Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, last November, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, came to meet with my colleagues and me who serve on the Foreign Affairs Committee. In that meeting, Ambassador Power told us that despite U.S. law that prohibits any funding to UNESCO because of its decision to admit a nonexistent state of Palestine to its membership, the administration was going to make it a priority to seek waiver authority to continue U.S. taxpayer funding to UNESCO.

Indeed, this is coming to fruition. There is a congressional push by some to grant the administration this waiver

or to seek other ways to get around this prohibition.

I am here today to voice my unconditional and unyielding opposition to this push, and I urge my colleagues to join me in removing that in the budget that will be before us soon and not allow the administration to yet again circumvent U.S. law and to throw away hundreds of millions of dollars of U.S. taxpayer money.

The administration is seeking to not only restore $80 million in taxpayer funds to UNESCO for this fiscal year, but it is also seeking to pay nearly $250 million more in arrears--dues--that we owed to UNESCO, an agency that has an anti-U.S. and an anti-Israel agenda.

If we restore funding to UNESCO, we are tacitly agreeing with their support for Abbas, the PA, the PLO, the nonexistent state of Palestine, and the U.N. scheme to undermine the peace process by granting de facto recognition to a Palestinian state without it first coming to an agreement with Israel to resolve this long conflict.

A vote to restore any U.S. funding to UNESCO or to give the administration any waiver authority to circumvent the existing laws that prohibit U.S. funding to UNESCO would not only undermine our credibility and set a dangerous precedent; it would further embolden an already intransigent Abu Mazen and Palestinian Authority.

Why do I say ``intransigent''? Because even as we sit here, Mr. Speaker, reports indicate that a major holdup in the peace negotiations between Secretary Kerry, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority is the refusal by Abbas and the PA to recognize Israel as the Jewish State of Israel. Is that the kind of member that we want to be associated with in UNESCO--one that doesn't even recognize the identity of another state? And not just another state, but our closest ally.

I know that UNESCO is riddled with rogue regimes amongst its ranks, including the likes of Cuba, where the callous, brutal, and murderous Castro regime has been repressing the rights of 11 million Cubans for over half a century; and Syria, where the tyrant Assad has caused the deaths of over 130,000 people and brought the Middle East to the very brink.

But if we restore U.S. funding to UNESCO, we are essentially saying that this is okay, and, oh, by the way, why not add one more in Abbas? There has been a recent spate of terrorist activity against Israel; and rather than act like a true leader that seeks peace and a partner in a negotiated peace settlement, Abbas was definitely silent when it came time to denounce these acts of terror.

The powers that be at UNESCO don't seem to mind this at all. But not us, Mr. Speaker. We are better than that. We aren't about to trade in our credibility and our principles as a country for a plaque and platitudes for this circumvention. We know that if we concede to UNESCO and restore any funding, we would be making a grave mistake, and also wasting hundreds of millions of our constituents' dollars on this anti- U.S. agenda.

I will continue to fight this push to restore funding to UNESCO in any way, and I will continue to rally my colleagues to join me in this fight.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to and stand in unyielding opposition to the latest push by the administration and some in Congress to subvert U.S. law that prohibits the United States from funding any agency at the United Nations that admits a nonexistent state of Palestine to its membership.

When UNESCO opted to grant Palestine membership to its ranks in October of 2011, it did so knowing full well that U.S. law was obligated to cut off its funding. And they did it anyway.

However, now the Obama administration is making a full-out push to not only restore funding to UNESCO, which will cost the U.S. taxpayer nearly $80 million a year--think of $80 million of your hard-earned taxpayer dollars going to this U.N. institution. But it is not only $80 million this year, it is to pay nearly $250 million that we owe in arrears because the administration decided to remain in UNESCO. We could have opted to pull out of that disgraceful body and not have any late fees, but now it is $80 million to get in and $250 million for the late fees.

Remember, this is the same U.N. that allows to sit on its human rights committee regimes such as Cuba, China, Venezuela, and Syria-- yes, Syria, where the Assad regime has been responsible for the deaths of over 130,000 people during its tenure on the Human Rights Committee. These nations are human rights violators. They do a disservice to UNESCO, whose stated mission of peace through solidarity and the protection of basic freedoms is not being upheld. But what they really do well is push the strong anti-U.S. and anti-Israel agenda at UNESCO.

Let's be honest: that is why they remain in their positions.

Mr. Speaker, we must not equivocate. We must not mince words. We will not sit blithely by while some try to circumvent or undermine these laws to, once again, fund UNESCO. No.

Giving the administration the authority it seeks to fund UNESCO would not only set a dangerous precedent by showing those with an anti-Israel agenda at the U.N. that the U.S. does not have the courage of its convictions, nor the fortitude to enforce our own laws, but it would also give the green light to the rest of the bodies at the U.N. to follow UNESCO's lead, to admit Palestine, thereby granting it de facto recognition to a non-existent state.

This is a way for the PLO and its collaborators at the U.N. to use that body to gain statehood without having to first come to an agreement with Israel over the conflict.

A vote to fund UNESCO in this body is a vote to undermine the peace process and any hope of resolving this issue. To my colleagues, I would say that you must not fall for the latest bamboozle trick that UNESCO is pushing by playing on your soft spots.

What are they going to do?

UNESCO's going to come to some of us and promise to highlight the great buildings in our districts, the monuments in our districts, the cultural sites in our districts, and say they will designate them world heritage sites. We will bestow upon them official UNESCO designation of a heritage site.

Just how gullible does UNESCO think Members of Congress are?

I think we will soon see. They want us to ignore U.S. law so that we can restore funding to UNESCO so that UNESCO can give us some of our own U.S. taxpayer dollars back.

I implore my colleagues, please don't do this. Stand up for American principle. Stand up for U.S. law. Don't waste the hard-earned dollars of your constituents on an anti-American institution.

UNESCO knew what fate awaited it when it admitted Palestine, and now it must reap what it sowed, or it must reverse its decision. It is easy. The choice is, as it has always been, UNESCO's to make.

This is not just about principles. This is about convenience. UNESCO's betting that we only stand with Israel when it is convenient.

UNESCO turned its back on Israel and the peace process. All UNESCO wants is our cash, our constituents' cash, and then it will continue to pursue its anti-U.S., anti-Israel agenda.

Do you seriously think that your constituents want millions of their money to go to an agency at the corrupt U.N. that works against everything we try to do, to hurt our closest friend and ally, the democratic Jewish State of Israel?

I don't think so. We are better than that, Mr. Speaker. So I urge my colleagues to stand firm and do the right thing. No waiver, no flexibility, no change to U.S. law, no funding for UNESCO.

Mr. Speaker, there are congressional and administration attempts to circumvent and undermine decades-old laws that prohibit the United States from funding

any agency at the United Nations that admits a nonexistent Palestinian state.

In October 2011, UNESCO chose to welcome Palestine to its membership. It did so, knowing full well that this would trigger U.S. laws that prohibit us from funding any entity at the U.N. that grants membership to the PLO or any other organization that doesn't meet the internationally recognized attributes of statehood.

We must not grant a waiver to UNESCO nor approve any backdoor congressional attempt to provide U.S. funding to UNESCO until it reverses its decision regarding the Palestinian Authority.

We are in an economic tailspin, Mr. Speaker. So why waste $250 million in U.S. taxpayer money by giving it--wasting it--to UNESCO? It is madness.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Marino) for an incredible job of leading this effort.

Flooding is the Nation's number one disaster. Most insurance companies do not offer their own flood insurance, and standard homeowners' insurance policies do not cover flooding. Yet, Mr. Speaker, flood insurance is required to purchase a home in a flood plain in order to receive a federally backed mortgage.

The National Flood Insurance Program, NFIP, was created to help alleviate this dilemma. However, the program is over $25 billion in debt. While a substantial portion of that debt is directly due to Hurricane Katrina, many elected officials and our constituents from places less familiar with flooding believe the problem is insolvent because of artificially low premiums. However, in my home State of Florida, Mr. Speaker, where nearly 40 percent of all NFIP policies are held, we have learned from devastating disasters, like Hurricane Andrew, and have effective building codes and flood mitigation projects in place. These policies have made our State, Florida, a net donor State to the program, where we pay far more in premiums than we ever receive back in payouts. Nevertheless, when the NFIP was last reauthorized, it contained provisions that would raise rates on all policyholders, sometimes by astronomical amounts.

And while the reauthorization program was vital because there had been a series of devastating program lapses that made it impossible to close on the purchase of a house, FEMA--the agency that administers the NFIP--testified that the rate increases would be nominal to most homeowners. Nominal? That, obviously, was far from the truth, and a mandated affordability study that was supposed to precede any increase was never completed.

These rate hikes are unwarranted. They are unfeasible. For that reason, I have cosponsored different measures that would work to keep flood insurance rates affordable for my constituents in south Florida.

I have also signed on to a letter to House leadership opposing flood insurance hikes to encourage relief for the millions of homeowners, for the millions of small businesses susceptible to steep rate increases across the country. And I sent a letter to FEMA, asking this agency to use its authority to keep flood insurance rates affordable. I also voted to shield flood insurance policyholders from excessive rate hikes in this year's fiscal year '14 Homeland Security Appropriations Act.

Mr. Speaker, the National Flood Insurance Program is vital for our community; and without affordable rates, south Florida is in grave danger. Halting rate increases will ensure that families and businesses are able to thrive, rather than succumb to this inexcusable bureaucratic storm.

I thank Mr. Marino of Pennsylvania for yielding and for his leadership on this important issue.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 3509--the Assessing Progress in Haiti Act.

I would like to commend my colleague, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, for introducing this legislation and I am happy to be an original cosponsor of this important bill aimed to provide greater oversight of U.S. taxpayer funding for reconstruction efforts in Haiti.

This bill calls for a State Department review of the U.S. funded recovery and development efforts in Haiti, which began over three years ago in the wake of the deadly 2010 earthquake.

In June of 2012, then-Ranking Member Berman and I requested that the GAO investigate the progress of reconstruction efforts in Haiti.

This report was important to ensure that American dollars are going to the Haitian people who are truly in need and not resulting in fraud, waste and abuse.

This year, GAO issued the report and I was disappointed to learn that three years after the earthquake, emergency relief efforts were still woefully disorganized, with much of the funds: not reaching the Haitian people; USAID is suffering to get some programs off the ground; and the lack of coordination between U.S. federal agencies is inadequate.

As of March 2013, USAID had obligated only 45 percent and disbursed 31 percent of funding for Haiti from the Supplemental Appropriations Act from 2010.

Meanwhile, delays continue to mount and goals are being scaled back.

For example, USAID originally planned to build 15,000 new homes.

That number has been decreased to just 2,600 homes causing 62,000 fewer people who will be given shelter as they attempt to recover from this humanitarian disaster.

The American people deserve to know that their tax dollars are being spent wisely and at the same time we must ensure that we are helping the Haitian people recover from the earthquake and poverty.

This requires a clear and comprehensive strategy to improve the situation on the ground for the people of Haiti.

Lastly Mr. Speaker, this resolution makes it U.S. policy to promote the holding of free, fair, and timely elections in accordance with democratic principles and the Haitian Constitution.

It is encouraging to see that the Haitian Parliament has passed a new electoral law and it has recently been signed by their President.

This positive step forward can now set in motion the necessary requirements in order to hold senatorial and local elections next year--elections that have been long overdue since 2011.

The U.S. government will stand ready to help the Haitian government hold these elections and ensure that every Haitian has the right to vote for their elected representatives.

Once again, I am thankful that this important bill is on the floor today and I urge my colleagues to support this measure to ensure our oversight responsibility over U.S. taxpayer dollars in Haiti.

I thank the chairman for the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act, authored by my good friend and colleague, Mr. Chris Smith of New Jersey.

Mr. Smith has been a stalwart supporter of the rights of children and for the left-behind parents, who all too often feel as though they have been abandoned by their government and have no place to turn.

According to our State Department, hundreds of parental transnational child abduction cases occur each year. In most of the cases, the left- behind parents here in the United States face a tremendous uphill battle with the foreign country's government to return their child. To make matters worse, they have no recourse, no legal basis to turn to, that would compel that foreign government to cooperate with them and return their abducted child to the United States. The effects that this has on both the child and the parents are significant and, in many cases, have unshakable, lifelong consequences.

Mr. Smith's bill gives hope where there previously was none. It represents a new approach to resolving this issue by giving our government and the President the avenues needed to press the countries that are found to be habitually noncooperative and noncompliant to work with the United States in order to resolve these cases. For some countries that refuse to cooperate, it is clear that words are not enough--they must be convinced by action to do the right thing--and this bill sends that very message, which is that the United States will not rest until we bring every wrongfully abducted American child home.

Too many parents have been separated from their children for far too long and with little to no recourse, and we must change that now, Mr. Speaker. I would like to urge that we also not overlook that, in many instances, a parent will flee with his child or children internationally in order to escape domestic violence.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, too often, current U.S. law addressing international child abduction actually facilitates domestic violence and child abuse by forcing the return of a child despite a recognized risk to the child or parent.

It is my sincere hope that, with Mr. Smith's bill and my bill and with the further corrective measures to international child abduction laws that I plan to soon introduce that can help strengthen this measure, we will be able to resolve these issues so that the interests of all involved can be addressed and so that the children's rights can be protected.

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

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1992, the Israel Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act, authored by my colleague and the vice chair of our Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, Mr. Collins.

There is no better time than now, Mr. Speaker, to pass this bill and send our closest friend and ally, the democratic Jewish State of Israel, and the rest of the world a strong message that the United States Congress stands resolutely with Israel and her right to defend herself.

The U.S. and other world leaders lamentably acquiesced and relented on the Iran nuclear deal and offered concessions to the regime in Tehran that do nothing to dismantle its nuclear program. Even as the negotiations carried on, Iran was busy making advancements to its nuclear weapons program. Shortly after the deal, Iran announced that it had made significant progress on its ballistic missile program. And just this last weekend, Mr. Speaker, the regime announced that it was moving ahead with testing on more efficient and sophisticated centrifuges.

There can be no mistaking these actions. They all add up to Iran continuing down its path of achieving a full nuclear weapons program. Mr. Speaker, we have heard this rhetoric that has been coming out of Iran for years now. The regime does not recognize Israel's right to exist. It denies the Holocaust. It repeats its calls to wipe Israel off the map, and ``death to Israel'' is chanted throughout the country.

Iran is an existential threat to Israel's very existence; and now more than ever, we need to ensure that Israel remains not just one step ahead of those who seek to do her harm, but light years ahead.

In conclusion, there is no room for error as Iran inches closer and closer to having nuclear breakout capability. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure, expressing our strong support for Israel to have a qualitative military edge.

I thank my chairman, as well as Mr. Collins, the author of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Roskam for his leadership in spearheading this discussion on the dangers of last month's interim nuclear agreement deal with Iran.

As we have had more time to dissect this deal, it is becoming clearer and clearer that, despite Secretary Kerry's claim that no deal is better than a bad deal, we have been had.

In exchange for the one thing that Iran so desperately needs-- sanctions relief to jump-start its flailing economy--the administration received nothing more than window dressing to stop Iran's nuclear program.

This interim deal is the unraveling of the sanctions policy that was so painstakingly crafted over the past 10 years. It was aimed at bringing Iran's nuclear program to an end. We have already seen other nations eager to get back into the Iranian market, and it will now be nearly impossible to stop the cash infusion into the Iranian regime.

How can we stop this?

This deal is contrary to U.S. sanctions law. It is contrary to U.N. Security Council resolutions that explicitly prohibit Iran from being able to enrich its own uranium.

By accepting this deal, the administration has acquiesced to Iran's illegitimate claim to a right to enrich uranium, and it has done nothing to dismantle the nuclear infrastructure of Iran's. Any temporary pause in Iran's progress can now be easily started right up again with no real detriment to Tehran's march toward nuclear weapons capability.

The administration has struck a deal with an Iranian regime that is one of the world's biggest supporters of terrorism and is a U.S.- designated state sponsor of terrorism. It has offered sanctions relief to the very same man who only 10 years ago, while serving as the chief nuclear negotiator of Iran to the West, boasted of using deception to buy time for Iran's nuclear program to progress. Yet the administration has fallen for what I call the ``Rouhani ruse.''

We have already seen Iran announce that it will continue construction on its plutonium plant at Arak, with some experts believing that Iran will exploit a possible loophole in the agreement to allow it to build important components

of this heavy water reactor off site; and we continue to see Iran make advances on other nuclear weapons programs not addressed in the interim agreement, such as the development of ballistic missile technology needed to launch a nuclear payload over long distances.

Mr. Speaker, not only is this interim deal dangerous for the precedent that it sets--that rogue regimes will get rewarded at the expense of our friends and allies who do play by the rules--but the deal is also dangerous because it weakens our credibility and harms our relations with other countries.

This sends a terrible message to other countries in the region that have long feared Iran becoming nuclear but have refrained from seeking their own nuclear programs because the United States had promised that we would not allow Iran to enrich uranium or to complete its heavy water reactor. This deal will create a loss of trust from other regional allies, such as Saudi Arabia and others, who now see a double standard from the United States. Our closest friend and ally--the democratic Jewish State of Israel--continues to feel an existential threat from Iran.

President Obama has weakened the trust and the credibility of the United States and, in exchange, has strengthened the legitimacy of the illegitimate Iranian regime. It is a double whammy--we lose stature while elevating a dangerous regime. And all for what--our ability to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran and an all-out arms race in the Middle East? It is not going to happen. We are going to see a nuclear-armed Iran, and we are going to see an all-out arms race in the Middle East. We have tarnished our relationships with our trusted allies.

I remain committed, Mr. Speaker and Mr. Roskam, to ensuring that Iran never becomes a nuclear-capable country. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take up the sanctions legislation that we in the House overwhelmingly passed earlier this year.

Mr. Speaker, Iran has no right whatsoever to enrichment. There can be no ambiguity here. The United States must not accept any new deal with Iran that does not end Iran's enrichment program completely and that does not completely dismantle the nuclear infrastructure of this dangerous regime.

I thank Mr. Roskam for his leadership, and we will continue to fight.

Mr. Speaker, today I visited Fast for Families, a group of advocates who 21 days ago vowed to abstain from food to bring awareness to the need for a bipartisan remedy for our broken immigration system.

Support for the fasters is growing with groups joining across the country in solidarity. Like many others in the U.S., they want to find a solution for the immigrant families living in this great country that they call home. We can all agree that it is time to modernize our immigration laws. Fixing what is broken will not be an easy task, but it will bring benefits to our Nation, which can be strengthened and reinvigorated by those hardworking individuals.

I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reach out to one another, begin a conversation, and resolve this issue. We can work together to secure our borders and honor the rule of law while addressing the problems in our immigration system with solutions that reflect our American principles.

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. Speaker, October was the 29th anniversary of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to encourage early detection, to support those who are battling this disease, to honor survivors, and to reflect on those who have lost their battles against this dreadful disease. Over 232,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer within this year, so events that increase awareness and education must be a top priority.

One of the many great events to take place in my home area of Miami- Dade County is the annual American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Irela Bague, a south Florida native, was one of the proud participants this year. Irela and her team, Chica Power, put together a wonderful support system to help survivors and to foster empowerment for all of those impacted by breast cancer. Another team participating in the event was Lopez Gov Law, put together by philanthropist Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez. They also helped to raise awareness about the benefits of early detection, and they promoted free information and services offered by the American Cancer Society.

Mr. Speaker, education, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are the important steps to preserving women's health. Every effort must be made to ensure that this disease is eradicated, and until a cure is found, it is crucial that we do all that we can to prevent this horrible disease from taking yet another woman's life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the American Hellenic Institute, known as AHI.

This year, AHI will be holding its 12th annual conference in my hometown of Miami. The conference provides an opportunity for the Greek American community to reflect on its role in American society and to advance and, indeed, strengthen U.S.-Greek relations.

This will also include an awards banquet in which two members of the Miami area will be recognized for their service to the south Florida community and for promoting Hellenic ideals and values. This year's recipients of the Hellenic Heritage Public Service Award are Gus Andy and John Haralambides.

John, who passed away, sadly, earlier this year, was the embodiment of all that AHI stands for. His legacy will forever live on through his deeds and through the school that he founded, the Archimedean Academy. I have had the privilege of being at that school, and I can account for its academic curriculum, which is simply outstanding.

I congratulate the American Hellenic Institute, Gus Andy, and the family and friends of John for this important and meaningful recognition.

In Recognition of Tony Argiz

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize and congratulate my good friend, Tony Argiz, who has been selected by the American Jewish Committee in south Florida to receive its 2013 National Human Relations Award.

Tony has been an active member of our south Florida community for many years, so this honor is well deserved. He continues to play a vital role in enhancing and promoting the important relationship between the United States and Israel.

This Human Relations Award is presented to leaders whose work within the community reflects the mission of the AJC, building bridges of understanding, and promoting freedom and democracy throughout the world. As Tony Argiz understands, in this dangerous time, we must stand together with our ally, the Democratic Jewish State of Israel, and continue to work together to preserve this oasis of freedom in a desert of oppression.

Congratulations to Tony Argiz and to the American Jewish Committee in south Florida.

Protecting Women and Girls

Mr. Speaker, involved citizens help our communities on important issues in order to raise awareness on human trafficking and help put an end to domestic violence.

Domestic violence and human trafficking are widespread human rights violations that continue to plague our world, cutting across racial lines, ethnic lines, geographic borders. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and a female Member of Congress, I realize the profound responsibility that I have to work together with my congressional colleagues to pass legislation in a bipartisan manner that would speak to the very heart of each and every woman.

As long as young girls and women across the globe continue to struggle to break through the shame and the silence that surrounds domestic violence and sexual trafficking, we must continue to put these issues on every national and global agenda. This year, Congress reauthorized the Trafficking Victims Protection Act and the Violence Against Women Act, two critical pieces of legislation to address the needs of these vulnerable members of our global society.

I recently cosponsored two important resolutions to raise awareness on the need to protect women from the horrible attacks that they face. I will soon introduce legislation to amend current U.S. law that unintentionally facilitates domestic violence by forcing the return of a child in international child abduction cases despite a recognized risk to the child or the parent.

But the reality is, Mr. Speaker, that government alone cannot combat these horrendous crimes against girls and women. We need your help. As a community, we have the obligation to fight these crimes and protect girls and women from domestic violence and human trafficking. Awareness is key in stopping these human rights abuses. These crimes are on the rise, but together we can make a difference. We must make a difference.

Be the difference today in your community.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to commemorate the 10- year anniversary of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, known as CHLI.

Through his vision and leadership, former Congressman Lincoln Diaz- Balart has guided CHLI in its mission to advance our community's diversity of thought, while preparing young Hispanics to become the leaders of tomorrow.

CHLI's programs and initiatives focus on a wide variety of issues, from public service to commerce and technology. This month, I spoke at CHLI's Trade and International Affairs Symposium to highlight the importance of our community's contribution to the global economy. As the fastest growing group of both consumers and producers, Hispanics can benefit from reducing trade barriers and opening new markets.

CHLI has also helped many young people and provided them with the necessary tools to succeed in this increasingly globalized world. Through CHLI's Global Leaders Internship and Fellowship Program, students from across our Nation have expanded their professional horizons and enhanced their understanding of the public and private sectors.

As a CHLI board member, I am proud of the opportunities that CHLI provides to our youth and its commitment to ensuring that we continue to prosper as a Nation.

Mr. Chairman, thank you for the time.

A good man, a warm friend and a true patriot, Bill Young was an example for all of us here in Congress, and it was an honor and a privilege to serve with him. Madam Speaker, the loss of Bill's experience and knowledge will be felt by everyone in this Chamber.

The consummate gentleman from Florida, Bill was always ready to listen to his colleagues on both sides of the aisle, greeting everyone with a smile. Both principled and honest while maintaining civility with his colleagues, Bill never allowed differences of opinion to devolve into partisan bickering, and he worked with Republicans and Democrats to balance our budget as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

A tenacious public servant, Bill dedicated his life to his constituents. His number one priority was ensuring those who serve our country get the help and the services they need to be successful. Improving the quality of life for veterans and for all Active Duty personnel, including those in the Reserve and the National Guard, was Bill's mission. Bill was always there for those returning from combat, visiting and helping our wounded warriors with his wife, Beverly, and providing for our veterans at the medical facility in Bay Pines, which now bears his name.

As chairman of the Appropriations National Defense Subcommittee, Bill oversaw spending by the Pentagon and worked to ensure the readiness of our military in combat. His efforts helped not just those in his district but Americans across the Nation. His legacy will be seen around every corner, from the beaches of Pinellas County to our fighting forces around the world.

A genuine statesman, Bill's accomplishments are as varied as they are numerous. He fought to protect Florida's environment by blocking drilling close to our gulf coast and in helping to restore eroding beaches. With Beverly, Bill helped create a national bone marrow registry with almost 10 million donors registered thus far. Just as he fought for his own district, he could always be counted upon to help us with our constituent needs.

In 1991, in his district, he saved MacDill Air Force Base from closure; and a year later, he helped rebuild and protect Homestead Air Reserve Base in

my congressional district after the devastation of Hurricane Andrew. Through his vital efforts in my district, the Miami River dredging project was completed--a project that continues to generate billions for the shipping industry, to create jobs and to spur economic growth in south Florida. It couldn't have happened without Bill Young. Bill was instrumental in assisting Tampa Bay residents and those in my south Florida community and, indeed, across our country.

A true gentleman, a public servant and a friend, Bill Young deserves all of our thanks, Madam Speaker. He will be forever remembered as a champion not just for Florida but, indeed, for our entire great Nation.

I thank the gentleman for arranging this Special Order.

Madam Speaker, October is a time to highlight the corrosive effects that domestic violence has on our country and to remind our fellow citizens of the work that still needs to be done to reduce and, indeed, eliminate violence against women and girls.

Earlier this year, I was proud to support the bipartisan efforts to pass the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. One of the new provisions included in this bill will open up funding for organizations that provide employment placement and training programs for domestic violence victims.

I would like to highlight the work of Second Chance Employment Services, the first and only nonprofit in the United States that focuses exclusively on empowering women by helping them find stable jobs. Dr. Ludy Green is the founder of Second Chance, and this organization and many others like it promote financial security for at- risk women. I believe that employment is a key component needed to break the cycle of violence that plagues too many women in too many homes in too many neighborhoods.

I acknowledge the work that Ludy and so many do each and every day to make a positive difference in the lives of women, and I will continue to support their work. We must all do everything possible to reduce domestic violence in America, as well as to end the human trafficking of vulnerable girls and young women. Sexual trafficking is modern-day slavery, and this scourge, along with domestic violence, must be eradicated before further harm is done in our communities, our Nation, and worldwide.

Madam Speaker, young girls and women deserve better. We must do better.

Mr. Speaker, today's much-anticipated and greatly needed water resources bill will allow our Nation to develop and maintain our economically vital ports and waterways and will support flood protection and environmental restoration efforts.

As a water-centered State, Florida is uniquely impacted by the Water Resources Reform and Development Act. We have 16 seaports which contributed $96.6 billion to the economy last year, and our maritime cargo industry supports more than 680,000 jobs.

Florida has invested millions in our ports in preparation for the expansion of the Panama Canal, and this bill before us today is a complement to Florida's investment in world-class maritime infrastructure. Without this bill, Florida and, indeed, our Nation, as a whole, are at risk of losing jobs to nearby foreign ports and their ready or soon-to-be ready deep draft harbors.

Simply put, this bipartisan water resources bill will create good American jobs and will grow local economies. Let's pass it, Mr. Speaker.