Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to our colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. McCollum). (Mr. McCOLLUM asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to our colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Franks).

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart), a prime sponsor of this legislation.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, the Inter-American Development Bank was established in 1959 with the purpose of helping to develop economic markets in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its original membership included 19 Latin American and Caribbean countries and the United States. Today, it boasts a membership of 46 countries, 28 within the region and 18 in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The Bank has committed itself to financing projects that seek to improve the lives of our neighbors within the region by promoting small business, supporting state modernization projects with the purpose of strengthening democratic systems, and complementing ongoing public sector and economic reforms which focus on energy, transportation, and communications systems. In an era of increased trade globalization and market diversification, the Inter-American Development Bank has played an essential role in helping expand competitive trade markets for Latin American and Caribbean countries. By 1997 in fact, the Bank had approved 2,456 loans totaling $84 billion to help these countries work towards economic integration. As part of the Free Trade of the Americas process, the Inter-American Development Bank had been a key force in implementing strategies to support sub-regional integration and provide support for the FTAA Working Groups. IDB's programs have served to strengthen the Western Hemisphere by helping to expand trade, diversify exports, and increase competitiveness. As the Inter-American Development Bank celebrates its 40th year of service, I commend their dedication to mobilizing resources for the region and for its role as a catalyst for social and economic development within the Hemisphere.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, the Miami River project should be a priority in this year's consideration of the Water Resources Development Act. The Miami River Commission and the Miami River Marine Group remind us that it is vitally important that we act to provide the necessary Federal cost share so that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' 1990 recommendations for navigational maintenance dredging of the Miami River be implemented as soon as possible. Congress must clarify the language of the Act so that the intended 75 percent Federal and 25 percent non-Federal cost share formula will be applied in the Miami River project to the cost of navigational maintenance dredging, including disposal costs. The removal of these toxic sediments will have the added benefit of eliminating a significant pollution threat to Biscayne Bay, one of our most pristine environments. The Miami River is the fifth largest port in our State of Florida. Any further delay in dredging could endanger one of our Nation's most critical shipping links to the Caribbean and Latin America. We must maintain this environmental river, as well as restore the environmental quality of a key part of south Florida's ecosystem.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to one of Miami-Dade County's finest, a man who has valiantly defended the streets of our cities for over thirty years, Miami-Dade County Police Chief Jimmie L. Brown. A special celebration will soon be held in honor of Chief Brown's long devotion and commitment to defend and protect our South Florida streets. For the last 30 years, Chief Brown has served in law enforcement, his latest assignment being Chief of Special Investigations. He also serves as church pastor, radio show host, adjunct professor and consultant, always being instrumental and positively influential to many in the community. As a soldier in the U.S. Air Force, Chief Brown was awarded a Bronze Star and Air Force commendation medals for service in Vietnam. General Robert R. Lee once said, ``duty is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less.'' These words embody the kind of exemplary life that Chief Brown conducted as he always lived a life of sacrifice and service. Chief Brown additionally volunteers his time and energy to a host of other community organizations and affiliations. Having received over 100 awards from professional and civic groups, as well as having earned an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from International Seminary, Chief Brown will retire in April and will be missed greatly by all members and employees of the Miami-Dade Police Department.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I would like to tell my colleagues and the visitors here today about a very special place in south Florida, the Women's Park. This is the very first park of its kind anywhere in the entire country that is devoted solely to the contributions that women have made to our community, our history, to our society and our lives. It is hoped that the many achievements made by women will be recognized throughout the entire year and not just now during the month of March, which is designated as Women's History Month. When the Women's Park opened in Miami in 1992, it was dedicated to all the women of the community in recognition of their diverse contributions to our quality of life. Madam Speaker, I hope that the Women's Park in Miami will serve as an inspiration to celebrate the many achievements of women throughout our country, and if any of my congressional colleagues would like to start such a women's park in their communities, I will be glad to work with them so we can all celebrate the many achievements of women.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, 40 years ago this week the people of Tibet, in what is known as the Lhasa Uprising, revolted against the illegal and tyrannical occupation of their nation by the Communist Chinese. Unfortunately, their attempt to free their homeland was defeated by the brutal force of the Chinese occupying force, forcing the spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, to flee into exile. Today, their struggle for freedom continues and is embodied by the tireless efforts of the Dalai Lama, who travels the world seeking support for the autonomy of his nation. The south Florida community is proud to receive the Dalai Lama on April 16 at Florida International University in Miami in his never- ending journey to preach the language of freedom. In south Florida, the Dalai Lama will find unconditional support for his enslaved nation because a large portion of my community knows all too well the pain of having to flee one's homeland to escape Communist oppression. Their struggle and the message of the Dalai Lama reminds us all that although the Cold War is over, millions still suffer under the tyranny of communism. Whether Tibet or Cuba, the world, and in particular the U.S., cannot forget the suffering of these enslaved people.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, continuing on its long tradition of service to all of us in the south Florida area, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation will hold its annual super Sunday phonathon this coming weekend, and this charitable event unites volunteers from throughout our area in an effort to raise the funds to provide necessary services to the many needy individuals in south Florida, but it extends even wider, to Israel and 60 other countries throughout the world. As in past years, hundreds of volunteers will help raise funds that will be destined to programs that will provide free hot meals to poor elderly in our community who otherwise might go hungry. It will also assist youngsters learn more about the Jewish experience through educational programs that it offers. Moreover, Jewish refugees will be assisted with the funds through a resettlement program that aims to help these displaced persons begin a new life free of persecution from their native homelands. The Greater Miami Jewish Federation of south Florida has become a source of pride and support for all of us in south Florida, but in particular to those who are needy. For decades, it has been the leading community activist organization that has served the less fortunate. The work of this outstanding organization is an example of how the private sector can help the less fortunate in the community at a time of dwindling government resources, and they do so with great effectiveness. I congratulate the Greater Miami Jewish Federation on its continuing efforts to help the poor in our community and wish them the best of success to all of those involved in this worthwhile event, and I urge all of our south Florida community to come out this super Sunday and become one of the many volunteers helping the Greater Miami Jewish Federation in its very successful phonathon.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Miami's own Cedars Medical Center for having been named one of the top 100 hospitals for 1998 by the Health Care Industry Agency (HCIA) and William M. Mercer Incorporated. For 38 years, Cedars Medical Center has provided top quality health care to the many patients and residents of South Florida and, in fact, 1998 was the second consecutive year that Cedars Medical Center was ranked as a national benchmark in an annual study entitled 100 Top Hospitals: Benchmark for Success. This annual study conducted by HCIA and Mercer's health care provider consulting practice identifies U.S. hospitals that deliver cost-efficient and highest quality medical care, and today South Florida is proud to pay tribute to Cedars Medical Hospital for having been nationally recognized for its ability to always exceed the needs and expectations of their patients and for continuing to commit itself to excellence. In addition to being nationally ranked in an analysis of over 3,000 acute-care hospitals across the country, Cedars Medical Center received Mercury awards for its superior overall performance in the specializations of orthopedics and oncology, based on a new study of 21 Miami area hospitals, released by America's Health Network. I congratulate Steven D. Sonenreich, CEO of Cedars; John H. O'Neil, Jr., Chairman of the Board; Dr. Luis Pagan, Chief of Medical Staff, as well as every employee and member of Cedars for their individual important and unforgettable contributions and for their many sacrificial efforts that together enabled Cedars Medical Center to be among the finest in our country.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it is estimated that this year alone approximately 44,000 women will lose their lives to breast cancer and an additional 15,000 will die from cervical cancer. As these treacherous diseases continue to spread in women, researchers work diligently in hopes of finding a cure for cancerous cells and in hopes of providing solutions to improve and extend the lives of cancer patients. Yet with all this new technology and new medications, scores of low-income women, mothers, daughters and wives, will never know the benefits of this new research because they simply cannot afford treatment for their potentially fatal cancer. The gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio) will soon introduce a bill that will provide States with an optional Medicaid benefit to provide coverage for treatment to low-income women who are screened and diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through our Federal CDC Early Detection Program. With little cost to taxpayers, passing this fiscally conservative legislation will literally mean saving the lives of thousands of women. I urge each and every one of our colleagues to sponsor this bill.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues about an important event, the St. Joseph's Day Breakfast, that will be held on March 18th, and I strongly urge anyone who can be present to attend. The St. Joseph's Day Breakfast is sponsored by a truly exceptional organization called the Faith and Politics Institute. The St. Joseph's Day Breakfast celebrates the day of St. Joseph, who is the patron saint of the worker. This event brings Members of Congress together with leaders of our Nation's labor unions. As they break bread together, they will remember the religious values and the moral imperative that underlie the struggle for economic justice. This is a bipartisan event sponsored by our colleagues the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. John Lewis) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Amo Houghton) to honor those who have acted courageously on behalf of the working men and women of our country. The St. Joseph's Day Breakfast is also the primary event of the Faith and Politics Institute, and the motto of this wonderful organization best sums up their goals and their accomplishments: spirit, community and conscience in public life. The Faith and Politics Institute was established in 1991 as an interfaith, nonpartisan approach to reach consensus across party lines and break down the polarization that often engulfs our body. The mission of Faith and Politics seeks to provide occasions for moral reflection and spiritual community to political leaders, and draws upon the moral lessons and religious traditions to encourage civility and respect for one another and differing opinions. These values, civility and respect, are essential to our strong democracy, and toward this end Faith and Politics have brought Mark Gerzon to Washington for private meetings a year before he led our Members into the historic bipartisan Hershey retreat. Since its inception, the Institute has brought to Capitol Hill a combination of theological perspective, spiritual sensitivity, and political know-how as it has undertaken projects on behalf of labor, race, economic exploitation, the environment, and kindness to all. Last June this marvelous organization kicked off, with the help of General Colin Powell, the ``Congressional Conversations on Race'', which is spearheaded by a bipartisan steering committee made up of equal numbers of Republican and Democrat Members. The goal is to ``evoke the potential among Members of Congress, seeking spiritual insights to provide creative moral leadership on racial issues.'' They have already sponsored many events to bring about a dialogue on race, and will continue to do so, understanding that the ``serious of experiences to deepen Members' understandings and to strengthen their leadership in the realm of race relations'' is a worthy goal. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get involved with this wonderful Institute, to go to the breakfast, if they can, because it is good for us individually and good for the country as a whole.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, a new documentary by renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg, entitled ``The Last Days,'' tells the tragic tale of the Nazi Holocaust through the eyes of five Hungarian Jews who personally experienced and survived this horrific period of history. One of the survivors featured in the documentary is one of the most articulate Members of Congress, our colleague from California, Tom Lantos. Tom is one of the five Hungarian Jews who describes their experiences in a Nazi war camp. Fortunately, unlike an estimated 438,000 other Hungarian Jews and millions of other Jews in Europe, our colleague was able to escape his death sentence. It is to Tom's credit that, decades after his experience with totalitarianism, he has not forgotten those around the world who live under repressive regimes. From China to Cuba, Tom gives voice to those who are forced to remain silent by repressive regimes. I urge all of our colleagues to view ``The Last Days'' to remind ourselves that we must always fight against tyranny.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, the past few weeks the Castro dictatorship has initiated an all-out crackdown on the internal opposition and the independent press, who day after day fight for freedom, for democracy and for human rights in Cuba. Yesterday, under strict secrecy, four of Cuba's most prominent dissidents, Felix Bonne, Marta Beatriz Roque, Vladimiro Roca and Rene Gomez Manzano were put on trial after spending almost 600 days in prison with no charges filed against them. The crime committed by these four freedom-loving individuals: Drafting a document that criticizes the Cuban communist regime's repressive policies. And it was entitled ``The Homeland Belongs to All of Us.'' This document called for the establishment of democracy in Cuba and the holding of free elections on the island. The dissidents now face up to 5 years in prison and more on these trumped-up charges. It has been reported that dozens of independent journalists and other dissidents were summarily rounded up this past weekend on the eve of the trial. The purpose of this massive wave of arrests was to assure that opponents of the regime did not tell the international community of the Roman circus that the dictatorship dares to call a fair and a just trial. Despite the strengthening totalitarian nature of the Castro regime, the internal opposition in Cuba continues to work tirelessly to call to the attention of the world the plight of the Cuban people. In response to the valiant efforts of the Cuban internal opposition, merely 2 weeks ago Fidel Castro imposed yet a new law on the island that punishes up to 15 and more years in jail any Cuban who disseminates what the regime considers counterrevolutionary information. Leading human rights organizations around the world have noted the intensification of human rights abuses on the island of Cuba. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and the recently released U.S. State Department Human Rights Report all concur that the Cuban regime continues to systematically violate the fundamental civil and political rights of all of its citizens. Cuba today remains the Stalinist state that it has been for 40 years under Fidel Castro. The rights of freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of religion, and all of the other rights that free men and women enjoy are denied to the Cuban people. The latest crackdown is but the most recent example of this four-decade old nightmare that has engulfed the island. Mr. Speaker, the United States Congress must continue to raise our voice in support of the freedom fighters in Cuba who day in and day out put their lives on the line to create a Democratic opening on the island. Last year, during his visit to Cuba, Pope John Paul II called on the Castro dictatorship to open up Cuba to the world. A year after the Pontiff's visit, Castro has not even opened Cuba up to its own people. On the contrary, the regime continues to tighten the noose of repression around the necks of the people of the island. The people of Cuba need the solidarity of the United States and all the nations of the world. Let us not turn our backs on them at this critical time. This week my congressional colleagues and I will be submitting a resolution which will detail facts on the Castro regime and on the international community. We call upon the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva to help the Cuban people, because this provides a forum for discussing the human rights situation throughout the world, for condemning abuses and gross violations of these liberties, and for establishing an international mechanism to express support for the protection and defense of these inherent natural rights. The actions taken by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights establishes a precedence for a further course of action, and it sends a message to the international community that the protection and promotion of human rights is indeed still a priority for all of us. The universal declaration of human rights guides global human rights policy and it asserts that all human beings are born free and should live in dignity with rights. Religious freedom in Cuba is severely restrained, and we have clergy and lay people who are suffering sustained repression by the Cuban state security apparatus. The government of Cuba continues to violate the rights of the child as well by engaging in child labor and in child prostitution. It routinely restricts workers' rights, including the right to form independent unions. Mr. Speaker, we will continue to be vigilant in fighting against these violations, and we call on the international community to help us in this hour of need.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, for 594 days, Cuban dissidents Vladimiro Roca, Marta Beatriz Roque, Felix Bonne, and Rene Gomez Manzano have been behind Fidel Castro's prison bars, with no charges filed against them, for disseminating the document entitled, ``The Homeland Belongs to All of Us,'' that dares to speak of counterrevolutionary beliefs, such as freedom, democracy, and human rights. Yesterday, the regime began a kangaroo court trial behind closed doors against these four brave freedom fighters who face even more jail time. The trial of these four dissidents comes only days after the regime imposed a new law that severely punishes those who promote anti- revolutionary information. Foreign diplomats and reporters who had expressed an interest in being present at this show trial were summarily dismissed. Foreign observers are not even allowed less than two blocks from the building in which these mock trials are being held. On the eve of this mockery of justice, dozens of Cuban independent journalists and other dissidents, who risk their lives in an attempt to inform the international community about the reality inside Cuba, were arbitrarily arrested to prevent them from reporting on the proceedings. Mr. Speaker, it is evident that the last tyrant of our hemisphere is not about to change his totalitarian nature.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a great man of God, a visionary who founded the order of the Marist Brothers of the Schools and a Saint-to-be, Marcellin Champagnat. Born in France in 1789, Marcellin Champagnat acquired a deep and unshakeable faith in God and in the protection of Mary. Remembering his own educational deprivation as a child, Marcellin made a sincere commitment to catechize poor children and provide them with a basic education. During his time in the major seminary of the Archdiocese of Lyons, Marcellin spread his contagious fervor, forming the nucleus of what was to later become the Society of Mary, or Marist Fathers. As the Marist family continued to grow, the Marist Sisters, the Marist Missionary Sisters, and the Third Order of Mary were formed in addition to the Marist Fathers and Brothers. Today, there are over 6,200 Marist Brothers worldwide doing God's work in 75 different countries and 14 states which continue to carry out educational ministries in the Marist tradition. On Sunday, April 18, as the Roman Catholic Church canonizes Marcellin Champagnat at a ceremony in St. Peter Basilica in Rome, the Cuban Maristas Alumnae Association, of my Congressional district will be preparing a mass at St. John Vianey Seminary and a reception at Christopher Columbus High School in my Congressional district to pay homage to Father Marcellin Champagnat.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, an organization located in my Congressional district, the World Federation of Former Cuban Political Prisoners, represents an organized effort of commitment and action of former political prisoners of the Castro dictatorship who continue their historic struggle against the despotic regime of Fidel Castro. As the organization's constitution expresses, the World Federation of Former Cuban Political Prisoners finds its historic roots in those brave men and women who forged the Cuban nation, and in particular, in the ideological leader of Cuban independence, Jose Marti. Thousands of Cubans, following Marti's example, have been personal witnesses to the horrors of Castro's political prisons because of their tireless battle for Cuba's independence, national sovereignty and respect for freedom within a democratic political system. During the closing session of the XVI Annual Congress of this glorious organization, I want my Congressional colleagues to acknowledge with admiration and respect all former and present Cuban political prisoners who have given and continue to give their all for the restoration of freedom in Cuba.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today marks the third anniversary of the callous murder of four innocent civilians by the Castro regime. On a fateful day 3 years ago, Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre, Mario de la Pena, and Pablo Morales boarded their Brothers to the Rescue planes, as they had done so many times before, to search the waters off the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean for Cuban refugees who risk their lives in makeshift rafts in search of freedom and liberty. On the afternoon of February 24th, 1996, the ruthless nature of the Castro regime was once again clearly revealed. Like vultures awaiting their prey, Cuban Migs circled and hovered until they locked on to the frail Cessna planes carrying Carlos, Armando, Mario and Pablo. There would be no out outcry from the international community, as the strongest resolution obtained from the U.N. Human Rights Commission was one which only expressed dismay at the shootdown; and the Castro regime would continue to act with impunity. Most recently, in an attempt to silence the independent journalists and the opposition leaders, the Castro regime implemented a law which classified a broad range of activities as illegal and carries a 30-year prison sentence. For the sake of those four men, and for anyone who is suffering under Castro's tyranny, the U.S. cannot appease the Castro regime.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow we commemorate 3 years since the Castro dictatorship indiscriminately killed four young men, three of them American citizens, when two Cuban MIGs shot down their aircraft over international waters while they were on a humanitarian mission. Three years after the cold blooded murder of Pablo Morales, Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre, and Mario de la Pena, the Castro dictatorship continues its brutal reign of terror over the Cuban people, and in fact it has intensified this attack. Just last week, the rubber stamp Cuban National Assembly approved a new law that punishes with 15 years in prison or more anyone on the island who promotes information that the totalitarian regime considers to be counter-revolutionary. This measure outlaws ``the supply, search or gathering of information'' and bans ``the collaboration directly or through third parties, with radio and television stations, newspapers, magazines, and other mass media'' that do not follow the lines of the Castro regime. The new law is aimed at silencing the increasing number of dissidents, of independent journalists, and of human rights activists who are fighting day in and day out for freedom and democracy in my native homeland of Cuba. These activists are a main source of information to the international community on the human rights violations that occur in Cuba. They literally put their lives on the line to let the world know of the repression imposed on the Cuban people. Because of their effectiveness, the regime has initiated an allout crackdown against them. According to the International Press Institute, ``Cuban authorities routinely threaten, arrest and jail journalists, often attempting to persuade them to leave the country.'' One persecuted independent journalist, Juan Tellez Rodriguez, recently said of the Castro regime that ``The government in Havana continues to close itself off to the world, it is deaf to the cries of the international community and it insists on its closed, oppressive political system.'' He continues saying ``It does not even open to its own people, who suffer and die slowly.'' Castro himself has made it clear that he has no intention of implementing any type of democratic reform in Cuba. Earlier this year, the Cuban tyrant reiterated his commitment to socialism or death and claimed ``I still speak the same, dress the same and think the same.'' Oh, yes, we know this. The last few weeks have been particularly busy for Castro and his thugs. For example, on January 5, pro human rights activist, Ernesto Colas Garcia, was detained, threatened, and beaten by Castro's thugs when returning home from a human rights organization meeting. On January 14, five dissidents, among them, Rolando Munoz Yyobre and Ofelia Nardo, were detained while on their way to attend a peaceful march in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. On January 20, Cuban independent journalist, Jesus Diaz Hernandez, was sentenced to 4 years in jail for dangerous social behavior for his reporting of human rights abuses. Sadly, under the new law imposed by the dictator, the next independent journalist like Jesus Diaz Hernandez will not be sentenced to 4 years but rather at least 15 years in prison. Just this morning, The Miami Herald reports that Dr. Oscar Eliaz Biscet, of the Lawton Foundation for Human Rights, a leading dissident group on the island, was arrested after participating in an event to commemorate the third anniversary of the regime's massacre of the Brothers to the Rescue pilots. Dr. Biscet had been previously detained and arrested for pro-democracy activities. Mr. Speaker, the Clinton administration should wake up and take notice before it continues weakening U.S. policy toward Castro, because the dictator has no intention of loosening up his grip on power. Flirting with the dictator through easing of sanctions will not work. And certainly no baseball game or rock musical concert will bring freedom to Cuba either. The United States should not reward Castro for his repression. Doing so would be unconscionable. Let us remember the four brave young men who were killed by Castro's thugs just 3 years ago, Pablo Morales, Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre, and Mario de la Pena. In their names and in the names of so many others who are victims of Castro oppression, let us renew our commitment to help bring freedom and democracy to the enslaved people of Cuba.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, this Monday will mark the 179th anniversary of the birth of Susan B. Anthony, a prominent figure in our Nation's history whose influence has been as remarkable as any President of the United States. Susan B. Anthony's lifelong work to ensure equal rights for women and essentially equal rights for all mankind can never be forgotten nor understated. However, some choose to ignore how her struggle to obtain equal rights also included the rights of the unborn. To Susan B. Anthony, abortion could never be separated from her promotion of women's rights. She could not separate the two causes, because to those early feminists, abortion was nothing less than child murder. She said, ``We want prevention, not punishment.'' For her, such prevention meant promoting dignity and true equality for the born and the unborn. Every American, and especially every female, owes much to pioneers such as Susan B. Anthony. On this upcoming 179th anniversary of her birth, we should all pay tribute to this great American, to this great leader, to this wonderful right-to-life advocate, Susan B. Anthony.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute today to an outstanding citizen and great man of God, the Reverend Father Armando Balado who will celebrate his golden 50th anniversary in the order of priesthood on March 24. Born in Havana, Cuba, Fr. Balado entered seminary at the young age of eighteen and was ordained by Cardinal Manuel Arteaga Betancourt and performed pastoral responsibilities in a number of Cuban towns for the next 12 years. Fr. Balado was one of thousands of Cubans tormented and persecuted by Fidel Castro and his imposed communist regime. By 1961, he and 100 Brothers of the Order of La Salle became some of the thousands of religious leaders who were forcibly driven to leave Cuba due to their faith. The U.S. granted Fr. Balado the opportunity of continuing his holy calling to the order of priesthood as he performed duties in Catholic churches of Los Angeles, Puerto Rico and Miami. Fr. Balado soon pastored a variety of churches throughout the state of Florida and assisted in the building of a parochial school in Miami. He remains in Miami as the appointed Pastor of St. Raymond of Penyafort where he has served for 11 years and where he is loved and respected by parishioners and the South Florida community.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, this afternoon I would like to highlight an issue that is of great importance to the future of our wonderful country. I want to talk about a rapidly-growing, pervasive disease that is affecting the stability of many families and many homes throughout our land. Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk about breast and cervical cancer and how it is up to each and every one of us to eradicate this disease, and how each one of us could be faced with the opportunity to help eradicate these diseases by cosponsoring the bill sponsored by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio), The Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act of 1999. Breast and cervical cancer do not discriminate. These diseases can affect every mother, daughter, sister, including ours. And although these diseases are not as of yet preventable, they can be stopped in their tracks with treatment if they are detected early in their development. Congress has gone as far as passing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, and this provides screening for women who do not have health insurance coverage and who do not qualify for either Medicaid nor Medicare. While this was a great advancement, it became evident that it was only an initial step and that a more viable yet long-term solution was needed. What is needed is funding for treatment services once a woman is diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer. What happens to the woman who is diagnosed with this through the Federal CDC program and is not able, not financially able to afford treatment? Should she be left to die? Should she be forced to spend her days holding bake sales and car washes to get the funds needed to treat her potentially fatal disease? Should she be forced to let time elapse as she scrambles for money from various health care agencies and dwindling State funds? Unfortunately, this is the scenario that is occurring in the lives of many women who are diagnosed positively through the CDC program. In my congressional district of Miami, for example, Mr. Speaker, a lady named Yolanda qualified for a free mammogram screening, and after suspicious results, was recommended for a surgical biopsy. This recommendation took place a year ago, yet Yolanda has yet to undergo a biopsy for fear of placing an even bigger financial burden on her husband, who holds only a low-paying job. Another constituent of my congressional district named Maria was recommended to undergo diagnostic procedures after an abnormal screening in 1996. Although she qualified for free diagnostic procedures, she was told that treatment would not be covered. As a result, Maria has yet to undergo these necessary procedures for fear that she would not be able to pay for treatment if, in fact, the treatment is needed. The bill of the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio), The Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act, will put an end to the cruel and heartbreaking irony of providing screenings, yet no treatment. His bill will provide States an optional Medicaid benefit to provide coverage for treatment to low-income women screened and diagnosed with breast and cervical cancer through the CDC early detection program. Fortunately, the number of women who need actual treatment for these cancers are not many. In fact, through the CDC program less than 4,000 women have been diagnosed with breast cancer and less than 350 women have been diagnosed with cervical cancer over a period of 9 years. With little cost to the taxpayer, the legislation of the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio) would positively impact the lives of thousands of women and their families by providing guaranteed access to treatment. I salute the National Breast Cancer Coalition and especially my constituent, Jane Torres, who is the President of the Florida Breast Cancer Coalition, for bringing this important issue to the forefront of our agenda. Through their many years of hard work and dedication to advocate sufficient funding for research and education, and for ensuring quality in health care for all without fear of discrimination, many of these women have been helped. Before my colleagues prepare to go back to their districts, I hope that all of us in the Congress will remember the Yolandas and the Marias in their districts as well. I hope that they will acknowledge the many cases that resemble theirs and the many women who are counting on us to do the right thing. I hope that all of us will support The Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act, to give women a fighting chance against this disease and to truly reduce the incidence of death from breast and cervical cancer.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, another leading citizen of our community unfortunately is no longer with us, and I would like to say a few words about this very unique individual. In Latin there is a phrase ``sui generis'' which refers to something unique and rare. I can think of no other way to describe our former South Florida colleague, Dante Fascell. Dante was a man of vision and of skill, whose intellect and political sense were instrumental in the passage of countless foreign policy measures throughout his tenure in this House, and in particular during the 14 years that he had the great privilege of chairing the Committee on International Relations which was then called the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Dante Fascell was a vital figure in the fight for democracy in my native homeland of Cuba, in all of Central America. He authored programs such as the Cuban Refugees Assistance Act, and he advocated the founding and was successful in establishing Radio and TV Marti. The freedom fighters throughout our Western Hemisphere always knew that they enjoyed the support of Chairman Dante Fascell because he not only fought to protect the national security interests of his country, our beloved United States, but he was unwavering in his efforts to help those who are struggling to regain their rights as freedom-loving human beings, as citizens of the world, and as brothers and sisters in the greater family of nations. Dante Fascell understood the idiosyncracies, the internal political dynamics, the historical context, and the global developments which impacted our region, especially the North-South relations, and for this reason he spearheaded and was successful in the creation of the North- South Center in his hometown of Miami and his beloved university, the University of Miami. He did this in order to promote an even greater understanding of the issues, in order to move the discussions toward a proactive solution-based approach. It is appropriate that the father of the North-South Center, the man whose vision and perseverance helped make this dream a reality, be honored by having the North-South Center carry his name and the University of Miami, and in this fashion the legacy of Dante Fascell will continue to inspire future generations of leaders. So I am honored today to say some words of praise to a man who is no longer with us, Dante Fascell, but also to praise today's leaders who are very much with us, like Jennifer Valoppi, and who are leading the way for the women leaders of tomorrow.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I would like to highlight tonight the accomplishments of Jennifer Valoppi, a woman who has served as a wonderful example for teenage girls in my community of South Florida, and at the same time she has committed herself to her profession, rising to excellence within her chosen field as a television anchor. In 1997 Jennifer conceived, created and founded what is now a very successful program in South Florida called Women of Tomorrow. She convinced her employer, NBC 6, to sponsor this wonderful, ambitious program that has helped so many teens who otherwise might not have successful role models to look up to. ``Women of Tomorrow'' is structured in such a way that it pairs professional women in our South Florida area with teenage girls in order to improve their self-esteem, and it also provides guidance and nurturing in their lives. This fantastic program is designed to show young women the endless possibilities ahead of them as they embark on the beginning of their adult lives. Mentors meet with small groups, usually no larger than 10 girls in a group, to discuss the girls' ambitions, their motivations, their positive attitudes, the achievement of their dreams, in addition to sharing personal stories of triumph and, of course, temporary setbacks and obstacles. In addition to launching this wonderful organization devoted to teenage girls, Jennifer Valoppi is a multi-Emmy award winning journalist who has twice been named ``Best TV News Anchor.'' She inspires us with her dedication and her drive to improve the world around us. Madam Speaker, Jennifer Valoppi has made a tremendous mark on our community. I applaud all of her efforts, and I hope that more women of South Florida get in touch with Jennifer and also become part of this teen mentoring program, Women of Tomorrow. the dante fascell north-south center