Gary Ackerman

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in reluctant opposition to this bill. The legislation before us today represents a retrenchment of U.S. foreign policy in the post-cold-war era. For the past 40 years we fought the cold war and we prevailed. Now a wave of neo-isolationism has taken over and this Congress is preparing to walk away from our responsibilities as a world leader. This bill is destructive not only to the foreign policy apparatus of this government, but the massive budget cuts that will result from it are unwise and shortsighted. Furthermore, this bill proposes the elimination of three agencies, without even a hint of what the cost will be. During the committee markup, an amendment was offered that is totally consistent, even with the Contract With America, requiring a cost-benefit analysis of the proposal so Congress may understand the costs that we are about to incur as a result of adopting this consolidation legislation. Unfortunately, the majority oppose the cost-cutting benefit proposal in a year when they are otherwise zealously committed to its rigorous application in the conduct of Government's affairs. This inconsistency is striking, to say the least On the foreign aid side of the ledger, the bill offered today cuts development assistance massively, with a 20-percent cut alone for the development fund for Africa. I vigorously oppose these cuts at a time when, magically, there are sufficient funds available to increase foreign military sales within the bill. I must wonder how we can have more for military sales when the basic development accounts are being stripped bare. Mr. Chairman, I am also deeply concerned about the future of aid to Israel. Israel has taken great risks by undertaking the peace process with Jordan, the Palestinians, and the Arab countries in the region. Yet, we are rapidly moving towards isolating Israel, Egypt, and the Middle East peace allocations within a rapidly shrinking foreign aid budget. This is a dangerous precedent which will leave the Middle East peace process hanging out, almost alone, vulnerable to future cuts when the peace process may require larger, rather than smaller, allocations in order to be implemented. Mr. Chairman, I am glad that this bill takes care of Israel this year. If it is the intent to take care of the few to the detriment of all others, I will not but it. I will not be put in a position of being for myself alone. Mr. Chairman, during the past decade we worked in a bipartisan fashion to craft a foreign aid bill that could receive the support of both sides. Today we have a bill that is designed to undermine our President and Secretary of State by devastating cuts to our foreign policy agencies and to the worldwide assistance which serves to buttress U.S. foreign policy objectives. Mr. Chairman, the destruction in this bill may be popular with the majority today, but the implications for tomorrow should give us pause before this Congress enacts such shortsighted legislation. Mr. Chairman, I urge the defeat of this bill.

Mr. ACKERMAN

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

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, to make a change in a year is not necessarily correcting a typographical mistake.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great pleasure today to join with those most compassionate and dedicated people of the New Hope Community as they honor one of their most esteemed members, Morton Bleetstein. I first met Morty when I started a small business, and Morty was a third-generation insurance broker. But I soon learned that he has other interests and talents that would significantly impact on others. In the fields of hope, compassion and concern, there are few to equal Morty Bleetstein. As parents of two disabled children, Morty and his wife, Pat, took up the life challenge fate had thrust upon them, and embarked upon creating a service record of almost four decades on behalf of all disabled youngsters. Morty's early involvement led to the passage in New York State of legislation known as the Greenberg bill, which provides education for all disabled children. As his own kids grew, so did his dedication: the Bleetsteins became original founders of the New York Association for Brain Injured Children. Morty Bleetstein also has proudly served as president of the New Hope Community Parents Group, and as a board member and fund raising chairman for New Hope. Mr. Speaker, Morton Bleetstein has honored all humanity with his selfless dedication and perseverance on behalf of those who have nowhere else to turn. On May 20, the New Hope Community will honor Morty at a gala benefit in Flushing, Queens. I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join with me now in paying tribute to a true humanitarian, Morton Bleetstein, and in extending to him the great appreciation of a most grateful nation.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents in the Fifth Congressional District of New York and with the many friends of the Bergtraum family as they gather on May 19 to honor the memory of the renowned educator Edith K. Bergtraum, and to name Public School 165 in her memory. Edith was both a personal friend and a dedicated member of the community. Her level of involvement and dedication created a yardstick by which all such activity can be measured. A long-time activist in the Kew Gardens Hills and Flushing communities, Edith was a product of the New York City school system as well as a graduate of Hunter College of the City University of New York. Her sense of community brought her beyond the boundaries of her neighborhood; she quickly assumed leadership roles in the Kew Gardens Hills Jewish Center, the Queens County Democratic Committee, and the Mayor's Commission on the Status of Women. Yet it was in the field of education that Edith had her most significant impact. She began her educational career when PS 165 opened and her son entered the first grade in a school that had 3,000 children but only 1,000 seats. With the support of her husband, Murry Bergtraum (a most powerful advocate for the schools children of New York City who would later become president of the City's Board of Education), Edith quickly and effectively joined the ongoing fight for the rights and education of children. When Murry became the first president of the PS 165 Parents-Teachers Association, Edith assumed a seat on the executive board. Their joint efforts to alleviate the overcrowding in the school were successful, as three more elementary schools--PS 200, 201, and 219--were constructed nearby. When her children moved onto Junior High School 218 and Forest Hills High School, Edith followed, enriching these schools with the same dynamism that she brought to PS 165. As her involvement grew, so did recognition of her capabilities. In 1974, Edith was elected to Community School Board 25, a position she held for 19 years. During this period, she was elected president of the local school board. She also somehow found the time to serve on citywide educational committees on special education, personnel and budget. In 1993, she was named the Queens borough representative on the search committee to select a new schools chancellor. Mr. Speaker, as the people of Community School District 25 and those throughout New York City gather on May 19 to honor Edith K. Bergtraum, it is my hope that we will continue to be inspired and dedicated to the education of our children by following the most unique example she has set. I call on all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me now in expressing our thanks and congratulations for Edith's good works to her family: her son, Howard Bergtraum, and daughter-in-law, Susan Bergtraum, and their children, Matthew, Jordan, and Andrea Bergtraum; Edith's daughter Judy Bergtraum; and Edith's daughter Marcia Bergtraum-Williams, and son-in-law, Dan Williams, and their children, Harel and Marc Williams; Edith's brother and sister-in-law, Stanley and Bernice Bergtraum; and Edith's sister and brother-in-law, Nat and Janice Sommer. With the dedication of the Edith Bergtraum School, we ensure that the people of New York will long remember a dynamic educator, a compassionate humanitarian, and a special friend.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I join today with my constituents in the Fifth Congressional District of New York City recognizing Dr. Mario Salvadori. For more than two decades, Dr. Salvadori has distinguished himself with effective efforts to help his students discover and understand mathematics and science through the wonders of architechure and engineering. Mr. Speaker, in April 1975, Dr. Salvadori boldly accepted the challenge issued by the New York Academy of Science to ``do something to improve mathematics and science education'' in the public schools of New York City by volunteering to teach an innovative course, ``Why Buildings Stand Up.'' to 30 disadvantaged seventh-grade students. Throughout the years, Dr. Salvadori has continued to teach and write books of children and instructional manual for teachers. At the same time, he has developed an exciting, innovative, and effective program of hands-on activities base upon the familiar urban built environment. Eight years ago, he founded the Salvadori Education Center on the Built Environment [SECBE] to expand the reach of his innovative pedagogy and instructional materials. SECBE has now grown into a nationally known influence for the improvement of science and mathematics education. In the 20 years since Dr. Salvadori began this noble cause, more than 600 teachers have incorporated the Salvadori methodology into their classroom practice. More than 100,000 students in New York City alone have benefited from their involvement in SECBE programs, demonstrating significant improvement in their mathematics and science studies, and increased motivation to remain in school. In addition to the effective impact Dr. Salvadori has made upon our educational system, he has emerged as a major force in the field of architecture and engineer. As a partner and chairman of the board of Weidlinger Associates, Consulting Engineers, he has had a role in developing and constructing buildings all over the world. He was served on the staffs of Columbia, Princeton and the University of Rome. His publications in the fields of applied mathematics and architecture have been distributed world wide in over a dozen languages. Dr. Salvadori's colleagues have long recognized his brilliance, and he has received numerous medals and awards in architecture and engineering. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join with me this day in recognizing Dr. Mario Salvadori, a dedicated educator, a leading architect, and a person who unselfishly gives of his many talents.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with the constituents of my district in honoring Mr. Morton Gould, who recently received the 1994 Pulitzer Prize for Music Composition. The work for which he was honored is ``Stringmusic'' which was commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and first performed by the orchestra here in Washington in March of last year. The Pulitzer is just the latest honor conferred on Morton. This past December, he was a Kennedy Center honoree for his lifetime contributions to American culture through performing arts. Gould has been composing and performing as conductor of the major symphony orchestras in the United States and throughout the world for most of the 20th century. His first published composition appeared in 1920 when he was just 6 years old. By the time he was 21, Morton was conducting and arranging a weekly series of orchestra radio programs for the WOR Mutual Network on which many of his orchestral settings were introduced. A gifted composer, his work is characterized by its distinctively American flavor; it incorporates folk, blues, jazz, gospel, and western elements with the classic symphonic form. Among his more popular symphonic works are ``Latin-American Symphonette,'' ``Jekyll and Hyde Variations,'' ``Spirituals for Orchestra,'' ``American Salute,'' ``Tap Dance Concerto,'' and ``Derivations for Clarinet and Band,'' written for the late Benny Goodman. In addition to the National Symphony Orchestra, his music has been commissioned by other major symphony orchestras, the Library of Congress, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the American Ballet Theatre, and the New York City Ballet. Morton's talents are not limited to the symphonic mode. His Broadway credits include the musicals ``Arms and the Girl'' and ``Billion Dollar Baby'' while his film scores include ``Windjammer,'' ``Delightfully Dangerous'' and ``Cinerama Holiday.'' His scores composed for television include ``Holocaust,'' ``F. Scott Fitzgerald in Hollywood'' and CBS's ``World War I'' documentary series. His list of credits is virtually endless. At age 81 he lives in Great Neck, NY, where he still is actively composing works which have been commissioned by major orchestras. It is a pleasure to salute Morton Gould and bring the latest honor bestowed on this true American icon to the attention of our colleagues.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents and the residents of Manhasset as the Manhasset Public Library celebrates its 50th anniversary. With an intense community spirit and desire to develop neighborhood-related services, the residents of Manhasset initiated a program in May 1945 that would provide the community with library services for half a century. Organized by the local branch of the American Association of University Women, the Manhasset Library came into being in a small rented store with an initial collection of 1,500 volumes. Its first director was Ruth Cowell, who served in that capacity until 1972. Responding to the growth of the community and the increasing demand for more materials, the library grew and a new facility was constructed to house its every-growing materials and services. Ten short years later, the library continued its expansion and a new children's room was added. Shortly, thereafter, the Manhasset Public Library joined the 54 member Nassau Library System. In 1972, Elaine Seaton assumed the position of library director. It was during her tenure that the library's Sunday program was developed and the Friends of the Library was organized. In 1983, with Sylvia Levine serving as the director, the children's room was enlarged and the community room created. During the past 8 years, under the leadership of Marian Robertson, the library has witnessed a rapid growth in the expansion of computerized services, audio-visual materials, business and general reference services. As the Manhasset community looks forward to an additional 50 years of outstanding library service, I ask my colleagues to join with me in applauding its efforts to help create and maintain a truly exceptional community.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to share with my colleagues in the House of Representatives the inspiring story of two women, Mimi Galgano and Sally Campbell, who are making a difference in the Long Island community. These women have taken a hands-on approach to aiding individuals in their neighborhoods and far beyond. Mimi Galgano, a vibrant and enthusiastic leader, is the vice president of the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition, director of the Breast Cancer Health Survey Project, a member of the Huntington Advisory Recycling Board and the first environmental chairperson of Commack. Sally Campbell has volunteered her time and efforts to the community for the past 15 years. Currently, her volunteer efforts have been aimed at the betterment of the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum. In 1982, Ms. Campbell recruited the museum's first group of volunteers, which reached the current force of 65 in 1994. She has served the museum on the board of directors as treasurer and vice president. On April 28, 1995, these two remarkable women were honored at a special ceremony hosted by the Junior League of Long Island, an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Ms. Galgano and Ms. Campbell were nominated by the organizations they work with for their significant contributions to both their agencies and their communities. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join with me now in saluting Mimi Galgano and Sally Campbell, who have exhibited the ultimate commitment by working so diligently for the betterment of their communities.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Concurrent Resolution 53, to allow a private visit to the United States by Taiwan's President Lee Teng-hui. I have long supported the goals of this resolution, and I am greatly pleased that Congress is acting on this issue. There are no longer any legitimate policy grounds for prohibiting the democratic leader of one of Asia's oldest republics from paying a private visit to the United States to visit his alma mater, Cornell University. American universities sometimes have the privilege of providing the formal education for future leaders from different parts of the world. It is only right that Cornell University be allowed to invite Mr. Lee back to recognize his contribution to public life in Taiwan by granting him an honorary degree. Taiwan has done everything which we expect of a democratic society over the last years. It has free elections, a free press, and is a model of an open society with democratic institutions in an Asian context. Why not recognize and encourage these significant accomplishments by allowing this private visit? Taiwan has also liberalized its economic policies, has built a resilient market economy, and has become a dependable trading partner. It is the United States' sixth largest trading partner, and buys twice as much annually from the United States as does the People's Republic of China. President Lee has been invited to the United States on a private visit. Some are concerned that even a private visit would offend leaders in the People's Republic of China. So what? Why should we worry about offending the sensitivities of those leaders whose actions have often offended our own sense of human rights and democracy? Concurrent Resolution 53 will send a clear message to the administration and to the State Department that it is time for a change in this policy. It will also send a message to the rest of the world that the United States Congress appreciates and supports democratic political developments in Taiwan. I strongly urge my colleagues to overwhelmingly support it.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to share with my colleagues in the House of Representatives the inspiring story of a woman who has been an active member of the Jewish community in Suffolk County for many years, Helaine Strauss. Helaine Strauss became a Jewish community center professional on Long Island in 1967. This began a lifetime career in which she vastly changed the landscape of Long Island's Jewish community. In 1980, a determined board of directors, Suffolk County Y staff and Helaine took a bold step forward. They moved the Y into a brand new setting that provided the first Jewish day care center in the United Jewish Appeal [UJA] federation network, as well as a nursery school, a senior citizen and singles' center. In addition to these conveniences, the Y developed and installed a state-of-the-art fitness center. When the initial construction of this enormous project was completed, Ms. Strauss breathed a sigh of relief and embarked on a new project: building bridges. Today, the Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center joins with a multitude of Jewish agencies, synagogues and community organizations sponsoring innovative programs and services. Ms. Strauss' leadership has been widely recognized. She is past president of the New York chapter of the Metropolitan Association of Jewish Center Workers and participated in Jewish Welfare Board's Executive Development Program and the Jewish Community Center Association's Executive Fellows Program. Ms. Strauss serves on the nation board of the Jewish Community Center Association and on the advisory board of the Adelphi School of Social Work. She received the Woman of the Year Award from Friends of Lubavitch of eastern Long Island. In 1985, Ms. Strauss received the Samuel W. and Rose Horowitz award from the Commission on Synagogue Relations of UJA-Federation of New York, and she has also been honored by the Women's American Organization of Rehabilitation Training (ORT). I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join with me in saluting Ms. Helaine Strauss, for 20 years of outstanding service, commitment and devotion to not only the Suffork Y, but the entire Jewish community of Suffolk County, Long Island.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents and residents of the Great Neck community in honoring the CLASP Children's Center as they celebrate this organization's 20th anniversary. In 1975, with the support of a local chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women, CLASP was founded by a group of working parents. Over the years, CLASP has grown in size and developed such an exemplary program that it has been accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. Set in a safe, challenging, and noncompetitive surrounding, children are offered a variety of activities that encourage them to express their creativity, and to develop friendships and positive social skills. CLASP reaches out to a variety of age groups and has established a pre-school program for students 2 to 4 years old, before and after school programs for children attending the elementary schools in the Great Neck School District, and a 4-H Club for 8- to 10-year-old participants. Realizing that CLASP is part of a most dynamic community, the organization joined in 1983 with the Great Neck Senior Center to provide an intergenerational program merging the children and the seniors of the area. This has resulted in a most successful and widely acclaimed effort, giving both age groups a feeling of support and appreciation. CLASP has also had the good fortune to be able to draw upon the community for continuous support and creative leadership. On its 20th anniversary, as it celebrates this special milestone in this successful growth, CLASP is recognizing a group of individuals who have played a most effective role in helping it grow into such a renowned organization. Irene Lichtenstein has served as a founder and board member; Arlene Kase, current educational coordinator, was a president, board member, and a dynamic supporter of CLASP for legislative issues; Hon. May Newberger, town supervisor of North Hempstead, has for years championed family issues and consistently emerged as a supporter; Rabbi Robert S. Widom, spiritual leader of Temple Emanuel in Great Neck, has taken an ever-present role in community leadership that has greatly benefited CLASP; and Ann Durham, a long-time board member, was effective in assisting CLASP to obtain its initial funding. Mr. Speaker, from its humble beginnings in a garage in Great Neck, CLASP has compiled over two decades of success, thanks to selfless individuals who have provided exemplary leadership and resources, and a dedicated parent group and a staff that has consistently sought to bring out the best in its students. I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join with me today in recognizing and applauding the CLASP Children's Center, and in congratulating CLASP on its 20 years of dedicated service and outstanding success.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 660, the Housing for Older Persons Act. In 1988, Congress amended the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination in housing against families with children providing an exemption in the case of housing for older persons in order to allow senior citizens to live in age-restricted housing, such as retirement communities. Unfortunately, since enactment of the 1988 amendments, controversy has surrounded the definition of seniors-only housing which requires significant facilities and services specifically designed to meet the physical or social needs of older persons in order for a specific facility to qualify for the exemption. Some seniors' communities have been faced with housing discrimination lawsuits, due in part to confusion about the types of facilities and services that must be provided in order for a community to qualify. H.R. 660 removes the significant facilities and services requirement that a seniors community must meet in order to qualify for the exemption and instead allows communities to demonstrate only that it is intended to provide housing for persons 55 and older, and that 80 percent of the housing units are occupied by one or more persons in this age group. The Older Persons Act also establishes a good faith defense against liability for monetary damages in housing discrimination lawsuits which involve the exemption. This defense protects individuals, such as members of condominium boards, from lawsuits if they acted on a good faith belief that the seniors community qualified for the exemption. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 660 removes the uncertainty from current law and protects the legitimate right of seniors to live in communities designed for them. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues in the 104th Congress to join me in congratulating Max Schenkler on the occasion of his 90th birthday, on April 16, 1995. A decade after I extended my best wishes to Max on his 80th birthday, I am proud to again extend my regards in this same Chamber. Mr. Speaker, Max Schenkler spent nearly 25 years as a pillar of the community in my home of Queens County. As a result, the entire neighborhood felt a sense of loss, when he and his wife Pearl relocated to Boca Raton, Florida, years ago. Max and Pearl had made everyone feel like a part of their family. Max and Pearl Schenkler are special people, who are appreciated by everyone who has come to know them. Fortunately, in Queens, a great deal of people came to know them, through their generous contributions to their neighborhood and synagogue, through Max's many years as a teacher and educator, and through their loving service in community organizations. Every time then return to New York for a visit, the warm welcome they receive is a testament to how much they are missed. Through his endeavors, Max gives himself to people in many ways. He spent 40 years sharing his talent, humor and insight with New York City school children. His enthusiasm for life and gift for sharing himself with others enabled him to form special bonds with his young charges. Max Schenkler was the type of teacher that students remembered for a lifetime. He has a way of showing students how to grow, and how to stretch their minds and imaginations to meet new challenges. Mr. Speaker, Max had a distinguished career as both an educator, and as a principal of Public School 143, an elementary school in Queens. As a principal he inspired and trained scores of dedicated teachers leaving a legacy that will be felt for many generations. He is a man of varied interests and talents, one who throws himself into whatever he is doing--whether he is helping someone in need or in trouble, spending time with family or friends, or pursuing his most beloved pastime-- doting on his children and grandchildren. Max's professional and family life have been rich with success. His 90th birthday is a joyous occasion for his many friends and his beautiful family--his lovely wife Pearl, his loving daughter Carol Jacobson and her husband, Gil, and daughter, Debbie, and Max's son and my dear friend Michael, his wife Lillian and their children Lee and Allison. Max always gave his children the love and encouragement they need when the time came to make tough decisions or face new challenges. Mr. Speaker, Max Schenkler is a beautiful man who has touched many lives. I would like to ask all of my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join with me now in wishing him a joyous 90th birthday. I wish him continued health and happiness, and look forward to again returning to this Chamber in 10 years, to congratulate Max Schenkler when he turns 100.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to my colleagues about a great tragedy that is now occurring in Karachi, Pakistan. Karachi is by far Pakistan's most important city, as well as its largest and wealthiest. It is almost two-thirds of its trade and industry. The population of 10 million is a varied one that includes trades of the Karachi Stock Exchange, businessmen affiliated with international firms and over 3,000 United States citizens. Karachi's potential for growth on the international business scene is immense, yet this promise is also tempered by the underlying currents of a troubled society. Long before two Americans in the U.S. consulate were brutally slain on March 8, violence and terror had gripped this city with a firm chokehold. Since the beginning of 1994, 1,260 people have been murdered, 340 since the start of this year and 100 in the month of March alone. Kidnapings, ambushes, and bank robberies have become a daily occurrence. Worst of all, the city's inhabitants have lost all faith in its frightened police force and corrupt judicial system. Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto remains confident that the city can and will right itself before it is too late. Unfortunately, she is very much alone, among her countrymen, in thinking that. The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the United States shortly, where she will undoubtedly plead her case. Karachi, as with all of Pakistan, is in desperate need of foreign investment, and because of the city's present situation, it is losing it far faster than receiving it. Pakistan is a country with which the United States has had a long history of trade. Their potential for increased economic growth exists, but they will need help in combatting the ugliness that now pervades their coastal city. To achieve this end the Pakistani Government must take firm steps to vanquish the terrorist presence that has now found comfort in this country. This fact was only illuminated more clearly when Ramzi Ahmed Yousef, the alleged mastermind behind the World Trade Center bombing in 1993, was captured and extradited from Pakistan on February 7. The Government has already begun the cleansing process by targeting Peshawar, in the northwest frontier province, as the home base for most of these terrorist organizations. When pressure is finally brought to bear upon these elements, Pakistan will be on the road to recovery. It is in the interests of Pakistan and the United States to promote stability and to stamp out terrorism wherever it may take root.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents in paying tribute to the members of the Queens County Council of the Jewish War Veterans [JWV] as they join together to celebrate their 60th anniversary. For more than half a century the Queens Council of the Jewish War Veterans has continued a tradition begun in 1896 when the Jewish War Veterans was first formed by a group of Civil War veterans to dispel a myth that Jews never served in the armed services. For almost a century, the JWV has undertaken a most diversified program that readily supports veterans across our country. This effort has been coordinated by the Jewish War Veterans National Service Officer Program. Its Veteran's Administration Volunteer Service Program has benefited untold numbers of hospitalized veterans around the Nation. Their Adopt-A-Vet Program has served as a model for veteran support projects. In addition to the countless hours spent by members of local JWV posts in servicing hospitalized veterans, the JWV maintains an active and dynamic program in supporting Jewish Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts, college scholarship projects, lectures on Jewish military history and serves as honor guards. Of major importance is the JWV's continuous fight against antisemitism and bigotry. As the members of the Queens Jewish War Veterans Council join together to celebrate their 60th anniversary and honor two of their most outstanding leaders, Commander Morton A. Gross and Frieda Melnick, and all past county commanders, I ask my colleagues to rise and join in recognition of this most exceptional organization.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Robert R. McMillan on his appointment to Key Bank's board of directors. Mr. McMillan is currently a partner in the law firm of McMillan, Rather, Bennett & Rigano, P.C. with offices located in Melville and Garden City. During the course of his career, Mr. McMillan has served as vice president for Avon Products, Inc. and government relations advisor for Mobile Oil. In addition he has been counsel to U.S. Senator Kenneth Keating, an honor graduate attorney in the antitrust division of the U.S. Department of Justice and special assistant to Richard Nixon prior to his Presidency. In 1987, McMillan founded the Long Island Housing Partnership, Inc. of which he is currently chairman. Due to his work with the partnership, he was named 1992 Entrepreneur of the Year for the most socially responsible company on Long Island. Mr. McMillan is an active member of our community, holding board positions with Lumex, Inc., Empire Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Old Westbury Gardens and the Institute for Community Development. For 5 years, Mr. McMillan was a member of the board of directors of the Panama Canal Commission, where he served as chairman for 1993-94. In addition, Mr. McMillan writes a weekly newspaper column and is cohost of the public affairs television show ``Face-Off.'' Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege and distinct pleasure to bring Mr. Robert McMillan to the attention of my colleagues and hope they will join me in saluting Mr. McMillan for his demonstrated commitment to our Long Island community.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my condolences to the families of the two Americans killed Tuesday in a terrorist attack in Karachi, Pakistan. United States personnel in Pakistan have long faced extremely dangerous and difficult conditions, especially in Karachi. Despite these obstacles, Americans have worked bravely and loyally. I also wish to voice my outrage at this brutal murder of the two American diplomats and the wounding of a third. This tragedy is made worse in that it was not a random attack, but targeted American consulate personnel. The perpetrator is still at large. Last month, a major suspect in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing fled to Pakistan. Because of the assistance of U.S. authorities, he was captured and extradited to face trial in New York. Extremist and terrorist groups with the mission of spreading violence through South Asia and other parts of the world continue to operate training centers in northern Pakistan, and apparently feel comfortable in seeking refuge there. We must press the government of Pakistan to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of this crime. Pakistan's Government must also take more effective measures to control outlaw terrorist groups with training centers based in Pakistan. When Prime Minister Bhutto visits the United States next month, I urge the administration and Members of Congress to raise these issues in the strongest possible ways. Given the existence of terrorist training centers in Pakistan, the question arises as to the charges that the Islamabad Government is ``looking the other way,'' and why Pakistan should not be placed on the United States list of ``State Sponsors of Terrorism.'' I urge Secretary of State Christopher to review our relations with Pakistan in light of these ongoing problems and in response to yesterday's horrible attack.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents in the Fifth Congressional District and the members of the police officers of Nassau County, NY, as they gather to observe Nassau Police Conference Appreciation Night, and to honor Owen Kirby and Gary Dela Raba. Owen Kirby, past Nassau Police Conference president, has truly brought honor to the citizens of Nassau County through his unfailing support of effective police work. Growing up in East Meadow, Long Island, Owen completed his schooling and went on to serve in the U.S. Army. Several years after his discharge, Owen took the police examination and was soon assigned to the Sands Point Police Department. His awareness of police concerns and a desire to provide more effective service to the public soon led to his involvement in the Police Benevolent Association and the Nassau Police Conference. He held several positions which include coeditor of the Blotter, the organization's publication, delegate, corresponding secretary, and second vice president. In 1987, in recognition of his outstanding service and enormous potential, his colleagues elected him president of the Nassau Police Conference. Gary Dela Raba, president of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, is yet another unique individual who has devoted himself to the betterment of his fellow police officers and the more effective delivery of police services to Nassau County. Beginning as a police cadet in 1971, Gary was first assigned to the eighth precinct. It was here that he began to familiarize himself with the Police Benevolent Association's [PBA] collective bargaining system. In 1975, Gary was elected as a PBA trustee and began a process that would enable him to use his human relations expertise to enhance the professional standing of Nassau County's police. As a trustee, Gary served on many committees and was eventually appointed to the PBA board of governors. In 1981, he was elected second vice president of the Nassau PBA. By 1988, this thorough understanding of the multiplicity of issues impacting on police officers led to his election as PBA president. As president, he has continuously worked at making the Nassau Police Department recognized throughout the country as one of professionalism and effectiveness. Mr. Speaker, as we search for modern day heroes to lead our society, we could find no better role models than Owen Kirby and Gary Dela Raba. I ask all my colleagues in the House to join with me in paying tribute to these two outstanding police officers.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the bill and in support of the Obey substitute. The bill rescinds more than $500 million from the Technology Reinvestment Program and would kill the TRP which leverages commercial technology in a way that benefits both the Defense Department and the private sector. The TRP's mission is to maintain our defense industrial and technological base by promoting an integrated, national industrial capability which provides the most advanced, affordable military systems and the most competitive commercial products. The defense industry on Long Island has been hard hit by downsizing and TRP has provided opportunities to develop dual use technologies that contribute to our national defense, have a civilian commercial use, and keep jobs on Long Island. For example, AIL Systems Inc., has teamed with Consolidated Edison, Industrial Quality Inc. of Maryland, and PMX Inc. of Northport, NY, to develop and produce a dual-use, two dimensional gamma-ray imaging system that is one-man portable, user friendly, and affordable. The system is intended to monitor and map potentially hazardous nuclear environments in order to prevent health and safety threats due to radiation contaminated materials. The system is also valuable for low- cost development of defense weapon systems and surveillance of nuclear sites for treaty verification applications. Comparable systems are not currently available. Target Rock Corp., Peerless Instruments Co. of Elmhurst, NY, and MPR Associates of Alexandria, VA, have collaborated on a proposal to develop zero emissions control valves. These valves are hermetically sealed and prevent inadvertent leakage of hazardous material. The valves are designed to help U.S. manufacturing companies cost effectively meet the fugitive emissions requirements for volatile organic compounds defined in the Clean Air Act and the current EPA and OSHA regulations for personnel safety from these emissions. The valves are a direct technology spinoff from the valve technology that is critical to the U.S. Navy's nuclear fleet. Mr. Chairman, the TRP has come under intense criticism that it does not have military applications. These are but two of many examples that show that dual-use technology can and does work. There are similar examples nationwide. I believe that it is too early to judge the TRP. Even when research and development programs are focused entirely on military applications, it can take many years before such programs actually produce technology that can be incorporated into battlefield weapons. Mr. Chairman, the Appropriations Committee should have considered alternative cuts. The thousands of defense workers who helped us win the cold war deserve our support during the transition to a civilian economy. The TRP provides that support. I urge my colleagues to support the Obey substitute and save the TRP.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this legislation. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. 7. The authors of the bill claim it will revitalize national security. In fact, the bill does the opposite. This bill undermines the national security of the United States, by mandating extravagant spending on the star wars pipe-dream; by playing fast and loose with the NATO alliance and our role in the United Nations; and by short-circuiting the bipartisan foreign policy review process. The bill narrows, weakens, and confuses our national security by mandating huge expenditures for a national missile defense program. There is little justification for these expenditures in terms of our overall security strategy. Republicans talked the star wars talk in the 1980's, throwing huge amounts of money away with little to show for it. As a famous Republican once said, ``There you go again.'' Star wars II, the sequel, will not only waste money. It will take away from efforts to enhance military readiness. H.R. 7 also trifles with the pursuit of our national interest through NATO. It trivializes the precious and trusted relations we share with our NATO partners by playing politics with the process of NATO expansion. It names four specific countries, rather than supporting membership for countries only if and when they adhere to the values and goals of the NATO alliance. The bill also jeopardizes our leadership in the United Nations. The administration and Congress are working to reform the United Nations to improve its administration and peacekeeping operations. However, the bill cuts deeply into our U.N. contributions. It makes U.S. participation in U.N. peacekeeping activities practically impossible, even for small numbers of technical experts. The way in which H.R. 7 has been pushed through committees also erodes the process of careful debate and bipartisan discussion which has long typified the review of foreign policy in the Congress. The bill makes fundamental changes which will have potentially serious and dangerous consequences for national security and international peace and stability, but without adequate time for consideration. I urge my colleagues to vote against H.R. 7.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. The gentleman's interpretation is absolutely correct. It does not require the hiring. It just creates a veterans' preference within the statute so that they would get a certain amount of points depending on the system that is used in the local municipality.

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to offer this amendment to H.R. 738, the Local Government Law Enforcement Block Grant Act. My amendment employs a very innovative approach to tackling two very critical problems currently facing our Nation. My amendment would assist in the fight against violent crime while also helping to alleviate the unemployment that has resulted from the downsizing of our Nation's military. Since the end of the cold war, thousands of members of the military have been involuntarily separated or have been released from active duty as wide scale downsizing has forced cutbacks in military personnel. This amendment simply requires that local law enforcement agencies, in applying for grants under this bill, provide a preference for veterans who are victims of our downsized military as a condition of receiving funds for additional law enforcement officers. Providing these former soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines with meaningful employment, our communities will benefit from the experience and dedication that they have already demonstrated in serving our country. What a great way to recruit people for our local police enforcing agencies. People who are in shape, people who are well trained, people who have experience with the use of firearms, young men and women who have a great deal of discipline. Bringing these veterans in from the cold to fight our domestic war on crime will let the enemy know how serious we are about crime and will not let their wanton acts go unpunished and that crime does not pay. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I think it makes good common sense.

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

Mr. ACKERMAN

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