Tom Lantos

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I wish to urge my colleagues to join me in extending the warmest congratulations of the United States Congress to Lee Teng-hui, newly elected President of the Republic of China on Taiwan, on his inauguration today as the first directly elected President in Chinese history. President Lee and the people on Taiwan deserve our most heartfelt congratulations for so marvelously achieving this ultimate democratic goal, a free and fair and open Presidential election. Mr. Speaker, ever since I sponsored the legislation which passed the Congress nearly unanimously to urge that the administration grant a visa to President Lee to attend a reunion at his alma mater, Cornell University, in June 1995, the world has focused its attention on Taiwan's economic and political achievements. After President Lee's visit to Cornell, the People's Republic of China began a concerted campaign of intimidation and violence toward Taiwan in a vain effort to deny the reality of Taiwan's ever-growing prosperity and democratic development. During China's war of words and military intimidation aimed at Taiwan, President Lee fiercely refused to be cowed. For his steadfast defense of Taiwan's security and international stature, the people on Taiwan rewarded him with a landslide victory in their first direct Presidential election. For students of Chinese history, this election is a watershed event whose repercussions for the future of democracy in China will be deeply felt for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, in all probability, the regime in Beijing will continue to writhe in anger at the vibrant democratic society whose government is based on principles of freedom and human rights and which now exists just across the Taiwan Strait. As China seeks to escape responsibility for its appalling human rights record and its flaunting of international trade agreements, Taiwan will likely remain a lightning rod for Beijing's nationalist saber rattling. What is certain, however, is that Taiwan has earned and will have the support of the United States Congress and the American people as it faces the challenges posed by its aggressive neighbor. It is in the spirit of mutual respect for democracy and freedom that United States-Taiwan relations have continued to blossom. On this auspicious occasion, the inauguration of the first directly elected President in Chinese history, I urge my colleagues to join me in expressing the Congress' warmest wishes for continued success to President Lee Teng-hui.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Dr. Jimmy Simon, one of the preeminent practitioners of pediatric medicine in the United States. I join with the American pediatric community, who honored Dr. Simon here in Washington last week with the Joseph W. St. Geme, Jr., Leadership Award for Distinguished Service in Pediatrics, in expressing our most heartfelt gratitude for his work and continued leadership. It is extremely important to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of great Americans like Dr. Simon. Dr. Simon has not only been an excellent physician and teacher for 40 years, he has also provided for a bright and productive future for the field of pediatrics. Dr. Simon, born and raised in San Francisco, CA, is currently the chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem., NC. Shortly after completing his medical and postdoctoral training, Dr. Simon served his country with distinction as a captain in the Air Force. He has been a physician and professor at the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine, at the Kern County General Hospital in Bakersfield, CA, at the University of Texas Medical Branch, and, since 1974, at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine. Dr. Simon has served in numerous public service and policymaking capacities throughout his long and productive career. Through his wide- ranging memberships in professional organizations, Dr. Simon has helped develop a vision for pediatric medicine in the 21st century. The Joseph W. St. Geme, Jr., Award is an annual award given to a practicing pediatrician who has contributed to an extraordinarily broad range of areas of pediatrics and who has created a future for pediatrics. I am extremely pleased that Dr. Simon has been recognized for possessing these outstanding qualities. Dr. Jimmy Simon has shown us that one person dedicated to a cause can make a difference. Dr. Simon inspires us all to strive for excellence out of love for one's profession and all the benefits it can bring. I invite my colleagues to join me in expressing our appreciation of Dr. Simon's remarkable career.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, next week, Bill Davidson, a good friend and a great American, will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. In recognizing Bill's many accomplishments and extraordinary commitment to improving our country, the Jewish Theological Seminary speaks for the many people in his community and around the world who have benefited from Bill's extraordinary wisdom and philanthropy. Bill Davidson is the chairman of the board and president of Guardian Industries Corp. of Northville, MI. Under his wise direction, Guardian has become a solid industrial asset to our economy, as well as a conscientious corporate citizen. Guardian has also been an ambassador of American engineering and way of doing business through its pioneering ventures overseas. These ventures have helped emerging democracies develop a more solid economic base while increasing American presence and influence abroad. While running his hugely successful company, Bill found the time to volunteer for numerous community organizations. His generosity was recognized in 1992, when he was given the Jewish community's highest honor for outstanding volunteer service, the Fred M. Butzel Memorial Award for Distinguished Community Service. He has given generously of his time and resources to educational institutions, Detroit community organizations, and Jewish organizations nationwide. Not one to confine himself to the roles of successful businessman and community activist, Bill is also the majority owner of the Detroit Pistons basketball club, the Palace Sports and Entertainment Arena, the Detroit Vipers hockey team and the Detroit Neon soccer team. He was inducted into the Michigan Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1985. I commend the Jewish Theological Seminary for recognizing Bill Davidson with a prestigious Honoris Causa. This honorary degree is a testament to Bill's outstanding and continuing contributions to the education and enrichment of the Jewish community and our nation. I invite my colleagues to join me in expressing our gratitude and most heartfelt congratulations to Bill Davidson on this most joyous occasion.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, last week, the Reverend Dr. Billy Graham and his wife Ruth were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor here in the Capitol Rotunda. I was delighted to be in attendance at this wonderful and historic event, honoring an extraordinary man who has been of invaluable counsel and a great inspiration to Americans from the White House to the halls of Congress, from Main Street to Wall Street. At this occasion, remarkable in its universal attendance among Democrats and Republicans, Christians and members of other faiths, world leaders and ordinary families, Vice President Al Gore's remarks were particularly striking in their poignant description of what the Reverend Billy Graham has contributed with his ministry around the world. Vice President Gore, in his short remarks, sums up the warmth and wisdom that Reverend Graham has to impart upon those fortunate enough to have known him. I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating Reverend Graham and to read Vice President Gore's heartfelt remarks. Congressional Gold Medal of Honor Presentation to Dr. Billy Graham (By Vice President Al Gore) Dr. and Mrs. Graham, Mr. Speaker, Senator Dole, members of the House and Senate gathered here, members of the Graham family, friends of Dr. and Mrs. Graham, spiritual leaders of all faiths from across our nation who are attending this event, and ladies and gentlemen. This afternoon we pause from the business of Congress to honor a servant of God. Billy Graham and Ruth Graham have been friends to me and my family for many years. I, too, had the pleasure, Senator Dole, of visiting with Dr. and Mrs. Graham at that beautiful mountaintop log cabin at Montreal. We've had an occasion to visit many times, and it has always been a blessing for me and for my family. You have touched the hearts of the American family. Over the last half century, few individuals have left such a lasting imprint on our national life. Every American president since World War II has sought Billy Graham's counsel. Republicans and Democrats alike have relied on his moral sense and used his wisdom as a compass to help guide the ship of state. From his first discussion with President Truman in 1948, to his tea with President Clinton just yesterday, Billy Graham has been a welcome presence in the White House. He has also met with leaders of other nations around the world. Sometimes his visits have been controversial. Senator Dole mentioned a couple of those visits. I remember, as some of you do, the wonderful statement made by Senator Sam Nunn, who is here, at the national prayer breakfast this year, when he talked about a controversial trip Dr. Graham made to the Soviet Union. And when he returned, he was bitterly criticized in a newspaper column in which it was written that he had set back the cause of Christianity by 50 years. To which Dr. Graham responded, I'm so ashamed. I was trying to set it back 2,000 years. But although he moves easily among presidents, and kings and heads of state, I've always sensed that Billy and Ruth Graham are most at home with ordinary mothers and fathers; and families throughout this nation admire them greatly. This man, who once dreamed of swinging a bat in baseball's major leagues has filled stadiums from New York in Nairobi, from Tulsa to Tokyo, preaching the Gospel and sounding the cry for human rights, enlightened race relations and the dignity of freedom. Yet, he remains humble, even with this power to muster great throngs of people. He once told an interviewer and I quote, ``The great crowds are meaningless. The thing that counts is what happens in the hearts of men and women. What good my ministry has done I'll never know until I get to Heaven.'' Well, Dr. Graham, most Americans would probably say, if any of us are judged worthy by our maker, you and Ruth are going to make the grade. Hundreds of millions of us around the world know in our hearts that you have lifted our lives. You've done enormous good. You have blessed us. In presenting this Gold Medal of Honor and recognizing you and Mrs. Graham, the United States of America makes a powerful statement about what is truly important in our national life. You have touched that part of the American spirit that knows providence has a grander purpose for our nation. There is a spiritual hunger in modern America. It is a hunger all Americans feel although we may describe it in different ways. As our lives race faster amidst so much that is fleeting, we search for what endures. In synagogues, churches, mosques and other places of worship, we celebrate faith and a power greater than ourselves. We pray for the grace of God and the courage to live our lives according to the wishes of the God of whom you have told us. We honor the diversity of faiths in America. And within that commitment to diversity and in that spirit, please allow me to add a personal note as a Christian. I have appreciated the poetry and power that you have brought to the religious tradition that so many of us share with you. I've also admired how the force of your convictions has been fueled by the gentleness of your soul. There was a controversial book written a few years ago in which the author attempted to survey all of the religious traditions and all of those who have attempted to bring the message of God. When asked what she had learned about preachers and others attempting to deliver the message of God, she said she had concluded as a result of her scholarship that if a preacher is angry and hurtful, he does not know God. But if he is kind and loving, perhaps he does know God. In our tradition, Jesus teaches that God is love. There is a wonderful passage in Corinthians that is frequently used as part of a marriage ceremony, looking prospectively, which can also, I believe, be used as an assessment of what you have done and are doing in your role as a minister. Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud. It is not rude. It is not self- seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Dr. Graham, you and Ruth have been patient and kind. You have not envied nor boasted. You have not been proud. You have not been rude nor self-seeking nor easily angered. You've kept no record of wrongs. You've not delighted in evil. You have rejoiced with the truth. So today, let us rejoice with the truth that these two extraordinary people have brought to our lives. For reminding us of faith's gentleness and endurance, we honor Billy Graham and his partner Ruth Graham. We trumpet their achievements. We celebrate their commitment. And we formally thank them, this man and this woman, who have served this nation by serving God.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, last week the American Israel Public Affairs Committee held its annual policy conference here in Washington to consider the status of United States relations with Israel. The highlight of that conference was the session at which Israeli President Shimon Peres and President Bill Clinton addressed conference participants. The President's address was an outstanding discussion of the American interest and commitment to bringing peace to the Middle East and of the necessity for a strong and secure Israel in order for that peace process to move forward. Mr. Speaker, I have seldom heard such a strong and convincing argument for the active and positive participation of the United States in the Middle East. I ask that the remarks of President Clinton be placed in the Record, and I urge my colleagues to give them careful and thoughtful consideration. Remarks by the President to 1996 American-Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference The President: Thank you very much. (Applause.) Mr. Prime Minister, I just thought I was tired because it was late Sunday night. I never felt better in my life. Thank you very much. (Applause.) Mr. Prime Minister, Ambassador Rubinovich, Secretary Glickman, Ambassador Indyk. President Dow, thank you for that wonderful introduction. Mr. Grossman, Mr. Sher (phonetic), Mr. Bronfman (phonetic), Mr. Levy, Mr. Jack Bendheim, who also gave a wonderful introduction; the cochairs of this event, Art Sandler and Betsy Sheer (phonetic); to all the young students who are here. (Applause.) The Prime Minister referred on two occasions to the opportunity that I had on my last trip to Israel to meet with the young people there. It was an incredible experience for me. And I realized that in some ways we have to keep depending on young people to deliver us because they remind us that we can break new ground and make tomorrow different from yesterday. Just before the Prime Minister and I came in here tonight, we received petitions for peace signed largely by college students that were presented by Jonathan Epstein of Trinity College and Abigail Michelson of Brandeis, and I'd like to thank them. I think they're over here. I thank them very much for what they did for that. (Applause.) I would also like to say a special word of thanks to the members of Congress who are here who have supported our administration's policies in the Middle East. If I miss someone who I do not see, write my a nasty note tomorrow. (Laughter.) But I would like to say a special word of thanks to Senator Lautenberg, Congressman Frost, Congressman Engel, Congresswoman Lowey, Congressman Waxman, and Congressman Levin. (Applause.) And I hope I didn't miss anybody; we can't afford to lose any more friends in Congress. (Laughter and applause.) When the Prime Minister said that Israel was now spending as much money on education as defense, I thought of seeing if I could get him to stay another week and just testify before a few committees. (Laughter and applause.) And when you, sir, said that I had made history for a second time, I can see myself being guilt-peddled into the future--I can make history now every year from now on until the end of my life. (Laughter and applause.) Since I associate you with the struggle for peace, I can't help, if you will indulge me one real purely personal observation--the last time I appeared before this conference before last year was in 1989, when the person who was supposed to appear on behalf of the Democratic Party against Lee Atwater went to his daughter's college graduation. I thought he had his priorities in order, and so when he asked me to replace him, I was glad to stand in for Ron Brown. (Applause.) And since he lost his life on another remarkable mission of peace, I thought I would share that with you tonight, and I hope you will remember that and remember him and his family in your prayers. I am pleased as the Prime Minister is that we can come here tonight with the northern border of Israel and the southern border of Lebanon quiet--no katyusha rockets firing down on the people of Northern Israel. I thank the Prime Minister for the tremendous work he did. And in his absence--and I hope to goodness he's sleeping right now--I want to thank the Secretary of State for his magnificent Herculean effort. (Applause.) I also thank his partner and great unsung hero, Dennis Ross, for what he has done. (Applause.) As the Prime Minister said, we had an agreement back in 1993, but it wasn't in writing and it was shattered. For the first time now, there is an agreement in writing that will be more effective in preventing further outbreaks. The violence has stopped. There is now a monitoring mechanism to which Israel and Lebanon can refer complaints. And now it is our fond hope that civilians on both sides of the border can resume their lives with greater confidence and security. And we will not tolerate further efforts to disrupt the calm. When I came into office, I was determined that our country would go into the 21st century still the world's greatest force for peace and freedom, for democracy and security and prosperity. We have to promote these values just as vigorously as we did in the Cold War. Indeed, in some ways, our responsibilities as Americans are now greater. I know that you agree with that. You have devoted yourselves to strengthening the bonds between the United States and Israel, a cornerstone of our foreign policy and of our efforts to advance peace and freedom and democracy in the Middle East. I thank you for that and I ask you, too, to continue to speak out in a larger sense for America's role in the world. It has made a difference what we have done in the Middle East, and in Bosnia, and in Northern Ireland, and in Haiti, and in fighting against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and in leading the world to take a tougher stand against terrorism. We cannot afford to walk away from these responsibilities to the future of our children, our children's children, and the children of all the world. (Applause.) What a difference a year can make. It was at this conference last year that Israel's then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin said, from day one Israel found itself in a unique alliance with the United States, resting on twin pillars of shared values and strategic partnership. Well, it's still true. And now the United States and Israel are still partners based on shared values and common strategies. I am grateful for the service, the life and the sacrifice of Prime Minister Rabin. (Applause.) But I am also very grateful that the man he called his full partner, our friend Shimon Peres, is carrying forward the important work of peace with security. (Applause.) From his earliest days when he helped to establish Israel's military, up to the very present when he has defined a vision of a new Middle East in his remarkable book--which, Prime Minister, I have told the whole world I enjoyed reading, and I'm promoting it for you and I hope I get a certain percentage kickback if it really does very well. (Laughter.) We just made another agreement. They're just spouting out all over. (Laughter and applause.) I said that in jest--(laughter)--to lay the pretext for a serious comment. At least the critical mass of American Jews should read that book and become familiar with its contents, because if you do it will give you the energy for the tasks ahead, because the Prime Minister has been able to imagine what the future might be like beyond the history that can be made with the other peace signings. And that vision is what must drive us all into tomorrow. We have made a lot of progress with the Declaration of Principles of the Palestinians, the peace of the Aqaba with Jordan, the interim accord that was signed in Washington. I have watched in these very difficult months since Prime Minister Rabin's assassination Prime Minister Peres rise to this moment. He has been a true and reliable friend of our country, and a true and reliable leader of his own. And I am proud to say, as Yitzhak Rabin said, he is our full partner for peace and security. (Applause.) This has been a trying time for those who believe that a secure peace is the only true hope for Israel and the Middle East. The katyusha rockets, the bloodshed in Lebanon, the suicide bombings in Israel--we grieve for the innocent victims, and for the Israelis who simply wanted to live quiet lives in their own country, for the innocent Palestinians who were killed in the suicide bombings in Israel, for the children of our own nation--Sarah Dueker and Matthew Eisenfeld--visiting a land they loved; for the Lebanese children in Quana who were caught between--make no mistake about it--the deliberate tactics of Hezbollah in their positioning and firing--(applause)--and the tragic misfiring in Israel's legitimate exercise of its right to self-defense. (Applause.) I know that in Israel and Lebanon, throughout the Middle East and throughout the world, it would be so easy after yet another round of violence and death, to give up; to think that the very best we could expect is a future of separate, armed camps. It is that sort of bunker mentality that we fight, indeed, all across the world in different ways today. It would be easy to give into it in the Middle East, but it would be wrong. I was asked the other day whether the violence of the last few days was not proof that the peace process was dead. I said, no, quite the contrary; it was proof that the yearning for peace was alive. The people who started the violence were trying to kill the longing for peace. It is still alive, and we must not let it die. We must stand up to what they tried to do. (Applause.) We can still achieve a peace if we conquer fear and restore security and deal honestly with those with whom we have differences. We know it will not be easy. Peace requires in some ways more strength than war. And we must have the patience to endure a few more setbacks along the way. We know that it takes great courage to press forward into an unknown future. It's harder than retreating into a familiar past. It takes great bravery to reach out to a former enemy. It's easier to stay in the false security of isolation. But I believe that Israel will maintain its resolve for peace. As I said, I saw it in the eyes and I heard it in the voices of the children of Israel when I was there just last month. I saw it in the eyes of those two young Americans who gave Prime Minister Peres and me those petitions. I heard it from two boys in Israel, Yuri Tal and Tal Loel, who were badly wounded in the bombing in Tel Aviv--one even deafened. Despite their pain, they wrote to me from their hospital beds, and I quote, from their hospital beds they wrote: Peace is the only true solution for this area. They showed strength, having lost much even in their young years. They showed the ability to overcome adversity that is the true genius of the character and history of the Jewish people. If the Jewish people have endured centuries of exile, persecution, the ultimate evil of the Holocaust, flourishing against all the odds, surely--surely--together they can throw back their shoulders and raise their heads and say, after all this, Hezbullah and Hamas will not succeed where others have failed. (Applause.) Even as the katyushas were falling, we saw proof of peace taking hold. We saw it in the meeting between Prime Minister Peres and Chairman Arafat 10 days ago, when they vowed to move ahead on the goals set by the Accords. We saw it in the Prime Minister's path-breaking trips to Qater and Oman this month. And I salute again the Prime Minister for the strength and commitment he has shown in pursuing the peace in this difficult period. And, of course, last Wednesday, on the 48th anniversary of Israeli independence, the Palestinian National Council finally did change the PLO Charter and deleted the hateful clause calling for the destruction of Israel. (Applause.) Now, think about that. That symbol of hatred had endured since 1964, before some people in this room were even born. It's a moment we have long waited and worked for. The Palestinian leadership followed through on its commitments and made a better move to a better day. All friends of peace should be heartened by this, and especially by the large margin of the vote in support of Chairman Arafat's policy. Even during the suicide bombings there was dramatic proof that peace is taking root. Remember, Prime Minister Peres said, at the Summit of the Peacemakers in Sharm el-Sheikh we had 29 leaders from around the globe, and 13 from the Arab world voting and committing themselves for the first time not only to condemn, but to work against terrorism in Israel. It was an historic moment. And we are following up on it. (Applause.) I say again, I want to hammer this home, not only to you who know, but to people beyond this room--this progress for peace is the reason the enemies of peace are lashing out. We must restore peace. We must restore security. But we must not be diverted from our ultimate goal, else we will hand them the victory that they have sought all along. (Applause.) We know the circle of peace cannot be closed only by an end to the fighting in Lebanon. It can be closed only when the Arab-Israeli conflict is truly over; when normalization takes hold in the entire Arab world; when Israel's security is completely assured; when Israel is fully accepted in every way in the region. The circle of peace will be closed only-- and I say only--when the people of Israel are confident that what they are getting is worth the risks they must take. Peace and security are indivisible. And Israel must feel comfortable and confident about both in order to achieve either over the long run. (Applause.) Let me say to you what I hope you already know, the breakthroughs of the past were possible because we built together a bond of trust. And I pledge to you today that this relationship will remain strong and vital--so strong and so vital that no one will ever drive a wedge between us. (Applause.) Our commitment to Israel's security is unshakable. It will stay that way because Israel must have the means to defend itself by itself. In a time of shrinking resources, we have maintained our economic assistance. We have sought to enhance Israel's security, to lessen the risks it has taken and still takes every day for peace. Israel's qualitative military edge is greater than ever because we have kept our word. Earlier today, Prime Minister Peres and Secretary Perry signed an agreement to expand our theater missile defense program so that we can detect and destroy incoming missiles. That way Israel will have not only the advantage it needs today, but will be able to defeat the threats of tomorrow. (Applause.) As part of this effort, we are proceeding with the third phase of the deployment of the Arrow missile program. (Applause.) The United States is committing $200 million to this effort so that the children who lived through the Scud attacks of the Gulf War will never again face that fear. We also pledge to expand work on the Nautilus high-energy laser system, which is designed to destroy katyushas in flight. (Applause.) Our Air Forces are working together so that the first of the F15-Is are delivered as planned next year. (Applause.) And we have offered Israel the ARAAM, our most advanced air-to-air missile system so that Israel's air power remains unmatched in the region. (Applause.) Our strategic cooperation is greater than ever. We are continuing to help build Israel's high-tech capacity through the sale of supercomputers. We are even expanding cooperation in space and preparing to train Israeli astronauts. (Applause.) There may be a few volunteers out there, Mr. Prime Minister. (Laughter.) We are also working, as the Prime Minister said, more closely than ever to defeat terrorism. This week we will complete the agreement to combat extremist violence that we began work on during my visit to Israel last month. Almost as soon as we received word of the bombings we began sending new equipment to detect explosives. Now we are committing more than $100 million to this program for equipment and training, for development of new technologies and improved communications and coordination. And I am very pleased that in the budget I signed just two days ago, the first $50 million was included in our common antiterrorist efforts. (Applause.) We all know that Israel should have every tool at its disposal in the fight against terror. And we all know that the organized forces of hatred and terror threaten people not only in the Middle East, but here at home and around the world. We saw that in Oklahoma City, at the World Trade Center, in the attacks we have thwarted, in the subways of Tokyo, in the skies over Scotland. We see it all around the world. Fighting terrorism will remain one of our top law enforcement priorities for many years to come. And in order to be successful, we have to have the tools we need here, and we have to work together. I want to thank the Congress and members in both parties for passing the antiterrorism bill I signed into law just last week. (Applause.) I want to thank many of you in this audience in both parties who worked hard and lobbied hard for that legislation. (Applause.) It will help us to stop terrorists before they strike and to bring them to justice when they do. Now we can more quickly expel foreigners who came here and support terrorist activities. Our prosecutors can wield new tools and expanded penalties against those who terrorize Americans at home or abroad. And we can stop terrorists from raising money in the United States to pay for their crimes anywhere around the world. (Applause.) Again, I say AIPAC has long been a powerful voice in favor of this legislation. We may not be able to always stop those who are gripped by hatred, but at least now because of your support, we will make a real difference in the fight against terror. And I pledge to you that in America, in Israel and around the world we will not rest from these efforts until, in the words of the psalm, ``We shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flies by day.'' When I was in Jerusalem last month, I placed a small symbol of the extraordinary bond of solidarity between the United States and Israel on the grave of my friend Prime Minister Rabin. It was a little stone from the South Lawn of the White House where the first accord with the Palestinians was signed. I put it there in keeping with the Jewish tradition that says one must always add to the memories of those who have died and never detract from them. Well, it falls to us to add more to the memories of all those who have given their lives for Israel's security and for the hope of peace. And we must do this not only with stones, but in kind. We must build a peace as hard and real as any stone. And in so doing, we will add to the memory of every martyr and validate the sacrifice of every martyr, and give meaning and breath and life to the dreams of so many who have gone before. That is my vision to you and my pledge. And I say to you, and especially to you, I will do everything I can to help us achieve it together. Thank you, and God bless you. (Applause.)

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kristina Wong, the California winner of the 1995-96 Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Broadcast Scriptwriting Contest. More than 116,000 students participated in the competition for 54 national scholarships. I am proud to include the text of her award-winning script in the Congressional Record. Answering America's Call (By Kristina Wong) ``Hello . . . Oh, America! How are you! . . . Great. I'm sure you're still as generous as always . . . What's that? . . . Sure. . . . Of course I will. Of course! If you are kind enough to create such opportunities, I should be gracious enough to offer you want I can in return . . . No, no, no . . . Don't be silly, we depend on each other. Without you I couldn't be here . . . And you couldn't be where you are . . . Alright, thanks for calling. Bye.'' That was America calling. She calls on me as she does all of us to take advantage of her innumerable opportunities. Now, more than ever, the chance for America to answer her call is marvelous. These opportunities are practically flung at America, so how could anyone resist-answering America's call? America was founded over 200 years ago on the principle of life, liberty, and freedom, and she calls on us to take advantage of these principles. In regards to life, the chance is ours to live where we want, how we like, and with as much education as we would like to receive. Of course in doing this we must also respect other Americans' rights to live as they choose. We are offered excellent free public education. We are offered financial assistance when we stumble. The life America offers is unique from that of all other countries. Nowhere else in the world is there such a diversity of talent, culture, and experience. We are granted liberty--the opportunity for us to live with rights not granted by other countries. We may speak freely as long as we do not take license which injuries others in doing so. America welcomes refugees whether that are political prisoners, prisoners of war, or those who are oppressed by the economic shackles that have bound them in their native lands. In America, we can speak out to government about issues that concern us. Along with liberty, we are granted freedom--freedom to exercise our rights to pursue the religion of our choice, to elect the candidate we support, and to assemble at will. We have the right to publish our ideas and share them with other Americans, no matter how orthodox or unorthodox they may be. We can also create groups to reform government or educate the community on the issues of concern. It can clearly be seen that America's opportunities are hard to turn down! But America doesn't just call on us to take advantage of her bounty, she also asks us to help sustain her services by giving back to her something in return. By doing this we keep America in balance. Without contributions from America, she is incapable of fulfilling the promise of life, liberty, and freedom. She needs our help. One way we help is through the financial contributions we make each April--those infamous taxes which fund the services America offers. Another way we contribute is in the form of direct service. Some of us are called to serve in the military to fight to defend America, while others of us are asked to serve in the community by volunteering our time and skills to assist those in need. And America, most of all, requests the moral support of her citizens. We sing the National Anthem before sporting events to remember the efforts of those who defended our country. We also build national spirit by observing holidays such as Veterans Day, Independence Day, and Presidents Day. We display our national pride by hanging our American Flag as a symbol of unity and spirit. I, too, have answered America's call. I have taken a citizen's role in government through my work canvassing for the Sierra Club on environmental protection issues. I have also served America by giving my time at a convalescent home where I assisted the elderly with their art activities. I have donated time at a local soup kitchen, serving meals to the homeless. I have further involved myself in working for the environment by being on my school's Green Team, which collects recyclable in the school. My team's efforts enabled us to earn a can crusher this year to further our recycling activities. This work led me to volunteer at a local recycling center where I have spoken to the community about keeping open recycling centers which were scheduled to close. America has kept her promise of life, liberty, and freedom. She gives us the right to voice our opinions on our government. She gives us the freedom to pursue our goals and to reach for excellence. She gives us the opportunity for education and success. She only asks that we answer her call by giving her our time, service, and talents in return. So, the next time America calls, don't hang up.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the adoption of H.R. 1561, the objections of the President notwithstanding. I have served as a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and now the Committee on International Relations since I was first elected a Member of the Congress. In the nearly 16 years that I have served in this body, I have never seen such a partisan, one-sided, ill-considered piece of legislation come out of our committee. Earlier the chairman of the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights talked about the process by which this legislation was shoved through the Subcommittee and Committee. He made reference to me, in my capacity as ranking minority member of the subcommittee, although he did not mention me by name. I was the Democrat who walked out of the subcommittee markup of the sections of H.R. 1561 that were in the jurisdiction of that subcommittee. I was joined in walking out of that markup by every other Democratic member of the subcommittee. Let me explain why my colleagues and I took that action. Mr. Speaker, the traditional practice when the Democrats were in the majority on the Foreign Affairs Committee was to consult with the minority on all of the issues being considered in the foreign affairs authorization legislation to reach bipartisan compromise on as many issues as possible on the legislation, to reach out and work together to resolve differences. That did not happen. The chairman of the International Operations Subcommittee consulted with some individuals who were not members of the subcommittee or even members of the full International Relations Committee, and he included provisions of interest to them. He did not, however, have the courtesy to consult with me or other members of the minority on the subcommittee on any of these issues. Not only were we not consulted on the legislation, when we went into the markup of H.R. 1561, we did not have the final version of the bill until the very morning the bill was to be considered. As ranking minority member of the subcommittee, the first version of the bill was delivered to me late on a Wednesday night. Major changes were made in that bill, and a second revised version was delivered to me 2 days later on a Friday evening. The last changes in the bill were made the following Sunday afternoon. The markup took place the following day--on Monday morning. I make this point, Mr. Speaker, because I want the record to be clear. There was no bipartisan effort to work out differences or resolve problems in advance. The fact that all of my Democratic colleagues joined me in walking out of the markup only indicates the partisan nature of the process with which we have been dealing on this legislation during the past year. I might add, Mr. Speaker, that the conference report was handled in the same partisan fashion. The Republican members of the House International Relations Committee and Republican members of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee met, made their decisions on the legislation, and presented what they had done to the Democratic Members. We were invited to accept what they had done without any opportunity whatsoever to participate in the process of producing a better piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I have long advocated bipartisan cooperation on our foreign policy. I am still a strong advocate of such cooperation. We are strongest when we are united. There is no reason we can not and should not work together for the improvement of our country's foreign relations. There are serious threats to our Nation, serious threats in the international arena which affect all Americans. We must work together to meet those challenges. Making partisan political points-- which is precisely what H.R. 1561 is about--will do nothing to strengthen our Nation's foreign policy. While there are a few good elements in the legislation, on the whole it will weaken our Nation's ability to face the international challenges we face. We need thoughtful cooperation, and we need careful bipartisan consideration of such legislation. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to join in voting against the override of the President's veto on this legislation. This is a bad bill. This is a partisan bill. This is a bill that should be defeated.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I wish to commend President Clinton in particular and my colleagues in the Congress who agreed in the latest appropriations legislation for fiscal year 1996 to repeal the recent provision in the defense authorization bill which would have mandated summary discharge of military personnel with the HIV virus. That provision, Mr. Speaker, was an outrage, and I applaud its repeal. The so-called problem of HIV-infected military personnel is a shibboleth. No logical reason exists to single out those people serving in the armed forces who have HIV. People suffering from other, far more contagious ailments are not subjected to the same discrimination. They are not kicked out and forced to lose accrued benefits and promised health care. This ban is more a reflection of fear and bigotry than rational military and health policy. It is patently discriminatory and unfair. Although HIV can be contracted in a number of ways, let us not pretend that this ban was not directed at gay and lesbian Americans who contribute to our national defense. Gay and lesbian Americans have served our Nation in the military with great distinction for as long as this Nation has existed. They deserve much better than this. Mr. Speaker, I share the President's conviction that compassion and clearheaded reason must be employed in confronting the HIV virus and its effects. The repeal of this ban is a positive step in restoring reason to the discussion. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding the repeal of the ban on military personnel with HIV.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, Ann Benner, a great friend and a truly extraordinary American, passed away. The boundless energy that drove her to be a heroic supporter of her family and her community every day of her 77 years succumbed in the face of its ultimate challenge. Now, her many companions in the afterlife can enjoy the strength of her spirit and the glow of her love. Over the 2 years that Ann knew she had terminal cancer, she was at her desk in my district office doing the good work on which I and countless others had come to depend. It is hard to imagine that office without the reassuring presence of Ann. She was a true friend, an invaluable asset and the most compassionate human being I have ever met. I will miss her terribly. All of us in San Mateo and those in Washington who have worked with her will miss her terribly. When I first sought office 17 years ago, Ann was one of the first people to volunteer for my campaign. It was obvious from looking at Ann's remarkable list of credentials and accomplishments that she was a woman instilled with an incredible sense of community spirit, education and political activism that went far beyond ordinary civic duty. I was only too happy to offer her an outlet for this fountain of enthusiasm, just as I have been happy to do so for the last 17 years. She started that day, and continued every day after that, doing what was necessary to promote the ideas that she believed in and was willing to fight for. As a special assistant in my district office, Ann took every constituent problem, large or small, with the same zeal that she tackled everything else in her remarkable life. As I did when I first met her, everyone recognized and appreciated that they receive a straight answer from Ann--she told it like it was, and found out all she could about every question or complaint. One of the most compassionate acts I have ever witnessed was when Ann, at the age of 70, took on the awesome responsibility of adopting a young girl from South Africa. Ann gave that girl access to a modern society that was closed to a South African black. Ann did this with no regard for her own comfort and at considerable personal sacrifice because she thought the treatment that girl had received in South Africa was unjust. Ann's contribution to the country that she loved began long before I met her, demonstrating the vision and initiative that characterized her whole life. In 1941, she was a founding member of the Unitarian- Universalist Church in San Mateo. In recognition of her commitment to the Unitarian community, the congregation established and annual award for service to the church and community which was named the ``Ann Benner Award.'' In 1945, she was a founding member of the League of Women Voters of Central San Mateo County. Not one to limit herself to one category or cause, Ann was an active lifetime member of the NAACP, promoting civil rights in many effective capacities. More recently, Ann was named the ``Democrat of the Year'' by the San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee in 1975. In 1981 she was named ``Woman of the Year'' by the San Mateo County Business and Professional Women. And, in testament to her overwhelming contributions to the advancement of women, in 1991 Ann was named to the Women's Hall of Fame of San Mateo County. Ann's departure leaves a void in my heart and in the community we shared that will be impossible to fill. Because of her efforts, Ann has left the world she entered 77 years ago a richer, more humane place. There will always be a place in my heart for Ann, just as her memory will live on in all the lives she touched. Ann, yours is a light that cannot be extinguished. I send you my love.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, in this era when trashing government programs seems to be more politically correct than praising government success, it is a pleasure indeed to call attention to a program that has achieved remarkable success. This is the loan guarantee program that was instituted in 1992, under terms of which the United States Government guaranteed loans to the Government of Israel totally $2 billion per year for 5 years. The funds were provided to assist the Government of Israel deal with the massive influx of 700,000 immigrants from the former Soviet Union and other areas. The United States did not loan the money; it had no other obligation than to co-sign the note and act as an insurer of the loans. There is no risk to the United States, unless Israel defaults on the loans--something Israel has never done on any previous United States loan. The Israelis receive loans at a substantially lower rate of interest, the United States is able to help our only democratic ally in the Middle East, and the United States receives from Israel a $90 million fee each year as a form of insurance against default. Mr. Speaker, the great success of the loan guarantees is detailed in an excellent article by Douglas M. Bloomfield, which appeared in the April 11 issue of the Washington Jewish Week. Mr. Bloomfield is a former Congressional staffer and a distinguished journalist who has written extensively on Israel and the Middle East. Mr. Speaker, I ask that his analysis of the loan guarantees be placed in the Record, and I urge my colleagues to give thoughtful consideration to this fine report. [From the Washington Jewish Week, Apr. 11, 1996] Loan Guarantees an Israeli Success Story (By Douglas M. Bloomfield) At a time when it is in vogue to trash government in general and foreign aid in particular, there is a dramatic success story about a program that did everything it was supposed to and then some. The recipient country reaped enormous benefit, and American taxpayers may wind up making a $450 million profit on the deal. The program is the once-controversial $10 billion loan guarantees for Israel that played such an important role in U.S. and Israeli elections four years ago. That was when President Bush withheld approval of the guarantees as leverage to pressure Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir to alter Israeli settlement policies. In the ensuing confrontation between two leaders who didn't like each other very much, bilateral relations plunged. Shamir turned unsuccessfully to American Jewish activists to get Congress to force Bush to give in. The president denounced the citizen lobbyists and questioned their loyalty as Americans. Bush won his battle with Shamir over the loan guarantee and, to his satisfaction, Shamir lost the spring, 1992 Israeli elections. Then, to the satisfaction of the overwhelming majority of American Jewish voters, Bush lost the November, 1992 election. Shamir's losing and bruising public campaign for the guarantees did cost him economically and politically at home. It was considered a major contributor to his own defeat. Bush's use of the guarantees as a political weapon sent negative signals to the international money markets, said an Israeli economist. ``It was tantamount to a no-confidence vote politically and economically,'' he said, making borrowing more difficult and more costly for Israel. In a last attempt to salvage some Jewish support for his own reelection effort, and under pressure from the Congress, Bush invited newly-elected Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin to Kennebunkport and bestowed upon him the gift of the loan guarantees. It was too late to help Bush, but it did a lot for Israel. Here's how the guarantees work: The U.S. Government does not actually loan, much less give, any money to Israel; it co-signs or guarantees repayment of a specified amount of Israel borrowing. In this case, the amount was $10 billion in five equal, annual installments. The American guarantees assure lower borrowing rates from international banks for Israel. Under the deal worked out with the Congress, Israel agreed to pay $90 million a year 4.5 percent of each $2 billion installment; the Bush administration had asked for a prohibitive 13.5 percent fee) to the U.S. Treasury as a form of insurance against default. Only if Israel defaulted-- something it has never done on any previous U.S. loan--would American taxpayers ever have to pay anything. The purpose of the guarantees is to help Israel borrow money at the best possible rate to finance economic expansion associated with the influx of nearly 700,000 new immigrants over the past seven years and the opportunities presented by the peace process. The money raised could only be used for investment and infrastructure, not the general government budget. Although often misrepresented as housing guarantees for new immigrants, there never was any intention to use the money for the government to build houses or directly the newcomers. There is a separate $80 million annual U.S. refugee aid program for that. Now in its fourth year, the program is widely considered a major success. American taxpayers are getting their $90 million annual ``insurance premiums,'' trade between the two countries has increased more than 40 percent, and the program is doing just what it was intended to do. A Washington rarity. The humanitarian objective of immigrant absorption is being achieved, and it is being done through the private sector, not by government-created jobs and housing projects, as in the past. In addition, the government is fulfilling its 1992 commitment to the U.S. government to accelerate deregulation, privatization of government-owned corporations and economic reforms began in the 1980s with prodding and assistance from the Reagan administration. The guaranteed loans supply Israel with affordable foreign currency. An expanding economy that is absorbing new immigrants has to increase imports faster than exports, and it needs dollars to pay for that because the shekel is not a convertible currency. With the guarantees the Bank of Israel can borrow enough dollars to exchange for shekels from Israeli businesses making those foreign purchases. The resultant strength of the economy can be seen in a few statistics: Unemployment is down from 11 percent four years ago to six percent, the lowest level in more than a decade. For new immigrants, it dropped from about 25 percent to six percent. Gross Domestic Product grew seven percent last year in real terms, up more than 40 percent since 1990. Private sector growth is up eight percent for each of the past two years in real terms and 50 percent since 1990. Inflation has dropped from 18 percent in 1991 to eight percent today. 90 percent of the jobs created in the last several years have been in the private sector. The loan guarantees gave the Israeli economy an intended boost, and achieved the goals U.S. and Israeli policy makers sought. But will the economy cool off and go into a slump after the five-year program expires in 1997? Not likely, says Ohad Marani, the minister for financial affairs in the Israeli embassy in Washington. About four months ago the Israeli treasury decided to test the waters by floating a bond issue on Wall Street in dollars without any American government guarantees or involvement. The $250-million issue, known as Yankee bonds, was oversubscribed and Israel got a very favorable interest rate, demonstrating the government can raise money without American guarantees, he said. Marani attributed the success to Israel's strong economy, a favorable standing with Standard & Poors and other rating services and increased regional stability as a result of the peace process. A similar bond sale is planned in Europe next month. ``The guarantees gave Israel the confidence it had enough currency to absorb the new immigrants,'' said Dan Halperin, the Israeli Treasury's top official in Washington in the 1980's ``and the Yankee bonds prove that today Israel can slowly begin raising money on its own credit.''

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on the 25th anniversary of the founding of Foster City, CA to pay tribute to the city and its citizens for building an exemplary community. Foster City was originally founded and developed by T. Jack Foster. In 1960 he acquired the 4 square miles known as Brewers Island in order to begin building a vision that today we honor as a dream fulfilled. The original concept was to develop a balanced community able to function physically, economically, and socially to meet the needs and desires of its residents. A massive construction operation was necessary to convert the land into a new city of the future. Eighteen million cubic yards of fill were necessary to provide gradient for the storm water runoff and cover for the utility lines as well as support for the buildings. Two hundred and thirty acres of lagoons had to be created to collect the storm water and hold it for pumping into the Bay. Drinking water was later brought to Foster City through the City of San Mateo from the San Francisco water system. Foster City faced a number of adversities both political and physical. The engineering challenge of creating Foster City from the marshlands of Brewer's Island required enormous financial backing, but this did not deter its developers. For 5 years the Foster City Community Association fought an intense legal battle with the district board to obtain incorporation of the city. Despite the daunting task, the citizens of Foster City overcame the mire of bureaucracy to deliver on a promise that T. Jack Foster had originally envisioned. On April 27, 1971 Foster City was incorporated thus establishing a council/city manager form of local government with a five member city council. By 1971 there were more than 10,000 residents of this emerging community, and they voted to incorporate as a city. Since that time, public facilities, commercial developments, and new homes have continued to be built. Foster City is a community of people dedicated to the purpose of education and maintaining the quality of life of the community. In keeping with these commitments, 1996 marks the opening of a new library, a remodeled recreation center, and an updated Brewer Island Elementary School. Foster City remains a planned community today-- dedicated to the fundamental values that ultimately enrich America as a whole. Today, Foster City is widely regarded in the San Francisco Bay Area as one of the preeminent communities in which to live. Prosperity has come with stability. It is the proud home of over 30,000 people. It is especially meaningful for me to be able to rise today on behalf of each of those citizens to pay tribute to the city they call home. Mr. Speaker, on this day, I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring the celebration of Foster City's Silver Anniversary, and I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating the community of Foster City for its admirable accomplishments and outstanding determination.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, like many of my colleagues I was both amused and appalled by the actions yesterday of the Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America. In response to a suit filed by the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission [EEOC] alleging sexual harassment of female workers at its Normal, IL, manufacturing plant, Mitsubishi chartered 59 buses to carry employees of the company plant in Normal to Chicago, where they held a protest rally outside the EEOC office there. Mitsubishi not only paid for the buses, they also closed the assembly line for two full shifts, they paid regular salaries to those workers who made the trip to Chicago, and they provided lunch for the protesters. Mr. Speaker, this is not the way we in the United States settle discrimination suits. Under the rule of law, these issues are decided upon in a court of law based upon their merits. The EEOC is a Federal agency entrusted with enforcing our country's laws against discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, etc. That agency takes seriously those responsibilities, and it does not file frivolous lawsuits. A protest outside the EEOC's office in Chicago indicates to me that Mitsubishi's legal case must be particularly weak. In addition, a rowdy protest does not strike me as doing anything to resolve the serious legal issues involved here. It may, however, be beneficial to the careers of the American managers of the Normal plant. Second, Mr. Speaker, this protest strikes me as a tactic to pressure the workers at the Mitsubishi plant to oppose the EEOC suit. Those who went to Chicago to protest against the sexual harassment suit publicly signed a list to indicate their intention to go to Chicago. Those employees who chose not to go were forced to appear at the factory in order to be paid. Clearly the way in which that protest was organized put intolerable pressure on Mitsubishi employees. Such pressure tactics against its employees should be firmly condemned. Third, Mr. Speaker, based on some of my own activities here in the Congress, there is sound basis for concern about the real possibility of sexual harassment in this case. For 6 years during the 100th through the 102d Congresses, I had the privilege of serving as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Employment and Housing of the Government Operations Committee. During that period of time I held a series of hearings on ``Employment Discrimination by Japanese Firms in the United States'' (July 23, August 8, September 24, 1991, and February 26 and June 18, 1992). We found a pervasive pattern of lack of sensitivity to issues of discrimination by a number of Japanese firms. Among our very serious concerns was strong evidence of sexual discrimination. What our hearings found was a surprising and very disturbing insensitivity on the part of Japanese management to American laws and American practices against sexual harassment and against sexual discrimination. Mr. Speaker, these practices by Japanese management were exposed and in some cases changes were made by the firms involved, but I would be surprised indeed to find that these problems have been eliminated completely. Clearly if the EEOC charges are true, it reflects a serious lack of sensitivity on the part of Mitsubishi management, and that management has the responsibility to see that sexual harassment does not take place at its plant. Mr. Speaker, I commend the EEOC for its vigilance in dealing with these serious charges, and I urge the Commission to move forward. These charges should be completely aired and resolved through our legal system. I also urge the management of Mitsubishi to put aside its tawdry and counterproductive public relations tactics and respect the rights of its own workers.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Earth Day 1996 with citizens from around the world. The first Earth Day in 1970 rallied over 20 million Americans from around the country to learn about our environment. Conceived by Senator Gaylord Nelson and organized by Dennis Hayes, Earth Day events have featured some of the largest grassroots mobilizations in U.S. history. These early events helped create the modern environmental movement and led directly to the first environmental legislation--the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. In the late 1980's, Dennis Hayes decided it was time to expand Earth Day internationally and to renew environmental concern in the United States. Earth Day is now a highly anticipated annual event held in April that draws upon the resources, concern, and energy of countless individuals throughout our planet for the critical purpose of preserving it. Earth Day is a gentle reminder to all of us that the environment is everyone's issue. Earth Day observance rekindles public commitment, broadens the base of support for environmental programs, and encourages participation from every group, including the business community. Earth Day is a successful catalyst for ongoing environmental education, action and change. Earth Day activities offer important points of entry to address worldwide environmental concerns as well as opportunities for individuals and communities to focus on their local environmental problems. Residents of my congressional district are planning a variety of events under the direction of the Bay Area Action group. Some community gardens will host volunteer work parties on Earth Day weekend while some restaurants will offer ``Earth Day Meals.'' These events and efforts characterize a national will to improve and protect our environment for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren. There is clearly a hunger in our Nation today, not only for more security or for more economic opportunity, but also for something which we can all be involved in that is larger than ourselves and that will have a lasting and positive impact. Reclaiming our rivers, our forests, improving the quality of our air, and limiting the volume of waste we generate, are the causes of a committed generation of human beings doing their part for the betterment of our planet as a whole. We are fighting a serious uphill battle, however. The new majority in Congress, this past year, has turned its back repeatedly on our environment. There is no question that this has been the most antienvironmental Congress in recent history and the blame, undoubtedly, falls squarely upon the shoulders of the majority of this House. Let us not belittle the meaning of Earth Day with phony rhetoric; let us match the commitment from our citizens with actions that safeguard our future. Three decades ago, President Kennedy said, ``It is our task and our time in our generation to hand down, undiminished to those who come after us, as was handed down to us by those who came before, the natural wealth and beauty which is ours.'' It is time to recommit ourselves to these same values that originally made America unique. The preservation of our environment is not synonymous with erosion of the economy. It does mean, however, that Congress has tough choices to make. We cannot deny the fact that Government has an important role in helping to preserve the natural beauty of our rivers, our forests, our mountains, our beaches, and our parks. Earth Day reminds us that we share the air, the water, the planet and our destiny with all the people of the world. Our efforts must extend beyond our borders to help people in poorer countries understand the effects of their actions. Every country is interconnected; a potential environmental catastrophe can affect us all. That certainly is the message as we come upon the 10th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster in Russia, at the same time that we mark Earth Day. The United States should lead the world by being a shining example. Mr. Speaker, that is why I stand here today, requesting the support of my colleagues. We must never turn our back on our Nation's environment. I hope that the antienvironment trend of this Congress can be overcome with tangible legislation that recommits our Government to protecting our environment. Mr. Speaker, we can all learn from the millions of individuals who will participate in Earth Day this year and years to follow. Ultimately, it is through them that we must come to understand that part of our common responsibility to the future is preserving our environment today. Let us not acquiesce to the defilement of our environment; we must not let our inaction serve as a precedent for emerging nations throughout the world to ignore their role in preserving it. There can be no greater legacy that we leave behind for our children and grandchildren than a world secure in its commitment to a healthy and environmentally sound future.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on the 25th anniversary of the installation of Pastor David Rohrer, to pay his tribute on his impressive and extremely productive tenure as pastor for Christ Church, Lutheran in my congressional district in San Francisco and to recognize his outstanding service to our community. Pastor Rohrer was born January 10, 1937, in Richmond, CA. His commitment to the Christian ministry has been nearly lifelong. He was ordained into the Lutheran Church ministry in June, 1961, and since that time has dedicated himself fully to his profession. Before his installation as senior pastor at Christ Church, Lutheran in San Francisco in 1970, he served as assistant pastor at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Sparks, NV. Pastor Rohrer's commitment to his congregation and church bound him to the outside community. His religious leadership outside of Christ Church includes membership on the board of directors of the Sunny View Lutheran Home in Cupertino, CA, Pacific Lutheran Seminary in Berkeley, CA, and the Lutheran Lesbian and Gay Ministries. He has served several terms as president of Sunny View Lutheran Home and is currently treasurer of the Lutheran Lesbian and Gay Ministries. He was elected and served as dean of the San Francisco Conference, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for 1993-94. Pastor Rohrer has not shied away from tackling the most controversial of issues throughout his illustrious career. His leadership in creating equal standing for gay and lesbian clergy has earned him nationwide recognition. The opposition from his parent church and hostility from his own congregation could not dissuade or intimidate Pastor Rohrer from his efforts. The most telling mark of Pastor Rohrer's leadership and Christian compassion can be found in the individual relationships he has made with his congregation throughout the years. He has been a pastor to over 600 people, has baptized 172, and performed countless marriages. Pastor Rohrer has served his community for the greater part of his life and that is why it is especially befitting that on this day the community has come together to honor him as leader, a friend, and a fellow human committed to the betterment of society as a whole. Mr. Speaker, on this day, when we celebrate the 25 years of a remarkable career, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Pastor David Rohrer for his admirable acccomplishment and outstanding determination.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on the 90th anniversary of the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake, to celebrate with the city of San Francisco a monumental achievement of community cooperation and commitment. I invite my colleagues to join me in conveying our congratulations and admiration to the people of San Francisco who have committed their precious resources to the construction of the new main branch of the San Francisco Library, a beautiful and highly functional testament to the love that San Franciscans have for their city and for books and education. It is a love that has found its voice through the coordinated efforts of corporations, foundations, and individuals. A library should reflect the pride, the culture, and the values of the diverse communities that it serves. The San Francisco main library will undoubtedly be successful in reaching this goal. The library will be home to special centers dedicated to the history and interests of African-Americans, Chinese-Americans, Filipino-Americans, Latino- Americans, and gays and lesbians. The library will be designed to serve the specialized needs of the businessman as well as the immigrant newcomer. It will become home to the diverse communities that make San Francisco unique among metropolitan areas of the world. It will also become a home, most importantly, that serves to unite. The new San Francisco main library represents an opportunity to preserve and disperse the knowledge of times long since passed. The book serves as man's most lasting testament and the library serves as our version of a time machine into the past, the present and the future. This library, built upon the remains of the old City Hall destroyed 90 years ago today, is a befitting tribute to the immortality of thought. Buildings will come as they will most definitely pass, but the books of this new library and the information that they hold are eternal and serve as an indelible foundation that cannot be erased by the passage of time. The expanded areas of the new main library will provide space for numerous hidden treasures that no longer will be hidden. The people of San Francisco will have the opportunity to reacquaint themselves with numerous literary treasures previously locked behind the dusty racks of unsightly storage rooms. Although the new San Francisco main library serves as a portal into our past, it also serves to propel us into the future. It is an edifice designed to stoke the imagination by providing access to the numerous streams of information that characterize our society today. The technologically designed library will provide hundreds of public computer terminals to locate materials on-line, 14 multimedia stations, as well as access to data bases and the Information Superhighway. It will provide education and access for those previously unable to enter the ``computer revolution.'' The library will provide vital access and communication links so that it can truly serve as a resource for the city and for other libraries and educational institutions throughout the region. The new library will serve as an outstanding model for libraries around the world to emulate. Like an educational institution,the San Francisco Library will be a repository of human knowledge, organized and made accessible for writers, students, lifelong learners and leisure readers. It will serve to compliment and expand San Francisco's existing civic buildings--City Hall, Davies Symphony Hall, Brooks Hall, and the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center. The library serves as a symbiotic commitment between the city of San Francisco and its people. In 1988, when electorates across the country refused to support new bond issues, the people of San Francisco committed themselves to a $109.5 million bond measure to build the new main library building and to strengthen existing branch libraries. Eight years later those voices are still clearly heard and they resonate with the dedication of this unique library, built by a community to advance themselves and their neighbors. Mr. Speaker, on this day, when we celebrate the opening of the new main branch of the San Francisco Library, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the community of San Francisco for their admirable accomplishments and outstanding determination.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call the attention of my colleagues to an excellent exhibition of photographs--Yitzhak Rabin Remembered--which displays in pictures the life and accomplishments of assassinated Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. This superb exhibit is now on display in the rotunda of the Cannon House Office Building. Last January when my wife, Annette, and I were in Israel on a private visit, we saw an outstanding photographic exhibit about Prime Minister Rabin in the Israeli Knesset, and right there, Annette and I determined that we should make every effort to have those photographs brought here to Washington so that the Members of the Congress could have a greater understanding and appreciation of this great man of peace. Through the efforts of the Speaker of Knesset, Prof. Shevach Weiss, and the Embassy of Israel here in Washington, we were able to arrange for these photographs to be displayed in the Cannon rotunda. Last night, we held a reception to mark the opening of this exhibit and to pay tribute to this most distinguished Israeli leader, this man of war who became a leader in the effort to bring peace and cooperation. Those who paid tribute to Prime Minister Rabin last night were: Our distinguished colleague from Georgia, the Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich; Pro. Shevach Weiss, Speaker of Knesset; Dalia Rabin Filosof, the daughter of Prime Minister Rabin; His Excellency Itamar Rabinovich, the Ambassador of Israel to the United States; and Walter Reich, executive director of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial. Those of our colleagues who sponsored this event, in addition to Speaker Gingrich, were Senators Orrin Hatch of Utah and Joe Lieberman of Connecticut; Democratic leader of the House, Richard Gephardt; and our House colleagues Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman of New York, the chairman of our International Relations Committee; Congressman John Porter of Illinois; and Congressman Howard Berman of California. A number of our colleagues joined us in paying tribute, including Congressman Bill Martini of New Jersey and Howard Coble of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it is entirely appropriate that we pay tribute to Prime Minister Rabin for his contributions to the State of Israel, our only stable democratic ally in the Middle East, and for his contributions to the peace process in that region. Yitzhak Rabin was born in Jerusalem in 1922. He was only 26 years of age when the State of Israel was proclaimed in 1948, and in many ways his biography is the biography of Israel. He has played pivotal roles throughout his country's history. In the war of Israeli independence in 1948, Yitzhak Rabin commanded the Harel brigade, which opened the road to besieged Jerusalem. He served in positions of command in the Israel Defense Forces, culminating with his appointment as chief of staff in 1964, when he led IDF forces to victory in the Six-Day War. Following his retirement from military service in 1968, he became Ambassador of Israel to the United States for a period of 5 years. In 1973 when he returned to Israel, he was elected a member of the Knesset, and a year later in June 1974 he became Prime Minister, serving until 1977. During this period, disengagement agreements were signed with Egypt and Syria, followed by an interim agreement with Egypt. These were the key agreements that prepared the way for Egyptian President Anwar Sadat's historic visit to Jerusalem. During the period of the coalition government, Rabin served as Minister of Defense from 1984-90. In July 1992 he became Prime Minister for the second time and also Minister of Defense. This period in office was marked by major landmarks in the peace process. On September 13, 1993, he signed the Israel-Palestinian Declaration of Principles on the South Lawn of the White House. On October 26, 1994, he signed the Treaty of Peace between Israel and Jordan. On September 28, 1995, he signed the Israeli- Palestinian Interim Agreement at the White House. In recognition of his major contributions to Middle East peace, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in December 1994 along with Israeli Foreign Minister, now Prime Minister, Shimon Peres and PLO Chairman Yasser Arrafat. Few of us will ever forget the tragedy of his death on November 4, 1995. He was assassinated by an Israeli citizen shortly after speaking at a massive peace rally in Tel Aviv. In tribute to his contribution to the peace, kings, presidents and other heads of state and government from around the world participated in a memorial service honoring him at his burial in Jerusalem. Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to pause in the Cannon rotunda to see these photographs--Yitzhak Rabin Remembered--and to honor the memory and the outstanding achievements of this great man.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am particularly pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Rhode Island [Mr. Kennedy], my dear friend and colleague whose family has done so much to carry forward the principles of freedom and justice and decency among human beings in this country and across the globe.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from San Francisco, CA [Ms. Pelosi] my neighbor, friend, and distinguished colleague.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York [Mrs. Lowey].

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

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. Clement].

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Oregon [Ms. Furse]. (Ms. FURSE asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Georgia [Ms. McKinney]. (Ms. McKINNEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, Mr. P. Stuart Tholan was one of the 32 Americans accompanying Secretary Ron Brown on his mission to contribute to the rebuilding of Bosnia. He was aboard the military transport plane which crashed, killing all abroad. My most sincere condolences go out to his wife, Marilyn, his children, Scott and Carolyn, and all his family, as well as to all those whose lives Stuart Tholan touched. Mr. Tholan had been invited on the humanitarian mission by Commerce Secretary Ron Brown because of his distinguished record of overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles and succeeding again and again. The reconstruction and revival of Bosnia's devastated economy would have been Mr. Tholan's most significant challenge. I have the utmost confidence, as did Secretary Brown, that he would have succeeded at this ultimate challenge. Mr. Tholan's outstanding work for the Bechtel group of companies, based in San Francisco, CA, earned him a reputation as a demanding project director who tackled the most daunting tasks with eternal optimism and a can-do attitude. While his focus on the successful completion of a project could not be swayed, he never lost sight of the importance of the people on the project. Mr. Tholan would always take the time to help a co-worker when they had personal or family difficulties or to devote his spare time to coaching Little League and girl's softball. The mission that Stuart Tholan was participating in was perfectly suited to his strengths. Throughout his career, he had shown an ability to bring together people and motivate them to accomplish the most difficult tasks. The strengths of his personality and character shone through the overwhelming nature of jobs he took on. His leadership propelled an international work force of 16,000 to put out the Kuwaiti oil fires in a fraction of the time experts thought possible. These are the reasons why Secretary Brown chose Stuart Tholan as the perfect candidate to help rebuild the devastated economy of Bosnia. Mr. Speaker, Stuart Tholan and the others who perished on that plane deserve our gratitude for their commitment and dedication to bring peace and stability to Bosnia and for their service to our Nation.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, Mr. I. Donald Terner was one of the 32 Americans accompanying Secretary Ron Brown on his mission to contribute to the rebuilding of Bosnia. He was aboard the military transport plane which crashed, killing all aboard. My most sincere condolences go out to his wife, Deirdre English, his children, and to all those whose lives Donald Terner improved with his many good works. Donald Terner was a man of truly extraordinary energy and commitment, and we are extremely fortunate that he chose to devote his talents to improving the lives of low-income families throughout California. As founder and president of Bridge Housing Corp., Donald Terner created a low-income housing enterprise which constructed nearly 6,000 homes in the 13 years the organization has been in business. Both the continuing success of the solid organization Donald Terner built and the thousands of families who will have a roof over their heads for years to come will serve as a lasting testament to the life of Donald Terner. Commerce Secretary Ron Brown was so impressed with the remarkable achievements of Donald Terner that he invited Mr. Terner to accompany him on a humanitarian mission to restore the housing resources destroyed by years of all-out war in Bosnia. Donald Terner was not deterred by the overwhelming difficulty of rebuilding this devastated region. Secretary Brown recognized in Donald Terner the same qualities that those who have worked with him have appreciated for decades. His humanitarian spirit combined with his unrelenting commitment to success in the face of adversity has allowed him to succeed in California and it would have propelled him to success in Bosnia. Donald Terner was known as a relentless promoter of low-income housing in California and throughout the world. Building affordable housing entails not only raising the necessary funds, but also the often more difficult task of convincing homeowners to allow the housing to be built in their neighborhoods. It was impossible, however, to say ``no'' to Donald Terner. He was able to convince lenders and neighbors to support to projects because he believed that what he was doing would help people, and that made his persuasive powers all but irresistible. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in to Donald Terner for his commitment to making the world more livable for low-income people. His efforts in behalf of the community should serve as a model for all Americans. While we cannot all devote the time and energy that Donald Terner did, we can invoke his memory when our communities ask something of us.