H3068 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 10, 2005 astronomy by either discovering the brightest geous pro-democracy opponents of the Castro Two years ago, the tyrant again at- near-Earth object or by the cataloging of near regime—Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello, tempted to silence the cries for liberty Earth objects. What better way to get our chil- Felix Bonne Carcasses, and Rene Gomez and democracy that emanate from Manzano; every corner of the Cuban gulag. He ar- dren interested in science and in paying trib- Whereas organizers and participants are ute to this great American. convening a meeting of the Assembly to Pro- rested over 75 dissidents and sentenced Mrs. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speak- mote the Civil Society in Cuba at great risk them to prison terms each up to 25 er, I yield back the balance of my time. to themselves and their families; and years. What were their crimes? Simply Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I Whereas President George W. Bush stated daring to exercise their fundamental have no further requests for time, and in his second inaugural address on January freedoms, for daring to be free men and I yield back the balance of my time. 20, 2005: ‘‘All who live in tyranny and hope- women. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. lessness can know: the United States will These 75 are just some of the most re- KOLBE). The question is on the motion not ignore your oppression, or excuse your cent ones. There are many more Cuban offered by the gentleman from Cali- oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you. Democratic reform- prisoners of conscience who languish in fornia (Mr. ROHRABACHER) that the ers facing repression, prison, or exile can squalid jail cells. However, Mr. Speak- House suspend the rules and pass the know: America sees you for who you are— er, all of Cuba is an island prison; and bill, H.R. 1023. the future leaders of your free country.’’: today we rise to commend and support The question was taken; and (two- Now, therefore, be it the activities of Cuba’s peaceful inter- thirds having voted in favor thereof) Resolved, That the House of Representa- nal opposition. the rules were suspended and the bill tives— On May 20, Cuba’s democratic opposi- was passed. (1) extends its support and solidarity to the tion will convene in an Assembly to organizers and participants of the historic A motion to reconsider was laid on Promote the Civil Society in Cuba. the table. meeting of the Assembly to Promote the Civil Society in Cuba on May 20, 2005, in Ha- This historic meeting will discuss ways f vana; to bring democracy and liberty to the EXPRESSING SUPPORT OF THE (2) urges the international community to nation of Cuba, which has suffered HISTORIC MEETING OF THE AS- support the Assembly’s mission to bring de- under a brutal dictatorship for more SEMBLY TO PROMOTE THE CIVIL mocracy to Cuba; than four decades. May 20, 2005, will (3) urges the Administration and inter- SOCIETY IN CUBA also mark the 103rd anniversary of the national community to actively oppose any Cuban Republic, of Cuba’s birth as a attempts by the Castro regime to repress or Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I free nation. move to suspend the rules and agree to punish the organizers and participants of the Assembly; and Yet the Cuban opposition is deter- the resolution (H. Res. 193) expressing mined to correct this injustice and re- support to the organizers and partici- (4) shares the pro-democracy ideals of the Assembly to Promote the Civil Society in claim their rights as free people in a pants of the historic meeting of the As- Cuba and believes that this Assembly and free, democratic, and sovereign nation. sembly to Promote the Civil Society in others will hasten the day of freedom and de- The May 20th Assembly to Promote Cuba on May 20, 2005, in Havana. mocracy for the people of Cuba. Civil Society in Cuba is an important The Clerk read as follows: The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- step toward the fulfillment of this goal. H. RES. 193 ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello, Felix Whereas Fidel Castro’s terrorist regime Florida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) and the Bonne Carcasses, and Rene Gomez has continued to repress all attempts by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. WEXLER) Manzano and many others are the or- Cuban people to bring democratic change to each will control 20 minutes. Cuba and denies universally recognized lib- ganizers of this landmark meeting. De- erties, including freedom of speech, associa- The Chair recognizes the gentle- spite the risks and the constant tion, movement, and the press; woman from Florida (Ms. ROS- threats that the dictator holds over Whereas thousands of political prisoners LEHTINEN). their heads, they are living examples are currently imprisoned by Fidel Castro’s GENERAL LEAVE to their countrymen of courage and de- totalitarian regime; Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I termination, of how to follow in the Whereas in March 2003 Fidel Castro carried ask unanimous consent that all Mem- footsteps of Pope John Paul, II, and be out a massive, island wide crackdown on bers may have 5 legislative days within not afraid. members of Cuba’s pro-democracy move- Just recently, a group of young Cu- ment, under which pro-democracy activists which to revise and extend their re- were arrested, subjected to ‘‘summary marks and include extraneous material bans held an essay contest focusing on trials’’, and sentenced to up to 28 years in on H. Res. 193. a democratic transition in Cuba. One of prison for their pro-democracy activities; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the finalists, Edgar Lopez Moreno, Whereas the Department of State’s 2004 objection to the request of the gentle- struck a chord that doubtless resonates Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, woman from Florida? with the vast majority of his country- in referring to Castro’s Cuba, states: ‘‘Mem- There was no objection. men. He wrote: ‘‘After 46 years of polit- bers of the security forces and prison offi- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ical ostracism and imposition by the cials continued to beat and abuse detainees yield myself such time as I may con- Communist Party and its maximum and prisoners, including human rights activ- sume. ists. . . . Prison conditions remained harsh leader, today the process of transition and life threatening, and the Government re- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support to democracy on the island is closer stricted medical care to some prisoners as a of House Resolution 193, and I com- than ever.’’ method of control. Prisoners died in jail due mend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. The winds of freedom are behind the to lack of medical care.’’; MARIO DIAZ-BALART) for writing this Cuban opposition. The just nature of Whereas on May 20, 1902, the Republic of important measure and bringing it to their cause has given them wings. Soon Cuba obtained its independence; the floor. I would like to also thank democracy will take flight in Cuba. Whereas in the spirit of Jose Marti, many the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. HYDE) Soon the Cuban people will free them- of the future leaders of a free Cuba have and the ranking member of the Com- called for a meeting of the Assembly of the selves from the grip of this dictator, Civil Society in Cuba, an organization that mittee on International Relations, the but they need our help. They need our consists of over 360 opposition and civil soci- gentleman from California (Mr. LAN- support, and it begins here and now. ety organizations in Cuba; TOS), as well as the House leadership, I urge my colleagues to stand with Whereas on May 20, 2005, the Assembly to for helping us bring this resolution to these brave Cubans by joining me in Promote the Civil Society in Cuba seeks to the floor in such an expeditious man- voting for the resolution of the gen- convene an historic meeting in Havana on ner. tleman from Florida (Mr. MARIO DIAZ- the 103rd anniversary of Cuban Independ- Mr. Speaker, even the most violent BALART) today. ence; and repressive dictatorships cannot ex- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Whereas the Assembly to Promote the tinguish freedom when it lives in peo- Civil Society in Cuba will focus on bringing my time. democracy and liberty to the enslaved island ple’s hearts, and Cuba is no exception. Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield of Cuba; The dictator Fidel Castro has always myself such time as I may consume. Whereas the Assembly to Promote the used fear to keep himself and his cro- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support Civil Society in Cuba is led by three coura- nies in power. of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I too

VerDate jul 14 2003 03:51 May 11, 2005 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MY7.016 H10PT1 May 10, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3069 want to commend the gentleman from der to shoulder with the Cuban people President Bush said, Mr. Speaker, in Illinois (Mr. HYDE) and the ranking if such an unjustified response were to his second inaugural address, and I am member, the gentleman from Cali- occur. As a result, Mr. Speaker, I quoting him now, ‘‘All who live in tyr- fornia (Mr. LANTOS), for facilitating strongly urge my colleagues to support anny and hopelessness can know: The consideration of this resolution. I also House Resolution 193. United States will not ignore your op- want to thank my good friend, the gen- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of pression or excuse your oppressors. tleman from Florida (Mr. MARIO DIAZ- my time. When you stand for your liberty, we BALART), the sponsor of this resolution, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I will stand with you.’’ and the gentleman from New Jersey yield such time as he may consume to The Cuban people are standing tall, (Mr. MENENDEZ), the ranking Democrat the gentleman from Florida (Mr. MARIO Mr. Speaker, for their freedom. Today, on the Subcommittee on the Western DIAZ-BALART), the author of the resolu- by voting for this resolution, the Hemisphere, for his never-ending battle tion. United States Congress stands with for human rights in Cuba. b 1445 them, lets them know that they are Mr. Speaker, 2 weeks ago on the not alone, that despite all the risks, de- House floor, we chastised the Cuban re- Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- spite the horrendous conditions that gime for its inexcusable continued de- ida. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the they are facing on a day-to-day basis, tention of political dissidents, many of gentlewoman from Florida, also my the United States Congress stands with whom are jailed because of their con- dear friend the gentleman from Florida them, admires them and supports what viction to seek freedom and democracy (Mr. WEXLER) from West Palm Beach. they are doing. in Cuba. Unfortunately, there is no in- Today, Congress is supporting these Cuba will be free because of the ef- dication from Castro that he ever plans brave individuals in Cuba who, despite forts of the heroic Cuban people, and it to implement political and economic all of the dangers, are standing up for is wonderful, Mr. Speaker, to see that reforms that would give hope to the ap- freedom, are standing up for democ- the Congress of the United States, once proximately 11 million citizens on the racy, from within Cuba, from within again, is supporting the Cuban people island who have suffered for far too that totalitarian island. in their efforts, in their struggle to be long. The three main organizers, Martha free. Many internationally recognized Beatriz Roque Cabello, Felix Bonne Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield as human rights groups like Amnesty Carcasses, and Rene Gomez Manzano, much time as he may consume to the International and Human Rights all three of which have suffered prison gentleman from Florida (Mr. LINCOLN Watch have denounced Castro’s brutal time by the Cuban dictatorship, are DIAZ-BALART). dictatorship over the years and called standing up because they know that Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of for reforms, the release of political the answer to the problems that the Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the dis- prisoners, and urged the totalitarian Cuban people face is simply just one: It tinguished gentleman from south Flor- government to respect basic human is freedom, total, absolute freedom. ida (Mr. WEXLER) for the time. freedoms. That entails the release of all polit- This resolution is very important be- This year the Human Rights Com- ical prisoners. It entails political par- cause it continues the very important, mission called attention to the injus- ties. It entails freedom of press. It en- historic tradition begun here in this tices which continue to be inflicted tails free elections, and they are stand- Congress, by this Congress in April of upon those innocent individuals who ing up from within Cuba and with 1898 when, after a century of fighting toil in Castro’s prisons. Undeterred, many other hundreds of their country- by the people of Cuba for the independ- thousands of brave Cubans have sought men who are standing up, having this ence of Cuba, the United States, be- to bring about political change through event on May 20 to express their senti- cause of the Congress of the United opposition and civil society organiza- ment and also to prepare and work for States, came out in support of Cuban tions which are loosely coordinated by a free Cuba. independence. In April of 1898, this the Assembly of the Civil Society in This resolution, Mr. Speaker, extends Congress passed what is very well- Cuba. and supports solidarity to the orga- known in Cuban history, the joint reso- The assembly is planning a historic nizers and to the participants of the lution that recognized that Cuba is and meeting next week on the 103rd anni- Assembly to Promote the Civil Soci- of right ought to be free and inde- versary of Cuban independence. Mr. ety, which again is on May 20 in Ha- pendent. So this Congress began a tra- Speaker, I would like to encourage the vana. dition in April of 1898 that continues to organizers of the meeting of the assem- It urges the international commu- this day, a tradition in support of the bly to include in the meeting political nity to support the assembly of these right of the Cuban people to be free. dissidents who may disagree with them heroes that are standing up for freedom For the last 46 years, the Cuban peo- about whether to engage officials with- despite the risk. ple unfortunately have been under the in Castro’s government on the transi- It urges the administration and also boot of a totalitarian dictatorship tion process, in particular, the sup- the international community, Mr. that, while it has perhaps been the porters of the Varela Project, a grass- Speaker, to oppose any attempts by most inept, certainly one of the most roots, non-violent, citizens’ movement Castro’s terrorist regime to punish or inept of the Communist dictatorships in Cuba that seeks fundamental polit- repress the organizers and the partici- in having achieved the systematic, ical change by petitioning the Cuban pants. utter destruction of what was one of government for a referendum on reform It obviously shares, also, Mr. Speak- the most prosperous economies in this according to that country’s constitu- er, the pro-democracy ideals of the as- hemisphere; in that sense, it has been tion. sembly. absolutely inept. In terms of totali- These groups should feel as though The commissions, Mr. Speaker, that tarian control, it has been quite effec- they are welcome within the broader these individuals are working with are tive, and it maintains an absolute, in- coalition that opposes Castro’s poli- hard to believe. The Department of tense oppression over the Cuban people cies. Regardless of which groups of po- State’s 2004 Country Reports on Human to this day. litical activists attend the assembly, I Rights Practices, referring to the Cas- My colleagues have mentioned the am concerned that Castro’s henchmen tro regime, states the following: onslaught of 2 years ago that was con- will once again try to suppress dissent ‘‘Members of the security forces and demned by a resolution offered by the through the use of force. As a result, I prison officials continued to beat and gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. strongly concur with the sentiment ex- abuse detainees and prisoners, includ- MENENDEZ) a few weeks ago, and it was pressed in the resolution urging the ad- ing human rights activists. Prison con- condemned by this House, the absolute ministration and the international ditions remained harsh and life threat- campaign, if you will, of the march of community to stand ready to respond ening, and the government restricted 2003 that arrested dozens and dozen and to such an atrocity. medical care to some prisoners as a dozens, almost 100 pro-democracy lead- This resolution demonstrates our un- method of control. Prisoners died in ers and threw them in prison, but the equivocal commitment to stand shoul- jail due to lack of medical care.’’ campaign continues.

VerDate jul 14 2003 03:51 May 11, 2005 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MY7.017 H10PT1 H3070 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 10, 2005 The campaign of oppression and in- mostly in solitary. His name is Jorge help spark the flame of liberty on the island timidation, beginning in January of Luis Garcia Perez, also known and the rest of the Americas. I urge my col- this year, the totalitarian Communist Antunez. He was sentenced to 18 years leagues to stand for liberty and to champion regime in Cuba has begun a systematic because, ever since he was in high the spirit of freedom for the people of Cuba. campaign of ethnic cleansing. Hun- school, he said he favors democracy Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Speaker, I am dreds of young people, mostly young and rejects totalitarianism, and so he proud to join a bipartisan group of original co- men, 95 percent of whom are black, has suffered the consequences since sponsors of this resolution which supports the have been rounded up and thrown in then. development of democracy and civil society in prisons beginning in January of this Juan Carlos Herrera Acosta, 20 years Cuba. As you know, on May 20th, opposition year in what the dictator calls Oper- in the gulag. leaders are organizing a historic Assembly on ation Containment, containment of the Diosdado Gonzalez Marrero, 20 years the 103rd Anniversary of Cuban independ- young people. in the gulag. ence. Now, this assembly was organized, as Felix Navarro Rodriguez, 25 years. In this momentous meeting of 365 has been mentioned by my distin- Prosperso Gainza Aguero, 25 years. irdependent organizations, Cuba will hear a guished colleagues, by Martha Beatriz Hector Maseda Gutierrez, 20 years. dialogue of freedom and progress. This As- Roque Cabello and Felix Bonne Car- Claro Sanchez Altarriba, 15 years. sembly will continue a discussion—from within casses and Rene Gomez Manzano, is an Victor Rolando Arroyo, 26 years. Cuba—of how to begin the process of recon- important, historic development. And perhaps the best known, cer- structing a democratic culture, promoting civil There are some people who now say tainly someone who is a symbol of re- society, combating poverty, and establishing that we must reject the subterfuge sistance, character, dignity, as all labor rights. They are Cuba’s bravest and seeking to attack this assembly, that these men and women are, Dr. Oscar brightest—they are Cuba’s future. Elias Biscet, 25 years. they have not invited all pro-democ- Who among us would not be supportive of There are thousands, Mr. Speaker, of racy groups. All pro-democracy groups, the right to peaceful assembly and public dis- men and women like this, many, by the the organizers of this assembly have course? That is what this resolution and way, charged with what they call in invited all individuals and organiza- Cuban civil society is calling for on May 20th. tions within Cuba who support democ- the totalitarian system common crimes, like seeking to leave, seeking As we learned in a Western Hemisphere racy. Some say then they have not Subcommittee hearing early this year, the or- been invited. In fact, they have been to flee to freedom. That is a common crime. So the regime does not even rec- ganizers and the participants in this event are invited, but that is not the problem of risking their personal freedom for the freedom the organizer. That is the problem of ognize them as political prisoners. There are thousands of political pris- of the Cuban people. somebody else, very important. This resolution makes it clear that we op- This is an important, extremely val- oners in Cuba such as these men whose pose any attempt by the Castro regime to re- iant effort that over 360 civil society names I have read. We owe them our press or punish the organizers and partici- groups, pro-democracy groups within solidarity. pants of the Assembly, as Castro has done the island have called for, and they Today, we are expressing our soli- with so many others who have spoken out seek to meet on May 20. So what this darity, and specifically through this against repression. News reports indicate that Congress today is saying is: We support resolution, our solidarity with the Cuban dissidents who are choosing to partici- you. We know what you are doing. We meeting convened for May 20, which pate in the Assembly are already being har- know the courage that it entails to will seek to develop ways to hasten assed. say, within a totalitarian state, that a what is inevitable, and that is an end meeting will be held in support of free- to the totalitarian nightmare and the This past April 20th—not even a month dom and democracy and free elections commencement of the dawn of free- ago—three of these dissidents took the time to and the legalization of political parties dom. speak to many of us about their situation. and freedom of religion and freedom of Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise to ex- They told of the beatings, detentions, interro- the press and freedom of expression. press my strong support for this resolution— gations, harassment and political slander Within the totalitarian state, to say sponsored by my distinguished friend and which they and other dissidents are being sub- that there will be a meeting engaged in neighbor, Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida— jected to as the Cuban regime continues to try such discussion is really a heroic act, which recognizes the upcoming Assembly To to repress and de-legitimize their struggle for and so today, what we are saying is Promote Civil Society in Cuba. freedom. that we recognize that, and we support I am proud to associate myself with causes And let us not forget the crackdown on you. that seek to increase freedom, security, and human rights two years ago, when Castro ar- Simply to end, Mr. Speaker, as I prosperity for people throughout the world. On rested 75 dissidents, subjected them to sum- commend the gentleman from Florida May 20th, we will mark Cuban Independence mary trials, and sentenced them to long jail (Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART) for having Day. This is the day Cuba proclaimed to the terms. Many of the prisoners, along with other brought forth this resolution today in world its sovereignty and independence. prisoners of conscience, spent over a year in such an important and timely manner, Sadly, freedom for the Cuban people was solitary confinement. Some have been de- I simply want to read the names of short-lived. The world stood by as Cuba lost prived of adequate medical treatment, and re- some of the thousands of political pris- its liberty and slipped into the abyss of authori- ports from Cuba detail beatings and harass- oners who cannot have their voices tarian rule and the clutches of Fidel Castro’s ment. heard. Obviously, they all deserve to be thuggish regime. Clearly, the Castro regime has no respect heard, but I would like to read some of Madam Speaker, today Cuba is a lonely is- for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, their names. land nation separated by 90 miles from the which states in Article 4 that, ‘‘No one shall be It is my privilege and honor to serve greatest beacon of freedom the world has subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or de- in this Congress with my brother ever known—the United States. Many in Cuba grading treatment or punishment.’’ Mario, where there are two brothers thirst for the waters of liberty, only to see That is why I am proud of my resolution that who are serving in prison in Cuba sim- those yearnings suppressed by a brutal dic- passed with bipartisan support condemning ply because they came out publicly in tator. Castro’s brutal crackdown and demanding that support of freedom and democracy. One America has always stood for freedom, and the Cuban regime immediately release all po- brother, Jose Daniel Ferrer Garcia, was always will. Under the leadership of President litical prisoners, legalize all political parties, sentenced to 25 years in the gulag for George W. Bush, we have endeavored to labor unions, and the press, and hold free and his support of democracy. The other spread liberty to the Middle East and through- fair elections. one, Luis Enrique Ferrer Garcia, was out the world. It is past time to shine the light On that day, we came together from both sentenced to 28 years in the gulag be- of freedom on the despotic regimes in our own sides of the aisle, to stand together for a uni- cause he supports democracy. backyard. versal cause, human rights, and to celebrate Someone who I admire very much, I Madam Speaker, I strongly support the right the strength and perseverance of the Cuban have followed his long and distin- of the Cuban people to live in a free and people. guished fight for freedom for many democratic society. I am confident that the As- That is why I urge all of my colleagues to years, has been languishing since 1990, sembly To Promote Civil Society in Cuba will support this resolution. This resolution

VerDate jul 14 2003 04:50 May 11, 2005 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10MY7.019 H10PT1 May 10, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3071 says again that we stand behind those who up, paraded before kangaroo courts on ‘‘Rotary International Day’’ and cele- risk repression and harassment to bring free- trumped up charges and given harsh prison brating and honoring Rotary Inter- dom to their long-suffering people. sentences with sickening speed. She was sen- national on the occasion of its centen- It says that the international community is tenced to 20 years in prison but released in nial anniversary. watching Castro, and that we will not accept July of 2004 because of poor health. In an The Clerk read as follows: the abuses of human and civil rights that the interview after her release, Roque said: ‘‘I H. RES. 142 Castro regime employs so indifferently. leave prison without having accepted any sort Whereas Rotary International, founded on And it says that we believe in the Assembly of conditions. I am a dissident and I will re- February 23, 1905, in Chicago, Illinois, is the and the ability of a group of individuals with a main one.’’ world’s first service club and one of the larg- strong faith in democracy to free their people Madam Speaker, we gather today in support est nonprofit service organizations; from a tyrant’s restrictive grasp. of Roque, Bonne, Manzano, and these other Whereas there are more than 1.2 million To my brothers and sisters who suffer in brave leaders as they prepare for this historic Rotary International club members com- prised of professional and business leaders in Castro’s jails, under his regime, to their fami- event. I have been invited to participate in the more than 31,000 clubs in more than 165 coun- lies and friends both here in the United States Assembly to Promote the Civil Society and tries; and in Cuba, to the leaders and participants in sent my visa application through the Depart- Whereas the Rotary International motto, the Assembly to Promote Civil Society in ment of State to Cuba through the US Interest ‘‘Service Above Self’’, inspires members to Cuba, and to the Cuban people, I say that Section. provide humanitarian service, meet high Castro’s days are numbered. Over a hundred Madam Speaker, I note that in March of ethical standards, and promote international good will; years ago, the Cuban people won the battle 2003, I also requested to travel to Cuba along against brutality and oppression and fought for Whereas Rotary International funds club with my colleague, Congressman FRANK projects and sponsors volunteers with com- their freedom. I have no doubt that we will win WOLF, but we were denied visas. This is a re- munity expertise to provide medical sup- again. I look forward to that day, which is gime that has strongly advocated for trade and plies, health care, clean water, food produc- coming soon, when on May 20, our independ- travel with the United States, and yet the gov- tion, job training, and education to millions ence day, we will all celebrate a free and ernment of Cuba would not give visas to two in need, particularly in developing countries; democratic Cuba. Members of Congress, each of whom have Whereas in 1985, Rotary International I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ on this served in the House of Representatives for launched Polio Plus and spearheaded efforts resolution. with the World Health Organization, Centers nearly 25 years. for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I What do they hide? What do they fear? United Nations Children’s Fund (‘‘UNICEF’’) rise in strong support of H. Res. 193, which I hope that the Cuban government will allow to immunize the children of the world expresses support for the courageous advo- me to travel. I hope to be with the brave lead- against polio; cates of freedom in Cuba, who are gathering ers of freedom in Cuba on this day of peaceful Whereas polio cases have dropped by 99 ten days from now in Havana for the first As- advocacy. The world will be watching next percent since 1988, and the world now stands sembly to Promote the Civil Society con- on the threshold of eradicating the disease; week Mr. Speaker, and I hope that the regime Whereas Rotary International is the larg- ference which will focus on bringing democ- will allow this event to take place. If they fail racy, liberty, and the rule of law to this est privately-funded source of international to do so, they will continue to experience scholarships in the world and promotes enslaved island. alienation from the world community. international understanding through schol- Madam Speaker, in recent years, this Our hopes and prayers are with the brave arships, exchange programs, and humani- House has overwhelmingly passed numerous leaders of the Assembly to Promote the Civil tarian grants; resolutions condemning the egregious human Society next week. I urge my colleagues to Whereas since 1947, more than 35,000 stu- rights violations of the Castro regime. These dents from 110 countries have studied abroad strongly support this resolution that supports as Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars; violations, which have been continually cited the brave advocates for freedom in Cuba. through comprehensive, compelling reports, Whereas Rotary International’s Group Mr. WEXLER. Madam Speaker, I Study Exchange program has helped more include the pervasive use of torture and vi- yield back the balance of our time. than 46,000 young professionals explore ca- cious beatings of political prisoners. We know Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- reer fields in other countries; that this year the UN Convention on Human er, I have no further requests for time, Whereas 8,000 secondary school students Rights in Geneva also passed a resolution and I yield back the balance of my each year experience life in another country through Rotary International’s Youth Ex- condemning the government of Cuba’s deplor- time. able human rights record. change Program; The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Today, we celebrate those brave Cubans Whereas over the past five years, members CAPITO). The question is on the motion who have been undaunted by Castro’s reign throughout all fifty States of Rotary Inter- offered by the gentlewoman from Flor- national have hosted participants in Open of terror and who continue to speak out fear- ida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) that the House World, a program sponsored by the Library lessly for freedom in Cuba. Mr. Speaker, I suspend the rules and agree to the reso- of Congress, and therefore have earned the note that on March 3, three of the main orga- lution, H. Res. 193. honor of serving as Open World’s most out- nizers of the Assembly to Promote the Civil standing host; The question was taken. Society testified via telephone at a joint hear- Whereas there are approximately 400,000 ing I chaired with the Africa, Global Human The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Rotary International club members in more Rights, and International Operation Sub- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of than 7,700 clubs throughout the United those present have voted in the affirm- States sponsoring service projects to address committee and the Western Hemisphere Sub- critical issues such as poverty, health, hun- committee. The hearing was appropriately en- ative. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- ger, illiteracy, and the environment in their titled ‘‘Year Two of Castro’s Brutal Crackdown local communities and abroad; and on Dissidents.’’ er, on that I demand the yeas and nays. Whereas February 23, 2005, would be an ap- The three who spoke at this hearing were The yeas and nays were ordered. propriate date to observe Rotary Inter- Martha Beatriz Roque, an internationally re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- national Day: Now, therefore, be it; nowned Cuban economist; Felix Bonne, a ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Resolved, That the House of Representa- Cuban engineering professor; and Rene Chair’s prior announcement, further tives— (1) supports the goals and ideals of a ‘‘Ro- Gomez Manzano, a Cuban attorney. All three proceedings on this motion will be postponed. tary International Day’’ to celebrate the have spent time in Cuba’s prisons for their centennial anniversary of Rotary Inter- pro-democracy activities and co-authored a f national; and book, ‘‘The Homeland Belongs to Us.’’ The (2) recognizes Rotary International for 100 courage they demonstrated through testifying SUPPORTING GOALS AND IDEALS years of service to improving the human con- was truly inspiring and they provided a tre- OF A ROTARY INTERNATIONAL dition in communities throughout the world. DAY mendous witness of the desire of the Cuban The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- people to be free. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Martha Beatriz Roque was arrested in the er, I move to suspend the rules and Florida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) and the now infamous March 2003 crackdown of agree to the resolution (H. Res. 142) gentleman from Illinois (Mr. DAVIS) Cuba’s bravest and brightest were rounded supporting the goals and ideals of a each will control 20 minutes.

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