Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I strongly support House Resolution 575, which commends the people and the Government of Jordan for their commitment to democracy. Today, much of the Middle East is sadly pervaded by tyranny, radical and extremist Islam, terrorism and hatred of the United States and Israel. However, Jordan continues to stand out as a nation committed to moderation, to modernity, to democracy and to peace with the United States and Israel. Madam Speaker, Jordan has taken the road less traveled in the Middle East, demonstrating to other nations the benefits of embracing democratic principles as the norm. Since 1989, Jordan has held four elections for its parliament, and King Abdullah has committed to holding the next set of elections by November of this year. Under a new election law passed in February, Jordanians went to the polls in late July, for the first time, to elect the mayors and the councils of every city and town in that country. Jordan has also recognized that democracy is much more than just holding elections. The Jordanian Government is acting to establish the rule of law, to build a 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, Madam Speaker, is the decision of the Government of Jordan to lower the voting age from 19 to 18 and to mandate that women fill at least 20 percent of council seats. This is a positive first step, and I hope that it will lead to further reforms and political participation. King Abdullah himself has courageously spoken out and led the way for reform. King Abdullah recently 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. The foundation stones on which we build are peace and stability, basic civil and political rights, essential services, freedom of expression and the rule of law.'' Madam Speaker, a stable, peaceful and free Middle East is in the interests of the United States and indeed the entire world. And while much remains to be done, Jordan is serving as a model for other nations. It deserves our friendship and encouragement. House Resolution 575 is particularly important. It expresses the House's desire that Jordan's progress toward democracy continues and flourishes as a model for other Arab countries. It also commends King Abdullah and the Jordanian people for upholding women's rights and enhancing the participation of women in the political process. Finally, Madam Speaker, it reaffirms the special relationship that exists between the citizens of our two nations, as well as our ongoing commitment to helping Jordan, should it so desire, in promoting democratic reform. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this measure, Madam Speaker, and I urge my colleagues to render their full support for its adoption. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I thank the gentleman for his remarks, and I thank the honored guests who are with us today. We grieve for the people today, and we stand with them in this time of sorrow ready to help. With that, I yield back the balance of our time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I'm pleased to be an original cosponsor of this important resolution, and I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes), the author of the resolution, as well as the chairman of our Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Lantos, for their leadership in bringing this resolution quickly to the floor today. This resolution allows the Members of this House the opportunity to extend our profound condolences to the people of Greece and to their government over the tragic losses endured during the recent fires in Greece which have claimed the lives of scores of people. The human toll in casualties, injuries and loss of property is difficult to bear, with an estimated 4,000 people having lost loved ones, homes and, indeed, even communities. Moreover, hundreds of thousands of acres of Greek forests and farmland have been obliterated. And all of this, Madam Speaker, has occurred as a result of the more than 3,000 forest fires that have broken out in Greece since June. This massive tragedy has been bravely shouldered by the people of Greece. The heartfelt thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragedy and with all of the people of Greece. United in friendship, the United States and Greece have stood together on the same side of many of the world challenges throughout the last century. It is appropriate, therefore, that we provide assistance and support to our friend and ally in this hour of need. I, therefore, urge my colleagues to support this resolution and, in so doing, express their condolences and pledge their support for efforts to relieve the suffering endured by the people of Greece as a result of the tragic fires that have ravaged their nation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of our time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, with that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to first rise in support of House Resolution 508, introduced by my good friend, Mr. Saxton of New Jersey, and I would like to congratulate him for offering this resolution before us today because the United States security objectives in the Asia-Pacific region could not be achieved without the staunch support of our friends and allies in Tokyo. The United States-Japan alliance is, as this resolution recognizes, the cornerstone of regional stability and prosperity. When Pyongyang tested a nuclear weapon last fall, we relied heavily on our good friend, Japan, which was then serving as president of the U.N. Security Council. Together, we achieved passage of Security Council Resolution 1718 condemning North Korea's reckless action and imposing a series of sanctions. We must continue to work with Tokyo to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis in order to ensure regional peace and stability. Japan has also been an irreplaceable partner in support of our efforts to fight global terrorism. Also, in the year 2002, Tokyo graciously offered to host the International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan following the ouster of the Taliban regime. We are also very grateful to Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Forces for continuing to provide logistical support in the Indian Ocean to coalition efforts waging the international war on terrorism. Most recently, the Japanese Diet approved a 2-year extension of the Special Measures Law in Iraq which provides continued funding for the reconstruction of a peaceful and stable Iraq. It was also recently reported that three Japanese banks have stopped engaging in any new business with Iran, and that Japanese financial institutions are restricting loans and rejecting an Iranian request to pay for oil imports in currencies other than dollars. We are proud of the U.S.-Japan alliance and deeply grateful for the friendship of the people of Japan. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution, Madam Speaker, which is of vital importance to the security of both the United States and Japan. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield such time as he may consume to the author of this resolution, Mr. Saxton of New Jersey.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Following the dismantling of the apartheid regime and the conduct of South Africa's first democratically contested multi-party elections in 1994, Archbishop Tutu was appointed to share South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Tasked with investigating the gross human rights violations that had occurred over the preceding 34 years, it was feared that the TRC would reopen old wounds and once again plunge the country into crisis. However, Archbishop Tutu used this platform to urge forgiveness and reconciliation rather than revenge for past injustices. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that South Africa's TRC now serves as a model for post-conflict resolutions around the globe. And at nearly 76 years of age, Archbishop Tutu has not slowed down a bit. Given his continued advocacy for peace and human rights in Africa and beyond, it is appropriate that this body honor him again today. I would like to thank the sponsor, Ms. Jackson-Lee, for introducing this important resolution and for agreeing to changes so that it reflects a celebration of his upcoming 76th birthday, which will be celebrated by all of us on October 7. Madam Speaker, I thank you for giving us the opportunity to bring House Resolution 34 to the floor today. And I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on its passage. With that, Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today also in support of House Resolution 34, which honors the Most Reverend Desmond Tutu, the Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, South Africa; and an outspoken advocate for peace, equality, and human rights around the globe. While Archbishop Tutu is regarded by some as a controversial figure, he is universally recognized as a hero in the struggle against the apartheid regime in South Africa. There he served as a beacon of hope, committed to peace and unity in an era marked by violence and oppression. He passionately advocated for nonviolent opposition to the racist apartheid regime while campaigning internationally for the imposition of economic sanctions against South Africa. And even in the face of the most egregious human rights abuses reinforced by draconian laws, including the Population Registration Act of 1950, the Group Areas Act of 1950, the Lands Act of 1954 and 1955, and the Bantu Homelands Citizenship Act of 1970, he inspired disenfranchised South Africans to believe that one day justice would prevail and freedom would come. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

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

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of Senate bill 377, the United States-Poland Parliamentary Youth Exchange Program Act. This bill, introduced by Senator Lugar, and already passed by the Senate in March, would establish a formal parliamentary youth exchange program for American and Polish secondary students. The purpose of this exchange program is to demonstrate to the youth of Poland and to the United States the benefits of friendly cooperation based on our shared political and cultural values. The United States and Poland have enjoyed close bilateral relations since the end of the Cold War. Poland has supported U.S.-led efforts to fight global terrorism, has contributed troops to coalition forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, and has cooperated closely with the United States to promote democracy and human rights around the world and to reform the United Nations. By focusing on the source of our common future, our young people, this bill will further cement the friendship and the ideals that our two nations already share. Therefore, Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this worthwhile endeavor. Madam Speaker, I reserve 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 H.R. 3062, the Pacific Island Economic and Educational Development Act. The island nations of the South Pacific, which include longstanding friends of the United States, face continuing challenges in development and education. I want to commend the chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment (Mr. Faleomavaega) for his leadership in introducing this legislation and for working with us in the committee to refine it during the committee process. Because the amended text deals with authorizations, not mandates or appropriations, it signals congressional interest in deepening our cooperation with the people of the Pacific Islands, while also allowing executive branch agencies appropriate discretion in carrying out such programs. The text before us will increase the amounts authorized for U.S. educational and cultural exchanges with South Pacific nations to $1 million in each of the next 2 fiscal years, establish a Fulbright exchange program for Pacific Island students, and underscore the interests of the United States Congress in making appropriate USAID technical assistance available to Pacific Island governments. I thank the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) for accommodating some of our suggested changes. I am pleased to support the amended text. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. We all agree that the United States can be a leader on a number of global and environmental issues and we seek to find innovative ways to address these challenges. This bill is not the answer. It is merely a compilation of regulation, increased funding, and the creation of additional layers of bureaucracy. Title II of this bill, the Foreign Affairs title, sets up a new office structure at the State Department to focus on climate change, but it ignores the fact that we already have an office in the Department's Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science that deals with these very issues. The bill is silent on how many new personnel will be needed for this new office and at what cost. This legislation also seeks to ignore the current efforts in the existence of the senior climate negotiator and special representative by creating a new duplicative decision. Title II, section C, of this bill proposes a new, federally supported organization entitled the International Clean Energy Foundation, which would duplicate the grant- making work of the State Department, USAID, and the United Nations. The bill authorizes $100 million over 5 years for this Foundation and essentially guarantees that the Foundation will exist forever. In fact, following passage by the Foreign Affairs Committee of a bill which became title II of H.R. 3221, we received an estimate from the Congressional Budget Office which says that just the Foreign Affairs title of the bill would cost $772 million over the years 2008 to 2012. That is $772 million over 5 years. A few short months ago, we had a debate in the House on the Intelligence authorization bill, which contained a provision mandating that the intelligence community use its resources to develop a National Intelligence Estimate on the issue of global warming. We thought that the majority would wait to receive an assessment of the nature and extent of the problem, as well as a range of factors contributing to the problem before having the House vote on this bill. But this was not to be. As public servants, our overarching responsibility should be to do no harm. This legislation, I agree, runs contrary to that principle. We all share a desire to do more to exert U.S. leadership in the environmental realm. We must be careful not to fool ourselves into believing that throwing money at the problem and adding layers of bureaucracy are truly effective ways of addressing this issue. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the bill, and I reserve the balance of our time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to my dear friend from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo). He is the ranking member of our Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, and he offered a substitute amendment in the committee to fix the foreign policy provisions in the legislation before you.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the remainder of my time. My colleagues have said that the administration had neglected this issue of low-level bureaucrats. We have an Under Secretary of State, an Assistant Secretary of State, and a Special Representative at the Department of State, all engaged in global climate diplomacy. I would say that we have been quite involved. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished colleague from Virginia, the ranking member on the Committee on Agriculture, Mr. Goodlatte.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, what concerns me most about the amendment is its requirement for a report by the Secretary that includes a strategy to help developing countries to adapt to climate change, and I quote, ``including the provision of United States assistance to developing countries and an identification of existing funding sources, and a description of new funding sources that will be required specifically for such purposes.'' Mr. Chairman, it's one thing to have the executive branch agencies compose a strategy, but it's quite another to encourage, if not require, such agencies to find new ways to justify further increasing U.S. foreign assistance to these countries. This strategy would come after the section of the bill, section 2202, which already calls for $200 million every year from the year 2008 to the year 2012 to be allocated for U.S. assistance and programs in developing countries that ``promote clean and efficient energy technologies.'' I believe that there is a positive intent behind this amendment, and I commend my colleague, Ms. Solis, from California for offering it. But it would be a better proposal if it did not have a requirement that the report from the Secretary of State include a strategy that basically instructs the Secretary to tell us how to spend more money. So I hope that our colleagues would reject this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize an organization which is leading the fight against vision loss. Hope for Vision was founded to assist individuals dealing with the loss of vision, and to raise much needed funding for scientific research on retinal degenerative and other blinding diseases, so that future generations will not have to cope with this tragic issue. I have the distinct pleasure and honor of being involved in this wonderful organization, and serve as an honorary member of the Board of Advisors. I also am proud to call several integral members of this organization including the Lidsky family, my friends. I have known Carlos and Betty Lidsky for many years and their son, Isaac, an attorney here in Washington, serves as the Chairman and President of Hope for Vision. At the age of 12, Isaac was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a retinal degenerative disorder. However, this did not slow Isaac down. He attended New World School of the Arts in Miami before receiving a bachelor's and law degree from Harvard University. While at Harvard, he met his wife, Dorothy, who has become a passionate advocate for the vision-impaired. This family has been deeply impacted with degenerative retinal diseases and they have fought to ensure this horrible condition receives the proper attention and research needed to find a cure. Their tenacity and courage in the face of such adversity and heartbreak is commendable. Inspired by their dedication and hard work, we are working towards a cure. The Lidsky family has always been an outspoken advocate to raise awareness for issues surrounding inherited vision diseases. Vision loss is a problem which affects millions of Americans. More than 80 million Americans have a potentially blinding eye disease: 3 million have low vision; 1.1 million are legally blind; and an additional 200,000 are severely visually impaired. However, research efforts into vision loss and blindness have already started to pay dividends. For example, scientists have provided vision to the blind through microchip technologies, and clinical trials have started with pharmaceutical treatments to combat vision loss. Research grants provided by Hope for Vision are providing our scientists with much needed funding to further progress on these initiatives. An example of this progress is the partnership between Hope for Vision and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, located at the University of Miami in my Congressional District. These two organizations have teamed up to provide the best vision care possible for South Floridians by advancing research and treatment capabilities with two new innovative programs. With the help of the Department of Defense, they have developed the Miami Project for Ophthalmic Innovation to use the remarkable military technological advances to bring new therapies to patients. The goal of this project is to bring together ideas and people from diverse backgrounds to implement research projects aimed at enhancing military ocular health capabilities. It will directly benefit our brave men and women serving in uniform, our veterans, as well as the millions of other Americans who suffer from blinding eye trauma and disease. Another initiative is the newly-created Center for Hereditary Retinal Diseases at Bascom Palmer, which owes its very existence to Hope for Vision. Its goal is to identify every individual in the state of Florida with an inherited eye disease and to provide them with genetic testing, counseling, and innovative treatments. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is recognized as one of the world's finest and most progressive centers for eye care, research and education. This year, U.S. News & World Report's survey rated Bascom Palmer the Number 1 eye hospital in the country. Its dedicated staff provides excellent vision care to more than 200,000 patients annually at their facilities across South Florida. I am also proud to be a founding member and co-chair of the Congressional Vision Caucus. This organization is a bipartisan coalition dedicated to strengthening and stimulating a national dialogue and policy on vision-related problems and disabilities. Our responsibility is to raise awareness about the increasing number of Americans at risk for age-related diseases, preserve and protect eyesight, and ensure adequate resources are directed towards the research, prevention and treatment of eye disease. I have worked together with my colleagues in the South Florida Congressional delegation to ensure that Hope for Vision has the funds necessary to continue their work to discover treatments and cures for degenerative retinal diseases. As the baby boom generation reaches retirement age, vision loss will become an increasingly familiar issue for many American families. Once again, I would to congratulate Hope for Vision on its successes, and look forward to working with this organization as it continues to address an issue of growing importance.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 763 on final passage of S. 1, the Open Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007; rollcall No. 764 final passage of H.R. 180, the Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act; and rollcall No. 765 on final passage of H.R. 2347, the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act, I am not recorded because I was delayed while tending to constituents in my congressional office. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on all three bills.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``aye'' on this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I have to go to another meeting, and if you would allow me, I would like to yield the balance of our time to Mr. Boozman, a member of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade on the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. If I could ask the gentleman to yield for a request.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 188. Mr. Speaker, 13 years ago, on July 18, a radical Islamist with ties to the terrorist group Hezbollah bombed the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the heart and soul of the largest Jewish community in South America, killing 85 innocent people. From the beginning of the investigation into this horrific act of anti-Semitism and mass murder, the evidence pointed to the involvement of Hezbollah and its state sponsor, Iran. Moreover, the AMIA bombing opened our eyes, 7 years before 9/11, to the growing threat of radical Islam and Islamic extremists and terrorists in the western hemisphere, our own backyard. The tri-border area, where Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina meet, continues to be a lawless zone where Islamist terrorist groups meet and engage in arms, drug dealing and contraband smuggling that finances their deadly deeds and aims. It could easily become a base of operations to carry out further terrorist attacks that could even strike on U.S. soil. Therefore, to address this threat to our interests and national security, the United States and our allies must bring to justice those responsible for past acts of terror. We must vigilantly combat radical Islamic terrorist groups before they strike again. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, for over a decade those responsible for the atrocity at AMIA have not been captured and prosecuted, causing our enemies to be emboldened to strike again. Nonetheless, despite numerous obstacles, the wheels of justice have started to gain momentum. Last October, the state prosecutor of Argentina concluded that the AMIA bombing was, in his words, ``decided and organized by the highest leaders of the former Government of Iran whom, at the same time, entrusted its execution to the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah.'' Last March, acting on the state prosecutor's conclusions, INTERPOL's executive committee recommended the issuance of red notices for five Iranian officials and one Hezbollah operative in connection with the bombing. Iran, still determined to act with impunity, has appealed the Executive Committee's decision to INTERPOL's General Assembly, which will meet upcoming this November. It is vital, vital, Mr. Speaker, that INTERPOL's General Assembly uphold the recommendation of the Executive Committee and issue the red notices, which could lead to the arrest of these individuals. To successfully prosecute this case, Argentina must be able to arrest and extradite the named Islamic militant and Iranian officials. It is important to note that at least one of the five indicted Iranian officials worked for the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires at the time of the AMIA bombing. The evidence appears to indicate that Iran used officials who have diplomatic immunity to help support and plan the attack, and that Iran has used its embassies abroad to further its terrorist plots and radical Islamic goals. Indeed, all signs show that Iran is vigorously increasing its diplomatic presence in the western hemisphere, seeking to increase its power, to spread its radical Islamic ideology, to undermine the United States, and to wreak havoc throughout the region. These dangerous efforts must be addressed, Mr. Speaker. Many nations in the hemisphere have joined with the United States and regional organizations to fight the growing threat of Islamic extremists that has become evident since the AMIA bombing. For example, several nations participate in joint counterterrorism training and simulations and have joined counterterrorist protocols and agreements. Argentina deserves particular commendation. In addition to its significant progress in the AMIA investigation during the past year, Argentina recently approved legislation which criminalizes financing, fund-raising, and money laundering by groups linked to terror. Mr. Speaker, these nations deserve our continued support and encouragement. However, there is much left to be done. H. Con. Res. 188, which I introduced with the distinguished chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Lantos, seeks to address a number of issues that we have raised. The resolution condemns the AMIA attacks, honors the victims, and, thirdly, expresses our sympathy to their long- suffering families. It also calls upon the General Assembly of INTERPOL to issue and implement the red notices supported by INTERPOL Executive Committee, and calls upon responsible nations to cooperate fully with the AMIA investigation. Mr. Speaker, for years, Chairman Lantos and I have spoken in this Chamber calling for justice to be served in the AMIA case. Finally, those responsible for this atrocity are running scared, recognizing that they may not escape the consequences of their crime, that we are determined to prevent history from repeating itself. Justice may be delayed, but it must be denied. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to support the bill before us, H.R. 180, the Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act. It was 3 years ago this month, Mr. Speaker, that Congress passed the historic resolution declaring that genocide was occurring in the Darfur region of western Sudan. This was the first time in the history of this body that genocide was declared as the atrocities were occurring. The decision to evoke the word ``genocide'' at that time was not taken lightly, but the evidence of vast slaughter, aerial bombardments and forced displacements targeted against the African tribes in Darfur left us with little choice. No one could claim that they did not understand the gravity of the human rights and the security crisis in Darfur. We read about it in the papers. We saw the images on television. We heard about it from humanitarian groups in the region, and some of us have now even seen it with our own eyes. It was believed that, by making such a bold declaration, other responsible nations would feel compelled to join the United States in taking firm action to halt this senseless slaughter of innocent civilians in this far off place, but here we are 3 years later and the carnage in Darfur continues. Hundreds of thousands have been killed, over 2 million others have been forced from their homes. Entire villages have been razed, crops and wells destroyed, and countless young women and girls raped. And here we are again forced to go it alone, for the sake of the victims of genocide in Sudan. Currently, the U.N. Security Council is once again held hostage to the search for consensus. Council members are engaged in a senseless debate over the latest resolution on Darfur, fighting over whether deploying a truly capable peacekeeping mission, with a chapter 7 mandate to protect civilians, violates the so-called sovereignty of a genocidal regime. Several of my colleagues and I traveled to the United Nations last week as part of a delegation led by our majority leader, Steny Hoyer. We focused our efforts on securing support for immediate action by the United Nations, but we cannot afford to continue to wait. I cannot forget the faces of the children and the families in the camps that I visited in April. Their eyes spoke volumes, piercing through our souls, clamoring for the world to help them. It is, therefore, time once again to take bold action in the hope that it will finally compel the murderous regime in Khartoum to simply end this madness. We need to send a clear message to Khartoum that we are not fooled by their half measures and delay tactics and that we are serious about ending this conflict. And to do so we must speak in language that they will surely understand, the language of economic interests. This Sudanese regime has proven time and time again that it responds only to real pressure. The only true leverage we have is to strike at their economic interest. H.R. 180 does exactly that. It requires that the Secretary of the Treasury publish and maintain a list of companies or entities whose business dealings directly benefit the regime in Khartoum. It enables State and local governments to divest from those companies and provide safe harbor to fund managers who do divest. In essence, this allows the contributors to and the beneficiaries of State and local government pension funds to avoid directly or indirectly supporting genocide in Darfur. Divestment campaigns of this nature have drawn criticism by some who fear that they inappropriately violate the sanctity of U.S. markets. It is true divestments should not be taken lightly. But in the case of genocide, we are bound by conscience and overarching U.S. values to do all that is within our power to intervene. Having served as witness to this catastrophe, I have no hesitation in supporting the cause of divestment. In fact, it gives me great pride to say that in my own district, south Floridians have joined in this humanitarian effort. It is time to stop funding the war machine in Sudan. Adoption of this legislation today will no doubt put us at odds with a number of our allies, with members of the U.N. Security Council, and those with significant economic interest with Sudan, such as China. Our labeling of the atrocities in Darfur as genocide also put us at odds with others. But their indifference did not deter us in 2004, and it must not deter us now. I urge my fellow Members to take a stand today on behalf of the people of Darfur and to support this important legislation.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I also rise in support of the bill before us, H.R. 2347, the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act, introduced by the distinguished chairman of the Financial Services Committee, Mr. Barney Frank of Massachusetts. And I'm proud to cosponsor this bill, Mr. Speaker, because it's based on language that I drafted, and was adopted by the House last Congresses past as part of the Iran Freedom Support Act. As all of us have heard from the great discussions this morning, Iran's rogue regime has sworn to destroy us, has sworn to destroy Israel, and has throughout decades. It's demonstrated the will and the capacity to do so. It has a long record of pursuing nuclear capabilities and of supporting the extreme elements of Islam, including Hamas, Hezbollah and those who kill and maim Americans in Iraq. In fact, some have reported that Iran is providing the deep-buried IEDs that are indeed increasing the carnage in Iraq. No amount of handholding, no amount of dialogue will be able to deter Tehran. As part of an effort to prevent foreign funds from going to the Iranian regime, the bill before us authorizes State and local governments to direct divestiture and prevent investment in companies with investment of $20 million or more in Iran's energy sector. And furthermore, the bill requires that a list of those companies that have invested $20 million or more be published biannually. Furthermore, it protects investment companies and managers from being sued for divesting from companies included in the published list. And although I fully support this bill, Mr. Speaker, and I commend Chairman Frank for his efforts on this critical issue, as well as Mr. Sherman, who's been a leader on all the bills related to Iran, I'm concerned that this bill merely authorizes divestment from companies investing in Iran, rather than making divestment from those companies mandatory. H.R. 1357, a bill I introduced earlier this year, along with Minority Whip Roy Blunt, would require divestment of all government pension plans or Thrift Savings Plans. Moreover, H.R. 1357 prohibits all future investments of government and private pension plans. I strongly believe that we must increase the pressure aimed at isolating Iran's extremist regime, and the bill authored by Chairman Frank is an important step toward achieving this goal, and I commend him for it. There are currently, also, Mr. Speaker, multiple measures dealing with putting further pressure on Iran including the Iran Counter- Proliferation Act, authored by Congressman Tom Lantos, the chairman of our Foreign Affairs Committee; and we have got to work to have those bills passed and build upon them in order to derail the dangerous ambitions of Iran. So I urge my colleagues to support this measure. It is part of the effort of many of us to prevent U.S. dollars from enabling and facilitating the murderous efforts of radical extremists who intend to destroy us and our allies. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for yielding me the time, and I thank the chairman, Mr. Frank of Massachusetts, for this bill.