Gary Ackerman

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, today we embarrass the memory of our Founding Fathers as we torture the intent of the genius of their system of balancing the awesome powers of government. Mr. Speaker, under your leadership and that of your party we stand here, small men with petty careers and partisan of purpose to diminish yet again 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 will of the people, a motion to censure. Your oligarchical act attempts to recreate a presidency that would serve at your whim rather than at the will of the people. To be sure, the President has shamed himself. To be clear, it is we who are about to become the shame of the Nation.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to Amartya Sen who has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Science for his work on human rights, poverty and inequality. The Indian-born Professor Sen found an academically rigorous way to examine the impact that social policy choices have on rich and poor alike. His ground-breaking work on the 1943 Bengal famine has spawned extensive academic work on social choice and it's economic consequences. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences noted that Professor Sen's research had ``restored an ethnical dimension to the discussion of vital economic problems.'' Professor Sen himself said ``I believe that economic analysis has something to contribute to substantive ethics in the world in which we live.'' Professor Sen was also influential in how international organizations deal with food crises. His 1981 book ``Poverty and Famine'' demonstrated that famine was an avoidable economic and political catastrophe and not just a consequence of nature. The United Nations drew heavily on Professor Sen's work in creating the U.N. Development Index which quantifies the quality of life in different countries by looking at such factors as longevity and school enrollment rather than simply examining per capita income. Professor Sen has restored a much needed discussion of values to the study of economics. His work can help us all understand the social consequences of economic choices and reminds us all that ultimately the quality of life is measured by more acquisitions. Mr. Speaker, as the new co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Professor Sen for a lifetime of significant contributions to the study of economics and for being awarded the Nobel Prize.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, let me thank the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Charlie Rangel), Dean of the New York delegation, ``Mr. New York,'' for bringing us together today. We share today, I think in the waning hours of the 105th Congress, another chapter in the American dream. A generation ago, Madam Speaker, Irish immigrants came here to these shores looking for a better way of life as young people seeking opportunity, as troubles brewed in their homeland of Ireland. One person was Peggy and the other one, Tom Manton. Tom came here, became a skilled laborer, married Peggy, got a job, and worked here in the capital of the free world. He was a tradesman, a plasterer, and he worked on the very buildings that we work and make our speeches in today. Little did Tom Manton from Ireland know at that time as he was applying his trade in these hallowed halls that one day his son would grow up to be a Member of the United States House of Representatives and work in the very building that he helped to build, in the land that with his hands he helped to build as well. Young Tom, when he was born, went to school in Queens, after being born in Manhattan. That was a wise choice, he came to Queens. He went to St. Joseph's Prep Elementary School. He went to St. John's Prep after that, and then he put himself through St. John's University and got a college degree. At the tender age of 19, still a teenager, he joined the Marine Corps and put in 3 years in the service, serving this Nation in Korea. After that, he became a New York City policeman, a tough job. We call them ``New York's Finest,'' and Tom epitomizes that. He certainly is one of New York's finest in every way and every aspect. As the Dean mentioned, he served a tour of duty while on the force on the job, as they say, on the beat in central Harlem, working with the people there. While he worked as a policeman in the City of New York, he put themselves through law school getting a degree from St. John's University during the night, a difficult thing to do while holding down a full-time job in the day. It was shortly after that that he ran for public office and was elected to the New York City Council and became the chairman of the powerful Housing Committee and served the citizens of our great city in that capacity for some 15 years with great distinction. Tom has always been a team player, but when it came time to being able to stand up for what he believed in, he was willing to step forward and rock the boat. He took on the establishment when it was necessary. He ran for the United States Congress and the rest, as we say, is history. He has been our good colleague now for 14 years. How time flies. For 14 years, he served with us in the House of Representatives, serving originally on the Committee on Banking and Financial Services, serving on what was then House Administration, Merchant Marine Committee, and the Committee on Commerce, handling such matters as trade and telecommunications and securities and consumer protection, working hard. Here in a place, Madam Speaker, known as a stable for show horses, Tom proved to be a workhorse. Recognized by all of us as a Member's Member, doing the day-to-day work that was necessary to make this place run, to make it easier for other Members to be able to do their jobs. Doing many jobs that many other Members of Congress would ordinarily shun. In addition to that, he quickly assumed responsibilities as the cochair of the Congressional Ad Hoc Committee on Irish Affairs, a cause, very, very dear to his heart, trying to argue the cause and work for peace with justice in the land of his ancestors. His work, along with that of many others, with his leadership, has begun to finally bear fruit. For that, I know that his dad, Tom, and mom, Peggy, who I know are looking down upon him today, would be very, very proud. It is hard for some of our Members to understand, because of his always friendly smile and congenial personality and attitude, working to build bridges with Members of both parties across both sides of the aisle, is that kind of a person. Yet at the same time, back home, I have to assure my colleagues he is a very partisan political player within the Democratic Party, fighting for the values that we all believe in on our side. A great leader, becoming the county leader of our Democratic Party for at least 12 years, taking the helm of our party in Queens County at a time when it previously had been racked with scandal and had many problems. He straightened out that county organization making it one of the proudest, cleanest, preeminent county parties in the State of New York. Always a person who is fair. Always a person we could count on. Always a person to step up to the plate and exert great leadership. Madam Speaker, I say this with a great deal of reverence and respect: We are losing in this Congress somebody who is one of the last of the old school Irish politicians from New York. He is a guy who will look you in the eye, give you his word, shake your hand and, you could count on the fact that he has been true and faithful to his word. His word is his bond, and we do not see a lot of that in politics too often these days. These are the days of ``blown-dry hair'' politicians, elbowing each other for time in front of the cameras, seeking publicity. Tom represents none of that. He is from the old school. He does the work quietly, behind the scenes, not looking to advance himself in other's eyes, but knowing that he is going to be doing the right thing. We are going to miss him down here in the Congress of the United States. It is going to be my privilege and pleasure, when I return back for weekends to my district which includes the County of Queens, to know that Tom is the county leader. After putting in all of these years, 14 in the Congress and 15 on the City Council, and a term in the Marines and all of that, he returns to private life after giving of himself, returning to his family that so graciously has shared him with us. To his wife Diane, to his children Catherine and Tom Junior and John and Jeanne, and all the grandchildren here and yet to come. We have been privileged to serve with the likes of Tom Manton in this Congress, Madam Speaker. He is a breed hard to find, a breath of fresh air reflecting the best of politics and the best that this system has to offer. I am happy to consider him my dear friend.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, earlier today at a meeting of the Congressional Caucus of India and Indian Americans a number of our colleagues honored me by electing me CoChairman of the Caucus. In doing so, I am being asked to fill a pair of big shoes by succeeding the Caucus's founder and first Co-Chairman, Frank Pallone. Mr. Speaker, the Caucus on India and Indian Americans was founded more than five years ago by Frank. His district has a large and vibrant Indian American community, and Frank decided their voice needed to be heard in the Congress. What began as a handful of Members five years ago has been transformed into a thriving Caucus of more than one hundred Members, making the Caucus one of the largest ethnic Caucuses in the Congress. Mr. Speaker, much of this success and growth is a tribute to Frank Pallone's leadership and energy. During his term as Co-Chairman, he has worked tirelessly in the House to improve relations between India, the world's largest democracy, and the United States, the world's oldest democracy. The Caucus has been a forum for important discussions between the Caucus Members and senior politicians, diplomats and industrialists from India. Outside Washington, Frank also has been very active, traveling to cities around the United States where he has met with hundreds of Indian American community leaders. Mr. Speaker, as the Caucus of India and Indian Americans enters its sixth year, I know my colleagues join me in congratulating Frank on a job well done. I am certain the other Members of the Caucus agree with me that we are looking forward to his continued strong participation as a senior Member of the Caucus and to his strong support of the interests of the Indian American Community.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice my strong objections over the Republican resolution ordering an impeachment inquiry against President Clinton. This has become a one-sided, all-out and disgraceful witch hunt into the private life of the President, and I strongly disagree with its objectives and methods. Although I believe that the President's behavior with Ms. Lewinsky was indefensible and disgraceful, and I certainly do not condone it, it is in no way an impeachable offense. Given the existing evidence, I believe that there is no basis for impeachment of the President. Lying about an extramarital affair, regardless of to whom, does not rise to the level of an impeachable offense, as defined by the Constitution: ``* * * the President shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.'' While the President's behavior was offensive, I believe that it does not fit this definition. I sincerely doubt that the farmers of the Constitution had Kenneth Starr's report--which focused on private sexual behavior--in mind when drafting the impeachment clause. It is time for us to put this issue behind us and move onto matters that are vital to our nation. Our country has many challenges to confront, and it is imperative that Congress give its attention to the very important issues that affect the daily lives of all Americans-- such as improving our education system, protecting Medicare and Social Security, and strengthening the world economy. Over the course of the 105th Congress, we have witnessed an abuse of power. And it is this Congress that is guilty of the abuse. You see, Mr. Speaker, we abuse the power we have when children go to bed hungry, and we do little or nothing about it. We abuse our power when Social Security is in trouble and we sit idly by; We abuse our power when we don't address the problems of the environment, such as polluted waterways and dirty air; We abuse our power when our health care system is ill, and we don't cure it; We abuse our power when we allow the tobacco companies to poison our children without regard; We abuse our power when our campaign financing system needs reform and we ignore it; We abuse our power when our students are lagging behind those of other nations and we don't address the issue properly; I think it has become painfully obvious that the Republican leadership wants to simply ignore the priorities that remain important to the general public, while insisting on following through with a purely partisan and never-ending investigation into the private life of our President. This is something that I simply cannot be a party to and that I strongly oppose.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents of the Fifth Congressional District of the State of New York and the staff of the Flushing Savings Bank as they honor James F. McConnell upon his retirement as the bank's president and CEO. Mr. McConnell's background is both diverse and effective. Prior to his election as president of the Flushing Savings Bank he held prominent management positions with AMBAC Industries of Garden City, New York and the EDO Corporation of College Point. He joined the Flushing Savings Bank in 1974 as Vice-president and Treasurer. Realizing his keen sense of leadership and a most effective approach to getting things done, the bank appointed him president in 1981, appointed him to its board of directors in 1983 and elected him Chief Executive Officer in 1990. Mr. McConnell's multiple leadership talents reach far beyond the Flushing Savings Bank. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Community Bankers Association of New York State from 1987 to 1997 and served as the Association's Chairman from 1990-1991. He was highly instrumental in negotiations which led to the successful merger of the Savings Bank Association of New York State with the New York League of Savings Institutions, thereby creating the Community Bankers Association. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join with me and rise in honor of James F. McConnell, who has imparted a sense of professionalism, leadership and community responsibility. His record is one of dynamism and productivity which readily emerges as a yardstick by which all such future efforts are measured.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, parliamentary inquiry. I would like to inquire if a unanimous consent request is in order.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, we are just asking for fairness.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Will the gentleman yield for a unanimous consent request?

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move that when the House adjourn, we do so to Salem, a quaint village in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, whose history beckons us thence.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in passionate objection and opposition to the resolution.

Mr. ACKERMAN. In that case, Mr. Speaker, I object.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents of the Fifth Congressional District of the State of New York and the staff of the Flushing Savings Bank as they honor James F. McConnell upon his retirement as the bank's president and CEO. Mr. McConnell's background is both diverse and effective. Prior to his election as president of the Flushing Savings Bank he held prominent management positions with AMBAC Industries of Garden City, New York and the EDO Corporation of College Point. He joined the Flushing Savings Bank in 1974 as Vice-president and Treasurer. Realizing his keen sense of leadership and a most effective approach to getting things done, the bank appointed him president in 1981, appointed him to its board of directors in 1983 and elected him Chief Executive Officer in 1990. Mr. McConnell's multiple leadership talents reach far beyond the Flushing Savings Bank. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Community Bankers Association of New York State from 1987 to 1997 and served as the Association's Chairman from 1990-1991. He was highly instrumental in negotiations which led to the successful merger of the Savings Bank Association of New York State with the New York League of Savings Institutions, thereby creating the Community Bankers Association. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join with me and rise in honor of James F. McConnell, who has imparted a sense of professionalism, leadership and community responsibility. His record is one of dynamism and productivity which readily emerges as a yardstick by which all such future efforts are measured.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Rachel Friedstein, Jessica Berenblum, Lauren Schulz, and Raina Tripp who placed second in their quest for the Bayer/National Science Foundation (NSF) Award for Community Innovation. Each of these students has received a $3,000 savings bond and will be honored at a Capitol Hill Ceremony. We should also recognize the outstanding work of their coach, Mr. Jim Frank, whose leadership and guidance was instrumental to the students' success. These Cold Spring Harbor Junior High School students conducted a comprehensive study of the long term damage caused by wearing backpacks that were excessively heavy. They concluded that 25-33 percent of adolescents already experience lower back pain and that overweight backpacks can exacerbate these problems leading to even more serious back conditions later in life. The students worked with physicians and chiropractors to identify risk factors and prevention methods. In the fall, these four students began a program entitled ``Light is Right'' which seeks to inform their peers about the dangers associated with backpack misuse and strategies to avoid this problem. They will hold an assembly for new junior high school students and distribute brochures and stickers describing the problem. Moreover, they will work to create an Internet survey to conduct further research. The creativity and ingenuity of these students should serve as a model to all of our schools and communities. It also shows that students can really make a difference in the lives of their peers by working with their school and the private sector. The award program, which is jointly run by the National Science Foundation and the Bayer Corporation, has adhered to this model of public-private interdependence. It is my hope that other schools throughout the New York area will look to this example and create similar programs. Most importantly, their work will enable other teenagers to lead healthier lives. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues join me in rising to honor these extraordinary students and their coach.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lee Hamilton who is retiring from the House after 34 years of exemplary service. The House is losing its most respected voice on foreign policy issues, and for that the institution will be poorer. Lee began his service in 1965, after winning election to the Congress in his first attempt. He has served the people of the Ninth District well, and they have returned him to Washington in every election since. That's a pretty good streak and it reflects the winning tradition that Lee established early in life, beginning with his leadership of Central High's basketball team all the way to the State championship. During his tenure in Congress, Lee was often tapped to lead in very difficult situations. In 1986, he co-chaired the Iran-Contra investigation and in 1992 he chaired the Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress. But his expertise in foreign policy rose to the fore and he was rewarded with the chairmanship of the Foreign Affairs Committee during the 103rd Congress. Lee has always led the sometimes lonely fight for the Clinton administration's policies but he has never shied away from letting the President know when the policy was wrong. Lee's tenure on the Joint Economic Committee allowed him to pursue his interests in ensuring a sound economy and promoting economic development in order to bring economic and infrastructure development to the people of the Ninth District. Mr. Speaker, we wish Lee well in his new roles at the Wilson Center and with Indiana University and we hope that we can continue to call on his expertise, as the Congress deals with future foreign policy issues.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of the House an event which I think is unwise and unprecedented. Today, the new President of Colombia is visiting. But unlike previous visits of heads of state, only Republican Members have been invited to meet with him. In my 16 years in the House, I cannot remember a previous time when Members were excluded from such meetings based on party affiliation. Mr. Speaker, there is no reason for our foreign policy to become so partisan that only one party is invited to meet with a visiting head of State. We have always had an ``American'' foreign policy, and to indicate that this is starting to change to foreign leaders is certainly unwise and unwarranted and very, very unfortunate. The issues to be discussed affect the interest of all Americans, not just Republican Americans. I believe, Mr. Speaker, that not allowing Democrats into the meeting today with President Pastrana makes the House look foolish in the eyes of our visitors and foreign leaders and diminishes our ability to be effective as policymakers. Mr. Speaker, are we for the first time today going to change our policy and make foreign dignitaries choose between meeting with Democrats or Republicans, or having to come back and meet with all of us twice? It is an insult to us as Americans, as Democrats, and as representatives of the people.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, the Indian American Forum for Political Education is one of the oldest and most respected Indian American community organizations in the United States. During the August recess more than 500 members of the IAFPE gathered in nearby Chantilly, Virginia for its annual convention and to elect a new slate of officers. During the course of the convention, the IAFPE unanimously selected Swadesh Chatterjee as its new president. As a senior member of the House International Relations Committee, and particularly as someone who has supported a strong relationship between the United States and India, it has been my privilege to get to know Mr. Chatterjee. He has worked tirelessly with key decision makers in Washington to help the world's oldest democracy become better friends with the world's largest democracy. It is a fitting tribute to his work that Swadesh was elected to this post. Mr. Speaker, we are a nation of immigrants. Swadesh Chatterjee's life is the classic success story of an American citizen who immigrated to this country and rose to become a leader in his community. Swadesh was born in Calcutta, India, where his mother still resides, and graduated in 1965 from Calcutta University with a degree in physics. Four years later he obtained a second degree in electronic engineering from Jadapur University. Swadesh came to the United States in 1980 to become the plant manager of Brandt Instruments, a manufacturer of process control instrumentation located in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. From this position, Swadesh was promoted to Executive Vice President and, for the past five years, he has served as the company's President. Under Swadesh's direction, Brandt Instruments has been extremely successful with its operating profits growing 170 percent during the last three years. Swadesh is married to Dr. Manjusri Chatterjee, a psychiatrist in Cary, North Carolina. The couple have one daughter, Sopini, and a son, Souvik. Swadesh Chatterjee has proven to be an exemplary citizen of the United States. He has become a successful businessman, civic leader and advocate for the interests of the Indian American community in Raleigh, North Carolina, and in Washington, D.C. Politicians on both sides of the aisle have sought Swadesh's wise counsel and support. I know my colleagues join me in congratulating Swadesh on his election to the presidency of the IAFPE and wishing him continued success in the years ahead. Swadesh's story is a reminder to all that the Indian American community is one of our country's best human resources, as well as success stories. It is also wonderful proof that the United States is strong because we have welcomed immigrants to our shores, as they search for a better life for themselves, and better proof yet that we should continue to do so in the future.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3167, a bill to designate the United States Post Office located in East Northport, New York, as the ``Jerome Anthony Ambro, Jr. Post Office Building.'' This legislation is a fitting tribute to a great man and selfless public servant. I am proud to be the sponsor of this legislation. The fact that all 31 members of the New York Delegation cosponsored the bill demonstrates the respect we all have for Jerome Anthony Ambro, Jr. In addition, both Senators from New York have sponsored similar legislation in the other body. It doesn't stop there. The Huntington Town Board--the local government representing the community where the post office is located--unanimously approved a resolution urging Congress to pass this legislation. The reason this bill has such widespread support, from the grassroots to the Capitol, is that Jerry, as his friends called him, served his constituents, colleagues and country well. Unfortunately, our nation sustained a major loss when Jerry passed away in 1993 from diabetes complications. Jerry was a lifelong New Yorker, and he never forgot his roots. Following his service in the United States Army, Jerry served his constituents admirably for four terms as the Huntington Town Supervisor. In that role, he worked diligently to improve environmental protection and senior citizen services on Long Island. Following his local success, Jerry was elected to three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives where he served as Chairman of the Science Subcommittee on Natural Resources and the Environment. He played a leading role in passing clean air and clean water legislation that improved our country's quality of life. Jerry also was a tireless advocate for senior citizens, fighting for the strengthening of Social Security. Jerry Ambro's distinguished public service in local government and the House of Representatives deserves to be honored. The East Northport Post Office will be a legacy to Jerry's tireless efforts to improve the lives of New Yorkers. I thank the chairman and the ranking member of the Postal Service Subcommittee for their cooperation in moving this legislation, and I strongly urge all of my colleagues to support this important bill.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents in recognizing Ronald S. Cooper, one of our area's most distinct and valuable assets as he prepares for retirement. Go anywhere on Long Island and the name Ron Cooper will elicit great plaudits from the business sector and a constant chorus of praise from the diverse philanthropic institutions which make up the strong fabric of our community. Ron currently serves as a Senior Partner in the Long Island office of Ernst & Young. Demonstrating his unique skill in the field of finance, Ron began his career with Ernst & Young as a partner in 1973 and quickly rose to the position of Managing Partner in 1985. In all his undertakings be developed an incisive level of understanding and leadership in the fields of corporate operations, debt structure, capital formation and numerous public acquisitions and offerings. In his philanthropic and community activities, Ron applies the same attributes of tenacity and perseverance that have created countless successful ventures which have produced a rich blend of social institutions that serve to invigorate the Long Island community. As Past chairman of the Long Island Campaign Cabinet of UJA-Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, he oversaw an annual budget campaign that raised $17,000,000. He is Vice-President of the Long Island Philharmonic as well as Treasurer and Board Member of the Long Island Association. In addition, he provides guidance and leadership to other major Long Island-based organizations that include the Long Island Better Business Bureau, the Nassau County Museum of Art, the Board of Directors of the Institute for Community Development and the Council of Overseers of the Tilles Center of C.W. Post College of Long Island University. Ron's constant giving of himself to the community has blessed us with business and cultural opportunities. Moreover, in his role as Chairman of the Long Island Regional Board of the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, we have come to view a model of understanding and compassion that readily emerges as a yardstick by which all such future efforts must be measured. His unique talent for understanding and humanity have earned him great recognition and honor. Among these many accolades are the Long Island Distinguished Leadership Award, the Distinguished Community Service Award of the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, the Brotherhood Award of the National Conference of Christians and Jews and the Frank Ornstein Human Relations Award of the American Jewish Committee. Mr. Speaker, as Ron Cooper now looks toward retirement and happily spending those innumerable hours of leisure he has promised to his wife, Marcia, I ask my colleagues to join with me and rise to express their great admiration and joy for all he has done and all he will do.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to explain my vote against Rep. Engel's amendment to the Commerce-Justice-State Appropriations Bill which would have slashed $5 million from the Title XI ship building program, and given it to the Public Telecommunication Facilities Program (PTFP). The Federal Ship Financing Program was established pursuant to Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to encourage ship production and ship improvements. By promoting the modernization of the U.S. merchant marine fleet, we also enhance our national security. As was clearly evidenced in the 1991 Gulf War, our merchant marine is critical for transporting troops and supplies throughout the world wherever they are needed. We must maintain a strong fleet so that we can be prepared in times of conflict, in addition to maintaining our commitments in peace time. The Public Telecommunication Facilities Program (PTFP) is another worthwhile program. Over the past 30 years, the PTFP has provided funding for both public radio and television stations. Throughout my tenure in Congress I have been a strong supporter of public broadcasting which offers Americans a broad range of quality educational and cultural programming for people of all ages. However, Mr. Chairman, it is ill-advised and just plain wrong to pit one worthwhile program against another in the appropriations debate. While the PTFP is an admirable program, I cannot vote to strip the Title XI program of $5 million of the $6 million remaining in their FY99 Appropriations. I applaud my colleague Mr. Engel's effort to increase funds for public broadcasting, and I look forward to future votes to further this goal, but in this instance, I had to cast my vote against this amendment so that we can maintain the Title XI program.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. This act, an unprovoked use of force and flagrant violation of international law, divided the island and created a tense and dangerous situation. Sadly, almost a quarter of a century after this tragedy, the threat of renewed violence seems greater than ever. We must work together to ensure a peaceful and fair settlement to one of the world's most bitter conflicts. I call on the leaders of Turkish-occupied Cyprus to recognize the will of the international community and make positive steps towards ending the stand-off which has plagued the once-peaceful nation of Cyprus for twenty-four years. Mr. Denktash must end his demand that the illegitimate Turkish Cypriot Republic be recognized before he agrees to negotiations with Mr. Clerides. And Turkey must not aggravate tensions in the region by threatening the use of force against the nation of Cyprus. However, I am encouraged by the work of United Nations envoy Diego Cordovez as well as special U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke, and I believe that a peaceful path towards reunification can be found with the cooperation of all parties. As we near the 21st century, we move towards an era of unlimited potential. The days of invasion, intimidation, and forceful coercion can no longer be tolerated and must be replaced by a system of mutual cooperation and the peaceful arbitration of disputes. In the next millennium, there will be no place for armies of occupation. I am proud to reaffirm the close friendship between the United States and Cyprus, particularly highlighted by our commitment to ending the division of Cyprus once and for all. However, on this day we should also remember the victims of violence during and after the 1974 invasion, many of whom are still missing. The suffering experienced by them and their families, and the continuing plight of enclaved Greek Cypriots in the Turkish-occupied territory, compel us to seek a quick and peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer my amendment which would prevent the Coast Guard from closing any stations without specific congressional approval. This amendment would not allow the Coast Guard to use funds in fiscal year 1999 to close the station whose closure was not expressly authorized by the Congress.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Chairman, let me say that I appreciate the gentleman's attention to this matter. His word has always been as good as gold in this body. I would be glad to withdraw my amendment with his assurance and look forward to working with him on this. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.