Tom Lantos

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to respond to some of the observations the gentleman from Texas made. I think the gentleman from Texas is correct in recognizing the importance of private investment flows to Europe. I think they played an absolutely critical role in European recovery. But I wonder whether he would not agree with me that without creating the framework of political stability, military security, the rebuilding of the infrastructure, the absolutely indispensable achievements of the Marshall plan, none of that capital would have flowed into Europe. I was in Europe in 1945 and in 1946 and in 1947 and it was a continent of devastation, destruction, hopelessness and despair. No American company was interested in investing in a battlefield, which Europe was at the end of the Second World War. It was the creativity and the vision of American political leadership on a bipartisan basis that created the framework for all of the subsequent investments and trade which flowed after the basic preconditions were created by the Marshall plan. My friend from Texas should rejoice with us that this was a shining moment of American history. It was one of the most beautiful moments of American history when we went in to do good and succeeded in doing well for us and for our European friends. I do not see any point in diminishing this achievement of President Truman and Secretary of State Marshall and Senator Vandenberg and Congressman Christian Herter, who served in this body and who as a Republican did so much to support these measures. When the history of this century is written, there will be a shining moment of American bipartisan political leadership which is represented as we celebrate it with the Marshall plan. What is called for now is a recognition that the Marshall plan, because of Soviet occupation of central and eastern Europe, could only do half the job. It could only do the job in western Europe. We along with our European friends now have an opportunity to complete the job.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut [Mr. Gejdenson].

Mr. LANTOS. If I may reclaim my time, not only was it not harmful, it was the inevitable precondition of development. The gentleman should be open-minded enough to admit that this was an enormously statesmanlike and incredibly successful measure, and I have difficulty visualizing the need 50 years later, looking at a success story, trying to denigrate it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is a most significant anniversary-- an anniversary, we, in the Congress, wholeheartedly join in celebrating. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the first anniversary of the direct election of Lee Teng-Hui as President of the Republic of China on Taiwan. One year ago the people of Taiwan went to the polls to cast their ballots for President in a free and open democratic election. One year ago, we witnessed a great triumph for democracy--a triumph in the face of threats and intimidation. As my colleagues recall, 1 year ago, the people of Taiwan faced the threat of military attack by the People's Republic of China which conducted missile tests less than 50 miles off the coast of Taiwan. Beijing combined aggressive statements with threats of military action in a determined effort to coerce the people of Taiwan into abandoning their democratic aspirations. Despite these serious attempts at intimidation, voters turned out in the Presidential election in heavy numbers. President Lee was elected overwhelmingly in a race between three candidates in an election that was--by every account--free and fair and democratic. Mr. Speaker, President Lee's election is important to remember today because this marks the first time a Chinese head of state has ever been elected by popular vote. It also marks the culmination of a 10-year process of transforming Taiwan into a vibrant market-oriented democracy. In 1986 the Republic of China on Taiwan embarked on a mission to empower all of its citizens to decide freely and democratically who would be the leaders of their government. That process led to the election of city councilmen, municipal officials, and national legislators, and it reached its ultimate conclusion in the first Presidential election last year. Mr. Speaker, during President Lee Teng-Hui's first term as democratically elected President, Taiwan saw its economy remain strong and its stock market soar. I am certain that my colleagues join me in commending and congratulating President Lee on a most successful first year, and we wish him and all of the people on Taiwan continued peace and prosperity.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call the attention of my colleagues in the Congress to the extraordinary educational career of Lois A. Callahan, the chancellor of the San Mateo Community College District. After 27 years of service to the San Mateo Community College District, Ms. Callahan will retire at the end of this academic year as chancellor. The necessity of higher education has become increasingly apparent in our competitive society. People of all ages realize that happiness and success are often tied to a college education. Invaluable teachers-- such as Lois Callahan have risen to the challenge of preparing Americans to be a part of a highly educated and skilled work force. Like most dedicated educators, Lois Callahan's career in--and commitment to--education started at an early age. In 1954 she graduated from Southwest Missouri State University, with a degree in business and education. Lois continued her education at California State University, Chico, were she earned a master's degree in business education. She received a doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Southern California in 1973. Lois also earned certificates in educational programs at Harvard and Stanford. Lois Callahan's teaching career started at the College of San Mateo in 1968 as an instructor of business. She taught at UC Berkeley and Santa Cruz as well as California State University, Hayward. Ms. Callahan returned to the College of San Mateo, and taught there until 1974 as a professor in the School of Business. Lois Callahan moved on into the field of education administration, becoming the dean of Education at San Jose City College in 1974. She was the first woman to hold this post in the California community college system. She did not forget her dedication and commitment to the College of San Mateo, however, and she became dean of Instruction in 1976 and eventually president in 1978. In 1991 Ms. Callahan became the chancellor-superintendent of the San Mateo County Community College District. Mr. Speaker, beyond her outstanding career in education, Lois Callahan has made a magnificent contribution to our community. She is a member of the board of directors of the United Way and the San Mateo County Mental Health Association, and she serves as chair of the San Mateo County Leadership Council. Lois is an active and dedicated member of numerous other organizations throughout the bay area. Lois Callahan is an outstanding member of our community and an inspiration to all of us on the peninsula. She has received many awards, including the U.S. Department of Education Secretary's Award, and she was inducted into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame. Lois Callahan has dedicated her life to our community. She will be sorely missed, but we wish here a happy and fulfilling retirement.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in commending the Human Investment Project, Inc. [HIP] for its outstanding efforts to provide affordable housing opportunities to low-income persons who wish to reside in San Mateo County, CA. I am enormously proud of HIP's record of accomplishment and am honored to be able to praise its good work. In these times of budgetary constraints, when Federal, State, and local governments are forcing the most vulnerable members of our society to fend for themselves, we inevitably turn to private, nonprofit organizations to step in and help. HIP meets that challenge by serving the housing needs of the community with an emphasis on those with special needs including single parent families, seniors, and the homeless. Founded in 1972, HIP set out to assist the disadvantaged and disabled living in San Mateo County. As times changed and new housing challenges arose, however, HIP developed new and innovative responses. HIP began with the homesharing help and information program, a service linking people with housing to share with others needing a place to live at an affordable price. Since its creation, HIP has made more than 7,000 homesharing placements and has become the largest provider of shared housing in the Nation. In 1985, HIP created the lease-a-home program where it leases properties on the open market and then sublets them to people with special needs at an affordable price. HIP also manages properties through its property development program where it manages group share homes and apartment units for low-income and homeless persons and developmentally disabled adults. In 1987, HIP established the home equity conversion program to assist seniors in turning their home equity into cash that allows them to keep living at home. Due to this program's outstanding reputation statewide, lenders and services providers have been referring clients to HIP for counseling. HIP's efforts to help low-income single-parent families--undoubtably the most underserved segment of the population in terms of affordable housing--resulted in several programs aimed at self-sufficiency for single parents. The group share program established in 1988 provides shared living for single-parent families with two or more children. In 1991, HIP began its self-sufficiency program to subsidize rent and utilities for single parents who live in HIP owned or managed property so that they can continue their education or job training and find employment. HIP's mentor program supplements the self-sufficiency program by matching participants with volunteer mentors. Mentors provide guidance and support for professional growth and career advancement. Most recently in 1993, HIP embarked on its homelessness prevention program. This effort targets those who are homeless or at the greatest risk of homelessness: the disabled, persons with special needs, single parents, the working poor, and others in affordable housing. The program matches these candidates with very low rent opportunities or opportunities to provide services in lieu of rent. As a result of its commitment to the citizens of San Mateo County, HIP has received well-deserved recognition. The 102d U.S. Congress cited HIP for its ``innovative solution to vexing housing problems.'' In addition, the American Society on Aging granted HIP its Best Practice Award for its work with the elderly. Mr. Speaker, once again, I urge my colleagues to join me in commending the Human Investment Project for making a tremendous and lasting contribution to the citizens of San Mateo County. Standing out among the myriad activities and projects that occupy our daily lives, HIP struggles to keep homelessness at bay for thousands of people. In its perseverance and dedication, the Human Investment Project humbly reminds us that we are our brothers' and sisters' keeper.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to an outstanding voice for human rights in the People's Republic of China, and to join me in demanding his immediate release from prison. Wei Jingsheng, a former soldier and an electrician at the Beijing Zoo, has become the best known pro-democracy activist in China today. He challenged China's authoritarian system first in the late 1970's by mounting posters calling for freedom and democracy on the famous ``Democracy Wall'' in Beijing. For the ``crime'' of speaking out for democracy, he was jailed on charges of ``counter-revolutionary'' activities in 1979 and remained a prisoner of conscience until September 1993. Immediately after his release from prison in 1993, Wei Jingsheng was threatened and intimidated by Chinese authorities for speaking out publicly in support of democracy and freedom of speech. He also continued to maintain contacts with foreigners, including my good friend, the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, John Shattuck. Shortly after meeting with John Shattuck, Wei Jingsheng was again arrested, and in a blatant violation of Article 48 of the Chinese Criminal Procedure Law--which stipulates that a person can only be held for 10 days without charge--he was held incommunicado for almost 20 months. Prior to his trial, his family had no information about his whereabouts or the charges being brought against him. In a trial which leading human rights groups called a mockery of justice, Wei Jingsheng was charged with activities aimed at toppling the Chinese Government, and he was sentenced to 14 years in prison on December 12, 1995. Today, Mr. Speaker, we are marking the publication of Wei Jingsheng's remarkable book ``The Courage To Stand Alone: Letters From Prison and Other Writings.'' It is the determination, the tenacity, and the courage of men and women such as Wei Jingsheng that will change China, that will bring a new day of respect for human rights in China. Clearly we have not yet reached a time when freedom and democracy flourish in the People's Republic of China, but the brave pioneers of a better and more human future for China, such as Wei Jingsheng, will bring about that day. We in the United States Congress must continue our support for their struggle, for respect by the Chinese Government for human rights.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, at an extremely moving ceremony in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol last Thursday, Members of Congress, the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of our Nation's executive and judicial branches, and hundreds of survivors of the Holocaust with their friends and family gathered to commemorate the National Days of Remembrance. This was an occasion when we take the time to remember the horror and inhumanity of the Holocaust. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of the unspeakable horror of the Holocaust and the importance that we never forget that tragedy, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council was established by Congress to preserve the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. One of the most important tasks in this effort is the annual Days of Remembrance commemoration in the rotunda of our Nation's Capitol. This year, Antonin Scalia, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court gave the principal address at the ceremony. Mr. Speaker, I am inserting the remarks of Justice Scalia into the Record, and I urge my colleagues to give thoughtful attention to his excellent comments: Distinguished Members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Survivors of the Holocaust; Ladies and Gentlemen: I was profoundly honored to have been invited to speak at this annual ceremony in remembrance of those consumed in the holocaust. But it is not, I must tell you, an easy assignment for a non-Jew to undertake. I am an outsider speaking to an ancient people about a tragedy of unimaginable proportions that is intensely personal to them. I have no memories of parents or children, uncles or cousins caught up in and destroyed by the horror. I have not even that distinctive appreciation of evil that must come from knowing that six million people were killed for no other reason than that they had blood like mine running in their veins. More difficult still, I am not only not a Jew, but I am a Christian, and I know that the antisemitism of many of my uncomprehending coreligionists, over many centuries, helped set the stage for the mad tragedy that the National Socialists produced. I say uncomprehending coreligionists, not only because my religion teaches that it is wrong to hate anyone, but because it is particularly absurd for a Christian to hate the people of Israel. That is to hate one's spiritual parents, and to sever one's roots. When I was a young man in college, spending my junior year abroad, I saw Dachau. Later, in the year after I graduated from law school, I saw Auschwitz. I will of course never forget the impression they made upon me. If some playwright or novelist had invented such a tale of insanity and diabolical cruelty, it would not be believed. But it did happen. The one message I want to convey today is that you will have missed the most frightening aspect of it all, if you do not appreciate that it happened in one of the most educated, most progressive, most cultured countries in the world. The Germany of the late 1920's and early 1930's was a world leader in most fields of art, science and intellect. Berlin was a center of theater; with the assistance of the famous producer Max Reinhardt, playwrights and composers of the caliber of Bertholt Brecht and Kurt Weil flourished. Berlin had three opera houses, and Germany as a whole no less than 80. Every middle-sized city had its own orchestra. German poets and writers included Hermann Hesse, Stefan George, Leonhard Frank, Franz Kafka and Thomas Mann, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1929. In architecture, Germany was the cutting edge, with Gropius and the Bauhaus school. It boasted painters like Paul Klee and Oskar Schlemmer. Musical composers like Anton Webern, Alban Berg, Arnold Schonberg, Paul Hindimith. Conductors like Otto Klemperer, Bruno Walter, Erich Kleiber and Wilhelm Furtwangler. And in science, of course, the Germans were preeminent. To quote a recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association: In 1933, when the National Socialist Party came to power in Germany, the biomedical enterprise in that country was among the most sophisticated in the world. German contributions to biochemistry, physiology, medicine, surgery, and public health, as well as to clinical training, had shaped to an important degree the academic and practice patterns of the time, and clinical training and research experience in the great German clinics and laboratories had been widely sought for decades by physicians and basic scientists from around the world. To fully grasp the horror of the holocaust, you must imagine (for it probably happened) that the commandant of Auschwitz or Dachau, when he had finished his day's work, retired to his apartment to eat a meal that was in the finest good taste, and then to listen, perhaps, to some tender and poignant Lieder of Franz Schubert. This aspect of the matter is perhaps so prominent in my mind because I am undergoing, currently, the task of selecting a college for the youngest of my children--or perhaps more accurately, trying to help her select it. How much stock we place in education, intellect, cultural refinement! And how much of our substance we are prepared to expend to give our children the very best opportunity to acquire education, intellect, cultural refinement! Yet those qualities are of only secondary importance--to our children, and to the society that their generation will create. I am reminded of words written by John Henry Newman long before the holocaust could even be imagined. ``Knowledge is one thing, virtue is another; good sense is not conscience, refinement is not humility, . . . Liberal Education makes . . . the gentleman. It is well to be a gentleman, it is well to have a cultivated intellect, a delicate taste, a candid, equitable, dispassionate mind, a noble and courteous bearing in the conduct of life. These are the connatural qualities of a large knowledge; they are the objects of a University. . . Yes, to the heartless. It is the purpose of these annual holocaust remembrances-- as it is the purpose of the nearby holocaust museum--not only to honor the memory of the six million Jews and three or four million other poor souls caught up in this 20th-century terror, but also, by keeping the memory of their tragedy painfully alive, to prevent its happening again. The latter can be achieved only by acknowledging, and passing on to our children, the existence of absolute, uncompromisable standards of human conduct. Mankind has traditionally derived such standards from religion; and the West has derived them from and through the Jews. Those absolute and uncompromisable standards of human conduct will not endure without an effort to make them endure, and it is to that enterprise that we rededicate ourselves today. They are in the Decalogue, and they are in the question put and answered by Micah: ``What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.'' For those six million Jews to whom it was not done justly, who were shown no mercy, and for whom God and his laws were abandoned: may we remember their sufferings, and may they rest in peace.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my distinguished colleague from Florida, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, in expressing concern for the human rights situation in Latin America and the Caribbean. I congratulate Congresswoman Brown for her leadership in requesting time so that we can have the opportunity to address these issues. As my colleagues know, my commitment to human rights around the world has often focused on the Americas, whether by pushing for declassification of our own Government's documents with regards to Guatemala and Honduras, or inquiring into our own end-use monitoring capabilities with regards to Mexico, or even monitoring human rights conditions in the Brazilian Amazon and its link to our contributions to the World Bank. So I welcome this opportunity to remind all of my colleagues that our human rights task in the Americas, while headed more or less in the right direction, is far from over. Indeed, we have much work ahead of us. We must remain ever vigilant to ensure that the fragile peace that was won in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua does not revert to the tempest of human rights violations. We must lend Mexico a helping hand to prevent that government from heading down the slippery slope of increasing human rights violations and to reinforce attempts at institutional reform. We must strengthen the resolve of Hondurans who are prosecuting those who tormented their society through illegality. We must support efforts in Haiti to ensure accountability in its newly trained police forces. And whether we are dealing with Chile or Venezuela, Brazil or Peru, we must unequivocally support all efforts to obtain justice for the countless victims and survivors of some of our neighbor's darkest periods of their history. Justice is a human right and as such is the birthright of every man, woman, and child on the face of the Earth. We must not forget that human rights are not luxuries or privileges. They are birthrights which I am proud to support. I would also like to take this opportunity to salute those courageous men and women who strive to make the respect for human rights a part of the everyday reality of their communities and their nations. These human rights defenders unfortunately are under attack in many areas of the Americas. But it is these same people who are our early warning systems in times of trouble. They are the ones on the front lines who can tell us whether or not a situation will worsen. The Colombian human rights defenders have been warning us--and dying while they do so--and we have all witnessed in horror as the paramilitaries in that nation have committed massacre after massacre, often in a preannounced fashion. Mexican defenders have warned us of the deterioration in basic respects and we have witnessed attack upon attack, while the defenders themselves are subjected to death threats, harassment, and even deportation. In Peru, defenders have received funeral wreaths from the same type of cowardly anonymous thugs who torment defenders elsewhere and in Honduras, not even the children are spared of attacks because of the work their parents do to protect those in need. Clearly this pattern of attacks against defenders must be reversed and we must do all we can to highlight the importance of defenders and our support for what they do. Our Nation must use all of its available resources and occasions to voice support of their courageous work. Indeed it is ironic that those who become involved in protecting the rights of others themselves become subject to attack and having their rights violated. Finally, we must not forget our role in this equation. We are members of the most powerful Government on this Earth. Every wink, every nod, every transfer of money and every piece of military hardware we send is interpreted as supporting one policy or another. Our silence is equally scrutinized so that when we remain silent in the face of human rights violations, those who commit them think that our Government does not care what happens. We can use this power for good or for ill and an important step is assuming our responsibility for our actions and becoming aware that our intentions must often be followed by our deeds and our words lest what we do or what we fail to do be misinterpreted. By siding with human rights and with its defenders, we assume this responsibility and face this challenge and ensure that the next generations will inherit a better world than what we inherited.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, at an extremely moving ceremony in the rotunda of the United States Capitol last Thursday, Members of Congress, the diplomatic corps, representatives of our Nation's executive and judicial branches, and hundreds of survivors of the Holocaust with their friends and family gathered to commemorate the National Days of Remembrance. This was an occasion when we take the time to remember the horror and inhumanity of the Holocaust. In 1933, more than 9 million Jews lived in continental Europe. Over the next decade the countries where these men and women and children lived were invaded, occupied, or annexed by Nazi Germany. By the end of the Second World War, 2 of every 3 of these European Jews were dead, and European Jewish life was forever changed. As my colleagues know, I was one of those fortunate individuals who survived that horrible era. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of the unspeakable horror of the Holocaust and the importance that we never forget that tragedy, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council was established by Congress to preserve the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. One of the most important tasks in this effort is the annual Days of Remembrance commemoration in the rotunda of our Nation's Capitol. I commend both the Council and the members of the Days of Remembrance Committee for their achievement this year, and I want to pay particular tribute to the chairperson of the Council, my dear friend Miles Lerman, for his extraordinary effort. The time of this year's Days of Remembrance commemoration was ``From Holocaust to New Life.'' This remarkable ceremony celebrated the lives and legacy of those on those who survived those darkest of days, and came to a new beginning here in the United States. As one survivor explained ``America gave me the opportunity to be a human being again.'' I fully understand those feels, Mr. Speaker. At the national civic commemoration, Chairperson Miles Lerman, delivered an outstanding speech on this solemn occasion. Mr. Speaker, I ask that his remarks be placed in the Record, and I urge my colleagues to read them. Salutations! In the days when the Jewish communities of Europe were rapidly being wiped off from the surface of the Earth and in the moments of our deepest despair, we clung to hope in spite of hopelessness. We dared to dream without really believing that our dreams would ever come true. Who of us would have believed then that the day would come when hundreds of survivors would gather in the Capitol rotunda in the heart of historic America to demonstrate our commitment to remembrance. Today as we commemorate the milestone of 50 years of new life in America, we must bear in mind that this milestone is not a celebration. This can only be a commemoration. The loss is too enormous, the pain is too deep and the memories are too traumatic. So let us use this auspicious moment to take stock of our accomplishments of the last fifty years. When the Nazi nightmare finally ended, we stood on the smoldering ruins of a devastated Europe, our families murdered, our homes destroyed or occupied by strangers and our dreams completely shattered. We had every reason to feel bitter with the world, suspicious and distrustful. As a matter of fact, there were those who believed that we survivors would never be able to fit in and readjust to a normal society again. Fortunately, we proved them wrong. We have mastered the strength to rebuild our lives and become a constructive part of the communities that we live in. We have every reason to be proud of our accomplishments. Fifty years ago we came to the shores of America not knowing the language or the customs of this country. Most of us came here penniless and most of us without any technical or professional training. But in spite of these shortcomings by sheer tenacity, by hard work and decent conduct, the survivors have managed to make an impact on the economic and cultural development of their respective communities or even beyond. Some of you whom we have chosen as symbols of this miraculous revival, created new industries and are giving employment to thousands of people. With your entrepreneurial spirit, some of you have managed to change the skylines of many cities in America. We survivors have every reason to be especially proud of our families and the children we have managed to raise. We succeeded to instill in them all the positive characteristics mankind has to offer; healthy work habits, love for study, and a desire to aim for excellence. As a result of this, our children have reached very impressive levels in the fields of science, technology and performing arts. So let us commemorate the 50th anniversary of new life in America with a sense of gratitude that it was our fate to defy Hitler's evil plans. A sense of achievement for having been able to play a role in re- igniting the sparks of Jewish creativity. But above all, we are here to express our deep gratitude to our new homeland, the United States of America and its people, for giving the survivors of the Holocaust an opportunity to pick up the broken shards and start rebuilding our devastated lives all over again. This is a gratitude that we will carry deep in our hearts forever and ever. I commend Ben Meed, the chairman of the National Days of Remembrance and his committee for designating this year's remembrance ceremony as a day of contemplation and a day of thanksgiving. However, we must bear in mind the expressions of gratitude cannot be limited to words only. Remembrance is only meaningful if it is translated into deeds--tangible deeds. During the creation and the building of the Holocaust Memorial Museum, survivors have demonstrated by tangible deeds that they do remember and know what to do with these memories. I am fully confident that survivors will continue to be in the forefront of remembrance because all of us firmly believe that destiny has chosen us to survive and become the guardians of this sacred flame. This is a legacy we must fulfill. This is an obligation that we and our children will carry for the rest of our days. Thank you.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, as the only survivor of the Holocaust ever elected to the Congress of the United States, I want to share with my colleagues a thoughtful editorial from the New York Times, entitled ``The Stain of Nazi Gold.'' Under Secretary of Commerce Stuart Eizenstat, one of our Nation's most respected and serious public servants, deserves enormous credit for having pursued this entire matter with extraordinary diligence, intelligence, and integrity. We all owe him a debt of gratitude. The Stain of Nazi Gold The honest excavation of history can bring sobering discoveries, as the American Government has now found in an examination of Nazi Germany's stolen gold and its redistribution after the war. No nation emerges unscathed from this investigation, including the United States, and many are disgraced. It is saddening but not altogether surprising to learn that morality and justice, especially the international obligation to look after the survivors of the Holocaust, were swiftly sacrificed to expediency when the gold was divvied up after the war. Remedying this failure, as the report rightly notes, is the unfinished business of World War II. The extraordinary inquiry, which involved the declassification of nearly one million pages of documents, was initiated by President Clinton after Switzerland coldly rebuffed Jews seeking to recover gold and other assets their families had deposited in Swiss banks before the war. Under the determined direction of Stuart Eizenstat, the Under Secretary of Commerce, and William Slany, a State Department historian, it touches on wartime economic collaboration with Germany but deals mainly with the anemic postwar effort to restore gold and other valuables to the nations and peoples from which they had been stolen. Sweden, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and Argentina will want to take notice. The extent of their economic cooperation with the Nazis has been slowly unfolding in recent years, but Mr. Eizenstat makes clear they profited from their neutrality. Even as the threat of German invasion waned in the last years of the war, Sweden sold Germany iron ore and ball bearings, Portugal provided tungsten for steelmaking, Spain traded goods and raw materials and Turkey shipped chrome. Argentina defied efforts to prevent the transfer of German funds there from Europe. Switzerland is properly singled out. Though helpful to the Allies as a base for spying, it served as Nazi banker, gold keeper and financial broker. Switzerland provided Germany with arms, ammunition, aluminum and agricultural products. These countries made only a fitful effort after the war to return the looted gold and other assets they received in payments from Germany during the war. Here America bears considerable responsibility. It led the postwar effort to recover and distribute the gold. Yet only a small portion of the $580 million in gold stolen from conquered governments, worth some $5.6 billion today, was ever recovered. Even less of the millions of dollars in gold and other assets taken from individuals was returned. Switzerland was aggressively unhelpful, resisting accounting and recovery efforts for years and not honoring agreements to liquidate German assets held in Switzerland. The American report estimates that as much as $400 million in German-looted gold remained in the Swiss National Bank at the end of the war, but no more than $98 million was returned. The task of tracing and apportioning the gold and other assets was daunting, but American officials tolerated intransigence by other nations and accepted pitiful restitution agreements in the name of cold-war solidarity. Eager to obtain access to an Azores air base in the 1950's, Washington let Portugal surrender only about one-tenth of the German gold it held at the end of the war. Spain eventually returned just $114,000 in looted gold from a stockpile of $30 million. Turkey, which held $44 million in Nazi assets and $5 million in looted gold, made no restitution. Only Sweden paid up. The victims of this dismal record were the survivors of the Holocaust and others left homeless and stateless by the war. Assets that could have been used to help them were never returned to the countries plundered by Germany. Worse still, gold and other valuables found in Germany that had been seized from millions of individuals and households across Europe were knowingly mingled with assets stolen from European governments by the Nazis. As a result, gold that should have gone to help individuals through relief and compensation programs ended up in European and American government vaults, where some remains today. These matters remained too long obscured from public view, shielded by excessive secrecy and national pride. It is late to redress the wrongs, but every effort should now be made to return gold and other assets to those with a legitimate claim. Switzerland, after long delay, is finally making an effort to trace and return assets deposited before the war. Mr. Eizenstat and Mr. Slany have performed a high public service by digging for the truth.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, today at a most moving ceremony in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Members of Congress, members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the Executive and Judicial branches, and hundreds of survivors of the Holocaust and their friends gathered to commemorate the National Days of Remembrance. The theme of this year's Days of Remembrance commemoration was ``From Holocaust to New Life.'' This remarkable ceremony celebrated the lives and legacy of those who survived those darkest days, triumphed with hope and compassion. One of those survivors was my dear friend, Benjamin Meed, who serves as chairman of the Days of Remembrance Committee. Ben has dedicated his life to keeping the lessons and memories of the Holocaust alive. I encourage my colleagues to read Benjamin Meed's outstanding remarks from today's ceremony. Justice Scalia, distinguished Ambassadors, Members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives, fellow survivors, ladies and gentleman: When we, survivors of the Holocaust, see the American flag and the flag of the United States Army that liberated the concentration camps march into this hall, we feel pride as Americans. They are symbols of hope and freedom--and may they always be. We feel gratitude for this great nation, and a strong sense of hope for the future. Half a century ago, a continent away from these beautiful shores and worlds away from the reality we share today, the American army began entering some of the Nazi German concentration camps. Those brave soldiers came too late for many, yet just in time for some. We will remain forever grateful to our liberators. Over fifty years ago we survivors were considered ``displaced persons.'' The cities of our youth had changed. The streets were familiar, but where were our mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, and especially our children? Please imagine more than a million children murdered. Not even a trace of the once vibrant Jewish life remained. We had endured the worst reign of tyranny and murder in history. We became refugees determined to build a future in freedom, to go on with lives which had been so cruelly interrupted. For many, Israel offered an answer--the promise to change our destiny and a symbol of defiance to those who would have us disappear. For others, America offered freedom and the promise of good future. Most of us came here with little more than the clothing on our backs. Vladka and I came with eight dollars in our possession. Today, survivors are found in every State of the Union and in every walk of life--we are artists and musicians, lawyers and doctors, writers and philosophers, philanthropists and industrialists, rabbis and teachers. Our children, conceived in freedom, nurtured on two great traditions--Jewish and American--have taken their own places in this country's life. Survivors as well as their children have served in the House and Senate, in the White House and in the Cabinet, on the Bench and in the United Nations. Survivors have become witnesses. We share our memories with others. We believe that in remembrance lies hope and the protection of another generation who might otherwise be abandoned and forgotten--even tortured and killed. The Holocaust was unparalleled and unique but its lessons are universal. Survivors have not demanded vengeance, but rather remembrance. Survivors helped to establish the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington. Without the involvement and dedication of survivors, institutions of remembrance would not have been built in Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Boston, Chicago and Montreal, to name only a few. Without the help of survivors, the Days of Remembrance would not have entered the American consciousness. Survivors can speak today of achievement. Look at us and see the power of the those whose answer to death was love and hope. We have lived three lives--before, during and after the Holocaust. We have traversed years, continents and worlds. We have witnessed horror and death, courage, and determination, faith in the future and respect of the past. We have spent a half century uniting the different threads of our lives into a fabric that is whole. All that we have seen, all that we have done, all that we created, is for a purpose. To bear witness. We hope that future generations of Americans will remember and use the power of this vision to protect people everywhere. Rooted in a past that was shattered, we have become a cry of conscience to the world and a voice determined to create a future that is worthy of our journey to hell and back--from darkness to light, from tyranny to freedom, from Holocaust to new life. We have rebuilt our lives not because our losses can be replaced, but so our call will be heeded by those future generations whose losses can yet be prevented. We say to you, and through you them--more urgently now, for each day we are fewer--remember with us. Thank you.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, as you and my colleagues know, this week marks the annual Days of Remembrance (Yom HaShoah), a time when ceremonies are held throughout the world to remember the six million victims of the Holocaust. It is most appropriate that each year we put aside our other routine daily activities and remember those victims of intolerance, racism, and unmitigated evil. Mr. Speaker, this year to mark the occasion of the Days of Remembrance, my colleague and good friend from New York, Benjamin Gilman, and I are sponsoring a very special exhibit here on Capitol Hill--``The Triumphant Sprint,'' the work of Nick Del Calzo. This outstanding display, which will be in the Cannon rotunda from May 6 through May 17, is a unique collection of portraits and stories in which the subjects, the photographer, the editor and the author all embody magnificent and inspiring aspects of what has come to be known as the American dream. Denver photographer Nick Del Calzo, a journalist and former media consultant, is living his dream by pursuing his third career, documentary portraiture. Del Calzo, a first generation American and one of seven children of Italian immigrant parents, traveled to Europe in 1991 to create portraits of his own relatives in Italy, Belgium, and France. He took an unplanned detour to Dachau, the Nazi death camp he had studied as a student. Though not Jewish, Del Calzo became compelled to document the Jews who survived that and other killing camps. Over 5 years, he photographed 145 American survivors, and over those 5 years, again and again, he looked into the eyes of those who had witnessed man's most heinous horrors. Del Calzo's photography captures so powerfully and eloquently the abysmal pain and suffering they endured, and it also reflects the ability of the human spirit to transcend tragedy and to assert the power of good over evil. Del Calzo's work is part of a unique photo collection--both an exhibit and now, a magnificent and moving photographic book, all under the title of ``The Triumphant Spirit.'' These Jewish survivors in the book, and so many others like them, are the ultimate metaphor of the American dream. They survived the attempted genocide by Adolf Hitler's Third Reich when, from 1939 to 1945, six million European Jews were systematically murdered. They had the courage to survive, and now they have the courage to relive and share their stories. Each survivor's story is different, yet each so similar in their pain and tragedy. Each person is one of a few or the only survivor of their families. Each survivor's experience is dotted with poignant incidents of happenstance that defined the difference between life and death. Each is a story of luck, determination, devotion, and survival. Each story is a triumph of the human spirit. The survivors come from across America. Some are famous, some have led quiet and humble lives. Each came to this country with hope for a better life. It was here they fashioned their dreams, their futures, and their families with all that was afforded them in this land of opportunity. Their lives are lasting reminders about how precious is freedom, how enduring is the human spirit and how dangerous is intolerance. Nick Del Calzo has noted: ``The day will come when the last Holocaust witness will perish and these voices will be silenced forever. My hope is that by capturing their portraits and their messages, they can continue to inspire future generations and continuously rekindle hope for brighter tomorrows.'' The portraits are truly inspirational. Some are against the backdrop of our Nation's most precious symbols of freedom and peace: the Lincoln Memorial, the Liberty Bell, the Statue of Liberty and others. And some are in moving settings that speak volumes about each survivor's life in this country. Del Calzo was encouraged through this project by his confidant and, later, editor of the book, Linda J. Raper of Richmond, IN. Again and again, against obstacles, suspicion and discouragement, these two individuals worked tirelessly as they crisscrossed the country, without financial reward, to make this extraordinary project a reality. Their contribution to the story of the survivors and to the education of all who must know what happened in the Holocaust is so very important. Through their work and travels, they have endeared themselves to so many survivors and their families who are grateful, not only for their work and dedication, but for their understanding, and devotion, particularly as non-Jews, to continue to tell the story. Nick and Linda were joined in their efforts by a second generation American, Renee Rockford, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor who appears in the book. A journalist and freelance writer in Denver, Renee eloquently captured in words the touching and painful stories of each of the survivors in the book. She has traveled throughout the world with her father in search of surviving family members, and now has put into words, sometimes for the first time, what these people endured. Never having found any of his six brothers and sisters, parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles, Rockford's father, David Bram, felt that his most important purpose was to keep their story and his story alive, and the Triumphant Spirit accomplishes that goal. In his portrait in the book, Bram, an Auschwitz survivor, is holding what is for him a precious momento and symbol of the destroyed communities and peoples of Europe, a Torah scroll confiscated and warehoused by the Nazis, and now on permanent loan to Bram's congregation in Colorado Springs, CO. That scroll is all that is left of an annihilated community in Czechoslovakia. But what the survivors came to know and understand was that America was a different place where their freedom to create a life, choose their religion and pursue their dream was simply a question of hard work. And work they did. The survivors of the Triumphant Spirit represent everything from the largest envelope privately-owned manufacturer in the U.S., successful real estate developers, protectors of civil rights, artists, authors, educators, poets, doctors and researchers, mothers and fathers and much more. My wife, Annette, and I are fortunate enough to be included among those survivors immortalized by Del Calzo. Not only have these people made enormous contributions to the foundation and fabric of our great country, but they will continue to do so as their stories endure and inspire us with their triumphant spirit. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to take the time in the next 2 weeks to see this outstanding exhibit.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me today in commending Ms. Luisa Sinipata, a junior at Mercy High School in Burlingame and the recipient of the Congressional Youth Excellence Award in the 12th Congressional District of California. Ms. Sinipata's contributions to our community are impressive. She coordinated publicity and entertainment for a recent neighborhood festival. She volunteered as a junior for the University of San Francisco's mock trials and as a child care volunteer at her church. Furthermore, as a member of the Peninsula YMCA Youth and Government Program, she has been an active promoter of San Mateo's teen curfew proposal, as well as an active participant in youth conferences. In addition to this outstanding record of community service, Luisa has achieved an excellent academic record at Mercy High School. Luisa currently is taking courses in sociology and French at the College of San Mateo, in addition to her regular high school educational program. She has done this while working part time for a local San Mateo business. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in commending Ms. Luisa Sinipata for her outstanding service to our community and congratulating her for her academic achievements.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleague to join me today in commending Ms. Bonnie Tam, a senior at Westmoor High School and the recipient of the Congressional Youth Excellence Award in the 12th Congressional District of California. Bonnie Tam's scholastic achievements are most impressive. She has maintained a high grade point average while undertaking a challenging class schedule. She has supplemented her regular high school courses by taking classes at the College of San Mateo and at Skyline College. Her academic awards include the Pacific Telesis Employees for Women's Affirmative Action Scholarship, the Bank of America Liberal Arts Award, Golden State Exam Honors for Geometry and American History, Golden State Exam Student Recognition for Biology and Algebra, and a National Merit Letter of Commendation. Ms. Tam has been recognized in the Who's Who of American High School Students. In addition to her outstanding academic record, Bonnie has a remarkable record of community service. She has volunteered at Seton Medical Center in Daly City and at the Westside Women's HIV Prevention Program in San Francisco. In Westmoor High School, she has been involved in Symphonic Band, the Book Club, German Club, Math Tutoring Club, Newcomer Service Club, and the Gifted and Talented Education Club. Bonnie will attend the University of California, Berkeley, in the fall where she plans to study business administration, management, or economics. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in commending Ms. Bonnie Tam for her outstanding service to our community and in congratulating her for her academic achievements.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the President's 1998 budget request for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As you know, the Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of important flood control projects around our Nation. I urge continued support for full funding of the Continuing Authorities Program which will ensure that important flood control projects around our Nation can proceed on schedule. Full funding will also ensure that there will be no delays in construction of projects that have already been started. Mr. Speaker, I recently presented testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development regarding two local issues important to residents of the San Francisco Bay area. I respectfully request that my testimony appear in the Record for the benefit of my colleagues in the House. Testimony of Congressman Lantos Before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development March 31, 1997 Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to present testimony to your Subcommittee as you begin to consider the Energy and Water appropriations bill for fiscal year 1998. We in Congress face difficult challenges and painful choices as we work to reduce the federal budget deficit. I applaud your record in this area and you can count on my continued support of serious efforts to cut wasteful spending. I am delighted to present information regarding two projects important to my community which fall under your Subcommittee's jurisdiction and to urge your continued support for these significant projects. As you know, the Congressional district that I represent is geographically unique and diverse. My Congressional district comprises the San Francisco Peninsula which is home to the residents of the City of San Francisco and northern and central San Mateo County. The Peninsula is flanked by the Pacific Ocean to the West and by the San Francisco Bay to the east. Steep coastal mountains run up the middle of the Peninsula. To the east of these mountains are the densely populated cities of San Mateo County which are located along the San Francisco Bay. The Bay front itself consists of the San Francisco International Airport, Candlestick Park, light industry, salt flats and the Port of Redwood City. Residential neighborhoods and commercial areas lie between the Bay front and the mountain ridges. To the west of the mountains, which follow the San Andreas fault, are the coastal communities of San Mateo County, including Pacifica, which lie on the Pacific Ocean. The City of Pacifica is located a few miles south of the City of San Francisco. It is surrounded by the Central Coast Ranges and by the Pacific Ocean. City limits include three ridge systems and their adjacent valleys and hillsides, set against a coastline of beaches and rugged headlands. San Pedro Creek has the largest drainage area and flows four miles through the narrow San Pedro Valley and the Linda Mar District to the Pacific Ocean. Linda Mar is the most populous of several seaside communities in Pacifica. This area has experienced numerous floods in recent history with flood damage occurring mostly in the lowest reaches of the creek. San Pedro Creek has historically flooded on a 10-year cycle. The mountains and hills around San Pedro Valley are steep and rainfall and runoff can be rapid and intense. Currently, the lower reaches of the San Pedro Creek channel can contain within its banks, at maximum, an 8- to 10-year runoff event. The last major flooding occurred there in 1982 when more than 300 homes were flooded and more than $5 million of damage occurred. The City of Pacifica has been working closely with the US Army Corps of Engineers for more than 15 years in developing a flood control project to provide 100 year flood control protection in the Linda Mar Valley. A number of plans were originally proposed, but were stalled due to lack of funding and environmental concerns. Two alternative projects were considered as possible solutions to the flood problem. However, due to environmental concerns and prohibitive mitigation requirements associated with either alternative, a third alternative was developed by the City and residents in the community. This alternative would consist of a diversion structure, an underground bypass channel, a floodwall, and the creation of a wetland-flood basin. The City and the Corps now propose to restore the tidally- influenced, freshwater wetlands associated with the lower reach of San Pedro Creek to provide flood control in the Linda Mar District of Pacifica. The restoration design as proposed will restore 10.1 acres of one of the rarest wetland types on the Pacific coast of North America. The project will also enhance a significant fisheries resource, i.e., a steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) run, and restore wildlife habitats for migratory waterfowl and other associated wildlife. Mr. Chairman, the San Pedro Creek Wetlands Restoration and Flood Control Project is truly a local and federal government partnership model. As of March 1997, the federal government has invested over $600,000 toward the development of a solution to flooding problems in the Linda Mar district of the City of Pacifica. The City of Pacifica has contributed $537,000. These funds have been used to complete the planning phases of study for the proposed project. In order to complete the project, a final design phase will be required. This will be followed by acquisition of real estate by the City and construction of the project. The City plans to invest $13 million in real estate acquisition and $475,000 in design and construction. The Federal contribution for design and construction is estimated to be only $4.425 million. Mr. Chairman, I would like to provide you with an update on the future actions that are necessary to complete this very important and much-needed flood control project. The technical analysis is essentially complete for the San Pedro Creek flood Control feasibility study. Completion of the Environmental impact Statement Report (EIS/R) and main report is contingent upon receipt of the US Fish and Wildlife Service biological opinion regarding the potential impact on the recently listed California red-legged frog. Recent communications with the Fish and Wildlife Service indicated no significant changes to the proposed design will be required. The Feasibility Study and EIS/R is expected to be completed in Spring 1997. It is expected that the initial plans and specifications will be completed in the Summer of 1997. Construction is expected to commence in FY 1998. Mr. Chairman, during the recent series of devastating storms and floods in the West and in California this winter, residents in Linda Mar received alarming warning notices from the City of Pacifica urging them to prepare to evacuate their homes. Fortunately, residents were spared the heaviest and most devastating rains of these storms and San Pedro Creek did not flood. History tells us, however, that it is only a matter of time until the next flood. It is imperative that we provide funding for flood control before the next significant flood. I urge the full funding of the San Pedro Creek Wetlands Restoration and Flood Control Project. Mr. Chairman, I would like to address another project in my region over which your Subcommittee has jurisdiction. Although the Port of Redwood City is no longer in my Congressional district (due to redistricting in 1992), the continued success of the Port nonetheless does have an impact on the economy of the region. As you know, due to the shallow nature of San Francisco Bay, maintenance dredging of the Bay is necessary to ensure safe navigation of ocean-going ships. The Port of Redwood City currently has an authorized depth of 30 feet. It is currently on a 3-year dredging cycle to maintain this authorized depth. The most recent maintenance dredging of Redwood City Harbor was completed in September 1996 to 30 feet. The next maintenance dredging is scheduled for March 1999. There is concern that the new, larger vessels which call on the Port require more than 30 feet of draft. These vessels are forced to light load and top off at other ports-- significantly adding to the cost of calling on the Port. There is concern that this will significantly reduce the commercial viability of the Port. I urge you to support a reconnaissance study to determine the federal interests, costs, benefits and environmental impacts of deepening Redwood City Harbor. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your support and for the opportunity to provide you with information concerning these important projects.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, today at a extremely moving ceremony at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, a stamp honoring Swedish humanitarian and Holocaust hero Raoul Wallenberg was issued. This is a most appropriate step, and I congratulate the Postal Service for this action. Raoul Wallenberg was responsible for saving as many as 100,000 lives in Budapest, Hungary, in the closing days of World War II. It is most appropriate that we honor Raoul Wallenberg with a U.S. stamp. In this age devoid of heroes, Wallenberg is the archetype of a hero--one who risked his life day in and day out, to save the lives of tens of thousands of people he did not know, whose religion he did not share. Mr. Speaker, I want to salute the men and women of the U.S. Postal Service, and Postmaster Gen. Marvin Runyon, for their help and support in recognizing and honoring the legacy of Raoul Wallenberg. The cooperation and assistance for today's ceremony from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and its staff was invaluable in today's most impressive ceremony. I want to offer special thanks to a number of individuals who participated in today's ceremony: my colleague, Senator Carl Levin; Miles Lehrman, chairman of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council; S. David Fineman, Postal Service Governor; and my granddaughter Chelsea Lantos-Swett. I also want to pay tribute to the efforts of Ilene Munetz Pachman, who energetically pursued her dream of a stamp honoring Raoul Wallenberg, and my wife Annette, who has devoted so much of her life to making known the story of Wallenberg and worked tirelessly for the release of Wallenberg from Soviet prison. We were honored at the Holocaust Museum today with the presence of a number of our colleagues from the Congress, as well as a number of representatives of the diplomatic corps. Born on August 4, 1912, an heir of a prominent Swedish banking family, Raoul Wallenberg studied architecture at the University of Michigan in the 1930's. In 1944, at the urging of the United States Government's War Refugee Board, he was appointed a Swedish special diplomatic envoy to Hungary. Without regard for his own safety, Wallenberg went to Hungary and worked to save tens of thousands of Jews from Nazi death camps, primarily by issuing Swedish protective passports and establishing safe houses under Swedish diplomatic protection where Jews were able to find some protection from Nazi thugs. Wallenberg also is properly credited with saving as many as 70,000 lives when he stopped the bombing of the Jewish ghetto in Budapest by boldly threatening a Nazi general. What makes Raoul Wallenberg's incredible heroism so tragic is the fate he suffered following his extraordinary exploits in Budapest. He was arrested by Soviet military officials on January 17, 1945, and disappeared into the shadowy, half-world of the Gulag. It is the ultimate irony that this man, who did so much for so many, suffered such a fate. That tragedy is further compounded by the uncertainty surrounding the ultimate fate of Raoul Wallenberg. In 1957, the Soviet Government issued an official statement that Wallenberg had died in 1947 from a heart attack. The Russian Government reaffirmed again in 1991 that he had died in 1947, but they provided no additional details or other confirming evidence. Mr. Speaker, the stamp that is being issued today features a profile portrait of Wallenberg on the telephone. In the background, a group of Holocaust survivors looks over his shoulder. A Schutzpass, the protective passport document which he issued in an effort to save the lives of Jews destined for extermination camps, is shown in the upper left corner. Burt Silverman, the designer of the stamp, is an established artist whose work has appeared on the cover of the New Yorker magazine. In recognition of his heroism, the U.S. Congress has recognized and honored Raoul Wallenberg on a number of occasions in the past, acknowledging the debt of the United States and all humanity to this great man. In 1981 the Congress enacted and President Reagan signed legislation I introduced making Wallenberg an honorary U.S. citizen. Wallenberg was the second individual after Sir Winston Churchill to be recognized by being made an honorary U.S. citizen. In 1986 in cooperation with our former colleague Bill Lowery of California, we renamed the section of 15th Street, S.W., where the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum is now located, as ``Raoul Wallenberg Place.'' In 1994, the Congress approved legislation to place a bust of Raoul Wallenberg on permanent display in the U.S. Capitol. Whatever Wallenberg's fate, his heroic achievements remain a shining beacon in the darkest moment of human history. This hero of the Holocaust, whose heroism saved tens of thousands of lives, has achieved international recognition, respect, and admiration. People everywhere remember his courageous deeds in Budapest and the incalculable injustice of his incarceration in the Soviet Union. This recognition today--issuing a United States postage stamp in his honor--is only the latest appropriate tribute to this outstanding human being. My wife Annette and I owe our lives to Raoul Wallenberg, an authentic hero of the Holocaust. In one of the tragic ironies of history, this man who saved tens of thousands disappeared into the Soviet Gulag. His deeds must never be forgotten. The commemorative Wallenberg stamp will help us remember this beacon of hope that shined in history's darkest moment.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, today, the Members of the Congress have had the honor and pleasure of meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet at a reception in his honor sponsored by the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. Our distinguished colleague, Congressman John Edward Porter and I, as cochairmen of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, had the honor of hosting this reception, at which our colleagues had the pleasure of meeting the Dalai Lama. I am delighted to report to our colleagues that His Holiness met today with President Clinton, and he also had the opportunity to meet today with the Speaker of the House, our colleague from Georgia, Newt Gingrich. Mr. Speaker, the occasion for our reception was a historic anniversary. In 1987--10 years ago this year--His Holiness the Dalai Lama met with the members of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. This was the Dalai Lama's first such political meeting in Washington, DC, with Members of Congress. On this important occasion 10 years ago, he presented his five-point peace plan for Tibet for the first time in public. This is an outstanding proposal for the nonviolent resolution of differences between the people of Tibet and the Government of China. This five-point peace plan for Tibet was an important proposal that was a significant element in the decision of the Norwegian parliamentary committee to award the Nobel Peace Prize to the Dalai Lama in 1989. It is most fitting and appropriate, Mr. Speaker, that we here in the Congress mark the 10th anniversary of the Dalai Lama's important visit here 10 years ago. I regret to note that despite the excellent proposals made by His Holiness, Chinese Government authorities have adamantly refused to negotiate seriously to resolve the problems regarding Tibet. It is also tragic that the Government of China continues to carry out policies that threaten the unique and important religious and historical cultural traditions of the Tibetan people. The tragic human rights violations in Tibet, which we highlighted 10 years ago, continue to remain a serious problem. The Tibetan people are still subject to persecution and the Chinese Government continues to repress the Tibetan people. Mr. Speaker, in honor of the visit of His Holiness here to the Congress, with my colleague, John Edward Porter, I have introduced a resolution welcoming the Dalai Lama. I ask that the full text of our resolution be placed in the Record. H. Res. 124 Whereas on September 21, 1987, the Dalai Lama visited the United States Congress at the invitation of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus and publicly presented his Five Point Peace Plan for Tibet for the first time; Whereas on December 11, 1989, the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of the Five Point Peace Plan for Tibet and his consistent principled resistance to the use of force or violence; Whereas on this, the tenth anniversary of the presentation of the Dalai Lama's Five Point Peace Plan, the government of the People's Republic of China has yet to enter into serious discussions, without preconditions, with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, in spite of repeated calls from the United States and other governments to do so; Whereas the government of the People's Republic of China continues to carry out policies that threaten the existence of Tibet's unique religious, cultural and linguistic traditions, despite urging from the United States and other governments that the People's Republic of China take measures to respect these unique traditions; Whereas the Dalai Lama's first visit to Taiwan in March 1997 and his message of tolerance and non-violence resonated among millions of people in Taiwan; and Whereas His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet will be visiting Washington, D.C., in April 1997: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring) that the Congress, (1) warmly welcomes His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet to the United States; (2) urges the President to meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his visit to discuss substantive issues; (3) requests the President to continue to urge the Government of the People's Republic of China to meet with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions, to discuss a solution to the impasse in their relations; and (4) requests His Holiness the Dalai Lama to communicate to the Tibetan people that the Congress and the American people support them in their struggle to preserve Tibetan identity and to protect and exercise their freedoms.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, today here in the Rayburn House Office Building the Third World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet was held. Among those who spoke during this conference were His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the chairman of the House International Relations Committee, our colleague Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman of New York. President Bill Clinton sent a message of greeting to the parliamentarians of many countries who were assembled here today. Mr. Speaker, I am inserting the message of President Clinton into the Record. Our President's powerful affirmation of the importance of human rights is an important statement that I urge all of my colleagues to read: The White House, Washington, April 17, 1997. Warm greetings to everyone gathered in Washington, D.C., for the Third World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet. I am pleased to welcome all the participants, and especially His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whose devotion to the Tibetan people and inspiring advocacy of nonviolence and dialogue have earned the world's lasting admiration. All Americans cherish the rights guaranteed to us by our founders in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. We have worked to extend them not only to our own citizens, but also to people everywhere, recognizing that these freedoms are the birthright of all humankind. It is heartening that, with the growth and development of the human rights movement, there has been a greater awareness and appreciation that such rights are universal and not limited by political boundaries. We must continue to speak out whenever human rights are threatened or denied, and I am grateful for the continuing efforts of leaders like you, who have done so much to advance democracy, human dignity, and religious freedom worldwide. Best wishes for a successful convention. Bill Clinton.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, today, here at the offices of the House of Representatives, the III World Parliamentarian Convention on Tibet was held. The keynote address for this impressive gathering of elected representatives of Parliaments was given by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama of Tibet, who is here in Washington, DC, for this conference. One of the true highlights of this parliamentary convention was an address by our distinguished colleague and the chairman of the House International Relations Committee, Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am inserting this excellent address of our colleague in the Record, and I urge all of my colleagues to give his fine remarks thoughtful and careful attention. Statement by the Honorable Benjamin A. Gilman, Chairman, House International Relations Committee, III World Parliamentarian Convention on Tibet, April 23, 1997 Mr. GILMAN. Good morning ladies and gentlemen, your Holiness and distinguished participants. Thank you Lodi for your kind words. It is a special honor for the House International Relations Committee and the Congress to host this third international parliamentarian convention on Tibet. I am pleased to welcome His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Professor Rinpoche, the Chairman of the Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies, and all the distinguished legislators, academics, participants and guests joining us today. It is fitting that this historic meeting takes place under the roof of the ``House of the people'' by a worldwide community of legislators, scholars and experts. As I drove down from New York last evening after spending the last two days celebrating the Passover Holidays with my family, the significance of our meeting here today reminded me of the similarities between our two people's and indeed the similarities between righteous efforts of any people for freedom and G-d given rights. During Passover the Jewish people celebrate their freedom from slavery and are reminded of their ancestors' wandering in the desert for forty years. The family sedar centers around recalling the persecution of the Jews by the Pharaoh, the efforts made to free the Jews, the promises made by G-d, their plight in the desert and the meaning of the sedar's different foods, drinks and rituals. But most significant of all is the family gathering recounting the story of how a powerless non violent religious nation regained its rights. As we gather together today I strongly feel that same sense of family * * * that same motivation for coming together. Some of you have traveled very long distances and are sacrificing precious time and money to help the Tibetan people. Others are volunteering your services so that this can happen. But most significant of all is the selflessness of the deed and the joy of doing what is right. Today, we are a family gathering together to learn from the past, to enjoy good company and to help our Tibetan and Chinese brothers and sisters regain the freedom that is rightfully theirs. The result of our deliberations which will be delivered to the Secretary General of the United Nations and various governments are intended to bring those leaders into the family to give them the opportunity to strengthen and to be a part of our unity of effort. Most of you know the statistics: The Chinese destruction of over 6,000 monasteries, the death of 1.2 million Tibetans (a third of the population), the tight control of religion by a foreign atheist government, the public humiliation of monks and nuns. The Tibetans have lost everything, their great teachers, their lands and monasteries, and now due to a diabolical ``final solution''--a population transfer program of massive numbers of Chinese into Tibet--many Tibetans are very rapidly losing their identity, language and self respect. The Romans destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem some two thousand years ago, and sent the Jews into exile from their holy land. The Chinese destruction and current occupation of Tibet is every bit as cruel and brutal to the Tibetans. The very strict control of Tibet's religious institutions by atheist communist officials is not only unimaginable blasphemy to Tibetans but to all of the world's great religious traditions. The extent to which China's past and present leaders are personally responsible for these policies is very distressing. For example it was Deng Xiaoping who directed the People's Liberation Army into Tibet and oversaw its destruction. Just three years ago it was reported that at an internal Central Communist Party meeting, President Jiang Zemin asserted that, religion is one of the biggest threats to Communist Party rule in China and Tibet. Subsequently, Premier Li Peng signed decrees number 144 and 145 which restrict worship, religious education, distribution of Bibles and other religious literature, as well as restricting contact with foreign coreligionists. The totalitarian Chinese government has created official religious organizations that control all religious worship, activity, and association in China and Tibet and supplant the independent authority of the Roman Catholic Church, independent Protestant churches, and independent Buddhist, Taoist, and Islamic associations. Indeed, the Bureau of Religious Affairs is headed by a rigid communist who is hostile to all religion. The Bureau is controlled by the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party. The Party was behind the sentencing of a 76-year-old Protestant leader to 15 years in prison for distributing Bibles, the sentencing of a 65-year-old evangelical elder to an eleven-year prison term for belonging to an evangelical group outside the government- sanctioned religious organizations and the sentencing of a 60-year-old Roman Catholic priest to two years of ``reeducation through labor'' for unknown charges. He had previously spent 13 years in prison because of his refusal to renounce ties with the Vatican. During this past Easter, the regime arrested Peter Xu who is perhaps the most important evangelical leader of the underground Protestant church. He founded the New Birth house church networks, reportedly to have 4 million members. At this time there are four Catholic Bishops imprisoned or in detention. The Communist Party and the Bureau of Religious Affairs are also responsible for the kidnapping of the 6-year-old Panchen Lama and his family who have been detained for almost two years, and their whereabouts are still unknown. Scores of Tibetan Buddhists who refused to participate in the Chinese sham enthronement of Beijing's ``Panchen Lama'' have been sent to prison and one of their spiritual leaders committed suicide rather than take part in the charade. Mine you, these people are not spending lengthy periods of their life in horrible prison conditions for peacefully advocating political pluralism or democracy. They are being severely punished merely for pursuing their religious beliefs. Pro dmeocracy advocates in China and Tibet are going through equally hard times. The recently released State Department's Country Report on Human Rights Practices in China and Tibet states that ``in 1996 the authorities stepped up efforts to cut off expression of protest or criticism. All public dissent against the party and government was effectively silenced by initimidation, exile, the imposition of prison terms, administrative detention, or house arrest. No dissidents were known to be active at year's end.'' Not even the former Soviet Union managed such complete repression against the refuseniks. The State Department Report goes on to say: ``Although the Government denies that it holds political prisoners, the number of persons detained or serving sentences for `counterrevolutionary crimes' or `crimes against the state,' or for peaceful political or religious activities are believed to number in the thousands. Persons detained during 1996 included activists arrested for issuing petitions or open letters calling for reforms and greater democracy.'' Having checkmated all resistance in Tibet and China the dictators have been successfully applying similar strategies in the international arena. Just last week, representatives of the unelected government in Beijing once again succeeded in Geneva at the U.N. Commission on Human Rights to have a no-action motion adopted on the consideration of a resolution regarding human rights violations in Tibet and China. The Beijing dictatorship elevated its international bullying to new heights by threatening Denmark. If Denmark introduced a human rights resolution regarding China, the resolution would, according to the Chinese ``become a rock that smashes on the Danish government's head.'' Such statements and the shameful action by Beijing of introducing a no-action motion are insults and a disgrace to the Commission on Human Rights. No country should be able to utilize its economic or political power to attempt to block international scrutiny of its human rights record. And no civilized country on the face of the earth would permit its diplomats, spokesmen or leaders to make such pernicious remarks. Within the past year Beijing officials have made similar public threats against Germany, New Zealand, Australia and Taiwan if they permitted His Holiness to visit their countries and if their leaders were to meet with Him. China's diplomats have been flying all over the world promising stadiums, roads, government buildings, purchases of airplanes and other forms of trade and assistance in order to bully, threaten and cajole Commission members to vote with them in Geneva. Three years ago, leaders of many nations that are currently members of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights urged President Clinton to de-link U.S. trade with China to its human rights violations. They argued that the human rights issue ought to be considered separate and apart from trade and economic matters and last week they ignored the hypocrisy of trading their values and principles away. Democracy is on the run and having a difficult time establishing itself throughout Asia because democracies throughout the world, including our own nation, have put short term economic gains for powerful companies ahead of the long term benefits of democracy and the rule of law. Although most western CEO's intimately understand and are usually supportive of the role that an independent judiciary has on controlling corruption, which in turns helps to maintain profitable business ventures, they are mesmerized by what George Will of the Washington Post calls the ``beguiling chimera'' of the China market. Almost every deal with China requires a substantial technology transfer that quickly evaporates their profitable sales. Every year around now since 1989, members of the business community visit Capitol Hill to speak with us about the need for a Most Favored Nation trading status for China and to warn against containment versus engagement of the government in Beijing. But I submit to you that the containment versus engagement discussion is a straw man. In a healthy family, members discuss issues, come to agreements and then follow through on their words with deeds. Engagement continues even when a punishment occurs. If many important agreements are broken and a sibling never stands up for his or her rights then the other one usually turns into a bully. At which point the family and the aggrieved sibling will both be responsible if the belligerent's behavior affects the larger community. The Tibetans and all of us here today are bearing our responsibility to the world community by calling attention to the crises of leadership in both the People's Republic of China and in any other government that fails to be alarmed, and to take strong action against the manipulation of religion and destruction of a people. Such a people who have a particular commitment to G-d that characterizes their whole national identity, who are the victims of the most vicious oppression, who might be miraculously delivered against the odds precisely by continuing to hold to their special relationship to G-d rather than by practicing the ways of the Pharaoh, need all of our support. We are a family. We are here to bring out the best in all of our members. Your very presence gives the Tibetans and Chinese people hope for the future. I urge you during the next two days to chart out a program of action where together we can take a multilateral approach in helping His Holiness and the people of Tibet. Many of us in the House and Senate, Republicans and Democrats, are prepared to work with you. Lodi, I want to convey to you and your staff at the International Campaign for Tibet and to all the volunteers here today doing the hard work of making this happen, my deepest appreciation and respect. To the leaders in Beijing, we ask for their suggestions on how we can assist them in dealing with their past in order that they may then embrace the necessary values that will sustain their nation in the future. In this same unity of spirit we ask that they let our people go. May their decisions and your deliberations lead to freedom and peace for the Tibetan and Chinese people. G-d bless.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me today in commending Annie Chau, a sophomore at San Mateo High School and the recipient of the Congressional Youth Excellence Award in the 12th Congressional District of California. Ms. Chau's scholastic achievements are impressive indeed. She has maintained a 4.0 grade point average while undertaking a challenging class schedule. Her academic achievements include the San Mateo High School McConville Award in Freshman Spanish, Golden State Exam Awards in first year algebra, geometry, and chemistry, as well as membership in the California Scholarship Federation. At San Mateo High School, she has served as class treasurer, as well as a member of the math team, Amnesty International, the Interact Club, and the International Club. In addition to her impressive academic achievements, Ms. Chau has taken an active role in community service. She is a member of the San Mateo County Youth Commission, the San Mateo County Volunteer Center Youth Board, and the Foster City Youth Advisory Committee. Furthermore, she volunteers her talents at the Foster City Recreation Department, the ELLIPSE Peninsula AIDS Services, and the Peninsula Association for Retarded Children and Adults [PARCA]. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in commending Ms. Annie Chau for her outstanding service to our community and congratulating her for her academic achievements.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me today in commending Mr. Jason Wong, a senior at the Abraham Lincoln High School and the recipient of the Congressional Youth Excellence Award in the 12th Congressional District of California. Mr. Wong's scholastic achievements are impressive indeed. He has maintained a high grade point average while taking challenging classes, and he ranks in the top 10 students in his high school class. His academic excellence has been recognized by his earning Golden State Exam honors in algebra and chemistry. In addition to his impressive academic achievements, Mr. Wong has taken an active role in community service. He is the president of the Lincs Service Society, as well as a volunteer tutor at Ulloa Elementary School. He is a member of the Red Cross Club, American Culture Club, the International Committee against Racism, and the Chemistry Club. He has served as vice-president, secretary, and treasurer of the California Scholarship Federation, as well as a volunteer for the San Francisco Annual Chinese New Year Parade. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Jason Wong for his outstanding service to our community and congratulating him for his academic achievements.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Andrew Stevens, a dear friend, a fellow Californian, and a prominent businessman and civic leader. Andrew was presented the Golden Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary by the Hungarian Consul General in Los Angeles, Mr. Imre Helyes, at a recent ceremony in Los Angeles. In his letter informing me that Andrew Stevens would be honored, Mr. Helyes explained why the decision was made to grant this award. In particular, the Hungarian Government wanted to recognize Andrew's courageous actions during the Holocaust: In spite of his youth, Mr. Stevens' courage and bravery drove him enthusiastically to become a ``rebel with a cause.'' He took part in a number of broad-ranging, life- saving activities in Budapest under the masterful guidance of the famous and heroic Swedish Diplomat, Raoul Wallenberg. Without concern for his own safety, Mr. Stevens rescued a large number of our persecuted countrymen from almost certain death towards the last period of the Second World War. Fortunately, some of these individuals are still alive and attested to the dangerous feats undertaken by Mr. Stevens. Mr. Speaker, I most enthusiastically welcome the presentation of this well-deserved honor to Andrew. It is an appropriate tribute for his remarkable efforts during those harrowing and darkest of days in Budapest during 1944. Andrew repeatedly risked his own life to save the lives of others. He was motivated not simply by the instinct to survive and to preserve himself, but by the drive and the passion and the commitment to help others, and that is what makes Andrew unique. For all of these reasons, Mr. Speaker, it is most appropriate and meaningful that Andrew Stevens has been honored by President Goncz of Hungary and by the people of Hungary in presenting to him this high honor. It is also a tribute to the Government and people of the newly democratic Hungary that they have chosen to honor Andrew Stevens. Mr. Speaker, the people of the United States are fortunate to have as an honored citizen of our Nation a man of integrity, compassion, and commitment such as Andrew Stevens. America is richer for his life and for the contributions he has made to his adopted country. It is my sincere hope, Mr. Speaker, that the awarding of this honor to Andrew will strengthen the ties of mutual friendship between the United States and Hungary. I invite my colleagues in the Congress to join me in paying tribute to Andrew Stevens.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act [ISTEA]. Bipartisan passage of ISTEA in 1991 unveiled a new era in transportation funding by establishing a critical balance between meeting national policy objectives and providing flexibility to States and local governments. ISTEA works well and major changes to this important law are not necessary. Mr. Speaker, last week, I testified before the House Subcommittee on Surface Transportation in support of ISTEA reauthorization. ISTEA must maintain its focus on national priorities, intermodalism, local and public involvement, and consideration of environmental concerns. It must also be adequately funded. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share my thoughts with my colleagues here in the House of Representatives on the effectiveness of ISTEA programs in my region and in support of the reauthorization of the BART Extension to San Francisco International Airport. I respectfully request that my statement be included in the Record. Statement of Congressman Tom Lantos Before the House Subcommittee on Surface Transportation Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to testify on what is one of the most significant issues before the 105th Congress: the reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). Passage of ISTEA by a large bipartisan majority of the Congress in 1991 was a watershed event for federal transportation policy. As you know, the new law was designed to make federal programs in the post-interstate era better, not bigger, by emphasizing system preservation, the efficient operation of existing networks, improved intermodal integration, and increased state and local control over investment decisions. ISTEA has been a visionary document, fostering a more diversified and strengthened transportation infrastructure to enable Americans to meet future challenges and opportunities. A key ISTEA provision for the San Francisco Bay Area is the Section 3 New Rail Starts authorization for the BART Extension to the San Francisco International Airport. As you know, the BART Extension was authorized in the last authorization of ISTEA and I strongly urge its reauthorization. The project, which is located in my Congressional district, will dramatically improve mobility and alleviate traffic congestion by creating a state-of-the- art connection between the 81-mile BART system and the bustling San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The SFO Extension enjoys the unanimous support of the entire Bay Area Congressional delegation and I am wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that we build this long-awaited, national- significant transit project. In a few minutes, BART Board Director Dan Richard will elaborate on the region's reauthorization request for the SFO Extension. In the San Francisco Bay Area, I am happy to report, that the overall implementation of ISTEA has had a profound and decidedly beneficial impact on transportation planning and project selection. Thanks to the superb guidance and leadership of our nine-county Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), which has overseen implementation of the program, our region has been able to seize upon the new opportunities provided by ISTEA and immediately put our federal dollars to work. Barely one month after the passage of ISTEA, MTC formed the Bay Area Partnership--a consortium of local, state and federal agencies--to collaborate on the optimum use of ISTEA dollars. The Partnership quickly initiated a process to screen and rank project proposals based on ISTEA goals for efficiency, equity and multi-modalism. Working by consensus engendered strong local support, which enabled the Bay Area to obligate nearly 200 of its first round of Surface Transportation Program (STP) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program projects years ahead of official obligation deadlines. In terms of the MTC region, ISTEA's flexible funding provisions have been pivotal to the program's success. ISTEA has literally revolutionized the way transportation priorities are set and how projects are selected for funding in the Bay Area. Instead of the rigid funding categories of the past, Bay Area communities have the latitude to invest in smaller, more cost-effective projects that deliver more immediate results. Local flexibility has also enabled many worthy projects to advance--everything from a joint intermodal terminal at the Port of Oakland to BART rail rehabilitations to expansion of MIC's popular roving Freeway Service Patrol tow trucks and various highway and local street improvements throughout the region. In all, MTC, with the Partnership's help, has approved 432 projects worth more than $460 million in STP and CMAQ funds. Along the way, the process continues to be refined and improved to elevate only the most efficient, effective transportation projects for funding. The success of each of these transportation projects is an extraordinary testament to the value of local decision-making coupled with the inherent flexibility of ISTEA. Mr. Chairman, as your Subcommittee prepares to mark up a surface transportation reauthorization measure, I urge you to retain ISTEA's basic program structure, which has proven so successful in the San Francisco Bay Area and in other parts of the country. I also encourage you to oppose efforts to repeal or reduce the federal gas tax. These ill-advised policies would wreak havoc on the federal Treasury, weaken our economic competitiveness, and could undermine national security interests. Finally, I urge members of the Subcommittee to consider the financial burdens that transit operators must bear in meeting the paratransit requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Transit operators are already reeling from steep reductions in Section 9 operating assistance and can ill-afford to absorb these new costs without federal assistance. Mr. Chairman, at this time I would like to introduce Dan Richard, a member of the BART Board of Directors, who is here to address the BART Extension to the San Francisco International Airport, our region's number one priority for federal New Rail Starts. I look forward to the day in the not too distant future when BART initiates service to the airport. With your Subcommittee's continued support, Mr. Chairman, I am confident that we will reach that goal, and when we do, it will be a proud achievement for all Americans. Again, thank you for the opportunity to testify. I look forward to continuing to work with you and in supporting your efforts to enact a strong surface transportation bill which will meet our nation's transportation infrastructure needs in the next century.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in commending five outstanding officers of the Daly City Police Department, in the 12th Congressional District of California, on their receiving today the prestigious 10851 Award for their efforts in combating auto theft. The 10851 Award is named after the California Vehicle Code section relating to auto theft and is presented to those law enforcement officers who meet the rigid criteria for vehicle theft recoveries and arrests of suspects. Officers Chris Myhra, Lee Horton, Joe Bocci, Thomas Prudden, and Gregg Oglesby are being presented the award by the California Highway Patrol and the California State Automobile Association Inter-Insurance Bureau. While those of us who live in San Mateo County have long felt a debt of gratitude to the Daly City Police Department for exceptional work in protecting the lives and property of our friends and neighbors, we take special pride today in witnessing the presentation of this well- deserved award. Auto theft in San Mateo County is a particularly serious problem. In 1996 alone over 2,500 vehicles were stolen, costing insurance companies and policyholders nearly $13 million. It is highly appropriate, therefore, that we recognize those police officers who, through their diligent efforts, have set the highest example. As citizens of San Mateo County, we can feel the improvement in our daily lives provided by the Daly City Police Department. This award serves to highlight their achievements and reminds us that our law enforcement officers provide us with unparalleled public service. I invite my colleagues to join me in commending and thanking Officers Myhra, Horton, Bocci, Prudden, and Oglesby for their service and dedication to the citizens of Daly City and San Mateo County.