Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry), a member on the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Cassidy), a member of the Committees on Agriculture, Education, and Natural Resources.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield the remainder of my time to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston), a member of the Committee on Appropriations.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of House Resolution 892 commemorating the extraordinary events in 1989 which led to the end of the Soviet regime's domination over Eastern Europe and those people it held captive within its borders. As this resolution points out, 1989 was an important and pivotal year for freedom in Europe. In the course of only 365 days, walls fell, free elections were held, dictators were washed away, and people who had long yearned for freedom crossed barriers and walked into liberty. The trade union Solidarity won its historic election victory leading to the first noncommunist government in Poland since 1945. Two million people living in the Baltic States linked hands to form a human chain almost 400 miles long in a dramatic, peaceful protest against Soviet rule. In response to protests that had grown to include over a million people, East Germany opened the border with West Berlin for ``private trips abroad''; then thousands of East Germans flooded across the border and the Berlin Wall fell. The ``Velvet Resolution'' protests in Czechoslovakia led to a free election of a new democratic government. Romanian security forces brutally murdered brave Romanians who were protesting the arrest of a local priest, but subsequent mass protests overthrew the communist regime there. Mr. Speaker, and while I do support this resolution, it might have been an even more important statement by this House if it had clarified more specifically the great importance that membership in the NATO alliance now holds for these countries formerly trapped behind the Iron Curtain. While this measure indeed reaffirms our commitment to article 5 of the alliance, I would like to point out some disturbing recent incidents involving some of our allies in Eastern Europe which would seem to call for an even stronger statement of the strength and commitment of our alliance. In April of 2007, the Russian Foreign Minister threatened serious consequences after the Estonian Government moved the site of a Soviet war memorial in Tallinn. Subsequently, Estonian Internet and technological information systems were subjected to large-scale, systematic cyberattacks suspected to have originated in Russia. Furthermore, Russian officials recently threatened undefined aggressive actions against Poland and the Czech Republic if those states agreed to the deployment by their NATO ally, the United States, of strategic missile defense components on their territory. In August of 2008, a Russian general stated, ``By hosting (missile defense components on its territory), Poland is making itself a target. This is 100 percent certain. It becomes a target for attack. Such targets are destroyed as a first priority.'' Recent efforts undertaken by Russia and its state-controlled energy companies to monopolize control over energy supplies to European states have raised concerns over future Russian intentions regarding influence over political processes in those states. Again, this measure would have been a good opportunity to include specific references to those incidents. The kinds of statements and actions emanating from the Russian Government are extremely serious and they must be viewed with the utmost concern for the sake of security of the countries of Eastern Europe that did work so hard to gain the freedom they finally achieved in 1989, the subject of this resolution. Overlooking such statements and actions, the measure before us today forgoes the opportunity to send a truly clear and powerful message that we will not ignore statements and actions of that nature aimed at our allies, that their hard-won freedom and security do matter to us, and that we will stand with them against such intimidation. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to note today's news report concerning comments just made by the Russian Foreign Minister. These statements can only be interpreted as a subtle warning to our Polish ally against allowing any U.S. troops--its NATO ally--being deployed on sovereign Polish territory. When told that the Polish Foreign Minister had stated that the United States should deploy troops in Central Europe, the Russian Foreign Minister replied, ``I'm astounded, because he and I discussed in tiny detail the objectives that Russia pursues with its initiative on a new treaty on European security.'' With such comments in mind, let us take note of the serious challenges that our allies in Eastern Europe continue to face today and send a strong message of support against any attempts to threaten or intimidate them. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 6 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), who is the ranking member on the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the my good friend, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry), a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, just to close on our side, I thank my good friend, the esteemed chairman of our Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Berman, for introducing this resolution. As important as it is to pass feel-good resolutions, I think that this resolution would have been strengthened if we would have talked about the difficult realities that we are confronting now with Russia and other states that are threatening the stability and the democracy and the integrity of those countries who fought long and hard for their independence, for their freedom, and for their democracy. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, for the past six decades, Jordan has been a key U.S. ally in an unstable region where we have many vital interests and face many challenges. We have longstanding cooperation in a variety of fields, from security, to governance, to education, to health care, to water; and we hope that such cooperation will only increase in the years ahead. In this regard, America has had true partners in Amman. Nothing illustrates this more than the strength of the 1994 peace treaty that the late King Hussein concluded with the Jewish democratic State of Israel. By condemning violent extremism and by making an open and true peace with Israel, King Hussein set a standard by which other Arab and Muslim leaders should follow. In the past 15 years of peace between Jordan and Israel, they might not have been perfect, but they have been slowly building upon a foundation in which much cooperation is possible in the future. Jordan has also demonstrated to other nations the benefits of embracing democratic reforms and principles. Fortunately, King Hussein's son and successor, King Abdullah, has continued on a path for peace, cooperation, and reform during his past decade on the throne. Under an election law passed in February of 2007, the Jordanians went to the polls in late July of 2007 to elect for the first time the mayors and councils of every city and town in their country. In November of 2007, Jordan held its fifth set of elections for Parliament since 1989. Jordan has also recognized that democracy is more than just elections. The Jordanian Government has taken steps to establish the rule of law, to build civil society, to build strong institutions, and to broaden political participation to meaningfully engage citizens from all walks of life. One example of this commitment was the decision by the government to lower the voting age from 19 to 18 and to establish mechanisms to ensure adequate female representation to municipal councils. In the most recent parliamentary elections, seven females won public office. I hope that these steps will lead to further reforms and to more political participation. King Abdullah, himself, has courageously spoken out and has led the way for reform. As King Abdullah has stated, ``We in Jordan, and many others throughout the Middle East, are working hard to create a civic environment in which our people will thrive. ``The basic requirement is an inclusive, democratic, civil society-- one that guarantees rights, delegates responsibilities, honors merit, and rewards achievement.'' Jordan has also demonstrated strong support for the fledgling democracy in Iraq. Last year, King Abdullah was the first Arab leader to visit Iraq since the establishment of democracy in that country. Jordan has also become the first country to appoint an Ambassador to Baghdad since 2005. Mr. Speaker, Jordan does, indeed, serve as a model for other nations in the region. It deserves our friendship and our encouragement, and its people deserve continued progress in political and economic reforms. Therefore, I strongly support House Resolution 833, which commemorates 60 years of diplomatic relations between Jordan and the United States, as well as the 10th anniversary of the accession to the throne of King Abdullah. It also expresses our profound admiration and gratitude for the friendship of the people of Jordan and shares their hope, and that of King Abdullah's, for a more peaceful Middle East. I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution, and I thank my dear friend, the distinguished colleague from California (Mr. Schiff) for introducing it. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution put forward by my good friend, the gentleman from Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, September 11, 2001, will be forever engrained in our collective consciousness as one of the most vicious attacks against our Nation. However, we have been targeted by a global, violent, Islamic extremist network since November 4, 1979. On this day, Iranian militants overran the United States Embassy in Tehran, and took innocent American hostages, with 52 of these brave Americans held for 444 days. U.S. diplomats, Embassy staff, and military personnel were bound and blindfolded, humiliated, and paraded in front of news cameras by their captors. They endured unspeakable suffering and abuse for nearly 15 months in captivity. Since the capture of the United States embassy in Tehran 30 years ago and the ensuing hostage crisis, Iran has increasingly viewed terrorism as a tool to achieve its ideological and strategic aims. These aims include exporting the revolution, supporting and arming militant Islamist extremist organizations and other groups worldwide, especially in the Middle East, attacking Israel, and destabilizing the governments of the more pragmatic and reformist Arab countries. One of the chief instruments for the implementation of these policies has been the jihadist organization, Hezbollah, which, since its inception, has been trained, financed and supported by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. In return, Hezbollah has helped advance Iranian interests through a sustained campaign against the United States and our allies in the Middle East, including but not limited to the 1983 attacks on the United States marine barracks and embassy in Lebanon; the bombing of the United States embassy annex in Beirut in 1984; the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847; the taking of American and other hostages in Beirut throughout the 1980's; the June 1996 truck bombing of the Khobar Towers United States military housing complex in Saudi Arabia. Testifying at a subcommittee hearing that I chaired in February 2005, William Daugherty, a CIA veteran and one of the 52 Americans held hostage in Iran for 444 days 30 years ago, emphasized, ``The undeniable truth is that the United States Government has utterly failed to hold Iran accountable in any sustained and effective manner for its role in the cumulative deaths of over 275 American citizens and the wounding of well over 600 more.'' Mr. Daugherty continued, ``Moreover, the United States Government has failed to undertake any action with the force or impact sufficient to deter the Iranian government from conducting terrorism against our interests. ``The absence of any credible response has served only to encourage the continuation of Iranian-sponsored terrorism, nor have those of us who are victims of Iranian terrorism received any justice from those acts.'' Since Dr. Daugherty's testimony almost 5 years ago, Iran has been proactively involved in undermining United States and coalition interests in Iraq and Afghanistan, by providing material support and all types of weapons to extremists in both countries, so that they can kill and wound Americans. The number of U.S. victims of Iranian- sponsored or Iranian-supported attacks continues to increase. The threat to our ally Israel has grown incredibly as well, with Iran increasing its involvement in the West Bank and Gaza in support of such Islamist extremist organizations as Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Lebanon through its proxy, Hezbollah. Yet successive U.S. administrations have failed to properly recognize and confront the totality of the Iranian threat, from its history of supporting violent Islamic extremists, to its nuclear weapons program, unconventional weapons and ballistic missile development. In response, the United States must impose a cost so high on Tehran that it threatens the Iranian regime's survival unless it changes course. This approach will require applying immediate, comprehensive tough economic sanctions. Again, former hostage Dr. William Daugherty said it best, ``It is time for Iran to be called to account, not by pronouncements, but by clear, sustained and overwhelming action for its past, as well as for any future violations of international law. ``And it is time for American victims of Iranian terrorism, like those of us who were held hostage by the Iranian government, to receive the justice that is decades delayed. The Congress can see that this happens.'' Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to strongly support this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, at this time I am proud to yield as much time as he may consume to the author of the resolution, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Fortenberry), an esteemed member of our Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, we all agree that real health care reform is a necessity, but in the hurry of Congress to pass the $1 trillion Pelosi bill, we are not listening to our mother's often-given advice, look before you leap. In this case, read before you vote. The Pelosi bill takes the wrong approach in fixing what is broken in our health care system. Increased taxes do not translate into increased coverage. Eliminating seniors' health care choices and cutting their benefits do not translate into eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. Cost shifting in the health care system does not translate into cost reduction. Instead, what we need is true health care reform that helps bring down the high cost of care and the high insurance premiums. What we need is health care reform that will allow our families to keep the doctors and the coverage that they want. Congress needs to end the search for complicated and convoluted ways that hide the actual cost of the Pelosi bill in taxes, mandates, and benefit cuts.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, over 8 months ago, Congress passed and the President signed a so-called ``economic stimulus'' bill which added nearly $1 trillion to our national debt, and now we are told by this administration, as the White House Council of Economic Advisors recently said, that we can expect 10 percent unemployment through the end of next year and that the economic stimulus bill will contribute little to further economic growth. However, since then, over 3 million jobs have been lost, and the national unemployment rate has soared from 8.1 percent to a 26-year high of 9.8 percent. State unemployment numbers from my home State of Florida in September continue to reveal the sad fact that since the stimulus passed, unemployment has now risen to 11 percent, which is a record-high level not experienced since 1975. Today, the House of Representatives will vote on legislation to extend unemployment benefits to those individuals who are unable to find a job. I have supported extensions of these benefits in the past, and I am proud to do so again today.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I rise tonight to honor a courageous south Floridian who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. U.N. Guard Louis Maxwell died fighting Taliban attackers at a hotel in Afghanistan last week. Louis and another U.N. security guard held off the terrorists and, in the process, saved innocent lives. Louis graduated from Miami Central High School in the year 2000. He was such an outstanding trumpet player that he was offered a full music scholarship to Florida A&M University, yet he decided to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy. Louis later became a U.N. guard in the year 2007. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon praised Louis' bravery by saying the following: ``They fought through the corridors of the building and from the rooftop. They held off the attackers long enough for their colleagues to escape, armed only with pistols against assailants carrying automatic weapons and grenades and wearing suicide vests.'' I hope Louis' mother, Sandra, takes comfort in knowing that 17 people are alive today because of her son. I join her and the rest of his family in thanking Louis for his service, honoring his memory, and making sure that Louis will never be forgotten.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I rise tonight to honor the accomplishments and the ongoing work of one of South Florida's finest residents, Mr. Robert J. ``Bob'' Jensen of Homestead. Bob and his wonderful wife, Meda, are well-known for their caring and giving personalities and for their selfless work on behalf of our community. Meda tells us that Bob's history began in a small town in Iowa where he was born and raised. He left Iowa in 1954 to serve in our U.S. Navy. He enlisted, excelled, and made Chief in 7 years. Three years later, Bob was selected for Officer Candidate School and was commissioned. Commander Bob Jensen's specialty in the Navy was cryptology. I happen to know that his work is still classified, so please don't ask Bob. He still can't tell you about it. The last place that Bob was stationed was our dear Homestead, Florida, and after 28 years in the United States Navy, Bob retired and chose to stay in Homestead with his wife Meda and family; Russell, Robert, Christian and Jessica. The Jensens now have lots of beautiful grandchildren. In 1983, First National Bank's President Bill Losner asked Bob to join the bank. Bill Losner knew Bob Jensen well. He picked out a career that perfectly suited Bob and that helped First National Bank excel in Community Outreach and Marketing. As Vice President, Bob Jensen invested the bank's resources and began investing all his time to touch and nurture groups, organizations, and projects throughout Miami-Dade County. Everyone has told us, out of all of his volunteer and community work, Bob is proudest of his efforts to create better farm workforce housing. Bob is also the former Chair and Commissioner with Homestead Housing and has served on the board for Centro Campesino. This outfit trains farm workers for better jobs, mostly in construction, and helps enable farm workers to build and purchase their own homes. These are wonderful legacies for Bob, his fellow board members, and those farm workers who have achieved the American dream of home ownership. Did I mention Bob and Meda's work with the Pioneer Museum? Well, almost every Saturday of the year the Jensens and their trained docents give historical tours about our area at a restored railroad station house on Krome Avenue. He has also collected hundreds of historical photographs, on display at local shops, hotels, and other businesses in the Homestead area. Bob is also a member of the Agri-Council, which educates south Floridians and visitors on the history of the agricultural sector of south Florida. Bob serves on the Military Affairs Committee of the Homestead and Florida City Chamber of Commerce, helping our active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel. And just 5 years ago, Bob created the Heritage Hall Museum at Homestead Air Reserve Base to record its history. He's called ``Mr. Homestead,'' a term of affection from a grateful community. Indeed, Bob Jensen is a man about town. He's helping save the meal program that provides breakfast and lunch to the vast majority of school children at Laura Saunders Elementary. He's received numerous awards and honors: Leadership South Dade's Leader of the Year; Presidential Award from the Homestead Chamber; honors from the Boy Scouts of America, the Mexican American Council, the American Red Cross, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and the Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation. Bob Jensen is a historian, a volunteer, a mentor, a leader, and a friend to all whom he touches. God has blessed our Nation and our community with a great man, Bob Jensen.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. As we know, health care is not a luxury; it is simply a necessity. And here in the United States we already have the best doctors, the best hospitals, the best patient care in the world. What we do not have is the best access to health care. That access lies in being able to obtain quality health care at a fair price. All families deserve to know that their health care needs will be met. We need to promote changes that make health care insurance easily accessible and affordable for all Americans. And we need to do this in a way that fixes what is broken in the system without destroying what works in the system. What we need is real health care reform. Real health care reform means that no one should be denied coverage due to a preexisting health condition. Real health care reform means coverage should be portable and stay with you through job changes or career changes. Real health care reform means that there should be no discrimination based on age or gender. Real health care reform means expanding the health care options for all Americans by forcing insurance companies to compete for all of our business. Real health care reform means supporting effective prevention, wellness, and disease management programs. And, most importantly, real health care reform means all of these things without destroying the current health care system that over 80 percent of Americans have said they are happy with. The Pelosi health care bill wants to raise taxes on all individuals by 2.5 percent if they do not purchase bureaucrat-approved health insurance. The Pelosi health care bill makes over $162 billion in cuts to Medicare Advantage for seniors. The Pelosi health care bill will eventually force Americans to purchase their coverage through the Federal Government with no real competition. The Pelosi health care bill makes no effort to control the skyrocketing costs of health care or insurance premiums. Instead, the Pelosi health care bill finds convoluted ways to hide health care costs in taxes on individuals, businesses, and by making timely and professional care a scarce resource. As a mother and as a grandmother, I know that American families are worried. In the average household, it is us women who are often tasked with major and minor health care decisions. We choose our family doctors and take our kids and elderly parents to doctors' appointments. We stay home to nurse the sick children and our partners back to health. And we have seen every scrape, every cut, every blister that our family members have ever had. We know that families are in this together and we bind and look after our families. Women know that if health care reform excludes even one member of our family, then it is unworkable. And we know the high cost of health care is the most important issue facing our Nation right now, because it is the most important issue facing our families. Everyone deserves access to health care insurance. Everyone deserves health care treatment. And everyone deserves both at an affordable price. The Pelosi health care bill is not the answer. We can, and indeed, we must, do better.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, many seniors from my area of south Florida are concerned about the $1 trillion Pelosi bill. The Pelosi bill is poised to hurt seniors by endangering their Medicare benefits. Seniors, after decades and decades of hard work and sacrifice, deserve nothing less than the best quality health care that we can provide. Any health care reform legislation must not endanger this solemn promise. According to CBO, the Congressional Budget Office, the Pelosi plan will cut Medicare benefits by $162 billion. The Pelosi bill will force seniors to pay up to 20 percent more for their Medicare prescription drug coverage. It will also inflict massive cuts on a popular program, Medicare Advantage, that will force many seniors out of their current coverage. So not only do we take away benefits from our seniors, but we will make them pay more for what little they are left with. This is not what seniors deserve. Seniors deserve to have their Medicare benefits protected. Whatever shape health care reform takes, this Chamber must never forget our pledge to our seniors.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I do not oppose the resolution.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, if I could ask unanimous consent to extend the debate time in light of the fact that we have three factions asking for time. I would ask for unanimous consent to extend equally the debate time, because we have so many requests for time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield to the gentleman from California for the purpose of talking about debate time, not taking from my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This past winter, Operation Cast Lead in Israel exercised its right as a sovereign nation and its obligation to defend its citizens, and its very existence, against attacks by Hamas and other violent extremist groups in Gaza. Israel did so while taking extraordinary measures to minimize the risk of civilian casualties. Indeed, as Colonel Richard Kemp, former commander of the British forces in Afghanistan, has stated: ``During Operation Cast Lead, the Israeli Defense Forces did more to safeguard the rights of civilians in a combat zone than any other army in the history of warfare.'' Then, in January, the Human Rights Council, dominated by dictatorships, voted to authorize a so-called fact-finding mission. Notably, most free democratic nations did not render their support for this sham. The mission's mandate had nothing to do with fact-finding and everything to do with persecuting Israel for defending herself. The mandate prejudged Israel's guilt, targeted only Israel, and Richard Goldstone agreed to head this mission. Mr. Goldstone claims that he got the Human Rights Council president to modify the mandate. Well, my colleagues, just as the Speaker of the House cannot unilaterally change a resolution once adopted, neither could the president of the council change the mandate without the council's approval. Claims of a revised mandate are false since the council did not take any action to approve any modifications. Fast forward to September, Mr. Speaker, when the so-called fact- finding mission released its report. Indeed, it's a 575-page hatchet job commonly known as the Goldstone Report. While this report contains sweeping accusations that Israel had deliberately attacked civilians, in contrast the report disregarded evidence that Hamas and other such groups in Gaza used innocents as human shields and deliberately launched attacks from schools, from hospitals, from mosques. To fully appreciate the Goldstone Report's bias, one need only look at the testimony of an Israeli doctor whose clinic was hit by a rocket launched from Gaza. The doctor, who was severely wounded in the attack and had already undergone seven operations to address her injuries, says, ``Judge Goldstone, in July you invited me to testify. I told you my story. ``I testified in good faith. ``But now I see your report. I have to tell you: I am shocked. ``Judge Goldstone, in a 500-page report, why did you completely ignore my story? ``I feel humiliated. ``Why are there only two pages about Israeli victims like me, who suffered thousands of rockets over 8 years? ``Why did you choose to focus on the period of my country's response, but not on that of the attacks that caused it?'' Mr. Goldstone claims that the report never sought to deny Israel its right to self-defense, but the report sought to cast Israel's actions in response to rocket and mortar attacks from Gaza, not as carefully targeted defensive measures, but as the deliberate infliction of violence on civilians. This is not surprising. The fact-finding mission includes a member who, even as the operation was taking place in January of 2009, signed a statement entitled, ``Israel's bombardment of Gaza is not self- defense, it's a war crime.'' Indeed, this statement began by categorically rejecting Israel's right to defend herself against such attacks. Further, the words ``self-defense'' or similar terms never appear in the report. The report recommended further action by multiple U.N. bodies, including the General Assembly, the Security Council and International Criminal Court. The Human Rights Council has already used this report to condemn Israel. No surprise there. Tomorrow, the General Assembly will likely to do the same. As Israel is being ostracized at the U.N., violent extremists in Gaza continued to fire rockets and mortars at innocent Israelis, 265 of the last 9 months alone. Just yesterday, militants in Gaza fired another rocket, which exploded near an Israeli residential area. No surprise there. Israel's military intelligence chief testified yesterday that Hamas has test-fired a rocket with a 60-kilometer range, far enough to hit the Tel Aviv area, threatening up to 3 million Israelis. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, at this time I am so honored to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor), our well- respected and esteemed Republican whip.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield 1 minute to my good friend from Indiana, Mr. Burton, the ranking member on the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia of our Foreign Affairs Committee.