Donald Payne

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my outrage at the vicious, cold-blooded murder of Mr. James Byrd, Jr. in Jasper, Texas. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family--his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Byrd, Sr., his siblings, and his children, Renee, Ross and Jamie. They are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of such enormous pain and anguish. May they be comforted by the outpouring of support and concern from so many people throughout the nation. Mr. Speaker, sadly, this horrific incident did not occur in a vacuum. Atrocities such as this happen in part because of a national climate which is far too tolerant of racial hatred. Militia groups, skinheads, neo-nazis and other hate groups spread messages of hate and bigotry. Certain talk radio shows encourage racial division and mistrust. Even some police officers, who are sworn to be our protectors, have engaged in racist patterns of behavior by targeting African American motorists in what has been labeled ``racial profiling'' or Driving While Black. In my home state of New Jersey, four young black men were recently shot by two white state troopers after they were pulled over for allegedly speeding. This was just the latest of a string of similar incidents, many of them resulting in fatalities. It is time to say ``enough.'' It is time for all Americans to stand up and say that racially motivated violence is wrong and will not be tolerated in the most powerful democracy in the world.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1635 the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998. With the passage of this legislation, which promotes the interpretation and commemoration of the path to freedom for escaped slaves, we will ensure that one of the most important stories in American history is told. It is a real-life drama, with all of the elements which make a compelling story--danger, courage, sacrifice and an undeniable longing for freedom which led to the establishment of the Underground Railroad. It is also a story which illustrates humanity at its best and worst, holding enduring lessons for present and future generations. I am proud that the Underground Railroad's most famous conductor, Harriet Tubman, spent time in my home state of New Jersey carrying out her momentous mission. This brave African-American heroine, who was a fugitive slave, nurse, abolitionist, and social worker, risked her own life to lead hundreds of slaves to freedom. Documented as an Underground Railroad Station is a home in Salem, New Jersey, which belonged to Abigail Goodwin, a Quaker and outspoken abolitionist, and her sister, Elizabeth. Under the initiative we are considering today, attention will be given to the stories of people like the Goodwin sisters and those they helped usher to freedom. As we continue a national dialogue on race, we cannot fail to remember such a critical period in our history and its impact on the development of our nation. Mr. Speaker, as a former educator, I firmly believe in this effort to educate the public about the movement to resist slavery in the United States in the decades leading up to the Civil War. I commend my friend and colleague, Congressman Louis Stokes, for introducing this legislation and I look forward to working with the National Park Service and others to successfully implement thus effort to facilitate partnerships among federal, state and local governments and the private sector to highlight the Underground Railroad.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring a very special person who has given over 65 years of dedicated service to his community, Mr. Bennett Herman. Mr. Herman has channeled his many talents and boundless energy into improving the quality of life for his fellow citizens in the city of Orange, New Jersey. This weekend, the Orange Rotary Club is recognizing his remarkable achievements at a special dinner in his honor. Bennett Herman truly stands out as a leader who was always there for those around him, eager to take up new challenges to enhance the well- being of the community. He is a member and officer of the Orange Rotary Club; a founder, the first Executive Secretary and President of the Orange Chamber of Commerce; a member of the Economic Development Corps of the City of Orange, the first president of the Oranges and Maplewood Meals on Wheels Program; an organizer of the first Child Care Center in Orange; a member of the Board of the Orange Public Library; former vice president of the Orange Evening Community School; past president Social Welfare Council of the Oranges and Maplewood; recipient of the Community Service Award from the Neighborhood Development Corp.; Outstanding Citizen award from the American Legion; VFW Award; Marine Corps League Award and numerous other community and state honors. He also brought the first, and only, State American Legion Convention to Orange. In addition, he took the lead in honoring the teachers of the Orange community in a highly successful tribute. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in extending warmest congratulations and appreciation to Mr. Bennett Herman for his tireless work and his outstanding contributions to his community. We are very proud of him and we wish him all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year I had the distinct honor and pleasure of informing our colleagues of a magnificent task of some young people in my district. These young people were honored for performing the highest number of acts of kindness in the nation. Today, I would like to inform my fellow Member of Congress of the acts of twelve young people from East Orange, NJ. These fourth and fifth graders, the Community Problem Solving Team of the Quest Program of the John Howard, Jr. Unique School of Excellence, became aware of the fact that there are many people in the city who do not have enough resources to get adequate food and often go hungry. They decided to pool their resources and use their skills to supplement existing hunger agencies in the area. They spent over 500 hours in volunteering their time to local soup kitchens and to SHARE of New Jersey, an agency which provides food to needy families at reduced costs. They also raised over $1,000 through candy sales, school dances, and bake sales. They used the proceeds to purchase almost 50 cases of non-perishable foods for local food panties as well as perishable foods for weekly soup kitchens. Mr. Speaker, this project received first place in New Jersey in the junior division of the Community Problem Solving Component of the International Future Problem Solving Program. As such, the John Howard School Community Problem Solving Team, known as TIME SHARERS (Team Is Making Efforts to Stop Hunger All Round East Orange Really Soon), will represent New Jersey at the International Competition in Ann Arbor, Michigan, June 12-15, 1998. I would like to take this opportunity to wish them good lunch but more importantly, I want to thank each of them--Camia Bell, Brittani Carter, Daveena Colwell, Lynn Duck, Jawaan Finch, Lemar Gale, Myrtha Glaude, Barry Ishmael, Aniyah Jones, Savannah Segovia, Sophia Stewart and Jasmine Woodyard, and their coach and Quest teacher, Ms. Christine McAdams, for caring and being part of the solution to a big problem. They are all a good example of what everyone should be doing to make life for our fellow man, woman and child.

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 congratulating the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir, Inc. as they celebrate a very special occasion--the 32nd Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Guyana. In honor of this event, a commemorative flag-raising ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 26, 1998 in the Council Chambers at Jersey City Hall. In 1621 the Dutch started to colonize Guyana and in 1640 the first slaves arrived from Africa. In 1763 about 100 years before the American Emancipation, the slaves in Guyana revolted in the ill fated effort known as the Berbice Slave Rebellion. In 1781 the British captured the colony but were ousted within the year. From 1782 until the return of the British in 1812 the colony was administered by French and Dutch Administrations. In 1835 laborers were brought in from Portugal and 1838 marked the beginning of indentured servitude with the arrival of laborers from India. The Chinese came in 1853. In 1953 elections were held for the first time under the system of universal adult suffrage. The People's Progressive (PPP) won this election but was removed after 133 days from office by the British. The PPP was reelected in 1957 and again in 1961. During these two terms under the system of internal self rule, the colony of the then British Guiana experienced significant social and economic growth in spite of political disturbances especially in the early 60's. In 1964, an unpopular government was brought to power through external influences. It remained in power until 1992 through constant rigging of national elections. In 1966, Guyana became an independent nation and in 1970 it obtained republican status. On October 5th, 1992 the first free and fair elections were held since 1964. This election supervised by a team of international observers led by former U.S. President Carter brought the PPP-Civic government under the Presidency of Dr. Cheddi Jagan to office. Over 50 percent of Guyana's population consist of East Indians, whose ancestors came to Guyana from India. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to applaud the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir, Inc. for their support of Hindu culture and serving the educational, cultural, and religious needs of the Hindu immigrant population that lives in New Jersey.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Republic of China. If there is one country that deserves praise, it is the Republic of China on Taiwan. It is a country without natural resources, yet it has become an oasis of wealth in Asia. This economic miracle is due to the leadership of Taiwan's President Lee Teng-hui and Vice President Lien Chan. Sworn in as the ninth president and vice president of the Republic of China on May 20, 1996, President Lee and Vice President Lien have worked very hard to maintain Taiwan's economic growth and initiated all types of political reform. Today, Taiwan stands tall among all nations. It is rich, free and respects human rights. It is a full democracy. On the occasion of President Lee and Vice President Lien's second anniversary in office, I extend to them my best wishes and congratulations.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this bill. I cannot condone any government that abuses the rights of its citizens whether it is for abuses in the category of human rights, democracy, freedom of speech, press. Likewise religious persecution is equally as important. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Today people all over the world are still persecuted for their beliefs. Many are living in constant terror and some even fear for their lives. Christians, Muslims, Jews, and many others are singled out. Even in places like Germany, China, the North of Ireland, and the Sudan people are being persecuted for their religion. In China officials crack down on unregistered Protestant house church members simply for practicing their religious beliefs. The situation in Sudan remains intolerable. In May the Popular Defense Force of the National Islamic Front (NIF) regime raided several villages, burning homes, schools, and two churches. Furthermore, it was reported that children of the black Africans in Sudan are being enslaved and forced to change their cultural identity and become Arabic-speaking Muslims. The Christian Solidarity International (CSI) estimates that there are tens of thousands of chattel slaves still in bondage in the borderlands between northern and southern Sudan. Sudan has often been described as one million miles of suffering. A million southern Sudanese deaths over the past decade, executions of political opponents, the thousands of slaves that are branded like cattle to show ownership combined with the capture of some 3,000 ['95 & '96] children by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) aided by the al- Bashir government did not go unheeded. Violations of religious freedom in this world are innumerable. Hopefully, we will be able to live in a world where people can practice their religion peacefully without any threat or fear. Once again, I support this bill and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I would like to voice my adamant opposition to Mr. Riggs' amendment. Congressman Riggs and his supporters believe that the days when affirmative action policies are needed are over. I suppose they believe that equality has been reached when only 18 percent of those enrolled in colleges are minorities but African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans make up 30 percent of the college age population. I guess they believe that diversity is reached when only 33 percent of all African American high school graduates attended college in 1993 compared to nearly 42 percent of whites. Affirmative action is still needed and without it the composition of our colleges and university campuses will be reminiscent of what they looked like 30 years ago. We have seen this very thing happen in States such as California and Texas where minority admissions have declined because of anti-affirmative action laws. This year the University of California campuses report they received more minority applications with stronger academic credentials than ever before. At the same time, UCLA's law school saw an 80 percent drop in the number of African-American students offered admissions for next fall which is the lowest number since 1970. This is a clear indication of how crippling anti-affirmative action laws can be to the education of minority populations. Many minority students in California are viewing this anti-affirmative action law as evidence that the University of California system does not value diversity on their campuses. Therefore, they are starting to consider going out of state for school which is much more expensive. By passing the Riggs amendment we will send the same message to all minority students nationwide. Additionally, the loudest battle cry I hear from opponents of affirmative action is that the practice of using quotas and set asides is wrong and needs to be eliminated. Congressman Riggs has chosen the wrong area to combat such a belief because under the Supreme Court Bakke (back-ee) decision, schools are not allowed to use quotas and set asides in their admissions process. They may, however, exercise their right to consider race and gender as ONE of the factors in their admissions decisions. This is not discrimination. This is not preferences. This ruling simply allows colleges and universities to have the freedom to choose the students who become part of their institutions. I believe that if this amendment passes it will have a dramatic and adverse effect on the minority student population at our colleges and universities. And that, Mr. Chairman, would be one of the biggest tragedies I can imagine. I ask my colleagues to consider this when they cast their vote on this amendment.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, on May 8 there will be a gathering in New Jersey to honor a very special person, Reverend Nathaniel Bengba Legay, who has won deep respect and admiration of all those he serves as pastor of the historic Clinton Memorial AME Zion church in Newark. Born on the West Coast of Liberia, Reverend Legay came to America in 1970. He spent time in New York City before moving to Jersey City, New Jersey, where he joined Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church. He devoted his time and talents to serving as Lay Minister, Trustee, Class Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Minister and Business Manager. Answering the call to ministry, Reverend Legay received his Exhorter's License on October 10, 1984 under the pastoral leadership of the late Reverend Dr. Andrew Wesley Mapp. He then received his Local Preacher's License on September 13, 1986 under the pastoral leadership of Reverend George W. Maize III at the Jersey City District Conference. He was admitted to the New Jersey Annual conference on Trial, at the Annual Conference convening at Metropolitan, Jersey City on May 17, 1987. Reverend Legay was ordained Deacon on May 15, 1988 in the New Jersey Conference and ordained Elder in 1989 at the Pee Dee Conference in South Carolina. Reverend Legay worked with the City of Jersey City Redevelopment Agency from 1974 to 1980 and at the Kislak Mortgage Company from 1980 to 1989. He worked full time while pursing his college degree at Jersey City State College, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics in 1977. He entered Hood Theological Seminary, Livingstone College, Salisbury, North Carolina and received his Master of Divinity Degree in May of 1992. His first pastoral charge was Drucilla A.M.E. Zion Church, in South Carolina, the City of Chesterfield, where he remained for five years before returning to New Jersey to join New Saint Mark A.M.E. Zion Church, Westwood New Jersey. It was in March of 1995 that Reverend Legay took his place at the Clinton Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, where I had the privilege to speak at the 175th Anniversary Celebration. The church was founded in the year that freemen left the U.S. to go to Liberia. Early records indicate that Essex County residents were involved in these early trips. As a young person, although I belonged to another church, I found great joy in attending the Memorial progressive programs. There were athletic activities, including basketball and other sports, as well as social dancing. During that time, I remember that Reverend Nelson and Reverend Hogard pastored the church. Reverend Legay is a Life Member of the NAACP, the Urban League of Hudson County, a founding Board Member of the Greenville Steering Committee, the Board of Examiners and the Program Committee of the New Jersey Annual Conference, A.M.E. Zion Church. Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in sending our congratulations and best wishes to Reverend Legay and his fine family--his wife Gloria Jean Finnie Legay and their son, Nathaniel, Jr.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, the discussion here during this floor debate today may be focused on a proposal of private school vouchers in the District of Columbia, but it has larger ramifications throughout the country. For example, in my home State of New Jersey, Governor Whitman has proposed implementing a private school voucher program in our State. Of course, this proposal has drawn considerable criticism from both Republicans and Democrats in the New Jersey State Legislature. Therefore, it is not clear if Governor Whitman will go ahead with her plan. But what we do here sends a message to the rest of the country, and we hope that we do not send the wrong message. On a larger level, it disturbs me that proposals of vouchers have been used as an attempt to gain support in low-income communities. Basically, they have billed vouchers as a way to level the playing field for poor students who cannot afford private school, and they believe that they will win points in urban districts. However, they do not tell parents and students that the funds will be taken out of the public school system, therefore making a bad system even worse. They fail to inform them that students will not be protected by civil rights laws because they do not apply to private schools. While touting these vouchers as a saving grace for urban students, they do not provide the assurance that special education laws are adhered to in the schools. So I ask that we defeat this proposal, and let us support and strengthen the public school system in this country.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank both the Chairman and the Ranking Member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, along with both the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education for including many of the provisions in a bill I introduced, H.R. 3311, to improve International Education pro rams in H.R. 6. As a member of the International Relations Committee and the Education and Workforce Committee, I am well aware that if we are to be competitive in this global economy then we must continue to encourage and support programs designed to educate our students in foreign languages, diplomacy and international affairs. Throughout the years, Title VI has been extremely effective in helping colleges and universities reach that goal. In order to encourage higher education institutions to give greater support to undergraduate international relations and foreign language programs, a provision from my bill was included in H.R. 6 to give the Secretary the authority to fund Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Programs up to 10% of all Part B funds. Also included was an optional, non-federal match of one-third cash from the private sector to encourage more applicants to leverage funding from private sector corporations or foundations. The inclusion of Technological Innovation and Cooperation for Foreign Information Access grants in H.R. 6 enables institutions and libraries to engage in collaborative international education projects utilizing innovative technology. This kind of program is timely as universities and libraries are faced with the escalating costs of access to international resources. In light of the enormous need to expand leadership in international affairs and language study at minority institutions, the new Institutional Development grant program was created to strengthen international affairs programs and curricula by providing sub-grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Tribally Controlled Community Colleges. Also included in H.R. 6 are changes that were in my bill to the Institution for International Public Policy to expand the current junior year abroad program to permit summer abroad experiences. H.R. 6 also specifically provides for post baccalaureate internships to provide Institute fellows with quality work experience prior to pursuing Masters degree study. To assist in the coordination of Federal support for the Institute/minority international affairs programs, H.R. 6 also created a seven member Interagency Committee on Minority Careers in International Affairs. I would finally like to urge the Committee to consider separating the International Education programs and Graduate School programs in to separate titles as the Senate bill does. The inclusion of both programs in one title is unnecessary and causes difficulty in ensuring that both programs are funded properly. Thank you again for your work on this important title.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, let me commend the chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa for the outstanding work that he has done, and I rise in support of H. Res. 374. I am disappointed that, after gaining independence from France many years ago, Algeria is again plagued with some of the same old travesty. After colonialism ended in 1962, the French did little to prepare Algeria for independence. When the French left, mosques were reopened, people started learning Arabic again and feeling good about the religion of Islam. While this past year marked the first legislative and local election since 1992, it also turned into the bloodiest year in the longstanding political strife of power. As we look back, the cancelling or annulling of the elections may not have seemed to be the right course of action. However, it should be noted that the desire to maintain Islamic domination and to radically change the food and clothing habits of the people was thwarted by most of Algerian citizens in 1992. Yet this explanation can be summed up by saying that the democracy cannot benefit if those that desire it want to end it once they are in power. It is common knowledge that the first armed Islamic groups were organized by veterans of the war in Afghanistan and trained in Pakistan. Today, the GIA still receives weapons and money from outside sources including Pakistani Islamists, Iran and Sudan. Let me just say that I was disturbed by the news of two mayors from neighboring towns being arrested for carrying out extrajudicial executions. This concerned me because it comes just after the meeting by the United Nation's Human Rights Commission report that suggests that a special envoy should go to the region. As we seek to formulate U.S. policy toward Algeria, we must remember that Algeria has helped with the Iran hostage crisis in 1982, continues to assist the resettlement of refugees and helped with the Iraqi problem in which absolutely no one in the Arab world would consent to, not even Saudi Arabia at the time. In conclusion, we must not confuse the nonviolent Islamists with Islamic fundamentalism. I think that this political war to win at all costs has alienated the very people on whose behalf the struggle was designed to help. Let me once again thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) for trying to constructively deal with this crisis.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to a special community and township in my District. On Wednesday, April 29, 1998 the Township of Hillside will celebrate its 85th anniversary. This vibrant municipality was officially founded on April 3, 1913. Lengthy debate over secession from Union Township preceded the official signing of the Bill, by then Governor James F. Fielder, which would establish its boundaries. Nestled between Newark and Elizabeth, Hillside initially offered a passage route between these port cities. A railroad system proved to be an important link to transport items delivered through the port of Newark and Elizabeth, as well as residential commuters. This link through the suburban industrial town attracted many companies, including Bristol Meyers, which chose to by-pass larger urban centers. Hillside is a diverse Township which is reflective of our nation's unique ethnic and cultural blend. During the late 19th century immigrants from Italy, Poland, the Ukraine, Germany and many other countries established themselves in the area. Many of these immigrants entered the United States through historic Ellis Island. Later, more African Americans and Hispanics settled in the Township. Ultimately there would be at least 25 different ethnic groups residing in Hillside. These diverse cultures have produced a rich amalgamation of religion and tradition. Each has contributed to the growth and progress of the township. Of course, this is a source of tremendous pride for me. Hillside has and continues to move with pride toward the future and I would like to acknowledge and congratulate all of the citizens of the Township of Hillside on this very special 85th Anniversary Celebration.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Luther) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly), and also the gentleman from New York (Chairman Gilman) chairman of the full committee, for the outstanding work that they have done in this issue which is very important to me. Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned, and have been, about events in Guyana, a wonderful place where the people deserve better. First, let me congratulate the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana for holding multiparty elections on December 15, 1997. I was saddened to learn about the violence that erupted post-election. Although the Guyanese people showed their strong belief in the democratic process, as shown by the 88 percent voter turnout, factions in the country called for civil disobedience and there was looting and rioting for many days following the elections. In January between 15,000 and 20,000 people were rioting in the streets. I know that Janet Jagan of the People's Progressive Party/ Civic, PPP/C, won by a small majority. Nevertheless, a win is a win, and the majority has a right to rule with minority having the right to participate. Opposition political parties and international observers invited to monitor the elections concluded that while the voting on election day was fair and free, there were some concerns with the counting of the votes. The results have since been challenged and an audit of the votes and the process have been started by the Caribbean Community, CARICOM, an organization deemed acceptable to all parties in that country. However suspicious the confusion in the election commission, however wrong the opposition feels, mob violence does not address any of these issues. I will be anxious, as I am sure all of us will be, to hear of the results of the audit. At that time I believe we can move forward with the president on a number of issues. In conclusion, I would hope that all parties, along with the newly elected president of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, will respect the rule of law and human rights. I know that in Africa the newly elected president of Liberia, Charles Taylor, has appointed members of the opposition faction in his country to create a human rights organization. I would hope that President Janet Jagan would extend her government offices to all of the people of Guyana, and in particular the African-Guyanese descent that felt that the election did not go right. Mr. Speaker, I think that if she brings in all of the political parties, opposition as well as majority, I think that the country will move forward in the right direction. I am hopeful that it will happen. I wish the new President success once there is the conclusion of the audit.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Dr. Stanley S. Bergen, Jr., to mark the occasion of his retirement as President of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). Dr. Bergen has served the State of New Jersey with exceptional dedication, energy and leadership that has distinguished his 27-year career as the first and only president of UMDNJ. Under Dr. Bergen's stewardship, the University has emerged as the largest public university of the health sciences in the country, and serves as a national resource for health professions education, research, patient care, and service to the community. Through his resolve to provide educational opportunity and health care services to all the people of New jersey, UMDNJ has grown to include seven schools on five academic campuses statewide, with programs at more than one hundred affiliated educational and health care institutions in communities throughout the State. Dr. Bergen is recognized as a national authority on health care and a prominent leader in academic medicine in the State and in the nation. It is fitting and proper that the members of Congress salute Dr. Bergen's exemplary career and service to New Jersey and the nation. His high standard of excellence in education, research and patient care have brought pride and honor to our State. We wish him well in the years ahead and hope that he will continue to serve as a valuable resource to New Jersey and the nation.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, let me first of all compliment the chairman, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), and the ranking member, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hamilton), for the Tropical Forest Protection Act of 1998. This act has come to us at a very important time. As we know, the President will be leaving on Sunday to visit six African countries to talk about trade and investment, human rights, and the whole question of the environment, the ecology, education, health. The whole world will be watching. We have over 200 news media people that will be going from the United States, and people from around the world will be focusing. So this bill is extremely important at this time. As my colleagues know, the bill seeks to promote the efforts of low- and middle-income countries to preserve tropical forests, rain forests; and, secondly, the bill tackles the problem of large debt owed to the United States by some of these developing countries. Under H.R. 2870, globally important tropical forests would be protected at a very relatively low cost to the United States. First, certain debts of qualifying nations would be substantially reduced. In exchange, the countries would direct interest payments due on new loans into funds dedicated to preserving the tropical rain forests. Secondly, the bill would allow eligible countries or third-party purchasers to buy back a country's debt. In exchange, the country would agree to implement the tropical forest conservation measures specified in this bill. There will be four criteria that we will certainly look at. We will look at a country that has a democratic political system as a very important first step. Secondly, a country must have a solid record of performance with respect to human rights and governance, counternarcotics and terrorism. Third, we will be pursuing countries that pursue sound economic policies. And, finally, countries must meet any other requirements related to their environmental policies and practices determined by the President. We think that this will certainly go to leveraging scarce U.S. foreign assistance dollars by producing immediate environmental benefits in exchange for reducing debt payments due to the United States. Secondly, by reducing debt, it will strengthen developing economies, helping them to diminish the fiscal pressures that put tropical forests at risk. Thirdly, it will help promote new environmental practices in developing countries. And, finally, it will advance U.S. national interests by preserving forests that are essential to the world's climate. Let me give two prime examples. Liberia, a 7\1/2\ year civil war. The rain forest was starting to be devastated. This will be able to bring that country back into the right practices. Secondly, the Democratic Republic of Congo, where a tremendous rain forest, probably one of the largest rain forests in the world. If we can prevent what happened in Brazil and what is happening in Latin America by this bill, by preserving the rain forest in the Congo, in Liberia, in Sierra Leone, it will go far to improving and preventing the degradation that is going on now in the whole biosphere that is going throughout the world. So we are in a global village. We are interconnected. What happens in one country impacts on the other. This bill is timely. This bill is right. This bill costs the U.S. taxpayers very little, but does a tremendous amount in return, and it is the right time because, hopefully, the President will be able to talk about this on his trip to Ghana. He will go to Uganda and will stop in Rwanda to look and talk about the genocide that happened there; then on to South Africa, up to Botswana, and finally in Senegal. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this very important bill.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. I wish I could say that Serbia's repression of Kosova comes as a surprise but I think we saw it coming by Slobodan Milosevic's aggression in the region. If dialogue is to happen between the Serbs and the ethnic Albanians, then we must stop sending mixed messages and signals. Let me say that I think that we were too quick to reward Belgrade for its positive steps in Bosnia peace process without taking into consideration what was going on in Kosova. One of the greatest fears is a spill over into Macedonia which would be terrible for many reasons [Greece and Turkey] not just geo-strategic ones. I wish I had been here to ask Robert Gelbard about what seems to be the approval of the 700 man extension of the UN peacekeeping force in Macedonia--UNPREDEP (Unpred)--whch was due to withdraw this summer. I know that the election scheduled for March 22 was cancelled especially after the slaughter of 84 people. I understand that Robert Gelbard, in a private meeting with Milosevic, asked just for the families to see the victims bodies before they were buried. Even while Gelbard was boarding the plane, Serbia proceeded with the burial against the wishes of those that were mourning. In addition, let me say that when one side is really serious about talks they at least inform the other side of an agenda, time and place of the meetings. Ethnic cleansing and massacrers cannot be tolerated whether in Rwanda, Bosnia or another Serbian enclave--Kosova. In response to the recent attacks, I along with other members of the Albanian caucus, have sent a letter to the President to address the deteriorating situation in Kosova. In conclusion, Kosova reminds me of the Tiananmen Square incident. Years later, we are still going on with ``business as usual.'' I hope Pristina [Priss-s-tina] won't fall victim to this type of policy.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of ending the sad state presently in the north of Ireland. This resolution goes to the heart of the matter, and let me commend the sponsor and those who are supporting this great resolution. I had the distinct pleasure last Thursday of introducing Mr. Gerry Adams, the President of Sinn Fein, at my alma mater at Seton Hall, at the university where thousands came to hear his talk. It was sponsored by the School of Diplomacy at Seton Hall, and he went on to discuss what must be done. It will be 2 years this July since I visited the north of Ireland and had the opportunity to see for myself the violence and the killing associated with the Orange Order marchers in the village of Drumcree. I had the opportunity to stay in Belfast for several days and visited many towns, including Derry. Unfortunately, the situation today looks like a repeat of the past. Before July, the north of Ireland will host seven parades. While I think that having constructive dialogue concerning the composition and makeup or whether the members are independent and impartial of the Parade Commission is good, it is just not enough. The dismissal and rejection of John Larkin leads me to believe that this body is a unionist commission for the unionist people. How can an apprentice boy, an ex-UDA member, an ex-member of the Policy Authority, be independent and fair? The celebration and victory of William of Orange, in which Irish land was seized and confiscated, is an insult to Catholics everywhere, and today for the parades to go on makes no sense. Sadly, this parade glorifies a part of history and is provocative in nature. That is why I, along with Members of the Irish Caucus, have written Mo Mowlam urging the British Government to prohibit any marches by any group through any neighborhood in the north of Ireland, especially during the marching season. When I was there, one could hear gunfire and shooting throughout the city. Police statistics estimated that there were 1,600 rounds of plastic bullets shot during the troubles. The plastic bullets severely maim and injure their victims. They are 3\1/2\ inches long and about 1\1/2\ inches thick. These are supposed to be used for crowd control, but they can kill, they can maim, they can injure, and young children have been hit with these and have found it to be fatal. My experience there moved me to introduce H.R. 1075, to ban the use of plastic bullets in the north of Ireland. As we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, let us not forget the hard-working Irish immigrants that built the Delaware and Raritan Canal located in my State of New Jersey. State Senator Dick Codey has introduced a resolution asking the State to appropriate $50,000 to help build the monument to these great workers. Today, the canal supplies water to 1.2 million residents in central New Jersey. Although best known today for its picturesque scenery where joggers, bikers and fishermen go for recreation, little was known about the Irish laborers that died sometimes while working on the canal. Many of the canal diggers, sometimes using their bare hands, built these channels during the 19th century as the major link between manufacturers and their markets. There was a cholera epidemic which killed many of these men who were just buried on the side of the canal. The canal opened in 1834 and quickly became one of the country's busiest navigation canals. New Jersey Governor Peter Vroom made the inaugural voyage at that time from Trenton to New Brunswick where crowds cheered at every bridge and lock. The Hibernian raised $1,000 for the headstone to honor the men. Without much fanfare, they dedicated it just before St. Patrick's Day 3 years ago. We are looking forward to seeing this monument built in the State of New Jersey. Let me conclude by saying, as Dr. King said, that ``injustice anywhere . . . justice everywhere.'' Gerry Adams was born on October 6, 1948 in the working class areas of West Belfast. Upon finishing school in the 1960's Gerry supported himself as a bartender while becoming increasingly involved in the civil rights movement. Modeled on the civil rights movement in the U.S., the Irish effort was founded to fight discrimination against northern Catholics by the British government in the areas of housing, employment, education and language. The brutal reaction of the Unionist government in the six countries resulted in the ultimate breach of civil rights-- murder by the government of peaceful protesters at what has become know as Bloody Sunday. Lets never forget Bloody Sunday, January 30, 1972, a day that will live on in infamy.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this Botswana resolution. President Clinton will be traveling to Botswana in March. He chose Botswana not only for the country's strong democratic values but the increase in economic growth. The economy is market oriented, with strong encouragement for private enterprise. The diamond revenues and solid economic and fiscal policies has resulted in improved growth. Per capita gross domestic product was approximately $2800 last year, and it is increasing at a robust annual rate of approximately 7 percent. I understand that elections should take place soon and the Botswana Democratic Party leader, Mr. Masire, will be handing over the reins to his Vice President. Many years ago in Africa when a President took over, he was President for life. We have seen that in Malawi where life President Banda just recently after 30 years handed it over. This is a step really in the right direction. Let me say that I had the opportunity to participate in a forum to voice my concerns to the NSC and State Department before the President embarks upon his journey to Africa. One thing that came out of the dialogue is that women are a dominant and important part of the economy throughout Africa. Ghanian women account for almost 90 percent of the market economy. I know the government of Botswana is working to make improvements in this area. Two years ago I applauded the government for taking the initiative to formulate a long-term plan of action to implement the National Policy on Women specifically working on property rights. In conclusion, let me say that we should congratulate countries like Botswana and that they are eager to be in the first round of the Growth and Opportunity Act. As a matter of fact, for the last 4 or 5 years, Botswana has had a surplus of over a billion dollars each year which has been put aside into the coffers of that country. I would once again like to congratulate that outstanding country and look forward to visiting there with the President in the coming week.

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 congratulating an outstanding young man, Al Harrington of St. Patrick High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey, who was named The Gatorade Circle of Champions National High School Boys Basketball Player of the Year. This prestigious award honors not only athletic excellence, but also academic achievement. We in New Jersey are very proud of this gifted young man, who has distinguished himself both on and off the court. The newspaper USA Today ranks St. Patrick as the Number 9 team in the nation. Al is averaging 25 points per game, along with 15 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 3 blocked shots. A three-time All-Stater and a pre-season All-American choice, he will be playing in a variety of post-season All-Star games. Al is following in a proud tradition. New Jersey boasts four winners of this national award--Claudio Reyna of St. Benedict's, Kris Durham of Scotch Plains, and Willie Banks of Jersey City, now with the New York Yankees. Al maintains a 3.1 grade point average and has performed well on the Scholastic Assessment Test. He is a well-rounded young man who is involved in a variety of extracurricular activities and volunteer work. He held a starring role in the school play Annie Get Your Gun, he sings in the school choir, volunteers in a local hospital, and works with grammar school youngsters. Mr. Speaker, Al Harrington is a young man with a bright future who embodies the very best qualities of today's youth. I know my colleagues join me in expressing our congratulations and best wishes to him as well as to the other St. Patrick's players and their dedicated coach, Kevin Boyle.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. To my knowledge, I know of none. If the gentleman knows of any information that I am not privy to, I would certainly appreciate it, but to my knowledge it does not negatively impact on what is going on in those countries. There will be IMF requirements which already are in in many countries. What we are talking about is a new trade and investment opportunity for the various countries.

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, let me thank the chairman of our subcommittee for yielding me this time. I arrived on the floor just as the vote was called, but as the Members know, the Smith-Payne amendment is the amendment that said that we cannot condone slavery and that anywhere this is practiced should certainly not be considered for this bill. I thank the House for the endorsement of our amendment. I have personally continued to address the issue of slavery throughout the world. I have introduced H. Con. Res. 234 which calls on both Sudan and Mauritania to stop all overt and covert practices of chattel slavery and all other forms of booty. While acknowledging the prolonged campaign of human rights abuses and discrimination, especially on women and children, the bill commends the Clinton administration for sanctioning Sudan and monitoring acts of Mauritania. Similar proof of the existence of slavery in Mauritania has been provided by a variety of sources, yet at our hearing in March of last year, Assistant Secretary Shattuck reported in the Country Report on Human Rights that no vestiges of slavery existed in Mauritania, even though 3 years prior to the report it stated that 90,000 slaves were repressed at the hands of the government. I just wonder how such a transformation could have taken place without significant reporting and international coverage. I contend that the successful abolition of slavery has not taken place in Mauritania and additional steps must be taken to completely eradicate the practice from the country. I am pleased, though, that this year Ambassador Shattuck testified that in its latest annual human rights report a system of officially sanctioned slavery in which government and society join to force individuals to serve masters is not the case; however, slavery in the form of unofficial voluntary or forced and involuntary servitude persists. Let me just move quickly to the Sudan. Sudan has been a problem for a long time, and I want to submit for the record these three copies of the Baltimore Sun report where two reporters went to Sudan and purchased two slaves several years ago. The Sudanese Government Popular Defense Force enslaved 18 women and children during the slave raid on four villages. There is continued support from the NIF as they continue to get predominantly Christians and animists who live in the south and in the Nuba Mountains. I say that the fact that slavery is still existing in these countries is an abomination today. The ongoing abduction in northern Uganda, where young people are taken into armies to fight for the Liberation Army in the north of Uganda, the LRA, should end. And so I am glad that this issue has been raised in this very important bill. I think as this bill moves forward, as we say it, it is not a perfect instrument, but it is certainly giving us an opportunity to highlight some of the problems that occur there on the continent, and gives us an opportunity to work towards the elimination of some of the atrocities that still exist. I know this bill will go a long way into making the continent move, and I certainly wholeheartedly support the bill.

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. PAYNE. I yield to the gentleman from Nebraska.

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment. I think it is utterly preposterous that we have before us the African Growth and Opportunity Act bill with the specific intent of helping countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and there are certain eligibility requirements that are outlined in the bill, which many of the countries in North Africa do not fit in. The fact that North Africa was separated from Africa was not done by African-Americans, but it was done by the West. During World War II we talked about North Africa, and post-World War II it was referred to as North Africa. At one time we had Asia Minor. It became the Middle East. How all of a sudden do we now determine that North Africa should be a part of sub-Saharan Africa, when throughout our modern history North Africa was North Africa; not that they wanted it, but that was what the West said it was, and therefore they accepted it? Now, finally, something to help sub-Saharan Africa, 700 million people, 50 countries. We have always heard sub-Saharan Africa referred to as sub-Saharan Africa. We know that if you take aid to Africa, if you add the Middle East, then Africa would have the greatest amount of aid, because $3 billion goes to Israel, $2 billion goes to Egypt, and if you add that to the $600 million that sub-Saharan Africa gets, you would have $5.6 billion. But we do not do that. We separate sub-Saharan Africa, where you have $1 a person when you take the 600 or $700 million for the 700 million sub-Saharan Africans, the poorest region in the world. So all of a sudden along comes something positive, and we are saying that Egypt now, that gets $2 billion, that should be accorded the something, when finally sub-Saharan Africa has a bill that might start to have some trading benefit.