Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman emeritus of our Committee on International Relations. (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield the remainder of my time to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart), with whom I am proud to be going to Geneva for the human rights convention next week, but before doing so, I would ask that the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) yield to us the remainder of his time so that I may yield it to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart).

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it is my very great pleasure to warmly congratulate Oscar Feldenkreis on being honored for receiving the National Community Service Award by the Simon Wiesenthal Center. Oscar Feldenkreis has become a successful entrepreneur and civic leader in the South Florida community. Following the wonderful example of success established by his father, Simon Wiesenthal Center Trustee and Miami leader, George Feldenkreis, Oscar diligently worked to build his empire in the apparel field. He began his career while still a student in high school, first in retail sales and then working at the headquarters of Supreme International, the company his father started. He has been President and Chief Operating Officer of Perry Ellis International since 1992. Oscar is actively involved with the State of Israel Bonds for which he has served as president of the Cuban Hebrew Division. He has devoted his time and attention to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Temple Menorah and the Lehrman Day School and is currently the chairman of the Florida Israel Chamber of Commerce. First and foremost of all his accomplishments, he is the proud and loving father of three beautiful daughters (Jennifer, Erica and Stephanie) and is deeply devoted to his wife, Ellen. I want to join with his family, friends, and colleagues in celebrating this outstanding honor and I wish him every future success.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration that I congratulate Jorge Mas Santos on being honored for receiving the National Community Service Award by the Simon Wiesenthal Center. As the son of a Cuban immigrant, Jorge Mas Santos learned to appreciate the freedoms and opportunities in our country, and realized that the dreams of liberty and democracy that his father had for his native land of Cuba would never be possible under the tyrannical regime of Fidel Castro. His ambition to fulfill his father's aspirations to help the thousands of Cubans migrating from the island seeking freedom has resulted in countless programs and activities that have benefited not only Cuban-Americans but also every citizen in South Florida. Among his illustrious accomplishments, Jorge is the founder and chairman of Neff Rental; Chairman of the Board of the Cuban American National Foundation; Chairman of MasTec Inc.; and Executive Director of the Mas Family Foundation. Through this Foundation, the Mas Family Scholarships has awarded over $500,000 to students who had little hope of obtaining higher education. He is deeply involved in community and civic activities as a member of the University of Miami President's Council and of Nova Southeastern University's Board of Trustees. Jorge's current multi-million dollar restoration project is to fulfill his late father's dream of turning The Freedom Tower, which is included in the National Registry of Historic Places, into an educational center and museum, scheduled for completion in late 2001. Jorge has achieved a multitude of honors. His love and dedication to the cause of freedom has touched the lives of so many and has won him respect and admiration. I want to join with his family, friends and colleagues in celebration of this wonderful award and I wish him every future success.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I congratulate news anchor Jennifer Valoppi and Don Brown, president and general manager of NBC 6, for outreaching to at-risk young women who choose to further their educational goals. With the sponsorship of NBC 6, Jennifer and Don cofounded Women of Tomorrow, a mentoring and scholarship program for high-school-aged girls. The women of Tomorrow mentoring program currently operates in 17 schools in South Florida, and by January of next year, the program is expected to operate in every public high school in Miami, Dade and Broward Counties. This year the program will award several academic scholarships as well as scholarships for books and supplies for low-income, at-risk girls. I applaud the devotion of mentors Marita Srebnick, State Attorney Kathy Fernandez-Rundle, Judge Judy Kreeger, Attorney Sherry Williams, and the many prominent women of South Florida who dedicate their time to help mold today's young girls into tomorrow's leaders. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Jennifer, Don, and NBC 6, and, indeed, all of the women of tomorrow for contributing to the promise of our future and for leaving a lasting legacy that is sure to benefit all of society.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, March 28, 2001.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek) and I wish to congratulate the founders of Miami Women's Park and History Gallery: Mother of the Park and women's rights pioneer, Roxcy O'Neal Bolton; chair of the committee, Judge Bonnie Lano Rippingille; secretary, Teresa Zorilla Clark; treasurer, Molly Turner; and historian, Dr. Dorothy Jenkins Fields. I also congratulate and as well the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek) congratulates founders Leona Cooper, Katherine Fernandez-Rundle, Diane Brant, Colette McCurdy Jackson, Dr. Patricia Clements, and the late Elaine Gordon, Monna Lighte and Helen Miller. Judge Rippingille also founded Sisters of the Heart, a program that links delinquent girls with positive female role models. Tomorrow, the Park will exhibit 100 years of African American Women's History, narrated by historian Dr. Jenkins Fields. The girls will learn of African American women in literature and in the suffrage movement. They will write essays and paint posters with positive images. We congratulate the Women's Park Committee for the contributions of women in South Florida and for leaving a positive legacy by investing in the lives of our future leaders. Tomorrow's leaders are today's girls.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on March 7, I chaired a hearing of the International Relations Committee's Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights on the Department of State's annual report on human rights for the year 2000. In the section on Kazakhstan, the report states that ``the Government's human rights record remained poor'' and that ``serious problems remain''. The report discusses one specific situation that concerns me greatly. In the section on ``Arbitrary Arrest, Detention, or Exile'', the report points out that two security agents who had served as bodyguards to Akezhan Kazhegeldin, the exiled leader of the main opposition party and a former Prime Minister, were sentenced a year ago to 3\1/2\ years in gulag-style prison where they are vulnerable to mistreatment by both prison officials and fellow inmates. Their names are Pyotr Afanasenko and Satzhan Ibrayev. As stated in the Department of State's report--referring to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and to international and domestic observers, their arrest was politically motivated. As a member of the OSCE, Kazakhstan should reverse what the OSCE has said were convictions for political reasons and imprisonments under conditions that violate the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan. If, as it claims, the Government of Kazakhstan is truly paying more attention to human rights, then these two political prisoners, whose very lives are in danger, should be released. In the meantime, they should be removed from the general prison population and placed in a separate facility as provided under the Criminal Corrections Code of Kazakhstan. I call upon the government of Kazakhstan to do just that.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join my Colleagues and the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues this evening in celebrating the 180th anniversary of Greece's independence. March 25, 2001 marks the beginning of the revolution that freed the Greek people from the Ottomans. After almost 400 years of slavery under the oppressive Ottoman Empire--during which time the Greek people did not enjoy any civil rights, including the right to an education or to worship in their religion--the people of Greece took up arms and risked their lives to successfully fight for their freedom. This date also marks the creation of modern Greece. That is why commemorating Greek Independence Day is so important and why I am proud to join our Greek brothers and sisters in celebrating this great milestone. As someone who fled communism, I am fully aware of how precious our freedom is and what a joyous occasion this is to the Greek-American community and to freedom lovers everywhere. The Greek influence is inherent in our own democratic form of government. As Thomas Jefferson has stated, ``. . . to the ancient Greeks . . . we are all indebted for the light which led ourselves [American colonists] out of Gothic darkness.'' This quote illustrates how much Greek democratic ideals helped forge our own government, including the right of self-governance, independence, and freedom. But we need not only look behind us to appreciate the gifts Greece has given us. In recent history, Greece has also been a great friend of the United States. For example, according to research conducted by the The National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes, Greece is only one of three nations in the world, beyond the British Empire, that has been allied with the United States in every major international conflict in this century. Today, in the United States, Greek-Americans are one of the most successful nationalities. According to data obtained by the U.S. Census, children of the first Greeks who became United States citizens ranked first in median educational attainment among the American ethnic nationalities. Greeks and Greek-Americans in this country have made many invaluable contributions to society in the areas of medicine, fine arts, sports, and education. It is only fitting that we also recognize these individuals who are the product of an independent Greek society. I am proud to know many Greek and Greek-American individuals and am honored to celebrate Greek Independence Day. I ask my Colleagues to join me in paying tribute to such a special celebration.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Luis David and Nenita Rodriguez's emerald wedding anniversary on March 9th. They were married in 1946 at Our Lady of Mercedes Church in Havana, Cuba and have worked together to raise a family, accomplish careers, and now enjoy all the rewards of their labors together. They have been blessed with one son, Luis David II, and two grandchildren, Luis David III and Luisa Margarita, who fill their lives with joy. Mr. Rodriguez attributes the success of his marriage to his wife, who has always supported him in decisions impacting their lives, encouraged him to reach goals he aimed for, and is steadfast in her devotion to her family. Because a successful marriage is a joint effort, both Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez have contributed as much to reach this joyous celebration. I want to join their family and friends in congratulating them on their emerald wedding anniversary and sincere wishes for many more anniversaries.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Edward Thaddeus Foote II, President of the University of Miami, who will soon retire after 20 years of remarkable service to the university and indeed to the entire South Florida community. Tad arrived at UM in 1981 where he introduced corporate-style strategic planning and recruited approximately three-quarters of the current faculty during his tenure. Under his leadership, high-quality teaching became a top priority, and the university's research productivity has expanded dramatically. Tad enabled the founding of the University's School of Architecture, School of Communication, School of International Studies, as well as the Dante B. Fascell North-South Center, making the University of Miami the largest and most comprehensive private research university in the Southeast. Tad is a visionary and a bold leader who never compromises his quest for quality. Sadly, he has announced that he will be leaving the presidency on June 1 but will serve as chancellor of the University until 2003. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the tremendous advancements realized under President Tad Foote's extraordinary leadership and in wishing him Godspeed.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my constituent, George Batchelor, for his wonderful philanthropy and generosity in founding the Batchelor Children's Center, a state-of-the- art facility housing the University of Miami's bench and clinical research programs in childhood diseases. As one of only a handful of children's research centers in the Nation, the Batchelor Children's Center will enable an unprecedented collaboration among scientists. Scheduled to open in May, 2001, it will attract the best scientific minds and provide an atmosphere conducive to finding cures and treatments for cystic fibrosis, for cancer, leukemia, and other diseases plaguing children. George Batchelor's son, Falcon, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of 14. Specialists projected that Falcon would only live to age 17; but George, refusing to accept that, began bringing his son to the University of Miami's cystic fibrosis center. Falcon lived to be 35, and George said that the 20 quality years he spent with Falcon after his first visit to UM was a gift that he will never be able to repay. Today I pay tribute to George for returning the gift of health for his son with the gift of hope for parents and their suffering children.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, Frosene Sonderling's wish came to fruition in my hometown of Miami when Hebrew Homes Health Network and United Foundation for AIDS opened the Jackson Plaza Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The center is dedicated to persons battling diabetes, Alzheimer's, cancer, and Frosene's main cause, the elimination of HIV-AIDS. In association with South Shore Hospital, the beneficiaries of the Jackson Plaza Center will now have access to direct patient care, to housing, to community service, and to education. The center is becoming a home to many in our community in helping to preserve the quality of so many lives. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate Hebrew Homes Health Network, United Foundation for AIDS, and the South Shore Hospital for championing this cause in our South Florida community, and for making Frosene Sonderling's dream a reality. Frosene was a former constituent of mine who worked tirelessly to raise funds for AIDS research. She was a noted contributor to organizations that help people infected with HIV, and she harbored her selfless passion to help this infirm population. Her donations benefited medical research for AIDS treatment; and before her death, Frosene shared a dream of a state-of-the-art facility. We are now very proud that it is in our midst.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor the compassion of Janet Ray Weininger, founder of Wings of Valor, a charity which provides humanitarian assistance to the people of Nicaragua. Organized by Janet in 1998 as a result of the horrific natural disasters in Central America, Wings of Valor brought food, clothing, shelter and assistance to the most remote towns and villages in Nicaragua. Janet was appalled by what she saw and what she heard from friends there, so she knew she had to do something to help bring relief. She gained the help of the Air Force Reserve unit at Homestead, Florida, and with their assistance was able to gather needed provisions and distribute them to the people of Nicaragua. Three years later, Wings of Valor continues to minister to the needs of the Nicaraguan people; and because of her continued and selfless charity, Janet Ray Weininger deserves the recognition of the U.S. Congress and, indeed, the American people.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the fifth anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of Pinecrest, of which I am a proud resident, as the County of Miami-Dade's twenty-ninth municipality. It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mayor Evelyn Langlieb Greer, the Village Council, and all the residents of Pinecrest on five productive and successful years as part of one of the nation's largest counties. Mayor Langlieb Greer's leadership and that of the Council has certainly been instrumental in making the Village of Pinecrest one of the best and most rewarding places to live in South Florida. Its schools, some of the best in the County, its parks and recreational areas, and its convenient location make Pinecrest one of the most desirable residential areas in Miami. My family and I are honored to call this community home and I commend the Mayor and the Council for working so hard to ensure that it remains one of the best places to live. The residents of Pinecrest should also be proud to have Village Manager Peter Lombardi, Assistant Village Manager Yocelyn Galiano Gomez, and their staff working to ensure that the Village policies and laws are smoothly implemented and administered. Without their dedicated service and that of Police Chief John Hohensee, Operations Manager Michael Liotti, and all of Pinecrest's police officers, truly our Village's finest Pinecrest would not be the safe and wonderful place that it is. The sense of community and hometown atmosphere is enhanced and complemented by the many benefits of the surrounding greater Miami area. I have lived in Pinecrest for many years and never cease to marvel at the beauty and comfort of this area. I ask my Congressional colleagues to join me in congratulating the Village of Pinecrest and wishing much continued success to: Vice Mayor Cindie Blanck, and Councilmen Barry Blaxberg, Leslie Bowe, and Robert Hingston.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. My constituents, Betti and Carlos Lidsky, are such people. Three of their four children, Isaac, Daria and Ilana, have an irreversible, incurable, degenerative eye disease known as retinitis pigmentosa which will eventually cause blindness. The Lidsky children are among the 6 million Americans who suffer from sight-debilitating diseases, and that number is poised to skyrocket as an additional 9 million Americans have presymptomatic signs of retinal degeneration. I learned of these statistics through Betti and Carlos, who work tirelessly every day to raise awareness on these issues. They raise funds for research, and they work closely with researchers. They have testified before congressional committees, and this week they will be here in Congress lobbying us to make sure that each and every one of us works toward making blinding diseases extinct. Betti, Carlos and their children, Isaac, Daria and Ilana, are the reason why we need to support research funding for the National Eye Institute. Promising clinical experiments are underway, and with our continued support, we can be sure that a cure is just around the bend.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, today is Valentine's Day; and as we take the time to shower our loved ones with chocolates, flowers and poems, I ask that we share the most important gift of all, the gift of life. Heart disease kills nearly 1 million Americans every year and is responsible for over 40 percent of the deaths in our country. Every 33 seconds, an American dies from cardiovascular disease. This February marks American Heart Month; and unfortunately, too many Americans are not prepared to deal with cardiac emergencies. But by becoming familiar with these serious symptoms, it can mean the difference between life and death. Symptoms such as uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting for more than a few minutes, pain spreading to the shoulders, arms or neck, and chest discomfort with light-headedness, faintness, sweating nausea, or shortness of breath. Madam Speaker, this Valentine's Day I ask my colleagues to raise awareness on these matters of the heart. It is just one way in which we can eliminate our Nation's number one killer.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in extending deep gratitude to The Reverend Wendy Ward Billingslea for her many years of service to St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School and Church. Mother Wendy has blessed South Florida with her tireless devotion as a preacher, pastoral counselor, and teacher. At St. Thomas Episcopal Parish, where Mother Wendy worked as an associate rector for the last five years, she demonstrated her strong dedication to the children of our community as she instilled within them her passion for academics and for traditional family values. Mother Wendy continues to be a positive role model for all present and former students at St. Thomas Episcopal School and she embodies community leadership as she ministers to a congregation of 1500 members. The St. Thomas Episcopal family will suffer a great loss with Mother Wendy's departure, but we wish her well on her new calling as the spiritual leader at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Greensboro, North Carolina. Mother Wendy and her family, Art, Lauren, Kristin and Katie, have all played an important role in the life and ministry of St. Thomas. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in extending best wishes to Mother Wendy and in thanking her for the many ways in which she has touched the lives of South Floridians.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, Susan B. Anthony is well remembered as one of our nation's greatest champions not just of the right of women, but of all Americans. In addition to her work for women's rights, she was a leading voice speaking out against the evil of slavery. Her work in turning women away from abortion is regarded as one of her most important contributions. Susan B. Anthony declared that amongst her greatest joys was to have helped ``bring about a better state of things, for mothers generally, so that their unborn little ones could not be willed away from them.'' Today, on the 181st anniversary of her death, we honor this great human rights crusader and bring her wisdom to bear on one of the great human rights issues of our day--the right of life of the unborn. Susan B. Anthony was clear: abortion for her was nothing less than ``child murder,'' and she devoted much of her energies toward making women independent of what she termed the ``burden'' of abortion. She did so not just because she knew abortion to be ``child murder'', but because she understood the lasting harm it has on women. As she noted, abortion could only ``burden her conscience in life and burden her soul in death.'' Susan B. Anthony fought to lift the unjust burdens oppressing women, including the burden of abortion. As we celebrate her birthday, let us also recommit ourselves to her goal of relieving women of the burden of abortion.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor one of our nation's greatest patriots and most respected Presidents, Ronald W. Reagan, on this, the 90th anniversary of his birthday. There are those Americans who today will remember Ronald Reagan as the charismatic 40th President of the United States. A leader who by the sheer force of his immutable optimism gave America a reason to be proud and secure of our place in the world. Others will remember the ``Great Communicator'' who in the wake of ``stagflation'' and an oil crisis, articulated a doctrine of personal responsibility and limited government, which brought to our nation economic stability, security, and self-respect. But I am here to honor another Reagan. A man of steely convictions, and resolute vision. A man who in one simple speech redefined America's purpose, and gave us all new certitude that we would prevail against the Soviet Union. In 1983, the international stage was a different place than it is today. The Soviet Union still stared menacingly westward over the satellite states of Eastern Europe. The nuclear arms race was a reality, and fear of nuclear war gripped the nation. It was in this atmosphere of Cold War fear, and amid growing calls to give up the arms race that Mr. Reagan, at perhaps his most eloquent, strode onto a stage in Orlando, Florida and delivered a speech that put his critics on notice that America would not back down. America would stand, alone if she must, to defend and protect the institutions of liberty and freedom from the Communists. He reminded us not to ignore the facts of history, and the aggressive impulses of an evil empire because, as he said, ``to simply call the arms race a giant misunderstanding is to remove ourselves from the struggle between right and wrong and good and evil.'' He reminded us not only of why we were fighting, but of what we were fighting for. The cold war was a struggle between good and evil, freedom and oppression. It was this message which President Reagan carried with him to my hometown of Miami, FL. At the Orange Bowl Stadium, and in the middle of Little Havana, he placed the Cuban Dictator, Fidel Castro, on notice-- that the United States would stand firm against the tyrannical Castro regime and would defend the right of the Cuban people to live free of oppression; that the United States would not tolerate communist Cuba's continued threats against U.S. national security and regional stability. His words still carry with them a strength and clarity of vision which only the greatest of leaders posses. His insistence that this was the path America would take was tempered by the knowledge that in doing so, we would all share in the glory of the right and the honorable. Ronald Reagan reminded us all that America was strong, that America was right, that America was proud. The legacy of Ronald Reagan is secure, for no other reason than the fact that he stood up for America and said in a strong, clear voice that patriotism is not dead, and that liberty and freedom are always worth fighting for. Because of this President Reagan, I would like to thank you for your service to your country, and wish both you, and Mrs. Reagan, Godspeed.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, last Congress the passage of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act was a huge victory for women across our Nation. This legislation gives every State the option of providing lifesaving treatment to low-income women who have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through the early detection screening program. I congratulate the governor of my home State, Florida, Jeb Bush, who recognized the great benefits of this program early on. Governor Bush included almost $13 million in his budget to provide cancer treatment to low- and moderate-income women. I hope that the governors and legislators in every State follow the example of our governor, Jeb Bush, and help give women a fighting chance at beating this treacherous disease. I especially congratulate Jane Torres, Teresa Moran-Menendez, and all of the members of the Florida Breast Cancer Coalition who lobbied and worked tirelessly to make this happen. On behalf of Florida's women, I thank Governor Jeb Bush.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Harry Wayne Casey of KC & the Sunshine Band on his fiftieth birthday, January 31, 2001. KC's music has not only enhanced the cultural vibrance of the Miami community, but has become an important part of 20th century American music. During the course of his remarkably successful career, KC has made a profound impact on popular music as we appreciate it today. His influence helped to shape an entire decade of music; one which has continued to excite fans and earn critical acclaim for the past twenty years. A native of Hialeah, Florida, KC began his career at age 17 when he began working at Miami's T.K. Records/Studios. By 1973 he had formed the Sunshine Band and embarked upon his meteoric rise to stardom. The Band's second album, released in 1975, went triple platinum and third album, released in 1977, also went triple platinum. KC & The Sunshine Band had amassed an amazing nine Grammy nominations, three Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, four number one singles in the span of one year, and nine Top 10 singles. KC has maintained an active philanthropic presence in South Florida where he continues to give back to his community. His many charitable acts include the purchase of thousands of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for poor families in the Miami area and regular guest appearances on Radio Y100 in Miami to support child abuse prevention. In addition, he performed in a major benefit concert for the victims of Hurricane Andrew in 1992. I am proud to recognize KC for his outstanding contributions to our community and to our nation's rich music history. I join his family and friends in honoring him on this very special occasion. My best wishes for a wonderful birthday and many more to come.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay special tribute to Frank Hebrock, a Leesburg High School teacher and former Lake County Schools Superintendent candidate, who passed away on October 14, 2000. He leaves his wife, Bernie Hebrock, his son Scott and his brother Bill. Mr. Hebrock was a talented and committed teacher and was greatly loved and respected by his family, friends, students, and colleagues. Born in Cambridge, OH, where he attended high school, Mr. Hebrock later went on to major in education at the University of Ohio. After leaving Cambridge, he taught in Tallahassee and for the past five years in Leesburg, FL, he taught American and world history. Revered for his dedication, Mr. Hebrock exhibited a selfless commitment to his students both in and out of the classroom. He was devoted to actively involving students in their history lessons, and at the same time, equally devoted to fostering the students' physical well-being through his work as assistant football coach and junior varsity baseball coach at Leesburg High School. In addition, Mr. Hebrock combined his interest in government with his conviction in providing the highest quality of education to our area's schools by running for superintendent of the Lake County school system. Mr. Speaker, our community has truly suffered a great loss. We will all remember his outstanding contributions and are forever grateful for his shining leadership in the field of education. I would like to express my deepest condolences to his family, coworkers, and all of the students whose lives he so profoundly touched.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the tireless dedication of Mrs. Sue Nichols to the children of our community. Mrs. Nichols was born and raised in Miami-Dade County where she is a teacher at St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School. She has now been teaching kindergarten for 25 years. Recently, Mrs. Nichols wrote an article entitled ``Flowers of Tomorrow Are Seeds of Today'', which I believe is an accurate representation of her kind and exuberant demeanor. This outlook is the product of a healthy life philosophy which was passed on to her by her grandmother, Viola Erhart. It is quite simple and yet at the same time incredibly profound. At its core is the saying: ``May each person I see today go happier for it on his way''. She lives by this motto every day as a wife, friend and teacher. Mrs. Nichols' greatest service to our community lies in her devotion as a teacher to the spreading of this wonderful vision among her students. She understands that while the young mind is fragile, it is at the same time remarkably open. By recognizing our children as the flowers of tomorrow and instilling within them her grandmother's message of kindness, Sue is actively contributing to the development of these same values among her students. Mrs. Nichols deserves the greatest praise both from the families of these young boys and girls, and from all those whose lives she will touch. Her efforts are an invaluable investment in our community's future and we are all truly blessed to have her in the classroom. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding Mrs. Sue Nichols for her outstanding service to the youth of our community.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, Republicans have returned fiscal responsibility and discipline to Washington. When House Republicans became a majority in 1994, there were deficits as far as the eye could see. Today, because House Republicans held the line on spending and reined in President Clinton and House Democrats, there is boundless prosperity. And because of this, America has reelected a House Republican majority for four consecutive elections. It is now time to work together across party lines. The American public has a right to expect their elected officials to work together to address the people's business. The next Congress, America's 107th, will have a unique opportunity to do this, making a fresh start with a new President in the White House. Mr. Speaker, even in this time of prosperity, our Nation faces real challenges. There are challenges I know that we can meet by working together. And I am confident that I speak for all the Members of the new Congress in pledging to put people ahead of politics.