the farm bill. I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Florida, for yielding me the time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Wal-Mart for its participation in Vital Voices, an organization which assists Afghan women and children. Wal-Mart is supporting Vital Voices' efforts to provide aid to enable Afghan women to return to work and Afghan girls to return to school. Wal-Mart's donation is part of a larger company effort to provide aid to those who are affected by the September 11 tragedy. Since September 11, Wal-Mart and Sam's Club associates and customers have raised and contributed nearly $16 million in support of relief agencies and victims' families, including a $1 million donation to UNICEF to help Afghani children. Please join me in congratulating and recognizing the wonderful contributions of Wal-Mart and Sam's Club associates and customers.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, when asked, should a person be able to take a minor girl across State lines to obtain an abortion without her parents' knowledge, 85 percent of Americans answered no in a recent poll conducted by Baselice and Associates. Whether pro-choice or pro- life, Americans agree that an abortion can leave behind physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological consequences. Yet, advocates of the abortion industry continue to think that in the name of Roe v. Wade, parents need not be involved in a female's decisions, regardless of the fact that she may be a 12- or 13-year-old vulnerable, frightened, and confused young girl. Where is the outrage on mass-marketed Yellow Pages advertisements such as the one right here to my side, which clearly solicits business from young, confused girls, shouting out ``no parental consent''? These are from the Yellow Pages. Why is it that some of our opponents are instead outraged by cigarette ads which some say target minors? Do opponents of this bill not believe that a child is not mature enough to choose not to smoke, but is mature enough to choose to have a potentially fatal, invasive surgical procedure? The ads cry out, ``Come over here. No parental consent.'' And it is a procedure, as we know, that has been linked to breast cancer, medical complications, and that has left many women barren for the rest of their lives. I call this hypocrisy. It is parents who are aware of their daughter's medical history. They know the ways in which she may react to stressful situations, and they are best equipped to provide the necessary counseling and guidance. My bill, the Child Custody Protection Act, protects the inherent rights of parents, and upholds and enforces existing State laws without creating a parental Federal consent or notification mandate. If parents have the right to decide a child's curfew and the right to grant permission for a date, they should certainly be enabled to exercise their inherent rights when making a life-impacting decision about a serious, complicated, and potentially life-threatening procedure. It defies common sense to remove parents from any medical decisions concerning their children, but especially one that has life- long consequences, such as an abortion. I urge my colleagues to give parents the right to protect and care for their own children. Let us enable children to receive the guidance they need and deserve. I urge my colleagues to vote for passage of H.R. 476, the Child Custody Protection Act. I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) for his leadership on this issue.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, abortion is perhaps one of the most life altering and life threatening of procedures. It leaves lasting medical, emotional and psychological consequences and is so noted by the Supreme Court, particularly so when the patient is immature. Although Roe v. Wade legalized abortion in 1973, it did not legalize the right for persons other than the parent or a guardian to decide what is best for our child nor did it legalize the right of strangers to place our children in a dangerous situation that is often described as being potentially fatal. Mr. Speaker, my legislation, the Child Custody Protection Act, will make it a Federal misdemeanor to transport an underaged child across State lines in circumvention of State local parental notification or consent laws for the purpose of obtaining an abortion. It is very simple. Last year in the 106th Congress, I introduced this legislation; and it passed the House with a vote of 270 to 159, almost a two-thirds majority. In the 105th Congress, this legislation also passed with a vote of 276 to only 150 against. Significant support for this legislation is not surprising because according to Zogby International, 66 percent of people surveyed believe that doctors should be legally required to notify the parents of a girl under the legal age who requests an abortion. In addition, a 1999 fact sheet created by the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, one of the most adamant opponents of my bill entitled, ``Teenagers, Abortion, and Government Intrusion Laws'' cites: ``Few would deny that most teenagers, especially younger ones, would benefit from adult guidance when faced with an unwanted pregnancy.'' Mr. Speaker, few would deny that such guidance ideally should come from the teenagers' parents. Parental consent or parental notification laws may vary from State to State, but they are all made with the same purpose in mind, to protect frightened and confused adolescent girls from harm. This historical legislation will put an end to the abortion clinics and family planning organizations like Planned Parenthood that exploit young, vulnerable, frightened girls by luring them to recklessly disobey State laws with advertisements such as the ones that we will show later today which shout: ``No parental consent, no waiting period.'' The translation: do not worry about your parents. You are a mature 13-year-old, and you know best. Our society is filled with rules and regulations aimed at ensuring the safety of our Nation's youth through parental guidance. At my alma mater, Southwest Miami High School, and in many of our schools, a child cannot be given an aspirin unless the school has been given consent by at least one parent or guardian. In some States, a minor cannot operate a vehicle until the age of 18. Most schools require permission to take minors on field trips; and in many schools, parents have the ability to decide whether or not to enroll their children in sex education classes. In fact, a student cannot play football, soccer and even a noncontact sport such as chess without parental consent. Every one of these principles emphasizes that parents should be involved in decisions that can seriously affect our children. And the decision of whether or not to obtain an abortion, a life-altering, potentially fatal and serious medical procedure, should be no exception to these rules. Safety of our Nation's youth is precisely why over 20 States in our Nation have parental consent or notification laws on their books. Most would agree that the violation or circumventing of any law should be punished. But by making the circumvention of State parental consent and notification laws a Federal misdemeanor, this legislation will do more than just uphold the laws of our country. It will give back to parents the right to be a parent. It will strengthen family bonds; and most importantly, Mr. Speaker, it will ensure that America's youth have a safer, healthier and brighter future. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), as well as the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Myrick), for their hard work on this legislation; and I thank the prolife caucus, the bill's 98 cosponsors, and all of the organizations which have supported H.R. 476 and have worked tirelessly to secure consideration today. Today, as the House once again votes on this bill, I am hopeful that in reflection of the views of most Americans, the Child Custody Protection Act will pass once again. Passage of this bill will demonstrate our commitment, Congress' commitment to protecting both parents and children, and I ask that my colleagues vote in favor of this rule and later on for the bill itself.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, and it was my great privilege to be on a trip to Israel with my dear colleague from Florida. We certainly had an insightful look at the military operations, the anti-terrorists and intelligence operations. There is a lot that is going on and a lot of positive things that are going on in Israel right now. It is a shame that the economy is suffering so much because of the terrible acts of the PLO against the peaceful Israeli people. It is with great honor that I join all of my colleagues here today in celebrating Israel's independence day. This day marks the establishment of the State of Israel, a day when a people found a homeland and fulfilled their destiny. On this day we stand with the people of Israel to celebrate the memory of all who lost their lives to achieve Israel's independence and those who continually work to ensure its existence. As the State of Israel faces enduring changes and challenges, it is our moral obligation to pay homage to their continual struggle for full recognition and render our unequivocal support to our only democratic ally in the Middle East, and that is Israel. The United States has a shared tradition of democracy with Israel, creating a long-standing history of mutual support and enduring friendship which has helped us overcome many difficult moments. As Israel has always stood by our side before the international community, at the U.N. and at the region, we must now ensure that our friend feels that support throughout these turbulent times in her history. While Israel engages in rooting out terrorism at home, it has encountered nothing but distorted criticism around the world. As we stand here, such actions are taking place at the 58th session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. Day after day, item after item, debate after debate, Israel is berated and targeted by some of the world's most repressive regimes. It has been particularly troublesome to see the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, engage in this process referring to well-known terrorist organizations as humanitarian or human rights entities, legitimizing their violence against the peaceful Israeli people rather than providing a balanced and objective presentation of the situation on the ground. Such behavior does not further the goal of peace and only serves to undermine the great efforts by President Bush, Secretary Powell and others to secure an end to the current violence. Throughout, the United States has spoken clearly and loudly to ensure that the principles of justice and fairness are upheld, to ensure that Israel could be heard, and that the truth, not hyperbole and not incendiary rhetoric, would guide the actions of the international community. Mr. Speaker, the struggle for democracy and the protection of civil liberties is a difficult one which the Israeli people have endured and have embraced. Like them, my native homeland, the Cuban people are still struggling for the same, as the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutsch) pointed out, the similarities between those two states. Ironically, today, April 17, also marks the anniversary of the failed Bay of Pigs event to bring freedom and democracy to Cuba. After that ill-fated moment in Cuban history, the terrorist regime in Havana went on to provide training camps for Israel's enemies and sent Cuban soldiers to fight against Israel during the Six Day War. They did so because the Six Day War, according to Cuba's then U.N. ambassador, Ricardo Alarcon, was an ``armed aggression against the Arab people by a most treacherous surprise attack in the Nazi manner.'' Mr. Speaker, 7 years later Yasser Arafat was enthusiastically received in Havana and given Castro's foremost decoration, the Bay of Pigs Medal. These are just some of the bonds that the United States and Israel share, a history, a struggle, a commitment to freedom, to democracy, which have forever intertwined our destiny. May this anniversary of Israeli Independence Day mark an end to violence and to the suffering on all sides and usher in a new era of peace, stability, security and hope. May that be the case for all of us. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his time. I also had the pleasure to visit Israel with the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor), who will speak shortly; and he has been to Israel many times, and it was our pleasure to tour many of those sites of destruction with him, if that can be said to be a pleasure. It was a very moving time in Israel's future and in Israel's presence, to be there where those terrorist acts took place and to lay a wreath in memory of the fallen civilians and soldiers who have given so much so that their homeland could remain free. I thank the gentleman, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutsch), for the time, as well as the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston).

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate J.R. United Industries and company president Salo Grosfeld for their involvement in an extraordinary back-to-school project. Afghan Minister for Women's Affairs, Dr. Sima Samar, asked for help to send girls back to school in Afghanistan, for, you see, school uniforms are considered a luxury that few Afghan families can afford. But J.R. United, located in my congressional district, helped by providing sewing machines and fabrics through their commercial partners in Pakistan. Salo Grosfeld and his company are giving children thousands of miles away something greater than just uniforms. They are giving them hope for a brighter future and a better life. Please join me in congratulating Salo Grosfeld and J.R. United for their generosity to the children of Afghanistan. Thank you, Salo.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Women of Tomorrow program, a mentoring and scholarship program for high school- age girls. News anchor, Jennifer Valoppi, and Don Browne, president and general manager of NBC 6, co-founded this organization which successfully outreaches to young women wishing to further their educational and career goals. Today, Women of Tomorrow mentors low-income, at-risk girls in almost every public school in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. This Saturday, NBC 6, Ocean Drive Magazine, and Jennifer Valoppi are hosting a benefit to further the work of Women of Tomorrow and to honor the assistance of Don and Marie Browne, Marita Srebnick and George Feldenkreis, Jerry and Sandi Powers, and State Attorney Kathy Fernandez-Rundle. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Women of Tomorrow for touching the lives of so many young girls and making significant contributions to the promise of tomorrow.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on April 10th, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act being signed into law. Since the time of its enactment, it has only served to strengthen the position of the Republic of China on Taiwan, internationally, as both an economic power and champion of democracy in Asia. The Taiwan Relations Act set the premise for the United States long standing friendship with the Formosa Island. Throughout the years, that commitment of friendship has been met with our continual support of their security needs, as well as a strong trade partnership. In closing, I want to commend the wonderful work of Ambassador C.J. Chen and his staff in representing the needs and concerns of the ROC and always extending the friendship of the Taiwanese to those of us here in Washington, DC. Through their efforts, I am certain that the relationship between the United States and Taiwan, anchored in the Taiwan Relations Act, will continue to strengthen in the years ahead.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on August 30, 1961, a young Cuban boy named Mauricio Tamargo fled the Castro tyranny with his family, in search of freedom and liberty here in the United States. His belief in the American dream gave him the strength to persevere during the harsh winters of Wisconsin, as he stood for hours at the corner selling newspapers to help his parents with his seven brothers and sisters. Today, Mauricio will be officially sworn in as the chairman of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. For over a decade, Mauricio has been my most valuable advisor and confidant. As a result, I hated the thought of his leaving, but when the President nominated him for this distinguished post, I knew for the good of the country he had to go. Mauricio is not only an excellent jurist, he is someone who embraces and cherishes law as a compass for his life. He is not only intelligent and dedicated to the service of our country, he is a man of integrity and honor. His journey from refugee child to his current post is a testament to our great country and a vivid example that the American dream can indeed become a reality for all of us. May Mauricio serve as an inspiration to future generations. Godspeed, my friend. Felicidades, Mauricio.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Ryder Systems, a leader in supply chain and transportation management, and especially its President and Chief Executive Officer, Gregory T. Swinton. The National Safety Council has selected Ryder and Mr. Swinton to receive the Council's 2002 Green Cross for Safety. This award is given for exemplary commitment to workplace safety and corporate citizenship. Mr. Swinton is the first supply chain and transportation executive to receive this honor. Since joining Ryder in 1999, Mr. Swinton has identified safety as one of the company's top five goals. Please join me in congratulating and recognizing the wonderful safety standards that Ryder has achieved, and most especially Gregory T. Swinton for his commitment to recognizing the importance of safety in our workplace.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, it is an honor today to join my colleagues, Representatives Bilirakis and Maloney in celebrating Greek Independence Day. Much like the ruins of ancient Greece, the traditions and thoughts this society brought to the world are still standing. On this day which marks Greece's Independence, we celebrate the spirit of liberty and self-determination as manifested in 1821 when Greece began a 7 year struggle against the Ottoman empire, which led to the restoration of democracy to the land of Aristotle and Plato. Madam Speaker, as the first Olympic flame ignited in ancient Greece spread the spirit of sportsmanship and friendship around the world for centuries to come, Greece gave the world the tool with which to create a more just and peaceful society that continues to spread across the globe today--democracy. Hence, as the Olympic flame makes its way back to Athens in 2004, we celebrate today, that 181 years ago, democracy was returned to its birthplace continuing to make Greece a pillar of liberty and civility for the world to look onto. The tenants of rule of law, due process, and civil liberties were philosophical notions in ancient society, which the modern world took, developed and solidified in legal customs and traditions creating a safer world for the oppressed. Artistotle spoke of democracy and said, ``If liberty and equality are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost.'' It is this legacy of democracy which our forefathers emulated for our young republic in its founding days. It is not surprising to see an ever stronger partnership between the United States and Greece in forging a commitment to democracy and respect for every individual's inherent right to freedom around the world. Greece was a strong ally of this country during World War II and is a continual friend in NATO. Today, as the world once again joins together to fight terror and oppression, the country of Greece has made valuable contributions in terms of personnel and technical support for his global effort. Greece's commitment to peace and stability in the Aegean region can be further noted through the continual leadership it has displayed in helping shepherd along the current talks taking place in Cyprus. Madam Speaker, the democratic heritage shared by the United States and Greece make them formidable allies in the defense of democracy around the world. It is with great joy that I stand here today and join the Greek Community in celebrating their Day of Independence.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Job Corps, a national program which serves more than 70,000 students each year, and especially I would like to congratulate Job Corps director Roy Larsen of Homestead and Luis Cerezo of Miami. The Job Corps program teaches the job training skills necessary for young people to thrive in the workforce. Through cooperative work-based learning, students are able to gain hands-on experience which is vital to long-term career success. Job Corps graduates enjoy a 91 percent placement rate through national partnerships with employers such as HCR, Manor Care, the U.S. Army, and Walgreens. These partners invest in Job Corps students and are rewarded with well-trained individuals to fill their employment needs. Please join me in congratulating and recognizing the wonderful work that Job Corps provides and, most especially, Job Corps directors Roy Larsen of Homestead and Luis Cerezo of Miami for their dedication and hard work in the south Florida community and for our young people.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, one-third of the world, including 15 million Americans, are infected with tuberculosis. My State of Florida ranks among the top four in tuberculosis cases every year. Tuberculosis is the leading killer among people infected with HIV/AIDS, and both remain public health concerns that we must continue to address. This year, in conjunction with the Miami-Dade County Health Department, the Florida Department of Health, the South Florida American Lung Association, and the Global Health Council and many other public health organizations, I am promoting a forum entitled ``When HIV and TB Collide: A World TB Day Event.'' This conference will explore how unique partnerships between government, faith-based groups, and community-based organizations can together help combat the deadly combination between HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis that threatens the health and well-being of our communities. I urge my colleagues to help raise awareness on these diseases both globally and locally, and to continue working until they are eradicated from our world.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate a special educational center located in my congressional district, Miami Dade Community College, which confers more degrees than any other college in the country. Run by Dr. Eduardo Padron, the college includes the much- acclaimed School of Aviation and Visitor Services. The School of Aviation and Visitor Services provides three Associate in Science degrees: professional pilot technology, aviation administration, and aviation maintenance management. The school's programs provides workforce development, education, and training for South Florida's number one industry, travel and tourism. The program is growing under the leadership of Harry Hoffman, the interim campus president; Dr. Joyce Crawford-Martinez, academic and student dean; Mario Guerrier, school director; and Marjan Mazza, the chairperson of the Eig-Watson School of Aviation. Please join me in recognizing Miami Dade Community College's School of Aviation and Visitor Services, and especially Lois and Harvey Watson for their generous donation to the school, and Dr. Eduardo Padron for his unwavering dedication to academic excellence.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, the United States and the Republic of China on Taiwan have been maintaining strong relations for decades. In recent years, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Taiwan, Taiwan has been unwavering in its support of the United States in all areas. In the wake of the Twin Towers and Pentagon tragedy, Taiwan went into deep mourning and its government ordered all flags lowered at half staff for two days. Taiwan stands with the United States on nearly all issues including safeguarding human rights and fighting terrorism around the globe. President Bush was right when he made several comments during his recent trip to Asia: First, U.S. will continue to support the Taiwan Relations Act (President Bush and Chinese President Jiang Zemin's joint press on Feb. 21, 2002); second, when my country makes an agreement, we stick with it. And there is called the Taiwan Relations Act, and I honor that act, which says we will help Taiwan defend itself, if provoked (President Bush answering a question from a student of Xinhua University on Feb. 22, 2002); and third, America will remember our commitments to the people on Taiwan (Remarks by President Bush to the Diet of Japan on Feb. 18, 2002). Mr. Speaker, as long as we stand firm on our principles of providing what Taiwan needs militarily, there will be stability in the Taiwan Strait and that is in everyone's best interests.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to congratulate a special higher education center located in my congressional district, Miami Dade Community College, which operates six campuses, two major outreach centers, and additional instruction sites, including a center at Miami International Airport. Run by Dr. Eduardo Padron, the college has a wide variety of departments, including the much-acclaimed School of Justice. Each year, Miami Dade Community College's School of Justice provides training for over 350 law enforcement recruits, in-service training for over 3,000 sworn officers, and 2,500 State of Florida-certified security officers. Additionally, the School of Justice has developed and administered over 170 law enforcement assessment and testing programs to 25 State agencies since 1981. The FBI and the London Metropolitan Police have used Miami Dade Community College's programs as a benchmark. Please join me in congratulating and recognizing Miami Dade Community College's School of Justice, and especially Debbie Goodman, the school Chair; Robert Calabrese, the interim director; Ron Forester, the deputy director; but most especially, Dr. Eduardo Padron.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, in 1912 Henrietta Szold founded what is now the largest women's and the largest Jewish membership organization in the United States, Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America. This year marks its 90th anniversary, celebrating continuous efforts of more than 400,000 Hadassah members in Florida alone. Some of the outstanding women of Hadassah in my own south Florida congressional district are Alecia Sachs, the regional president; Mildred Riesenberg, the 90th anniversary Chair; Phyllis Goldman, the major gifts fund-raising coordinator; Mindy Tucker Olofson, membership coordinator; and Pam Brown, Woman of the Year Chair. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the spirit of volunteerism and community service that thousands of Hadassah members perform each and every day. Congratulations to each Hadassah member in the Nation.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate two constituents of my congressional district, Lucy Espinel and Regine Fernandez-Caciedo, for their selfless work on behalf of the neediest folks in south Florida. Lucy and Regine oversee, without compensation, the ``Wish Book'' of the Miami Herald charities, featuring those who are not receiving desperately needed assistance. What is wonderful about the work of these two remarkable women is that they get personally involved with all to understand their unique individual needs. With respect and compassion, Lucy and Regine try to fulfill every wish, whether it be for food, toys for children, medical equipment, medication or furniture. Lucy and Regine take time out of their work and personal lives; and during these difficult times, when we have been affected in so many ways by tragedies, it is encouraging to know that there are kind individuals like Lucy and Regine to make someone more comfortable. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend our congratulations to them; and I thank another constituent of my district, Angel Pardo, for informing me of their work. Please join me in celebrating the contributions of these two humanitarians to our south Florida community, and indeed, to our great Nation.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I have often spoken about the importance of funding research for autism and its related spectrum disorders. Today I congratulate a scholar who for over 20 years has been dedicated to working with individuals who have autism and their families, Dr. Michael Alessandri. Michael has consulted nationally and abroad on developing educational programs on autism spectrum disorder. But perhaps it is Dr. Alessandri's inherent commitment to educating individuals with autism that has enabled him to touch the lives of so many, especially in my congressional district. South Florida families living with autism are fortunate to have Michael leading the battle at the University of Miami Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, which under his direction was named the National Autism Program of the Year in 1999 by the Autism Society of America. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Michael Alessandri and the University of Miami's CARD for their contributions to the field of autism research.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it is estimated that there are 43 million Americans with one or more physical or mental disabilities. And while Congress attempts to empower them through legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is often other facets of our communities, like churches and synagogues, that provide them with the support they need to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and, most importantly, inclusion and integration into all aspects of society. My constituent, Jennie Weiss Block, a Barry University Ph.D. candidate in theology, is the author of a new book, ``Copious Hosting,'' which explores theology and the disability movement. I proudly congratulate my constituent and dear friend, Jennie Weiss Block, for her insightful views into the lives of the disabled as portrayed in her book ``Copious Hosting'' and for her dedication to enabling them to make significant contributions to our society. Felicidades, Jennie.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 3427, the Afghanistan Freedom and Reconstruction Act.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, this week, we commemorate Human Rights Week. On December 10, 1945, haunted by the cruelties uncovered throughout the Second World War, a group of U.N. delegates, including first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, joined together in San Francisco to write what has become the internationally recognized standard for the protection of human rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The opening paragraph of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights refers to the ``inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.'' These words are a reminder to us all that when one people suffer, we all suffer. When one group is oppressed, it erodes the fabric of humanity and, thus, endangers the freedom and liberty of all. These words are a call for vigilance and action. The struggle for the protection of universal freedoms has always been an arduous one and this year has presented new challenges and hardships, but also opportunities, for those of us in the human rights community, which have only served to strengthen our resolve. A truly disappointing turn of events was the exclusion of the United States from the United Nations Commission on Human Rights aggravated by the participation of such abominable human rights violators as China, Sudan, Libya, Cuba, and Vietnam. This increased concerns that the continual imprisonment of human rights defenders would go unnoticed despite international pressure for their release. In the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, as the U.S.'s values of liberty and democracy came under attack, the world once again recognized the need to focus on the plight of oppressed people everywhere. It is my hope that we are ushering in a new era in the human rights struggle marked by a renewed commitment and understanding. Noting the overwhelming support given to the Afghan people in their battle to free themselves from the shackles the Taliban imposed on them, I am filled with hope and optimism about the future. As a refugee from an oppressive regime, the struggle for freedom is central to my commitment to human rights. I stand today during Human Rights Week, in admiration and gratitude of those who have perished and currently languish in suffering because they choose to fight for the values of freedom and democracy in their own country. Today we honor them. For them we celebrate Human Rights Week.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, tonight the Humane Society of Greater Miami is hosting a ``Welcome to South Florida'' reception. The event is being held to welcome University of Miami President Donna Shalala and her dog, Cheka, to south Florida. President Shalala was the longest-serving Secretary for Health and Human Services in U.S. history. Before that, she served as Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the first woman to head a Big 10 university. She is now at a new job that she loves, President of the University of Miami, a major and leading research university in the southeastern United States, located in my congressional district. President Shalala says that Cheka ``speaks English and Spanish and is a perfect fit for south Florida, the Gateway of the Americas.'' We thank Kelly Grimm and the Humane Society of Greater Miami for their dedication to helping homeless animals, and Donna Shalala as president of the University of Miami.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, one of the most special aspects of our everyday lives is to be blessed with true friends. Amigos Together for Kids is an organization that has been in existence since 1991, and under the direction of Jorge Plasencia serves the needs of south Florida's forgotten children, those who are abused, neglected and abandoned. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, Amigos has many friends who have committed their energies toward the success of its programs, including Roxana Fernandez, Mirta Fuentes, Paul Hanson, Victoria Rodriguez, Daniel Rodriguez-Cuesta and Jorge Rouco, to name just a few. The Amigos programs include Amigos Doctors for Kids, Children Helping Children, The Birthday Club, The Holiday Toy Drive, The Back-to-School Drive, and a new and ambitious program to serve adolescents in our area in south Florida. Congratulations, Amigos Together for Kids. You are definitely fulfilling your mission of making south Florida's less fortunate young people feel truly loved. We really appreciate your dedication to our community's future, our children.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, on December 9 of this year, approximately 300 employees will move into the newly-built world headquarters of Dole Fresh Flowers in Miami's International Corporate Park. Miami has historically been the U.S. gateway for the floral industry, since the majority of flowers for commercial use are grown just south of us in South America. Dole entered the flower business just 2 years ago, bringing to this industry 150 years' experience in growing, shipping, and marketing fresh produce around the world. Dole consolidated four companies into a single entity, to be housed on 17 acres of land in a state-of-the-art facility measuring 328,000 square feet. Nearly 3 million stems of flowers will pass through the facility every day during this holiday season alone. Employees have been eagerly awaiting the move to this efficient and beautiful new home since its groundbreaking last April. Miami, and indeed all of our State of Florida, is enthusiastic about having this worldwide brand Dole in our community. Welcome home, felicidades.