Brad Sherman

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of a remarkable couple, Alfred and Daryl Saunders. Their work as educators, entrepreneurs, parents, and community leaders has been a model of civic duty within our community. This commitment to their community is not a recent trend, rather it is a lifelong pursuit. As a young man, Al followed his dream and became a baseball umpire, after several years of umpiring he returned home to his family in California. A short time later he was called to serve his country and did so as a supply sergeant in the Korean war. Upon completing his tour of duty he entered the publishing business and he later established Newcastle Publishing Co. where he now serves as president and chief financial officer. Daryl's family moved to southern California when she was a young girl. She graduated from California State University-Northridge and went on to teach at the elementary school level. After years of teaching she elected to use her skills to assist low-income families by helping them find quality child care. She currently assists Al in the family's publishing business. In the Saunders' 30 years of marriage they have volunteered their time to several charitable organizations. The Shriners, Valley Jewish Business Leaders and City of Hope just to name a few. They also have served as volunteers and leaders in their local temple, the Temple Ner Maarav. In their 20 years at the temple, they have each served as president and vice-president on various committees and have been involved in virtually all aspects of the temple. Their dedication to their local community through their leadership and voluntarism is truly remarkable. It is an honor to represent Al and Daryl. In their hard work, close knit family and spirit of voluntarism they exemplify those characteristics that make this Nation great.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an exceptional young police officer, Edward Hernandez. In only a few years Officer Hernandez has established himself as one of the San Fernando Police Department's top officers. Officer Hernandez joined the San Fernando Police Department in 1993, after graduating from the Rio Hondo Police Academy. While at the academy he was voted the No. 1 cadet in his class. As a rookie on the force, Edward quickly earned the respect of his fellow officers with his maturity, quick learning ability, and thorough training. Within his first year on the force he was consistently at the top of productivity statistics. Edward has qualified for the highly prestigious 10851 CVC Award every year that he has been on the force. Officer Hernandez has become a crucial member of the department's Special Response Team. Drawing upon his background in the U.S. Marine Corps, he has helped to train the team for tactical situations. Edward has received numerous commendations for his high quality work and consistent professionalism. Officer Hernandez' hard work and professionalism make him an extraordinary law enforcement officer. These traits, coupled with his leadership abilities, ensure that he will have a significant impact on the San Fernando Police Department for years to come. Indeed, the people of San Fernando are safer with Officer Hernandez on the force. As Theognis stated, ``* * * but to few men comes the gift of excellence.'' Edward Hernandez is one of those few to whom excellence is not a goal, but an expectation. His work exemplifies the values and work ethic of the residents of San Fernando. I am honored to recognize his service.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Danny Mastro. It is a privilege to recognize someone like Sergeant Mastro who has consistently served the area while wearing his Los Angeles Police Department uniform as well as a volunteer in the community. Sergeant Mastro's enthusiasm and leadership have served as a catalyst to his colleagues on the force, as they have joined him in his many community efforts. When those closest to Danny are asked what drives him the reply is simple: He cares about his community, especially its children. In 1992, Sergeant Mastro created an antigang, antidrug billboard campaign directed at the youth of our community. Danny took this innovative idea and made it a reality. He raised several thousand dollars in donations to pay for printing costs and was able to get local companies to donate over 100 billboards. The billboards pictured Sergeant Mastro with a local hockey and football star and the slogan ``Who Is Your Role Model Going to Be?'' It is my sincere hope that the children of Los Angeles will follow Danny's lead and choose people like him as their role models. Danny has played a vital role in numerous volunteer activities and community development programs. As part of an antigang unit, he counseled at-risk youths teaching them to focus their energy away from violence toward more productive and meaningful activities. He has galvanized support within the LAPD for several fund raising drives. He has also volunteered extensively in the Special Olympics, the Boy Scouts, and the local Head-Start Program. Indeed, the Sergeant has freely given of himself to his community. Danny's presence in the community and on the force is a sure indicator that the strong ties will continue to be forged between the people of Los Angeles and the LAPD. I salute him for his efforts.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly remarkable individual, Firefighter William Jensen. This week William's years of dedication and service to his community are being recognized by the Valley Community Legal Foundation as he is being presented with the outstanding performance award from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Bill joined the city of Glendale fire department in 1969. In his years in the department he has consistently brought an upbeat hard- working attitude to his work. When off duty Bill enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also volunteers in the community by maintaining the trees, shrubs, and yards for his older retired neighbors and friends. Nearing his own retirement Bill was looking forward to 1998 and spending more time with his family and friends when he was called to fight the Malibu-Calabasas fire. The date was October 22, 1996. Bill was in Corral Canyon fighting the brush fire when he became trapped in a firestorm. He was caught by a sudden wind shift and engulfed by the flames. He was rushed to a local hospital where surgeons doubted that he would survive the second and third degree burns that covered over 70 percent of his body. However, Bill is not only a firefighter but a fighter as well. After enduring numerous surgeries and blood transfusions in his 3\1/2\ months in the hospital, he was finally able to return home. Bill's incredible recovery did not come as a surprise to many of his coworkers, as one said, ``If anyone could survive something like this, it would be Bill.'' On February 2 Bill returned home to celebrate his birthday with his family, friends, and a community that has rallied around him. His story is remarkable and should serve as an inspiration to us all. Bill's heroism was recently recognized by the Glendale Fire Department as they honored him with the medal of valor. This week he is being recognized with the outstanding performance award from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Truly these accolades are long overdue to a man who has been a model civil servant, community volunteer, and family man for many years. I am proud to salute Bill and his service to our community.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention Officer Ken Ericsson. This week Mr. Ericsson is being honored by the California Highway Patrol with the 1997 Valley Community Legal Foundation's Outstanding Performance Award. Officer Ericsson is a 19 year veteran of the force who has served his entire career in the West San Fernando Valley. Those that have had the privilege of working with Ken describe him as a dedicated, reliable, and enthusiastic officer. During his tenure as an officer he has developed a special interest in officer safety. While off-duty Officer Ericsson has attended various officer safety courses ranging from firearm safety to officer survival training. These skills paved the way for him to become the West Valley Office's safety instructor. In that post, he has helped officers become more aware of and prepared for potential dangers. In addition to helping fellow officers, Ken's farsightedness and safety training saved his own life in June 1996. While conducting a traffic stop on the shoulder of the Ventura Freeway, he was hit by an errant driver and thrown down the freeway's embankment. Had he not been standing in the proper position on the shoulder, as he had been trained, his injuries would have likely been fatal. Fortunately, Ken was able to return to work a short time later. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, Ken's family and friends, and the residents of the San Fernando Valley in recognizing the outstanding and invaluable service to the community of Officer Ken Ericsson.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Richard Andert, as he is named Los Angeles Police Department Police Officer of the Year. The Woodland Hills community joins me in praising him for his commitment and dedication to making our area a safer place to live. Officer Andert's commitment to the safety and well-being of our citizens should serve as an inspiration to all Americans. He is a role model not only to younger but also to higher ranking police officers on the force. Of the countless examples of his leadership, none stand out more than his commitment to traffic safety. He single-handedly implemented a crackdown on speeding drivers in order to ensure the safety of the children in our neighborhood and return the neighborhood to the safe and quiet area it should be. Officer Andert practices kindness, caring, and compassion in even the most routine situations. One day a panicked West Valley resident arrived at the police station, unable to enter a house where she was responsible for feeding a cat and dog. Upon investigating the situation Officer Andert discovered the woman was attempting to enter the wrong house and then assisted her in entering the correct home. It is Officer Andert's willingness to go the extra mile that has distinguished his career. In closing Mr. Speaker, if this Nation had more Richard Anderts on America's police forces, our neighborhoods would be safer places to live. It is a personal honor to me, as his Congressman, to acknowledge his accomplishments which bring deep honor to our community, and to offer my warm congratulations and heartfelt thanks.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jose J. Acosta as the California Highway Patrol, West Valley area, American Legion Officer of the year. Abigail Adams once questioned: ``If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind, whom should we serve?'' Each and every day, Officer Acosta puts his life on the line in order to serve mankind by guaranteeing the safety of the Woodland Hills community. He is truly worthy of this award. In his short time on the force Officer Acosta has been a quick study. His hard work and dedication have honed his investigative skills and earned him the respect of his supervisors and peers. In addition, he has fought to ensure the safety of our roads through his aggressive pursuit of drunk drivers. In a 12-month period he made over 70 arrests, demonstrating his skills in apprehension. Officer Acosta's service to our community does not end with his shift. He understands that a smile and kind word can go a long way in a difficult situation. For proof one only need look at the letters of commendation detailing time and time again he is willing to lend a helping hand to motorists in distress. West Valley is fortunate to have Officer Acosta, and I am confident that his dedication will serve as a model for other highway patrol officers in the Nation and lead to safer roads for everyone. I commend Officer Acosta for his dedication and hard work and congratulate him as he is honored as the California Highway Patrol Officer of the year.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I come before you today to honor Richard R. Casanova, who has been named Los Angeles Fire Department's Firefighter of the Year. Mr. Casanova is driven by a sense of civic responsibility to protect our community while he is on-duty and to volunteer his services while he is off-duty. Richard currently serves as a member of the Los Angeles Fire Department in a dual capacity as both a Paramedic and Firefighter. His extensive training as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), a paramedic and as a first aid instructor for the American Red Cross, combined with his many years of dedicated service makes him a valuable asset to the citizens of West Valley. In addition, Richard is deeply devoted to his wife Peggy and their six children, and is a tireless volunteer in the community. At his local parish he does everything from serve as a youth ministry team member to serve as the disaster preparedness coordinator. Among other numerous activities, he also conducts first aid and CPR instruction for Scouts, local schools, and businesses and is the American Red Cross On- Call Instructor for CPR and First Aid. The West Valley Community recognizes Richard as an outstanding father, fireman, and community servant. As his Representative in the U.S. Congress, I join the citizens of the West Valley in thanking him for his years of dedicated service to our community, and in extending our warm congratulations and best wishes on his recognition as Firefighter of the Year.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, my colleague, Mr. Berman, and I are honored today to pay tribute to Sam Saltsman. Mr. Saltsman is being honored with the Inaugural Presentation of the David Ben Gurion Award for his outstanding service and dedication to the United Jewish Fund. Sam has a long history of service and dedication going back to his years as a Commander in the U.S. Navy during World War II. His service was commemorated by the British Government with the Distinguished Service Cross and the U.S. honored his service with two Bronze Stars. Since his time in the military, his sense of civil duty has guided him to leadership positions in the business and the religious communities. As a manufacturer of shoe accessories, Sam has maintained production and employment of his company in the southern California area for many years. Sam also finds time to serve as a sensible civilian in arbitrations dealing with fee disputes for the Los Angeles Bar Association. While Mr. Saltsman devotes his energies to many worthy causes, his top priority is volunteering in his local religious community. When Disraeli said ``duty cannot exist without faith,'' it seems he had individuals like Sam in mind. Sam's religious devotion and spirit of volunteerism are inextricably intertwined. From 1967-1969 he served as congregation president to the Temple Beth and led the effort to build a new activities building. Sam and his wife, Helen, are currently endowment contributors to Temple Beth Hillel, ensuring the Temple's future for generations to come. He has served as chairman of the United Jewish Campaign where he played an active role in raising funds to support social services in Los Angeles, Israel and 60 other countries. Mr. Saltsman has been active as a charter member of El Caballero Country Club to raise contributions for the United Jewish Fund and the Anti-Defamation League. Indeed, it is an honor to recognize Sam Saltsman as the inaugural recipient of the David Ben Gurion Award. His lifetime of service and dedication serves as an example to us all.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Deputy Peter Aguirre, Jr., a man who made the ultimate sacrifice to his fellow citizens--he gave up his life in the line of duty. Even as we mourn the death of Deputy Peter Aguirre, we remember and celebrate his life, the family and friends that love him, his work as a deputy, and the ideals that he lived by. After graduating from California State University at Northridge in 1994, Peter attended the Ventura County Sheriff's Academy. On April 24, 1994, he was sworn in as a deputy, and was assigned to Detention Services in the Ventura County Main Jail. In January 1996 he was given his second assignment, patrol at the Ojai substation. Despite his short time as a law enforcement officer, Peter's fellow officers were impressed by his hard work and reliability. On July 17, 1996, Deputy Aguirre and other officers responded to a domestic disturbance call. Shortly after arriving at the scene the suspect opened fire on the deputies, fatally wounding Deputy Aguirre. The Ventura County community felt a great loss with Peter's tragic death. The sacrifice he made was best put by his boss, Sheriff Larry Carpenter: Peter did something extraordinary, something courageous, something valorous. Peter gave all that he had. Peter also gave up much. He gave up ever seeing his beautiful wife after working long shifts. He gave up the ability to hold his precious daughter in his hands. He gave up spending Sunday afternoons with his mother and father. He gave up everything, simply so that you and I could do all those things with our families. Deputy Aguirre's bravery for the sake of our community is truly remarkable. He put his life on the line to protect the safety of our families and our community, indeed we all owe him a great debt. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to recognize not only Peter, but the 53 law enforcement officers that gave up their lives last year in the line of duty. It is only through the self-sacrifice and dedication of these individuals that we are able to enjoy the freedom and safety that make this Nation great.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, Shakespeare once wrote ``As he was valiant, I honor him * * *'' Today, I rise to honor and congratulate Royce E. Davis for his valor and bravery. His work for our community is being recognized today as he is named Woodland Hills Paramedic of the Year. Royce has been with the Los Angeles Fire Department for 23 years. His commitment and dedication to his job have brought honor and excellence to our community. He has received countless awards, including the Los Angeles Fire Department Medal of Valor, the California State Firefighters Association Medal of Valor and the City of Los Angeles Career Service Award to name just a few. Royce has also had a full career outside of the fire department. He is the former Chief of Emergency Medical Services for the City of Filmore, CA, and has served as a Physician's Assistant [PA]. Currently he is employed at a cardiology practice, while coming to the aid of the West Hills community in his spare time. Besides his professional duties and community service, Royce's top priority is his family. He and his wife have been married for 36 years and have been blessed with six children and sixteen grandchildren. Indeed, Royce's years as a firefighter, civil servant, father, and husband are exemplary. I join the citizens of Woodland Hills, West Hills, and Canoga Park to thank Royce E. Davis for his years of service to our communities. I believe he stands as a model for others in our area and around the Nation, and I am honored, as his Congressional Representative, to send my warm congratulations and best wishes as he is honored as Woodland Hills Paramedic of the Year.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Judy and Herb Galperson as the first couple of Sinai Temple. The Galpersons represent the best of family life, professional life, and community involvement. Mencius, an ancient Greek writer, said that ``The root of the state is in the family. The root of the family is in the person of its head.'' Herb and Judy are the root of their family and community. On the professional level Judy has worked in public service as a coordinator of volunteers for the Edelman for city council campaign and as a deputy to councilman Edmund D. Edelman. She also makes use of her artistic talent and entrepreneurial spirit in her current position at an interior design company. Herb has had an existing career in law. Herb graduated from Brooklyn College in 1953, and then went on to New York University School of Law, where he received his J.D. and began practicing law. A short time later he followed his brother to Los Angeles and practiced on his own for a few years. Herb eventually joined the law firm of Rose, Klein & Marias. The Galperson's most outstanding feature, an inspiration for all Americans, is dedication to community. Judy and Herb have been involved in every facet of community organization. She has been a member of the board of directors for the Otis Art Institute and a member of the Los Angeles County Music and Performing Arts Commission; He belongs to various bar associations and has been a officer and on the board of directors of several organizations, including president of the Southern California Applicants Attorneys Association. Judy and Herb have served together on several Jewish organizations and are life members of Southern California Hadassah. Recently, in recognition of Judy's contribution to the community, she was invited to the White House to participate in a dialog with First Lady Hillary Clinton and 12 other community member from across the country. As for the Galperson's family life, Herb met Judith Arlene Harris in 1967 on a blind date and with a few short months they were married. Two years later, their first son, David, was born, followed by Robert. David received his J.D. degree from Southwestern School of Law, was admitted to the State bar of California, and currently practices law in San Bernardino. Robert received his B.A. from the Annenberg School of Communications, University of Southern California, and currently works in sales administration at Barth & Dreyfuss in Los Angeles. Their success in school and in their professional life would not have been possible without their parents' guidance and support. I congratulate Judy and Herb on raising two fine citizens. The Galpersons have given an extraordinary amount of time and energy to serving the Los Angeles community. I honor them for their service and hope that they will serve as rolemodels for others. Once again I congratulate Judy and Herb Galperson as first couple of Sinai Temple.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of an outstanding individual, Michael Greene. Mr. Greene has led a truly remarkable life, in which he has utilized his passion for music in the realms of business, philanthropy, and education. While completing his degrees in business and marketing Michael began his career as a recording artist and producer. In a few years he became President and CEO of Apogee Recording Studios where he managed 5 publishing companies containing over 5,000 song titles. He then entered into the cable television industry, where he founded the Nation's first video music network, the Video Music Channel. He would later assume the position of vice president of Crawford Post Productions, helping turn his small company into a leader in the field of video and film properties. While Michael was extremely busy and successful in his work, he always made time to give back to his community. Throughout his career Michael has acted as a steward of music and the arts, especially in regard to their continued presence in America's schools. In this era of shrinking budgets, musical education has increasingly been viewed as a nonessential element in primary and secondary education, making it one of the areas hit hardest by cutbacks. Michael has led several efforts to reverse this trend and to promote music education. He was a cofounder of the National Coalition for Music Education which works to empower communities around the Nation to take the necessary steps on the local level to ensure that music and the arts will continue to be taught in their local schools. He was also the founder of National Arts Advocacy Day which sought to bring congressional attention to the elimination of arts education. Michael has worked extensively on the local level where, largely due to his work, the number of secondary music programs has doubled in the Los Angeles Unified School District since 1991. It seems Michael takes to heart the following observation by Joseph Addison: ``A man that has a taste of music, painting, or architecture, is like one that has another sense.'' Indeed Michael's legacy will be the appreciation and enjoyment of the arts in children that might otherwise never have known the genius of Mozart or Van Gogh. Michael's fortitude and conviction led him to be one of the first within the musical community to take a vocal stance against the scourge of drug abuse among musicians. He created ``Substance Abuse in Music: an Industry Intervention,'' and has encouraged higher standards in the fight against drugs. His efforts were made in hope of diminishing the glorification of substance abuse in the music industry. His work as a businessman, artist, and philanthropist has made him a leader in the music industry for many years. In 1988 his position became official, as he became the Recording Academy's president and CEO. Next week the University of Southern California will award him with a Doctor of Music degree during their commencement ceremonies. This kind of honor is fitting for an individual that has done so much for his country, and his passion--music. I am privileged to represent such an individual and look forward to working with him in the future.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor David Brown who was recently named ``Citizen of the Year'' by the Las Virgenes Homeowners Association. Mr. Brown has been an outspoken advocate in our community for 25 years, and recognition of his good work is long overdue. Mr. Brown has used his multitude of talents to work in areas as diverse as teaching, writing, publishing, and as a planning commissioner and citizen activist. Fortunately, he has seen fit to use his talents for the greater good of our local community. Dave brings to his work a rare blend of expertise and a tireless spirit of voluntarism. Although he has given freely of his time and resources to many worthy causes, his top priority has always been protection of the Santa Monica Mountains. His dedication to protect the Santa Monicas is unparalleled. He has played various roles in his effort to protect the mountains, by serving on the Santa Monica Mountains Comprehensive Planning Commission Advisory Committee, the Sierra Club's Santa Monica Mountains Task Force and the Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council Board. Dave has done extensive work on monthly newsletters which served to defend the mountains from over development. Mr. Brown has indeed been a lifelong steward of the Santa Monica Mountains, ensuring that this natural sanctuary will be available for generations to come.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Chairman, my colleagues, when Columbus set sail, about two-thirds of the way into the journey a group of his sailors rose up and urged that the project be defunded. America would not be here today if that amendment had not been defeated. There are many reasons to support the International Space Station. It is a way for us to build bridges with other countries, including former adversaries. It is a way to build our own aerospace industry, which is already our leading source of exports. I wish my colleagues had been able to join me at Rocketdyne, where I saw how they are developing batteries for a space station that could well lead to breakthroughs in an electric automobile. We will find cures for diseases, perhaps AIDS, cancer, influenza, or diabetes. Most important of all, humankind belongs in space. The space station is our stepping stone to where we belong in the next millennia.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor David Brown who this week was named Citizen of the Year by the Las Virgenes Homeowners Association. Mr. Brown has been an outspoken advocate in our community for 25 years, and recognition of his good work is long overdue. Mr. Brown has used his multitude of talents to work in areas as diverse as teaching, writing, publishing, and as a planning commissioner and citizen activist. Fortunately, he has seen fit to use his talents for the greater good of our local community. Dave brings to his work a rare blend of expertise and a tireless spirit of volunteerism. Although he has given freely of his time and resources to many worthy causes, his top priority has always been protection of the Santa Monica Mountains. His dedication to protect the Santa Monicas is unparalleled. He has played various roles in his effort to protect the mountains, from serving on the Santa Monica Mountains Comprehensive Planning Commission Advisory Committee, the Sierra Club's Santa Monica Mountains Task Force, and the Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council Board. Dave has done extensive work on monthly newsletters which served to defend the mountains from over development. Mr. Brown has indeed been a lifelong steward of the Santa Monica Mountains, ensuring that this natural sanctuary will be available for generations to come.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. I think that perhaps some in the State Department are victims of continuing Cold War thinking. We are no longer engaged in a giant chess game against the evil empire of the Soviet Union. Certainly when we emerge as the sole superpower, that is the status that we will enjoy only so long as the world regards the United States as a bastion of decency and morality in foreign policy. Never in the history of the world has the rest of the world acquiesced to one country emerging as the sole superpower. It has happened in various regions. It has happened in the world before, but never with acquiescence. The reason we are trusted to play the role we play in the world is because we are, yes, we are concerned and I think perhaps should be even more concerned with our own national interest, but we also are guided by morality. And for us to ignore the strangulation of both economic and humanitarian aid that Turkey is imposing on Armenia is actually harmful to our national security interests because it calls into question the foundation, the ideological foundation that allows us to be the only world superpower. Another factor that I think is important, every time I go back to my district, and I was just there earlier today, people are concerned with how effectively our money is spent. They are willing to see the U.S. government do things that are good but only if the money is spent effectively. When we have an international aid program which aids Turkey on the one hand and allows Turkey to prevent the aid program from being effective, when the recipient is also the obstructor, then how do we go back to our districts and say we are paying for air freight into Yerevan because we cannot truck things through Turkey and at the same time we are spending money to provide aid to Turkey. What we need to do is insist that those who receive aid from the United States not prevent our aid programs around the world from being effective.

Mr. SHERMAN. I agree with the gentleman that one of the crowning glories of the second term of the administration of President Clinton would be to work for peace and achieve peace in the Caucasus. There is always a conflict between the concept of territorial integrity and the concept of self-determination, and when we look at the concept of self- determination we see that that allows people to live under the government of their own choice. Our own country was born, perhaps the world's greatest exercise of the concept of self-determination, our own Declaration of Independence, and we set forth in that declaration some standards that ought to be applied. Because when you render a country apart, when you change borders, the whole world can be affected. We talked about the injustices imposed upon us by King George III. But they seem somewhat pale compared to the pogroms, compared to the aggression and the expulsions that the Armenian population of Nagorno- Karabagh has had to suffer over the last decade. Certainly if we made the case for self-determination, Nagorno-Karabagh has as well. But also the argument for territorial integrity. There are borders and there are borders. The borders of Azerbaijan were drawn by Joseph Stalin for the purpose of dividing the Armenian people and placing Nagorno-Karabagh not for any logical reason except mischief, except division, except to deliberately cause peoples to be at conflict with each other. If there was ever a border that should not be given a lot of respect by the international community, it is a border drawn by Joseph Stalin for the purpose of oppressing peoples in the Caucasus. And when we weigh territorial integrity, where the integrity is a Joseph Stalin border and the right of self-determination for a people who have suffered, I think in ways that our Founding Fathers did not, the scales certainly are in the direction of recognizing the rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabagh.

Mr. SHERMAN. As a matter of fact, I think it is very important that if we are going to provide aid to that region of the world that we provide it to the one part of that region that has been wracked by warfare, and that is Nagorno-Karabagh. If there is any part of the Caucasus that needs our help, that is an area that should be receiving our help. Indeed, a portion of the aid that we provide to that region should go through nongovernmental organizations to the people of Nagorno- Karabagh, and I will be working with the Armenians Issues Caucus and others, both in the committee and here on the floor, to make sure we provide that aid. Also at that same committee hearing I was more than a bit surprised and certainly not impressed when I saw that the administration's plan for aid to the Newly Independent States, the states of the former Soviet Union, anticipated that going from 1997 to 1998 they would increase aid to Azerbaijan by $15 million and decrease aid to Armenia by $15 million. Now, they assured me that that figure was a mere coincidence, but whether it is a coincidence or a plan, it can certainly be reversed. One way to deal with it, of course, is to simply not increase aid to Azerbaijan, a country that, as the gentleman points out, continues to blockade Armenia on the other side, with Azerbaijan on one side and Turkey on the other, to certainly not go along with the administration's plan to increase aid, but to use that increment of dollars to provide aid to the people of Nagorno-Karabagh. I hope that we would move in that direction and will be suggesting that to my colleagues not only here but in writing as well.

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in memory of the victims of the Armenian genocide, one of the most tragic events of this century and, of course, the first genocide of this century. During the years 1915 to 1923, between a million and a half and 2 million Armenians who were citizens of the Ottoman Empire died as a result of a concerted effort to annihilate the Armenian population. This genocide is an undeniable fact. It is time for the Turkish government to recognize history and to apologize, not only to the Armenian community but to humanity as a whole. I want to bring to my colleagues' attention a statement which the Holocaust Council issued in 1987 on the inclusion of the Armenian genocide in the U.S. Holocaust memorial museum, because I think it speaks volumes about the need to commemorate, to recognize and to remember the first genocide of this century. That statement read: The genocide of the Armenian citizens of the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1923 will have a place in the U.S. Holocaust museum and its library. The fate of Armenians should be included in any discussion of genocide in the 20th century. I also want to bring to the attention of my colleagues perhaps the most famous statement uttered about the Armenian genocide, and that was the comment made by Adolf Hitler when he reached the conclusion that history would forgive him if he engaged in the genocide he was planning. He stated, who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians? Mr. Speaker, we here today speak of the annihilation. That is why we insist, we must insist that this body remember once again the Armenian genocide as one of the most important events of this century. The mistakes made by the west in reaction to that event or failure to react led in at least part to the annihilation of 6 million Jews and millions of others in the rest of this century. That is why I hope that before a single dime of American taxpayer dollars are spent in aid to Turkey, that Ankara must, among other things, recognize the Armenian genocide. There is a tendency to view history as something only of relevance to the past. But those who forget history or those who refuse to acknowledge history are doomed to repeat it. Today Turkey is not engaged in genocide against Armenians, but it is engaged in trying to strangle the Republic of Armenia by not allowing even humanitarian supplies to pass to this landlocked country. I note with regret that the State Department a few days ago informed those of us who are members of the House Committee on International Relations that once again it would waive the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act. It is time for this act to carry out its purpose. It is time for Congress to evaluate whether Turkey should be given impunity to continue to blockade Armenia. When Congress passed the act involving humanitarian aid corridors, we were serious. And I look forward in future meetings of the Committee on International Relations to trying to put some teeth in that act, to give Congress the right to review whether or not it is really necessary for our security that we waive that act again and again. With that, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a valuable member of our community, Helen Bernstein. Ms. Bernstein leaves a lifetime of work and dedication on behalf of our children's education. Helen completed her undergraduate education at UCLA, going on to do her graduate work in psychology at California State University Northridge. She then began her career as teacher. Teaching at both the junior high and high school levels, she quickly earned a reputation among students and her colleagues as an outstanding educator. Although she thrived on the direct daily interaction with the children, her natural leadership abilities eventually led her to taking a more active role in the teaching community. In 1990 she was elected president of United Teachers of Los Angeles [UTLA], a position she held until 1996. She led Los Angeles teachers through a tumultuous period in which they experienced efforts to break up the school system, efforts to cut funding for teachers, and internal strife. She faced these obstacles in the only way she knew how, head on. Helen was never one to shy away from conflict or adversity, as she had a way of embracing these issues and quickly bringing the debate back to her focus--the welfare of the children. Colleagues of Helen consistently comment on both her courage of conviction and her unwavering commitment to the goal of improving schools for the children of Los Angeles. Last year Helen stepped down as president of UTLA, but remained active in the effort to reform our schools. She became director of the Teacher Union Reform Network a multistate project designed to coordinate various school reforms and improve student achievement. In addition, Helen had recently taken a position as an education adviser to Mayor Riordan, in an effort to increase his role in school reform. Indeed Helen Bernstein's life and work have left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles public school system. Her legacy was best stated in a recent Los Angeles Times editorial, ``Bernstein stood for higher academic standards and more emphasis on discipline and student testing. She saw the teachers as the key to higher standards and would stop at nothing to make that point. . . .'' Recently Ms. Bernstein passed away, leaving our community with a great loss. Her lifelong work on behalf of our educational system will not be soon forgotten. Ms. Bernstein served as a voice of those often left voiceless, the students of Los Angeles. We will miss her greatly.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my deep concern that revenues deposited into the Land and Water Conservation Fund [LWCF] are not being spent as they should. Congress created this fund many years ago to pay for the purchase of critical Federal park and recreation lands, but now only spends a small portion of the fund's annual revenues for this purpose. The Land and Water Conservation Fund was established in 1965 in order to provide a permanent annual funding source for high priority land investments that would help to conserve our Nation's natural resources and ensure our ability to meet Americans' recreational needs. At first the fund's revenues came from proceeds generated by the sales of surplus Federal real property, motorboat fuel taxes, and fees for recreational use of Federal lands. Then in 1968, Congress decided to substantially increase the LWCF's revenues by directing into the fund money yielded from Outer Continental Shelf mineral leasing receipts. As a result, Federal returns from the exploitation of one key natural resource, namely mineral products removed from the Outer Continental Shelf areas, are designated to conserve other key natural resources, namely public parks, wildlife habitats, and other recreational resources. The LWCF presently receives $900 million each year, nearly all of which comes from OCS receipts, and until 1981 the vast majority of the fund's holdings were spent on Federal land acquisition. However, over the last decade and a half, Congress has allocated less and less LWCF money for its intended purpose and has, instead, used the fund to offset the Federal deficit. Though in fiscal year 1978 over $800 million was directed from the LWCF to buy land, in fiscal year 1997 only $149 million, or 14 percent, of the LWCF was allocated to buy park and recreational property. Since such small percentages of the fund have been used to buy land in recent years, the unspent revenues have accumulated and now total more than $11 billion. While we wait to balance the budget, we are losing many opportunities to acquire and protect environmentally sensitive lands and areas that are critical to our present and future recreational needs. Many important lands will soon be lost to real estate development and industrial uses, and unless we purchase them now, we will never have another opportunity to preserve them. In honor of Earth Day, I would like to call on Congress to allocate this year's LWCF revenues for their intended purpose, to preserve in public ownership our country's most important natural and recreational resources.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional group of individuals from my congressional district, the El Camino Real High School Academic Decathlon team. This team not only won the local and State competitions, but this last weekend competed in St. George, UT where they finished second in the national competition. This is not the first time that El Camino Real has competed for this national honor. El Camino Real has won the California Academic Decathlon three times, and this was the school's third appearance in the national competition since 1992. This kind of continued success can only be attributed to diligence, hard work, and perseverance. Indeed, this impressive history speaks volumes about the individuals that we are honoring here today from the coaches, parents, friends, and of course students who were willing to sacrifice and give the extra effort. Yet hard work alone does not explain their success as this group exemplifies the word teamwork. The team consists of nine students, two coaches, and seven faculty assistants compelled by the rigorous nature of this competition to study, train, and act as a cohesive unit. The manner in which points are accumulated in the Academic Decathlon competition requires every team member to make a significant contribution; indeed, the team is only as strong as its weakest link. Through their cooperation and hard work, the team has learned that self-sacrifice can lead to excellence. I believe our ability to enter and contribute to these types of relationships both as families and communities is key to our future. Finally Mr. Speaker, I am proud to note that this track record of academic excellence is found in one of our public schools. We continuously hear about the problems facing the Nation's public education system, and although there are many obstacles and they are daunting, I believe they can be overcome. Many of the qualities that made this team successful can be used throughout our schools, such as hard work in a team atmosphere and looking to peers for support and accountability. This team consists of nine students: Steve Chae, Michal Engelman, Robert Magee, Tamara Miller, Michael Montgomery, Jacqueline Moses, Roger Rees, Dawn Robinson, and Adi Zarchi. The faculty assistants are James Centorino, Charles Doherty, Rebecca Gessert, Jerry Hickman, Mark Johnson, Jack Liebel, Naomi McCoy, Lillian Ruben, and Shukla Sarkar; the team is led by head coaches Sharon Markenson and David Roberson. Principal Ronald Bauer's guidance and support was another critical ingredient in the team's success. I commend not only the El Camino Real team, but every individual involved in similar academic pursuits. As educator John Dewey noted, ``Education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.'' Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to represent such outstanding young people, as they are truly the future of this great Nation.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to commend Mr. Richard Burstein, an outstanding citizen. On June 1, 1997, Richard will be named the Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, CA. Richard, who lives in the San Fernando Valley with his wife, Irene, and their two sons, received his undergraduate degree at the University of California at Los Angeles where he graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science in June 1970, awarded magna cum laude. After graduating college, Richard enrolled in the University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law, graduating with a juris doctor degree in June 1973. During 1972-73, Richard served on the Moot Court Board. Richard has been a practicing attorney in California for 24 years. Richard specializes in general civil litigation, commercial real estate, business, tort contract, and corporate matters. His practice includes matters in both State and Federal court and also issues of attorney conduct. He is a member of the California State Bar where he has served as a judge pro tem in the Hearing Department of the State Bar Court. Not only has Richard excelled in his professional life, but he has been a great community leader as well, enhancing the lives of his fellow citizens in the community. He has devoted countless hours of service at his synagogue, Valley Beth Shalom, where he served as president from July 1994 through June 1996. During his presidency, with his collegial style he found solutions to difficult problems as he coordinated the Temple's successful efforts to complete the repairs caused by the devastating January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake. He worked to insure that the earthquake repairs and events at the Temple were conducted in a way that was sensitive to the needs and concerns of the Temple's neighbors and the conditions established by the city of Los Angeles. He previously served as President of the Valley Beth Shalom Day School for 3 years, and as Temple vice president of Administration and Education. As the immediate past president, Richard serves on the executive committee and the board of directors of Valley Beth Shalom. Richard's emphasis on the needs of our community has had a great impact on all our lives; his values and ethics have set an example for others to follow--that is why it is with great pleasure and esteem that I stand here today to pay tribute to a great citizen of our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other esteemed colleagues to join me in congratulating Richard on being honored as Valley Beth Shalom's Man of the Year. His wife, his children, and his community can be proud of Richard's accomplishments. His unselfish dedication will be marked forever in our history.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to rise in tribute to Benjamin Reznik. Today Mr. Reznik is being recognized by the San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council for his outstanding work and enhancement of human relations within the San Fernanado Valley. Ben's parents were natives of Poland forced to leave their homeland under Nazi occupation. They were fortunate to escape to Israel, where Ben was born. As a 9-year-old boy his family overcame great obstacles and immigrated to America in search of a better life. As a young man Ben excelled in the public school system, and completed his undergraduate studies at UCLA. The culmination of his formal education came with his graduation from USC School of Law. Throughout his academic career Ben had to hold down jobs and take out loans to make ends meet. He has since served as a role model to those having to struggle through similar circumstances. In 1976, upon graduation, Ben obtained a small loan from a local bank and opened his own law office. Six years later his wife, Janice, joined him in the firm and they established their professional partnership of Reznik & Reznik. The firm has grown steadily since and today is one of the city's most respected law firms. When not working in the firm, Ben gives freely of his time and resources to those less fortunate than himself. It is well known throughout the community that Ben constantly lends a hand to others facing adversity. His altruistic nature manifests itself in the very personal responsibility he feels to our community. His service ranges from his current position as president of the Valley Job Recovery Corp., a nonprofit economic development corporation assisting our community in job creation and retention, to his past chairmanship of the Economic Alliance, a nonprofit group developing an economic strategic plan for the San Fernando Valley. His expertise and hard work were noted by Mayor Richard Riordan, when he appointed Ben to serve on the development reform committee which recommended ways of streamlining the development process. Ben was also asked by the mayor to oversee implementation of a Federal grant aimed at producing an economic development strategy for the changing economy of Los Angeles. Beyond work and various philanthropic pursuits, Ben and Janice are dedicated parents to their three wonderful children. Ben is held in the highest esteem within our community, and is frequently looked to for his sage advice. Ben Reznik's life is truly a remarkable story, he is living proof that dedication and hard work are still the formula for success.