Tom Lantos

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2272. First, I would like to commend our colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk), for introducing this important piece of legislation; our colleague, the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) for his leadership on this issue; and the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) for moving the bill so expeditiously through the legislative process. Madam Speaker, H.R. 2272 will help provide vital protection to valuable coral reefs and coastal marine resources around the globe. The bill provides significant funding for the administration to pursue actively debt swaps, buy-backs, and reduction and restructuring with developing nations in return for concrete efforts to protect coral reefs and sensitive coastal marine environments. Coral reefs and coastal marine environments provide a host of significant benefits to mankind. They harbor a major share of the world's marine biological diversity, and act as vital nurseries and seeding grounds for many sensitive deep sea species. They also provide the foundation for critical economic, social, and cultural activities of almost immeasurable value. Coral reefs are extremely sensitive marine treasures. The shocking reports of massive coral bleaching that has occurred around the globe in recent years should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. Urgent action is needed to help mitigate the contributions that human activities are making to this problem. Our bill provides just the kind of intelligent, targeted, and mutually beneficial assistance that is required; and I urge all of our colleagues to support H.R. 2272. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer), an indefatigable guardian of the environment.

Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Before yielding back our time, I just would like to make an observation. It speaks to the strength of this body and this Nation that in the midst of a war we take time to pass important environmental legislation, as we are about to do; that we have taken time to recognize the historic continuity of the friendship between two democracies, Australia and the United States; and that we have had the creativity and courage to move with respect to Pakistan as it aligned itself with the United States in the fight against terrorism. This is a fine day for Congress and for the American people, and it is a message to our enemies that we shall prevail. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. LANTOS

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

Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 217. I would first like to commend Chairman Hyde for introducing this important resolution. I would also like to express my appreciation to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) for joining us as original cosponsors. Madam Speaker, 5 weeks ago today, the House was scheduled to consider this important resolution which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the ANZUS treaty. This critical treaty established the strong security bonds between the United States and our friend Australia. Then came the horrendous attacks on the twin towers and the Pentagon. The Capitol was evacuated and the congressional schedule was dramatically altered. Australia's outstanding response to the September 11 attacks has given us a firsthand opportunity to appreciate fully the strength of the relationship between the United States and Australia and the role that this treaty can play in furthering our relationship. On the 12th of September, Madam Speaker, Australian Prime Minister John Howard, in Washington for an official visit, joined us in this very hall to hear President Bush address the Nation. The Prime Minister had already offered his full and complete support for a strong and united response against the acts of terrorism. And President Bush rightfully acknowledged that strong support. On the 14th of September, Australia invoked article IV of the treaty which requires the United States and Australia to act to meet a common danger. And on the 28th of September, Australia froze the assets of all 27 terrorist organizations identified by the President in an executive order, including Osama bin Laden and his cohorts. On the 4th of October, Australia formally committed a wide range of air, ground, and naval forces to join with American forces in the fight against terrorism, including a detachment of special forces and air-to- air refueling aircraft. The Australian Government announced that it is ready to consider further military contributions as well. Madam Speaker, the last 5 weeks have shown that the United States- Australia relationship is stronger than it has ever been, and the reasons for considering this important resolution are more important and compelling today than ever before. But we should not be surprised at the overwhelmingly positive response of our Australian friends to the September 11 attack. From human rights to trade to international peacekeeping, the United States and Australia have a common agenda, and the relationship between our two nations simply could not be closer. Australia assumed the leadership role in the Asia-Pacific region and has contributed greatly to the economic and political stability of the region. East Timor is the perfect example of Australia's leadership in the Asia-Pacific area. The Australians led the charge in bringing peace and stability to the troubled island after the Indonesians and the militias they support burned their way out of East Timor. Their military peacekeepers have been the backbone of the United Nations peacekeeping force still in East Timor. We are all pleased, Madam Speaker, that the East Timorese have recently conducted their first free elections since becoming independent from Indonesia. The resolution before the House today recognizes the importance of the 50th anniversary of the treaty; and it reaffirms the importance of close economic security, political and cultural ties between the United States and our friends in Australia. Our resolution recognizes the strong support provided by Australia to the United States in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist outrage. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 217. Madam Speaker, I am particularly pleased to yield 5 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from America Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega), the ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific. (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 1465. This is a very significant piece of legislation; and I want to commend my distinguished friend, the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde), for bringing this bill to the floor in an expedited fashion. As we speak, Madam Speaker, the Secretary of State of the United States is in Pakistan underscoring the importance of our relationship and the importance of this legislation. We are engaged in an epic struggle against the forces of international terrorism; and our fighting men and women are risking their lives as we speak to end this terrible threat, not only to the United States, but to every civilized country on the face of this planet. In this fight, we have called upon all nations to make every contribution they can to prevail against these forces of evil. Pakistan in particular, by geography and history, must shoulder an unusually heavy burden in this effort. While it is true that Pakistan had a hand in creating the Taliban, it is also true that Pakistan today is playing a critical role in ensuring that Afghanis know Afghanistan is no longer a base for international terrorism. President Musharref's decision to stand with the United States and the civilized global community was a wise and courageous choice. But as we laud him for making the right choice, we must acknowledge that it will not be an easy commitment to keep. The terrorist attacks on September 11 shed light on the life-and-death struggle that is being waged for the future of Pakistan. It is a battle against the destructive and anarchist forces of religious fanaticism and violence which seek to capitalize on the despair of the poor. It is a battle that President Musharraf must win to restore hope to the people of Pakistan and to secure a future for the children of Pakistan. It is vital, Madam Speaker, that the United States demonstrate to the people and government of Pakistan our commitment to help them secure that future as long as Pakistan continues its commitment to eradicate international terrorism. It is for this reason that I support the legislation before us today. The situation in South Asia, Madam Speaker, is highly volatile, and I am convinced that any military assistance or armed sales in the current environment would only serve to further inflame tensions in the region. I urge our administration to refrain from actions that will accelerate the arms race on the subcontinent and further destabilize the already fragile situation there. I will continue to monitor this issue closely. Finally, I want to reiterate to the people of Pakistan our continued support for a return to democracy in that country. President Musharraf has given his word that he is committed to democracy and we in Congress intend to hold him to his word. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support S. 1465.

Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone).

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, the tragedy one month ago today on September 11 has not only created a new unity within our nation, but throughout the rest of the world and the strong political support and spontaneous public displays of compassion have touched all of us. The American people's spirits have been lifted as they've witnessed the outpouring of support and testaments of solidarity with the American people expressed by the world community. They understand that these horrific attacks were not merely aimed at the American people and our symbols of freedom and prosperity, but they were attacks against all free and democratic nations around the globe. Mr. Speaker, while we have seen such expressions of support for our country from Nations everywhere, as Chairman of the Congressional Friends of Denmark, I would like to call the attention of my colleagues to what our Danish friends have done. The well-known Danish humanitarian spirit was in no better evidence than after the terrible attacks on New York City and Washington. As word of the tragedy arrived in the Danish capital of Copenhagen, a slow, steady stream of Danish citizens began congregating in front of our Embassy. As hundreds grasped candles, they laid on the sidewalk tokens of their sorrow and solidarity: flowers, ribbons, hastily scribbled notes, banners, drawings, and flags. People came and left throughout the night and soon thousands of candles flickered in the darkness. United States Embassy staff were greeted with handshakes, hugs and many tears as they left the building. Some Danes joined hands and sang Amazing Grace as well as traditional Danish songs of mourning. The next morning, there was still no let up in the number of people and flowers. For the next three days, much of it in rain and cold, thousands of Danes took their turn holding vigil in front of our Embassy in as much a deep felt display of caring for the victims, as their own silent protest against the new threat to the liberty and freedom of all of us. Mr. Speaker, by Friday, well over a thousand people, far more than could be accommodated in the small courtyard on the Embassy compound, assembled in front of our Embassy for a ceremony to honor those who lost their lives in the attacks. The event was watched on live television by much of the nation. At noon, traffic in Copenhagen literally stopped for two minutes, as average citizens stepped out of their cars, from Kongens Nytorv to Radhuspladsen, and on streets from Amager to Charlottelund, they stopped everything for two minutes of silence. No honking of horns, no rumble of buses, no sounds of airplanes, no sirens, just the ringing of thousands of church bells. Earlier, Queen Margrethe II, the Prime Minister and all members of government, leading opposition politicians, the diplomatic corps, joined our Embassy staff at one of hundreds of memorial services. At the same time, throughout the whole country people were pouring into places of worship to express their grief. Even today, Danish fire fighters, police officers and public servants along with numerous private organizations, amateur sports clubs and schools have started collections intended for the Red Cross and/or the victims' families. An Internet web-site was opened September 13 for sympathizers to light a candle for the victims of the terrorist attacks, and within a few hours, more than 5,000 had done so. Other web-sites offered similar services--thousands of electronic roses have thus been sent across the Atlantic. Mr. Speaker, the Danish population stands shoulder to shoulder with their American friends against this scourge of terrorism. A recent Gallup poll shows that eighty percent of the Danes--under normal circumstances pacifists by heart--are willing to let their national troops participate in military actions against the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks. That percentage is the highest registered in all public polls in Europe. Mr. Speaker, the Danish members of the Royal family, along with Danish politicians and government officials and the country's citizens have reacted forcefully and with great empathy to the horrible attacks on September 11. Their actions, and similar expressions of support and compassion from around the globe, have not gone unnoticed here in America. We are deeply grateful to the Danes for standing with us in our time of trouble, just as we stood with them during their own painful experience under Nazism. On behalf of all Americans, we thank you.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, today at noon, the President of the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB), Mr. Enrique V. Iglesias, and Dr. Hugo Ostrower, President of the Argentine Mutual Aid Association (AMIA), signed an agreement here in Washington under terms of which $3.5 million will be provided by the IDB to AMIA to assist Jewish organizations in Argentina to provide employment assistance. The serious economic problems that have struck Argentina have had a particularly heavy impact upon the middle class, creating unemployment and impoverishment. The significant Jewish community in Buenos Aires and other Argentine cities has been particularly affected by the economic problems, and recent reports indicate that as a result of the economic crisis fully a quarter of the Jewish community in the country are impoverished. Hundreds of young Jewish couples are seeking employment assistance, and community dining rooms feed numerous Jews in need of basic nourishment. Many Jewish families face serious housing problems, and many live in shanty towns and even on the street. These deteriorating conditions have occurred rapidly in just the past few years. Mr. Speaker, AMIA is an organization with a history of service for the past 107 years, and it is the core Jewish service organization in Argentina. This organization has been playing a critical role in helping the Jewish community deal with the severe economic difficulties. AMIA established an Occupational Center for Labor Development, which has helped some five thousand people find jobs over the past five years. According to IDB reports, the Center ``has become the largest employment source based on the number of firms served and by its effectiveness in securing jobs.'' The new agreement establishing the IDB-AMIA cooperative project with funding of $3.5 million will strengthen the capabilities of AMIA's Employment Center, by expanding its services and will permit the opening of similar centers in various locations throughout greater Buenos Aires, as well as in the Argentine cities of Cordoba, Rosario, Tuchuman, and La Plata. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Inter-American Development Bank for providing this generous and significant support to AMIA. I also want to recognize Dr. Hugo Ostrower, the President of AMIA, for his record of leadership and service to the Jewish Community of Argentina and the creative approach to assisting members of that community to find employment. These efforts are obviously beneficial not only to the Jewish Community, but also for all Argentines. It will be an important contribution to the economic recovery of the country. Mr. Speaker, for most Americans, AMIA became a household word after the July 18, 1994, bombing of the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In that vicious terrorist attack, some 86 people were killed, hundreds more were injured, and property damage was enormous. That vicious terrorist action was only one of the many such attacks that terrorists have inflicted upon innocent civilians virtually around the world over the past decade. Because of that horror brought upon AMIA seven years ago, it is most appropriate that ADB is providing this assistance to AMIA at this time when we are moving decisively in concert with our allies and all civilized nations against those who perpetrate such atrocities.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join in me in recognizing a landmark event that will take place next week in Budapest, Hungary. The International Venture Philanthropy Forum (IVPF), sponsored by the Nonprofit Enterprise and Self-Sustainability Team (NESsT), will bring together social entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and donors to discuss methods for advancing venture philanthropy in developing nations. This mission merits the attention of all Members of this House, as it is inextricably linked to the role of civil society organizations as advocates for freedom and public welfare in emerging democracies. We all remember the euphoria that accompanied the collapse of the Iron Curtain a decade ago. We recall the joy of seeing democracy and human rights restored to long-suffering peoples, of watching Berliners dance on the Berlin Wall and Czechs celebrate in the streets of Prague. These revolutions inspired us all; nevertheless, they did not eliminate our fear that these miraculous changes might prove fleeting. The tragedies of the twentieth century justified this concern. As Slovak hero Alexander Dubcek told the celebrating throngs in Wenceslas Square: ``An old wise man said, `If there once was light, why should there be darkness again?' Let us act in such a way to bring the light back again.'' During the years after the demise of the Warsaw Pact, the governments of the United States and Western Europe helped to keep the beacon shining. Billions of dollars in aid and expertise flowed into these new democracies, much of which went to strengthen the work of budding nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) across the region. These NGOs served as the ``glue'' of civil society, looking out for public interests that otherwise might have been underrepresented in the cacophony of change: environmental protection, small business development, rights for children and the disabled, freedom of the press, and a host of other vital causes. Mr. Speaker, this international financial assistance helped NGOs to smooth the transition from communism to more vibrant societies. However, the need for nonprofit community support continued to grow throughout the 1990's. The planned doctrines of yesteryear were supplanted overnight by new sets of uncertain rules and unanswered questions: How can social guarantees--albeit unpopular ones--be replaced without dramatically increasing poverty levels? How can entrepreneurship be nurtured in lands that had previously regarded this trait as criminal? What role should enterprise play in encouraging growth, upholding worker rights, and protecting natural resources? NGOs throughout this region often bear the responsibility of answering these questions and helping to fill the gaps passed over by social change. To this day, available financial resources fail to satisfy these mounting needs. The discretionary income of populations in most emerging democracies is generally not high enough to support philanthropy, especially given the lack of a recent local traditions of private charity. Consequently, many NGOs still depend principally on foreign aid sources, reflecting a lack of financial diversity that foreshadows an array of real and potential difficulties: As the demand for capital grows, some governments and private funding institutions have reduced their commitment to foreign aid. Given their financial dependence, NGOs are subject to the consequences of these choices. Available funds are often earmarked for specific projects, leaving NGOs with limited resources to built organizational capacity. Given the short-term commitment that such grants usually entail, nonprofits may feel the need to ``go where the money is,'' even at the expense of their missions and operating goals. Mr. Speaker, the call to expand the nonprofit capital market in emerging democracies is one that must be heard throughout the international community. The IVPF--by exploring the potential of venture philanthropy models and their practical application to developing economies--will address this ever-growing mandate. What is venture philanthropy? Quite simply, it involves applying the tools of the for-profit sector to expand the reach of the community organizations. Practitioners stretch the nonprofit capital market by asking beneficiaries to act like business people. Venture philanthropists often offer loans and equity equivalents rather than traditional donations; engage nonprofit managers with an array of technical and strategic advisory service; build organizational capacity through the development of skills and networks; and, most important of all, set clear performance goals and expect ``portfolio members'' to achieve concrete social and/or financial returns on investment. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that the Roberts Enterprise Development Fund (REDF), recognized worldwide as an innovative force in this field, operates in and around my Bay Area congressional district. Principals from REDF and a wide array of venture philanthropy trendsetters will be featured at the IVPF, and their contributions will be melded with those of George Soros, Karl Schwab, and dozens of leading corporate and humanitarian voices from across the international community. The tragic events of September 11th will make it impossible for me to join them; nevertheless, I am excited by the Forum's role as a catalyst for the expansion of the nonprofit capital market in emerging democracies around the world. Above all, I would like to pay tribute to the principal sponsor of the IVPF, the Nonprofit Enterprise and Self-Sustainability Team. From its offices in Budapest and Santiago, this organization has emerged as an international leader in the effort to foster social entrepreneurship and venture philanthropy in developing nations. NESsT's co-directors, Nicole Etchart and Lee Davis, direct initiatives that clearly address the challenges and needs of NGOs in Central Europe and Latin America. Last year, NESsT launched the NESsT Venture Fund (NVF) in Central Europe, which seeks to assist a portfolio of NGOs as they diversify their financing sources through entrepreneurship. The NVF invests both financial and capacity-building assistance to expand these social enterprises and generate new, sustainable income for NGOs to supplement philanthropic support. I am pleased to note that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is in the process of making a $300,000 award to support this work. Given the innovative nature of this project as well as the outstanding track record of NESsT's leaders, I can think of few better uses for USAID resources. During the Forum, NESsT will also introduce ``Not Only For Profit: Innovative Mechanisms for Philanthropic Investment,'' a book analyzing the unique contributions of eleven pioneers to the development of the nonprofit capital market. These organizations--all of which will be represented at the Forum by founders and senior staff--include: The Calvert Foundation, The EcoEnterprises Fund (The Nature Conservancy), Endeavor, the Environmental Loan Fund (Environmental Support Center), FOLADE, Integra Ventures, Investors in Society (Charities Aid Foundation), the Local Investment Fund, New Profit Inc., REDF, and the South-North Development Initiative. I look forward to reading--and learning from--this book. Mr. Speaker, for all these reasons and many more, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the important mission of the International Venture Philanthropy Forum and the outstanding contributions of its principal sponsor, the Nonprofit Enterprise and Self-Sustainability Team.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to my colleagues attention a recent op-ed in the Los Angeles Times by Karl Inderfurth, Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs under the previous administration. The piece by Mr. Inderfurth details the warnings that the United States clearly, directly and emphatically issued to the Tallban in 1999 regarding their support for, and terrorists activities of, Osama bin Laden. Assistant Secretary Inderfurth informed Mullah Abdul Jalil, a close associate to Mullah Omar, in February of 1999 that the United States would hold the Taliban accountable for bin Laden's future actions and reiterated the request to expel bin Laden to a location where he could be brought to justice. I ask that the following Los Angeles Times Op-Ed by Karl Inderfurth be placed in the Record and I urge my colleagues to read it. [From the Los Angeles Times] Face to Face With the Taliban (By Karl F. Inderfurth) After the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President Bush said we will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them. The Tallban of Afghanistan should not have been surprised by this statement. They were similarly warned by the U.S. government more than two years ago. The meeting took place Feb. 3, 1999, at the U.S. ambassador's residence in Islamabad. As the assistant secretary of State for South Asian Affairs, I was instructed to deliver a message about Osama bin Laden and terrorism to a high-ranking official of the Taliban movement. I was accompanied by the State Department's coordinator for counter-terrorism, Michael Sheehan. Mullah Abdul Jalil, a close associate of the Taliban's supreme leader, Mullah Mohammed Omar, and a possible liaison with Bin Laden, traveled to Pakistan to meet with us. The bombings of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania nearly six months earlier had made it horrifyingly clear that Afghanistan-based terrorism was direct threat to the United States. We were outraged that after all the support the United States had given the Afghan resistance during its struggle against the Soviet Union, the terrorists tied to the bombings, including Bin Laden, were trained and based in Afghanistan. The U.S. government had repeatedly demanded that the Taliban stop giving safe haven to terrorists. It had also appealed to nations, like Pakistan, that have influence in Kabul. But the situation did not change. The message I delivered at the February meeting went further than any previous one issued by the U.S. government. Arriving late in the evening from Kandahar, Afghanistan, Mullah Jalil was accompanied by the Taliban's representative in Islamabad. Along with Sheehan, I stressed that the Taliban needed to expel Bin Laden to a location where he could be brought to justice. I emphasized that it was vitally important for the Taliban to act, because the American government believed that Bin Laden was still plotting acts of terrorism against the U.S.--and that we would hold the Taliban responsible for his actions. The message could not have been clearer. Speaking softly through his interpreter, and frequently stroking his beard, Mullah Jalil responded. He began with a prayer, then proceeded to argue that the Taliban's actions conformed to their interpretation of Sharia, or Islamic law. He said Bin Laden was an honored guest of the Taliban for the role he had played in the Jihad, or holy war, during the Soviet Union's occupation of Afghanistan. Mullah Jalil acknowledged that Bin Laden was increasingly a burden on Afghanistan, but the Afghani tradition of hospitality did not permit them to force Bin Laden to leave. Mullah Jalil assured us, however, that Bin Laden was under the Taliban's control and that he could not possibly be operating a worldwide terrorist network as we had suggested. Finally, he demanded that we show him the evidence against Bin Laden and that then the Taliban would act according to Islamic law. Sheehan did, citing chapter and verse from the indictment of Bin Laden for his role in the East Africa embassy bombings. Later efforts were made to provide the Taliban with more information about the U.S. case against Bin Laden, but they never responded. The nearly three-hour session with Mullah Jalil produced no meeting of the minds. Subsequently, the United Nations Security Council tried to persuade the Taliban to turn over Bin Laden. Two resolutions were adopted, in October 1999 and December 2000, and sanctions were imposed on the Tallban to accomplish that purpose. Again, the Taliban defied these calls by the international community. Meanwhile, the Taliban, and some of their supporters, tried to misrepresent our campaign against Bin Laden and terrorism as an attack against Islam. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The United States does not oppose Islam. The United States respects Islam. But we oppose those who commit or condone criminal acts, especially those who commit and inflict grievous injury against civilians in the name of any ideology, religion or cause. Today, the Taliban and their leader, Mullah Omar, are facing another hour of truth. Let us hope they will change their mind promptly and turn over Bin Laden to appropriate authorities in a country where he can be brought to justice and close down the terrorist training facilities in Afghanistan. If they do not the United States will respond. The Taliban have been warned.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, is it proper for a Member to question the good faith of a colleague? It is fine to disagree with his position, but the good faith of the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior) was questioned, which I think is outrageous.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I have a parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the gentleman's words be taken down.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, we have no additional requests for time; and I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, we continue to reserve our time.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. First, Mr. Speaker, I want to commend my good friend, the distinguished chairman of the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), for his outstanding work in bringing this legislation before the House. I wish to take this opportunity to discuss the recent terrorist attacks and explain why, in light of these tragic events, it is all the more important that we pay our arrears to the United Nations. Two weeks ago, Mr. Speaker, our Nation lost its innocence, but it found a new sense of unity and purpose. This new sense of unity comes from the sudden realization that our open and free and democratic way of life is under attack, and it must be and will be defended. We must learn from this tragic experience and we must be able to take intelligent, thoughtful and swift action. But the United States, Mr. Speaker, cannot act alone and expect to prevail in this long-term painful struggle against international terrorism. All Americans deeply appreciate the many expressions of sympathy and support from our friends and allies, and some who do not fall into either category, but it will require actions, not simply words, to defeat global terrorist organizations and the nations which give them support and safe harbor. As President Bush, Secretary Powell and our Nation's diplomatic corps begin to secure concrete commitments required to wage this battle against international terrorism, we must take advantage of every forum available to reach out to the nations of the world. The United Nations is clearly the world's premier forum, and it will be one of the primary theaters for the United States to act diplomatically on this matter. Within 48 hours of the September 11 outrage, the U.N. Security Council and the General Assembly of the United Nations condemned the violence and voted to support actions taken against those who are responsible and against those States that aid them. On Friday of that week, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan wrote an op-ed piece in the New York Times, and he said the following: The international communities is defined not only by what it is for, but by what and whom it is against. The United Nations must have the courage to recognize that just as there are common aims, there are common enemies. To defeat them, all nations must join forces in an effort encompassing every aspect of the open, free global system, so wickedly and viciously exploited by the perpetrators of last week's atrocities. The United Nations is uniquely positioned to advance this effort. Mr. Speaker, United Nations conventions already provide a legal framework for many of the concrete actions which must be taken by nations to eradicate terrorism. These conventions provide for the extradition and prosecution of terrorists and the suppression of money laundering. Nations that are serious about joining the United States in our battle against global terrorism must ratify these important conventions. The United Nations can also help to ensure that the new battle against global terrorism does not slip to the back burner. Last Thursday President Bush said, ``Even grief recedes with time and grace, but our resolve must not pass.'' By helping to focus the international community on the scourge of terrorism, I believe the United Nations can help us turn our collective grief into concrete victories against the new enemy of the 21st century, international terrorism. Aside from the battle against terrorism, the United Nations continues to play an invaluable role in promoting international peace and stability. Since its inception over half a century ago, the U.N. has negotiated 172 peaceful settlements to conflicts around the globe, helping to end the civil war in El Salvador and the Iran-Iraq war. Its peacekeeping operations have assisted to uphold cease-fires, conduct free and fair elections, deter violence and create free and democratic nations. Even today, the U.N. is giving birth to a free and independent East Timor. Since the East Timorese voted in 1999 for independence from Indonesia and suffered enormous human and economic costs as a result of the violence following that vote, the United Nations has taken charge of this fledgling country, which just completed its first free and fair elections. Now, Mr. Speaker, we cannot ask the United Nations to bring freedom to difficulties-possessed people, battle terrorism, resolve international conflicts and conduct extensive peacekeeping operations, and yet fail to pay our dues. The Helms-Biden United Nations package enacted in 1999 provided for the payment of American back-dues over a 3-year period, and our former United Nations ambassador, Richard Holbrook, performed exceptionally well in successfully negotiating the type of U.N. reforms called by the Helms-Biden Act. The legislation before our body today brings the U.N. arrears package into line with the far-reaching U.N. reform plan engineered by Ambassador Holbrooke and ensures that the $582 million can move forward expeditiously. I am very pleased that the United Nations arrears legislation enjoys such strong bipartisan support, and again, I wish to commend my friend, the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde), for his exemplary leadership on this bill. I would note, however, that we are not bound by a side agreement between the White House and the House Republican leadership on the International Criminal Court that may be related to this legislation moving forward. Mr. Speaker, the American people passionately support the common goal, punishment of those who conducted the September 11 attacks, and an end to global terrorism. The United Nations can help achieve that goal if we meet our commitments. I strongly urge all of my colleagues to support this important bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, before saying a word about my friend, Lee Hamilton, let me say something about Nancy Hamilton, who, throughout a remarkable and distinguished public career, has given Lee the support, the encouragement, the inspiration which is so exemplary and so rare these days. Lee Hamilton symbolizes the quintessential public servant. His integrity was unquestioned. His character was an inspiration to all of us. He was the most hardworking Member of this body. I had the pleasure and the privilege of sitting next to him in countless committee hearings; and every single time Lee was fully prepared, thoroughly briefed, widely read on any subject that came before the Committee on International Relations. His bipartisanship was legendary. He could not care whether it was a Democratic proposal or a Republican proposal. He was looking for the merits and for the flaws of the proposal and then made up his mind and voted. When Lee left this House, he left an enormous void. We are very fortunate that his work on behalf of our Nation continues in his present distinguished position. But this House will long remember and cherish and value the incredible contributions of this great son of Indiana who made this body a proud, productive, distinguished group through his presence. Lee Hamilton will be a tower of strength for all young people from Indiana who aspire for public service, and it is an honor to join my colleagues in recommending an affirmative vote on this important legislation.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the United States Government has asked Lebanon and Syria to extradite Palestinians and Lebanese Shiites suspected of committing acts of terrorism over the past two decades. I welcome this indication of aggressive action against all terrorists. As I have said on numerous occasions last week as we debated our response to the horrendous acts of terrorism committed against the United States, the only action we can take that will end this plague of terrorist violence is to act against terrorism everywhere. If Osama bin Laden were to fall into our hands this afternoon, this would not end the possibility of terrorist actions against our nation and others. This is a struggle that must take on terrorism wherever and however it appears, and we delude ourselves if we think that this is a struggle only against bin Laden. To succeed, we must move against terrorists everywhere. First, Mr. Speaker, the Taliban must hand over to us Osama bin Laden--if not for the horrible acts committed last week, for his previous acts of terrorism in Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. But that cannot and must not be end of action against the scourge of terrorism against innocent children, women, and men. Iran must cease its support of Hezbollah. Lebanon and Syria must take action to disarm and end the terrorist actions of Hezbollah. Syria must also close the headquarters of the various terrorist organizations which are now located in Damascus. Yasser Arafat should arrest all terrorists, suicide bombers, and plotters of mass murder who have been released since the Palestinian Authority assumed authority in parts of the West Bank and Gaza. Europe must join us in our policy vis-a-vis Iran and Libya and stop providing aid and important economic and trade assistance to them. Russia, China, and North Korea must stop selling technology and weapons of mass destruction to countries that support terrorism. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, the House approved by a narrow vote-- 216 to 212--an amendment to the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for 2002-2003 which I offered. That amendment would cut off U.S. IMET assistance to the Lebanese military forces unless the Lebanese government acts against Hezbollah and secures its southern border, where numerous terrorist actions are spawned and committed. The Administration opposed my amendment when it was considered earlier this year, but I am delighted to report that the Administration is now taking the action that my amendment was intended to motivate. Mr. Speaker, the report yesterday in yesterday's issue of the Wall Street Journal is a most welcome development. I commend the Administration for its most positive steps in raising this issue with Lebanese and Syrian officials. I urge both governments to take these positive steps. Terrorism and terrorist cells anywhere is a threat to the security of civilized nations and peoples everywhere. I ask that the Wall Street Journal article be placed in the Record, and I urge my colleagues to read it. [From the Wall Street Journal, Sept. 19, 2001] U.S. Presses Lebanon on Suspects (By James M. Dorsey) Beirut, Lebanon.--The U.S. has asked Lebanon and Syria to extradite Palestinians and Lebanese Shiites suspected of terrorism in the past 20 years, according to Lebanese officials and people close to Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The officials and people close to the prime minister said the Bush administration was also calling for disarmament if not disbanding, of Hezbollah. The group is a Shiite Muslim militia believed responsible for the 1983 suicide bombings of the U.S. Embassy and a U.S. Marine peacekeeping mission in Beirut as well as the 1980s kidnapping in Lebanon of Westerners, including 18 Americans. The U.S. demands are part of seven requests presented this week to Lebanese and Syrian officials. The Lebanese officials cautioned that meeting the demands could tear apart the country's fragile social fabric unless it is carried out properly. A Hezbollah spokesman, in his Beirut office sitting below portraits of the late Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and the current Iranian religious leader Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei, expressed confidence that Lebanon and Syria would reject the U.S. demands. I rule out the Lebanese government doing anything against the Lebanese resistance that liberated Lebanon and Israeli occupation. The Lebanese government knows how to protect innocent people,'' the spokesman said. A spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Ann O'Leary, said the Bush administration ``is asking the Lebanese government for its complete cooperation in the war against terrorism.'' Ms. O'Leary declined to comment on the specific list of demands. The officials and people cost to Mr. Hariri said the U.S. demands included the prosecution or extradition of terrorists, stopping their movement in and out of Lebanon and Syria, intelligence sharing and banning organizations that support terrorism. Whether the demands bring any result depends largely on Syria, and possibly Iran, because of their support for Hezbollah and other radical groups, these people said. Syria has an estimated 30,000 troops based in Lebanon. ``Hezbollah is a major political party here. It represents a major segment of society. They are regarded as heroes. Now, they've become a hot potato and everybody is looking at what the Syrians will do,'' said one person close to Mr. Hariri. Mr. Hariri in the past year has allied himself with Hezbollah, seeking to benefit from its popularity after the group's successful military campaign that last year forced Israel to end its 22-year occupation of southern Lebanon. The officials said Mr. Hariri had aided the Hezbollah campaign by granting Hezbollah access to military intelligence, licensing its arms and securing access roads to southern Lebanon. Hezbollah earlier this week offered its condolences to the victims of last week's bombings in New York and Washington. Signaling that Lebanon wouldn't simply comply with the U.S. demands, Syrian endorsement would be essential to cracking down on Hezbollah without disrupting the fragile communal balance established in Lebanon after the end of that country's civil war in 1991, people close to Mr. Hariri said. Syria is likely to drive a hard bargain, they said, possibly demanding that the U.S. pressure Israel to withdraw from the Golan Heights conquered from Syria in 1967 and create a platform for a negotiated end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. ``Anything less than Madrid Two will not be acceptable. Syria will not relinquish its tools in its struggle against Israel for less,'' said one person close to the Syrian government. Madrid Two refers to a 1991 conference organized by the U.S. that launched the Mideast peace process; the U.S. role in calling for the peace talks helped it win Syrian and other Arab support for its military campaign a year earlier to force Iraq's withdrawal from Kuwait. Among those the U.S. wants extradited, people close to Mr. Hariri said, are former Hezbollah leader Imad Mughniyeh and the Damascus-based head of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, General Command Ahmed Jibril, who is believed to be responsible for a series of attacks in the 1980s. Authorities in the U.S., Israel and some Arab states suspect Mr. Mughniyeh of involvement in the April 1983 bombing that destroyed the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and killed 63 people, including 17 Americans. Other attacks he is believed to have masterminded: the suicide bombing six months later that destroyed a U.S. Marine base in the Lebanese capital and killed 241 Marines; and a 1984 attack on the current U.S. Embassy compound in Beirut, in which a vehicle packed with explosives rammed the embassy, killing 15 people. Mr. Mughniyeh is also thought to be behind the kidnapping of foreigners in Lebanon in the 1980s, including former Associated Press correspondent Terry Anderson. Israeli and Argentine officials hold Mr. Mughniyeh responsible for the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires as well as a 1994 attack on a Jewish social center. About 124 people were killed in the two incidents. Argentina's Supreme Court earlier this year issued a warrant for Mr. Mughniyeh's arrest.

Mr. LANTOS

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Ackerman), a senior member of the Committee on International Relations. (Mr. ACKERMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee).

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson).

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne), a distinguished member of the Committee on International Relations. (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), the vice chair of the Democratic Caucus.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner), the ranking Democrat on the terrorism panel of the Committee on Armed Services.