Robert Wexler

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Issa and Mr. Lantos for joining me in introducing this critical resolution, which condemns Syrian efforts to hinder the investigation into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri, expresses support for extending the mandate of the investigative commission, and supports punitive sanctions against Syria if it continues to fail to comply with the ongoing investigation. On February 14, 2005, former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was assassinated in a vicious terrorist attack in Beirut, Lebanon that killed 22 and injured more than 100. In response, the U.N. Security Council passed Resolution 1595, establishing an international commission to investigate this attack and demanding the full compliance of all U.N. member states with the investigation. This commission--led by German prosecutor Detlev Mehlis--released its initial findings in a report that implicated senior Syrian officials in the Hariri assassination. This past week, a second report was released that exposed Syrian efforts to impede and obstruct the investigation, including misleading the commission, providing falsified accounts and threatening those involved in the investigation. At this juncture, we must hold the Syrian regime accountable for their actions and demand Syrian compliance with the ongoing investigation. Since the assassination of Prime Minister Hariri, targeted assassinations aimed at intimidating Lebanese opponents of Syria have continued unabated. Just this past week, a prominent and well-respected journalist was killed in a car-bombing in Beirut. Make no mistake; this was a clear attempt to limit freedom of the press in Lebanon on the part of the Syrian regime. This resolution does just that. It supports the findings of the Mehlis report, condemns the Syrian Government for its apparent involvement in the assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri and others, and demands Syrian compliance. It also supports U.S.-led efforts to hold Syria accountable for its role in the Hariri assassination under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which leaves the door open for sanctions. As the U.N. considers the grave and far-reaching implications of the Mehlis report, I strongly support critical and timely resolution.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 3875.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, Representatives Alcee L. Hastings, Kendrick B. Meek, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and I rise to recognize Mr. Herbert D. Katz for his dedication as a member of the South Florida Jewish Community for the past 35 years. During this time, Herb has held numerous leadership positions in organizations including AIPAC and the United Jewish Appeal (UJA). Herb has served on AIPAC's National Board of Directors for over 20 years and played a key role in strengthening U.S.-Israeli relations, especially on Capitol Hill. Herb's knowledge, credibility and passion for politics have led him to foster key relationships with a wide-range of elected officials, and we deeply value his activism, patriotism and exemplary public service. Herb Katz has dedicated his life to enhancing U.S.-Israeli ties and has an extraordinary history of championing Jewish causes at the local, national and global level. He served on the UJA Young Leadership Cabinet in its earliest years. He also served as the president of Jewish Federation of Hollywood in the early 1970s and was the first president of the newly established Jewish Federation of Broward County in 1996. He chaired the Board of Overseers of the Center for Advanced Judaic Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. He also served as president of the National Board of American Friends of Hebrew University, which awarded him an honorary degree. Herb and his wife Ellie have selflessly exemplified the highest form of hesed and have demonstrated exemplary Jewish leadership and pro-Israel political activism, and we hold them both in the utmost regard. It is therefore with great pleasure that we offer our heartfelt congratulations to Herb for being honored by AIPAC--one of the foremost advocacy organizations in the world. Herb's commitment and dedication to U.S.-Israeli relations is immeasurable and his leadership continues to be critical to maintaining the unbreakable bond between the two nations. It is our honor to join AIPAC and its members in recognizing Herb. We thank him for his work, and wish him mazel tov and much continued success.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, like all Americans, my heart goes out to the millions of people displaced and suffering from one of our largest national catastrophes in our history. I hope the victims of Hurricane Katrina know that our prayers are with them in this most difficult hour, and I strongly support today's initial package to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. However, the administration's response to this catastrophe is nothing short of a national disgrace itself. How is it possible, how is it possible that the administration did not realize earlier what a catastrophe this is? There is a 90,000 square-mile footprint of disaster, and yet last night FEMA's director, Michael Brown, admitted that the administration had no idea exactly how bad the situation was. Even worse, he had previously characterized the security situation in New Orleans as ``pretty darn good,'' and stopped just short of blaming the residents of New Orleans themselves for not evacuating. The Bush administration failed the American people in advance of this hurricane by cutting critical funding in spite of the pleas by the Army Corps of Engineers, money that would have been used to reinforce the very levees that broke and flooded New Orleans. We had plenty of money to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, but none apparently to save the poorest Americans with an ounce of prevention. In terms of the response to the disaster itself, what we have seen is unquestionably too little too late. While the President today said relief efforts so far were ``not acceptable,'' how can he possibly be surprised by this deplorable response? How can he say that flooding was not anticipated? Quite to the contrary, it was expected. It was predicted. What is not acceptable is the President's response. Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago we had an opportunity to learn from the disasters in my home State of Florida. Floridians experienced the consequences of FEMA's failure to deliver aid to communities who needed it the most. We saw the most vulnerable in our society, the elderly and the poor, being left out and overlooked. Last year we had the opportunity to prevent this from happening again. At the time I called for the resignation of the head of FEMA, Michael Brown, because of his grievous mismanagement in Florida. The President did not heed that call, nor did he see fit to make any substantial changes in FEMA. Last year when the President's election was in question, his response to the hurricanes in the swing State of Florida was tremendously fast, even passing out ice in the immediate aftermath. Where was he in the immediate aftermath in New Orleans? Where were the trucks of food, where were the water buffalo? Where were the tents of aid that are just now being established and delivered? When the issue was the medical condition of Terry Schiavo, the President and the Congress flew back to Washington on Palm Sunday to intervene. Why did the President delay so long for an entire American city in crisis? These have desperate people who need food, water, shelter and safety, not a photo opportunity, which even itself comes 5 days too late. Every asset of the great American military in this hemisphere should have been devoted to America's humanitarian crisis starting on Monday at 5 in the afternoon. I was in Aceh in Indonesia last month. I saw firsthand the greatness of the American aid efforts. Our response in the aftermath of the tsunami was one of America's finest hours. I was extremely proud as an American to see all the work that Americans and our country have done to stave off famine and disease for tens of thousands of desperate people. Our aircraft carrier was off the Aceh coast within 2 days. If we can do that 12,000 miles away in Indonesia, why not in New Orleans? If we had even met that same standard, help would have been in New Orleans on Wednesday. We would not be seeing the horrific scenes we saw yesterday and today. It should have been self-evident on Monday that now is the time to use our enormous strength for the benefit of our own people. Mr. Speaker, now is a wake-up call for America. This should never happen again. It should not have happened this time.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner) smoked out the truth about this bill a couple of minutes ago when he simply asked that the bill include a provision that would require a flat medical malpractice premium rate. He smoked out the truth, and what we now know is that this bill is not about providing access to health care. It is not about solving a health care crisis. What it is about is protecting the insurance industry. In fact, a study by the insurance commissioner of Missouri found that while malpractice premiums for doctors doubled from 2000 to 2004, malpractice claims during the same period increased less than 6 percent. Insurers themselves admit that capping medical malpractice payments will not reduce premiums. In fact, States that have caps have higher premiums than States without caps in every medical field, including internists, surgeons and OB-GYNs. The proponents of this bill claim that large payouts are driving up the cost of medical malpractice insurance. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the opposite is occurring in Florida where the average amount insurers are paying for claims has gone down 14 percent since 1991. At the same time, however, premiums charged by insurers have increased 43 percent. In particular, overall claim payouts for Florida's largest medical insurer, FPIC, dropped 22 percent in the last 4 years. Outrageously, remarkably, this same insurer saw a 154 percent increase in profits for the first quarter in 2004. This legislation needs to be seen for what it is. It is not about helping doctors. It is not about helping patients. The only goal of this legislation is to ensure even higher profits for insurance companies while not doing a blasted thing to help the sick people in America, to help the people that provide the medical services to our people. This bill will not do one iota to improve health care in this country. The gentleman from New York smoked it out just right.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the very eloquent ranking member of the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for yielding me this time; and I would first like to associate myself with both his remarks and the remarks of the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) as they very aptly expressed the sentiments of the American people in regard to the most recent attacks in Egypt. The attacks in Sharm el-Sheikh were unconscionable acts of tragedy and terror. At this difficult time, the American people stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Egypt in condemning these reprehensible and senseless acts. As partners in the war against terror, the United States and Egypt are united in our struggle against al Qaeda and the desire for security and peace. In the past decade, Sharm el-Sheikh has served as an embodiment of hope for the future of the Middle East. It has been a popular tourist destination for Israelis and Europeans and for people worldwide, and the site of high-level peace talks regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict and the future of Iraq. It is my hope that Sharm el-Sheikh will continue to serve as a haven for the hope of peace, irrespective of this tragic event. This is the only way to ensure that the victims of this atrocity will not have died in vain. I join my colleagues in condemning these horrific acts, expressing condolences to the families of those lost, and reaffirming the long- standing partnership between the United States and Egypt. The gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) very eloquently and aptly said: ``At such a time, it is not the time for debate regarding policy. It is a time for humanity to come together in the quest for the victory of freedom and democracy.'' It would be naive, however, Mr. Speaker, not to acknowledge that these attacks come in a political context. And I would hope, as a result of these attacks, that Egypt continue its efforts, as it has done in the past year, in returning its ambassador to Israel and implementing the QIZ legislation requiring and promoting joint investment between business people in Egypt and Israel for the betterment of Egyptian workers, that Egypt progress on a path of both political and economic reform. That ultimately will provide the victory of freedom and democracy that both Americans and Egyptians justly deserve and the terrorists that committed these heinous acts most definitely oppose.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of today's 9- 0 Supreme Court decision in the MGM v. Grokster case. By ruling that providing the software makes a file-sharing service liable for facilitating this online theft and for encouraging illegal downloads, the Court preserved this country's 200 year history of inspiring American creativity by protecting the rights of those who create it. Traffic in copyrighted material has already cost American industry hundreds of millions of dollars. One-half of all teenagers have downloaded music for free, with two-thirds of them saying they buy less music now that they can steal it over the Internet so easily. Given the severity and magnitude of the problem, I sincerely hope that today's ruling will force these services to either clean up their acts or discontinue entirely. The Court unanimously found what so many of us already knew: peer-to- peer networks are merely the latest technology used to steal from copyright owners. Online file-sharing services, like Grokster and KaZaa, may not distribute copyrighted materials off of their own servers, but they certainly encourage that theft and profit from it. Just as in the physical world, promoting criminal activity is itself a crime. I am pleased peer-to-peer networks that actively encourage piracy will now be held responsible for their actions.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I too want to commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for facilitating consideration of this resolution. I also want to thank my good friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart), the sponsor of this resolution, and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), the ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, for his never-ending battle for human rights in Cuba. Mr. Speaker, 2 weeks ago on the House floor, we chastised the Cuban regime for its inexcusable continued detention of political dissidents, many of whom are jailed because of their conviction to seek freedom and democracy in Cuba. Unfortunately, there is no indication from Castro that he ever plans to implement political and economic reforms that would give hope to the approximately 11 million citizens on the island who have suffered for far too long. Many internationally recognized human rights groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have denounced Castro's brutal dictatorship over the years and called for reforms, the release of political prisoners, and urged the totalitarian government to respect basic human freedoms. This year the Human Rights Commission called attention to the injustices which continue to be inflicted upon those innocent individuals who toil in Castro's prisons. Undeterred, thousands of brave Cubans have sought to bring about political change through opposition and civil society organizations which are loosely coordinated by the Assembly of the Civil Society in Cuba. The assembly is planning a historic meeting next week on the 103rd anniversary of Cuban independence. Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage the organizers of the meeting of the assembly to include in the meeting political dissidents who may disagree with them about whether to engage officials within Castro's government on the transition process, in particular, the supporters of the Varela Project, a grassroots, non-violent, citizens' movement in Cuba that seeks fundamental political change by petitioning the Cuban government for a referendum on reform according to that country's constitution. These groups should feel as though they are welcome within the broader coalition that opposes Castro's policies. Regardless of which groups of political activists attend the assembly, I am concerned that Castro's henchmen will once again try to suppress dissent through the use of force. As a result, I strongly concur with the sentiment expressed in the resolution urging the administration and the international community to stand ready to respond to such an atrocity. This resolution demonstrates our unequivocal commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Cuban people if such an unjustified response were to occur. As a result, Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 193. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart).

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

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 210. First, I would like to thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner) for his graciousness and the degree of support that he has lent to this bill. I want to extend a very special thank you to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the subcommittee, without whom we would not have had the energy and the direction to be here today. I also want to thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman) for their leadership, as well as the three other Chairs of the Intellectual Property Caucus, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Bono), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney), and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith), who have joined with me in sponsoring House Resolution 210. This important resolution commemorates World Intellectual Property Day, which is April 26, 2005. On April 26, 1970, the United Nations established the World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO, which is one of the 16 specialized agencies of the United Nations system of organizations. WIPO focuses solely on promoting the use and protection of patents, trademarks, and copyrights internationally. As part of their important advocacy and public awareness campaign, WIPO created World Intellectual Property Day, and it is celebrated each year on the anniversary of WIPO's creation, April 26. World Intellectual Property Day brings attention to the importance of intellectual property in the world economy and celebrates the contribution made by innovators and artists to the development and growth of societies across the globe. While most Members of the Congress have had the opportunity to see firsthand the importance of intellectual property to artists and businesses in our respective districts, World Intellectual Property Day serves as a helpful reminder to us and as an educational tool for those who may not realize how vital intellectual property is to our economic prosperity. From artistic works to life-saving medicines to revolutionary inventions, intellectual property enriches, enhances, and informs our lives. In spite of the tremendous importance of intellectual property, many Americans are unaware that the entertainment they enjoy and the technology they use to get their work done would not exist if not for the protections our Founding Fathers placed in the Constitution and the value our society has continued to place on these vital, yet intangible, contributions. World Intellectual Property Day is focused this year on bringing intellectual property to young people around the globe. Through it, we can reach out to young people about the importance of intellectual property and to increase understanding of how protecting IP rights helps to foster creativity and invention. America is an unsurpassed leader in imagination and innovation, and it will be up to our children and through the efforts of groups like the World Intellectual Property Organization of the U.N. to continue this strong tradition. House Resolution 210 will help bring attention to World Intellectual Property Day and to the tremendous value of intellectual property, and I hope that all of our colleagues will join us in support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the remainder of my time.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I am both honored and privileged to congratulate Rabbi Merle E. Singer on the occasion of his retirement. Rabbi Singer has been at Temple Beth El of Boca Raton for 26 years. Before that, he served at Beth Or in Philadelphia and Temple Sinai in Washington, D.C. He has a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from the University of Cincinnati, and a Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Rabbi Singer was ordained as a Reform Rabbi in June 1966. Rabbi Singer is one of the warmest, most charitable and caring people I know. I have personally seen the extraordinary kindness, determination and virtue that Rabbi Singer demonstrates everyday in all aspects of his life. As those of us privileged to know him can attest, Rabbi Singer is deeply devoted to his family, congregants and community. For the past 26 years he has been a religious guide and educator to his congregants serving them in every aspect of synagogue life. Under his leadership, Temple Beth El has grown to be one of the largest Reform synagogues, where the congregation maintains an unwavering commitment to Jewish values and the importance of a Jewish identity. Beyond the synagogue, Rabbi Singer is one of the most respected people in the community, promoting the highest form of tzedakah by bringing people of different faiths together to help those who need it most. He has started programs like Shared Care, which connects impaired seniors with members in the community--and in the process has become a true community leader. His civic involvement in everything from the United Way to the Boca Raton Community Hospital, exemplifies the principle of tikkun olam. Rabbi Singer's legacy in South Florida already extends far beyond Temple Beth El and will endure for many years. I wish Rabbi Singer much continued success and good health.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, for those of us from Florida, the heart-wrenching case involving Terri Schiavo is not new. In fact, for 15 years Mrs. Schiavo has remained in a persistent vegetative state. For 7 years the courts and the State of Florida have heard, ad nauseam, arguments of both sides. There is this perception possibly that only one judge has been involved in this case. In fact, 19 judges in the State of Florida have participated in various legal proceedings regarding Terri Schiavo. The State of Florida, through our court system, has acted deliberatively, with justice and with due care. The State of Florida, through our judicial system, has taken testimony from everyone in the family and from everyone who knew Mrs. Schiavo that was capable of giving it. The courts in Florida have received expert testimony from many of the most prominent neurosurgeons and neurologists throughout the entire country. The court system and the 19 judges in Florida have been unanimous, unanimous, in stating that from the evidence provided by a standard of clear and convincing evidence, that it is Mrs. Schiavo's wish that she not be required to continue in a persistent vegetative state. So I would respectfully suggest for those of us that take exception to the proposed action by the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary and by this Congress that we stand in the shoes of Terri Schiavo. We stand in her shoes, because what we are simply arguing is that the will of Terri Schiavo, as found by the legal system of Florida, which is the law of the land as of now, that her will be respected and that her will be carried out. With all due respect to the proposed remedy, in effect if this bill were to pass what this Congress is designating is that the court system of Florida will lose its long history of jurisdiction of this matter and others like it, and the jurisdiction of the Federal Court will be substituted. The majority would argue that this is a principal position. And while I would not dare suggest otherwise, I would ask the question, if the Florida courts had found in favor of Terri Schiavo's parents, would we be here this evening? I suspect not. So it is fair to conclude, therefore, that the reason we are here this evening is that the majority is unhappy, objects to the decision rightfully reached by the courts of the State of Florida; and as a result, the majority wishes to undermine over 200 years of jurisprudence and a long history in this country for respect for our judicial independence as well as the States court systems and the jurisdictions assigned to it. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would simply suggest this one thing, this is heart-wrenching for all Americans. Each American I believe tonight and today has been searching his or her soul wondering how they would react if, God forbid, they were in this position. But the issue before this Congress is not an emotional one. It is simply one that respects the rule of law, the rule of law in the State of Florida, the rule of law which has involved the participation of 19 judges, all unanimous in their view. Not a single medical piece of evidence has been provided by anybody who has diagnosed or in person witnessed Mrs. Schiavo that has said anything other than that she persists in an vegetative state. And yet this Congress seeks to replace and substitute our judgment, even though not a single one of us as far as I understand has ever diagnosed Mrs. Schiavo, nor do we have the medical expertise to do so; and yet we are willing tonight to replace with our judgment the judgment of the most prominent doctors in our country and a court system which has labored extensively to yield a just result. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) for purposes of control.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Saxton and Mr. Engel for joining with me in introducing this critically important resolution, urging the EU to add Hezbollah to its terrorist list. For 23 years, Hezbollah has led a global campaign of terror aided by Syria and Iran that has targeted American, Israeli, European, South American, Asian and Arab citizens alike. Dubbed the ``A-team of terror'' by former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, the global security threat posed by Hezbollah nears--if not surpasses--that of Al Qaeda. Since its inception in 1982, Hezbollah has carried out the bombings of the American Embassy in Lebanon, the Israeli Embassy in Argentina and the U.S. and French Marine bases in Beirut, among others. Hezbollah still has a formidable presence in Lebanon, as demonstrated by last week's rally organized by Hezbollah in Beirut, where half a million people gathered to express their support for Syria, while chanting ``death to America; death to Israel'' and waving pictures of Syrian President Bashar Assad. This position openly defies international demands, as well as that of an American and French-initiated U.N. Security Council Resolution, which calls for a Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah. In past years, Hezbollah has increasingly supported groups designated by the EU as terrorist organizations, including the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Moreover, EU Member States such as France and Germany have taken recent legal action against Hezbollah, including the German deportation of a Hezbollah agent and the French banning of Hezbollah television, Al Manar. The EU has also included several officials affiliated with Hezbollah on its terrorist list, thereby precluding the transfer of funds to these individuals from EU Member States. Finally, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly last Thursday for a resolution urging the EU Council to ``take all necessary steps to curtail Hezbollah'' due to ``clear evidence of terrorist activity.'' It defies logic that the EU would take such action and, at the same time, omit Hezbollah from its terrorist list. In fact, an EU representative recently affirmed that Palestinian officials are increasingly concerned about the enhanced presence of Hezbollah in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Palestinians fear that Hezbollah will undermine a negotiated ceasefire and target Abu Mazen, who has faced severe criticism from Hezbollah, in addition to assassination threats. A Palestinian official recently cited an intercepted email and bank transaction indicating that Hezbollah has increased its payments to Palestinian terrorists from $20,000 to $100,000 per attack. If the EU was to add Hezbollah to its terrorist list, such transactions may be impeded by an EU financial block. In past years, EU Member states have sought to distinguish between the political and military wings of Hezbollah. However, Hezbollah officials themselves do not believe this distinction can be made-- proving the futility of such claims. This was reiterated by Mohammad Raad, one of Hezbollah's representatives in the Lebanese Parliament, who stated that ``Hezbollah is a military resistance party, and it is our task to fight the occupation of our land . . . There is no separation between politics and resistance.'' Hezbollah does not discriminate in its targeting of innocent civilians, and the EU should not discriminate in its classification of terror. As such, the European Union must join the ranks of America, Canada, Israel and Australia in taking firm action against Hezbollah and adding them to its terrorist list. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 65.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the so- called ``Class Action Fairness Act.'' I have strong objections to not only to the text of the bill itself but also to the very process by which it was strong-armed by the Republican leadership past the Judiciary Committee. This process did not allow any opportunity for committee members to raise our objections or to work constructively to fix the major problems in this legislation. This circumvention of regular order is being sold to us with a myriad of excuses, one of them is that the bill is a simple procedural fix for a judicial crisis with nothing controversial in it. Nothing could be further from the truth. This bill is a federal mandate to undermine and all but kill the ability to raise class actions cases in State courts. Under this so-called ``procedural bill,'' almost every class action lawsuit would be removed from State jurisdiction and forced onto an already overburdened Federal judiciary. Moving these cases to Federal court will make litigation more costly, more time-consuming and less likely that victims can get their rightful day in court at all. This bill is so preposterously far-reaching it would prevent State courts from considering class action cases that only involve State laws. We have already added so many State cases to Federal jurisdiction that if this bill passes victims will be added to the substantial backlog of Federal cases and will likely find it difficult to ever have their cases heard. It should be obvious to even the most casual observer that the intent of this bill is to prevent class action lawsuits from ever being heard. Members should make no mistake about it--if we pass this misguided legislation, we will have effectively shut the door on civil rights, on workers rights and on anyone injured through corporate negligence. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing one of the most destructive and far reaching civil justice measures ever considered by this body.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to share my condolences with the victims of the tsunami in South Asia. The magnitude of destruction and devastation left in the wake of this tragic disaster is incomprehensible. I join all Americans who are heartbroken by the images of towns and villages washed away and of the thousands of orphaned children who will grow up as survivors of this disaster. As the United States and the international community work to provide relief for the victims of this tragedy, I urge my colleagues to ensure that our efforts to assist in the reconstruction not be short-lived. While it is imperative that we immediately provide the necessary funds for relief work and humanitarian aid, we must ensure that as we assist in this recovery effort, and provide long term assistance to rebuild the infrastructure and communities devastated by this disaster. Beyond financial and humanitarian assistance, the United States must lead an international effort to implement a global tsunami warning and detection system so we can avoid future tragedies. During this time of recovery, governments and citizens from around the world have worked together to help those in need, regardless of politics, race and religion. It is my sincere hope that out of this tragic situation a lasting spirit of cooperation and mutual respect can emerge. Hopefully this unprecedented cooperation can be used as a trigger to jumpstart the prospects for peace and coexistence throughout the region. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I strongly support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do so as well. I would first like to commend my good friend, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach), for his introduction of the North Korean Human Rights Act, and the gentleman from American Samoa (Ranking Member Faleomavaega) for his hard work on the bill as well. Madam Speaker, United States policy towards North Korea has been a principal focus of American policymakers for over a decade. Both Republican and Democratic administrations have actively sought to encourage the North Korean leadership to end its nuclear and missile programs and to end its destabilizing influence in the northeast Asian region. But as the United States attempts to encourage North Korea to give up its weapons of mass destruction and to establish positive relationships with the United States, Japan, South Korea, and China, we have paid insufficient attention to the horrendous human rights situation in North Korea and the desperate humanitarian crisis caused by the North Korean misrule. Madam Speaker, the legislation before the House will correct this imbalance. The North Korean Human Rights Act will press the administration to actively pursue a human rights and humanitarian agenda with North Korea, as we also attempt to resolve our security differences with the North. According to the annual State Department Human Rights Report, North Korea is one of the world's worst human rights abusers. Over the past decade, millions of North Korean citizens starved to death because of their own government's gross incompetence, while the North Korean leadership lived a luxurious life in their tucked-away villas. The North Korean gulags, furthermore, overflow with North Korean prisoners with no hope of release. North Korea does not hold free and fair elections, and there is no freedom of the press. North Korean citizens do not have the right to speak out against their government or to practice a religion. In short, Madam Speaker, the North Korean people have no hope of changing their government unless the United States and other world democracies stand up for freedom in North Korea. This important legislation will also help focus attention on the large number of North Korean refugees that have been created by the North's misrule, particularly those refugees in China. It is critically important that the U.N. High Commissioner For Refugees have access to this floating population and that the North Korean refugees be treated appropriately. Madam Speaker, the legislation before the House tackles all of these important subjects. It will direct that human rights remain on the negotiation table with the North. It demands better accountability for international food aid to North Korea. It encourages a solution on the North Korean refugee issue with China, and it attempts to increase American broadcasting in North Korea. This bill is an excellent piece of legislation, and I strongly support its passage. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friends and colleagues, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) and Doug Bereuter for sponsoring this important resolution, as well as the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis). Mr. Speaker, this resolution reaffirms U.S. Congressional support for the democratic aspirations of the Ukrainian people and the establishment of a genuine democracy in Ukraine. Given the importance of Ukraine to the stability of southeastern Europe and the strong ties between the Ukrainian and American people, we must make every effort to put the relationship between our two nations on a strong and democratic footing. Unfortunately, the conduct of the previous parliamentary and presidential elections in Ukraine was judged to be flawed by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. We in Congress had hoped that the Government of Ukraine had learned from its past mistakes, but all the evidence elected collected so far about the conduct of this year's presidential campaign points otherwise. As the Ukrainian presidential election approaches in just 3 weeks, the prospect for the election to be free and fair seems bleak. Despite high-level protests by the United States government and the Congress over the continued manipulation and control of the media by national and local Ukrainian officials, these violations have continued unabated and raise grave concerns regarding the commitment of the Ukrainian Government to free and fair elections. I am also uneasy about the efforts of the Government of the Russian Federation to tilt the election in favor of the presidential candidate from the ruling party. Mr. Speaker, Ukraine has been a country at the crossroads for the past 12 years. This election will show the world whether the Ukrainian Government is committed to democracy and the rule of law. It will also serve as an indicator of the Ukraine's readiness to become a valuable member of the Western community of democracies. Congressional consideration of this resolution today, just 3 weeks before the presidential election, sends an important message to the Ukrainian electorate and the Ukrainian political elite that the U.S. Congress cares deeply about the political future of Ukraine. Mr. Speaker, the United States seeks a strong and lasting relationship with Ukraine. Ukraine has already shown its good will by joining coalition forces in Iraq. However, history has shown that the most enduring and fruitful alliances can be sustained between genuine democracies which share the same values and aspirations. I would like to express my sincere hope that Ukraine will succeed in conducting a democratic and fair election. Ukraine will then be on a firm path of becoming a full-fledged member of Europe. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of the time.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill. Mr. Speaker, first I would like to commend my friend and colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for being a stalwart supporter of democracy in Belarus and for his willingness to offer this legislation. Just a few months ago, this House passed an important resolution on the upcoming parliamentary elections in Belarus. This resolution, authored by our former colleague Doug Bereuter and myself, called upon the Government of Belarus to ensure that these important elections be conducted in a free and fair manner. Regrettably, since then, the political situation in Belarus has deteriorated, not improved. The dictatorial regime of Aleksandr Lukashenka continues to cling to power, using brutal force, intimidation, and illegal maneuvering to secure his reign. If Lukashenka succeeds, as he did in 1996 when he amended the constitution in a seriously flawed referendum, and as he did in 2001 when he extended his term in office through an election that was neither free nor fair, and as he did in 2003 when he similarly stole local elections, the United States Government must have a clear and effective strategy to promote human rights and democracy in Belarus. Our legislation directs the President to focus our assistance on core democracy programs in Belarus, namely, promotion of free elections, support for civil society, strengthening of democratic political parties, and support for independent media and international exchanges. Lukashenka's regime must understand that we will not forget the cause of human rights and democracy in Belarus, and that the United States and Belarus will not have a fully normal relationship until Belarus moves assertively towards a democratic form of government. Belarus is strategically located in Eastern Europe, bordering Poland and Lithuania, both members of NATO and the European Union, and Ukraine and Russia. We cannot afford to give up on the cause of democracy and freedom in Belarus. The Lukashenka regime is one of the most notorious human rights abusers in the world, routinely suppressing the rights of Belarusian citizens. The regime has been implicated in the political murders of its opponents, disappearances of opposition leaders, repression of independent media, harassment of NGOs, and other egregious violations of internationally recognized and accepted democratic norms. Lukashenka bears full responsibility for these abuses, as nothing in Belarus happens without his knowledge or full acquiescence. The United States, the European Union, member states of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and international human rights NGOs have all called upon the Lukashenka dictatorship to end its human rights abuses and restore democracy to Belarus. Although the anti-Lukashenka forces in Belarus have boycotted previous elections, the opposition is participating in the upcoming elections and has united into a coalition of five democratic parties that will campaign as a block. Although this coalition faces an uphill battle, we should nevertheless commend the leaders and members of this coalition for their courage and determination to bring democracy to Belarus and provide them our unqualified support. In the congressional tradition of setting policy that has been instrumental in defeating dictatorships in Europe, Asia, and Africa, this legislation will promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law and consolidate the independence and sovereignty of Belarus. I strongly support passage of this bill and urge my colleagues to do so as well. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in strong support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I would first like to commend our colleague, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan), for introducing this important resolution. The 2004 Olympic Games in Athens recently unfolded before the eyes of hundreds of millions of people around the world, some watching in person, but many more on television. It is fair to say, Mr. Speaker, that the Athens games were an unqualified success. Despite fears of terrorism or that key Olympic venues would not be ready, Athens was more than prepared to receive tens of thousands of athletes and officials from around the world, and the Olympic spirit thrived as athletes lived out their dreams. These were truly historic games. The Summer Olympic Games returned to Greece, their ancient birthplace, for the first time. The games brought together people from all over the world; 202 countries participated in the Athens Olympics, including athletes from Afghanistan and Iraq. The Greek people and the government of Greece, through extraordinary diligence, energy and enthusiasm, hosted over 10,000 athletes with efficiency and security. The Greek officials developed transportation infrastructure to ensure that athletes and spectators could easily get to all Olympic venues and practice facilities. The United States and the government of Greece cooperated closely on several aspects of the Olympic games, including security. This cooperation solidified the long-standing alliance and friendship between our two Nations which stand side-by-side in defense of a shared commitment to freedom and democracy. The 2004 Olympics in Greece showed us the best combination of a modern, world-class infrastructure and high-tech innovation, framed by the ancient wonders of Greece, the birthplace of Western culture and democracy. Mr. Speaker, I want to join the sponsors of this resolution in agreeing with the United States Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth that ``history will record these Games as among the greatest, if not the greatest, of all time.'' I strongly support this resolution and urge its unanimous passage.

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

Mr. WEXLER

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, this amendment would not only ban same-sex marriages but also civil unions, and I cannot support such a divisive and extreme measure. A majority of Americans rightfully recognize that same-sex couples who are committed to a lifelong relationship should enjoy all of the civil benefits that come with marriage. Being able to make medical decisions for an incapacitated partner, inherit property without large tax penalties and receive Social Security survivor benefits are examples of the civil aspect of marriage that are denied to same sex couples but are wholly unrelated to religious concerns. Not only does this amendment completely disregard these basic liberties but it actually erodes the religious freedom upon which our great nation was founded. I am not alone in this grave concern. A coalition of 25 national religious groups--from the American Jewish Committee to the Alliance of Baptists, from the Episcopal Church to the Conference of American Rabbis--all believe that this amendment does more to erode religious freedom than preserve it. An amendment restricting marriage to certain couples would be the first time in history that rights were denied solely to one group of Americans. Mandating discrimination in the Constitution would set a terrible precedent. Everyone in America should be concerned about who will be next.