Gary Ackerman

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Chairman, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) is correct in his recollection that we all remember the discussion that we had. We did have that discussion and his recollection of it is correct, but also if the gentleman recalls, that cave and the discovery thereof was hyped to the highest degree I have ever seen around here, with accusations that this is where the new nuclear activity was taking place in North Korea. We insisted, and rightfully so, that the IAEA gain admission. It was hyped, I think, more than was hyped Geraldo's insistence that he was going to find great evidence when they opened Al Capone's safe. When, indeed, the IAEA was allowed in, they found several things. First, they found the cavernous structure was certainly one that could not permit the kind of reactor to be built there. Scientific tests by the IAEA revealed two things, that there was no evidence that anything of which we are talking about had ever been put there, let alone removed. There was no evidence of a nuclear reactor being taken out and nor was there any evidence that Al Capone had ever visited there.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, our Founding Fathers must be very puzzled looking down on us today. Instead of seeing us dealing with the very real challenges that face our Nation, they see us laboring under this compulsion to amend the document that underpins our democracy. They see a house of dwarfs trying to give this government a great new power at the expense of the people, the power for the first time to stifle dissent. The threat must be great, they must be saying, to justify changing the Bill of Rights and, for the first time, decreasing rather than increasing the rights of the people. They see their beloved Bill of Rights being eroded into the Bill of Rights and Restrictions. What is the threat? What is the threat? Madam Speaker, I ask again, what is the threat? Is our democracy at risk? What is the crisis to the Republic? What is the challenge to our way of life? Where is our belief system being threatened? Are people jumping from behind parked cars, waiving burning flags at us, trying to prevent us from getting to work and causing America to grind to a halt? Do we really believe that we are under such a siege because of a few loose cannons? Do we need to change our Constitution to save our democracy? Or, Madam Speaker, are we offended? The real threat to our society is not the occasional burning of a flag, but the permanent banning of the burners. The real threat is that some of us have now mistaken the flag for a religious icon to be worshipped as pagans would, rather than to keep it as the beloved symbol of our freedom that is to be cherished. These rare but vile acts of desecration that have been cited by those who would propose changing our founding document do not threaten anybody. If a jerk burns a flag, America is not threatened. If a jerk burns a flag, democracy is not under siege. If a jerk burns a flag, freedom is not at risk and we are not threatened. My colleagues, we are offended. To change our Constitution because someone offends us is in itself unconscionable. The Nazis, Madam Speaker, the Nazis and the fascists and the imperial Japanese army combined could not diminish the rights of even one single American. Yet, in an act of cowardice, Madam Speaker, we are about to do what they could not. Where are the patriots? Where are the patriots? Where are the patriots? Whatever happened to fighting to the death for somebody's right to disagree? We now choose, instead, to react by taking away the right to protest. Even a despicable low-life malcontent has a right to disagree, and he has a right to disagree in an obnoxious fashion if he wishes. That is the true test of free expression, and we are about to fail that test. Real patriots choose freedom over symbolism. That is the ultimate contest between substance and form. Why does the flag need protecting? Is it an endangered species? Burning one flag or burning 1,000 flags does not endanger it. It is a symbol. But change just one word of our Constitution of this great Nation, and it and we will never be the same. We cannot destroy a symbol. Yes, people have burnt the flag, but, Madam Speaker, there it is again right in back of the Speaker's chair. It goes on. It cannot be destroyed. It represents our beliefs. Now poets and patriots will tell us that men have died for the flag. But that language itself, Madam Speaker, that language itself is symbolic. People do not die for symbols. They fight and die for freedom. They fight and die for democracy. They fight and die for values. They fight and die for the flag means to fight and die for the cause in which we believe. My colleagues would have us change that. We love and we honor and respect our flag for that which it represents. It is different from all other flags. I notice in the amendment that we do not make it illegal to burn some other country's flags, and that is because our flag is different. No, it is not because of the colors or the shape or the design. They are all relatively the same. Our flag is unique, because it represents our unique values. It represents tolerance for dissent. This country was founded by dissenters that others found to be obnoxious. What is a dissenter? In this case, it is a social protester who feels so strongly about an issue that he would stoop so low as to try to get under our skin, to try to rile us up, to prove his point, and to have us react by making this great Nation less than it was. How do we react? Dictators and dictatorships make political prisoners out of those who burn their Nation's flags, not democracies. We tolerate dissent and dissenters, even the despicable dissenters. What is the flag, Madam Speaker? The American flag? Yes, it is a piece of cloth. It is red and white and blue, and it has 50 stars and 13 stripes. But if we pass this amendment and desecrators decide to go into a cottage industry and make flags with 55 stars and burn them, will we rush to the floor to amend our Constitution again? If they add a stripe or two and set it ablaze, it surely looks like our flag, but is it? Do we rush in and count the stripes before determining whether or not we are constitutionally offended? What if the stripes are orange instead of red? How do we interrupt that? What mischief do we do here? If it is a full-size color picture of a flag they burn, is it a crime to desecrate a symbol of a symbol? What are we doing? Our beloved flag represents this great Nation, Madam Speaker. We love our flag. Because there is a Republic for which it stands, made great by a Constitution that we want to protect, a Constitution given to our care by giants and about to be nibbled to death by dwarfs. Madam Speaker, I call upon the patriots of the House to rise and defend the Constitution, resist the temptation to drape ourselves in the flag, and hold sacred the Bill of Rights. Defend our Constitution. Defeat this amendment.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for H. Res. 211, which underscores our nation's support for prostate cancer research and testing. All too often, men and their families remain silent about this deadly disease, which will claim the lies of an estimated 37,000 individuals this year alone. It is critical that our nation starts to talk about prostate cancer in order to increase our awareness about early testing and treatment options. We in the Congress took an important step in fighting this condition by providing Medicare coverage for the prostate specific antigen blood test (PSA) and the digital rectal exam (DRE). I, along with a bipartisan group of House members recently urged HCFA to implement coverage for these procedures in the most timely manner possible. By providing this critical coverage, we can save the lives of thousands of men, while saving Medicare a substantial amount of funding. We can also provide real hope for the 180,000 men who are estimated to be diagnosed with prostate cancer by investing in research. We still have a long way to go before we really understand the risk factors associated with the disease. It is my hope that the National Institutes of Health and other Federal agencies will continue their groundbreaking research into this disease. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this important resolution, which clearly states our commitment to treating and eventually curing this terrible disease.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1000, the Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century. Th New York metropolitan area air space is the busiest in the nation. While many people enjoy the benefits of frequent flights into and out of New York, my constituents are forced to endure the noise of a plane landing or taking off every 30 seconds at LaGuardia Airport, as well as the pollution and traffic congestion. During the one minute that I will be speaking on the Floor, one plane will take off, and another plane will land at LaGuardia. If the High Density rule is lifted, the sky is literally the limit for the number of take-offs and landings that can be added to an already overcrowded LaGuardia and JFK airports. There is also a legitimate need for more flights and lower prices for airline travel to underserved markets. I am pleased that the Manager's Amendment strikes a reasonable compromise for both positions. In order to provide better service from underserved markets, regional jets will be exempt from the High Density Rule for service from LaGuardia or JFK Airports to nonhub or small hub airports, effective January 1, 2000. And, to protect those people who live, work and go to school in the areas near these airports, the High Density Rule will remain in place until January 1, 2000. And, to protect those people who live, work and go to school in the areas near these airports the high Density Rule will remain in place until January 1, 2007 for all other jet service. I am particularly proud to have worked with other Members of the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut tri-state area, particularly, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Meeks, Mr. Weiner, and Mrs. Maloney, in addition to the diligent work of the Transportation Committee, Chairman Shuster, Ranking Member Oberstar, Chairman Duncan, and Ranking Member Lipinski. Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues to join us in supporting this amendment which is a win-win situation for all parties, and a major victory for the people of Queens and all of New York.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to learn that NATO and Yugoslavia have reached an agreement and the Kosovars can finally return to their homeland. Yet there is more good news on the way. Dr. Lee Teng-hui, President of the Republic of China on Taiwan just announced that Taiwan will provide the Kosovar refugees with $300 million in aid. This aid includes food and medical care that are urgently required, as well as job training and rehabilitation programs to promote the reconstruction of Kosovo in the long run. we welcome such generosity from the Republic of china, and applaud its contribution to peace and stability in the international community. Under the dynamic leadership of President Lee Teng-hui, the Republic of China has become a prosperous, full-fledged democracy, and it has demonstrated on numerous occasions its willingness to help the needy. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our appreciation to President Lee and the people of the Republic of China for their generosity to the Kosovar refugees and contributions to the international community.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the accomplishments of Mimi Moskowitz, who will be honored by the Bayside Jewish Center, of Queens County, New York, at a testimonial dinner on Monday, June 7. Mimi is stepping down after two years as President of the Sisterhood of the Bayside Jewish Center, but she will continue to play an active role in the synagogue, as she has done for the past 22 years. Since moving to Bayside from the Bronx in 1977, Mimi Moskowitz has plowed her energy and her limitless talent into the fundraising efforts and entertainment programs of the Bayside Jewish Center. For many years, she co-chaired the synagogue's highly successful New Year's Eve Dinner Dances. These annual events were routinely sold out, and attracted party-goers throughout New York City and Long Island. In addition, Mimi served the Bayside Sisterhood as Program Vice President and Ways and Means Vice President, prior to her tenure as Sisterhood President. She has coordinated numerous Shabbat Dinners, Holiday Hootenannies, This is Your Life tributes, and Purim Parties; has helped edit the synagogue newsletter, the Voice; and has produced countless promotional flyers. The hours of service she has spent volunteering in the synagogue office are too numerous to count. Before arriving in Bayside, Mimi honed her talents in service to the B'nai B'rith of Co-op City, and the Sisterhood of the Castle Hill Jewish Community Center. However, Mimi Moskowitz is perhaps best known for her inventive song parodies and poems, which have been the hit of many an enjoyable evening at Jewish Centers in Queens and the Bronx for more than four decades. Who can forget such classics as Passover is Coming to Town, It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Purim, I'm Dreaming of a Full Sukka, or her seminal work, the full-length production of South Passaic? Indeed, Mimi is believed to be the only person ever to use the phrase Bronx Press Review in a rhyming lyric! Mr. Speaker, Mimi's legions of friends will be flocking to the Bayside Jewish Center on June 7 to honor her for her tireless devotion, boundless energy and limitless service to her synagogue and her community. I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me now in honoring Mimi Moskowitz, congratulating her on the occasion of her testimonial, and extending our best wishes to her for her future health and success.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor President Lee Teng-hui of the Republic of China on Taiwan who celebrated his third anniversary in office on May 20th, 1999. President Lee has amassed a number of accomplishments throughout the last three years. Of all the contemporary leaders that the Republic of China has had, President Lee Teng-hui stands out due to his exceptional ability to guide his nation through the transition to a democratic republic. Furthermore, the effects of the severe financial crisis which have affected much of Asia have been much less severe in Taiwan. This discrepancy can be attributed to President Lee Teng-hui's ability to maintain a stable democratic environment which has allowed a solid foundation for its economy to grow. In addition, he has given his people hope and optimism in Taiwan's ability to confront the future. President Lee Teng-hui has also made great efforts in trying to reach out to his compatriots on the Chinese mainland. Unfortunately, his gestures of friendship have been answered with lukewarm responses at best from the PRC leadership. However, President Lee Teng-hui refuses to give up his hope of seeing a free and unified China in the future and continues to pursue a policy to that end. His persistence is a sign of his dedication to democracy and is greatly appreciated by the Western world, and in particular the United States. I wish President Lee Teng-hui every success in the future. He is a respected leader of a free, prosperous and democratic country and deserves no less than our full support.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, on May 20, 1999, family and friends will gather to honor and pay tribute to Joseph R. Quinn, who served as the Chairman of the Smithtown Democratic Committee for 22 years, until his retirement last September. Joe Quinn, known for his wit, incredible memory for names, love of Irish music, his wonderful family and loyalty to friends, has distinguished himself throughout his private and political life. In 1959, the then-younger, dark-haired, father of five, Joseph R. Quinn, joined the Suffolk County Democratic Committee and began his sojourn into local politics. At the same time, this Iona College graduate began his career as a teacher in the Middle Country School District, where he went on to become the principal of the unique school without walls, New Lane Elementary School. Joe retired from the Middle Country School District in 1988 after 28 years of outstanding career in education. Joe Quinn's dedication and loyalty to the Democratic Party is unsurpassed. Joe often boasts of the 22 officials that were elected under his leadership, ``one for every year as leader.'' He should take pride in that accomplishment, as those victories symbolized his commitment to the ideals of the Democratic Party and of our Nation. Mr. Speaker, on May 20, the Suffolk County Democratic Committee will honor and pay tribute to Joseph Quinn at a gala dinner. I call on all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me now as we recognize and acclaim Joseph R. Quinn for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the Smithtown Democratic Committee, and to the people of Smithtown, of Suffolk County, and of New York State.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the amendment offered by Mr. Weiner to the FY 2000 NASA Authorization bill. This measure would restore funding for NASA's Aircraft Noise Research Program to last year's level. The research conducted by this program would be of great benefit for all those who live, work, or travel near airports throughout the country. The New York metropolitan area air space is the busiest in the nation. While many people enjoy the benefits of frequent flights into and out of New York, my constituents are forced to endure the noise of a plane landing or taking off every 30 seconds at LaGuardia Airport. Moreover, the FY 2000 FAA Re-Authorization bill which the House will be considering in the next few weeks, may well increase this flight activity. The issue of airplane noise is a quality of life issue for the people who live, work, and go to school in the areas surrounding our nation's airports. The least we can do is work to make these planes quieter, and lessen the burden on those who reside near airports in my district, as well as throughout the country. I want to thank the gentleman from New York, Mr. Weiner, for his initiative and leadership on this critical issue for so many New Yorkers and others throughout the country. I urge my colleagues to support this critical issue and vote ``yes'' on the Weiner amendment.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, we all have been told in so many words that bankruptcies are on the rise, and indeed they are, and that because of that everybody suffers because of increased interest rates and other charges. And we are also told, and rightfully so, that consumers need to take personal responsibility for their obligations. That is true, as well. As we address bankruptcy reform today, we have a unique opportunity to at least modestly combat part of this rising trend in bankruptcies, and one of the best ways that we can begin to tackle that is to have more information for consumers so that they are better informed and can make smarter decisions about their credit needs. How do we do this? First, with better and clearer disclosure rules for solicitations and credit applications. Every one of my colleagues here are familiar were the deluge of solicitations that we get in the mail almost on a daily basis advertising a particularly low introductory rate, and the rate is on the envelope and it does not tell us how long that rate is for and the consumer cannot make an objective kind of a decision; and then he borrows at a rate that he thinks he is going to have for a longer period of time and that ends and the interest rates goes up and he is paying more than he did under a previous credit card that he might have had that he switched over from. This is an opportunity for us to fix part of that problem, and that is why the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Dooley) and myself have introduced this amendment. The amendment requires lenders to provide consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions. Specifically, they would have to do several things. They would have to indicate the minimum payment and day that the payment is due on every periodic statement that they send. They would have to indicate what the late penalty deadlines are so that consumers have all the information they need in order to make that appropriate decision and meet their responsibilities and in order to avoid the imposition of late fees. And whenever a solicitation includes an introductory rate, it must be clear when that rate expires. I think these and some of the other small steps make it much better to avoid bankruptcy on the part of many consumers and users of credit.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment, of which I am a cosponsor, and ask for its approval.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Emma Jane Bloomfield, who recently won an award from the Concord Rotary Club for her paper on Mongolian Culture. This paper was brought to my attention by her proud grandmother, Blanche Bloomfield, who resides in my district in Kings Point, NY. This essay contest demonstrates how our communities can work with our schools to further the educational goals of all of our nation's children. I hope all of my colleagues will have an opportunity to review this insightful and cogent essay and I would once again like to congratulate Emma on her outstanding work. Under the control of Genghis Khan, the Mongolian people once had a forceful army, exploding with wrath and rage. However, the mounting tension between other countries and the Mongolians, caused by so many battles, resulted in the shattering of the Mongol empire. Since the 1300s, they have struggled to rebuild their society. Now that the strength and anger have faded from their community, many Mongols today believe in a strong emphasis on politeness and hospitality. Mongols live on the seeping grasslands of Asia and they use their environment to satisfy many needs. In the rural areas of Mongolia, many men are herdsmen who supervise the wild horses and yaks that roam the Mongols' homeland. The history of the Mongolian people has influenced their present culture, and their beliefs, styles of life, and natural environment are still contributing to the formation of their society and identities. Mongolian history is traced back to the days of power when Genghis Khan ruled the Mongol empire. Genghis Khan was a wild horseman and a strong warrior who inspired the bravery of his people. He had great accuracy and distance when shooting a bow and arrow, and he had a keen mind that conjured up strategies he used to win battles. Khan was widely known for ruthlessly attacking towns and cities for the rewards of victory. Genghis Khan conquered more territory than anyone in Mongolian history, and he imposed his reputation on the world. Despite the cruelty that Khan showed toward other countries, the Mongols praised him and viewed him as the founder of their nation, creator of their people. The Mongols called Genghis Khan the ``Supreme Ruler Over the Ocean'' and ``Emperor of Emperors.'' A large portion of Khan's success was due to his solid armies, both his soldiers and his horsemen. Genghis Khan's armies were vast, and he grouped his men into units of tens, hundreds, thousands, and ten-thousands, so they could move in to battle quickly. Khan's powerful armies were often forced to over 225 miles of land within a day. Most of the warriors were horsemen, and they each owned three to twenty horses, which they alternated daily to give each horse sufficient time to rest. Weapons carried by the warriors were strong bows, lances, and swords. The soldiers wore heavy leather called lamellar to shield them from the fierce swipe of a sword. Many of Genghis Khan's words provoked a feeling of force and fury. ``The greatest pleasure is to vanquish your enemies and chase them before you rob them of their wealth and see those dear to them baked in tears, to ride their horses,'' he once said. Khan was fueled by experiences of the many bloody battles that his armies fought. Genghis Khan relished seeing those inferior to him suffer, and he fought only to claim power and to satisfy his dreams. Khan's dream was to establish a network of riders, used as a spy system, all over Asia. His armies did succeed in taking over parts of China, Middle Asia, and Europe. Khan's empire stretched from Europe to Russia in the north, and from Vietnam to Iraq in the south. With their equipment, strength, and intelligence, the Mongol Umpire led by Genghis Khan seemed immortal. Unfortunately for Mongolian society, the red heat of their empire soon faded to a cowering pink. Because they fought so many battles, the rivalries and conflicts between Mongolia and other countries brought misfortune and an unexpected end to the Mongol Empire. At that time, Russia and China began to expand and they claimed most power that the Mongols had once held. The collapse of the Mongol empire in 1505 scarred its people and society. The power supplied by Genghis Khan was humiliated, and the next centuries were filled with tragedy and struggle. While the Mongols tried to rebuild their economy, Russia and China prevailed over them and took parts of Mongolia under their control. In 1990, the break-up of the Soviet Union provided a blessing to the Mongols, and it offered freedom to some. However, problems still remain in Mongolia. To survive, the people have been forced to roam the grasslands, hunting with bow and arrow, taming horses, and raising livestock. The Mongols' strength has only re- emerged through their formation of a government while they have squirmed out of the reach of Russian and Chinese power. Having rebuilt their society, natural and spiritual things now claim a higher rank among the Mongols. Mongolians believe that heaven, a home to the gods, holds an abundance of power. The Mongols honor heaven and all of nature under it. In fact, earlier Mongol tribes blessed and proclaimed their leaders as the ``sons of heaven.'' In their households, Mongols have always strongly emphasize politeness and hospitality. In pre-modern times the Mongols' homes were spread out all over the Mongols' land. This caused many people to travel from camp to camp, who would need a home for one night. Mongols provided shelter for visitors who later would face a hike across the windswept grasslands. With the arrival of a guest at a Mongolian's home, the host would traditionally offer a hospitality bowl, which would hold chunks of pungent cheeses, sugar cubes, candies, and bordzig pastries deep fried in yak and mutton fats. Using the hospitality bowl was the style in which the Mongols welcomed their guests. Mongolians believed in treating visitors as old and beloved friends, and in turn, the guest of a household would offer kind words to the hosts, and would express respect and gratitude by accepting foods at the table with customary gestures. The traditional religion observed by the people of Mongolia is Tibetan Buddhism. Pedestals, in a Mongol's home, hold statues of Buddha, a symbol that is prominent in Tibetan Buddhism. After freedom of religion was introduced to Mongolia in 1990, Buddhism became the most commonly practiced religion. The government of Mongolia offered money to support the restoration of a sacred Buddhist Monastery. Religion holds importance to the Mongols, yet it only occupies one level of Mongolian life. In the rural areas of Mongolia, the people's lives revolve around hunting or herding livestock. The semi-wild horses who graze in the mountains that enclose the grasslands, are for riding and training purposes. A Mongolian horse herdsman typically makes decisions as to where to let the horses graze, and when to move them to the next camps. Herders of any animal must eventually sell or butcher the livestock. Herdsmen efficiently use parts of the animals for fuel, warmth, and shelter. The job of a herdsman may also be to breed rarer animals, and sell them. Traditionally, hunting occupies a large portion of Mongolian life. Many Mongol hunters use ancient archery techniques to hunt birds. Keen dogs and cheetahs are also used to track down a hunter's game. Occasionally, in earlier times, large-scale hunts would be organized where beaters would drive entire herds of antelope into the lurking hunters' bows. Falcons, too, were used to lead large game to the hunters. In the rural places of Mongolia, the rural life of a Mongol is chiefly filled by the needs of the flocks of sheep, goats, herds of horses, cattle, or camels. Springtime is the season in which herdsmen have the most commitments to the livestock. The births of animals occupy great spans of time, and often an entire family comes to the fields and helps the herder with a difficult birth. Herdsmen scurry around tending to the needs of animals, trying to establish a health start to the herding season. Summertime is less busy, for herds of animals resort to pasture land and the livestock doesn't demand assistance from herdsmen. Yet in the summertime there is still some work to attend to: sheep are shorn for their dense wool and camels and goats are combed for their velvety under-wool. The autumn winds dry the moisture from the grasslands, and as winter approaches groups of herdsmen collect their livestock. The animals are confined to graze in small pens and barns, and hay becomes their main diet. In late autumn equipment and tools are replaced or mended for the new births of livestock in the springtime. Mongolian winters come to the land quickly and last for a long amount of time. Temperatures stay low for weeks, which make each day harder for Mongols to endure. Herdsmen stay loyal to the penned animals and help them through the months of winter, so the cycle can repeat. On the grasslands outside of Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, the Mongols live in tent-like gers (see appendix D). These homes have rounded walls that slope upward to form a point at the top. These traditional homes provide the Mongolian people with warmth and protect them from blizzards that may storm the grasslands. Gers are covered with felt, usually made by women. The process of felt-making typically takes two weeks for enough cloth to cover an entire ger. Because many Mongols are followers of animal herds, the ger satisfies the needs of their culture, for the ger is easy to dismantle and is designed to be transported from place to place. A ger is most commonly moved by a team of camels or oxen, the strongest animals that can support a heavy weight. The placement of a ger has been influenced by Mongols' traditions. Throughout Mongolian history, the door of the ger has always faced southeast. Mongols believe that because winds gust from the southeast and the sacred sun rises in the east, gers that face in this direction are blessed. The most common animal to be seen roaming the land of Mongolia is the yak. Mongols use the abundance of these animals to benefit their culture by herding them and using the animals as a source of trade. The Mongolian people also dine on meat from yaks and use their fat to fuel stoves. The Mongolian government trades yaks to other countries for oil, manufactured goods, and machinery, which are all conveniences that Mongols cannot process themselves. The Mongols' land is a tangle of many different environments. A portion of Mongolia includes a vast mountain range locking in bleak and rocky grasslands. The most prominent mountain range is the Altai. This cluster of mountains holds the only glaciers in Mongolia, which makes for a nipping, frigid climate. The Mongolian grasslands also border the Gobi Desert, where the climate is arid and hot. Mongol culture, therefore, has adapted to living among extreme temperatures, but it revolves mostly around the more temperate grasslands. The Mongols have proven, in the survival of their culture, that to this day they still have the spark and the strength that the great Genghis Khan possessed.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fernanda Bennett, whose dedication and perseverance has made the fifth district Annual Congressional High School Art Competition a resounding success year after year. 1999 marks the seventh year that the Nassau County Museum of Art generously hosts this noteworthy event, displaying the pieces entered into competition from high schools in Nassau, Queens and Suffolk counties. As the Assistant Director and Registrar, Ms. Bennett directs the smooth installation and public display of these works. Her enormous contribution to the art competition is indicative of her successful career at the museum. Fernanda Bennett started as an intern in 1983, and has since worked her way up through the staff. Over the years, she has helped plan, organize, and install over fifty exhibitions, ranging from Tiffany lamps to Picasso canvases. As the Registrar, Ms. Bennett handles the details on insurance, transport, and display of numerous, invaluable pieces of art. She also helps maintain records of all borrowed items by collecting photos and documenting their exhibition histories. As Assistant Director, Ms. Bennett oversees the day to day operation at the museum. She ensures that the building is kept clean and that the gallery environment is properly maintained. In addition, she inspects the artwork to ensure that it is cared for in a manner benefiting its valuable status. Because of its location on a 145 acre preserve, The Nassau County Museum of Art exhibits a collection of monumental outdoor sculptures. Ms. Bennett oversees the preparation of the sites for sculpture installation, handles the removal and placement of these magnificent pieces, and administers the care needed to display the works at their finest. Her commitment to the museum and years of service to the community have enabled the fifth district art competition to be one of the biggest and best in the country. Seven years ago, only fifty students participated in this event. Due largely to Ms. Bennett's extraordinary dedication, that number has jumped by fifth percent; in the last two years, an average of seventy-five students per year have taken part in the competition. Therefore, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring this remarkable individual, Fernanda Bennett.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pray tribute to the American Legion Post #694 of Northport, NY, for its continuous support for Boy Scout Troop #41. For the past 75 years the American Legion Post has sponsored this troop, making it the oldest sponsorship in New York State. Post 694's commitment to this troop and its membership over these many years symbolizes all that is truest in America; patriotism, loyalty and love of country. All of the good deeds that men do, does in fact live after them. So that today, we salute the many members of the American Legion Post 694 who began and continued the sponsorship up until this present date. In a society that seeks great heroes and leaders, it is most commendable that the American Legion Post 694 has striven mightily to maintain this troop with honor and dignity, and to provide a positive role model. On Sunday, May 2, 1999, when family, friends and members of the American Legion Post 694 and the Boy Scout Troop 41 gather to celebrate this outstanding accomplishment, let us all applaud this Herculean effort and achievement. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to salute the members of the American Legion Post 694, past and present, in an acknowledgment of a deed well done.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fernanda Bennett, whose dedication and perseverance has made the fifth district Annual Congressional High School Art Competition a resounding success year after year. This year marked the sixth year that the Nassau County Museum of Art generously hosted this noteworthy event, displaying the pieces entered into competition. As the Assistant Director and Registrar, Ms. Bennett directs the smooth installation and public display of these works. Her enormous contribution to the art competition is indicative of her successful career at the museum. Fernanda Bennett started as an intern in 1983, and has since worked her way up through the staff. Over the years, she has helped plan, organize, and install over fifty exhibitions, ranging from Tiffany lamps to Picasso canvases. As the Registrar, Ms. Bennett handles the details on insurance, transport, and display of numerous, invaluable pieces of art. She also helps maintain records of all borrowed items by collecting photos and documenting their exhibition histories. As Assistant Director, Ms. Bennett oversees the day to day operations at the museum. She ensures that the building is kept clean and that the gallery environment is properly maintained. In addition, she inspects the artwork to ensure that it is cared for in a manner benefiting its valuable status. Because of its location on a 145 acre preserve, The Nassau County Museum of Art exhibits a collection of monumental outdoor sculptures. Ms. Bennett oversees the preparation of the sites for sculpture installation, handles the removal and placement of these magnificent pieces, and administers the care needed to display the works at their finest. Her commitment to the museum and years of service to the community have enabled the fifth district art competition to be one of the biggest and best in the country. Six years ago, only fifty students participated in this event. Due largely to Ms. Bennett's extraordinary dedication, over one hundred students took part in this year's competition. Therefore, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring this remarkable individual, Fernanda Bennett.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise along with many of my colleagues, to commemorate the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923. Many of us here are already quite familiar with the details: on April 24, 1915, 84 years ago this week, over two hundred Armenian religious, political, and intellectual leaders were executed by the Turkish government. This mass execution was not an isolated incident, but rather was the beginning of a systematic campaign perpetrated by the Ottoman Turk government. These executions had also been preceded by a historic pattern of persecution officially sanctioned by the Ottoman Sultan. To Armenians around the world, April 24th marks the start of an organized campaign by the government of Ottoman Turkey to completely eliminate the Armenian population from the Ottoman Empire. During the following eight years, from 1915-1923, 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives, whether directly or indirectly at the hands of the Ottoman government. I stand here before my colleagues to also praise the efforts that we make today to end persecution and genocide around the world. I rise not as a Democrat or a Republican, but as a human being, honoring the memory of those massacred, so that this will never happen again. It is our responsibility and obligation as humans to acknowledge these tragic events in history and to ensure that the memories of those massacred are honored and respected for all time. In that light, we must not allow the Turkish government's denials of the Armenian genocide to go unanswered. Explaining away the Genocide as a series of internal conflicts during and after WW I that caused the unfortunate death of many Armenian people, not only insults the memories of the victims and survivors, but also offends our own sensibilities. It is therefore our responsibility to ensure that events such as the Armenian Genocide are not forgotten and NEVER repeated. As a Congressman, a Jew, and as a person, I stand here today to honor the memory of those who have been massacred by totalitarian governments throughout history. In fact, there are many comparisons between the suffering of the Armenian people and the Jewish people. Quite simply, just as we pledge to never forget the tragedy of the Holocaust, we must also not let the Armenian Genocide go unacknowledged, as that would be the equivalent of forgetting. The obvious lesson in this is that we must not ever turn our backs to the suffering of any people. In fact, I think this lesson resonates loudly in our actions today in Kosovo. Lastly, I want to thank my colleagues, Congressmen John Porter and Frank Pallone, for leading this effort in the House of Representatives. Their combined leadership on the Armenian Issues Caucus makes us all proud to work together on this issue of concern to all human beings.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Lou Matarazzo, president of the New York City Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, and Ron Devito, 2nd vice-president of the New York City Patrolmen's Benevolent Association. They are being honored on April 15, 1999, at the Terrace in the Park in Flushing Meadows, NY, on the occasion of their retirement. Their leadership in the New York City Policy Department and as officers of the PBA is truly inspirational to all New Yorkers. Well known for his devotion to his fellow officers and for being ready, willing and able to help a colleague in need, under any circumstances. Matarazzo has combined a hands-on approach with a thorough knowledge of police and human affairs. He began his career in law enforcement as a rookie patrolman in 1964. In 1969, he was elected a PBA delegate from the 108 Precinct and held that position for 9 years, serving on both the Negotiating and the ``Cop of the Month'' Committees. In 1977, he was elected the PBA Queens Trustee and soon began serving as chairman of the board of trustees and chairman of the Law Committee. In February 1991, he became the PBA Recording Secretary and in June 1991, he was elected treasurer. He has held his current position as PBA president since 1995. Matarazzo served as a member of the Police Pension Board, and is an expert in the field of disabilities. He is also a member of many civic and police groups, including the Columbia Association, of which he was a recent ``Man of the Year.'' He has been cited for excellence by the Police Honor Legion, the New York Shields, the Nassau County Shields and the Holy Name Society. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Public Employees Conference in New York States, which has over one million members. A resident of Nassau County, Matarazzo has been married to his wife, Fran, for 36 years. Together they have 5 children and 6 grandchildren. A 42-years veteran police officer, Ron Devito has been a PBA delegate since 1972. He joined the force in 1957 and was assigned to the 103rd precinct where he worked in uniform for 20 years, before being elected to the Executive Board of the Policeman's Benevolent Association. In 1977, he was elected as the Financial Secretary for Queens County, Treasurer, and then 2nd Vice President of the PBA. During his time with the PBA, Devito has served on the Pension Board, the Tellers Committee; was an original member of the Committee on Political Action; was director of the ``Cop of the Month'' Committee and served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors Executive Board. Devito has been awarded one exceptional Merit Citation, two Meritorious Police Citations, four excellent Police Citations and the Nassau Shields ``Cop of the Month'' Award. A former sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, Devito is marred to the former Patricia Guinan. They have three children and three grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring these two outstanding men.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise to acknowledge and celebrate the 178th Greek Independence Day. This great day in Greek history commemorates the successful struggle of the Greek people for national sovereignty. It is no secret that the United States and Greece have shared a close relationship since Greece's independence. In fact, Greece is one of the very few countries in the world that has stood alongside the United States during every major conflict of this last century. The United States shares many common threads with Greece, including a commitment to democracy, peace, and respect for human rights. I think it's safe to say that the Founding Fathers of Greece and the United States would be proud of the tremendous achievements of both nations as well as their closeness. The strong bond that is shared by these two countries is now approaching its third century, and as we rapidly approach the twenty-first century, I think its imperative that we recognize countries such as Greece that are eager to move into the next millennium hand-in-hand with the United States. Greek-Americans all around the country are celebrating this great day for their homeland. Parades, dances, songs and feasts will be occurring all over this country in celebration of Greek independence. The celebrations both here and in Greece will no doubt demonstrate the fortitude of its people. Throughout the past 200 years there have been repeated challenges to the independence of Greece, yet its people have stridently fought to maintain both their democracy and independence-- and the United States and its people have been proud to stand by her and provide strength, assistance and friendship to overcome those struggles. I am pleased to have this opportunity to once again celebrate Greek culture and toast the Greek people. It is an honor to rise and commemorate the 178th Greek Independence Day. On this day we celebrate more than just Greece's independence, we celebrate Greece as a country and as a friend.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 56, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. Mr. Speaker, the Taiwan Relations Act has provided a stable foundation for peace and security in the Taiwan strait for 20 years. Since 1979, when the Taiwan Relations Act was passed, Taiwan has grown into a full fledged, multi-party democracy with a free press and respect for human rights. Additionally, the TRA has served both the United States and Taiwan well as the framework for our commercial relations. During the same twenty years, Taiwan has grown into an economic powerhouse and a major player in the global market. Even in the face of the Asian financial crisis, Taiwan continues to post impressive economic growth numbers. Through prudent economic policies that have kept foreign debt low and foreign exchange reserves high, Taiwan managed to post a 4.8% GDP growth rate last year. Mr. Speaker, the Taiwan Relations Act also speaks to the commitment of the United States to support Taiwan's Legitimate self-defense needs and recognizes that Taiwan's future must be decided by peaceful means only. The resolution before us today notes that cross-strait discussions are ongoing and urges the People's Republic of China to renounce the use of force as a means. Mr. Speaker, the Taiwan Relations Act has served the United States and Taiwan well as the policy framework that guides our relationship. I urge all my colleagues to recognize the success of the TRA and to support the resolution.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I stand here today, not as a Democrat, and I hope that my colleagues do not stand there as Republicans, and I would ask all of our colleagues, indeed, to question why do we stand here. What is this all about? What are our values? Where do we fit in this world? We think sometimes about heroes. Indeed, what are heroes? A hero is usually an ordinary person who steps out of the crowd, having no gain for himself, and tries to stop a maddened mob from destroying somebody else's life and interjects himself into the fray. These are some of the values that we try to impart to our children. We should not mind only our own business, we should be trying to help other people. I have heard the question asked over and over again by so many colleagues on both sides of the aisle, what is in the U.S. interest? What are we as a country? I think there is probably not a person in this body who would dispute the fact that they would like to see the U.S. recorded in permanent history as a Nation that is both mighty and just. What is the purpose of our might if we do not use it for good? Is justice not just a state of mind unless we use it for the greater good? I have been, most of my life, a passivist, opposed to so many of the things that so many of my friends have supported. This is a time for peace. This is a time to use our might and our strength and the unique position that the United States of America is in today for good, for something decent, to help save the lives of people in a place so far away, where human beings have been destroyed, where ethnic cleansing has taken place, where genocide has existed. Is that not in the American interest? Mr. Chairman, I come from a very small people, a people who, in our lifetime, were almost totally annihilated by forces of evil. So much of the world turned its back. Oh, they had excuses. We did not know. We did not see. We did not believe. No one told us. We have been disabused of those excuses, Mr. Chairman, today, because we know what is going on and what has gone on and what will go on unless the forces of justice and reason somehow intervene. It was not until the world intervened and democratic countries stepped up to the plate that the people that I come from were liberated, snatched from the jaws of death in concentration camps. So many of the countries, including the United States, for whom all of us are so grateful, stepped up to the plate because it was in America's national interest, and to do the right thing. So many of us and so many others took an oath when that happened, Mr. Chairman, that said, never again, never again were we going to allow something like this to happen. We swore this to ourselves, and we swore this to our God. Others swore along with us. What does that mean? Did we mean this only for ourselves? Did we mean that we would step up to the plate only if we were going to be wiped out? I do not think so, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, we could not mean that only for ourselves, because that would be ingenuous. Never again will I want to remind my friends who have said that, which include probably everybody in this House, that never again is upon us yet again. What is it that we are to do? Are we to shrug our shoulder? Are we to examine costs? Are we that people that would let others die unjustly, unpleasantly, because we are cheap, because we are thoughtless? I do not think so. This is the time to act in the interests of justice and in the interests of peace lest the notion that we are a mighty and just Nation be but an illusion.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Elena Peiser Hanrahan on the celebration on her 70th birthday on Saturday, March 13, 1999. Elena is a woman of many accomplishments. She has been a leader in her Bayside community for many years and she has volunteered countless hours for many different causes. Elena has served her parish of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament as President of the Rosary Society. She has also been an active member of the National Council of Catholic Women. She served as President of the Brooklyn Diocesan branch of the NCCW, and was appointed executive director of the Northeast region. She currently is the NCCW representative to the United Nations. Elena was the Director of Volunteers at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary for 12 years. While there, she expanded the network to include handicapped volunteers as well as senior citizens and teens. Currently, Elena is the community relations director for her local chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons. She still maintains her busy schedule at her church where she helps to produce the monthly newsletter, organizes a pre-school group called ``Mommy and Me,'' and lectors regularly at Mass. Elena has accomplished all of this while devoting herself to her family of 8 children, 4 stepchildren, and 10 grandchildren. She is an energetic and motivated citizen who shows no sign of slowing down as she enters her eighth decade. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in extending my best wishes and congratulations to Elena Peiser Hanrahan on the occasion of her 70th birthday, and wishing her many more years of active service to her family and to her community.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate four outstanding high school students from my Congressional District, who were recently named as finalists in the Intel Science Talent Search. The talent search has given each of these students an opportunity to demonstrate their unique talents and capacity for innovation. The students will be honored this week in Washington with the thirty-six other finalists. Indeed, it is both humbling and inspirational to listen to the accomplishments of these dynamic individuals. Trevor Bass, of Great Neck, used a genetic algorithm to analyze the theory of evolution. At Great Neck South High School, Trevor is the coach of the math team and has won several awards in math, computer science and physics. He hopes to attend Harvard University in the fall. Lauren Cooper, of Roslyn, studied how gender based language influences our perceptions of Presidential candidates. At Roslyn High School, Lauren is active in student government and president of the math club. Lauren plans to attend Duke University in the fall. Lisa Schwartz, of Roslyn, examined patterns in two-way sequences of positive integers for her project. At Roslyn High School, Lisa is the captain of her forensics team and the editor in chief of both her yearbook and newspaper. She is currently ranked first in her class of 221 students and hopes to attend Harvard University in the fall. Eric Stern, of Great Neck, has studied the nature of Alzheimer's disease. At Great Neck South High School, Eric has led the marching band and science club and has won many music, math, and science awards. Next year, David hopes to attend Yale University. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the schools in the Fifth Congressional District of New York. These students' achievements underscore our community's commitment to excellence in education. These four scholars truly embody the ideals of innovation, perseverance, and leadership. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring and congratulating these young men and women, on their many accomplishments, and extending to them our best wishes for continued success in what appears to be a very bright future.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Marcy Tublisky, Executive Director of the Hauppauge Industrial Association, who is being honored on February 9, 1999, by the members of the HIA on the occasion of her 10th year of service to them. Marcy's career is reminiscent of many success stories in the manner of our great American tradition. Marcy Tublisky began her working life as an Elementary School Teacher in the Bronx, but she did not rest when the school bell rang to end the day. Through her extensive years as a volunteer, she served the PTA as its President, gave her time as Pink Lady at St. John's Hospital, and was appointed to the Small Business Advisory Council. Marcy is an alumna of the Citizens Police Academy, and a member of the Suffolk County Police Reserves. In addition, she has received the Distinguished Business Leaders Award from the March of Dimes. Since 1989, she embraced the challenge of Executive Director for the Hauppauge Industrial Association. Under her tenacious, caring and committed leadership, the membership has more than doubled. She has led this organization and its members into partnerships with outside agencies to establish programs that not only have proven beneficial to the HIA membership and their families, but also have enabled them to expand their companies nationally and globally. She is very proud of her membership involvement in HIA's 17 active committees and partnerships with schools, police departments, ambulance corps, and charitable organizations. Under her watchful eye, the HIA planted the seed for the nation's first intergenerational day care in an industrial park. She embarked on this venture in 1989, and with a handful of volunteers developed and realized her dream. Today, that day-care program has more than 100 participants. Concentrating on providing the best she could for the membership, she encouraged and convinced the Suffolk County Police Department to place a defibrillator in the Park's police sector car, and to establish a medical emergency police vehicle to provide immediate assistance to the victims of emergency situations in the Industrial Park. Marcy is a life-long resident of Long Island, where she lives today with Mark, her husband of 35 years. Her pride and joy are her two daughters: Ilyse, a Physical Therapist at South Side Hospital, and Beth, a health-care consultant for Price Waterhouse. A person is truly judged successful if she is able to bring about positive change that enhances and broadens the lives of others. Clearly, Marcy fulfills this notable standard. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me now in saluting Marcy Tublisky for her outstanding leadership, creativity and commitment, and to extend our best wishes and congratulations as she is honored by the members of the Hauppauge Industrial Association.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to strongly oppose the impeachment of the President of the United States. My President. The People's President. Today we embarrass the memory of our country's Founders as we torture the intent of the genius of their system of balancing the awesome powers of Government. Once our votes are cast on this despicable issue, no longer will we be able to look upon ourselves and our House as honorable; or even as men and women who are here to serve as a check on the power of the Executive. Instead, we will have become a House that sits in moral judgement over another man, meting out punishment for personal deeds which we deem unacceptable. The Majority party, however, has decided that this course is pre-determined, because we must uphold ``the rule of law.'' Otherwise, our country will descend into chaos. Yes, Mr. Speaker, no one is above the law--and there is no question that the law must be followed. But we also serve a greater document: and that is the Constitution of the United States. And it is the words within that great document that we must follow in this case as we decide whether the disgraceful behavior by the President merits his impeachment. Mr. Speaker, under your leadership and that of your party, we stand here--small men with petty careers, and partisan of purpose, to diminish our great Republic. Devoid of a sense of proportion and overburdened with an excess of hubris, you claim conscience as your exclusive domain, and deny us the right to offer the People's Will--a motion of censure. I can only surmise the answer to that is because the Republican leadership is being driven by a core of short-sighted, bitter, and small-minded people who would do away with the high-minded principles espoused and framed for time immemorial by the Founders of this Nation. And they would do this for the sole reason that they do not agree with the President's actions. However, the President's behavior does not put him in the category of those who would commit treason, except perhaps in the minds of those conspiracy theorists who are consuming the Majority party. Let me be clear that what we do here today is an oligarchical act that attempts to recreate a presidency that would serve at the Majority's whim, rather than at the will of the people. Mr. Speaker, please believe me that the gravity of this action will not go unnoticed by the public that we purport to serve. To be sure, the President has shamed himself greatly. To be clear, it is we who are about to become the shame of the Nation.