Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, in the week of the Olympic games it is fitting that the President rendered a decision filled with Olympic-size doublespeak essentially waiving the right of American citizens to sue foreign investors who traffic in their stolen property in Cuba. With the agility of a gymnast, President Clinton found a way to jump around the law to deny American citizens their day in court while scoring points with foreign investors who enrich themselves from stolen goods. Once again we have a lack of leadership emanating from the White House in Cuba policy. It is clear from yesterday's nondecision decision that a definite change in White House leadership and character is necessary if our foreign policy is to be based on principle and not on the next election. Mr. Speaker, the President deserves a gold medal for his sorry performance in caving in to foreign interests, while lamentably he falls out of the medal count in standing up for freedom and democracy in Cuba and in defending American interests.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Citizenship U.S.A. Program established by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Citizenship U.S.A. is the largest effort in the history of the Immigration and Naturalization Service to help eligible immigrants become U.S. citizens. This combined effort will allow the INS to be current with citizenship applications by the end of the summer. In order to achieve this goal, INS is focusing on updating three major components of the citizenship system--hiring of additional people, improving the process, and expanding INS's partnership with local officials and community organizations. This program's necessity has been established by a dramatic rise of citizenship applications from an average of 300,000 annually before fiscal year 1994 to more than 1 million in fiscal year 1995, with more than 1 million additional applications expected for fiscal year 1996. The Miami district has been especially hard pressed, receiving nearly 107,000 N-400 applications in fiscal year 1995. This is easily a 174- percent increase over fiscal year 1994. In order to meet the above challenge, INS has already approached several critical milestones as a result of this program. In February, INS opened the new Miami Citizenship Center. This serves as the new home for the entire Miami citizenship staff and is dedicated to the testing and interviewing of naturalization applicants. INS has also substantially increased its officer and clerical staff throughout the country, and has been able to extend its hours of operation significantly as a direct result. Citizenship U.S.A. has also contributed to completions of N-400 citizenship applications. As a result of this program, the Miami district completed 29,898 N-400 applications in the first 6 months of fiscal year 1996, more than the total number completed in all of fiscal year 1995. The Miami district expects to swear in an average of 24,000 new citizens each month during the peak period of this initiative. I congratulate INS for this meritorious program.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, south Florida was shocked earlier this week when a video was released showing top United States military officials exchanging gifts and pleasantries at the Guantanamo Naval Base with Cuban general and known Cuban assassin, General Perez-Perez. At one point the chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command refers to the Cuban thug as ``My General,'' while another tells Castro's communist partner that a plaque he received as a gift from him would be put in a place of honor. I propose that if we must exchange gifts with Castro officials, let us give them an indictment for their criminal acts and a key to free jailed political dissidents. Let us give them a reproduction of the Statute of Liberty and a ballot, symbols of freedom and democracy. This repugnant display of camaraderie of a top official of a totalitarian military regime which recently murdered in cold blood American citizens and which continues to harm the United States at every opportunity, is not only a disgusting sight to behold, but an insult to the thousands of men and women of our military who risk their lives every day to defend the principles of freedom and democracy we proudly enjoy in this Nation. Either Fidel Castro is our enemy or he is not. Let us have these officials explain these actions to us.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, recently, the East African nation of Eritrea celebrated the third anniversary of its independence. This is truly an occasion to rejoice for developing nations all over the world. After winning a 30-year war for independence in 1991, the Eritrean people set out to build their new nation with the same resolve, determination, and self-reliance they used to achieve military victory. Today, Eritrea is stable, secure, and putting down strong roots for a future of democracy and prosperity. The Eritrean people and their leaders are hard at work building their infrastructure, reconstructing their cities, creating an investment-friendly economy, and revitalizing the agricultural sector in order to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. The results so far are mind-boggling. Asmara has become one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Asmara to Massawa railroad is being painstakingly rebuilt. And modern innovations in medicine and agriculture are improving the standard of living by leaps and bounds. Through it all, the Eritreans are exhibiting a marvelous spiritedness and dedication that is an inspiration to all of us. The media is starting to notice: National Geographic, the New York Times, my hometown newspaper, the Miami Herald, and CBS News, among others have all had major stories featuring Eritrea recently. I also want to alert my colleagues that between June 24 through June 29, in the Cannon rotunda, there will be an exhibit of Eritrean art reflecting their people's struggle and triumph. Once again, I salute Ambassador Amdemicael Khasai, President Isaias Afwerki, and the valiant people of Eritrea.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it gives me tremendous pleasure to pay tribute to Gesu Catholic Church of Miami, which has for the past 100 years been the spiritual heart for the people of south Florida. As Miami celebrates its centennial anniversary, so too does the Gesu Catholic Church. Together the city and the church have been harmonious partners in a relationship that has seen Miami become a premier city of the United States and the Americas. As the first house of worship in Miami, Gesu's contributions to the cultural, religious, educational, and charitable development of south Florida have been enormous. Indeed, Gesu has been a loving place of worship that has allowed many community leaders including Steve Clark, mayor of the city of Miami, J.L. Plummer, commissioner of the city of Miami, and Arthur Estopinan, my chief of staff in Washington, DC, a site of reflection and inspiration. For my chief of staff, Arthur Estopinan, the church takes on a special significance. Arthur worked part time after school in the rectory since he was 13 years old until after graduating from college, helping to coordinate liturgies with Father John Edwards, S.J.; Father Bill Mayer, S.J.; and Father Donald Pearce, S.J. The loving influence that the Jesuits at Gesu have shown Arthur enabled him to become a man of the highest moral character. Gesu has served as a beacon of hope for many people from many different lands who came to this great Nation in search of freedom. It is a historic landmark that has a devoted following of parishioners that come together to celebrate their faith and heritage. The American people should be extraordinarily proud of the accomplishments of Gesu during the past century and I am confident that Gesu will have an equally outstanding history in the century to come.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, Camilo Fenandez, a man widely admired and respected throughout the Hispanic community of the United States, will receive the 1996 Manuel Antonio de Varona Award, from the Junta Patriotica Cubana, in recognition of his extraordinary public service career. Camilo Fernandez is the President of the Asociacion Pro-Cuba and also of the regional New Jersey Board of Directors of the Junta Patriotica Cubana. He has also presided, with great distinction, the Lions Club Chapter of Elizabeth, NJ, also serving in its Board of Directors for 20 consecutive years and as Vice-Governor for the 16th-E district of Lions International. These are only a few examples of the devoted and unselfish service he has provided his community. Throughout his exceptional life, Camilo Fernandez has been at the forefront of efforts to reestablish freedom and democracy in Cuba, his native homeland. The desire to see his fellow countrymen free from repression has been the primary inspiration of his life and continues even stronger today. Together with his wife, Maria Julia, Camilo Fernandez has demonstrated great leadership in his involvement in numerous civic, cultural and patriotic activities. For his tireless efforts in support of his community and for his perseverance in trying to bring freedom to his homeland of Cuba, I pay tribute to Camilo Fernandez. He truly is a giant among ordinary men.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, as Chair of the Subcommittee on Africa, I am pleased to have this opportunity to address the value of House Congressional Resolution 160--a resolution congratulating the people of the Republic of Sierra Leone on the success of their recent democratic multiparty elections. I would first like to commend our colleague, Mr. Houghton, on his leadership in introducing this resolution, and note that this measure received unanimous support of the members of the Subcommittee on Africa. The importance of this resolution is twofold. In the strictest sense, it serves to encourage the people of Sierra Leone to continue on the long and arduous journey toward political stabilization and the consolidation of an open, just society, and system of government. However, its impact extends beyond the boundaries of this West African country. This resolution serves as an inspiration to emerging and fragile democracies throughout the African continent. It serves to illustrate U.S. commitment to the promotion of democratic principles, as well as American resolve to support and guide emerging democracies through the process of reform and transition. Normally, the focus tends to be on those African countries who succumb to their tumultuous pasts and choose violence as instruments of political change. This resolution compensates for this trend by focusing on a success and a positive outcome. The people of Sierra Leone truly deserve our admiration for their commitment and determination to bring peace to their country and create an environment where democratic ideals could flourish as they have done. For five years, anarchy and civil war have swept through this West African country like a bitter wind, claiming the lives of thousands. Twenty-nine years of dictatorship gradually stripped the country of its potential for growth and prosperity. But, throughout, the people of Sierra Leone persevered. This year, they exerted their will, overcoming great obstacles in their quest for peace. They suffered in the cause of democracy, enduring beatings and mutilations to press ahead with the second round of Presidential elections of March 15. In the end, they were successful. For their fantastic courage, the people of Sierra Leone merit our respect. They are at a threshold. The restoration of civilian democratic rule offers the best chance of peace and security in Sierra Leone. Thus, it is imperative that we praise the achievements of the people of Sierra Leone, and send an unequivocal message of support for their ongoing efforts to ensure a future of stability and growth for their country. Thus, I urge my colleagues in the House to support this resolution.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I would have voted ``aye'' on House Resolution 430 if I had been present for this vote.

Ms. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate a lady much distinguished for her humanitarian efforts and desire to help others in need, Carmen Olavarrieta. Carmen has been recently recognized by UNICEF and has been selected to receive the Volunteer Distinguished Service Award in 1995- 96 for all of her exemplary work and dedication at this world-renowned organization. Since immigrating to the United States in 1961, Carmen has used her linguistic and teaching talents in order to teach students and even to co-author ``Hablemos Espanol,'' a publication used to teach Spanish to foreign students studying at the University of Madrid and Barcelona. In addition to serving as a volunteer at UNICEF, Carmen has also given her services to the League Against Cancer, the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association [Latin Division], and the Colombian Emergency Fund, a radio telemarathon to help the children during the volcanic eruption in Armero, Colombia. Carmen is a very caring person, dedicated not only to her family, but also to those who are less fortunate. She is a fine example of what ``love thy neighbor'' is all about.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, in an effort to help the Nation's health care system better serve the Hispanic population, the First Hispanic Women's Health Conference will be held in the Knight Center on May 9 and 10. It is sponsored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in collaboration with the Little Havana Activities and Nutrition Centers of Dade County and the University of Miami School of Medicine. Hispanic women have a number of health problems that are complicated by the cultural differences. A doctor who is unaware of the culture framework of her patients will find her job that much harder. For example, cancer carries a greater stigma in Hispanic populations, which results in a lack of early detection and the complications that then follow. The conference will hear from a number of individuals with practical experience in the delivery of health care to the Hispanic population. Among the topics they will address are diabetes, breast cancer, mental health, heart disease, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease. The objectives of this conference include helping the health care system to reach out to the Hispanic population in general and to Hispanic women in particular. The conference will provide a forum for the mutual exchange of information about the health needs and concerns of Hispanic women and to develop plans that will work in harmony with the cultural traditions of 27 million Americans. I congratulate all who are involved in this project for their work on this important conference and wish them success in this effort to improve the quality of life for so many.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with countless Americans who are staunch supporters of the rights of victims of crime. This is National Crime Victims' Rights Week. Almost any daily newspaper you read will have front page headlines that scream out accounts of violent acts perpetrated against a host of victims. Readers are bombarded by statistics on murders, armed robberies, rapes, gang violence, domestic violence, drugs and much, much more. Where are the stories about the victims of those crimes? When is the last time that you read an account of the impact of a victim's statement on the outcome of a legal proceeding? All too often, victims are the last thought of while the criminal is protected by a long list of rights. Those who work on behalf of victims of crime rarely receive the recognition that they deserve. Advocates come from all walks of life. Some are professionals, people who try to make a difference. Most, however, are volunteers who give selflessly of their time, energy and talents. They are tireless; they are insistent; they are creative. Along with my husband, Dexter Lehtinen, I worked on placing the protection of victims' rights in Florida's Constitution and then pressured the agencies to implement the provisions. National Crime Victims' Rights Week is a time of reflection and a call to action. As an example of what a concerned community can achieve, I would like to share with you just a few of the accomplishments of victims' rights advocates from the Miami area. In selecting just a few examples, I salute the work of these individuals. But more importantly, by extension, I would like to pay tribute to all to have taken up this cause. Victims themselves are often the best advocates. They have turned their misfortune, their grieving toward some wonderfully positive activities. John Walsh, father of six-year-old Adam, was instrumental in the founding of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. He will never have Adam back, but Adam's spirit is alive through the Center. Mr. and Mrs. Donald Ryce, grieving over the loss of their son, Jimmy, have stepped forward to share their message with anyone who will listen. They are working to establish a special training center at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which will be dedicated to educating law enforcement officers in how to investigate these sensitive cases, as well as bettering coordination among all our law enforcement agencies. Mr. and Mrs. Luis Melendi lost their daughter, Shannon, over 2 years ago. Shannon disappeared from a softball field near the campus of Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and has not been heard from since. The Melendi's have taken their case to the public, pushing for stronger measures to prevent known criminals from victimizing others. Potential victims can help themselves before they become victims. Taking a proactive approach, the Miami Junior League, in conjunction with AT&T, is collecting used cellular telephones in order to give them to women at risk of domestic violence. The phones will be preprogrammed with access to 911, so that help can be summoned immediately in case of attack. These examples highlight just a few of the many, diverse ways in which victims can assert their rights. I would especially like to highlight the work of Howard Greenstein, the Director of the Dade County Department of Justice System Support, who has been a staunch defender of victims' rights for years. May these individuals and their organizations have great success; may their creativity be encouraged and supported. May we remember the victims.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, today as we consider the antiterrorism bill, we do so in the memory also of those who were brutally killed when Libryan Government agents placed a bomb on Pan Am 103 on December 21, 1988. We can never forget the horror of that day. As we learned of the loss of Pan Am 103, each of us thought of the great human tragedy that had struck the families of those who were passengers on that plane. Those passengers were flying home for the Christmas holidays, and each of us knew in our hearts how much their families were suffering. For those who lost their loved ones in this despicable act of state terrorism, there can never be a moment's rest while those responsible for the murder of their loved ones remain at large. My good friend Victoria Cummock of Coral Gables, FL, is president of a group called ``Families of Pan Am 103/Lockerbie.'' Her husband, John Binning Cummock, was a victim of the Libyan terrorists that day. Victoria and many others in her group have worked for many years with diligence and dedication to encourage the Congress to enact effective legislation against terrorism so that no other family will again experience the tragedy that befell the families of Pan Am 103. Although nothing can ever replace their loved ones and there is no word of comfort that any of us could say to alleviate their loss, we can bring the Libyan Government to justice by voting for this bill. The bill creates a right for American citizens to sue in American courts any government that sponsors state terrorism. I am sure that an impartial jury, considering the nature of the Libyan act and its origin in Libyan Government policy, will conclude that financial compensation is indeed due to the families of the Pan Am 103 victims. The administration, for reasons that no one has ever really satisfactorily explained, opposed giving the families of the victims of state-sponsored terrorism this right to compensation, but it has changed its mind in recent weeks. I am glad that the White House has agreed to sign this important bill into law. The families of Pan Am 103/Lockerbie have endorsed this bill. I urge all of our colleagues in the House to support this legislation and send it to the President for his signature. We grieve for the loss of the Cummock family and indeed all of the victims of the Pan Am 103/Lockerbie incident.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent for the final vote on Tuesday, April 16. I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote 120.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it was necessary for me to return to my district on Thursday, March 28, before the final vote of the day was taken. I would have voted ``no'' on the procedural motion to H.R. 3136; ``yes'' on the final passage of H.R. 3136, ``yes'' on ordering the previous question on the modified closed rule (H. Res. 392) for H.R. 3103; ``no'' on the amendment in the nature of a substitute (H. Res. 392) to H.R. 3103; ``no'' on the motion to recommit H.R. 3103; ``yes'' on passage of H.R. 3103; ``yes'' on agreeing to the conference report on H.R. 2854.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on Monday the 25th the people of Greece and friends of Greece around the world will celebrate the 175th anniversary of Greece's independence from the Ottoman Empire. When Greece regained its independence in 1821, the people of the United States were delighted to learn of the new Greek freedom and restoration of Green independence. Our President at the time, James Monroe, issued a declaration expressing America's great friendship and sympathies for the cause of Greek freedom. President Monroe's expression of our sympathies for Greek freedom and democracy was not just an empty promise and it was not just the expression of one person's views. Over a century later, President Truman came to this House on March 12, 1947, to ask the Congress for its support for what became known as the Truman Doctrine. Truman described the desperate situation in Greece and how Greek democracy was threatened, and he asked Congress for its support for an unprecedented American program of economic and military aid to Greece. By overwhelming and bipartisan votes, the Congress responded quickly to President Truman's request for aid to the Greeks. By May 15, President Truman was able to sign a bill into law providing for aid to preserve and protect Greek freedom and independence. One participant in the Truman administration's effort to save Greek democracy later told an historian, ``I think it's one of the proudest moments in American history.'' And indeed it was. This long history of friendship and cooperation between the Americans and the Greeks has weathered many a crisis in which the two nations were allies in protecting the cause of democracy and freedom. During the Second World War, Greeks and Americans fought in the great crusade to rid the world of the evils of the Nazis. We were allies in that effort, and the alliance continued for the next half century as allies in the struggle against communism and Soviet domination. It was from his own experiences in the Greek struggle during Second World War that Greece's most famous modern poet, Odysseus Elytis, wrote his poem ``To Axiom Esti,'' in which he described his experiences in the Greek resistance to fascism in World War II. That poem won Elytis the Nobel Prize in 1979. Odysseus Elytis died this week, and was buried with high honors as Greece's most beloved poet of this century. In his poetry, Elytis carried on the long tradition of Greek literature and its contribution to the world's cultural heritage. This contribution is as significant as their contribution of the concept of democracy has been to the world of politics. We are all the inheritors of the Greek contribution to our cultural and our political life, and today I join my colleague Mike Bilirakis in wishing the Greek people our very best of wishes as they celebrate 175 years of independence on Monday.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. Legal immigration is a basic building block in the cultural development of our United States. The family is an American tradition. When we talk about our families, we do not simply speak of our spouse or our young children. The tradition extends to our grown children, our parents, our brothers and sisters. For years we have told new immigrants that if they play by the rules, their family members will be able to join them. Now, as many as 2 million people may be told that they are no longer qualified family members. Having a visa petition approved may not be a guarantee that a person will actually receive the visa. However, there was an implicit act of good faith when INS approved the petitions and the people began their wait. To break faith with such a strong American tradition sends a strong message and does not address the real concerns of illegal immigration. Our immigrant population strengthens the diversity upon which our great country is built. As a former immigrant and naturalized American, I urge us to stand up for our families, our traditions, and strike the cuts in legal immigration.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me, and I thank the chairman of the committee. Mr. Chairman, as all of us know, a free public education is a hallmark of our American society. It is, indeed, an essential ingredient in the foundation of our diverse, and, yes, inclusive democracy. The Gallegly amendment would seek to deny a number of our children the opportunity to go to a free public education system. Why? Because their parents made a choice on behalf of their children. But the children did not choose to be in the United States illegally. They do not deserve, therefore, to be punished for the actions of their parents. The assumption here, Mr. Chairman, is that there is a financial burden to the schools for having illegals in our system, but I would counter that the cost to us as a nation would be far greater by excluding these children from our schools. Schools would then assume a law enforcement burden that is both costly and counterproductive. These children will not leave the United States simply because they are not in school. They will be, as all of our speakers pointed out, on the streets, joining gangs, left at home alone, for there is a price to be paid in terms of community health and community well-being, not to mention the harm to the children themselves. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to reject this mean-spirited attempt that will hold children responsible for their parents' actions. They are the innocent ones in this battle. Let us not punish them for something they cannot control.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it was necessary for me to return to my district on Thursday, March 14, before the final vote of the day was taken. I would have voted ``yes'' on H.R. 2854 on instructing the conferees to extend the reserve conservation program.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am an immigrant to this country. I arrived here in 1960 as a refugee from a tyranny that still rules the country of my birth, Cuba. Immigration is an issue that has caught this country by storm, and the problems created by a growing number of illegal immigrants as well as by the reality that we do not have control over our borders have spilled over and clouded our collective judgment on legal immigration. I would like to make four quick points today. First, there is a genuine need to address the problems of illegal immigration. Second, placing a cap on legal refugees is not in the best interest of the United States. Third, the assault on the current distribution of Federal funds through targeted assistance will leave my home area of Dade County with an unfunded mandate of at least $16 million. Finally, I would like to salute the provisions in the bill which emphasizes becoming a U.S. citizen. As a naturalized American, I know that this is the type of positive approach that we needed more of in this bill, a positive, not a punitive approach. That is the way to solve our immigration crisis.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to give my congratulations to two remarkable individuals, Geoff Pietsch and Carlos Barquin, who have used their great skills and exceptional dedication in order to bring their respective cross-country teams, Ransom Everglades School and Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, to State victories in Class 4A and Class 3A. Coach Carlos Barquin, who has been coaching Belen's boy's cross- country for the last 26 seasons, was finally able to feel the joy of victory when his Wolverines took home the school's first State title in any sport, winning the Class 4A race at the State championships with 75 points. Coach Geoff Pietsch also has had much to cheer about with his boys cross-country team at Ransom Everglades as he watched them capture first place with 71 points and as they went on to win their fourth State title. Both Belen Jesuit Preparatory and Ransom Everglades are Dade County Schools whose coaches and students exhibited the importance of good coaching, excellent team effort, the skills to go ahead and the drive to be No. 1. Coaches Pietsch and Barquin are exceptional individuals who have dedicated their lives to not only teaching their students how to win, but have also shown that team effort and individual dedication are the key to ultimate success. They were both recognized as Florida Coach of the Year for their respective divisions. I congratulate both coaches on their great work and dedication and I hope that they will continue to keep up the exceptional work in the future as they have done in the past. They are both truly a fine example to all of us.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, when Pan Am Flight 103 was destroyed by a terrorist bomb, 270 lives, including 189 Americans, were cruelly snuffed out. These numbers included men, women, infants, students, tourists, and business people, and, most importantly, wives, husbands, and children. That tally included 35 Syracuse University students going home to celebrate the holidays with their families and, it also included John Cummock, a vice president of Barcardi Food Co. and a constituent of my congressional district, who left behind a wife and three young children. While these individuals are beyond our power to help, we have today the opportunity to help the surviving families to secure a measure of justice. I would like to share with my colleagues today a letter I just received from Victoria Diaz Cummock, the widow of John Benning Cummock, and president of Families of Pan Am 103 at Lockerbie. I would like to share Ms. Cummock's letter with all of my colleagues this morning. Ms. Cummock says: Dear Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen: On December 21, 1988 terrorists killed my husband, John (age 38), along with 269 people aboard Pan Am 103. The bombing of Pan Am 103 was the single largest act of terrorism against Americans in this country's history. More Americans died aboard Pan Am 103 than in Desert Storm or in the Oklahoma City bombing. I was left widowed with three small children, Ashley 3, Matthew 4, and Christopher 6. For over seven years we have waited for our country's help and support. As with all American families victimized by terrorism . . . we continue to wait . . . still without our country's help. Today, Congress has the opportunity to help us, so we can help ourselves. The anti-terrorism legislation H.R. 2703, contains a limited provision to waive sovereign immunity in cases of state-sponsored terrorism. This gives all Americans the right to pursue justice and have their day in civil court against these countries. Congress can not continue to allow countries that kidnap, torture, and murder Americans the right to hide behind sovereign immunity. The resounding message sent to countries sponsoring terrorism is that it is safe to target and kill Americans because there is no accountability. There are over 30 million Americans that travel abroad each year who are not aware of how easily their lives can become unraveled by terrorism. These terrorist acts are tragic and devastating enough for victims' families to live with. To provide no avenues for help or justice to our families or the hostage survivors, like Joseph Ciccipio and David Jacobson, leaves thousands of Americans with both the physical and mental scars, thus allowing terrorists to win over our lives, (the survivors families), as well. In contrast, for commercial reasons, U.S. corporations have the right to their day in civil court, to seek accountability and restitution for their damages under these same circumstances. In other words, our nation's present law allows restitution for a terrorist bombing of an airplane full of children--but not people. This is an outrage. Today our legislators can set the record straight and send a message of hope and support to all the orphans, widows and American families victimized by terrorism. H.R. 2703, containing ``the right to sue'' provision allowing us to help ourselves. Please, as our legislators, don't continue to turn your backs on the families of Americans who have paid the ultimate price and sacrificed so much for this great nation. Let me be able to tell my children, who daily pledge allegiance to the American flag, that America stands with us in our pursuit of justice and accountability. Our hopes and prayers are with Congress today. Sincerely, Victoria Diaz Cummock, Widow of John Binning Cummock, President, Families of Pan Am 103/Lockerbie. Mr. Speaker, the past several decades have taught us a great deal about international terrorism. We know that, to function in the international arena, these criminals require state sponsorship. As our colleague, Representative Tom Lantos, has stated: Terrorists do not operate in a vacuum, but rather rely on certain nations where they know they will find safe haven after carrying out their murderous acts. They must have at least tacit governmental approval of planned operations and millions with which to continue to buy the tools of death and destruction. The physical evidence recovered from the wreckage demonstrated the truth of that observation. The explosive was identified: it turned out to be an exotic plastic explosive, an explosive formulated to evade detection by conventional airport security. The electronics were similarly specialized and while helping to solve the crime, did not bring justice. When this forensic evidence identified the regime of Libyan dictator Muammar Qadhafi as responsible for this crime, diplomatic pressure has been applied in an effort to force the extradition of these murders. Qadhafi has refused to surrender them for trail in either the United Kingdom or the United States. To avoid civil action, the regime has hidden behind the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976. This is the classic situation of a criminal regime invoking the protection of the law while acting in contempt of it. This bill contains a provision that will, under the narrow circumstances of terror and genocide, allow victims to reach beyond the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act to seek redress for these crimes from the governments that sponsor these atrocities. I urge my colleagues to remember the victims of Pan Am Flight 103 and the need to seek justice for their families.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on December 21, 1988, Pan Am flight 103 was blown out of the sky by a terrorist's bomb. That brutal, cowardly act killed all 259 aboard, including 189 Americans, 1 of whom, John Cummock, was a constituent of my congressional district. Months of detective work finally uncovered the hand of Libyan dictator Mu'ammar Qadhafi behind this tragedy. Since the identification of the Libyan agents who committed this crime, diplomatic pressure has been applied in an effort to force the extradition of these murderers. Qadhafi has refused to surrender them for trial, in either the United Kingdom or the United States. Today, this House will have the opportunity to allow the families of these murder victims a chance to seek justice against Qadhafi, by passing a bill that will allow these families the chance to present the facts of this crime in American courts. I urge my colleagues to remember the victims of Pan Am flight 103 and the need to seek justice for their families.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on three items from March 7. I would have voted ``yes'' on H.R. 3021 on final passage of the extension of the debt ceiling, ``yes'' on the Dreier amendment to the amendment to the rule on H.R. 3019 the Balanced Budget Act, regarding title IV contingency funding being subject to reconciliation legislation, and ``yes'' on the adoption of the rule to H.R. 3019 the Balanced Budget Act.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me, as well as for his strong leadership role in the passing of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule for H.R. 927. This legislation is designed to hasten the demise of the Castro dictatorship, the last undemocratic regime in our hemisphere, which for over three decades has subjected the Cuban people to untold repression and misery. Over the past month, we have observed the voices of those calling for a softer policy with Castro fall strangely silent as the dictatorship increases its repression against the people of the island. Not only has the regime increased its harassment and intimidation against the growing independent movements in journalism and in other dissident sectors inside Cuba, but the regime's brutal shoot down last week of two civilian unarmed aircraft with U.S. citizens aboard showed us that after three decades the Castro tyranny remains as bloody and ruthless as it ever has been. The Helms-Burton bill will penalize those who have become Castro's new patron saviors-foreign investors who callously traffick in American confiscated properties in Cuba to profit from the misery of the Cuban worker. These investors care little that they are dealing with a tyrant who promotes terrorism, drug trafficking, and denies the most basic of human liberties to the people of Cuba. This legislation takes a strong stance against those immoral investors by denying them participation in our United States markets, if they decide to invest in Cuba and prop up the dictator in this way. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join us today in supporting this legislation, thus helping Cubans in their struggle for freedom. This bill will hurt Castro, it will help the Cuban people, and it will send a strong message to those immoral foreign investors. Stop helping the dictator by trafficking in confiscated United States property. The Helms-Burton bill goes to the heart of the means by which the Cuban tyrant is now financing his repression of the Cuban people; namely, immoral foreign investment. After the millions of dollars in Soviet subsidies to Castro ended, the Cuban dictator and his Communist thugs have tried to obtain the hard currency necessary to keep themselves in power. Foreigners are allowed to invest in Cuba, and many do, in properties which are illegally stolen from American citizens. In this new slave-like economy, designed by the Castro regime, the Cuban people are not able to participate. Instead they are pawns of the regime and of the foreign investors who are attracted to invest in Cuba because of the low wages and the repression against the Cuban worker. The foreign investors pay Castro in dollars. Castro pays the Cuban worker in devalued Cuban pesos at a small percentage of what was given to the communist dictator. Mr. Speaker, it is for those four murdered pilots, Armando Alejandre, Mario de la Pena, Pablo Morales, and Carlos Costa, as well as for the thousands and thousands of unknown Cubans who have given their lives to bring liberty to their island that we will pass this legislation today. Mr. Speaker, it is not only the correct policy to follow, but a moral imperative to assure that the ultimate sacrifice paid by these thousands of freedom fighters will not be in vain. At times it seems unreal and implausible that only 90 miles from the shores of this great democracy lies an enslaved nation ruled by a ruthless Communist dictatorship, a nation whose citizens are denied the most basic human, civil, and political rights. In my native homeland of Cuba, no one but the dictator has any rights at all, an island which once had the highest standard of living in Latin America but where its citizens today struggle day to day for the bare necessities needed to survive. Mr. Speaker, it might seem unreal that such a state could exist a few miles from our shores, but of course, unfortunately, it does. The thousands of Cuban rafters who have risked their lives in the Florida Straits to escape the Castro dictatorship are a vivid reminder of this sad reality. The thousands of dissidents who have been harassed, imprisoned, and indeed killed are testament to the lack of respect for human rights by the Castro regime. Most recently, the premeditated cold-blooded murder over international waters of four pilots in a humanitarian mission, three of them American citizens, one a Vietnam veteran who served two tours of duty, has awakened the world that in Cuba, the rule of death and fear prevailed over the rule of democratic law and order. Mr. Speaker, the legislation we are now considering will go a long way toward helping the Cuban people reestablish the rule of democracy and law for which they have battled for 37 years to achieve. I thank the gentleman once again for his strong leadership role in making this legislation possible as well as many of our colleagues on the Democratic side of the aisle.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time and I thank him for all the help he has given to this cause for freedom for the Cuban people. Mr. Speaker, as the previous speakers have pointed out, those same allies who stood with us against undemocratic regimes in Haiti and South Africa and Iraq and many other places have decided to turn their backs on Cuba, preferring to gain a quick and easy dollar from the repression against the people on the island. Thankfully, America, a land which has given a second chance to many people like myself who escaped Communist tyranny, will once again live up to its reputation as the defender of freedom and human rights in the world. Mr. Speaker, this legislation reasserts our commitment to the Cuban people that this Nation will not engage the Castro dictatorship economically or politically. It recognizes that such an unlawful regime deserves our rejection, and it further emphasizes our support for the Cuban people by outlining a framework to assist a free and democratic transitional government in my native homeland. Mr. Speaker, the Committee on International Relations recently had the opportunity to listen to some of the relatives of the four murdered pilots, innocent civilians who were brutally attacked and murdered by the Castro regime. They strongly support even tougher sanctions against the tyrant. This legislation will help reduce the immoral investments by sending a clear message to these foreign investors: If you traffic in confiscated American property in Cuba, you will not be able to do business as usual in the United States. Simply stated, those investors who wish to invest in Cuba have to make a choice between becoming accomplices to Castro's dictatorship or participating in the United States market. It is unfortunate that many of our allies have opposed this legislation, but to them I ask: How many more have to be harrassed, arrested or killed before you stop helping the Cuban tyrant? Again, to our allies: How many more have to give their lives to free their homeland before you desist in engaging in commerce and financing Castro's communist dictatorship? To our allies, join with us in helping to establish freedom and democracy to the enslaved and oppressed people of Cuba.