Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Defense of the Committee on Appropriations, who has absolutely no peer in the House of Representatives in being in support of the troops in Iraq and the armed services before and during and after Iraq.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the last speaker, who is my good friend and the chairperson of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the ranking member of the Committee on Rules on which he and I serve, just made the comment that he was not consulted. I say to my good friend that he is an original cosponsor of the legislation: the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Pryce), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss), and the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter).

Now, that said, my good friend had the privilege that the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) did not have, and that was even to be original co-sponsors even if they were not consulted.

Mr. Speaker, I will be asking for a ``no'' vote on the previous question because I feel this totally closed rule is just plain wrong. There is not one single opportunity for any Member of the House to offer an amendment to this resolution, not even on the motion to recommit.

Oddly enough, when the current House Republican leadership was in the minority, a motion to recommit without instructions was one of the things they complained most about. Now, here they are doing the very thing they said was so wrong and offensive at that time. Where will the sanctimony end?

The war in Iraq is one of the most serious issues facing our Nation today. Anything that speaks to this matter on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives should be done, as the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) said, in a way that allows all responsible viewpoints to be considered. That is what democracy is all about.

This rule simply gags that process. Ironic, do you not think, when we are exporting democracy to Iraq.

Mr. Speaker, this is not about stopping consideration of the underlying resolution. I am not aware of one single Member of this body who does not support and praise the incredibly brave men and women who are in harm's way in Iraq.

I believe we can all agree wholeheartedly on supporting our soldiers, but there are other important matters that are not addressed in this resolution, issues that many in this House want to include in this resolution.

Therefore, if the previous question is defeated, I will offer an amendment to the rule that will allow the motion to recommit to contain instructions.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to submit for the Record immediately prior to the vote on the previous question a description of the motion to recommit that will be offered if the previous question is defeated and the rule is amended to allow instructions.

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

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, we are fat. America is the fattest nation on the planet and getting fatter all the time. It is estimated that as many as one in five Americans is obese, a condition defined as being more than 30 percent above the ideal weight based on height.

Being overweight and obese in the United States occurs at higher rates in racial and ethnic minority populations, such as African Americans and Hispanic Americans, compared with White Americans. Persons of low socioeconomic status within minority populations appear to be particularly affected by being overweight and obese. Also, according to the surgeon general, women of lower socioeconomic status are about 50 percent more likely to be obese than their better-off counterparts.

Obesity is fast becoming our most serious public health problem. Indeed, obesity is linked to disease such as type-2 diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. An estimated 300,000 Americans die each year from fat-related causes, and we spent $117 billion in obesity-related economic costs just last year, according to U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher.

Congress should consider comprehensive legislation aimed at America's obesity epidemic. Instead, Mr. Speaker, here I stand debating a closed rule for a bill that pre-determines that in no plausible circumstance do food companies bear responsibility for their acts.

This bill is so overbroad that it provides immunity even where most would think liability is appropriate.

For instance, as an observant Hindu, Mr. Sharma considers cows sacred. Not surprisingly, Brij Sharma did not eat at fast food restaurants. But in 1990, when McDonald's announced that it was switching from beef fat to ``100 percent vegetable oil'' to cook its French fries, Mr. Sharma began going to the fast food chain to eat what he believed were vegetarian fries.

Imagine Mr. Sharma's terror when he read in a newspaper the following heading, ``Where's the beef? It's in your french fries.'' He was outraged to learn that McDonald's french fries are seasoned in the factory with beef flavoring before they are sent to the restaurants to be cooked in vegetable oil.

McDonald's has apologized, admitted wrongdoing and agreed to pay more than $10 million to charities chosen by vegetarian and Hindus plaintiffs. Is it not preposterous that this bill would bail out the fast food industry from liability for wrongdoing such as this? Of course it is.

In addition, this bill is an unnecessary, premature, overly broad affront to our judicial system and to our system of federalism. Congress is preemptively taking away the ability of judges and jurors to consider the particular facts and evidence of cases, and a plaintiff's ability to have his or her day in court.

Mr. Speaker, regardless of one's position on the merits of lawsuits against the industry, the line drawn between the responsibility of an individual end and society's start should be answered by judges and juries, and not by legislators in the pockets of campaign contributors.

This incredibly large portion of legislative junk food, being served to feed Republican special interests, is as unhealthy as the industry it attempts to protect.

I urge my colleagues to oppose this ill-conceived legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 526 expressing the sympathy of the House of Representatives for the victims of the devastating earthquake in Bam, Iran, on December 26, 2003.

I was horrified to see a whole city brought to a sudden stop in a few seconds of brutal seismic activity. Approximately 40,000 people died, or two-thirds of the 60,000 deaths worldwide from manmade and natural disasters in 2003; 30,000 people were injured, and up to 75,000 people were made homeless. But these statistics tell nothing of the personal impact of this tragedy on families and individuals. My heartfelt condolences go to them.

The tragedy of so many lives lost, and so many others turned upside down by the earthquake, is worsened by Bam's historic, cultural and architectural significance. Bam flourished as a site of pilgrimage and as a commercial and trading center on the famous Silk Road, which brought the treasures of the ancient Far East into what was then Persia, and on to the Mediterranean. The earthquake destroyed 90 percent of Bam. Now, it appears that much of this heritage may have been lost forever.

In the midst of so much devastation, relief workers from all over the world--including the United States--undoubtedly brought a considerable measure of relief. Their effectiveness was remarkable and exemplary. I thank them for their courageous work.

Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to express my deepest sympathy to the Iranian people for this terrible tragedy, and encourage this body to assist with the reconstruction of Bam and the anguish of its citizens. In addition, I call on people to continue to help raise money and send supplies to Bam, where the cost of reconstruction is estimated to be $1 billion.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this resolution and urge its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Rose Merry Myers Darden, who died on February 20, 2004. Ms. Darden was a lifelong community activist and defender of less fortunate citizens. She was married to William (Boone) Darden, former police chief of Riviera Beach, Florida. Her husband, the first black man to become police chief of a major Florida city, preceded her in death.

After her husband's passing, Rose threw herself entirely into community work. A caring and compassionate individual, she sold her jewelry and her automobile to raise the necessary funds to open St. Matthew's House, a shelter for homeless veterans. It later became St. Matthew's Safe House for Women, where many former drug abusers sought refuge and respite from their troubles while they worked to turn their lives around.

A person of principle, Rose Darden gave up an opportunity to receive a $250,000 federal grant for expansion of St. Matthew's because she felt the guidelines would restrict her efforts to assist the women. She commented at the time, ``If we can't do the job the way it should be done. . . . I don't feel we should take the money.'' I agree wholeheartedly with her sentiment.

I always had the greatest respect for Ms. Darden and her late husband. Her passing leaves us all poorer, and I challenge everyone who knew and loved her and the many whose lives she touched to continue the wonderful work she did.

I offer my sincerest condolences to her family. We can all take comfort in knowing that her spirit will guide us always.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 412, a resolution honoring the men and women of the Drug Enforcement Administration on the occasion of its 30th anniversary.

The illegal drug market in the United States is among the most lucrative in the world. The market is fueled by diverse groups of people within and outside the borders of our nation. The work done by the men and women of the DEA is rarely amply recognized despite the integral role they play in curbing the illegal drug market and its harmful repercussions to our communities across the country.

The South Florida district which I represent, has in the past been faced with a formidable threat from drug trafficking. It was then, as it is now, the men and women of the DEA who tackled that threat. With their active and relentless efforts, they have drastically decreased it. However, they do this often at a great sacrifice.

We should never take for granted that there are individuals who risk their lives on a daily basis with the work that they do in order to create a safer environment for us all. That numerous DEA employees have died in service reflects the dangerous conditions in which these individuals have chosen to work and their admirable dedication to safeguarding our nation from the threat posed by the illegal drug market.

Thus, I urge all of my colleagues to vote favorably for the passage of H. Res. 412 and in so doing join me in congratulating the DEA for its 30th anniversary, and honoring and thanking all of the employees of the DEA for the invaluable work that they do in protecting this nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 56. This bill supports the creation of a Day of Remembrance for persons of German, Italian, and Japanese descent who had their civil liberties egregiously curtailed by the United States Government during World War II.

This bill has important implications not only for these communities but also for all of us in this country. When our Nation was gripped by the fear of war coming to our shores, we made an unconscionable mistake in the form of Executive Order 9066. Signed on February 19, 1942, this order restricted the freedom of Japanese-, German-, and Italian- Americans along the west coast. Members of these communities were forced to carry identification cards, had travel restrictions, and found their personal property seized with little pretense and no due process. Families of citizens and legal residents alike were forced to leave their homes and live in deprivation behind barbed wires and guard towers in internment camps.

History has taught us that the United States was wrong to utterly obliterate civil liberties during World War II. The fear of spies and saboteurs was unfounded. It turns out that, though gripped by the most destructive and most divisive war of the 20th century, the United States had little to fear from American citizens of ethnic backgrounds. The infringement of constitutional rights for the stated purpose of homeland security was based more on racial discrimination than a credible security threat.

Japanese-, German-, and Italian-Americans deserve, at the very least, a Day of Remembrance, not only to ensure that the memory of this terrible time period lives on in their respective communities, but also to ensure that all Americans are aware of the grievous mistakes committed in the name of security. We all have important lessons to learn from the internment camps.

Mr. Speaker, the internment camps were one of the worst travesties this Nation has ever committed. We must learn from this shameful episode and apply these lessons for the future. Today we face our own war on terrorism and phrases like ``homeland security,'' ``terrorist cells,'' and ``imminent threat'' have become commonplace. The security of this great Nation can only be safeguarded if America's basic values are also defended. In pursuit of security, we must never threaten the rights of liberty and freedom that are guaranteed by the Constitution. We must not hold an entire culture or society responsible for the actions of a few members. We must not restrict the rights of everyone for fear of a few. Above all, we must make every effort to ensure the stability of our Constitution even during the difficult times of war and terror.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Linder) for yielding me the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Fee Modernization Act of 2003, as well as the rule providing for its consideration.

As the majority member of the committee previously mentioned, I agree that the premise of our patent system lies in its mutual benefit to both the inventor and our country. With the constant evolution of science and technology, spurred by the monetary incentive the U.S. patent system offers to inventors, new inventions have led to new technologies, job creation and improvements to our quality of life. Indeed, Congress should be creating legislation that fosters and nurtures the relationship between the United States Patent Office and the entrepreneur and business communities.

The underlying legislation, however, does nothing of the sort, and the rule which the majority is asking us to approve today stifles debate and limits our ability to improve this legislation.

I really find it outrageous that the bill in its current state hurts aspiring small businesses by inflicting additional fees on their patent and trademark applications. It should be our mission to build an enterprise society in which small firms of all kinds thrive and achieve their potential. We should not allow small businesses to fail before they even get started.

An amendment will be offered later today by our colleague the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) that I strongly support. This amendment will aid in the promotion of enterprise across society, particularly in underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

In examining the underlying legislation, it is becoming increasingly clear that we should not call this bill the U.S. Patent and Trademark Fee Modernization Act. Instead, we should call it what it really is, the Increased Fees on Small Businesses Act of Fiscal Year 2003.

To make a bad bill worse, the majority is once again seeking to outsource the jobs of Federal employees. Simply put, the patent examining and processing are core governmental functions and should be performed by Federal employees. Yet, my friends in the majority are using the bill as another opportunity to fail Federal employees by outsourcing their jobs.

Mr. Speaker, Congress must protect the jobs of Federal employees. Like any workforce, the primary interests of Federal employees lie in opportunities for reward, professional development and job satisfaction. The United States Government trails behind the private sector when it comes to investing in its employees. When I see bills such as the underlying legislation, it seems unrealistic to think that change will occur under this leadership. Perhaps it will take their jobs to be on the line before we institute change.

Mr. Speaker, this bill has many glaring problems, and as I previously mentioned, I oppose the underlying legislation, and I will oppose the rule, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur).

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation that will prohibit the comparative cost adjustment program, as included in the recently passed Medicare bill, from operating in the State of Florida. My bill serves as a companion to legislation introduced last week by Florida's two Senators Bob Graham and Bill Nelson. I am pleased that this legislation enjoys the full support of every Democrat in Florida's Congressional delegation.

The recently passed Medicare law requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish six premium support demonstration projects. These demonstration projects, sometimes referred to as comparative cost adjustment, must be established in 2010 and run through 2015. When established, they will essentially allow insurance companies to set the cost of prescription drugs provided for under Medicare at different levels throughout these six areas dependent upon geographic location, the density of those participating in the plan, and average age of those living in a given region. The selection criteria of the program make it likely that Florida would be one of the six selected sites.

A recent analysis done by Bush Administration actuaries last August confirmed that the ``premium support'' proposal originally included in the House Medicare bill would lead to higher fee-for-service premiums. That is, seniors and individuals with disabilities would have to spend more to remain in traditional Medicare.

Further, according to the Administration, within Florida, if premium support were enacted in Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, Brevard, Flagler, Hernando, Hillsborough, Indian River, Pasco, Pinellas, Seminole, or Volusia counties, premiums would increase for seniors in these counties wanting to remain in traditional Medicare. Realize, not all Florida counties were analyzed, and premium increases would be possible in other counties as well.

Mr. Speaker, as a result of the President's flawed Medicare bill, for the first time in history, Medicare beneficiaries living in different parts of the country and even within the same State would face different premiums. These wide variations in premiums do not exist in traditional Medicare today.

For Medicare's almost 40-year history, seniors and individuals with disabilities in traditional Medicare have paid the same premium, no matter where they live. Premium support would end this uniformity and exacerbate existing concerns about geographic inequity in Medicare.

Although premium support is possible in counties with managed care, seniors and individuals with disabilities in counties without managed care are not off the hook. That is because there are several provisions in the Medicare bill that are designed to encourage managed care companies to enter new areas. If those provisions are successful--and given the enormous amounts of money devoted to encouraging companies to enter new areas, they undoubtedly will be--even seniors in counties currently without managed care could be forced to pay more to remain in traditional Medicare.

Mr. Speaker, in its nearly 37-year history, Medicare has provided millions of American seniors with important health protections. With more than 34 percent of the people living in the district which I represent over the age of 55, Medicare is a critical tool in improving the lives of so many.

However, under current law, seniors in my district may find themselves paying more for prescription drugs than those living in a neighboring county. This is completely unacceptable. My constituents do not wish to be guinea pigs for a prescription drug plan that pits their well being against the pocketbooks of pharmaceutical executives. My constituents expect to pay fair and honest prices for their prescription drugs. They expect to pay the same amount for their prescriptions as seniors in California, New York, and every other State in the Union. Even more, they expect to pay the same amount as other seniors in Florida. Current law provides no such guarantee to Florida seniors, and that is completely unacceptable.

My legislation fairly addresses this shortfall and ensures that Florida seniors do not fall victim to vicious Republican efforts to privatize Medicare.

I urge the House Leadership to bring my bill to the House floor for its immediate consideration, and I ask for my colleagues' support.

Mr. Speaker, the situation in Haiti continues to get worse. The attacks on towns and cities are ongoing and more frequent. There are reports of widespread looting and roundups. Haiti is now threatened with chaos.

The ongoing political crisis in Haiti has devastated the country's economy, social fabric, and the livelihoods of its people, leaving Haitians with a ruined economy and barely functioning physical infrastructure, few resources or the basic necessities to maintain life, and an insolvent government.

The path we tread is a difficult one. On the one hand, the disappointing Aristide presidency has reached an impasse, and has not yet shaken off the questions of constitutional legality. On the other hand, the democratic and constitutional principles are the foundations to a free society that we must always treasure. But the issue is not whether or not to support President Aristide. Rather, finding a solution that will bring stability while strengthening the democratic process in Haiti.

To achieve this, a political solution is needed to bring together all those that refuse to make things worse. The rebels are degrading the democratic institutions. For that reason, sacking an elected leader is a recipe for illegitimacy and more bloodshed.

The American people eagerly support a peaceful transition to a representative government in Haiti. Moreover, the Haitian communities in exile are committed to peace and democracy in their country, and I thank them for their steadfast advocacy for Haiti's interests.

Mr. Speaker, to put an end to violence, the best solution is to involve the international community in ceasing the hostilities, to find respite and protect the population. A peaceful and democratic solution is needed that respects the rule of law and the people's rights.

But, what can we do? I am introducing a resolution that will call for international efforts to end the violence and develop the economic and political institutions necessary to permit Haiti to sustain its population and restore its economic, social, and political process.

This legislation would also call on President Aristide to announce early elections. Thereafter, all the people of Haiti will decide whether or not new political leaders are needed.

It would be structured as follows:

The immediate formation of a United Nations peacekeeping force to help put an end to the violence in Haiti and assist with the subsequent peace, provide for political transition, and establish an economic reconstruction in Haiti.

International support preparing for early presidential elections by establishing a legitimate electoral process.

An international and long-term commitment to aid with the reconstruction of Haiti.

All of the above must be legitimized and implemented by the international community, with the absolute steadfastness from the United States to Haiti's peace, justice, and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, as the Western Hemisphere's second-oldest democracy-- wrestled from the clutches of European colonialism in 1804 by African slaves--the turbulent events in Haiti are of great concern to me. As a result, I am introducing this legislation with the utmost urgency.

I implore my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my condolences upon hearing the news of the death of Boris Trajkovski,

the President of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. President Trajkovski lost his life in a plane crash this morning in the mountainous region of southern Bosnia. I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to the wife, son, and daughter of President Trajkovski for their tragic and untimely loss as well as to all of the families and friends of the two pilots and six aides on board the flight who also perished in the crash. Furthermore, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the people of Macedonia who have today lost a truly forward-looking and unifying leader.

Boris Trajkovski, who served as President of Macedonia since 1999, will be remembered in the international community for his role as a peacemaker and a moderate in a region troubled by ethnic tensions and conflicts. These tensions and conflicts have at times been so severe as to threaten the stability and unity of Macedonia. President Trajkovski's accomplishments as a peacemaker are many and premised on his will to work together with all ethnic groups. Included among his accomplishments to this end is his role in a NATO-brokered peace agreement in 2001 that ended months of armed clashes between Macedonia's Slavic-speaking Orthodox Christians and ethnic Albanian minority. This agreement played an integral role in warding off a full- scale civil war in the country.

Since gaining its independence, Macedonia has been a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Parliamentary Assembly of which I am proud to serve as Vice President. Thus I have followed closely the developments in Macedonia and have observed first hand the efforts made by Macedonia under the leadership of President Trajkovski to secure a peaceful nation and to move the country forward to a bright future. Just this past Wednesday, President Trajkovski signed Macedonia's formal application to join the European Union, a move that would further benefit the people of Macedonia in their attempts to cement democracy and prosperity in their nation.

It is my hope that the loss of President Trajkovski does not signify a loss in any degree of the strong unifying efforts in which he so strongly believed and for which he fought. As well as offering my condolences to the people of Macedonia in their time of grief, I also want to take this opportunity to wish them every success in overcoming this tragedy and continuing on the path of peace and prosperity.

It is my hope that the greatest legacy left by the loss of President Trajkovski is the ongoing effort to see across ethnic divisions and to secure a peaceful and unified Macedonia in an equally peaceful and unified Europe.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Frederick Williams of McFatter Technical High School in Davie, Florida for being selected as the Broward County Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Williams has been an educator for the past 22 years, the last 17 years of which have been spent in Broward County. He studied at Florida State University where he earned his Bachelor's and two Master's degrees in music education and arts administration. Since 2001, Mr. Williams has been a teacher of technology for 11th and 12th grade students at McFatter Technical High School.

Among Mr. Williams' many achievements as an educator, is a program he developed for teaching computer technology. His students are educated to such a level that upon completion, they are able to visit other schools and assist as computer technicians. Additionally, Mr. Williams supports his students as a Big Brother and mentor. He has been involved as a New Educator Support System (NESS) Coach for teachers at Plantation High and is currently a NESS Coach for the Computer Programming Instructor at his school.

Mr. Speaker, underscoring Mr. Williams' success is his learned philosophy on teaching. He believes in many underlying principles: learning to use one's mind; a student as worker and teacher as coach philosophy; tone of decency and trust; and demonstration of mastery. He accurately describes the teaching profession as ``one of the most important in our country,'' and understands that the education of our children ``is one of the greatest and most important investments of time and money for creating a brighter future.''

Mr. Williams embodies what Americans desire from their educators. He is passionate about his profession and takes a keen interest in the academic and personal development of his students. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Williams acknowledged that he teaches not for prestige or job benefits, but for knowing that he has touched a student's life. He is a role model for educators in our country.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Mr. Williams on being named the Broward County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, and I thank him for his invaluable contribution to the future of his students and to the Broward County Community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recent promotion of Ms. Delsa Bush as the new police chief of West Palm Beach, Florida. Chief Bush is the first African American and first woman to serve in this prestigious and demanding position.

Through honesty, hard work and determination, Chief Bush has risen from a childhood of poverty in the Mississippi Delta to a very prominent position in the criminal justice field. Though others might have given up when faced with the many challenges she has had to overcome, Delsa Bush never took her eyes off of her goal. As a result of her strong will and optimistic attitude, she graduated college, continued on to receive her Master's degree and is currently pursuing her Doctorate.

Mr. Speaker, as previously mentioned, Chief Bush is West Palm Beach's first black and first female police chief, as well as one of few black women police chiefs in America. Courage and excellence are just two of many words of praise that have been used to describe this remarkable law enforcement professional. Delsa Bush is an excellent role model and someone whom we can all be proud.

I am delighted that Chief Bush lives and works in my Congressional District. It is an honor and a privilege to represent such a great American. I say on behalf of the House of Representatives, Chief Bush, congratulations. You are a true hero!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution commending the governments of India and Pakistan for their efforts to achieve peace and stability in the South Asian region.

For years, India and Pakistan have been the victims of numerous terrorist attacks, which have greatly heightened religious and ethnic tensions in the troubled region. Discord amongst Hindu and Muslim populations has led to a war of attrition, whereby insurgents on both sides sneak across the border to commit murder and destruction before sneaking back across.

India and Pakistan have a history of disputes going back decades. The most prominent amongst these conflicts has been the territory of Kashmir. India and Pakistan each claim Kashmir as their own, despite the territory having its own distinct population agitating for autonomy. Indian and Pakistani forces have routinely engaged in minor skirmishes along the border. The conflict, more than any other, has led to a destabilizing nuclear arms race in the region, resulting in threats of war and the severing of political, diplomatic, and economic links.

In recent months, however, diplomatic overtures between India and Pakistan have resulted in laudable agreements to improve relations. Since April 2003, India and Pakistan have sent ambassadors, reestablished bus links, and declared the first real cease-fire in the 17-year-old border conflict. Most recently, the two countries resumed air travel and overflight rights with one another. Further, Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee has agreed to attend in the near future a regional economic summit in Islamabad, a sure sign of progress.

The resolution I am introducing today congratulates India and Pakistan on their efforts to achieve stability and to seek a peaceful means to resolve their disputes. The resolution also recognizes both countries' efforts in the global war on terrorism and their close partnerships with the United States.

Though both nations still have a long way to go to fully achieve a lasting peace, the House of Representatives should be pleased with their determination to seek a peaceful, economically prosperous road to stability.

Mr. Speaker, I conclude by once again referring to the unconscionable acts of violence and terror wrought on both India and Pakistan. I further express my support and encouragement to both nations for their efforts to rebuild diplomatic relations despite trying circumstances.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I ask the House leadership to bring it swiftly to the floor for its consideration.

Mr. Speaker, Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze resigned on November 23, 2003. Mr. Shevardnadze's resignation caps a political career during which he has won my admiration, and that of freedom-loving people everywhere, for helping, as Soviet foreign minister under Mikhail Gorbachev, end the Cold War.

However, in spite of this remarkable accomplishment, during his 10 years as president, Georgians widely became disheartened with Mr. Shevardnadze for allowing corruption to infest the country, while most of its people fell into poverty and despair. These conditions fed the uprising against him, but it was triggered by the fraudulent parliamentary elections of November 2, 2003.

Opposition began daily protests that attracted thousands, demanding the elections be annulled or Mr. Shevardnadze's resignation, or both. Throughout nearly 3 weeks of protests, both sides remained mindful of Georgia's interest in peace and safety, and avoided provocations.

Mr. Speaker, his fall ended a political crisis astonishing for its speed and lack of violence in a blood-washed region. There was no blood. No killing.

Consequently, Mr. Speaker, this resolution congratulates both Eduard Shevardnadze and the leaders of the opposition, Nino Burdzhanadze, Mikhail Saakashvili, and Zurab Zhvaniva, for their courage and patriotism in dealing with the crisis bloodlessly.

Moreover, the resolution pledges support and help for the people of Georgia so as to consolidate the democratic process. Furthermore, it urges all political segments, as well as social sectors and institutions in Georgia, to strive, through dialogue, to achieve the national reconciliation for which both the Georgian people and the international community yearn.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly and wholeheartedly support Georgia's new leaders, while I also urge them to pursue stability, abide by their constitution and hold democratic elections.

And, I look forward to working with Interim President Nino Burdzhanadze in her effort to maintain the integrity of Georgia's democracy as she strives to ensure that this change in government follows the constitution.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.