Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge that on May 7, 2003 the State of Israel will be celebrating its independence and fifty five years of statehood. Since its founding in 1948, Israel has served as a staunch ally on behalf of America's vital interests in the Middle East and internationally. Mr. Speaker, being that the citizens of the United States and Israel maintain a deeply rooted friendship based upon a commonality of interests and shared core ideals, including a dedication to democracy and individual freedoms, I ask that we rise up in recognition of Israel's independence. I would also like to recognize the special sister relationship that the State of New Jersey has forged with the State of Israel, through the New Jersey-Israel Commission. Israel has repeatedly proven itself as a valued partner in trade and mutual cultural exchange, and has earned the support of New Jersey's citizens. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to recognize a special group of constituents from the 6th District of New Jersey who will be showing their support for this unique relationship by ``Walking For Israel'' on May 4th. I ask that my colleagues to join me in commending the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County for sponsoring such an event. It is my hope that America's citizens will mark this occasion and demonstrate their support for the US-Israeli relationship with similar events across the country.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from California (Mr. Rohrabacher) for allowing me to take this 5 minutes before the 1 hour that he has scheduled this evening. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a disturbing development in Cuba's gross violation of human rights and recent crack down on its dissident community. Yesterday Cuba was re-elected to its seat on the United Nations' Human Rights Commission. This comes only weeks after the Castro regime sentenced 78 independent journalists, librarians, and opposition leaders to lengthy prison terms and executed 3 alleged hijackers who tried to escape to the United States. During this recent meeting of the Human Rights Commission, a resolution was passed that calls on Cuba to accept a visit by a human rights monitor. However, Cuba's reelection to the Commission still went uncontested. Mr. Speaker, it goes without saying that it is outrageous that Cuba has been reelected as a member of the Commission only weeks after systematically trampling on the tenants the Commission was designed to uphold. I find it hard to believe that the Commission could question the human rights practices of a nation and then, in the same breath, appoint that same nation as a member of the Commission. Cuba should not be a member of the Human Rights Commission. Cuba should be investigated and condemned by the Human Rights Commission and not sit as a voting member. Mr. Speaker, this recent crackdown is considered by many to be Cuba's worst crackdown on its dissident community in the last decade. Unfortunately, these latest developments are nothing new and are simply the next step in the systematic denial of even the most basic human rights for the citizens of Cuba. I and many of my colleagues have spoken on this floor time and again of human rights violations in Cuba. We have called on the U.N. to condemn Cuba's continued violations of human rights standards, and their only reaction is to appoint the wolf in charge of the hen house. On Monday before the United Nations' vote, Secretary of State Colin Powell publicly denounced Cuba's actions and criticized the Castro regime as an aberration in the Western Hemisphere. Powell also mentioned that the administration is reviewing their policies towards Cuba in light of Powell cited as the deteriorating human rights situation. I would like to take this opportunity to applaud Secretary Powell for his strong statement on Cuba, and I urge the administration to take concrete actions against Castro's crackdown on its own people. In closing, Mr. Speaker, the Human Rights Commission cannot continue to turn a blind eye to what has become a campaign by the Castro regime to silence all voices of peaceful opposition on the island. Allowing Cuba to remain a member only weakens the Commission's mandate. The United Nations must follow the leads of the United States and other nations that have condemned Cuba's action and remove Cuba as a member of the U.N. Human Rights Commission.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of Officer MaryAnn Collura of the Fair Lawn Police Department in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, it pains me to report that on Thursday, April 17, 2003, at the age of 43, MaryAnn Collura was killed in the line of duty. Officer Collura is only the fifth female to be killed while serving as a police officer in the State of New Jersey. Her loss has sent shockwaves through the members of her department, the people of Fair Lawn, and the entire State of New Jersey. MaryAnn Collura was borne in New York City, the youngest daughter of Pasquale and Helen Collura. MaryAnn was a lifelong resident of the Borough of Fair Lawn, New Jersey. She lived in the same home on Morlot Avenue in Fair Lawn where she and her siblings had grown up. She attended the same church where she had been baptized as a baby and taken her first holy communion as a young girl. The streets that MaryAnn patrolled each day as a police officer were the same streets that she ran as a child. Fair Lawn was home in every sense of the word. MaryAnn was known for her devotion to the community and to its people. So, it came as no surprise when MaryAnn decided to join the Fair Lawn Police Department in 1985, after serving for two years as a special officer. MaryAnn broke new ground in the department, becoming the first female officer in the town's history. It was her compassion for her neighbors, combined with her courage and skill as an officer, that made MaryAnn an inspiration to other young women and men who wished to dedicate their lives to becoming officers of the peace. MaryAnn cared about the details of her community. She went as far as to initiate a program for children to carry glow sticks on Halloween to make them more visible to cars. It goes without saying that MaryAnn was well liked and well respected, both by the members of her community and by her fellow police officers. But more importantly, during her eighteen years on the force, MaryAnn made a difference. Although I am not the Representative in Congress for the community of Fair Lawn, the loss of Officer Collura is one that hits particularly close to home. MaryAnn Collura was the aunt of my longtime staff member and campaign manager, Scott Snyder. To Scott, I would like to take this opportunity to say that the thoughts and prayers of the entire Pallone family and the Pallone staff are with you and your family in your time of loss. Mr. Speaker, it is at these times that we are reminded of the sacrifice that police officers and their families make in the name of community service. To a police officer, each call presents dangers and threats that we cannot begin to imagine. To the outside world, a police officer's uniform represents unwavering and selfless dedication to the protection of our community and the defense and enforcement of our nation's laws. This is something that all police officers understand, and something MaryAnn died upholding. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring the life and work of Officer MaryAnn Collura. I urge my colleagues to take a moment and recognize the bravery and selflessness of all of our nation's police officers, and all of our heroes in uniform. To MaryAnn's family; her mother, Helen; her siblings Paul, Patricia, and Linda; and to Scott and his entire family--please know that MaryAnn's commitment and sacrifice will never be forgotten by the people of Fair Lawn, the State of New Jersey or by the Congress of the United States.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose the rule on H.R. 6. This rule does not allow for consideration of critically important amendments, including an amendment submitted by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) on hydropower relicensing reform. I oppose title 3 of this bill because it creates a superstatus for hydropower license applicants by creating new procedural rights that are not made available to other interested groups. It also reduces environmental protections by allowing Federal resources agencies to set new minimum standards for environmental performance, including land protections and fish passages requiring agencies to consider the private economic interests of applicants on an equal footing with public resources. I also strongly oppose this legislation because it places the interest of the applicant far above the interest of States conservationists, Indian tribes, sports fishermen and the general public. This title prevents Indian tribes from participating in the relicensing process, even though more than 70 non-Federal hydropower projects today exist on tribal lands. It is unacceptable the tribes would not have an equal say in the impact on their resources and must be, they should be included in the process. This rule should have allowed the amendment of my colleague, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), as it provides for fair consideration of the interests of thousands of Americans and American Indians impacted by hydropower projects as well as the licensed applicant. Mr. Speaker, I oppose the rule. I know the previous speaker said it is fair, but I do not think it is fair because it did not allow the Dingell amendment and other critically important amendments.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, April 24 will mark the 88th anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian Genocide. On April 24, 1915, 250 Armenian intellectuals and political leaders were arrested and later executed as the rulers of the Ottoman Empire implemented their plan to eradicate their Armenian subjects. This action against the Armenian community's elite marked the beginning of one of the most horrendous events in the history of humankind. Two weeks from now, Armenians will gather worldwide to remember their martyrs and survivors and to seek universal affirmation of this crime against humanity. Because we are out of session this year on April 24, I would like to comment on the Armenian Genocide tonight. I do so to honor the memory of those innocent victims killed for only one reason, because they were Armenian. One and a half million men and women, young and old, able-bodied or not, were driven from their ancestral homeland and brutally massacred. Mr. Speaker, this week over 160 Members of the House of Representatives, including myself, will send a letter to President Bush asking that he fulfill his campaign promise and use the word ``genocide'' in his annual April 24th address. He fell short of that promise last year, but with this strong showing of Congressional support it is my hope that he will do the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide justice in this year's address. In addition, Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, more than 60 of my colleagues will join the gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich), the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff), the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Knollenberg) and myself in introducing a resolution on the issue of genocide. This resolution reaffirms the support of the ratification of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and anticipating the 15th anniversary of the enactment of the Genocide Convention Implementation Act of 1987. This resolution is an extremely important and timely measure, in my opinion. It not only speaks to the immeasurable wrongs done to the Armenian people, but also to the Jewish people during the Holocaust and the genocides in Rwanda and Cambodia. In the last two years, we have all seen example after example of the disregard for human life. This resolution would reaffirm that Congress recognizes the horrors of the last century, and strives to prevent further genocides through vigilant education. Mr. Speaker, the message of the broad, bipartisan support of the letter to the President and the legislation is clear: Turkey must recognize the genocide of its past and accept that Armenia is an integral and necessary sovereign neighbor. It must drop the illegal blockade against Armenia and establish full and normal diplomatic and economic relations. Reconciliation with its past and normalization of relations with Armenia is the only way for Turkey to step out of the dark shadows of its history of genocide. The entire western world, which Turkey so desires to be part of, demands it. Mr. Speaker, let me say in conclusion, as we embark on a new century, we must make sure that we have learned the lessons of humankind's capacity for brutality, and combat this with truth about the past, compassion for our common man, and a refusal to let these crimes against humanity be repeated. We must remember and learn from tragic events the tragic events that befell the Armenians. That is the only way we can be certain that this horrific event, which almost destroyed one of the oldest cultures on the planet, does not happen again.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my special order tonight, the Armenian Genocide.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from California (Mr. Sherman) for those kind remarks. Mr. Speaker, as an original co-sponsor of House Resolution 165, I come to the floor this afternoon to voice my strong support for the gentleman from Nebraska's (Mr. Bereuter) resolution calling for a renewed effort to find a peaceful and lasting settlement to the Cypress problem. Tomorrow the U.N. Security Council is expected to adopt a resolution on the Cypress peace process. This follows the issuance of a report last Saturday by Secretary General Kofi Annan on the reasons behind last month's breakdown of U.N.-sponsored negotiations. While it remains to be seen what the council will do, the Secretary General was clear in his report regarding reasons for the breakdown. Mr. Annan's report blamed Turkish Cypriot Leader Raul Denktash and Turkey for the failure of the Secretary General's plan to reunify this divided island. Mr. Speaker, despite the lack of a settlement, Cypress's European Union ascension is going forward. Next Wednesday, April 15, is the date of the signing ceremony of the ascension treaty in Athens. The Republic of Cypress will join with nine other nations in signing the treaty. Sadly, however, the residents of the Turkish-occupied areas will be left out, due to the obstinate Mr. Denktash and his short-sighted supporters in Ankara. Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged that the statements coming out of the State Department have expressed regard over Mr. Denktash's refusal to let the Turkish Cypriots vote on a referendum. I would be further encouraged if the administration put the necessary pressure on Turkey to be part of the solution and not just part of the problem. Mr. Annan stressed that ``my plan is still on the table,'' and I am sure that the Security Council will suggest that we go forward with the U.N. plan. But Mr. Denktash and the Government of Turkey must understand that there are costs for walking away from the table and benefits to be derived if they cooperate with the U.N. process. I still believe that the U.S. and this administration can do a lot more to put pressure on Turkey to go ahead with the U.N. plan and try to come to some sort of settlement. I am hopeful and I know that this resolution will help in that regard, and that is why we should all support it.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise up today to honor a friend of the Sixth District of New Jersey, Mr. Carl Williams, a resident of Asbury Park. On Friday, April 11, 2003 Mr. Williams will be inducted into the Asbury Park High School Hall of Fame as a member of its first class of distinguished alumni. He is receiving this award for his untiring commitment to uniting his community in celebration of its achievements. Mr. Williams grew up in the beach side town of Asbury Park, and has been a resident ever since. Today Mr. Williams is the owner of a successful clothing store and has proven himself as an accomplished businessman. Mr. Williams has been witness to many changes, both positive and negative, to the city of Asbury Park. Yet, his commitment to this community has never wavered and to this day he continues to serve his hometown and fellow citizens. Mr. Williams is being honored by his community for advancing the educational, physical and social well being of the children of Asbury Park. Through his work in the community, Mr. Williams has encouraged the youth of Asbury Park to strive for excellence and become our future leaders and role models. He is truly an inspiration. Mr. Speaker, through his tireless efforts, Carl Williams has fostered a sense of community and strived to help those less fortunate than himself Mr. Williams, is an extraordinary individual who is dedicated to enriching the lives of those around him and on this day I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the distinguished Carl Williams.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise on the floor to call attention to the fiscal year 2004 budget resolution conference report and to express my opposition to the inclusion of any Medicaid or Medicare cuts as part of the final budget resolution. Mr. Speaker, although the House-passed budget reconciliation contains an instruction to cut the Medicaid program by $93 billion over 10 years, neither the Senate budget resolution nor the administration budget includes such devastating cuts to the Medicaid program. As Members know, the Medicaid program provides essential health coverage to 47 million low-income children, working families, seniors and people with disabilities. Moreover, this critical safety net program under Medicare also contributes significantly to State economies by stimulating employment and business activity which we cannot afford to undermine. States, Mr. Speaker, are currently facing the most severe budget crisis since World War II and nearly every State has proposed or enacted cuts in its Medicaid program. Any reduction in Federal Medicaid funding would place millions of vulnerable Americans now receiving Medicaid in jeopardy of losing their health insurance. Federal funding reductions would force States to implement even deeper cuts by restricting eligibility, eliminating or reducing critical health benefits and severely cutting or freezing provider reimbursement rates. As a result, Medicaid funding cuts would add millions more to the ranks of the 41 million Americans that are already uninsured. In addition, Mr. Speaker, I oppose inclusion in the budget of sweeping mandatory cuts of potentially $75 billion over 10 years to the Medicare program. Although the Republican budget on the surface level appears to take a softer line on Medicare cuts as compared to Medicaid, in fact the budget requires billions of dollars of mandatory program cuts to the Medicare program. I will show my colleagues how. The budget provides $400 billion in a reserve fund for Medicare reform. However, the budget also instructs the Committee on Energy and Commerce to come up with $107 billion that have to be in cuts to either Medicare, Medicaid or S-CHIP, the kids' health insurance program, over 10 years and also requires the Committee on Ways and Means to require $62 billion in cuts, some or all of which could fall on Medicare. So although there is not an absolute requirement that it comes from Medicare, because those two committees will not have many choices, we are going to see Medicare cuts as well, as well as the mandatory Medicaid cuts. Mr. Speaker, while the budget resolution does not direct Medicare cuts, I am very concerned because it does not preclude them and these committees will be allowed to cut Medicare if that is what is required to fulfill the reconciliation instructions. As a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, I would do my best to prevent such cuts from taking place because the effects would be devastating to the structure and function of the Medicare program and, more importantly, to the health of our seniors and disabled. Again, Mr. Speaker, I have to express my strong opposition to the inclusion of any Medicaid or Medicare cuts in the final budget resolution. They will only mean that more people will be uninsured, less health care services will be provided to a whole range of individuals, and all this is being done basically so that the Republicans can make more cuts for wealthy people, more tax cuts for the wealthy, more tax cuts for corporate interests. It should not be done at the expense of Medicare or Medicaid.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 179 that condemns the brutal crackdown of the Cuban Government on the island's peaceful pro-democracy movement and calls for the immediate release of all Cuban political prisoners. Mr. Speaker, I have addressed this House on several occasions regarding Castro's continued assault on and disregard for human rights and democracy. I and several of my colleagues have spoken recently of Castro's decision to arrest and try over 80 nonviolent human rights advocates, pro-democracy leaders, and independent journalists in what has become a campaign by the regime to silence all voices of peaceful opposition on the island. Inside of a month Castro has arrested, arraigned, tried, and sentenced many of the dissidents, some receiving prison terms as long as 27 years. Mr. Speaker, there is an article in today's New York Times that I would like to enter into the record, and it mentions James Cason, the U.S. diplomat that has been spoken of, and it says that the reason this is happening is because they have become such effective advocates that the government attacks them. The reason this is happening is these dissidents are having an impact. People believe in them in Cuba. They are having an impact on basically changing and reforming the government ultimately. They have become voices of change. That is why it is so important that we here in the United States basically condemn what Castro is doing, because otherwise people like them will not continue. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution. These recent actions by the Castro regime are simply the next step in the systematic denial of even the most basic human rights for the citizens of Cuba. Congress must send a strong message to Castro that despite his hopes that the world would be looking the other way, that his actions have not gone unnoticed and will not be allowed to continue. [From the New York Times, April 8, 2003] Cuban dissidents Get Prison Terms as Long as 27 Years (By David Gonzalez) Miami, Apr. 7.--Cuban courts today began handing out prison terms of up to 27 years to dozens of dissidents, including journalists and librarians, who had been advocating democratic reforms, according to human rights groups and news reports from Havana. The harsh sentences capped five days of trials in which state security agents who had infiltrated dissident groups testified against their supposed colleagues on charges of subversion and collaborating with American diplomats. Almost 80 people were arrested in an islandwide sweep that started last month and that has been condemned by numerous human rights advocates, the European Union and foreign leaders. Hector Palacios, a key organizer of the Varela Project, which seeks democratic reforms, was sentenced to 25 years. Marta Beatriz Roque, an independent economist who angered authorities when she invited the chief American diplomat in Cuba to her home in February, received a 20-year sentence. Omar Rodriguez Saludes, an independent journalist who covered the news scooting around Havana on a battered bicycle, was handed the longest sentence: 27 years. Cuban authorities said the dissidents had conspired with James Cason, the United States diplomat, and they brought charges against them under a law that makes illegal any support of measures like the American trade embargo that would harm the island's economy or sovereignty. During an appearance at the University of Miami today, Mr. Cason had a one-word reply when asked if he thought--as the Cuban government had suggested--that he provoked the crackdown by his repeated meetings with dissidents. ``Lies,'' he said. He defended his contacts with the dissidents as a normal part of his work, saying that the American mission in Havana provided people with books, Internet access and newspaper clippings, among other services. They did not, he said, pay the groups or give them their marching orders, but supported their call for a quick and peaceful transition to democracy. ``We should be clear, the opposition is not a shadow government waiting to move into power,'' Mr. Cason said in his speech. ``They are simply among the few who openly say what so many others believe, that it is time for change. Because they have become effective advocates, the government attacks them, labeling them subversive traitors.'' International groups condemned the sentences, saying those arrested were exercising fundamental freedoms protected by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, of which Cuba is a signer. Several Latin nations have introduced a proposal to censure Cuba at the current session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva. ``It's perverse that there's a massive crackdown in Cuba just at the moment that the United Nations is examining Cuba's human rights record,'' said Jose Miguel Vivanco, the Americas director of Human Rights Watch. ``The commission must condemn these abuses, and do so strongly and unequivocally.'' Relatives of some dissidents denounced the lengthy prison terms as effective life sentences. Raul Rivero, a poet and the dean of the island's independent journalists, who was given a 20-year sentence, suffers from phlebitis and other illnesses. ``This is so arbitrary for a man whose only crime is to write what he thinks,'' said Mr. Rivero's wife, Blanca Reyes. ``What they found on him was a tape recorder, not a grenade.'' Mr. Cason said that the United States would offer moral support to those who would assume the work of those now in jail. The Cuban government put limits on Mr. Cason's movements after he traveled some 6,000 miles around the island in his first six months. Some have speculated the government might decide to keep him out of the country, a possibility he accepted. ``They can shoot the messenger if they want,'' Mr. Cason said. ``There will be more messengers coming.''

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call the attention of my colleagues to a number of people I am proud to represent from the sixth district of New Jersey. On Friday, April 11th, 2003, Asbury Park High School will induct its first class of distinguished alumni into its Hall of Fame. These individuals are being honored for their commitment to the mission of Asbury Park High, which is to promote the educational, physical, and social well being of children of Asbury Park. In their own way, each of these extraordinary people have encouraged and inspired the students of Asbury Park to strive for excellence, and become our future leaders and role models. Mr. Speaker, on this day I ask my colleagues to rise in honor of these unique individuals for the invaluable services that they provide to their community: Mr. Joseph Agris, Mr. C Regan Almonor, Esq., Mr. Frank Buddy, Ms. Judith Coleman, Mr. James Coleman, Mr. John Hayes, III, M.D., Mr. Lorenzo W. Harris, Jr., M.D., Dr. Benjamin Moffett, Mr. Jules Plangere, Jr., Mr. Joseph Reed, Jr., Dr. Phillip Schien, M.D., Mr. Thomas Schebell, Jr., Mr. Stanley Smith, Esq., Mr. Thomas Smith, Sr., Mr. Thomas Smith, Jr., Ms. M. Monica Sweeney, Mr. Carl Williams, and Mr. Melvin Wilmore.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, as you may know, President Bush is in Northern Ireland today to hold meetings with Prime Minister Blair to discuss and to strategize about the ongoing war in Iraq. While I understand that this important war summit will take up much of his time and energy, it is my hope that the President will take some time to discuss with Prime Minister Blair the current peace process in Northern Ireland. Mr. Speaker, later this week, April 10 to be specific, will mark the fifth anniversary of the Good Friday Accords which set up the power- sharing government in Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, this power- sharing government has been suspended since October. Prime Minister Blair and his counterpart in Ireland, Bertie Ahern, have been negotiating for months with the representative parties to come up with an agreement that will allow for resumption of the Belfast Assembly. As reported in today's New York Times, it seems the two prime ministers are planning to unveil an emergency formula that they hope will break the impasse and put the power-sharing government back on track. Mr. Speaker, while this is obviously good news, I worry that Prime Minister Blair will not go far enough to ensure that there is a lasting peace in Northern Ireland. Mr. Blair must take immediate steps in providing all residents of Northern Ireland the basic rights that they deserve. I hope that President Bush will use his influence with the Prime Minister to call on him to provide the people of Northern Ireland with a basic bill of rights. It is quite obvious to me that without a binding document that lays out the rights and liberties for all residents of Northern Ireland, the Belfast Assembly and the Good Friday Accords will not accomplish the goal of a permanent peace. Citizens of Northern Ireland should be guaranteed, at a bare minimum, the right against unreasonable search and seizures, the right against being detained without charges filed and the right to openly practice one's religion. Mr. Blair must also address the issue of policing and military presence in the north. For people to feel safe and secure, they must be assured that there is a police force that is representative of the local population. Mr. Blair should enact the Patten Commission's recommendation on police reform. The North must provide its citizens with a full, fair and just reform of their police service. The police service of Northern Ireland must be representative of all ethnic, religious and political groups in Northern Ireland. The people of Northern Ireland must also have a basic sense that they are not under siege by a military force. The Good Friday Agreement sets out a framework for peace. If the people of Northern Ireland are to live together peacefully, they must not have a sense that they live in a police state. Mr. Speaker, again I call on both President Bush and Prime Minister Blair to mark the fifth anniversary of the Good Friday Accords with an agreement that will have a lasting effect on Northern Ireland. I hope that Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair will use this opportunity in Northern Ireland to show the people of the North as well as the rest of the world that they are committed to making the agreement that was signed 5 years ago a true framework for a permanent peace.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the gentleman from California's amendment. I join many of my colleagues that feel anger and frustration over the Turkish refusal to allow some 62,000 American troops to be based on their soil in order to open up the northern front against Iraq. Mr. Chairman, Secretary Powell recently went to Ankara to meet with Turkish officials, and press reports on his mission indicate that Turkey has made some concessions allowing limited U.S. military and humanitarian resupply operations via its territory. These concessions are obviously vital to the safety of the Americans that are on the ground right now in northern Iraq and the overall success of the Iraq mission. The supplemental bill addresses some of my concerns on the use of the $1 billion in aid to Turkey. There are legitimate restrictions on use of our aid. The Secretary of State is required to determine and to report to Congress that Turkey has met certain obligations such as certain economic responsibilities that the Turkish Government must meet and Turkey's cooperation in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I would like to see the report to Congress to address more than these issues, though, and to set benchmarks for what the Secretary can determine as Turkey's cooperation in Operation Iraqi Freedom. We have not seen all the details. On the House floor last week, I called attention to several important issues that bear repeating and that should serve as the basis for additional conditional aid to Turkey. Turkey must agree to allow unfettered U.S. and/or international humanitarian aid transiting through and/or being staged in Turkish territory in support of the northern Iraqi Kurds. Turkey must explicitly agree not to cross into northern Iraq, as demanded by President Bush. Turkey must agree that it will provide only logistical support to the humanitarian effort in the northern, and Turkey must agree to economic and banking reforms as specified by international lending institutions. Finally, Turkey should agree to provide full minority rights to its citizens as stipulated in international and European conventions. I know all these conditions have not been met, and the report is not clear about exactly what conditions are to be set, and I think we need to be careful and concerned about the fact that all of these conditions are not set forth before we provide any aid. Turkey has been touted by some as a model of a Muslim, secular, democratic State; but it is often overlooked that Turkey's history of human rights abuses and aggression towards its neighbors is very long. Turkey appears on every major U.S. and international human rights violator's lists every year. This is mainly due to their treatment of their minority citizens. The international community has repeatedly warned them that the brutal treatment of their Kurdish citizens and others jeopardizes their chances of entering the European Union. Turkey also continues to join with Azerbaijan in illegally blockading Armenia. This is in direct violation of the U.S. Humanitarian Aid Corridors Act, which states the U.S. assistance may not be made available for any country whose government prohibits or otherwise restricts, directly or indirectly, the transport or delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance. Turkey has also flouted international law and U.S. criticism for 31 years, illegally occupying the northern third of Cyprus. And even though there was an effort in the last few weeks to try to come to a settlement, Turkey refused to be part of that settlement and there still is no settlement in Cyprus. Now, these last few weeks have served as a wake-up call for many of us in the United States. We have seen the obvious contradictions I have spoken about and have real questions about how we can afford giving American tax dollars to a country like Turkey that does not share our strategic vision and is not willing to share the burdens of dealing with the Iraqi regime. I understand that Secretary Powell and others on the Committee on Appropriations have made an effort to put some conditions on this aid, but I do not think it goes far enough. I think at this time, unless we have more restrictions put on the aid, that it is wrong for us to go ahead with this billion-dollar package. For that reason, Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support the Cunningham amendment to cut the aid to Turkey unless Turkey shoulders its international responsibilities more correctly. And, more specifically, the American taxpayer should not be footing their loan bill or any other of their bills.

Mr. PALLONE. I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, last week I stood before this House and spoke of the opening stages in Castro's outright assault on human rights and democracy. I spoke of Castro's decision to arrest over 80 nonviolent human rights advocates, pro-democracy leaders and independent journalists, in what has become a campaign by the regime to silence all voices of opposition on the island. Hoping that his actions would be overshadowed by the situation in Iraq, Castro has declared war on his own people. Among those arrested include signers and supporters of a joint statement from the Cuban dissident community to the European Union, promoters of the Varela Project, members of the independent press, owners of independent libraries, and members of Cuba's independent civil society. When I last spoke on this situation, it was feared that those arrested would be prosecuted under a much-criticized 1999 Cuban law that makes it a crime to publish subversive materials provided by the U.S. Government, and that carries with it a harsh prison sentence. Those fears, unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, have become a reality, as Castro has begun the trial of many of the detainees, seeking sentences that range from 12 years to decades and even requesting life in prison for some. Furthermore, the prisoners have been refused access to their wives and families, have been allowed little or no legal defense, and have even been denied the ability to read the State's case against them. Mr. Speaker, the Cuban Government has provided no information about the trials. Authorities outside two of the trials barred access to international journalists. Castro's wave of oppression was also accompanied by a decision to limit the travel of Americans with the U.S. Interests Section, quarantining our diplomats to the province of Havana. Castro has become increasingly irritated by the actions of James Cason, chief of the U.S. Interests Section, and Cason's continued contact with members of the Cuban pro-democracy movement. Cason and other American diplomats have met in public with opposition leaders and independent journalists in an effort basically to encourage democracy and freedom of information on the island. Mr. Speaker, these recent actions by the Castro regime are simply the next step in the systematic denial of even the most basic human rights for the citizens of Cuba. I, and many of my colleagues, have often urged this body to be wary of Castro and the Cuban Government. These latest developments are nothing new, but we must continue to be vigilant and not allow these deeds to go unnoticed. Castro must know that despite his hope that the world would be looking the other way, we are noticing, and that these actions will not be allowed to continue.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley) for offering this amendment, which I support. As was said, the amendment would strike $75 million of the $175 million in the foreign military finance funding for Pakistan in this bill. Mr. Chairman, although Pakistan has provided assistance to the United States in our fight against terrorism and in our efforts against al Qaeda, I cannot support military aid to Pakistan. Since a military coup stages by President Musharraf in 1999, Pakistan has been run by a military dictatorship. As a result of the coup, democracy sanctions were put in place that barred any U.S. military assistance to Pakistan. However, just 1 month ago, under waiver authority that was granted to President Bush by Congress, he waived this coup-related sanction to allow $50 million in military assistance to Pakistan for their antiterrorism measures. Given the current military dictatorship and given that Pakistan just weeks ago received a significant sum of money in military aid, I support striking $75 million in military assistance in this bill and perhaps either returning it to the FMF fund or to reallocate this amendment to first providers or towards other priority homeland security needs. In addition, it is encouraging that the Bush administration is starting to publicly acknowledge Pakistan's role in transferring nuclear equipment to North Korea. I would like to thank the Bush administration for imposing both contracting and licensing sanctions on the Khan Research Laboratories nuclear firm in Pakistan. They are no longer authorized to export to the United States. And I am encouraged by this first step on the part of the administration to both publicly recognize Pakistan's role in supporting North Korea's covert nuclear weapons program and to impose punitive sanctions accordingly. Normally, because of Pakistan's nuclear transfer to North Korea, Symington sanctions barring U.S. military assistance to Pakistan would be automatic. However, Symington sanctions have been waived by the President, and military assistance continues to flow to Pakistan. I am disappointed that the administration continues to support military assistance to Pakistan when it is clear that Pakistan exchanged equipment with North Korea most likely for missiles to challenge India. Again, Mr. Chairman, I cannot argue against the fact that Pakistan has been a friend of the U.S. in fighting against global terrorism. However, the case is much different when we look at Pakistan's own backyard of Kashmir. Terrorism and violence by Islamic militants in Kashmir have escalated to a devastating degree, and I am very concerned that military assistance to Pakistan will be used to perpetuate the terrorist acts in Kashmir and elsewhere throughout India. Mr. Chairman, based on the history of our laws in place that prevent the U.S. from providing military assistance to Pakistan in certain situations, such as military dictatorship or transfer of nuclear equipment to other countries, and for all the related reasons that I have just detailed, as has the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley), striking $75 million in military assistance to Pakistan from this bill today is more than justified; and most importantly, it is important to recognize that any dollars that would be cut can be redirected to our own homeland security or to our own first responders and that really should be a priority rather than giving this money to Pakistan. I support the amendment, and I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley); and I would hope that the administration would pay more heed to these issues of Pakistan's anti-democratic policies and its transfer of nuclear technology.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, the Republican leadership today is bringing up a spending bill primarily to pay for the war, and I certainly understand it and will support it; but they have precluded the Democrats from adding and actually addressing in a better way the issue of homeland security. We know that after 9-11 we have to do a lot more to protect problems at home, whether it be water utilities or railroad opportunities or our ports and cargo coming into ports. And what the Democrats have been saying over and over again is that this bill that comes up today, and basically the Republican leadership in general are not doing enough to look at the problem of homeland security. We were told that we could not bring up an amendment that would have added money to pay for these various functions here at home. They should have allowed us here to do this. It is not fair to not let the Democrats who are a minority, but not a minority by much, to have the opportunity to debate and bring up a bill that would put more money to address these problems whether it is tunnels, whether it is your local water supply, whether it is helping with grants for local firefighters or police so that they can better respond and understand what to do in case of a biological or chemical attack. This is what my constituents are telling me that they are very concerned about. Of course they are concerned about the war, and we have to finance the war operations against Iraq. But we also have to be concerned about what happens here. I saw what happened in the aftermath of the attack on the World Trade Center. We are not prepared. Let the Democrats bring up that amendment and address the problem of homeland security more effectively.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw the attention of my colleagues to the accomplishments of Mr. Bill Clark, the executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning police drama ``NYPD BLUE.'' Mr. Clark is being honored with the National Police Defense Foundation's ``Man of the Year'' award for his work on NYPD BLUE and his longtime dedication to law enforcement. Bill Clark was born in St. John's Newfoundland. Later he and his family moved to Brooklyn, New York where he spent most of his childhood. He joined the U.S. Army at age 17 and proudly served his country with tours of duty in Europe and Vietnam. After serving in the Army, Mr. Clark joined the New York City Police Department in 1969 and earned his gold detective shield in 1972. While on the NYPD, Mr. Clark attended the New York Institute of Technology on the G.I. Bill and graduated with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. He also entered the Army Reserve at the rank of Staff Sergeant and retired in 1989 as a major. On December 31, 1994, Mr. Clark retired from the Queens Homicide Squad as a first grade detective. Mr. Clark subsequently joined the NYPD BLUE team as a technical consultant during the show's first season. Later, he was able to add to the show's authenticity by drawing on his 25 years of experience with New York undercover and homicide units. As executive producer, Mr. Clark continues to ensure that the series accurately and realistically portrays the work of New York City detectives. Mr. Clark also coauthored the book True Blue: The real stories Behind NYPD Blue. Currently, Mr. Clark is married to Karen, a former NYPD lieutenant. Together they enjoy spending time with their daughters Natalie, Jennifer and Kristine. On this day I ask that my fellow colleagues join me in commending Mr. Clark for both his longtime service to the NYPD and his commendable work as executive producer of NYPD BLUE.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw the attention of my colleagues to a remarkable woman, Judge Leslie Crocker Snyder. Judge Snyder currently sits on the New York Supreme Court where she presides over many high profile cases. This year, Judge Snyder will be the recipient of the National Police Defense Foundation's ``Woman of the Year'' Award. She is being awarded for her tremendous dedication to law enforcement and her success in both writing and interpreting important legislation. Ms. Snyder began her career as an assistant district attorney in New York County where she became the first woman to try felony cases and homicides. She went on to become the chief and founder of the first Sex Crimes Prosecution Bureau in the United States. She has also co- authored a variety of legislation such as New York's Rape Shield Law, legislation concerning aggravated sexual abuse and other Penal Law Sex Crimes Reforms. After leaving the New York County's District Attorney's office, Judge Snyder served as the Chief of Trials at the Office of the Special Prosecutor against Corruption in the Criminal Justice System and also worked for several years in private practice where she primarily handled criminal trial work. Before being appointed to the New York Supreme Court she served as the Deputy Criminal Justice Coordinator and Head of the Arson Strike Force at the Office of the New York City Criminal Justice Coordinator. Since 1986 Ms. Snyder has held her position as a New York Supreme Court Judge, and in 2000 she was appointed to the Court of Claims. Judge Snyder presides mostly over the highest level, ``A-1'' multiple defendant narcotics felonies; drug gang/homicide cases; organized crime cases and ``white-collar'' criminal cases. She has presided over the trials of many of New York's most violent drug gangs and successfully defied death threats from major drug lords. Judge Snyder is the author of ``25 to Life'' and is a continuing lecturer to Bar associations and law enforcement groups concerning narcotics, sex crimes, homicides, criminal trials and women and the law. Judge Snyder also speaks to many school groups and has adopted two classes at a local public school. She makes numerous monthly visits to schools to observe court proceedings and conduct mock trials. Additionally, Judge Snyder has appeared on a range of television programs including: ``60 Minutes,'' ``The Today Show,'' and others. She has been featured on news, cable and Court TV programs regarding crime, drugs and drug gangs, rape, women and the law and law enforcement. Finally, Judge Snyder is the recipient of many awards including: The Radcliffe College Distinguished Alumnae Award, The Justice and Compassion Award, The Association of Legal and Medical Experts' Outstanding Contribution Award and the Retired Detectives of New York Award among numerous others. Judge Snyder is truly an outstanding woman and an integral part of both her community and the United States' legal system. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Judge Snyder for her countless achievements to date and her continuing devotion to this important line of work.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, while American troops are fighting over in Iraq, veterans of past wars are fighting a different battle here in the United States. These veterans, who sacrificed a great deal to serve their Nation with great distinction, are now essentially being told by the House Republicans, ``thanks for your service, but we are going to have to make major cuts in your health care and other services to pay for our huge tax cut for the wealthiest few.'' Last month, House Republicans approved a budget by the slimmest of margins that cuts $14.2 billion in veterans programs over the next 10 years. Upon hearing that veterans were not a priority of the Republican majority, several leaders of veterans groups sent letters to Republican leaders. Mr. Speaker, I just want to read some excerpts from some of the letters sent to the Speaker, because I think they are so much on point. The first one is from Edward Heath, the National Commander of Disabled American Veterans. If I could just quote some sections, Mr. Heath writes: ``I write today on behalf of the 2.3 million disabled veterans, including the more than 1.2 million members of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to communicate our deep-seated outrage regarding the fiscal year 2004 budget adopted by the House Budget Committee which would cut veterans programs by more than $15 billion during the next 10 years. ``Has Congress no shame? Is there no honor left in the hallowed halls of our government that you choose to dishonor the sacrifices of our Nation's heroes and rob our programs, health care and disability compensation to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy? You will be reducing benefits and services for disabled veterans at a time when thousands of our servicemen are in harm's way fighting terrorists around the world and thousands more of our sons and daughters are preparing for war against Iraq. ``If you, in your leadership role in your House, allow this budget proposal to pass the House without exempting VA programs from the massive cuts, it could mean the loss of 19,000 nurses, equating to the loss of 6.6 million outpatient visits or more than three-quarters of a million hospital bed days. But that is not all of the devastation that will be caused by the proposed cuts. You will be reaching into the pockets of our Nation's service-connected veterans, including combat disabled veterans, and robbing them and their survivors of a portion of their compensation. ``Mr. Speaker, this budget dishonors the service of millions of service-connected disabled veterans, including combat disabled veterans, and seriously erodes the Nation's commitment to care for its defenders.'' Mr. Edward Heath, the National Commander of Disabled American Veterans, goes on to talk about the really negative impacts that these cuts will have. Mr. Speaker, I also want to read sections from a letter that was sent to the chairman of the Committee on the Budget by Steve Robertson, Director, National Legislative Commission for the American Legion. He says, ``Dear Mr. Chairman: The American Legion is deeply troubled by the impact H. Con. Res. 95, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget, would have on veterans, especially severely service-connected disabled veterans and their families. ``Veterans did not cause the budgetary shortfalls and should not be financially penalized in the name of fiscal responsibility. Much has been said that all Americans must be willing to make sacrifices to eliminate the budget deficit. Severely service-connected disabled veterans have already made significant personal sacrifices for their earned entitlements.'' Mr. Speaker, last is a letter to Speaker Hastert from Joseph L. Fox, Sr., National President of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He says in part, ``Dear Mr. Speaker: The proposal, if implemented, would have a shocking effect on VA health care services and would be an affront to millions of veterans facing reductions in their health care, compensation, pension and education benefits. ``The House Budget Committee proposal also calls for cutting $15 billion over 10 years, $463 million in fiscal year 2004 alone, in VA mandatory spending under the guise of eliminating fraud, waste and abuse. We do not consider payments to war-disabled veterans, pensions for the poorest disabled veterans and GI Bill benefits for soldiers returning from Afghanistan to be ``fraud, waste and abuse.'' Ninety percent of the spending for VA entitlements goes in monthly payments to these veterans and their survivors. The House Budget Committee plan, if approved, would force cuts in each of these programs.'' Mr. Speaker, I am only mentioning these letters because I think it is much better to quote from some of the people who are involved as veterans, from veterans organizations, rather than speaking myself, in terms of the real impact of the cuts in the budgets on veterans programs. I think the Republicans clearly were not listening to veterans last month when they approved the fiscal year 2004 budget. I hope today they will keep veterans' voices in when they have a chance to instruct budget conferees to restore the funds that they so callously took away last month. Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is, we are in the middle of a war, and to cut veterans' programs at this time is definitely not the way we should go.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mrs. Arline Schwartzman who is being honored by the Highland Park Conservative Temple and Center. I am proud to have Mrs. Schwartzman as one of my constituents and I commend her for the dedication and devotion she has exhibited to her community over the past four decades. Mrs. Schwartzman's passion for humanitarian, civic, and philanthropic undertakings are a direct reflection of her character. Arline Schwartzman has been an active member of the Highland Park Temple for almost 40 years and her extraordinary record has been displayed as she has shared her time, talent, and expertise with tremendous commitment. Born in Jersey City, Mrs. Schwartzman moved to Highland Park shortly after her marriage to her late husband, Mr. Henry Schwartzman. Ever since then she has been vibrantly active in the community. Upon joining Highland Park Temple, she and Henry became involved in temple events where she continues to be an energetic member of the community by participating in programs, classes, and activities. Mrs. Schwartzman has also had an impact on communities outside of her Temple. Her strong commitment to the health care field is evident by her 50 years of volunteer service at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Presently she serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors and has been a member of the Board since 1965. In that time, she was instrumental in the Hospital's transformation from a small community hospital to one of the nation's leading academic health centers. Mrs. Schwartzman is also a life member of Hadassah and Brandeis and an active member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. She is also a member of the temple's Board of Trustees, the Sisterhood Board, and is active on the Refurbishment Committee. Recently Arline presented the Temple with a beautiful Sefer Torah in memory of her husband. Other honors that Mrs. Schwartzman has received in her tenure of community service include the Torch of Liberty Award of the Anti- Defamation League, the National Volunteer Award of the Center for Volunteer Action, the Testimonial of Appreciation of the American Hospital Association, and the Community Leader of Distinction Award of the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Arline Schwartzman is still a resident of Highland Park, with her mother Beatrice. She has been blessed with a wonderful family: Paula and Larry Melz, Roberta and Jeffrey Kirsch, Terri and Richard Beck, and Shelia and Richard Weber. She is also proud of her 8 grandchildren: Stacy, Steven, Lauren, Daniel, Julie, Jerry, David and Michael. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this extraordinary individual for her invaluable and enthusiastic commitment to her community.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call the attention of my colleagues to a friend of the Sixth District of New Jersey. Mrs. Helen Wise Scott, is an outstanding individual, who is being honored by the National Association of Negro & Professional Women's Club of Central New Jersey for her unselfish service to others and community involvement. Mrs. Scott is this year's Recipient of the Sojourner Truth Award, which is presented annually to an individual whose life is devoted to community enrichment, active involvement to improve social and economic conditions, and a strong courageous character. Mrs. Helen Scott's life truly parallels the life of Sojourner Truth, as evidenced by her commitment to helping those less fortunate. Helen Scott is the youngest daughter of the late Louis and Annabelle Wise of Cape May, N.J. Helen Scott's commitment to education was evident early on. She graduated from Cape May High School and went on to receive her bachelor's degree from Combs College of Music in Philadelphia. Later she attended Momnouth University where she was awarded a Master's in Education. Afterwards, Mrs. Scott felt the need to share her joy of learning with those around her and accepted a position with the Asbury Park School District to teach music. She was the first African American music teacher to be hired in the district. It was there that she presented numerous musicals and choral programs, exposing many African American youths to music and the theatre. As a child advocate Mrs. Scott has been actively involved with many organizations and boards that are concerned with the education and welfare of children. She has served on the Board of Monmouth Day Care Center for over three decades and is presently on its Advisory Board. Mrs. Scott was a member of the Community Coordinated Child Care Committee of Monmouth County for several years. Most recently, she was appointed to serve on the Presidential Roundtable by President George W. Bush. Mrs. Scott's other community service activities have been wide and varied even though she is a child advocate at heart. You may see her, along with her daughter, delivering bagels to the homeless shelter in Fort Monmouth or to the Mercy Center in Asbury Park. Mrs. Scott is also a longtime member of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Asbury Park where she formally served as choir director. Recently, she was elected to the vestry, which is the governing body of the church. Through her tireless efforts Helen Scott has fostered a sense of community in her area and strived to help those less fortunate than herself. Mrs. Scott, like Sojourner Truth, is an extraordinary individual who is dedicated to enriching the lives of those around her. On this day I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the distinguished Helen Wise Scott.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I come to the House floor this evening to speak about what I consider to be a dangerous precedent that is included in the supplemental appropriations bill. In the bill that was sent to Congress only a few days ago, the President requested an astounding $1 billion in aid to Turkey that can be leveraged into $8.5 billion in loan guarantees. Mr. Speaker, I have a number of concerns about this deal which I do not believe have been addressed. Over the last few months, I have repeatedly questioned the wisdom of providing Turkey with a huge economic aid package. In a letter I wrote to Secretary of State Colin Powell on February 24, I expressed my displeasure at the size of the economic package to be provided to Turkey. Estimates on that initial deal ranged from $6 billion to $30 billion. Despite the sum of money that was offered, Turkey did not provide the bases we were already using to enforce the no-fly zones over the last 12 years in northern Iraq. It appears that, because of this decision, our forces were forced to show their flexibility and ship south to Kuwait to engage in combat in Iraq. Only last week, after the bombing of Bagdad began, did Turkey even grant the U.S. military the ability to have overflight rights, and Turkey was the last government in NATO to provide these rights. It appears that even though they did this reluctantly, they will still benefit from a huge aid package in the supplemental bill. Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe this package is inappropriate, given the minimum amount of assistance that Turkey is providing to the United States. I am also not convinced that Turkey will not enter the Kurdish region of northern Iraq. Although the President and members of his administration have assured the American public that Turkey will remain on the sidelines, Turkey continues to amass large numbers of Turkish forces along their border with Iraq. These troops' mobilizations have led the Kurdish militias to set up defense positions along the border as well, creating an unnecessarily tense situation. Mr. Speaker, the Turkish government also has not promised to stay out of Iraq. They have stated for months that they intend to enter northern Iraq to set up a buffer zone to not have a repeat of the refugee crisis from the 1991 Gulf War. But after it became clear that the administration would be working closely with the Iraqi Kurds to deal with the impending humanitarian crisis, the Turkish government switched their stories. This past Saturday, Turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gul said his government would send forces into northern Iraq to suppress ``terrorist activity.'' Mr. Speaker, the Turkish government has repeatedly called their own Kurdish citizens terrorists in the last few years. The Turkish authorities have recently banned one Kurdish political party and are currently working on banning the other. They have also not fully implemented reforms to give their minority populations property and language rights, one of the many conditions that the European Union set during Turkish entrance talks. The tragedy that would occur should the Turkish government enter northern Iraq would be immense. Turkey has repeatedly shown its inability to govern the Kurds even with marginal respect for human rights in its own territory. By calling Kurds in Iraq terrorists as they threaten to enter Iraqi sovereign territory, the Turkish government is not only risking the outcome of the current conflict between the United States and Iraq but the future of the entire region. Mr. Speaker, I do not believe that any money should be given to Turkey without a number of assurances. Humanitarian concerns aside, I also do not agree that the aid package to Turkey will make a significant economic impact for the Turkish people. The Turkish government's inability to implement economic reforms mandated by the International Monetary Fund continues to plague their banking and economic systems. Mr. Speaker, the supplemental appropriations request will undoubtedly pass. No one in this Congress will obstruct the important funds that need to get to our brave men and women putting their lives on the line in hostile territory. However, in order for Turkey to receive their huge economic aid package, I believe the Turkish government must fulfill the following commitment: that Turkey agrees to allow unfettered U.S. and international humanitarian aid transited through and/or being staged in Turkish territory in support of the northern Kurds; second, that Turkey explicitly agrees not to cross into northern Iraq, as demanded by President Bush; third, that Turkey agrees they can provide only logistical support to the humanitarian effort in the north; fourth, that Turkey agrees to economic and banking reforms, as specified by international lending institutions; and, fifth, that Turkey provide full minority rights to its citizens, as provided for in international and European conventions. Mr. Speaker, we should not be willing to provide huge sums of money to countries that twist our arms in times of need. I hope we can address these needs while debating the President's supplemental appropriations request next week.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to express my concern regarding a disturbing chain of events that have unfolded in Cuba over the last week and a half. With the United States and the world preoccupied with the situation in Iraq, Castro is using this opportunity to take steps to dismantle the pro-democracy movement on the island. Hoping his actions would be overshadowed by world events, the regime has arrested and detained over 70 nonviolent human rights activists, pro-democracy leaders and independent journalists. These are the harshest acts of oppression taken by the Castro regime to silence opposition in recent years. Many worry these are only the first steps in an all-out campaign to silence all opposition on the island. Last Monday, Castro issued an official communique that accused dissidents on the island of Cuba of conspiring with U.S. Interests Section Chief James Cason and other American diplomats to undermine the island's leadership. On Tuesday, Castro agents began the first wave of a series of arrests on the island, rounding up dissidents, independent journalists, owners of independent libraries, leaders of opposition political parties, and pro-democracy advocates who have worked to gather signatures for the Varela Project. Detainees have been charged with counts of counterrevolutionary activities, subversion, and conspiracy with U.S. diplomats. Many fear that Castro will use this as an opportunity to prosecute the prisoners under a much-criticized 1999 Cuban law that makes it a crime to publish subversive materials provided by the U.S. Government, and that carries with it a sentence of up to 10 years. Mr. Speaker, leading up to last week's events, Castro was becoming increasingly agitated by Cason and other American diplomats on the island who have met in public with opposition leaders in an effort to encourage democracy in Cuba. Cason and his associates have logged countless miles of travel and have crisscrossed Cuba to distribute shortwave radios and a wide array of books and pamphlets aimed at promoting American culture, democracy, and human rights. In an effort to silence these efforts, the Cuban Government announced on Tuesday that it was restricting the travel of Cason and other Americans at the U.S. Interests Section, and quarantining our diplomatic officials in the province of Havana. I would like to take this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to note that one of the independent journalists currently in custody is Omar Rodriguez Saludes, whose work I have mentioned during previous speeches on the House floor, and who was featured in a story last June by The New York Times. At the time, Omar shared his struggles and those of other independent journalists currently working in Cuba. He told of how he traveled around Havana on a battered child-sized bicycle and wrote his articles in longhand, or on a 20-year-old typewriter that a group of reporters share; and how he gathered every 2 weeks with other journalists in a cramped apartment in Havana to wait his turn to place a phone call and dictate his stories to audiences in the United States. Castro believed the U.S. and other nations would be too engaged in world matters to notice the atrocities that he and his regime were committing against Omar Rodriguez and other voices for change in Cuba. I urge my colleagues to join with me and speak on the House floor and in other public forums to shed light on the situation in Cuba and show Castro that the world is indeed watching.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Arts Advocacy Week to recognize an organization in my district that works to encourage arts appreciation and education among children in Central New Jersey. The Arts and Education Center of Greater Middlesex County is committed to enriching the artistic and cultural lives of youths, especially adolescents, through its wide range of innovative arts education programs. To successfully fulfill this mission the Center encourages close cooperation with local community groups and area businesses to advance established programs and foster new and creative arts programming. The Arts and Education Center was established in 1969 and was tasked with meeting the distinctive artistic and cultural needs of the diverse residents of Central New Jersey. The Center has served as a cultural pioneer and has successfully administered a series of programs that have provided a much-needed outlet for a blossoming local artistic community. In 1979, the Center established a county-level program that, to this date, allows talented adolescents to attend accredited arts study classes during regular school hours, The Middlesex County Arts High and Middle School provides talented students with an accelerated program of quality arts education. It provides students with the opportunity to work in a stimulating environment under direction of master artists, alongside talented students from around the country. The program works in unison with the local school district and provides a unique opportunity for students to expand their artistic study beyond the classroom. Mr. Speaker, our nation's educators agree that arts education has a tremendous impact on the developmental growth of our children. Artistic study has been proven to help level the ``learning field'' across socio-economic borders and many believe that artistic study can deter delinquent behavior and increase overall academic performance. The study of the arts is an important aspect of general education that should not be overlooked and it is critical that we continue to support arts education in our schools and in our local communities. I urge my colleagues to join with me to commemorate Arts Advocacy Week and continue to recognize The Arts and Education Center and other organizations that are committed to broadening the artistic and cultural horizons of our Nation's youth.