House Proceeding 03-24-09 on Mar 24th, 2009 :: 1:06:15 to 1:10:05
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1:06:11 to 1:06:34( Edit History Discussion )

Robert Wexler: the 188th anniversary of the revotion that led greece to its freedom. i urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this resolution and yield back the balance of our time, mr. speaker. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady yields back. the gentleman from florida. mr. wexler: i yield myself such time as i might consume. mr. speaker, as a proud member

1:06:15 to 1:10:05( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Robert Wexler

1:06:35 to 1:06:55( Edit History Discussion )

Robert Wexler: of the hellenic caucus, i want to express strong support for this resolution recognizing the 188th anniversary of the independence of greece and celebrating greek and american democracy. i would also once again like to thnk my good friend from florida, ms. ros-lehtinen, who has been a leading supporter of u.s.-greek relations in congress.

1:06:56 to 1:07:18( Edit History Discussion )

Robert Wexler: additionally, i want to expres my gratitude to the co-chairs of the hellenic caucus, congresswoman maloney and congressman bilirakis, for their efforts in moving this forward. having had the honor of meeting with the foreign minister of greece one month ago, it is an honor to highlight one of america east most important

1:07:19 to 1:07:39( Edit History Discussion )

Robert Wexler: allies, greece, in he the commitment to democracy and human rights and laws that bind our mation tos. this is an opportunity braise greece for its efforts to bring peace and stability to the balkans, as well as the support athens has given the united states following 9/11 and our collective efforts in the war on terrorism.

1:07:40 to 1:08:00( Edit History Discussion )

Robert Wexler: it is not lost on any of us in congress that greece was quick to respond to requests by the u.s. in the war in iraq and immediately granted access to its air space. many of the ships that delivered fuel and supplies to iraq were refueled in greece. close cooperation with greece

1:08:01 to 1:08:22( Edit History Discussion )

Robert Wexler: continues on a daily basis and it is essential that congress and the administration recognize this extraordinary support and express our deepest gratitude to the greek people and greek government. this occasion is not only important in terms of u.s.-greece bilateral relations, but it is an historic occasion for millions of americans. as a member of

1:08:23 to 1:08:43( Edit History Discussion )

Robert Wexler: large greek-american community, i am especially pleased we are passing this resolution today. which also highlights this community's extraordinary commitments to the shared prosperity of our nation. it is undeniable that the greek-american community which includes some five million americans with greek ancestry,

1:08:44 to 1:09:04( Edit History Discussion )

Robert Wexler: is the linchpin in the unbreakable bond between the united states and greece. as unofficial ambassadors between america and greece, greek americans have for decades successfully shaped this long-standing friendship and built new bridges to forge closer relations between our nations. while this resolution recognizes an important

1:09:05 to 1:09:25( Edit History Discussion )

Robert Wexler: anniversary of the independence of greece, it is also my hope that today's floor debate will be used as a catalyst to promote our ally's, greece's, participatn in the visa waver program. they've fulfilled all criteria to be included in the vee ka waiver program and i urge the

1:09:26 to 1:09:47( Edit History Discussion )

Robert Wexler: administration to work as quickly as possible along with as on the finalize this process and further enhance the relationship between the peoples and governments of the united states and greece. once again, i congratulate the people of greece on their 188th anniversary of independence and i yield back the balance of my time.

1:09:48 to 1:10:06( Edit History Discussion )

Robert Wexler: the speaker pro tempore: the question is will the house suspend the rules and agrea to house resolution 273. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of -- >> mr. speaker, i object to the vote on the grounds that a quorum is not present and make a point of order that a quorum