Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. In the last decade, the Republic of Georgia has worked hard to implement a series of political, economic, and social reform aimed at establishing a democratic and prosperous society. These changes have often been difficult and even controversial, but the Georgian Government and its people must be commended for continuing to move forward. However, there is still much to be done. Soon, in the next few months, there will be parliamentary and presidential elections. Much is riding on these elections being perceived to be free and fair and conducted in full compliance with international democratic standards. The U.S. strongly supports Georgia's membership in NATO, and the alliance has repeatedly stated that the Republic of Georgia will one day be welcomed as a full member. Free and fair elections, Mr. Speaker, are fundamental to further progress toward Georgia's joining NATO. Nevertheless, Georgia is already contributing greatly to the alliance, particularly to the NATO mission in Afghanistan, where it is the second largest non-NATO contributor. Georgia's deployed forces in Afghanistan number over 800 troops, and these do not have restrictions on their engagement in combat, which is not the case with so many other allies. Georgia has done this even as its own security situation remains precarious, given the ongoing presence by Russian troops in several regions in Georgia. Until Russia fulfills the conditions in its 2008 cease-fire agreement, the instability and conflict it has deliberately created will, unfortunately, continue. Russia's aggression against Georgia poses a threat to the security of the entire region. This resolution, therefore, sends a strong message that Russian actions and continued military presence in these areas are unacceptable and must end immediately. I therefore urge my colleagues to join me in support of this important resolution. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster), who is the chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials, a member of the Armed Services Committee, and, more importantly, the author of the measure before us.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support H. Res. 526, which calls for the establishment of a democratic and prosperous Republic of Georgia and a peaceful and just resolution of Georgia's conflict with its breakaway regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Our country has always backed Georgia's territorial integrity. After Russia's 2008 invasion of Georgia, Moscow essentially truncated Georgia by recognizing the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Tellingly, no other OSCE state--not even former Soviet republics economically dependent on Russia--has followed Moscow's example, understanding well the danger of the precedent. Secretary Clinton has designated Russia's policy in Abkhazia and South Ossetia as ``occupation.'' Indeed, Moscow has pursued the ongoing militarization of these regions, which are clearly Georgian territory. In a remarkable admission, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on August 8 that Russia had a contingency plan as early as 2006-2007 for war with Georgia and that Moscow had even trained militiamen in South Ossetia. As Georgia's Foreign Ministry notes, Putin's acknowledgement contradicts ``Russia's earlier assertions that its 2008 military attack was in response to a surprise attack from Georgia and that its invasion was meant to prevent genocide and protect Russian citizens. It also underscores the premeditated nature of the invasion and highlights Moscow's utter disregard for international law.'' The United States will continue to back Georgia's territorial integrity. I stand with Georgia's Government in calling on Russia to remove its occupying forces and pledge not to use force against Georgia. I also note with concern the troubling military exercises Russia has scheduled to coincide with Georgia's parliamentary elections in October in a blatant attempt at intimidation. The upcoming election will be a critical moment in Georgia's democratic development. I hope the OSCE will be able to assess the election as free and fair. The United States stands ready to help Georgia progress towards democracy, as H. Res. 526 demonstrates.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I bring news to the U.S. Congress that, last month, on Monday, August 6, the South Florida community and the Munoz family lost a courageous and strong woman: Milagros ``Millie'' Munoz. I have twice previously come to the floor to speak of Millie, and the debilitating disorder from which she suffered: Dystonia. Millie was a remarkable woman described by all who knew her as ``the sweetest person,'' who was strong even in the face of the inescapable pains of dystonia. Through all of it--her pain; her rigorous physical therapy sessions--Millie always greeted everyone with that warm, unmistakable smile of hers. As a Member of Congress, it is my duty to help call attention to, and raise awareness of disorders such as dystonia to the American public. Together we can work together and call for additional research, with the hope that one day a cure may be found. Right now, dystonia is a virtually unknown condition that stems from major neurological diseases. It causes the involuntary spasm and contraction of muscles that robs those affected of the freedom to move. The condition is often misdiagnosed; Millie herself was often told by doctors that ``it was all in her head.'' It was only until her friend and doctor, Cynthia Gonzalez, astutely recognized Millie's symptoms as dystonia, that her mind could be put at ease. Millie's case stands as an example of why more Americans should be aware of dystonia; so that more can be done to prevent it and others like Millie don't have to suffer unnecessarily in the future. People should know her story so that Millie's courage in the face of adversity does not get forgotten. Millie may be gone, but her courage and resilience will be her lasting legacy. All of our hearts are a little heavier this week in South Florida as we honor and remember Milagros ``Millie'' Munoz. We should not mourn the loss of a life, but rather celebrate the memory of a life lived. Mr. Speaker, her passing is not the end, but the beginning of a new future; a future where others need not suffer from disorders like dystonia. And we here in Congress can help facilitate that future.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), who has a strong interest in this issue related to Taiwan's status in the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1410) to promote freedom and democracy in Vietnam, as amended.

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 insert extraneous materials into the Record on this measure.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1410, the Vietnam Human Rights Act. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam remains a gross human rights violator even as its trade with the U.S. grows. The people of Vietnam continue to be oppressed by their Communist jailers, unable to change their government or enjoy any semblance of the rule of law. Indeed, the most recent elections of May 2011 were neither free nor fair. Much like those living under the ruthless Castro regime in my native Cuba, Vietnamese citizens are subject to brutal treatment from police, inhumane prison conditions, and denial of the right to a fair and speedy trial. The judicial system is plagued by endemic corruption and inefficiency, and the Communist government has increasingly limited privacy rights and freedoms of the press, speech, assembly, movement, and association. Freedom of religion is subject to interpretation by Communist authorities, with significant problems occurring at provincial and village levels. Violence and discrimination against women, as well as trafficking in persons, continue to torment the population. The sexual exploitation of children, as well as hate crimes and discrimination based on ethnicity, sexual orientation, and HIV/AIDS status, all persist. As is the case with all Communist regimes, police often act with impunity. Cowardly hiding this egregious brutality from the civilized world, the Communist government prohibits independent human rights organizations from operating within its borders. All of this occurs while the U.S. continues to broaden trade with the Vietnamese dictators, completing a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, or TIFA, in 2007. We have increased our trade with Vietnam every year and have held a trade deficit with Vietnam every year since 1997. Mr. Speaker, that is not the message that we should send to these thugs. We should not reward this Communist dictatorship until the Government of Vietnam has made substantial progress respecting political freedoms, media freedoms, and religion freedoms. Vietnam must also protect its minorities, give access to U.S. refugee programs, act to end trafficking in persons, and release its approximately 4,000 political prisoners. I urge my colleagues to join me in showing our solidarity and support for the people of Vietnam by passing this important bill today. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the chairman of our Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade of our Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I'm so pleased to yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights, who is the author of this important bill.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield the gentleman an additional minute.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I would like to ask Mr. Berman if he has any other requests for time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, in closing, our Nation has always served as a beacon of hope for all who are oppressed and suffer under regimes such as the one in Vietnam, which has shown a blatant disregard for fundamental human rights and universal freedoms. We must continue to serve as such a beacon. We must not waver in our commitment to standing with the oppressed and not with their oppressors. This bill serves as an important guidepost in doing that. The Vietnam regime continues its oppression. On August 5, they arrested about 30 peaceful demonstrators who were protesting China's activities in the South China Sea. It included the arrest of an 81- year-old activist. Also, the threatened trial of three well-known human rights bloggers has been further postponed, thus extending their unjust legal limbo. This human rights legislation is long overdue. It contains a provision prohibiting an increase in nonhumanitarian assistance to the Government of Vietnam unless certain human rights benchmarks are met. Of course, it has a Presidential waiver, but it authorizes the President to provide assistance through appropriate nongovernmental organizations and the Human Rights Defenders Fund for the support of individuals and organizations that are promoting internationally recognized human rights in Vietnam. This is an American principle. This should be a universal principle of human rights and respect for minority rights. I hope that our colleagues will join us in passing Mr. Smith's bill. The time for it is long overdue. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, next week, Monday, September 17th is Constitution Day. This day marks the 225th anniversary of the adoption of the United States Constitution by our Founding Fathers. On that day in 1787 the members of the Constitutional Convention of Philadelphia reached a watershed moment, collectively adopting the Constitution that embodies the ideals of a new nation and a free people. Over the course of this upcoming week, Americans from all walks of life will gather to commemorate this sacred document by collectively reading the Constitution in Constitution Day events nationwide. Tomorrow, at 5:30 p.m. at the Miami History Museum on West Flagler Street, local law firm Higer, Lichter & Givner, in conjunction with History Miami, will host students, veterans, business and community leaders, and all who wish to join, as they gather together to read and honor the Constitution. This is a wonderful tradition, and I strongly encourage everyone to take part in this important event.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1464) to develop a strategy for assisting stateless children from North Korea, and for other purposes.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I kindly ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous materials into the Record on this measure.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of H.R. 1464, the North Korean Refugee Adoption Act, of which I am a proud cosponsor. I want to thank my good friend from California (Mr. Royce), who is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade on our Foreign Affairs Committee and who is a longtime advocate on North Korean human rights and refugee issues, for introducing this important bill. We are all too keenly aware of the extreme repression, the malnutrition, and the poverty suffered by so many inside North Korea today. Those threats often take the greatest toll on children. Imagine what happens when a child's natural protectors--parents--are no longer in the picture. Imagine what happens when that child is born or orphaned inside China when the child lacks legal status or dependable access to social services: malnutrition, abuse, exploitation, lack of education. These are the horrors that are faced by orphans of North Korean origin who are effectively stateless and without protection. Mr. Speaker, the United States is home to the largest ethnic Korean population outside of Northeast Asia, and many of the nearly 2 million Americans of Korean descent have family ties to North Korea. Numerous American families would like to provide caring homes to these stateless North Korean orphans. H.R. 1464 is a responsible first step toward making that possible. This bill does not ignore the unique challenges involved with ensuring that North Korean adoptees are genuine orphans and not fraudulent victims of trafficking. It does not change U.S. immigration law, nor the legal standards for adoption. It does not reduce the need for China to begin abiding by its refugee convention obligations to vulnerable North Koreans within its borders. And it does not diminish our commitment to assisting intact refugee families or to reunifying families that are separated. What it does do, Mr. Speaker, is require that our State Department take a broad look at the diplomatic and documentation challenges facing American families who would like to adopt North Korean orphans and report to Congress on potential strategies to address them. Doing the right thing is not always easy. I especially want to applaud those adoptive parents, both past and future, who invest their own lives and homes to provide loving families for some of the world's most endangered children. H.R. 1464 is a welcome step forward, Mr. Speaker, and deserves our unanimous support. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I'm so pleased to yield 6 minutes to the other gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, and the author of this important bill.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I think Mr. Royce did a wonderful job in summing up our bipartisan position. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 484) calling on the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to respect basic human rights and cease abusing vague national security provisions such as articles 79 and 88 of the Vietnamese penal code, which are often the pretext to arrest and detain citizens who peacefully advocate for religious and political freedom, as amended.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve 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 insert extraneous material into the Record on this measure.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 484, a bipartisan resolution of Loretta Sanchez, a bill of which I am a cosponsor. This resolution calls on the Vietnamese authorities to ``respect basic human rights and cease abusing vague national security provisions such as articles 79 and 88 of the Vietnamese penal code.'' These draconian legal measures are often used to arrest and detain citizens who peacefully advocate for political and religious freedom. When the Bush administration signed the bilateral trade agreement with Vietnam in the year 2006, which paved the way for Vietnam joining the World Trade Organization the next year, the Congress was assured that trade liberalization with Hanoi would lead, inevitably, to political liberalization. This proved, however, to be as spurious a promise as one made by the Clinton administration, which vowed that the liberalization of trade would open the door to democracy and human rights in China. The siren song that trade is the panacea for ending totalitarian oppression is directly contradicted by reports of deteriorating human rights conditions in both Vietnam and China. As Hanoi comes increasingly to Washington seeking strategic support for its dispute with the Chinese in the South China Sea, one can only ask, why are we not using Hanoi's concerns in the South China Sea as leverage to win greater concessions on the dismal human rights conditions in Vietnam? Why would we even consider helping Vietnam against Chinese bullying as long as Hanoi holds behind bars United States citizen Dr. Quan. Dr. Quan is a mathematician, and he has been detained in Vietnam since he returned there for a family visit in April. This resolution spells out in great detail how Hanoi makes use of the security provisions contained in articles 79 and 88 to continue to detain such noted democracy advocates as Father Ly. Article 88's provision regarding propaganda against the State gives Hanoi great leeway in detaining and imprisoning human rights activists, writers, those who advocate for democracy, journalists, Internet bloggers, the list goes on. The repeal of articles 79 and 88, and the release of all political prisoners, as called for in this important resolution, would represent first steps away from the continued totalitarian oppression of the Vietnamese regime. Our State Department should not put concern for human rights and the protection of the rights of U.S. citizens on a back burner while we pursue commercial and strategic opportunities with the leaders in Hanoi. We in Washington must be of one voice in strongly condemning the continuing crackdown on human rights and democracy in Vietnam. We should also remember that without the rule of law, it is not only democracy advocates who are put at risk, but also those whose special contracts will prove to be worthless pieces of paper. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to give their strong and unwavering support for this resolution. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to my good friend from California (Mr. Royce), the chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Just in closing, I would hope some of these impassioned speakers on behalf of respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law for the people of Vietnam, as meritorious as they are, I hope that they're extended to my native homeland of Cuba as well. May we hear those voices on the House floor calling for those same characteristics for the people of Cuba. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.