Eni Faleomavaega

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Colorado for his eloquence and certainly for in a more specific way allowing Members of our body to understand the specifics of this legislation. I, too, would like to commend his former colleague and our good friend, the gentleman from Colorado, Mr. David Skaggs, for his cosponsorship originally of this legislation with my good friend from Colorado. Mr. Speaker, since I do not have any additional speakers, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, another important question concerns the extent to which the bill might be read as requiring the federal government to repair or maintain the road. This is important, Mr. Speaker, because my colleague will recall that the Forest Service testified that they are in no position to make any commitments to keep the road open, and because its condition is such as to raise serious safety problems and possibly even questions of liability, would the gentleman from Colorado agree that nothing in the bill would have the effect of requiring the United States to undertake any improvements of the road or to maintain any part of the road?

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 898 would designate approximately 18,000 acres of land in Colorado, San Isabel National Forest, as wilderness. These lands which contain headwaters in two spectacular 13,000 foot peaks have been studied and considered for wilderness designation for nearly two decades. This month marks the 35th anniversary of the law that created a national wilderness preservation system. The Wilderness Act has led to the protection of more than 104 million acres of Federal lands. In light of this anniversary, it is most appropriate, Mr. Speaker, that the House is acting on a wilderness bill, an all too infrequent event in recent years I would say. I do commend the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. McInnis) and the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall), our Democratic colleague, for their sponsorship and hard work on this legislation. This is a worthy bill, this legislation. It certainly deserves the support of our colleagues, and I ask my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I would like to engage in a colloquy here with the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. McInnis). Mr. Speaker, this bill does differ from last year's Skaggs-McInnis bill in a few respects, and I want to take a few moments to discuss one in particular, namely the exclusion from wilderness of an old road, known as the Bulls Eye Mine Road and the inclusion of language related to that road. Because some questions have been raised about the scope and effect of that language, contained in subsection 3(1), I think it appropriate to provide a further explanation of how that subsection would or would not affect management of this area. Accordingly, at the request of the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall) I would like to engage the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. McInnis) in a brief colloquy regarding this part of the bill. Mr. Speaker, one of the questions that has been raised concerning the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture with regard to regulating the use of the road. During the subcommittee hearing of the bill, the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Hill) asked whether the Secretary would continue to limit those uses to hiking and horseback riding and was assured that the Secretary could do that under the terms of the bill. Would my colleague agree that, under this bill, the Secretary will continue to have that authority? Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. McInnis).

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

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

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, although I understand and deeply respect the arguments of my colleagues who believe it is in the best interests of the United States to remove NTR with the People's Republic of China, I must respectfully oppose adoption of the measure before us. Mr. Speaker, the fact cannot be contested that it is the direct fruit of our policy in China engagement which has been upheld in bipartisan fashion by five administrations since President Nixon. Mr. Speaker, I concur with my colleagues that China has much more progress to make, especially in the areas of human rights, weapons proliferation, fair trade, and Taiwan's status. However, punishing China with NTR removal will not further these meritorious aims. An economic war with China will result in disengagement with the U.S. I believe this will fundamentally isolate the forces for continued progress and gradual reform in China, while propping up strongmen and hardliners like Li Peng and the PLA leadership who would relish, Mr. Speaker, the opportunity for heightened conflict with our country. Mr. Speaker, this is a dangerous move at a time when even China is already volatile and extremely unstable both economically and politically. In the interest of peace and stability for the people of China, people of the United States, and the peoples of the Asia-Pacific nations, I urge our colleagues to consider carefully the ramifications of H.J.Res. 57 and vote against this measure.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Chairman, I do have the greatest respect and trust in the integrity of my good friend from South Carolina (Mr. Sanford) for introducing this amendment but I have to respectfully object to the amendment and I urge my colleagues not to pass this amendment. Mr. Chairman, in 1960 the Congress established the East-West Center in America's pacific to further the foreign policy interests of the United States by promoting better relations and understanding the peoples of the United States in the Asian Pacific region. Mr. Chairman, because of the essence of time, given the dynamic changes and the enhanced importance of the Asian Pacific region, where two-thirds of the world's population and one-third of the current trade that we conduct in that region of the world, Mr. Chairman, the mission of the East-West Center is more relevant and vital to U.S. interests than ever before. I urge my colleagues not to accept the gentleman's amendment. Mr. Chairman, I rise with my esteemed colleagues on both sides of the aisle in strong opposition to the Sandford Amendment to H.R. 2415, the American Embassy Security Bill of 1999. Mr. Chairman, the Sanford Amendment seeks to reduce the funding level approved by the House International Relations Committee for the Asia Foundation, the East-West Center and the North-South Center. The amendment should be defeated, as each of these important institutions clearly pursues vital foreign policy objectives on behalf of the United States. Mr. Chairman, in 1960 the Congress established the East-West Center (EWC) in America's Pacific to further the foreign policy interests of the United States by promoting better relations and understanding between the peoples of the United States and the Asia-Pacific region. The East-West Center accomplishes this vital mission by attracting present and future leaders throughout the region who participate, along with America's leaders and experts in the Center's programs of cooperative study, training, and research of the issues most crucial to the region and to our nation. Since the East-West Center's inception, over 45,000 individuals have participated in the Center's collaborative programs, providing the United States with an invaluable network of highly-placed alumni--an important link between the U.S. and the nations of the Asia-Pacific. Mr. Chairman, in recent years as the Asia-Pacific region has undergone profound changes, it has also grown in fundamental importance to the United States for many reasons. With China and Japan, the region contains more than half the world's population and provides almost a third of the world's trade markets. The Asia-Pacific region is now the largest market for US exports, an economic trend that will significantly grow in the new millennium, and the establishment of the East-West Center by the Congress almost forty years ago could not be more critical now--and what could be a better place to house this internationally acclaimed institution and forum than our fiftieth state of the Union--the State of Hawaii. Mr. Chairman, over 100,000 U.S. military personnel are located in the Asia-Pacific, primarily in South Korea and Japan, underscoring the U.S. stake in and commitment to regional peace and security. With the recent disturbing developments in the Taiwan Strait, Mr. Chairman, this is a peace that is threatened as we debate today. Moreover, Mr. Chairman, no global problem--from nuclear and ballistic missile proliferation, to the prevention of AIDS, to damage control of regional financial meltdowns, to the reduction in greenhouse gases--can be effectively addressed without the participation of the major nations of Asia and the Pacific. Given the dynamic changes in and the enhanced importance of the Asia- Pacific region, Mr. Chairman, the mission of the East-West Center is more relevant and vital to U.S. interests than ever before. Mr. Chairman, as a Pacific nation, America cannot afford not to take her rightful place of leadership in the affairs of the Asia-Pacific region. We must recognize the important work of the East-West Center in support of this vital mission. Mr. Chairman, I cannot more strongly urge our colleagues to defeat the Sanford Amendment.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I have great respect for the gentleman from Florida, and certainly this Member does not question his integrity and sincerity in wanting to present this proposed amendment. But I have to respectfully oppose his amendment and would like to echo the sentiments that have been expressed earlier by both gentlemen from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth) and (Mr. Kolbe) about the situation we are dealing with now at this point in time in the appropriations process. Mr. Chairman, I am reminded of an early Christian missionary by the name of John Wesley who said, ``Oh, how great it is for us to go and convert the Indians. But who will convert me?'' I need to plead with my colleagues in this chamber to say simply that the matter that is now before us is before the courts. The States of Alabama and Florida have duly filed a lawsuit in the Federal District Court addressing this very issue. The regulations have been issued. I plead with my colleagues, let the district court, the judiciary process take its place in view of the fact that on account of numerous hearings for years before Congress eventually passed IGRA in 1988, it was not just a haphazard fashion in the way we crafted this piece of legislation. I might also add, and this is what really bugs me, Mr. Chairman, the Indian gaming industry is fully regulated by the Congress of the United States because of the obvious provision of the Constitution it has to deal with the Congress. I am asking my colleagues, let the court take its proper place by allowing the judiciary process to take place. If we do this, the Weldon amendment is moot and is not necessary. Mr. Chairman, I heard earlier something said about a carte blanche given to the Indians about the gaming industry. Then I heard earlier also about the need for a moratorium as a result of this 2-year study of the National Commission on Gaming that we now found out there are pathological gamblers. How come no one ever talks about pathological alcoholics? Why have we not gone after the beer industry and alcohol and wine industry? Do they not have an impact on the lives and welfare and needs of this great Nation? To me it is somewhat hypocritical. We talk about gaming and gambling, but let us not talk about the problems we have with drunk driving. More people are killed by drunk driving every year than by any other. I plead with my colleagues to reject the Weldon amendment. Let the court take its proper place in this process. And if it does not work out, the Congress will always be here to correct this deficiency. So I ask my colleagues to vote down the Weldon amendment.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Chairman, it would have been totally impossible for me if it had not been for the support and certainly the patience of the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Appropriations on the Interior, and also the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks), the ranking Democrat, for their support and assistance in getting this amendment worked out. Mr. Chairman, my amendment would authorize a procedure by which the American Samoan government can irrevocably assign for 26 years the rights to its proceeds under the 46-State tobacco lawsuit settlement; and, in return, American Samoa will receive $18.6 million from the United States government for a period of 3 years. The United States will receive back about $40 million in principal and interest and an additional amount required by CBO to score the provision as budget neutral. Mr. Chairman, the money would be used to reduce the critical existing debt of the local government and to implement certain fiscal reforms. For this arrangement to become effective, local government would have to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of the Interior for the use of the funds; and each payment would have to be approved in advance by the Secretary of the Interior. Mr. Chairman, the money for the financial reform of the American Samoan government would be used to reduce the size of the territorial workforce. Options could be used such as buyouts, early retirements and would be included in the agreement instituted between the Secretary of the Interior and the local government. Mr. Chairman, this amendment has the endorsement of both the chairman of the Committee on Resources, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), as well as the ranking Democrat, the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller), supported this amendment. I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Chairman, I include the following letter for the Record: House of Representatives, Washington, DC, July 1, 1999. Hon. Norm Dicks, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, House Committee on Appropriations, Washington,

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

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Chairman, H.R. 10 is about as complex a bill as we address in this house. The bill has been in the making for years, and at times it seemed impossible to get a majority of the Banking Committee, let alone the full House, to agree on its contents. Mr. Speaker, I know H.R. 10 remains a controversial bill, with supporters on both sides of many issues. Without getting into the more controversial issues, I do wish to comment on Section 162 contained in the subtitle entitled ``Federal Home Loan Bank System Modernization''. Among other technical amendments, this section adds American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to the provisions of the Federal Home Loan Bank Act. The condition of much of the private housing in American Samoa is deplorable. Too many people are forced to live without electricity and running water, and many structures could not withstand gale-force winds, let alone the hurricane-force winds which blow through Samoa on a regular basis. With an annual per capita income barely over $3,000, and interest rates on commercial home loans in the 13%-14% range, there is very little new construction or refurbishment of housing in American Samoa. To partially address this problem, Public Law 102-547 created a pilot program through which Native American Samoan veterans, and other Native American veterans, could obtain home loans at moderate rates, and the response in American Samoa has been overwhelming. Unfortunately, this pilot program is available only to a small segment of the population residing in American Samoa. During the first five-year authorization of the VA pilot program, to the best of my knowledge, no loan went into default and needed to be assumed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. I believe there is now a sufficient track record for private lenders to feel comfortable in making residential loans in American Samoa. There is interest within the banking industry in American Samoa to be included in the Federal Home Loan Bank program, The Amerika Samoa Bank, a local bank, is on record in support of including American Samoa in this federal housing program and is looking forward to obtaining access to a source of long-term, low-interest funding to make home loans. The number of complaints I receive from constituents in American Samoa concerning the cost of home loans will further attest to the need for loans at affordable interest rates in this remote, rural area. Last year, the Federal Housing Finance Board issued a final rule including American Samoa within its regulations. I am appreciative of the willingness and efforts of the Federal Housing Finance Board to include American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands within its regulations, and that administrative action has been working well; however, this statutory amendment will ensure a more permanent solution. In the 105th Congress I introduced H.R. 904, a bill which would clarify that American Samoa is included in the Federal Home Loan Bank Act. That provision is a part of Section 162 of H.R. 10, and I strongly support that provision.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1568, a bill to establish an office of Veterans Business Development within the Small Business Administration. Mr. Speaker, our nation again finds itself in a position of being unable to meet the recruiting goals of its armed services. To make matters worse, the military departments are also finding it difficult to retain service members in sufficient numbers to meet authorized manpower requirements to preserve our national defense. The causes of these personnel shortages are many, but they fall into the general category of low pay, long hours, and too much time away from home. Many service members who do stay in the service long enough to be eligible for veterans benefits find it difficult to obtain meaningful employment when they get out of the service. This bill will provide some help in this area. The legislation will direct the SBA and VA to work together to establish a program to assist veterans, including service-disabled veterans, through small business development centers. These centers would provide training and counseling to veterans concerning the formation, management, financing, marketing and operation of small business concerns, provide assistance and information regarding procurement opportunities with federal, state and local agencies, and compile a list of small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans which provide goods or services which could be procured by the federal government. Mr. Speaker, this is an excellent bill which addresses an immediate need, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I wish to inform our colleagues and our great Nation of important, recent developments in Latin America. As you may be aware, Mr. Speaker, the country of Panama held its elections on May 2, 1999, which resulted in the selection of Panama's first female president, the Honorable Mireya Moscoso. President-elect Moscoso will be inaugurated into office this September 1st. Mr. Speaker, this is a very positive development in Panama's progression to true democratic governance, for which the good people of that nation should be deeply congratulated. However, Mr. Speaker, the good news is overshadowed by the fact that the influence and policies of Panama's current president, Ernesto Perez Balladares, will likely continue for some time to control key government agencies. Mr. Speaker, I find it troubling that Mr. Balladares wields a shadowy influence over the Moscoso administration through his control of political appointees he has selected for critical positions in the government--appointees whose terms of office will continue long after Mr. Balladares has stepped down as Panama's President. Mr. Speaker, our colleagues should understand this is crucial because the recent election results are a positive sign that may significantly influence the future course of U.S.-Panamanian relations as Washington enters a critical time, the final transitional period for relinquishing control over the Panama Canal. Mr. Speaker, President-elect Moscoso should be allowed to represent the will of the good people of Panama, unhindered by political handcuffs from prior administrations. On that subject, Mr. Speaker, I recommend the following research memorandum which was authored by Dr. Brittmarie Janson Perez, a Panamanian anthropologist who is a fellow at the Institute of Latin american Studies at the University of Texas. Dr. Perez also holds a senior research fellowship at the prestigious Council of Hemispheric Affairs (COHA), which is based in Washington under the leadership of Director Larry Birns, a respected, longtime advocate for democracy and human rights in Latin America. The attached article represents an updated version of Dr. Perez' work, which originally appeared in COHA's biweekly publication, the Washington Report on the Hemisphere. Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to read this timely article which addresses the need to observe upcoming events in Panama to ensure that the Moscoso administration is able to constructively impact the direction in which Panama develops, despite strong and likely non- productive opposition from pro-Perez Balladares partisans. Panama Elections Do Not Send A Clear Signal (By Dr. Brittmarie Janson Perez) A few days before Panama's May 2 presidential elections, a cartoon in a local newspaper depicted President Ernesto Perez Balladares squirming on a throne and moaning, ``Nobody is looking at me.'' On election day, the man whose regime has been labeled a ``civilian dictatorship,'' tried to steal the limelight by telling the French news agency AFP that he wanted to be president again. However, his ambitions were destined to be postponed for at least 10 years when Perez Balladares' move amending the constitution which would allow him to immediately run again, was resoundingly defeated in a referendum last year. Nevertheless, he will cast a long shadow on the administration of president-elect Mireya Moscoso, the victorious opposition candidate. Through is appointees, known for their eagerness to comply with his wishes, Perez Balladres, on a de facto basis, will be able to control the Supreme Court, the Attorney General's office, the Electoral Tribunal and the Technical Judicial Police during the Moscoso administration. To make matters worse, thanks to millions of dollars supplied by his regime over the past five years to legislators of ruling Revolutionary Democratic (PRD) to spend in their respective districts, Perez Balladares' party has retained its majority in the National Assembly. Present economic situation The lame duck leader's ongoing influence within the government structure could bode no good for any hopes of the new leadership to blunt the costly neoliberal reforms he vigorously implemented while in power. As elsewhere in the hemisphere, economic globalization has tended to benefit foreign investors and the local elite, but does not appear to be arresting the impoverishment of the rural campesinos as well as the urban lower and middle sectors. For example, while non-traditional agricultural exports such as melons and watermelons was increasing, the market for local beef, potatoes, vegetables and other traditional products was shrinking due to cheap competitive imports. The power of labor unions was also being seriously undercut by restrictive reforms enacted by Perez Balladares. His privatization of the state-run telephone company resulted in higher rates for the lower and middle urban sectors, which has caused an appreciable hardship on their lifestyle. In the recent electoral campaign, expectations were raised that the worst effects of Perez Balladares' policies could be remedied at the polls. All three presidential candidates-- Moscoso as head of the Amulfista Party in the Union for Panama coalition; Martin Torrijos, the son of the late authoritarian ruler, who became the PRD candidate in the New Nation coalition after Perez Balladares' referendum bid to allow him to run again had failed; and Alberto Vallarino, a banker who split from the Amulfista Party and formed the Opposition Action coalition with the support of the Christian Democrats--addressed economic issues from different perspectives, and made numerous promises aimed at ending the dreary status quo. Already educators are warning Moscoso that if she now decides to implement policies that are harmful to the poor (who made up the bulk of her supporters), she can except street protests once she is inaugurated. Yet, Moscow's power to implement important economic pallatives is limited by overseas accords signed by Perez Balladares with the international lending agencies. Also, prospective social investments by her administration likely have been jeopardized due to the legacy of profligate spending by Perez Balladares in order to curry political favor. Her power to govern, even to maintain fundamental public order, will be restricted by his lingering influence over critical government institutions whose proper functioning could have made a difference. Dividing Up the Spoils Perez Balladares' inaugural speech, which contained promises of austerity in public spending and transparency in government were given short shrift, eventually producing widespread mistrust of him among the citizenry, who nicknamed him ``Pinocchio.'' He had resurrected Manuel Noriega's discredited political vehicle, the PRD, with the aid of some of the more notorious members of the now Miami-jailed dictator's coterie. Upon taking office in 1994, Perez Balladares pardoned hundreds of PRD members and military personnel who were facing charges of murder, torture, and embezzling state funds during the Noriega era. Some individuals were even appointed to his cabinet. He also made questionable appointments to the boards of independent government agencies, including the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) and the Administration of the Interoceanic Region (ARI), the last-named body using entrusted with the disposition of canal properties transferred to Panama as the U.S. relinquishes control over the facility. Perez Balladres is particularly vulnerable to accusations of malfeasance regarding the process used to dispose of former canal properties. Thanks to his party's legislative steamroller, he was able to change the ARI's charter, stripping the institution of its all-important independence. Increasing the ARI's board of directors to his personal satisfaction, Perez Balladres ousted an ARI administrator known for his honesty and firm hand, and Nicholas Ardito Baletta, a highly controversial World Bank official who was ``elected'' president of Panama through a Noriega- orchestrated electoral fraud in 1984. In this way, he was able to obtain oversight of the transfer of the ``treasure of Panama,'' the properties, installations and land adjacent to the Canal, whose value has been conservatively estimated at over $4 billion by the U.S. ambassador to Panama. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that he or his agents will be held accountable for their questionable actions involving numerous allegations of moral turpitude. On the contrary, the institutions and offices over which Perez Balladares and his party will continue to exercise influence, likely will be used to harass the president-elect at every turn. Changes to be pursued under the new government There is a widespread clamor in Panama to significantly alter or replace the 1972 Constitution imposed during the dictatorship of Gen. Torrijos, and amended under the aegis of the two military leaders who followed him, Generals Ruben D. Paredes and Manuel Noriega. Critics charge that it grants excessive powers to the executive branch at the expense of the legislature. Paradoxically, the PRD's predictably obstructionist legislative majority will oblige the president-elect to renege on her campaign promise to democratize Panama through giving more power to the national assembly. Observers note that if she does not make ample use of the range of powers with which the military dictatorships purposively endowed the executive branch, she will, in effect, be unable to govern the country. President-elect Moscoso has outgrown the charges made against her of being a decorative figure who inherited a titular role in the party because of her late husband, Pres. Arnulfo Arias. This image along with other factors marred her prospects in the 1994 presidential campaign, which she lost to Perez Balladares. Since then, she has made herself known throughout Panama by waging a tireless grassroots campaign, touring city and countryside to keep in touch with Panamanians of all stations. She proved her grit in intra- party squabbles when she snuffed out Alberto Vallarino's 1998 challenge her rule in her party's presidential primaries. It is unfair to her and the Panamanian people that the country is almost doomed to remain a victim of the baleful and corrupt legacies of past dictatorships, and that Perez Balladares and his PRD could jeopardize the administrative of the first woman president of Panama, who will also assume, in the name of her country, responsibilities of running the Panama Canal.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Hawaii for her eloquent statement, and as the gentlewoman will know, tomorrow is going to be a very important occasion whereby the Cox committee is going to submit a report to the Congress and to the Nation. This is in reference, of course, to the issue of the Chinese government having solicited or gaining access to the secrets and the computers and all of that. And I, as a member of the Committee on International Relations, I thank the gentleman that talked or made his presentation earlier this evening, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon). The fear that I have in what is going to happen tomorrow and in the coming weeks, and I am just going to simply label it China bashing, and I am very concerned about this because this is going to be exactly the issue that we have tried to discuss this evening where the stereotyping and the labeling becomes so instantaneous, and I must submit that the media is not going to do any better, that we can just see what is going to happen to the Chinese American community. They are all going to be looked upon with suspicion and having some second thoughts about them being not American simply because they are Chinese. And I sincerely hope that this is not going to be the case, but I am fearful, just as has been my experience in the several hearings that we have held in the Committee on International Relations when we talk about human rights. It seems that we have only focused on human rights violations in China, but not on other countries and other regions of the world. And I seriously raise the issue if there is fairness and equity in the process, just as I would like to submit that in tomorrow's presentation that there should be a firm understanding that this has nothing to do with the Chinese people. And what I am really puzzled about is that even our own allies have spied upon this government, and there seems to be no word or indication from the media that Chinese are not the only ones that are spying, if they, in fact, are doing this. But I understand through the media that the report is quite firm, with whatever data that they are going to submit, that this did happen. But I am at least grateful to the gentleman from Pennsylvania saying this should not be taken as an attack, not only to our Chinese-American community but even to the Chinese government, because it was our own government and officials that were responsible. So I think that again I want to thank the gentlewoman for yielding and to allow me to submit this concern that I have in listening to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, the remarks he had made earlier about this report that is going to be submitted tomorrow.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for the opportunity to hold this celebration to commemorate the rich and diverse heritage of Asian-Pacific Americans who call our great Nation, the greatest democracy in the world, home. I want to further commend our host, the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Underwood), chairman of the congressional Asia-Pacific Caucus and my fellow Pacific Islander, for his tremendous leadership of the Asia- Pacific Caucus and his magnificent job in coordinating this event today. And I certainly would like to commend my colleague, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu) and also the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Mrs. Mink), who will also be participants, as they will be participating in this dialogue. A few years ago, I was privileged, along with my Asian-Pacific colleagues on Capitol Hill, to attend a special White House ceremony where President Clinton signed an official proclamation declaring the month of May as ``National Asian-Pacific Heritage Month.'' Today I am privileged again to be here before my colleagues to speak to the Nation and to our colleagues and to share this occasion honoring the enduring legacy of those Americans whose roots extend from the soils of nations in the Asian-Pacific region. Mr. Speaker, in honoring this month as our national Asian-Pacific Heritage Month, it was my privilege to have been invited recently to speak before our men and women in uniform stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Fort Knox, Kentucky, and also at Edwards Air Force Base in California to share with them an historical perspective on the contributions of the Asian-Pacific community as part of our Nation's heritage. Mr. Speaker, I want to personally thank Major General Robert Clark, the Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division; Colonel Virgil Packett, II, the Assistant Division Commander; and Command Sergeant Major Iuni Savusa, both members of the 101st Airborne Division. I want to thank these gentlemen for the courtesies, the briefings, and the hospitality that were extended to me during my visit. And my commendations also go to Colonel Scott Feil, Commander of the First Armored Training Brigade; Colonel George Edwards, the Garrison Commander; Mr. Jack Eubanks, the Chief Protocol Officer; and Sergeant First Class Emani Masaniai of Fort Knox, Kentucky. These gentlemen received me during my visit at Fort Knox, and they did a splendid job in making the proper preparations for the special event and the opportunity to meet with the active duty and retired military personnel and their families. I thank them for my visit to Fort Knox. Last but not least, Mr. Speaker, I want to also extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Major General Richard Reynolds, the Commanding General of the Edwards Air Force Base Flight Test Center; Mr. Jim Papa, the Executive Director of the Air Force Flight Test Center; Ms. Mary Jane Gugliotte, the Protocol Officer; Ms. Leonila Marcelino of the Asian-Pacific Employment Office; Mr. Nuu Moa of the Samoan community; and Air Force Major Kevin Toy from the Air Force Congressional Liaison Office. I want to thank them all for making my stay at Edwards Air Force Base a positive experience that I will not forget. In particular, I want to thank General Clark of the 101st Airborne Division and General Reynolds of the Edwards Air Force Base Test Center for the depth of their knowledge of our Nation's security needs. And I thank both of these gentlemen for the outstanding leadership roles that they demonstrate not only to the airmen and soldiers under their commands, but more importantly their commitment to provide as best as possible for the needs of our men and women in uniform and especially their families. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged today to be here before my colleagues to speak to the Nation and to share this occasion in celebrating the contributions of the Asian-Pacific American community, well over 10 million strong and among the fastest growing demographic group in the United States today. During this time for celebration, it is only fitting that we honor our fellow citizens of Asia-Pacific descent, both from the past and from the present, that have blessed and enriched our Nation. I submit that the Asian-Pacific Americans have certainly been an asset to our country's development, and it is appropriate that we make this recognition accordingly. As many of you are aware, immigrants from the Asia-Pacific countries are amongst the newest wave to arrive in the United States in recent years. However, they are merely the latest chapter in the long history of Asian-Pacific Americans in our nation. The people of Asia-Pacific have contributed much to America's development in the field of sciences and medicine. For example, nothing exemplifies this more than Time Magazine's selection of a Chinese American in 1996 as its Man of the Year, Dr. David Ho, head of the prestigious Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center at New York City's New York University Medical School. Dr. Ho's journey started as a 12-year-old immigrant from Taiwan. Gracing the cover of Time Magazine has given hope to millions of people around the world afflicted by the HIV virus. His story is a stirring testimony to the significant concrete contributions that Asian-Pacific American immigrants have made to our Nation. Dr. Ho's scientific advances continue a long record of service by Asian-Pacific Americans. In 1899, a Japanese immigrant arrived on the shores of this Nation. After years of study and work, this man, Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, isolated the syphilis germ, leading to a cure for the deadly, widespread disease. For decades, Dr. Makio Murayama, a Japanese-American, conducted vital research in the United States that laid the groundwork for combating sickle cell anemia. In 1973, Dr. Leo Esaki, another Japanese-American, an immigrant also to our country, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in physics for his electron tunneling theories. And in engineering, Mr. Speaker, few have matched the architectural masterpieces created by the genius of Chinese-American, I.M. Pei. In the field of business and commerce, the names of prominent Asian- Pacific American corporate leaders and legal scholars are too numerous to mention. One only need read our Nation's top periodicals and newspapers to document that Asian-Pacific American students, both in high school and at secondary and post-secondary levels are among the brightest minds that our Nation has produced. In the entertainment field and sports, American martial arts expert Bruce Lee, the late Bruce Lee, captivated the movie audiences of this Nation while destroying the stereotype of that passive, quiet Asian- American male. World class conductor Seiji Ozawa has led the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra through some brilliant performances over the years. About 70 years ago, Mr. Speaker, a native Hawaiian named Duke Kahanamoku shocked the world by winning the Olympic Gold Medal in swimming, followed by Dr. Sammy Lee, a Korean-American who also won an Olympic Gold Medal in high diving. And the strange thing about Dr. Sammy Lee, Mr. Speaker, at the time when the Olympic members of our team were practicing for the Olympics at that time, Dr. Lee was not even permitted to practice along with his fellow divers, American divers, simply because he was not white. Then there was Tommy Kono of Hawaii, also an Olympic Gold Medalist in weightlifting. And, yes, perhaps the greatest Olympic diver ever known to the world, a Samoan-American by the name of Greg Louganis, who recorded a record in gold medals and national championships that will be in the books for a long, long time. And, yes, the enthralling Olympic ice-skating performances of Japanese-American Kristi Yamaguchi and Chinese-American Michelle Kwan continue the legacy of milestone achievements by our Asian-Pacific community. In professional sports, of course, we have Michael Chang blazing new paths in the sport of tennis. Pacific Islanders, and I know some of our fellow Americans are not well up on the sport of rugby, but by mentioning names of Pacific Islanders like Brian Williams and Jonah Lomu and Michael Jones and others of Polynesian descent. And, yes, in the field of professional American football, as has been alluded to earlier by my colleague from Guam (Mr. Underwood), we currently have approximately 21 American-Samoans who play in the NFL. And I am humble enough to say that we probably produce more NFL players, Mr. Speaker, than anybody here in this country. Yes, Junior Seau, the perennial all-pro linebacker from the San Diego Chargers. I am sorry to say that Jesse Sapolu of the San Francisco Forty-Niners just recently retired. I can go on, Mr. Speaker, but my colleagues might be bored by their hearing these remarks. In the field of professional boxing, I would suggest to my colleagues and to my fellow Americans to keep an eye on this young Samoan heavyweight boxer by the name of David Tua. Yes, David Tua. He now ranks among the top 10 in the world in the heavyweight division in boxing. And one of the brightest stars to emerge recently from our community, Mr. Speaker, is none other than Tiger Woods. Yes, Tiger Woods, the professional golfer. I think Tiger Woods could not have said it better. He is part American Indian, he is part black American, he is part white; but his mother is from Thailand. And he said this is what makes him the best golfer there is in the world. Tiger made history, of course, in one of the world's most important golf tournaments. And before his career is finished, I submit, Mr. Speaker, he will reinvent the game of golf. We also have Asian-Pacific Americans who are making their mark in history not in our country, but in the Far East. Yes, a Samoan-American by the name of Salevaa Atisanoe weighs over 578 pounds, participates in the ancient sport in Japan called sumo wrestling and wrestles by the name of Konishiki. Yes, he weighs only 578 pounds, Mr. Speaker, but he can bench press 600 pounds. Figure that out. Konishiki was the first foreigner in Japan's centuries-old sport to break through to the rarified air of sumo's second highest rank. And another of Tongan-Samoan descent, Mr. Leitani Peitani, who now is known basically as Musashimaru, has also gained prominence in the sport of sumo wrestling. And, yes, we also have native Hawaiian Chad Rowen, who wrestles by the name of Akebono, the first foreigner to achieve the highest ranking in this ancient sport and the rank of Yokozuna. Mr. Speaker, in honoring the Asian-Pacific Americans that have served to enrich our country, I would be remiss not only as a Vietnam veteran, but as a former member of the 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry Reserve Unit in Hawaii if I did not honor the contributions of the Japanese- Americans who served in the U.S. Army's 100th Army Battalion and 442nd Infantry Combat Group. Mr. Speaker, history speaks for itself in documenting that none have shed their blood more valiantly for America than the Japanese-Americans who served in these units while fighting enemy forces in Europe during World War II. Mr. Speaker, the records of the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry are without equal. These Japanese-American units suffered an unprecedented casualty rate of 314 percent and received over 18,000 individual declarations, many awarded posthumously, for bravery and courage in the field of battle. Given the tremendous sacrifices of lives, a high number of medals were awarded to these units: 52 Distinguished Service Crosses; 560 Silver Stars; 9,480 Purple Hearts. I find it unusual, Mr. Speaker, that only one Medal of Honor was awarded. Nonetheless, 442nd Combat Group emerged as the most decorated combat unit of its size in the history of the United States Army. President Truman was so moved by their bravery on the field of battle, as well as that of black American soldiers who served in World War I and World War II, that he issued an executive order to desegregate the armed services. I am proud to say we can count on the Honorable Daniel Inouye and the late Senator Spark Matsunaga, both from the State of Hawaii, as not only Members of Congress that distinguished themselves in battle as soldiers with the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry. It was while fighting in Europe that Senator Inouye lost his arm and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest medal for bravery, as it is noted today. These Japanese-Americans, Mr. Speaker, paid their dues in blood to protect our Nation from its enemies. And it is a shameful mark, Mr. Speaker, on the history of our country that when the patriotic survivors of the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry returned to the United States, many of these soldiers were reunited with their parents, their brothers and sisters, who were locked up behind barbed wire fences living in concentration camps. My colleagues on the hill might be interested to know that the gentleman from California (Mr. Matsui) and former Representative Norman Mineta were children of the concentration camps. Mr. Speaker, I do not know if I am ever able to perform what these Japanese American soldiers could do. If you could well imagine coming home from war, facing the reality that you might never return and then when you come home, you have to find your parents and your brothers and sisters in these concentration camps, I say, Mr. Speaker, something was awfully wrong at that time in our country. The wholesale and arbitrary abolishment of the constitutional rights of these loyal Japanese Americans will forever serve as a reminder and testament that this must never be allowed to occur again. When this miscarriage of justice unfolded in World War II, while some Americans of German and Italian ancestry were discriminated against, these Americans were not similarly jailed en masse like Japanese Americans. Some declared the incident as an example of outright racism and bigotry in its ugliest form. After viewing the Holocaust Museum recently, Mr. Speaker, in Washington, D.C., I understand better why the genocide of some 6 million Jews has prompted the cry, ``Never again. Never again.'' Likewise, I sincerely hope that mass internments on the basis of race will never again darken the history of our great Nation. I am also told that probably one of the reasons why the Italian Americans were not also placed in concentration camps, can you imagine if Joe DiMaggio's father was given the same treatment at the time when Joe DiMaggio was the great American baseball player and hero of all the people? That is exactly what happened. To those that say, ``Well, that occurred decades ago,'' I say, we must continue to be vigilant in guarding against such evils today. I am pleased to announce for the first time, as has been mentioned earlier by my colleague from Guam, that President Clinton has nominated General Eric Shinseki, an American of Japanese descent from the State of Hawaii, to become the new Chief of Staff for the Army. General Shinseki is currently the Vice Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army. Previous to his current position, General Shinseki was formerly Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, Commander of Allied Land Forces in Central Europe and was Commander of the NATO Stabilization Force in Bosnia. I am pleased by General Shinseki's appointment. It was not long ago we had the case of Bruce Yamashita, a Japanese American from Hawaii who was discharged from the Marine Corps officer training program in an ugly display of racial discrimination. Marine Corps superiors taunted Yamashita with ethnic slurs and told him, ``We don't want your kind around here. Go back to your own country.'' The situation was made worse when the Commandant of the Marine Corps at the time who appeared on television's ``60 Minutes'' stated, ``Marine officers who are minorities do not shoot, swim or use compasses as well as white officers.'' After years of perseverance and appeals, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Yamashita was vindicated after proving he was the target of vicious racial harassment during his officer training program. The Secretary of the Navy's investigation into whether minorities were deliberately being discouraged from becoming officers in the Marine Corps resulted in Yamashita receiving finally his commission as a captain in the United States Marine Corps. I am also disturbed, Mr. Speaker, by events of recent years involving campaign funding where the integrity of the Asian Pacific American community has been unfairly tarnished in the media for the alleged transgressions of a few. I find this racial scapegoating to be repugnant and morally objectionable. Playing up fears of the ``Asian connection'' serves to alienate Asian Pacific Americans from participating in our political process. Moreover, this negative reporting acts to marginalize Asian Pacific American political empowerment at a time when we are coming of age in American politics. When whites raise money for whites, it is called gaining political power. But when Asian Pacific Americans begin to participate, we are accused of being foreigners trying to infiltrate the mainstream of our Nation's political system. On this note, Mr. Speaker, remember the Oklahoma City bombing incident? Americans of Arab descent were immediately targeted and investigated by local Federal law enforcement agencies. Mr. Speaker, I submit it is simply wrong and unAmerican to react this way. To protect America's greatness, we should all be sensitive to the fact that democratic participation by people of all races and backgrounds, including Asian Pacific Americans, is crucial to our Nation's health and vitality. I believe Yamashita's case and the hysteria surrounding the Asian Pacific American contributions bear implications not just for the military and the media but for our society as a whole. It asks the question, how long do we have to endure the attitude of those who consider Asian Pacific Americans and other minorities as lesser Americans? I applaud Captain Yamashita and others like him who have spoken out to ensure that racial discrimination is not tolerated. During this month as we recognize the diverse experiences and contributions of the Asian Pacific American community to our Nation, I would hope that we will all take inspiration from this example. When I envision America, I do not see a melting pot, Mr. Speaker, designed to reduce and remove racial differences. The America I see is a brilliant rainbow, a rainbow of ethnicities and cultures, with each people proudly contributing in their own distinctive and unique way. That is what America is all about. And Asian Pacific Americans wish to find a just and equitable place in our society that will allow them, like all Americans to grow, to succeed, to achieve and contribute to the advancement of this great Nation. Mr. Speaker, I wish there were no labels. I wish I was not considered a Pacific American or an Asian American or a Black American or a Native American. I never hear of people classifying themselves as French Americans, or British Americans. But why these labels? With that in mind, Mr. Speaker, I would like to close my remarks by asking, what is America all about? I think it could not have been said better than on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 in that hot summer when a Black American, an American, by the name of Martin Luther King Jr. echoed this saying, ``I have a dream. My dream is that one day my children will be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.''

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I have been to Israel, and they think that I am Arab; I have been to Pakistan, they think I am Indian; I have been to India, they think I am Polynesian; and, coming from the islands, they think I am from the Punjab region of India; and the gentlewoman probably remembers, and I remember last year one of my own colleagues right here on this floor of the House addressed me as the gentleman from Somalia. So I fully understand. There is a little problem of understanding where I come from.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, the point is well made by the gentlewoman from Hawaii. A classic example: The gentleman that has been fired from the Department of Energy, supposedly giving secrets, in the media, the first instance, it is a Chinese American. Never say the name of the gentleman, but why does it have to be stated that he is a Chinese American? That is my point, and I think it is wrong for the media to make these types of stereotypes. I do not hear my fellow Americans saying a French American doing this or a British American or a Scandinavian American or a Balkanese American. Why the labels? And I just think that the media has done a real disservice in adding this frenzy or this hype on this race issue which I really think is not only inappropriate but is just out of place.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of our colleagues in the United States Congress and our great Nation, I want to take this opportunity to extend to the President of Taiwan, the Honorable Lee Teng-Hui, our deepest congratulations on his third anniversary in office, which shall be celebrated tomorrow, May 20th. Mr. Speaker, President Lee is to be commended for his astute leadership of the affairs of Taiwan, which is reflected by Taiwan's enviable position of prosperity and stability as it prepared to enter the 21st century. While much of the Asia-Pacific region is still mired in the turbulent winds of the Asian financial crisis. Taiwan's economy has weathered the storm remarkably well. In the last three years, President Lee's policies have directly contributed to steady economic growth in Taiwan. Mr. Speaker, President Lee is to be further commended for expending Taiwan's substantive relations with countries in the international community. Taiwan is too important of an economic force to be relegated into political isolation. to that effect, President Lee must be credited with recently establishing diplomatic ties with the nation of Macedonia. I am also encouraged, Mr. Speaker, that President Lee has acknowledged the critical importance of Maintaining positive relations with the People's Republic of China. In recognition of that vital goal, President Lee has strongly supported continuing the Cross-Strait Dialogue with the PRC. This dialogue is crucial for resolving misunderstandings between Beijing and Taipei and Washington, and is of fundamental importance in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and for all of Asia. Mr. Speaker, the people of the United States have been and will always be close friends of the good people of Taiwan. At this auspicious time celebrating the third anniversary of President Lee's tenure in office, let us all join in wishing President Lee and the people of Taiwan continued good health, peace and prosperity in the years ahead.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the House Committee on Resources held a hearing on a subject that I feel is critically important, and I wanted to take this opportunity to share it with our colleagues and to our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I deeply commend the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the House Committee on Resources chairman, and the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), the committee's ranking Democrat for convening a hearing to review the long-term effects of America's nuclear testing program on our close friends and long time allies, the good people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Mr. Speaker, our great Nation owes an immense debt to the Marshallese people for their tremendous sacrifices that directly contributed to and continues to contribute to our Nation's nuclear deterrent and ballistic missile defense capability. Mr. Speaker, the United States in the 1950s detonated 67 nuclear bombs in the homeland of the Marshallese people, directly facilitating development of America's nuclear arsenal while poisoning the environment and the people in the Marshall Islands. Today the Marshallese people continue to contribute to America's security by providing U.S. testing facilities at Kwajalein Atoll. This atoll, Mr. Speaker, happens to be the largest atoll in the world, for development of our Nation's ballistic missile defense against rogue states possessing weapons of mass destruction. I want to share a little bit of data with my colleagues, Mr. Speaker. The total amount of TNT that was exploded at the Nevada nuclear test site was about 1.1 megatons. Now, the amount of TNT that we exploded in the Marshall Islands was 93 megatons. If I could give another example, Mr. Speaker, the hydrogen bomb that was dropped in the Marshall Islands in 1954 was 15 megatons, which is about 1,000 times more powerful than the two bombs that we exploded at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, in World War II. Mr. Speaker, the actions of the United States Government have caused the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands immense harm, which continues to this day. With some 67 underwater surface and atmospheric tests of atomic and thermonuclear weapons tested in the Marshalls we have rendered uninhabitable, due to nuclear radiation, much of these people's homelands. We have disrupted their lives by removing them from their homelands and in some cases they have yet to return out of fear of radiation contamination should they return. On top of that, numerous Marshallese have suffered from cancers, leukemia and other life-threatening diseases directly connected to nuclear radiation poisoning. Mr. Speaker, because of the recent declassification by the Department of Energy of previously classified documents, we now know that our government has not always been candid and forthright with the people of the Marshall Islands. Because of what some would consider callous disregard and perhaps duplicity for the well-being of the residents of the Marshall Islands, they no longer trust our government to do the right thing. After a preliminary review of the facts, Mr. Speaker, I submit I can understand why our Marshallese friends feel this way. Mr. Speaker, I regret to report that this whole process has taken too long and has been woefully underfunded. In this time of expected U.S. budget surpluses from which the House of Representatives last week ad hoc allocated some $12.9 billion for Kosovo and defense concerns, Mr. Speaker, we really have no excuse for not addressing completely these serious problems which our great Nation has caused for the good people of the Marshall Islands. Mr. Speaker, I would urge our colleagues to support full and timely compensation for the nuclear-related injuries sustained by the Marshallese people when this matter comes before us. This is the very least we can do in recognition and repayment of the sacrifices made by the people of the Marshall Islands that have ensured that the United States remains strong, remains free and remains protected. Mr. Speaker, I include the following for the Record:

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to certainly endorse and second the efforts made by our good friends the gentlemen from Florida for their efforts in gaining support from the Members to secure the $621 million that is critically needed for the people in Central America. Mr. Speaker, it is ironic that years ago we had a very basic fundamental foreign policy. It was called the Monroe Doctrine. We tell other nations in the world, ``Don't tread on the Western Hemisphere because we'll take care of the people in the Western Hemisphere.'' So what happens now is that we are going to Europe, having this crisis in Kosovo, and all of a sudden we seem to be readily available to provide the funding for the people in Kosovo, which I am not taking anything away from the fact that some 800,000 people, refugees, have become as a result of the crisis in Kosovo. But we have completely forgotten that there was a hurricane called Mitch that severely affected the lives of some 7 million people in Central America, 1 million people directly affected. Some 7 million people, as I am told, have no drinkable water. All this piece of legislation proposes is that the Congress do the right thing. We need the money, it should be brought out, and this institution should support the $621 million for the good of our friends and neighbors in the Western Hemisphere, those who live in Central America.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 156 offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek). Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 156 provides for a special commendation and tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., for his services and leadership, whereby he led a special delegation of religious leaders and even one of our fellow Members, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Blagojevich) to travel to Belgrade, Yugoslavia to meet with President Slobodan Milosevic with the hope of trying to break the stalemate and crisis in Kosovo through a negotiated peace settlement or agreement, and with the hope that the three men, soldiers who had been held captive, could also be released from prison. Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my commendation also to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of the House Committee on International Relations, for his endorsement and support of this resolution; also, the ranking Democrat of the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson), both gentlemen, for supporting and endorsing this resolution. Needless to say, Mr. Speaker, Reverend Jackson has done it again. Following an intensive 3-hour-long meeting with President Milosevic with a good amount of praying and heart-to-heart discussions, President Milosevic decided to release our three soldiers. Mr. Speaker, I am certain that our Nation, the families and friends of our three soldiers, we all owe a debt of gratitude and appreciation for Reverend Jackson's commitment and devotion to the cause of peace. And, more especially, his ability to properly negotiate and persuade parties with varying views to come to the table and seek solutions to the problems certainly is most commendable. Mr. Speaker, Reverend Jackson deserves our gratitude for his successful efforts to secure the release of our soldiers, Steve Gonzales, Andrew Ramirez and Christopher Stone. I might add, Mr. Speaker, those soldiers showed tremendous courage and loyalty to our Nation. I need not remind my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, that the crisis in Kosovo is far from over. The debate in this Chamber last week, I submit, Mr. Speaker, is indicative of the seriousness of the issues and with so very many varying opinions and claims of facts of the truth and the crisis in the Balkans, definitely in my humble opinion, Mr. Speaker, has proven one basic fact: Our leaders and the American people simply do not know enough about the history and legacy of the Balkans. Almost like a repeat of a ritual that America went through when we were confronted with a crisis in Vietnam. Mr. Speaker, we do not need and we do not want another Vietnam in the Balkans. We must remember that President Milosevic is continuing to wage a brutal campaign against the Kosovar Albanians. Thousands of Kosovar Albanian refugees continue to stream into the neighboring countries. Many of these refugees have terrible tales to tell of rape, of beatings, of atrocities and murder at the hands of Serbian forces. The NATO campaign is designed to deny Milosevic the ability to wage his brutal repression against the Kosovar Albanians. Mr. Speaker, we must remain steadfast in our resolve to see our mission through. Again, I want to commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) for his support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 156 offered by the gentlelady from Florida, Mrs. Meek. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 156 provides for a special commendation and tribute to the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., for his services and leadership--whereby he led a special delegation of religious leaders and one of our fellow Members, the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Blagojevich, to travel to Belgrade, Yugoslavia--to meet with President Slobodan Milosevic--with the hope of trying to break the stalemate in the current crisis in Kosovo through a negotiated peace settlement or agreement, and with the hope also that the three American soldiers who have been held captive could also be released from prison. Needless to say, Mr. Speaker, Reverend Jackson has done it again. Following an intense three-hour long meeting with President Milosevic, with a good amount of praying and heart-to-heart discussion, President Milosevic decided to release our three soldiers. Mr. Speaker, I am quite certain that our nation, the families and friends of our three soldiers, we all owe a debt of gratitude and appreciation for Reverend Jackson's commitment to peace, but more especially his ability to properly negotiate and persuade parties with varying views to come to the table and seek solutions to the problems, is most commendable. Mr. Speaker, Reverend Jackson deserves our gratitude for his successful efforts to secure the release of our soldiers, Steve Gonzales, Andrew Ramirez, and Christopher Stone. I might add, Mr. Speaker, these soldiers showed tremendous courage and loyalty to our nation. Mr. Speaker, I need not remind my colleagues that the crisis in Kosovo is far from over. The debates in this Chamber last week--I submit, Mr. Speaker--is indicative of the seriousness of the issues and with so many varying opinions and claims of ``facts,'' or ``the truth''--the crisis in the Balkans definitely has proven one basic fact: our leaders and the American people simply do not know enough about the history and legacy of the Balkans; almost like a repeat of the ritual that America went through when we were confronted with the crisis in Vietnam. Mr. Speaker, we don't need and we don't want another Vietnam in the Balkans. Days of Joy, Pain and Hope (Los Angeles Times Editorials.--May 3, 1999) Finally, in a period of missteps and accidental NATO attacks in Yugoslavia and confusion on Capitol Hill over whether the House supports or opposes the air war, there is good news: the release Sunday of the three American prisoners of war. The sight of the smiling faces of Army Staff Sgt. Andrew Ramirez, 24, of East Los Angeles, Spc. Steven Gonzales, 21 of Huntsville, Texas, and Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Stone, 25, of Smith's Creek, Mich, provided a temporary respite from the hard decisions that lie ahead and that, we hope, will set the stage for further diplomatic progress. Full credit in securing the release of the three soldiers should go unbegrudgingly to the Rev. Jesse Jackson and a private delegation of religious leaders, including Los Angeles' Rabbi Steven Bennett Jacobs and Dr. Nazir Uddin Khaja of the American Muslim Council. The religious leaders had been publicly urged not to go to Belgrade by the Clinton administration and had been warned that the mission was dangerous and ill-timed. No one can know the cynical reasoning that might well have motivated President Slobodan Milosevic to release the soldiers. But the point is that Jackson delivered, winning the release of the prisoners without apparent conditions. For the families of the soldiers, seized on the Macedonian border March 31, the nightmare is over. Relatives of Ramirez, Gonzales and Stone are on their way to Germany to be reunited with their sons, husbands and brothers. For the Kosovars, however, the future does not look so bright. ``This gesture on his [Milosevic's] part cannot overcome the stench of evil and death on the killing fields of Kosovo,'' Defense Secretary William S. Cohen said Sunday. The White House already has rebuffed Jackson's call for direct talks between Clinton and Milosevic, and we agree that such a meeting is at best premature. The air bombing campaign in Yugoslavia is a NATO operation. Beyond that, Milosevic first would have to lay the groundwork necessary for success. In short, that means the end of Milosevic's pogrom in Kosovo, the safe return of the refugees and some form of autonomy for the Kosovars that is diplomatically secured. Today we celebrate the release of U.S. soldiers from captivity. The diplomatic avenues toward peace appear to be opening up, through the increased interest of the Russians and others. Americans must not forget, however, that diplomacy was tried and failed for many months in the absence of a military campaign. In the presence of a military campaign, the diplomatic approach might finally have been given the incentive it needed.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones). (Mrs. JONES of Ohio asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Hilliard).

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Kilpatrick).

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 35 seconds to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Ford).