William Lipinski

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to the Rizza family, who are members of the Old Neighborhood Italian American Club in my district, who have given a great amount of their time and energy to improving the community. This family is truly deserving of this special honor and I am pleased to have such a shining example of community service in my district. The generosity of the Rizza family to their community is shown in so many ways. For the past 16 years the Rizza family has donated over $47,000 worth of automobiles for the Old Neighborhood Italian American Club Christmas Raffles. The donations that they have made have funded the Annual Anti Drug and Alcohol Seminars which are held every year for participating school children in third through eighth grades. Additionally the Rizza family donations have funded the annual breakfast with Santa. Finally the Rizza family has made donations of computers, software, and other school related items to their community. Mr. Speaker, in today's world we don't very often hear of such a giving, community oriented family as the Rizzas. They truly exemplify what all that is good in my district. I wish the Rizza family all the best and hope that they continue their benevolent values.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Benjamin and Veronica DePhillips on their 50 years of marriage. Benjamin and Veronica DePhillips are constituents of mine from Chicago, IL. On June 15, 1947, Benjamin and Veronica took their vows at Five Holy Martyrs in Chicago, IL. This June marks 50 years of sharing their lives, dreams, work, struggles, and commitment to each other. The DePhillips were blessed with four fine children: Russell, Brian, Tina, and Kevin. Also, Benjamin and Veronica are the proud grandparents of two wonderful grandchildren, Danielle and Christopher. The DePhillips have been members of the 23d ward for over 44 years. Now retired, Mrs. DePhillips worked at the Park District and Mr. DePhillips worked at the Department of Transportation in Illinois. Their devotion to the community and to each other is evident. Mr. Speaker, the occasion of a 50-year wedding anniversary is truly worthy of a great celebration and I am pleased to offer my most hearty congratulations to the DePhillips on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man of great stature who is retiring after a distinguished career in the U.S. Army, Col. James Van Epps. Colonel Van Epps served in the U.S. Army with more than 30 years of dedicated service to our country. For the past 2 years Colonel Van Epps has held the position of Commander, North Central Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Chicago, IL. In this position, Colonel Van Epps faced the daunting task of solving water and land resource related problems in a 12 State area from North Dakota to New York, from the Canadian border to parts of Missouri. Colonel Van Epps manages a $380 million budget and directed the engineering, scientific, and support staff of approximately 2,700 personnel who are engaged in civil works construction and environmental activities in this part of the United States. Included in this area are all of the Great Lakes and the upper Mississippi River, in addition to the Souris, Red, and Rainey River Basins. The division's major missions include navigation, flood control, and disaster assistance as well as environmental restoration, regulatory functions, and significant support to the International Joint Commission. Colonel Van Epps has continually met challenges headon during his tenure, continuing the superb performance record of the North Central Division. Through his personal involvement, leadership and command attention, the Corps made notable progress in the pursuit of solutions to the unique problems which exist throughout the region. Several very important projects were either initiated, underway or completed under his guidance. Projects which improved the quality of life in the North Central States included, the flood control projects at Fort Wayne and Little Calumet in Indiana; west Des Moines, IA; Chaska, MN; Souris River Basin and Devils Lake, ND and the Chicago Shoreline Project. Under his leadership, the division made great progress in the Mississippi River and Illinois River System Navigation Study and the Upper Mississippi River System--Environmental Management Program [EMP]. The EMP has provided funding to restore and improve the environmental aspects of numerous sites along the Upper Mississippi River System. The Mississippi and Illinois Rivers Navigation Study is the largest navigation study undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The recommendations being developed under this study will affect and influence the economic well-being of the Nation in the next century. Under the leadership of Colonel Van Epps, the North Central Division achieved a program execution rate of 92 percent and the division has been ranked No. 1 or 2 nationwide among the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in project costs and meeting schedules. Colonel Van Epps' compassionate and caring leadership earned him the respect and trust of the employees under his command. Consequently, Colonel Van Epps' strong commitment to public service has served the citizens of this part of the Nation with honor and professionalism. Colonel Van Epps graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering and earned a master of science degree in industrial engineering-- operations research--from Kansas State University. He is also a graduate of the engineer officer advanced course, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the National War College. In addition, he has received a certificate in executive education from the Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. Prior to the assignment to this position, Colonel Van Epps served as the U.S. Forces Command Engineer for 3 years and he served as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel and Installation Management. His previous experience with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers includes commanding the Huntington (WV) District from September 1990 to August 1992; serving as an Assistant Director of Civil Works at the Corps Headquarters in Washington, DC; and working as a civil engineer and program manager in the Chicago district. Colonel Van Epps was commissioned a second lieutenant upon graduation as the Distinguished Graduate of his Officer Candidate class in September 1967. During his initial assignment, he served as a platoon leader and company commander of the 518th Engineer Company--Combat, and as a staff officer in Headquarters 193d Infantry Brigade in the Canal Zone. Subsequent assignments include senior advisor to the combat engineer battalion of the 9th Infantry Division--Army of the Republic of Vietnam; Commander, Central Chicago Area, U.S. Army Engineer Recruiting Command; S-3 Officer and Executive Officer--Combat, V Corps, U.S. Army Europe; Commander, 299th Engineer Battalion--Combat at Fort Sill, OK; and Engineer Colonels Assignment Officer, U.S. Army Military Personnel Center in Alexandria, VA. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal--with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal--with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal--with Oak Leaf Cluster. Colonel Van Epps is married to the former Jane Henderson Ryan. They have three children: Geoffrey, who is also in the U.S. Army, Andrew and Amanda. I know you will all join with me and his employees in saying thank you to him for his loyal and dedicated service to our great country and to the citizens of the North Central Division region. Colonel Van Epps has given a major part of his life to the U.S. Army and is truly deserving of great honor for a career well served in the U.S. Army. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his many years of dedicated service to this country. Thank you Colonel Van Epps for your service to this country.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute today to an outstanding individual who represents the hundreds of thousands of Americans who participated in the battle that was the beginning of the end of Nazi Germany; the invasion of Normandy. Mr. John Mooney of Chicago, who served in the 2d Armored Cavalry Division was part of the wave of brave Allied soldiers that stormed the beaches and cliffs overlooking the English Channel on June 6, 1944. Even after the Allies established a beachhead, it took more than 2 months of fierce fighting before the risk of the Germans reversing the invasion had ended. During the last 3 years, Mr. Mooney and thousands of his comrades have been honored by the Regional Council of Normandy with the Medaille du Jubile, a decoration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the battle of Normandy and the beginning of the liberation of Europe. Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind our fellow Members and all freedom loving people in America and the world of the debt of gratitude we owe John Mooney and the heroic soldiers, sailors, and airmen whose efforts at Normandy marked the beginning of the end of Nazi tyranny.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Armenian community in my district to mark the 82d anniversary of an unspeakable tragedy. I am referring to the genocide which claimed the lives of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire. Because this story has been held silent for so long, I am proud to take a few minutes to honor the victims of the genocide. The Armenian genocide was the culmination of a long effort by the Ottoman Turks to destroy the Armenian people. During the decades preceding the First World War, the Ottoman Government tried repeatedly to achieve this goal. In 1895, 300,000 Armenian lives were claimed. In 1909, another 30,000 died before the Western powers intervened to stop the violence. This tragedy remains unrecorded in Turkish history today. World War I provided the means for the Turkish Government to once again set out to destroy the Armenian community. With Europe and the United States occupied in war, the Ottoman Empire was able to carry out their designs without any intervention. Beginning the crusade on April 24, 1915, the genocide claimed the lives of Armenian leaders and lasted until 1923. It is estimated that 1.5 million Armenians died at the hands of the Ottoman Empire--half of the world's Armenian population at that time. By 1923 the Turks had successfully erased nearly all the remnants of the Armenian culture which had existed on the homeland for 3,000 years. As we take a look at the tragedy today, we see the memory of the victims insulted by those who say the genocide did not happen. A well- funded propaganda campaign forces the Armenian community to prove and reprove the facts of the genocide. This is itself a tragedy for people who would rather devote their energy to commemorating the past and rebuilding the future. I stand here today to say that the genocide did happen. Nobody can erase the painful memories of the Armenian community. Nobody can deny the graphic photos and historical references. And nobody can claim that Armenians live where their ancestors thrived 80 years ago. It is our responsibility and duty to keep the memories of the genocide alive. A world that forgets these tragedies is a world that will see them repeated again and again. This story, and others like it, must be talked about so all know the truth. We must also honor the victims of this brutal massacre. We cannot right the terrible injustices that have been inflicted on the Armenian community, nor can we ever completely heal the wounds. But by properly commemorating this tragedy, Armenians will be reassured that the world has not forgotten the misery of those years. Only then will Armenians begin to receive the justice they deserve.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to an outstanding public official and close personal friend of mine on a very special occasion, her 50th birthday. Ms. Aurelia Pucinski, clerk of the Cook County, Illinois Circuit Court, celebrated her birthday recently with a surprise party thrown by her friends and colleagues, as well as her husband, Jim Keithley, and their three children, Rebecca, Annie, and Jimmy. Clerk Pucinski has been one of the most popular elected officials in Cook County since her election as a delegate to the 1980 Democratic National Convention. She is currently in her third term as clerk where she administers the world's largest unified trial court system, which handles more than 18 million cases each year. She has literally guided the clerk's office into the 21st century with improved computer systems and other technological advancements to make the office more efficient and more responsive to the needs of law enforcement officers and attorneys and all citizens. She has saved tens of millions of dollars for taxpayers during her tenure by reducing staff and overtime, through interest earned on investments and deposits, and returned unclaimed bond money. Clerk Pucinski is also the first county official to institute a code of ethics and internal ethics board. A testament to Clerk Pucinski's integrity can be found in the fact that during her first campaign for office in 1988, she proposed a 40- point plan to improve the office. She has implemented all those promises. Clerk Pucinski is an outstanding public official, but perhaps more important, she is an outstanding human being and a wonderful wife, mother, and daughter. I have known her for more than 20 years, when I served on the Chicago City Council with her father, Alderman Roman Pucinski, a revered and respected public official who was a huge influence on his daughter. She remains devoted to her father as well as all of her family members, despite the demands and responsibilities of her office. Mr. Speaker, I wish my dear friend, Aurelia Pucinski, a happy birthday and of course, many, many more.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, a couple of months ago, I took part in a congressional delegation that traveled to Cambodia. It was a distinctly unique opportunity to visit a country where the people democracy has taken root, although not without its fair share of difficulties, and has begun to grow and mature with the assistance of the United States. First of all, I want to commend our fellow Americans in the United States Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, especially Ambassador Kenneth Quinn and Edward Birgell of the Agency for International Development. They have done an outstanding job in less than ideal circumstances, and I strongly believe that the growth of democracy in Cambodia is due in no small part to their efforts. Ambassador Quinn and his colleagues at the United States Embassy play a pivotal role in Cambodia's development. Under Ambassador Quinn's guidance, they work on a number of extremely important initiatives. They provide assistance to Cambodia to rebuild the judicial system and implement the rule of law. They coordinate POW/MIA efforts with the Cambodian Government. They helped Cambodia draft labor laws in accordance with international standards. Most importantly, they are heavily involved with establishing and strengthening the democratic processes, which provides permanence to their work in Cambodia. Their achievements are truly remarkable, and I salute each and every one of them. As most of you know, Cambodia has had a difficult time in the last few decades--a tumultuous history to say the least. In 1975, the country was torn apart and nearly decimated by the genocidal Khmer Rouge. The turbulent civil wars punctuated by short periods of rest did not end until the United Nations [U.N.] sponsored the October 1991 peace treaty followed by U.N.-supervised elections in 1993. As a result of the elections, a new democratically elected government headed by two prime ministers was established. This ``power-sharing'' arrangement, although somewhat unwieldy, was necessary to maintain the fragile partnership and put Cambodia in a positive direction for the last 5 years--a generally forward-looking, fledgling democracy with market- based economic policies, free press, multiparty political system, and nongovernmental organizations. It is fair to say that the last several years have been Cambodia's most peaceful and productive period in the 20th century. Ripped apart by civil wars, the people of Cambodia are in the midst of rebuilding their nation. Cambodia still bears wounds from those past internal conflicts. For instance, the country is still a huge minefield. About 1 in 10 Cambodians have been injured by landmines. While there is a concerted effort to remove the landmines--over 1,500 people are employed specifically for this task--at the current pace, it will still take at least several decades. Still they persevere. Unfortunately, the U.N.-brokered fragile partnership by necessity is rapidly fraying at the edges. With the 1998 national elections right around the corner, cooperation between the two prime ministers has almost ceased. The results are dramatic. Human and civil rights violations are rising and corruption is running rampant. These factors increase the political and economic risks resulting in a slowdown in foreign investment and aid. The downward spiral will result only in chaos. This dramatic downturn deeply concerns me, for it undermines all the hard work of Ambassador Quinn and his colleagues in the U.S. Embassy to keep the peace. In my conversations and meetings with them, I was deeply impressed with their conviction and devotion to the Cambodian people. They have made tremendous personal sacrifices. In many cases, their families are unable to join them in Cambodia. Also, they work in facilities that are in dire need of improvements. I saw facilities that would not pass OSHA regulations here in the United States, and it deeply concerns me that our fellow Americans must work in such conditions. Moreover, Embassy staff are at a security risk, for there have been numerous threats against their lives. We should all be extremely proud that this group of devoted people represents us and our interests in Cambodia. They represent the epitome of public service. It also undermines all of the hard work that the Cambodian people have put in--paid for by their blood, sweat, tears, and untold number of lives. They are amazing. I can honestly say that I have never seen a more inspired and hard working group than the people of Cambodia. Their resilience and perseverance deeply moved me. Over a million Cambodians were killed in one of the bloodiest genocides in history, yet they still persevere. Human and civil rights violations rise, yet they still persevere. Political violence occurs more and more frequently, yet they still persevere. They persevere because the burning fire of eternal optimism in the face of insurmountable odds resides in the Cambodian people. I saw it in their faces. I heard it in their voices. I felt it in their deeds. They persevere because they have suffered under a totalitarian regime. And now, they have tasted democracy and have seen the shining city on the hill. They look to America and see the nation that Cambodia can be--a nation of freedom and opportunity. They look forward with the hope of a better tomorrow. They have tasted democracy, and they have no wish to go back. We must reaffirm our commitment to Cambodia by fully supporting our Embassy in Cambodia. We must provide them with the resources necessary to do their job effectively. In the coming months as we consider the annual appropriation bills, I strongly urge my colleagues to consider the situations of our fellow Americans working in the Embassy and our Cambodian friends. Ambassador Quinn and his colleagues are promoting the basic ideals that form the core of our Nation in the great democratic tradition--the ideals that make America the greatest nation in the world. Let us do all that we can to give them the support they deserve.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I come to the floor of the House of Representatives to honor Daniel Joseph Garvey for his long and distinguished career as a high school teacher and basketball coach to many young men from Chicago's Southwest Side. On April 18, 1997, Dan Garvey will be honored by his family, friends, former students, and colleagues at Gaelic Park, Midlothian, IL, for over 40 years of his service and dedication to Marist High School and De La Salle Institute. Dan Garvey was born and raised on Chicago's Southwest Side by John and Mary Garvey, who were both from County Kerry, Ireland. Dan's family also included his brother Jack and two sisters, Marie and Therese. Dan graduated from St. Kilian Grammar School and De La Salle, and he earned a bachelor's degree from St. Ambrose College and a master's degree from Northeast Missouri State University. Dan Garvey was an honor roll student and lettered in basketball in all 4 years at De La Salle. Dan earned a scholarship to St. Ambrose College where he was known as Dan ``Ceps'' Garvey and described as a born hustler on the basketball court. His college basketball career was highlighted with the Intercollegiate and Midlands Conference Championship. Dan's college studies were interrupted for 2 years while he served his country during the Korean War. Before returning to St. Ambrose, Dan married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Donna Mae Corriston. Dan Garvey has been associated with Marist High School for over 30 years. Dan was the school's first varsity basketball coach, the head of the physical education department, as well as the first alumni director. Prior to his tenure at Marist, Dan taught and coached at De La Salle with another alum, the highly respected Jerry Tokars. Though a man of few words, Dan Garvey earned the respect of many young men who went through the doors of Marist and De La Salle for his kindness and compassion, his guidance and positive influence, his work ethic and enthusiasm, and, not the least of, his legendary Irish personality. In 1987, Dan received the Marist Alumni's Man of the Year Award for his longtime devotion and service to the Marist community. In 1990, Dan's basketball career was recognized by his induction into the De La Salle Sports Hall of Fame. An inspiration to all of us, Dan Garvey always displayed his total dedication and love to his late wife, Donna, whose memory is also honored. Together they raised four wonderful children, Maureen, Lynn, Dan, Jr., and Kevin. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me today in saluting Daniel J. Garvey on his successful career at Marist High School, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for recognizing me, and I want to thank him very much as a fellow Chicagoan for taking this special order for Charlie Hayes. I do have a few things I want to talk about in regards to Charlie. Charlie arrived here in the House of Representatives about 6 months after I did, and he will always be remembered to me as Mr. Regular Order. As everybody knows, he became quite famous for that. But not only did he arrive here 6 months after I arrived, but he was a commuter Congressman like I am, like the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Rush] is, flying back and forth every week between Chicago and Washington DC. On many of those occasions Charlie and I sat together, and we had some enormously interesting conversations about organized labor and the labor movement in this country in the 1930's and the 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, and up until the 1980's when Charlie left organized labor and started to represent the people here in Washington. We also talked about his very, very good friend, the first African- American mayor of the city of Chicago, the Honorable Harold Washington. Obviously Charlie was very much involved in Harold Washington becoming mayor of the city of Chicago, but beyond that, he and Harold were very good friends, and he always was there to help Harold, protect Harold, and speak in Harold's behalf. Besides having conversations about organized labor and the labor movement in this country and Harold Washington, Charlie Hayes and I were both great baseball fans, great fans of the Chicago White Sox, and on numerous occasions we discussed White Sox ball players of the past. I think that it is really fitting and proper that we have a special order today for Charlie Hayes on the day that we passed the resolution for Jackie Robinson. Ironically, the African-American ball player that Charlie Hayes often talked about was not Jackie Robinson, but Larry Doby. Larry Doby was the first African-American ball player in the American League. Ironically, that occurred on July 15, 1947, a couple of months after Jackie Robinson had broken it. I say ironically because Larry Doby pinch hit for the Cleveland Indians against the Chicago White Sox on that day. He did not start the game, there was really no fanfare that he was going to play that day, but in the seventh inning he came out as a pinch hitter. Charlie Hayes happened to be in the ballpark that day and I happened to be in the ballpark that day also. My mother had taken my brother and I, my cousin, Pat Collins and my cousin Jim Collins to the ball game, and we were not aware, obviously, that we were going to be there on such a historical day. But nevertheless we were there, and as I say, I later discovered that Charlie was there also. So besides baseball and Harold Washington and organized labor, there were other things that Charlie and I talked about on these plane rides back and forth. The last one I would mention would be his youth center which I am quite sure you are very familiar with, and I think anyone that ever talked to Charlie would be familiar with because he was extremely proud of it. But it was always in great financial need, and there was more than one occasion when Charlie implored me to be a little bit generous towards his youth center, which fortunately I was in a position to be generous to his youth center on a couple of different occasions. But Charlie was a very down-to-earth person, he was a very unassuming person. He was a very, very hard-working man, and he was really kind I think to a fault. The only time I ever saw Charlie get angry was when people were somehow angling to do or doing something to give organized labor, the American working man and woman, the short end of the stick. That is when Charlie became angry and really angry, because I believe that for his entire life, as the gentleman mentioned earlier, he was always speaking for, supporting and fighting for the American working men and women in this country. He was a very good friend of mine, and I am honored to have been a friend of his, and I am honored to have served in this House with him. I do not think that we could find an individual in the history of the House of Representatives that was ever any more effective for his constituents or a greater fighter for organized labor and the American working man and woman than Charlie Hayes. I thank the gentleman for taking this special order and allowing me to participate in this tribute to Charlie Hayes, my good friend, Mr. Regular Order.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to take this opportunity to wish our Sikh friends a happy Vaisakhi Day. This day commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. It is an extremely important day in the Sikh calendar. In 1999, only 2 years from now, the Sikh Nation will celebrate its 300th anniversary. This will be a major celebration for the Sikh Nation and its friends. However, it will be diminished if the Sikhs continue to live under the kind of brutal tyranny and repression where human rights violations are committed by the occupying Indian forces. A recent example on March 15, 1997, involved the abduction and murder of Kashmir Singh, an official of the Akali Dal or Amritsar. Kashmir Singh was picked up by the police in the middle of the night by the police and murdered. His lifeless body was then dumped at the district hospital. On September 6, 1995, the police kidnapped human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who had published a report exposing their policy of mass cremations. Last year it was reported that the police picked up and murdered a 3-year-old Sikh boy, his father, and his uncle, who were all suspected terrorists. Quite frankly, it is difficult for me to believe that a 3-year-old boy could be a terrorist. The regime has also detained and harassed Ram Narayan Kumar, a Hindu human rights activist who produced the video, ``Disappearances in Punjab,'' which was provided to me last year by the Council of Khalistan. The list goes on and on. All told, it is estimated that over a quarter of a million Sikhs have been persecuted for speaking out for what they believe in. In America, we call it free speech. In India, they clearly do not. These are just a few examples of human rights violations committed by India. We must continue to press India to respect basic human rights. If India does not comply, then the United States should stop sending them millions of dollars in foreign aid. It is time to take action to end this injustice. Then we can join our Khalistani friends in celebrating their 300th anniversary. I hope my colleagues will take a few minutes to review the following article on the murder of Kashmir Singh. [From the Indian Express, Mar. 17, 1997] A Cold-Blooded Killing? (By Atul Sangar) Hoshiarpur, March 16.--Widespread resentment prevails amongst the residents of Pandori Rukmana village, located about 10 km from Hoshiarpur on the Hoshiarpiur-Jalandhar road, and several other villages, over the killing of 26- year-old Kashmira Singh, allegedly by a Tarn Taran police party on Friday night. The body was cremated today after a post-mortem examination which showed wounds on the neck and knee caps. Such was the anger of the people that the day the incident took place, villagers from the area collected in large numbers at Prabhat Chowk, in Hoshiarpur, demanding registration of a case by the police. However, after about six hours of dharna and blocking of traffic, it was only when Punjab minister Sarup Singh got caught in the traffic jam and was later gheraoed by the villagers, that the case was registered, said Professor Gurpal Singh, uncle of Kashmira Singh. A gloomy atmosphere prevailed in the village when this reporter visited the family of Kashmira Singh. His father Jeet Singh said tearfully, ``we were sleeping inside when suddenly 10 to 12 persons, some in plain-clothes and others in uniform, caught hold of me by the throat. On hearing my shrieks, my son also came to my room. We were told by police and others to keep quiet and were apprehensive that these persons may be bad elements. They tried to grab and drag us out of the house. Two or three rounds were fired during this scuffle and we were bundled into a four-wheeler with a blanket over our faces.'' Jeet Singh, a farmer and junior employee of a semi- government undertaking, said that his son was farming and had studied up to BSC-I. He said that after being ``kidnapped'' they were made to travel for about 20 minutes and he was pushed out of the vehicle near a sheller at Kanani-Wala village where he asked for water from the sheller attendant. Barefoot, he later started walking back and took a lift from a taxi and reached the village. Meanwhile, at the village, the ladies, including Kashmira's wife Harpreet Kaur, raised a hue and cry and the sarpanch, lambardar and others gathered. According to the members of Kashmira's family, the duo were taken away around 12.30 or 1 a.m. and Jeet Singh returned around 3 or 4 p.m. Jeet Singh's house is partially constructed and wood work is incomplete in several rooms. He left behind an eight-month old child. Later, the villagers approached the police and rang them up from the panchayat telephone but persons turned up from the Nasrala Chowki only. Lambardar Ajeet Singh said that Kashmira was wrongly being defamed as having terrorist links. Others told The Indian Express that Kashmira was an activist and pracharak of Akali Dal (Mann). Mann also visited the village today. Sympathising with the villagers, he is reported to have said that the Badal government was going the way of previous governments. A couple of empty cartridges were recovered from the courtyard of the house today. On the other hand, the Hoshiarpur police and their counterparts in Tarn Taran have contended that Kashmira had terrorist links and was killed in an encounter with the police. Shera, a resident of a neighbouring village, said, ``we never expected this kind of treatment from the Badal government and the police. But it seems nothing has changed. Many in the area expressed frustration over the state of affairs.'' The SSP of Hoshiarpur was not available for comments despite several attempts to contact him. Chandigarii: Director General of Punjab Police P.C. Dogra has defended the police action resulting in the death of Kashmir Singh. The latter, he said, was not only wanted by the police but had also made a murderous assault on the police party carrying him. While one SPO and witnesses had been seriously injured by him with a sword, the police, he claimed, had acted in self- defence.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, on February 12, I introduced legislation to preserve and enhance the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor. H.R. 1042 extends the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor Commission for another 5 years to 2004. Designated by Congress in 1984, the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor was the first ``partnership park'' of its kind and is now a model for such parks throughout the Nation. The Corridor stretches 100 miles across Illinois, from Chicago to LaSalle/Peru and encompasses 450 square miles. Its rich heritage and recreational opportunities attract countless visitors to the area and enhance the pride of local residents. Simply put, the Corridor is of great historical significance to the State of Illinois, as well as the entire Nation. Since the creation of the Commission, which coordinates the efforts and resources of Federal, State, and local agencies, we have seen significant progress being made along the Corridor. However, there is still a great deal more that needs to be done. We must continue to work to preserve this unique treasure for future generations. H.R. 1042 will allow the Commission to continue its vital work and further the successful partnership between Federal, State, and local agencies as they work to preserve this important piece of our Nation's history. I strongly urge my colleagues to support my bill, H.R. 1042.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill that will extend medical savings accounts to millions of Americans. Commonly known as MSA's, these tax free accounts are combined with a high deductible health insurance plan to help lower health care costs and increase consumer choices. The much needed Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act that was signed into law by President Clinton last summer included a pilot program for MSA's, but with restrictions. The law limits the number of MSA policyholders to 750,000 by 1999, and the pilot program is expected to end in the year 2000. The MSA Expansion Act will allow all small businesses with 50 or fewer employees, and the self-employed, to choose an MSA, and it will repeal the sunset of the pilot program so future generations will be able to benefit from MSA's too. This legislation is needed because some experts predict that the 750,000 cap will be reached as early as this spring, since demand for MSA's has far exceeded expectations. To meet the demand from small businesses, the self-employed, and a surprisingly high number of uninsured, an average of four new health insurance carriers a week are entering the MSA market. Clearly, the high number of uninsured who have purchased MSA's signal that MSA's are not solely attracting the healthy and the wealthy, as some people predicted. No one has found a single example of such adverse selection resulting from the institution of MSA's, and it will not happen because for adverse selection to occur, the very sick must shun MSA's. This does not and will not happen, as the very sick will save money in many cases since their out-of-pocket costs will be less. Moreover, they will choose MSA's because they will have their choice of physician or specialist. The MSA Expansion Act is what the American people want and deserve. It will lower health care costs for everyone, provide more choices, and extend the accessibility and affordability of health care to the unemployed and the uninsured. I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me as cosponsors of this important legislation.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Valdemar Delgado and Ben Howard, two outstanding individuals from my district. It was on January 8, 1997, that two Cicero police officers, Andre Van Vegten and Matthew Koman, were in need of immediate assistance and Mr. Delgado and Mr. Howard stopped to aid in rescuing the two officers from a burning vehicle. While responding to a call of a man with a gun at 44th Street near Cicero Avenue, the officers were involved in an accident that caused flames which protruded through the hood of the patrol vehicle. At the time, Delgado and Howard were passing by and saw the flames. Without any hesitation or regard for their own safety, they immediately attended to the two officers inside the burning vehicle. With much bravery and commendation, Delgado and Howard attempted to pry open the door of the patrol vehicle with a crowbar without success. After many attempts Delgado was able to break the window and pull Officer Koman out to safety. At the same time, Howard was able to remove Officer Van Vegten from the vehicle. Because of their quick response and thinking, Delgado and Howard were successfully able to remove both Officers Van Vegten and Koman from fatal harm. Both officers were then taken to area hospitals for life- saving treatment. Valdemar Delgado and Ben Howard were congratulated and honored on January 14, 1997, for their heroism and bravery by the mayor and City of Chicago Council. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate and commend these two fine individuals for their bravery and selfless act. I am very proud and honored to have people like Valdemar Delgado and Ben Howard who give so much to help with the safety of our community.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the great symbol of freedom in these United States, the American flag. The American flag is nationally and internationally recognized as the symbol of the United States and all that it stands for. Today, my colleague, Congressman Gerald Solomon and I introduced a resolution to amend the Constitution in order to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag. I am proud to say that as of today more than 200 of my colleagues have agreed to cosponsor this important and historic piece of legislation. For more than 200 years the American flag was the proud symbol of our great Nation. Most important, the flag was protected by law from any type of desecration. Today, though it still serves as the symbol, it is no longer protected by law. In 1989, the Supreme Court ruled in Texas versus Johnson, that the violent and destructive act of burning and spitting, and trampling on the U.S. flag was a form of expression which is protected by the freedom of speech. In the time since that ruling more than 49 States, including my home State of Illinois, have passed memorializing resolutions which request that Congress to ratify a constitutional amendment protecting the flag. Clearly, this body has been called upon to protect the flag from any further desecration by voting for a constitutional amendment. Deliberate desecration of the American flag is truly an insult to those who fought and died to preserve and protect the rights of all Americans. Deliberate desecration of the flag should no longer be tolerated. That is what we seek to accomplish by introducing this important amendment. During times of war, the flag became more than a symbol of the United States, it provided comfort and encouragement to our soldiers abroad. Though they were miles away from home, the flag reminded them of the great land and freedom that they were fighting for. The sight of the flag reinforced their strength of belief in the war they were fighting. American soldiers were reminded of the basic rights that they were protecting. The rights that don't exist in other countries; rights that make America the land of freedom that it is today. Congressman Solomon and I are both committed to fighting this fight. My colleague and I, believe that this amendment, which has received bipartisan support is long overdue. Americans all over the world recognize the American flag as the symbol of freedom, fairness, and equality. We must do everything in our power to have the law protect the flag from desecration. I am proud to join Congressman Solomon in bringing this amendment before the Congress. I hope that all of my colleagues will join Congressman Solomon and I, in passing this historic and important amendment.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute today to five individuals and one organization for their outstanding contributions in making my district a better place to live and work. Their efforts are also being recognized by the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce, which will honor them at its 95th annual awards dinner February 8, 1997. The Chamber's Citizen of the Year is Hon. Timothy Hansen, who serves as the village president of LaGrange, IL. I have had the pleasure to work with President Hansen on solving a number of challenges facing his community, and I can say that his recognition is well-deserved. Mr. Hansen has served the community since 1981, including 4 years as its president and 4 years as a member of the board of trustees. His even- handed management style and willingness to let all sides be heard on important issues has made President Hansen well-respected throughout his community. The Chamber's Man of the Year is Mr. William F. Hendrickson, the retired president of Hendrickson Manufacturing. Throughout his life, Mr. Hendrickson has been dedicated to improving both the business and civic climate of his community, serving on the boards of important businesses and charitable organizations. Some of the groups he has devoted his time and energies including the Rich Port YMCA, the Plymouth Place retirement community and the Chicago Youth Center. Ms. Cynthia Breunlin is being honored as the Chamber's Woman of the Year. Ms. Breunlin, the executive director of the West Cook Development Corp., has been involved with numerous community groups, including the NAACP and the Community Diversity organization in LaGrange. Ms. Breunlin, a former schoolteacher, has been honored for her community work by the Girl Scouts, Triton Junior College and School District 102. She is a recipient of the prestigious Medgar Evers Award from the NAACP. Mr. David Bennett, executive director of the West Central Municipal Conference [WCMC], is the chamber's Public Servant of the Year. At the WCMC, Mr. Bennett has worked to bring often diverse suburban Chicago communities together to solve common problems. Mr. Bennett not only works for these communities, he makes his home in the area as well. He is active in his church, St. John of the Cross in Western Springs, IL, as well as the American Heart Association. Mr. Robert Breen, is being recognized for Outstanding Community Service by an Individual. This award is especially appropriate as the name ``Breen'' is synonymous with public service in his community. He and his family have been the driving force behind the annual Pet Parade, a trademark event in LaGrange where the community comes together for a day of fun and creativity for all ages. Mr. Breen, who also helps manage his family's extensive dry-cleaning business, is also a recognized leader in the fabricarce industry, as well as his local business community. The Chamber's Outstanding Community Organization this year is the LaGrange Community Nurse and Service Association, which is celebrating 75 years of service. While LaGrange Community Nurse and Service Association provides a wide array of health care services, the main focus is supplying primary care for low-income families who do not have insurance. The association also provides food for families in emergency situations and clothing and toys for needy children at Christmas. Mr. Speaker, I salute these five outstanding individuals and one great organization on their good work, and give them my best wishes for continued success in serving the people of their community in the future.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to an outstanding woman who has dedicated much time and effort in bettering the lives of her fellow citizens--Ms. Patricia O'Brien. Ms. O'Brien's efforts will also be recognized Feb. 21, 1997 by the Argo-Summit Chamber of Commerce as she is the organization's Volunteer of the Year. A resident of Summit, IL, Ms. O'Brien has been active in collecting food, especially in her place of work, United Parcel Service, where she is a truck driver. Three years ago, she began a food drive at UPS, and in 1996, Ms. O'Brien and her co-workers collected more than 1 ton of food. Last summer, she helped collect and deliver more than 10,000 pounds of extra food from the Taste of Chicago festival, and regularly retrieves leftovers from the McCormick Place Convention Center for area food pantries and homeless shelters. Ms. O'Brien has received the Casey Award from UPS and the Tom Shay Award from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for her community service. Mr. Speaker, I salute the selfless efforts of Patricia O'Brien and extend to her my best wishes for continued success in the future.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute today to an outstanding individual who represents hundreds of thousands of Americans who participated in the battle that was the beginning of the end of Nazi Germany--the invasion of Normandy. Mr. Mooney, who served in the 2d Armored Cavalry Division, was part of the wave of brave Allied soldiers that stormed the beaches and cliffs overlooking the English Channel on June 6, 1944. Even after the Allies established a beachhead, it took more than 2 months of fierce fighting before the risk of the Germans reversing the invasion had ended. During the last 3 years, Mr. Mooney and thousands of his comrades have been honored by the Regional Council of Normandy with the Medaille de Jubile, a decoration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy and the beginning of the liberation of Europe. Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind our fellow members and all freedom loving people in America and the world of the debt of gratitude we owe Mr. Mooney and the heroic soldiers, sailors and airmen whose efforts at Normandy marked the beginning of the end of Nazi tyranny.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to two outstanding athletes from my district. Mr. Thomas Strack and Ms. Christine Kelly, who are competing in pairs figure skating at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Canada, February 1 to 8, 1997. Mr. Strack of Palos Heights, IL, and Ms. Christine Kelly of Oak Lawn, IL, have skated together for 6 years and are both veterans of local, national, and international special olympics competitions. More important, they are good friends, and have forged friendships with many others through the special olympics. Tom and Chris, as well as 131 other athletes and 29 coaches from Illinois, will join more than 2,000 competitors from 90 countries vying in five different events at the winter games. Mr. Speaker, I extend my best wishes to these fine athletes, as well as all the other courageous participants in the 1997 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding police officer on his retirement after more than 40 years in law enforcement--Capt. Richard Tracy, the real Dick Tracy. Captain Tracy, a Chicago native and resident of Garfield Ridge neighborhood in my district, has spent four decades at virtually every level of law enforcement, starting as a Parole Officer walking the beat with the Chicago Police Department in 1956. He worked his way up through the ranks and various assignments, including narcotics and burglary investigations, as well as a stint as an investigator with the Cook County State's attorney. Captain Tracy made sergeant in 1962, serving as a patrol supervisor and an instructor in the training division. In 1967, he went from the big city to a small town, taking the position of Chief of Police in Pottstown, PA, where he supervised a force of 36 sworn officers. After 5 years in Pottstown, Captain Tracy became Director of Regional Police of Mid-Monongahela Council of Governments, an experiment in multicommunity law enforcement funded by the U.S. Law Enforcement Administration. In 1975, he returned to Chicago as a patrol sergeant, who was soon promoted to lieutenant and, in 1987, made captain, serving as a Watch Commander and Commanding Officer of the Graphics Arts section. Mr. Speaker, I would like to salute Captain Richard, ``Dick,'' Tracy for his dedication and fine service to law enforcement and best wishes.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding community in my district that is celebrating its 40th anniversary, Burr Ridge, IL. Burr Ridge was incorporated October 30, 1956, as a 1-mile square area. The village was originally called Harvester in honor of the International Harvester plant located nearby. The village steadily expanded and was renamed Burr Ridge in 1961 in honor of a stand of Burr Oak trees located on a small ridge in the community. Through wise planning and controlled growth, the village has combined light industrial areas with subdivisions of single family homes in all price ranges. From the original 300 residents, Burr Ridge has grown to nearly 9,000 inhabitants. Mr. Speaker, I salute the Village of Burr Ridge on 40 years of serving as a model community in suburban Chicago.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to an outstanding church in my congressional district celebrating 95 years of service to its community this year. Founded just after the turn of the century, Saints Peter and Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Riverside, IL, has served the spiritual needs of its congregation and the community at large since then. As we know, churches are the backbone of any community and Saints Peter and Paul has been one of the more important supporting structures of Riverside for more than nine decades. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Saints Peter and Paul on its 95th anniversary and wish the church many more years of service to its congregation and community.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to an outstanding achievement by a select group of Chicago area business people. I am proud to salute the entrepreneurs and founders of small and medium sized businesses on their induction to the 12th Annual Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame, which was held on Thursday, October 10, 1996, in Chicago, IL. The Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies in the College of Business Administration at the University of Illinois at Chicago cofounded and sponsored the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame honoring outstanding business leaders whose spirit helps keep America's business community strong and vital. In addition, I would like to commend the many cosponsors in the business community who have lent their considerable prestige and resources to making this hall of fame a success. Today I would like to congratulate these business leader inductees, each of whom is listed below, for using their imaginations to foster an excellent program which enhances the quality of higher education and underscores the value of entrepreneurship in America. The 1996 inductees include: Melvina Bechina, Thomas Burrell, Michael T. Clune, Philip J. Cooper, Walter G. Cornett III, Patrick J. Evans, John S. Gates, Jr., Emilio Gervilla, Hossein Jamali, Francois Sanchez, James Hanig, Letitia Herrea, Joe Jemsek, Edward Kaplan, Leonard H. Lavin, Michael Levy, Sandra Goeken Martis, William Merchantz, Ralph G. Moore, David W. Mulligan, Christopher C. Multhauf, Irv Shapiro, Joe Silverberg, Gene Silverberg, Richard A Stein, Shari K Whitley, and Phil Yeager. Mr. Speaker, I would like to personally commend these entrepreneurs who have been such an inspiration in my community.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding group of volleyball players in my district. This special group of players are students at Our Lady of the Ridge High School in Chicago Ridge, IL. What makes this group stand out and shine is that when other schools were out for the summer, this group of players extended their season into late June and captured their program's first national title. This is truly a momentous triumph and I am very proud to represent such a fine group of young women in Congress. This year's Amateur Athletic Union Junior National Volleyball Championships were held in Des Moines, IA, on June 21-25. This year, a division was started which included volleyball players ages 10 years and younger. The division was created to allow younger players to compete in the national competition. This year 10 young ladies from last season's fourth grade team received maximum benefit from the exposure. The team was led by tournament MVP Jessica Strama and All-Americans Kellie and Katie Pratl. Additionally, Elizabeth Rutan, Cori Omiecinski, Megan Liston, Laura Dirschl, and Katherine Casey played an important role in their aggressive floor play during the game. Stefanie Krawisz and Lauren Uher were top in their field for their outstanding serving ability during the game. The Our Lady of the Ridge team was coached by Milena Strama and Ron Pratl. The team ended its season with an impressive 77-23 record. Finally, the team could not have come as far as they did if it were not for their many sponsors and supporters from the parish community of Our Lady of the Ridge. As the team coach Ron Pratl said, ``There was a team of supporters that made it possible for us to get here, and then there was the team that won the gold. My hat goes off to all of them.'' Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to have such a fine group of players and supporters in my district. This group of hard working young volleyball players are truly an inspiration and I am pleased to be given the opportunity to honor their hard work today.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York, [Mr. Nadler]. (Mr. NADLER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, first of all I want to say that the cooperation I have had with the gentleman from Minnesota has been outstanding, and I sincerely thank him for that, in regard to all these aviation bills. I also want to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Shuster], the chairman of the committee, for the excellent cooperation we have had with him, and the majority staff on the Republican side has worked extremely well with the minority staff on the Democratic side. They have all worked enormously hard on these pieces of legislation. They are very, very good pieces of legislation. Mr. Speaker, none of us want to see them fail. But, unfortunately, we do have this Federal Express provision in this bill. It was not ever talked about in any hearing in the subcommittee or a full committee, in the House or in the Senate. In fact, there were no discussions between the conferees in regard to this particular provision until at the absolute end of the conference, when everything else was decided, a Senator brought forth this provision. It prevailed. I understand that. But just because it prevailed in a conference committee among 10 Members, it should not mean that this House has to accept it. Mr. Speaker, this House has a right to reject it. As I have said before, we all give lip-service to protecting, strengthening the American middle class. This is an opportunity to do it. This is a $10.7 billion corporation. They can afford to have their employees unionized. They can afford to have their employees come together for a better way of life, a better way of life for their family, a better way of life for themselves. If Members truly support the American middle class, if they want to see it grow, vote ``no'' on this bill, and we will come back and pass this bill without this terrible provision.