Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, today I proudly rise to celebrate Greek Independence Day and its strong ties that bind the nation of Greece and the United States.

Mr. Speaker, 184 years ago, the people of Greece began a journey that would mark a symbolic rebirth of democracy in the land where those principles to human dignity were first espoused.

They rebelled against more than 400 years of Turkish oppression. The revolution of 1821 brought independence to Greece and emboldened those who still sought freedom across the world. I commemorate Greek Independence Day each year for the same reasons we celebrate our 4th of July. It proved that a united people, through sheer will and perseverance, can prevail against tyranny. Both our nations share an illustrious history and defense of this cherished ideal.

The concept of democracy was first conceived by the ancient Athenians more than 2,500 years ago. Men such as Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, and Euripides developed the then-unique notion that men could, if left to their own devices, lead themselves rather than be subject to the will of a sovereign.

It was Thomas Jefferson who said, ``One man with courage is a majority.'' Jefferson and the rest of the Founding Fathers looked back to the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers for inspiration as they sought to craft the Declaration of Independence. On March 25, 1821, Archbishop Germanos of Patras embodied the spirit of those words when he raised the flag of freedom and was the first to declare Greece free.

News of the Greek revolution was met with widespread feelings of compassion in the United States. Several American Presidents, including James Monroe and John Quincy Adams, conveyed their support for the revolution through their annual messages to Congress.

Various Members of Congress also showed a keen interest in the Greeks' struggle for autonomy. Henry Clay, who in 1825 became Secretary of State, was a champion of Greece's fight for independence.

After 7 years of fighting, the Greeks finally got their independence. Unfortunately, many people were killed in the struggle for freedom. We all know that the price of liberty can be very high. History is replete with the names of the millions who have sacrificed for it.

This year's celebration of Greek Independence Day is especially fitting in light of the current wave of political and social movements around the world in the name of democracy. International events in recent months have brought stunning news of political upheaval and dramatic changes from the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe. Most notably, through peaceful demonstrations, Syria lost its political stronghold on Lebanon. Ukraine elected Viktor Yushchenko as its new President, and Iraq held its first democratic elections. The common theme among all of these movements has been democracy.

However, at a time of democratic celebration, the divided Republic of Cyprus remains a sore spot. Sadly, Turkey still illegally occupies Cyprus, as it has since its invasion in 1974. Despite sincere efforts by the United Nations and the United States, a fair plan was not presented to the people of Cyprus on April 24, 2004. Many people, including the Greek-Cypriots themselves, regret that the plan presented to them did not allow both communities to respond positively. It is one thing for others to comment on the terms and conditions for settlement; but it is the Cypriots, the Cypriots who must live with whatever plan that would be adopted. Finding a fair resolution for Cyprus will help stabilize a region marked more often by conflict than accord. I urge our government to remain committed to finding a peaceful settlement for Cyprus.

Although the ties between Greece and America go back hundreds of years, the fruit of this bond is visible today. During the early 1900s, one out of four Greek males immigrated to the United States. Today there are close to 3 million Greek Americans. I am especially proud of my fellow Greek Americans who have made contributions to our society in the fields of medicine, science, business, law, and politics, among other areas. In the words of a notable British poet, Percy Shelley, he said, ``We are all Greeks! Our laws, our literature, our religion, our art have their roots in Greece.''

Mr. Speaker, on this 184th birthday of Greek independence, we celebrate the triumph of the human spirit and the strength of man's will. Today we commemorate the reaffirmation of the democratic heritage that our two nations share so closely. Lastly, this occasion also serves to remind us, Mr. Speaker, that we must never take for granted the right to determine our own fate.

Mr. Speaker, today I proudly rise to celebrate Greek Independence Day and the strong ties that bind the nation of Greece and the United States.

One hundred and eighty-four years ago, the people of Greece began a journey that would mark the symbolic rebirth of democracy in the land where those principles to human dignity were first espoused.

They rebelled against more than 400 years of Turkish oppression. The revolution of 1821 brought independence to Greece and emboldened those who still sought freedom across the world. I commemorate Greek Independence Day each year for the same reasons we celebrate our Fourth of July. It provided that a united people, through sheer will and perseverance, can prevail against tyranny. Both our nations share an illustrious history in defense of this cherished ideal.

The concept of democracy was first conceived by the ancient Athenians more than 2,500 years ago. Men such as Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, and Euripides developed the then-unique notion that men could, if left to their own devices, lead themselves rather than be subject to the will of a sovereign. It was Aristotle who said: ``If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost.'' It was this concept that our Founding Fathers drew heavily upon in forming our representative government.

It was Thomas Jefferson who said that, ``One man with courage is a majority.'' Jefferson, and the rest of the Founding Fathers, looked back to the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers for inspiration as they sought to craft the Declaration of Independence. On March 25, 1821, Archbishop Germanos of Patras embodied the spirit of those words when he raised the flag of freedom and was the first to declare Greece free.

Revolutions embody a sense of heroism, bringing forth the greatness of the human spirit. Encouraged by the American Revolution, the Greeks began their rebellion after four centuries of Turkish oppression, facing what appeared to be insurmountable odds. Both nations faced the prospect of having to defeat an empire to obtain liberty. Although many lives were sacrificed at the altar of freedom, the Greek people rallied around the battle cry ``Eleftheria I Thanatos'' ``liberty or death,'' mirroring the words of American Patriot Patrick Henry who said: ``Give me liberty or give me death.'' These words personified the Greek patriots' unmitigated desire to be free.

Not surprisingly, the Greek Commander-in-Chief Petros Mavromichalis appealed to the citizens of America, ``Having formed the resolution to live or die, we are drawn toward you by a just sympathy since it is in your land that liberty has fixed her abode. . . . Hence, honoring her name, we invoke yours at the same time, trusting that in imitating you, we shall imitate our ancestors and be thought worthy of them if we succeed in resembling you.''

News of the Greek revolution was met with widespread feelings of compassion in the United States. Several American Presidents, including James Monroe and John Quincy Adams, conveyed their support for the revolution through their annual messages to Congress. William Harrison, our ninth president, expressed his belief in freedom for Greece, saying: ``We must send our free will offering. `The Star-spangled Banner' must wave in the Aegean . . . a messenger of fraternity and friendship to Greece.''

Various Members of Congress also showed a keen interest in the Greeks' struggle for autonomy. Henry Clay, who in 1825 became

Secretary of State, was a champion of Greece's fight for independence. Among the most vocal was Daniel Webster from Massachusetts, who frequently roused the sympathetic interest of his colleagues and other Americans in the Greek revolution.

Many Americans sympathized with the ``Philhellenic'' cause and sent the Greeks supplies, food, and medicine; anything that could help maintain and boost the moral of the Greeks. In fact, many traveled to Greece to join the revolution in the fight for freedom.

After seven years of fighting, the Greeks finally got their independence. Unfortunately, many people were killed in the struggle for freedom. We all know that the price of liberty can be very high-- history is replete with the names of the millions who have sacrificed for it. Many great scholars throughout history warned that we maintain democracy only at a great costs. The freedom we enjoy today is due to a large degree to the sacrifices made by men and women in the past--in Greece, in America, and all over the world.

Freedom is America's heart. It is central to our being, and from the beginning we have recognized that freedom is not just an American right. It is a God-given right to every citizen of the world. The lessons the Greeks and our colonial forefathers taught us provide hope and inspiration to victims of persecution throughout the world today.

This year's celebration of Greek Independence Day is especially fitting in light of the current wave of political and social movements around the world in the name of democracy. International events in recent months have brought stunning news of political upheaval and dramatic changes from the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe. Most notably, through peaceful demonstrations, Syria lost its political stronghold on Lebanon, Ukraine elected Viktor Yushchenko as its new president and Iraq held its first democratic elections. The common theme between all of these movements has been democracy.

However, at a time of democratic celebration, the divided Republic of Cyprus remains a sore spot. Sadly, Turkey still illegally occupies Cyprus, as it has since its invasion in 1974. Despite sincere efforts by the United Nations and the United States, a fair plan was not presented to the people of Cyprus on April 24, 2004. Many people-- including the Greek-Cypriots themselves--regret that the plan presented to them did not allow both communities to respond positively. It is one thing for others to comment on the terms and conditions for settlement, but it is the Cypriots who must live with whatever plan would be adopted. Finding a fair resolution for Cyprus will help stabilize a region marked more often by conflict than accord. I urge our government to remain committed to finding a peaceful settlement for Cyprus.

I believe these principles of which my colleagues and I have spoken about today are not uniquely Greek or American. They are our promise to the world and they form a legacy that we all cherish and have responsibility to protect and defend.

The priceless ideas of democracy and equality born in ancient Greece have strongly shaped the American national identity. We continue to give hope and inspiration to millions around the world who yearn to live in a free society like ours. We enjoy our freedom only because we have been willing to fight and die for it, just like our forefathers and the valiant Greeks in 1821. Greece set the example for us and we have set the example for countless others.

Although the ties between Greece and America go back hundreds of years, the fruit of this bond is visible today. During the early 1900s one out of four Greek males immigrated to the United States. Today there are close to three million Greek-Americans. I am especially proud of my fellow Greek-Americans who have made contributions to our society in the fields of medicine, science, business, law and politics, among other areas. In the words of a notable British poet, Percy Shelley, ``We are all Greeks! Our laws, our literature, our religion, our art, have their roots in Greece.''

Mr. Speaker, on this 184th birthday of Greek Independence we celebrate the triumph of the human spirit and the strength of man's will. Today we commemorate the reaffirmation of the democratic heritage that our two nations share so closely. Lastly, this occasion also serves to remind us that we must never take for granted the right to determine our own fate.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to pay tribute on Greek Independence Day to one of the United States' most important allies and one which is regarded with such deep affection by millions of Americans of all ethnic origins.

Western civilization as we know it today owes the deepest debt and, indeed, its very origins, to the Greek nation. Greek philosophy, sculpture, and theater set standards to which today's practitioners still aspire. And, as the cradle of democracy, Athens is the spiritual ancestor of our own Republic and, in many respects, its role model.

Mr. Speaker, the history of Greek independence is one of the inspiring stories of our time. It is the tale of the revival of an ancient and great people through sheer commitment, sacrifice, and love of freedom and heritage. Transmitted through the generations, the ideals of the ancient Greeks inspired their revolutionary descendants in the nineteenth century, and great and gallant stalwarts of the War of Independence such as Theodore Kolokotronis and Rigas Velestinlis wrote of their belief in the rights of man.

The histories of the United States and Greece have been intimately intertwined ever since the beginning of modern Greek sovereignty. The cause of Greek independence evoked sympathy throughout the Western world. Well known is Lord Byron, whose uncompromising commitment to Greece was epitomized by his declaration ``In for a penny, in for a pound.'' Less renowned but no less committed were the many American Philhellenes, who repaid their debt to Greek culture by crossing the ocean to fight for Greek liberation. I am pleased that these American citizens have been honored with a monument in Athens.

Mr. Speaker, Greek citizens also crossed the ocean in the other direction, emigrating to the United States, where they enjoyed great success and shared their prosperity with their kinfolk in their original homeland. They have served as a bridge of understanding between our two nations, and they have refreshed America with their spirit, their patriotism, and their hard work. Today, some five million Americans claim Greek ancestry, with understandable pride.

Our close relations with Greece became even closer after World War II. The Truman Doctrine helped save Greece from communism, indeed helped save it for the Western and democratic world, and the Marshall Plan helped in Greece's economic regeneration. In 1952, Greece joined NATO, formalizing the deep, mutual commitment of Greece and the rest of the Western world to protecting freedom.

In more recent times, Mr. Speaker, Greece has been one of the world's amazing success stories. A full-fledged member of the European Union for nearly a quarter-century, Greece has become increasingly prosperous; it whipped chronic inflation and joined the ``Euro currency zone.'' Its once unsettled domestic politics--including the sad chapter of military rule from 1967-74--has long since given way to an incontestably stable, yet still colorful, democracy. The Greek people cherish democracy not only as their contribution to world civilization but as a system which they achieved only through enormous sacrifice and commitment in modern times.

Greece remains one of our critical strategic partners in today's post-cold war world. We cooperate closely in promoting peace and stability in the Balkans. Economic ties with Greece are vital to virtually every Balkan state. Athens has been a firm supporter of a just, lasting, and democratic settlement of the Cyprus issue. More than 1,300 Greek troops took part in Operation Enduring Freedom and helped liberate Afghanistan from Taliban tyranny. And I'm sure everybody in this body applauds Greece's historic and courageous effort to resolve differences with its neighbor Turkey, punctuated by its strong backing last year for Turkey's successful bid to open accession talks for EU membership.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Greek people on the 184th anniversary of their independence and in thanking them for their substantial contributions to world civilization and especially to our nation.

Mr. Speaker, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Evans, in public forums with the Armenian community, recently characterized what President George W. Bush has described as an ``appalling tragedy of the 20th century, the massacre of as many as 1.5 million Armenians through forced exile and murder at the end of the Ottoman Empire,'' as Genocide.

I rise today to join with Ambassador Evans and other public officials who have affirmed the truth and recognize that reconciling with the past is an important first step in creating a better future. Recognition of the Armenian Genocide is widely acknowledged. One hundred and twenty-six Holocaust scholars publicly affirmed the incontestable fact of the Armenian Genocide during the 30th Anniversary of the Scholars' Conference on the Holocaust and the Churches. And in 1981, former President Ronald Reagan stated: ``Like the genocide of the Armenians before it, and the genocide of the Cambodians which followed it--and like too many other such persecutions of too many other peoples--the lessons of the Holocaust must never be forgotten.''

In addition, a recent study released by the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) on the use of the term Armenian Genocide and the applicability of the 1948 Genocide Convention to events which occurred during the early twentieth century in Ottoman Turkey, found that ``the Events, viewed collectively, can thus be said to include all of the elements of the crime of genocide as defined in the Convention, and legal scholars as well as historians, politicians, journalists and other people would be justified in continuing to so describe them.''

As we approach the 90th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, we must ensure that we do not forget the lessons of the past. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in the Preface to the Encyclopedia of Genocide, published in 1999 by the Institute on the Holocaust and Genocide in Jerusalem, writes: ``It is sadly true what a cynic has said, that we learn from the history that we do not learn from history. And yet it is possible that if the world had been conscious of the genocide that was committed by the Ottoman Turks against the Armenians, the first genocide of the twentieth century, then perhaps humanity might have been more alert to the warning signs that were being given before Hitler's madness was unleashed on an unbelieving world.''

Mr. Speaker, let us never forget and let us affirm the truth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Congresswoman Tillie Fowler, our friend and former colleague who recently passed away.

Tillie Fowler was a unique individual. She was tough. She was smart. She was determined. She was gracious. She was an effective advocate for her Jacksonville-area constituents. She also was a loving wife and devoted mother, as well as a friend of mine.

Born in Georgia as the daughter of a politician, Tillie quickly distinguished herself as a force with which to be reckoned. She earned a law degree from Emory University. She became a congressional aide and White House staffer. She was elected President of the Jacksonville City Council.

Tillie won election to Congress in 1992 and did such a good job that she was unopposed in her three subsequent elections. She became the most powerful woman in Congress during her time here, rising to become Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference. She willingly retired from Congress after serving eight years, though her public service continued until the day she died. Those who knew her remember her wisdom, common sense, fairness, and gentle disposition that could disarm even the most hardened opponent.

Mr. Speaker, Tillie once said that ``I'd rather have people's respect than have them like me.'' I think I speak for all of us when I say that she gained our love, admiration, and respect. I join our colleagues in mourning Congresswoman Tillie Fowler's passing and celebrating her life. I extend my thoughts and prayers to her husband, Buck, and her daughters, Tillie and Elizabeth.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 418, the REAL ID Act. As a member of the Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus, I join with my colleagues to raise attention to the serious flaws in our immigration system which leave our Nation exposed to potential threats.

The 9/11 Commission made several recommendations which were not enacted as part of the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-458), including provisions to strengthen identification document standards and to secure our borders. The commission specifically recommended that the Federal government should set standards for the issuance of birth certificates and sources of identification such as driver's licenses. In addition, the commission recommended the Department of Homeland Security's, DHS, completion of a biometric entry-exit screening system and the improvement of U.S. border security standards for travel and border crossing.

I was disappointed that the conference committee on the intelligence reform bill opted to remove the immigration-related provisions approved by the House during its consideration of H.R. 10 last fall. I commend House leadership for honoring the commitment made to Chairman Sensenbrenner to allow the consideration of the bill we have before us today.

We have a real opportunity to adopt meaningful reforms to improve our immigration system. H.R. 418 establishes strict proof of identity for all applicants for State-issued driver's licenses and identification documents. This bill serves to protect the integrity of our immigration laws by requiring States, in effect, to confirm lawful immigration status or disclose the lack of confirming identification on the face of cards issued.

H.R. 418 also makes aliens deportable for terrorism-related offenses to the same extent that they would be inadmissible for the same grounds. If nothing else, our immigration system must prevent potential terrorists from entering the United States. We would not be exercising our responsibility to protect national security if we were to allow our immigration

system to be exploited by those malevolent individuals who seek to destroy Americans and our way of life.

Mr. Chairman, there are many flaws in our immigration system which need to be fixed. H.R. 418 does not address them all, but it does represent a good step forward in discouraging lawbreaking by those who would choose to exploit our welcoming nature. As a cosponsor of the REAL ID Act, I urge my colleagues to improve our Nation's security and strengthen our immigration laws by voting for H.R. 418.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on the motion to suspend the rules and adopt H. Con. Res. 16. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on the motion to suspend the rules and adopt H. Res. 39. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, Metropolitan Anthony, who recently passed away.

Metropolitan Anthony ascended to great heights from very modest beginnings. He was born on the Greek island of Crete, one of six children struggling to grow up under the brutal Nazi occupation of the island. He became the first member of his family to leave his village, ultimately graduating in 1960 from the prestigious Halki Theological School of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. He came to the United States after his ordination to the priesthood to serve the Church in this country.

Metropolitan Anthony was elected Bishop of San Francisco in 1979. He served as Bishop and later Metropolitan of the Diocese of San Francisco, which covers seven western states, for more than 25 years. He was responsible for a significant expansion of ministries and programs during his tenure. He oversaw the founding of more than 25 new parishes and missions, as well as the establishment of three monasteries. He also developed the annual Metropolis Folk Dance Festival, the largest exhibition of authentic Greek folk dance, costume, and music in the world. In addition, he established a multi- million dollar endowment fund to provide scholarships for seminarians and theological students to attend holy school.

Mr. Speaker, Metropolitan Anthony inspired many because he was a great leader and devout man of faith. He challenged the faithful

not only to dream great dreams but to make them a reality. I hope our colleagues will join me in expressing our heartfelt condolences to his family, his followers, and to future generations who will be enriched by his legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a fallen soldier from the Ninth Congressional District of Florida. Lance Corporal James Phillips, from Plant City, Florida, was shot and killed as Marines were clearing houses in Fallujah, Iraq on December 23, 2004.

James' decision to join the Marines demonstrates his dedication and service to this Nation. Following high school, our young people have many opportunities and wide open doors to pursue their dreams. James chose the path of the Marines because he believed that it was his honor and duty to serve his Nation and protect our freedom. He did not choose this path because he thought that he would one day become a war hero or that this career would provide him a lucrative and extravagant life.

I know it has been a very hard and difficult time for James' family and friends, especially to lose him so close to the Christmas holidays. I hope they know that the Nation thanks him for his service and we appreciate the sacrifices they had to make for us as well.

Let freedom ring where all can hear it and let Lance Corporal James Phillip's memory be eternal.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to today to honor Doctor Autar Krishen Kaw for being named Florida's Professor of the Year.

Doctor Kaw, a professor at the University of South Florida near my congressional district, received the award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education for his contributions to undergraduate instruction. Dr. Kaw has taught nine different courses during his tenure at USF, three of which he developed himself.

Doctor Kaw believes that, as he says, ``great teaching is not just an art; it can also be a learned habit.'' He credits his success to being organized, using teaching tools effectively, being compassionate, providing rapid feedback to and having great expectations of his students, and asking questions. He has done that and more, integrating state-of-the-art research into his courses, which have ranged from classes larger than 70 to smaller than 10.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud that Doctor Kaw has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to undergraduate education and wish him the best of luck as he continues in his most noble profession.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 430) recognizing the importance of early diagnosis, proper treatment, and enhanced public awareness of Tourette Syndrome and supporting the goals and ideals of National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month.

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. Con. Res. 430.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 430 introduced by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), my friend and colleague from my home State of Florida.

This resolution recognizes the importance of early diagnosis, proper treatment and enhanced public awareness of Tourette Syndrome and supports the goals and ideals of National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month.

Tourette Syndrome, or TS, is a neurological disorder that arises during childhood or adolescence. TS is characterized by repeated and involuntary body movements, tics, and uncontrollable vocal sounds. Tics can include eye blinking, repeated throat clearing or sniffing, arm thrusting, kicking movements or jumping. Although the symptoms of TS vary from person to person and range from very mild to severe, the majority of cases fall into the mild category. Some associated conditions can include attention problems, impulsiveness and learning disabilities.

The National Institutes of Health, NIH, estimates that about 2 percent of Americans are affected by TS. However, these numbers are thought to be

conservative because individuals with varied mild symptoms may never seek medical attention. TS is also four times as likely to occur in boys as in girls.

Most people with TS lead productive lives and participate in all professions. However, lack of public awareness has increased the social stigma attached to TS. Increased public understanding and tolerance of TS symptoms are of extreme importance to people with Tourette Syndrome. With early diagnosis and treatment, as well as increased social understanding and acceptance, much of the physical and psychological harm of TS can be prevented.

I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 430 today.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), the author of this legislation.

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

I, too, want to compliment and thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) and all of the committee staffers for their work on this and for their cooperation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our colleague Phil Crane, who will be leaving this hallowed institution after nearly 35 years of service to his constituents in Illinois and the citizens of the United States. I honor him as a patriot, a public servant, and a friend.

The longest-serving Republican in the House of Representatives, Phil Crane championed conservative ideals before it was popular to do so, and he continues to be a leader to which many Members turn for guidance. As a former college professor and published author, he always brings thoughtful opinions and ideas to the table. Supporters of free trade certainly owe him a debt of gratitude. The institutional knowledge and prosperity for policy he exhibits demonstrate that he is truly a legislator.

Phil also is a devoted husband to Arlene, a father and grandfather. My wife Evelyn and I have had the privilege of entertaining the Cranes in my Florida congressional district on a couple of occasions. Both of us will miss Phil and Arlene as this chapter of their lives draws to a close.

Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that we take time today to honor our friend and colleague. May God bless you, Phil, as you and Arlene pursue new dreams and challenges throughout the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 500) honoring the goals and ideals of National Nurse Practitioners Week.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the House Concurrent Resolution 500.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 500, honoring the goals and ideals of National Nurse Practitioners Week, introduced by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess).

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners has designated the week of November 7 through 13, 2004, as National Nurse Practitioners Week in recognition of the many contributions that this dedicated group of health care professionals makes to the people

and well-being of the people in the communities they serve in this great country.

Currently, there are more than 100,000 licensed nurse practitioners in the United States providing high-quality, cost-effective health care. These nurses have advanced education and advanced clinical training, most with Master's or post-Master's degrees. Every day they, in coordination with physicians and other health care providers, diagnose acute and chronic conditions, prescribe medications, treat illnesses, and counsel patients on health care issues.

I urge my colleagues to offer their support to nurse practitioners around the country and to help us support H. Con. Res. 500.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess), the writer of this bill, a gentleman who is a medical doctor, who certainly has practical real- world experience in the world of nurse practitioners.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5204) to amend section 340E of the Public Health Service Act (relating to children's hospitals) to modify provisions regarding the determination of the amount of payments for indirect expenses associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5204, which would amend section 340(e) of the Public Health Service Act to modify provisions regarding the determination of the amount of payments for indirect expenses associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs. This legislation was introduced by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Eshoo), a lady who does so many great things in the Congress, particularly for her district.

Children's hospitals receive important funding through the Federal Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education, which we call GME, Payment Program. This funding helps train residents and better enables children's hospitals to serve all children, regardless their ability to pay.

Next year, the Committee on Energy and Commerce plans to work to reauthorize the Children's Graduate Medical Education Program. As chairman of the Health Subcommittee and a proponent of the children's hospitals throughout my entire time in Congress, I plan to vigorously support this reauthorization.

However, while we will be working to reauthorize the program next year, H.R. 5204 provides a necessary, immediate fix for a small number of hospitals that treat a disproportionately high number of healthy infants. Healthy infants. This legislation would allow these hospitals to receive fair CHGME payments by excluding the number of healthy beds and bassinets in children's hospitals from the case mix adjustment. By excluding these healthy beds and bassinets, these hospitals will no longer be penalized for treating healthy babies.

I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 5204 today.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5213) to expand research information regarding multidisciplinary research projects and epidemiological studies, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5213, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5213, the Research Review Act. I introduced this legislation only with the fantastic cooperation of my colleagues and friends, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) from Ohio, the ranking member on my subcommittee. It was with their cooperation and with the hard work of members of the staff, Mr. Speaker, we were able to get this thing done at really almost the 11th hour.

As chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health, I am extremely concerned, as I think all of us are, about how Federal agencies that fall under our committee's jurisdiction set their priorities for disease research. Every day I have patients, along with their families and friends, looking to me to increase research funding for diseases and conditions that afflict them or their loved ones. While I know that it is not in anyone's best interests to mandate agencies to conduct research into specific diseases, I do believe it is my job, I believe it is our job, to ensure that the Federal initiatives are sufficient.

Next year, I look forward to working with the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Barton), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) and all the members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce to reauthorize the National Institutes of Health. My subcommittee has held five hearings during this Congress, the 108th, to highlight research activities at the NIH and to educate members and others about the work that the NIH is doing so we can assess how to help NIH better meet its stated mission.

One thing that has become clear is that while NIH is an exemplary agency, its transparency and accountability in letting Members of Congress and the public know what research is being funded and why could be improved. Providing the public with information is not a problem that is unique to the NIH, however; many of our agencies have similar problems translating their efforts to the public.

I introduced H.R. 5213 to take an additional step in assisting Congress to understand the process of Federal agencies. I believe that this legislation will assist Members of Congress as we work with Federal agencies in the future. It will allow two agencies, the NIH and the CDC, to highlight their involvement using the examples of two debilitating conditions that afflict many individuals, paralysis and inflammatory bowel disease, which we refer to as IBD.

H.R. 5213 directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Director of the National Institutes of Health, to prepare a report outlining the methods by which the roadmap for medical research created by Director Dr. Elias Zerhouni has advanced the use of multidisciplinary research teams and institutions to advance treatments, develop new therapies and collaborate in clinical trials, and to also include in this report how this relates to the Federal research initiatives into spinal cord and paralysis research.

The bill also requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, to prepare a report outlining epidemiological studies conducted at the CDC, including the irritated bowel disease study currently under way at CDC. The study would include a description of the activity CDC is undertaking to establish partnerships with research and patient advocacy groups to expand these studies, such as the partnership between the CDC and the Chron's and Colitis Foundation.

Additionally, H.R. 5213 directs the General Accounting Office to conduct studies on the Medicare and Medicaid coverage standards that apply to patients with inflammatory bowel disease for therapy, such as medically necessary food products and nutrition services, and the problems that IBD patients encounter when applying for Social Security disability benefits.

Both paralysis and inflammatory bowel disease are crippling diseases, Mr. Speaker, though in very different ways, and both can be extremely debilitating.

I would like to thank the Christopher Reeve Foundation and, in particular, Mr. Christopher Reeve and the Chron's and Colitis Foundation for all of their help. I have worked closely with both of these groups, as well, as I indicated, with the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) to develop this legislation.

I do want to thank the staff, Mr. Ford from the other side, Cheryl Jaeger and Jeanne Haggerty of our staff on this side, for their hard work in getting this piece of legislation ready to come to the floor today; and also I would like to thank the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Barton) for his leadership in working to provide oversight and reauthorize these Federal agencies; and obviously the cooperation I have always had with the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown).

I urge my colleagues to approve this important bipartisan bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly), who probably knows more about IBD, with the exception of the medical doctors in the Congress, and she shares that information with us, and we are just very indebted to her for making us aware of the horrors of this disease.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to commemorate the 44th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus. On October 1, 1960, Cyprus became an independent republic after decades of British colonial rule.

The relationship between Cyprus and the United States is strong and enduring. Over the last decades, Cyprus and the United States have established close political, economic and social ties, developing a valued friendship. Cyprus and the United States share a deep and abiding commitment to democracy, fundamental human rights, free markets, and the ideal and practice of equal justice under law.

As the Republic of Cyprus celebrates its 44th Independence Day, I share the Cypriots' joy for having created a prosperous, open society based on solid foundations. Furthermore, I believe this is an opportunity for the United States of America and Cyprus to come closer together, as we stand united in our resolve to fight the battle on terrorism. As we move forward, I am confident that our friendship will continue well into the future.