Tom Lantos

Mr. LANTOS

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 myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this important resolution and urge all of my colleagues to do so as well, and I would first like to commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) for introducing this important and timely resolution. The gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) is a fighter for human rights and democracy in Asia and throughout the world, and I am delighted to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, when Hong Kong reverted to Chinese control in 1997, some of us who cared deeply about the future of Hong Kong went to witness that event. We feared that the Chinese government would not be true to its word that the people of Hong Kong would be able to maintain their free and open way of life and that they would be free of interference from the Mainland government. My worst fears about China's intentions have now materialized. On the surface, much about Hong Kong remains the same. The people of Hong Kong continue to play a role in the running of their economy. Just this past weekend, elections were held for half of the seats of the Legislative Council. Opposition is strong and growing in the Hong Kong legislature, and the local press often criticizes those who govern Hong Kong. But, Mr. Speaker, there are very troubling signs that the Chinese government has lost its patience with Hong Kong's independent way of life and is moving steadily to bring the people of Hong Kong under the firm grip of Beijing. Last year, hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong citizens turned out on the streets after the Hong Kong government at the Mainland's demand attempted to erode civil liberties in the name of protecting national security. Three prominent members of the press who often criticize the Chinese government recently resigned their positions after threats were made to the safety of their families. And, Mr. Speaker, the Chinese government recently declared that universal suffrage would not apply to the election of the chief executive in 2007 or to the election of members of the Legislative Council in 2008. Despite the solemn promise of the Sino-British Joint Declaration that democratic reform would continue in Hong Kong towards universal suffrage, the Chinese government has clearly had enough of Hong Kong's independent voices. The Chinese leadership fights full democracy in Hong Kong for a very simple reason: they fully understand that Hong Kong would thrive and prosper under a fully democratic government. Such democratic success would make it impossible to tell the rapidly growing middle class in Shanghai, Beijing, and other cities throughout China that the Chinese people are not ready for open and free elections and that chaos would ensue should such elections occur. Yesterday's election results from Hong Kong demonstrate clearly the need for fundamentally changing Hong Kong's electoral system. Even though Hong Kong democrats made gains in the elections, they can never win a majority in the Legislative Council because half the seats are chosen by pro-Beijing committees, not the people of Hong Kong. This situation is unacceptable. Our resolution makes clear that the United States is deeply dissatisfied with these negative trends in Hong Kong, particularly the Chinese government's refusal to ensure that all elected officials in Hong Kong are elected by popular vote. It also calls upon the Chinese government to honor its treaty obligations under the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Mr. Speaker, it remains my modest hope that the Chinese government will recognize the error of its current approach to Hong Kong and give the people of Hong Kong the full democracy they so richly deserve. I support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 2 minutes to another distinguished colleague from New York (Mr. Engel).

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, before yielding back my time, let me just say that while in this election season there is a cacophony of voices which might give the impression of deep divisions, in fact the American people are united in their determination not only to wage a war on terrorism, but to win that war on global terrorism wherever it appears. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 3 minutes to my good neighbor and distinguished colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey).

Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, let me first pay tribute to my distinguished friend and colleague from Illinois for the leadership he has provided to our committee and to this House on international matters in the last 3 years. Madam Speaker, I also want to identify myself with the tribute of the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) to members of our Armed Forces, first responders and their families. So much has been said about September 11 and the subsequent battle against global terrorism that the legislation before us allotted an hour of discussion can only be viewed as a symbolic gesture. But once the solemn commemorations are done, the only meaningful memorial that we in Congress can create is to seriously continue our commitment to carry on the global war against terrorism. We need to understand that this is indeed a global war, and our hearts go out to the mothers and fathers of the children in southern Russia who just a few days ago were senselessly slaughtered in another act of global terrorism. We have commitments to keep, Madam Speaker. We need to put into effect the recommendations made by the bipartisan commission investigating the 9/11 attacks. We must find innovative ways to carry out this global struggle against terrorism so that it becomes not a war in the conventional sense but a united worldwide effort to eliminate the conditions that give rise to terrorism, a global effort to sustain peace in all its many aspects. Where will this effort take us next? We may differ about specific tactics, but I think all Americans agree on at least one broad goal: the United States must do all it can to prevent state sponsors of terrorism from acquiring weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons. Fortunately, Madam Speaker, we have already established at least one model for how to reach that goal peacefully. I refer, of course, to the new situation in Libya, a case study of the effectiveness of multilateral sanctions and diplomacy, sustained over decades by both Republican and Democratic administrations. Under U.S. and British leadership, the international community, acting through the United Nations, enforced wide-ranging sanctions against Libya that created pressure on its leadership. Eventually, Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi recognized reality and relented. This year he has taken the unprecedented steps to relinquish his country's nuclear weapons materials and programs, yielding valuable information about the extent of trade in these dangerous substances and among those who seek to harm the United States. Qaddafi has rejected weapons of mass destruction once and for all, and he will reap the benefits in improved political, economic, educational, and cultural ties with the United States and the West. None of us would have guessed this development just a year ago. We must waste no time, Madam Speaker, in applying similar measures to Iran, which has shown it will stop at nothing in order to become a nuclear power. The United States has long had sanctions in place on Iran; but now that Iran's nuclear intentions are clear and transparent, we must lead a campaign for full-scale international sanctions on Iran's fanatic regime. Experts predict that Iran will have a nuclear bomb within 2 years; and with its development of long-range missiles, Iran will threaten our friends and allies across the globe. In order to avoid that nightmarish scenario, the international community must act decisively and quickly, starting with the meeting next week of the board of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Madam Speaker, I call on that board to refer the issue of Iran's violations of its agreements to the United Nations Security Council for the purpose of imposing multilateral sanctions on Iran until it ends its nuclear program once and for all. With its vast reserves of oil and gas, Iran has no need for what it falsely insists are peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Madam Speaker, in 1996, this body passed the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act, known as ILSA; and it renewed that act 3 years ago in 2001. Our actions mark a deeper truth. At the time, Iran and Libya were both energy-rich states, sponsors of terrorism, viciously anti-Western and both committed to the development of weapons of mass destruction. Now their paths have diverged dramatically. Three weeks ago, I made my second trip to Libya and had my second meeting with leader Qaddafi. He told me of an encounter he had sometime ago with an Arab leader who wanted Libya to supply him with nuclear weapons. Qaddafi said he told that Arab leader that if he gave him such weapons, he could not use them, because the retaliation would be so awesome; and when he said this, he said, I also realized that devoting billions of our resources to developing weapons of mass destruction is pointless, and I am giving you all my weapons of mass destruction. With this story, Colonel Qaddafi laid out the rationale for his decision last December to give up Libya's programs of weapons of mass destruction. As a consequence, U.S. commercial sanctions no longer apply to Libya. The Iran-Libya Sanctions Act is now the Iran Sanctions Act. Iran has not yet adopted Libya's wise course. Its single-minded pursuit of nuclear weapons calls for an equally determined response from the international community. The IAEA meeting next week will be a test of both international will and the skill of our leadership. In the post-9/11 age, letting fundamentalist extremists acquire nuclear arms makes no sense whatsoever. We should be no more relaxed about a nuclear armed Iran than we would about a nuclear armed Hezbollah or al Qaeda. Mr. Speaker, as Aristotle observed, we make war that we may live in peace. But the effort that so many have called the war on terrorism must involve warfare only as the very last resort. The case of Libya demonstrates that skillful, multilateral diplomacy can avoid the horror of war and can point us in a direction which is peaceful and constructive for the United States and for the rest of the world. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 3 minutes to my good friend and distinguished colleague, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 3 minutes to my dear friend and distinguished colleague, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney), and it is so appropriate that our next speaker be a Representative from New York.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and pride that I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Nancy Kraus who is retiring after 22 years of dedicated service to the San Mateo Union High School District. The students, teachers, parents, administrators, and members of the community who had the honor of working with her, first at Capuchino High School, then at the San Mateo Union High School District Office, offer their highest praise and appreciation for her years of service. She exemplifies the highest ideals of loyalty, professionalism, and devotion to duty. During 8 years at Capuchino High School, as Administrative Assistant to two Principals, Mrs. Kraus was able to involve parents in their children's education like no one had before. She designed and wrote a newspaper for parents, and created a weekly column that praised the accomplishments of students and informed the community of initiatives at the school. She developed activities for the annual Capuchino Open House that celebrated both the high school and the community and resulted in the largest parent participation ever at that event. In addition, she was the recipient of the Martin Luther King Award for Outstanding Leadership, presented by the Capuchino Black Student Union, as well as the Woman of the Year Award from the student government of the school. At the District Office, Mrs. Kraus served as Executive Assistant to two Superintendents where her immense skills and deep commitment to education earned her the highest esteem and trust by all whose lives she touched. Mr. Speaker, Nancy Kraus was the consummate problem solver tackling issues both large and small with persistence. In recent years, she gave primary and critical leadership during four major bond campaigns that provided $137.8 million in necessary resources so that the San Mateo Union High School District could renovate and reconstruct its six comprehensive high schools to meet the demands of a 21st century education. Mr. Speaker, Nancy's involvement went far beyond the duties of the offices in which she worked. She was a founding member of the San Bruno Community Theater and conducted all of its public relations for several years. She encouraged students to participate in the annual Millbrae Lions Club essay contest. She was a co-advisor to student government. She shared her love of opera by offering students voluntary education in opera appreciation which she taught during the lunch hour and then took full busloads on special field trips to performances of the San Francisco Opera. Mr. Speaker, at the start of the coming school year, Nancy Kraus will be immensely missed. However, her brilliant leadership, the thoughtful, caring and constructive guidance she provided, the complex and difficult problems she helped to solve, and the skills she brought to her work all helped to make the San Mateo Union High School District the excellent educational institution that I am proud to represent. I know she deserves every extra moment that she will get to spend with her husband, daughter and two grandchildren. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Nancy Kraus, whose contributions to students, staff, and community will not be forgotten.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, the legislation before the House continues a vitally important environmental initiative begun during the Clinton Administration. The Tropical Forest Conservation Act has already resulted in the funding of programs to conserve over 40 million acres of endangered tropical forests around the globe. These preservation efforts are critical to long-term U.S. interests as the tropical forest being saved are estimated to contain 50-90 percent of the earth's terrestrial biodiversity. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had the opportunity to co-sponsor this reauthorization with Congressman Rob Portman. Congressman Portman deserves credit for having the foresight to initiate this program with the original authorization he crafted in partnership with the former chairman of the International Relations Committee, Mr. Lee Hamilton, in 1998. Mr. Speaker, the Tropical Forest Conservation Act has been a tremendous success. It has allowed the governments of developing countries to get the benefit of improving their local ecosystem when paying down interest owed on debt to the United States. It is supported by a broad spectrum of environmental advocacy organizations led by the Nature Conservancy and the World Wildlife Fund. This program inspires more prompt debt servicing and gives foreign governments a greater sense of responsibility for preserving the global environment. Already the U.S. has entered into binding bilateral agreements with seven countries: Bangladesh, Belize, El Salvador, Panama, Peru, the Philippines and Colombia. These agreements will generate $70 million for tropical forest preservation. The most recent agreement has produced a pledge by Colombia to invest $10 million over 12 years to protect nearly 11 million acres of its tropical forest. Among the areas that will be preserved in Colombia as a result is the Tuparo National Park. This unique forest contains a rich diversity of species including jaguars, river dolphins, the endangered giant armadillo and the critically threatened Orinoco crocodile, which is found only in this part of South America. The area is also a major winter base for migrating bird species from the United States. Mr. Speaker, the rapid disappearance of tropical forests is a threat to our national security. We need these forests to regulate the global environment. They act as critical ``carbon sinks'', absorbing massive quantities of carbon dioxide that otherwise would contribute to global warming. They also regulate rainfall, which is critical to maintaining sustainable agricultural production across the globe. In addition, their diverse plants provide a large percentage of life-saving medicines. Therefore, as the forests disappear, some of our opportunities to cure debilitating illnesses also vanish. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support passage of this legislation, and urge my colleagues to do so as well.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I want to express my strong support for the American Swedish Institute's work to establish a Raoul Wallenberg Living Memorial in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The institute was founded by Swan J. Turnblad, a successful Swedish businessman in 1929. Mr. Turnblad donated his mansion to become an internationally recognized museum as well as the home to an educational center offering a variety of programs designed to celebrate the best of Swedish culture. Today the American Swedish Institute seeks to develop a dynamic combination of educational opportunities and art that will honor, celebrate and perpetuate the legacy of one of the world's most courageous citizens, Raoul Wallenberg. Mr. Speaker, it was exactly 60 years ago that Raoul Wallenberg, a son of a distinguished Swedish family, risked his life during World War II, when he left behind the comfort, the safety and the security of neutral Sweden to travel to Nazi-occupied and war-torn Hungary to save innocent lives. Through his extraordinary bravery, ingenuity and compassion he saved tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews from the horrors of the Nazi Holocaust. I believe that the legacy of Raoul Wallenberg's courageous actions during World War II that saved thousands of potential Holocaust victims in Budapest is worthy of celebration, preservation and a continued public dialogue. As an international hero, every child needs to know the story of Raoul Wallenberg, and how his choices can play an important role in their own lives. The Raoul Wallenberg Living Memorial intends to provide educational opportunities that celebrate the life, contribution, and spirit of Raoul Wallenberg, as well as other historic and current figures that embody Raoul Wallenberg's extraordinary courage. The goal of the American Swedish Institute and the Raoul Wallenberg Living Memorial is that every student will complete their Minnesota high school experience knowing the name and legacy of Raoul Wallenberg, and the impact one person's humanity can have. The American Swedish Institute will be the home of and catalyst for a nationally recognized educational program that inspires young American students to live by the vision and inspiration embodied in the life and example of Raoul Wallenberg. Mr. Speaker, Raoul Wallenberg will always stand as a reminder of the difference one person with courage can make and a great role model for the next generation who recognized that true satisfaction comes only from serving others, in this case in sacrificing his own life so others may live. I am confident that the Raoul Wallenberg Living Memorial will inspire young students by his story to become better, more unselfish, more caring human beings that are willing to transcend the barriers of race, religion, or nationality in their concern for others. It is therefore important to support projects like this so that the memory, legend and life of Raoul Wallenberg will not be forgotten. The vision he had for what one person can do in the face of injustice must be integrated in the moral fabric of every community, state, and nation.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a good friend to Washington and to the U.S., Ambassador C.J. Chen of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative office. While I know many of my colleagues will agree that Ambassador Chen's return to Taiwan is quite a loss to Washington, I know that his legacy here will be the continued positive relations between our two countries. Ambassador Chen holds the unique diplomatic experience of not only having more than 30 years experience in Washington, but also gracefully guiding the relationship of his home country through its most pivotal years with the United States. After U.S.-Taiwan relations were severed in early 1979, a young C.J. Chen was part of the embassy team that worked closely with Congress to establish the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). Since its passage, the TRA has been the strong and enduring statutory framework under which the U.S. and Taiwan have quickly expanded and improved cultural, commercial, and diplomatic relations. While the TRA has been the guiding force behind our improved relations, I must say that my friend C.J. Chen has been the human force. His depth of knowledge, incredible insight, and unrivaled experience has earned him the respect needed to carry the U.S.-Taiwan relationship forward. It has been a great honor and pleasure to work with Ambassador Chen on a wide array of important issues--including but certainly not limited to Taiwan's participation in the WHO, security in the Taiwan Strait, and improved human rights conditions. Mr. Speaker, I wish Ambassador C.J. Chen and his wife Yolanda all the best as they return to Taiwan. They leave behind many friends, a great deal of goodwill, and a legacy of service.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I invite my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Walter L. Johnson, a dedicated union leader and a dear friend of mine. Walter recently announced his retirement as Secretary-Treasurer of the San Francisco Labor Council and is being honored on his tremendous career and his lifelong commitment to the labor movement at a banquet on August 6th, 2004. Born and raised in North Dakota, Walter immediately enlisted in the army to serve his country during World War II. Serving as a Combat Engineer, he saw military action in Germany and Austria. At the end of the war, Walter returned to America where he moved to San Francisco and began work as a salesman at Sears Roebuck. He joined the Department Store Employees Union Local 1100 and immediately became an active member. Walter's passion for the union's ideals led to a meteoric rise in the union as he became a business agent for Local 1100 in 1957 and was elected as its President one year later. By 1960, Walter had been elected to the union's top position, Secretary-Treasurer, where he would remain for the next twenty-five years. Winning reelection an astonishing eleven times, Walter's continual success was the result of his continuous commitment to end discrimination in the workplace. After twenty-five years of tireless dedication most people would be content to retire and rest on their laurels. Not my good friend Walter, who was elected to his current position as Executive Secretary- Treasurer at the San Francisco Labor Council in 1985. As with everything he does, Walter tackled this project head on and the San Francisco Labor Council, which had just been chartered only two years prior to Walter's arrival, quickly grew in statute and importance. In fact, many of the Labor Council's great successes on behalf of San Francisco's working people can be attributed to him. Mr. Speaker, as leader of the San Francisco Labor Council, Walter represents over 140 San Francisco unions and over 80,000 members. He has guided San Francisco's labor movement to great heights, championing a living wage for San Francisco workers, better benefits for city employees and safer working conditions. Under his leadership the Council continues to strive to broaden the city's employment opportunities and to expand the diversity throughout the Bay Area's workforce. His accomplishments include fighting for better working conditions for home care workers, efforts to bring more diversity to the San Francisco City College faculty and advocacy for more affordable housing in the city. Walter's commitment to his community can also be illustrated through his involvement in the countless boards and committees to which he is associated. To name a few, Walter has served on the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union Advisory Board, UFCW International Foreign Affairs Committee, the Board of San Francisco Bay Area Girl Scout Council, the President's Advisory Board of San Francisco State University and is a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in South San Francisco. Although Walter will be leaving the Labor Council, I know that his presence in the community and the foundation he has created in the San Francisco labor movement will continue. On top of his heavy workload, Walter is a dedicated family man and I am sure his wife, Jane and his children and grandchildren are looking forward to seeing more of Walter in his retirement. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in commending Walter L. Johnson for his forty years of dedication to the labor movement, his strong advocacy on behalf of the working men and women of this nation and his commitment to the betterment of his community. Walter's service and compassion toward helping his fellow working men and women is truly an example to all of us and his contribution to working America will be evident for generations to come.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend and distinguished colleague for his thoughtful observations. Let me just say that occasionally, when we are downcast with respect to international developments, we must remember that there are lots of things we were justly proud of in recent decades, one clearly is the ending of racial discrimination, of apartheid in South Africa. And the second is the collapse of the Soviet system and its replacement in large part by democratic and free societies. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, before yielding, I would like to ask my colleague from Colorado if he would accommodate us by yielding some of his time to us because we have a number of distinguished colleagues who wish to speak on this issue.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to my good friend, the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky), our distinguished colleague.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 2 minutes to my good friend and neighbor, the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren).

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff). (Mr. SCHIFF asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, this is a noble moment for this body, but it is only a first step. There is a built-in mechanism ready to go to save the people of Darfur, and I call on NATO to use its capabilities to deploy the necessary troops to save the people of Darfur. There is no nobler goal for NATO, which was designed to protect human life, to do so now in west Sudan. I want to thank all of my colleagues for their contribution. This is a noble moment for the House of Representatives. I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield the remaining time to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the distinguished Democratic whip and indefatigable fighter for human rights across the globe.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver), our distinguished colleague and my good friend.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 2 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)