Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish a full and healthy recovery to Lance Corporal Patrick T. Howard, who suffered extensive injuries while on guard duty in Iraq on July 18.

Lance Corporal Howard was born and raised in Miami, and enlisted in the Marines directly after graduating from high school. In March of 2006, he was deployed to Ramadi, Iraq, and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal.

I am deeply saddened about the grave nature of the injuries inflicted upon such a selfless young man from South Florida. The entire community is grateful to Lance Corporal Howard for his contributions in the struggle to spread liberty to Iraq, and values the sacrifices of all those currently defending our Nation overseas.

I ask that you please keep Lance Corporal Howard and his family in your thoughts and prayers as he completes the recovery process.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor a great man whose life represents an American success story. Sadly, Louis Lafayette Huntley passed away, but he left behind a legacy of service for generations to follow. Mr. Huntley's life is a testament to commitment, faith and perseverance.

Louis Huntley grew up in a large family in Northeast Florida where he learned from his parents the hard work it takes to be successful in life. Following high school, he served in the U.S. Army for one year and after graduating from the University of Florida in 1950, he committed himself to over 40 years of service, first to the Florida National Guard and later to the Army Reserve until he retired as a Colonel in 1991.

In that same period, Mr. Huntley's distinguished himself in the Florida business community, going out on his own and starting his own business. By the time he sold it in 1990, Huntley's Jiffy Stores, Inc. had amassed 342 locations across Florida and Southeast Georgia. The success of his business endeavors was truly earned. This success translated into politics where he served as president of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce and as a Florida State Representative from 1964 to 1966.

Mr. Huntley's largest accomplishments, however, can be attributed to what he gave back to his family and community. Mr. Huntley was a great family man, with a loving wife, Mary, by his side for over a half- century. Together, they raised three children, Ward, Frank and Edith, who along with their nine grandchildren will carry on his legacy for generations to come. He loved to keep active with charities like the Boy Scouts of America and Rotary International, where he had a perfect attendance record for decades. He was also a man of deep Christian faith who employed his strong family values in his professional and personal life.

Mr. Huntley's life was successful not only because of his hard work and determination, but because he cared so much about those around him. Through innovation and leadership, he was able to create so much in his professional life, yet he still found time be a loving father and husband. He earned the respect and friendship from those that knew him; he will truly be missed.

I would like to send my condolences to his family and those mourning his loss. Although he will be greatly missed, his story will live on for others to follow.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Rabbi Solomon Schiff on the occasion of his retirement as Director of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation's Community Chaplaincy Service, and as executive vice president of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami. The entire South Florida community has benefited from his more than 40 years of outstanding community service.

Rabbi Schiff has become one of the most recognizable members of the south Florida Jewish community, and his tremendous influence extends far beyond the Jewish people. As a spiritual advisor, an interfaith liaison, and a dedicated community leader, he has truly touched the lives of countless individuals representing all religious persuasions and backgrounds. Anyone having met Rabbi Schiff can attest to his love of his fellow man, his desire to make the world a kinder and gentler place, and his ability to bring people of all faiths and political persuasions together.

Rabbi Schiff has been called upon several times to offer prayers both in the House of

Representatives and the Senate. In 1992, President George H. W. Bush appointed Rabbi Schiff to serve on the ``We Will Rebuild Committee.'' This committee helped restore the areas in south Florida that were severely damaged by Hurricane Andrew. Lawton Chiles, the late Governor of Florida, appointed Rabbi Schiff to serve on a task force to examine the problems of the homeless. Thanks to that task force, two new homeless assistance centers were created in Miami-Dade County alone. More recently, Florida Governor Jeb Bush invited Rabbi Schiff to serve on his Faith-Based Advisory Board.

Rabbi Schiff is known and admired for treating everyone with equal dignity and respect. He has always found time in his schedule to visit as many in need as possible, from ill hospital patients to the homeless. His spiritual guidance is an enduring legacy to the countless individuals he has encountered throughout his career.

Although Rabbi Schiff has won numerous awards, and has served on many local and national committees, the greatest honor he has ever received is the love and support of his family. He and his wife, Shirley, have three grown sons, Elliot, Jeffrey and Steven, and they are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren. I wish him well as he begins this new chapter in his life, and we all celebrate his many remarkable achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

I rise today in strong support of this bill introduced by my distinguished colleague and friend, Mr. Shadegg of Arizona.

This measure establishes a grant program to fund joint ventures between American and Israeli businesses and scholars and calls for the creation of an International Energy Advisory Board comprised of U.S. and Israeli representatives working in tandem toward the diversification of our sources of energy.

Today, due to our reliance on the foreign supply of oil, the United States is in a troubling position that is quickly escalating. As reported by the Department of Energy, U.S. dependence on foreign oil will increase by 33 percent in the next 20 years.

What makes the situation even worse is that frequently the money invested in foreign oil to meet our energy needs is then manipulated to fund terrorists who aim to attack us and our closest allies.

Part of the solution to this problem is simple: eliminating our dependency on Middle Eastern sources of energy and developing alternative energy sources to meet our needs.

Although developing alternative energy sources, that is, forms of energy, is far from easy, it is necessary for our continued security. Working together with Israel on developing such alternatives and on improving energy efficiency makes perfect sense.

Israel is a close and much valued friend of the United States, one with whom we share a deep bond based on mutual values of freedom, justice and democracy and one with whom we stand side by side in our struggle against terror.

Israeli scientists have developed some of the world's most advanced technology, contributing greatly to breakthroughs in vital fields. One of Israel's many technological breakthroughs in the field of renewable energy sources includes a technique that significantly increases the efficiency of using solar energy to generate hydrogen for use in energy cells.

Mutual collaboration would yield great benefits for both the United States and Israel in an effort to develop technological solutions to our energy dependency problem.

Mr. Speaker, by supporting this bill, the United States Congress will enhance the cooperation between our two countries and will jump-start the creative process for the development of innovative approaches to a critical issue with domestic and national security implications.

And I thank the gentleman, the sponsor, for his time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, as an original cosponsor of this legislation, as well as the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 5682, the United States and India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act.

I would like to thank Chairman Hyde and Ranking Member Lantos for their dedicated work on this important issue, and for their willingness to work with me as well as other Members of the House International Relations Committee to ensure that the bill before us today achieves that delicate balance between strengthening our democratic ally, India, and expanding our bilateral strategic efforts, while promoting U.S. nonproliferation priorities.

Given the overwhelming positive committee vote on this measure, I am confident that we have achieved this balance, Mr. Speaker. By providing the legal foundation for full civilian nuclear cooperation, this bill supports the strategic objectives for our global partnership with India, and that was signed a year ago by President Bush and Prime Minister Singh.

As India stands firm with the United States and our efforts to confront and eliminate the scourge of global terrorism, and to prevent the spread of dangerous nuclear technology, this bill seeks to reward and recognize India's commitment, while building upon our bilateral cooperation and strategic relationship to address broader U.S. national security priorities.

Mr. Speaker, this is not a proposal that we would offer to just any nation. It is a venture we would only enter with our most trusted and proven democratic allies. As such, the bill we will be considering today clearly notes that India is a special case. It outlines the record of achievement that distinguishes India from the pack, and that has earned India this special treatment.

Notably, I am referring to section 2 of the bill, Mr. Speaker, which defines certain criteria that are crucial to the U.S. and which India has met. Section 2 recognizes that India is a country that has demonstrated responsible behavior with respect to the nonproliferation of technology related to weapons of mass destruction programs, and the means to deliver them; that India is working with the United States in key foreign policy initiatives related to nonproliferation.

India's commitment to cooperate with us on such major issues as the spread of nuclear weapons material and technology to groups and countries of concern, such as Iran, advances the strategic security interests of us in the United States.

However, to reiterate, Mr. Speaker, this bill seeks to go beyond the status quo, and it builds upon existing commitments and cooperation. Section 3 of the bill focuses our policy on securing India's full and active involvement in dissuading, isolating, and if necessary, sanctioning and containing Iran for its efforts to acquire chemical, biological and nuclear weapons capability, and the means to deliver those deadly unconventional weapons.

This section also establishes, as U.S. official policy, the need to secure India's participation in the Proliferation Security Initiative, including a formal commitment to the statement of interdiction principles.

It also calls for the achievement of a moratorium by India, by Pakistan, and by China, of fissile materials for nuclear explosives purposes. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, this bill ensures that Congress can exercise its congressional oversight, and it outlines a number of steps that the President must determine and report to the Congress that have taken place before we consider the final agreement.

Among other conditions, the certification under section 4 requires that India provide the U.S. and the International Atomic Energy Agency with a credible plan to separate its nuclear facilities, and that India file a declaration with the IAEA regarding the civilian sites.

It calls for India and the International Atomic Energy Agency to have concluded an agreement that subjects these nuclear facilities to perpetual safeguards. The President must also certify that India is taking concrete steps to prevent the spread of dangerous nuclear- related technology, such as by enacting and enforcing comprehensive export controls and regulations that are in keeping with the highest regional and international standards, such as those of the Nuclear Suppliers Club.

More importantly, Mr. Speaker, Congress will be able to review and approve the final framework agreement for U.S.-India nuclear agreements. Lastly, H.R. 5682 calls on the U.S. Government to provide Congress with detailed annual reports on implementation of this deal and on U.S. nonproliferation policy throughout South Asia.

In short, nuclear cooperation under this proposed legislation could enhance not just U.S. security but actually international security as a whole.

In light of the vital implications of this legislation, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in joining me and voting ``yes'' on the U.S. and India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act. I thank my good friend for the time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5877) to amend the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 to extend the authorities provided in such Act until September 29, 2006.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in strong support of H.R. 5877, a bill I introduced yesterday with Chairman Hyde of the House International Relations Committee; Mr. Lantos, coauthor of the Iran Freedom Support Act and ranking member of the International Relations Committee; and my ranking member on the Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia, Mr. Ackerman.

This bill is a simple housekeeping measure to, on one hand, prevent the original Iran and Libya Sanctions Act from lapsing; and, on the other hand, to afford additional time for the House and Senate to reach an agreement on the final text of the comprehensive Iran legislation, the Iran Freedom Support Act.

The focus of the Congress continues to be that articulated through the Iran Freedom Support Act, which is to address the totality of the Iranian threat and strengthen our approach to this rogue state; to hold Iran accountable for its threatening policies; and to induce greater cooperation from our allies to compel Iran to cease and desist in its pursuit of nuclear weapons capabilities.

To achieve that end, Mr. Speaker, we need H.R. 5877, which would extend the original ILSA until September 29 of this year, affording us the additional time to finalize the text of the Iran Freedom Support Act to be sent to the President for his signature.

I ask for a ``yes'' vote on this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am attaching an exchange of letters between Chairman Hyde and Chairman Thomas concerning the bill H.R. 5877. ``To amend the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 to extend the authorities provided in such Act until September 29, 2006''.

Committee on Ways and Means,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC, July 26, 2006.

Hon. Henry J. Hyde,

Chairman, Committee on International Relations, Rayburn House

Office Building, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Hyde: I am writing regarding H.R. 5877, a

bill ``To amend the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 to

extend the authorities provided in such Act until September

29, 2006,'' which is scheduled for floor consideration on

Wednesday, July 26, 2006.

Because H.R. 5877 would amend the Iran and Libya Sanctions

Act of 1996 (ILSA) to have the effect of extending the

application of an import ban, it falls within the

jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means. However, in

order to expedite this legislation for floor consideration,

the Committee will forgo action on this bill. This is being

done with the understanding that this legislation is being

expedited in order to ensure that ILSA does not lapse while

the Congress is considering additional changes to ILSA such

as those contained in H.R. 282, the Iran Freedom Support Act,

which was passed by the House of Representatives on April 26,

2006. This action is also being done with the understanding

that it does not in any way prejudice the Committee with

respect to the appointment of conferees or its jurisdictional

prerogatives on H.R. 5877, H.R. 282, or similar legislation.

I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming

this understanding, and would ask that a copy of our exchange

of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional

Record during floor consideration.

Best regards,

Bill Thomas,

Chairman.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 844) congratulating the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative on ten years of significant achievement in the search for an HIV/AIDS vaccine, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise tonight to request the support of my colleagues for House Resolution 844, a resolution congratulating the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative on 10 years of achievement in advancing the search for an HIV/AIDS vaccine.

Since emerging in 1981, HIV/AIDS has viciously spread across the globe, compromising economic and political stability in developing countries and indiscriminately taking the lives of over 25 million men, women and children. The cost of HIV/AIDS has been staggering.

Thankfully, the global response has accelerated. From the beginning, countless organizations and individuals took up the battle against HIV/ AIDS, committing extensive resources and giving deeply of themselves to fight an epidemic which would prove to be a formidable foe. Until 1996, however, insufficient attention and resources were being devoted to the development of a preventive HIV/AIDS vaccine, a development that would have the potential to end a plague that has devastated much of our world for a quarter century. It was this realization, Mr. Speaker, that led to the founding of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative in 1996.

Founded as a public-private partnership, the Initiative's mission is the development of safe, effective and accessible HIV/AIDS vaccines, especially in developing countries where the need is greatest. With a philosophy that has galvanized scientists, academics, nonprofit organizations, governments and faith communities, the Initiative's progress has been substantial. The Initiative has opened a Core Clinical Immunology Laboratory and a network of field laboratories throughout the countries hit worst by HIV/AIDS, conducting numerous vaccine trials in countries such as Kenya, India and South Africa. As a testament to their vitality, activism and commitment, the majority of new HIV/AIDS vaccine candidates are due in large part to the efforts of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative.

We are reminded that HIV/AIDS is a global obstacle which continues to challenge our collective goal of a free, prosperous and peaceful world. In the struggle against this disease which infects nearly 14,000 people a day, the Initiative's work is of tremendous importance and its progress has been notable.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution to extend the House's congratulations to the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative on 10 years of achievement.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for the time.

I rise in strong support of the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement. Following the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement last year, Mr. Speaker, the U.S.-Oman FTA sends a clear message that we are committed to improving our relationship with the Middle East while improving our international trade interests.

The agreement goes beyond addressing trade issues. As part of the FTA, Oman commits to intensifying its political reform efforts to enhance participation of all of its citizens in the process. Oman has also implemented economic changes that will make entry into its domestic and international markets more accessible to private citizens.

Additionally, the FTA has stipulations that Oman complete labor reforms by October 31 of this year. However, of its own volition, Oman began enacting these reforms beginning in 2003, and earlier this month many of the remaining reforms were implemented by a royal decree. Some of the recent changes include dispute settlement procedures for labor representatives, the ability to call for strikes, and strengthening of legal protections for women and foreign workers. Oman has ratified the International Labor Organization conventions against child and forced labor.

Not only has Oman undertaken domestic reforms, but it has also made strides to change its international policy by pulling out of the Arab League boycott of Israel and repealing all aspects of the boycott. This shows a clear commitment to Oman's desire to function in accordance with international trade norms of equality and full market access.

The 9/11 Commission report states that economic reforms will be the key to changing the cultural landscape in the Middle East. As such, this FTA is about much more than trade; it is a tool for advancing U.S. strategic interests. Oman is a key ally in the global war on terror and has provided critical assistance to our Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In short, this U.S.-Oman FTA will help to improve our market access and increase national security; and, therefore, I would like to reiterate my strong support for this mutually beneficial agreement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time.

Today I rise in strong support of H. Res. 911, and I would like to join my fellow Members of this Chamber in expressing our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of the victims.

Last Tuesday, as all of us know, the explosions in India's financial capital of Mumbai killed 207 people, wounding an additional 800. As the deadly bombings occurred during Mumbai's rush hour, aimed at killing as many innocent civilians as possible, they constitute the most heinous acts of terrorism.

The United States stands in solemn support of the Indian people in the face of this terrible tragedy. As cochair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, which I am proud to share with the gentleman from New York (Mr. Ackerman), I take the everlasting bond between the United States and India very seriously.

Just last night Mr. Ackerman and I, along with other colleagues and members of the Indian American community, were together in celebrating this expanding and positive relationship between our two countries. We greatly value India's commitment to democracy, and we are grateful that it stands beside the United States as an ally in the war on Islamofascism.

In the wake of the tragic September 11 attacks, India was the first nation to step forward and offer assistance to our Nation. Five years later, the United States humbly offers its assistance to India. Your loss is our loss. Your struggles are our struggles.

Due to the Indian Government's swift response to the attacks, police have captured five persons suspected to be involved. America stands by the Indian people and its government in their efforts to bring to justice those responsible, and we will work together with India to disrupt and dismantle the networks that have made attacks like these all too possible.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I am proud to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), our distinguished majority whip.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I am proud to yield 2 minutes to my colleague the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw), who is a staunch supporter of Israel and who has been there many times.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in strong support of the resolution before us, introduced by our distinguished majority leader and two foreign policy giants, our International Relations chairman, Henry Hyde and our ranking member, Tom Lantos. We wish that circumstances were different in the Middle East, and we regret the loss of innocent human life.

However, silence on our part in the face of these outrageous attacks against Israel would only serve to embolden these Islamic terrorists and their neighbors. Our stance, therefore, must be clear, Mr. Speaker; we condemned these armed attacks against Israel.

We fully support Israel's right to take appropriate action to defend itself in the face of these existential threats, and we must hold not just Hamas and Hezbollah but also Iran and Syria accountable.

Mr. Speaker, the current conflict in the Middle East is not simply the result of these most recent developments. Rather, it results from the efforts of the chain of interrelated extremist entities and their state sponsors who threaten not just Israel but our own security interests as well.

It stems from a deep-seated desire to destroy the State of Israel, or, as the Iranian leader has said, to wipe Israel off the map. It stems from Iran's desire to export its revolution and to exert regional domination. It is based on a world view that led to the taking of American hostages in 1979, who were held for 444 days, and that hatred against the U.S. as not gone unabated.

The events of the recent weeks find their roots in an alliance between Iran and Syria and their terrorist proxies, which, throughout the years, have caused the deaths and injuries of countless Israelis and Americans alike. Current developments are also linked to the failure of the United Nations to ensure full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1559 requiring Hezbollah to dismantle and disarm.

Over the past year, Israel has shown tremendous restraint in the face of continued assault from Islamic extremists. Despite Israel's withdrawal from Gaza last year, terror attacks targeting innocent Israeli civilians continued and, in fact, have increased.

In the last year extremists in Gaza have launched over 1,000 rockets at Israelis. Weapons, money and manpower were smuggled to Gaza through tunnels, enabling continued terrorism and transforming the areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority into havens for international terror groups like al Qaeda.

Hamas and other jihadist groups use such underground tunnels to sneak into Israel, to kill two soldiers and kidnap Corporal Shalit in order to exchange him for imprisoned, condemned, Palestinian terrorists. The situation intensified on July 12 when members of Hezbollah, without a hint of provocation, went into Israel and killed three Israeli soldiers and took two others hostages.

Again, this was not an isolated incident by Hezbollah. In the past year these extremists launched at least four attacks into Israel. One of these took place on November 2005 when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel while a large number of its jihadists infiltrated and attacked an Israeli village.

The enemy should not and must not be underestimated. Iran and Syria and other terrorist enablers are engaged in a never-ending struggle to improve their relative power position. They have declared war on freedom and democracy, and will use any means available to them to achieve their ends.

They not only present a threat to Israel and to the U.S., but also to moderate reforming Arab governments in the region. In turn, we must resolve, as this resolution clearly states, to work with Israel and other U.S. allies to fight these extremists worldwide.

As Robert Satloff of the Washington Institute for Near East Policies recently said, defeat for Israel is a defeat for U.S. interests. It will inspire radicals of every stripe. It will release Iran and Syria to spread more mayhem inside Iraq, and make more likely our own eventual confrontation with this emboldened alliance of extremists.

By contrast, Satloff adds, victory in the form of Hezbollah disarmament, the expulsion of Iran's military presence from Lebanon, the eviction of Meshal and friends from Damascus, and the demise of the Hamas government in Gaza is, by the same token, also a victory for the U.S. and for Western interests.

Mr. Speaker, this says it all. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time, and I also ask unanimous consent that the time for debate on this measure be extended for 40 minutes, to be equally divided between the proponent and opponent.

Mr. Speaker, further, I yield 10 minutes of my time to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the ranking member of the Committee on International Relations, and ask unanimous consent that he be permitted to control that time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley) for a unanimous consent request.

(Mr. FOLEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I am proud to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor), the chief deputy whip.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Dr. Paul for yielding me that time, and I yield 12\3/4\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and ask unanimous consent that he be allowed to control that time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from West Virginia.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the chairman of the Subcommittee on International Terrorism and Nonproliferation.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hensarling).

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth).

(Mr. HAYWORTH asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady).

Madam Speaker, I am so pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Franks).

Madam Speaker, before yielding to my colleague from Florida, I would like to thank Mr. Dan Freeman, our parliamentarian of the House International Relations Committee who has steered us correctly through this debate; and Dr. Yleen Boblete, who spent so many hours drafting this resolution; and, of course, our staff director for the committee Dr. Hillel Weinberg, who has been working so many hours as well.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon), who is ever patient.

Madam Speaker, before yielding my time to Mr. Lantos, I would also like to recognize the work of Jen Stuart, the foreign policy advisor to the majority leader, who has spent so many hours working on this resolution.

And with that, Madam Speaker, I will be glad to yield the remainder of our time, minus 1 minute, so we can close, to Mr. Lantos.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of our time.

Madam Speaker, I also would like to thank the gentleman from California, our ranking member of the International Relations Committee, for handling this debate in such a skillful manner. We want to thank our majority leader Mr. Boehner, who was one of the authors of this resolution; and, of course, our esteemed chairman of the International Relations Committee, Mr. Hyde.

I would like to thank all of the Members who participated in this debate, in this very civil debate on a very important topic.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 908) congratulating Italy on winning the 2006 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to request my colleagues' support for H. Res. 908, a resolution congratulating Italy on winning the 2006 Federation Internationale de Football Association, or FIFA, World Cup.

On July 9, 2006 the Italian team, known affectionately in Italy as Azzurri, or ``The Blue,'' secured its place as one of the most successful teams in World Cup history, having reached the finals six times and having just won its championship.

Under the leadership of Coach Marcello Lippi and Captain Fabio Cannavaro, the Italian team went undefeated in World Cup play. I must point out in a bit of national pride that the only team Italy was unable to defeat was our very own United States National Team, with whom Italy tied 1-1.

The Italian championship at the FIFA World Cup highlights the vibrant culture and the heritage of Italy, the same vibrant culture and heritage brought to America by millions of Italian immigrants that has enriched and continues to enrich our great Nation through countless contributions to every aspect of our society.

This is a proud heritage that is shared by millions of Italian Americans, and a pride which extends to the Italian National World Cup team. Countless Americans throughout the United States rejoiced at Italy's success, and it is with a hearty ``bene fatto'' that I extend congratulations to Italy and to the Italian International Soccer team on winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup. I urge my colleagues to do likewise by agreeing to this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella), the original sponsor of this resolution.

(Mr. FOSSELLA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 905) congratulating Kazakhstan on the 15th

anniversary of the closure of the world's second largest nuclear test site in the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan and for its efforts on the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of House Resolution 905, congratulating Kazakhstan on the 15th anniversary of the closure of the world's second largest nuclear test site, and for its efforts on nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Kazakhstan was once home to the second largest nuclear test site in the world. From the years of 1945 to 1991, over 450 tests were carried out at that site.

After becoming independent from the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan was left with more than 1,000 nuclear warheads and with 40 heavy bombers armed with 370 nuclear warheads and comprising the world's fourth largest nuclear arsenal.

Immediately after achieving its independence, Kazakhstan successfully closed and secured its enormous nuclear test site.

Kazakhstan accepted support from the U.S. Department of Energy and readily complied with the nuclear threat initiative, blending down over 6,000 pounds of weapons grade highly enriched uranium.

Given the threats that we are facing from rogue states such as Iran, which has blatantly violated its nuclear nonproliferation obligations and which refuses to immediately stop its nuclear-related and weapons- related activities, we welcome the opportunity to stand here today commemorating Kazakhstan's landmark decision.

In addition to inheriting a massive nuclear arsenal from the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan was also left with the world's largest anthrax production and weaponizing facility.

Through cooperation with the United States Cooperative Threat Reduction program, CTR, Kazakhstan was able to successfully dismantle the military-related buildings and equipment related to such anthrax programs.

I ask my colleagues to support this important resolution and, in so doing, join us in commending the people and the government of Kazakhstan on the 15th anniversary of the closure of the world's second largest nuclear test site and for greatly advancing global nonproliferation efforts by dismantling its nuclear and biological weapons and facilities.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would like to yield 5 minutes of our time to the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega).

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 784) commending and supporting Radio Al Mahaba, Iraq's first and only radio station for women.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, House Resolution 784, introduced by our colleague Mrs. McCarthy, and a measure of which I am proud to be an original cosponsor, commends and supports Iraq's first and only radio station for women, Al Mahaba. All of us who have spent time in the Middle East know of the courage that it takes for women to take to the airwaves and provide education and information for women.

It was April 1, 2005, when Al Mahaba first went on the air. Despite personal risk, these courageous people took to the airwaves, in the words of the resolution, to reach out and touch people's lives, and give hope, knowledge empowerment, support and a passage to freedom to Iraqi women.

Its commitment was to serve as an important education resource for women, for broadcasting in three languages, and enabling women to hear, some for the very first time, messages about women's rights and women's issues. Radio Al Mahaba provides a forum for women to voice their opinions and to hear the opinions of other women who face the complexities of life for women in the Middle East.

The programming on Al Mahaba deals with issues specifically focused on women, which includes such important topics as relationships, parenting and other social issues which are not dealt with in other media. This radio station, which operates within the aura of what we in America know as our first amendment rights of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, is a wonderful example to Iraqi women and Iraqi people nationwide of the benefits of freedom. It plays an important role in paving the way for women to have more of a fundamental impact on Iraqi society.

House Resolution 784 appropriately commends the efforts of these pioneers. It supports the mission of Radio Al Mahaba and it encourages it to continue with its important work. I urge my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to support this important resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) who is going to close our debate, the cochair of the Iraqi Women's Caucus here in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 860) to provide for the conveyance of the reversionary interest of the United States in certain lands to the Clint Independent School District, El Paso County, Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 860, a bill to provide for the conveyance of the reversionary interest of the United States in certain lands to the Clint Independent School District of El Paso County, Texas.

In 1940, the Clint District School received 20 acres of land that the United States Government had obtained by treaty with Mexico. The Department of State retained reversionary interests in the parcel. Because of legislation passed in 1957, Clint was able to trade the land for another piece of land in which the U.S. Government also had a reversionary interest. The Clint School District still owns that piece of land.

During the 105th Congress, Congressman Reyes introduced legislation, a similar bill to the one before us, which would have provided for the conveyance of the reversionary interest of the United States in this land to the Clint Independent School District. This legislation became public law number 105-169 on April 24, 1998, but a drafting error led to the misidentification of the land in question and thus rendered this public law obsolete. This bill before us, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 860, corrects that error.

Mr. Speaker, because the land in question still lies outside of Clint's boundaries, regulations prevent the school district from developing it. H.R. 860 will allow Clint to sell its land in

order to buy property within its district boundaries that can be used for public educational purposes.

This legislation has been approved by the State Department and approved by the House International Relations Committee and I urge its passage.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 435) congratulating Israel's Magen David Adom Society for achieving full membership in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 435, congratulating Israel's Magen David Adom Society for achieving full membership in the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement.

On June 22, the Society was recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross and admitted as a full member into the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The Society's attaining full membership in the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement is a significant achievement, as it marks an end to Israel's almost 60-year-old isolation from the international human rights assistance community.

Since 1949, the Society has been refused admission into the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement simply due to the fact that they used the Red Shield of David as its symbol. For years, the Society has worked closely with the International Red Cross bringing emergency relief to victims of hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods around the globe.

It has brought its medical services and cutting-edge technology to provide assistance to disasters, such as Katrina in the U.S. Gulf Coast, tsunami relief in southeast Asia, and the flooding in Romania. This resolution commends the Magen David Adom Society for its distinguished record of humanitarian service and congratulates this organization for achieving full membership in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The resolution before us thanks the President and the Secretary of State for their tireless efforts toward this goal, and for submitting to the Senate the third additional protocol for the Geneva Convention.

The resolution also expresses appreciation to the American Red Cross for its insistence that the goals of the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement could not be credibly accomplished if Magen David Adom was excluded.

Lastly, this measure thanks the Government of Switzerland and the International Committee of the Red Cross for paving the way for Israel's full inclusion into the international humanitarian assistance community.

I would like to extend my personal congratulations to the Magen David Adom for the remarkable job that it has done for years in saving the lives around the globe and for this landmark achievement.

I want to give a personal congratulations to my ranking member on the Middle East and Central Asia Subcommittee, Mr. Ackerman, who is the author and the chief sponsor of this resolution. This is a subject with which he has been intimately involved in a number of years, and it is thanks in large part to his participation in this effort that we have finally brought this organization on board. Congratulations.

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

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

my time. It has been a pleasure working with my good friend, Mr. Ackerman.