Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1882) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 440 South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, Florida, as the ``Arthur `Pappy' Kennedy Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 1882.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1882, introduced by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown), designates this postal facility in Orlando, Florida, as the Arthur ``Pappy'' Kennedy Post Office Building. All of the Members of the Florida delegation have signed on as cosponsors of this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the House is taking up this legislation that honors Pappy Kennedy. He became the first black city commissioner in the city of Orlando's history when he was first elected in 1972. He was truly a devoted public servant, just the kind of person who ought to be honored by this House. Pappy Kennedy sadly passed away earlier this year on March 28. With passage of this legislation, this Congress can appropriately name a post office in Pappy's hometown that will forever celebrate his loyal service.

Mr. Speaker, I want to again recognize the thoughtful work on this legislation by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown), and I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 1882, which honors Arthur ``Pappy'' Kennedy, and I urge all Members to support its passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers. I want to again congratulate my colleague, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown), for her work on this meaningful legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to share the story of a man who is far more than ordinary, a man who has achieved more than some do in three lifetimes, always compassionate, caring and loving to the community to which he belongs.

Today I am proud to honor Judge A. Jay Cristol, an astonishing man and native of Miami who remains vital, curious, and energetic. This pious man, who is dedicated to his country, put off law school to ultimately earn his distinguished Navy Wings of Gold. Judge Cristol braved active duty as an aircraft carrier combat pilot during the Korean Conflict, in addition to flying operational flights during the Cuban missile crisis. His commitment to our Nation was also seen in his volunteering to perform airlift missions to Vietnam, his affirmation being, ``I am proud to be an American and I love my country.''

Judge Cristol, who was later made an honorary professor of the Naval Justice School, was assigned by the Department of Defense to lecture abroad concerning law of naval warfare. After retiring from the Navy in 1988 and dutifully practicing law for 25 years, Judge Cristol was appointed to the bench of the U.S. bankruptcy court where he continues to serve in Florida's Southern District. If that were not enough, it is noteworthy to state that Judge Cristol is also an adjunct professor at the University School of Law.

Always positive and with a smile on his face, Jay's inquisitiveness for international terrorism led him right into the university's graduate school of international studies. Interested in naval history, he began to research the 1967 incident with the USS Liberty where Israeli air and naval forces erroneously engaged the ship in international waters off the Sinai Peninsula. His meticulous analysis formed the basis for his book, ``The Liberty Incident,'' and earned him his Ph.D. His studies and his experience in the field have made him a sought-after scholar, appearing on national broadcasts such as CNN's ``Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer.''

Mr. Speaker, what more could be said about the man who refused to see Pan Am Airlines shattered and who told the owners to ``kick the tires, light the fires and get those planes in the air,'' or the man who donates his aircraft and his time to perform angel flights, bringing children in need of medical aid who are in difficult-to-reach areas.

In his humility, Judge Cristol attributes everything simply to being lucky and always believing that we have to make peace for mankind, love instead of hate, as there we find the promise of a better humankind.

Indeed, it is an honor to speak of a man who pioneered in all of his endeavors and who continues to motivate others to do as well. Judge A. Jay Cristol is a brilliant, concerned individual who has put ripples in time with his profound dedication to a Nation that deserves him well.

Congratulations, Judge Cristol.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 315) congratulating Rafael Palmeiro of the Texas Rangers for hitting 500 major league home runs and thanking him for being a role model for the Cuban American community, as well as for all Americans.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 315, introduced by my distinguished colleague from the State of Texas (Mr. Sessions), congratulates Rafael Palmeiro of the Texas Rangers for becoming the 19th player in major league baseball history to hit 500 home runs and thanking him for being a role model for the Cuban American community and, indeed, for all Americans.

On May 11, the Texas Rangers beat the Cleveland Indians in a seemingly ordinary early season major league baseball contest. During the game, he

hit his 10th home run of the year. But this home run, Mr. Speaker, the 500th of his career, forever placed Rafael Palmeiro in a select class among baseball's greatest sluggers of all time.

In surpassing the 500 home run milestone, he affords this House a chance to recognize not only his exploits on the field, but also his selfless community-conscious conduct off the field. Mr. Speaker, Rafael Palmeiro was born on September 24, 1964, in Havana, Cuba. He left Cuba as a young boy in 1971 and moved to Miami with his mother and two of his three brothers in pursuit of political freedom. He attended Mississippi State University where he played baseball. Upon his graduation in 1985, Rafael was first selected by the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the amateur baseball draft. Within a year of being drafted, he was also selected and played in the majors where he has remained ever since.

In addition to the Cubs, Rafael played for the Texas Rangers and the Baltimore Orioles. Rafael has hit 523 home runs and batted in 1,676 runs during his outstanding 18-year career.

In between his big hits on the diamond, Rafael hits home runs off the field by staying involved in the lives of children in his community. Rafael makes regular appearances with children through programs such as Make-a-Wish Foundation of North Texas, an organization that makes individuals' wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses. Rafael also works with the Lena Pope Home in Fort Worth, Texas, which has educated, counseled, sheltered, and improved the lives of literally thousands of children each year. Rafael and his wife, Lynne, have donated generously to the Lena Pope Home and have helped the organization recruit foster parents.

In addition, this past spring, Rafael orchestrated a 2-week reading challenge for students in the Dallas area. Over 15,000 people participated in the 2-week program, and those students who read at least 500 minutes during the contest were entered into a drawing to attend the Rangers June 14 game, after which Rafael was honored for hitting 500 home runs.

Mr. Speaker, only 18 other players in major league baseball history have hit as many home runs as Rafael Palmeiro, and that alone is worthy of commendation by this House. But this resolution particularly honors Rafael's selfless service to his community.

Today, the House of Representatives, and indeed the entire Nation, salutes Rafael Palmeiro for his success, for living the American Dream, and for helping so many children to achieve their own dreams. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the adoption of House resolution 315 that honors both the athletic, as well as the philanthropic, achievements of Rafael Palmeiro.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions) for introducing this worthwhile measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from the Texas (Mr. Sessions), the sponsor and author of this resolution. Play ball.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart), who will be batting clean-up for our team. The gentleman is a good Cuban-American, a baseball fan who follows the Florida Marlins, the Yankees, and now I know, the Texas Rangers.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I also have no other speakers.

Again, I congratulate the gentleman from Texas for introducing this legislation, and I urge all Members to support the adoption of House Resolution 315.

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

Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend from Florida for yielding me time.

Mr. Chairman, it is unconscionable that after the recent arrest and the sentencing of close to 80 dissident human right activists and opposition leaders by the Castro regime, that we would be here seeking to reward the dictatorship for its deplorable action, because, make no mistake, that is what this amendment seeks to do. It is going to provide it with much needed currency to continue this reign of terror.

It defies all understanding that as the most recent prisoners of conscience languish in squalid sells, devoid of any light, malnourished, denied medical attention, the response of the United States Congress to this would be to bestow to this pariah state another victory.

In the past, as we heard from the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart), the Castro dictatorship, Fidel Castro himself, has publicly thanked the U.S. House of Representatives for passing this amendment.

I wonder if Hector Raul Valle Hernandez, a political prisoner at Guantanamo, would be as understanding. Hector languishes in a tiny, dark, squalid isolation cell. He is malnourished. He is given contaminated water. As a result, he has an increasing number of parasites in his system and is denied any medical treatment. Since his arrest of March of this year, he has lost over 40 pounds. However, he does not succumb to this torture. He remains true to his principles and beliefs. Would he be as understanding about this vote?

Like Hector, we have Marta Beatriz Roque, Oscar Espinosa Chepe, Victor Rolando Arroyo, Hector Palacios, Omar Pernet Hernandez, Juan Carlos Gonzalez Leyva, and scores of other political prisoners, like Antunez, Jorge Luis Garcia Perez, and Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, who truly deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.

Their bodies are weak, they are rapidly deteriorating; but their courage, their spirit, their commitment to a free Cuba from its enslavement is stronger than ever. What message would we be sending to these brave souls about our own commitment to their freedom?

What about our brothers and sisters just 90 miles away? Do they not bleed when they are stricken? Do they not cry out? Are they not entitled to freedom and democracy? Are they not entitled to security?

Even the European Union is realizing that its economic entanglements with Castro are not sound. In June of this year, the EU began restricting its contact with the dictatorship, citing deep concerns ``about its flagrant violations of human rights and of fundamental freedoms of members of the Cuban opposition and of independent journalists.''

Just last week, the Italian foreign minister, whose country, Italy, holds the EU presidency, stated, ``We have to say that the Cuban Government has not taken a single positive step to meet the goals that Europe has set and in fact the situation of human rights has worsened yet further.''

After years of unrestricted travel by these European tourists and officials, all of them from EU countries, countries with rich democratic traditions, has the situation of human rights in Cuba improved? No. They even say it has worsened.

So this leaves one to question the arguments raised by the proponents of this amendment about exporting democracy. Let us look at recent examples.

Georgetown University is planning an educational trip to Cuba. It cites as one of its stops El Valle de Vinales. El Valle de Vinales is a lush and beautiful valley, an environmental paradise. Not many Cubans living there. It is a wonderful tourist stop. How will being in this tourist stop help democracy grow in Cuba?

Then they highlight a tour of Old Havana and a tour of Cuba's Revolutionary Museum. Exactly to whom would the participants be exporting democracy in these visits?

And there is also a case of a delegation which traveled to Cuba just a few weeks ago. They received a license from OFAC to attend a religious retreat. It turns out that several of them were participating in a golf tournament. That was exporting democracy? OFAC is investigating this further.

Particularly revealing is the fact that when Members of Congress, certain Members of Congress, seek to travel to Cuba in order to visit political prisoners in their jail cells, rather than to meet with the dictator and his cronies, they are denied visas by the regime.

Just ask our colleagues, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), Members who have made their reputation defending human rights and holding dictators accountable for their actions. One more than one occasion, they have tried to travel to Cuba with the expressed and limited purpose of engaging the peaceful and democratic pro-democracy forces within the island. But the regime has not allowed them to travel to Cuba.

Proponents of this amendment have also recently argued that it is needed by certain sectors of the U.S. economy which have been seriously affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11. My response to that is if we wanted to help the tourism industry, come to my district. Come visit Key West, come visit Miami Beach.

Also, we are talking about much-needed currency to a state sponsor of terrorism. We are engaged in an international war against terrorism. Cuba is engaged in a joint venture with the Iranian regime, having built a complex on the outskirts of Tehran to work on biological technology. The regime needs money to keep this program going. This amendment will help the regime get those funds.

The Cuban regime is also working in concert with other pariah states like Libya and Syria on what it terms ``scientific cooperation.'' Thus this amendment runs contrary to President Bush's commitment to deny terrorists the financing to carry out the attacks against the Americans and our American interests and allies. I ask our colleagues to reject this amendment, which will help Fidel Castro.

Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague from Florida for yielding me this time, and I rise in opposition to the Delahunt amendment.

While well-intentioned, in practice this amendment would only serve as yet one more vehicle for the regime to get its hands on much-needed and much-valued hard currency. The goal of the existing controls on remittances is so that the average Cuban, who is denied access to basic necessities by the regime, in order for the dictatorship to provide it to foreign tourists, it is so that that average Cuban receives sufficient funds to survive.

Let me reiterate that the goal of the existing controls is to help the average Cuban receive funds for his needs. Certainly Castro does not care for his needs.

The amount has been carefully calibrated and reviewed at this moment, taking into consideration the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar relative to the economic realities on the island, the same realities and economic context which has prompted this Chamber time and time again, Mr. Chairman, to limit microcredit lending to small amounts benefiting the poorest of the poor. And they apply to the controls currently in place with respect to remittances in Cuba.

Removing the financial caps, as the Delahunt amendment seeks by prohibiting their enforcement, means more money for the corrupt regime to pocket. In removing all but one of the controls on the recipients of these remittances, the amendment creates an opening for individuals involved in illicit activities, for example, to receive U.S. currency. This amendment removes the safeguards that have been put in place and that are aimed at ensuring that transactions benefit those in need and cannot be manipulated by a terrorist regime starved for foreign currency.

In practice, this amendment redirects some of our U.S. currency flows to Cuba, which in turn the dictatorship can direct towards its friends, that is, rogue states such as Iran, Libya, and Syria. Denying terrorists and their sponsors the resources to continue their activities has become a critical pillar of U.S. policy in the aftermath of the deplorable acts of September 11.

If we really want to help the Cuban people, then deny their oppressor and vote ``no'' on the Delahunt Amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Davis amendment. Earlier this year after careful review and examination of 4 years of data of so-called educational exchanges, the Departments of State and Treasury determined that nondegree travel is subject to manipulation and control by the Castro dictatorship and its tourism industries in order to meet the regime's political and economic agenda. The objective of the new regulations is for travel to support the Cuban people and not the dictatorship that enslaves and oppresses them day in and day out.

The Davis amendment seeks to repeal this restriction and allow the facade to continue. The regulations implemented in March of this year and which this amendment seeks to repeal are to prevent what Members see here. This is Varadero Beach in Cuba. This article, which appeared in the September 3 edition of the Washington Post Express goes on to say, ``The rumba party is not over yet for U.S. travelers to Cuba, but it may be time to grab that last dance.'' The article explains how the March regulations have sent the so-called nonprofits ``scrambling to redesign their tours'' to qualify under the legitimate categories of people-to-people exchanges. Just doctor up the brochures, they are still junkets, they are still for tourists, just dress it up so it appears to be an educational exchange, people to people.

Again, this picture is worth a thousand words because it clearly unveils what this amendment and others offered here today are truly about. It is not to educate the Cuban people about freedom and democracy, it is to have tourism dollars flow to Fidel Castro, and this is people-to-people contact. This is education. When tourists meet the cabana boy and he gives them a beach towel, they are going to export democracy to Cuba? No, they are going to fuel the Castro dictatorship regime which goes to oppress the Cuban people. Vote against the Davis amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to extend my congratulations to Ira Clark, the former president and chief executive officer of the Public Health Trust of Dade County. And why? Because he is retiring from this prestigious post.

The Public Health Trust of Dade County, Florida is the governing body of Jackson Memorial Hospital, one of the largest and busiest hospitals in the United States. Jackson Memorial Hospital has a major teaching affiliation with the University of Miami School of Medicine. In addition, it has a long history as the major Medicaid provider in the State of Florida.

Under Ira's leadership, Jackson Memorial has maintained its stature as one of the top hospitals in the country. As president and CEO of the hospital, Ira Clark has been concerned with the County, with the State and Federal programs, as well as funding for the hospital and its satellite facilities. Ira's stewardship of Jackson Memorial Hospital is testament to his understanding of our community and its health care needs. Through internal and external collaboration, he has brought about operational improvements that have strengthened the hospital and has initiated multiple expansion projects to help the hospital better serve the people of our South Florida community.

Ira has dedicated many years to assuring that quality health care is available for every South Florida resident through primary care networks. Because the mission of the Public Health Trust is so extensive, Ira determined that it should evolve as a system rather than as a single-locator health provider. So Jackson Health System now includes a hospital which was renamed Jackson South Community Hospital, a network of primary care centers located in medically underserved neighborhoods, school-based clinics, and long-term facilities, providing residents that appropriate care in their very own neighborhoods. Jackson has a tremendous team of health care professionals, nurses such as Debra Diaz O'Reilly, who is the Chair of the Committee on Political Education and is up here in Washington, D.C. this very week lobbying on behalf of the Service Employees International Union of the AFL-CIO, which services the residents and the patients of Jackson Hospital. And upon arriving at Jackson in 1987, Ira delineated several central goals to strengthen the hospital's position as all things to all people.

His first goal was to find a predictable source of recurring financing that would maintain Jackson's quality and mission. He was able to secure the necessary funds from a half penny sales tax. In addition, the Public Health Trust sold more than $150 million in revenue bonds in the spring of 1994, which brought in much-needed capital to expand and remodel Jackson and its satellite facilities.

The money from the half penny tax gave the institution stability and allowed for Ira to realize his second goal of decompression. Decompression has been realized through the establishment of the Jackson North Maternity Center; the Taylor Breast Health Center, which provides complete care for cancer detection and positive management of all breast-related problems; the Diagnostic Treatment Center, which provides residents with access to diagnostic procedures such as outpatient surgery, mammography, ultrasound diagnostics and endoscopic and fluoroscopic tests in a setting closer to home, as well as the Ryder Treatment Center.

The Ryder Treatment Center is the largest, most comprehensive trauma

center in the world. It provides resuscitation, emergency surgical intervention, diagnostic and medical treatment and intensive care to Dade County's trauma victims. In addition, the center features extensive research and educational facilities. Its primary focus is on lowering the preventable death rate by increasing the delivery of trauma care during the critical 60 minutes after an injury.

In addition to the aforementioned centers, tremendous strides have been made in enhancing the hospital and the invaluable services that it provides to our State of Florida. Relationships have been established with other prime providers to position the Public Health Trust as a leader.

Jackson has evolved from a single-location health provider into a system that stretches throughout the county and includes 12 primary care centers, four school-based clinics, two medical long-term facilities, a maternity hospital and a community hospital. All this has been established while maintaining Jackson as one of the foremost hospitals in the country.

The Public Health Trust also has responsibility for clinics in six of the county's correctional facilities and a number of other services, such as the South Florida AIDS Network.

Throughout his career, Ira Clark's talent and energy have been focused on one overall mission: providing high-quality health care to all people. He has clearly achieved and surpassed this vision.

Thank you, Ira, for your outstanding contribution to the enhancement of the lives of our south Florida residents.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, for organizing this special order on Cyprus, and for allowing us to reflect on the 29th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Cyprus has over the last three millennia faced war, devastation and foreign occupation. Today, we highlight the most recent occupation, which Cyprus has endured for 29 years.

Although Cyprus was granted its independence by Great Britain in 1960, as an independent republic composed of two equal communities, in 1974, Turkey exploited a crisis brought about by a military junta to occupy over one third of the island.

To this day, Turkey refuses to remove its troops, despite repeated condemnations by the United Nations.

The Cyprus conflict is one of the longest lasting issues of the international community, which remains unresolved. This conflict has had devastating consequences in terms of lives lost, children orphaned, economic losses and psychological trauma.

The present division of Cyprus, and the presence of 35,000 Turkish troops on the island, is completely unacceptable. We should not accept any further delays or excuses from Turkey on withdrawing from Cyprus.

Numerous resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council and the UN General Assembly condemn both the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and the continuing presence of the Turkish military, as illegal acts of aggression.

In addition to the UN, other international bodies of similar stature, like the European Parliament, have also voiced their opposition to the occupation and endorse the reunification of Cyprus as the only acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem.

Faced with a unanimous condemnation by the international community, Turkish leaders have reverted to threats of annexation of Cyprus.

Reports by the European Commission on Human rights state that the Turkish government uses Turkish newspapers to issue threats that the Turkish army will move to occupy the southern part of Cyprus as well, which is under control of the Government of the Republic.

The human rights body of the European Commission adds that Turkey's puppet regime has increasingly threatened to settle, as yet unoccupied areas, with Turks, instead of returning these to the 35,000 lawful inhabitants, the Greek Cypriot refugees of Varosha.

This cannot and will not be tolerated. The United States has put Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leaders on notice.

Not only is it the right thing to do, but it would also benefit American interests in the region to help bring about an expeditious resolution of the tragic division of Cyprus.

Cyprus is a valued partner in the fight against the new global threats of terrorism and terrorist-sponsoring regimes, proliferation, illegal narcotics and international crime.

Cyprus and the United States also have shared values and a shared commitment to building a world based on open markets, democratic principles and the rule of law.

While the Turkish stance, which clearly led to the failure of U.N.- sponsored negotiations between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, must change immediately, we, in Congress, will not waiver on our commitment for Turkish troops to end their illegal occupation of Cyprus once and for all, bringing to an end a tragic period in Cypriot history.

As a U.S. NATO ally and European Union aspirant, Turkey should be held to the highest standards of compliance with its international obligations.

For 29 years, Turkey has ignored the will of the United States and has repeatedly violated the mandates of the United Nations to cease its illegal occupation of Cyprus. Rather than withdrawing, it has reinforced its military presence.

The moment of truth is at hand, and time has run out for Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leaders.

They must undertake concrete steps to forge an agreement on the terms of reunification, and must do so with all deliberate speed.

Mr. Speaker, today, the Latin music world mourns the passing of ``The Queen of Salsa'', ``La Reina de la Salsa'', Celia Cruz, who passed away 43 years and one day after she left her homeland, Cuba, for the United States. I am honored to recall how Celia Cruz, the world-renowned performer, and I crossed paths at different moments. She sang at my first victory party, celebrating my win as the first Cuban- American woman to win a seat in Congress in a special election in 1989. She accompanied me to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, when I went to visit the Cuban rafters detained on our base, to see for myself their living conditions and physical well-being. I will never forget how she kissed the ground when our plane landed and how she sang that day to the Cubans held there with the passion and love of a true native who has been presented the chance of standing on her native soil, even though poignantly, it was on our base, after so many years. She was also a friend to the Republican Party, performing at the 2000 Republican convention in Philadelphia, where President George W. Bush accepted the nomination to the presidency.

In her long career, Celia Cruz never forgot the country of her birth, evoking Cuba in every performance, but never returning to her homeland. She was a political exile who never returned to Cuba, not even when her father died, denied entry by Fidel Castro, who was still angry at her defection many years before. When Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, Celia was the lead singer of La Sonora Matancera, Cuba's most popular orchestra. The group headlined Havana's world-famous Tropicana nightclub and casino and toured the United States and Central and South America. La Sonora Matancera's fame and frequent tours provided them an escape route, by pretending they were going on another tour, never returning to Cuba.

I am honored to be here today to talk about a music legend. She recorded more than 70 albums, many of them gold and platinum records, and received twelve Grammy nominations, winning for the first time in 1989. Celia was honored with stars and street sections in some of the most well-known avenues of the world. Hollywood gave her a star on the Walk of Fame in 1987. Miami's Calle Ocho was named ``Celia Cruz Way'' and presented her with a star, an honor she has received in other cities such as San Jose, Costa Rica and the Plaza Galeria in Mexico City, Mexico. She received many awards and distinctions, which include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Smithsonian Institution, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hispanic Heritage Awards, and in 1994, she received in the White House the highest honor the United States can bestow on an artist: the National Endowment for the Arts.

Celia Cruz was a musical icon that made Cuban music known beyond our national borders while touching different generations. Lovers of Latin music worldwide embraced her style and boundless energy on the stage as they enjoyed her contagious music and rhythms. For the Cuban American exile community, she was the link between young Cuban Americans and their parents' generation, making Cuba a reality to the younger generation by providing them with the music that entertained their parents and their grandparents.

Celia's fondest dream never became a reality: the opportunity of returning to a free and democratic Cuba. This woman who sang for presidents and heads of state worldwide simply wanted to return one day to the country she had known. She hoped to one day perform again in the land of her birth, and to utter her signature catch phrase ``Azucar'' to her fellow Cubans. She left us before her dream became a reality, but I say ``Azucar'' in her honor and in her memory.

Celia, I know that you can hear us this evening. We love you and your music will continue to live in our hearts. We will never forget you. I promise you, Celia, that I will continue to work tirelessly in the U.S. Congress for your dream of a free and democratic Cuba. At that time, the Cuban people will once again be able to enjoy your music filled with rich, Cuban rhythms and Afro beats ``en libertad''--in freedom. May you rest in peace, Celia!

Mr. Speaker, today, the Latin music world mourns the passing of ``The Queen of Salsa,'' ``La Reina de la Salsa'', Celia Cruz, who passed away 43 years and one day after she left her homeland, Cuba, for the United States. I am honored to recall how Celia Cruz, the world-renowned performer, and I crossed paths at different moments. She sang at my first victory party, celebrating my win as the first Cuban- American woman to win a seat in Congress in a special election in 1989. She accompanied me to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, when I went to visit the Cuban rafters detained on our base, to see for myself their living conditions and physical well-being. I will never forget how she kissed the ground when our plane landed and how she sang that day to the Cubans held there with the passion and love of a true native who has been presented the chance of standing on her native soil, even though poignantly, it was on our base, after so many years. She was also a friend to the Republican Party, performing at the 2000 Republican convention in Philadelphia, where President George W. Bush accepted the nomination to the presidency.

In her long career, Celia Cruz never forgot the country of her birth, evoking Cuba in every performance, but never returning to her homeland. She was a political exile who never returned to Cuba, not even when her father died, denied entry by Fidel Castro, who was

still angry at her defection many years before. When Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, Celia was the lead singer of La Sonora Matancera, Cuba's most popular orchestra. The group headlined Havana's world- famous Tropicana nightclub and casino and toured the United States and Central and South America. La Sonora Matancera's fame and frequent tours provided them an escape route, by pretending they were going on another tour, never returning to Cuba.

I am honored to be here today to talk about a music legend. She recorded more than 70 albums, many of them gold and platinum records, and received twelve Grammy nominations, winning for the first time in 1989. Celia was honored with stars and street sections in some of the most well-known avenues of the world. Hollywood gave her a star on the Walk of Fame in 1987. Miami's Calle Ocho was named ``Celia Cruz Way'' and presented her with a star, an honor she has received in other cities such as San Jose, Costa Rica and the Plaza Galeria in Mexico City, Mexico. She received many awards and distinctions, which include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Smithsonian Institution, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hispanic Heritage Awards, and in 1994, she received in the White House the highest honor the United States can bestow on an artist: the National Endowment for the Arts.

Celia Cruz was a musical icon that made Cuban music known beyond our national borders while touching different generations. Lovers of Latin music worldwide embraced her style and boundless energy on the stage as they enjoyed her contagious music and rhythms. For the Cuban American exile community, she was the link between young Cuban Americans and their parents' generation, making Cuba a reality to the younger generation by providing them with the music that entertained their parents and their grandparents.

Celia's fondest dream never became a reality: the opportunity of returning to a free and democratic Cuba. This woman who sang for presidents and heads of state worldwide simply wanted to return one day to the country she had known. She hoped to one day perform again in the land of her birth, and to utter her signature catch phrase ``Azucar'' to her fellow Cubans. She left us before her dream became a reality, but I say ``Azucar'' in her honor and in her memory.

Celia, I know that you can hear us this evening. We love you and your music will continue to live in our hearts. We will never forget you. I promise you, Celia, that I will continue to work tirelessly in the United States Congress for your dream of a free and democratic Cuba. At that time, the Cuban people will once again be able to enjoy your music filled with rich, Cuban rhythms and Afro beats ``en libertad''--in freedom. May you rest in peace, Celia!

Mr. Speaker, I stand today to welcome the much- anticipated announcement made by the World Health Organization, WHO, on July 5th that the country of Taiwan has been removed from the list of areas still at risk of further transmission of the disastrous epidemic known as SARS.

My sympathies are extended to the citizens of Taiwan whose lives have been transformed in recent months by the fear, devastation and uncertainty that has been instilled in those regions where the SARS virus has laid its insidious roots. I admire the will and determination of the Taiwanese people who have responded to loss of life, economic instability, and a strained health system with an admirable show of strength and national unity.

Although we are optimistic that a resurgence of such fearful outbreaks will never occur again, it is important that we gain valuable lessons from the SARS epidemic in a global context. I anticipate that the WHO will abide by the resolution on SARS passed by the World Health Assembly on May 28, 2003 to continue cooperating closely with Taiwan.

The global disease prevention network has proven to be a forceful unit in combating and curbing health threats and its devastating effects. I trust that after Taiwan's ordeal through SARS, the WHO will invite Taiwan to join this cohesive body in order to strengthen and invigorate this task force in preparation for future exigency.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the people of Taiwan for their extraordinary resilience in battling an epidemic that has brought distress and anguish to many parts of the world.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mercy Hospital, located in my congressional district, for its recent fund-raiser to help the destitute.

I would also like to recognize Teresa A. Zubizarreta, Zubi, the 2003 Mercy Foundation Gala honoree. Zubi is a beautiful example of someone who has overcome tremendous adversity to achieve the American dream.

After fleeing the horrors of the Castro regime in 1960, Zubi has risen to own one of the most successful advertising agencies in our country. As president of Zubi Advertising, one of the Nation's top five Hispanic advertising agencies, she serves as an inspiration to Hispanic women as to what one can accomplish through hard work and unwavering dedication.

I encourage my colleagues to join me in thanking Teresa Zubizarreta and the Mercy Foundation for their profound contributions to our south Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, I stand before the House today compelled to share the inspirational story of a most extraordinary constituent. At 75 years of age, Norma Kipnis-Wilson remains a dynamic philanthropic force in the wonderful Miami-Dade County community which I am proud to represent. Norma fondly recalls making flower wreaths for the USO

during the Second World War, and in her own words reflects, ``I have always been an activist. I am a patriot, greatly influenced by my being born on the 4th of July.''

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Norma came to Miami in 1959. She studied at the University of Miami and later worked as a stockbroker and real estate agent. Although always involved in service, she entered the business world more out of necessity. After gaining financial security, she drove right back into her lifelong passion, extending a caring hand to those less fortunate.

According to Norma's daughter, Deahni Kipnis, philanthropy runs in her blood. In the late 1970s, Norma pioneered gender equality on the University of Miami's campus by breaking into that institution's male- dominated board of trustees. ``It was wonderful to be a part of this change,'' she recalls. Deahni feels very grateful to her mom and remembers her mother's advice. ``Don't ever learn how to type or take shorthand.'' In Deahni's own words, ``She is a very forward-thinking, modern woman.''

Norma's son, Dr. Douglas Michael Kipnis, adds, ``It is a great honor to know that your mother was a pioneer in women's equality.''

Deahni, considering her mother's struggle for female ascendancy, recalls an instance when she observed Norma sitting with a female Jackson Memorial Hospital nurse. Deahni promptly declared, ``You're sitting in the presence of a legend. Your life is easier today because of the work my mother has done.''

After her work at the University of Miami, Norma focused her attention on Jackson Memorial Hospital, serving as the chairman of the board of the Rape Treatment Center. She is also a member of the board of the Foundation at Jackson, where she raises money for many causes, ranging from the renovation of the Holtz Children Hospital to funding the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Center.

According to Norma's son Douglas, ``She works effortlessly for the masses, people she will never see; but she knows that they will benefit from her work.''

Striving to better her community, Norma Kipnis-Wilson, with her colleague Rosey Cancella, founded the Guardian Angels, an organization dedicated to lovingly supporting sick kids at the Holtz Children's Hospital. Norma was not content to just sit on a board; rather, she has always tried to make a difference.

In addition to her extensive local service, Norma Kipnis-Wilson has reached out to the international Jewish community as a lifetime contributor to and leader of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, where she helps foster support and expedites programs for Miami-Dade and Israel. Indeed, Norma has recently been named as a life member of that institution's board of directors. Through her involvement with the Jewish Federation, Norma developed the Lion of Judah pin, which signifies outstanding generosity.

Considering the Lion of Judah to be her greatest contribution, Norma marvels at how her idea has become a benevolent global sorority, over 7,000 strong, helping to raise millions of dollars every year.

According to Norma's son, Captain Daniel Carlin Kipnis, ``I have to credit her with my becoming a moral person.'' This is just one example of Norma's far-reaching influence, an influence that has helped better many lives and has inspired many others to adopt the cause of community service as their own. In the words of her lifelong friend, Roxcy Bolton, ``Norma cares about the human race and cares about Israel.''

Norma is also a tough survivor, recently triumphing in her battle against cancer. Never complaining about her pain, she continued to attend board meetings at Jackson Memorial Hospital throughout her chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Norma Kipnis-Wilson is a remarkable woman who has had a profound effect on her immediate community and, indeed, on the world. In addition to her legacy of uncompromising perseverance in the face of obstacles, Norma encourages the young people of today with a challenge: Care about others as much as you care about yourself.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Norma and her entire family for their selfless contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be in the company of the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) in cosponsoring this resolution. I rise in support of its passage and ask my colleagues to vote in its favor as well.

Mr. Speaker, one of the essential lessons of the Holocaust is that words lead to murder, that the teaching of contempt and acceptance of bigotry and anti-Semitism can lead to genocide. Today, over 50 years after the horrors of the Holocaust, anti-Semitism has again become a disease spreading throughout the world. In recent years I have witnessed its resurgence, particularly through my work relating to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and legislative efforts concerning religious freedom in Europe.

At the commission, resolution after resolution, statement after statement are filled with the rhetoric of hatred, using the international fora to further promote and generate support for an anti- Semitic agenda, an agenda which condemns a freedom-loving people and a democratic nation, while many times legitimizing those regimes that torture, oppress, and subjugate their own people.

As the previous chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights and as the current chair of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia, and as cochair along with my colleague and friend the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) of the Congressional Task Force on Anti- Semitism, I have pressed European officials to take concrete steps to monitor, investigate and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law crimes that are borne out of hatred for the Jewish people.

In January of this year, for example, Jewish leaders in France came to me with concern and anxiety about the increasing example of vandalism and personal attacks against rabbis in that country. I immediately called on the French foreign ministry officials and French parliamentarians to address this grave matter.

The situation in France, however, is only a microcosm of a growing problem that is sweeping throughout many OSCE states. While I will not delve into details because my colleagues, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), have already done

so, I will simply note, as has been said, we must learn the lessons and the mistakes of the past, or we are condemned to repeat them.

This is why it is imperative that we take immediate action to prevent further escalation of anti-Semitism and related violence, to help ensure that the evil of the Holocaust will never again be allowed to exist.

As Eli Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace laureate has said, ``A destruction, an annihilation that only man can provoke, only man can prevent.'' We can help prevent a repetition of history, and we can begin here today by voting in favor of this resolution. Let us adopt House Concurrent Resolution 49 and convey the commitment of the U.S. House of Representatives to work with our allies to confront and combat anti-Semitism and eradicate it from its roots.

Yes, I do, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox), the chairman of the House Policy Conference.

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. 294) condemning the terrorism inflicted on Israel since the Aqaba Summit and expressing solidarity with the Israeli people in their fight against terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to yield half of my time to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and that he may control that time.

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. 294.

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday we marked the 1-year anniversary of the President's seminal address on the Middle East, where he underscored that ``it is untenable for Israeli citizens to live in terror,'' and President Bush clearly outlined, ``The United States will not support the establishment of a Palestinian state until its leaders engage in a sustained fight against the terrorists and dismantle their infrastructure.''

At the recent summit in Aqaba, Jordan, it appeared that the vision articulated by President Bush, a vision that is embraced by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and accepted by the Palestinian prime minister, would finally be translated into a reality. However, over the past few weeks, we have seen history repeat itself as Palestinian terrorists have conducted a series of bloody bombings and road shootings against innocent Israelis.

These acts of terrorism must be condemned in no uncertain terms. We must send a message to the terrorists that such behavior will not be tolerated, that we view such attacks through the prism of the global war against terrorism, and as such within the parameters established by the President when he underscored ``you are either with us or you are with the terrorists.''

The choice for the new Palestinian leadership is a simple one: end the terror. Ending the terror, however, must go beyond mere words. The resolution before us clearly acknowledges Palestinian Prime Minister Abu Mazen's reiteration at the Aqaba Summit of a ``complete end to violence and terrorism.''

However, such a renunciation of terror must be accompanied by concrete, verifiable steps to confront, combat, and destroy the terrorists. As long as Israeli citizens continue to be victimized by terrorists, Israel will continue to defend herself. Thus, only the full implementation of a comprehensive Palestinian anti-terrorism plan aimed at destroying the terrorist organizations will serve as a true catalyst for peace. The focus should not and must not be on a cease-fire, which history has shown us is simply a respite to rearm. The end to terror must be unconditional, and it must be complete.

The new Palestinian leadership must arrest and hold the terrorists, not release them soon afterwards. Palestinian jails must not continue to be revolving doors from which the terrorists escape. The international community must work together to support these objectives, and a critical component of this effort is to sever all ties with any and all who cavort with terror. Specifically, if Europe is committed to the road map process, as a sponsoring party, the EU must do its part to implement it. Inherent in those responsibilities is the necessity to bypass and marginalize Arafat.

Nations must end political and material support for any Palestinian terrorist group and, in turn, divert those resources to assisting the new Palestinian leadership in fighting terror and in building ``a practicing democracy, based on tolerance and liberty,'' as President Bush has emphasized.

These concerns, the hopes that we all hold, our obligations and the cooperation we demand of our allies, and perhaps most importantly, the friendship and solidarity we feel toward Israel, are set forth in this important and comprehensive resolution.

This resolution serves as a warning to terrorists to beware. The current peace process is not business as usual. I commend the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) for his leadership on this issue, along with the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and especially our ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) for their commitment. I ask my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) and that he may control that time.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 548, the Military Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2003. This bill aims to ensure the well-being of our veterans, an issue of crucial importance to me.

Many veterans in my congressional district expressed to me their concerns regarding the treatment of elderly military survivors. Several veterans wrote letters to me stating their worry that ``unlike other federal survivor programs, the military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity is reduced at age 62 from 55 percent to as little as 35 percent of SBP-covered retired pay.''

Many older retirees and survivors were not informed of the age-62 reduction when they signed up for SBP in the 1970s, and are shocked to learn their survivor's annuity will be far less than expected. The government provides federal civilian survivors a substantially higher share of retired pay for life, with no benefit reduction at any age.

For some, the sharp annuity drop at age 62 offsets the amount of the survivor's Social Security benefit attributable to the member's uniformed service. For those who have become retirement eligible since 1985, it is a reduction from 55 percent to 35 percent of SBP-covered retirement pay.

In order to respond to these valid concerns, I strongly support H.R. 548. This bill increases the minimum Survivor Benefit Plan basic annuity for surviving spouses age 62 and older, and provides for a one- year open season under that plan. The bill seeks to balance equity and cost considerations by phasing out the age-62 benefit reduction over five years.

The Military Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2003 is an important piece of legislation that addresses the needs of our Nation's veterans and their families. This bill will certainly improve the lives of our country's veterans by giving them the benefits that they deserve.