Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Congresswomen Brown-Waite, Solis, Capps and the entire Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues to recognize the 8th Annual Women in the Military Wreath Laying Ceremony hosted by the Caucus at Arlington National Cemetery. The Purpose of this event is to honor our nation's servicewomen and female veterans for their courage and achievements, and to remember women who have died in service to the United States.

Today we have the opportunity to recognize five outstanding female servicewomen, one selected from each branch of the military. These women serve their respective branches with honor, dignity, and courage. These highly decorated leaders chose to defend our freedom and embody the spirit of those that served before them.

From the United States Coast Guard Reserves, we will honor Senior Chief Jensen, who currently has an Extended Active duty contract with the Coast Guard and is assigned to Coast Guard Headquarters, Office of Command and Control Architecture.

Senior Chief Jensen enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserves on July 11, 1990 as a Third Class Yeoman. Her first unit was Coast Guard Reserve Unit Pensacola, Florida, where she served for five years. In November of 1995, then a Second Class Petty Officer, she reported to the Gulf Strike Team in Mobile, AL. During this period she was sent on special assignment for 6 months to the National Drug Intelligence Center, Johnstown, PA where she was one of only five enlisted members to ever serve. Her second special assignment came when she was requested for support of the joint agency drug operation, ``Operation Gulf Shield'' in South Texas for a period of seven months.

Senior Chief Jensen has repeatedly demonstrated outstanding performance, leadership, and devotion to the U.S. Coast Guard, as is evidenced by the awards she has received, which include a Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, the Coast Guard Commandant's Letter of Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon with Operational distinguishing device, both Active Duty and Reserve Good Conduct Medals, the 911 Ribbon, Reserve Forces Medal, Rifle and Pistol Shot Ribbons at the Marksman level.

Senior Chief Jensen continues to distinguish herself as an invaluable leader in the US Marine Corps, and it is an honor for each Member of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues to recognize the courage and commitment of Senior Chief Jensen and all women in the military.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my support for H.R. 1499, the Heroes Retirement Opportunities Act. This important legislation allows military personnel serving combat zones to deduct contributions to their individual retirement plans.

The brave men and women of the United States armed forces risk their lives to defend our freedom and to continue the war on terror. These outstanding individuals are called upon to be stronger, braver, and tougher than they ever thought possible.

It is our duty to reward the men and women who risk their lives for our country, and the Heroes Retirement Opportunities Act accomplishes that goal. This bill will protect as much of their pay for the future as possible.

I know first hand the sacrifices our service men and women make. My husband retired 1st Lieutenant Dexter Lehtinen, was wounded in the Vietnam War by a grenade that almost took his life. Soon my stepson, Aviator 1st Lieutenant Douglas Lehtinen, is preparing to deploy to Iraq. I am certain that he will meet individuals who, like his father, have paid a tremendous price to uphold our ideals of freedom and democracy. By passing the Heroes Retirement Opportunities Act, we can do our part to assure a more certain future for those who risk their lives to protect ours.

To all the brave men and women who have served and now serve in our armed forces . . .

Thank you, on behalf of a grateful Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my support of H.R. 243, and to recognize the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the National Safe Boating Council for their efforts to promote National Safe Boating Week.

I represent Florida's 18th District, and a large portion of my Congressional district is surrounded by water. To many of my constituents, and to many Floridians, boating is a way of life. National Safe Boating Week reminds us that even the most experienced boater must always be attentive and vigilant to prevent accidents that hurt or kill thousands of Americans each year. The National Safe Boating Council deserves our thanks for its public education efforts.

The Coast Guard's mission is not limited to our home waters. Numerous Coast Guard vessels are deployed to U.S. Central Command in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, including two 110-foot patrol boats from South Florida--the USCGC Baranof and the USCGC Maui, each with 22 personnel aboard--are currently deployed in Bahrain and patrol in the North Arabian Gulf.

I join the citizens of South Florida in saluting the bravery and dedication of the men and women serving in the United States Coast Guard who are keeping the American people safe and who are defending our freedom both at home and abroad.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the newest baseball, State of Florida, High School Champions, the Key West High School baseball team.

Located in the southernmost point of Florida, the Conchs captured their 11th State title by beating Orlando Bishop Moore by a score of 7- 0. This is the first State title for the Conchs since 1998, capping an incredible season.

At the beginning of the year, the Conchs were ranked fifth in the Nation by Baseball America Magazine, and they surely did not disappoint. Their 27-to-5 record demonstrates their commitment and their resilience, Mr. Speaker.

Key West High School is the little school that could; and, boy, they sure did. Congratulations to the Key West High School baseball team on its incredible season. Hats off to the athletes, their proud parents, the coaching staff, the school administrator, the Monroe County Public School Superintendent Randy Acevedo, and all of the proud residents of Monroe County, and most especially Key West. Their win is a victory for all of Monroe County. Go Conchs!

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the Pulmonary Hypertension Association for raising awareness and for creating a network of support for patients with pulmonary hypertension. I would especially like to recognize the dedication of my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and his family, but especially the courage of his granddaughter, Charity Sunshine, who suffers from this rare, chronic, debilitating condition, which is characterized by increased pressure in the pulmonary vessels.

It is encouraging to note that significant advances have been made, enabling doctors to provide more effective medical therapies.

So please join me in thanking the Lantos family and the PHA for their unwavering commitment to finding a cure for pulmonary hypertension. My prayers are with all who are affected by this condition.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to pay tribute to Jack Horkheimer, the Executive Director of the Miami Space Transit Planetarium. For over 25 years, Jack has been a pioneer in the advancement of science exploration and discovery.

Jack Horkheimer has worked diligently throughout his tenure at the Miami of Science to enhance and transform planetarium presentations. He is best known as the creator, producer and host of the television show, ``Star Hustler/Star Gazer,'' that has been shown weekly for over 25 years. His sign-off motto, ``Keep Looking Up,'' has become familiar to many. Mr. Horkheimer has appeared on major television and radio networks, and has led several solar eclipse expeditions, as well as the first Halley's Comet Chase. Presently, Mr. Horkheimer is assisting associates position a telescope on the International Space Station.

In January 2001, the International Astronomical Union renamed ``Asteroid 1999 FD,'' the asteroid that orbits between Mars and Jupiter, to ``Asteroid Horkheimer'' in honor of his contributions to astronomy. Mr. Horkheimer has also received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Astronomical League, as well as the 12 Good Men Award presented to him by the Ronald McDonald House. In May 2000, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the International Fine Arts College, and was also the recipient of the Klumpke-Roberts Award from the Astronomical Society ofthe Pacific. He is the Founding Member of the International Planetarium Society, co-editor of ``The Planetarium,'' and past editor of ``Southern Skies,''

In addition, Mr. Horkheimer has established several annual scholarship funds for young students, providing them the opportunity to study astronomy.

Mr. Speaker, many in my home state of Florida have benefited immeasurably from Mr. Horkheimer's leadership and involvement in our community. My daughters are among many South Floridians that have had the unique opportunity to visit this exceptional facility. It is truly an asset to our community, and I encourage my colleagues in the House to pay tribute to Mr. Jack Horkheimer.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2066) to amend title 40, United States Code, to establish a Federal Acquisition Service, to replace the General Supply Fund and the Information Technology Fund with an Acquisition Services Fund, and for other purposes.

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 H.R. 2066.

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Government Reform, I rise in support of H.R. 2066, the General Services Administration Modernization Act. This legislation would provide a reorganization of the General Services Administration, the Federal agency that is charged with procuring the facilities, products, services, and technology that Federal agencies and their employees need every day. H.R. 2066 will ensure that the GSA maximizes its use of taxpayer funds.

This legislation has been under consideration in our Committee on Government Reform for a number of years, and it has been the subject of multiple legislative and oversight hearings and was included in the President's budget proposal for fiscal year 2006. Specifically, H.R. 2066 would combine GSA's current Federal Supply Service and Federal Technology Service into a single entity, operating out of a united fund. This would provide Federal agencies with a one-stop shop to acquire all of their commercial goods and services.

The separate technology fund was created in the 1980s to assist agencies as they incorporated complex mainframe computers into their daily operations. But today information technology is as common in the Federal workplace as furniture. Having two separate entities within GSA, one focusing on IT goods and services, one focusing on non-IT goods and services, is no longer appropriate. So H.R. 2066 would provide GSA with the statutory structure that it needs to bring it in line with the current commercial market.

Overall, the reforms provided in H.R. 2066 would help GSA streamline its operations, improve its performance and efficiency far into the future. I urge its passage today, Mr. Speaker, and I congratulate the bill's distinguished authors, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) for working to create such a thoughtful bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my motion to suspend the rules on H.R. 2066.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2066) to amend title 40, United States Code, to establish a Federal Acquisition Service, to replace the General Supply Fund and the Information Technology Fund with an Acquisition Services Fund, and for other purposes, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, as we had discussed, the bill before us is going to provide the General Services Administration with the statutory structure that it needs to bring it in line with the current commercial market transactions, and it is going to streamline its operation and improve its performance. There are no objections to the bill.

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

(Mr. DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2066, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 280) celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, as amended.

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 H. Res. 280.

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

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 280 celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The resolution honors the immense contributions that Asians and Pacific Islanders have made to our Nation.

This month, May, is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and the theme is ``Freedom For All--A Nation We Can Call Our Own.''

Today, more than 14 million native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Asians call America their home nation. This legislation is a fitting tribute to our Asian and Pacific Island friends and neighbors. I thank the House leadership, particularly the Majority Leader for scheduling this meaningful resolution today.

Congress first observed this commemoration in 1978 as Asian Pacific American Heritage week during the first 10 days of May. Then, in 1992, Congress expanded the commemoration to designate the entire month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The first 10 days of May include two important historical dates, May 7, which in 1843 marked the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States, and May 10, the date in 1869 on which the first North American transcontinental railroad was completed.

The railway was built heading east from Sacramento, California, and west from Omaha, Nebraska, and converged in Utah thanks to the hard work of thousands of laborers, most of whom were Chinese immigrants.

Mr. Speaker, as the war on terrorism continues today, I also wish to recognize the service that more than 300,000 Asian and Pacific veterans have made throughout American history. From the Army's courageous First and Second Filipino Regiments that General Douglas MacArthur sent to spy behind Japanese lines in World War II, to the indescribable bravery of today's soldier heroes like Marine Lance Corporal Victor Lu and Army Specialist Thai Vue, who have lost their lives in the past year in Iraq.

Asian and Pacific Americans have indeed sacrificed so much for our cherished liberty and freedoms. I know that all Members of the House join me in commending the selflessness of these veterans and active duty soldiers.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished chairman of our Committee on Government Reform, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) for his hard work on House Resolution 280.

I am pleased to be a cosponsor of the resolution, and I urge all of my colleagues to support its adoption.

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

Mr. Speaker, 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. 149) recognizing the 57th anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel, as amended.

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 H. Con. Res. 149, the concurrent resolution now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 149 marks the 57th anniversary of the State of Israel. Since its birth in 1948, Israel has stood out as a symbol of morality and courage. It has struggled constantly to maintain its independence, surmounting military attacks from hostile neighbors and prolonged terrorist campaigns.

Even while at war, Israel's democracy and its vibrant diverse and free society have stayed strong. Its doors have remained open to victims of persecution and intolerance around the world. It is the nature of the Israeli nation and the character of the Israeli people that have helped form an unbreakable bond between our nations and our people, and we are proud to call Israel our friend and ally.

The United States and Israel have a long history of friendship and cooperation. In 1948, the United States was one of the first nations to recognize Israel, doing so only 11 minutes after its creation. From that point onward, the relationship between our Nation and Israel has continued to grow.

As the first and only true democracy in the Middle East, Israel is a remarkable example to its neighbors. Israel has an active free press that constantly holds up a mirror to the government and its policies. It holds regular, free, and fair elections and has a transparent independent judiciary. Israel is home to a remarkably diverse and multiethnic society that includes Jews of Middle Eastern descent, Arabs, Druze, and immigrant communities from Russia, Ethiopia, India and, indeed, all parts of the world. Israel exemplifies religious tolerance and respect.

The Israeli people have demonstrated over and over again their commitment to peace and to security in the face of terrorist threats. Israel has worked with the neighboring countries of Egypt and Jordan to establish peaceful bilateral relations and has seen those bonds flourish and strengthen through initiatives such as the Qualified Industrial Zones which have brought prosperity and development to all of the participants involved.

Israel has also continued seeking peace with its Palestinian neighbors, despite the relentless onslaught of suicide bombers that brought the deaths of over 1,000 innocent Israelis over the last 4 years.

Even while facing militant threats from its neighbors, Israel has flourished and has given the world great gifts through its literature and art and through its medical, technological, and scientific advances. The bond between our nations and our people has never been stronger.

Accordingly, I wish to extend my best wishes and congratulations to the people of the State of Israel on their 57th Independence Day and strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), the author and the lead sponsor of this concurrent resolution.

Mr. Speaker, 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. 89) honoring the life of Sister Dorothy Stang.

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 concurrent resolution under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan) and his cosponsors for bringing this important resolution to the floor. I also wish to commend the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and our ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for expediting the consideration of this resolution in our Committee on International Relations.

Sister Dorothy worked in Brazil to directly help the people who are most in need, rural workers and peasants. She showed great personal courage by continuing on in her work with the Pastoral Land Commission despite death threats.

Brazil and the world were shocked when Sister Dorothy was murdered on February 12, 2005. She was 73 years of age. It is fitting and proper that the United States Congress should recognize the extraordinary example that Sister Dorothy set for her countrymen here in the United States and in her adoptive country of Brazil.

Today, we stand together to remember Sister Dorothy's extraordinary life. Perhaps an even more eloquent and lasting testament to Sister Dorothy's memory is the fact that Americans of faith are working every day for their fellow man in the remotest corners of the world. Many are to be found across our own hemisphere. Throughout their good works, they also honor Sister Dorothy's sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I am certain my colleagues will join me in strong support of this concurrent resolution.

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 resolution (H. Res. 191) urging the Government of Romania to recognize its responsibilities to provide equitable, prompt, and fair restitution to all religious communities for property confiscated by the former Communist government in Romania, 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 support of House Resolution 191. This resolution was introduced by the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos). House Resolution 191 urges the Government of Romania to recognize its responsibilities to provide equitable, prompt, and fair restitution to all religious communities for property confiscated by the former Communist government in Romania.

Specifically, this resolution expresses concern at the unwillingness of past governments of Romania to provide restitution of religious property that was confiscated by former Communist government officials of Romania. A central element of persecution by the Communist government in Romania was the uncompensated confiscation of property from religious communities and religious leaders, and the arrest and persecution of religious leaders. After the collapse of the Communist regime in Romania in 1989 and 1990, the new government of Romania adopted legislation to provide for the restitution of religious property seized during the previous 45 years of Communist rule. That legislation has been poorly and slowly implemented by Romanian governments over the past 15 years, and very little of this property has been returned to Romania's religious communities.

The religious communities that have been adversely affected include the Romanian Greek Catholic Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Hungarian Reformed Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, as well as the Unitarian Church, the Jewish community, and other religious communities. Given the inherent injustice in the confiscation of these properties as well as Romania's desire to engage with other democracies through Euro-Atlantic institutions such as NATO and the European Union, Romania must take steps to accelerate the return of these properties to their rightful owners.

Mr. Speaker, it is time for the government of Romania to face its responsibilities and implement what is necessary to resolve these issues. I urge the adoption of this important resolution.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 273) urging the withdrawal of all Syrian forces from Lebanon, support for free and fair democratic elections in Lebanon, and the development of democratic institutions and safeguards to foster sovereign democratic rule in Lebanon, 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.

Today I stand here filled with emotion and hope. When the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) and I began working on legislation that expressly called for Syria's full and unconditional withdrawal from Lebanon toward the restoration of the Lebanese independence, we could not have imagined that this day would come just a few years later. This is a testament to the unwavering commitment, determination, and courage of the Lebanese people and to the tireless efforts of the Lebanese- American community in the United States.

The elections scheduled to begin on May 29 mark a very important moment; but it is only the beginning of a journey toward full sovereignty and free, democratic governance. Electoral reform is necessary to ensure that future parliamentary and municipal elections are to be considered fair. We must help the Lebanese people in their quest for a free and fair electoral law as opposed to the current Syrian-orchestrated 2000 law that discriminates against certain sectors of Lebanese society and would actually help perpetuate Syrian influence in Lebanese politics.

The resolution reflects our commitment to supporting the people of Lebanon in their quest to strengthen civil society, develop democratic institutions and safeguards, and transcend sectarian divisions. A free and democratic Lebanon would have the potential to become a model for the region and a source for stability and peace.

Within this context, we must work to ensure full and immediate implementation of all aspects of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559, beginning with international verification that Syria has withdrawn all security and intelligence forces from Lebanon. That must include the removal of pro-Syrian security officers such as the military intelligence chief, the police chief, the directors of general security and state security. United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 clearly calls for free and fair elections devised without foreign interference and influence. We must safeguard against manipulation of the election registration process to allow Syria to keep its tentacles in Lebanese politics.

Simultaneously, steps must be undertaken, both bilaterally and in consultation with European allies and the United Nations, to ensure the immediate and unconditional disarming of all militias and terrorist organizations prior to the next round of elections.

The people of Lebanon should not have to live under repressive terrorist organizations any more than being forced to live under an oppressive Syrian-sponsored regime. For freedom and justice to fully blossom in Lebanon, all Lebanese prisoners of conscience held in Syrian and Lebanese jails must be released and the disappeared must be fully accounted for.

The policy of apathy must end.

Lebanon was once a land of promise, a vibrant democratic society known as the ``Paris of the Middle East.'' Ending the occupation and conducting free, fair, and transparent elections would take a quickly recovering Lebanon one step closer to realizing its full promise.

To the people of Lebanon, I would like to say that they are an inspiration to us all. They remind us of how precious liberty is; and we assure them, as they stand for their freedom, the United States will stand with them.

I want to thank the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McCotter) for introducing this important resolution. It was a pleasure working on this text with the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McCotter) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), my partner on all of these issues. My utmost appreciation goes to the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), ranking member of the Committee on International Relations, as well as to our leadership for moving this resolution expeditiously and bringing it to the floor.

I urge my colleagues to support this measure and, in turn, to support the Lebanese people in their efforts to cast off the shackles of tyranny and occupation.

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. 153) welcoming His Excellency Hamid Karzai, the President of Afghanistan, on the occasion of his visit to the United States in May 2005 and expressing support for a strong and enduring strategic partnership between the United States and Afghanistan.

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 concurrent resolution under consideration.

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

It is a pleasure to welcome His Excellency Hamid Karzai, the President of Afghanistan, to the United States and

to underscore the growing and strong friendship between our two nations.

As we continue to lead the fight against the forces of terror and oppression, we are joined by courageous leaders such as President Karzai, and we are motivated and strengthened by the strong will of the Afghan people, who experienced, firsthand, what it is to live under these dual threats.

Despite the Taliban's brutality and intolerable injustices that comprise the Taliban's legacy, their removal from power has generated clear and evident signs that the future of Afghanistan holds great promise. Millions of Afghans, once oppressed by the Taliban's terrorist regime, cast their ballots in their country's free elections in October of 2004 and elected Hamid Karzai as their leader.

A defender of freedom, President Karzai has worked tirelessly to unite and rebuild Afghanistan during this time of transition and has strived to bring security and stability while working to improve daily life.

Afghanistan has made great strides with respect to democracy, to reform, and to political openness. The women of Afghanistan, once forced to live as subhumans under a shroud that served as both a physical and symbolic instrument of the Taliban's oppression, are now vibrant and active participants in Afghan society. Afghans enjoy restored liberties and opportunities that were unheard of in recent memory. Schools have been reopened. A new banking law is in place. Businesses are blossoming around the country. But most importantly, there is hope for a better future.

The United States has stood by the Afghanistan dilemma during this critical time. We have stood by the Afghan people, helping them with the construction of centers for women, schools, building up their infrastructure, providing assistance to promote political participation, and to improve human rights for all. The United States must continue to fulfill its role as a friend to Afghanistan by providing resources and expertise and assistance to the people and the government of Afghanistan as they struggle to reconstruct themselves socially, economically, and politically.

I, therefore, Mr. Speaker, urge my colleagues to support this important resolution and clearly demonstrate to the people and the Government of Afghanistan that the United States stands firmly with them.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay special tribute to an outstanding citizen from my south Florida community, Dr. Luis Glaser. For the past 19 years, Dr. Glaser has served as provost for the University of Miami. He has been one of the university's most dynamic and energetic leaders.

As a recent graduate of the University of Miami, I am proud to have experienced firsthand his exceptional leadership.

As a Jewish refugee who fled his native Austria at the dawn of the Holocaust, Dr. Glaser understands the experience of refugees of so many countries who have made the University of Miami the international academic center that it is.

His sensitivity and his insight have allowed him to fully engage in the academic life of the university and to maintain direct personal contact with its students.

I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Dr. Luis Glaser for his wonderful service, as well as to his great wife, Ruth, for their unparalleled commitment to our south Florida community and to the University of Miami community. Go Canes. Thank you, Louie.