Gary Ackerman

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. I yield to the gentleman from Virginia.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to House Joint Resolution 121 and in support of normal trade relations with China. Every year we debate the extension of NTR to China, but the debate is not really about trade, it's about how we relate to China. There are many reasons for members to object to aspects of the U.S.-PRC relationship. There are issues involving missile proliferation, nuclear technology transfers, religious freedom, human rights, and Taiwan. Opponents of NTR will claim any or all of these issues as justification for discontinuing normal trade relations. For me, the issue has always been how best to convey our concerns to China and how to persuade them to be constructive actors on the international stage. The best way is through engagement because if we don't deal with China, none of the issues that we believe are important will be addressed. This is equally true where we share a common agenda with China. For example, it is in both our interests that North Korea not develop nuclear weapons. Likewise, it is in both our interests that China not devalue the yuan. Such a step could worsen the already severe economic crisis in Asia and undermine American interests there. Would China be more willing to be constructive on these issues if we cut off normal trade relations? I doubt it. This is not a call for business as usual or an indication that we should abandon our security, proliferation or human rights concerns. On the contrary, we must forcefully articulate our views to China where we disagree. The President did just that when he was in China a few weeks ago. He had the unprecedented opportunity to speak directly to the Chinese people about American concerns and American values. This opportunity would not have occurred had we cut off NTR last year and I believe U.S. interests would be seriously damaged if we approve this resolution today. Mr. Speaker, when the United States Government deals directly with China, when U.S. companies do business in China, and when U.S. citizens travel to China, China is exposed to American values. That's the best way for us to engage China. I urge my colleagues to oppose the resolution and support normal trade relations with China.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor RADM Thomas T. Matteson, USMS, who, on July 21, 1998, will retire from the position of Superintendent of the Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) after a total of 41 years of federal service to our nation. While others might have sought permanent retirement after 36 years of active duty in the Coast Guard, RADM Matteson chose to continue to serve America at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. RADM Matteson was on the bridge for five years navigating through perilous and uncharted waters. As he quickly became familiar with the dynamics of the vast maritime and intermodal transportation industry, he strove to ensure that the USMMA's program produced graduates that would serve America's global economic and defense needs. His time as Superintendent has not been easy. Early in his command he faced the possible closure of the Academy. Congressional action resolved this issue at the same time that RADM Matteson ensured the Academy received its ten-year accreditation. In addition, tight federal fiscal policy required good and sometimes creative stewardship to ensure the effects of level funding did not adversely impact the Academy's academic program. During his tenure at the Merchant Marine Academy, Admiral Matterson strove to create a better learning and personal environment for the midshipmen. His guiding hand enhanced the curriculum by creating the new Shipyard and Engineering Management, and Intermodal Transportation majors, and by planning the evolution of a trimester system. Along with his wife Dottie, RADM Matteson strengthened the bond between the Academy's leadership and the regiment by personally cooking hundreds of meals in his home for the future leaders of America, the academy's midshipmen. By traveling around the country to meet with the Academy's alumni body, RADM Matteson discussed the needs of the Academy and supported the need for the Alumni Associations Superintendents Campaign for Excellence, an endowment campaign to fund academic excellence, curriculum development, new technology and learning systems, and leadership training at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Today, thanks to the devotion of RADM Matteson, the United States Merchant Marine Academy continues to be the most cost-effective federal academy, whose graduates serve our nation for many years beyond their required commitment. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to rise and join with me today in wishing RADM Matteson and his wife fair winds, following seas, a joyous retirement.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with my colleagues in the House of Representatives the story of a man whose life, which ended all too soon in 1996 at age 43, was dedicated to the pursuit of truth. Neal Howard Broxmeyer searched for truth with a great intensity. He was long immersed in spiritual work which brought tremendous peace. A beloved and respected leader of the School of Practical Philosophy, he played a major role in establishing its Abraham Lincoln School for Boys and Girls on the upper east side in Manhattan. His 9-year-old son is a student there, and is very proud of the role his Dad played. Indeed, it was one of Neal's precious dreams to see the school flourish and grow. Neal's devotion to his family was exemplary. He naturally included within his family the many people whose lives intersected with his. In that sense, Neal's family included his associates and colleagues at Fairfield Properties, where he was a partner. His brothers have said that he was an excellent businessman, known for his honesty and his integrity. He was seen as the ``heart and soul'' of his business, and he was referred to as the ``light of the office.'' Neal Broxmeyer was a man who always looked beyond his own needs. He led his life in keeping with the maxim: Set no limits in service, and encouraged others to do the same. He was always available to others. He cherished the community in which he lived and was very happy to be part of the community association. He led the way in establishing the security patrol in the community, and always said ``How could I not take it on?'' Neal was a simple man who was extraordinary. Always there, steady and balanced; never looking for faults in others, but instead finding the goodness in everyone. Everything and everyone who benefited from his attention, concern, insight, wisdom, counsel, and warmth understands that there was ``absence of claim.'' Although not rigid, Neal was highly disciplined. His life, though very short, was filled with a quality beyond most. Nothing, it seems, was wasted. Neal is survived by his loving family: His beloved wife Susan; their children, Dara, Jennifer, and David; by his parents, Muriel and Joseph; and by his brothers Mark and Gary. June 23, 1998 will mark the inauguration of the Neal Broxmeyer Scholarship Fund. This fund will help to keep alive the memory and vision of this extraordinary man. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege and distinct honor to bring the brief life of Neal Howard Broxmeyer to the attention of my colleagues and hope they will join me in paying tribute to an outstanding human being.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Terri Thomson, on her swearing in as the Queens member of the New York City Board of Education. She is a dynamic and energetic individual, who will work tirelessly on behalf of the thousands of students in the New York City Public School System. Terri bagan working as a staff assistant in my Queens office when I served in the New York State Senate. I quickly became impressed with her work ethic, and her political savvy. Shortly after being elected to Congress in 1983, I promoted her to be my district administrator where she served with the utmost integrity and compassion until 1990. In this capacity, she made a difference in the lives of thousands of my constituents. Aside from being an invaluable political ally, she became the dearest of friends both to me and to my family. After leaving my office, she was hired by Citibank as the Director of Community Relations and was eventually promoted to be the Vice President of City and State Governmental Relations. At Citibank she helped school principals with professional training and worked to integrate new technology into the public school system. Moreover, she was able to introduce students to the Internet and demonstrated its application to commercial banking. Throughout her career, Terri has been deeply involved in the community. She also serves as the Vice Chair of the Brooklyn Sports Foundation, which seeks to create an indoor sports facility for the New York City Public School System. Terri has also been involved with the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the Queens Public Library where she sought to improve both economic and educational opportunities for the entire community. Terri's commitment to the community, her understanding of the issues, and her public and private sector experience make her uniquely qualified for a position on the New York City Board of Education. I am fully confident that she will be thoroughly equipped to grapple with the enormous complexities of the New York City Public School System. Thus, I ask all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring this extraordinary individual whose dedication to the community will continue to make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of New Yorkers.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a very special and unique relationship between the well-known Japanese company, Toshiba, and a great American company based on Long Island, Audiovox Corporation. For the last 14 years they have shared an incredible partnership in cellular phone manufacturing and distribution, which has led to this day, during which we are marking the 7 millionth cellular phone that has derived from this very special relationship. In fact, I have taken the liberty of proclaiming this day, ``Audiovox-Toshiba Day'' in the 5th District of New York. At a ceremony today at Audiovox's headquarters in the town of Happauge in Suffolk County on Long Island, Toshiba will be presenting a gold phone to mark this remarkable milestone. Mr. Takao Kishida, General Manager of the Mobile Communications Division of Toshiba and Mr. Kunio Horiouchi, Department Manager of the division, will be presenting the phone on behalf of Pizo Nishimuro, President of Toshiba. Accepting this unique award on behalf of Audiovox will be two very good close friends of mine, Phillip Christopher, President and CEO of Audiovox Communications Corporation (ACC), and John J. Shalam, Chairman of Audiovox. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned before, the nature of the relationship has been Toshiba manufacturing the phones and Audiovox marketing them in North America. I'm sure my colleagues realize that there are countless numbers of companies in the world who manufacture cellular phones. However, over half of the phones that Audiovox has sold over the course of almost 15 years have come from Toshiba's production line, and, Audiovox officials do not hesitate for one minute to say that Toshiba is the best--based on their quality, their integrity and character, and their loyalty to this special relationship. That's why I think it's so important to highlight this special relationship as an example of what can come of the very special bond that has existed over the past 50 years between the United States and Japan. Regardless of the differences we may encounter in our general trade relationship, I wanted to take a moment to recognize the unique partnership between Toshiba and Audiovox, and the remarkable achievements that they have reached together. This is an exemplary union that should be held up to the highest regard, to demonstrate to others the opportunities that exist between our countries and to encourage other companies to engage in similar ventures. Trade is so very much a critical component of U.S. policy, particularly in this day and age as we become more of a global village. Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, please join with me today as we honor two truly energetic and viable companies who have chosen to engage in a partnership that has only served to complement each companies' strengths as well as continuing to highlight the special bond between the U.S. and Japan.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join with my constituents and the hundreds of runners who will be participating in the Kids Helping Kids 5K Run on June 21, 1998. These dedicated individuals have committed themselves to enhancing the lives of other children in need of strong emotional, physical and financial support. With the great preponderance of news reports relating to violence that is devastating the youth of our country, it is most reassuring that certain individuals and organizations have dedicated themselves to directing and educating our youth in positive and productive areas. This particular young, dynamic organization, inspired and directed by Robert F. Eslick, has striven mightily in advancing their charitable and educational goals that actively seeks to sensitize children to identify those youngsters in need of assistance and work with them to successfully challenge their handicaps. In addition, this most- dedicated group has also been successful in providing financial support to families facing extra-ordinary health needs. Embodying the spirit of Kids Helping Kids, Robert A.J. Eslick, nine years of age, has established a record of activism and compassion that readily serves as an example for adults and children involved in philanthropic affairs. At age two in 1990, he entered his first race, a 1.4 miler. By dint of personality and supreme self-involvement, Robert was ranked eighth in the country by USA Track & Field for 5K races. He has continued to participate as a runner while dedicating his efforts to the multi-faceted program of Kids Helping Kids. As we become dispirited by events that tend to show our youth adrift without a compass, it is invigorating and greatly appreciated that Kids Helping Kids continues to grow and embody the great traditions of caring and compassion that are the foundations of our country. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in expressing our support and admiration for this outstanding group.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize three individuals who will be honored on Friday, June 19th, 1998, for their dedication and support of youth activities in the town of Port Washington, New York. Julius Picardi, Frank Giordano and Jack Sommerville will be so honored by induction into the Port Washington Youth Activities Hall of Fame at the PYA's eighth annual affair. They will join a select group of twenty others who have been previously recognized by the PYA. Mr. Picardi has been a dynamic force in the growth of the PYA during the 1980s serving as coach, organization treasurer, officer and director for over fifteen years. Mr. Giordano is cited for his athletic achievements including collegiate lacrosse at the United States Military Academy in the early 1980s. Many of his skills and his dedication to excellence were developed in his active days as a youth in the PYA programs. Finally, Mr. Sommerville is remembered for his tireless dedication as coach and supporter of PYA baseball programs for more than ten years. All three of these gentlemen are recognized for their individual and collective contributions to youth sports and all they embody. They are an excellent reflection upon themselves, their families, their community and the volunteer spirit of American organizations, such as PYA. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing these individuals who are most deserving of this honor, with special appreciation from their neighbors and friends.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, this will increase the penalties an average, the category by an average of 50 percent.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, if the gentleman would again yield, with the gentleman's assurance, I have always found the gentleman to be a gentleman indeed, I would be willing to withdraw the amendment with that assurance.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, we are here today debating legislation to increase protections for a vulnerable population, our children. The amendment that I offered gives us the opportunity to fulfill our additional responsibility to strengthening protections for other vulnerable populations; notably, the elderly and the disabled. They, too, are especially vulnerable to being victimized by violent criminals. They, too, are often preyed upon by sick, despicable individuals who rob them of their innocence and their security. Those criminals who rape, rob, or assault the elderly and the mentally or physically disabled should be appropriately punished as well. My amendment makes a strong statement. It speaks loud and clear to seniors and the disabled: We will severely punish criminals who seek you out because of your vulnerability. Mr. Chairman, my amendment does not require mandatory sentences, nor does it remove the court's discretion, but it makes these crimes crimes of a higher magnitude. Crime is a concern to all of us. Violent crime such as rape, robbery, and assault, is of grave concern, and violent crime against the elderly and the disabled adds to our outrage. We are outraged because vulnerable victims, whether they be children, the elderly, or the disabled, cannot defend themselves from violent acts. When criminals inflict physical injuries on the vulnerable, the wounds take longer to heal, the bones take longer to mend, and the scars are permanent. It is more difficult for them to reintegrate into society once more. I urge all of our colleagues to stand up for the most vulnerable among us, the children, as well as our seniors and disabled, and to support this amendment.

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

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I certainly would not object to hearings on this matter.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, the gentleman is correct.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I am sorry if the gentleman has some concern about not being notified, but I assure the gentleman that this amendment was sent over to the gentleman's staff, that there were discussions between my staff and the gentleman's staff on it. I know of the gentleman's concern, but we submitted this during the course of the appropriate process. The rule permits the amendment. We submitted it to the Committee on Rules. They made it in order. I do not come here frivolously. I do not offer very many of these amendments. I think this is probably the first time in 16 years that I have served in this House of Representatives that I have offered this kind of an amendment. But I think that this is a very, very serious amendment. It speaks to an issue within our society that I do not believe has been appropriately addressed. The crimes against senior citizens and mentally and physically disabled in our country are very serious. This just expresses the concern of Congress by making this a crime of a higher magnitude. It does not mandatorily impose a sentence or increase of sentence on anybody. As the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) knows, there are many factors considered in the imposition of a sentence by the commission. This is but one of them. All of the others the gentleman is very much aware of. This just says that this goes from a crime in the nature of somewhere 20th down on the totem pole to one that is much, much more important. And calls this to the attention of the commission as one of the multiple of factors that they should take into consideration.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Yes, I do.

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

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Eaton's Neck Lighthouse Bicentennial on June 13, 1998. This historical landmark sits atop a bluff overlooking Long Island Sound, providing guidance to the thousands of commercial and recreational boaters on the Sound. It was our nation's second president, John Adams, who authorized the Eaton's Neck Light House in 1798. In the 200 years since, the lighthouse has served as both a literal and figurative beacon to those on the water, guiding sailors through the Sound and beckoning them to the shores of Long Island. The United States Coast Guard has been the steward of the Lighthouse. From their base at Eaton's Neck, the Coast Guard responds to hundreds of emergency calls every year on the Long Island Sound. This site is a perfect strategic location for a quick response time to distress calls on the Sound. Small craft from Eaton's Neck were also used in the rescue missions after the tragic crash of TWA Flight 800 off the coast of Long Island in 1996. This beautiful structure has played a key role in maintaining the safety of Long Island Sound. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join with me today celebrating the bicentennial of the Eaton's Neck Lighthouse and in congratulating the Village of Asharoken, the Asharoken Board of Trustees, and the Mayor of Asharoken, William H. Kelly on this happy occasion.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents and members of the Hollis Hills Jewish Center as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of this great house of worship, and honor their most distinguished and world-renowned Cantor, Sol Zim and his wife June, for 35 years of distinguished service to the synagogue. In 1964, Sol and June Zim began a relationship with the Hollis Hills Jewish Center that would not only enhance the spiritual and secular lives of the synagogue's members, but would allow Cantor Zim to perform around the world to share the joy and fulfillment that epitomize his music. As the sixth generation of a family of exceptionally talented cantors, Sol Zim has studied with such outstanding cantorial instructors as Joshua Weisser, Moshe Koussevitzky, Sholom Secunda and Oscar Julius. He has received degrees from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Brooklyn College and New York University. His extraordinary voice brought him offers for positions in such distinguished opera companies as the Vienna State Opera Theater and the Israeli National Opera. Yet it was to our great benefit that Sol Zim chose to pursue his musical career as a cantor. Mr. Speaker, in addition to his unforgettable voice, Sol Zim is a most prolific writer of Jewish popular songs and prayer melodies that are sung in congregations throughout the world. He has composed more than 20 cassettes and tapes of music dedicated to Yiddish, Hebrew, Chassidic and Cantorial themes. A hallmark of his desire for all people to love music is the creation of a children's choir in those cities in which he has appeared. In the 1970's and 80's, he founded ``The Brothers Zim'' which quickly became America's foremost Jewish singing group. Both he and his wife June take their role as community leaders most seriously. Through their efforts, they have brought direction and compassion to many viable undertakings. June has served as the synagogues' Vice-President of Sisterhood, Vice-President of Jewish Family Living for the Queens Region of National Women's League, and Co- Chair of many of the Hollis Hills Jewish Center's annual conferences. Sol serves the National Chairman of the Jewish War Heroes Fund, and has been honored as Man of the Year and received humanitarian awards by such diverse organizations as the United Jewish Appeal, Israel Bonds, Hadassahm Bnai Brith, Amit Women and Shaare Zedek Hospital. Mr. Speaker, in honor of all their great achievements, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join with me and rise to express their appreciation for the Zims.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention of my colleagues a very important matter. The last week of May marked the first anniversary of the election of the so-called ``moderate'' president of Iran. I think it is very important after one year of President Mohammed Khatami's rule to look closely at the facts in evaluating his administration's true colors. Some of you may have seen the press reports from the ``Briefing on U.S. Policy Options and Prospects for Change in Iran'' that I co-hosted on May 21 along with my colleagues Mrs. Ros-Lehtinen, Mr. Traficant, Mr. Menendez and Mr. Towns. Our effort was aimed at advocating an Iran policy of firmness and resolve, which allies the United States with the Iranian people and their resistance movement, the National Council of Resistance of Iran. The impressive turnout for the event, especially among members of the diplomatic corps, indicated to me that the call to scrutinize our Iran policy was timely. Just this past week, Khatami underscored the role of the Revolutionary Guards Corps in maintaining the regime in its totality and said it represented the regime's most pious and dedicated forces. ``With our body and soul, we are all proud of the Guards Corps,'' Khatami said in praising the regimes' main organ of suppression, rendering hollow his claims of ``freedom and civil society.'' This further proves the assessment of the speakers during our briefing that Khatami has neither the interest nor the influence to initiate any change in this theocratic regime. Mr. Speaker, in light of the importance of this discussion, I submit my remarks entitled ``One Year of Khatami,'' as well as the remarks of Ms. Soona Samsami, a representative of the National Council of Resistance in Washington, to be printed herewith in the Congressional Record. One Year of Khatami--Remarks of Representative Gary L. Ackerman I would like to first welcome all the members of the diplomatic corps and the press for joining us here today to mark the one year anniversary of President Mohammad Khatami's election. We have a very interesting forum scheduled, and once everyone completes their statements, we will open up for questions and answers. First, I'd like to introduce my colleague Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen from Florida, with whom I've worked on this issue long and hard. Unfortunately, she must leave early so she will get this briefing started with her remarks. After her we will hear from Congressmen Bob Menendez, Jim Traficant and Ed Towns, as well as former Ambassador James Akins, and lastly from Soona Samsami who will be representing the National Council of Resistance of Iran. Representative Ros-Lehtinen. When Mohammad Khatami was elected president a year ago, many in the West insisted that he was a genuine reformer who would, while upholding the clerics' reign, would begin halting state terrorism, would begin an end to enmity to the Middle East peace process, a lessening of flagrant abuses of human rights and the stoppage of the stockpiling of weapons of mass destruction. I'm sorry to say that some in our administration bought into that view. Travel restrictions to Iran by American citizens have been relaxed a bit, and most recently, the administration has just waived punitive action, as required by law, against 3 foreign oil corporations who plan to invest more than $2 billion dollars in the Iranian oil industry. Unfortunately, it is clear that some policy-makers have learned little about the brutal thug mentality of those who rule in Iran. When this year's State Department report on terrorism named Tehran the number-one state sponsor of terrorism, Iran's ruling mullahs openly and celebriously acknowledged responsibility for the terrorist attacks listed in the report, declaring that they not only pursued and attacked the Iranian Resistance, on foreign soil, but that they expected to be rewarded for what they called ``combating terrorism.'' Let me make it very clear we are hard pressed to find any moderates with whom we can reach out to in the Iranian government, and contrary to the hopes of many in the West, Mr. Khatami's election a year ago has not resulted in any positive changes in Iran's domestic or foreign policies. It has, however, gravely aggravated the infighting among rivals. In fact, we all read recently about the arrest of Tehran's mayor, a close affiliate of Khatami, just this past month. It is no secret that the conflicts among the rival camps are intensifying with each passing day. You may have also noticed news reports just this past weekend that the Government of Argentina arrested 8 Iranian residents and ordered the expulsion of 7 of the Iranian embassy's staff of 8 and required them to leave by yesterday. The 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, as well as the 1994 bombing of the AMIA, the city's main Jewish community center, has been investigated by the Argentineans, aided by the F.B.I., and has found the trail leads to Tehran. 114 people lost their lives in these horrific terrorist attacks. Many of you however do not know that one of the key sources for the evidence that linked Tehran's government to the community center bombing was the National Council of Resistance, which learned from its sources in Iran that the bombing had reportedly been ordered by Iran's Supreme National Security Council. The NCR reported its findings to a congressional subcommittee, which then forwarded the information to the State Department. Last month, I personally brought this information to Argentina. Ironically enough, the Iranian Resistance is the very same movement that the Department has added to its list of terrorists, virtually turning the intent of the law upon it on its head. This same list contains unquestionably terrorist groups such as Hizbollah and Hamas. This ill-advised ``goodwill gesture,'' as it was thus quoted by a senior administration official in the L.A. Times last October, has profound implications. By mis-labeling the main resistance force against the ayatollahs, we are not helping the Iranian people in their legitimate cause. Goodwill gestures will achieve little, and will only serve to embolden the Iranian mullahs to continue their non-stop campaign of terror and repression--both inside and outside of Iran. Under the current circumstances, Tango-ing with Tehran's tyrants will lead nowhere. I think it's interesting to note however that the idea behind the State Department's publishing a list of terrorists was to isolate the exact brand of terrorism that the Tehran regime actually supports and provokes! Even more importantly, and contrary to some expectations, the regime's opposition to the Middle East peace process has not slackened one bit. In fact, just a few weeks ago, the founder of Hamas, Sheikh Yassin, was in Iran on an official visit. President Khatami met with him, and expressed his support for the terrorist group. Prior to that, senior Hizbollah officials also traveled to Iran, for meetings with the top leaders. Officials, including Khatami, have emphasized that they will continue their active opposition to the peace process, and will not rest until the complete destruction of the State of Israel. Nor will the mullahs ever be satisfied with our gestures. The old adage of ``give em and inch, they'll take a mile'' certainly applies here. I think what we have seen in the past year since Khatami's election has been the absolute inability of the mullocracy to reform. Khatami has been part of this system, and understands full well that any move towards liberalization contradicts the regime in its entirety. Fortunately, there are signs that this is the end of an era. Infighting has engulfed both the military structure, meaning the Revolutionary Guards, as well as the clerical hierarchy. These are all promising signs that the mullahs' repression and dictatorship may be nearing an end. Nonetheless, we need to continue a sound policy of isolating Iran. We certainly can not begin to ease up now, just as the sanctions are beginning to bite and Iran's rulers are desperate for economic relief. That would be a travesty and undermine all of the good we have striven to accomplish. We need to realize that this new president is no more moderate than his predecessors. We must retreat from this illusion before it is too late. And for that very reason, we in Congress shall continue to advocate an Iran policy of firmness and resolve. The realities of Iran dictate that the United States must recognize the right of the Iranian people to resist, and its own moral obligation to keep a distance from this medieval and utterly oppressive regime. A proper policy must take stock of the continuing realities in Iran, with the realization that the Iranian Resistance presents some new prospects for a change in government. Instead of trying to shore up a sinking ship, we must quickly ally ourselves with the Iranian people and Resistance, whose democratic, pluralistic and secular platform makes for a far better lasting solution with the retrogressive and brutal ruling regime. Ladies and Gentlemen, I would now like to introduce our next speaker, Ambassador James Akins. Ambassador Akins served our Nation's Foreign Service with great distinction for over 20 years, until his retirement in 1976. He spent much of his career in the Middle Ease--in postings such as Damascus, Beirut, Kuwait, Baghdad and Saudia Arabia--and has written numerous articles about the subject. He is now an international and economic consultant and still maintains very close ties to the region he knows so very well. Ambassador Akins.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express my strong support for the Watts, Moran, Thornberry Amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill. For too long, our nation's military retirees have been denied access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP) even though they have devoted their entire lives to the defense and security of our nation. Most of these individuals entered the military on the premise that they would be entitled to comprehensive, quality health care for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, our nation has not lived up to this important commitment. This amendment would create a demonstration program that would enroll 70,000 Medicare eligible members or former members of the armed forces into the FEHBP. The program would be available in six sites around the country. At the end of the project, the Secretary of Defense, and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management will analyze whether or not the demonstration yielded its intended results. Throughout my tenure is Congress, I have often spoken out in behalf of using the FEHBP to cover the underinsured and the uninsured. The FEHBP is financially sound and in most states, the program provides at least three quality benefit plans for its members. This the least we can do for our armed forces who have stood up to protect the rights and freedoms that we all cherish today. After a long fight, we have taken the first step toward providing comprehensive coverage for such brave and selfless individuals. It is my hope that this provision will remain in the conference report and will be signed into law by the President in the most timely manner possible. Our armed forces deserve nothing less.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents and the members of the Israel Center of Hillcrest Manor as they join together to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the synagogue. Through the insight of such dedicated and talented community members as Joe Goldstein, Eric Gerstel and Sydney Abrahams, the synagogue's first president, the Israel Center of Hillcrest Manor came into being in 1948, the same year the State of Israel was created. Through unique determination and a indefatigable spirit, these men went from door to door throughout the Flushing, Queens neighborhood building up both spiritual and financial support to establish this synagogue. Since its inception, the Israel Center of Hillcrest Manor has brought to the community a sense of dedicated service and a foundation of stability that has allowed its membership to raise their families and incorporate all age groups into an environment sensitive to their needs. The Israel Center of Hillcrest Manor, under the leadership of Rabbi Michael Strasberg, its spiritual leader for more than two decades, and its current president, Leo Lederer, has continued the record of service and caring that is the hallmark of this great house of worship. Having provided the Flushing community for half a century with a vibrant Hebrew School, youth program and a highly effective Men's Club and Sisterhood, the Israel Center of Hillcrest Manor is now prepared to lead its members into the second half century of fulfillment. There are few organizations that have emerged with a continuous record of compassionate achievement as has the Israel Center of Hillcrest Manor. I ask all my colleagues to rise with me in congratulating the synagogue, its members and officers on this wonderful achievement and extending our warmest support for another fifty years of service.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents and the students, parents, teachers and administrators in honoring Dr. Michael B. Walsh upon his retirement as superintendent of the Smithtown Central School District. Dr. Walsh personifies that most effective educator who is not only recognized as a scholar in his field of specialization, but also is able to educate others through the effective example he creates in his own behavior. His educational endeavors typify the true American success story. Beginning as a teacher of mathematics in the Levittown School District, Dr. Walsh quickly advanced through a series of leadership positions. As Chairman of the Mathematics Department of Smithtown Central High School, he introduced and supported several experimental programs that successfully enhanced the school's curriculum and resulted in increased student achievement. It soon became apparent to the leaders of the Smithtown Central School District that Michael Walsh possessed valuable and effective administrative and instructional talents that extended far beyond the area of mathematics and would serve to enhance the comprehensive program that was being offered by the district. Dr. Walsh became a Central Office Administrative Intern and went on to assume the positions of Assistant to the Superintendent for Central Administration and Administrator for Operations. In 1982, he joined the Amityville School District and, during a ten year tenure, served as the district's Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent. In 1992, he returned to Smithtown to assume the district's superintendency. Realizing the impact rapidly changing technology would have on our students' lives, he was most instrumental in developing a partnership with Symbol Technology in creating a wireless transmission component that would link the schools in a classroom setting. Dr. Walsh's talents have been recognized outside the Smithtown District. He serves as an Adjunct Instructor of Educational Administration at the School of Professional Development at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He is secretary of the Suffolk County School Superintendent's Association and is a member of the House of Delegates of the New York State Committee of School Superintendents. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in recognizing these honors Dr. Walsh so richly deserves. It is a most effective teacher who can create positive change in a classroom. Dr. Michael B. Walsh has had an impact far beyond the classroom and his great talents have enhanced and fulfilled our community.