Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2030) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 120 Baldwin Avenue in Paia, Maui, Hawaii, as the ``Patsy Takemoto Mink Post Office Building''.

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. 2030.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be part of the consideration of H.R. 2030, a bill introduced by the distinguished gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Case), that designates the postal facility in Paia, Maui, Hawaii, as the Patsy Takemoto Mink Post Office Building.

Mr. Speaker, Congresswoman Patsy Mink was a devoted public servant and a friend to all who served here in the House. She was a passionate representative for her Hawaiian constituents for 26 years, despite having to make the 10-hour flight home almost every weekend. For that alone, she deserves commendation.

Congresswoman Mink was a particular advocate of health, education, and civil rights issues during her tenure in the House; but her career was perhaps best known for her tireless work for gender equality. Congresswoman Mink authored the Women's Education Equity Act, and she was a coauthor of the original title IX legislation. She was an esteemed member of the Committee on Government Reform, the committee that just last month passed by voice vote this bill that honors her. I am pleased that this bill has now come up for consideration by the whole House.

Congresswoman Patsy Mink sadly passed away last September 28 during her 13th congressional term. Patsy Mink won her first election to the House in 1964 and only two current Members of this body were first elected earlier. A long congressional career never took the spring out of her exuberant step or the warmth from her caring heart; and even after her passing, her remarkable service in this House for the people of Hawaii and this entire Nation will certainly never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 2030 that honors the life and career of Congresswoman Patsy Mink. I congratulate my colleague, the gentleman from Hawaii, for introducing this meaningful and important legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers at this moment. Therefore, I will reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would be glad to yield 10 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

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

Mr. Speaker, again I want to thank the gentleman from Hawaii for introducing this important legislation. We all worked with Congresswoman Patsy Mink and respected her. She will always be in our prayers, and her family as well.

I urge all Members to support the adoption of this important resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 925) to redesignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1859 South Ashland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, as the ``Cesar Chavez 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. 925.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 925, introduced by my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Gutierrez), redesignates this postal facility in Chicago, Illinois, as the Cesar Chavez Post Office Building.

This legislation deals with an American civil rights advocate. Cesar Chavez grew up as a migrant agrarian worker after being born in Arizona in 1927. As a young adult he became involved in the Community Service Organization and ultimately rose to the position of general director in 1958.

Four years later, Cesar Chavez left the CSO to join with some of his fellow wine grape pickers and form the National Farm Workers Association. This organization was active in acquiring service contracts from major growers in California. His ambition led him to merge the National Farm Workers Association with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee of the giant labor umbrella organization, the AFL-CIO. The upshot group became called the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee.

In 1972, Cesar Chavez's organization became a member union of the AFL-CIO and he was named president. In this role, Cesar Chavez's influence only expanded, and he coordinated activities on agricultural issues.

Cesar Chavez will be remembered for his stands in support of workers, in support of their wages and their rights, and the difference he has made in the lives of all current and future workers. His advocacy has led to countless agreements between business and labor on a variety of important issues.

So my colleague from Illinois wants to name this post office for labor leader Cesar Chavez, and, therefore, Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support passage of H.R. 925.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers. Again, I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Gutierrez), my good friend, for introducing this measure, and I urge all Members to support the adoption of this resolution.

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

I wish to recognize the extraordinary achievements of a newspaper that will commemorate the 50th anniversary of its founding on July 4th, the day this Nation celebrates its independence.

Diario Las Americas is a nationally and internationally distributed newspaper that has always served its community, its Nation and the principles of freedom and democracy that we all embrace.

Dr. Horacio Aguirre, its founder and director, was born in New Orleans of Nicaraguan parents. He commenced his career in journalism early in life after having graduated from the University of Panama with a degree in Law and Political Sciences.

Since 1984, he has presided over the International Affairs Committee of the Inter-American Press Association, Sociedad Interamericana de Prensa, SIP, an organization that groups some 1,300 newspapers from this hemisphere. He is also a member of the World Association of Newspapers, WAN, whose headquarters is in Paris, and of the World Press Freedom Committee, of Washington, DC.

Dr. Aguirre has received, among many distinctions and honors, the Gran Cruz del Merito Civil de Espana, bestowed in 1991 by His Majesty, King Juan Carlos I; the Orden de Caballero de San Gregorio bestowed by the Vatican in 1984; the Presidential Award of the Sociedad Interamericana de Prensa, SIP en 1999; and degrees honoris causa from Barry University, Miami-Dade Community College and Florida International University.

As the 50th anniversary of its founding approaches, I wish to acknowledge Diario Las Americas, Dr. Horacio Aguirre, his family and collaborators in their abiding stand in defense of moral and democratic values.

Mr. Speaker, today I stand in recognition of the wonderful contributions of a friend of the South Florida community, Mr. Antonio Argiz. Tony bravely journeyed to the United States from Cuba, without his parents, at the age of 8, thanks to Operation Peter Pan.

Determined to live the American dream, Tony attended Florida International University, where he earned his accounting degree. Recognized as an expert in forensic accounting, he was the first Cuban American appointed by the Governor to chair Florida's board of accountancy.

Tony's passion for business is matched by his dedication to our community in South Florida. Tony serves as the cochair of the United Way of Miami-Dade and has served on the

statewide Florida Constitutional Revision Commission.

Tony is a loving husband and the father of three who continues to put passion in his every endeavor. He is a true inspiration and an exemplary Floridian.

Gracias por todo mi amigo. Thank you, Tony.

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, partial-birth abortion is a gruesome and inhumane procedure and it is a grave attack against human dignity and justice. This practice must be banned. The bill before us seeks to do just that. Life is a gift, and it must be embraced and respected at all stages.

In a country which espouses the importance of protecting the inherent rights of every person, partial-birth abortion denies the rights of our most innocent and vulnerable members, our children. We as legislators must strive to uphold the truths upon which our great Nation was founded, especially that every individual is entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Partial-birth abortion is not a sign that women are ``free to choose.'' It is a sign that women have been abandoned, that they have not had the support and care that they so desperately need.

There is increasing evidence, Mr. Speaker, that abortion causes extreme emotional and psychological damage. We must strive every day to ensure that each and every person is guaranteed the most basic of human rights, the right to life. Women deserve better than to endure the psychological, the physical and the emotional pain and suffering associated with partial-birth abortion, and children deserve the chance to live.

It is time for partial-birth abortion to stop. We must have the courage and the strength to fight against one of the greatest of all human rights violations, partial-birth abortion.

I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 760, the partial-birth abortion ban. A vote for the ban is a vote for life.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Christopher Columbus High School in my congressional district for winning the Florida State Class 6A Baseball Championship. Columbus enjoyed an 8-2 win, thanks to a seven-run rally in the bottom of the sixth. This marks the first State baseball title for Columbus, that has long had one of the most outstanding baseball programs in Miami-Dade County and, indeed, in our State.

Christopher Columbus is a private Roman Catholic college prep school conducted by the Marist Brothers. In addition to its strong athletic program, Columbus has an exceptional academic program, as well. It uses a holistic approach to education where the entire person is encouraged to grow in truth and freedom.

Please join me in congratulating Christopher Columbus and its coach, Joe Weber, for their phenomenal win.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay special tribute to two

wonderful individuals in my congressional district: Betti and Carlos Lidski, National Trustees of The Foundation Fighting Blindness.

The Foundation is working valiantly to find a cure for retinal degenerative diseases. These debilitating diseases currently claim the sight of over six million Americans. Through the tireless efforts of the scientists at the Foundation and through the generosity of individuals like the Lidskis, exciting strides have been made in finding a cure and providing viable treatment options for those who suffer with these illnesses.

I thank Betty and Carlos and their entire family for the love, compassion, and unwavering dedication that they demonstrate every day for the visually impaired. They are truly an inspiration, not only to our South Florida community but indeed to our entire Nation.

Gracias to Betti and Carlos.

Mr. Speaker, this week, the World Health Organization met in Geneva to discuss its agenda and the tentative observer status of Taiwan into the Organization. This meeting came on the heels of a terrible outbreak now known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

The people of Taiwan are courageously and resiliently combating this dreadful epidemic. Although their efforts have not gone unheard in the halls of Congress, as my colleagues and I have fought for H.R. 441 and final passage of S. 243, other nations that do not respect basic human rights have opposed the entry of Taiwan into the WHO.

SARS has dreadfully demonstrated to all nations that epidemics do not have borders. Unlike its neighbor to the North, Taiwan is an open and transparent nation that has committed its efforts to truthfully divulging the impact of SARS on its population.

The entry of Taiwan as an observer to the WHO will give its people a superior chance in combating this evil malady. Nations that support freedom, a democratic and transparent form of government must support Taiwan's observer status to the World Health Organization.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to the people of Taiwan for the profound loss they are experiencing due to the malevolence known as SARS and reiterate my full support for Taiwan's entry as an observer to the WHO.

Mr. Speaker, today we commemorate Israel Independence Day. Since its creation in 1948, the State of Israel has faced seemingly insurmountable challenges to its very survival, with conventional military attacks leading the way to suicide

bombers who have murdered scores of innocent Israeli men, women, and children.

Through it all, Israel has endured. As the only democracy in the region, it continues to be a beacon of hope and a model for her neighbors. It has been said that the strength of a nation is determined by the caliber of its people. There is perhaps no better example of this truth than the State of Israel and the Israeli people, vivid examples of conviction, courage, and faith; a people who served as an example for us all to emulate, as our own Nation had to come to grips with the horrors of terrorism following the deplorable attacks on our country on September 11. The bond between our nations and our people have never been stronger.

The United States could not ask for a better friend and ally in the region. The Israeli people know they will always be able to depend on the U.S. and the American people. I extend my best wishes and congratulations to the people of the State of Israel on their 55th Independence Day.

Mr. Speaker, today we welcome a distinguished member of the clergy, Reverend Stephen M. Torrence, from my district of Key West, Florida.

Reverend Torrence was ordained in the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, and in 1985 was called to pastor the Metropolitan Community Church in Key West. Among his many community accomplishments, he was instrumental in organizing a nonprofit community-based AIDS organization, AIDS HELP, that serves Monroe County.

For over 12 years, Reverend Torrence has also served as a fully sworn officer, and is the Department Chaplain in the Key West Police Force.

Reverend Torrence has witnessed many tragedies as well as victories and always offered comforting spiritual guidance and gladsome praise. Monroe County, and especially Key West citizens, are grateful and blessed to have him help us through difficult times and join us in joyful celebrations.

We welcome Reverend Torrence to the people's House.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and spirit of Mr. Cruz Acosta, a wonderful constituent and an exceptional human being who remains high-spirited despite his struggle with cancer.

Cruz was the first in his family to leave the tyranny of Cuba in search of freedom, living his life in appreciation of the liberty he found here in the United States.

Throughout the last 11 years, he has fought bone marrow cancer and leukemia, but his continuous desire for better health would not have been possible without the loving care and prayers of his family and the dedicated attention of the nurses and the doctors at Baptist Hospital, an exceptional medical institution located in my district.

As he remains in the hospital today, my thoughts and my prayers are with his wife, Miriam, with Cruz, and his entire family.

Mr. Speaker, on this great day, as we celebrate the freedom of the Iraqi people and continue the international war against terrorism, let us also continue our war against domestic drug abuse. And because of their valiant cause against substance abuse, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize south Florida's Y-100 radio station and John Kross, known as ``Footy,'' for this weekend's upcoming 16th Annual Wing Ding.

This annual charity event benefits Here's Help, Incorporated, a private, non-profit, comprehensive youth drug and alcohol treatment facility in south Florida. This important grass-roots effort seeks to combat the menace of drug abuse among the most vulnerable members of our society, our young people.

Here's Help has made an invaluable contribution to protecting the dignity and the innocence of the youth of south Florida.

I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Y-100 and Footy for their unwavering commitment to our precious south Florida young people, as well as for the patriotic support that the radio station Y-100 has given to our Armed Forces throughout Iraqi Freedom.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to thank Mr. Bereuter for his leadership in introducing H. Con. Res. 165, expressing support for a renewed effort to find a peaceful, just, and lasting settlement to the Cyprus problem, and I want to take this opportunity to voice my strong support for this resolution.

In today's uncertain world, where conflict and instability abound, one such long-standing dispute was quietly moving toward a resolution.

However, while the world has been focused on Iraq and deadlines on the Hussein regime came and went, another deadline, one vitally important to a resolution to the conflict on Cyprus, passed with little fanfare.

The stakes in Cyprus are high, and while the United States is rightly focusing on more pressing foreign policy problems like the war on terrorism, the war in Iraq and other issues in the Middle East, we should also devote attention to bringing an end to this conflict.

The outcome of a peaceful resolution to the division of Cyprus will have a significant impact on Turkey and Greece, two key NATO players whose antagonistic relationship has too often roiled the alliance.

It would benefit U.S. interests in the eastern Mediterranean, would strengthen NATO by improving relations between our two key allies, and defuse an ongoing regional arms race.

Just as they are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States in the war against terror, so too must they play a constructive role in resolving this longstanding dispute.

The European Commission clearly and unequivocally has linked Turkey's ambitions to join the EU to a solution to the conflict. Turkey is eager to join the EU, and the Turks of Cyprus, isolated and living in poverty, look forward to sharing the benefits of EU membership. One only has to look to the massive rallies recently held by Turkish Cypriots in support of a resolution.

Just today, the Greek and Turkish Prime Ministers met in Belgrade and agreed on the need to reach a solution to the political problem in Cyprus. The moment of truth is at hand, and time is running short. The two communities should play an important role in the efforts toward a solution and move their leadership to the negotiating table.

They must show genuine commitment to forge an agreement on the terms of reunification. As the President of the Republic of Cyprus recently stated: ``Non-solution is not a solution. It is not even the conclusion of the Cyprus problem. On the contrary, it will mean the beginning of new dangers and new problems. The eventual solution to the Cyprus problem will be a compromise. . . .''

However, ``If the solution is not functional it cannot be viable. If it is not viable it will not be permanent.'' A solution cannot include the possibility of the permanence of division. After nearly 30 years, it is time for the bitter division of Cyprus to come to an end. It is time for a peaceful, just, and lasting settlement to the Cyprus problem. I am confident my colleagues share this hope and I ask them to vote for this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Our Lady of Lourdes Academy in my congressional district for winning first place at the ``Florida We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution'' competition. This civics competition ensures that students understand the history and the philosophy of our U.S. Constitution and our Bill of Rights. It is an important program that aids students in understanding their rights and responsibilities as American citizens.

Lourdes Academy, the reigning national champions, will be coming to Washington this month to compete for the national title. Please join me in congratulating the students of Lourdes Academy and especially their teacher, Rosie Heffernan, on their outstanding achievement and wishing them much success in the national competition.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 179) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the systematic human rights violations in Cuba committed by the Castro regime, calling for the immediate release of all political prisoners, and supporting respect for basic human rights and free elections in Cuba.

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 under consideration.

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

Nobel peace laureate Eli Wiesel has said: ``. . . to remain silent and indifferent is the greatest sin of all . . .''

Indifference breeds evil. Indifference is the enemy of freedom. Indifference helps cloak the deplorable actions of tyrants.

Cuba's ruthless dictator counts on this indifference. Taking advantage of global attention being focused on Iraq and noting the worldwide tendency to ignore or minimize the deplorable human rights condition in Cuba, the Castro regime has launched a full-scale assault on those who are struggling to bring freedom and democracy to this enslaved nation. Courageous men and women such as Marta Beatriz Roque, an independent economist and leading pro-democracy advocate, are being sentenced to harsh prison terms of 20 years. Marta Beatriz had previously spent nearly 3 years in prison for publishing, along with three other colleagues, a paper calling for democratic reforms. Independent journalists such as Raul Rivero, who is highlighted in the resolution before us, as the dean of the independent dissident Cuban journalists, was sentenced to 20 years. Fellow journalists such as Ricardo Gonzalez Alfonso and Hector Maseda Gutierrez also received 20- year sentences.

Other victims of this wave of repression include Jose Daniel Ferrer, a member of the Christian Liberation Movement, whose penalty was increased to death per a special request by the puppet whom the regime has as the presiding judge. There is also independent union labor leader Oscar Espinosa Chepe, and Manuel Vazquez Portal, Nelson Molinet Espino and Nelson Alberto Aguiar.

I enter into the Record their names and their sentences.

Pinar del Rio

Victor Rolando Arroyo Carmona, Periodista Independiente--

Life in prison.

Horacio Julio Pina Borrego, Periodista Independiente--12

years.

Eduardo Diaz Fleitas, opositor--15 years.

Fidel Suarez Cruz, opositor--12 years.

Ciudad Habana

Raul Rivero Castaneda, Periodista Independiente--Life in

prison.

Jorge Olivera Castillo, Periodista Independiente--Life in

prison.

Ricardo Gonzales Alfonso, Periodista Independiente--Life in

prison.

Hector Maceda Gutierrez, Periodista Independiente--Life in

prison.

Manuel Vazquez Portal, Periodista Independiente--16 years.

Osvaldo Alfonso Valdez, opositor--Life in prison.

Pedro Pablo Alvarez Ramos, opositor--Life in prison.

Hector Palacio Ruiz, opositor--Life in prison.

La Habana

Miguel Galvan Gutierrez, Periodista Independiente--Life in

prison.

Jose Ubaldo Izquierdo Hernandez, Periodista Independiente--

20 years.

Hector Raul Valle Hernandez, opositor--15 years.

Villa Clara

Librado Linares Garcia, Periodista Independiente--20 years.

Lester Gonzalez Penton, Periodista Independiente--20 years.

Omar Ruiz Hernandez, Periodista Independiente--18 years.

Margarito Broche Espinosa, opositor--25 years.

Omar Pernet Hernandez, opositor--25 years.

Isla de Pino

Favio Prieto Llorente, Periodista Independiente--20 years.

The list seems endless as the daunting reality of what the dictatorship has done sinks into our consciousness. Since March 18, Mr. Speaker, Castro's security agents have been storming into the homes of dissidents and other opposition leaders across the island, confiscating typewriters, books, papers, and other professional and personal belongings. And what have been their so-called crimes? Engaging in such ``threatening'' activities such as possessing and lending books by authors such as Vaclac Havel, Ghandi and Martin Luther King. Hector Palacios Ruiz, for example, was engaged in such ``treasonous'' behavior, to quote the regime, as helping to draft the document in December of last year which called for ``free hiring of employees.'' He was also found in possession of books such as ``Castro's Final Hours'' and ``A Manual for Education in Human Rights'' as well as children's games.

Every day more and more opposition leaders are sentenced to languish in squalid jail cells and subjected to the most inhumane and degrading treatment. We cannot and must not be silent. We cannot and must not be indifferent to the anguish and misery endured by the Cuban people just 90 miles off our shores at the hands of the depraved and cruel dictator and his agents of terror.

The European Union has issued statements condemning the arrests and demanding that these prisoners of conscience be immediately released. Amnesty International urged Cuba to release all of its prisoners of conscience and reform the laws which make such detentions possible. Human Rights Watch called on the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to condemn these abuses and do so strongly and unequivocally. Human Rights International, the American Society of Newspaper Editors, and the Inter-American Press Association have all denounced this incredible Stalinist crackdown. Newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle, the San Diego Union Tribune, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette have run editorials with headlines underscoring that: ``Saddam and Fidel are Birds of a Feather''; ``Crackdown in Cuba: A Reminder that Castro is Still a Tyrant''; and ``Castro's Regime as Repressive as Ever.''

The Los Angeles Times led its editorials by saying: ``After years of calling for liberalized relations with Cuba, this editorial page must now urge American policymakers to hit the brakes.''

Just today the Washington Post ran an editorial by Richard Cohen which said: ``I would like to hear some moral outrage about Castro . . . Fidel Castro is a thug and a fool.''

But it is our turn now to speak. It is our time for the U.S. Congress to stand behind the Cuban people, side by side, as it has done for so many times before and is so doing with the Iraqi people.

This resolution is a strong first step. House Resolution 179 details the sequence of events which have transpired in recent weeks and places particular emphasis on the plight of these political prisoners such as Juan Carlos Gonzalez Leyva, a blind human rights dissident imprisoned for over a year who is gravely ill and has yet to receive medical attention.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart), the author of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute to explain what this bill actually does. I have had some Members ask.

House Resolution 179 establishes the nexus which exists between the current wave of repression and the 59th session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights which is currently being held in Geneva. And in doing so, it takes into account the dictatorship's systematic and gross human rights violations and its repeated demonstrations of contempt for the mandates issued by the U.N. Commission on Human Rights.

Further, it calls for a resolution to be offered and passed at the Human Rights Commission, which accurately reflects this grim reality. It seizes the opportunity which presents itself in May of this year when Cuba's membership on the commission expires. It does so by calling on the Nation of Latin America and the Caribbean group to oppose and deny the regime a seat on this human rights body. More importantly, this resolution calls for the immediate release of all Cuban prisoners of conscience. It sends a strong, definitive message that the United States Congress stands with the dissidents, the independent journalists, and all pro-democracy activists, and not with their oppressor.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for his statement of support.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake), a member of our Committee on International Relations

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), the distinguished majority whip.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that each side be granted an additional 5 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McCotter), a member of our Committee on International Relations.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the vice chairman of our Committee on International Relations.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to my colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute. After speaking, I will yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz- Balart) to close.

Mr. Speaker, I started my remarks quoting Eli Wiesel, and I would like to end the remarks that I have on this resolution by this same gentleman who has meant so much for freedom and human rights and free expression of ideas throughout the world.

Eli Wiesel said, ``Just as despair can come to one only from other human beings, hope too can be given to one only by other human beings.''

Let us be that beacon of hope for the Cuban people. Let us support this resolution. Let us support those freedom fighters, those valiant fighters for free thought who are actually given sentences for possession of typewriters, for possession of books, for possession of computers, for giving interviews to foreign journalists. Let us be that beacon of hope that Eli Wiesel spoke about.

Mr. Speaker, I yield the remaining time to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart).

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