Doug Bereuter

Mr. BEREUTER

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

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by thanking all of my colleagues who supported this legislation, and especially to recognize the important and, in fact, crucial role that my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hamilton) has played. He has made many contributions to public life in this country through his role here as a Member the House of Representatives. We will miss him greatly. Here is one more contribution he has helped us make.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Ewing), a cosponsor, who has been very supportive and helpful in the crafting of this legislation.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises in strong support of the Africa Seeds of Hope Act, H.R. 4283, which was introduced by this Member and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hamilton), the distinguished ranking member of the full committee, and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of the Committee on International Relations, and many others. This legislation was overwhelmingly passed by the House Committee on International Relations on July 22, 1998, and it was discharged by the House Committee on Agriculture on September 11, 1998. It currently has over 100 bipartisan cosponsors. Additionally, an earlier version of the legislation, H.R. 3636, has other cosponsors. The bills are very much similar. A companion bill was introduced by the junior Senator from Ohio, Mr. Dewine, and the senior Senator from Maryland, Mr. Sarbanes, on July 9, 1998. That legislation currently has 16 bipartisan cosponsors. The Africa Seeds of Hope Act helps U.S. agriculture while promoting sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa so Africans can be less dependent on U.S. humanitarian assistance in the future. That is why H.R. 4283 has the support of both agricultural and humanitarian organizations and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This win-win combination of grassroots supporters has been the foundation of America's long-term, goodwill-building, humanitarian food aid efforts since World War II. The Africa Seeds of Hope Act has been endorsed by over 220 agricultural and humanitarian organizations, including the Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development, the Coalition for Food Aid, numerous land grant colleges and universities, InterAction, and major U.S. private voluntary agencies such as CARE, World Vision, ACDI/VOCA, Catholic Relief Services, Technoserve, Africare, OXFAM, Islamic African Relief Agency USA, and the Mormon World Hunger Committee. In addition, this legislation has the support of most Christian denominations, Catholic religious communities, and mission groups. And editorial pages from over 20 major newspapers across the country have endorsed H.R. 4283. Mr. Speaker, a recent article in the Washington Post entitled ``Africa's Agricultural Rebirth'' quoted a Vice-Minister of Agriculture from Ethiopia as saying, ``You cannot detach economic development from food self-sufficiency.'' That profound truth is the essence of the Africa Seeds of Hope Act. There may be some people who believe or give the impression they believe that an admittedly very important trade liberalization effort alone can remedy all of Africa's woes. I support such legislation. But I would say that equally wrongheaded are some in the nongovernmental organization community who initially expressed their opposition to trade liberalization, saying it would hurt Africa's poor. The Africa Seeds of Hope Act bridges these disparate and unnecessarily conflicting ideological points of view with a reconciling view. That view is that liberalized trade plus targeted foreign assistance to Africa's small farmers together can best serve sub- Saharan Africa and make it prosper. Several months ago, with the support of this Member, the House of Representatives passed the Africa Trade Growth and Opportunities Act. In doing so, the House took the very important step towards greater trade with a continent in desperate need of private-sector led economic growth. By focusing on sustainable agriculture, research, rural finance, and food security, the Africa Seeds of Hope Act is directly aimed at helping the 76 percent of the sub-Saharan African people who are small farmers, thus providing another important step towards increased African trade. Improving the efficiency of these farmers is crucial to ensuring that our overall strategy, our trade strategy, is successful. As a longtime supporter of aid to Africa through the creation of the Development Fund for Africa out of the House International Relations Committee on a bipartisan bill some years ago, and other mechanisms, I tell my colleagues that I believe H.R. 4283, in conjunction with our new trade initiatives, will help coordinate and focus America's resources on both trade and aid in Africa. If trade is to prosper in sub-Saharan Africa, we need to better direct our scarce aid resources so that they stimulate private-sector development and investment or help ease the suffering in those places either overlooked by the private sector or suffering from natural disasters. Our legislation attempts to refine our assistance programs for sub- Saharan Africa and ensure that agriculture and rural development are not neglected. For example, this legislation requires the Agency for International Develop, AID, to reverse its negative funding trend for agricultural research and development. This will address the legitimate concerns of U.S. land grant institutions and the Agency for International Development, which is increasingly ignoring sustainable agriculture in its development mandate. Also, the micro-enterprise program is recognized by this legislation and emphasized as an excellent tool to help remedy rural finance and investment shortcomings in sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, H.R. 4283 attempts to better coordinate our international agriculture research programs with our domestic agriculture research so that farmers in Africa as well as farmers in the United States can benefit from AID- funded agriculture research. The Africa Seeds of Hope Act refocuses our food assistance programs on long-term development assistance instead of being evaluated on the basis of short-term or immediate results that are often antithetical to their original purpose. This will enable nongovernmental organizations and private voluntary organizations to design and implement food assistance programs that are cost-effective and ultimately succeed in graduating people and countries from those programs. Finally, H.R. 4283 also establishes a Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust in honor of the late distinguished and much admired Congressman from Missouri who was a leader in America's food aid efforts. This important mechanism allows the USDA to purchase surplus agricultural commodities when prices are low, isolate them from the market, and distribute them at times of international disasters and famines. This cost-effective mechanism is especially beneficial to U.S. farmers because it takes U.S. commodities off the market when commodity prices are at their lowest, such as now. The Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust I think is a worthy tribute to our late colleague. And this gentleman would like to thank the distinguished gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Emerson) for allowing us to further honor her late husband in this manner. Finally, this Member would like to thank first and foremost the distinguished gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hamilton) for working with me in helping us to refine this legislation, and beyond that to thank the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), the distinguished gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. McKinney), and the distinguished gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Clayton), for their special efforts with the Congressional Black Caucus on behalf of the Africa Seeds of Hope Act. This Member would also like to thank the distinguished gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Johnson) and the distinguished gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) for their work with the Congressional Women's Caucus on behalf of the legislation. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, the Africa Seeds of Hope Act is legislation that benefits farmers in Africa as well as the United States. If my colleagues have any questions about this measure, this Member urges them to read the supportive letter from the USDA signed by Secretary Glickman that the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hamilton) and this Member are making available on the floor today. Mr. Speaker, for all of these reasons and others, I surge my colleagues to support the Africa Seeds of Hope Act. 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 move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4283) to support sustainable and broad-based agricultural and rural development in sub-Saharan Africa, and for other purposes.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support as cosponsor of this legislation.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises today to express his support for H.R. 4579, which allows taxpayers nationwide to benefit from a Federal income tax cut. This bill is one of the most important measures that the House of Representatives has considered this year. It is highly desirable that the House pass this bill now to return a small additional amount of the economic benefits of the American people who earned them through a tax cut. Specifically, H.R. 4579 provides over $80 billion in tax relief provisions primarily targeted to married couples, farmers and ranchers, senior citizens, and small business owners. There has been enough exaggerated and false rhetoric by the opponents of H.R. 4579. It is important to note that the surplus is due to higher-than-projected Federal income tax receipts which resulted from the sweat equity and hard work of American taxpayers. This tax surplus is not the property of the Federal Government; this surplus rightfully belongs to the American taxpayer. The American taxpayers are entitled to this return--a $80 billion tax cut. House Resolution 4579, when passed in conjunction with H.R. 4578 (the Save Social Security Act) will provide an effective fiscally sound dual approach. We took the first step of this dual approach yesterday, when this House passed H.R. 4578. Today we consider the second step of this dual approach--H.R. 4579, which allocates that 10 percent of the surplus will be used for tax cuts over the next five. The legislation we are considering today (H.R. 4579) is so important because it provides comprehensive tax relief to so many middle-income and lower- middle-income American taxpayers. Specifically, the bill provides critical tax relief for the following six classes of individuals; 1. Married couples; 2. Farmers and Ranchers; 3. Senior Citizens; 4. Parents; 5. Small Business Owners; 6. Savers and Investors; and, 7. Inheritors subject to Estate taxes. 1. married couples H.R. 4579 will allow married couples who file jointly to claim a standard deduction that is double the amount of the standard deduction for a single taxpayer in each taxable year beginning after December 31, 1998. This provision will correct the current tax system which penalizes a couple for being married. This provision will provide tax penalty relief for approximately 48 million taxpayers. 2. Farmers and ranchers This Member is certainly concerned about the future of farming in the United States and Nebraska; therefore, this Member believes that all options or proposals should receive serious consideration and none rejected out of hand. Although the U.S. economy is generally healthy, it is clear that the agricultural sector is hurting. This Member believes that farmers and their families should be able to enjoy and adequate standard of living; therefore, this Member has taken a pro- active approach to helping ensure that farmers received a fair price for their crops. One such approach to improve the viability of agriculture is provided in H.R. 4579 which has three provisions which directly benefit farmers and ranchers. These provisions will have a positive effect on this Member's constituency in the great State of Nebraska which has a strong agrarian element. Because of the low grain and livestock prices, which result in part from the Asian financial crisis and the subsequent decline in demand, farmers and ranchers are in need of agricultural tax relief as provided in the measure before us today. H.R. 4579 will accomplish the following things for farmers and ranchers: A. The income averaging for farm and ranch income which was set to expire in the Year 2000, will become permanent. B. The net operating loss carryback period for farmers and ranchers will be increased to 5 years from the general 2-year carryback period; and C. Farmers will not have to pay income taxes on the 1999 farm program payments until the year in which those payments are received. 3. Senior Citizens The Social Security earnings limit is increased for those individuals between full retirement age (currently age 65) and age 70 from $17,000 in fiscal year 1999 to $39,750 in fiscal year 2008. 4. Parents Under H.R. 4579, parents will now be able to keep more of their hard- earned dollars by protecting important tax credits, including credits for children, the elderly, adoption, dependent care, and education, from being reduced by the alternative minimum tax (AMT), which limits the amount of tax credits that taxpayers may take. 5. Small Business Owners A. The Health Insurance income tax deduction for the self-employed will be increased to 100 percent on January 1, 1999, instead of a phase-in of the 100 percent deduction under current law by January 1, 2007. This deduction for the self-employed includes farmers and ranchers. B. A small business expensing deduction, in the amount of $25,000, will be immediately allowed. 6. savers and investors Taxpayers will be able to exclude the first $200 in interest and dividends they receive with filing an individual return. 7. Inheritors subject to Estate Taxes The current phase-in of the $1 million estate tax exemption will be accelerated to January 1, 1999, instead of January 1, 2006. The number of taxable estates under this accelerated phase-in provision will be reduced by approximately 50 percent. This estate tax change will especially have a propitious effect on farmers and ranchers. In closing, the intrinsic value of H.R. 4578 and H.R. 4579 is that both bills benefit a broad consensus of American taxpayers and at the same time take a step forward in ensuring Social Security for future beneficiaries. This Member encourages an ``aye'' vote for H.R. 4579.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of fast track negotiating authority. Today's vote is quite likely to be the most important vote of the 105th Congress, and it could not come at a more important time. Forty percent of the world's economy is in recession. The Asian financial crisis has spread from Thailand to Indonesia, to Korea, to Russia, and it now stands on Brazil's doorstep. If Brazil succumbs to this crisis, Argentina, Mexico and the United States are not far behind. With many countries retreating from their promises of trade liberalization and financial modernization, this is a crucial moment for the world's economy and for world growth. A setback for fast track in the 105th Congress, be it last year or this year, is a setback for United States leadership for trade liberalization. It is a setback for the appropriate and necessary trend toward the establishment of market- oriented economies throughout the world. Mr. Speaker, as one who also supports fundamental reexamination and reform of the international financial architecture, I believe that fast track negotiating authority for the executive branch is very much relatedly of paramount importance in this time of global financial crisis and perhaps a slide toward global recession. The ability of the United States executive branch to initiate and conclude bilateral regional and global trade agreements is absolutely crucial for worldwide economic growth. I believe that the President of the United States and a majority of Members here understand that. Protectionists in this country want to make this fast track vote a referendum on international trade, on GATT and NAFTA. This Member says, let it be a fair reform under fair rules, a fair referendum. I urge my colleagues to support fast track legislation for the President.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises today to express his support for H.R. 4578. This bill ensures that funds are saved for Social Security, while at the same time allowing taxpayers nationwide to benefit from a Federal income tax cut in H.R. 4579. It is projected that we will have a $1.6 trillion surplus in the Federal budget. House Resolution 4578 would set aside 90% of the budget surplus, $1.4 trillion, to protect the Social Security system by depositing this amount into a new Treasury account entitled the ``Protect Social Security Account.'' The Social Security system is a supplemental retirement benefit to recipients for their life of diligent service and dedication to their jobs, their families, and their community. Accordingly, H.R. 4578 will help stabilize the Social Security system from the threat of permanent insolvency. In turn, H.R. 4578 will help to ensure that the future inheritors of the Social Security system reap a harvest from the seeds of hard work and toil that they will sow as time progresses. In closing, H.R. 4578 is certainly one important step forward in ensuring a sound Social Security system for future beneficiaries. This Member encourages a ``yea'' vote for H.R. 4578.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I want to first thank the chairman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 505, a resolution recognizing the tremendous importance of the Pacific island region and calling for U.S. participation and, in fact, leadership for a Pacific Island Summit. This resolution was introduced in July, as you heard, by the distinguished gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega). It is cosponsored in original cosponsorship by the chairman and ranking member of the full committee, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hamilton) as well as the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman), the ranking member of the subcommittee I chair, and myself, along with other distinguished members of our subcommittee and the full committee. Mr. Speaker, we unanimously approved of in the subcommittee this resolution on September 9th, and the full Committee on International Relations followed suit the following day, September 10th. This Member would congratulate particularly the distinguished gentleman from American Samoa for introducing this timely and important resolution. He is rightly recognized throughout this body for his commitment and support for the Pacific islands, and today's resolution certainly reflects that commitment. Mr. Speaker, while the Pacific island nations are a vast and important region with enormous potential, it is nonetheless true that it has recently largely escaped international attention. Of late, international attention has been focused on the political and social unrest in other parts of Asia, together with the financial crisis and nuclear and missile proliferation. The gentleman from American Samoa is to be commended for reminding this body that the Pacific islands are economically and diplomatically important to the United States, and we ignore them to our detriment. In the years since the end of the Second World War, the United States policy toward the Pacific islands has been dominated by military and security considerations. Certainly the deep water port facilities, the missile test ranges and the jungle training facilities offered by the Pacific islands were essential considerations during the Cold War. But the legislation before this body today expands the focus beyond the security arena, correctly addressing economic issues, the environment and political cooperation. It is, I think, self-evident in this Nation's interest to pursue such a broad agenda with these small nations of the Pacific. Endowed with vast natural resources, this ocean continent of islands is poised to make valuable contributions to the global economy. U.S. fishing companies already enjoy fishing rights in certain waters controlled by these nations, and improved diplomatic ties would increase the potential for the United States to further benefit from the Pacific's wealth of resources, as well as benefiting those nations. Similarly, there is an enormous potential to exploit the vast mineral wealth of the Pacific for the benefit of the globe and for the benefit of these Pacific island nations and their people. House Resolution 505 also recommends that the United States host a Pacific Island Summit as a means of highlighting the myriad of bilateral-multilateral issues of the region. This Member believes that is a very important element of this resolution, and suggests indeed, as my colleague has suggested and I reiterate, that a summit is an excellent proposal. Such a summit probably could be scheduled with little difficulty in concert with the annual meeting of the Asia- Pacific Economic Community, APEC, perhaps, as the gentleman suggests, and I agree, at the East-West Center in Hawaii. This Member would urge the administration to consider and act upon such a proposal. Lastly, I would note that the resolution's author has worked constructively with the majority, with his colleagues in the minority and with the administration to ensure that there are no unnecessary differentials in this resolution. By making this effort, the gentleman has permitted this body to speak with one voice on this important issue. Therefore, I urge our colleagues to support H. Res. 505, and I thank the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) for his initiative.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me this time. I rise in strong support of H. Res. 144. This resolution which I introduced with the support of many of my friends and colleagues on both sides of the aisle expresses support for the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It helps put a spotlight on the important activities which are planned to observe the 200th anniversary of Lewis and Clark's remarkable journey. I thank the Committee on Resources for permitting this resolution to come to the House floor. I particularly want to thank the distinguished majority leader the gentleman from Texas for his special assistance to this Member in bringing it to the House floor. The resolution specifically expresses support for events which will be held in observance of the expedition at St. Louis, Missouri; at Portland and Fort Clatsop, Oregon; at Bismarck, North Dakota, where the Mandans helped the expedition survive a very difficult first winter on the journey; and at Council Bluff near present day Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, and at other potential locations. Council Bluff in Nebraska was the site, for example, of the first meeting between the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the leaders of American Indian tribes during the journey. This meeting was clearly one of the most noteworthy occasions of the expedition. The events during that council and the description of it undoubtedly influenced the U.S. military to later establish something called Cantonment, Missouri, near the site and later Fort Atkinson, the first U.S. military fort west of the Missouri River. The resolution also expresses support for the work of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council and governmental entities. In addition, it encourages participation in the bicentennial activities. The story of this incredible expedition has appeal for Americans of all ages and backgrounds and presents an opportunity for a unifying experience for our country. In the coming months and years, the public will undoubtedly increase its demands for more information about Lewis and Clark and their bold and courageous adventures. Although the bicentennial activities will not officially start until 2003, it is important to lay the groundwork now. This resolution complements another Lewis and Clark measure passed by the House on September 9 when we approved H.R. 1560, a bill introduced by this Member with over 290 cosponsors which authorizes the minting of one-dollar and half-dollar coins to commemorate the bicentennial. These measures will play an important part not only recognizing the significance of the journey and its role it played in the Nation's development but also providing some financing to the bicentennial commission and the Interior Department. When Thomas Jefferson took office in 1801, the United States had only 5.5 million people, all concentrated in the eastern third of the continent, primarily along the coast. As a result of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the size of the country nearly doubled and the stage was set for a period of unparalleled development and progress. But first the new acquisition had to be explored. President Jefferson chose Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to, quote, explore the Missouri River and such principal streams of it, as, by its course and communications with the waters of the Pacific Ocean, whether the Columbia, Oregon, Colorado, or any other river may offer the most direct and practicable water communication across this continent for the purposes of commerce. Lewis and Clark departed St. Louis on May 14, 1804, and returned to St. Louis 28 months later, on September 23, 1806. They crossed 8,000 miles, many States. Along the way they encountered formidable challenges that could easily have thwarted their mission. However, they continued to keep their focus firmly on the ultimate goal. This Member believes that passage of H.Res. 144 will draw increased attention to the planning and celebration of the upcoming important bicentennial activities in these States. As someone with a long- standing interest in the expedition and a member of the newly formed Lewis and Clark Caucus, this Member is pleased to have this resolution considered on the floor, thanking his colleagues on both sides of the aisle, particularly the gentleman from Oregon who helped me in securing the movement of this legislation, and to the Committee on Resources.

Mr. BEREUTER

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

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, this Member rises to express his support for H.R. 4569, the Foreign Operations and Export Financing Act for 1999. This Member would like to also express his strong support for provisions within this measure that support the U.S. Army School of the Americas. Mr. Speaker, as many of my colleagues are aware, there has been a concerted effort to close the U.S. Army School of the Americas by opponents of the school that have often used distorted or false information that serves one purpose--to mislead the American public. The U.S. Army School of the Americas is a U.S. Army military training institution that it is a key Latin American foreign policy tool for the United States and an integral part of the U.S. Southern Command's engagement strategy in Latin America. The primary mission of the School is to promote democracy, civilian control of the military, respect for human rights, and doctrinally sound, relevant military education and training to the nations of Latin America. With the change in the National Security Strategy from containment to engagement and enlargement the U.S. Army School of the Americas has shifted its curriculum to provide course instruction in areas such as civil-military operations, counterdrug operations, democratic sustainment, peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian demining. Opponents of the School have attempted to place the blame for many of the human rights abuses in Latin American countries on the U.S. Army School of the Americas. It should be noted that in the 50-year existence of the School and its almost 60,000 graduates that less than one percent of those students have ever been linked to human rights violations. The human rights training taught is more comprehensive than human rights training taught at any other U.S. military school. Also, of critical importance is the counterdrug operations course at the U.S. Army School of the Americas which teaches both military and civilian police forces the necessary skills to stop the cultivation, production and transportation of illegal drugs. Many of the School's graduates have lost their lives while combating the narco-guerrillas and drug lords in Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador--key countries in the United States war on drugs. These counterdrug operations are of vital interest to our national security as the efforts of these brave Latin American soldiers are aimed at reducing the flow of drugs across our borders. The U.S. Army School of the Americas has been endorsed by the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the Drug Enforcement Agency. The School does far more good in promoting democratic values and respect for human rights among Latin American countries. This Member supports the sustainment of the U.S. Army School of the Americas as provided in the Foreign Operations and Export Financing Act for 1999 and urges his colleagues to do so as well.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member is pleased to rise today to express strong support for H.R. 3898, the Speed Trafficking Life in Prison Act. This important legislation increases the penalties for manufacturing, trafficking, or importing methamphetamines to the same level as corresponding penalties for crack cocaine. Methamphetamine is a powerful drug that is relatively easy to manufacture. The use of this dangerous drug is escalating rapidly due to its low cost and highly addictive qualities. The methamphetamine problem in Nebraska is clearly growing at a substantive rate. For example, in 1996, multi-jurisdictional drug task forces made 248 methamphetamine arrests in Nebraska. In 1997, there were 714 arrests. Additionally, according to the U.S. Attorney's office in Omaha, last year, Nebraska led the nation in methamphetamine cases prosecuted in Federal courts with 61 cases involving 98 defendants. This legislation would reduce by half the amount of methamphetamine necessary to trigger the mandatory minimum sentences established by current law. Under H.R. 3898, an offender possessing 50 grams of methamphetamine would trigger a 10-year mandatory minimum prison sentence. If the offender was convicted of possessing 5 grams of methamphetamine, he or she would receive a 5-year mandatory minimum sentence. In closing, Mr. Speaker, we must pass this bill in the short time left in this session of Congress. It must also be passed by the Senate with these tough but appropriate sentencing provisions so that it can be sent to the President for signature. The Nation must become serious and effective in combating this very dangerous problem. This bill must become law this year in order to do all we can do to fight the use of this dangerous drug. This Member urges his colleagues to support H.R. 3898.

Mr. BEREUTER

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

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 224) urging international cooperation in recovering children abducted in the United States and taken to other countries.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 415) to promote independent radio broadcasting in Africa

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to commend the gentleman for his exceptional statement and his initiative.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, this bill is sponsored by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich) and cosponsored by the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hamilton). This bill waives section 501 of the Smith-Mundt Act, which prohibits the domestic dissemination of U.S. Information Agency produced materials to allow USIA to provide the TV program ``Window on America'' to the Ukrainian Museum and Archives and to the Slavics Collection at the Indiana University Library in Bloomington, Indiana. The Ukrainian language program cannot be broadcast in the U.S. but is available to these institutions for historical and research purposes. The waiver of section 501 expires 5 years after the date of enactment. This bipartisan bill was drafted in close consultation with the U.S. Information Agency, USIA, and they provided expert advice that assisted the Congress in advancing this legislation. I appreciate the agency's attention to the important details of the Smith-Mundt waiver, and I ask my colleagues to support this legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam 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. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 4083, the measure under consideration.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4083) to make available to the Ukrainian Museum and Archives the USIA television program ``Window on America'', as amended.