Robert Wexler

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, a vote for this bill is a vote for a rule-- rule 11--that it had become an impediment to practicing law, not an impediment to frivolous suits as its proponents would have you think. The bill before us today seeks to turn back the clock. Eleven years ago, Congress rewrote rule 11 to get rid of mandatory sanctions for frivolous filings because mandatory sanctions had not helped stop frivolous filings and in some cases made them worse. Why then are we going backward today? And if we are going to turn back the clock, why can't we turn back the clock to the unprecedented economic prosperity of the Clinton administration--where we had a balanced budget and a budget surplus, where we had reduced welfare roles and respect on the international stage, and where we had 100,000 new cops on the street and the lowest crime rate in decades. If we are dead-set on turning back the clock, why must we turn it back to a system that was proven not to work? We tried mandatory sanctions for 10 years. After 10 years with mandatory sanctions, Federal courts recommended against them because they were widely abused and actually added to the wasteful litigating they were intended to prevent. Our court system is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. We need to meaningfully address the burden that frivolous lawsuits are placing on our courts and on our society. However, this bill does not provide any new answers; instead it takes us backward to a solution we know doesn't work.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, while I strongly believe Congress should pay tribute to the victims of 9/11 and honor our brave troops and first- responders for their valiant service to America, this resolution unequivocally exploits the victims of 9/11 for narrow political purposes and perpetuates erroneous claims connecting 9/11 to the war in Iraq. The bi-partisan 9/11 Commission declared--in no uncertain terms--that there was no connection between 9/11, al Qaeda and Iraq. For those who support this resolution, I must ask--is Congress disputing the findings of the 9/11 Commission? Does Congress believe al Qaeda operated in Iraq prior to the U.S. invasion? And is Congress pleased with the insufficient coalition assembled by President Bush that has led America to carry an overwhelming economic and military burden in Iraq? The facts show that these claims are distortions at best, blatant lies and manipulations at worst, and the American people deserve the truth. The truth is that America took its eye off the ball in Afghanistan, allowing terrorists such as Osama bin Laden to reconstitute their forces and operate freely. By transferring our military resources from Afghanistan to Iraq--when Iraq posed no imminent threat and had no weapons of mass destruction--this Administration failed the American people and weakened our efforts in the war against terror. The truth is that al Qaeda was not operating in Iraq prior to the U.S. invasion, and they have created an increasingly dangerous network in this war-torn country since. Despite the Bush Administration's claims of successfully combating terror in Iraq, the reality on the ground stands in stark contradiction. We have withdrawn our forces from four cities in Iraq in which terror has flourished. And despite White House claims, officials in the U.S. military have announced that it cannot eliminate these sanctuaries of terror. As we mark the loss of over 1,000 innocent lives in Iraq, Congress should not be celebrating our alleged success in Iraq; we should instead examine our failures. This resolution is transparent, empty political propaganda at its worst, and is unconscionable that the drafters of this resolution would egregiously politicize the memory of 9/11.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, in spite of all this rhetoric about protecting marriage and saving the country from rogue activist Federal judges, the bill we are debating here today does not protect Americans from gay marriage. We are not debating a gay marriage bill. We are debating a court-stripping bill, and one that is more Draconian than any such bill Congress has ever considered. Every year, we teach elementary school students throughout America about the wisdom of our Founding Fathers, about the precious rights we have fought at home and abroad to protect, about our democracy that considers all people as equals, and about the delicate system of checks and balances upon which all of this is based. It is a shame that Members of Congress appear to have forgotten these most basic lessons. They have forgotten that our Founding Fathers established three equal branches of government, no one more powerful than the other; they have forgotten that this system has served us well for over 200 years; and they have forgotten that this is a system that cannot survive if one branch arbitrarily strips power from another. This is not about gay marriage. This is not about respecting marriage. For the record, my marriage is not threatened by gays and lesbians in Massachusetts or California. What is the heinous crime that gays and lesbians have committed? They want to live with the same dignity that their fellow Americans live with every day. Please vote this bill down.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 3720.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an extraordinary individual who has made a difference in the lives of so many young children. Carolyn Rubenstein, herself just a teenager, started Carolyn's Compassionate Children (CCC), a non-profit organization that links critically ill children with their healthy peers through a pen pal program. Started 5 years ago when Carolyn was 14 years old, the program has connected over 500 children with pen pals in almost every U.S. state and countries around the world, including Canada and England. This excellent program helps children suffering from life- threatening or chronic illnesses connect with their healthy peers. Most of these children are shut in and do not have the ability to interact with others their age or live normal lives. CCC gives them the opportunity to develop friendships and connect with children or teens their age. In addition to the pen pal program, CCC has awarded 21 college scholarships to cancer survivors. Because of their illness, many of these children who do not have as impressive a resume as their healthy peers and would, otherwise, not qualify for a scholarship. More recently, CCC has set up a scholarship program in the arts for cancer survivors. I cannot say enough about Carolyn. At a time when our country is asking our young men and women to make sacrifices, Carolyn is a shining example for others to follow. Her compassion, drive and desire to help others has made this world a better place. I commend Carolyn and CCC for making a difference in the lives of so many young people.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, once again Republicans are attempting to pass ineffective anticonsumer legislation that caps medical malpractice awards at $250,000. The habitual Republican response to the malpractice crisis, punish the victims. This bill fails to reduce medical malpractice costs. In States that recently capped medical malpractice awards, the rates have not gone down as promised. In Florida, which capped rates last year, one insurer requested an inconceivable 45 percent increase in rates. Mr. Speaker, why not look at the root cause of this health care emergency and adopt desperately needed insurance reform? I urge my colleagues to vote against this shortsighted measure and support real insurance reform which protects victims and provides relief to doctors and health care providers.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to join you in marking 56 years of Israel's independence, 56 years of American-Israeli relations, and 56 years of Israel's continuing struggle for security and peace. We gather here today to deliver a clear message--that in these turbulent times--the government of the United States and the American people stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel, now and forever. Since 1948, Israel has persevered through seemingly insurmountable challenges by drawing upon the richness of Jewish tradition and our love for life. In just over five decades, Israel has risen from the ashes of the Holocaust and developed into one of the most technologically advanced nations on earth. Its population has increased ten-fold. It has established a vibrant democracy that values freedom, justice and human rights. Israel has deepened economic, military and diplomatic ties with America and Europe, but most remarkably with nations like Turkey, India, Egypt and Jordan. The ingenuity of the Israeli people soared during the recent high-tech boom, with more Israeli Internet startups and companies on the NASDAQ per capita than any other country in the world. While Israel celebrates 56 years of freedom, this freedom is unquestionably challenged by ongoing incidents of terror and festering regional threats. At this difficult time, it is clear that the essential counterbalance to these threats is America's steadfast partnership with Israel. This sentiment is shared by an overwhelming majority of my colleagues in Congress, where Israel is enjoying unprecedented friendship and support. In this post-9/11 world, the American and Israeli people are forever linked. We understand that terror knows no borders and cannot be justified, qualified or ignored. We understand that terrorism--in any form or supported by any nation--must meet a swift, definitive and unequivocal response. We know that incitement and hate pose the most significant obstacles to peace, and we know that terrorism incurs irreparable pain and loss. On this Yom Ha'zikaron, our thoughts and prayers turn to brave soldiers who have sacrificed their futures for that of Israel. Yet this year, one cannot help but also think of the 960 innocent Israelis who have died since September 2000 in hundreds of terrorist attacks. These are the victims of Israel's latest war, where civilians--as opposed to soldiers--are the prime targets. Six years ago at the White House, I stood alongside President Clinton and Prime Minister Netanyahu at the signing of the Wye River Accords. I hoped then that Israel was embarking upon a new era of peace. Unfortunately, since refusing Prime Minister Barak's historic offer in January 2001, we have witnessed a complete abdication of responsibility on the part of Yasser Arafat, the deterioration of the Palestinian Authority and a cynical attempt by the Palestinians to use terror--as opposed to negotiations--as a means of achieving their political goals. As a result, America must lead efforts with Egypt, Jordan, Europe and others in the international community to build the capacity and will of Palestinian anti-terror institutions so that Israel is not forced to continue to act in self-defense. America must also firmly support Israel's construction of a security barrier between Jewish population centers and the West Bank. That is why I traveled to the Hague in the Netherlands two months ago--to oppose the Palestinian case against Israel in the International Court of Justice and voice my unwavering support for Israel's right of selfdefense. Prime Minister Sharon's recent proposal to withdraw Israeli troops and settlements from the Gaza Strip is quite significant. Until now, no Israeli Prime Minister was prepared to unilaterally evacuate settlements before Israel had been promised comprehensive peace as part of a final status agreement. And it is especially remarkable that the father of the settlement movement, Ariel Sharon, has led this initiative. It is undeniable that Palestinians have suffered enormously. We must all have rachmanus--compassion--for innocent Palestinians, but Palestinians primarily suffer because of their own failed leadership. In order to achieve peace, the Palestinian Authority must be transformed. Arafat's dictatorship must end. Democracy and the rule of law must win out. Palestinian schools must cease their teaching of hatred and implement a curriculum of coexistence. Most importantly, a new vision of peace and prosperity must be broadcast throughout the Arab world, and the likes of Al Jazeera television and Arab newspapers must terminate their deranged glorification of martyrdom and Jihad. Israel has responsibilities as well. Prime Minister Sharon must continue to construct the security barrier in a manner that minimizes the hardships of the Palestinian people and stop settlement expansion on the Palestinian side of the fence. My friends, the largest challenges facing the Jewish people do not lie solely in Israel or the Middle East. We are witnessing a dramatic rise in anti-Semitic discourse, behavior and sentiment throughout the world--especially in Europe. Tomorrow I will join Secretary of State Powell and leaders from 55 nations at an international conference on European anti-Semitism in Berlin. At this conference, I will continue to urge European governments to take decisive action against anti-Semitic hate crimes and impose stronger measures to punish perpetrators of these heinous acts. European leaders must acknowledge that anti-Semitism is not just a Jewish problem. It is a social disease that has plagued Europe throughout history. It is not a temporary or political phenomenon, and it must be met with a zero-tolerance policy, especially in European schools. Fortunately, there is reason for hope as more European nations are finally confronting their complicity in the annihilation of European Jewry. Last week--while in Budapest--to mark 60 years since the deportation and killing of 600,000 Hungarian Jews, I was overtaken with emotion when told that the display of Israeli flags throughout the city marked the most prominent display of the Star of David since yellow stars were branded on the chests of Jews. Today, Europe has no choice but to face the evils of anti-Semitism, so we may fulfill the promise of ``never again,'' in memory of those lost and as a promise to generations to come. Last week, on Yom HaShoah we mourned for those who have passed, and today we do so again on Yom Ha'zikaron. It is not a coincidence, however, that tomorrow we will celebrate the continuity of life, the independence of Israel and the perseverance of the Jewish State. This should give us great hope. As Israel marks the beginning of its 56th year of independence, it is my most sincere wish that the vision of hope embodied in Israel's national anthem--Hatikva--may come to fruition and that Israel may soon find a genuine peace that will last m'dor v'dor--from one generation to the next.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, today, we mourn for the 6 million whose innocent lives were taken simply because they were Jews. Today, we honor the survivors of the Holocaust whose deep wounds will never heal. And today, we recognize the families of the fallen, whose lies were forever marred by irreparable loss and pain. As we join together to pay tribute to those whose lives were tragically cut short, it is our moral obligation and duty to confer the lessons of the Holocaust I'dor v'dor--from one generation to the next. We must use Holocaust education as a shield, guarding future societies from incitement, ignorance and hate. Now, more than ever, as anti- Semitism increase both in Europe and throughout the globe, we must remember the horrors of the past to ensure that they may never happen again. It is in this spirit that I join my colleagues in Congress in honoring the 6 million whose lives have been lost, but whose memories will forever live on.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, while I strongly support the brave American soldiers risking their lives to defend security and freedom, I rise in opposition to this politically motivated resolution because it is a farce and anyone who says otherwise is too blinded by politics to see the truth. The truth is Iraq was not an imminent threat to America. There were no chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons; and there was no link between al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein. The only mushroom cloud resulting from the war in Iraq is that represented by the Bush administration's barrage of deception and lies. While President Bush considers himself a war President, he is actually a self-made President of war. The President created the pretext for the war in Iraq. He planned for it before September 11, and he misused and fabricated intelligence to sell it to the American people. Instead of debating this empty resolution of praise for President Bush, Congress should investigate the President's unconscionable misuse of power and manipulation of the truth. Despite this second declaration of ``mission accomplished'' in Iraq, history will tell the true story as it did in Vietnam. The mission is far from being accomplished, and President Bush will be judged harshly for the tragic events of the past year.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Chairman, as a member of the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property and as a co-chair of the Congressional IP Caucus, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1561, and I am quite pleased that the House leadership has allowed this compromise to be reached and that we have the debate today. The Patent and Trademark Office is in severe need of additional resources to ensure the expedience and quality of the patent examination process. Without these valuable changes, an overburdened and slow patent examination system will deter the innovations of American business. Given the importance to our lives and our economy, patent reform is one of the most important issues for increasing the growth and strength of the economy for both small and large businesses. Congress has the opportunity with this bill to give the PTO the flexibility they have been asking for to strengthen and improve America's patent system. The gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) is correct to raise the issue and the concern of loss of jobs in America and the outsourcing of jobs. I would respectfully argue that one of the ways in which to assist American workers in regaining what they have lost over the past 3 years is to allow the Patent and Trademark Office these reforms that are in desperate need and should have been done years ago.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Madam Speaker, I want to also thank my good friend and close associate, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), and my colleagues on the Congressional Turkey Caucus for initiating this vitally important resolution condemning the horrific terrorist attacks in Turkey over the past week. I also want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde), the gentleman from California (Ranking Member Lantos), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), for especially expeditiously bringing this very important resolution to the Floor. I rise to express my most profound and heartfelt condolences to the Turkish people and to the Turkish Government on the terrorist attacks in Istanbul and pledge the support of each Member of Congress as we listen to this debate in the full Congress to bring to justice those individuals responsible for these heinous acts. Americans know all too well the horrors of terror, and today we mourn with the Turkish and British people for this senseless loss of life. Madam Speaker, the recent bombings in Turkey epitomize the fact that terrorism knows no boundaries and does not distinguish between religion, nation or culture. What these attacks demonstrate the common thread of terror facing the United States, Turkey, and our allies throughout the world. They also serve as a solemn reminder of our Nation's shared principles of democracy, freedom, tolerance, and the pursuit of peace. For over 50 years Turkey has stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States as a valued strategic partner, Nato ally, and friend. It is in this same spirit of partnership that the United States and the American people stand today with the Turkish people, ready to assist in punishing those murderers who carried out these cowardly actions. Together we will continue our pursuit of justice so that we may ensure that all victims of terror, whether in Turkey, the United States or elsewhere throughout the world, will not have died in vain. As the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) stated earlier, I too have had the privilege of visiting Turkey on many occasions. The Turkish people are a warm and caring people. They have great national pride, they are patriots. That will continue. And we, the American people, must continue to assist them in their pursuit of terrorism within their boundaries.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I yield to the gentleman from Nebraska for purposes of a description of the resolution. (Mr. BEREUTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WEXLER. Further reserving the right to object, Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate and thank the gentleman from Nebraska, the chairman, for his leadership in introducing this resolution which recognizes the importance of America's transatlantic relationship. It is an undeniable fact that the present and future of America and Europe are interwoven and cannot be separated without grave consequence to either side. If the transatlantic relationship is to move forward, it is critical that Europe accept the realities of a post-Saddam Iraq and the potential for transformation in the greater Middle East. At the same time, the Bush administration, which has deftly managed to turn most of Europe against America, must understand that military power alone is not a panacea to guaranteeing our security, fighting terror or halting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Ultimately, these goals cannot be achieved without the assistance of our allies in Europe and throughout the world. It is this message of friendship, understanding and cooperation that I hope will lay the future of transatlantic ties. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Taiwan Caucus, I join my colleagues, the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown), in strongly supporting this resolution welcoming the President of Taiwan, President Chen, to the United States. Since assuming office in May 2000, President Chen has demonstrated his steadfast commitment to the ironclad relationship between the United States and Taiwan and the shared principles upon which our partnership has been formed, that of democracy, freedom, and the defense of human rights. In fact, during his visit to America, President Chen will be presented an award by the International League for Human Rights in recognition of his efforts to promote tolerance and freedom amongst the people of Taiwan. And I would like to express my most sincere congratulations to President Chen for receiving this highly esteemed award. Mr. Speaker, in the past decades, Taiwan has blossomed into a strong and dynamic democracy. It has experienced unprecedented economic, political and social growth, culminating with its entry into the World Trade Organization in 2002. Taiwan has demonstrated its unequivocal support for freedom of speech, freedom of the press and the rule of law and a commitment to democracy and its multifaceted alliance with the United States. In fact, under President Chen's leadership, Taiwan has joined the war against terror and contributed humanitarian and medical assistance to American-led peacekeeping efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq. On behalf of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I wish to express our appreciation to President Chen and the Taiwanese people for this invaluable assistance and pledge America's continued commitment to the security and prosperity of Taiwan. President Chen's visit to America serves as a reminder that Taiwan is one of America's most important allies in East Asia and a model of democracy and progress in the region. I applaud President Chen for his bold leadership, resolve, and vision and urge my colleagues to join me, to join us in welcoming him to the United States and thanking him for the deepening and historic, mutually beneficial relationship between America and Taiwan. Finally, I would like to reiterate the comments by the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) suggesting in the most critical of terms that Taiwan be given the opportunity to enter the World Health Organization. The experience with respect to SARS this past year points out how important it is that Taiwan be given that opportunity, and the people of Taiwan should always know that the people of America will stand with them in their fight and defense of freedom.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, last month I was truly saddened when I learned of the loss of one of South Florida's truly great political leaders and activists, a mentor to many including myself and a woman who helped shape politics in her community for the past several decades, Sally Kanter. It is an honor and privilege to have known Sally as a long-time friend and as a staunch political activist for more than 15 years. There was no one more dedicated than Sally to the struggle of upholding democratic ideals of uplifting the less fortunate, providing for a quality education for all children, protecting the environment and a woman's right to choose and fighting for the rights of Seniors. If there was a cause to champion, Sally was the first to join the fight and the last to give up no matter what the circumstance. It is not an exaggeration to say that a generation of democratic political leaders from West Palm Beach to Tallahassee to Washington would not be where they are today without Sally's guidance, support and political acumen. I can recall numerous times when I sought out Sally's advice on difficult issues or during troubling times. Sally was always there to provide poignant words of wisdom--her advice was readily available, honest and always to the point. As the President of the Golden Lakes Democratic Club, Sally was an inspiration to the entire community. Small of stature but big of heart, Sally was the quintessential leader--leading by example with unrivaled passion and resoluteness. I marveled at Sally's tenacity and determination to secure everyone from Presidential candidates, Governors, Senators and Members of Congress to appear before her club. She was fervent in her beliefs, stubborn in her resolve and established a remarkable legacy of improving the lives of others. In a day and age when people make too many promises, Sally's word was as good as gold-- it was always ``what can I do for you'' and ``when do you need it done.'' To Sally's family, please know I mourn with you in your loss--a loss felt throughout South Florida. Today, I wish to remember Sally for her dedication to the extraordinary tradition of tikkun olam--betterment of the world--through her steadfast commitment to the community at large. While she is no longer with us, her life's example forever remains.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution recognizing the accomplishments of the East Boynton Beach Little League team, which have been stated very eloquently, who won the United States Little League championship title this summer. This Little League team from East Boynton Beach captured the hearts and souls of America this past August through sheer determination, grit, and love for the game of baseball. Out of the 7,000 teams from across the globe participating in the Little League World Series, these young ball players displayed the highest level of sportsmanship and goodwill. I am extremely proud of the way they worked together as a team, as representatives of their community and Nation, and with the greatest amount of respect for their opponents. I join my colleagues in Congress in congratulating the East Boynton Beach players: Michael Broad, Richie DeJesus, Cody Emerson, Jordan Irene, Patrick Mullen, R.J. Neal, Matt Overton, Ricky Sabatino, Benny Townsend, Devon Travis and Andrew Weaver. I also want to highlight the extraordinary efforts of manager Kenny Emerson and coaches Joe Irene and Tony Travis, individuals who instilled a keen sense of skill, spirit, and confidence in these young men and taught them how to conduct themselves on and, maybe even more importantly, off the field. Finally, I also want to congratulate and thank those who are often overlooked who are critical to the accomplishments of these teams. East Boynton Beach's success could not have been achieved without the sacrifice of family members as well as the support of fans in Boynton Beach and throughout Florida. Clearly, the backbone of this team is not only the players and the coaches, but also the parents and family members who sacrificed their time, money, and effort to support this team of champions. Again, I would like to join the gentlemen from Florida (Mr. Shaw) (Mr. Hastings) (Mr. Foley) in congratulating the East Boynton Beach Little League team for winning the United States league championship. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson), I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Joint Resolution 70, which recognizes inspectors general for their efforts to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse over the last 25 years and urge Members to vote for this measure. The Committee on Government Reform has a long history of working with the inspectors general to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in Federal programs. Indeed, the Committee on Government Reform drafted the original statute establishing inspectors general in the executive branch 25 years ago. The close relationship between the inspectors general and our committee is entirely appropriate. The inspectors general community is one of Congress's principal watchdogs in the executive branch. There is much we can learn from each other as we work to ensure that our government operates in the most effective and efficient manner possible. IGs have a very difficult job. They are appointed by the President and report to Congress as well as the head of their agency. As independent investigators within the Federal agencies, they are often the last person a manager wants to hear from. Yet in many instances, the toughest jobs are the ones that need the doing most. During fiscal year 2002, IGs returned over $4.5 billion to the Federal Government in restitutions and recoveries, and their audits identified another $72 billion in funds that could be used more effectively. They also had more than 10,000 successful criminal prosecutions. Similar accomplishments are made year after year. The IGs have more than proven their usefulness to Congress and to the American public. It has been 25 years since the passage of the original IG act. That act established IGs in six Cabinet-level Departments. A good measure of the success of the IG concept is the fact that today, there are inspectors general in all Departments and also in most major independent agencies, for a total of 59 in all. Both Congress and the executive agencies themselves have come to rely heavily on the IGs to uncover fraud, waste, and abuse in the Federal Government. This resolution states in part, ``Inspectors General work to serve the American taxpayer by promoting economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity in the administration of the programs and operations of the Federal Government.'' I firmly believe that to be true, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution commemorating their 25th anniversary. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the remainder of my time.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown).

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Syria Accountability Act because Syria is an epicenter of terror, and despite repeated warnings, Syria continues to develop weapons of mass destruction, occupy Lebanon, harbor Palestinian terrorists and support Hezbollah. The very notion that fewer sanctions apply to Syria than any other country on the State Department's terrorist list is unconscionable. This is why I support sending an unequivocal message to Syria that its hostile action will be met with serious consequences. For too long, America has kowtowed to Syria as it played a duplicitous game of providing Washington with limited intelligence while continuing to support terror. I hope that President Assad understands that no one in Washington is fooled anymore. The time for soft pedaling with Damascus has come to an end.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express--in no uncertain terms--that I will not support President Bush's $87 billion request. I will not grant him another blank check. President Bush has lost my trust and that of the majority of my constituents. He has lost the trust of many of our allies and he has damaged America's credibility in the eyes of the world. Mr. Chairman, this President has taken us to war on false pretenses-- unilaterally--and with unnecessary impulse and haste. He has exaggerated claims of the imminent threat posed by the former Iraqi regime. He has fabricated an Al Qaeda-Iraq link. He has ignored American intelligence reports that Saddam Hussein did not have a massive arsenal of WMD. He has failed to make America safer or lessen the terrorist threat. He has misled Congress about the cost of this war, and he has neglected to provide us with a detailed accounting of expenditures in Iraq. The President's $87 billion request is an irresponsible diversion of funds that should be allocated for education, veterans, prescription drugs, homeland security and healthcare. It is unconscionable that the burden of this expenditure will fall on the backs of those who can least afford it. The President has talked about sacrifice and responsibility, and I challenge him to be responsible and sacrifice a portion of his ill-conceived tax cut to pay for continued operations in Iraq. Mr. Chairman, this Administration has demonstrated staggering negligence in failing to plan for post war Iraq, which has directly contributed to the continued loss of American lives and growing cost of operations on the ground. As an elected official I cannot--and will not--entrust President Bush with an additional $87 billion.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 2735, the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act of 2003.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment offered by the four co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus endorsing Taiwan's entrance into the World Health Organization. It is unconscionable that 23 million Taiwanese are precluded from receiving the benefits of membership in the WHO. This politicized exclusion has deprived the people of Taiwan from a number of progressive health care developments, impaired its crisis response teams and created a wall of separation between Taiwan's medical field and that of the rest of the world. Moreover, Taiwan's exclusion from the WHO has deprived the international community from the invaluable contributions of Taiwan has made to promote medical research and global health. Never were the affects of Taiwan's exclusion from the WHO more pronounced than this past year, when Taiwan was denied assistance from the WHO to diagnose and treat suspected cases of SARS--a disease which caused over 800 deaths, 84 of which occurred in Taiwan. Despite the extraordinary grave health conditions posed by SARS, the WHO repeatedly rejected Taiwan's requests for help, and consequently endangered the lives of its entire population. Unconscionably, the WHO's decisions were based--not upon its concern for the people of Taiwan--but rather, on short-sided political considerations and China's rejection of Taiwan's membership in the WHO. Mr. Chairman, health is an issue that transcends borders and politics. As the pace of globalization quickens, so too does the spread of infectious disease. In this post-SARS world, it clear that all nations--including Taiwan--must work together to promote global health, combat disease and ensure the safety of their citizens in organizations like the WHO. This amendment makes a clear and uncompromising declaration of U.S. support for Taiwan's candidacy for observer status in the WHO and secures an even stronger commitment from President Bush and the State Department in this regard. I urge the Bush Administration, which has taken bold steps to assist Taiwan in the past, to bring this issue to a vote at the World Health Assembly in May 2004. Mr. Chairman, the SARS crisis further highlights the urgency of combating disease on a global scale. It is apparent that until Taiwan's 23 million citizens become members of the WHO, they will continue to be deprived of the critical assistance needed to fight infectious disease and safeguard its people from harm. Today, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this amendment, which protects the health interests of the people of Taiwan and ensures that they will not fall victim to the next global health crisis.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to represent the oldest district in this country, and I thought it was important to hear from some of those seniors who fought in World War II and Korea and who rebuilt this country after the depression. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Moore of Lantana, Florida: ``Why do we worry about tax cuts for the rich while so many older folks have to choose between food and medicine?'' Speaking directly to the Republican plan, Mr. Arthur Taubman of Delray Beach, Florida: ``I prefer nothing instead of a botched up Republican plan.'' Mrs. Elaine Schwartz from Boynton Beach: ``It is very disappointing to me that I live in this wonderful country and senior citizens who have contributed for so many years supporting this country have been forgotten.'' Mrs. Schwartz has got it right, forgotten benefits. Drug benefits for seniors, forgotten; lower drug costs for seniors, forgotten by the Republican plan. American seniors by the Republican plan, forgotten.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution because I support the road map plan for peace. Those of us who care so deeply about the State of Israel and its security know that there is no alternative to a peace plan led by the United States, but the Palestinian people must understand that in order to attain the state they justly deserve that their terrorist attacks of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah must be defeated, and one of the ways that America helps defeat terror is to stand 100 percent behind Israel's right of self-defense. The President was mistaken last week when he condemned Israel's right of self-defense in effect, and he made a distinguishing mark between the way the United States acts and the way Israel acts.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment from the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary. I oppose it because it prohibits Americans from using their credit cards for behavior that is entirely legal. Pari-mutuels, horse tracks, dog tracks, and jai lai frontons are all legal in many States. They are heavily regulated. They pay taxes. They provide jobs, and in many communities are an important part of the tourism industry and local culture. That is why the National Governors Association is against this amendment. Pari-mutuels employ thousands of Americans and provide enjoyment to millions more. The horse racing industry generates $34 billion a year and creates 472,000 full-time jobs in America. Greyhound racing is a $2.3 billion industry creating over 30,000 jobs in America. They both provide very needed tax revenue to our States. It makes no sense for Congress to usurp States' rights with the result being a loss of employment of Americans and State revenue. The underlying bill rightfully bans credit card use for illegal gambling. Casino-style offshore Web sites are not regulated. They do not pay taxes, and they do not employ Americans. They are illegal, and American banks should not help facilitate them. But the issue here is whether Congress is going to make a policy that says Americans cannot use credit cards to engage in behavior which in their State is legal. Not illegal, but legal. I would respectfully argue that Congress should do no such thing and should oppose this amendment.