Bob Ney

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I submit for printing in the Record the text of House Concurrent Resolution 22 as approved by the Committee on International Relations.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, it is probably pretty good we are coming down to the closure, because now we are coming down to the ridiculous, to mention that Tom Cruise and John Travolta are setting foreign policy. John Travolta and Tom Cruise and Ann Archer and Chick Corea are fortunate enough to have a celebrity status that can bring attention to the issue of discrimination, not alleged, not taxation, but discrimination. So I am glad that their intent is not to set foreign policy, but they have given of their time to set forth a cause that is very, very important to those who cannot be on this floor to speak or, to those who do not have celebrity status, to be able to be heard, not only here, but in Germany. This is not about taxation. Let me tell you about support, as far as people saying this does not have support. Things do not get lightly here to the floor. This was not introduced yesterday. This has been around. It has support, because Democrats and Republicans have voiced that they want this on the floor tonight, Mr. Speaker. They want the people of this country and the people around the world to understand this issue, Mr. Speaker. And the fact that now our Government has gone a step further and has officially granted asylum, do you know how hard it is to get asylum? Our Government stated yesterday, it was in the Washington Post today, that asylum has been granted to a German citizen because they dared to be something different, of a different religion, than us. That is how far this has gone. Painful words, someone said. It is a shame we are to the point of what someone may consider painful words. The reason we have painful words is because there have been painful deeds, not something someone has made up, but posters that say ``no thank you'' to a play on the word of ``sect,'' of minority religions. It goes a little beyond that. Those official sanction posters that have a fly swatter to swat at those pesky little minority members of a religion. It has gone to the point of not someone saying, let's not watch a movie, but of a government that has told citizens of the United States that you in fact shall not perform in the country of Germany because you are a different religion that we just simply do not like that is the type of thing that has occurred. I went to Germany. We tried to talk about this and got the fist pounding that, we will not talk about it. As far as primary sponsors, I would ask any of my colleagues if either side of the aisle sitting on the floor of this House tonight, Mr. Speaker, if anybody from the German Embassy called them, because I have been out front on this issue for religious freedom for minorities, and we haven't had any calls, and I did a quick check, and nobody I know of supporting this has had any type of call in fact. All we know is in the press. Today in Germany, they just said, as a matter of fact, an official of the German Government simply said this will not be brought up by the U.S. Congress until after January maybe to be discussed, because I guess they set our foreign policy now. So no matter how good an ally, the real shame tonight is the fact that they have not wanted to communicate on this issue. The fact is, they continue to want to choose who in fact from this country can go to their country, who in fact they will put under surveillance because they simply do not like the type of religion they are. These are Americans we are talking about. We are not out to destroy the relationship of our country, but we are talking about standing up for the rights of our own American citizens. That is what this is about tonight. We cannot turn our back any longer on this issue. It has been mentioned about the other religions, about the Baha'is. It has been mentioned about persecution of people around the world. I am sorry other things have not hit the floor. I am not saying they are not important. I believe that we should stand up for persecution around the world. We have done it in some votes, obviously, with Chinese resolutions. But just because those resolutions didn't hit the floor of this House tonight does not mean this is not any more important. So this is not something fabricated, this is not something we are anti-German and we just wanted to bring this up tonight because we didn't have anything to do. These are serious true incidents that have happened over and over and over. Members of Congress have stated their feelings about this and tried the diplomatic route over and over and over. And, yes, this does have support, and that is how this did end up on the floor of this House tonight. This is about standing up, no matter what you think of another religion, for American citizens' rights, and if the Democrat or the Republican Party dared, dared, on the registration forms in the United States to say, ``Are you a Catholic or not?'' or, ``Are you a Protestant, or are you a Muslim, or are you a Jew?'' if that dared to happen in this country, do you know what type of outcry there would be? On the forms, it happens over there about certain religions only: Are you a member or not? It does exist; it is real; we need to stand up. In closing, I am a Roman Catholic of German background tonight that stands on the floor simply saying, in fact, we have to stand up for religious freedom tonight. Our country was found that way. They didn't say bring in your tired, your poor, and the religion that we choose that can come here. This is so basic to American principles that everybody should voice their support of this. I urge the bipartisan support of standing up tonight, not to slap at another country, but to stand up tonight for religious freedom.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of Gertrude Simmons of Tuscarawas, OH. Gertrude was born October 27, 1897 in Midvale, OH. Gertrude was a member of the Midvale Methodist Church where she played piano and organ, directed the junior choir, and sang in the adult choir. She is the oldest member of the Midvale Club. After marrying her late husband, Walter, in 1920, Gertrude moved to Tuscarawas. She became a member of the Sharon Moravian Church where she sang in the choir and for weddings, funerals, and community events. Gertrude is an avid sports fan and she enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, and oil painting when still in good health. She attributes her longevity to hard work, enjoying life, and taking one day at a time. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in celebrating Gertrude Simmons 100th birthday. I wish Gertrude a very happy birthday.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Oversight be discharged from further consideration of the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 56) authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony honoring Leslie Townes (Bob) Hope by conferring upon him the status of an honorary veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, Bob Hope, of course we all know, has been successful in all the areas of show business, but the Committee on Veterans' Affairs believes that Bob Hope's most important contribution to our American society was entertaining the Nation's troops. He actually attempted to enlist, in his adopted country, into the service, and he was told that the greatest service he could do for the country was to entertain troops, which he has done since World War II all the way through the Persian Gulf. He was also cited by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most honored entertainer in the world. But I think what stands out most in the American population's mind in this country is how he put himself in harm's way, although he went with other entertainers, but led the charge really to boost the morale and to visit with our troops and let them know that America was always behind them. So, Madam Speaker, this resolution would authorize the use of the rotunda in the Capitol on October 29, 1997, for a ceremony to honor Bob Hope by conferring on him the status of an honorary veteran. And I would note that the status of honorary veteran will be officially conferred upon him by House Joint Resolution 75, and that passed June 3, and in the Senate on September 9, and has been forwarded to the White House. So Mr. Hope will personally be here on Wednesday, and this will be the use of the rotunda, to honor Bob Hope's commitment to our veterans and who has made our country so great.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, today I want to talk about Kathy Wallace of Bellaire, OH, who has been named the Ohio Valley Medical Center's 1997 Ree Cook-Reiter Women's Center ``Woman of the Year.'' Kathy is the first recipient of the award which honors women who are devoted to helping their communities. Kathy is special to many people in the Ohio Valley where I am from. She has touched many lives through her caring and giving attitude. Some of those people are residents of the Country Club Retirement Center in Bellaire, where she gives weekly manicures. She always has a warm smile and friendly conversation for them. Kathy also donates sweet treats to nursing home residents from the Dairy Queen that she owns in Martins Ferry, OH. Kathy has taught Bellaire and Belmont County about the importance of volunteering and dedication to one's community. She leads by example. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Kathy Wallace for her service to Belmont County, and to congratulate her as she is honored with this award as the ``Woman of the Year.'' I wish Kathy Wallace continued success and health and prosperity. She is what America is all about. She has made people's lives brighter.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today to celebrate the 45th wedding anniversary of Eddie and Betty Fellabaum. It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Eddie and Betty on their special day. In an era where marriages are too often short lived, it is wonderful to see a couple who has endured the trials and tribulations that can cause a marriage to fail. The love and commitment they have demonstrated should serve as an inspiration to couples everywhere. Mr. Speaker, what an achievement to be married for 45 years. It is an honor to represent a couple like the Fellabaum's. I am proud to call them my constituents.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Gerald Rogers Peters, who passed away on September 25, 1997. Gerald served in the Army for more than 25 years and was a master sergeant when he retired. During his military career, Gerald served in World War II, the Korean war and Vietnam. After retiring from the service, Gerald worked at Titanium Metals Inc. until retiring from there also. Gerald has known as a kind and caring man. He was the father of nine children and enjoyed taking care of them along with his nieces and nephews. He had a gentle soul and was loved by all who knew him. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to pay my last respects to a man who gave so much of himself to his country, his community, and his family. Gerald will be missed by all whose lives he touched. I am honored to have represented him and proud to call him a constituent.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues. Kay Keyser, of Quaker City, OH, has been nominated for Ohio Teacher of the Year by the East Guernsey Local School District. Kay is a seventh and eighth grade teacher at Buckeye Trail Middle School. Kay has been in education for 24 years. She is very committed to the school and the community. Kay spends her spare time volunteering on activities which will directly benefit her students. Not only is she a volunteer but also a single mother of two which leaves a minimal amount of time for herself. The finalists for the Ohio Teacher of the Year will be named within the next few weeks. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Kay Keyser on her nomination for Ohio Teacher of the Year. I wish Kay continued success, health and prosperity.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following to my colleagues. Kathy Wallace, of Bellaire, OH, has been named the Ohio Valley Medical Center's 1997 Ree Cook-Reiter Women's Center Woman of the Year. Kathy is the first recipient of the award which honors women who are devoted to helping their communities. Kathy is special to many people in the Ohio Valley whose lives she has touched through her caring and giving attitude. Some of those people are residents of the Country Club Retirement Center in Bellaire where she gives weekly manicures. She always has a warm smile and friendly conversation for them. Kathy also donates sweet treats to nursing home residents from the Dairy Queen she owns in Martins Ferry, OH. Kathy has taught Bellaire and Belmont County about the importance of volunteering and dedication to one's community. She leads by example. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Kathy Wallace for her service to Belmont County, and to congratulate her as she is honored as the first recipient of the 1997 Ree Cook-Reiter Women's Center Woman of the Year. I wish Kathy Wallace continued success, health and prosperity.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Tonight I think it would become us, Mr. Speaker, since we are talking about what becomes this Chamber, it would become us to stick to the facts. The organization Hermandad Mexicana Nacional has, for nearly 5 months, refused to comply with the subpoena issued by a United States District Court judge. The Department of Justice says the matter is still under review, despite repeated letters from the Committee on House Oversight. That is a fact. The Department of Justice's failure to act has encouraged groups to ignore subpoenas, delaying the investigations. This is no picnic for us, as any Member on either of the side of the aisle on this committee knows very well of this delay. It is not something we enjoy, it is not something we like, it is not something that has a political furtherance. The other statement that is made that needs to be addressed is that the other side argues that most information requested in the subpoena to Hermandad has already been turned over. That is simply not true. Not all the information has been turned over. And if it had been, they would not be fighting so hard. Another thing is, they had all summer to file, but they did not. They filed in August because they wanted to delay the entire process. It has been a great interesting night. First, Bob Dornan has no credibility. Bob Dornan has said things on the floor people do not like from that side of the aisle, but all of a sudden Bob Dornan is quoted tonight because he is now factual in what he says in the newspaper, because it is convenient to quote him tonight. This is not about Bob Dornan, this is not about the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Sanchez], this is about the election process. Politics? Here is the DCCC press release starting in February. Phone calls into districts trying to stop this, a legitimate inquiry of the U.S. House. There is a little politics there. But I think we have seen it all tonight. What is in a name? Did Shakespeare say that or was it Hallmark? I am not sure. Somebody says that. What is in a name? Well, tonight it is in the Latino name. Tonight it is in the Latino name. Because all of a sudden, if one does not have a Latino name, something is wrong tonight. Let me tell my colleagues something. We have Latino relatives. I do, in Fontana, California. The gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Ehlers] does. We have Latino relatives. My colleagues know it is not true that there is a bias to Latinos. The words tonight, persecution, insulting, embarrassing, playing the race card, all the things that were raised tonight that my colleagues know are not true. My colleagues all know it. They know that is not accurate. They know it is not true. They know that is not the feelings we have. We should stick to the facts, because what is not becoming of this Chamber is to use those scare tactics to Americans, Mr. Speaker, across this country. That does not become the energetic give and take of public debate. What becomes us is to stick to the facts, and if we do that, we will not have so much disgrace on the floor tonight by throwing out side innuendo that my colleagues know is simply not true. It is not fair to the American people and it is not fair to any Member of any gender, of any ethnic background on the floor tonight.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, let me just say very quickly that we realize there is a give and take when we are dealing with the world and trade policies, but most of it has been a take from this country. What is going to happen in Switzerland is going to affect township trustees, county commissioners, Governors, and citizens of the United States. This is a commonsense approach, it is a commonsense amendment. All it wants to do is to simply say we should inform people. People have a right to know in this country. We should support the Sanders amendment. It is the right thing to do for America, it is the right thing to do to inform people in our society.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, as I was unavoidably detained on July 29, 1997, I unfortunately missed rollcall votes Nos. 336 and 337. Had I been present I would have recorded an ``aye'' on both votes.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Pappas].

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman], the chairman of the Committee on International Relations. (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Bilirakis].

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This resolution provides for the use of the rotunda on October 21, 1997, for a ceremony to allow Members of Congress to greet and receive His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, the 270th Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. At the request of the resolution's sponsor, the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Bilirakis], the resolution has been amended to change the time of the ceremony from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 134) authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol to allow Members of Congress to greet and receive His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, as amended.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues. Ralph W. McBane, of Bergholz, OH, has been a pillar of the community for over 50 years. Born and raised in Bergholz, Mr. McBane returned to his hometown after attending Mount Union College to work in his family's insurance business, McBane Insurance Agency. He has led this company for more than 50 years, and has been integral to the agency's substantial growth and success. Mr. McBane's efforts in the insurance industry have been rewarded with commendations from Buckeye Union Insurance Company, Cincinnati Insurance Company, Westfield Companies, and Mennonite Mutual. Ralph McBane's leadership in the insurance and banking industries is matched by his leadership and dedication to the Bergholz community. He has been active in the Bergholz Civic Club and is also a founding member of the Bergholz Ruritan Club, Bergholz Community Improvement Corp., and the Bergholz Community Foundation. In addition, he has served his church, Trinity United Presbyterian, as an elder, trustee, and Sunday school teacher. McBane has proven his commitment to improving the Bergholz community by serving as president of each organization. Whether it be through his insurance company or his civic duties, Ralph McBane has worked consistently to make Bergholz a better place to live. Mr. McBane has taught Bergholz and Carroll County about the importance of volunteering and dedication to one's community. He leads by example. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Ralph McBane for his service to Bergholz, OH, and to congratulate him as he is honored by the Bergholz Community Foundation with a ``Hats Off To Ralph'' evening. I wish Ralph McBane continued success, health, and prosperity.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues. Dr. Richard L. Lesher, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has announced that he will retire after 21 years of faithful service to the chamber and business communities across the country. Dr. Lesher began his career by receiving his doctorate in Business Administration from Indiana University. Then, he worked as an assistant professor at the Ohio State University. From 1964 to 1969, Dr. Lesher was an assistant administrator at NASA during a period marked by exceptional achievement in space exploration. Dr. Richard L. Lesher assumed the presidency of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1975. Since then, he has been devoted to advancing the interests of the U.S. business community. He played an instrumental role in developing Grassroots Action Information Network [GAIN], a service through which influential legislation was passed due to its membership. Dr. Lesher then steered the chamber's launching of the American Business Network, or BizNet. This network featured two award- winning television programs: ``First Business'' and ``It's Your Business''. Lesher is also a decorated newspaper columnist in the Voice of Business, which is distributed in over 600 newspapers across the Nation. Dr. Lesher's accomplishments and contributions to business development were rewarded when he received the Associated Trends Executive of the Year Award. His hard work, dedication, and determination lead to this monumental award. Dr. Richard L. Lesher's service and commitment to the business world are commendable, and Dr. Lesher's work is deserving of thanks and praise of the people of his industry. I ask my colleagues to join me today in thanking Dr. Lesher, and wishing him luck and success in the future.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall Nos. 336 and 337, I was unavoidably detained in Columbus, OH, at an Elections Hearing. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on 336, and ``yes'' on 337.