Mark Kirk

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Chairman, I thank the distinguished gentleman from California for yielding to me, and I rise in reluctant opposition to the dean of the House. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is funded on the principle that peace in the Middle East is based on security and that long-lasting peace in the Middle East cannot be based on Israel's insecurity. As America has subsidized Lebanon, we have a growing insecurity on Israel's northern border, and that does not help the peace process. This sends a message that Lebanon must control her own border. And let us remove all artifice. There is no such thing has Hezbollah. Hezbollah is a wholly owned subsidiary of the MOIS, the Iranian Intelligence Service. Is time that Iran's control of Lebanon's southern border with Israel ends, and this amendment sends that message.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Chairman, foreign policy issues now matter even more on Chicagoland's Main Street. The Seattle paper said it when the stocktickers will now read ``The Chicago-based Boeing Company.'' On behalf of the people of the northern suburbs, I want to welcome the Boeing headquarters to our community. This move will make Chicago home to the Nation's number two exporter, Motorola, and now America's number one exporter, Boeing. Chicago, Illinois, America's export capital. This move is a coups for the mayor of Chicago, our Governor and Speaker Hastert. It is a testament to our infrastructure investments in road, rail, and aviation. To win these battles in the future, we must continue such investments. Exporting jobs are the highest paid in America, and exports soften the blow of a recession and lead our way to economic growth. And Chicago is a toddling town tonight. I rise to congratulate the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for bringing this important foreign policy bill to the Congress. I would like to thank specifically the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for his support for international broadcasting and specifically for Radio Free Asia. RFA, like its predecessor, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Liberty, provides a critical service to the people living under oppression. Currently, RFA broadcasts to seven Asian countries in nine languages. This bill includes an extension of an increased authorization, which the broadcasting board of governors received last year as part of the China Permanent Normal Trade relations bill. This increased funding for Radio Free Asia and Voice of America is desperately needed to combat the jamming practices of the Chinese Government. During this time, when the U.S. is at a critical juncture with China, it is essential that various avenues are available to bring democracy to China and freedom to the Tibetan people and stability to the region. Radio Free Asia provides that very important link, a voice of democracy, freedom, and truth. Radio Free Asia was the first to broadcast the Tiananmen Papers inside China, and it recently linked a Tibetan inside Tibet with the Dalai Lama's private secretary in Darmsala to discuss Commentary Tibetan Buddhism and provided critical news and information to the Chinese during the recent plane incident. I look forward to RFA's continued service to create an even greater audience to bring democracy and freedom to Asia. I strongly support this bill. I congratulate the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and especially congratulate the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) on funding for Radio Free Asia.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with the President and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo) in celebrating small business week. Small businesses are the engine of our nation's economy providing 53 percent of the private work force and $63 billion worth of goods and services to the federal government. Additionally, small businesses are at the heart of our nation's communities providing charity to community service organizations and donations to direct service providers. I would like to acknowledge the hundreds of small businesses that reside in my district which are essential to our nation's social and economic vitality. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to extend my congratulations to Allstate corporation, which is located in my district, on receiving a 2001 Phoenix Award for their quick response in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia in the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd. The Allstate Corporation along with the countless other business and individuals who have dedicated their time and resource to our nation's communities should be commended.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I just want to thank the service of my chairman, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nussle), and also my ranking minority member, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt), the soul of discretion in this debate. But I do want to correct the record. There were two pages missing in this budget. They are now here. But what else is missing from this budget? Last year President Clinton proposed a $237 million increase in taxes between 2000 and 2010. That is missing from this budget. This year, leaders on the other side proposed a one-third plan, calling for $740 billion in new spending, with little details. That is missing from this budget. Last year President Clinton proposed the creation of 84 new Federal programs and the expansion of 162 others, and that, Mr. Chairman, is missing from this budget. Their one-third plan would pay millions of dollars in prepayment penalties from working taxpayers to the most wealthy bondholders. That is missing from this budget. So what is in this budget? What is in this budget is that we are on track for doubling resources to the National Institutes of Health; what is in this budget is the President's immediate Helping Hand prescription drug plan with the flexibility to expand that plan; what is in this budget is an 11 percent increase for education; and what is in this budget are the 1999 reforms that we did for the budget that protect Social Security. So, for me, I rise in strong support of this budget. There are 1,000 reasons why you could argue against a budget from all sides, but this is an historic agreement where we complete the Congress' action, and we do it on time.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, 21 of my bipartisan colleagues and I introduced my first bill, a measure important for the education of military children. Our bill is called GRADE-A, the Government Reservation Accelerated Development for Education Act, and it guarantees that federally-impacted schools receive the dollars they need from the impact aid program. Mr. Speaker, over 5,000 military personnel qualify for food stamps, and people who wear their country's uniform sometimes fall below the poverty line while their kids go to schools financially teetering on the edge. As we boost military pay and housing, we must also care for military kids. Mr. Speaker, over 90 percent of the funding for education comes from local funds, from funds such as property taxes. But what happens if that property is owned by the Federal Government and off the tax rolls? Kids report to class with no property tax dollars needed for their school. GRADE-A guarantees that the Federal Government will step in to ensure that these kids have the resources they need for their education. It ensures that when the military and other children from Federal property report for school that they are welcomed in a good school with sound financial backing. GRADE-A has been endorsed by the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools and many school administrators across the Nation. Mr. Speaker, as we make education our priority, let us remember the children of men and women in uniform.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, today 21 of my bipartisan colleagues and I are introducing a bill--entitled the GRADE-A Act, the Government Reservation Accelerated Development for Education Act. This is major legislation intended to improve education around the nation. In the average $10 million American school district, $9.3 million are raised from state and local taxes. This system works well when the children attending the local school live on property subject to local tax. This system does not work well when the federal government houses many children on land not subject to tax--such as a military base or Indian reservation. In these schools, the children report to class without financial backing--too many of these kids and the school district can go bankrupt. For many years, the federal government has made payments through a program called ``Impact Aid,'' intended to mitigate the impact of the federal presence on local schools. Between 1950 and 1969, the Impact Aid Program was fully funded. Since that time the funding level has not kept pace with the amount required to cover the Federal Government's tax obligation. In Fiscal Year 2001, the program will pay only 46% of the total amount required to cover the cost of the two formula driven provisions of the Impact Aid Program-- Section 8002 (Federal Property) and 8003 (Federal Connected Children). While school administrators and teachers across the country appreciate Impact Aid payments, they are usually paid late and fail to cover the cost of the children who enter school. For example, the Highland Park, Illinois, school district pays approximately $11,000 a year to educate a student. The Impact Aid program provides just $500 per child. Local taxpayers living on civilian property must then pay the extra $10,500 per year to educate that child. Too many of such children entering a school can bankrupt a whole school district. This nearly happened in North Chicago, Illinois. This community is home to the Great Lakes Naval Training Center where 50,000 naval recruits are trained annually. Hundreds of children from military housing came into the local school district each year. Several years ago, North GRADE-A would alter the current status of two sections of the Impact Aid program, making them into an entitlement program. The goal of this legislation is to improve federal impact aid for military dependents and other children living on federal lands. Impact Aid was created in 1950 when Congress recognized the obligation of the Federal Government to assist school districts and communities that experience a loss in their local property tax base due to the presence of the Federal Government. To offset this revenue loss to public school districts due to the tax-exempt status of the Federal Government, Congress established the Impact Aid Program. GRADE-A would ensure the effective delivery of Impact Aid by creating an Impact Aid Trust Fund to guarantee that local school districts are able to offer the best education to all students, whether they are of military parents or civilians. It guarantees prompt payment to schools without needless waits or bureaucracy. Under GRADE-A, Section 8002 of the current Impact Aid Law would become an entitlement, mandating that the local school districts receive the full value of the federal land which has been taken off the tax rolls. GRADE-A would also turn Section 8003, the Basic Support Payments, of the current Impact Aid law into an entitlement program. GRADE-A mandates that according to a pre-existing weighted formula, each school district receives full payment for each federally connected child. Currently, additional funding is provided in this section for special education children. Section 8003(d) under GRADE-A would now mandate that each school district receive all the monies currently granted under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for each Impact Aid child. GRADE-A honors our commitment to military families and other families, especially American Indians. It guarantees that those families who serve to protect our freedom and in turn protected by the federal government.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the majority bill here. H.R. 10 has a particular provision in it which I strongly support, and, that is, the catch-up provision for individuals age 50 and above. This is particularly important for working women. The provision allows women entering the workforce, presumably after raising children, to make an additional contribution of up to $5,000 to their IRA or their 401(k) plan. Within the next 15 years, more than 76 million baby boomers will retire. Studies have shown that older baby boomers have less than 40 percent of the savings they will need to maintain their standard of living in retirement. For women who have chosen to raise children at home and work intermittently, their situation is even more dire. The Department of Labor estimates that less than one in every three women are covered by a retirement pension plan. These plans are proven to pay out greater benefits than Social Security, yet they are not readily available to most women and employees of small businesses. H.R. 10 will allow women approaching retirement age to save the extra money they need, or to catch up on their retirement savings lost because of time off from work. H.R. 10 truly enhances retirement pension fairness for women, an important fact that is often overlooked in discussions about this legislation. H.R. 10 will improve the quality of life for millions of Americans during their retirement. I urge my colleagues to support these important modernizations and to oppose the substitute.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, today, we remember April 24, 1915 as one of the darkest days of the 20th century. It was on this day that 300 Armenian leaders, writers, religious figures and professionals in Constantinople were gathered together, deported, and brutally murdered. In addition, thousands more Armenian citizens were dragged out of their homes and murdered in the streets. Remaining citizens were taken from their homes and marched off to concentration camps in the desert, where many died of starvation and thirst. Following the horrific events of April 24, 1915, the Ottoman Empire systematically deprived Armenians of their homes, property, freedom, and ultimately, their lives. By 1923, 1.5 million Armenian citizens had been murdered, while half a million had been deported. Today, we must overcome the obstacle of denial. To this day, the Turkish Government continues to deny that the Armenian genocide ever took place. It is the responsibility of the United States and the international community to overcome this denial and recognize the horror that took place between 1915 and 1923. In addition, it is the duty of all nations of the world to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. The Armenian people have spent the last 10 years courageously establishing an Independent Republic of Armenia. These efforts are a testament to the strength and character of the Armenian people. The United States will continue to work with Armenia to ensure the establishment of a safe and stable environment in the Caucasus region. Recently, President Robert Kocharian met with Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev and international mediators from France, Russia and the United States to discuss peace options on the Karabagh conflict. I am confident that Albania will work towards a positive outcome in the Nagorno Karabagh Peace Talks. Today, I join my colleagues in recognizing the Armenian Genocide of 1915, and while this is indeed a day of mourning, we must also take this opportunity to celebrate Armenia's commitment towards democracy in the face of adversity.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 81, I voted ``yea.'' The voting machine recorded the vote but I was later informed that it was not recorded. I was present and I voted ``yea.''

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, continuing on that theme, I want to read the names of the crew: Richard Bensing, Steven Blocher, Bradford Borland, David Cecka, John Comerford, Shawn Coursen, Jeremy Crandall, Josef Edmunds, Brandon Funk, Scott Guidry, Jason Hanser, Patrick Honeck, Regina Kauffman, Nicholas Mellos, Ramon Mercado, Shane Osborn, Richard Payne, Kenneth Richter, Marcia Sonon, Jeffrey Vignery, Wendy Westbrook, Rodney Young, Richard Pray and Curtis Towne. Twenty-four Americans, day four of their being held in China. It is time to bring them home, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. Madam Speaker, China is a powerful nation, but not yet a great nation. Powerful nations muster armies and command territory, but great nations lead mankind and advance human values. China stands on the brink of being either powerful or great, and the events of the recent days disappoint us all and keep China from her own potential. With regard to the Hainan incident, I speak as a Naval Reserve officer and call on China to return our servicemen and women. Our aircraft was in international waters, unarmed and a danger to no one. China is a party to the Incidents-at-Sea Treaty, an agreement she signed but does not appear to abide by. China must return our servicemen and women and the aircraft and end this incident now. A nation like China is measured by how its treats people of different languages and religions. China's record on Tibet is disappointingly clear, and in human rights in general one of abuse and imprisonment for prisoners of conscience. Li Shaomin, recognized in China as a key leader, was jailed for sending e-news to her husband; Gao Zhan was detained February 11, along with her 5-year-old American son; Xu Zerong, an academician, was jailed last fall and still is held incommunicado; and Rabiya Kadir was jailed March 10 for giving her husband newspaper articles. Children in Tibet today are taught that religion is backward behavior. Nuns and monks make up 74 percent of China's political prisoners, and China regularly jams Radio Free Asia broadcasts designed to keep people informed. We must speak out. Chun-gua, China, and Mai-gua, the United States, can live in peace and become friends, but this depends on China adhering to international agreements like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Incidents-at-Sea agreements, both agreements China signed, and shared values.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the resolution. Today, we are preparing to vote to approve a responsible budget that meets our priorities: saving Social Security for seniors today and tomorrow, repaying $2.3 trillion in debt, improving education, providing a prescription drug benefit to our needy seniors, and providing tax relief to restart our flagging economy. This budget also addresses a number of other key issues. The value of investment in foreign assistance is included, with special mention given to the urgent funding needs to support the Middle East Peace Process and the war on drugs in the Andean countries. The work of the U.S. Agency for International Development is commended. This is a direct result of the critical work being performed in areas including health care, democracy building and disaster relief. The Great Lakes Naval Training Center is located in my district, and because of this vital role in training the fleet, naval training receives the attention it deserves in this resolution. Additional support is offered to the initiative to improve our national defense by reviewing the goals and needs of our Armed Forces to improve overall efficiency. This budget offers the Department of Defense the flexibility it needs to complete this thorough review and grants the Congress the ability to provide additional funding if the review deems it necessary. Special mention is made of our imperative need to clean up nuclear waste, an issue of great importance in the City of Zion. It is here that 1,000 tons of highly radioactive spent nuclear fuel is stored less than 120 yards from Lake Michigan. Both the President and now Congress commit to doubling funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the world's leading biomedical research institution. Because of the ground breaking research conducted at NIH, lives are saved and health care costs are reduced while jobs are created. This is particularly important for the health care companies based in my district, and this resolution addresses this critical need. As a member of the Budget Committee, I have seen Chairman Nussle and Ranking Minority Member Spratt set out to do the work of our Committee with a spirit of bipartisanship that shows itself in mutual respect, open dialog, and a willingness to hear all points of view. I am proud to support their efforts. Mutual respect has been evident during all of this year's budget debate. Open dialog has been the order of the day in all bipartisan meetings, and was especially evident during the markup of this budget resolution, when Budget Committee staff members presented a detailed functional breakdown of the budget and answered questions from all members of the Budget Committee. I want to commend the staff, particularly Rich Meade, Jim Bates, Jim Cantwell, Jason McKitrick and Paul Restuccia, for their expertise and hard work over the last few weeks. This budget is a first step toward implementing the priorities we all value. I urge my colleagues to support me in voting for it. To succeed in implementing the goals of this resolution, we need to continue to follow the principles of bipartisanship that Chairman Nussle has shown us in the Budget Committee. I urge my colleagues to support the Chairman in this, as well, and vote in favor of the resolution.

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Chairman, Eliran Rosenberg, Natali Landsgoren, and Shelhevat Pass, just 10 months old, three Israelis killed in recent terror attacks by bombs and a sniper, a sniper, where warning was given against these Israelis. This afternoon we have learned that Israel has taken action today against Force 17, Yassir Arafat's own personal security detail, that plants cars bombs in Israel. This budget fully funds the President's International Affairs Function 150 request of $23.8 billion and it sends a message to the Middle East and to the Arab League that we will stand by our allies, and especially Israel in her hour of need. This is a responsible budget and fully funds America's role in the world.

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Chairman, if the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) would yield?

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this budget, and I really question the competence of those who wrote it. This budget pays massive prepayment penalties on the U.S. debt to wealthy bondholders. If one wants to extract hard-working taxpayers' money and give it to rich people, then vote for the Progressive budget because we would pay those penalties to wealthy Americans. I would say for all of those who have looked at the charts of either side showing steep cuts in the Medicare fiscal viability as the baby boom generation retires, adding money to Medicare without Medicare reform is like arguing about whether we can afford dessert in the cafeteria of the Titanic. Our budget lays the groundwork for bipartisan reform on Medicare, ensuring that Medicare will survive into the future as the baby boomers retire. This budget includes a prescription-drug benefit. This budget operates under the key principle that Medicare should offer health care coverage as good as the one offered Congressmen.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, as a new member of the Committee on the Budget, I rise in support of this resolution. We have a problem facing our country and that is the economic forecasting which is an inexact science and mistakes start at the program level. For example, when Congress added the recent national dialysis benefit to Medicare in 1972, forecasts used at the time predicted that the program enrollment would level out at 90,000 patients by 1995. Medicare actuaries now expect enrollment to exceed 400,000 by 2005 at a per-patient cost of $37,000. Another example is the V-22 Osprey. DOD estimated in 1986 that the cost would be $32 million each, measured in 2000 dollars. That has now doubled to $83 million. DOD has kept total project cost overruns to only 40 percent above original estimates by reducing the number of aircraft from 913 to 458. Add the uncertainty of forecasting of general economic conditions such as program level errors and the very ability of budget forecasts, even one year out worsens the problem. In January 1999, CBO predicted a $131 billion surplus for FY 2000; fully $100 billion below the $236 billion actually achieved. This year, CBO states that its estimated $281 billion surplus for fiscal year 2001 could either be $50 billion too high or too low. We need to reduce the swing in budget projections. The Committee on the Budget must base its decisions on more accurate information. One important step in accuracy is to learn from the mistakes of the past. In the Committee on the Budget, we have bipartisan support for President Bush's testing under his education initiative, and that would have annual testing for students. We need to apply the same testing principle to the assumptions we use in budget forecasting. Another source of error in the economic forecasts have been the omission of real world economic responses to the estimates that assess the changes in government spending or taxing policy. The chairman of the Committee on the Budget needs the ability to request supplemental estimates from CBO to accurately assess the impact of policy changes enacted during the fiscal year on estimated Federal revenues and expenditures. These are decision tools needed by the chairman of the Committee on the Budget. In the recent hearing that we had on this rule, I proposed a change that would empower the chairman, in consultation with the ranking minority member, to get that data. I look forward to working with the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss), the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price), and other members of the subcommittee, on legislative and budget process, to improve budget forecasting in the models that we use so that we make better decisions here in the Congress. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this measure.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I would say, first of all, talk about hitting the ground running, as the new chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the gentleman is bringing this legislation so quickly to the House floor. When I described this legislation at my recent veterans' town hall meeting in north Chicago, Illinois, it got a standing ovation and is strongly supported. For us, hitting the ground running on veterans' issues is, I think, a crucial in paying our debt to the greatest generation for what they gave to our country. Mr. Speaker, if there was a veterans caucus here in the Congress, including the veterans of Bosnia, Kosovo, and Operation Northern Watch in Iraq, I would be it. As a veteran of the most recent conflicts, we pay homage to those who served before us in much more difficult and arduous conflicts. I have to really give my thanks to those men and women who introduced me and educated me on the importance of veterans' care: Larry Jenkins of the AFGE, shop steward in north Chicago; Johnny Allen, our Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission member; Al Pate, our very able director of the north Chicago VA Medical Center. I want to say how strongly I feel about the need for bipartisan cooperation, and really hail the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) for his leadership on this issue. For us in the north Chicago VA medical system, we really need this health care. We really need to expand benefits in the way that H.R. 801 outlines, in order to pay a debt that is owed for all of the freedoms that we enjoy. We know, and the current data shows, that the children of military families overwhelmingly are those who sign up to provide the new duty, so the children of the men and women who protect us now will be those who protect us in the future. Making sure that we honor the debt and promise that we gave to them under President Lincoln's mandate is a crucial thing for me in my service here. I want to salute the gentleman from New Jersey (Chairman Smith), and urge all Members to support this legislation.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Madam Chairman, this budget is based on really three key principles of economic growth, fiscal responsibility and protecting those most in need. We all know the economy has soured. In my own congressional district, Motorola has laid off employees, Outboard Marine has gone bankrupt and so has Montgomery Ward. We know that the best education program and the best health care program and the best Social Security program is parents with a job. This budget does that. This budget also pays down debt, $2 trillion in debt, leaving us at a level of debt not seen since the Wilson administration in 1917. This budget also protects those most in need. We increase funding for special education, move towards our goal of doubling the National Institutes of Health and lay the groundwork for saving Social Security and Medicare; saving Social Security and Medicare. Our seniors know that Social Security and Medicare are in trouble over the long-term and even the charts of the other party show that very clearly, with a precipitous drop around 2015. Our seniors know that we will go from 30 million collecting a Medicare benefit and Social Security to 90 million as the baby-boom generation retires. They know that Medicare has an $11 trillion unfunded liability; that Social Security has a $9 trillion unfunded liability, and the way out of this is bipartisan Medicare modernization and reform. President Bush put his hand out during his speech to the Nation on this, and it is incumbent upon us to make that happen. We know that the Medicare part A fund is solid for the next couple of years, but part B, the part that goes to pay for doctors, is already in debt. For us, I believe the key principle we should abide by is that health care offered to Medicare seniors should be as good as that offered a Congressman. That is the principle upon which we must make our decisions on this budget. This budget restarts our economy, making sure that parents have a job and can provide health care. This budget pays down debt and this budget leaves a foundation for bipartisan Medicare reform. Now my hat goes off to the chairman of the Committee on the Budget, the gentleman from Iowa (Chairman Nussle), who has really hit the ground running with this document. I really have to commend our ranking minority member, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt), who is the epitome of dignity in this process. It is in that spirit that we have to take on the Medicare challenge. When one looks at the number of people who will retire in the coming years, as our baby-boom generation passes from their working years, we need to join together to make sure that we have Medicare modernization that offers a prescription drug benefit, that offers a choice of doctors and that controls spending.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because Sunday marks the 180th anniversary of the revolution that earned the independence of the Greek people from the Ottoman Empire. Nearly 400 years ago, after the fall of Constantinople, Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the Greek flag at Agia Lavras, sparking a powerful revolution against the Ottoman oppressors. Citing the values and priorities that led to the establishment of our own country here in the United States, the Greek commander chief, Petros Mavromichalis, once proclaimed that ``in imitating you, we shall imitate our ancestors and be thought worthy of them if we succeed in resembling you . . . it is for you, citizens of America, to crown this glory.'' Following the triumphs of 1821, Greece continued to prove itself as a loyal ally of the United States and an internationally recognized advocate of democracy. Greece is one of only three nations in the world beyond those of the former British Empire to be allied with the United States in every major international conflict of the 20th century. From the trenches of World War I to the barren fields of Desert Storm, Greece remains faithful to the implementation and sustainment of democracy. Most recently in the Balkans, Greece has played a steady hand of democracy in the face of regional unrest and instability. Mr. Speaker, we depend on Greece more than ever today. As conflict spreads in the neighboring former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Greece's role as a stable democracy and key NATO ally becomes more important. All eyes now turn to young leaders in the Mediterranean like Greece's Foreign Minister Papandreou to advise us on the path of peace. A path to peace. Would that we could have one in Cyprus, divided by a cold war barrier that is as ugly as it is outdated. We look with hope at the new Bush administration and their role in bringing together the leaders from Ankara, Nicosia, Athens to find peace. Greece is a special jewel of beauty in the Mediterranean from the ecology of Patmos to the vibrant Rembetiko of the Plaka. I want to wish a hearty congratulations to the Greek people and pay special regards to one of the leading Greek-Americans of northern Illinois, State Senator Adeline Geo-Karis of Zion, who is one of our true leaders. I am sure she will correct all of my pronunciation in the Greek language. We wish the Greek people well. To Greece, we say to a free and democratic ally: Cronia polla hellas.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize a great ally of the United States, Tunisia, as she celebrates 45 years of independence. In 1797, the United States signed a Treaty of Peace and Friendship with the North African country of Tunisia. Over 150 years later, Tunisia peacefully gained independence from France. Today, we congratulate Tunisia for 45 years as an independent nation. The Republic of Tunisia has remained a steadfast friend to the United States, joining Allied forces during World War II and continuing support throughout the Cold War. Today, Tunisia enjoys a burgeoning economy, as the nation's per capita income continues to grow substantially. One of Tunisia's most valuable assets has been its continued willingness to further the Middle East peace process. Despite being surrounded by nations engulfed in political turmoil, Tunisia continues to take an active role in fighting terrorism and international unrest. I congratulate Tunisia on 45 years of independence and look forward to the United States' continuing strong relations with Tunisia for years to come. Please join me in celebrating the 45th Anniversary of Tunisia's independence.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Stanfield has not seen her brother for 50 years. She is a symbol of the 500,000 Korean-Americans separated from their families in North Korea. While substantial progress has been made to reunite South-Korean families with their known relatives, nothing has been done for Korean- Americans living in this country. Her cause is our cause, and we have now formed the Korean-American Coalition of the Midwest. I issue a call to sign our petition to put the reunification of 500,000 families, Korean-American families, with their known relatives on the U.S. DPRK agenda. Together we can make this humanitarian cause our cause. I salute our Secretary of State, Colin Powell, and his commitment this morning to review this issue.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 46 I stuck my voting card in the machine and pressed ``aye.'' The machine apparently malfunctioned. It should have reflected my ``yea'' vote.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his comments. As a new member of the Committee on Armed Services, I look forward to working with the Committee on International Relations to support this alliance.

Mr. KIRK. I yield to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Israel on its free and fair elections and congratulate Prime Minister-elect Ariel Sharon. He is now our partner in peace with this new administration, our President, and a new Congress that must restart the peace process. Elections are the cornerstones of democracies, and Israel is the preeminent democracy in the Middle East. The United States, as Israel's most important and steadfast ally, honors this election and the new government of Prime Minister Sharon. Secretary of State Colin Powell recently said that Congress must continue to support Israel and her true partners in peace. And I am sure that we will do that. And this will be for Israel's long-term security. We must finish to respect Israel's right to fight against terrorism and work to uphold and strengthen the security of her people. I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the ranking member, for their initiative on this; the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor), my freshman colleague; and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), my former boss and colleague.