Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. But, more importantly, he was the consummate gentleman. He was principled. He was honest, maintaining civility with his colleagues, a trait that we no longer honor as we should. Bill was an example for all of us here in Congress. It was my privilege and my high honor to serve with him. What a great privilege. I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, since World War II, the United States and the Republic of China, commonly referred to as Taiwan, have shared a close friendship. I'm pleased to recognize the upcoming National Day of the Republic of China on October 10, 2013. Taiwan is a shining example of democracy in the Asia Pacific region and promotes shared values with the United States, including respect for human rights, a market-based economy, and freedom. Taiwan is a very important trading partner and our economies are closely linked. Last year, Taiwan was our eleventh largest trading partner overall, was our seventh largest agricultural export market, and shared more than 63 billion dollars in bilateral trade. Taiwan's economy is a dynamic force in the Asia Pacific region and it is in both of our interests to continue strengthening our trade and investment ties. We should continue to expand trade through a Bilateral Investment Agreement, a Free Trade Agreement, and an expanded Trans- Pacific Partnership (TPP). Taiwan is a member of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and if admitted to the TPP, a great U.S. ally such as Taiwan would be an even more important economic player. Taiwan has recognized that joining the TPP would be the best way to diversify its market and improve competitiveness in the region. I encourage my colleagues to support Taiwan's inclusion into TPP, which would further strengthen U.S.-Taiwan trade and investment dialogues and would likely increase other TPP member countries' willingness in engaging Taiwan in vigorous and ambitious trade negotiations. The United States should actively seek ways with its TPP member nations to include Taiwan in the partnership, allowing Taiwan to play an even more important role in the regional economic integration in the years to come. Finally, I encourage more high-level diplomatic visits between our two countries to increase bilateral interaction on matters such as security, trade, investment, cultural exchange, and education. Just as our economic partnership continues to improve, Taiwan is one of our most valuable allies and is a nation we can truly depend on. That is why I introduced the Taiwan Policy Act with my colleagues, the co- chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, Representatives Mario Diaz- Balart, Albio Sires, John Carter, and Gerald Connolly, to strengthen our political, security, economic, and trade relations. I was proud to see this legislation pass in the Foreign Affairs Committee in August and am looking forward to its swift passage here in the House soon. I wish a very happy Double Ten Day to the people of Taiwan. While we are already close partners, it is my firm belief that our best days are still ahead.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I first heard about mitochondrial diseases, which are fatal, from my chief of staff, Art Estopinan, who, together with his lovely wife Olgita, have been caring for their baby after he was diagnosed with TK2 mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, which has left Arturito, Jr., unable to move his fingers and toes, as you see in this poster, putting him in constant need of mechanical support to breathe and receive nutrition. They were informed that their baby son, Art, Jr., would live only a few months, as there were no known medications. But thanks to the experimental treatments that Arturito is receiving from Columbia University Medical Center, medical care at Johns Hopkins Pediatric Hospital, and at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, the doctors have established a discharge date for mid-October, an unimaginable expectation just a year ago. I pray for Arturito, Jr., and babies like him every night. I urge all Members to contact our office to make sure that they can learn more about these diseases by becoming a part of the Congressional Mitochondrial Disease Caucus. Let's look at Arturito, Jr., and let's save him and the countless others.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 30, 2013.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a minute today to recognize a remarkable south Florida organization, the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida, that will soon be celebrating its 10th-year anniversary in Miami. Over the past 10 years, the association has been dedicated to public service in my home State of Florida, preserving the civil rights, the political rights and responsibilities of Puerto Ricans as Americans, as well as Floridians. The Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida also serves as an educational tool for undergraduate, graduate, and law students through a Moot Court Competition, which will be held this year in conjunction with the association's historic anniversary. I congratulate its president, Richard Robles, for his impressive work and wish everyone in the association continued success on behalf of the Puerto Rican community of Florida.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Thank you so much to the great gentleman from the wonderful State of Texas. And I'm so glad that the gentleman brings up the word ``bipartisan'' to describe what we just witnessed, very heartfelt testimony. But, Mr. Speaker, we have a lot of work to do right here in the House as well and with the Senate and with the President, because it's time for all parties to work together in a genuine, bipartisan, and adult manner to avoid a government shutdown. A shutdown is not some abstract exercise, as the gentleman knows. It has real consequences for our communities and our families. The American people sent us to Washington to work together for our great Nation, and it is unacceptable for one side to refuse to negotiate. Where's the President in all of this? The bully pulpit can just as equally be used for constructive leadership as it can be used for political showmanship. Let us work together, get something done, and help America's vanishing middle class. Mr. Speaker, it is just as important to remember that in addition to the constant legislative battles happening right here in Congress, life goes on outside of the Capitol. And I want to take just a few minutes today to recognize two remarkable south Florida organizations that are holding events this weekend. Tomorrow, Go Red for Women will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in south Florida. The Go Red for Women organization is an impressive force to be reckoned with. Many people don't know this, but heart disease is the number one killer of women. It is more deadly than all forms of cancer. Fortunately, we have the strong women of Go Red taking the fight to heart disease. Mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends all are standing together and leading the change and the charge that we need to educate, to advocate, and to raise awareness about heart disease. I want to especially congratulate Jessica Cerda-Antomarchi, the Miami Heart Society director, as well as Gabrielle Finley-Haze, the 2013 chair, and all of the women of Go Red. With their continued strength and leadership, we will finally put an end to heart disease. Finally, let me congratulate the Lupus Foundation of America's southeast Florida chapter. They will be holding this year's Walk to End Lupus Now in Miami this month. Despite approximately 1.5 million Americans suffering from lupus, including my stepdaughter, the lovely Katharine Lehtinen, we still do not know what causes lupus. It is a cruel and mysterious disease. We know that almost 28,000 people are suffering from lupus in my south Florida community. While that disease cuts across racial, gender, and social lines, we do know that lupus disproportionately impacts women and ethnic minority populations. So I'm extremely grateful for the outreach and the advocacy of the Lupus Foundation of America and especially its southeast Florida chapter. As cochair of the Congressional Lupus Caucus, I will keep up the fight against this terrible disease, and I extend my deepest gratitude to Amy Kelly-Yalden and everyone in the southeast Florida chapter for their continued incredible work. Let's continue to work together in a bipartisan way to avoid a government shutdown, and I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank our gracious chairman for the time. I rise in full support of H.R. 2449, an important bipartisan bill that will extend the U.S.-South Korea civilian nuclear energy agreement for another 2 years. South Korea is indeed an important ally of the United States, and our bilateral relationship is a cornerstone of America's national security interests in Asia. By passing this stopgap measure, Mr. Speaker, we will avoid the expiration of the original 40-year agreement and allow the United States and South Korea to continue to negotiate on a renewed agreement in good faith. If we do not pass this bill, the current agreement will expire early next year. This would not only cause damage to the U.S.-South Korea relationship, but it will also harm the United States manufacturers who provide parts and services to South Korea's energy industry and will negatively impact the technological, safety, and nonproliferation efforts of both of our countries in the civilian nuclear energy sector. Mr. Speaker, South Korea has become a major user of domestic nuclear power, with the partnership of American technology. Nuclear power provides about one-third of all of South Korea's electricity, and South Korea is looking to even further expand that percentage. They are looking to the United States and American businesses to help them achieve their goals. South Korea's partnership with America for civilian nuclear projects already has resulted in billions of dollars for our economy and has created thousands of jobs. Continued cooperation with South Korea would bring more revenue to America and create much-needed jobs for Americans. But this can only happen, Mr. Speaker, if our two countries can negotiate a long-term agreement.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the chairman. They cannot negotiate this when they're constantly watching the clock, which I should have done as well. Passing this bill will give them the much-needed time to focus on the negotiations and finally come to a mutually beneficial agreement. So I urge my colleagues to support this strong bipartisan and much- needed bill that will help the U.S. economy, U.S. jobs, and strengthen the alliance between the United States and our key trading partner in South Korea.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank our esteemed chairman for this privilege to speak about an important bill before us. I would like to commend Senator Bob Menendez, my dear friend from New Jersey, for introducing this pivotal bill, an important bipartisan bill, to bring desperately needed reforms to this failed Organization of American States. I remain deeply disappointed, Mr. Speaker, that the OAS continues to fail to live up to the principles of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. The OAS should be, but is not, an important regional body that stands up for democratic principles, that promotes the rule of law and condemns human rights violations. However, the OAS has strayed. This bill is a positive step forward to bring it back onto the right path. Throughout the region, Mr. Speaker, we have seen ALBA nations continue to ignore their own constitution and deprive their people of the most basic human rights. Has the OAS spoken out against the illegitimate elections in Venezuela? How about the illegitimate elections in Nicaragua? Or what about the continued human rights abuses against the people of Cuba? Just this past Sunday, Mr. Speaker, more than 30 pro-democracy advocates who were peacefully gathering in Cuba were detained and beaten by agents of the regime--for doing nothing. But the OAS remains silent on all of these important topics, and in doing so it fails to hold accountable the authoritarian regimes that oppress millions in our own hemisphere. That is why real and concrete reforms are needed at the OAS. I fully support this legislation because it strengthens our mission at the OAS, and it ensures that U.S. taxpayer dollars are used well and no longer go to waste as they are at the OAS right now. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank our esteemed chairman, Mr. Ed Royce of California, and our committee's ranking member, Mr. Eliot Engel of New York, for their work on this bipartisan-bicameral effort to take one step--just the first step--at deep OAS reform. I want to thank Senator Bob Menendez, the author of the bill, who has been a longtime supporter and a leader in favor of human rights, the rule of law and democracy, especially in our hemisphere. All of us and our committee look forward to working with Senator Menendez and with all of our Members and the other body, as well, as we move forward to enact this bill and make sure that we have true, meaningful reforms and that we endeavor to get the OAS, once again, focused back on their core mission, which should be and remains promoting democracy and human rights in the Americas, a mission from which it has strayed far too often, including up to today. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of an extraordinary public servant, beloved colleague, gifted statesman, and fellow Floridian, Congressman E. Clay Shaw, Jr. Clay passed away peacefully last night, surrounded by his loving and supportive family, after struggling with lung cancer for many years. Clay was born and reared in south Florida and developed into a hardworking, remarkable man, a strong voice for his district, as well as for the entire Sunshine State. Mayor of Fort Lauderdale at an early age, Clay quickly earned the respect of our community and cultivated the skills necessary to be elected to the House of Representatives in 1980, serving here honorably for 26 years. Clay set the bar high for a true gentleman, and all who knew him can recall his charming, old-school approach to life. He worked in a bipartisan manner, similar to Congressmen Dante Fascell and Bill Lehman, who also recently passed away. I am honored to have served with such a remarkable man as E. Clay Shaw. He'll be remembered as a man of sterling character and high ideals, a pillar of our community and a man of this institution. Clay is survived by his wife of 53 years, Emilie, who was always at his side. I ask for all of us here in this Chamber to take a moment of silence in recognition of the great contributions and sacrifice of a truly dedicated public servant. Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support cancer victims and also to honor a valiant leader in our community who turns 86 on August 12--Betsy Kaplan. I will start by asking all of us to support the patients, the families, and victims of a special type of cancer--pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest of all forms of cancer with a 5-year survival rate of just 6 percent. In 2013 alone, pancreatic cancer will affect 45,000 patients--73 percent of whom will die within 1 year of diagnosis. In my home State of Florida, it is estimated that out of the 3,380 new cases, 2,770 people will die from this terrible disease. Last year, I was proud to help pass the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act, a bill designed to turn around these horrible statistics. Mr. Speaker, we must continue to make survival from pancreatic cancer a priority, and I urge my colleagues to stand with us in this fight. A south Floridian who is involved in many worthwhile causes, whether they are related to improving the lives of others or fighting for better treatment for the disabled, is Betsy Kaplan. Betsy is a retired school board member from Miami-Dade County Public Schools. She served there for 16 years and has been recognized in our community for her notable achievements and contributions fostering arts education and student guidance in our public schools. With an unprecedented 47 years of professional experience in the education field, Betsy retired with many honors from her teaching career to spearheading the adoption of the tobacco-free schools policy and advocating for educational programs that cater to special needs students. A decorated award winner, Betsy has received numerous honors ranging from the Florida School Board's President's Award to being recognized as a Woman of Impact by the Community Coalition for Women's History. Most recently, Betsy received the Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award from the Jewish Museum of Florida at Florida International University. It is thanks to Betsy that the Miami-Dade school district is known as an outstanding model of public arts education in the Nation. As a former Florida certified teacher, I recognize Betsy's commitment to ensuring that our students get the quality education they deserve, and I thank Betsy for her exceptional efforts in creating opportunities for students to learn, to grow, and to succeed in their educational, social, and professional lives. So congratulations to Betsy Kaplan, and let us all keep up the fight to beat all types of cancer, especially pancreatic cancer.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, a nuclear Iran is one of our biggest national security threats and the number one existential threat to our ally, the democratic Jewish State of Israel. We cannot and must not allow Iran, who is a designated state sponsor of terrorism, to reach nuclear breakout capability. The Obama administration should not be mistaken. The Iranian regime does not want peace. It still wants to wipe Israel off the map. Iran may be able to process low-enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon by next year. Iran has agreed to offer Syria a $3.6 billion credit facility to buy oil products to help keep Assad's murderous regime afloat. Iran supports and fights alongside Assad's forces, brutally slaughtering thousands of Syrians. Rouhani has no intention of changing Iran's dangerous path, and the ultimate decisionmaker in this oppressive regime remains the Ayatollah Khamenei, who has a blatant hatred of us and our allies. This bill includes my amendment that would eliminate the authority to waive sanctions against persons who are guilty of the most egregious activities in direct support of the Iranian regime's nuclear program. This is a commonsense provision. This is a strong bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to fully support its passage

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I fully support HR 1897--the Vietnam Human Rights Act and I thank my distinguished colleague from the Foreign Affairs Committee and champion of human rights--Chris Smith for bringing this legislation forward and I am happy to cosponsor this bill. We all want to see a prosperous, democratic and free Vietnam under which all people enjoy equal opportunities and fundamental freedoms. This bill prohibits U.S. non-humanitarian assistance to the government of Vietnam unless the President certifies to Congress that Vietnam has made substantial progress respecting political, media, and religious freedoms, minority rights, access to U.S. refugee programs, and actions to end trafficking in persons and the release of political prisoners. I continue to be concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Vietnam. The United States should stop sending American taxpayer money to governments that deny its citizens even the most basic human rights. Instead, we should leverage our assistance to push these governments into implementing democratic reforms, improving their human rights practices and allowing their citizens their fundamental rights, and that is what this bill will do. My husband Dexter is a Vietnam combat veteran and former Army Ranger who was wounded defending the ideals of freedom and democracy--not just for Americans, but for all those who seek them. As the leading nation of the free world, the United States must stand with the Vietnamese people who are being brutally oppressed by their authoritarian government so that they may all live in a free and democratic country.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I fully support H. Con. Res 41-- Encouraging peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula. I would like to thank Congressman Rangel for bringing this bill forward and thank him for his service as a Korean War Veteran. This past week marked the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice and I want to thank all of our service men and women who served and continue to serve in Korea. This timely resolution recognizes the historical importance of the Korean War and honors the service and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces and the armed forces of allied countries that served, and continue to serve, in Korea. It reaffirms the commitment of the United States to our alliance with South Korea, and calls on North Korea to abide by international law and cease its nuclear proliferation in order to resume talks that could lead to peace and reunification. As one of our strongest allies in that region, South Korea stands firmly for the ideals of democracy and freedom. This bill sends a strong message to the people of South Korea that we stand with them on their struggle against North Korean oppression. Our policy should be clear: the oppressive Pyongyang regime will face continued sanctions and isolation unless it ceases its illicit activities and its persistent threats against us and our allies. I hope that one day Koreans will be able to reunite, and this bill helps promote this noble cause.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, like many of my colleagues, I support H.R. 5, the Student Success Act. I believe that States and school districts should be empowered to set their own priorities when educating our Nation's children. I also believe in supporting Florida's parents, teachers, and administrators to make sure that they have the resources necessary to give our children a world-class education, including in civics. Civics education, Mr. Chairman--the study of the rights and the duties of citizenship under our government--is an essential component to sustaining our constitutional democracy. There is no more important task than the development of an informed, effective, and responsible citizenry. According to the 2010 National Assessment for Educational Progress-- our Nation's report card--only 24 percent of high school seniors scored proficient in civics. That means that they had problems with the U.S. Constitution, civil rights, our social system, and our court system. Only 22 percent of eighth graders scored proficient, meaning that they could not recognize the role performed by the Supreme Court or identify the purpose of the Bill of Rights. Civics education programs like Close Up aim to improve the dismal results by allowing students and their teachers to participate in activities here in our Nation's Capital to increase civic responsibility and a true understanding of the Federal Government. Civic engagements activities are essential. They're important for underserved populations like in my congressional district. I support programs that allow elementary school and secondary school students to improve academic achievement through civics education. So I'm glad that the Student Success Act empowers States and school districts to determine their own priorities, and I urge support for specific programs like civic education.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, the case for ObamaCare repeal was given a big boost by the administration's decision to delay the controversial employer mandate for another year. This House will vote we hope this week to support that much-needed action, as well as postpone the individual mandate for 1 year. Delaying the burdensome employer mandate will allow companies to continue providing employee health care benefits without reducing work hours. Providing a 1-year delay from the individual mandate will relieve American families from thousands of dollars of additional taxes. But postponing the two mandates are only the latest steps to repeal ObamaCare. Without complete repeal, Americans will face $1.1 trillion in new taxes, $716 billion in Medicare cuts, and huge health insurance premium increases. Madam Speaker, we must all work together to finish the job by completely repealing ObamaCare so that small businesses and individuals will be permanently free from this onerous regulation.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of a marine who desperately needs our help. Corporal Armando Torres was kidnapped in Mexico more than 2 months ago. Minimal attention here in the U.S. and in Mexico has allowed Armando's kidnappers to think that we've given up. They are wrong. The United States does not give up and does not leave one of our own behind. The kidnapping of a United States citizen and a marine will not be tolerated. Armando served our country honorably, and now it is our duty to serve him well now. Mr. Speaker, as you know, the bond between marines can never be broken. In the coming days, marines here in the House will come together on this floor for their brother. I invite all Members to join us and show that we will not rest until we bring Armando home.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. When the Committee of the Whole rose earlier today, the amendment offered by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Broun) had been disposed of and the bill had been read through page 22, line 9. Amendment Offered by Mr. Swalwell of California

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of our committee for introducing this excellent piece of legislation and for his leadership in our committee. I am very pleased to speak in favor of this legislation which assists Taiwan, one of our most valued allies, in obtaining observer status at the ICAO, or the International Civil Aviation Organization. Taiwan is a major hub for international air travel; and, particularly, it serves as the link between Northeast and Southeast Asia and to Europe and the United States. And now that Taiwan has joined the Visa Waiver Program, travel between our two nations will undoubtedly increase. Almost 1.3 million flights pass over the region each year; but due to the ill advised appeasement of China at the United Nations, Taiwan must receive its international aviation safety and security information secondhand. Taiwan's exclusion from international organizations like ICAO is a short-sighted and dangerous practice. It ends up hurting the international community as much as it does the Taiwanese people themselves. Preventing a significant player in aviation like Taiwan from participating in ICAO threatens the entire international community which depends on the application of universal aviation standards. Unfortunately, attempts to placate China at the feeble United Nations are nothing new and are a reminder that that organization lacks seriousness. China's threat that foreign interference will hurt negotiations with Taiwan to allow its participation in ICAO should be ignored by the U.N. The U.N. must do what is right for the entire international community, and I urge the organization to put aside its petty politics and work on behalf of the safety of all of the world's citizens. Mr. Speaker, the Taiwan Relations Act continues to be the cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy with our democratic ally, Taiwan; and we must always keep it as the guiding beacon. The next meeting of ICAO is this September, and I expect to see our State Department have a strategy that they will implement to make sure that Taiwan will be at the table this fall. The friendship between the people of the United States and Taiwan has cemented into one of our most cherished partnerships, and I look forward to the United States Government demonstrating its continued commitment to the people of Taiwan with the passage of this most excellent bill. I thank the chairman for the time, and I thank him for his leadership on Taiwan through the years.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate US SOUTHCOM on the 50th anniversary, today June 11th. For the past five decades this command has protected and defended the privileges, comforts and freedoms that we, as Americans, enjoy. We are fortunate and privileged to have General John Kelly as the new Commander of United States Southern Command. His distinguished career and exemplary service to our nation is a testament to the ideals of honor, courage, and commitment. SOUTHCOM has continued to grow and thrive in South Florida with its 1,200 SOUTHCOM employees. These individuals have dedicated their lives to the service of others and truly embody the heart and spirit of America. I thank each and every one of them for their efforts as well as the good they provide throughout the hemisphere. Today, SOUTHCOM celebrates half a century of excellence and service to the citizens of the United States. Over these years, many brave men and women in uniform have worked tirelessly to keep us safe while also promoting peace, security, and democracy throughout the Western Hemisphere. From combating international crime syndicates and drug lords, to monitoring human rights and providing humanitarian relief, SOUTHCOM has a proven track record of achievement. Its successful efforts in counter-terrorism and in combating illicit trafficking across this hemisphere have helped to promote democracy abroad and has encouraged respect for human rights. SOUTHCOM certainly remains a beacon of strength and resilience throughout the region. Shortly before the United States entered the Second World War, President Roosevelt established the U.S. Caribbean Defense Command with the goal of defending the Panama Canal and the surrounding area. Following the conclusion of the war, the U.S. Caribbean Defense Command was renamed the U.S. Southern Command. The new name was intended to reflect the command's changed responsibilities with an emphasis of ensuring security, stability, and prosperity throughout Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. SOUTHCOM encompasses six major mission areas, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as assisting our allies in the region and while promoting military-to-military interaction. Its successful efforts in counter-terrorism and in combating illicit trafficking across this hemisphere is key to regional stability even while it continues to be a leader in medical assistance, providing quality medical care for schools and community centers. I know many individuals still remember the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, in which SOUTHCOM took the lead in humanitarian effort on the ground that undoubtedly saved thousands. SOUTHCOM has had a tremendous impact on our local economy in South Florida and I applaud its efforts to give back to our community. Congratulations again to SOUTHCOM on its 50th anniversary. I look forward to working with General Kelly and his wonderful team in South Florida. Thank you again for all that you do.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to condemn the excessive force used by Turkish police on demonstrators in Istanbul. The past few days, these individuals used their rights to assemble and express their displeasure with their government's policies. They called attention to what they view as increasing government curtailment of their rights, but they were met with aggressive violence. Perhaps just as shocking, most Turkish news outlets did not even cover these events as they unfolded because they feared that they would anger the government and they would go to jail, and because the government controls large parts of the media in Turkey. This is not the response of a free and democratic society. We expect more from our allies, and I call on Prime Minister Erdogan to condemn this brutal police action and urge the Turkish authorities to exercise restraint. I also urge both parties to resolve their differences swiftly and peacefully in a manner that respects the rights of all Turkish citizens.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, this week the national debt reached an unprecedented record of over $16.85 trillion. Such a figure is so mind- boggling that I will make this simple. This means that every person in the United States now owes $53,329 to pay down the debt, and every U.S. taxpayer's debt share is now $148,186. With a debt at such high levels, it is not surprising that we are still experiencing an anemic 2 percent growth rate, which has produced the lowest job participation rate in 30 years. The ever-rising public debt threatens to drive up interest rates, crowd out private investment, and increase inflation. The implications will be severe and pronounced for all Americans, but most especially for the poor, the elderly, and the middle class. Mr. Speaker, if we don't deal with the debt now, the debt will deal with us.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to honor Juan Manuel Salvat, owner of Miami's first Spanish-language bookseller: Libreria Universal, which will sadly be closing after his retirement in June. Having fled Castro's totalitarian grip, Juan Manuel was eager to rescue the essential works of the Cuban culture. He sought to tell the story of the Cuban exile, and that is how in 1965 he founded Universal Publishing and its subsidiary, Universal Bookseller & Distributor. Since then, this company has been dedicated to the distribution and publication of books from Hispanic and Cuban authors, including my father, Enrique Ros. I thank Salvat for playing a major role in illustrating the road traveled by the exile community through the more than 1,600 published titles, while giving readers a deeper understanding of Cuba and Latin America's culture, history, politics, and literature. We will miss this great cultural leader.