Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to join my colleagues in marking Israel's 60th anniversary. I want to express my strong support for House Concurrent Resolution 322, which recognizes the 60th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel, and reaffirms the bonds of close friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel.

On this historic day for Israelis and Jewish communities around the globe, it is imperative that Congress recognizes this important event and once again reaffirms America's ironclad commitment to and friendship with the State of Israel. Given the difficulties facing Israelis in their efforts to secure lasting peace and security, it is essential that the United States and the American people stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel.

Since 1948, Israelis have created a thriving Jewish homeland, overcoming numerous obstacles and challenges. They have also displayed enormous courage and fortitude in the face of unconscionable terrorism, violence and threats to their very existence. In six decades, a democratic and free state, Israel, has risen from the ashes of the Holocaust and developed into one of the most technologically advanced and innovative nations on Earth.

Through all of the hardships, Israel has persevered and joined the United States and our democratic allies by creating a nation based on freedom, justice and human rights. To that end, I join my colleagues in praising the Israeli people, whose nation has become a shinning bastion of democracy in a region rife with dictators, extremists and hate.

While Israelis celebrate 60 years of independence, their freedom and security continues to be challenged by terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah as well as by the leading state sponsors of terrorism Syria and Iran. Unfortunately, Israelis know intimately the challenges that come with protecting their people, understanding that terrorism knows no borders and cannot be justified, qualified or ignored.

As a Member of Congress deeply concerned about the threats posed to Israelis by terrorist attacks, I believe it is critical that the United States support Israel's right to self defense. In that vein, I cosponsored House Resolution 951, declaring America's solidarity with Israelis as they face continuous rocket attacks from Hamas in Gaza. These rocket attacks are a daily reminder to Israelis and their friends in America of the struggles Israel continues to face.

Mr. Speaker, there is no greater threat to the well-being of Israel and the United States than a nuclear Iran, and America must use every tool at its disposal to prevent Tehran from developing and acquiring these weapons. To that end, I will continue to be a staunch advocate for Congressional initiatives that enhance American-Israeli cooperation and strengthen Israel's defensive capabilities.

In the post-9/11 world, Americans and Israelis are forever linked by the common threats we face from terrorism and in our effort to confront extremists. More importantly, our two nations share a deep commitment to human rights, civil society, freedom and democracy.

These shared values have created an unbreakable bond of friendship, and I urge my colleagues to join me in pledging their commitment to further enhance American-Israeli relations for generations to come.

It is my most sincere wish that the vision of hope embodied in Israel's national anthem, Hatikva, may come to fruition and that Israel may soon find a genuine peace that will last I'dor v'dor, from one generation to the next. To that end, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 60th anniversary of Israel.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 997, urging NATO to provide a Membership Action Plan to Ukraine and Georgia at the NATO summit in Bucharest which begins tomorrow. I want to especially thank Chairman Berman for his extraordinary leadership in moving this resolution forward, as well as his very thoughtful remarks in announcing his support for this resolution. I also want to thank my colleague and ranking member on the Europe Subcommittee, Congressman Gallegly, as well as Congresswoman Schwartz, who joined us in introducing H. Res. 997.

Madam Speaker, it is clear that NATO is at a crossroads given that important decisions are being made about further enlargement, Kosovo and renewed Balkans instability, and mounting difficulties in Afghanistan.

While tomorrow's summit will undoubtedly focus on these pressing issues, it is also a golden opportunity for the alliance to take steps forward to bolster transatlantic security and further entrench democracy, freedom, and the rule of law throughout Europe.

I believe it is in both America's and Europe's interest to further integrate Georgia and Ukraine into the West. Tblisi and Kiev have demonstrated their commitment to joining the United States and our allies in addressing security challenges from the Balkans to Iraq and to rebuilding Afghanistan.

As we debate this resolution, it is important to remember that the goal of NATO enlargement since the mid-1990s has been to achieve a broader, more secure Europe. Providing a membership action plan for Ukraine and Georgia would further consolidate democracy and stability in eastern Europe and the Caucuses region; and, is essential to fulfilling NATO's 1997 ``open door'' policy that ensures that any European nation that meets alliance standards and can contribute to Euro-Atlantic security be considered for membership.

Georgia and Ukraine have much to accomplish before they can be offered NATO membership. Since the MAP process will further require democratic and security reforms in Kiev and Tblisi, it is crucial for the Ukrainian and Georgian governments to know that their efforts and aspirations are supported by this Congress as well as all NATO members.

Madam Speaker, I was in Kiev just last month, and there was an extraordinary development in Kiev with the president, prime minister and speaker of their parliament all formally asking for the NATO membership action plan. It is an extraordinary statement of unity, and it is incredibly important that this House go on record in support of those pro-democratic politicians and officeholders in Kiev as well as in Georgia.

To that end, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 997, and send a strong message to our NATO allies on the eve of the Bucharest Summit. And I thank Chairman Berman for his extraordinary leadership in this regard.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 185, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the creation of refugee populations in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf region as a result of unacceptable human rights violations and blatant anti-Semitism.

For over 2,500 years, Jewish communities have resided throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf region in large numbers. Unfortunately these vibrant Jewish communities have often been considered second-class citizens under onerous rulers. In the 20th century, widespread persecution and mass violations of human rights against Jewish minorities in Arab countries became unfortunately commonplace.

Upon the declaration of the State of Israel's independence in 1948, the difficult status of Jewish minorities was greatly exacerbated as Arab nations declared war or supported the destruction of the nascent state. In response, many members of the Jewish community were forced to flee their countries of birth or faced becoming a political hostage. Jewish properties were unlawfully seized and confiscated without any compensation or just redress. While there were once nearly a million Jews living in these regions, today there are only a few thousand Jews remaining in these Arab countries.

Unconscionably, the story of the Jewish refugees from Arab countries has been neglected by the United Nations and the international community for far too long. While Palestinian refugees from Israel have been one of the focal points of the international community, Jewish refugees from Arab states have been forgotten, if not intentionally ignored. This resolution recognizes the over 850,000 Jewish refugees from Arab states and expresses the sense of Congress that the international community should acknowledge the Jewish refugee issue as a part of any settlement of the Middle East conflict.

It is clear that the violations of human rights against Jewish refugees from Arab countries have never been adequately addressed by the international community. As a cosponsor of H. Res. 185, I believe it is essential that Congress work with the administration to rectify this black mark on history. To this end, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution, which sheds light on the plight of Jewish refugees throughout the Middle East.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 854, highlighting the decision made by the member states of the International Commission of the International Tracing Service, ITS, to finally grant access to the vast Holocaust archives located in Bad Arolsen, Germany.

The recent decision to fully open the archives closed a frustrating chapter for Holocaust survivors whose requests for information, which numbered in the hundreds of thousands, were left unanswered.

As many of my colleagues are aware, for 63 years the most extensive collection of files documenting the horrors of the Holocaust were extensively closed to survivors, heirs, researchers and family members seeking to find out the true fate of their loved ones or to document the horrific atrocities committed by the Nazis.

The Bad Arolsen archives, with its 50 million documents chronicling the fate of over 17 million victims of the Holocaust, is a vital resource for the remaining Holocaust survivors and their families who are struggling to bring closure to this painful chapter of history.

Many Holocaust survivors have died without knowing the details of a family member's deportation, incarceration, or death. The opening of the Bad Arolsen archives will now enable survivors as well as second and third generation survivors to gain access to vital information about their family history.

There are many individuals and organizations that deserve credit for their efforts in fully opening Bad Arolsen. In Congress there was a strong bipartisan effort to raise awareness about the world's largest Holocaust archive that was for all intents and purposes closed. To that, I would like to thank my colleague from south Florida, Congressman Alcee Hastings, for his tireless work on this issue, as well as the many sponsors of this resolution, many of whom were also involved in efforts to reach out to the parliaments of the member states of the International Commission of the ITS to ensure the timely ratification of the amendments to the Bonn Accords.

Now that this vital archive has been made public, information unjustly denied to survivors and their families for the past 63 years can be brought to light. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1024, a resolution expressing support for the 187th anniversary of Greek independence.

Madam Speaker, it was one year to the day that I joined my colleagues on the House Floor in paying tribute to one of America's most important allies, Greece. It was my honor at that time as it is today to pay tribute once again to Greek Independence Day and to offer my unwavering support for US-Greece bilateral relations.

As someone who cares deeply about the issues of importance to the Greek American community, I believe this is an especially important day--one that is a reminder of America's long and historic partnership with Greece but also a day to celebrate the countless contributions of the Greek American community to this Nation.

From the Balkans to Afghanistan to the war on terrorism, Greece has been a staunch ally of the United States and a leading advocate for democracy and the rule of law globally. To that end, it is critical over the coming weeks that the United States works closely with our NATO ally Greece and with officials in Skopje to find a mutually- acceptable official name for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

I also strongly encourage the Bush administration to work with our partners in Athens to resolve the longstanding division on Cyprus. It is in the interests of the United States, European Union, Greece, Turkey as well as Greek and Turkish Cypriots that we build on the recent election of President Christofias who boldly pledged to ``extend a hand of friendship and cooperation to the Turkish Cypriots and their political leadership,'' and to ``invite them to work together towards our common goal for the good of Cyprus and its people.''

Madam Speaker, Greece is known as the cradle of democracy. As Americans watch one of the most exciting elections in modern history, it is a reminder of what Greece gave to America and those nations seeking to perfect their democracy and civic society. These ideals crafted by Greek philosophers and put into practice both in Washington, Athens and globally have changed all of humankind.

As a member of Congress who proudly represents a large Greek American community, I am deeply pleased that we have this opportunity on the House Floor to discuss the contributions of millions of Greek Americans and to pass a resolution that rightfully recognizes five million extraordinary citizens.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Greek people on the 187th anniversary of their independence and strongly support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 951, condemning the ongoing Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and unequivocally supporting Israel's right to defend its citizens against this continuous threat.

As you know, nearly a quarter of a million Israeli citizens living in Sderot, Ashkelon, and other cities and towns close to Gaza are under attack daily and are living in a constant state of fear. It is critical that Congress stand with Israelis who are under constant threat of rocket attacks perpetrated by Hamas. To that end, I am proud to stand with my colleagues as a sponsor of this resolution and as an unequivocal supporter of Israel's right to defend itself against this constant threat.

The international community must join with the United States in condemning the thousands of rockets that have been maliciously launched from Gaza by Hamas since Israeli forces withdrew from Gaza in 2005. It is unconscionable for the United Nations or any nation to chastise Israel while rockets reign down unabated. Instead of criticizing Israel, the United Nations and the international community should be condemning Hamas and their deadly attacks. The international community, which has been largely silent on these attacks, should publicly condemn Hamas, which is intentionally targeting civilian communities in Israel when it fires these rockets. These attacks have led to dozens of casualties, thousands of shock victims, and an uncountable number of children who have been traumatized and will live in fear for years to come. The international community should also support Israel's right to go on the offensive in Gaza in an effort to eliminate Hamas' terrorist infrastructure and destroy Hamas' ability to continue this campaign of terror.

Unfortunately, the rocket attacks continue, and the threat Hamas poses to Israelis with more sophisticated rockets still looms. As a close friend and ally of Israel and a staunch

defender of freedom around the world, America must stand with Israel in its efforts to end these attacks and defend Israel's right to live in peace free from rocket attacks.

The resolution we are debating today clearly expresses my support as well as that of my colleagues for Israel's right to defend itself against the deadly threat Hamas poses, and encourages Palestinians who reject Hamas and all forms of terrorism to denounce these attacks and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza. This resolution also squarely places direct responsibility for these attacks on Hamas, and reaffirms the unyielding friendship between the governments and the people of Israel and the United States. As Israel faces the terrorist threat of Hamas, I will continue to encourage my colleagues in Congress to join me in supporting Israel's right to self defense. The plea of Israelis under this constant threat has been heard in Congress, and House Resolution 951 is a clear statement that Congress and the American people stand with the Israelis at this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, no one is immune from accountability and the rule of law, not Harriet Miers or Josh Bolten, and especially not President Bush or Vice President Cheney.

It is high time to defend the Constitution and Congress as a coequal branch of government. Our liberty and freedoms as Americans are dependent upon the checks and balances that protect our Nation. Not since Watergate, not since Watergate has a President so openly disregarded the will of Congress. Josh Bolten and Harriet Miers have blatantly ignored congressional subpoenas, thumbing their nose at Congress and our obligation of legitimate oversight.

The power of the congressional subpoena safeguards our liberty. It protects against an all-powerful President. The Constitution demands that we hold these renegade officials in contempt of Congress.

Thank you, Madam Chairman.

Announcement By the Speaker Pro Tempore

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Ira Sarison, a constituent and friend of mine from Boynton Beach, who passed away unexpectedly on January 11, 2008 while traveling in Argentina.

Dr. Sarison was a native of the Bronx, New York, and had a distinguished career as an educator, last serving as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Oceanside, New York. Following his retirement in 1988, he relocated to Florida where he established a successful elder care management practice in my congressional district. He also served as the founding past president of the Democratic Club of Greater Boynton Beach. Dr. Sarison will best be remembered for his life-long passion for and commitment to education and for his tireless work helping those who needed it most in his community.

Ira Sarison is survived by his wife, Rivalee, his children Lynn and Robert, his sister and grandchildren, his extended family, and a large circle of friends, of which I am honored to be a part.

Everyone who knew Ira Sarison loved him dearly, and he will be deeply missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Joanie Helgesen for winning the title of Ms. Florida Senior America 2007. A constituent of mine from Boynton Beach, Ms. Helgesen proudly represents the entire senior community of Florida, and I am honored that she resides within my congressional district.

The Ms. Senior America Pageant first began in 1971 and has since been expressing the

many wonderful qualities of aging. As a prime representation of senior activism in America, the Ms. Senior America Pageant's philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and that it is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society. As a representative of one of the largest senior communities in America, I share this philosophy and acknowledge the importance of seniors in the development of our youth and our communities as a whole.

Joanie Helgesen moved to Florida 4 years ago, and in that short time has been very active in the community. She is a tap dancer, showgirl and harpist with the Original Florida Follies, a non-profit organization of 50 performers, ages 60 to 90, who present spectacular stage extravaganzas each winter season with proceeds going to children in need and at risk in south Florida. She also does commercial modeling and is an animal lover who rescues homeless and neglected animals. A mother of two daughters and five grandchildren, Joanie believes life begins at 60, and she is making the most of her golden years.

I am proud to recognize Joanie Helgesen for being named Ms. Florida Senior America 2007; she is well deserving of this title and is a great representative of the senior community in south Florida.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger, his coaching staff and the Florida Atlantic University Owls Football Team for their momentous win in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on December 21, 2007. Their 44 to 27 victory over the University of Memphis Tigers marked the first bowl victory in FAU's history, setting an NCAA record as the youngest program in NCAA history to win a bowl game.

In only its seventh year, the Florida Atlantic University football program has ascended quickly under the leadership of Coach Schnellenberger. Known for his success at rebuilding programs at the University of Miami and the University of Louisville, Schnellenberger was hired as Director of Football Operations in 1998 to build a new program at FAU, and he immediately set the goal of building a program that would eventually compete for a National Championship. The program's string of successes to date shows the Owls are on their way to reaching that goal.

Beginning with an upset victory over Bethune Cookman College in only its second game in 2001, FAU's short football history is full of accomplishments. In 2003, its third season in Division 1-AA, the Owls reached the national semifinals and finished the season ranked fourth in the nation. Following four seasons in Division I-AA, FAU jumped to Division I-A in 2004 and joined the Sun Belt Conference, where it was immediately competitive and took on a schedule of tough non- conference opponents from the Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC. This season, FAU defeated its first Big Ten opponent, the University of Minnesota, as well as defending Sun Belt Conference champion Troy University to win the 2007 Sun Belt Conference Championship and a berth in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

The Owls jumped to an early lead in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, which was never relinquished behind Quarterback Rusty Smith, who won the Most Valuable Player Award after completing 25 of 32 passes for 336 yards and five touchdowns. FAU was also well-decorated at the Sun Belt Conference Awards, where Smith received the Player of the Year Award, Coach Schnellenberger received the Coach of the Year Award, and six players including Smith were named First-Team All-Conference.

This win is one that brings great pride not only to those affiliated with Florida Atlantic University, but to the entire South Florida community, and I am proud to recognize their historic achievement.

Madam Speaker, on November 7, 2007, this House voted to refer Congressman Kucinich's resolution of impeachment of Vice President Cheney to the House Judiciary Committee. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I now ask that we immediately begin impeachment hearings.

The issues at hand are far too serious to ignore. Dick Cheney faces credible allegations of abuse of power that if proven may well constitute high crimes and misdemeanors.

Did the Vice President manipulate intelligence to push this Nation into war based on false pretense?

Did the Vice President unmask a covert CIA agent for political purposes?

Did the Vice President order the illegal surveillance of Americans and the illegal use of torture?

These questions must be answered.

Just recently, former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan revealed that the Vice President and his staff purposely gave him false information to report to the American people, a clear obstruction of justice.

This administration has undermined the checks and balances of our government by brazenly ignoring congressional subpoenas and recklessly claiming executive privilege. Impeachment hearings are the only way to force the Bush administration to answer questions and tell the truth.

Congress must take the first step by enforcing the subpoenas against Harriet Miers and the President's Chief of Staff and hold them in contempt of Congress. In this time, at this moment, Congress must stand for the truth. If we fail to act, history may well judge us complicit in the alleged crimes of Vice President Cheney.

Madam Speaker, a growing chorus of Americans are calling for accountability. The response from Congress thus far has been silence and denial.

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Madam Speaker, not long ago I launched a Web site in support of my call for hearings. The people responded en masse. After only 4 weeks, over 189,000 Americans have registered their support for hearings, names I now hold in my hand. These frustrated and patriotic Americans come from all 50 States and share one common goal: accountability for the Bush-Cheney administration and a rebirth of Congress as an equal branch of government.

So many have been working on this cause before me. Groups like Democrats.com, AfterDowningStreet.org, CodePink, ImpeachBush.org, Impeach for Peace and others. All told, there have been well over 1 million signatures urging us to take action.

Tomorrow, I will deliver these names to my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee with a letter to my friend Chairman Conyers calling for hearings. I will ask my colleagues to sign this letter. In addition, tomorrow, and continuing every day for months, I will publish in the Congressional Record several thousand names of supporters who have signed up.

History demands that we take action, because the case against Vice President Cheney is far stronger than the illegalities surrounding Watergate. When compared to the partisan and petty allegations made against President Clinton by Ken Starr and the GOP Congress, the true gravity of the case against the Vice President appears in its devastating clarity. In fact, in the history of our Nation, we have never encountered a moment where the actions of a President or a Vice President have more strongly demanded the use of the power of impeachment.

I have heard the arguments that it is too late, that we have run out of time, and that we don't have the votes. While today there may not be enough votes to impeach, it is premature to think that such support would not exist after hearings. Let us remember that it wasn't until after hearings began that the Watergate tapes emerged. Who knows what facts will comfort when the full truth is told in this case?

Arguing that it is too late signals to future administrations that in the waning months in office they are immune from constitutional accountability. Hold hearings which will put the evidence on the table, and the evidence alone must determine the outcome.

Mr. Chairman, opponents of the Homeowners' Defense Act suggest we should not get caught up in the emotion of the moment. But, Mr. Chairman, our Nation is suffering from a property insurance crisis that desperately demands Federal action.

Millions of American homeowners are enduring the skyrocketing costs of homeowner insurance premiums at the same time that their coverage is reduced. And millions more in Florida and throughout the Nation have had their policies cancelled. Those fortunate enough to still have coverage have experienced 200 and 300 percent increases in premiums, even though they have not filed a single claim. This is a terrible situation. I applaud Congressmen Klein and Mahoney for leading this critical effort.

The insurance crisis is not a Florida-specific crisis, nor is it a coastal only crisis. Homeowners across the Nation are starting to see the same premium increases and cancellations that Floridians have endured for the past several years.

Let me be clear. This is a crisis that affects each and every State in our Nation. As we have tragically seen in recent weeks and months, all Americans are vulnerable to hurricanes, floods, fires and other natural disasters. The economic impact of these catastrophes do not recognize State borders. We must act together as Americans to end this insurance crisis.

This bill brings substantial savings to homeowners without degrading the private insurance market. It would be inexcusable for Congress to waste this golden opportunity to provide relief to millions of Americans suffering from the devastating combination of rising gas prices, health care costs, and homeowners insurance. Again, thank you to Mr. Klein, thank you to Mr. Mahoney, thank you for the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2949, authorizing 15 million dollars in appropriations to the Eurasia Foundation for Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009. This legislation will enable the Eurasia Foundation--which has been operating in the former Soviet Union since 1992--to continue to engage at the highest level in democracy building, civil society promotion and private sector expansion.

I wish to thank Chairman Lantos and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen for their support of this legislation, as well as Congressman Gallegly who was the lead sponsor of this legislation in the 109th Congress. All of these Members have been tireless advocates for providing critical aid and support to former Soviet countries.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation comes at a critical time in our relations with Eurasian states that are still in political, economic and social transition following the collapse of the Soviet Union. It is also coming at a time when U.S. aid to the region is unconscionably shrinking. To this end, organizations such as the Eurasia Foundation are critical components of our strategy to remain engaged at governmental and non-governmental levels in a region that stretches from Armenia to Uzbekistan and from Ukraine to Kazakhstan.

This legislation recognizes the important work being done by the Eurasia Foundation and its efforts to promote civil society, public administration and rule of law--in a region of the world that needs America's attention, assistance and support. Passage of H.R. 2949 today will provide the Eurasia Foundation--a partner of the U.S.--the funds it needs to continue to issue thousands of grants and operate programs in Eurasia that have proven to be effective over fourteen years.

Again, I want to thank Chairman Lantos and Ranking Member Ros- Lehtinen for supporting this important legislation and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation when it comes to the floor for a vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Mass Movement for Soviet Jewish Freedom and the 20th anniversary of the Freedom Sunday Rally for Soviet Jewry on the Mall here in Washington. This mass advocacy movement formed following the anti-Zionist campaign launched by the Soviet government in 1967 and worked tirelessly for over two decades to gain Soviet Jews the freedom to emigrate from the Soviet Union, where they had been held as virtual prisoners since World War II.

In 1987, on the eve of the Reagan-Gorbachev summit, more than 250,000 people gathered in Washington to rally for the plight of Soviet Jews. This event was a major turning point in compelling the soviet government to open its doors for millions of Soviet Jewish emigres who were being held prisoner in their own country. Finally in 1991, the Supreme Soviet passed a law codifying the right of every Soviet citizen to emigrate, leading to a massive emigration by Jews from the Soviet Union, mostly to Israel and the United States.

As a sponsor of House Resolution 759, I want to recognize these two anniversaries and praise the efforts of all the organizations involved in this important movement, including the American Jewish Conference on Soviet Jewry, the Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry, and the Congressional Coalition for Soviet Jews. These and many other organizations

were integral in securing freedom for Soviet Jews, and their work serves as an example for all who are seeking religious and political freedom around the world.

Mr. Speaker, these two anniversaries are also a reminder about the ongoing struggle for religious freedom and the need to continue to battle against anti-Semitism, bigotry and discrimination wherever it occurs. The United States as the world's only superpower and oldest democracy has an obligation and a responsibility to continue to advocate for those individuals suffering at the hands of oppressive governments--whether it is in Darfur, Sudan or in Burma. Today, millions around the globe cling to the hope that one day they will be liberated and freed from oppression. To this end, Congress and the American people must remain steadfast in our determination to protect religious and human rights matching the willpower and vigilance of those who fought so hard for decades to liberate Soviet Jewry from the yoke of tyranny and repression.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Henrietta, Countess de Hoernle, as she celebrates her 95th birthday. She is one of the most distinguished and accomplished philanthropists in south Florida, and I am proud to recognize her impact on our community. Her record of service to those in need makes her a truly distinguished American.

During her lifetime, the Countess has worked tirelessly to support worthwhile causes benefiting young adults, the poor, the needy and the ill. She retains a personal philosophy of using her financial resources to help others, believing that she would like to see the ``fruits of her labor'' while she is able. She has been instrumental in advancing educational opportunities for the young, art and cultural opportunities for area residents, and medical opportunities for everyone. Currently, she serves on six boards in the Palm Beach area, including the boards of the Caldwell Theatre and the Boca Raton Museum of Art.

One of the first charitable efforts made by the Countess and her husband was to Boca Raton Community Hospital. Subsequently the Countess has worked in support of many health organizations, including the American Red Cross, Hospice, the Habilitation Center, and the Mae Volen Senior Center. The Countess then turned her attention to the needs of south Florida youth. The Countess has also been instrumental in helping the Haven, a facility providing a home for neglected and abused children, St. Joan of Arc School for its expansion and new library, the College of Boca Raton (now Lynn University) for its Lecture Hall, and Spanish River Community High School for a long-awaited theater.

Other organizations with which the Countess has been actively involved include the Association of Retarded Citizens, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, Arthritis Foundation, Boca Ballet Theatre, Boca Raton Historical Society, Boca Raton International Club, Boca Raton Philharmonic Symphonia, Centre for the Arts at Mizner Park, The Children's Museum, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Northwood University, Palm Beach Community College, The Palm Beach International Film Festival, Police Athletic League, United Way, the Youth Activity Center and ZONTA Club of Boca Raton. She has received awards from more than 230 charitable organizations and is universally recognized as a major philanthropist.

Henrietta, Countess de Hoernle enjoys being able to give a helping hand to all in need--believing that's what her life is all about. She sets an example for everyone in our community to follow, and I am proud to recognize her today on her 95th birthday.