Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

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

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of Senate bill 1280, the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011. This bill represents the culmination of bipartisan and bicameral efforts to remedy long-standing problems in the Peace Corps regarding the way that rapes, sexual assault, and other violent crimes committed against Peace Corps volunteers serving overseas are handled. Senate bill 1280 incorporates structural reforms in the Peace Corps that I had proposed in my bill, H.R. 2699. These are based on recommendations made by the Peace Corps Inspector General. It also incorporates the essential provisions of Representative Poe's bill, H.R. 2337, to bring best practices to the Peace Corps' response to victims of sexual assault. Both of these bills, Mr. Speaker, were adopted by our House Foreign Affairs Committee by unanimous consent. Senate bill 1280 is named in honor of a brave Peace Corps volunteer from the State of Georgia who lost her life while serving in Africa. Kate Puzey was brutally murdered in Benin when she tried to end the continuing rape of her students by reporting the assailant. Earlier this year, in an oversight hearing held by our Committee on Foreign Affairs, we heard from Kate's mom, Lois Puzey, who testified that the Peace Corps failed to protect the confidentiality of Kate's report, and this ultimately led to the murder of her daughter. We also heard testimony from three former Peace Corps volunteers who were raped overseas. They all relayed accounts about the deplorable treatment they received by the Peace Corps after they reported their rapes. Without the chilling testimony of these brave individuals who came forward, I do not believe that successful reform legislation like this would have been possible. They deserve the utmost respect, and they are to be commended for their bravery. Many of them are in the visitors' gallery today. Jess, Carol, Karestan, and Kate are the voices of the Peace Corps' own volunteers from across the decades, voices that can no longer be ignored. During the course of our investigation, the House Foreign Affairs Committee received dozens of affidavits from other victims in the Peace Corps, echoing their plea for change. The accounts of these victims unveiled an institution that had too often blamed the victim and treated reports of rape as a threat to its reputation. Despite their harrowing experiences, most volunteers who have been victims of sexual assault continue to support the Peace Corps and remain committed to its noble mission--to promote world peace and friendship between peoples from different cultures. Director Aaron Williams has begun to make important changes to better protect and serve volunteers in the Peace Corps. However, deeper reforms are needed; and the legislation before us today, which was adopted by our Foreign Affairs Committee, requires the Peace Corps to make these changes. Senate bill 1280 combines two of our House bills, and it requires the Peace Corps to establish a confidentiality policy for reporting sexual assault. The bill sets up an Office of Victims Advocacy to oversee the response to sexual assault and other violent crimes. It also establishes a Sexual Assault Advisory Council to provide guidance to the Peace Corps volunteers and to ensure that it continues to follow the best practices as they evolve in the field. Under this bill, the Peace Corps must keep crime statistics and track them in annual safety and security reports. It directs the Peace Corps to perform portfolio reviews to evaluate the countries where volunteers serve, including an evaluation of their safety and their security. This bill enhances the independence of the Peace Corps Inspector General by exempting that office from the 5-year limitation of Peace Corps tenure. It instructs that a Memorandum of Understanding be entered into between the Department of State and the Peace Corps, delineating responsibility for crime victim support. I urge all Members to support this important legislation in honor of Kate Puzey and to vote in favor of Senate bill 1280. Help reform the Peace Corps to make it the polished gem of U.S. diplomacy that it was always meant to be. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I am honored to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas, Judge Poe, the wind beneath our wings, the man who started this ball rolling, the author of H.R. 2337, which was incorporated into the bill before us today. And as Mr. Berman, my good friend from California, has pointed out, Judge Poe has been the inspiration for this legislation before us today.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank my good friend for yielding me the time. I stand in strong support of the Protect Life Act. I thank my good friend, my colleague, Congressman Pitts, for introducing this important legislation because this bill will help ensure that no funds authorized or appropriated by the President's health care law will be used to pay for abortion except in the cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. This is not something new. This is not something radical. This simply applies the bipartisan principles of the Hyde amendment, which has helped guide this Chamber's legislative deliberations for over three decades. It extends the same standards applied to Medicaid, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, and other federal programs. The American people, Madam Speaker, have made it quite clear that they do not want their taxpayer dollars used to fund abortions. And the Stupak-Pitts amendment, as we know, was gutted in the Senate. The President's Executive order stating that the Hyde amendment would apply is not enough. Why? It is flawed because Executive orders can disappear as quickly as they are issued. But the Protect Life Act will create a solid framework that will safeguard taxpayer dollars. We must protect the sanctity of an innocent human life, we must stand behind the rights of the unborn, and we must prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions. That's why I'm proud to support the Protect Life Act and the rule for it.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement. We have been waiting to vote on this agreement since it was first signed in 2007, which means four years of lost opportunities. But now we have a chance to repair that damage. In the past year alone, Panama's economy grew 6.2 percent, making it one of the fast growing in Latin America and an expanding opportunity for American exporters. Panama is already among Miami-Dade county's top 25 trading partners, and Florida as a whole ranks number one among the 50 States in exports to that country. These figures will only increase once the FTA has been approved and American businesses no longer face heavy tariffs and other artificial barriers to trade. Currently, U.S. industrial exports face an average tariff of 7 percent, with some tariffs as high as 81 percent. Once this agreement goes into effect, 87 percent of all U.S. goods exported to Panama will become duty-free immediately. In the past 4 years since the U.S-Panama Free Trade Agreement was signed, American companies have paid millions upon millions of dollars in tariffs to the Panamanian government. Those are dollars needlessly spent by U.S. businesses, which they could have used for investments and expansion here in the U.S. instead of paying fees to a foreign government. Approval of the U.S.-Panama FTA will eliminate this transfer of wealth, increase U.S. exports, and create new jobs here at home that so many Americans are desperately searching for. The agreement also has many other provisions of importance to U.S. businesses, especially strengthening intellectual property rights, which are under assault around the world. In addition to the potential economic growth stemming from this agreement, Panama is a key strategic ally in the region. Ever since the Panama Canal was completed a century ago, Panama's importance to the U.S. has only increased as a major transportation route, with two-thirds of its traffic consisting of shipments between our west and east coasts. For these many reasons--expanded exports, increased jobs, and closer ties with a strategic ally--I strongly urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of the U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, at a time when millions of American families are struggling and so many people are looking for work, passage of the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement should be a top priority for our government. It is time to grant American businesses and exporters barrier-free access to the world's 13th largest economy. The U.S. International Trade Commission estimates that it will increase our export of goods by at least $10 billion a year. That's not even counting the high-value services in which our country leads the world, which are now largely shut out of many areas of South Korea's economy. The Administration estimates that at least 70,000 jobs will result from the free trade agreement with South Korea alone. That means paychecks for 70,000 American families. The years of delay in sending this agreement to Congress since it was first signed in 2007 have put U.S. businesses at a severe disadvantage. Earlier this year, the European Union's free trade agreement with South Korea went into effect, giving their companies a major boost and resulting in lost sales for American companies and lost jobs here in the U.S. But there is more at stake than just increased exports. South Korea is a key U.S. ally in an unstable region of the world, where tens of thousands of U.S. troops stand on guard against aggression, and where U.S. interests are increasingly under threat from China and other countries. At a time when much of the world is waiting to see if the U.S. will retreat from its responsibilities, passage of this free trade agreement will serve as a clear demonstration of our enduring commitment to our ally South Korea and our determination to defend our interests throughout East Asia. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote for the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade agreement and for the creation of tens of thousands of jobs for the many Americans who desperately need them.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. After having waited for four years since this agreement was first signed, the time has finally come for Congress to vote to approve it. This agreement is good for Colombia but is even better for the United States. According to the International Trade Commission, the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement will expand exports of U.S. goods by more than $1 billion dollars every year, which will allow businesses to create thousands of new jobs for those Americans who are struggling to find one. In South Florida, Colombia is already our second largest trading partner. Our two largest economic engines are the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport, both of which will benefit tremendously from the increase in trade with Colombia. In 2010, Colombia was the 10th largest trading partner with the Port of Miami, with bilateral trade worth $6.8 billion. And 96 percent of the flowers that are sent to the U.S. from Colombia come through Miami International Airport, which helps support tens of thousands of jobs related to the airport and several aviation industries. These figures will grow rapidly once this agreement has been approved. But there is more at stake here than increased trade. Colombia has been a strong democracy and a steadfast ally in a region where U.S. interests are under assault. We have jointly battled narco-terrorists, leftist guerrillas, and the aggressive actions of Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez. This agreement will strengthen that vital partnership between our two nations and demonstrate to our friends and enemies alike that the U.S. intends to remain a strong presence in the region. Madam Speaker, it is time to put American interests first instead of the partisan political considerations that have delayed this agreement for four years. I strongly encourage my colleagues to vote yes on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement and allow our businesses to finally begin creating the jobs that so many Americans are searching for.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the University of Miami for being named as the country's 38th best university in U.S. News and World Report's recent rankings. The University of Miami is the highest ranked school in the great State of Florida, and it has moved up nine spots since last year and 29 over the last decade, making it one of the fastest rising institutions. The university's ascent in the rankings is attributed to a marked improvement in key areas such as graduation rates, freshmen retention rates, and average SAT scores of entering freshmen. I earned a doctorate in education from the University of Miami, so I take special pride in this high ranking. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the university; its president, Donna Shalala; and the incredible faculty, staff, and student body. This is an honor for the ``U'' and for the entire State of Florida. Go Canes.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the esteemed chairman of the Rules Committee for highlighting what a transformation Colombia has made in recent years, thanks to the strong leadership from the top down to the cop on the beat. If the American people are listening to this debate, they would think that Colombia is a war zone equal to Iraq and Afghanistan. And I believe that those Members have not gone to Colombia in many a year. But I rise in strong support of the free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea. I thank my good friend from California for his strong leadership on these three trade deals that we've been waiting so many years, Mr. Speaker, for them to be sent to Congress. I am pleased that at last we have the chance to vote on them, because their passage will mean American businesses will finally have a competitive level playing field. And to give you just one example, American industrial exports to Panama--one of our sister countries to south Florida, we have so many Panamanian Americans living in our area--now face tariffs as high as 81 percent, but almost all of these will be eliminated thanks to this trade agreement. By the administration's own estimates, Mr. Speaker, the U.S.-South Korea free trade agreement alone will generate around 70,000 new American jobs. And as the Rules Committee chairman pointed out, south Florida is indeed the gateway to Latin America.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Thank you. We will see significant benefits in south Florida, and not just for large companies but for small and medium-sized ones as well. Let's talk about Colombia. Flower importers in the area estimate that they will save $2 million per month in duties that they now are paying on imports from Colombia. And also, we should point out how important these trade agreements are, because these three allies are of great importance to our national security. You can't ask for better partners for peace and making sure that we have democracy in the region than South Korea, Colombia, and Panama. I thank the gentleman for the time, and I'm pleased to support the rule.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank my good friend, the chairman of the committee, for yielding. I am just astounded, but I am very pleased to hear my good friends from the other side speak so eloquently about support for human rights and support for labor leaders and workers' rights. Yet some of these folks are the very same ones who want to lift those sanctions against Communist, totalitarian Cuba, where labor unions are outlawed, where workers have no rights, and where human rights are not respected at all. I don't think the Castro brothers can even spell ``human rights'' in either language. But on to the point of human rights and free trade and dignity for workers in Colombia, I am so pleased that, finally, we are going to pass this agreement. In south Florida, Colombia is already south Florida's second largest trading partner. Our two largest economic engines are the Port of Miami and the Miami International Airport, both of which will benefit tremendously from the increase in trade with a free, democratic Colombia. So I welcome this, and I hope that this newfound love for human rights and trade and labor unions will extend to my native homeland of Cuba one day. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. After having waited for years since this agreement was first signed the time has finally come for Congress to vote to approve it. This agreement is, good for Colombia but is even better for the United States. According to the International Trade Commission, the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement will expand exports of U.S. goods by more than $1 billion dollars every year which will allow businesses to create thousands of new jobs for those Americans who are struggling to find one. In South Florida, Colombia is already our second largest trading partner. Our two largest economic engines are the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport, both of which will benefit tremendously from the increase in trade with Colombia. In 2010, Colombia was the 10th largest trading partner with the Port of Miami, with bilateral trade worth $6.8 billion. And 96 percent of the flowers that are sent to the U.S. from Colombia come through Miami International Airport, which helps support tens of thousands of jobs related to the airport and several aviation industries. These figures will grow rapidly once this agreement has been approved. But there is more at stake here than increased trade. Colombia has been a strong democracy and a steadfast ally in a region where U.S. interests are under assault. We have jointly battled narco-terrorists, leftist guerrillas, and the aggressive actions of Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez. This agreement will strengthen that vital partnership between our two nations and demonstrate to our friends and enemies alike that the U.S. intends to remain a strong presence in the region. Madam Speaker, it is time to put American interests first instead of the partisan political considerations that have delayed this agreement for years. I strongly encourage my colleagues to vote yes on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement and allow our businesses to finally begin creating the jobs that so many Americans are searching for.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the esteemed chairman for the time. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the U.S.-Panama free trade agreement. In my home district of Miami-Dade, Panama is among its top 25 trading partners. In Florida as a whole, it ranks number one among all of the States in exports to that country--incredible numbers. And these figures, Madam Speaker, will only increase once the FTA has been approved and American businesses no longer face heavy tariffs and other artificial barriers to trade. But in addition to the potential economic growth stemming from this agreement, Panama is a key strategic ally in the region. Ever since the Panama Canal was completed a century ago, Panama's importance to the U.S. has only increased as a major transportation route, with two- thirds of its traffic consisting of shipments between our west and east coast. For these reasons--expanded exports, increased jobs, closer ties with a strategic ally--I hope that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will pass this free trade agreement. Madam Speaker, we have been waiting for this agreement for far too long, years of lost opportunities. But now we have a chance to repair that damage. In the past year alone, Panama's economy grew 6.2 percent, making it one of the fastest growing in Latin America and an expanding opportunity for American businesses. Currently, U.S. industrial exports face an average tariff of 7 percent, but some tariffs go as high as over 80 percent. But once this agreement goes into effect, 87 percent of all U.S. goods exported to Panama will become duty-free immediately. In the past 4 years since the trade agreement was signed, American companies have paid millions upon millions of dollars in tariffs to the Panamanian Government. These dollars are needlessly spent by U.S. businesses to foreign governments when they could have been paid here in the United States to beef up our businesses. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement. We have been waiting to vote on this agreement since it was first signed, which means years of lost opportunities. But now we have a chance to repair that damage. In the past year alone, Panama's economy grew 6.2 percent, making it one of the fast growing in Latin America and an expanding opportunity for American exporters. Panama is already among Miami-Dade county's top 25 trading partners and Florida as a whole ranks number one among the 50 states in exports to that country. These figures will only increase once the FTA has been approved and American businesses no longer face heavy tariffs and other artificial barriers to trade. Currently, U.S. industrial exports face an average tariff of 7 percent, with some tariffs as high as 81 percent. Once this agreement goes into effect, 87 percent of all U.S. goods exported to Panama will become duty-free immediately. In the past 4 years since the U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement was signed, American companies have paid millions upon millions of dollars in tariffs to the Panamanian government. Those are dollars needlessly spent by U.S. businesses, which they could have used for investments and expansion here in the U.S. instead of paying fees to a foreign government. Approval of the U.S.-Panama FTA will eliminate this transfer of wealth, increase U.S. exports, and create new jobs here at home that so many Americans are desperately searching for. The agreement also has many other provisions of importance to U.S. businesses, especially strengthening intellectual property rights, which are under assault around the world. In addition to the potential economic growth stemming from this agreement, Panama is a key strategic ally in the region. Ever since the Panama Canal was completed a century ago, Panama's importance to the U.S. has only increased as a major transportation route with two-thirds of its traffic consisting of shipments between our west and east coasts. For these many reasons--expanded exports, increased jobs, and closer ties with a strategic ally--I strongly urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of the U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank my good friend from Michigan for yielding. Madam Speaker, at a time when millions of American families are struggling and when so many people are looking for work, passage of this U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement should be a top priority for all of us; but there is more at stake than just increased exports. South Korea is a key U.S. ally in an unstable region of the world where tens of thousands of our U.S. troops stand on guard against aggression and where U.S. interests are increasingly under threat from China and other countries. At a time when much of the world is waiting to see if the U.S. will retreat from our responsibilities, passage of this free trade agreement will serve as a clear demonstration of our enduring commitment to our ally South Korea and to our determination to defend our interests throughout East Asia. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote for this U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement and for the creation of tens of thousands of American jobs for the many families who are desperately in need of them.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, South Florida recently lost a truly remarkable woman and pillar of our community--Mrs. Frances Chambers. Fran, as she was affectionately known, leaves behind a legacy that will long endure. Fran was the consummate lifelong learner. Born on November 13, 1921, in Miami, Fran graduated from Booker T. Washington High, and then went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree--with highest honors--from Bennett College in 1942. She then received a Master of Arts degree from New York University, and later continued her studies, amassing more postgraduate credits than are required for a doctoral degree from several Florida universities. She turned her enthusiasm for studies into a love of teaching. Fran taught and guided generations of students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where she was loved by her students and admired by her peers. For more than 37 years Fran shared her passion with her students at Dunbar Elementary, Miami Jackson Senior High, COPE Center North, and Holmes Elementary. She was involved in nearly every aspect of education for the children of South Florida--finally retiring in 1979. But Fran was not just a perennial educator; she was also a committed volunteer. She began volunteering for the March of Dimes and American Heart Association in the 1950s. Later, she served as board chair of the James E. Scott Community Association, a group that provides social services for those in need, and was also a member of the Seniors Centers of Dade County, League of Women Voters and the NAACP. Fran remained active in the community well after her retirement from Miami- Dade County Public Schools--her commitment to volunteerism and the South Florida community is as impressive as it is praiseworthy. Her other passion was for the preservation and dissemination of the history of Miami's African-American pioneers. Fran had a vision to research and publish a book, so that the records of these remarkable people could be recorded and shared. Her goal was to help assure that future generations could appreciate the long and difficult road so many of these pioneers had to endure, and to draw strength and encouragement from them. In 2000, Fran learned she was afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. But this bad news could not keep her dream from being realized. After nearly three decades, her vision finally came to fruition. Her resolve and her vision were so admired by those in the South Florida community that others picked up her mantle and carried out her work to completion. In 2010, a collaborative effort made her dream a reality. Linkages & Legacies was the end result of all of Fran's hard work. And in true Frances Chambers style, the publication was her gift to the community so that this history could be told for generations to come. Fran may be gone, but her legacy and love will forever be a constant presence in South Florida. It is carried on through her work, and through her 3 children, 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She was a unique and truly awe-inspiring woman. All of our hearts in the South Florida community are a little heavier this week as we honor and remember Frances Chambers.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary woman, a dedicated public servant, and a dear friend: Congresswoman Carrie Meek. Carrie has lived a life of distinction, and her legacy is extensive and incredible. The granddaughter of a slave, Carrie became the first African American woman to serve in the Florida Senate. My husband, Dexter Lehtinen, and I had the honor of serving with Carrie in the Florida House and then in the Florida Senate, and then Carrie went on to become the first African American from Florida since Reconstruction elected to Congress. What an honor. While in Congress, Carrie worked vigorously and resolutely for her constituents in all of south Florida, playing an instrumental role in rebuilding our community after the devastation of Hurricane Andrew. Her accomplishments and service to our south Florida community are too many to be enumerated; however, she hasn't rested on her laurels. Since leaving this Chamber, she continues her commitment to service through The Carrie Meek Foundation. I ask my colleagues to join us today in paying tribute to our dear friend, Congresswoman Carrie Meek.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, this Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. I would like to take a moment to recognize Florida International University's series of events in remembrance of 9/11 and share my thoughts on the events that unraveled that fateful September morning. It has been 10 years since the horror of 9/11, a day that will be forever ingrained in our memories. On that day, America came face to face with an evil the likes of which our shores had never before witnessed. This unconscionable terrorist attack--this barbaric and cowardly act of 19 men--declared war not only on America, but on freedom itself. Nearly 3,000 innocent victims--of all races, religions and ethnicities--lost their lives that morning. Millions more suffered in anguish as the news of the events quickly unfolded on our television sets and radios worldwide. We were left asking the questions: Why and who? Why would anyone purposefully and mercilessly attack innocent civilians? Who could be so nefarious? In the succeeding years, we received the answers to our questions. We have identified our enemy and we have brought many of them to justice. Though our enemy has been weakened, we must remain steadfast in our resolve and vigilance to ensure that an attack like this will never again be brought upon our citizens. This is the debt we owe to those who perished on September 11th and to all of their loved ones. For many of us, the memories of that day remain vivid--and wounds remain fresh--yet we gather here today to pay tribute not only to those innocent victims who lost their lives, but to those who gave their lives so that others may live. We gather here to remind the world of the courage and strength of our citizens. We gather here, united, to remind our enemies that our resolve will not waver; our spirit will never diminish. We gather today to honor the memories of every man and woman lost, and to give them our solemn promise that we will never forget; we will never rest until their lasting memorial is a world of peaceful coexistence.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, our nation's budget is out of control. Two years ago, our nation experienced our first trillion dollar Federal budget deficit. Last year, we experienced our second trillion dollar deficit. This year, our annual deficit is projected to reach over $1.6 trillion--the largest in history. We are spending more than we can afford and in the process saddling future generations with a grim economic future. This is unacceptable. It is also why my colleagues and I are here this evening. As women, we know the importance of creating and sticking to a budget. The finances of many households are run by women. We know that a family cannot wildly spend beyond its means. And yet this is what our government is doing on a daily basis. Our government has acted recklessly with our financial security and prosperity. Just as our families and neighbors have had to tighten our belts during this recession, the Federal government must do the same. Women have to juggle various household necessities while still remaining within their budget constraints. This is why Republican women support a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget to help reign in Federal spending. It will help us start to get our fiscal house in order. A constitutional amendment will help ensure the future stability and solvency of our economy. Our grandchildren deserve nothing less.

Mr. ROS-LEHTINEN

Mr. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Carmen Cano, for her contribution to the South Florida community and on her 90th birthday. Mrs. Cano, a native of Cuba, always had a passion for education and mentoring those whom she taught. In 1952, she graduated with a Doctorate in Education from The University of Havana, and just a few years later became the principal of one of Cuba's most prominent schools, St. George's School. Unfortunately, like so many, in 1960 she was forced to flee Castro's repressive regime in search of freedom and opportunity. That opportunity was waiting for her here in South Florida. After arriving in Miami, Mrs. Cano began to volunteer at Gesu School, where she helped to educate not only her students' hearts but also their minds. Mrs. Cano's dedication to her students and professionalism led to her being offered a permanent position teaching 8th grade math. In 1982, when the Gesu School closed its doors, Mrs. Cano's reputation throughout the South Florida community lead her to being offered a position at another of Miami's staple institutions, St. John the Apostle. For 12 years she would continue to teach at St. John, where her great sense of humor, extraordinary teaching style, and her faith would earn the respect of her administrators, peers, and most importantly her students. Mrs. Cano's friendly spirit and maternal nature gave her students, many of whom arrived in Miami alone, a sense of security and belonging. I am honored to have Mrs. Cano as a constituent of the 18th District of Florida and thank her for all she has done for the South Florida community. Happy Birthday, Carmen!

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today marks the anniversary of the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Seventeen years ago, the Iranian regime, through the coordinated efforts of its embassy and extremist proxy Hezbollah, committed one of the deadliest attacks in Argentine history. The events that transpired on July 18, 1994 served as a perilous forewarning of the emerging threat of radical Islamist militants in the Hemisphere and their state-sponsors. The attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center of Buenos Aires took the lives of 85 men, women, and children, and left over 300 others wounded. This precise location was targeted because it serves as the symbol of Jewish cultural life in a country that is home to the largest Jewish community in Latin America. The attack is consistent with the Iranian regime's attitude toward the Jewish people in general, and toward the State of Israel in particular. Only two years earlier, Islamic Jihad--a violent extremist organization with ties to Hezbollah--claimed responsibility for a similarly deadly attack on the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires. Israeli officials determined that Iran, including high-ranking regime officials, had been informed about the plans for the embassy attack and had, in fact, given the authorization for its execution. Tehran has made no effort to hide its anti-Semitic spew or its intent to destroy the State of Israel. And in the years since, the Iranian regime has only deepened its network of proxy extremist groups and its unapologetic support of deadly activities worldwide. This is evidenced, not just by its continued alliance with extremist entities which target civilians to advance their destructive agenda, but also by the fact that those directly responsible for the attack, as determined by the Government of Argentina, continue to serve as high ranking officials in the Iranian regime. One such example is the current Iranian Defense Minister, Ahmed Vahidi. Vahidi is facing an international arrest warrant issued by INTERPOL, but he remains a prominent figure in the regime. In fact, at the invitation of Evo Morales, Vahidi travelled to Bolivia just last month to attend the opening of an ALBA military academy. Encouraged by Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, Iran has forged an unholy alliance with several countries in the region based on their shared rejection of freedom and democratic values. Even in the wake of Iran's brutal crackdown on its citizens after the fraudulent so-called ``elections'' in 2009, the ties between the Iranian regime and the ALBA countries has only strengthened. These alliances, and the resources and capacity they provide to Iran, are especially disturbing as the United States and other responsible nations are working to isolate the Iranian regime for its support of extremism and pursuit of nuclear weapons. And so, as we remember the attack on the AMIA 17 years ago, we must do so within the broader, stark, and growing threat posed by the regime. On that note, Mr. Speaker, I would draw attention to the strongly bipartisan Iran Threat Reduction Act, which I recently introduced together with Ranking Member Berman, and which has almost 200 cosponsors. This legislation builds upon current law, closes loopholes, and provides for comprehensive action to address the totality of the threat posed by Tehran. I look forward to its consideration by the whole House. Mr. Speaker, I would also note that earlier this week, INTERPOL issued Red Notices for the arrest of four members of Hezbollah, which is sponsored by Iran, after they were indicted by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon for their roles in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri in 2005. This should serve as a further reminder of the lengths to which Iran and its allies are ready, willing, and able to cause destruction and to wantonly violate international norms and obligations in multiple regions. On July 18, 1994, the world was witness to an act of true evil perpetrated by the ruthless Iranian regime. And as we mark the 17th anniversary of this attack and honor the victims and survivors of that day, we must recommit ourselves to holding the Iranian regime accountable for the AMIA attack and for the threat it poses to U.S., regional, and global security.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to mark the anniversary of the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. On July 18, 1994, the Iranian regime, through the coordinated efforts of its embassy and extremist proxy Hezbollah, committed one of the deadliest attacks of anti-Semitism in the Western Hemisphere by killing 85 men, women and children and injuring over 300 innocent bystanders. Seventeen years later, Mr. Speaker, the regime has yet to answer for its role in the attack. Its statement this weekend was nothing more than a desperate PR attempt to manipulate the headlines in advance of today's sad anniversary. And so as we mark the 17th anniversary of this horrible attack and honor the victims and the survivors of that day, we must recommit ourselves to holding the Iranian regime accountable for the AMIA attack and for the threat that it continues to pose to U.S. regional and global security.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of House Resolution 306.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the dark anniversary of July 20, 1974, when Turkish military troops illegally invaded the sovereign nation of Cyprus. In the gray pre-dawn hours, heavily armed Turkish troops began the military operation named ``Operation Atilla'', implementing their strategy of ``clearing'' the territory in northern Cyprus, a community whose population was previously 80 percent Greek Cypriot. As a result of these attacks, violent conflict erupted and over five thousand Greek Cypriots were estimated to have been killed; an additional sixteen hundred Greek Cypriots were reported missing; and over two hundred thousand Greek Cypriots were forcefully expelled from their homes. Unfortunately, this tragedy which began that morning of July 20 continues today, as over 43,000 Turkish military troops occupy almost 40 percent of Cyprus' territory. That amounts to one Turkish soldier for every two Turkish-Cypriots. During the thirty-seven years the Turkish military has occupied northern Cyprus, illegal immigrants from Turkey flood into northern Cyprus, with some reports indicating at least 800 illegal migrants each year. In total since 1974, this influx has resulted in more than 160,000 Turkish mainland illegal immigrants settling in the occupied territory, to the extent that these settlers now outnumber indigenous Turkish- Cypriots two to one. Many claim that these immigrants are ``encouraged'' to settle in Cyprus by the Turkish government as part of a cynical strategy to alter the demographic statistics on the island and gain more property in any eventual settlement. In addition, under the Turkish occupation, hundreds of religious and cultural sites have been desecrated. Icons, manuscripts, frescoes and mosaics have been looted from Greek Orthodox, Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Maronite and Jewish religious sites in northern Cyprus. Over five hundred Orthodox churches or chapels have been demolished or vandalized. Seventy-seven churches have even been converted into mosques, twenty- eight churches are being used by the Turkish military as hospitals or camps, and thirteen churches have been turned into barns. For thirty seven years, the Cypriot people have endured conflict, division and foreign occupation. It is long past time for their liberation. The United Nations Security Council has passed seventy-five separate resolutions calling for Turkey to allow Greek Cypriots to return to their homes and to withdraw its troops from Cyprus. In 1976, 1983 and again in 2009, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Turkey was illegally occupying Cyprus and must return all seized properties to their Greek Cypriot owners. Yet, to date Turkey continues to ignore such condemnations of its actions. Meanwhile, two generations of Cypriot youth have now grown up knowing no other reality than the division of their homeland, the segregation of their people, the militarization of part of their country by foreign troops, and the ever present threat of another outbreak of violence. Many have, or are beginning to, abandon hope of a peaceful settlement. Unfortunately, the limited progress achieved in the reunification talks since 2008 heightens this general sense of despair. In fact, a few weeks ago U.N. Special Advisor for Cyprus Alexander Downer even stated, ``It could not go any slower without stopping altogether. The last three months have been the worst three months we've ever had since these negotiations began.'' This lack of constructive movement can be directly attributed to the behind-the-scenes interference from Ankara and the new hard-line representative from the Turkish community, Dr. Dervish Eroglu. It is apparent that there are some both in Turkey and in the leadership of the Turkish-Cypriot community who believe that continued obstruction of the talks serves their best interests by garnering domestic political support. I would argue that such a mercenary approach to these talks in fact prevents the Turkish-Cypriot people from attaining that which is in their long-term best interests. Until there is the reunification of the country, the Turkish-Cypriot community cannot fully benefit from the economic and social benefits derived from Cyprus' membership in the European Union. As a result, Turkish-Cypriots endure a far lower standard of living, reduced foreign direct investment, and other limitations on their overall development. Therefore, I urge the representatives of the Turkish-Cypriot community to promote their own community's interests rather than their own by working for reunification of the island. In that regard, I was encouraged by the recent pledge by both parties, President Dimitris Christofias and Dr. Dervish Eroglu, to commit once more to the talks with the aim of making substantial progress this year. In order for these talks to succeed however, Turkey must grant the Turkish-Cypriot community full autonomy in the reunification negotiations and to publicly commit to abiding by any terms agreed upon in a Cypriot developed reunification agreement. That includes the full, permanent withdrawal of its troops of occupation from Cyprus. I will continue to do what I can in my role in Congress to support such reunification efforts, until that long-awaited day when the next generation of Cypriot youth realize the hopes of their predecessors for a sovereign Cyprus--independent, unified, and at peace.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I would like to thank my good friend from Illinois for the time. She has been a wonderful advocate on behalf of homeowners and renters of the United States, and especially in my area. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of this bill to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program as administered by FEMA through the year 2016. Granted, the bill before us is not perfect, but homeowners and businesses in my congressional district--that stretches from Miami Beach all the way down to Key West--deserve to see stability brought to this vital program. Since September of 2008, the NFIP has had 11 short-term extensions, and just last year alone the program was allowed to lapse three times. That is inexcusable. These lapses meant that FEMA was not able to write new policies, renew expiring policies, or increase coverage limits. And for a program that insures over 90 percent of all flood insurance policies nationwide--40 percent of those being in my home State of Florida--this is rightly inexcusable. Just as bad, for each of the 53 days that the NFIP was lapsed, over 1,400 homebuyers who wanted to purchase homes located in floodplains were unable to close on their home purchases. It is necessary to demonstrate these irresponsible lapses will not occur again; and those of us in south Florida and the Miami Beach area to the Keys will stay prepared for any event that could occur during hurricane season, which is upon us again, and we need to know that the NFIP is there to help us recover. Let us not let another lapse happen right in the middle of hurricane season. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this much-needed, way overdue important reauthorization. I thank the gentlewoman for the time, and let's pass this bill.