Gary Ackerman

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join in recognition of the 176th anniversary of the independence of Greece. Greek Independence Day, which is celebrated in a variety of ways nationwide, commemorates the birth of modern Greece. Whether the festivities take the form of parades, dances, songs, or feasts, the common thread of freedom runs through all activities. The battle for liberty fought by the Greeks ended with the triumph of democracy. This struggle has significant relevance for the United States. Sacrificing for the principle of democracy is a fundamental value Greece and the United States share. The commemoration of Greek Independence Day also represents the special relationship between Greece and the United States. The bond reaches back to the early 19th century when Americans went to aid Greece in their war of independence. Now, approaching the 21st century, we're embarking upon a reinvigorated alliance. Sharing in the NATO partnership and working toward a sustained peace in the Balkans are two prominent examples of this relationship. Another praiseworthy element exemplified by Greek Independence Day is community involvement. In the United States, Greek-Americans make invaluable contributions to the cultural, educational, and social fabric of American society. As a lifelong New Yorker, I know firsthand about the robust civic spirit the Greek-American community embodies. The hard work demonstrated by the many volunteers to put the Greek Independence Day celebrations together represents this strong sense of community. All members of the Greek community should be very proud of the multiplicity of events celebrating Greek Independence Day. I want to thank my colleague from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, for organizing this special order to celebrate Greek Independence Day. We should take this moment to salute the heroic feats of Greeks in their struggle for independence, recognize the strong bonds that exist between the United States and Greece, and applaud the contribution Greek-Americans make to communities across the country.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose House Joint Resolution 58, as well as the amendment to be offered by the distinguished gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Hastert], because I believe the resolution and the amendment send the wrong message to Mexico at a very critical time. Even with a waiver of the sanctions, the damage will have already been done. Clearly the President had and we have a difficult and unpleasant decision to make. Mexico has serious problems, which no one doubts. The arrest of General Gutierrez-Rebollo, the former commissioner of the National Counternarcotics Institute; the release of Humberto Garcia Abrego, a reputed money launderer; and the general pervasiveness of corruption in Mexico all indicate the depth of the problem. At the same time, we must recognize the circumstances that President Zedillo and the Mexican Government face. Mexico is striving to defeat the narcotraffickers at a time of wrenching social and political change. It would be naive to assume that any Mexican leader could produce the kind of change we want in a short time and without enormous effort. So the point of this process ought to be the measurement of the progress Mexico has made, not just a regurgitation of the problems that Mexico has. A few months ago Mexico had a corrupt drug czar and nobody knew. Two weeks ago, at a crucial point in the certification process, President Zedillo announced that they had arrested their drug czar for bribery and corruption. Had their President not taken this step, we would likely have certified Mexico without much fuss. Now that he has, he is rewarded for his courage with the threat of decertification. The message here is, do not expose corrupt officials and do not cooperate with the United States. Decertification would have terrible consequences for our relationship with Mexico and for the future of our reform efforts. Already the Mexican Congress has reacted badly to the decertification vote in our Committee on International Relations. With midterm elections coming in July, does anyone think that Mexican politicians who advocate closer ties with the United States will not pay a price? How would a Mexican Congress that we cause to be hostile to the United States help us in the fight against drugs? And lastly, decertifying Mexico would tell the financial markets that there is greater investment risk, which would lead to higher borrowing costs, higher inflation, lower growth, undermining the economic recovery that benefits us as well as Mexico. I believe that the better message to send would be to certify Mexico and continue to work with President Zedillo to reduce the flow of drugs into the United States. It is just common sense.

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 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 8-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. 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 join with my constituents and the members and friends of the Long Island, Nassau/Suffolk Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International as they gather on March 15, at the Garden City Hotel to celebrate their outstanding accomplishments and honor a most unique and dedicated individual, Karl V. Anton, Jr. When describing Karl Anton, one usually says, ``He has ink in his blood.'' This healthy dose of printer's ink was given to him by his father, who published a community paper in Freeport, as well as the Nassau News. It very soon became the family tradition to both report and create history. As Karl became more involved with his father's journalistic efforts, the concept of community service took hold and very soon merged with his dedication to publishing. What resulted were newspapers that served to both enhance and inform the community. Many of today's Long Island newspapers have greatly benefited from contact with Karl Anton. Karl is indefatigable in all he undertakes and successful in all his endeavors. The intimate knowledge of the community gained by Karl through his newspapers generated a sense of duty to the various neighborhoods he covered. Very quickly he became a multifaceted workman devoting his knowledge and skills to a variety of community organizations and projects. Karl Anton's involvement in the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation came about when his oldest granddaughter, Christine, was diagnosed with the illness. Since then, a second daughter, Mary, was similarly diagnosed. Much to the great love and dedication of Karl, these children have been blessed with a compassionate, selfless and dedicated grandfather who has devoted his total self in aiding the search for a cure. Mr. Speaker, at a time when we search for heroes to lead us by dint of personality and hard work, we have been blessed with such a man as Karl Anton. I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me now in saluting Karl Anton for a lifetime of selfless contribution to his community.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, last fall the people of Nicaragua again chose the path of democracy by electing Liberal Alliance candidate Arnoldo Aleman decisively. In the wake of their second free and fair election of the 1990's, Nicaraguans must move just as decisively to consolidate democracy and strengthen their civil institutions. Nicaragua is on its way to recovery. With 3 years of economic growth, peace, and stability, the people of Nicaragua chose a candidate who emphasized economic reform and private sector-led growth as key planks in his platform. Nevertheless, President Aleman has his work cut out for him. Nicaragua continues to have a precarious balance-of-payment position and is heavily dependent upon foreign assistance. Although the economy has grown recently, the country remains very poor, with a per capita income of $470 per year. Strengthening the rule of law was a campaign theme of the President, and he inherits a court system that has become a bottleneck as problems of crime and property disputes have proliferated. It is imperative for Nicaragua to address this question if foreign investors are to have any confidence in Nicaragua's future. The United States and other donors have provided $4 billion to Nicaragua since 1990, and for the coming fiscal year USAID has requested an additional $22 million to deepen and expand the economic reforms and enhance the legitimacy of civil institutions. The international community must continue to work with the Nicaraguans to help them along the path to prosperity. I believe, Mr. Speaker, that this resolution will provide a measure of moral support to Nicaraguans and encourage them to continue on the road that they have chosen. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate my colleague from New York [Mr. Houghton] for sponsoring this resolution and his hard work and diligence in this area of the world; and also the gentleman from California [Mr. Gallegly], our chairman on the subcommittee, for putting this legislation through our body; as well as the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman], the chairman of the full committee; and the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Hamilton], who serves as our leader on this side. I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that, despite the hectic and trend-setting legislative pace, we have found the time today to take up House Concurrent Resolution 17 to congratulate the people of Guatemala on the establishment of the peace process for that nation. After 36 years of civil war, Guatemala has finally had a chance for a lasting peace. The URNG has agreed to demobilize and in fact the first URNG combatants are entering demobilization camps this week. The Guatemalan military has agreed to reduce its size by one-third, and the United States has pledged $265 million over 4 years for reconstruction. Even before the signing of the peace accords, the human rights situation in Guatemala had improved dramatically as a result of the cessation of hostilities last March. The government of President Arzu has moved aggressively to restructure the military command by reducing the number of general officers from 23 to 8 and removing those officers alleged to be involved in corruption or other abuses. But there is still a long way to go. Guatemala continues to suffer from a marked disparity in income distribution, and poverty is pervasive. According to AID, 75 percent of Guatemala's population live in poverty. Only 48 percent of its adults are literate, and its infant mortality rate is among the highest in Latin America. Yet despite of all this, or perhaps because of it, Guatemalans have chosen peace and democracy. They are to be congratulated for that choice. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend my colleague and chairman [Mr. Gallegly] for his great leadership in this area and for introducing this resolution, to our chairman [Mr. Gilman] for his stewardship, and for our ranking member [Mr. Hamilton] for his hard work on this resolution. I urge all of our colleagues to vote in support of House Concurrent Resolution 17.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out against religious intolerance in Pakistan. Earlier this month, tens of thousands of Muslims angered by the alleged desecration of a Koran, and incited by local Muslim leaders, burned thousands of homes of Christian villagers, along with a hospital, a school, a Catholic church, and a dormitory. While this event by itself is despicable, the conduct of the local police in this affair is unforgivable. According to reports, local police actually told residents to leave their homes because they could not protect them from the mobs. Yet it took only a small army unit to halt the rampage, which destroyed shops and homes, and restore order to the village. This is only the latest incident in what the Christian Voice of Pakistan reports is ongoing persecution of Christians by Muslims in Pakistan. The State Department's ``Human Rights Report on Pakistan'' points out that ``Discriminatory religious legislation has encouraged an atmosphere of religious intolerance.'' In fact, section 295(c) of the Penal Code stipulates the death penalty for blaspheming the Prophet Mohammed. This provision has been used by Muslims to intimidate religious minorities in Pakistan. I met yesterday with the Pakistani Charge d'Affaires to ask the Pakistani Government to launch an immediate investigation of the incident with particular emphasis on the role of the local police, and to repeal those portions of the Penal Code which give license to Muslims to persecute Christians and other religious minorities. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in calling on Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to speak out against religious discrimination and to work to create a climate of tolerance and religious harmony in Pakistan.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring a very serious and troubling affair to the attention of my colleagues. Several news reports, over the last couple of days, have uncovered an incredible story: The German Government is giving pensions to over 3,000 former members of the Nazi Waffen SS Corps, living in the United States. Not extraordinary in and of itself, because these men receive their pensions as a result of their military service during World War II, yet the question that begs answering is: How many of these individuals might be war criminals? The outrage in this matter, is that the German Government may never have bothered to check. At this same time, there are many Holocaust survivors--Catholics, Jews, and others living in the United States and elsewhere in the world--who have received very little in the way of compensation, and even scores of surviving victims who do not receive anything from the German Government. After the horrors and suffering they were forced to endure during the war, how can we allow this additional measure of indignation? Apparently, many of these former SS members were able to enter the United States, and eventually gain citizenship, by falsifying their identities and lying about their wartime activities. Many of them, however, have been living in the United States for years now, some boldly with the same names, the same identities, the same blood on their hands. Mr. Speaker, there is no excuse for that, and it is simply unacceptable. Yesterday, I sent letters to German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, President Clinton, and Attorney General Janet Reno, asking that they obtain the names of these Nazi pensioners, and release them to the proper American Government agencies, in order to fully investigate the possibility of war criminals in our midst. There must be a full accounting. Yes, many of them are old, frail men, who have lived peacefully in their respective neighborhoods for decades. Did they show the same respect for the millions in Europe who also were old, frail, and living their lives peacefully? I think we all know the answer to that question. Thanks to the hard work of the Justice Department's Office of Special Investigations, as well as some other prominent organizations, we are beginning to uncover a trail of Nazi war criminals among us. In fact, the OSI is finding and prosecuting Nazis at the rate of one per month. It is imperative therefore, that we have all the necessary information at our disposal, so that we can continue to bring these murderers to justice. They have eluded the authorities, and the moral outrage of their deeds, for over 50 years now, but we will no longer allow that to continue. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in this endeavor, so that we may finally honor the memories of the Nazis' victims. Everyday, more and more Holocaust survivors leave this Earth, while their former tormentors continue to live on, having never been held accountable for the horrible deeds of the past. It's simply time to act now. Therefore, I call on the Government of Germany to work with us in addressing and resolving this issue once and for all--for the survivors, for the victims, and for the future. They need to do the right thing.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to share with my colleagues in the House of Representatives the story of a man whose entire life has been committed to making the lives of others better. I speak of Gregory Szurnicki, who was honored on January 25, 1997 by the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce as the 1996 Man of the Year. The youngest of nine children, Gregory entered the Armed Forces shortly before his 20th birthday to fight in World War II. He, like many other courageous young soldiers, landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on D-day, June 6, 1944. Five campaigns later, the war ended for him just outside of Berlin, Germany and 1 year later was discharged from military service. After the war, he settled in Suffolk County, and began working at the Kings Park State Hospital in charge of 85 patients during the evening shift. It was here that he began his efforts to improve the quality of life of the patients and the employees. He effected such changes as improved patient-staff ratio, upward mobility through career ladders, and a higher level of training opportunities. In 1975, Greg founded the Kings Park Employees Federal Credit Union and served as the union's president until 1996. Throughout his career, he formed many civic groups and became extremely active in local civic affairs. His involvement with the union as an advocate and organizer led him to many positions on the local, regional, and statewide levels where he could continue to work for the good of all. Since his retirement in 1988, Greg has continued to stay fully involved in civic affairs. He serves as the facilitator for the Northwest Civic Coalition and the Suffolk Community Alliance, whose membership includes all the major civic coalitions in Suffolk County. Greg is truly one of Kings Park's treasures and has been a driving force in ensuring that Kings Park is a better place to live in. I ask my colleagues to join with me in saluting Gregory Szurnicki who has provided a lifetime of service to his country and his community, and in congratulating him on being named the 1996 Man of the Year by the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Supinda Bunyavanich, of Port Washington, NY, for being selected as a member of USA Today's All-USA College Academic First Team. Supinda, a senior at Harvard University, truly embodies the ideals of leadership, perseverance, and initiative. Last summer, Supinda organized a conference in Korea to discuss the challenges of globalization in the 21st century. She brought 268 students together from 67 universities around the world. Professors, policy experts, corporate leaders, and the media also attended the conference to give their own unique perspective on the challenges that lie ahead. As a leader of Harvard University's Project for Asian and International Relations, Supinda invited speakers and corporate sponsors, recruited delegates and managed the logistics of the event. Additionally, she raised $200,000 in donations to help financially challenged students attend the conference. Such initiative and intellectual endeavor can be seen throughout Supinda's experience at Harvard. She helped establish a forum on children's health at the Harvard School of Government and created the curriculum for an after-school project for underprivileged youth. Supinda has also traveled to Chile to conduct biological research. Supinda is one of 20 college students from around the country to be selected as a member of the All-USA College Academic First Team. Twelve hundred fifty-three students from all 50 states and the District of Columbia were nominated for this honor. Supinda will graduate with a degree in environmental science and public policy and would eventually like to become a college professor. Supinda's experience demonstrates how one individual can achieve so many extraordinary accomplishments through innovation, creativity, and leadership. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring and congratulating Supinda Bunyavanich, on her many accomplishments, and extending to her our best wishes for continued success.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary work of the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition. This coalition has been instrumental in escalating our awareness about the high rate of breast cancer throughout the Huntington community. The Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition conducts town meetings, provides breast exam workshops and distributes educational literature. Moreover, this important organization works with the Suffork County Department of Health Services to provide yearly mammograms at St. Hughes of Lincoln Church in Huntington Station. The success of this independent, grassroots organization has been studied around the world. In fact, the Huntington organization has inspired the creation of the Tokyo Breast Cancer Action Coalition. The coalition was created on October 12, 1992, by a group of women led by Karen Miller, who cared deeply about the high rate of breast cancer in their community and had been affected personally by this most serious condition. These women educated their families, friends, and neighbors about various prevention and early detection measures. By 1993, the organization had opened administrative offices. Today, the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition has 1,500 active volunteers, each of whom is committed to putting an end to this serious condition. The organization has sent a woman's breast health survey to 68,000 households throughout Huntington. So far, they have compiled 26,000 responses in their computer database. The coalition eventually wants to use these findings to help determine the cause of the high rate of breast cancer in Huntington. At a dinner on October 1, the coalition will honor the following members who truly demonstrate the selflessness and compassion of an entire organization. Michael Miller, who is the husband of the founder of the coalition, has been an outstanding leader in our fight against breast cancer. His wife's struggle with breast cancer has led him to nearly a decade of outspoken advocacy. Mr. Miller has owned and operated the A-OK appliance company for 33 years. He is also an active trustee of his synagogue. Michael Miller has lived happily on Long Island with his wife and three children since the 1960's. Denise Kleinman, another coalition activist, who's husband Cal Kleinman while president of Bennett X-Ray developed the most modern state-of-the-art mammography machine, has worked diligently in the fight against breast cancer. Her volunteer efforts and commitment to the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition reflect her compassion for this worthy organization and their mission. A former New York City teacher, Denise has been involved in both her local PTA and in her synagogue. She is also a volunteer for Island Harvest which collects excess food and distributes it to the needy on Long Island. Denis Kleinman currently resides in Dix Hills with her husband and three children. Carol Caruso has been one of the most active members of the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition. Aside from her many volunteer efforts on behalf of the organization, she also had a vision, a dream, if you will, to start a Breast Cancer Health Education Center for everyone. She has spearheaded this concept and will devote her energies to making it a reality. Carol is a person who has truly made an extraordinary difference. Both she and her husband have donated substantial resources from their family business in order to support this worthwhile cause. Her actions demonstrate how a local business can work alongside a volunteer organization in order to further the common interests of an entire community. Carol Caruso has also been an active volunteer in the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. She currently lives in Oyster Bay where she enjoys the company of her six grandchildren. The Huntington Breast Cancer Coalition truly represents the ideals of compassion, community, and determination. Their selfless actions will help others overcome their struggles with breast cancer. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these extraordinary individuals and the outstanding work they have done for their community. The organization's dynamic leaders and dedicated volunteers should serve as a model for us all.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, the current state of relations between the United States Congress and the Republic of China [ROC] on Taiwan are excellent. During the past several years, many members have traveled to Taipei to meet with important leaders in the ROC government as well as with Taiwanese business executives and academicians. At the same time, many of our colleagues have met with Taiwanese legislators and prominent businessmen here in Washington. The excellent dialogue and high degree of interaction between the U.S. Congress and the ROC is a tribute to Representative Jason Hu and his staff here in Washington at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States [TECRO]. One of the key staffers at TECRO is Dr. Lyushun Shen, who for the past 3 years has served as Director of Public Affairs. In that capacity, Dr. Shen has been very active maintaining and expanding the strong relationship between our two countries. Dr. Shen has been a thoroughly professional diplomat and persuasive advocate for the ROC's interests in Washington. Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei has correctly recognized Dr. Shen's good work in Washington. Accordingly, he has been given an important new assignment as the Director of North American Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei. In this new position, Dr. Shen will play a continuing role in the relationship between the U.S. Congress and the people of Taiwan. Those of us in this body who have worked closely with Dr. Shen are disappointed to see him leave Washington, but we are also happy for him because we understand his new job is a major step forward in his career. Mr. Speaker, Lyushun Shen leaves Washington at the end of the month to return home for his significant new assignment. I know my colleagues join me in congratulating him on a job well done and in wishing him success in his upcoming endeavor.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, October 10 marks the 85th anniversary of the birth of the Republic of China [ROC]. As this historic occasion approaches, I want to take this opportunity to send my personal greetings and congratulations to the people of Taiwan and especially to President Lee Teng Hui. Mr. Speaker, I have been fortunate enough to visit with President Lee on several occasions in Taiwan, and more recently during his visit to the United States and his alma mater, Cornell University. On every occasion our discussions have been warm and enlightening. The Republic of China has long been a beacon of democracy and economic freedom in this important region of the world. During the past decades Taiwan has been transformed from an underdeveloped island to an economic powerhouse. The ROC is our sixth largest trading partner and trade between our two countries its growing. Taiwan has exhibited its leadership and commitment to these principles earlier this year when President Lee became the first popularly elected political leader in Chinese history. This was an important milestone for the people of Taiwan. The ROC achieved this success despite the attempts of its neighbor, the People's Republic of China, to intimidate Taiwan's electorate by conducting war games in the Taiwan Strait shortly before the election. While the past year has been one of great change in Taiwan, there have also been changes here in Washington. In July, Dr. Jason Hu, formerly head of the Government Information Office, assumed the position of Representative at the Taipei Cultural and Economic Office, the ROC's unofficial embassy in Washington. I look forward to working closely with Ambassador Hu to further strengthen ties between our two countries. At the same time Dr. Fred Chien has left his post as Foreign Minister and has been elected Speaker of the National Assembly. This is a well deserved honor for Dr. Chien, who has worked tirelessly here in Washington and in Taipei to make United States-Republic of China relations the success they are today. John Chang, who had been the Vice Foreign Minister, has become the new Foreign Minister. I am certain he will build on Dr. Chien's achievements at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Finally, I want to note that two very able officials in the Taipei Representative office will be returning to Taiwan at the end of the month. Dr. Lyushen Shen and his associate James Huang, have served their country well during their tenure here in Washington. Mr. Speaker, there are many issues concerning Taiwan and the United States which I hope Congress will address in the next session of Congress. Chief among those are membership in the WTO for Taiwan, and making certain that Taiwan's security needs are met. As important as these issues will be in the future, I hope my colleagues will take a moment to pause and join me now in congratulating the ROC for 85 years of progress and success.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Calverton National Cemetery of Calverton, NY, for being recognized as this year's Robert W. Carey Quality Award winner. The Robert W. Carey Quality Award is an annual award presented by the Secretary of Veteran's Affairs to recognize organizations within the Department which have implemented quality management in an exemplary manner, resulting in high quality products and services while promoting the effective use of taxpayer dollars. Named in memory of Robert W. Carey, Director of the Veterans Administration Regional Office and Insurance Center in Philadelphia, this award is the highest and most prestigious quality award presented to an organization by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It seeks to promote quality management awareness and implementation throughout the Department and to provide a model against which organizations can assess their quality transformation efforts and organizational effectiveness in delivering services. This award is used as an internal assessment tool and supports the Secretary's Performance Agreement with the President. I urge all my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Calverton National Cemetery for their outstanding achievement and well-deserved honors.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary work of the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition. This coalition has been instrumental in escalating our awareness about the high rate of breast cancer throughout the Huntington community. The Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition conducts town meetings, provides breast exam workshops and distributes educational literature. Moreover, this important organization works with the Suffolk County Department of Health Services to provide yearly mammograms at St. Hughes of Lincoln Church in Huntington Station. The success of this independent, grassroots organization has been studied around the world. In fact, the Huntington organization has inspired the creation of the Tokyo Breast Cancer Action Coalition. The coalition was created on October 12, 1992, by a group of women led by Karen Miller, who cared deeply about the high rate of breast cancer in their community and had been affected personally by this most serious condition. These women educated their families, friends, and neighbors about various prevention and early detection measures. By 1993, the organization had opened administrative offices. Today, the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition has 1,500 active volunteers, each of whom is committed to putting an end to this serious condition. The organization has sent a woman's breast health survey to 68,000 households throughout Huntington. So far, they have compiled 26,000 responses in their computer data base. The coalition eventually wants to use these findings to help determine the cause of the high rate of breast cancer in Huntington. At a dinner on October 1, the coalition will honor the following members who truly demonstrate the selflessness and compassion of an entire organization. Michael Miller, who is the husband of the founder of the coalition, has been an outstanding leader in our fight against breast cancer. His wife's struggle with breast cancer has led him to nearly a decade of outspoken advocacy. Mr. Miller has owned and operated the A-OK Appliance Co. for 33 years. He is also an active trustee of his synagogue. Michael Miller has lived happily on Long Island with his wife and three children since the 1960's. Denise Kleinman, another Coalition activist, has been working toward the creation of a Breast Cancer Awareness Clinic. Her lifetime of work truly represents how one individual can make such an extraordinary difference. This former New York City teacher has been involved in both her local PTA and in her synagogue. She is also a volunteer for Island Harvest which collects excess food and distributes it to the needy on Long Island. Denise Kleinman currently resides in Dix Hills with her husband and three children. Carol Caruso has been one of the most active members of the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition. Both she and her husband have donated substantial resources from their family business in order to support this worthwhile cause. Her actions demonstrate how a local business can work alongside a volunteer organization in order to further the common interest of an entire community. Carol Caruso has also been an active volunteer in the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. She currently lives in Oyster Bay where she enjoys the company of her six grandchildren. The Huntington Breast Cancer Coalition truly represents the ideas of compassion, community and determination. Their selfless actions will help others overcome their struggles with breast cancer. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these extraordinary individuals and the outstanding work they have done for their community. The organization's dynamic leaders and dedicated volunteers should serve as a model for us all.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents and the members of the Oakland Jewish Center as they honor their Rabbi, an outstanding leader, Michael Ehrlich. For more than a quarter of a century Rabbi Ehrlich has served the community in a variety of effective positions that included youth leader, teacher, principal, and Rabbi. Imbued at home at an early age with a strong responsibility to serve both individuals and the community, Rabbi Ehrlich received his formal preparation at the Ramaz School and went on to study in a joint program at Colombia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He was ordained in 1968. Before coming to the Oakland Jewish Center, Rabbi Ehrlich served at the Conservative Synagogue on Fifth Avenue and as a teacher and principal at the Jewish Center of Bayside Hills. He has been involved in religious and secular training since 1964 and recently retired from the New York City school system after more than a quarter-century of dedicated service. Rabbi Ehrlich has these many years emerged as a distinguished spiritual leader, an educator and community servant. In all his endeavors he has demonstrated an unique ability to bring people of all beliefs together into a common bond to create that which is both beneficial, supportive and comforting to our community. The tribute from his congregation is a tribute to us all. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me and my colleagues, and rise in honor of this man, who has meant so much to his community, Rabbi Michael Ehrlich.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, to commemorate our Nation's Labor Day holiday, and to honor New York's vibrant and diverse work force. Appropriately enough, before Congress adjourns, we will have passed a bill to raise the minimum wage and sent it to the President for his signature. This marks a tremendous victory for those people who have been working tirelessly to ensure that this vital, and long overdue, action be taken. Many people deserve praise for their work on this and other issues, but I would especially like to recognize the New York State AFL-CIO, the Long Island Central Labor Council, the New York Central Labor Council, and the Building and Construction Trades Union of the AFL-CIO, as well as all of you in the labor community who have united to work together against the antilabor sentiment that has pervaded Congress in the last 18 months. Your immeasurable support in this effort has assisted Congress in finally, after 7 years, passing a much-needed raise in our Nation's minimum wage, as well as staving off several vitriolic attacks on our Nation's workers. In a short time, those workers who have been scraping by on $4.25 an hour will get some relief for their families by earning a little bit more. Right now, the minimum wage is at 40-year low in terms of purchasing power. The simple fact is that people can no longer raise a family on this kind of wage. Yes, it's a small step, but it's no secret that it's a step that most Americans have desired for a long time. In fact, 80 percent of the American public supports this raise. Additionally, this legislation is the essence of family values--in other words, by enacting this measure, we are truly valuing our families. In my view, it is a simple matter. If we don't assist, nurture, and encourage our families to attain a higher standard of living, how do we expect America as a whole to succeed? Howeer, this labor-unfriendly majority has, for some time now, been a virtual roadblock in the way of achieving meaningful legislation such as this, as well as other important labor and family related matters. We need to continue to be in the business of improving, not undercutting, the well being, and survival, of our families. Nonetheless, whether its been in the form of striker-replacement legislation, allowing companies to raid the pensions of its workers, crafting a bill to mandate employer-led organizations to address labor issues, or cutting funding for important agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] and the National Labor Relations Board [NLRB], the Republican leadership has strived to make it more difficult for American workers to have access to safety and security in their jobs. These actions do not send the right message to hardworking Americans, and I intend to ensure that trend is reversed. Lastly, through the persistent efforts of those such as my colleague Senator Ted Kennedy, we are also able to pass a serious first step toward meaningful health insurance reform. This bill will affect at least 25 million Americans who either change or lose their jobs, or have preexisting conditions in their family that has, up until now, given insurance companies an excuse not to offer comprehensive health insurance. That is patently unfair and just plain wrong, and I have consistently made sure that these concerns are addressed properly. Working men and women have been the glue of this country ever since its inception, and I heartily salute them on Labor Day 1996. I strongly urge my colleagues to commemorate with me the workers of New York and their families on this day, and I look forward to a time when all Americans can feel safe in their jobs and financially secure in their lives.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 3735, legislation reauthorizing the Development Fund for Africa [DFA]. By supporting the DFA, the House is sending an important message that Africa does matter and that the United States must remain engaged through the flexible and effective mechanism the DFA provides. Africa continues to present significant development challenges to the United States and to the world. According to the 1995 World Development Report, 22 of the world's 30 poorest countries are in Africa. When compared to Asia or Latin America, life expectancy in Africa is shorter; infant and child mortality is greater; adult literacy in lower; fewer children are enrolled in primary and secondary schools; and population growth is higher. Obviously there is a tremendous amount of work to be done. Reauthorizing the DFA will protect funding levels for Africa that might otherwise be diverted to short-term foreign policy crises elsewhere; it will continue to provide flexibility in designing and developing effective strategies for the region; and it will sustain the performance-based, results-oriented system for sub-Saharan Africa where aid resources are concentrated in countries that show the most commitment to developing their economic and political systems, and to addressing serious social problems. Mr. Speaker, I commend Mr. Bereuter for introducing the bill and Mr. Gilman for bringing it before the House today, and I urge all my colleagues to vote to support the DFA.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 142, regarding human rights in Mauritania. This resolution highlights an issue that should sadden and anger all Americans. Indeed, the entire world should be outraged. One would have thought that at the close of the 20th century, slavery would have been consigned to the history books, a painful reminder of our own ignorance and inhumanity. Instead, we are confronted with the appalling institution of slavery alive and well. The evidence seems clear that slavery exists in both Mauritania and Sudan, which is why I find the public comments of our Ambassador to Mauritania, as well as the relatively weak reference to slavery in Mauritania in the recent Human Rights Country Report to be especially troubling. The United States should not be down-playing slavery. We should be raising our opposition to slavery at every possible opportunity. Mauritania is violating international law by tolerating the existence of slavery and is violating its own domestic laws. There seems to have been little effort by the government of Mauritania to stop this abhorrent practice, since the government makes no effort to inform people of their rights and does not prosecute those who continue to hold slaves. Mr. Speaker, by adopting this resolution today, the House will send a strong signal to the Government of Mauritania that more must be done to wipe out the scourge of slavery as well as its vestiges. I urge all my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 142.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise on the floor of the Congress to commend a great American, John Powell, who is assisting the Jewish National Fund in their efforts to bring trees to the land of Israel. I may also note, with some trepidation, that John serves as the highly effective chairman of the Suffolk County Republican Committee. Throughout his career, he has displayed a strong commitment to his community, and has gained the utmost respect from local leaders on both sides of the partisan divide. Moreover, John's career underscores how much one person can accomplish through a disciplined work ethic. John Powell moved to Long Island when he was 11-years-old and graduated from Patchogue-Medford High School in 1978. While attending Suffolk Community College, John held two gas station jobs to help pay for his education. He also volunteered with the Brookhaven Republican Party, stuffing envelopes and making phone calls. These early experiences helped establish his strong work ethic, and commitment to public service. John eventually was recommended for a job with the Brookhaven Town Highway Department where he was quickly promoted to being an executive assistant to Highway Superintendent Harold Malkmes. Once again, John's hard work and dedication helped him rise to meet new challenges. In 1988, John was elected to the New York State Assembly. He brought his unique, blue collar perspective to the halls of the New York State Capitol. After a year in Albany, John felt the need to return to his community. He ran for Brookhaven town council and won handily. During his tenure on the council, John became intricately involved in Brookhaven town matters. In 1991, John became the Brookhaven town Republican leader. By 1995, he rose to the chairmanship of the Suffolk County Republican Committee, where he has served with honor and distinction. He now lives in the town of Medford with his wife Linda, and their three children, Alexandria, John, and Anthony. John often works closely with the county executive to solve some of Long Island's most complex problems. His perseverance and dedication to the community have gained recognition across New York State. More importantly, he has used his own life experiences toward the betterment of others. John has also championed the ideal of an inclusive community. In this spirit, he has consistently worked alongside the Jewish community in Suffolk County. It is only appropriate that John Powell be involved with the Jewish National Fund. The Jewish National Fund is helping rebuild the land of Israel through afforestation, housing, and agricultural projects. Moreover, this organization constructs dams and reservoirs, provides employment and promotes Zionist education. The JNF is literally transforming a once arid dessert into a lush, agricultural community. This year, the JNF will help celebrate Jerusalem's 3,000th anniversary by developing new projects throughout the city. These include a new Parks and Events Center, a Children's Garden and Educational Center, and the completion of the greenbelt around Jerusalem. John is now being honored by the JNF at their Tree of Life Award dinner dance. As an honoree, he will help the JNF raise much needed funds for environmental projects in both Israel and around the world. His actions today will be appreciated for generations to come. John's commitment to the Jewish National Fund epitomizes a lifetime of dedication to worthwhile causes. His distinguished career should serve as a model for us all.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the fiscal year 1997 energy and water appropriations bill and in particular the provision of $250,000 to begin the feasibility portion of the coastal erosion study on the North Shore of Long Island. I want to thank the distinguished chairman, the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Myers], as well as the distinguished gentleman from Alabama [Mr. Bevill], for their assistance in providing this funding for the North Shore. Mr. Chairman, the North Shore has a considerable history of tidal flooding, shore erosion, and damage to shorefront development. Hurricanes affecting the area occurred in 1938, 1944, 1954, and 1960. In addition, tropical storms occurred in the area in 1950, 1953, 1955, 1962, and in 1992. Recent coastal storms have caused shoreline erosion resulting in storm damage to several communities, including Bayville in Nassau County and the Village of Asharoken in Suffolk County. The December 1992 Nor'easter inundated hundreds of residential and business properties with damages estimated at $12 million. In addition, approximately 300 people were evacuated, and sections of Bayville, the village of Asharoken and Eatons Neck were impassable for days. So far this year we have been lucky. There have been several severe storms in the northeast with some flooding but none has resulted in the extensive damage caused by the '92 Nor'easter. It is probably only a matter of time. In September last year, the Army Corps of Engineers completed the reconnaissance study of the North Shore which found that, based on a general assessment of coastal flooding and beach erosion, the area is particularly susceptible to storm damage and that the villages of Bayville and Asharoken typify the flooding and erosion problems in the study area. Finally, the study recommended that further feasibility studies for beach erosion control and storm damage reduction be conducted in order to formulate the most appropriate plan for any proposed storm damage protection project. The Federal interest in the North Shore is well documented. The Army conducted a study of hurricane damage to coastal and tidal areas in response to series of hurricanes in 1954. In 1963, the Army began a study of beach erosion and hurricane protection which was completed in 1969. Clearly the area has been much studied. It is time to move beyond identifying the problem to designing the solution. Last year's report identified two plans for Bayville and two for Asharoken both of which have positive benefit to cost ratios. The plans for Bayville use a combination of features including a buried seawall, a composite bulkhead/revetment and floodwalls. The plans for Asharoken use a combination of buried seawall and beach nourishment to provide erosion control and flood protection. The report went on to note that ``a feasibility study having a greater level of detail is required to formulate the most appropriate plan for any proposed storm damage protection project.'' Mr. Chairman, I am pleased that the Subcommittee saw fit to include funding for the next phase of the North Shore feasibility study. Now we can identify the solution to the North Shore's longstanding erosion problem.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 22nd Anniversary of Turkey's illegal occupation of the island of Cyprus on July 20, 1974. The Turkish military invasion resulted in an involuntary division of this once harmonious Mediterranean state. Greek residents in northern Cyprus have since suffered innumerable restrictions on freedom and human rights at the hands of their Turkish invaders and more than 35,000 Turkish troops continue to occupy the northern portion. The effects of this invasion has included the deaths of more than 6,000 Greek-Cypriots, the displacement of over 200,000 refugees from towns and communities once occupied by their ancestors, and the capture of thousands more. Sadly, 1619 people, including five Americans, are still missing today. The current situation in Cyprus is of great importance to the United States and specifically the Greek-American community. Members of Congress have finally begun taking steps to ensure that this illegal and inhumane state of affairs is resolved peacefully. The Clinton Administration has also turned its attention to Cyprus, demonstrating with Congress a joint commitment to demilitarizing this divided island. Today, we not only commemorate the anniversary of this invasion, but remind America that the injustices created by Turkey's military aggression are as pervasive today as they were 22 years ago. The enclaved Greek population, living within the Turkish occupied zone, live without many of the rights and privileges implicit within a democratic society, and will continue to do so until Turkey's military presence is no more. I commend Mr. Bilirakis in holding this very important Special Order, and I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the Turkish invasion of Cyprus as well as continue to support efforts being made to end this wrongful occupation, so that we may one day commemorate the restoration of Cyprus to a peaceful, harmonious and united nation.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Dr. L. Eudora Pettigrew, who has just completed 10 years of service as president of the State University of New York College of Old Westbury. Dr. Pettigrew has served with distinction as head of the State University of New York's most diverse and multicultural campus. During her long career in higher education, both as a faculty member and as an administrator, Dr. Pettigrew has earned the respect of students, faculty, and alumni. Prior to her stewardship of SUNY College of Old Westbury, President Pettigrew served as associate provost of the University of Delaware. During her outstanding career, she has also been associated with such distinguished institutions as Michigan State University, Southern Illinois University, and the University of Bridgeport. President Pettigrew received her doctor of philosophy degree and master's degree from Southern Illinois University. She holds a bachelor of arts degree from West Virginia State College. While fiscally the past decade has been a difficult one for almost all segments of our society, higher education--particularly public higher education--has endured painful budget reductions which continue to this day. Yet, President Pettigrew, through resourceful and courageous leadership, has successfully guided her campus through these very troubled times. And each spring, in a spectacular and very moving right of passage, SUNY Old Westbury holds a commencement ceremony unmatched on Long Island. Nearly 1,000 men and women of all ages, of remarkably different ethnic religious and racial backgrounds receive their diplomas from President Pettigrew. No where else on Long Island or in SUNY can one witness such a wonderful example of successfully bringing people from a broad spectrum of backgrounds together to learn from and with each other and, ultimately to succeed. Such wonderful diversity lies at the core of the success of the College at Old Westbury and President Pettigrew has played a major role in preserving the College at Old Westbury's very special and unique mission. International education has been a long-standing interest of Dr. Pettigrew. She has traveled worldwide to participate in conferences and symposia which involve discussions about the expansion of international education programs on campuses throughout the world. Recently she led a delegation of public university presidents from throughout the United States to the People's Republic of China. The chancellor of the State University of New York has appointed her chair of a special Commission on Africa with primary focus on South Africa. She recently led a delegation of SUNY officials to South Africa to explore the possibility of exchange programs with South African universities. Mr. Speaker, President L. Eudora Pettigrew is an extraordinary educator and dynamic leader who has contributed most significantly to the growth and development of the State University College at Old Westbury over the past decade. She is an educator extraordinaire and I am very pleased to publicly acknowledge her many works on behalf of the citizens of New York State. I call on my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to a dedicated educator and extraordinary humanitarian, Dr. L. Eudora Pettigrew.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today so that this body may take note of a very special organization in my district--the Queens Borough Public Library. This organization celebrates the anniversary of its founding this year. I wish to congratulate them and offer my voice in support of their tireless efforts to educate and serve the residents of Queens Borough. As I have told many of you before, Queens is a very special place to me and to those who live there. Its nearly two million residents make up the most ethnically diverse community in the United States. For years, the face of Queens has been the face of the many cultures of the world. In that vein, the Queens Library system reaches out to this microcosm of the American mosaic and provides not just books, but citizenship education classes, English as a second language [ESL] classes, job training, and access to the information superhighway. In fact, the Queens Library offers over 18,000 programs to the community at large. Sixty-three facilities scattered throughout the borough are wellsprings of learning from which the community benefits. On top of all this, the Queens Library is adding an international resource center [IRC] to the redesigned Flushing Branch, which will enable it to showcase many of the cultures reflected in the borough population. Using the latest technology, this unique facility will provide cultural background, business information, and educational materials on the varied peoples of the world. With its expanded facilities, the Queens Library will be able to host even more high quality exhibitions. For example, last year, it presented an excellent exhibit with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities [NEH] on Lewis Latimer, a 19th-century inventor, and on Korean-style printing with movable metal type--a technique perfected in Asia well before Gutenberg and his printing press. Many of my colleagues know that I have had a longstanding interest in the Asian region, and therefore, I am delighted Queens is becoming an increasingly recognized center of Asian commerce in the United States. I wholeheartedly applaud the Queens Library for its diligent efforts and foresight in this regard. For a hundred years, the Queens Library has nurtured the community, supplying its needs for information and community services. As it heads into its next hundred years, I wish them the best, and look forward to the new developments it will surely bring.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, on May 9, 1996, 18 of my colleagues and I wrote to the SEC to express our strong concern about the SEC's order giving permanent approval to a preferencing program on the Cincinnati Stock Exchange, the CSE. Among the important issues raised in the letter was the adequacy of the CSE's surveillance system. Preferencing enables a broker-dealer to take the other side of its own customer order, to the exclusion of the other competing market interest. Because preferencing presents a broker-dealer with a conflict between its duty to its customer as a broker and its financial self- interest as a dealer, an effective surveillance system is especially important. Among the unanswered questions about the CSE preferencing program is whether the CSE's surveillance system can ensure that dealers taking the other side of their customers' orders fulfill their fiduciary obligations to achieve the best price for their customers. Given the SEC's traditional emphasis on investor protection, it is surprising that the order approving the CSE preferencing program does not address this issue. Mr. Speaker, today we take up H.R. 3005, the securities amendments of 1996. This legislation does not address the issue of preferencing but I understand that similar legislation in the other body may contain a provision directing the SEC to undertake detailed study of preferencing on exchange markets. Such a study would likely provide answers to some of the unanswered questions about preferencing on the CSE, such as the adequacy of the CSE's surveillance system. Unless such a study concludes that there are tangible benefits to investors and to the capital formation process from this questionable practice, I would support efforts to move swiftly to ban preferencing on exchanges.