Steven Rothman

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Greek Independence Day. In this year following the horrific terrorist attacks on our Nation, in which our democratic society has been challenged like never before, it is important that we join together and honor the ideals that embody Greek Independence Day. On this 181st anniversary of the decision by the Greek people to rise up against the Ottoman Empire and live freely, we celebrate democracy, a common bond that the United States shares with Greece. For the thousands of Greek-Americans that I represent, Greek Independence Day celebrates the sacrifice made by their family members, friends, and fellow countrymen. The decision by the Greeks to govern themselves was a courageous action, and we honor the spirit of those who lost their lives in this quest for freedom. This spirit will be on display for all the world to see when Athens hosts the Olympic Games in 2004. During this celebration of Greek Independence, Congress memorializes the sacrifice of a generation of Greeks so that freedom and independence could be secured for the Greek people. America is involved in a similar struggle now. As we continue our struggle based on our love of democracy, freedom, rule of law, tolerance and justice, we draw strength and inspiration from the Greek people who shed blood and tears in their struggle for independence. Today, we honor the just cause that the Greek people fought for in 1829, and I join my colleagues in recognition of this special anniversary and the strong U.S.-Greece relationship.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced the ``September 11th, 2001 Commemorative Coin Act'' which calls for the introduction of a circulating commemorative coin that would honor the victims of the events of September 11th. A generation ago, the events of December 7th, 1941 became not only a day of infamy, but also a reference point that no one has forgotten. My father knows precisely where he was on that Sunday in December, just as I suspect nearly all Americans know what they were doing when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked. Events of cataclysmic proportion, as well as epic struggles, have long been commemorated on the coinage of various countries. Canada's tombac nickel, for example, issued in 1943, contains a new reverse design from the famous Churchill ``V'' for victory over the Nazi Axis war machine. America's circulating coinage is not so different. The heraldic eagles utilized on the reverse of our coinage has had the beak of the eagle pointed, variously, to olive branches of peace, or towards the talons holding arrows of war. Nonetheless, important historical personages, as well as historic events, have long been common on coinage. That's precisely the reason why the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York, a galvanizing event if ever there was one, deserves permanent memorialization on our nation's coinage. Striking such a coin would permanently memorialize, for all time, the event that occurred, and to offer some numismatic assurance that it will not be forgotten. It affords a permanent memorial to the more than 3,000 innocent victims--a tribute that they richly deserve. An article suggesting this was published shortly after the events of September 11 in Numismatic News, a coin collector's periodical. The author is my Mayor, my neighbor and friend, David L. Ganz, of Fair Lawn, New Jersey. David is a former member of the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee, and a past president of the American Numismatic Association, and I would like to have the article reprinted in its entirety in the Congressional Record. Mr. Speaker, the events of September 11 call for a distinctive tribute to honor not only those who perished, but also those who remain. I believe that coinage, as it has been for thousands of years, is an appropriate response and urge prompt consideration of the bill introduced today. [From the Numismatic News, Oct. 2, 2001] Put World Trade Center on New Half Dollar (By David L. Ganz) America's tragedy that is personified by the destruction of the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, through a vicious, criminal assault on its sovereignty on Sept. 11 in a suicide bombing, is deserving of a lasting tribute. Coinage, since the time of Caesar, has served the simultaneous purpose of doing the business of commerce and remembering historic events that are worthy of commemoration. In ancient times, coins of that ear were utilized to pay homage to the emperors, to celebrate victories on the battlefield. Two members of Congress, Rep Elliot Engel, D-N.Y., and J.C. Watts, R-Okla, are evidently planning to introduce legislation creating a ``Spirit of America'' coin to commemorative the victims of the attacks. Engle, from the Bronx, and Watts, from Oklahoma City, have seen their neighborhoods fall victim to terrorism. The idea of using the medium of the Caesars to mark our own catastrophe is a good one. Events of cataclysmic proportion, as well as epic struggles, have long been commemorated on the coinage of various countries. Canada's tombac nickel, for example, issued in 1943, contains a new reverse design from the famous Churchill ``V'' for victory over the Nazi Axis war machine. America's circulating coinage is not so different. The heraldic eagles utilized on the reverse of our coinage has had the beak of the eagle pointed, variously, to olive branches of peace, or towards the talons holding arrows of war. The heraldic eagle on the reverse of the silver dollar (1798-1804) is one example of this (pointed toward arrows of war), while the Seated Liberty dollar of 1840-1873 had the eagle's head pointed toward olive branches, as does the Morgan dollar (1878-1921). In the 20th century, the first circulating commemorative was struck for the centennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, in 1909. The Annual Report of the Director of the Mint simply noted that, ``With the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury the new design for the bronze one-cent coin was adopted in April 1909. On the obverse the head of Lincoln appears instead of the Indian head which this piece had borne since 1864. The engraver of the mint at Philadelphia was instructed to prepare dies and coinage of this piece was commenced in May. . .'' In March 1931, Congress enacted legislation overturning a portion of the Act of Sept. 26, 1890 (limiting design changes to no more frequently than once in 25 years on circulating coinage) and specifically authorized and directed the Secretary of the Treasury ``for the purpose of commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of George Washington, to change the design of the 25-cent piece so that the portrait of George Washington shall appear on the obverse, with appropriate devices on the reverse. . .'' Following President Roosevelt's death in 1945, the Mint produced a Roosevelt memorial medal, and also introduced a new circulating commemorative coin design for the dime (dated 1946). Vermeule terms the coin ``the logical memorial for Franklin Roosevelt in the regular coinage.'' After the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Congress enacted the law of Dec. 30, 1963, directing that the Franklin half be replaced with a design ``which shall bear on one side the likeness of the late president of the United States John Fitzgerald Kennedy,'' a motif which Vermeule terms a ``hasty; emotional advent'' even though the design is ``a tolerable, staidly handsome coin.'' The One Bank Holding Company Act of 1970 required a coin to ``bear the likeness of the late President of the United States, Dwight David Eisenhower, and on the other side thereof a design which is emblematic of the symbolic eagle of Apollo 11 landing on the moon.'' In 1973, Congress passed Public Law 93-127 which directed the Treasury Secretary to commemorate the Bicentennial of the American Revolution with a reverse design change for the quarter dollar, half dollar and dollar coin, all of which were intended for circulation, but of which only the quarter dollar really achieved circulation. The colonial drummer boy on the quarter, dated 1776-1976 (and produced in 1975 and 1976 by the Mint) still can be found occasionally in circulation today, a reminder of our Bicentennial celebration a generation ago. The half dollar (bearing Independence Hall on the reverse), and the dollar (Liberty Bell imposed on the lunar surface) never really achieved circulation. Occasionally, examples of the half are found in circulation. The dollar coin never really entered circulation in the first instance. Collector versions of the coins were struck in silver-clad material, as required by law. More recently, in 1979, a dollar coin commemorating Susan B. Anthony was produced by the Mint. The reverse was directed to have ``a design which is emblematic of the symbolic eagle of Apollo 11 landing on the moon.'' Its design was identical to that of the Eisenhower dollar authorized in 1970. The coin did achieve partial circulation in some areas of the country, and in that sense is a circulating commemorative coin, but never archieved general circulation success. Nonetheless, important historical personages, as well as historical events, have long been common on coinage. That's precisely the reason why the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York, a galvanizing event if ever there was one, deserves permanent memorialization on our coinage. There is a danger, from the close proximity of headlines, to suggest what will become history. But in the same sense that President Roosevelt termed the attack on Pearl Harbor a day of infamy, so, too, the attack on the twin towers of the World Trade Center marks the start of a 21st century war that is unlikely to be over quickly, or events that will be quickly forgotten. The very metal that the coins are made of is the reason that they should be struck--to permanently memorialize, for all time, the event that occurred, and to offer some numismatic assurance that it will not be forgotten. It affords a permanent memorial to more than 5,000 innocent victims, a tribute that they richly deserve. Unlike other issues, this one should have no surcharge at all. Even if numismatic versions are authorized, they should be available to the public on the basis of cost plus a modest profit for the Mint. What should be considered, however, is directing the use of the seigniorage, which, if a half dollar is chosen, would constitute about 46 cents for every coin. If the Mint were to produce 750 million of such coins in a year's time, the seigniorage would be a remarkable down payment on the rebuilding of the World Trade Center, which cost an estimated $350 million per tower to construct when completed in 1973. To accomplish this, a bill would have to be introduced in the Senate and House, passed by both chambers, and approved by the President. Modestly, here's my proposal to do just that:

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 90th anniversary of Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America. This esteemed organization has grown to become the nations largest woman's and Jewish membership organization. Today, we celebrate Hadassah having dedicated 90 years to pursuing a most worthy humanitarian mission. It was in 1912 that the educator and visionary Henrietta Szold founded Hadassah. In the time since, it's members have not only been committed to promoting a peaceful and prosperous Israel, ensuring Jewish continuity and pursuing social justice, but also providing for the health, education, and well-being of American Jewish women and their families. This organization has helped build Israel's medical infrastructure from the foundations laid by two American nurses in 1913 through a combination of hard work and professionalism. Today the Hadassah Medical Association supports the region's most advanced medical center, treating 600,000 patients a year from all religious and ethnic backgrounds, and assisting in the training of greatly needed doctors and nurses. On home soil, Hadassah has also had a historic impact, easing the concerns of women and the Jewish Community. In response to some 43,000 breast cancer deaths each year, Hadassah has joined the battle to diagnose cases early, by running screening and awareness programs. Furthermore, the organization sponsors Jewish family programs across the nation, encourages civic participation and has devoted considerable effort to educating members and the general public alike, on important public policy issues. Mr. Speaker, for nine decades Hadassah has served communities worldwide improving the lives of women and their families. Now I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring this organization and its members past and present, for their perseverance and many remarkable accomplishments.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see that President Bush will be making a state visit to the People's Republic of China in late February. As Secretary of State Colin Powell has said, the United States and China have many common interests. Among several large and continuing disagreements are religious freedom and the issue of Taiwan. I hope that President Bush will urgently raise the issues of freedom of religion and also stand firm on the issue of Taiwan in his discussions with the Chinese. According to a report in yesterday's Washington Post, Chinese government documents show detailed efforts on the part of the Communist leadership to target religions including the use of secret agents to infiltrate Protestant religious groups, crushing underground Catholic churches, and the use of force against the banned Fulan Gong spiritual movement. It is nothing less than a nationwide campaign to stamp out religion so that all the Chinese people can worship is the state. When Secretary Powell appeared before the Foreign Operations Subcommittee yesterday, he stated that when the United States and China have disagreements over religious freedom, ``we do not hold back our criticism.'' It is therefore imperative for President Bush to speak out loudly and strongly against this denial of this basic human right--freedom of religion--when he is in China next week. Regarding Taiwan, the United States and the Republic of China on Taiwan have been maintaining strong relations for decades. In recent years, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations between the United States and Taiwan, Taiwan has been unwavering in its support of the United States. In the wake of September 11, Taiwan shared our mourning and its government ordered all flags lowered at half staff for two days. Taiwan stands with the United States on nearly all issues including safeguarding human rights and fighting terrorism around the globe. Mr. Speaker, Taiwan is not an issue that divides the United States from China. As long as we stand firm on our principles of providing what Taiwan needs militarily, there will be stability in the Taiwan Strait and that is in everyone's best interests. I wish President Bush best of luck in his journey to China.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable friend and spiritual leader--Reverend William Holt Hargrave. For more than 25 years, Reverend Hargrave served with distinction as the Pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Englewood, New Jersey. As a former Mayor of Englewood, I have had a wonderful opportunity to see him lead his congregation, and to experience his warmth and kindness firsthand. The members of the Ebenezer Baptist Church are some of the most patriotic and spiritually uplifting people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. The congregation is filled with decent, honest, God-loving people who have a tremendous sense of community. Certainly, Reverend Hargrave's leadership has had a tremendous impact on all of their lives. As a voice of comfort and reason, Reverend Hargrave committed himself to the church and provided guidance and wisdom to those in his congregation and community. Anyone who has ever known Reverend Hargrave knows full well that his heart is filled with love, compassion, and faith. His presence always put everyone at ease. I wish Reverend Hargrave and his family all the best. We all thank him for his service and commitment to the Ebenezer Baptist Church and all the people of the great and good city of Englewood.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, first let me thank and congratulate the chairman of our subcommittee, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe), and our ranking member, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), and their respective staffs for doing an outstanding job and being of such great assistance and cooperation to me and to other Members of the committee with interests in this bill. I also want to thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), the chairman of the full committee, for his continuing leadership and kindnesses to me and other Members on the committee, and, of course, to our ranking member of the full committee, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey). Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for the foreign operations appropriations bill on which we are about to vote. While I am pleased to see that there is additional money for the United Nations family planning program, I am disappointed that the Mexico City gag rule on a woman's right to choose remains in place. However, overall, this is a very good piece of legislation that comes at a crucial time in our Nation's history. We all know that military action is essential to protect the American people here at home and abroad. But today's legislation will complement, will assist, that action. It is clear that it is in America's vital national interest to use a small portion of its budget to work and assist with other countries to make sure that those other countries around the world do not become breeding grounds for future Osama bin Ladens. As my colleagues may know, this foreign aid bill represents less than 1 percent of the budget of the United States of America, less than 1 percent; but it is money well spent. Mr. Speaker, let me read from a recent editorial that appeared in a local newspaper in my district. It said, ``There is a growing international consensus that long-term, wisely targeted foreign aid, designed not only to alleviate poverty, but also to help build strong civic institutions and social stability is an indispensable part of the struggle against terrorism.'' I agree with that. The bill that we pass today takes a big step forward in creating the conditions which will allow people around the world to embrace democracy and tolerance and also to reject those who would be undemocratic and who would subjugate their own people. Mr. Speaker, in this foreign aid bill, we not only fulfill our moral obligation to fight global poverty, spur economic development, support health and education programs, and build democratic institutions; but through this foreign assistance bill, we serve America's vital national interests. We do so now more than ever because it is important for us to reach out to other populations around the world to help them make the right choices, to choose peace, prosperity and democracy. Because after all, democracies do not wage war on one another. Democracies make great trading partners with one another, and democracies, having democracies around the world helps us as Americans fulfill our national manifest destiny, if you will, the destiny where we seek to have people live in freedom, to have a free people choose their own leaders, and to live in equality under the rule of law. This foreign aid bill, less than 1 percent of our national budget, achieves that goal; money very well spent. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a well-written essay by a constituent of mine, Silvio Laccetti of Fairview, New Jersey. Mr Laccetti is a professor of humanities at Stevens Hoboken Institute of Technology where he is developing leadership programs. I ask that the text of his essay, ``Everyone a Soldier,'' be entered into the Congressional Record so that all Americans may read his words. In the post-September 11 world, Mr. Laccetti captures the new reality that all Americans are in a sense, ``soldiers''. My hope is that Mr. Laccetti's piece helps us to gain an even greater appreciation for our freedom and our country. Everyone a Soldier (By Silvio Laccetti) It may not always have been well observed, but for the last two centuries the wartime line between civilian and military personnel was pretty clear. Not any more. In the 21st century, with wars fought against agents of terror, there is no clear distinction between a combatant and a non-combatant. Hijacked planes attack office towers. Anthrax arrives in postal envelopes. The government periodically issues high-alert warnings, suggesting imminent danger. In America today, there is a sense that anything can happen to anyone at anytime. Everyone's a target, so everyone must be a soldier. If we are all soldiers, what then are the ``weapons'' we carry? What will get us through these wars and how will traits that are especially American help us triumph? First, we have to be fit. The old catch-phrase ``stick to your guns'' applies in this case. For today's American, it means to focus anew under stress. So, go to your work, go to play, honor your obligations and dream about a better future as soldiers always have. And let's become inspired and energized to do the best we can ever do in our daily roles. Recall Dan Rather's own response to terrorism--a desire to produce the best journalism he has ever done. After the initial shock of 9/11, America seems now to be undergoing a resurgence of excellence. Excellence is a fitness that never fails. Love of freedom and creativity stored in our arsenals of democracy will also empower each of us in our battle against terrorism. As Paul McCartney sang out in his original song dedicated at the Concert for New York, we will fight for our right to live in freedom. And in that fight we will employ the kind of creativity few soldiers or armies ever get to enjoy. When things are snafu'ed, the individual soldier finds a solution on his or her own. Witness the creativity of the heroes on Flight 93 who prevented another attack by giving their own lives. Acts of heroism, great and small, will mark the vigilance and determination of a free people. Freedom and creativity are the ordnance of our Free Americans. All soldiers need leaders and to have faith in them. We've been blessed with great ones in this crisis. Mayor Giuliani and President Bush have been extraordinary. Others, like Colin Powell and Donald Rumsfeld have demonstrated reassuring leadership. But because we are in the unique situation of everyone a soldier, we must assume self-leadership. Each American must motivate himself/herself to take command of their fears and hesitation. This means we must get on with life, today and tomorrow, and look for God's presence in the trenches. Self-leadership is always a good thing. If you are forever in fear and uncertainty, you already live in terror. America. Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. We will lead lives undaunted and cling to the heritage and ideals that guide America in the war against terror. In this war, everyone is a soldier.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great American, a great public servant, a great expert on foreign affairs, a great staff member, a great campaign worker, a great brother, son and husband, a great friend, and soon to be a great father. Mr. Speaker, at the end of this week a man who fits all those desciptions, Mr. Raffi Hamparian, will be departing my office and moving to the west coast to settle down with his wife and the new child they are expecting in January. He has served for the past five years as my senior legislative assistant and handled all my International Relations Committee and Foreign Operations Subcommittee work. He has been a strong and steady voice in the halls of this Congress for the oppressed minorities of the world and for exporting the best of America to all those peoples hungry for freedom. Myself and the rest of my staff will not only miss his great expertise at a time when we greatly need such insight into foreign affairs, but we will also miss his friendship. We have all come to rely on seeing his smiling face and hearing his reassuring voice each morning we walk into the office. Mr. Speaker, this Congress and my office in particular are about to lose a tremendous resource, but I know Mr. Hamparian will stay involved in the public arena and will continue to offer his services to the people of America, wherever he may live or work. I want to take this moment to thank him for all he has done for me and all he has done for this Congress and to wish him and his family the blessings of God and every joy known to this world.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in appreciation of the solidarity for the American people displayed by the government and people of Taiwan in the wake of the tragic terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001. The United States of America is fortunate to have an ally like Taiwan, which shares our nation's commitment to finding and bringing to justice those responsible for the crimes against humanity which took the lives of thousands of innocent Americans on September 11, 2001. I appreciate Taiwan's offer to assist our nation's global campaign to eradicate the scourge of terrorism from our earth. I am also deeply grateful for the precautionary steps Taiwanese officials have recently taken to protect the safety and welfare of American citizens who are either currently visiting or living in Taiwan. As the United States embarks on a number of economic, diplomatic, and military initiatives in the coming days and months, it will become ever clearer who stands with us in our battle against evil and who stands against us. I am extremely pleased that our friends in Taiwan will stand firmly with us and that they are prepared to provide whatever assistance they can to aid and abet America's global campaign against terrorism. I am also appreciative of the fact that festivities marking Taiwan's National Day, which were to have been hosted by the Tapei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States today, were canceled out of respect for those killed and injured in the attack on America on September 11, 2001.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to all those who perished in the attacks on America on September 11, 2001. To their family members and friends, words cannot adequately express the feelings that I and all Americans have for the pain and loss they have and will continue to endure. Among the brave firefighters and police officers and thousands of other innocent people who perished in the collapse of the World Trade Center, were seventy-four employees of the Port Authority (PA) of New York and New Jersey. These men and women, who were dedicated to making our transportation system in the New York and New Jersey the best in the world, are sorely missed by their families, friends and a grief stricken nation. The energy, the innovation, and the commitment to public service of these PA employees will long be remembered by me and a grateful nation. The work and sacrifice of these PA officials must not only be remembered by America and all Americans, but it also must be honored. I will honor these brave men and women by building on the proud legacy they have left to the PA. Clearly, the American people's united commitment to continuing our love of freedom, democracy, rule of law, tolerance and justice, will prevail during the ensuing days and months as our nation pursues all those responsible for the September 11, 2001, attack on America. In that struggle, let us neither waiver nor bend in our global campaign against those who cut short the lives of thousands of Americans. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the attached list of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey employees who were lost in the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center be included in the Congressional Record. Deborah H. Kaplan, Douglas G. Karpiloff, Sergeant Robert M. Kaulfers, Frank Lalama, Officer Paul Laszcynski, Officer David P. Lemagne, Officer John J. Lennon, Officer John D. Levi, Executive Director Neil D. Levin, Margaret S. Lewis, Officer James F. Lynch, Robert H. Lynch, Myrna Maldonado, Captain Kathy Mazza, Officer Donald J. McIntyre, Officer Walter A. McNeil, Dir./Supt. of Police Fred V. Morrone, Officer Joseph M. Navas, Pete Negron, Officer James Nelson, Officer Alfonse J. Niedermeyer, David Ortiz, Officer James W. Parham, Nancy E. Perez, Officer Dominick A. Pezzulo, Eugene J. Raggio, Officer Bruce A. Reynolds, Franceis S. Riccardelli, Officer Antonio J. Rodrigues, Officer Richard Rodriguez, Chief James A. Romito, Kalyan K. Sarkar, Anthony Savas, Officer John P. Skala, Edward T. Strauss, Officer Walwyn W. Stuart, Officer Kenneth F. Tietjen, Lisa L. Trerotola, Officer Nathaniel Webb, Officer Michael T. Wholey, Joseph Amatuccio, Officer Christopher C. Amoroso, Jean A. Andrucki, Richard A. Aronow, Ezra Aviles, Arlene T. Babakitis, James W. Barbella, Officer Maurice V. Barry, Margaret L. Benson, Daniel Bergstein, Edward Calderon, Officer Liam Callahan, Lieutenant Robert D. Cirri, Carlos Dacosta, Dwight D. Darcy, Niurka Davila, Officer Clinton Davis, Frank A. De Martini, William F. Fallon, Stephen J. Fiorelli, Officer Donald A. Foreman, Officer Gregg J. Froehner, Barry H. Glick, Officer Thomas E. Gorman, Joseph F. Grillo, Ken G. Grouzalis, Patrick A. Hoey, Officer Uhuru G. Houston, Officer George G. Howard, Officer Stephen Huczko, Inspector Anthony P. Infante Jr., Prem N. Jerath, Mary S. Jones, Officer Paul W. Jurgens.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I just returned with some of my colleagues from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, from Ground Zero, at the World Trade Center in New York City. It was a terribly disturbing sight; almost incomprehensible, the magnitude of this horrific crime. But it was also an incredibly inspiring, uplifting moment, and it filled me with a tremendous sense of confidence in our future. Confidence? The police, the firefighters, rescue workers, utility workers, Armed Forces, volunteers. Together, I know we, 270 million Americans, will win this war. United. No one can beat us. It will not be quick or easy, but with the will to do what is necessary for however long it takes, the people of the United States of America will triumph, and I have no doubt about that. We will prevail because the fire of freedom burns in us, and makes us unbeatable. God bless America.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, today all Americans must pray with one voice; pray for those innocents killed in yesterday's cowardly attacks, for those families torn asunder by this evil, for those rescuers, police, fire, and health workers putting their lives at risk. Let us all raise our voices today in one American prayer, then we will bury our dead and we will care for our injured and all those affected by this tragedy. We will pick up the pieces as one great nation, and together we will have our justice with a sure and mighty sword. To the terrorists who conspired in this horrific crime and to those who harbor those terrorists, know this: you are America's mortal enemies. America is the strongest country in the world. We have the will, the resources, and the power; and we will defeat you. We will hunt you down like the evil murderers that you are. In doing so, we will be demanding the assistance of every government in the world. Those who help us, they will be our friends. Those who do not help us, we will consider our enemies. With one voice, America says to the cowardly terrorists and their supporters, we Americans are still here. You have not stopped America. You have not stopped freedom. You have not stopped what a great people have spent 225 years building, the light of hope and humanity and liberty for all the people of the world, the United States of America. Those who came before us had to fight and die for their Nation and her freedoms; from Lexington and Concord to Gettysburg, from the Alamo to Omaha Beach, from the World Trade Center to the Pentagon. Now, today, it is up to us, this generation of the greatest nation on Earth, to be ready to answer the call for freedom. We are ready to answer that call.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who has dedicated himself to improving housing opportunities for people throughout Bergen County. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor William Green of River Vale, New Jersey, this year's chairperson of the Community Housing in Partnership's (CHIP) Golf Invitational. As the Chairperson of this year's tournament, Bill has worked long hours to make the CHIP Golf Invitational an enjoyable experience for participants, as well as raise funds to develop affordable housing in Bergen County. It is a testament to his dedication that Bill has balanced this responsibility with his busy full-time job as a Senior Vice President at MetLife. Bill's work at CHIP will help change the lives of so many in our community by developing affordable housing. Thanks to CHIP, independent living options now exist for working low-income families, senior citizens, recovering alcoholics, and formerly homeless individuals. And CHIP has teamed up with the Bergen County Community Action Program to provide supportive services, as well. People who give so much of themselves, as Bill Green, do not do so for the recognition. However, he certainly deserves to receive it. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Bill Green as well as his wife Susan and their daughters Katie and Emily, for all their hard work, dedication and generosity on behalf of CHIP, and wish them health and much happiness in the years to come.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, let me thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Taylor) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran) as well as staff members Liz Dawson and Mark Murray for allowing me to bring this amendment forward and for working with me to make this possible. Mr. Chairman, I am offering an amendment today that is quite simple. It would provide sufficient resources from existing funds to allow House Members to request the installation of energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs in their offices. Some may say, well, that sounds pretty trivial. Well, if saving money for the taxpayers is trivial, if saving energy is trivial, then maybe so. But I think not. I think that this is important and an important first step. For example, this compact fluorescent light bulb that could be used in the Members' offices, at their request, saves about $3.60 per light bulb per year. Now, we have got three or 4,000 light bulbs in the Members' offices. These new light bulbs will also last 20 times longer than regular light bulbs. So not only will we save a lot of money on the energy that we will not be consuming with these new bulbs, they will last 20 times longer, which means we will be buying between 50 and 100,000 less light bulbs over the course of 10 years, and we will not have to divert attention from the House maintenance staff to this task of changing light bulbs, and they can go on and do the other important work that they are doing. Let me just say this. It is also, frankly, an indication that the House of Representatives is very much concerned about saving energy. This builds on the 1998 initiative of this Congress to install energy- saving fixtures where we can. As a result of that initiative, the Capitol complex is using nearly 31 million kilowatt hours less than before, a 10 percent decrease in power usage. Let me add two other points: one is that if we continue in this direction, we can avoid having to construct new power plants. It is said if everyone in America used them, we could retire 90 power plants. Finally, we should, where possible and reasonable, make sure we use these new light bulbs that are made in the USA. Again, I thank the chairman and my distinguished friend and ranking member, the gentleman from Virginia, for all their help in getting this amendment before this body.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 27th anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus. As Greek-Cypriots in America and around the world gathered last week to mark a tragic day in their nation's history, it is proper and fitting that we in this body join them in the hope that peace will soon return to their island nation. As we gather on the floor of the House to mark the 27th anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus, 37 percent of that country remains occupied by Turkish military forces. It is equally unfortunate that five American citizens of Cypriot descent and over 1,600 Greek-Cypriots are still unaccounted for as a result of Turkey's 1974 invasion of Cyprus. We, in this Congress, have passed resolution after resolution urging Turkey to withdraw its forces from Cyprus. We have passed measures and written letters urging Turkish-Cypriot leaders to renounce ``declarations of independence'' that they have issued in defiance of international law. And in the United Nations, the United States has consistently and forcefully urged Turkey to end its military occupation of over a third of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Cyprus. Yet despite these efforts, today, we remain far from a final settlement that will end the artificial division of Cyprus. It is my belief that Congress has a solemn obligation to speak out and support a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem. A solution which must follow the precepts laid down in United Nations Security Council 1250, which was adopted on June 29, 1999 and which in part reads, ``. . . a Cyprus settlement must be based on a State of Cyprus with a single sovereignty.'' In short, the U.S. House of Representatives should serve as a guiding force in the pursuit of a reunified Cyprus, an island nation where all citizens enjoy fundamental freedoms. Mr. Speaker, let me conclude by saying that I am of the belief that the solution to the Cyprus problem resides in the will of the United States and the international community to renounce the violence that divided Cyprus over a quarter century ago and to affirm that the reunification of Cyprus is a priority. Mr. Speaker, let me close by thanking the Co-Chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, Representatives Michael Bilirakis and Carolyn Maloney for their exceptional work. I look forward to working with them in the 107th Congress to ensure that some day soon, the unification, not the division of Cyprus, will be commemorated in this body.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler).

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 30 seconds. Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues who wish to support the Flake amendment, how did my colleagues just vote on the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act? Did they say, we do not need sanctions? Did they say, we do not need sanctions? No, they said, in some circumstances, sanctions are appropriate. In this case, we need sanctions to make sure that Castro returns the killer convicted by an American jury, sentenced to life for the bullet in the back of the head to a New Jersey State trooper, and the 76 other convicted felons he is harboring in Cuba living free.

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First let me thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), my distinguished friend, who is really a national leader around the world for human rights, and it is a privilege to be a coauthor of this amendment with him. In 1973, Mr. Chairman, New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster was shot in the back of the head on a New Jersey highway. A New Jersey jury, after its deliberations, convicted Joanne Chesimard of first degree murder and sentenced her to life in prison for the death of New Jersey State Trooper Foerster. She escaped prison and she went to Cuba where she now resides and lives freely. She is one of over 77 convicted felons living in freedom in Cuba. We cannot get her back. Why not? Castro will not send back those Americans convicted of crimes in America, including murder and air piracy; he will not permit them to come back. Now, some of my colleagues, good and decent people all, wish and believe forthrightly that travel restrictions should be lifted on Cuba. They say it hurts Americans. Well, we have sanctions on all kinds of countries. We had it on Libya, we just voted on that yesterday; Libya and Iran, and other countries who do terrible things to our people. Cuba is doing the same. Think of the widow and the orphaned son of Trooper Foerster and those families of the other victims of the 77 felons still in Cuba. How would we answer them when my colleagues say, well, let us release and do away with all restrictions on travel to Cuba. They have no good answer. Castro must release those individuals and then we can have free trade with Cuba. We already have some trade and travel with Cuba; we need the stick and carrot approach. Castro needs to return those convicts to serve their time in America. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROTHMAN. No, Mr. Chairman. I am sharing time with the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt).

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/4\ minutes to myself. Mr. Chairman, there are several points I would like to make. Number one, there has been some statement that restriction on travel to Cuba would be unconstitutional. That is incorrect. The United States Supreme Court has twice ruled that travel restrictions on Cuba, on Americans traveling to Cuba, is constitutional: Zemel v. Rusk in 1965, Regan v. Wald in 1984. Forget the Constitution, we just exaggerated saying it is unconstitutional, is it the right policy choice? That is a fair question. Mr. Chairman, I believe it is the right policy choice, and we choose to impose different treatment to different countries based on our own belief of what is fair and what will work. Make no mistake about it. There is some travel now to Cuba. If we eliminate all those restrictions, Castro will benefit by $5 billion in American hard currency. Do we want to let him say 40 years of totalitarian rule will be rewarded with this? Treatment of your political prisoners will be rewarded with billions of dollars of American cash? Your failure to return cop killers, people who were convicted by juries in America, juries of their peers, of first degree murder, sentenced to life and Castro holds them in luxury and freedom down there and will not release them? What is the message we send to American law enforcement, State and local, about what we will do if they get killed by someone who then seeks refuge in Cuba?

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3\1/4\ minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), the distinguished ranking member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. (Mr. MENENDEZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutsch).

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, as a proud cosponsor of this well crafted legislation, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1954, the Iran Libya Extensions Act of 2001. When this law was first enacted by the United States Congress in 1996 it imposed a number of economic sanctions against foreign companies that invest in the energy sectors of either Iran or Libya. Given those two nation's support for violence and terrorism, the bill passed overwhelmingly. Unfortunately, nothing in those nations' behavior has changed since that bill passed unanimously by a vote of 415-0. Therefore, we must pass this bill to extend the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) for an additional five years. As recently as March 13, 2001, President George W. Bush issued a statement declaring that Iran's government is, ``a threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States''-- due to--``its support for international terrorism, efforts to undermine the Middle East peace process, and acquisition of weapons of mass destruction and the means to deliver them.'' And to add to this concern, in early March of this year, the Islamic Republic of Iran reportedly signed a cooperation agreement with Russia that will give it access to sophisticated arms technology. As for Libya, the Iran Libya Sanctions Act of 2001 extends sanctions against Libya designed to end only if our President determines that Libya has fulfilled the requirements of all U.N. resolutions relating to the horrific downing of Pan Am 103 in December of 1998. Given that Libya has not yet accepted responsibility nor compensated the families of the victims of Pan Am 103, I think it is only just that ILSA's sanctions remain against Libya. Mr. Speaker, for the reasons I have outlined, I believe it is important to continue these restrictions on trade with companies who do business with Iran and Libya. I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 1954, brought to the floor by my good friend and the Chairman of the House International Relations Committee's Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, Representative Ben Gilman and the distinguished Ranking Member of the House International Relations Committee, Representative Tom Lantos.