Doug Bereuter

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the subject of my Special Order.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher) for his eloquent statement. I do urge support, again, for H. Con. Res. 397. As I close my comments, I want to recognize the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Barrett), who is presiding, who has been presiding over so many sessions and Suspension Calendars over the years. He has given 10 years of distinguished service to this body and to our State. I will have a chance to say more about that later this week. But in the course of doing that, he has presided over many suspensions from the House Committee on International Relations. So we thank him for his patience and his evenhandedness in that capacity and the many hours he has spent in presiding over this body.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), the distinguished member of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. BEREUTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) on her comments, as well as the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), chairman of the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights, for his comments and his work on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, five independent States in Central Asia came into being, we have heard about them here today, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The deserts, the mountains, the steppes and the river valleys in this region are home to 50 million people. State borders, which were imposed by Stalin, artificially partition and breed resentments among various large ethnic groups, principally Russians, Uzbeks and Tajiks. Since achieving their independence, the Central Asian Republics have operated with little or no international scrutiny. In effect, Central Asia has been relegated to an international policy backwater. However, given the geo-strategic significance of the region, and given the region's vast wealth of natural resources, such an oversight is risky. This body ignores the region at its peril, as does our country. Regrettably, the nations of Central Asia appear to be moving along the path of authoritarianism. In recent months, each of the five countries has conducted general elections. These elections varied in the degree of electoral freedom; however, in no case did any of these elections meet internationally accepted norms. Indeed, most remain reminiscent of Soviet-style elections. There has been decertification of opposition parties and, in some cases, the apprehension of opposition leaders. The State Department's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1999 concludes that presidential power in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan overshadows legislative and judicial power, and that Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan have lost ground in democratization and respect for human rights. This continual decline is very disturbing and raises questions about the ability of the United States to successfully encourage true democratic institutions and the rule of law. In some ways, this is a difficult resolution. There are five countries in Central Asia. Each has unique characteristics. Some enjoy certain socioeconomic advantages over the others. Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan allow a relatively greater, but still limited, degree of political participation. The ruler in Turkmenistan has developed a cult of personality so deep that he has changed his name so that he is, quite literally, ``Father of the Turkmen''; in other words, Turkmen-bashi. Tajikistan has suffered from a severe civil war throughout the 1990s. But the common theme throughout Central Asia is governmental abuse of human rights, basic human rights. Opposition leaders who appear to be gaining influence are dealt within a decisive, antidemocratic manner. Now, it is certainly true that most, if not all of these countries, face armed insurgencies. There are all-powerful tribal warlords in Tajikistan. In Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, there are armed religious extremists. Indeed, as we meet, there are Taliban-backed insurgents fighting Uzbek military forces. I think we are going to hear about that in a few minutes from the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher). These Islamic militants are decidedly antidemocratic. In Kazakhstan, there have been efforts by pro-Moscow elements to overthrow the government. It is entirely appropriate that the governments of the region deal with such threats. However, it is one thing to campaign against armed insurgents. It is quite another to use the insurgency as an excuse to suspend international law and crack down on the legal political opposition. Unfortunately, in some instances, that is what has been done. H. Con. Res. 397 speaks to the very real abuses that have occurred in each of the Central Asian Republics, and puts these nations on alert that the House of Representatives is deeply concerned about the ongoing abuses of power. The resolution urges the Nations to come into compliance with their OSCE commitments and calls upon the President and the Secretary of State to raise human rights concerns when meeting with representatives of these governments. Again, this Member congratulates the resolution's author, the distinguished gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), for holding hearings on this subject as a part of his efforts and introducing the resolution. The language he has crafted accurately reflects the serious democratic shortcomings throughout the region. This Member appreciates the willingness of his staff to work with the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific to craft a resolution that all in this body can support. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for H. Con. Res. 397. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this measure.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 397) voicing concern about serious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in most states of Central Asia, including substantial noncompliance with their Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) commitments on democratization and the holding of free and fair elections, as amended.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the author of this resolution with whom I have worked. I appreciate his great effort.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises in support of H.R. 5239, the Export Administration Modification and Clarification Act of 2000, which provides for a short-term extension of the Export Administration Act, EAA, through August 20, 2001. For the past 6 years, the provisions of the EAA have been kept in force through the provisions of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, known as IEEPA. When the EAA lapsed in 1994, the President kept the export administration regulations in force by Executive Order under emergency authority under IEEPA, as has been done in the past. Enactment of this measure is intended to reauthorize the existing EAA for a short period of time, thereby permitting the Congress to fashion a comprehensive rewrite of this 21-year-old statute. The EAA currently establishes export licensing policy for items detailed on the Commerce Control list. The list provides specifications for close to 2,400 dual-use items, including equipment and software likely to require some type of license. Mr. Speaker, this Member would point out to his colleagues that the other body has modified the text of the bill which originated in this Chamber since the lapse of the Export Administration Act in August of 1994, would have retroactively provided the Department of Commerce with authority to keep licensing information confidential under provisions of section 12(c) of that act. Under the provisions of this measure, the Department of Commerce will be able to protect licensing information from the date of enactment through August 20, 2001. It also provides for higher fines for criminal and/or administrative sanctions against the individuals or companies found to be in violation of export control regulation. This Member would further point out to his colleagues that while the original text of this Chamber's bill had included even higher fines, the measure before this body today will still provide higher fines than those currently authorized under IEEPA. In short, this measure provides a much-needed stopgap authority for export control officials at the Commerce Department. Mr. Speaker, these are good reasons in this Member's judgment why this measure deserves the support of our colleagues. Therefore, this Member urges adoption of H.R. 5239. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. BEREUTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 5239.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 5239) to provide for increased penalties for violations of the Export Administration Act of 1979, and for other purposes.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member encourages his colleagues to read the following editorial, from the October 9, 2000, edition of the Norfolk Daily News. This editorial highlights the insufficient answers from the film industry about targeting younger audiences with inappropriate film content. [From the Daily News, October 9, 2000] Movie Makers Respond Weakly Congressional concern produces less than satisfactory answers by industry The movie industry's responses to congressional concern about targeting younger audiences with inappropriate film fare is unsatisfactory. The practice of using young test audiences is reprehensible. While Jack Valenti, the veteran political operative who speaks for the Motion Picture Association of America, promised the industry would change the objectionable practice, it is not enough. Ratings ought to change and entertainment ought to be lifted from the gutter. Mr. Valenti did say that ``inappropriate'' targeting of children for R-rated movies would stop. That practice has found some filmmakers attempting to appeal to youngsters whose age would disqualify them from viewing. The Internet figures in this problem as well. For the industry's teen Web sites can be utilized, and there were no promises that marketing of R-rated films would be entirely barred from them. The president of Sony, parent company of Columbia Pictures, termed the marketing of a violent PG-13 film to a younger audience ``a judgment lapse.'' It would more properly be called a stupid error demanding far more prompt attention than it received. That company is far from alone, however. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, expressed the sentiment of many Americans when she responded to the recent testimony from film executives: If the industry doesn't take steps to keep violent films away from young children, she said, ``you're going to see some kind of legislation.'' There are others who feel just as strongly about the portrayals of casual sex and use of obscene language as they do about gratuitous violence. The legislative powers seem limited, however, even though the Supreme Court has indicated ``community standards'' can be allowed to prevail in the contests between pornography and free expression, especially where young people are concerned. In this situation, with movie complexes overbuilt and family movie nights rare, a rational reaction would find the industry doing all it could to tell interesting stories with at least a little less violence and graphic sex. It was possible in the earlier days of television and films. The industry ought to find a way to reverse the trend toward coarseness and crudity. It could start by raising its standards, revising its inaccurate and unreliable ratings, and leaving more to the viewers' imaginations.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. I thank the chairman.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin) and myself, I would like to enter into a colloquy with the chairman. We understand the chairman placed $.5 million for the Congressional- Executive Commission on China. As the gentleman knows, it will not be operating for much of the year because we need to staff it up. I understand the gentleman has looked at it and considers this is not a benchmark for fiscal year 2002, but that perhaps the gentleman's staff is in agreement that it would take approximately $1.3 million for the upcoming fiscal year 2002. Is my understanding correct on that matter?

Mr. BEREUTER. I yield to the gentleman from Kentucky.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I rise in support of the legislation, particularly title II of S. 2943, which encompasses the Macau Policy Act. We have heard the chairman and the gentlewoman from California refer to it already. The Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific first considered similar legislation introduced by this Member at the beginning of the 106th Congress in anticipation of Macau's reversion to the People's Republic of China. Mr. Speaker, this legislation, among other things, recognizes that Macau is not Hong Kong, especially when it comes to export control policy. Therefore, the Macau Policy Act ensures that the export control laws of the United States shall apply to Macau in the same manner and to the same extent that such laws apply to the People's Republic of China. This provision ensures that Macau will not be used by entities in China to circumvent export control laws. Mr. Speaker, the Macau title of this legislation also clarifies and strengthens U.S. relations with the special administrative region of Macau. It is tailored to address Macau's unique status and individual challenges. It certainly supports both short-term and long-term American national interests. Therefore, as chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, this Member supports the passage of the legislation; and I urge my colleagues to support the Macau Policy Act, which is title II of this legislation. Macau was the last of the Portuguese overseas territories. It has an area of 16 square kilometers (about one-tenth the size of the District of Columbia) and a population of less than 500,000 Macanese, 95 percent of whom are of Chinese ethnic background. On April 13, 1987, Portugal and China issued a ``Joint Declaration of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Portugal on the question of Macau''--an international agreement similar to the 1984 United Kingdom--PRC Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong. The Joint Declaration specified that Macau revert to Chinese sovereignty on December 20, 1999--which it did. The United States has no diplomatic or consular presence in Macau. U.S. interests in Macau are monitored by the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong. Unlike Hong Kong, Macau is only a minor U.S. trading partner. The U.S. provides no economic or military assistance to Macau, and has no military personnel or installations there. Macau's principal industries are clothing, textiles, plastic products, furniture, and gambling and tourism. On March 31, 1993, China's National People's Congress adopted a ``Basic Law of the Macau Special Administrative Region of the (PRC),'' which is similar to the 1990 Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In effect, the Basic Law constitutes Macau's post-reversion constitution. And, as with Hong Kong, the governing concept is ``one country--two systems.'' At present, Macau is treated the same as China, despite its ``one country-two systems'' status because its status has not been addressed through specific legislation like the U.S.-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1994 addressed Hong Kong-American relations. In other words, U.S. laws that apply to China, including post-Tiananmen sanctions, apply automatically to the Special Administrative Region of Macau. As a result, at this time, before the passage of this legislation, Macau's legal status for purposes of U.S. domestic law is ambiguous and problematic. The legislation before the House today would permit the U.S. to honor Macau's post reversion rights under the concept of ``one country-two systems.'' For example, it will allow the US to treat Macau as a separate member of the WTO, apart from China, as well as for other commercial purposes. By enacting the Macau Policy Act, we are, in effect, trying to support the ``one country-two systems'' policy in Macau that has worked so well in Hong Kong.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises today to express his support for the conference report for H.R. 2614 which includes tax relief, restoration of Medicare funding, and an increase in the minimum wage. This Member would like to emphasize the following reasons, among many others, for supporting this legislation. First, this legislation addresses retirement savings by allowing workers to save more. In particular, it increases the current individual retirement account contribution limit from $2,000 to $5,000 phased in over three years. In addition, it increases the contribution limit on employer-sponsored 401(k) plans from $10,500 to $15,000. Second, the conference report for H.R. 2614 would assist taxpayers with the costs of health care. In particular, it would do the following: provide a deduction for long-term care premiums if the taxpayer pays more than 50 percent of the premiums; and provide a 100 percent deduction for health insurance for self-employed individuals to become effective in 2001 (under current law, it reaches full deductibility in 2003). Third, the conference report for H.R. 2614 will provide small business tax relief. In particular, this legislation increases the phased-in business meal expense deduction. Furthermore, it repeals current law which prohibits a business owner from spreading the capital gains tax payment over the life of the installment note. This Member has been contacted by numerous small business owners who support this repeal since they desire to sell their business over a period of years and yet still remain involved in the business. Fourth, the conference report for H.R. 2614 provides essential tax assistance for affordable housing. In fact, it increases the highly successful Federal low income housing tax credit from $1.25 per capita to $1.75 per capita by 2002. This tax credit provides an essential incentive to developers to construct affordable housing. In addition, this legislation increases the private activity bond cap from the current $50 per capita to $75 per capita and it increases the small state bond cap limit from $150 million to $225 million by 2002. The private activity bond cap in Nebraska provides tax exempt financing for, among other things, single and multifamily housing. Fifth, this measure maintains the current tax treatment of foreign sales corporation (FSC) beneficiaries in a manner that the United States believes to be World Trade Organization compliant. If this provision had not have been included by November 1, 2000, it would have been especially damaging to U.S. farmers and ranchers. Sixth, this Member strongly supports the Medicare Balanced Budget Act provisions of this legislation. Communities within the state of Nebraska greatly rely upon its rural health system. The viability of the town often revolves around the hospital and access to health care. Increased funding for rural disproportionate share hospitals (DSH), the extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital (MDH) program in rural areas, and increased access to telehealth medicine will help assure the continued viability of rural health facilities. Nebraska also has the greatest number of critical access hospitals (CAH) in the country and some specific provisions will also benefit these hospitals. These provisions include the reduction of out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries receiving clinical lab tests and the expansion of access to ambulance services in CAH. Lastly, this legislation increases the minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.15 over two years. A relatively small number of Nebraskans now work for less than $6.15 an hour as it is, but they are often teenagers or employees of very small businesses. This Member believes that an increase in the minimum wage can at least be partially justified by the relatively minor decline in purchasing power of the minimum-wage dollars since the rate was last increased in 1997. Of course, this Member would have preferred that the increase be spaced over three years, rather than two (and this Member unsuccessfully voted to do so on March 9, 2000), as this would have more closely matched the impact of inflation on the value of the minimum wage. Moreover, this Member believes the aforementioned tax relief measure will help at least a large number of small businesses off-set increased costs due to the increased minimum wage. Therefore, for these reasons, and many others, this Member urges his colleagues to support the conference report for H.R. 2614.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, whatever the case may be, we will work on it together. Sixth, this Member is pleased that, as a matter of equity, S. 1452 extends Native American housing assistance to Native Hawaiians. In particular, it applies the Section 184 Loan Guarantee program to those American citizens who would reside on the Hawaiian homelands. Mr. Speaker, in closing, this Member, because of the many provisions that relate to housing and many other reasons, would encourage his colleagues to vote in support of S. 1452.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, along with many of this Member's colleagues on the committee, this Member has a long history of initiating and supporting measures which promote homeownership. This bill is another substantial step toward this and other worthy ends. This Member would particularly like to express his appreciation to the distinguished gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach), chairman of the committee, and the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. LaFalce), the ranking minority member, and the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank). The legislation contains many of the same provisions that were in the American Homeownership and Economic Opportunity Act, H.R. 1776, which passed the House by a vote of 417-8 on April 6 of this year with this Member's support. Unfortunately, the other body has yet to act on that legislation. Now, for most Americans, the biggest and most important investment they make is to purchase a home. Homeownership gives an individual or family a sense of pride in themselves, their home, as well as their community. This legislation advances the opportunity for homeownership by Americans across the entire country. Mr. Speaker, the following are, in this Member's opinion, among others, six significant provisions of S. 1452, which this Member would emphasize. One, this legislation allows families to use their Federal monthly assistance as resources for a housing down payment. Two, this legislation would allow borrowers of the Rural Housing Service single-family loans to refinance either an existing section 502 direct or guaranteed loan to a new section 502 guaranteed loan providing the interest rate is at least equal or lower than the current interest rate being refinanced and the same home is used as security. This Member supports this legislation as it utilizes the RHS section 502 program. In particular, this loan guarantee program, which was first authorized because of this Member's initiative but with the energetic support of my colleagues and the chairman, has been very effective in bringing homeownership opportunities for non-metropolitan communities by guaranteeing loans made by approved lenders to low- and moderate-income households. In particular, since its inception as a pilot program in 1991, the section 502 program has facilitated over $10.2 billion in lending in non-metropolitan areas, with a very low default rate. This translates into 151,000 loans to families thus far. Third, this legislation extends the grandfather status until the 2010 census for similarly situated cities nationwide like Norfolk, Nebraska, in my district, or several cities in Texas and a limited number of other communities, to continue to be able to use the USDA Rural Housing Service programs. The current grandfather clause until the 2000 census needs to be extended. Fourth, this legislation also includes a permanent authorization of section 184, the Native American Loan Guarantee program, which again this Member had something to do with along with his colleagues. A very conservative estimate would suggest that the section 184 program should annually facilitate over $72 million in guaranteed loans for privately financed homes for Indian families living on reservations who in reality would have no other alternative due to the trust status of Indian reservation land. Fifth, a provision is included in the act which would create the Indian Lands Title Report Commission to approve the procedure by which the Bureau of Indian Affairs conducts title reviews in connection with the sale of Indian lands. This provision is identical to a bill that this Member introduced earlier in this Congress. Moreover, this Commission should facilitate the section 184 program to benefit additional Native Americans in purchasing homes. I would say to the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaFalce) that I learned just a few minutes ago that he had some concern about the way the commission was appointed and recommended. I would just vouch and pledge that I will work with the gentleman in finding an equitable solution on that issue. I was unaware of the content in that particular provision. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaFalce).

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises today in strong support of H.R. 782, the Older Americans Act Amendments. The Older Americans Act has provided care and services to our nation's elderly population through many programs, including meals on wheels, congregate meals, home care, adult day care, senior centers, senior transportation, job training programs, a long term care ombudsman, and abuse prevention and elder rights. In particular, this Member feels the National Family Caregiver Support Program is an important provision which aids families in caring for their elderly relatives, for grandparents caring for grandchildren and other related children. By providing care and extending the ability of an aging family member to stay at home, family caregivers reduce long-term costs to Medicaid. The ability to provide respite for those who care for an ailing family member has proven to reduce stress and burnout of these individuals who provide such an invaluable service to their family. Services provided through respite include information and assistance in gaining access to services, counseling, support and caregiver training, respite care, and additional supplemental services. Mr. Speaker, this Member would like to thank my colleague from Nebraska, Mr. Barrett, for introducing this important piece of legislation. It provides important services that many seniors rely on and this Member encourages my colleagues to support it.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises today in support of H.R. 4271, the National Science Education Act, of which he is a cosponsor. Through grants to public and private schools, the National Science Education Act provides math and science teachers with the assistance they need in professional development and support for the use of hands- on science materials, and with development in technology use and integration. It also creates a national scholarship to reward teacher participation in science, math, engineering or technology research. In June of this year, this Member was visited by Mr. Robert Curtright and his wife from Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr. Curtright, a science teacher at Lincoln Northeast High School, was honored as one of the winners of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Program that is administered by the National Science Foundation. The award enables Mr. Curtright to serve as a role model for his peers in Nebraska and encourage high quality teachers to enter and remain in the education field. However, Mr. Curtright cannot do it alone. Nebraska is currently facing a great deal of difficulty in recruiting and retaining good quality teachers. This Member believes that through H.R. 4271, more teachers will benefit from the additional resources, enhanced professional development as well as professional mentors to recruit and maintain quality math and science teachers. Mr. Speaker, this Member encourages his colleagues to support the National Science Education Act. Mr. Curtright deserves all of the help he can get in assisting others in his profession provide the best math and science education that children in Nebraska and throughout the country deserve.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I begin by thanking the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 414, this Member is pleased to rise in strong support of this measure and to commend the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Campbell) for introducing the resolution. The Committee on International Relations considered this resolution on October 3, 2000, and this Member wishes to express appreciation to the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of the Committee on International Relations, for expeditiously moving this measure to the floor and thank the minority for their cooperation. Unfortunately, the situation in Afghanistan largely has disappeared from the U.S. Government's collective radar screen in recent years. This is despite the fact that Afghanistan has become a haven for terrorist activity, including Osama bin Laden; that it seems to have become a major drug producing country; and that the Taliban are extraordinarily intolerant toward women, minorities, and non-Muslims. It is also important to understand that Afghanistan has been the scene of a lengthy and devastating civil war, one which has resulted in millions of casualties. In the past few days, a renewed Taliban offensive resulted in an estimated 135,000 Afghans fleeing north into Tajikistan in the aftermath of a battle where the Taliban was victorious. Moreover, the violence in Afghanistan is spilling over into its neighboring countries. Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and others are fighting armed Islamic militants who have become trained over the years in Afghanistan. To the south, individuals seeking to turn Pakistan into a militant Islamic state, a nuclear-armed one at that, are on the rise. In addition, there are stories of Afghan fighters traveling as far as Chechnya to battle anyone who disagrees with their extreme social and religious views. There are courageous individuals who are trying to help Afghanistan find a way out of this circle of violence. A number of Afghans from around the world have looked to Afghanistan's history and are seeking to convene a grand council, or Loya Jirgah. This is a forum where leaders from around Afghanistan would be allowed to air their views and to resolve their differences. It is not clear whether this effort would succeed. Clearly, the Taliban opposes the convening of a grand council; but it certainly is a long-shot effort worth trying in order to end this violence that has plagued Afghanistan for decades. Mr. Speaker, this Member urges this body to approve H. Con. Res. 414.