Walter Jones

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my appreciation to Commissioner Robert A. Watson for his words and wisdom as he opened the House of Representatives in prayer this morning. Commissioner Watson was born in eastern North Carolina. He has made invaluable contributions to our society. He has led a lifetime of service to his community and to his fellow man throughout the world. Commissioner Watson and his wife, Alice, have served together as officers in the Salvation Army for more than 40 years. Since November 1995, they have served as the organization's national leaders for the United States. The Watsons' selfless work in both the Salvation Army and many other charitable organizations has helped countless individuals worldwide. Commissioner Watson is an outstanding American, an invaluable asset to our society, and a true man of God. I thank him for his words this morning, for his inspiration, and for all that he does to make our world a better place.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to share the story of a truly remarkable American. While I was back in eastern North Carolina during the month of August, I had the great fortune to make the acquaintance of Minnie Elizabeth Harper. Minnie Harper was born and raised in eastern North Carolina. A product of a loving and caring family, Minnie Harper is a 1974 honor graduate of Greene Central High School who has always been very active in her church and in her community. Even at a very young age, Minnie Harper was a role model to all who knew her. She was on a direct path to success. Sadly, in June 1975, a terrible automobile accident left Minnie Harper a C-5 quadriplegic, but she did not let it lead her off her path to success. Such an accident may have hampered the dreams and broken the spirit of most people, but not Minnie Harper. In her own words, Minnie Harper stated, and I quote, ``I am not a failure. My parents did not raise any failures. My handicap has not totally impeded my dreams and goals; it has just altered the path and encouraged me to push forward.'' Proving those words to be true, Minnie Harper went on to graduate with honors from Lenoir Community College in Kinston, NC in May 1981. Upon her graduation, Minnie Harper continued to give to her community. She founded and organized the American Community Girls Club in Snow Hill, NC, where she resides. In this club, Miss Harper guided and motivated young ladies, encouraging them to pursue excellence and to build self-esteem. Today, these young ladies are following their own paths to success and remain in contact with their role model, Minnie Harper. While continuing to volunteer in her community, Minnie Harper again focused on her educational goals. Having completed her degree at Lenoir Community College, Minnie Harper went on to obtain a bachelor of science degree in social work from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. After she graduated as a member of the National Honor Society, Minnie Harper was accepted to the East Carolina University masters program in social work. Before she could obtain her masters degree, sadly, yet another tragedy struck Minnie Harper's life. A fire in her parents' home left her with second- and third-degree burns over 40 percent of her body. The accident also left her with severe facial damage, the loss of two fingers, and a permanent lung condition. Ever optimistic, even after the tragic fire, Minnie Harper said, and I quote again, Mr. Speaker, ``God has not given me any more than I can bear.'' Minnie Harper continued with her selfless work. Incredibly, she has remained active in the community, helping others and setting an excellent example for all Americans, both young and old. In December 1995, North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt appointed Minnie Harper to the North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council. In this capacity she works to raise awareness of the Independent Living Rehabilitation Program and ensures that handicapped citizens are recognized for the work they do. Minnie Harper is a champion for the rights of handicapped citizens, both by giving them the spiritual and emotional support and encouragement she is famous for and by helping to make lawmakers aware of their needs. I have truly been inspired by the story of Minnie Harper. Despite extraordinary unfortunate circum- stances, Minnie Harper has not asked for handouts. Nor has she ever uttered the words ``I cannot.'' She has persevered, she has succeeded, and she has helped others along the way with her dedication to her church, her family, her friends, and her community. Minnie Harper has not complained about her hardships, but has always held a positive attitude and has given constant credit to God for giving her the strength to carry on. I admire Minnie Harper for her courage and her strength, and I thank her for serving as a role model to all who hear her incredible story. Mr. Speaker, citizens like Minnie Harper truly make America great.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Istook-Manzullo amendment. This common sense approach simply requires parental notification before a title X clinic can distribute contraceptive drugs and devices to a minor. I am one that has always believed that a parent should be notified of their child's health-related needs. A majority of parents in my district and throughout this country are in strong support of this amendment. We are not denying a minor's choice in visiting a clinic. We are simply requiring a parent to be notified. Unfortunately, some of my colleagues have misinterpreted the amendment and believe it requires parental consent for children to visit title X clinics. That is absolutely wrong. Americans are increasingly enraged with the breakdown of the social institutions of our society. I believe this is evident with the recent case in Illinois. As you have just heard, a young female student was taken to a title X clinic by her junior high schoolteacher to receive numerous injections of a contraceptive drug. Further, this teacher had been sexually molesting the child for 18 months. This is sick and this is outrageous. Rightfully so, the child's parents were horrified and are pursuing legal action. Unfortunately, I believe this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the breakdown of our social structure and, more importantly, the loss of parental involvement. In my opinion, the Istook-Manzullo amendment is very much needed to help repair the social fabric of this country by allowing parents to be involved in their child's life. Mr. Chairman, this Nation was founded on Judeo-Christian values. Family ties and values have been a part of this foundation. This amendment strengthens that tie. I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment, and help restore the rights of parents across this Nation.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 695.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, children in America are not getting the education they deserve. In my opinion, and in the opinion of many Americans throughout this country, the situation has only gotten worse since the creation of the Federal Department of Education. Washington bureaucrats are a major part of the education problem. Washington keeps spending money on the schools, but the money spent, based on results, is not improving education. Taxpayer money is being wasted. The best way to support education in America is to give control to parents, not to Federal bureaucrats. With solutions like school choice and education savings accounts, parents will play a more active role in their children's education. The system, in turn, will be better. I trust parents in eastern North Carolina to make decisions for their children more than I trust bureaucrats in Washington, DC. When it comes to America's public schools, control should be in the hands of parents. Mr. Speaker, for the sake of the children, I hope my colleagues will support school choice and education savings accounts.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Smith amendment. This amendment will prevent taxpayers' dollars from being spent on abortions overseas. I find it very disturbing that each year, the Federal Government sends millions of taxpayer dollars to family planning organizations in foreign countries that, in turn, use the money to pay for abortions. In essence, these are taxpayer-funded abortions. Surveys have shown time and time again that whether they are pro-life or pro-choice, the vast majority of Americans do not, and I repeat, do not support federally funded abortions, whether in the United States or overseas. As a Member of Congress, we are elected to represent and to serve the American people. It is wrong to go against the American people's will and to continue to spend their tax dollars on abortions in foreign countries. That is why it is critical that we pass the Smith amendment. Without this amendment, American dollars will still be used to fund forced abortions in the People's Republic of China. This is not only a very important human rights issue, it is also a matter of protecting the lives of innocent children around the world. I personally do not think that Americans should ever have to fund abortions with their tax dollars, especially in foreign countries. But now more than ever during this time of fiscal responsibility and budget tightening, the Federal Government has no business sending American dollars to destroy the lives of innocent children overseas. I strongly urge my colleagues to support the Smith amendment.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about America's future, her children. As an American and as a parent, I know that nothing is more important than our children. One of our children's most critical resources, however, is failing the children. The educational system in America is in disarray. Test scores are low, dissatisfaction is high, and some children cannot even go to school without fearing for their lives. It is time to get our schools back on track. The way to do this is not to continue to pour Federal money into failing programs but to give control back to the people who know what is best for our children: The parents, the teachers and the community. In these capable hands, America's children can again receive the education they need and they deserve.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, education funding has been on the rise for years, but we have not seen improvement in our public schools. SAT scores are down, and dissatisfaction is growing among teachers, parents, and students. Still we just keep throwing money at a broken wheel. It is time to fix the wheel and stop putting taxpayers' dollars in a bottomless pit. Two reform measures, school choice and education savings accounts, can help get America's education system back on track. These ideas give parents the freedom to choose the best schools for their children's education and to save for their children's future. School choice and education savings accounts are the reforms we need to finally begin to fix education in America. Mr. Speaker, these ideas are the free-market solution to a very serious problem. These solutions are right for parents and children throughout our Nation. For the sake of education in America, I urge my colleagues to support school choice and education savings accounts.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to announce the introduction of the Centennial of Flight Commemoration Act. This bipartisan legislation establishes the Centennial of Flight Commission, a national organization to direct the celebration of the 100th anniversary of manned flight. The year was 1903, and at 10:35 a.m., on the cold, windy morning of December 17, the era of modern aviation was born. At that exact moment, Orville Wright lifted off the dunes in Kitty Hawk, NC, and became the first man to successfully complete a free, controlled, and sustained flight in a power-driven, heavier-than-air machine. Those 12 seconds changed the course of world history forever. On December 17, 2003, the world and this great Nation will come together to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight. I have introduced this important legislation, along with my colleague Tony Hall of Ohio, to establish a national commission to plan and develop programs and activities related to this anniversary, in addition to other duties. The Commission will be made up of 21 members. Twelve of these members will be U.S. citizens, who are not Government employees and will be appointed by the President. Of these, two will be chosen from among persons recommended by the majority leader of the Senate, two will be chosen from among persons recommended by Speaker of the House of Representatives in consultation with the Representatives whose districts encompass either the Wright Brothers National Memorial or the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, and eight will be chosen based on qualifications or experience in the field of history, aerospace science, or industry. In addition, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, the Director of the National Air and Space Museum, and the Administrator of NASA will be members of the commission. Finally, the following local officials will be included: the chairman of the First Flight Centennial Commission of North Carolina, the president of the First Flight Centennial Foundation of North Carolina, the Governor of Ohio, and the chairman of the 2003 Committee of Ohio. These members will receive no compensation. An executive director and appropriate staff will be hired. The commission will be charged with many responsibilities and duties. It will represent the United States and promote U.S. participation in international activities related to aviation history and the Centennial of Flight. It will encourage participation in national and international commemoration activities by U.S. aviation-related organizations and individuals with aviation interests. It will maintain and publish a calendar of events, provide national coordination for celebration dates, as well as provide a central clearinghouse for information on national and international activities. The commission will assist educational, civic, and commemorative activities that highlight achievements of Wilbur and Orville Wright in North Carolina and Ohio. Finally, the commission will raise funds in coordination with fund raising efforts at the state level. It may devise and license a logo, with excess royalties distributed equally between the state organizations. The commission will expire in 2004. Most would agree, there are few technological accomplishments that are more important than what was achieved for the first time by those two brothers, on that cold December morning in Kitty Hawk. The Wright Brothers' actions have touched every American in some way and have changed forever our international economy, the way we fight our wars and the way we live our lives. Perhaps most importantly, the invention of the airplane is a truly American accomplishment. It symbolizes a triumph of American ingenuity, determination, and hard work. Certainly this great tradition deserves the full support of our people and our Government. The Centennial of Flight Commemoration Act will serve to honor this great American institution as it should be. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 98, authorizing the use of the Capitol for the safe kids buckle-up car seat safety check. I have always believed, that it is of the utmost importance, that we protect those who are unable to protect themselves--our Nation's children. Sadly, in 1995, in North Carolina alone, 39 children, ages 8 and under died, as occupants in motor vehicle accidents. Of these, only nine, were restrained in child safety seats, and six were restrained by seat belts. Twenty-two of these children were completely unrestrained. In other words, many of these deaths could have been prevented, by proper child safety precautions. The safe kids buckle-up car seat safety check will help parents learn the importance of child safety seats, and it will help them ensure that the seats are used properly, so that we can prevent such tragic deaths in the future. This program will save children's lives. As a member of the bipartisan Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus, working for the safety of America's children, I strongly support House Concurrent Resolution 98. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to thank the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Smith] and his committee members and their staff for their work and efforts to bring this important legislation to the floor of the House. Last year this body passed the original War Crimes Act of 1996. It was quickly considered by the Senate and signed into law. The bill enhanced U.S. authority to prosecute certain war crimes and further U.S. implementation of the 1949 Geneva Convention. It was an important time in United States history as we finally gave our men and women in uniform serving our country overseas the protection of the United States judicial system. While the passage of the original war crimes bill was a significant step for the United States in the protection of victims of war, today we have another opportunity to make an equally important step. This bill which is before the House today reaches beyond the grave breaches of the Geneva Convention. Specifically, H.R. 1348 expands the definition of war crimes to include a more general category of war crimes, to include important sections of the fourth Hague Convention respecting laws and customs of war and land; Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention dealing with noninternational armed conflict; and Protocol II on landmines. This expansion will allow U.S. courts to fully protect victims of war by including these additional conventions and protocols which the United States has signed. Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that President Clinton called for Congress to further strengthen the law in this area by enacting the very expansion proposed in this bill before us today. In fact, the Department of Defense, the State Department, the Department of Justice and the American Red Cross have also voiced their support for this expansion of the original War Crimes Act of 1996. Mr. Speaker, this is a strong bipartisan bill which will rectify the existing discrepancies between our Nation's intolerance for war crimes and our inability to prosecute all war criminals. Again, I would like to thank the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Hyde], chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Members on both sides of the aisle for their support. This bill is supported by the President of the United States, and over 50 Members of the House have signed this bill. I urge my fellow Members to support this important bill and pass H.R. 1348.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Chairman, some have chosen to target the tobacco farmer. The denial of crop insurance is another attempt to suffocate a legitimate industry. This amendment will have a devastating effect on the tobacco farmer and his family. All farmers work hard to put food on the table for their families. The tobacco farmer is no different. He is no different than a corn farmer in the Midwest or a cotton farmer in Alabama. All farmers, including the tobacco farmers, deserve crop insurance. For the sake of fairness, vote ``no'' on the Lowey amendment. Some of my colleagues have chosen again to target the tobacco farmer. The denial of crop insurance to tobacco farmers and their family is simply another unfair and insensitive attempt to suffocate a legitimate industry. Some Members believe this amendment will stop teenagers from smoking. That is absolutely wrong. It will stop one person from smoking; it won't even punish the industry. Instead it will have a devastating effect on the tobacco farmer and his family. The farmer will be left unprotected, unlike any other farmer who grows a legal producing crop. All farmers work hard to make ends meet, to put food on the table for their families--the tobacco farmer is no different. He is no different than a corn farmer in the Midwest or a cotton farmer in Alabama. This amendment will blatantly discriminate against a legal commodity. These hard-working farmers struggle every day to make ends meet. You will be dealing them a devastating blow to their ability to make a living. Insurance premiums will double, if not triple, if they are required to seek private insurance, which may not be available. The economies of tobacco-producing States will be devastated by this amendment. Tobacco is a $7 billion industry for North Carolina--the State contributes $2.8 billion a year in Federal taxes. Schools, hospitals, community buildings, churches, and other community-based projects will not be built because of this revenue loss. At the national level, tobacco contributes $22.6 billion a year in Federal tax revenue--this money does not just come from producing States. Even nongrowing States will also be hit economically. New York, for example, could lose up to $4 billion if this amendment passes and as indicated it puts the tobacco farmer out of business. Even the State of California could lose up to $4 billion. I question whether any State can afford this revenue loss. I would like to ask my colleague from New York who will replace this revenue. In my opinion, it will be on the back of the taxpayer. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the Lowey amendment and not to discriminate against our farmers.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the chairman and ranking member of the subcommittee for their time and support in helping to secure passage of H.R. 765, the Shackleford Banks Wild Horses Protection Act. As the chairman mentioned, H.R. 765 simply requires the National Park Service to maintain a representative herd of wild horses on Shackleford Banks, a part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. These horses have been roaming free for over 300 years, much like their descendents, the Spanish mustangs which swam ashore after Spanish galleons wrecked off the North Carolina coast centuries ago. As one can imagine, these horses have become a permanent part of North Carolina's heritage. Generation after generation of schoolchildren have been taught about these horses and their unique story. Some time ago the Park Service ignored the cultural importance of these horses and began initiating a management plan to reduce the size of the herd. I was amazed at the arrogance of the Park Service in its inability to work with local citizens for the best interests of the community and the region. After witnessing the behavior and track record of the Park Service, I introduced H.R. 765 out of a concern for the health and the future of the Shackleford Banks wild horses. This legislation requires the Park Service to maintain a herd of not less than 100 horses and not more than 110 horses, a number determined by sound science, not unelected bureaucrats. The numbers were reached in consultation with Dr. Dan Rubenstein, a professor of biology at Princeton University who has been studying these horses for more than 14 years. Also, a genetic scientist working in consultation with the Park Service also believes the herd should consist of at least 100 horses. The numbers are consistent with the number of horses that were on the island when the Park Service assumed ownership of the land back in the 1970's. This legislation, as mentioned before, is strongly supported by North Carolina's Democratic Governor, Jim Hunt, our Democratic secretary of cultural resources, Betty McCain, and numerous local elected officials. I have even received petitions signed by schoolchildren across the State of North Carolina encouraging passage of this legislation. After being part of the effort to save these horses, I believe this legislation is the only line of protection between the Park Service's intent to manage the vegetation instead of this national treasure. I strongly encourage my colleagues to support passage of this legislation and the continuation of this historical rich herd, which is so important to the State of North Carolina.

Mr. JONES. I yield to the gentleman from American Samoa.

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, yes, sir, I appreciate the gentleman's question. I tried before this legislation was introduced to reach some common ground with the Park Service, and quite frankly I saw no sincere interest on their part, I use the word sincere, until I introduced the bill.

Mr. JONES. Yes, sir.

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his help, too.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words, and I yield to the gentleman from California [Mr. Riggs].

Mr. JONES. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the importance of capital gains tax relief for Americans of all ages. When I was home in eastern North Carolina for July 4, people, both young and old, expressed their appreciation that Congress has finally voted to give them a capital gains tax reduction. These people are not wealthy. They are just good hard-working Americans who are doing their best that they can to pay their bills and save for the future. Capital gains tax relief will help them buy a family home and save for their children's education. A break in this excessive tax will also help senior citizens who rely on their savings for their livelihood. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who supported a reduction in the capital gains tax. I hope we can work together to continue to provide Americans with the tax relief they so rightly deserve.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, the liberals often refer to a reduction in the capital gains tax as a ``tax cut for the wealthy.'' This is simply not the case. I know of a large number of farmers, senior citizens, and middle-income families in my district who would greatly benefit from a reduction in the capital gains tax. I think my constituents would be extremely disappointed to hear that the liberals in Washington have declared them wealthy. My constituents are good, hard-working Americans, who do the best they can to make ends meet, especially when they have to send so many of their dollars to Washington to pay for big government. The taxpayer should not be penalized for selling a farm or a home or for being among the 43 percent of adult Americans who own stock. A reduction in the capital gains tax rate means real relief for real, hard-working Americans.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, most Americans do not feel that they are getting good value for their tax dollar. If people felt that the Government used their tax dollar wisely, to benefit those that truly need the help, they would not resent paying their share of the taxes. But when the Government takes more and more of our money each year and all we get in return are more failed programs, more Government waste, and more money that goes straight into the pockets of special interests, that is when the taxpayer feels cheated. The liberals have forgotten that the average working family spends more on taxes than the same average working family spends on clothing, housing, and food combined. The taxpayers want to be sure that their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent wisely and that they are helping their fellow citizens, who truly need the help. Mr. Speaker, the taxpayers of America deserve tax relief. It is time to give the taxpayers tax relief. {time} 1015

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Chairman, United States troops in Bosnia have been forgotten. Clearly the saying, out of sight, out of mind, applies to our men and women in Bosnia. While many Americans were opposed to deploying U.S. troops to Bosnia, we found some comfort in knowing that our troops were to come home at the end of 1 year. Well, Mr. Chairman, as we know, the President has broken his promise time and again and still will not commit to a withdrawal date. Enough is enough. I am a supporter of national defense, and I believe our men and women in Bosnia are doing an extraordinary job under tough circumstances; but I am troubled by an operation with no congressional authorization, no congressional consultation. In fact, our only function is to pay the bill. It is time for Congress to play a role and support the Hilleary amendment to ensure the safe and orderly withdrawal of United States troops from Bosnia. America has done its duty. Let us bring our troops home.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, many Americans mistakenly associate April 15 with the end of their financial obligation to the Government. Some believe Tax Freedom Day is a day which marks the end of our financial obligation to pay for the cost of government. Unfortunately, it takes until July 3, more than half the year, to free yourself and your family from the heavy hand of the Government's costs. The average American will be working 183 days this year to pay for the ever-growing spending and regulations that originate from this town every year. According to the Americans for Tax Reform Foundation, Government spending at all levels equals more than $3.5 trillion. The resolution of the gentleman from Texas [Mr. DeLay] sends a message to American taxpayers that this Congress understands their burden and we are committed to doing everything possible to deliver tax relief as well as relief from the web of regulations that burden so many Americans each year. I urge my colleagues to support resolution 102.

Mr. JONES

Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, the debate about granting most-favored-nation status to China is not just about trade, it is about human rights. We in the United States place great value on our freedoms. The freedom of speech and the freedom to practice religion are ideals on which our country was founded. The United States is the greatest, freest nation in the world. We enjoy the status, and yet we continue to support the oppressive Chinese Government through trade. This is not right. The Government of the People's Republic of China is one of the most oppressive governments in the world. We have all seen footage of the terrible massacre in Tiananmen Square. Unfortunately, such massacres are hardly rare occurrences in China. The Chinese people suffer horrible violations of their basic human rights every day. Citizens have been arrested for crimes such as signing petitions to protect human rights and speaking out peacefully in favor of democracy. Thousands of those arrested for supporting democracy or human rights become political prisoners in Chinese jails where they are beaten and tortured. To make matters worse, Mr. Speaker, China's human rights violations extend well beyond the political realm. The Chinese people are often arrested as criminals simply for holding religious beliefs. The government continues to increase its persecution of evangelicals, Protestants, Buddhists, and Roman Catholics who choose to worship independently from the government-controlled church, a church that does not recognize the Pope. Hundreds of Protestants and Roman Catholics were detained last year for practicing their faith. Forty Roman Catholics, for example, were arrested by police officers during Easter celebrations, and many of them were beaten. The police in China have conducted raids on nunneries and monasteries, detaining and torturing many of these people of God. Furthermore, the Chinese Government maintains a policy of forced abortions and sterilizations. The government is not only killing supporters of freedom and religion, it is killing innocent babies. As a man of deep religious faith and as a citizen of the United States, I cannot stand for this. By continuing to grant most-favored- nation status to China, the United States is bolstering an oppressive government that is constantly violating the basic human rights of its people. Most-favored-nation status for China also bolsters a government that works against America's national security interests. Evidence suggests that the Chinese Government is heavily involved in missile and weapons technology transfers to Iran, one of our enemies. This is not a practice that the United States should support in any way. A recent Louis Harris poll shows that 67 percent of Americans are opposed to renewing China's MFN status. Let me repeat that, Mr. Speaker. A recent Louis Harris poll shows that 67 percent of the American people are opposed to renewing China's MFN status. As representatives of the people, I believe that Congress should follow the will of the people and revoke this status. It is high time that we follow the will of the people of America and send a real message to the Chinese Government. For the sake of democracy, religious freedom, the lives of the good people of China, and America's national security, I urge my colleagues to vote against renewing most-favored- nation status for the oppressive Chinese Government.