Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 205, I was unavoidably detained. If present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 205.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Martha De Norfolk, a single mother from my congressional district who is working to found the Arthrogryposis Foundation to help her disabled son Bryant Amastha, and other local children who suffer from this rare disease. One in every 3,000 babies is born with this disease, which limits motions in their joints, usually accompanied by muscle weakness. In the classic case, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, feet and knees are affected. In some cases, even the central nervous system. Most people with arthrogryposis are of normal intelligence and are able to lead productive lives as adults. However, if not treated through surgery and physical therapy, this disease can become terminal, as the body deforms so that internal organs cannot function properly. Nine-year-old Bryant recently completed his 36th operation, enabling him to use an electric wheelchair to move about in home and in school. With the help of the foundation that Bryant's mother, Martha De Norfolk, is working to establish, parents of these children will soon have the financial assistance and the support groups on which to depend; and local doctors will have access to education on this debilitating illness and its treatment. We congratulate Martha and Bryant and many others.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the University of Miami baseball team and its exceptional coach Jim Morris for the flawless performance that enabled them to win the College World Series. The Hurricanes celebrated their 12-to-1 win over Stanford, and this victory marks their second annual title in 3 years. Professional teams have drafted 11 talented Hurricanes, but it is Charlton Jimerson who won this year's Outstanding Player Award. Chewy, as he is called by his teammates, survived an unstable childhood. He was raised by his sister Lanette, who inspired confidence so that he would achieve success. By writing a letter, Chewy invited himself to play at the University of Miami, and today this fifth-round draft choice of the Houston Astros is described as the emotional fuse for a dynamite team. I ask my congressional colleagues to join me in commending outstanding player Charles Jimerson, his talented coach Jim Morris, and the amazing University of Miami baseball team for an outstanding victory once again.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the Deutsch amendment introduced at the 11th hour affecting a very important area in my congressional district. Stiltsville is in my congressional district, miles away from the district of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutsch). Stiltsville is a group of seven homes located south of Key Biscayne in my district that has been part of the landscape and seascape of our young community since the 1930s. This amendment prevents the Secretary of the Interior from extending any further standstill agreements. After much negotiation between Stiltsville homeowners and the Park Service, a standstill agreement was reached earlier this year that expires on March 31, 2002. This agreement is crucial because it prevents both parties from acting against each other and allows time for constructive negotiations and prevents the houses from being unfairly torn down. The Deutsch amendment ties the Secretary's hands and allows the clock to run out on further talks, putting Stiltsville owners at a negotiating disadvantage. The Deutsch amendment is an underhanded attempt at tearing down these historic homes without coming out and saying so. The houses that make up Stiltsville are internationally known as the place that has that little village in the middle of the bay. And who supports Stiltsville? Governor Jeb Bush. Who else supports Stiltsville? The Florida House of Representatives that passed a unanimous resolution in support of preserving Stiltsville. The Miami- Dade County Commission supports Stiltsville. The city of Miami. Let me tell my colleagues the cities that have said we want to support these homes: the City of Miami; the City of Miami Beach; the City of Coral Gables; the City of Hialeah Gardens; Homestead; Miami Springs; South Miami; West Miami; Key Biscayne, Key Biscayne that is just miles from these beautiful homes; Sweetwater; Virginia Gardens. I could go on and on. It is incredible that the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutsch) would come here and present this amendment when literally thousands of homeowners support the preservation of Stiltsville.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise to strongly support the Scarborough-Davis amendment that would prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from executing a final lease agreement for oil or gas development in the area of the Gulf of Mexico known as Lease Sale 181. The beaches on the gulf coast of Florida are comprised of some of the most pristine and beautiful areas that would be devastated by an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Our tourism and fishing industries would also be devastated by such a spill. Many of my congressional colleagues have told me recently that they will be visiting this area of Florida during the July 4th holiday. People come to Florida for the beaches. So please join the citizens of the State of Florida who overwhelmingly and in a bipartisan way oppose drilling off of our waters. We are talking about 17 miles off of Pensacola Florida. Florida's white sand, clear waters, and gorgeous sunsets have truly not only become a treasure for our State, but they are a treasure for our Nation and the millions of tourists who visit Florida's beaches every year. Please join the State of Florida in protecting our beaches and crystal blue waters by opposing offshore drilling. All of our constituents will thank you for it.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Edward J. Rosasco for his 17 years of service and dedication as president and chief executive officer at Mercy Hospital. Under Ed Rosasco's leadership, Mercy Hospital has strengthened its long-standing tradition of providing quality health care to all residents of south Florida. His dedication to improving and establishing his new patient services is evident with Mercy's Pain Management Center which cures patients who never thought that they would live without pain again. Another example is Mercy Hospital's Diabetes Treatment Center, one of only six in the Nation to be named a model center qualified to serve as a training location and a prototype for other diabetes programs. Mercy is also recognized as an important provider for international patients and is the leading choice for residents in the Caribbean and Central and South America who seek top quality care and treatment not available in their countries. For 17 exceptional years, Ed Rosasco has ensured that Mercy has remained true to its mission: maintaining an uncompromising commitment to excellence. Mercy Hospital will honor Ed tomorrow, and today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Ed Rosasco for his service to our south Florida community.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor my congressional constituent, Colonel Hugo Valdivia, for his 25 years of service to our country in the United States Air Force. Tomorrow will be Colonel Valdivia's formal retirement at the Pentagon and I wanted us to show our gratitude for his years of dedication to our country. Colonel Valdivia had recently been at the Pentagon, where he had been hand-picked to serve as the Deputy Director for Information Warfare. He serves as the Air Force Advisor on the National Security Panels to the Defense Science Board and the Joint Chiefs of Staff's Quadrennial Review of military missions and forces structure. During his distinguished career, Colonel Valdivia has received numerous accolades, including being selected by the National Security Agency as a finalist in a worldwide competition for information security accomplishments. The Colonel has also been the Chief of the Information Assurance Division for the U.S. European Command. In addition, Colonel Valdivia was the Director for Computer Operations and Software Development for NORAD. Please join me in showing Colonel Valdivia our gratitude for his sterling service to our country. He joins us here today with his family.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Florida for yielding me this time. The widespread, systematic, heinous, and brutal crimes committed against the Sudanese people, the rape, the slavery, the mutilation, the systematic killing of millions throughout the years in what many assert is a deliberate campaign of genocide by the regime in Khartoum demands action by the U.S. Congress. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to render their full support to the Sudan Peace Act before us today. When the question is posed: What can the people of the free world and, in particular, the U.S. Government do about one of the world's most tragic situations? What can be done about slavery and genocide in Sudan? We should start by calling things as they are for what they are. This is why the Sudan Peace Act condemns the gross violations of human rights, the ongoing slave trade in Sudan, and the pivotal role played by the Sudanese regime in aiding and abetting these practices. There are those who may be willing to initiate and expand oil operations in southern Sudan that will generate billions of dollars in annual revenue for the terrorist regime in Khartoum. However, the U.S. must stand firm in the face of egregious violations of international legal and moral standards. The Sudan Peace Act seeks to deter the financing of the regime from access to U.S. capital markets by establishing disclosure requirements on business activities in Sudan, and prohibiting securities trading in the U.S. until such requirements are met. The information to be provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the nature and the extent of the commercial activity with this pariah state, the identity of Sudanese government agencies involved in such businesses, and the linkage to religious persecution and other human rights violations shall be made available to the public. All of this, in conjunction with reporting requirements detailing the sources and the status of Sudan's financing and the construction of the infrastructure and the pipelines for oil exploitation, will put the spotlight on those who help to prolong the oppression and the suffering. We will finally place the spotlight on those oppressors. These are the people who help to propagate slavery, those who persecute the religious movement, and other religious human rights abuses. We are going to stop providing a financial lifeline to the Sudanese regime. The U.S. must also help ensure that the humanitarian assistance sent to Sudan is not being manipulated and is in fact reaching the intended recipients so we can help alleviate some of the suffering in this war- torn nation. The Sudan Peace Act has various provisions to address this critical issue, including reporting requirements and the development of contingency plans for the distribution of aid to the affected areas should the Sudanese regime impose any type of ban on air transport relief flights. This bill seeks to provide a comprehensive approach to the war in Sudan and to facilitate a process which will help bring justice to the victims of the genocide and achieve this much-desired goal of peace. I, therefore, ask my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 2052.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, the League Against Cancer or La Liga Contra el Cancer, as it is more commonly known in my congressional district, recently raised over $3 million for cancer patients during its 25th annual telethon. Florida ranks second in the incidence of cancer, as one in every two men and one of every two women are diagnosed over a life-span. La Liga never turns away cancer patients, and I wish to commend its president, Dr. George Suarez and its VP, Brenda Moreira, and the hundreds of volunteers and sponsors who give hope to thousands of Florida's victims of cancer. Low-income and uninsured cancer patients come to the League for life- saving treatment. Over 300 Miami-Dade board-certified doctors and hundreds of community members volunteer their time and skills and work tirelessly to help cancer victims. Last year, with the budget deficit, La Liga provided life-saving services to almost 4,000 patients, all of whom were legal residents of Florida. We thank La Liga Contra el Cancer for its proud record of service to our community.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, as an original cosponsor of this resolution and as chair of the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights, I urge strong support for H. Con. Res. 145, and I want my colleagues to vote in favor of its passage. This resolution was prompted by the Taliban's decree of May 22, forcing Hindus to wear identity labels such as this one on their clothing to brand and degrade this religious group even further. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, this reprehensible policy is but a microcosm of the terrible actions taken by the Taliban against all minorities in Afghanistan. As the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination has stated, Afghanistan epitomizes the religious extremism, and it underscores that ``the Taliban uses religion as a political tool in the interests of power and has taken an entire society hostage.'' In January of this year, for example, the Taliban issued a decree to apply capital punishment to Afghans who converted from Islam to either Judaism or Christianity. Just a few months ago, in the aftermath of the Taliban's destruction of sacred statues, Amnesty International reported that the Taliban massacred hundreds of civilians with impunity. On May 14 of this year, it was revealed that the Taliban has an ethnic cleansing manual to eliminate entirely the presence of religious minority groups in areas which are not yet under Taliban control. Women have also felt the brunt of the Taliban's intolerance and extremism. According to Afghan women interviewed by a non-governmental organization in France, ``women live like animals.'' Women are excluded from treatment by male doctors, who are the only ones allowed to practice medicine. Even when exceptions are made, because the woman is accompanied by her husband, doctors are still prohibited from actually touching the women, and this obviously limits the possibility of any meaningful medical treatment. The Taliban's policy of treating women as subhuman is also reflected in decrees mandating that women must be accompanied by a male relative when leaving their homes and that they must be covered in the Taliban- approved dressing shown here. It says in Taliban-held areas of Afghanistan, women can rarely work outside the home, girls can attend only same-sex schools, and women can be beaten for not wearing this veil. It says, get up, stand up. Refusal to adhere to these rules will result in beatings. The Taliban's intolerance and extremism has even spilled over to international humanitarian workers. Just a few weeks ago, the Taliban arrested U.N. aid workers in Afghanistan. Militants who fight for the Taliban and are loyal to terrorist Osama bin Laden have threatened to kidnap and even kill international aid humanitarian workers. Mr. Speaker, if we do not render our unequivocal support for House Concurrent Resolution 145, we will be sending a message to the Taliban that it can continue to escalate the persecution and the repression that they are undergoing with impunity. I ask Members to think of the Afghan women, such as this one pictured here, and vote with your conscience today. I ask you to think of the Hindus who are being required to wear yellow identification labels, such as this one. I ask Members to think about the plight of all minorities in Afghanistan and vote yes on this powerful resolution.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the year 2001 graduating class of City College. This four-year private, nonprofit institution has its roots back in Kentucky more than 70 years ago. Today it is located in Fort Lauderdale with three campuses in Florida, including one in Miami. This year City College is sending 140 new graduates into the working world who will bring with them skills and training in a variety of disciplines. The program of this small but ambitious college includes majors in business, hospitality management, broadcasting, legal assistance, private investigation and allied health, which covers an excellent EMT paramedic program along with medical office administration and medical assisting. The City College graduating class is small but diverse and includes international students. I wish them all the best of luck and extend my most sincere congratulations on their individual accomplishments.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 157, I move that the House do now adjourn in memory of the late Hon. John Joseph Moakley.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Marcus Bartlett for his invaluable contributions to the arts and music culture in the South. Mark has been a long-time friend of Mary Plumer, a community activist in my congressional district. Involved in music and entertainment during his 50-year career, Mark has contributed to our American cultural and artistic heritage. He is viewed as a pioneer in radio, television, and cable. Mark is the former executive vice president of Cox Broadcasting Corporation. In 1924, young Marcus went to Atlanta and began providing piano accompaniment for choral groups and orchestras that performed each day on ``The Voice of the South.'' Today, still guided by genuine generosity, he continues to dedicate his time to entertain senior citizens at retirement homes, hospitals, and churches in Atlanta. I thank Mark for truly being in tune with the community spirit, and I wish him many more years of happiness and harmony.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I wish to congratulate the over 50 influential public and private sector leaders from business, from media, from entertainment, from sports, education, as well as the faith-based community as they come together this weekend for the XAIDS Act NOW Partnership Council. In fact, on Monday, June 11, the council will convene in my Congressional district in South Florida to mobilize efforts in their fight against the HIV/AIDS virus. This is an epidemic that is plaguing our communities and they are going to combine their expertise, their resources and experiences to see how we can combat this terrible plague. Studies show that early treatment can prolong health and persons who know that they have HIV are far more likely to avoid risky behavior, to get treatment and to protect their partners. As a result, the council's message is very simple: Get tested, get treated and be safe. This will be promoted by teams that will focus on testing and primary care, the Internet, leadership councils, influential speakers, youth, outreach support and multimedia support groups. The partnerships have increased awareness on HIV and AIDS and they have encouraged people to get tested, to help prevent new infections among at-risk individuals. Their innovative approaches have helped to combat complacency in our community. We cannot afford to be complacent any longer. So I ask my congressional colleagues to commend the partners of XAIDS Act NOW for their leadership and their commitment to fighting the HIV AIDS epidemic.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Ms. Ellen Kempler, a teacher at MAST Academy in my congressional district, who was one of five exceptional educators recently inducted into the 2001 National Teachers Hall of Fame. As a former teacher, I know that no reward is greater than impacting the lives of students. It is evident that Ms. Kempler has been an inspiration to her students. As one student stated, she has the gift of finding talent and academic strength in every student and inspires them to express it in a positive way. Ms. Kempler, presently a 9th grade English and a 12th grade ethics and leadership teacher, is committed to excellence in education. She states, ``Life is a huge relay race. I am alive and carrying the baton now. The future depends on me as surely as my generation depended on our teachers and their teachers and their teachers.'' Ms. Kempler is an exemplary educator and a role model whom her students should hope to emulate. I ask that my congressional colleagues join me in commending Ms. Ellen Kempler for her success and for having been selected for induction into the National Teachers Hall of Fame.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, over 1 million Americans are legally blind and 80 million Americans are at risk for developing diseases that potentially can cause blindness. Currently, more than 6 million Americans suffer from retinal degenerative diseases. In my State of Florida, an estimated 1 million people are affected by these problems. My constituents, Ilana Lidsky and her husband Patrick McGuinn, have traveled to our Nation's Capitol today to learn about recent gene therapy that has actually given sight to Lancelot, a Briard dog born with a blinding genetic mutation. This recent National Eye Institute- supported research that has given sight to Lancelot holds promise for children born blind and for persons like Ilana and her siblings who suffer from retinitis pigmentosa, a disease that may lead to blindness. Today, eye and vision disorders cost society $38 billion every year, and this cost will escalate unless existing research opportunities are vigorously pursued. The Alliance for Eye and Vision Research and the Foundation Fighting Blindness are to be congratulated for their gene therapy research that will soon find a cure for blindness.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate a group in my congressional district that has done much for the Ecuadorian community in south Florida and around the world: La Federacion de Entidades Ecuatorianas en el Exterior, or the Federation of Ecuadorian Entities Abroad. This international group is celebrating its 16th anniversary with festivities this month in Miami where the group was founded. The celebration commemorates the Battle of Pichincha, an important date for Ecuadorian freedom. This battle, won on May 24 in 1822, liberated the capital city of Quito and secured the independence of Ecuador. La Federacion de Entidades Ecuatorianas en el Exterior celebrates freedom and history through civic and educational programs, recognizing the contributions of people with Ecuadorian ancestry. La Federacion has more than 200 groups in the U.S. and around the world representing more than 1 million U.S. citizens. This fraternal group fosters bonds among people with Ecuadorian roots through social and cultural programs that honor their history and their proud heritage. On this important anniversary of Ecuadorian independence and this group's founding, I wish the members of La Federacion de Entidades Ecuatorianas en el Exterior many more successful and happy years.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to congratulate Rick Sanchez, a beloved television anchor in my district who is leaving WSVN Channel 7 to move on to even greater challenges nationally at MSNBC. I am sure that many of my colleagues across the Nation have seen Rick's reporting. My colleagues would have seen it years ago when watching an energetic reporter ride along with police to get the real story. My colleagues would have seen it when they watched a young roving reporter absolutely transform a newscast. My colleagues have seen it when they have watched a professional and genuine, but unusual, piece of reporting and thought, ``What the heck is happening here?'' That is Rick Sanchez; Rick Sanchez, doing an unconventional but honest and impassioned style of reporting before that came into current fashion. Perhaps the name ``Rick'' really stands for ``maverick,'' for that is what he always has been. His unconventional ways are always talked about. His high-energy, in-your-face style, his use of expressive body language, his colorful adjectives, and his penchant for visual aids brought an interesting element to the traditional newscast. City Link Magazine voted him the best newscaster ever, saying that ``TV has come around to Rick's style. He asks the best questions, and he is not afraid to speak his mind.'' Runaway Rick has never shied from danger. He began behind-the-scenes police beat reporting before there was a show which seemed to start that trend. ``Maverick Rick'' has always been a man of firsts. He was the youngest reporter and anchor hired in south Florida, brought on as a 21-year-old, right out of the University of Minnesota in 1982. He was the first-ever Cuban American main anchor in south Florida, with the highest-rated newscast among all 10 o'clock newscasts in the Nation. He was the first to have a south Florida talk show. He was the youngest to win an Emmy for his five-part documentary, which aired nationwide, on Cuban American exiles. He has covered world news stories from Nicaragua, Cuba, Haiti, and Grenada. Even when reporting just from back home, Rick's unique style transformed you to a new place. Who can forget turning on Channel 7 just to see what props Rick had this week? Who can forget the places he has been to, and the places he has taken us to? This has been quite a journey for the son of a factory worker and a dishwasher, who was born in Havana and came to Miami when he was only 2 years old. Although his high-profile status has made him a local celebrity, Rick has remained humble and appreciative. He has been the station spokesperson for wonderful organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and DARE, the program to keep kids off drugs. Rick was honored by the Florida Broadcasters Association and the George Bush White House for his coverage of and his relief effort after Hurricane Andrew. Rick spearheaded an effort to move 60,000 tons of relief supplies while coordinating it with the U.S. Customs and U.S. Coast Guard. At heart, Rick is a nice guy and a hungry reporter whose hard work and determination has made him the success story that he is today. I have had the pleasure of knowing Rick for years and watching him grow up on television. I have seen his work. I know of his dedication to his family and of his deep service to our community. Mr. Speaker, as his 20-year south Florida locally based career comes to a close, Rick will not be forgotten by our local area. Now he will be shared by millions nationwide. Rick Sanchez has never been afraid to ask tough questions, say what is on his mind, and do whatever it takes to get the story and get people to speak. Thank you, Rick Sanchez, for taking your job seriously and making the news so interesting for us to watch each and every night. I wish you and your family, your wife Suzanne, your sons Ricky, Jr., Robert and Remmington, and your newly arrived daughter Savannah, a smooth transition and the best of luck. Rick, Felicidades! Y muchas gracias por tu servicio. (Thank you for your service.)

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, fleeing the repressive communist regime that took the political and military power in Cuba on January 1, 1959, Cuban nationals started to arrive in the U.S. for freedom and democracy. The Cuban diaspora had to face the hardships of their new lives. But despite their difficulties, the exiled Cuban-Americans succeeded in preserving their cultural heritage. They never failed to dedicate time to promote liberty for the land they had left behind. They initiated ways to help their homeland regain its freedom. In the early 1960s, the Cuban exile community regrouped by ``Municipios,'' or cities from which they originated. The Municipios formed the Municipios de Cuba en el Exilio, the Cuban Municipalities in Exile, that became the largest Cuban organization outside of the island. Undertaking numerous actions to advance the cause of democracy, freedom and human rights in Cuba, the Municipios also participate actively in projects aimed at improving mutual understanding in South Florida and beyond. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate all of the Municipio members for helping to advance the cause of freedom and democracy in my native Cuba.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, the HOPWA program, or the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, is the only Federal program that helps the housing crisis facing people with AIDS. Rental help, mortgage assistance, help with utility payments, and information on low-income housing opportunities are some of the ways in which HOPWA helps low-income persons with AIDS in securing stable living environments and in living longer and in more productive lives. Unfortunately, there is an estimated 40,000 new AIDS cases reported every year, and the demands for housing that will provide for the safety and stability for these individuals to benefit from drug treatments greatly outweighs the resources currently available. President Bush, however, has proposed to allocate $277 million in his budget, an increase of $57 million from last year's budget, to address the housing crisis facing people with AIDS. I urge my colleagues to consider funding HOPWA and alleviate the growing needs of individuals living with HIV and AIDS.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record, the following testimony pursuant to the vote on H.R. 503, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act. [From the National Right to Life Committee, Inc., Washington, DC] My name is Shiwona Pace. On August 26, 1999, I was a 23-year-old college student in Little Rock. I was the mother of two--my five-year-old son, and an unborn baby girl named Heaven Lashay. I had named my baby ``Heaven'' two months earlier, after an ultrasound test revealed that she was a girl. August 26 was one day before my predicted full-term delivery date. But that night, three men brutally murdered my unborn baby daughter. I curled up face down on the floor, crying begging for them to stop beating me. But they did not stop. One shouted, ``F*** you! Your baby is dying tonight.'' They choked me, punched me, hit me in the face with a gun. They kicked me again and again in the abdomen. After about thirty minutes, they left me sobbing there on the floor. At the hospital, they found Heaven had died in my womb. She was a perfect baby, almost seven pounds. She almost looked as if she were sleeping. The assailants were arrested. They had been hired by Erik Bullock, my former boyfriend. He paid them $400 to kill little Heaven Lashay. Only a month before, a new state law took effect that recognized unborn children as crime victims. If that law had not been enacted, Erik Bullock would have been prosecuted only for the assault on me, but not for the death of my baby. But thanks to the state law, Bullock was also convicted for his role in killing my baby. The men who attacked me are also being prosecuted for what they did to Heaven. I tell my story now for one reason: If this same attack occurred today within a federal jurisdiction, the men who killed my baby could be prosecuted only for assault. That is why I urge members of Congress to support the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (H.R. 503, S. 480), which would recognize unborn children as victims under 68 federal laws dealing with crimes of violence. I was dismayed to learn that some members of Congress oppose this bill, and insist on adoption of a radically different bill (the Lofgren Amendment) that says that such crimes only have one victim--the pregnant woman. They are wrong. On the night of August 26, 1999, thee were two victims. I lived--but my daughter died. I lost a child and my son lost the baby sister he had always wanted--but little Heaven lost her life. It seems to me that any congressman who votes for the ``one-victim'' amendment is really saying that nobody died that night. And that is a lie.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, as an original cosponsor, I would like to express my strong support for H. Con. Res. 91, and I commend my colleague and author of this legislation, Christopher Smith, for addressing the importance in promoting an increased awareness of autism spectrum disease disorders. Autism is a brain disorder that impacts an individual's ability to respond appropriately to an environment and to form relationships. It affects at least 1 in every 500 children in America, and some studies suggest even 1 in 200. The number of children who are diagnosed with autism has escalated dramatically and, in Florida, approximately 50 percent of children suffering from autism reside in my community of South Florida. My good friends, Charles and Patience Flick, have two children, Bonnie and Willis, who have autism. This development disorder has robbed Bonnie and Willis of their ability to communicate and interact with their family members and playmates. Fortunately, Bonnie and Willis are able to afford the little treatment and intervention that exists, but many families living with this disorder are not as fortunate. As a Member of the House Autism Caucus, and as a strong supporter of H. Con. Res. 91, I am committed to raise awareness on autism, to work toward an increase of $6 million for the National Institutes of Health, and an additional increase of $5 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I support the goals and ideas of Autism Awareness Day and Month, which are: to begin early intervention services for children with autism, federally fund 40 percent of the costs of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to States and local school districts, and recognize the importance of worker training programs that are tailored to the needs of developmentally disabled persons, including those with autism. Mr. Speaker, I commend the House leadership for helping to raise awareness on autism by bringing H. Con. Res. 91 to the floor, and I strongly encourage my colleagues to pass this resolution and join the efforts in finding a cure.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, once again students from Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, a school in my congressional district, came to Washington, D.C. for an outstanding performance in the national ``We the People . . . The Citizens and the Constitution'' competition. Our Lady of Lourdes Academy represented Florida proudly, and for the second consecutive year, placed first out of 50 competing schools from every State in the Nation. I warmly congratulate Katherine Almon, Yvette Cordova, Anna Fedak, Lauren Fernandez, Roxanne Flint, Cristina Garcia, Rebecca Gidel, Jacqueline Koch, Natalie Ladd, Alina Lopez, Stefanie Lopez-Boy, Kristina Maranges, Natalie Merino, Arianne Plasencia, Cristina Rosell, and Elizabeth Velez. With the help and guidance of their teacher, Rosie Heffernan, these young ladies demonstrated vast knowledge and understanding of U.S. history, as well as the fundamental principles and values of our constitutional democracy. I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. Congress join me in commending these fine young girls and their teacher for their participation in this program and for an outstanding victory and achievement this year.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, my good friends Charles and Patience Flick have two children, Bonnie and Willis, who have autism, a developmental disorder that has robbed them of their ability to communicate and to interact with their family and with their playmates. Autism is a brain disorder that impacts an individual's ability to respond appropriately to the environment and to form relationships. It affects at least one in every 500 children in America and some suggest that those numbers are actually one in 200. Today, our Committee on Government Reform will investigate this dramatic rise in autism. We need to fully fund research that will help lead to better treatment options and, indeed, even a cure. As a member of the House Autism Caucus, I am committed to work toward an increase of $6 million for the National Institutes of Health and, in addition, $5 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the cure for autism. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, Madam Speaker; and I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this increase in research funding, which may lead to a cure to help thousands of America's families.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, my home State of Florida ranks third in people reporting full-blown AIDS and, in my district of Miami, fourth in the top 10 cities. The lifetime medical cost of one AIDS case is estimated at $69,000, which means that uninsured or underinsured patients would have little or no recourse for affording treatment if it were not for the Ryan White Care Act. These programs have been a critical source of care and services for people living and dealing with HIV/AIDS. The Ryan White Care Act provides funding to support a range of HIV care and services, from HIV testing and counseling to prescription drugs and home hospice care. It is founded on a strong partnership between the Federal Government, States and local communities, and it emphasizes less costly outpatient and primary care to prevent expensive emergency room visits and hospitalizations. The Ryan White Care Act serves approximately 500,000 individuals with HIV and AIDS every year. The reauthorization of this act last October was a great victory for the AIDS community. It was a victory for America's 400,000 plus families who will lose a loved one this year to AIDS. On their behalf, we ask our colleagues to support crucial funding for the Ryan White Care Act this year.