Donald Payne

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, at the founding conference of the Africa Democracy Forum in Abuja, Nigeria, earlier this month, Carl Gershman, President of the US National Endowment for Democracy, delivered a thoughtful speech about the challenges and opportunities facing this important region. The conference brought together democratic activists to further cooperation in the promotion of human rights, good governance, and peace in the continent. I submit Mr. Gershman's speech for the Record, and I urge my colleagues to give serious attention to his remarks.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, more than five decades have passed since a massive explosion at the Port Chicago naval base in California claimed the life of a courageous young Seaman, Arthur Reid, Jr. and 319 other servicemen, mostly African Americans. Nearly 400 more were wounded in the incident. On October 26, 2000, I will have the privilege of presenting to Seaman Reid's sister, Margaret Reid Severin, three long overdue military awards in his behalf--the American Campaign Medal, the Gold Star Lapel Button, and the World War II Victory Medal. Mrs. Severin was only 13 at the time she lost her brother, but she has faithfully honored his memory ever since, despite the fact that the Navy provided very little information or support following the tragic loss of his life. I was pleased to have the opportunity to help secure Seaman Reid's service records from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, which confirmed his meritorious military record recommending him for leadership. It was through the efforts and outstanding research of Mrs. Severin's coworker, Ms. Sheri Humphrey, that the story of Seaman Reid came to light. Ms. Humphrey worked diligently to track down information from veterans' files which revealed the plight of Seaman Reid and his fellow servicemen at Port Chicago. The Port Chicago tragedy has been described as ``America's Dark Secret'' because of the circumstances surrounding the disaster. It was on the evening of July 17th, 1944, during World War II, that the munitions blast occurred. In an era of a segregated military, enlisted African Americans were relegated to duties separate from those of their white counterparts. Instead of obtaining ship duty, they were assigned to load ammunition and explosives on ships at port without the benefit of proper training for this potentially dangerous responsibility. After the terrible tragedy, African American servicemen still suffering from the trauma of the explosion were ordered back to work handling ammunition at another location. At that point, 258 of them refused that specific assignment, saying they would take any other duty but that one in view of their experience. At a racially charged court martial trial, 208 servicemen were given bad conduct discharges and denied three months' pay. Another 50 were convicted of mutiny, which could have resulted in the death penalty. Sentences of 8 and 15 years at hard labor were meted out, but eventually clemency was granted at the conclusion of the war. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in honoring a true World War II hero, Seaman Arthur Reid, Jr., and in expressing to his sister Margaret Reid Severin our profound appreciation for his ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating a very special person, Mrs. Thelma M. Williams, who will be honored in New Jersey by the Elks Pride of Trenton on October 28th for her many years of dedicated community service. A native of Freehold, New Jersey, Mrs. Williams is a member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, where she works on the Building Ground Committee and with the Episcopal Church Women. A caring person who is always there to help others, Mrs. Williams serves as a volunteer in the soup kitchen. Organizations to which she belongs include the Elks Pride of Trenton; the NAACP; and AFSCME, where she holds the post of treasurer. In addition, she works on the Board of Elections and serves as a trustee of the Northwest Community Improvement Association. She was employed by the State for 32 years and retired in 1990. Mrs. Williams is proud of her family--she has a daughter, Marie Meadow, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She serves as an inspiration to all of those around her. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in expressing our appreciation to Mrs. Williams for her dedicated service and our very best wishes as she is honored this weekend.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a man who has given his considerable talent and energy for the betterment of his community, Mr. Bob Gregory of Colonia, New Jersey. As Chairman of the Merck Volunteer Focus Group, Mr. Gregory personally coordinated more than fifty community service initiatives last year which raised about $128,000 while providing hundreds of hours of in-kind and volunteer services. He also chaired the Rahway Downtown Revitalization team as part of the Neighbor of Choice initiative and was instrumental in effectively aligning the efforts of the Volunteer Focus Group with Rahway's revitalization goals. He remains very active in local community organizations, including Merrill Park Youth, Rahway P.A.L., Rahway Aesthetic Committee, Union County Board of Agriculture, Rahway Lions, Rahway Honorary P.B.A., Rahway Excellence in Education, John Shippen Minority Youth Association, and as an advisor to Union County VoTech Schools. Mr. Gregory has been a positive influence in the lives of children in his community. Last year, he worked on the Environmental Champions project which involved the completion of horticulture projects with children at all of the Rahway Schools, the Library, City Parks, City Hall, JFK Youth Center and the Capo Bianco Housing Project. He also helped spearhead the renovation of the Rahway Elks banquet hall, with all profits earned from rentals going to support handicapped children. He coordinated the Linden Interfaith Council Food Drive to feed 100 needy families in Linden and the Cancer Care Golf Outing to raise funds for Cancer Research and Home Care. His good works have extended to an international level, as he traveled to the Dominican Republic with the Volunteer Medical Team sponsored by Healing the Children. Mr. Speaker, we owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Gregory for all that he has done to improve the lives of so many people. Please join me in commending him for his outstanding work and in wishing him continued success.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, August 31, 2000 marked the retirement of Rev. Dr. Willie A. Simmons. Rev. Simmons is known for his leadership in the community and social services. Rev. Dr. Simmons was ordained in 1960 in Birmingham, AL. He received his Doctor of Divinity degree in 1992 and his Doctor of Letter in 1997. He has served as Assistant Pastor of the First Corinthian Baptist Church of Newark, NJ, for over 20 years. While he served the spiritual needs of his community, he also served the physical needs of his fellow man. He has served the Essex County Division of Welfare as a Family Service Social Worker for more than 28 years. Mr. Speaker, when we hear the adage, ``When you want something done, ask a busy person,'' people like Rev. Simmons come to mind. Throughout his years he is a former Executive Vice President of the Communication Workers of America Local 1081 which represents all case workers, clerks and investigators of the Essex County division of Welfare. Rev. Simmons is the District Director of Frontiers International, 1st District, which gives him responsibility over all New England states; and a member of the National Board of Directors. In addition, he is a past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Frontiers International Foundation. He is a Chairman of the Political Action and Homeless Committees of the Newark-North Jersey Committee of Black Churchmen and an Executive Board member. He is a member of the Baptist Ministries Conference of Newark and the Vicinity. He also serves as Treasurer and Chairman of the Budget & Finance Committee of Essex-Newark Legal Services. He is a Co-Chairman of the Black and Latino Coalition, Inc. Rev. Simmons presently serves as President of the United Community Corporation Board of Directors, having been elected and serving as president three (3) times in the past. He is also affiliated with more than 15 other organizations. Rev. Dr. Simmons has received more than 100 awards in recognition of his support, participation, achievements and accomplishments in various community and social services. Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues would have joined me as I congratulated him.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring a group of hometown heroes as they are honored at a ceremony on October 20, 2000. We in New Jersey are so proud of the outstanding athletes in the South Orange/ Maplewood community who competed in the Olympics in Australia. The OlympicFest 2000 Committee, an organization formed by members of the local community, are celebrating the unique contributions of the athletes of South Orange and Maplewood to the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team. History was made in Australia when three members of a family presented the United States at the Olympics. South Orange/maplewood is home to Joetta Clark Diggs, Jearl Miles-Clark and Hazel Clark, who all competed in the 800-meter run. Jearle Miles-Clark won a gold medal in the 4 by 400 relay. Coaching the girls was J.J. Clark, brother of Hazel and Joetta, and husband of Jearles Miles Clark. Also being honored at the ceremony is an outstanding athlete, Tom Auth of Maplewood who competed in lightweight 4 man sculls. Coach John Moon of Seton Hall whose team won 5 gold medals, I silver and I bronze, will be recognized for his achievements. Shana Williams of Seton Hall will be honored as the winner of a bronze medal in 1996 and a participant in the 2000 Olympics. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in sending our congratulations and best wishes to all of these fine athletes who exemplify the positive spirit of competition and striving for excellence in behalf of our country. As residents gather to honor them at ``Olympic Square South Orange,'' we wish them continued success.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating Daniel Frank on the occasion of his retirement after twenty years of service to the Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation, and recognizing him for his many years of dedicated public service. Through his work as a Physical Therapist Assistant at Kessler Institute, Daniel Frank has inspired countless numbers of people to work through their physical challenges and to reclaim hope and promise for a fulfilling life. His efforts to empower people are legendary. He encourages his patients to take the next step, to not give up, to value themselves as productive citizens. Both his former patients and his colleagues sing his praises for his unrelenting persistent good cheer. Daniel Frank is also very active in his church, Calvary Roseville United Methodist Church in East Orange, New Jersey. He wears several hats in the church and can be called on at any time by clergy, members and persons from the community for help. He is a true humanitarian. He delivers food share not only to needy members of his church family but to persons in need in the community. Over the years, he has worked hard and diligently on the following committees of his church: Usher Board; Administrative Board; Visitation; Council on Ministries; Finance; Evangelism; Fund Raising; Church & Society; Stewardship; Greeter. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Daniel Frank for his more than 20 years of exemplary service. His life of leadership and community involvement is instructive to us all. His dedication to the ideals of public service stand tall and it is fitting that he be honored on the occasion of his retirement. Therefore, I ask my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to join me in honoring a great man for all of his achievements and contribution to our community.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate the Africa Bureau of the Department of State for leading a successful campaign against the candidacy of the government of Sudan to the rotating seat of the United Nations Security Council. On October 10th the United Nations voted 113-55 in favor of Mauritius over Sudan to take a seat on the Security Council. I would like to single out Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Dr. Susan E. Rice, for her courage, determination, and hard work in this campaign. Dr. Susan Rice has stood firm against the brutal dictatorship of the National Islamic Front government in Sudan. In that light, she has exemplified the leadership ability that is required and needed to move those countries on the African continent toward good governance and democratic reform. For the last five years, both at the National Security Council and the Africa Bureau of the Department of State, she consistently and tirelessly fought for the helpless and the innocent victims of the NIF regime.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3244, a bill on sex trafficking on the floor at this time. My colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), has held several hearings in the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights, and I commend him for that and also the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) for his interest. This act will work to combat trafficking in persons, especially into the sex trade, slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States and in other countries; it also enacts tough criminal laws against buying, selling, either by force, fraud or coercion, or where the victim is a minor. It authorizes the rehabilitation and shelter programs; it authorizes law enforcement assistance to help foreign governments fight trafficking; and encourages the Secretary of State to produce an annual list of foreign countries who do not meet minimum international standards to eliminate trafficking. This has grown tremendously. Some report it at least $7 billion per year, second only to drug and international arms trade. The victims are young people who have no hope. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 3244.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Serbian people. The Serbian people won a great victory yesterday in the streets of Belgrade. They vindicated their choice for democracy and freedom that they exercised in the presidential elections of September 24. I congratulate the democratically elected President Vojislav Kustinca and the brave people of Yugoslavia who refused to allow their victory to be stolen from them. It is now time for the West to welcome Yugoslavia into the family of free nations and to assist its new President to rebuild the country from the ravages of war.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring Mrs. Josephine Youngs of Roselle, New Jersey as she celebrates her 100th birthday. Born on October 25, 1900, in Jacksonville, Florida, Mrs. Youngs is the youngest surviving child of eight siblings, four brothers and four sisters. Mrs. Youngs married Walter Youngs in 1921, and they became the parents of one child. Mrs. Youngs has lived in Roselle, New Jersey for 28 years and is now cared for by her daughter, Geraldine McLean. A long time member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Newark, Mrs. Youngs maintains a keen interest in current events, including the upcoming Presidential election. In addition, she is accomplished at sewing, quilt making, and gardening. She also cheers for the Yankees during baseball season. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Youngs is truly an inspiration to those around her. As her family and friends gather to celebrate her life spanning a century, it is fitting that we take this opportunity to pay tribute to her and to extend our very best wishes on this special birthday.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring a very special person, Rev. Dr. Charles E. Thomas, Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ, who will retire later this month after more than three decades of faithful service. Born and raised in Montgomery, AL, to Reverend Nathaniel and Fannie Thomas, he pursued his educational goals, receiving a bachelor's degree in business administration from Selma University in Selma, AL. Reverend Thomas received a bachelor degree in theology from the American Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville, TN, and an honorary doctorate degree from the Urban Bible Institute of Detroit, MI. Reverend Thomas was called to the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ, in 1957 and began his pastorship on August 6, 1968. Throughout his years of service, Pastor Thomas has made a difference in countless lives through his strong commitment to the church and to the entire community. In 1972, Reverend Thomas undertook a major project, the formation of the New Hope Day Care Center, which was first housed in the church's dining room. The day care center later moved to a four-story building purchased by the church. Today, the center continues its successful operation, rendering services for 66 children year round on a daily basis. Pastor Thomas also administered the development of the Minority Contractors and Craftsmen Trade Association and the New Hope Skills Centers. These programs trained workers in carpentry, masonry and machinery and enabled them to pursue careers in those fields. Pastor Thomas also reorganized the Scholarship Fund at New Hope, expanding opportunities for young men and women who wish to attend college. In 1975, Pastor Thomas organized the New Hope Development Corporation, which was responsible for the building of New Hope Village, a 170-family housing complex in Newark which provides affordable housing. Other innovative programs he spearheaded include van transportation for seniors, services to address teen pregnancies, prison ministry and drug and alcohol counseling. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement, let us express our warmest congratulations to Pastor Thomas and our appreciation for his dedicated service to his church and his community.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), chairman of the Committee on International Relations, and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) from the Helsinki Commission, the gentleman from New York (Mr. King), and to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Neal), who has introduced this resolution. Let me say that the Good Friday Accord established an international body chaired by Chris Patten, and it called to bring a new beginning to policing in Northern Ireland with a police service capable of attracting and sustaining support from the community as a whole. In September 1999, over 170 recommendations for change were given, such things as the power of a policing board should be looked at, the appointment of its members should be looked at carefully, the centrality of human rights, they talked about a name change, the future of full time reserves, the power of the police ombudsperson, a statutory basis to work from the International Oversight Commission. There are a number of things that were talked about in this very thorough report. Mr. Speaker, we are disappointed that the watered-down version that has come forth does not stand up to what the people of Ireland, North and South, wanted, a new beginning; and we believe that there is much room for improvement. We heard just on Friday very distinguished persons, Dr. Gerald Lynch, president of John Jay College. We listened to experts who came from Ireland to talk about what was going on, Brendan O'Leary, and Martin O'Brien, and our own Elisa Massimino from the Washington office of Lawyers Committee; and they all said, person after person, that there has to be real reform; there has to be change if this new policing is going to serve all of the people. Mr. Speaker, I would just urge that we support the resolution by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Neal), my colleague, and that we urge a thorough look at what the Patten report really said and try to implement those changes that have been recommended in that great report.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman from Pennsylvania and the gentleman from Georgia for allowing me to have a few words to say on H.R. 4975, the Frank R. Lautenberg Post Office and Courthouse designation. As we know, this is a very important and proud day for us in New Jersey and, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a sponsor of the bill to name the post office in my hometown of Newark, New Jersey, after one of our State's most accomplished and dedicated public servants, my friend and colleague, Senator Frank Lautenberg. Senator Lautenberg is well known throughout New Jersey and the Nation for his prolific legislative achievements, but even before his election to the United States Senate, he worked tirelessly in pursuit of the American dream. His is indeed a classic American success story. Born to immigrant parents who were forced to move constantly in search of work, he set goals for himself early in life and never wavered in his quest to fulfill his aspirations. After completing high school in Nutly, New Jersey, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the Army Signal Corps in Europe during World War II. And he is very proud of his war record. After World War II, he earned a degree with the great GI Bill of Rights, which gave opportunities to people who fought to preserve democracy and opportunity for higher education. And he earned a degree from Columbia University. Then, in the spirit of American entrepreneurship, which he fought so hard to defend, he joined with two boyhood friends in establishing a payroll service company, Automatic Data Processing, which now has grown to be one of the largest companies in the world. This started in a basement with two fellows saying, we have an idea. It is especially fitting that this post office we are naming for Senator Lautenberg in his honor is located in Newark because he has been a champion of the revitalization efforts in our city. From the day I was elected to the House of Representatives back in 1988, I have been able to count on Senator Lautenberg as an advocate of major economic development efforts, including the world-class Performing Arts Center, the development of the waterfront, millions of dollars in funding for Urban Core mass transit projects, including the Newark-Elizabeth Rail Link. Senator Lautenberg has gained a national reputation as a powerful voice for environmental protection, fighting for safe drinking water, clean air, a ban on ocean dumping of sewage, clean beaches, prevention of oil spills, and a strong supporter of Superfund legislation to clean up toxic sites. His legislation to ban smoking on airplanes will go to save many, many lives in this country and in the world because this has been taken up by everyone in the world. So as I conclude, Senator Lautenberg has worked to improve educational opportunities in our Nation so that coming generations will have a chance to live the American dream as we all see it. Senator Lautenberg helped author the HOPE scholarship, which provides a $1,500 tax credit for students going to college. He fought to improve our public schools. He fought to have new computers in our high schools. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Senator.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, on this historic occasion it is with great pride that I welcome the guest chaplain to the United States House of Representatives, the first Roman Catholic nun, and the first nonordained woman to offer the opening prayer, Sister Catherine Moran. Sister Catherine Moran is well known and widely admired in my hometown of Newark, New Jersey, where she lives and has made a great difference in our community with her over-15 years of service to the New Community Corporation and earlier as an assistant superintendent for secondary schools in the Newark Archdiocese. A dynamic and forward-thinking leader with a passion for social justice, Sister Catherine works diligently to improve the quality of life in our community for all people. The New Community Corporation, which was founded by my good friend, Monsignor William Linder, has a tremendous record of success in restoring vibrancy to the city of Newark through a number of innovative economic development projects and community-based programs. I am pleased to have the opportunity to offer our heart-felt thanks to Sister Catherine for bringing such energy, creativity, and resourcefulness to our community. Mr. Speaker, as a graduate of Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, I think it should be noted that Sister Catherine Moran is carrying on a legacy of another strong woman of faith whom my alma mater is named after, Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first saint who was born in the United States of America. I know my colleagues here in the United States House of Representatives join me in honoring Sister Catherine and congratulating her on this very special day.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, let me commend the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) for managing this bill and for the hard work that the gentlewoman has done on this legislation that is so important to us, in particular, gun violence. And I would like to say that I associate myself with her fight to control that. As it relates to this bill, I would also like to pay my respects to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling), a gentleman that I have had the opportunity for the past 12 years to work with on the committee that has changed its name several times, the former Education and Labor Committee, now Committee on Education and the Workforce, and I would like to wish him a healthy and a useful retirement. Mr. Speaker, as a matter of fact, I had the privilege to chat with him on the elevator today and asked what is the gentleman going to do with all of his time. We know it is going to be used in a very positive way. And so I feel privileged to have served on the committee with the gentleman. I do, as many may know, for a number of years from around 1990 until about 1995, I introduced a National Literacy Day bill, which at that time under the other rules of the House if we had 218 Members to sign the resolution, it would come to the floor, and for a number of years, we moved the National Literacy Day. I do recall working very closely with the gentleman when we had White House conferences dealing with the question of literacy when the National Literacy headquarters was conceived and State literacy councils were formed. Mr. Speaker, I feel very close to this question of literacy, and Literacy Involves Families Together Act is certainly in the right direction. As I have indicated, this has been really one of my pet projects that I have worked with in many years. However, as the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), as he raised in a bill last week, which was also a very good bill dealing with welfare reform, but also in that piece of legislation, there was this question about Charitable Choice. It seems like every piece of legislation that we will see from now on will have this question about Charitable Choice. As we know, Charitable Choice provision allows the government to give taxpayer money to religious institutions and then allows those religious institutions to refuse to hire certain taxpayers for tax-funded positions, because they are not of the right religion. While allowing religious institutions to discriminate on the basis of religion in their privately funded activities is quite appropriate and no one opposes that, tax-funded employment discrimination is wrong. And as we know, it permits religious institutions that receive Federal funds to discriminate in their employment based on religious. It opens the door to tax funding of religious schools in all educational programs in the future. It harms religion by transforming religious ministries into administrative agencies of government benefits and services requiring them to terminate certain benefits, report on individuals, and otherwise police the system. It undermines the traditional role of religion. For that purpose, too, a bill which I commend, a bill that I feel embodied in what it stands for, because of this provision, which I see raising its ugly head continuously and continuously and continuously, for that purpose, I must oppose the bill. Mr. Speaker, I once again wish the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling), who has done an outstanding work, a good retirement and good health.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, recently, the city of Newark experienced the sad loss of a wonderful community leader whom I was proud to call a friend, Mr. Armando ``Ace'' Alagna. Publisher of the popular newspaper The Italian Tribune, Mr. Alagna distinguished himself through his many humanitarian contributions, not only in our community, but around the globe. Proud of his Italian heritage, he was instrumental in the naming of the Columbus Day holiday, and he transformed the Columbus Day Parade in Newark into one of the largest and most successful in the entire nation. I know my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in honoring the memory of this great patriot and humanitarian and in extending our sympathy to the Alagna family. I submit the beautiful eulogy delivered by his daughter, Marion Fortunato, be included in the official Congressional Record: Eulogy, Armando ``Ace'' Alagna We gather here today . . . in this beautiful church . . . among friends and family to say goodbye to my father, Ace Alagna. There were few places he cherished more than this. His father helped build it decades ago and he was forever devoted to St. Lucy's and the Blessed Mother. He would swell with pride to see all of you here today, paying last respects, and remembering the life you shared with him in a setting so dear to his heart. Since my father passed away last week, nearly everyone who has known him has taken a moment to share with me, and the rest of the family, memories they had of him--favors he had done, photos he had taken, laughs they had shared. Seemingly everyone held a cherished memory of him in their heart. Suddenly, I realized how much I shared my father with all of you. He wasn't just a father to me and my sisters; he wasn't just a husband to our mother. He was someone to whom many of you turned. I know how much it meant to him to be able to help in time of trouble and how much he enjoyed celebrating prosperity. The cards, phone calls, prayers, and your presence here today shows my family how much he meant to all of you and we thank you for helping ease the pain of this difficult time. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth, Yea, said the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Ace Alagna's ``works'' will indeed follow him to his Eternal home and those he left behind will remember his ``labours.'' The people of Italy for whom he organized a one million dollar relief effort--building shelters for the homeless and a children's home, bringing hope to a land ravaged by despair--will remember his labours. The people of Poland--for whom he arranged the delivery of surplus medicinal supplies during a time of terrible disease--will remember his labours. Most importantly, the people of Italian heritage in America--on whose behalf he fought for most of his life--will remember his labours. Countless families will long treasure the photos he took of their loved ones--weddings and communions, births and baptisms--if the occasion was special, the Italian American community knew who to call: ``One Shot Ace.'' Then, after years spent photographing United States presidents as a member of the White House Press Corps, he bought a struggling weekly newspaper, the Italian Tribune, and turned it into the voice of the Italian American people. If an issue concerned the Italian American community, you can be sure Ace had an opinion. More often than not, his ideas met with great success and helped earn for our community the respect and recognition we deserve as major contributors to the American mosaic. Ethnic pride is a concept most people consider in their spare time. For some, it is a chance to associate with a few friends. For others, it is a hobby to be dusted off a couple of times each year for a few parades and festivals. A few make a genuine effort to make a real contribution. But it takes someone like my father--someone willing to dedicate his life full time to the cause to make a significant difference. He played a large role in the naming of Columbus Day as a national holiday. He revived the Newark Columbus Day Parade and served as its Executive Director for nearly thirty years. He brought A-list celebrities, huge crowds and millions of dollars of revenue to a city directly in need of an economic and social boost. All along, my family had a front row seat as we watched this amazing man succeed where others had failed. We watched with awe as he presented awards to American heroes such as Ronald Reagan, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, and Frank Sinatra. We watched with pride as he was thanked for his efforts. Keys to cities all around the world. Plaques from organizations which had benefitted from his midas touch. We watched with admiration as Pope John Paul II thanked him for efforts on behalf of the people of Poland. Our hearts swelled as he was made a Knight of Malta, the highest honor the Catholic Church can bestow upon a lay person. His most treasured accolades were presented by the Italian government: Cavallere della Republica D'Italia and the Cavaliere Officiale. He was the first Italian American to receive the State of Israel Award, presented in recognition of his contributions to the brotherhood of nationalities. He also received the John F. Kennedy Library for Minorities Award, the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award, the Boys' Towns of Italy Humanitarian Award, and the National American Committee on Italian Migration Award. One of his final accolades--the Ellis Island medal of honor--was a fitting cap on his remarkable life. Given to Americans of ethnic origin who exemplify the ideals of our melting pot society, the Medal of Honor brought closure to a life spent living the American dream. There is an old Italian proverb: Chi fa buona vita, fa buona morte. He who lives well, dies well. A good life makes a good death. Few people ever squeezed more life out of their time on this Earth than did my father. He was a Renaissance Man in the truest sense of the word. When he was taking pictures, he was an artist. When he was acting in films, he was an entertainer. When he fought for Italian American causes, he was a leader. Most importantly, to his family, he was a provider. ``His four girls''--he called us. ``Ace and his four queens''--his friends would joke. Through all the years, his love and complete devotion to his family were his most admirable qualities. He lost both of his parents at a very young age. He grew up without the strong bond of a family. Somehow, he instinctively recognized the importance of family and his life became a testament to the limitless boundaries of a man's love for his family. I realize now the priceless gifts he has given me. Not only my appreciation for my culture and heritage, but also for the sanctity of family. My father's love for ``his four girls'' was boundless and we knew we'd never want for anything while he watched over us. He regarded his grandchildren as gifts from God, beautiful children able to carry on his legacy long after he left this life. But if it is possible for one man to love someone even more than my father loved any of us, I believe his feelings for his wife would qualify. In ``Paradiso'', Dante described his love for Beatrice as a love that moved the sun and the stars. Ace and Josie had this kind of love. As you all know, he was at times a gruff man. And, he has even been known to raise his voice from time to time in order to make a point. But you should have seen the tenderness he displayed towards Josie in the quiet times. When they were alone, away from the spotlight, away from the responsibilities and the pressures. While fifty-five years is certainly a long time to spend with someone, I'm sure Ace would forego an eternity of Heavenly bliss for one more moment with his beloved Josephine. I hope each of you one day experiences the kind of love we each received for a lifetime from our father. And he dreamed, and beheld a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. I see this ladder going to Heaven. I see my father, not as he has been these past two years, crippled and betrayed by a broken body. I see him as he was while we were all growing up. A man of boundless energy, enthusiasm and exuberance. We see him as he rises up that ladder to see what's happening on the other side. I see my father photographing everyone from presidents and heads of state to athletes and entertainers. I see him laughing with his celebrity pals as he gave them a copy of the paper and set up another photo. When he saw an opportunity, he pursued it with uncommon zeal. Rarely did he ever miss a photo he wanted. My sisters and I used to tease him by saying that the only person he hadn't photographed was Jesus Christ. Well . . . by now I'm sure he's snapped Jesus, the Apostles . . . probably the entire Holy Family. Now, with our blessings and prayers, may he rest in peace. Good night, Daddy. Sleep well.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, my amendment, which would be included in section 534, would add to the list of countries, ``any country doing business with UNITA in Angola.'' As my colleagues may know, UNITA is an organization that was formed and supported during the Cold War, and it is an organization that is supported and run by Jonas Savimbi, who during the end of the Cold War agreements were made with President dos Santos from the government and UNITA that an election should be held. An election was held and Mr. dos Santos was the victor of the election. There was supposed to then be a turning in of weapons from UNITA. They were then supposed to take political seats in the government of Angola, but they have refused to stop the war. They have killed peacekeepers from the United Nations; shot down two planes, which ended up in the loss of life; and also Jonas Savimbi is dealing in illegal diamond sales, similar to the RUF in Sierra Leone. We must stop the sale of illegal diamonds, whether it is the brutal RUF in Sierra Leone, who broke the Lome Peace Accords, and we feel that now those persons, Foday Sankoh and the rest who broke the accords should stand trial, or in Angola, where UNITA continues to wreak havoc on that country. They have become involved in the conflict in the Congo which has six other countries involved. They are continuing to refuse to go along with continued United Nations sanctions. So we believe that the same countries that are in this bill, and that this amendment deals with, should be prohibited from having any funds for the governments of any country that supports UNITA. As I have indicated, there has been an appeal to Jonas Savimbi to lay down the arms, to give his arms up and to allow the people of Angola a peace for the first time in many, many years, where a civil war went on until 1974 when the Portuguese troops withdrew from Angola and the country then became independent. But since that time, the UNITA forces were supported by the United States Government, like the government of Zaire with Mr. Mobutu, another brutal dictator. And once again these are the legacies of the Cold War. I think that we have a responsibility, since we had so much to do with the creation of these despots and these dictators and these brutal leaders, to help undo what we have done. What was done was felt was in the best interest of democracy and our foreign needs, but now that that Cold War is over, I think we have an adequate responsibility to attempt to undo. So I would hope that this amendment would be accepted. As I have indicated, it is simply asking that UNITA, the corporation, be added to the list of these other pariah countries of Iraq and others that are included in this section, and that it would prohibit any funds for the government of any country that supports UNITA. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, let me thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) for offering this very important amendment. Mr. Chairman, we have seen the exploitation of children. We have seen the exploitation in labor. We have seen the exploitation in sexual abuse, and we have seen the exploitation of children as relates to conflicts. In Sierra Leone, children as young as 10 and 12 are given weapons by the dreaded RUF, a group of brutal rebels who have armed children, and other conflicts throughout Africa and Latin America. Mr. Chairman, we have seen children on the front lines, the Lord's Resistance Movement, as it was mentioned, up in northern Uganda, uses children as the frontline fighters, so when the government troops attempt to get the Lord's Resistance Movement, a rebel group, the children are put in front and the children then are in harm's way, with the military of Uganda reluctant to fire on the children. Mr. Chairman, this is really a tactic that is used by these terrible despots and clan leaders, and so I think that this makes a lot of sense. We should not have people under the age of 18 in combat. We believe that the exploitation is unbelievable, that in this modern day that we can no longer accept what is going on in the world. I believe that we should support this. I think that it is a right thing to do. I would hope that the point of order would be waived at this point in time, because I believe that this amendment by the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) which would prohibit funding in the bill for Nations that conscript children under the age of 18 or use children soldiers in armed conflict should pass.

Mr. PAYNE. Yes.

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I have an amendment on what I think is probably one of the most horrendous situations that has occurred for the past 40 years in a country that was the first African country to receive its independence back in 1956 from Britain. It is the country of Sudan. The country of Sudan has seen an estimated 2 million people die from famine and war- related issues. In 1998 alone, 100,000 people died because the National Islamic Front government denied United Nations humanitarian food to be delivered to the needy people in the south of Sudan. More people have died in Sudan than in Bosnia, Kosovo, Somalia, and Congo combined. We have seen food being deprived from people. We have seen the fact that the Antonovs, which are old Soviet planes, fly over communities. I was there several times where we actually would watch the chickens because the chickens would hear the planes from long distances and the children would then run when the chickens started to move around and then the older people would know that the planes are coming, the bombs are coming, you try to get out of it. It is one of the most horrendous situations. Two million people. All we are asking is that there be nonlethal equipment, that the people be allowed to have food, that they could protect themselves from the aerial bombings, that they could have some semblance of order. The fact is that this would go to the National Democratic Alliance which is made up of the people in the south who are in the process of trying to move along. At this time we have a technical difference. I understand that we are on the other section. So we would ask that the Clerk would once again read the title. Point of Order

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time and would just conclude by once again reiterating that we should prohibit funds to any country that supports UNITA. They are working against the best interests of the people of that country. They said that they would turn in their weapons, they said that they would stop the illicit selling of diamonds, which they have not, and they have continued to wreak havoc. Mr. Chairman, there are more land mines in Angola than any other country in the world. There are more amputees per person than in any country in the world. Farmers cannot farm, children cannot play, vehicles cannot ride because of the continued business of UNITA. Illegal diamonds are continuing to be sold. So I think it is a very humane point, and I would ask the gentleman to reconsider his opposition. Point of Order

Mr. PAYNE. Yes, Mr. Chairman, I do. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), who I have had the privilege to work with, for his comments. I think his leadership on the Committee on International Relations has been exemplary. I have had the privilege also to work closely with the chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce); and I feel very strongly that we have to finally move. It is the only right thing to do. The pariah government of Sudan, those persons who bombed our embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, came out of the Sudan. They are bombing their own people. Two million people have died. But, Mr. Chairman, I would accept the suggestion of the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) that we could work together. And I hope that the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations would also agree to work along with us. We do realize that this may be perceived as trying to legislate through appropriations, but I do appreciate his willingness to work with us. I commend the gentleman for the relationship that we have and also commend the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, who has seemingly started to appreciate some of these issues. And, hopefully, we can work together.

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, let me say that the amendment that I have offered is an amendment that would allow assistance to the National Democratic Alliance, which is a group of people in the south of Sudan. It will provide them with nonlethal equipment, not counting food aid; but it would give assistance to the people in the south to support their fight against the National Islamic front, which is the government of the north, which has given the people in the south a very, very horrible time over the past 30 years. In Sudan, close to 2 million people have died in war-related causes. Many have died from famine. Many have died from war-related killings. Secondly, in Sudan, slavery is condoned by the al-Bahsir government; and we feel that this is one of the most tragic situations in the world. More people have died in Sudan than in Somalia, Rwanda, Kosovo all put together. We think that this support would help to protect the defenseless citizens to provide them with nonlethal assistance such as medicine, vehicles, field hospitals, communication equipment, radio transmitters so that they can have a way to counter the National Islamic Front's propaganda. The need is even more important now since the Government is using newly found oil revenues to buy arms to destroy the opposition. We cannot allow the extremists to win. We must help create a level playing field if there is going to be meaningful negotiations and a just settlement to the conflict. We must do more to bring about peace in Sudan. We feel that there should be an end to this conflict, and we would like to see the IGAD process led by President Moi of Kenya, who has been working with the government of Khartoum and with the SPLA and with the National Democratic Alliance to try to come up with a solution to end this most horrific situation that is occurring in Sudan. We have seen pictures of slaves that have been purchased from the slave owners. We have seen the beatings of people who have been held in bondage where they are raped or where their Achilles' tendons are cut so that they cannot escape, where they are treated even worse than the animals in the compound where they have to work in indentured servitude. And so, we are saying that the world has too long sat by and has done too little and that we must step up an aggressive movement to assist these people. As I indicated before, an estimated 2 million people have died. They have died of famine. They have died of war-related incidents. There are old Soviet planes that the government in Khartoum uses against the villages in the south, planes called the Antinovs. These planes bring bombs down to the area. And as the plane goes over and as they approach a village, the chickens are the first to hear the planes coming and the children who watch the chickens then start to run. Then the older people know that the planes are coming and it is time to move out. The last bombing, they destroyed a primitive hospital in one of the towns. They have bombed a school that the administrators there have attempted to conduct educational facilities going on. And so this is really something that is the only humane thing to do. We must say that enough is enough. I ask that this amendment be adopted.