Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Cipriano Garza, who this Saturday will be joining the ranks of the select few members in the South Dade High School's Alumni Hall of Fame. Throughout his life, Cip--as he is known--has achieved high levels of personal success and excelled in his profession, making him a great example of the diversity and ingenuity of the south Florida community. During his senior year at South Dade High, Cip set new State and school records for the 100-yard dash at the State Championships while crossing the finish line barefoot. As a son of migrant farm workers, Cip has used his unique perspective in working with Dade County Public Schools to create innovative educational programs and eradicate the school dropout rate among children of migrant farm workers. In 1993, after being appointed a special assistant to the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Cip became the first Mexican-American to receive a Presidential appointment in the State of Florida. Cip's many accomplishments and dedication to the betterment of the community make him deserving of this great honor. Congratulations to Cip Garza.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in memory of Mr. Joseph Gregory Fandino, a resident of south Florida and a hero who lost his life while serving our Nation in Vietnam in 1972. Last Friday, on Foreign Affairs Day, Joseph was honored by the Department of State and the American Foreign Service Association, who commemorated their colleagues who died in the line of duty overseas. Joseph was one of the first Hispanic-born service officers who, despite being told by classmates that he had the wrong kind of ethnic background, served the United States valiantly for many years. Joseph also served in the Air Force during the Korean war and as a Foreign Service officer in Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, Spain and Canada where he worked with large numbers of refugees fleeing Cuba. Joseph put himself in harm's way, choosing to sacrifice his safety in order to assist others and advance freedom and peace around the world. His commitment to our American ideals, his courage and his good humor during difficult times will be forever remembered. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to salute our heroes.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and honor Esperanza Bravo de Varona and Lesbia Orta Varona on their well-deserved retirement after a long career with the Otto G. Richter Library at the University of Miami. Their distinguished careers were marked by impressive contributions to a special collection called the Cuban Heritage Collection. Their commitment to excellence has truly allowed them to shape the lives of many students, academics, and historians, and in that I count my father, Enrique Ros, who authored 19 books on Cuban history and local politics and relied upon the original documents found in the library's collection. Many other authors and historians have also come to rely on these documents. I have great confidence that the library will continue in the positive direction that Esperanza and Lesbia have set for it and that their commitment will be remembered for many years to come, Mr. Speaker. As a former Florida certified teacher, I know that there are few rewards greater than the satisfaction of investing in education, and I thank Esperanza and Lesbia for having empowered so many in our community with the resources and guidance to expand their knowledge. I wish them both all the best in this new chapter of their lives.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness about the grave atrocities committed by Kermit Gosnell against innocent lives at his Philadelphia abortion clinic. Witnesses called the clinic a ``house of horrors'' and described a procedure known as ``snipping,'' in which the backs of babies' necks are cut with scissors to ``ensure fetal demise.'' Abortion clinics across our Nation take the lives of 1.2 million babies every year. This is murder, and it must be stopped. We have the responsibility to protect the unborn, as well as the sanctity of all innocent human life. These wholesale murder clinics continue to take innocent lives. The prosecution of Kermit Gosnell is a positive step toward stopping our Nation's slide toward unrestricted abortions.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the gentleman for the time. I so agree with what the gentleman has been discussing, which is the difference between recess and district work period. It is so important for Members of Congress to maintain close attention and close ties with the constituents we so proudly represent. If we don't go back home, if we don't meet with constituents, if we don't talk to the Lions Clubs and the Rotary Clubs and Chambers of Commerce and everyday people who come to our congressional offices every day seeking help and remedy from the bureaucracy of the Federal Government, we would really not know what is going on in our congressional districts. Many people prefer to move up to D.C., and they get the Beltway fever and they rarely go back home. I think that's the wrong approach. I value the time that we get to be in our district so we can be in touch with our constituents. I'm lucky enough that Miami is not too far from D.C. We have many flights every day, and so I'm able to go home every weekend to be with my constituents. But it's difficult to really plan very much without knowing for sure that you're going to be home for an extended period of time, so I value the district work period. This Saturday, for example, what is my day like? Well, we have a student award ceremony where we're giving awards to every student who has gotten good grades, who's had good attendance, who's been most improved throughout the year. Then we'll also be having an art competition at another local school. I'll be meeting with human rights activists who have come from Cuba to talk about the deteriorating human rights condition. We'll be having a get- together with the Dade County Farm Bureau. It's a very extended day that can only be possible when we have these district work periods. On the issue of sequestration itself, as the gentleman, my colleague on the Rules Committee, has pointed out time and time again, the House has dealt with the sequestration problem not once, but twice. We have passed bills and given them to the Senate. And I agree with the gentleman from Utah when he says it's time for the Senate to do its job. We have sent them the legislation. It's time for them to debate it, send it back to us, and let's have a conference and see on what points we can or cannot agree. But if we keep passing bill after bill and the Senate just sits on its hands--as it likes to do--and doesn't pass meaningful legislation, doesn't even care to debate it, it's very difficult for us to get ourselves out of this sequestration jam. We are willing to work with the Senate, and we've made that point very clear. And the way that we deliver that message very clearly is by sending not one, but two bills over to the other body. We would like those bills to be debated, and we would like them to settle on legislation that we can both agree on that will not be a perfect bill, but will address some of the major holes that we have with sequestration, whether it's airport delays--whether they're real or manufactured--whether they're problems of people accessing the social service safety net that we want to provide for the most needy of our constituency. So I thank the gentleman for the time so that I can highlight that this is not recess, that this is district work period. I don't know how others handle their week at home, but I can tell you I've got a full calendar, and it means working hard for the people in this job that I really hold in such high esteem. I never forget that the people I work for are the people with whom I'm going to meet next week, and those are my constituents, the residents of the 27th District of Florida. So we can't be successful Members of Congress unless we're in touch with the people we represent. I enjoy that opportunity. Of course, I get to go back to a lovely district like Miami, Florida. But whatever district you represent, it's important to be in touch with our constituents so they can tell us their needs, and then we can come back here and fight so their needs are addressed in legislation like the legislation we sent to the Senate not once, but twice, dealing with these sequestration cuts and the devastating impacts it has on our community. So I thank the gentleman from Utah for his time. I hope that people understand, especially our constituents understand, the value of district work periods and that it will keep us more attuned to our constituency and better able to address the needs that they are facing each and every day. We know that those needs are great. There is no way that we're saying, There is no problem with sequestration; this is fine. Nobody is saying that. These are real problems. We need to solve them. We have a plan to do it, and we've done it twice. So I thank the gentleman for the time, and I will continue to try to work in a bipartisan manner in our Rules Committee, as well as in our Foreign Affairs Committee, to see what we can do to make our Nation safer, to secure our future for the next generation. I'm proud to have with me here, Madison, a young lady who is from St. Louis, Missouri. Today is Take Our Children to Work Day. Madison is not my child, but she belongs to all of us; and I want to make sure that the future for Madison is a bright future where she doesn't graduate from college with terrible debt, where she has a lot of opportunities available to her, where she knows that every path is available and open to her, that there will be no problem for her, whether she's male or female, what nationality, what religion, what ethnic background. This is the land of opportunity and this is the land of equality. I want that for all of the children of the United States of America. And I think having Madison here with me today is a very important point to say to my colleagues: We want a bright future for Madison. We don't want to have her be shouldering this massive debt that we're piling onto the next generation. If we continue to be not careful stewards of the taxpayer dollars, that's what we'll be passing off to Madison--insurmountable debt and a huge problem for her as she advances in her career. So I thank the gentleman from Utah for the opportunity so we can highlight the next generation of Americans, the Madisons, who are going to inherit, we hope, a better society. And if we do our job right, they will be able to inherit that better society. I thank the gentleman for the time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it may be in order at any time on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, for the Speaker to declare a recess, subject to the call of the Chair, for the purpose of receiving in Joint Meeting Her Excellency Park Geun-hye, President of the Republic of Korea.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, the case for tax reform was never made more clear when Americans recently struggled to fill out their increasingly complicated income tax forms. What we really need now is Tax Code Liberation Day. Our convoluted Tax Code has become a major obstacle to individual freedom, which must be removed as soon as possible. It prevents small businesses from hiring more workers in what is now a nearly dead economic recovery. The burden of preparing your taxes is now nearly as onerous as actually paying for the taxes. It takes 13 hours for the average American to prepare his or her taxes. The Tax Code remains almost 4 million words, many of which are incomprehensible. We must all work together to free small businesses and individuals of the most complex regulation of them all--the Federal Income Tax Code.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tireless efforts of the Women's Fund of Miami-Dade, a nonprofit organization based in the district I so proudly represent. Over the last 20 years, this inspiring organization has been committed to creating programs and initiatives through which all girls and women can prosper and become leaders in our community and, indeed, our Nation. Additionally, the Women's Fund of Miami-Dade is devoted to fostering awareness about sexually exploited children through its grantee partner, the Kristi House, an organization dedicated to helping children and families recover from abuse and to bring to justice those who violate them. Each year we set aside May 25 as a day when we reflect on sexually exploited and missing children and renew our efforts to make child protection a national priority. I thank the Women's Fund of Miami-Dade for its work to eradicate the sexual exploitation of children and to break the cycle of abuse through direct prevention and therapy and by spreading awareness of the damage inflicted upon innocent children. It is through the actions of compassionate members of our community, like the Women's Fund and Kristi House, that will stop these injustices against the most vulnerable of our society, our children.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to call attention to the devastating impact that harassment and bullying have on LGBT students around our country. Bullying affects LGBT teens every day in emotional, psychological, and physical ways, and can even lead to suicide. Statistics show that 30 percent of LGBT youth attempt suicide near the age of 15. While tomorrow has been designated as National Day of Silence, bullies do not stop when the calendar turns. We must all work together if we hope to deter and defeat bullying. I would like to take a moment of silence in honor of those who are harassed and those who have passed away due to this repeated and aggressive behavior.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, my dad was and will always be the wind beneath my wings. His passing leaves in us a loss that is eternal and deep. `Abu Kiki' as we lovingly called him was the center, the foundation of us all, and the one person who kept us grounded and confident in the path our lives had taken. If there is one comfort we feel during this time of unequaled sorrow is that we are confident that my dad is once again reunited with his beloved and cherished soul mate, Amanda Ros. Today I can look at my life and the lives of my brother Henry and my dad's adult grandchildren with joy and fulfillment. And I can do that because Abu Kiki worked hard to instill in us ageless ideals of fairness and doing always what was right. My dad was a prolific writer and well-known historian. He was working on his 20th book, a biography of Antonio Maceo, when he died of respiratory complications at South Miami Hospital late Wednesday night. He authored 19 other books on Cuban history and local politics that are an important source of information for other historians, academics and scholars. All who shared my father's life knew that he was happiest when he was busy doing research and writing his books. His beloved library was a meeting ground for our family and he kept a detailed log of all the articles and pictures that told the story of my family's life and of his cherished books. For 65 years, Enrique and Amanda Ros, shared a wonderful life together and they did it by way of love and hard work. They raised two children who have families of their own, founded and expanded a successful family business for over 30 years (Ros-Forwarding), and labored both as one in noble endeavors to re-establish democracy to our beloved Cuba. They were in love and it showed through their actions. In the name of all of us in the Ros and Lehtinen families we would like to ask his friends and everyone else to not be despondent but rather to come together and celebrate his long and fulfilled life. That is what my dad would have wanted. I know my brother and I shall terribly miss him, but we know that this is not a goodbye but rather a time apart before we are reunited once again next to our creator.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today, on the 34th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, I want to take a moment to recognize this landmark legislation, the special relationship that exists between the United States and Taiwan, and the exceptional work by this Congress to reinforce the bond between our peoples. Yesterday also marked another important date in U.S. Taiwan relations: the 11th anniversary of the founding of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus. Since April 9, 2002, the Taiwan Caucus has grown into one of the most prominent caucuses in Congress with almost 140 current members, and has led the way in strengthening diplomatic, security, and economic relations between our two nations. Since this Congress came together 34 years ago to pass the Taiwan Relations Act, the legislation has constituted the cornerstone of our unique relationship with one of the world's most vibrant democracies. For 30 years, the United States recognized the Republic of China (Taiwan) as the legitimate representative of the Chinese people. Yet, in 1979, the Carter administration switched sides and recognized the People's Republic of China, and at the same time derecognized the Republic of China (Taiwan). In an effort to counter this act of injustice, a unified United States Congress came together to pass the Taiwan Relations Act. To this day, our great nations continue to prosper through mutually beneficial trade relations, shared security interests, and the policies codified by the Taiwan Relations Act. Mr. Speaker, while recognizing the accomplishments of the Taiwan Relations Act, we must also recognize the need to strengthen our commitment to Taiwan through expanded diplomatic, security, and trade ties. Earlier this year, I was proud to introduce, with my colleagues, the co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart, John Carter, Albio Sires, Gerald Connolly, the Taiwan Policy Act, which seeks to accomplish these goals. If enacted, our proposed legislation would permit Taiwan's leaders to meet with U.S. officials in all executive branches, authorize the transfer of decommissioned Perry class guided missile frigates, and support the sale of F16 C/D fighter jets to the Armed Forces of Taiwan. With the growing antagonism of North Korea and the ever expanding territorial ambitions of China, our alliance with the democratic nation of Taiwan is even more important. In 2012, as our 11th largest trading partner, 16th largest export market, and 11th largest import market, Taiwan and the United States shared in $63.2 billion in total trade. It is clear that Taiwan is already a close and valuable trade partner for the United States but there is more work to be done. We are glad that TIFA talks were resumed and that the most recent round was concluded in a satisfying fashion. As a next step, our U.S. Trade Representative should begin negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Agreement. A free trade agreement with Taiwan should be our ultimate goal and it is my hope that we can begin negotiations in the near future. The United States should also support Taiwan receiving observer status in the International Civil Aviation Organization. We, as a nation, are fortunate to have Taiwan as an ally, friend, and one of our largest trading partners. Taiwan is a nation we truly can depend upon; a people who share the same dreams and aspirations as we do here in the United States. Today, we remember our predecessors here in the United States Congress who created the Taiwan Relations Act, as well as the founding members of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, who have helped the relationship between our two nations blossom into an enduring partnership.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Every March we commemorate National Women's History Month, a time in which we highlight the many contributions of women who have shaped our great Nation. While we celebrate the tremendous achievements of pioneers who have paved the way, it is important to remember the young girls who need an encouraging environment so that they can grow up to become strong women of character. Education is key to make this happen. Education is not simply a means to an end but, rather, a vital tool that can help overcome poverty, ignorance, and so much more. However, one in four girls in America does not finish high school, and the dropout rate is even higher for Hispanic teens. Nearly four in ten Hispanic girls will drop out of high school this year. This is alarming. Mr. Speaker, let's stop this high school dropout rate for all teen girls, and I ask that we renew our commitment to put literacy on our national agenda. Literacy is paramount in the struggle for self- empowerment and education.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, April 9, Hoerbiger Corporation of America will celebrate its 50th anniversary. A well- known and highly respected south Florida-based company, Hoerbiger provides many hardworking Americans with high quality manufacturing jobs in our south Florida community. I commend this innovative corporation for its half decade of business prowess, its commitment to sustainable businesses practices, its fairness to its employees and generosity to our community. Since 1963, Hoerbiger's focus on quality and innovation has established it as an industry leader, much to the credit of its founder, Hubert Wagner. The legacy of success continues with the expert guidance of its current president, Hannes Hunschofsky. This exemplary corporation and community partner has accomplished much over the years, and I am pleased that it calls south Florida home. Congratulations to each and every one at Hoerbiger for achieving this exciting milestone, and I wish you many more years of success.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Judge Poe's House Resolution 89, condemning the terrorist attack on February 9, 2013, at Camp Liberty in Iraq and requesting the prompt and safe return of the residents to Camp Ashraf. This attack has demonstrated that the living conditions of the residents are being threatened and their safety is in jeopardy. The United States needs to help facilitate the return of the residents for their own protection to Camp Ashraf, located also in Iraq, where they have safer facilities and a better infrastructure that may sustain future attacks--yes, future attacks. According to press reports, Mr. Speaker, the Iranian Quds Force intends to attack Camp Liberty again with rockets and mortars. Mr. Speaker, time is of the essence. I urge the U.S. House of Representatives to debate the Poe bill on the floor immediately due to the urgent humanitarian situation that the residents are facing.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I'm so pleased to recognize Women of Tomorrow, a community organization that encourages and empowers at-risk high school girls to develop to their fullest potential. This south Florida-based organization was founded in 1997 by Jennifer Valoppi and is now in 43 Florida and 13 Michigan cities, helping 2,500 girls in over 100 high schools. Women of Tomorrow has a bright future and will expand and connect girls across the country to mentoring scholarship opportunities. It's celebrating 16 years of teaching professional and personal skills. Over 90 percent of the young ladies mentored by Women of Tomorrow improve their grade point average, graduate from high school, pursue higher education, and improve their self-esteem immensely. The mentors and supporters of Women of Tomorrow work tirelessly to help teens, and I congratulate them on their Sweet 16.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank our esteemed chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as our ranking member, my good friend, Mr. Engel of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, authored by Mr. Royce and Mr. Engel, condemning North Korea for its most recent nuclear test. Kim Jong Un, like his father and his grandfather before him, continues to thumb his nose at the United States, at South Korea, and Japan--indeed, the international community as a whole--by flagrantly violating U.N. Security Council resolutions. Pyongyang continues to pursue its goals of nuclear armament while leaving its citizens malnourished, starving, and suffering from diseases. Without an appropriate response, North Korea will continue to launch rockets, as it did this past December, will continue to conduct nuclear tests, and will continue to undermine U.S. national security interests, as well as threaten our allies in the region. It is clear that North Korea is not now, nor has it ever been, an honest broker and has never lived up to its international obligations. The time for engagement has long since passed, Mr. Speaker. Kim Jong Un has made his priorities clear: to obtain a nuclear weapon and to support, finance, and equip rogue regimes such as Iran and Syria. Such support to these state sponsors of terrorism should be more than enough for us in the United States to redesignate North Korea on the terrorist list. I introduced a bipartisan bill earlier this week, the North Korea Sanctions and Diplomatic Nonrecognition Act of 2013, that would do exactly that. This is a critical moment for our allies in Asia, and the United States must reaffirm our unwavering support to our allies, South Korea and Japan. I urge my colleagues to join us in condemning North Korea for its repeated provocations and violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the gentleman for the time. So, therefore, I call upon the administration to take appropriate action necessary and stand in solidarity with our South Korean and Japanese allies as they continue to live under the increasing threat of a nuclear North Korea. I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their leadership on this issue, and our Foreign Affairs Committee will continue to pursue this terrible, vexing problem doggedly.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Section 3: ``If, at the time fixed for the beginning of the term of the President, the President-elect shall have died, the Vice President- elect shall become President. If a President shall not have been chosen before the time fixed for the beginning of his term, or if the President-elect shall have failed to qualify, then the Vice President- elect shall act as President until a President shall have qualified; and the Congress may by law provide for the case wherein neither a President-elect nor a Vice President-elect shall have qualified, declaring who shall then act as President, or the manner in which one who is to act shall be selected, and such person shall act accordingly until a President or Vice President shall have qualified.''

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 1464) to develop a strategy for assisting stateless children from North Korea, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendments thereto, and concur in the Senate amendments.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a privileged concurrent resolution and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 145) calling for universal condemnation of the North Korean missile launch of December 12, 2012, as amended.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I also have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material in the Record on this bill.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise to support this strongly bipartisan measure which condemns the latest provocation by North Korea. Pyongyang has once again flagrantly violated past United Nations Security Council resolutions and the assurances given to Six-Party partners. I would also like to take this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to sincerely congratulate President-elect Park for her victory in South Korea's hard-fought presidential election. The Republic of Korea is one of our Nation's closest friends in Asia. Ours is a steadfast alliance forged in the crucible of war. Two decades ago, with all eyes on Europe, the United States prematurely celebrated victory over communism and an end to the Cold War. But in 1989, the same year the Berlin Wall fell, tanks rolled into Tiananmen Square, crushing, in a bloody massacre, the democracy movement of the Chinese people. So while communism fell in Europe, it was revitalized in the world's most populous nation and preserved in North Korea and in my native homeland of Cuba. Pyongyang's recent missile launch awakens America to the fact that the shadow of communism still casts a long shadow over Asia. North Korea's expanding nuclear and missile proliferation threaten not only our allies in the Pacific, but potentially our own people as well. In Asia, the Cold War never ended, and the United States and South Korean forces stand guard together on this last frontier. Attempts to engage Pyongyang over the past 4 years have been met with repeated provocations: the kidnapping of two American journalists, repeated missile launches, one more nuclear test, the sinking of a South Korean naval vessel with the loss of 46 lives, and the shelling of a South Korean island. How much more should we endure before we say, Enough is enough? Sweet-talking Pyongyang only seems to inspire further belligerence. Our extended hand is met not only with a clenched fist but a fist grasping a knife. Those who had hoped for openness and reform from this new generation of the Kim dynasty saw their dreams go up in smoke on a North Korean launch pad. The only answer appears to be a coordinated, firm, international strategy in which current sanctions are reinforced and strengthened. This, of course, requires the cooperation of Beijing, a U.N. Security Council permanent member who deceptively seems to tell one thing to Washington and yet another to Pyongyang. Press articles hailed the fact that China, in anticipation of the recent launch, had begun inspecting cargo on North Korean ships in search of contraband. The question this raises is: Why has China not been inspecting North Korean ships since 2006, as was first called for in a U.N. resolution, which was reinforced by another resolution in the year 2009? If U.N. member states would only enforce the sanctions currently on the books, North Korea would be unable to ignore the international community and the civilized world. The time for coordinated international action is now. The time, in fact, is long overdue. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I would like to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade and the chairman-designate of the full committee in the next Congress. I thank him for his leadership on this and many of the issues that are facing our Foreign Affairs Committee.