George Radanovich

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. My thanks to the gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Speaker, I was interested in the debate and wanted to come down and share the gentleman's comments and concerns. In my perception, I think, of what we have seen in the brief year and a half and a little bit more that we have been in Washington as freshmen, it has been one of continual amazement in our dialog with the American people and how we think our Government relates to society in general, and how we are coming up against some pretty old ideas that have been around town for the last 40 years about government and its relationship with the people, as if that is the only relationship that is in America today. It kind of epitomizes the Great Society and some of the ways of thinking of the last 40 years, in that the only relationship in America is Americans, with their government, and that there is only a two-way street there. In coming to Washington and having to develop ideas on how to solve complex problems, like the deficit that we have, the up to $200 billion deficit and $5 trillion worth of debt, we have to begin to think in terms of other relationships that comprise America; that there are other institutions out there that are perhaps fundamentally more suited to the solving of some of our society's problems. So when we get people coming on the House floor debating class warfare and this idea that there is a pot with only so much in it and you have to divvy it up among the people in the United States, and the only relationship that Americans have is with their Government, they are some of the ideas we have to begin to defuse. In so doing, we have to remind the American people that there are other institutions out there that are perhaps more suited to taking up the responsibilities that we have seen fit over the last 40 years to assume. There are family units, there is business, legitimate business, and there are religious and civic institutions. Some of those jobs that government is doing right now are far more suited to these other institutions. Rather than get into this dialog about there being finite resources and we have to promote class warfare to get our piece of the pie, and that government should be involved in doing all these things and that is the only way we are going to solve our problem, I think what we need to do is to speak in terms of what other institutions in this country are better suited to solving these problems. If we were thinking in those terms we would probably not be $5 trillion in debt right now.

Mr. RADANOVICH. I thank the gentleman. My final words are promises made, promises kept; the promise to the American people that until we start keeping word and following through in Washington, it will be a long time even then before they begin to feel the results on Main Street, America. This is really truly where is happens. That is the commitment that we intend to keep to the American people.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. I yield to the gentleman from West Virginia.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Chairman, just earlier today the House voted to increase funding for the Legal Services Corporation by $109 million. My amendment would take this $109 million increase from the LSC and transfer it to salaries and expenditures for the Drug Enforcement Administration. Mr. Chairman, the question this amendment poses is simple. Would Members rather further line the pockets of lawyers with $109 million of taxpayers' dollars or would they rather see this $109 million spent fighting drugs? In my mind the answer is simple. These taxpayers' dollars would be much better spent fighting the war on drugs. Today's proponents of increasing funding for the Legal Services Corporation have spoken about restrictions placed upon the LSC in last year's appropriations bill. They claim that these restrictions have placed new limits upon the LSC and have forced it to act more responsibly. But these proponents have failed to note that the LSC is not a Federal agency of the Federal Government, so Congress has no way of enforcing these restrictions. So in effect, Congress is providing funding for the LSC, but we have no real control over this organization. The Legal Services Corporation is a portrait of Government mismanagement. It has wreaked havoc in rural communities by bringing numerous frivolous lawsuits against America's farmers. The Federal Government can no longer afford to maintain a reckless and irresponsible agency that engages in politically motivated litigation at the expense of all the poor and all the taxpayers. The LSC has hampered the country's fight against illegal drug use. It has worked to prevent the eviction of drug dealers from public housing. In contrast, the DEA has worked on behalf of the public, not against it, to get drug dealers out of the public household and off the streets. Recent polls have shown an increase in illicit drug use by Americans during the past several years. I am certain that the American people would prefer to see their taxpayer dollars spent fighting the threat that illegal drugs pose to their children. They do not want to see even more of their tax dollars go toward public funding of lawyers. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote sensibly, vote to take the funds away from the irresponsible Legal Services Corporation and use these funds to fight drug abuse.

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

Mr. RADANOVICH. I yield to the gentleman from Indiana.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Chairman, if the gentleman will continue to yield, it was not my intention to try to do that because this legislation passed.

Mr. RADANOVICH. That is my response, Mr. Chairman. Until we see some benefit from the changes in this thing, I think it is totally ridiculous to be funding LSC.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Chairman, I am not aware of any of the benefits experienced yet of those restrictions. Until I see benefits resulting from those changes in the law, then I do not support an increase in funding for LSC.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for continuing to yield, and, yes, I would rather see fruit come from that bill rather than further fund them in areas where we have no proof that they backed off some of the politically motivated stuff they are doing right now.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Chairman, I would respond to the gentleman, because that amendment passed. I guess the bottom line is that we have a disagreement on whether or not a corporation such as LSC, that has recklessly spent that money, should be further funded beyond this point.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, the gentleman has his time and he is welcome to respond to this.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Chairman, what we have a responsibility to do is represent the interests in our district, and the LSC is not well thought of, and when they begin penalizing farmers for providing housing and bringing up frivolous lawsuits that are politically motivated, then I do not think any increase in that order is in good order and I think the money is better spent in drug enforcement.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I would respond to the gentleman that I did not.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, my friend and Government colleague, U.S. District Judge Robert E. Coyle, recently assumed senior status, after distinguished service as chief judge of the Eastern District of California. Those who know Judge Coyle well from having practiced with him in his earlier law career and later having appeared before him as a Federal judge are unstinting in their praise of his dedication to legal excellence. Indeed, in recognition of those qualities which distinguish Judge Coyle, a group of lawyers from my 19th Congressional District recently sent a letter to me that relates their sentiments. I take pleasure in making that expression a part of the Congressional Record as well as adding my own tribute to Judge Coyle for the splendid service he continues to give his community and our country. Re Honorable Robert E. Coyle. Dear George: The undersigned are all active members of the California Bar and admitted to practice before the Eastern District of California. Each of us has a significant federal practice. We know that you are aware that Robert E. Coyle who served as Chief Judge of the Eastern District of California recently accepted senior status. We believe that Judge Coyle's many years of dedicated public and civic service, his commitment to justice and fairness, his fabulous career as a lawyer and counselor--as well as his zeal for improved courtroom facilities to serve the public--and service to the community, are all deserving of recognition. As you probably know, Bob Coyle is a native Fresnan. He attended local public schools and graduated from Fresno State University where he was the student body president. Judge Coyle went on to Hastings College of the Law and from there to the Fresno County District Attorney's Office. After leaving the D.A.'s Office, Bob joined what became McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Coyle & Best (now McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte & Carruth) and quickly became a respected counselor of law. Judge Coyle began his service on the federal bench after President Ronald Reagan nominated him and he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 1982. He became Chief Judge in 1990. Judge Coyle, before whom all of us have appeared on many occasions, is a thoughtful, impartial, insightful and thoroughly prepared judge. Litigants and counsel are treated with respect in his courtroom and are given full opportunity to be heard. Additionally, those appearing before Judge Coyle are also benefitted by his considerable quick wit and sense of humor. Judge Coyle has presided over many of the most complex and controversial matters presented to the federal courts in our area. His excellence as a legal scholar and adjudicator is well known in our community. We respectfully request that these considerable accomplishments be made known through the United States by publishing this brief summary of Judge Coyle's career in the Congressional Record so that the citizens of this great land will learn more of the incredible contributions this man has made to our country. Respectfully yours, John H. Baker, Val W. Saldana, Donald R. Fischbach, Richard C. Watters, Lawrence E. Wayte, Lowell T. Carruth, Riley C. Walter, Michelle Belanger McNair, Debra J. Kazanjian.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the First Armenian Presbyterian Church of Fresno, which is preparing to celebrate its 99th anniversary on Sunday, July 28, 1996. It is indeed an honor and a pleasure for me to bring this time of celebration to the attention of my colleagues in the House of Representatives. The First Armenian Presbyterian Church was originally founded on July 25, 1897, by 34 men and women from the Fresno area. The church was the first Armenian church to be founded in California and was received into the fellowship of the Presbytery of Stockton in October 1897. From 1897 to the present, the First Armenian Presbyterian Church has continued to grow in faith and numbers to nearly 300 members. Over the years, the First Armenian Presbyterian Church has continued to be a source of inspiration and strength to the Fresno Armenian community. The foundations and teachings are passed from generation to generation within the church and children continue to learn about the traditions and lives of their ancestors. As a place of sanctuary, the church has offered people comfort during times of trial and hardship. Under the leadership of Senior Pastor Rev. Bernard Guekguezian, the church has offered continuous guidance and support. I am proud to have someone of Rev. Guekguezian's ability and knowledge in the 19th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, the First Armenian Presbyterian Church of Fresno has been a remarkable organization of unity and vitality for 99 years. This congregation exemplifies perseverance and dedication to their families, the community of Fresno, and the State of California. I offer my sincere congratulations to the First Armenian Presbyterian Church on this special day.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Armenian philanthropist Alex Manoogian. After a long and prosperous life, Mr. Manoogian passed away July 10, at the age of 95. Mr. Manoogian was born in 1901 and came to the United States at the age of 24, after completing his primary and secondary education. Manoogian relocated to Bridgeport, CT, and sought employment in a factory during the day, while he taught Armenian classes during the evenings. Eventually, Mr. Manoogian made Detroit his home in 1924. He worked in a manufacturing plant, and eventually combined his formal education and his work experience to found his own company which became the MASCO Corp., the first company owned by an Armenian to be listed on the American Stock Exchange. Today his company reports annual sales of over $3 billion. In addition to his company, Manoogian was active in many philanthropic and service organizations. He will probably be most remembered for the work he did for the Armenia General Benevolent Union [AGBU]. After joining the organization in the 1930's, he served the AGBU in numerous capacities including the Avak Sbarabed (national commander), as a member of the board of directors, and international president. Manoogian served as international president for 17 years and was voted life president in 1970 and in 1989, was voted as honorary life president when his daughter assumed presidential duties. On an International level, Manoogian has also contributed to a wide array of Armenian, American, Dutch, Latin American, Australian and Lebanese museums, schools, libraries, hospitals, and universities. Although there is an exhaustive list, just a few include: the Marie Manoogian School in Los Angeles, the Armenian Church in Amsterdam, Holland and the Alex Manoogian Center in Zaleh, Lebanon. He is the recipient of honorary doctorate degrees from Wayne University in Detroit, American Armenian International College in La Verne, Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI, and Yerev State University in Armenia. Alex Manoogian possessed the determination, drive, and ingenuity, our forefathers founded this country on, over 200 years ago. I wish today to extent my sympathies to the Manoogian family and the Armenian community worldwide on the passing of a wonderful leader.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, June 26, 1996, 19 young American airmen tragically lost their lives in Saudi Arabia. My sympathetic prayers go out to those families and friends across this grieving Nation whose lives' paths have now been painfully altered in bearing the great weight of so precious a loss. In particular, my deepest regards go to Mr. and Mrs. Leland Haun of Clovis, CA, in my district who lost their dear son, Capt. Timothy Haun, at the young age of 33. May God bless Captain Haun, his family and his memory. It perhaps goes without saying, that the brave passing of Captain Haun and his Air Force comrades has not been in vain, and that those who viscously perpetrated this outrage epitomize cowardice. Mr. Speaker, the guilty here are hardly deserving of the gift of life they have now so recklessly taken from others so worthy of it. While these terrorists still slither through the cracks and shadows of an unstable region, our quest to uncover them must be relentless because their actions have been a direct affront to the United States, its people, and its overall objective of creating a more secure and lasting peace. They should know that the United States is not intimidated, to the contrary, when brave servicemen die, we are even more resilient. While our search for justice should be vigilant and our foreign policy unwavering, we should not lose sight of those who have just paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country's ideals. These men have passed in serving a vision tracing back to our Nation's first founding sacrifices at Boston, Concord, and Lexington. They, like their founders before them, have died for the principled tradition of freedom and liberty. They will not be forgotten.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, just last Saturday on June 22, Croatia celebrated its participation in the World War II antifascist movement. The Anti-Fascist Struggle Commemoration Day, a national holiday in Croatia, has been a tremendous success and courageous recognition of that ever-important victory over international tyranny some 50 years ago. I would like to formally recognize this event here in the United States House of Representatives, and commend Croatia for her gracious and dedicated efforts to securing and preserving world peace. The Anti-Fascist Movement in Croatia Every June 22nd since independence, Croatia has celebrated its participation in the World War II anti-fascist movement. The national holiday, Anti-Fascist Struggle Commemoration Day, marks the day on which in 1941 Vlado Janic led forty Croatian anti-fascists from the town of Sisak to fight against fascism, marking the beginning of the anti-fascist struggle in Croatia. The President of Croatia, Dr. Franjo Tudjman, one of the few European statesmen who is a veteran of the World War II anti-fascist movement, has said on many occasions that the anti-fascist struggle greatly contributed to establishing the foundations of a modern, democratic Croatia. The following factors should be considered when examining Croatia's role in the anti-fascist struggle: The Croatian anti-fascist movement was among the strongest, not only in former Yugoslavia, but also Europe; Croatian resistance forces, as part of the democratic coalition of anti-fascist powers, participated in the victory over fascism; Croatians led the Croatian and South Slavic antifascist movement; The resistance led to the creation of the Federal State of Croatia by ZAVNOH (Anti-Fascist Council of National Liberation of Croatia), constitutional foundations of federalism, and the constitutional and legal basis for Croatians independence today; and The guiding principles of the anti-fascist movement form an integral part of the preamble of the Croatian Constitution. Croatia takes pride in the fact that one of the first organized resistance units occupied Europe was Croatian. The Sisak resistance unit engaged in several diversions on the Zagreb-Belgrade railway, and by mid-September of 1941 had grown to 77 fighters. By the end of 1941, 7,000 Croatian anti-fascists had joined the armed partisan movement, rising to 25,000 a year later, and to 100,000 following the capitulation of Italy. By the end of the Second World War the number reached 150,000. The overall number of Croatian citizens that participated in the anti-fascist struggle is estimated at 471,836, of which two-thirds were Croats. Last year, to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the victory of the anti-fascist coalition in Europe, the Croatian Parliament published a report that records the history of the anti-fascist movement in Croatia from the 1920s onwards. The recognition of Croatia's participation in the anti- fascist movement is one of the pillars of a strategy aimed at national reconciliation. Towards this end, President Tudjman laid a wreath at the memorial site in Jasenovac on June 15, 1996 to pay homage to the victims at the Jasenovac camp, a camp which has come to symbolize the evils of fascism and communism. President Tudjman said; ``I have laid the wreath as Croatia's President in memory of all victims of Jascnovac; for the victims of fascism and the NDH (Independent State of Croatia), but also for those who were executed by the communist regime''.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, a major California poultry producer, Zacky Farms, is embarking on an expansion plan in cooperation with the city of Fresno, and I am pleased to bring it to the attention of my colleagues. Zacky Farms is an engine of economic enterprise in my 19th Congressional District. In sharing the following article from the Fresno Bee, written by business news reporter Sanford Nax, I salute the men and women of Zacky Farms and wish them well as they grow and add value to our community. [From the Fresno Bee, June 6, 1996] Zacky Farms Expansion Expected To Add 200 Jobs (By Sanford Nax) The latest expansion by Zacky Farms will generate 200 new jobs, with more to come as the poultry producer puts even deeper roots into Fresno. A 75,000-square-foot addition to its Empire Cold Storage plant at East and California streets will add 13 million pounds of storage. Also, 5,000 square feet of space is being added to the East Street turkey-processing operation in a related project, said Ken Rutledge, vice president and general manager of Zacky Farms. Together, the two expansions will increase Zacky's local work force by about 200. The poultry processor employs about 2,400 people in Fresno and is one of the largest private employers in the county. Many of the turkeys supplied to Zacky are raised in Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Madera counties. California is its largest market. The expansion of the cold-storage plant should be complete in October. The addition to the turkey processing plant should be done in January. The projects, which will total about $12 million, are among the $124 million worth of investment Zacky plans to make in Fresno in the next 20 years, Rutledge said. Zacky operates turkey and chicken plants in Fresno, and the investments could lead to 3,400 new jobs over 20 years, city officials said. Ruledge said an expanded freezer will enable Zacky to store all of its produce internally rather than contracting some of it out to a public freezer as it now does. The additional 5,000 square feet at the processing plant will allow Zacky to consolidate functions that are divided between two buildings, he said. The expansions also will make Zacky's operation more energy-efficient and will reduce water consumption. ``This new equipment is very efficient,'' Rutledge said. Zacky's ``grand plan'' in Fresno is being accomplished with help from city officials through a development incentive agreements. In such agreements, companies get a credit for some development fees against the projected increase in tax payments. These agreements are common with large manufacturing companies that make significant contributions to the tax base and have large work forces. ``They provide the necessary incentive to encourage expansion and relocation,'' said Bill Evans, vice president of the Fresno County Economic Development Corp. Any program that generates new jobs is welcome in a county where the labor pool is expanding at twice the pace of job creation. Zacky Farms began business in Los Angeles in 1928 and expanded its operations to Central California and the Fresno area in 1971.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. RADANOVICH. Will the gentleman yield?