Robert Wexler

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would first like to thank my good friend and colleague, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy of New York, who has been a passionate and tireless advocate for peace and justice in Northern Ireland throughout her distinguished career in Congress. Over the past several years, the peace process in Northern Ireland has taken many twists and turns. The Good Friday Agreement, designed to bring an end to the conflict in Northern Ireland, has been declared dead time and again. The Northern Ireland Assembly and the Executive established by the Good Friday Agreement have been suspended since 2002. During the past few months, however, we have witnessed incredibly promising developments in our efforts to fully implement the Good Friday Agreement, which was signed almost 9 years ago on April 10, 1998. The St. Andrews Agreement of October 2006 established a firm timetable for the restoration of the government in Northern Ireland. In the agreement itself and in subsequent declarations, both sides of the conflict committed themselves to the rule of law, effective policing, and a strong criminal justice system. Most importantly, the elections called for by the St. Andrews Agreement were carried out successfully just last week. Now the hard work begins, Mr. Speaker. Over the next 2 weeks, Northern Ireland's political parties must agree to share power according to the democratic mandate of the Good Friday Agreement. A failure to reach a power sharing deal will lead to the dissolution of the Northern Ireland Assembly, a development which would be profoundly damaging to the long-term prospects for peace in Northern Ireland. With passage of this resolution, Congress urges Northern Ireland's political leaders to make the tough compromises necessary to bring about a power sharing arrangement. With such a deal, the great promise of the Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement can come to fruition. The resolution before the House is designed to support the forward movement towards peace and to help pave the way to a time when the conflict in Northern Ireland is only a subject for the history books. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this timely resolution, and reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy), who is the sponsor of this resolution.

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I too want to thank Mr. Poe. And we also do not have any more speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Thank you, Mr. Lantos. Mr. Speaker, today I stand with the American people in support of this resolution and in opposition to the President's escalation of the Iraq war. I stand in opposition to a President that failed the American people by initiating an ill-conceived war; an administration that misled the Nation, vulnerable after 9/11, into believing that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction; an administration that invented links between Baghdad and al Qaeda; that ignored the views of the intelligence community, while convincing Americans that our brave soldiers would be greeted in Iraq as liberators; an administration that assured us that Iraqi oil money would pay for the reconstruction; and that through military force, rather than diplomacy, we would cultivate American values of freedom and democracy in Iraq. The American people know that they have been taken down a false path by this administration, down a spiraling path of war under false pretenses into a quagmire with a President who will not change course, even in the face of a growing civil war. This resolution sends the President an unequivocal message that he must change direction of this war. How did we arrive in this desperate situation? From the top down, the President, the Vice-President and the Secretary of State have manipulated evidence, broadcast half truths, and doctored intelligence through an orchestrated effort to smear and destroy those who have opposed their policies. Just last week, in a scathing report, the Defense Department's Inspector General concluded that the Pentagon took inappropriate action by advancing conclusions that were not backed up by the intelligence community. The American people have judged the actions of this President, they see this war for what it is, and they spoke clearly in November, stating loudly that we must end our disastrous Iraq policy. Yet this administration continues its defiant disregard of the views of the American people. Not the voice of the American people nor the conclusions of the Iraq Study Group have budged this administration from its stubborn and misguided path. And now, the President is doubling down on a bad bet that risks the lives of thousands more American soldiers on a misguided plan that ignores the recommendations of our military commanders on the ground. Unbelievably, President Bush has already tried twice the strategy of escalation. It failed both times. To try again is to act in blind faith, ignoring the facts, ignoring the experts, ignoring the will of the American people, and, worst of all, ignoring the terrible sacrifices that will undoubtedly be endured by our soldiers and their families. Mr. Speaker, our troops must be redeployed from Iraq. Instead of a surge of American troops entering Baghdad, there should be a surge of American soldiers back into every town and every city across our Nation. For our troops who have given so much in Iraq, for our military families whose lives have been shattered by this war, it is time to bring them home. How do we honor our brave men and women? How do we honor over the 3,000 who died, and thousands more who have been maimed? Instead of an escalation, we should honor these soldiers by bringing them home and giving them the best health care, the best mental health support that they have justly earned. I applaud Congress for taking a stand on this war. I only wish we were voting on a binding resolution that mandates a redeployment of troops and cuts off funding for this tragic escalation. Each month we remain in Iraq, 100 more American soldiers die, hundreds more are maimed, and $5.5 billion is spent. Mr. Speaker, we have endured 4 years of a failed Iraq policy, longer than we were in World War II, longer than we were in the Korean War, and we can afford no more blank checks for this President. Today I stand with the American people, our soldiers in Iraq, with my fellow Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle in strong opposition to the President's escalation in Iraq and in support of our redeploying our troops and reversing, most importantly, our Nation's failed strategy in Iraq.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4, which mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower drug prices for seniors. America's seniors deserve the best possible health care that this government can offer. Unfortunately, we have failed to live up to this expectation under the new Medicare Part D program. It is unconscionable that the Republicans who drafted the Medicare drug bill actually prohibited the Secretary from obtaining lower prices for seniors. In fact, under Medicare Part D, seniors are paying as much as 10 times more for the most commonly prescribed drugs than patients being treated by the Veterans Administration, and drug prices have consistently risen since the bill's enactment. Community pharmacists, who have witnessed first hand the difficulties seniors face with ever increasing drug prices, endorse this important legislation. Today, Congress has the opportunity to empower the Secretary to act in the best interest of America's seniors. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I strongly oppose this unconscionable attempt by the Republican leadership to force passage of a damaging offshore oil drilling measure by attaching it to an omnibus bill, H.R. 6111. The language contained within this bill, which would open the eastern Gulf of Mexico to oil and gas exploration, threatens Florida's delicate ecosystem, places coastal tourism and fishing industries at economic risk, and does little to address our dependence on fossil fuels. If Congress was serious about offering real energy solutions, then we would be examining the true environmental and economic impacts of offshore drilling and exploring the use of clean, renewable energy technologies, increased fuel efficiency, and conservation. Policymakers should not be strong-armed into supporting legislation that could cause irreparable harm to our ecosystem and economy. Mr. Speaker, the American people deserve an open and honest debate on our Nation's energy policy. I urge my colleagues to reject this bill and support passage of a comprehensive energy plan that promotes independence and protects our Nation's resources as well as the health of our communities.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, the following is an op-ed written by President Victor Yuschenko of Ukraine, which appeared in the Washington Post on November 29, 2006. As a strong supporter of United States- Ukrainian bilateral relations and Ukraine's further integration into the trans-Atlantic community, I believe it is imperative that the upcoming 110th Congress play a greater role in fostering cooperation between our two nations. To do so, we must be prepared to reach out to President Yuschenko, Prime Minister Yanukovych and all the Ukrainian people as they take the sometimes difficult steps to further democratize. It is essential that Ukraine continues to have the support of the United States and our European allies during this period of transition, so that the ideals of freedom and democracy developed and echoed during the Orange Revolution come to bear. The text of President Yuschenko's editorial follows: Two years ago an authoritarian regime's attempt to hijack the presidential election in Ukraine failed. As official results were announced, disbelief provoked millions of citizens to pour into the streets in protest. They took a stand against those discredited officials who hid behind law enforcement bodies in an attempt to prolong their corrupt hold on power. Those days and weeks are known as Ukraine's Orange Revolution. In the time since, my main goal as president has been to institutionalize democracy and guarantee that it is irreversible. Many of the wrongs in my country have been corrected. We are maintaining our unwavering commitment to the principles of freedom. We agreed to shift constitutional powers from an authoritarian presidency to a coalition government formed by parliament to end the country's political impasse. And we abolished state censorship of the media, while also forbidding interference in news reporting. This year free and fair elections were held at national, regional and local levels. Overseeing the peaceful and democratic transition of power was my unique test, as it brought back to office my former political opponents. But along with our national successes and economic achievements under two ``orange'' prime ministers, there have been disappointments and miscalculations. Infighting among my political allies has been the biggest disappointment. Some ``orange'' politicians have ignored their fundamental duty to deliver results for the public good. Instead, gaining political power and seeking the limelight have become their goal. As our country's democracy continues to mature, I am convinced that a young cadre of leaders will rise through the ranks of Ukraine's democratic parties to create a political renewal. On my watch, the corruption that has historically emanated from the president's office ceased. Thousands of election officials, tax collectors, foot patrols, road police and customs agents were brought to justice for petty corruption. Yet the biggest abusers of public office remain at large because of unreformed prosecutors and corruption in the courts. I have recently initiated a number of anti- corruption bills to reform the criminal justice system and the courts, and I will continue to press parliament for speedy action. Because we were preoccupied with domestic political reforms this year, we failed to communicate effectively with our international partners. I want to explain where Ukraine stands and where we are heading. Democracy and stability--two interdependent principles--form the basis of my agenda. To this end, I will continue constitutional reforms that facilitate the effective work of government and prevent a return to authoritarianism or the usurpation of power. Today there is a balance of political power between two directly elected democratic bodies: the president and parliament. The prime minister, although not directly elected, represents a majority of the parliamentarians. Bills specifying the role of the governing coalition and the opposition have yet to be passed. But let there be no mistake: Together we share responsibility for shaping, executing and controlling laws and state policies. Second, constitutional reforms are incomplete, and as a result there is a political asymmetry. We will continue refining a reliable system of checks and balances between the presidency, parliament and coalition government to expedite policy decision making. To meet these objectives, I have commissioned a group of constitutional experts to recommend amendments to strengthen our nascent democratic institutions. Third, our law on national security promotes participation and membership in pan-European and regional systems of collective security. Membership in the European Union and NATO, as well as good relations and strategic partnerships with Russia and other countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States, are not romantic ideas of the Orange Revolution--they are founded in Ukrainian law. The president, coalition government and parliament determine the speed with which these goals are reached. Most important, the democratic debates in Kiev's halls of power are now centered on ideas about competing economic theories, values and worldviews. Our current system of checks and balances requires policy coordination, party coexistence and political compromise for us to move forward. Not everyone likes the new rules of the game, and some are having trouble playing in this new reality--but Ukraine's democracy is here to stay. As president, my historic mission is to guarantee that Ukraine's national goals are reached not through political dictates but through an institutionalized democratic process that brings together governing bodies and citizen groups. I am convinced an inclusive democracy is one of the most significant and lasting achievements of the Orange Revolution.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, on October 18, 2006 Azerbaijan will celebrate the 15th Anniversary of its re-independence. As members of Congress recognize this important occasion, I think it is essential to point out the remarkable strength, determination and ingenuity of Azerbaijanis who have taken difficult steps to transform their country over the last 15 years. One of the most significant developments contributing to Azerbaijan's transformation is its ever-evolving relationship with the United States. While U.S.- Azerbaijani relations date back to Azerbaijan's independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991, our relations were elevated to the level of strategic partnership after September 11, 2001. Given the myriad of global challenges facing the United States, Azerbaijan, which is geostrategically located, has become an invaluable ally of America and a partner in the war against terrorism. The US-Azerbaijani relationship is mutually beneficial and multifaceted, particularly as it relates to defense and security cooperation. Azerbaijan was the first Muslim majority nation to send troops to Iraq, and Azerbaijani soldiers currently serve shoulder-to- shoulder with American forces in Kosovo and Afghanistan. Azerbaijan is also working with the U.S. multilaterally, within the framework of the Organization for Democracy and Development--GUAM (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova) to fight against terrorism, prevent trans- national and cross-border crimes, and to secure borders, thus contributing to international counter-terrorism and non-proliferation efforts. One of Azerbaijan's main foreign policy priorities, which I fully support, is its integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic political, security and economic institutions, a journey that began with the signing of the NATO's Partnership for Peace Framework document in 1994. Now Azerbaijan is completing the implementation process of NATO's Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) and actively participates in Partnership Action Plan against Terrorism (PAP-T). The country enjoys full membership in OSCE and Council of Europe. Azerbaijan also closely cooperates with the European Union (EU) and is looking to successfully move forward on the EU-Azerbaijan Action Plan and its New Neighborhood initiatives. Azerbaijan is aggressively moving to diversify its economy to achieve sustainable growth and meet the social and development needs of its population. A key partner in developing and transporting Caspian Sea resources to the West, Azerbaijan encourages western and especially American investments and involvement in the region. Since 1991, Azerbaijan has taken steps to change its legal and legislative structure to foster a democratic society based on rule of law, respect for political and civil rights. While Azerbaijan has made progress, I stand with the Bush administration in urging President Ilham Aliyev's government to take additional steps to expand political pluralism, strengthen democratic institutions and continue to reform its electoral system. As a friend of Azerbaijan, I believe that further democratic progress would only serve to strengthen this partnership and the ties that have been forged over the past 15 years. Once again, I want to congratulate the people and government of Azerbaijan on this historic milestone and look forward to working with President Aliyev and my counterparts in Baku to strengthen the relationship between our two nations.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize today Rabbi Amy Rader, who eloquently delivered yesterday's opening prayer. Rabbi Rader's historic prayer, the second opening prayer led by a female Rabbi in the history of the House of Representative represents a significant moment for the American Jewish community. Rabbi Rader, an Associate Rabbi at Temple B'nai Torah in Boca Raton is a prominent and proud member of the South Florida Jewish community. Whether directing the B'nai Mitzvah Program, or coordinating the Judaic curriculum of the Early Childhood Center, Rabbi Rader's dedication to her congregation and community makes her an extremely worthy choice to lead this morning's prayer. Rabbi Rader enjoys increased prominence in the Conservative movement and was a recipient of the prestigious Rabbi Simon Greenberg Rabbinic Leadership Award by the Jewish Theological Seminary. She was admitted to the innovative rabbinic leadership development program, Professional Education and Excellence for Rabbis, which is sponsored by the Synagogue Transformation and Renewal. Rabbi Rader studied at the Schechter Institute of Judaic Studies in Jerusalem and the University of Judaism in Los Angeles, and was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York City in 1999. Rabbi Rader also serve as the rabbi for the Lakeland Hills Jewish Center in Ringwood, New Jersey, was a fellow at the National Jewish Healing Center in New York City, and was the first Jewish chaplain at Methodist Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, her hometown. I am pleased to recognize Rabbi Rader's husband, Kevin, and their four children: Caleb, Ruby, Yael and Ezra. In her six years in the Boca Raton and South Florida communities, Rabbi Rader has wonderfully balanced her service to the community with her devotion to her family and she is a model for us all to emulate.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution to express unwavering support for Israel as it faces a campaign of violence perpetrated by Hezbollah; express strong support for the Israeli government, which has evoked its unequivocal right to self-defense; and express support for the Israeli people, who are not alone. America stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel in its ongoing, 58-year struggle for security and peace. Israel has been victimized by attacks on its sovereign land, and the international community must join us in decrying these horrific acts. Make no mistake--Hezbollah is not Israel's problem alone. In the past few years, Hezbollah has acquired advanced weaponry from Iran and Syria that threatens the security of Israel, the stability of the region, and American interests in the Middle East. The world cannot afford to remain on the sidelines as Israel fights to eradicate this global threat. Two years ago, the United States and France joined together in passing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559, which asserted the sovereignty of Lebanon and demanded the disarmament of Hezbollah. While Syria withdrew its troops from Lebanon, the Lebanese government was negligent in failing to disarm Hezbollah. During this time, Hezbollah strengthened its arsenal while continuing to serve as a terrorist proxy for Syria and Iran. Today, I call on the international community to assist the Lebanese government in fulfilling its obligations outlined in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559. I call on the European Union to add Hezbollah to its terrorist list. I call on the United Nations to hold Iran and Syria responsible for arming, financing, and supporting Hezbollah. And I respectfully call on President Bush to implement the full range of U.S. sanctions against Syria and renew U.S. sanctions against Iran. As Israel's strongest ally and friend, the United States must exhaust every effort to restore stability and security to the Middle East. As we reflect on the violence unfolding as we speak, we are reminded of the resilience and perseverance of the Israeli people, who have never sacrificed the dream of peace. It is my wish that the vision of hope embodied in Israel's national anthem--Hatikva--may come to fruition, and that Israel will succeed in defeating Hezbollah and creating a lasting peace.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I am outraged that President Bush has single handedly stifled the advancement of medical research that could provide cures for millions of Americans who are suffering needlessly from a wide range of debilitating diseases. President Bush's decision to use his veto power for the first time in his Presidency on this historic piece of legislation is unconscionable and a misguided attempt to pander to the extreme base in his party. The tireless efforts made by the scientific community, stem cell advocates and supportive Members of Congress finally came to fruition when this body passed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 810). This legislation, supported by a majority of Americans, expands the embryonic stem cell lines available for conducting research and allows the federal government to fund this type of undertaking. Stem cell research (including embryonic stem cell research) offers incredible hope to the sufferers of diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, cancer and diabetes. Embryonic stem cells are derived from donated embryos that are not used during the process of in-vitro fertilization and would otherwise be discarded. Many scientists believe that embryonic stem cells have greater potential than adult stem cells because they can differentiate into any specialized cell in the body. Additionally, they can be administered to patients without fear of rejection or the need for expensive immunosuppressive drugs. Unfortunately, in one fell swoop, President Bush has preemptively thwarted medical progress, destroying the hope of millions of Americans desperately waiting for a cure. Medical science is at a crossroads with incredible potential to save and improve the lives of chronic and fatal disease sufferers. At this time, our government should be doing everything possible to advance and explore all avenues of medical research. With polls showing 60 percent of the country supporting embryonic stem cell research, it is indefensible that President Bush chose to ignore the will of the American people by striking down this monumental measure.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the significant achievements of a gentleman who has shown great leadership throughout the State of Florida, Representative Ron Greenstein, who will soon be completing his last term in the Florida Legislature. Throughout his career, Representative Greenstein has stood out as a devoted supporter of environmental, health care, hunger and economic causes. He has championed issues for senior citizens, fought to protect Florida's water resources and advocated for the legislation of video lottery terminals. He displayed profound dedication to children's hunger causes with his 2004 IMAGINE specialty tag bill, which provided funding for food banks throughout the State, and his 2005 Children's Summer Nutrition Act, which drew down nearly $104 million to implement summer feeding programs for disadvantaged children. A passionate advocate of environmental reform, Representative Greenstein has served as Executive Director of the Broward County Resource Recovery Board, which promotes solid waste management, conservation of energy and recycling. He has recently been honored with the ``Legislative Leadership Award'' by the Florida Association of Food Banks and has been acknowledged as the ``Favorite Legislator'' by the Silver-Haired Legislature. An active and dedicated member of the South Florida community, Ron has served as Chairperson of the Broward Alliance and Broward County Welfare Reform Committee, and has held a position in the Board of Directors of the North Broward Chamber of Commerce and the SOS Children's Village in Broward County. Today, I congratulate Representative Greenstein on his exemplary work and thank him for his unwavering commitment and determination throughout his career as an elected official of the State of Florida.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Chairman, I rise to support this vital amendment that would extend the prohibition on offshore drilling from 100 to 125 miles off the coast. The amendment would also require States to proactively opt in, as has been described, to drilling, giving States that do not want to drill the ability to do so clearly. This amendment is vital to coastal States as it provides further protection from drilling, and I would urge everyone to support it.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Chairman, I, too, want to join my colleagues in expressing gratitude to Chairman Wolf for agreeing to enter into the colloquy. I also want to thank the chairman and the ranking member, Mr. Mollohan, for restoring full funding for Voice of America services, including funding for Turkey and Greece. I strongly believe this programming, which reaches millions, remains critical to peace, stability and democracy in the Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean and Balkans regions. Mr. Chairman, for the first time, the Turkey Caucus and the Hellenic Caucus have joined forces to foster reconciliation on the island of Cyprus. Creating a distinct and separate VOA program for Cyprus provides advocates for reunification a unique opportunity to bring both sides back to the negotiating table. We believe that the United States must play an active role in resolving differences between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, and the Voice of America Cyprus would be a positive step forward. Thank you very much.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I oppose this resolution because it represents an unrealistic and disingenuous portrayal of the situation in Iraq. The rhetoric on the other side of the aisle is filled with erroneous assertions of impending victory reminiscent of President Bush's premature ``mission accomplished'' claim. Mr. Speaker, after 3\1/2\ years, it is clear that the Iraq war has become an exercise in futility that can no longer be justified with pipe dreams and good intentions. Americans were egregiously misled going into this war without a plan to win the peace. They have been misled about America's progress in Iraq, and today they deserve the truth. The truth is that President Bush took his eye off the ball in the war on terror, diverted necessary resources from Afghanistan to Iraq, and today Osama bin Laden remains free. The truth is that victory is not around the corner in Iraq, that the insurgency and sectarian violence continue unabated, and that the death of Zarqawi, while very significant, will not bring security to Iraq. The truth is that on the day Zarqawi was killed there were five bombings in Baghdad, and the violence continues irrespective of his death. The truth is that while 265,000 Iraqi security forces have been trained and armed, nearly one-third of the force does not show up for work. The truth is that our policies have failed to stabilize Iraq, and we must not stay the course. We must change the course. Mr. Speaker, this resolution blurs the line between reality and fiction by painting a rosy picture of Iraq and ignoring the ongoing insurgency on the ground. To paraphrase Secretary Rumsfeld, in a war we must deal with the reality we have and not the reality we want. Please join me in opposing this charade.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the retirement of a great leader in American Jewish community, the Southeast Regional Director of the American Jewish Committee, AJC, William ``Bill'' Gralnick. For the past two decades, Bill Gralnick has championed Jewish causes and promoted inter-religious dialogue in south Florida. He has built bridges with the Christian and Muslim communities, advocated for strengthened U.S.-Israel relations, and combated anti-Semitism and intolerance in all its forms. He has brought south Florida law enforcement officials together with local clergy, and arranged for exchanges between Israeli security experts and local police. The exemplary work of the AJC in south Florida is a testament to Bill's commitment, and I thank him for his unwavering dedication, spirit and resolve. Today, I congratulate Bill Gralnick on his years of achievement with the AJC. Bill has been a beacon of leadership in south Florida, and his efforts have benefited the Jewish community both in our area and beyond. Bill has set a shining example for future generations, and I wish him ``mazel tov'' and much future success.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 740 and yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, first I too would like to thank Chairman Smith for introducing this important resolution. Congressman Smith has been a tireless advocate in calling for full accountability in Northern Ireland, particularly as it relates to the 1989 slaying of Belfast attorney Patrick Finucane. I commend him for his dedication and determination to seek justice in this case along with the Finucane family, which has waited far too long for the truth to be unveiled. Mr. Speaker, the resolution on the floor today simply calls on the Government of the United Kingdom to immediately establish a full independent public judicial inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane as recommended by Judge Peter Cory as part of the Weston Park Agreement. The fact remains that Mr. Finucane's brutal murder has been unresolved for 17 years. To this end, it is critical that the British Government fulfill its commitment to the Weston Park Agreement and agree to hold an independent public inquiry recognized as credible by the international community, the affected family, the Irish Government, the United States Congress that will shed light on the serious allegations of collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and British security forces in this egregious murder. Mr. Speaker, just yesterday Northern Ireland's legislature met for the first time in 3\1/2\ years. I applaud this development that will hopefully lead to greater compromise and cooperation between Protestants and Catholics. The convening of the assembly along with the relevant tranquility and economic success that people of Northern Ireland have experienced since the signing of the Belfast agreement is deeply encouraging. However, issues at the core of the conflict remain unresolved, ultimately holding back lasting reconciliation. At the heart of this impasse are the public inquiries into high-profile murders in Northern Ireland, including the slaying of Mr. Finucane. The resolution before us states unequivocally Congress's interest as well as that of the United States to see a just, swift, and fair resolution to this unconscionable crime which must be resolved in order to ensure long-term peace and stability in Northern Ireland for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 795 and yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues Congressman Davis and Congressman Issa for joining me in introducing this important resolution being considered on the floor today. On April 24 and April 26, a series of attacks were carried out in the Sinai region of Egypt, claiming the lives of 23 innocent civilians and injuring more than 60 men, women, and children. These horrific acts further demonstrate that no nation is free from the scourge of terror that has targeted the United States and our allies in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. From Taba to Dahab to Sharm al-Shaykh, the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Islamic extremists in Egypt are deplorable and should be condemned by every nation that shares a commitment to security and peace. It is in this regard that I call on leaders of the international community and especially the Arab world to join the United States in decrying these horrific acts, these action by terrorists, and exhaust ever measure to work with Egypt in combating extremism and terror. Today, Congress expresses its solidarity with the people of Egypt who have suffered greatly at the hands of terror. As allies in the war on terror, the United States and Egypt share a common commitment to security in the Middle East. As such, the people of America stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Egypt and renew our commitment to eradicating terror throughout the world. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge our colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the remaining time.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of H. Res. 499, and I want to thank Congressman McCotter for introducing this important resolution that is being considered on the floor today. Mr. Speaker, American journalist Paul Klebnikov devoted his career to exposing corruption within Russia. He was committed to seeing Russia become a free and wholly democratic society. I think I can speak for everyone in this room today that we all share his dream. Unfortunately, Mr. Klebnikov will not be witness to this, as he was ruthlessly gunned down outside the Moscow offices of Forbes Magazine. He, like 11 other journalists since the Putin administration took office, was murdered in cold blood, chilling freedom of speech and the media in Russia. Last year, President Putin announced publicly that fighting corruption and protecting the Russian people from crime is a priority for his administration. For this promise not to be seen as yet another hollow gesture, President Putin must do everything in his power to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of Mr. Klebnikov's murder. A free media will never exist in Russia unless the murderers are brought to justice. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge our colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the remainder of my time.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention and that of Congress and the American people an inspirational story of a 5- year-old boy named Adam Susser; whose uplifting story is a true testament to the hope that stem cell research brings in the quest for the treatment and cure of numerous diseases, injuries, and birth defects from which hundreds of millions of people suffer worldwide. Due to severe asphyxiation at birth, Adam Susser was diagnosed as being cortically blind with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Despite recommendations that Adam be institutionalized, and despite the grim predictions that he would never gain the ability to see or walk; his parents, Gary and Judith, and his twin brother, Brandon, refused to give up hope. With the help of the Genetics Policy Institute, a leading non-profit agency dedicated to the establishment of a positive legal framework to advance the search for cutting-edge cures like stem cell research, Adam's family discovered the means to provide him with the medical care he desperately needed. Now, after receiving multiple stem cell treatments, Adam has miraculously recovered partial sight; he has overcome his atrophy, gaining the ability to move and walk; he communicates verbally and even goes horseback riding. While I am encouraged by Adam's astonishing progress against significant odds, his story casts a disturbing light on the current barriers that Americans face when seeking such treatment. Stem cell research, including embryonic-based research-- which studies stem cells with the unique capability of developing into any cell type--offers the greatest hope to those who suffer from a myriad of deadly and debilitating diseases, like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, heart disease and diabetes. An even more promising aspect of embryonic stem-cell therapy is that it does not require expensive anti-rejection drugs after transplantation. Unfortunately, the Bush Administration policy continues to hinder the use of embryonic stem cells by only allowing researchers access to a limited number of these cells, most of which are unusable due to contamination. This unconscionable policy stance takes us in the wrong direction, as the Administration and Congress should be doing everything in their power to facilitate the scientific and medical community's search for a cure to horrific diseases afflicting millions in America and globally. Adam Susser's story is a shining example of what can be achieved through the use of stem cell therapy, and I urge all my colleagues in Congress to join me in recognizing his courage as well as his family's refusal to give up hope.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues for joining me in introducing this critical resolution, which states unequivocally that Hamas should not be permitted to participate in the upcoming Palestinian elections unless it disarms, renounces terrorism, ceases incitement and recognizes Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. Since its establishment in 1987, Hamas has used terrorism as a means of achieving its primary political goal--that is, the destruction of Israel. Hamas has masterminded and carried-out numerous terrorist attacks, and are responsible for maiming thousands and killing hundreds of innocent Israelis in addition to 26 Americans. As we approach the Palestinian parliamentary election on January 25, Hamas has opted to participate--for the first time--in the political process. While this presents a unique opportunity for the Palestinian Authority to delineate red lines for political participation--including the denunciation of terror and disarming of militant groups--no preconditions have been set. Instead, the Palestinian Authority has sat by as Hamas continues to assert its right to run for the parliament as a means of promoting its unconscionable agenda of incitement and terror against Israel. The upcoming Palestinian election presents a critical test for President Mahmoud Abbas, who has, thus far, failed to dismantle terrorist organizations such as the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas. The recent suicide bombing in Netanya served as a painful reminder that Mr. Abbas's plan for ``one authority, one gun'' has yet to be realized, and this resolution is intended to send him a message that he must translate empty rhetoric into concrete action on the ground. The disarmament of Hamas and the true implementation of ``one authority, one gun'' is in the best interest of the Palestinian people, and the essential first step toward creating an atmosphere conducive to peace.