Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time on this important resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, on July 31 of this year, the Iranian regime detained three U.S. citizens--Joshua Fattal, Shane Bauer and Sarah Shourd--who were hiking in northern Iraq and who allegedly strayed across the border by accident. Almost 3 full months later, Iran still holds them captive. This case should alert us once again to the true nature of the Iranian regime. Almost 30 years ago, on November 4, 1979, this regime took 53 American hostages at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, and it held them for 444 days. Three decades later, this is a regime that continues to hold American citizens hostage. This is a regime that remains the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world--from Beirut to Buenos Aires. This is a regime that continues to support Iraqi and Afghan violent Islamist groups, which are responsible for the deaths of Americans. This is a regime that openly seeks to wipe out our ally, the democratic, Jewish State of Israel, off the map, and it acts accordingly. This is a regime that continues to relentlessly pursue unconventional weapons and the missiles to carry them. Using conventional means, Iran has inflicted considerable damage on U.S. citizens, on our interests and on our allies during its 30-year war against America. I strongly support Senate Concurrent Resolution 45, which draws attention to the fact that Iran continues to hold U.S. citizens hostage. The regime must release these young Americans immediately and unconditionally, and the United States and other responsible nations must fully recognize the nature of the regime, and they need to apply every form of economic and political pressure in our arsenal--now, not later--to compel the regime to abandon its dangerous course. Madam Speaker, with that, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution commemorating the 2,560th anniversary of the birth of that sage of Chinese culture, the philosopher Confucius. Confucius is not only revered in his native China but also in Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Confucius is best remembered for his promotion of social harmony and his emphasis on the virtues of education. His teachings have long provided an ethical guidepost for millions of people living throughout East and Southeast Asia. Confucius is another philosopher who taught us the golden rule: ``Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.'' Confucius also taught that the path to both virtue and success is led through the discipline of study. His famous saying that ``a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step'' encouraged his disciples never to give up no matter what the hardships. Inspired by him, thousands of Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese scholars and scientists have made enormous contributions to the world's pool of knowledge. Young American scholars, drawn from these Asian communities influenced by Confucianism, have made impressive contributions to the mosaic of American life in the fields of science, law, medicine, engineering, music, and art. So it is fitting today to pass this resolution honoring the birthday of a man who has been called ``China's greatest teacher.'' Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam 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, I am so proud to represent one of the most beautiful, most diverse regions in our country, south Florida. Sadly, though, our local paradise, well known for its sunny weather, its world-class beaches, its artistic style, also is one of the areas hardest hit by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We are continually confronted with the challenge of providing adequate and timely treatment to those impacted by this terrible disease. The number of people suffering from HIV/AIDS in south Florida has increased immensely over the past few years. We have over 32,000 people currently diagnosed in my home county of Miami-Dade, and it ranks second among large metropolitan areas for people living with AIDS. On top of this, Florida ranks third in the Nation on the number of AIDS cases. These individuals need our assistance in fighting this terrible disease. There are wonderful programs designed to mitigate the terrible consequences of HIV/AIDS. One of the most innovative, one of the most effective is the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Program. This program funds HIV/AIDS treatment for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured people. Ryan White provides funding to cities, to States, as well as directly to select clinics and care providers for core medical and support services. In 2009, my home State of Florida received over $209 million in funding through Ryan White to assist countless low-income Americans living with HIV/AIDS. This life-saving program was set to expire this month. Thankfully, Mr. Speaker, this amazing program was granted a 3- year extension through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act, and I thank my colleagues for this. With strong bipartisan support, this bill was overwhelmingly approved. I voted for and the House passed this legislation, and we should all be proud of that. Passage assures the continuity of this vital program. It will allow us to help States, communities, and families cope with the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic while creating a support system for those dealing with the disease. I am constantly working to improve the quality and the availability of care for persons with HIV/AIDS and their families and their support system. It is my mission to promote awareness and education so that each day we can help assure that fewer people will be afflicted with this disease. I have seen firsthand the impact this disease has had on so many individual lives and families in my community, and I know that extending this important program is not just a priority, but a necessity. The Ryan White program is the largest federally funded program in the United States for people living with HIV/AIDS. It has been the largest supplier of services for those living with HIV/AIDS in the United States as well. As a payer of last resort, the Ryan White Act offers a method of payment for treatment unlike Medicare or Medicaid. In the United States, over 500,000 people a year benefit from the Ryan White program. I know that through the extension of Ryan White, we can--indeed, we will--save and improve the lives of countless individuals in my congressional district and throughout our great country of the United States of America.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 817, supporting the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic abuse is a terrible and often hidden problem that plagues our Nation and affects millions of families every year. In my congressional district of south Florida, extraordinary groups such as Teens Against Domestic Abuse, or TADA, are working to raise awareness about domestic abuse. TADA is Florida's first teen antidomestic violence advocacy group. Their commendable efforts, including working with the Women's Fund of Miami-Dade County, will be hosting an event called, ``Break the Silence; Break the Cycle'' on November 5 in Miami. This event will highlight the spreading frequency of domestic violence throughout the U.S. and how all socioeconomic and ethnic groups are impacted by this crisis. TADA strives to educate children and teens about the prevalence of domestic abuse in all types of relationships. I encourage everyone in south Florida to show their support on Thursday, November 5.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs will hold a long-overdue markup of the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act. Some of our colleagues are focusing exclusively on Iran's nuclear ambition, as it was the nuclear program in itself that was the catalyst for the concern. But if Iran were comprised of a responsible, democratic government, would we be as apprehensive about their nuclear activities? Of course not. But we are talking about an Iranian regime which just this year conducted two missile tests and continues to work on the range of its missiles and on enabling them to carry a nuclear payload. We are talking about a regime whose leaders throughout the years have made it abundantly clear that they will stop at nothing to destroy the Jewish State of Israel. We are talking about an Iran which for nearly three decades has been designated by our U.S. Department of State as the world's leading state sponsor of global terrorism. The clerical regime is fomenting bloodshed and promoting chaos in the West Bank and Gaza and Lebanon and the Persian Gulf, as well as in Iraq, where it is actively assisting in the murder of our U.S. soldiers. On the battlefields of Afghanistan, Iran is also playing a deadly subversive role. As early as 2002, allegations emerged that Iran was supporting insurgent groups in Afghanistan, including its former archenemy, the Taliban. However, the first significant report of Iranian weapons in Afghanistan came in April of 2007. Then-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace, announced: ``We have intercepted weapons in Afghanistan headed for the Taliban that were made in Iran.'' Since 2007, several large shipments have been seized near the Iranian border. U.S. officials say that Iranian-made weapons have been found in Afghanistan and used by Taliban-led insurgents. These weapons have included Tehran's signature roadside bomb, the explosively formed penetrator, EFP, AK-47s, as well as C-4 plastic explosives and mortars. On August 29 of this year, just a few days before General McChrystal submitted his request to this administration, Afghan and NATO forces uncovered a weapons collection in Herat with EFPs, Iranian-made rockets and dozens of blocks of Iranian C-4 plastic explosives. In the August 2009 declassified, leaked version of his assessment, General Stanley McChrystal stated that: ``Iran plays an ambiguous role in Afghanistan, providing developmental assistance and political support to the Afghan government while the Iranian Qods force is reportedly training fighters for certain Taliban groups and providing other forms of military assistance to insurgents.'' We cannot allow Iran to undermine U.S. efforts and kill our soldiers in Afghanistan. We cannot allow Iran to return Afghanistan to the status of a failed state and pave the way for attacks against the West using Afghanistan as its launching pad. We cannot allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons capabilities which threaten the United States and our allies. If we are to be vigilant in protecting the lives of our men and women--military and civilian--in Afghanistan, we must increase the pressure on the Iranian regime and impose immediate sanctions on Iran. This should be our first option. We don't have the luxury of time, to wait for an eventual Iranian response to U.S. diplomatic overtures. We cannot wait for the U.N. Security Council to come around. We cannot wait for our European and other allies to decide to do the right thing. The United States must lead by example. It is time to cut off the Iranian regimes's economic lifeline. As such, we should not stop at this week's Foreign Affairs Committee markup. I urge the majority to bring the strongest possible form of the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act to the floor next week for a vote, followed by quick Senate action so that it gets to the President's desk before the end of the year. We must do this now.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the wonderful work of the YMCA of Greater Miami and the addition of its new chief development officer, Pat Morris. Every day, YMCAs across the country help improve our communities and provide positive programs for youth and adults. Over the past year alone, the YMCA of Greater Miami has cared for 4,700 children. The Miami Y has coached and instructed more than 3,650 children in sports, held summer programs for more than 2,900 kids, and mentored over 100 teens. The YMCA of Greater Miami is working with other community groups to build affordable homes for families and seniors and will open a brand- new preschool in the near future. With the help of Pat Morris, the YMCA of Greater Miami will continue to foster positive growth in our neighborhoods. I congratulate my good friend, Pat, for his position as chief development officer. He has dedicated himself to helping our south Florida community, first as cofounder of the community service organization Hands On Miami and now as a member of the YMCA team. Congrats to the YMCA of Greater Miami, and I wish the agency continued success as they improve the lives of all of our neighbors.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reaffirm my long- standing support for the Colombian people, the Colombian-American community in south Florida, and to urge my colleagues to approve the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement as soon as possible. Colombia is one of our strongest allies in the fight against extremism and drug trafficking, not only in our hemisphere, but around the world. When I was first elected, Colombia was under siege. Leftist rebel groups and drug cartels such as the FARC and the Medellin and Cali Cartels had taken over large areas of that country. Colombians were prisoners in their own land, fearful for their lives, and watching their country descend further into chaos and darkness. Now, however, after many years of bravery and sacrifice, the Colombian people and its government have taken back their country, and each year Colombia becomes more secure and more prosperous. Colombians have continued to do so despite the unrelenting attack and assault by known FARC sympathizers and supporters of Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro to derail Colombia's progress. Well, the government and the people in Colombia have persevered. At a time when U.S. interests throughout the hemisphere are under attack, Colombia has remained a steadfast ally, an indispensable partner in ensuring our security and freedom in the region. The pending U.S.-Colombia Defense Cooperation Agreement will further strengthen that alliance and will serve as a major boost to our joint efforts to fight narcotraffickers and leftist rebels. In discussing this agreement last month, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton highlighted, ``This agreement ensures that appropriate protections are in place for our servicemembers. It will allow us to continue working together to meet the challenges posed by narcotraffickers, terrorists, and other illegal armed groups in Colombia.'' Together, the U.S. and Colombia have had enormous success in battling those groups, but much more remains to be done. This agreement will ensure that we are fully equipped to do so. The United States and Colombia also share growing economic ties. The U.S. is the largest source of foreign investment in Colombia, which has quadrupled over the past 7 years. My own district in Miami, Florida, had nearly $6 billion in total trade with Colombia in 1 year alone. Colombia is Miami's number one trading partner in volume and second leading international market. But although U.S.-Colombian economic ties are strong, we have only just begun to tap their potential. That will require passage of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. Unfortunately, the free trade agreement has been in limbo for 3 years, largely because of partisan opposition. But opponents fail to understand that the primary purpose of this trade pact is to eliminate Colombia's barriers to U.S. goods. Colombia would immediately eliminate a majority of its tariffs on U.S. exports, with all remaining tariffs eventually phasing out gradually. More exports means more sales, which means more jobs here in the U.S. The benefits would be felt immediately. The U.S. International Trade Commission estimates that U.S. exports to Colombia would quickly increase by over $1 billion, and that's not even counting a major increase in service-related exports. Given today's difficult economic climate, with so many hardworking Americans striving to make ends meet, it is unbelievable that Congress continues to refuse to take the simple step to expand trade and create jobs in this country. But there is more at stake, Mr. Speaker. By strengthening Colombia's ability to fight drug traffickers and fight leftist guerrillas, and by demonstrating that the U.S. will stand by its loyal ally, passage of this trade agreement will advance U.S. security and economic interests not only in that country, but throughout the hemisphere. That is why, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to approve the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement and to do so as soon as possible. Again, I would like to commend the people of Colombia for their remarkable progress that they have achieved and express my ongoing support for the strong ties between our countries. We are blessed in south Florida to have a wonderful, robust, patriotic, American-loving, Colombian-American community. They have, indeed, enriched our area.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, for his leadership on the Rules Committee. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased that today and tomorrow the House is debating the Coast Guard Authorization Act. The U.S. Coast Guard has over 42,000 men and women serving in active duty. These proud individuals are tasked with 11 specific missions ranging from coastal security to drug interdiction and marine safety. It is our duty to ensure that they are fully funded and equipped to carry out these responsibilities. As the Representative of south Florida and the Keys, I know just how important their mission is. My congressional district contains over 265 miles of U.S. coastline and includes the largest coral reef system in the continental United States. Two of the largest Coast Guard sectors in the U.S., Sector Miami, commanded by Captain James O. Fitton, and Sector Key West, commanded by Captain Pat DeQuattro, are located in my congressional district. The men and women serving these Coast Guard sectors play key roles in fighting the flow of illegal drugs to our country. They deny smugglers the use of air and maritime routes into our country, and in fiscal year 2009, the U.S. Coast Guard seized 29,485 pounds of cocaine. But determined drug smugglers are using very sophisticated ships and technologies, and it will become increasingly difficult to prevent their illegal activities without providing the Coast Guard the fundamental resources that it needs. South Florida is an all-too- convenient transit hub for many of these smuggling operations, and I commend our local Coast Guard sectors for their ongoing efforts to fight the flow of illegal drugs into our neighborhoods. As my constituents well know, the Coast Guard also saves thousands of lives every year. According to the latest statistics published by the Coast Guard, in 2008, Coast Guard Search and Rescue responded to 24,000 cases and saved 4,000 lives. Sector Miami responded to 858 Search and Rescue cases this year, with 1,410 lives saved and over $12 million in property saved. This year, Sector Miami also established the Coast Guard's first Cruise Ship Center of Expertise. This center provides a unique partnership between the Coast Guard and the cruise ship industry so that they're better able to meet the compliance with international safety standards as well as maritime security and environmental standards. Ensuring that the brave men and women have the tools that they need in the Coast Guard to effectively patrol our coasts is one of my priorities. In Sector Key West, this past year alone, the Coast Guard was able to respond to 300 law enforcement cases as well as 645 rescue and search cases. At this sector, also, many treasured natural wonders are contained there, and they also responded to 152 pollution reports in the protection of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Sector Key West was also instrumental in coordinating with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, and the State and local agencies in the successful artificial reefing of the 520-foot ex-USS Vandenberg. This was the second largest ship to become an artificial reef in the U.S. Since the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Coast Guard has served as the primary agents responsible for our Nation's maritime security. This year, they even deployed six patrol boats and 400 personnel to help protect Iraq's maritime oil infrastructure, train Iraqi naval forces, and enforce U.N. sanctions in the Arabian Gulf. We can all agree that the brave men and women of our oldest, continuous seagoing service deserves more than just our respect and admiration. They deserve the appropriate funding to carry out their important missions. I urge all Members to recognize the crucial need to protect our Nation by strengthening the United States Coast Guard so that they may continue to live up to their motto, ``Always Ready.'' I thank the Speaker and I thank my good friend and colleague, Mr. Diaz-Balart, for yielding me the time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support swift passage of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act. As you know, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Program is an innovative and effective program that funds HIV/AIDS treatment for low- income, uninsured, and underinsured people. The program provides funding to cities, States, as well as directly to select clinics and care providers for core medical and support services. In 2009 alone, my home State of Florida received over $209 million in funding through Ryan White to assist countless low-income Americans living with HIV/AIDS. And while HIV/AIDS is certainly a global and national epidemic, for my congressional district and all of south Florida it is an intensely local one. We know firsthand its impact on individual lives and families in our community. Miami-Dade County ranks second among large metropolitan areas for people living with AIDS. There are over 32,000 people living with AIDS in Miami-Dade alone. And nearly 12,000 have HIV that has yet to progress to AIDS. These are just the cases we know about. The fight against HIV/AIDS has many elements, but I cannot stress enough how important the Ryan White Program is within this greater undertaking. While our commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS must be both proactive as well as reactive: Proactive in working together to halt the growth of this epidemic through our efforts at prevention and awareness; Reactive in our providing of care and treatment earlier in the course of the disease; Ryan White demonstrates that we must not, and we will not, ever forget about those already afflicted with this terrible disease. We all recognize the tremendous results that the Ryan White Program has had on providing care for those suffering from HIV/AIDS in the United States. Extending this important program is not just a priority, but a necessity. I know that through programs such as Ryan White we can, and will, save and improve the lives of countless individuals in my Congressional District and throughout the United States. I again urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this beneficial bill and look forward to the day when we can call the fight against HIV/AIDS won.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I am so pleased to recognize the important work of the Heart Association of Miami-Dade and its October 29 Go Red for Women Executive Women's Breakfast. The National Go Red for Women Campaign, to be held in February, was started in the year 2004 to raise awareness for this critical disease. As the leading cause of death in women, every year 8.6 million women around the world die from heart disease. Unfortunately, many women do not realize that heart disease accounts for nearly one-third of all deaths in women. Through prevention, this number will be greatly reduced. The Go Red for Women Campaign advocates awareness and prevention for this disease that affects so many of our grandmothers, our mothers, our aunts, and our daughters. With the continued efforts of the Go Red for Women Campaign and our local south Florida chapter of the American Heart Association, we can ensure that fewer women--and men--fall victim to heart disease. I encourage all of south Florida to attend Miami-Dade's Go Red for Women Executive Women's Breakfast in October and get involved with the Go Red for Women Campaign in February.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, after 9 months of struggling to find its footing, the administration has finally unveiled its long-awaited policy toward Sudan. The policy looks remarkably familiar, and it has some merits. Unfortunately, those merits are overshadowed by the prospect of offering incentives and political legitimacy to one of the most manipulative and murderous regimes on the planet. The administration's desire to bring peace and development to Sudan is without doubt, but the desire to strike a conciliatory tone without first requiring that the Butcher from Khartoum unclench his fist and meet certain conditions has placed the U.S. in a position of weakness against a regime that has proven time and time again that it only responds to concrete pressure. This man, General Bashir, is a war criminal; and he is responsible for the deaths of over 2 million people. This regime, rooted in radical ideology, is responsible for the ongoing genocide which has claimed 300,000 lives and has displaced 3 million more. This cabal will never be a part of a real solution to the crisis in Darfur, and it must not be treated by the U.S. as a legitimate partner for peace. There is no shortage of urgent priorities in Sudan, Madam Speaker. In formulating a comprehensive strategy, we must focus on improving humanitarian access and supporting the deployment of a fully equipped peacekeeping mission with robust rules of engagement to ensure civilian protection in Darfur; also, finding a lasting political solution to the crisis in Darfur so that the people languishing in camps can go home; thirdly, ensuring that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement is fully implemented while fostering genuine reconciliation among southerners; fourthly, resolving outstanding issues relating to contested areas, including a demarcation on the north-south border; also, seeing free, fair and transparent elections in April of 2010, a referendum in 2011 and the results of each being respected. We need to balance our efforts in Darfur with those in southern Sudan so that we do not sacrifice one region for the other. The conflicts in Darfur and in southern Sudan are linked, and they need to be treated that way. Critically, the United States needs a comprehensive Sudan policy with the wisdom, the foresight and the teeth necessary to advance our own national security interests while facilitating viable peace efforts in Sudan. I don't doubt the administration has tried to accomplish this, but it is difficult to imagine a policy which presumes that the tiger will change its stripes simply because we asked. This is foolish at best and dangerous at worst. The President's special envoy was all too quick to embrace as a policy victory the reintroduction of the three nongovernmental organizations that have been expelled from Sudan, but let's keep in mind the situation was created by the callous actions of Khartoum in the first place and that the campaign of intimidation and obstruction against NGOs continues unabated. In rolling out this policy, Secretary Clinton stated, ``Assessment of progress and decisions regarding incentives and disincentives will be based on verifiable changes in conditions on the ground.'' Ambassador Susan Rice then warned that there would be ``significant consequences'' for those who failed to live up to their promises and that there would be ``no rewards'' for the status quo. It will be incumbent upon Congress to hold the administration to these pledges. In the interim, the U.S. must maintain strong sanctions on the Sudanese regime. U.S. leaders must refuse to be duped by empty gestures and window dressing designed to make us forget about the horror which has taken place in Darfur and beyond.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I rise tonight to congratulate Dave and Julie Ziska for 28 years of service to the Boy Scouts of south Florida. This year, the many individuals and families who have been enriched by the Ziskas gather together in Miami as Dave and Julie receive the 2009 Distinguished Citizen Award from the South Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts of America is an outstanding organization that fosters strong ideals in young men and helps build leaders for the future. With the Ziskas' amazing service and support, the Boy Scouts of south Florida has been able to successfully accomplish this mission. Dave and Julie Ziska have not only had a profound impact on the Boy Scouts but also on the families of the Scouts and the entire south Florida community. The Ziska's guidance and goodwill over the past 28 years has encouraged many young men to become active in Scouting. In fact, 207 young men attained the distinct and high honor of being Eagle Scouts with their help. I congratulate and recognize Dave and Julie Ziska for their commendable service to the Boy Scouts of America and to the Boy Scouts of south Florida. Congratulations.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I rise tonight to once again express my strong support for the elections scheduled to take place in Honduras on November 29. Though much of the recent news coming out of Honduras has been focused on the current round of talks between the representatives of Manuel Zelaya and the current Honduran Government, one thing has remained constant through it all: The Honduran elections that are scheduled to take place on November 29. The most recent talks began with both sides agreeing that the elections should proceed ahead as planned. Predictably, however, now that Zelaya is realizing that he won't be able to jump back into his throne of power as easily as he expected, he and his supporters have started to call for boycotts and nonrecognition of the elections. Not surprisingly, Zelaya's ALBA fan club, headed by Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, got together this weekend in Bolivia. The ALBA league of oppressors and dictators-in-waiting issued a statement stating that neither the Honduran electoral process nor its outcomes should be recognized by the international community unless Zelaya has been restored to power. The United States must have no part in these efforts. They are undermining and delegitimizing the Honduran election. We have got to make sure that we recognize the validity of this process, and we should say to the world that we must recognize the free will of the Honduran people to express their desires in the ballot box. The United States cannot play wingman to tyrants who dismiss fundamental civil liberties and forsake constitutional commitment. We should be proud of our democratic standards and not fear standing alone, if necessary, against those who work against the freedom agenda. Despite tremendous world pressure and punishment, the people of Honduras have remained true to their democracy and their constitution. And the November 29 elections are just one more testament to their unwavering commitment. Tomorrow I will be hosting a Members briefing, open to all Members, Republicans and Democrats, with the members of the Honduran Supreme Electoral Tribunal. This will afford an opportunity for Members from both sides of the aisle to discuss the measures being undertaken in Honduras to ensure that the November elections proceed as scheduled. I invite all of my colleagues again to please join us for this important discussion. Although we may have differing views regarding the approach that the United States has taken to the situation in Honduras, I'm hopeful that free, fair, clean and transparent elections is the way that we can all unite. This is a concept that all Americans should agree. U.S. policy has historically recognized and even encouraged the implementation of elections as a necessary step to moving forward from an untenable political situation. Just this past August, as a matter of fact, Secretary of State Clinton visited Angola, where she emphasized repeatedly the importance of holding timely, free, and fair presidential elections in Angola. Each year, the United States spends millions and millions of our tax dollars to support elections through our democratic form of government and to make sure that we promote governance programs around the world. So why, then, does the U.S. commitment to and support of elections fade away when it comes to Honduras? It should not. It must not. A stable, secure, democratic Honduras is what is in the best interest of the United States. This election that will take place on November 29 offers us the perfect opportunity for this to happen--free, fair, democratic elections. I urge the State Department to encourage international observers to participate in these upcoming elections, and I encourage my fellow colleagues to go to Honduras for themselves. Go now and go for the elections. See for yourselves what we are dealing with and the impact that the U.S. policy is having on a democratic ally, a friend of the United States. Again, I welcome all of my colleagues to join me tomorrow for a briefing with members of the Honduran Supreme Electoral Tribunal. Let democracy take root once again in Honduras.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding organization, Hands on Miami, for continuing to make south Florida a better place. Hands on Miami is a unique community service organization created in 1993 that offers opportunities for all to become involved. This year, Hands on Miami will host Miami Day in conjunction with Miami-Dade College on November 7. Since 1995, Hands on Miami has brought together residents from all over to improve our neighborhoods. It started with 800 volunteers and is now over 4,000 volunteers. They have partnered with United Way, schools and businesses. Ten years ago, Hands on Miami began the innovative Family Volunteer Program to encourage families to participate together in community service events. As a wife and a mother, I know what a positive impact this effort can have by instilling the values of service at a young age. Let's all sign up for Hands on Miami on Saturday, November 7.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my longstanding commitment to assist the Haitian people in their pursuit of a stable, prosperous and democratic future. During my trip to Haiti, I was reminded of the tremendous challenges facing this island nation. The U.N.'s appointment of President Clinton as special envoy to Haiti has helped to keep a much-needed spotlight on Haiti. President Clinton's appointment of Dr. Paul Farmer as the Deputy U.N. Special Envoy for Haiti, adds an invaluable wealth of experience and knowledge to the U.N.'s work in Haiti. As a founder of Partners in Health and the Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti, Dr. Farmer has demonstrated a selfless commitment to the advancement of health and democracy in Haiti for the past 20 years. I have witnessed firsthand Dr. Farmer's dedication to helping improve the lives of those in need. He has strong south Florida ties. I am proud to call him a friend, along with our mutual friend, Jennie Block, who has also worked so hard on issues of concern to the Haitian community. I understand that the conference on the Inter-American Development Bank in Haiti went quite well. I was pleased to see that the United Nations voted unanimously this week to extend the authorization for the U.N. Mission in Haiti for another year. I would also like to take a moment to express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in last weekend's plane crash during a U.N. mission. The U.N. mission in Haiti has helped to play an important role in bringing security and stability to some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Haiti. I continue to support its mission and the many men and women from around the world who work to carry it out. However, it seems that Haiti just can't get to the next step. From assistance to debt relief, from trade benefits to hurricane recovery, U.S. policy toward Haiti has run the gamut, but it is not achieving the long-term goals that we had hoped for for the Haitian people and that the Haitian people want for themselves and their nation. I am pleased to know that our State Department is taking a closer look at some of the challenges we are facing in Haiti. Last week, Secretary Clinton's chief of staff and her point person on Haiti briefed Members on some of the initial findings of this review. I am confident that this review will help us to better understand how U.S. assistance to Haiti can be better targeted and supportive of Haiti's own plans and goals; how assistance within the donor community can be better coordinated; how the U.S. can better engage the Haitian Diaspora in our assistance efforts; and, finally, how the U.S. can finally make our assistance sustainable so that outside efforts can ultimately be transferred into the hands of the Haitian government and its people. It is crucial that the efforts made by the U.S., the U.N. and others are effectively coordinated to ensure maximum efficiency and maximum benefit for the people of Haiti. Innovative microcredit and microenterprise programs would help to empower individuals, create self-reliance and create sustainability at the grassroots level. We should also look at the very small-scale renewable energy programs for impoverished rural villages and settlements that are not served by electric grids. One of the immediate ways we can help the people of Haiti would be to grant temporary protected status to the Haitians currently living in the U.S. Granting TPS to Haitians is the missing piece of a successful U.S. approach to supporting the people of Haiti in the short and long term. I will continue to work with my colleagues to encourage the administration to take this important step. In addition, I will continue to support Haiti's inclusion in security initiatives, such as the Merida Initiative, to ensure that the U.S. is doing all we can to help President Preval in his efforts against the narcotraffickers. Success in Haiti is in the U.S. national security interest, and we must work together to help address the many challenges we face and that our Caribbean neighbor faces day in and day out.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is one of the most chronically underreported crimes in America, with 85 percent of the victims being women. In an effort to raise awareness about this often-concealed problem, Teens Against Domestic Abuse, TADA, will be joining with the Women's Fund of Miami- Dade County to host an event, ``Women Ending Domestic Violence.'' TADA is a local student activist group run by a caring and passionate young woman, Emily Martinez-Lanza, and her event will be next week, October 22, in Miami. Through education, awareness, and prevention, students are working to help break the cycle of domestic abuse. I commend TADA for its efforts in promoting domestic violence education in our schools. I also commend the Women's Fund of Miami-Dade County for its outstanding contributions to ending domestic violence in our south Florida community. As Domestic Violence Awareness Month reminds us, everyone deserves a safe home, one free from violence and free from abuse.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the gentleman for the time. Mr. Speaker, I was honored to join my good friend, Mr. Faleomavaega, in serving as an original cosponsor of this critical resolution. This resolution offers the condolences in a heartfelt way of the Congress to those who endured suffering and loss in American Samoa and Samoa and neighboring Tonga during the tragic events of September 29 and the aftermath. We join with the people of American Samoa, Samoa and the entire Samoan community here in the United States in mourning those who have died in this terrible disaster. The previous tragic events of 2004 made us all keenly aware of the devastation which can be wrought by a tsunami after an earthquake takes place in ocean waters. Waves from this tsunami in American Samoa were reportedly 20 feet high and rushed 1 mile inland, causing unprecedented death and destruction. The latest death toll reported is 32 dead in American Samoa and 135 dead in Samoa. Children mistakenly running in the direction of the tsunami were among the victims. The Governor of American Samoa was quoted as saying that the quake and subsequent tsunami ranked right up there with some of the worst disasters to hit the area. Survivors are in urgent need of necessities, including water, adequate shelter, food, sanitation, and health care. Three hundred emergency responders have reportedly been dispatched by FEMA. The Red Cross, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of Health and Human Services are coordinating relief and recovery operations. The U.S. military, under the direction of the U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii, is providing emergency assistance, including food, water, tents, blankets, and medical supplies. In this regard, military personnel are helping their friends and colleagues, as the young people of American Samoa are well known for their patriotic spirit of service in the United States military, including in both Iraq and Afghanistan. We appreciate and honor that service. I urge my colleagues to give their strong support to this resolution.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution, introduced by my good friend and colleague, Dan Burton of Indiana, expressing the condolences of the Congress and the American people regarding the loss of life and property suffered by the people of Indonesia. The devastating earthquake which struck the island of Sumatra on September 30 has reportedly led to the deaths of at least 700 people and the displacement of thousands more from their homes. The concern and the generosity of the American people is well-known to the people of Indonesia, as demonstrated following the devastating tsunami which struck their country in late December of 2004. The sight of U.S. military personnel engaged in tsunami rescue and relief operations made all Americans proud. The involvement of our two former U.S. Presidents in the Bush-Clinton Tsunami Relief Fund further demonstrated that when a crisis occurs, we are indeed our brothers' and sisters' keeper. The United States came to Indonesia's assistance once again after this most recent earthquake. We provided $300,000 in immediate response and set aside an additional $3 million for further relief efforts. The U.S. Navy was once again deployed, with three ships being dispatched with helicopters to provide emergency relief and supplies. We send the relief workers and the people of Indonesia our prayers and our best wishes for a rapid and full recovery as they continue their courageous efforts to assist the injured and to locate the missing. I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, we continue to reserve.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, we yield back the balance of our time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution commemorating the canonization of Father Damien on Sunday, October 11, by Pope Benedict XVI. I thank Ms. Hirono and the Hawaiian delegation for introducing this resolution honoring a true American hero. When Father Damien first arrived in Hawaii as a missionary in 1864, he was only 24 years old. After the Hawaiian Government ordered the quarantine of those affected with leprosy to a settlement on the island of Molokai, Father Damien volunteered to go minister to their care. The Catholic bishop introduced Father Damien to his new 816 parishioners in the year 1873 as ``one who will be a father to you, and one who loves you so much that he does not hesitate to become one of you, to live and die with you.'' While Father Damien's first action was to build a church, he did not limit his role to that of a priest. He dressed ulcers, built homes and beds, built coffins and dug graves. Father Damien's arrival was a turning point for the disease-afflicted community, which, given new hope, built homes instead of shacks, constructed new schools and organized working farms. Father Damien contracted the disease as a result of this ministry and died at the age of 49 on April 15, 1889, a date still commemorated in Hawaii. No less an authority than Mahatma Gandhi wrote the following concerning Father Damien: ``The political and journalistic world can boast of very few heroes who compare with Father Damien of Molokai. It is worthwhile to look for those sources of such heroism.'' Given his work with those who suffered from a disease which carried a social stigma, Father Damien has also become the unofficial patron of those afflicted with HIV/AIDS. The world's only Roman Catholic memorial chapel dedicated to those who have died of HIV/AIDS, located in Montreal, Canada, is consecrated to him. We in the Congress have long been aware of the deep affection felt by the people of the Aloha State for their adopted son. A statue of Father Damien was one of the two sent from the then-new State of Hawaii to be placed in the Nation's Capitol in 1965. We all fervently wish that this past Sunday's canonization of yet another American saint will bring blessings to our country at a time of economic uncertainty at home and perils abroad. I urge my colleagues to strongly support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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