Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Reverend Dr. Henrietta Scott Fullard's dedication to her community. Reverend Dr. Henrietta Scott Fullard's life can be phrased as one of high achievements and a steward of educational excellence. One word that best describes her is ``Teacher.'' The word teacher maybe simple but a word that carries powerful meaning. Throughout her life, she has strived for educational excellence. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, a Master in Arts and a Master of Divinity. In addition, she received an honorary Doctor of Education and a Doctor of Divinity. Reverend Dr. Fullard has used her educational experiences and talents to not only serve as an educator on the high school level but as an advisor and principal. She was appointed the first principal of the newly formed Mathematics, Science Research and Technology Magnet School in Cambria Heights, NY. Through her leadership and vision, she established educational partnerships with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Agriculture to have the students participate in science and technology research. As a reverend, while Dr. Fullard was establishing her education agenda, she also served as a minister. She maintained a dual career for several years. Now, retired from her many years of service with the New York City Board of Education, she is currently serving as pastor of the Bethel AME church in Arverne, New York. Her ministerial focus is to develop and promote programs and services that instill community empowerment, economic development, job opportunities and capital investments. With this charge, she founded the Bethel Arverne Home Health Aide Training Program. Since the program's inception, the program has successfully graduated three classes. In addition, she continues to be actively involved in many community, civic associations, and fraternal organizations. Reverend Dr. Fullard has been a steward of both educational and spiritual upliftment for the Brooklyn community. Reverend Dr. Fullard is truly an educator. And, today it is my pleasure to bring her achievements to the attention of my colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Pastor Pauline Williams Griffin in recognition of her work as a leader in the Church of God in Christ Jesus, an educator, a counselor, community leader, professional woman, wife and mother. Pauline Williams Griffin was born in Angier, North Carolina. She received her elementary and the first part of her secondary education in Lillington, North Carolina. After her family moved to New York City in 1944, she graduated from Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn. she went on to attend Pace University, Bank Street College and The College for Human Services. Her Bishop, Dr. W.H. Amos, Chief Apostle of the Church of God in Christ Jesus, appointed her Elder of the Church of God in Christ Jesus, N.D. in 1965. Elder Griffin moved rapidly within this setting, as she became the state Mother of the Church of God in Christ Jesus for New York State. She is currently the General Mother as well as a Board Member of the Bank Street College Community Day Care Action Coalition. She is the Director of the Church of God in Christ Jesus Day Care Center as well as the Executive Director of the Church of God in Christ Jesus After-School Program at P.S. 81 in Brooklyn. Elder Griffin is also a member of Community Planning Board No. 3. She serves as the Director of a comprehensive program for young people which includes personal and health counseling and has been directly responsible for the enrollment of 60 students in the program of College for Human Services. In addition, she is Vice President of the Movement for Meaningful Involvement in Child Care. Elder Griffin serves as Vice President of the United Minorities, Inc., is a member of the New York State Citizens Coalition for Children Inc. and the Chairperson of the Concerned Foster and Adoptive Parents Support Group, Inc. as well as belonging to a host of professional organizations. Pauline is married to Elder Clifton Griffin and is blessed with two lovely daughters, two sons and a beautiful granddaughter. Mr. Speaker, Pastor Pauline Williams Griffin is a dedicated leader of her community and her church. She is committed to teaching the word of God and bringing the word to the greater community. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving this recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mrs. Joyce Yvonne Chase, member of the Kings County Hospital Community Advisory Board and the NAACP 100 Black Women, devoted parishioner of the John Wesley United Methodist Church and a dedicated community leader, in recognition of the nearly five decades of compassionate and selfless service she has contributed to her community. A native of Guyana, Mrs. Chase migrated to the United States in 1953. She began her career as a nurse's aide at the Jewish Chronic Disease Hospital, and after five years of devoted service, joined the staff of Brooklyn's Kings County Hospital. Through continued education and hard work, while at Kings County Hospital, Mrs. Chase progressed from nurse's aide to licensed practical nurse and then to Registered Nurse, the position from which she retired in 1993 after forty years of enthusiastic, kind-hearted and loving service--service that made a difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. After retiring from her career in nursing in 1993, Mrs. Chase continued to carry out her commitment to care and service of the less fortunate as a dedicated volunteer. Since 1993, Mrs. Chase has volunteered as a member of the Auxiliary of Kings County Hospital Center, spearheaded the hospital's One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Anniversary Celebration, which raised $126,000 to enable the further development of the New Bed Tower of Kings County Hospital, and personally organized a fundraiser for Rhonda Armstrong, a twelve year old Guyanan native with a brain tumor. Mrs. Chase also continues to coordinate an Annual Thanksgiving Party for the children of Bedford Stuyvesant, volunteers at the Brooklyn's Children's Museum, and fulfills her role as the pillar of her family. Finally Mr. Speaker, I would like to note that Mrs. Chase is married to Keith Anderson Chase, and is the proud mother of two children. A beacon of dignity and compassion and a pillar of her community and family, in all that she has done Mrs. Chase has always put others first; she has always been giving, always caring. Her selfless commitment to serving those in need has touched many lives and had a tremendously positive affect on her community. Mrs. Joyce Yvonne Chase is truly an exemplary citizen worthy of our praise. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring her.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Catherine Watts-Coleman in recognition of her contribution to her family and her community. Catherine, a native of North Carolina, relocated to Brooklyn with her parents and two siblings after receiving her high school diploma from the Morningside High School in Statesville, North Carolina. Upon arriving in Brooklyn, Catherine enrolled in the Central School for Practicing Nursing. After graduating, she went on to work at the Harlem Eye and Ear Hospital, Lutheran Hospital, and Sheephead Bay Nursing Home. In 1950, Catherine married the late Bryant Coleman and was blessed with two wonderful children, Wayne and Lance. In rearing her children, she became more active in the Brooklyn community. Her motto is ``parents must be actively involved in the social, educational, and spiritual life of their children in order for them to grow up and become responsible contributing members of society.'' Catherine grew up in a caring, loving and spiritual household and she continues to always put God first in her life. Her daily meditation includes the 23rd and 121st Psalms, and the 14th Chapter of St. John. With that commitment to her community, she continues to be a tithing member of her childhood church, the Church of the Living God in Statesville, North Carolina, and alternates weekly worship between Nazarene Temple and Faith Holy Churches in Brooklyn. Today, Catherine is a happy retiree who continues to reach out and touch the lives of others by happily volunteering her time. One of her greatest joys is talking about her six grandchildren, Zuri, Maurice, Larissa, Lauren, Lance Jr., and Latrice. She is also proud of her daughter-in-laws, nieces, and nephews who are an integral part of her life. Mr. Speaker, Catherine Watts-Coleman has devoted her life to serving her family and her community. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Dorita Clarke in recognition of her commitment and dedication to higher education opportunities in New York City. Donita is a very active member of the community. Along with a full time job with the Department of Transportation, Dorita has served as the New York State Committee Woman for the 22th Assembly District since 1965. In 1997, she co-founded the ``You Can Go to College Committee'' where she continues to serve as the Executive Director. This organization prepares ninth through twelfth grade students to take the SAT's, assists seniors through the application and financial aid process, and provides workshops on college life. In addition, she arranges college visits to New York area colleges and tours of some Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Many of the students who have worked with the ``You Can Go to College Committee'' have enjoyed an easier adjustment to college life and maintained at least a 3.0 GPA. Once in the program and attending a college, the Committee continues to track students' progress and periodically sends care packages. Since the inception of this tremendous program, over 1,000 students have participated. In addition, Ms. Clarke is affiliated with several other organizations such as the New York State Fraternal Order of Police, Chapter #93; United Democratic Club--Executive Board; Democratic National Committee; Key Women of America. Inc.; and York College Advisory Board. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Clarke has dedicated her life to giving youth in Brooklyn and throughout New York City the opportunity to excel in higher education. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Brenda E. Perry-Felder in recognition of her dedication and commitment to her family, her community and her church. Brenda E. Perry was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1940. Brenda attended Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, and then went on to become one of the first African-Americans to attend Bishop McDonald's Catholic High School. She has spent her life caring for others. After graduating from high school, Brenda attended Kings County Hospital Nursing School. As a registered nurse, she held several positions at a number of different hospitals, including St. Mary's and Greenpoint Hospital. Brenda has been married to her husband, Cleon, for almost 25 years. Together they have three children, Derick, Ronda, and Kimberly as well as one adopted daughter, Brenda, and a stepson, Cleon Jr. She is also the grandmother of 13 and great grandmother of two. While raising her children, Brenda decided to go back to school to become a teacher. She was a member of the first class of Medgar Evers College earning a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She also attended Barber- Scotia College. She went on to receive a Master's in Education from Brooklyn College followed by a Master's in Supervision/Administration from City College and a Principal Leadership Certification from Howard University. Brenda was an outstanding dedicated teacher, principal and advocate for children. She worked as a teacher in the Catholic school system at Our Lady of Victory and New Bed-Stuy Catholic Schools. She went on to work for the New York City Board of Education in District 23 where she remained for over 25 years. One of her greatest career accomplishments occurred early this year. After a great deal of hard work, just as she was retiring as its school principal, Brenda was able to have PS 73 removed from the SURR list. Brenda has received countless honors for her hard work and dedication. In 1986, 1992, and 1995, she received the ``Outstanding Leadership Award from District 23''; in 1991, she received the ``Key Women of America Education Award''; in 1993, 1998, and 1999 she was given the Rachel Jean Mitchell Award for her Outstanding Service to Students in District 23; in 1994, she was honored with the Malcom X- Betty Shabazz Award for Outstanding Service to Children; in 1997, she also received the Barbara Scotia College Alumni Award for Outstanding Service to Children; and in 1999, the New York City School system acknowledged her career achievements with the Chancellor's Leadership Award as Principal of the Year. Brenda E. Perry-Felder has committed herself as a parent, student, and teacher to hard work and outstanding accomplishments. Her motto is, ``If I can help somebody along the way then my living will not have been in vain.'' Mr. Speaker, Brenda E. Perry-Felder has helped many and her life is not in vain. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving this recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, more than 540 people have recently died in violent attacks on Muslims in Gujarat, India while police stand by and do nothing. This violence is very disturbing and very reminiscent of the violence against Sikhs in Delhi in November 1984. At that time, police also stood by and did nothing. Sikh police were locked in their barracks and the state-run radio and television stations fanned the flames of the massacre. Even a former Member of Parliament was killed in the riots last week while police stood by, according to a report in the National Post. When the government, through its police, stands by and lets these attacks unfold, it condones them. Unfortunately, this shows the real truth about India's claim that it is secular and democratic. In a secular, democratic country, the police do not allow minorities to be massacred. This is the act of a theocratic country that seeks to wipe out minorities. That is not the kind of country that America should be supporting. We should stop providing aid to India while its minorities suffer from this kind of repression. We should not build up its economy with trade. And we should support the people and nations of South Asia in achieving freedom. Self-determination is the right of all people; let us support a free and fair plebiscite on the future of Khalistan, Kashmir, Nagaland, and the other countries seeking their freedom from India. Mr. Speaker, the Council of Khalistan recently published a press release discussing the parallels between the current violence and the Delhi massacres of Sikhs. Killing of Over 540 Muslims By Hindu Militants Parallels 1984 Massacre of Sikhs Washington, D.C., March 5, 2002.--The attacks on Muslims in Ahmedabad parallel the November 1984 massacre of Sikhs in Delhi, according to Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, the government pro tempore of the Sikh homeland, Khalistan, which leads the struggle for the independence of Khalistan. ``The police stood by then, too, and the police gave a nod to the violence,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``This is part of the overall plan of a Hindu fundamentalist regime that is determined to wipe out minorities,'' he said. More then 540 people have died during the last week in the current violence in Ahmedabad. ``When 13 people were killed in the attack on the Indian Parliament, there was a lot of outrage, as there should be for the killing of any human being,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``Where is the outrage at the death of over 540 people in this massacre?'' he asked. ``The true face of Indian secularism is exposed,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``They demolished a mosque the other day, they demolished the mosque in Ayodhya and they are proceeding with plans to build a Hindu temple on the site,'' he said. ``They attacked the Golden Temple in 1984. They have attacked Christian churches, schools, and prayer halls.'' In 2000, Indian troops were caught red-handed trying to set fire to Sikh homes in Kashmir. During the Delhi massacres in November 1984, Sikh police officers were locked in their barracks while more than 20,000 Sikhs were massacred and the state-run television and radio called for more Sikh blood. ``It is too bad that atrocities like these are carried out with impunity,'' he said. The Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984. Over 75,000 Kashmiri Muslims have been killed since 1988. More than 200,000 Christians have been killed since 1947, along with tens of thousands of Dalits, Tamils, Assamese, Bodos, Manipuris, and other minorities. A report issued last year shows that 52,268 Sikh political prisoners are held in Indian jails, as well as tens of thousands of others. Since Christmas 1998, Christians have felt the brunt of the attacks. Priests have been murdered, nuns have been raped, churches have been burned, Christian schools and prayer halls have been destroyed, and no one has been punished for these acts. Militant Hindu fundamentalists allied with the RSS, the pro-Fascist parent organization of the ruling BJP, burned missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons to death. Pakistan has requested the extradition of Home Minister L.K. Advani, who is wanted for the murder of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, 50 years ago. Last year, a cabinet member said that everyone living in India must be a Hindu or be subservient to Hindus. In July 1997, Narinder Singh, a spokesman for the Golden Temple, told National Public Radio, ``The Indian government, all the time they boast that they're democratic, they're secular, but they have nothing to do with a democracy, they have nothing to do with a secularism. They try to crush Sikhs just to please the majority.'' The attacks in Ahmedabad reportedly came in retaliation for an attack on a railroad car full of Hindus on their way to Ayodyha to build a temple on the site where the most revered mosque in India was destroyed several years ago. 58 Hindus were burned to death in that attack. For several days, train loads of Hindu extremists had passed through the village of Godha, where the train attack occurred, shouting provocative slogans about building a temple. ``By standing by while this violence went on, the government condones it,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``The only way to escape this government-supported violence and tyranny is for the Sikhs, Christians, Muslims, and other minorities to claim their freedom from India,'' he said. ``That is the only way to prevent the Hindu militant theocracy from wiping us out,'' he said. ``Now is the time for a Shantmai Morcha (peaceful agitation) for the independence of Khalistan,'' he said. ``Sikhs are a separate nation. Sikhs ruled Punjab until the British annexed Punjab in 1849. The people of South Asia must have self-determination now,'' he said. ``India is on the verge of disintegration, as Steve Forbes predicted in the current issue of Forbes magazine,'' he said. ``Khalistan will be free by 2008.''

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, we were all disturbed to read about the attack on a train full of Hindus in the village of Godhra in India. It is always disturbing to see this kind of sectarian violence. The Gujarat Samachar reported that the train was carrying high-level activists of the militant, pro-Nazi Vishwa Hindu Parishad, a branch of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), which is also the parent organization of the ruling BJP. They were taunting the villagers with slogans about building a Hindu temple on the site of the most revered mosque in India, which was destroyed by the BJP some years ago. In another village, Daahod, they got tea and snacks and did not pay for them. They knocked over a vendor's stall, according to the article, and deliberately picked a fight with a man who was helping the vendor, beating him, pulling his beard and committing other acts to humiliate him. His 16-year-old daughter tried to stop them from harming her father. They grabbed her and took her on the train, according to the article. After a crowd gathered to try to rescue her from the VHP, they slammed the windows shut with the girl inside the train. Out of their frustration and anger over this action, some villagers began to burn the train. No one condones the killing of these Hindus, even if they were militants, but I hope none of my colleagues justifies the killing of Muslims that has erupted in response while the police have stood by and let it happen. The militant Hindu nationalists want to make a Hindu society in India, and they can justify actions like these in the name of that cause, but there is no justification. If this is how democracy and secularism are practiced in India, then it should not receive any American aid or trade. We should also acknowledge that the only way to end this kind of violence is to support independence for all the peoples and nations of South Asia. It is time for India to begin acting like a democracy and allow the peoples living under their rule to enjoy self-determination. It is time for a plebiscite on independence. [From Gujarat Samachar, Mar. 3, 2002] Truth About the Train Incident (By Anil Soni and Neelam Soni) The tragic incident of Sabarmati Express that occurred today at 7:30 am at about 1 km away from Godhra railway station has thrown a question mark to those people who claim to be secular or liberal. Many aspects & facts have been ignored & which I would like to bring to your notice. Compartment (Bogey) no S-6 & two other compartment of the Sabarmati Express was carrying the kar sevaks of the V.H.P. (Vishwa Hindu Parishad). And it was due to these kar sevaks from bogey no S-6 that the incident occurred. The actual story didn't start from Godhra as being told everywhere but it started from a place from Daahod, a place that comes 70-75 km before Godhra railway station. At about 5:30-6:00 a.m. the train reached Daahod railway station. These kar sevaks, after having tea & snacks at the railway stall, broke down the stall after having some argument with the stall owner and they processed back to the departing train. The stall owner then field on N C against kar sevaks at the local police station about the above incident. Then about 7.00-7.15 am the train reached Godhra railway station. All the kar sevaks came out from their reserved compartments and started to have tea and snacks, at the small tea stall on the platform, which was being run by an old bearded man from the minority community. There was a servant helping this old man in the stall. The kar sevaks on purpose argued with this old man and then bate him up & pulled his beard. This was all planned to humiliate the old man since he was from the minority community. These kar sevaks kept repeating the slogan, ``Mandir Ka Nirmaann Karo, Babuer Ki Aulad to Baahar Kar''. (Start building the Mandir and throw the sones of Babur i.e. the Muslims out of the country.) Hearing the chaos, the daughter (16) of the old man who was also present at the station came forward & tried to save her father from kar sevaks. She kept pleading & begging to them to stop beating her father and leave him alone. But instead of listening to her woes, the kar sevaks lifted the young girl and took her inside their compartment (S-6) and closed the compartment door shut. Their intention behind this act is best known to them. The train started to move out of the platform of Godhra railway station. The old man kept banging on the compartment doors and pleaded to leave his daughter. Just before the train could move out completely from the platform, two stall vendors jumped into the last bogey that comes from the guards cabin. And with the intention of saving the girl they pulled the chain and stopped the train. By the time the train halted completely, it was 1 km away from the railway station. These two men then came to the bogey in which the girl was and started to band at the door and requested the kar sevaks to leave the girl alone. Hearing all these chaos, people vicinity near to the tracks started to gather towards the train. The boys and the mob (that also included women) that had now gathered near the compartment requested the kar sevaks to return the girl back. But instead of returning the girl, they started closing their windows. The infuriated the mob and they retaliated by pelting stones at the compartment. The compartment-adjoining compartment S-6 on both sides contained kar sevaks of the V.H.P. These kar sevaks were carrying banners that had long bamboo stick attached to them. These kar sevaks got down and started attacking with bamboo sticks on the mob gathered to save the girl. These was like adding insult to injury for the crowed gathered and their anger was now uncontrollable. The crowd started to bring diesel and petrol from trucks and rickshaws standing at the garages Signal Fadia (a place in Godhra) and burnt down the compartment. They don't bring the fuel from any petrol pump as being reported everywhere nor was this act of burning pre-planned as being mentioned by many peopole but it happened all of a sudden out of sheer frustration and anger. After hearing about this incident, members of V.H.P. (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) liviing in that area started burning down the garages in Signal Fadia, they also burnt down Baddshah Masjid, (Mosque), at Shehra Bhagaaad (small area in Godhra). Reliable resources have reported all these information and facts to their information and me cannot be doubted. I would also mention my sources namely Mr. Anil Soni and Neelam Soni (reporter of Gujarat Samachar, also members of P.T.I. & A.N.I.) have worked hard to dig the true facts and they duly deserve words of appraisal for their hard work. Mr. Soni's mobile number: 0-9825038152. Resident number 02672 (code) 43153, office number: 43152, fax number: 45999. Due to no proper substantial and circumstantial evidence and the late arrival of the Police at the scene of crime frustrated the Police. Which resulted in harassment and arrests in innocent local people living in Godhra. Furthermore the police started blaming the Mayor of Godhra, Mr. Ahmed Hussain Kalota for incident. Mr. Kalota who is the member of the Indian National Congress is also a lawyer. This blaming on Congressmen was also dune to humiliate, defame and demoralize the Congress. The V.H.P's plan is to weaken the country by planning internal conflicts between communities and bring a backwardness of 100 years in the country. Sorry to say but they are carrying out their plans successfully without the tear of being stopped by anyone. No one but only the innocents will have to bear the consequences of their plans. It is our humble request and prayers to all the members of Parliament along wit the Prime Minister, and the entire media circle to try and stop the sparks of a fire to gulp down the whole county in flames to take some auction against the kar sevaks of the V.H.P (Vishwa Hindu Parished) before they get out of hand and stop harassing the innocents and catch the real miscreants and culprits. We lay our request in front of you with folded hands and hearts filled with theirs for the death of innocents and anger for the wrongdoers. We hope our request and efforts will not deafeared or blind-eyed.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of ``What Shall I Render Ministries'' and their Pastor, Lucille P. Farrell-Scott, in recognition of their first year of ministering to the Brooklyn community. ``What Shall I render Ministries'' was founded on March 1, 2001 with seven members and a mission to nurture families and restore them to wholeness. After only a year, they are fifty-three active members strong and have helped welfare mothers obtain employment by working with those in need on a case-by-case basis. In one instance, the church paid for a nurse's assistants' course and supplied the forms for a mother to become a Nurse's Assistant. In addition, ``What Shall I Render Ministries'' established education as a top priority. To demonstrate their commitment, they established a scholarship fund which has already assisted four students with a total of $9,600 in tuition assistance. They have also worked with other community organizations to hold monthly events. In March of 2001, they celebrated Women's History Month by holding a health and wellness seminar for the community. Over one hundred families received free blood pressure screening and literature on breast cancer, lupus, and high blood pressure. Last May, they joined with Alpha Kappa Sorority Sigma Psa Omega Chapter and contributed 60 shoeboxes filled with school supplies that were sent to the school children in Africa. They celebrated Father's Day in June with a celebration honoring black fathers in our community. In August, school day was celebrated by presenting eight high school students with a $300 stipend to assist parents with their student's clothing. On September 11, 2001, ``What Shall I Render Ministries'' opened their hearts and hands with the assistance of Kinko's, on Queens Boulevard, and distributed over 2,000 prayer cards. In October, ``What Shall I Render . . .'' once again reached out to those in need by contributing $500 to the Annual Lupus walk which was sponsored by the Philadelphia Church of Universal Brotherhood in Brooklyn. In November, they went into the community with $300 gift certificates for needy families so that they would be able to have Thanksgiving dinner. During the Christmas holidays, the church sponsored a new clothing and toy drive to help five families in need. In February of this year, they sponsored three events all designed to help the community: a home buying seminar, a stewardship seminar, and a parenting skills workshop. Mr. Speaker, in one year ``What Shall I Render Ministries'' and Pastor Lucille P. Farrell-Scott have built an organization of vast accomplishments and commitment to the community. As such, they are more than worthy of receiving this recognition and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable addition to the Brooklyn community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of a wonderful woman who was taken from us well before her time. Michele Mills was called home on Monday, November 12, 2001. She was aboard American Airlines flight 587, from New York to the Dominican Republican, which seconds after take off tragically fell out of the sky and crashed into a residential neighborhood in Queens, New York. Michele Mills was born to Priscilla and Eugene Mills on June 4, 1955 in St. Mary's Hospital in Brooklyn. Michele remained a proud resident of Brooklyn for many years living in Red Hook and Crown Heights. After graduating from the Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in 1973, she continued her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology where she majored in merchandising/buying. With encouragement from her sister, Tricia, Michele moved on to an aviation career working for Overseas National Airlines. In 1978, Michele joined American Airlines. She worked there for her remaining twenty-three years. Michele always kept her priorities in order: God, family, work and hobbies. She realized God's presence in her life at a very early age and joined Brownsville Community Baptist Church, where she served as a faithful member. She was a very spiritual person who routinely began her day with meditation and spiritual readings. Michele's family and friends were an extremely important part of her life. Her home was a gathering place for festive occasions. She took great pride in graciously serving others and did so with a warm smile. Her colleagues became her extended family. Michele was an avid reader, a gourmet cook, an interior decorator and a thrifty shopper. She was rarely seen at work or around the house without her ``book of the week,'' nearby. She became well known by her JFK co-workers, family and friends for her famous, ``Michele's Fried Chicken.'' Every aspect of her life was orderly; and her attire was always impeccable. She took little to nothing for granted. Michele is survived by her parents, Priscilla and Eugene Mills; her siblings, Tricia and Kenneth Mills; her fiancee, Henry Ray; two uncles: Bob Mills of Edison, New Jersey and Freddie Holmes of Columbia, South Carolina; five aunts, Albertha Bell of Brooklyn, New York, Dezel Mallory of North Carolina, Doris Mills of Edison, New Jersey, Lysine Holmes of South Carolina, Irene Holmes of Brooklyn, New York, a great aunt, Lucille Wilkins of Brooklyn, New York, one god-daughter, Stephanie Holmes of Brooklyn, and a host of cousins and friends throughout the United States. Mr. Speaker, Michele Mills was a woman who enjoyed her religion, her family, her work, and her hobbies. She worked hard, no matter which part of her life was her focus at any particular moment. As such I hope that my colleagues will join me in honoring the memory of this woman who was at the beginning of a truly remarkable life.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Dr. Edison O. Jackson, President of the Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York, Board member of the New York City Board of Education, member of the Ministerial staff of Bridge Street A.M.E. Church, father, husband and outstanding community resident, in recognition of all that he does for his borough, his city and his state. Dr. Jackson, a resident of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, is an outstanding citizen and a pillar of our community. He was born in Heathsville, Virginia. Dr. Jackson received a B.S. in Zoology, followed by a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from Howard University. He began his education career counseling, where he served for almost four years. In 1969, he was named Dean of Student Affairs at Essex County College, in New Jersey. He distinguished himself to the point that he was promoted to Vice President of Student Affairs. In 1983, Dr. Edison was named Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at Essex County College. In that same year, he received a Doctorate in Education from Rutgers University. In 1989, he accepted the position of President of Medgar Evers College. He brought with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in administering the affairs of educational institutions. Dr. Jackson currently holds memberships on a number of civic, educational and community organizations. His affiliations with professional and national organizations run the gamut from the American Association of Higher Education, to the President's Round Table and the National Council on Crime and Delinquency. Dr. Jackson has also written extensively on issues of concern to educators, with particular concentration on minority students and the community, academic preparation and student performance. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to note that Dr. Jackson is married to Florence E. Jackson, and is the proud father of two children: Eulaynea and Terrance. Mr. Speaker, as Black History Month comes to an end it is only fitting that we honor a man who has done so much--and continues to do so much--to shape so many young lives. Dr. Edison O. Jackson is that man and he is nationally recognized as a leader in education. As such he is more than worthy of receiving our praise and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable man.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Reverend Timothy Wright for his dedication to the spiritual upliftment of his community through music. Reverend Wright was born on June 17, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Personal Savior at an early age. During this time it became very apparent that Reverend Wright had an unusual gift for music. At St. John's Baptized Holiness Church, he cultivated his musical skills while serving as church organist and choir director for the youth ensemble. In 1966, Reverend Wright was drafted in the U.S. Army and served his country until 1968. He received a honorable discharge and returned to his home in Brooklyn, NY. From 1969 to 1990, Reverend Wright has served many capacities at the Washington Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Brooklyn, NY. During his tenure, he founded the Timothy Wright Concert Choir in 1976. In addition, Reverend Wright has recorded with many other choirs through out the U.S. and abroad. Reverend Wright gained national recognition for the album ``Come Thou Almighty King.'' Reverend Wright has been a three-time Grammy nominee, NAACP Image Award winner and a Stellar Award winner. In 1990, Reverend Wright established the Grace Tabernacle Christian Center COGIC in his home. The Grace Tabernacle Christian Center COGIC ministry included various outreach programs that served all in need. Grace COGIC, located in the heart of the inner city, has grown and flourished over the years. In January 1998, Rev. Wright was elevated to Superintendent of District #3 in New York. Reverend Wright has been a beacon of light for the Brooklyn community through preaching, teaching the word of God or ministering in song or music. Reverend Wright is truly an anointed man of God. And, today it is my pleasure to bring his achievements to the attention of my colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, this is a very obvious way of trying to usurp the role of the Committee on Rules. What is the purpose of the Committee on Rules if we are going to try and usurp them in this fashion? Let me be candid by saying that this is not what the Bell companies or the competitors prefer. However, I strongly believe that our amendment represents a middle ground. The Buyer-Towns is a good compromise. Our amendment does the right thing to ensure that broadband is deployed in a competitive environment, and this is what this is all about.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendment to H.R. 1542. Last year, I voted to report H.R. 1542 out of Committee. I felt that America needed to formulate a national broadband policy and that the Tauzin-Dingell Bill was an excellent first step in doing so. I also supported a line-sharing amendment during Committee deliberations because I felt that it was critical to provide access and reasonable pricing for the competitive industry. Over the past three years, line sharing has been the most contentious issue in the broadband debate. The amendment that Mr. Buyer and I offer today represents a true compromise on this issue. Our amendment ensures that the competitive industry will have access to all copper and fiber networks owned by the Bell Companies. They will also have FCC-regulated pricing, which will prohibit the Bell Companies from pricing the CLECs out of the market. In addition to these provisions, this amendment also safeguards important laws such as the anti-slamming provisions and it protects the E-Rate program. Let me be candid by saying, this is not what the Bell Companies or the competitors preferred; however I strongly believe that our amendment represents the middle ground that has been sorely missing in this debate over high-speed data deployment. I will tell you Mr. Speaker that it is my belief that our amendment does the right thing to ensure that broadband is deployed in a competitive environment. I am pleased that the AARP and the Communications Workers of America have endorsed our proposal to strike a balance that is fair to consumers and is equitable for providers. I urge each of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the Buyer-Towns Amendment and forge a true compromise on the issue of line sharing.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call the attention of my colleagues to an article by Steve Forbes in the March 4 issue of Forbes magazine called ``India, Meet Austria-Hungary.'' In the article, Mr. Forbes compares present-day India to the old Austro-Hungarian Empire. Like Austria-Hungary, India is a multiethnic, multinational country. Such countries are unstable, as Mr. Forbes notes, and they face a similar peril. The article notes that some leaders in India are ``itching to go to war with Pakistan, even though Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has taken considerable political risks by moving against Pakistani- based-and-trained anti-India terrorist groups.'' At the same time, according to a January 2 article in the Washington Times, India continues to sponsor cross-border terrorism against Pakistan. The article notes that when the Austro-Hungarian monarchy attacked Serbia in 1914, it launched a war in which the Hapsburgs lost their empire. Today, several countries exist where the Austro-Hungarian Empire once was. India is in similar circumstances. It should learn from the example of Austria-Hungary, the Soviet Union, and other multinational empires. It should realize that the breakup of such states is inevitable. The Soviet Union and Austria-Hungary had a stronger, more stable political structure and they fell apart because such multinational states cannot be held together. In fact, Indian Home Minister L.K. Advani recently said that if Kashmir gets its freedom, India will unravel. Yet India continues its futile efforts to maintain its multinational state by force, in pursuit of Hindu hegemony. It continues to attack and kill Christians, Sikhs, Muslims, Dalits, and other minority groups. It continues to hold tens of thousands of political prisoners, something I find very odd for a democracy. Indian forces have killed more than 250,000 Sikhs, over 200,000 Christians in Nagaland, more than 75,000 Kashmiri Muslims, and many thousands of minorities of all kinds. This repressive policy will not work. Eventually, the force that broke up the Soviet Union and broke up the Austro-Hungarian Empire will break up India. I hope that this happens peacefully. With the war on terrorism ongoing, we do not need another violent trouble spot in the world. America can encourage this process of nationalism and freedom in South Asia. We should press India for the release of all political prisoners. We should stop our aid and trade with India until they are released and the oppression of minorities ends. We should openly declare our support for self-determination for all peoples and nations in South Asia. By these measures we will help everyone in the subcontinent to live freely, prosperously, in dignity, stability, and peace. Mr. Speaker, I would like to insert the Forbes article into the Record at this time. [From Forbes Magazine, Mar. 4, 2002] India, Meet Austria-Hungary (By Steve Forbes) Influential elements in India's government and military are still itching to go to war with Pakistan, even though Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has taken considerable political risks by moving against Pakistani-based-and-trained anti-India terrorist groups. Sure, Musharraf made a truculent speech condemning India's ``occupation'' of Kashmir, but that was rhetorical cover for cracking down on those groups. Washington should send New Delhi some history books for these hotheads; there is no human activity more prone to unintended consequences than warfare. As cooler heads in the Indian government well know, history is riddled with examples of parties that initiated hostilities in the belief that conflict would resolutely resolve outstanding issues. Pericles of Athens thought he could deal with rival Sparta once and for all when he triggered the Peloponnesian War; instead his city-state was undermined and Greek civilization devastated. Similarly, Hannibal brilliantly attacked Rome; he ended up not only losing the conflict but also setting off a train of events that ultimately led to the total destruction of Carthage. Prussia smashed France in 1870, annexing critical French territory for security reasons, but that sowed the seeds for the First World War. At the end of World War I the victorious Allies thought they had dealt decisively with German military power. Israel crushed its Arab foes in 1967, but long-term peace did not follow. India is not a homogeneous state. Neither was the Austro- Hungarian Empire. It attacked Serbia in the summer of 1914 in the hopes of destroying this irritating state after Serbia had committed a spectacular terrorist act against the Hapsburg monarchy. The empire ended up splintering, and the Hapsburgs lost their throne. And on it goes. Getting back to the present, do Indian war hawks believe China will stand idly by as India tried to reduce Pakistan to vassal-state status? Do they think Arab states and Iran won't fund Muslim guerrilla movements in Pakistan, as well as in India itself? Where does New Delhi think its oil comes from (about 70%, mainly from the Middle East)? Does India think the U.S. will stand by impotently if it starts a war that unleashes nuclear weapons? In his second inaugural address, Abraham Lincoln summed up the unpredictable consequences of war, vis-a-vis America's Civil War: ``Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. . . . Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding.''

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of an outstanding organization that has been developed at KeySpan, Black Leadership at KeySpan, or BLAK, as it is known and their Chairperson, Renee McClure and Vice-chair, Ron Thompson and the entire BLAK organization, in recognition of their promotion of professional training, networking and community commitment. In 2000, BLAK was created by KeySpan's Black employees with the support of Robert Catell--Chairman and CEO, Craig Mathews--Vice Chairman and COO, Colin Watson--Senior VP, Strategic Marketing and Elaine Weinstein, Senior VP of Human Resources, and senior management to establish an entity within the organization whose vision is: To be a resource for fostering leadership, excellence and community commitment among Black employees for the benefit of the corporation and its stakeholders. In September of 2001, BLAK held its first ``Executive Connection'' day, providing BLAK members and the senior managers of KeySpan a forum to come together, exchange ideas, and establish relationships. BLAK recognizes that in order to be an effective organization it must develop communications throughout the corporation as a whole. As part of this effort, BLAK has taken part in one of KeySpan's monthly breakfast meetings to inform management about BLAK and has established an internal website and quarterly newsletter to keep its members informed. BLAK has also established a number of committees to address the concerns of its members. One committee is the Community Involvement Committee (CIC). While a number of options were discussed reflecting the wide interests of its members, CIC felt that one of the most effective ways would be to become actively involved in two community high schools, and hopefully to expand their involvement with many other local schools in the future. BLAK's professional development initiatives include a resume bank, a coaching program, and a mentoring program. The variety of programs and services offered by BLAK illustrates a talented and eager membership. This membership also reflects the outstanding leadership of BLAK's Chair Renee McClure and Vice-chair Ronald Thompson. These two individuals along with the executive board, committees, advisors, and senior management continue to develop an outstanding organization that promotes growth, development and the community commitment that makes KeySpan such a tremendous asset to the community. As such, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable organization and its leaders.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Sister Irene Smith Strickland in recognition of her one-hundredth birthday. Irene was the first of eleven children born on February 9, 1902 in Hampton, South Carolina to Margaret and John Smith. She moved to New York City in 1927 and joined the Corner Stone Baptist Church, where she served as an Usher. Sister Strickland was married to the late Troy Strickland who passed away in June 1988. She and Troy had one son who passed away in June of 1993. She also has one daughter in law, four grandsons, two grand daughters, and six great grandchildren, In November of 1939 she joined Zion Baptist Church where she also served as an Usher. She also worked on the nurses unit as a personal nurse to the late Rev. B.J. Lowery. In June of 1939, Irene was initiated into Omega Chapter #48 Order of Eastern Stars serving in all capacities. She is, a member of the 2nd Masonic District and will be celebrating her birthday on February 17 at the Ridged Masonic Temple. Mr. Speaker, Sister Irene Smith Strickland has lived through more than most of us will ever know. It is my pleasure to join in the celebration of her one-hundredth birthday, a milestone that many of us hope to reach, As such she is more than worthy of receiving this recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of William Jefferson Jr. in recognition of his 102nd Birthday. William Jefferson Jr. was born in Columbia, South Carolina in 1900 to Carrie and William Jefferson Sr. He moved to New Jersey at age 13 and on to New York during his 20th year. On March 10, 1937, William Jefferson Jr. married Maybell Stevens. Together they had five daughters: Willamae, Carrie, Louise, Maybell and Theresa. William worked for 38 years for an interior decorating company and retired at the age of 67. Nevertheless, William has continued to help his family members to this day, redesigning their apartments and houses. While living at Linden Plaza in Brooklyn, New York, he started the Garden Club and was still working there until a few years ago. Mr. Speaker, William Jefferson Jr. has lived to see 19 different presidents, from President William McKinley to President George Walker Bush--two world wars, and countless inventions that would have been thought unimaginable at the time of his birth. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this man who has experienced so much.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, during this month long recognition of Black History Month it is a privilege for me to honor the second African- American to serve as this country's U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. David Satcher. Tomorrow, Dr. Satcher will conclude his term. I rise in recognition of the leadership, compassion, dedication and vision that he has exhibited during his tenure as the 16th Surgeon General of the United States. A native Alabaman and graduate of Morehouse College, Dr. Satcher received both his M.D. and Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University in 1970. After years of study, Dr. Satcher put his expertise into practice first as a faculty member at the UCLA School of Medicine and Public Health and later as Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at the King-Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he also directed the King-Drew Sickle Cell Research Center for 6 years. Returning to his alma mater in 1977, Dr. Satcher then went on to serve as professor and Chairman of the Department of Community Medicine and Family Practice at Morehouse School of Medicine before being elected President of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, a post he held from 1982 to 1993. A learned, well-educated professional and a father of four, Dr. Satcher entered public service in 1993 as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, posts he held until 1998 when he assumed his current position as Surgeon General. During the period of February 1998 to January 2001, Dr. Satcher served simultaneously in the positions of Surgeon General and Assistant Secretary for Health. As Surgeon General, Dr. Satcher advocated for and worked towards the promotion of healthy lifestyles, the improvement of the mental health system, and the elimination of disparities in health. Mr. Speaker, The National Center for Health Statistics reports that 60 percent of Americans more than 20 years of age are overweight or clinically obese and that weight-related conditions are the second leading cause of death in the United States, resulting in about 300,000 preventable deaths each year. What is so sad is that most of these deaths can and should be prevented. Realizing this, Dr. Satcher used his office to focus national attention on nutrition; he educated Americans about the value of maintaining a balanced diet with more vegetables and less sugar, and he stressed the necessity of regular exercise. Recognizing the fact that obesity can substantially increase a person's risk of illnesses such as breast, colon, ovarian, and prostate cancers, as well as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, I would like to personally thank the Surgeon General on behalf of all Americans who have undoubtedly benefited from the preventative efforts he initiated and oversaw during his tenure. Believing in the importance of mental as well as physical health, Dr. Satcher also worked to improve the mental health system to one of caring and support--not blame and stigmatization--and towards the developing of sound strategies for suicide and violence prevention. When Congress called for the development of a national strategy for suicide prevention, Dr. Satcher wholeheartedly embraced the challenge and responded with the dynamic leadership that has become his trademark. The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention was published in May 2001 and I am proud to say that we now have a unified, governing text to guide our national effort to prevent the loss of the nearly 30,000 lives claimed annually by suicide. In addition to his efforts to promote healthier American lifestyles and to better the condition of the mental health system, Dr. Satcher also acted in an effort to eliminate socio-economic based disparities that remain prevalent in the U.S. healthcare system. He was not afraid to address controversial issues, like needle exchange, when he felt that a change in public policy would save lives. Using the best available science, and operating under the belief that the entire nation benefits from the protection of the health of the most vulnerable, Dr. Satcher and his team focused on six key issues, infant mortality, child and adult immunizations, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, cancer screening and management, and diabetes, all of which have an especially large impact on minority populations. Dr. Satcher's goal while in office was to be remembered as the Surgeon General who listened to the people and who always responded to their needs and concerns. Looking back on the last 4 years from the vantage point of this last day of Dr. Satcher's term, it is abundantly clear that he more than accomplished that goal, and that indeed he far exceeded it. Dr. Satcher not only lent an ear to those with a voice, but spoke up for those whose voice could not be heard. In all that he did as the 16th Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Satcher always acted as a true and honest servant of the people. And for this, for his dedicated service to American healthcare, his country commends him.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Chairman, I rise to strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the Green-Burr amendment. Everyone in this Chamber agrees that campaigns are too expensive and that the majority of the money is spent on the airwaves. I can understand how some might think that the solution is to lower the cost of air time, but they are so wrong. It sounds great, but the only thing lowering the rates of television air time will do is to increase the amount of ads that will be on. It will increase the cost of campaigns. I would like to commend the gentleman from Texas and the gentleman from North Carolina for offering this cost-saving amendment, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. This is the right thing to do.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the kickoff of Black History Month and all the great accomplishments that African Americans as a whole have contributed to this great Nation. As we begin this month in honoring these great people, I would like to single out African American physicians and health care providers. These physicians and health care providers were not only the principal guardians of the black community's health, but were servants of humanity as a whole. This is why I must stand and strongly urge my fellow Members to support the Surgeon General's call to action to prevent and to decrease obesity, a growing epidemic in the United States. I applaud the United States Surgeon General, David Satcher, and Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson's, initiative; and let me add the borough president of Brooklyn's name to that distinguished list, Mr. Marty Markowitz, to ensure that all Americans understand what they can do to combat this serious disease. This initiative consists of communication with Americans about related health issues, actions to assist Americans in balancing eating right and exercise, research and evaluation to invest in causes, prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity. This is what the Surgeon General calls CARE. Our support is needed now, not later. My support begins in my own borough of Brooklyn. On March 20, I will be joining forces with Brooklyn's borough president, Marty Markowitz, to kick off a 3-month-long health community campaign promoting diet, exercise, and the Surgeon General's CARE initiative for Americans. As Members of Congress, we need to fully support the Surgeon General's report and findings as his initiative to combat this growing national problem. The Surgeon General's Call for Action report states that ``obesity has become a national health crisis.'' In addition, the instance of overweight and obesity has almost doubled among America's children and adolescents since 1980. It is estimated that one out of every five American children is now obese. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that 61 percent of Americans over 20 years of age are overweight or clinically obese. The National Center of Health Statistics conducted research from 1991 to 2000 which supports the finding that this epidemic has significantly affected approximately 300,000 weight-related deaths yearly. In addition, the research also shows great disparities in overweight and obesity prevalence based on race, gender and socioeconomic status. Overall, Hispanic Americans have the highest risk of being overweight and obese, followed by African Americans. And women in both ethnic groups are at the highest risk. Further, women of lower socioeconomic status have a 50 percent higher chance to be obese than women in higher socioeconomic strata. As this epidemic continues to grow, other health consequences need to be considered such as heart disease type 2 diabetes, with a high prevalence in school-age children, cancer, asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis, childbearing complications, and stroke, which is the third leading cause of death among African Americans. For the past decade the health community has made great strides in these areas, but specifically with heart disease and cancer research, treatment and prevention. However, if the current overweight and obesity epidemic is not managed, all accomplishments made thus far will be for naught. Our Nation's health would be taking gigantic steps backwards. Last year I introduced H.R. 1641 that would amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act to require States that provide Medicaid prescription drug coverage to cover drugs medically necessary to treat obesity. At a time of national urgency, this amendment to the Social Security Act is crucial. As I close, I would like to share with my colleagues that the economic cost of this growing epidemic in our Nation was approximately $117 billion, that is B as in boy, in 2000. We need to support the Surgeon General's initiative against obesity in order to ensure America's health in the present and in the future. I would like to thank my staff, Michelle Scott and others who put together this report.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I was disturbed to learn of more Indian repression of its tribal Christian minorities. According to a statement issued by the All India Christian Council, the Sangh Parivari, a wing of the pro-Fascist Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), the parent organization of the ruling BJP, has been distributing weapons to Hindu militants in the tribal areas of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. In recent months, according to the statement, it has distributed 350,000 trishuls to be used as weapons. It has set up new temples in Madhya Pradesh. In the Hindu schools, the curriculum already rewrites history. The All India Christian Council calls the curriculum ``outside the pale of any academic and public scrutiny'' and says it ``poisons young minds.'' The statement calls this RSS plan ``an effort to polarize and communalize the tribal society'' in these and several other states. This is a well-established part of India's ongoing campaign to establish itself as the hegemonic power in South Asia. Given these activities, it is time to strike a blow for freedom by suspending all American aid to India until it respects all human rights for all people and by supporting an internationally-monitored vote on independence for Christian Nagaland, for Punjab, Khalistan, for Kashmir (which it promised in 1948), and for all the other nations seeking their freedom. These are very moderate measures, Mr. Speaker, but they are measures that can go a long way to help promote real freedom and democracy in South Asia. I would like to place the recent statement from the All India Christian Council into the Record for the information of my colleagues. [From the All India Christian Council, Jan. 17, 2002] Sangh Parivar Actions Communalising Adivasi Area (The following is the text of the statement issued by Dr. Joseph D. Souza, President, and Dr. John Dayal, Secretary General, of the All India Christian Council on recent moves by the Sangh Parivar to aggravate the communal situation in the Adivasi tribal belt of North India.) The All India Christian Council thanks Madhya Pradesh Chief minister Digvijay Singh and his government for taking effective steps to reassure the small Christian community in the Adivasi-majority district of Jhabua, which had seen much tension on the eve of the meeting organized today by the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh wing Seva Bharati. The All India Christian Council deputed its Gujarat unit secretary and well-known Human rights activist Mr. Samson Christian to Jhabua yesterday in solidarity with the Christians of the district, which was scene of the infamous mass rape of Catholic nuns three years ago. A vicious Hindutva communal rhetoric preceded the holding of the Sangh meeting, targeting Christians in the region. Much of the social educational and Medicare work in the Madhya Pradesh Tribal belt has been by Christian missions. The Council has repeatedly expressed its deep apprehension at the activities of the Sangh Parivar in the contiguous tribal areas of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. In recent months, more than 3.5 lakh trishuls machined as weapons and not as innocuous religious symbols, have been distributed in the Rajasthan area. In Madhya Pradesh, the Sangh has announced the setting up of 3.5 lakh Devals, or family temples. These areas are already penetrated by Sangh's Shishu mandirs manned by RSS cadres. These schools follow a curricula and textual material, which is outside the pale of any academic and public scrutiny, blatantly rewrites history, and poisons young minds. Taken together, these actions constitute a well thought out strategy to polarize and communalise the tribal society in the state of Madhya Pradesh and also in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Orissa, Jharkand and Chhatisgarh to serve the political agenda of the Sangh Parivar. The Adivasis have strongly objected to these efforts to obliterate their culture and their identity. The Council has called upon the governments of the concerned states, as also on the Central government to ensure that this insidious conspiracy against the Adivasi identity is not allowed to succeed.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, many of my colleagues are strong supporters of India. They apparently believe India's claim that it is ``the world's largest democracy.'' But why does a democracy have political prisoners? According to a report last year by the Movement Against State Repression (MASR), the Indian government admitted to holding 52,268 Sikhs as political prisoners. Amnesty International has reported that tens of thousands of other minorities are also being held as political prisoners. These prisoners are being held without charge or trial, illegally. Some of them have been in illegal custody for many years, despite the provisions of the law. Many of the Sikh political prisoners have been in detention since 1984. That's 18 years, Mr. Speaker. Eighteen years! How can a democratic state justify this? Now, all of us want good relations with India and with all nations, as the President said in his State of the Union speech. But we also want to support the cause of freedom for all the people in the world. That is one of the main reasons we are fighting terrorism. We should use our increasing ties to India to pressure them to release all their political prisoners. As the bastion of democracy, it is our duty to speak up for these oppressed minority people. Leading activists like Jaswant Singh Khalra, former Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke, and so many others have been killed by the Indian government after being made to disappear. Christians have suffered an ongoing wave of persecution, which many of us in this House have detailed repeatedly. It is time for the civilized world, under the leadership of the United States, to speak out strongly against this repression. But in addition, we must take prudent, peaceful, measured action to stop the repression of these minorities. The Sikh leadership and the leadership of the other minorities should nominate the political prisoners for office as a way to help secure their release. This would make it much more difficult for India to continue holding them. I might note that India has also been a practitioner of terrorism. It created the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a Tamil militant group that our government designates as ``terrorist,'' and harbored its leaders in the most elegant hotel in Delhi. It has been reported that the Indian Defense Minister has raised money and supplied arms for the LTTE. It has also been reported that the Indian government sponsors terrorist activity in Sindh, a border province of Pakistan. As you know, Pakistan has been a strong supporter of our efforts in the war on terrorism until India's troop movements forced them to divide their effort and pull troops off the Afghan border to counter an impending threat from India. In addition, India paid the late governor of Punjab a lot of money to generate terrorism in Punjab and Kashmir. Indian troops were caught trying to set fire to a Sikh Gurdwara. There are numerous other incidents, such as the Air India bombing, the Chithisinghpora massacre, and other incidents, where the evidence points strongly to the Indian government. If India cannot behave like a civilized, democratic nation, it does not deserve to be treated like one. We should stop American aid to India until the political prisoners are released and the minorities can enjoy their full rights and liberties, and we should strongly urge India to hold a free and fair plebiscite in Kashmir, Khalistan, Nagaland, and all the nations seeking their freedom. Remember that India promised a plebiscite in Kashmir in 1948. I call on India to deliver on that promise. We should work with them to bring this about. That is the way that we can help secure the blessings of liberty for all the people of South Asia. Kazakhstan and the U.S.: A growing partnership in need of our support Mr. Speaker. The terror that struck our country on September 11 brought anguish to the hearts of all caring people. Events that followed have focused the world's attention on Central Asia and the war against the terrorists. Kazakhstan, the largest nation in that region, has offered cooperation in every area of the war effort. Kazakhstan has stood with us, and we, as Americans, must join hands with them, helping Kazakhstan and our other new allies in the area as they work to stabilize this critical region. ``Kazakhstan plays a crucial role for the international community as a bulwark against regional instability and conflict,'' President Bush said in a recent letter to President Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan. ``America especially appreciates Kazakhstan's strong support in fighting the international scourge of terrorism,'' the President added. As we are nearing the end of the military phase of the Afghan campaign and turning our attention to rebuilding that country, Kazakhstan, lying 200 miles to the north of Afghanistan, can play a crucial role in the success of these efforts. There are many reasons for this: most important are Kazakhstan's strong economic record, enormous potential, political stability and success in providing equal opportunities for all of its 130 ethnic groups, and, last, but not least, its willingness to participate fully in rehabilitation efforts in Afghanistan. Kazakhstan's largely Muslim community, although secular, has a special appreciation for the suffering and the hopes of the Afghan peoples. Already 25,000 tons of grain from the fertile lands of Kazakhstan have reached the hungry in that war-torn region. More will be coming. For Kazakhstan to be able to realize its potential to help to the rebuilding of Afghanistan and restore regional stability, the country needs firm and long-term support from the United States. There are many reasons we should become more involved with this strategically important country. Not the least are the vast oil reserves of Kazakhstan that could potentially rival those of Saudi Arabia and will help guarantee our future energy needs. Kazakhstan's cooperation in the war on terrorism coupled with our energy concerns mean that now is the time for us to support Kazakhstan and their bright future. President Nazarbayev's recent visit to Washington strengthened the Administration's recognition of the need to develop closer ties with Kazakhstan. The Government in Astana obviously wants closer ties, and America can only benefit from working more closely. In the Joint Statement Presidents Bush and Nazarbayev adopted after their meeting, they confirmed a ``commitment to strengthen the long term strategic partnership and cooperation''. I particularly welcome the Energy Partnership Declaration, which identified ``a long-term energy partnership'' as ``one of the key elements of the strategic interaction'' between Kazakhstan and the USA. I fully support those intentions, and I ask unanimous consent to put the joint statement of these world leaders in the Congressional Record. I believe that the decade of growing friendship and cooperation, and particularly the strong support shown to us by Kazakhstan in fighting terrorists, has proved Kazakhstan to be our true friend and worthy of all help we can provide. Friends help friends. There are a number of very real steps Congress must take: First, we should work to graduate Kazakhstan from an outdated Jackson-Vanik amendment to the Trade Act of 1974 and grant Kazakhstan permanent normal trade relations status. I welcome the U.S. administration's stated intention to work with Congress on this issue and I call on my colleagues to support H.R. 1318 which I proudly cosponsored. It will repeal Jackson-Vanik in relation to Kazakhstan. This step needs to be taken during the current session. It will provide a much-needed boost for the expansion of the U.S. trade ties with Kazakhstan and will directly benefit hundreds of American businesses there. I remind my fellow members of Congress, and the American nation, that American investment in Kazakhstan over the past decade totals 5 billion dollars. That makes the U.S. the largest single foreign investor in the country, and makes Kazakhstan the clear focus of American investment in Central Asia. Second, Congress should consider earmarking assistance to Kazakhstan in the next year's budget. The assistance should go to further solidifying Kazakhstan's successes in reforming its economy and society, as well as to strengthening its military and border protection. This move will send a clear message to the people of this important ally that the U.S. is serious about its intentions to stand by Kazakhstan as they move to become the main driving force behind the development of Central Asian stability and prosperity. Mr. Speaker, we are truly committed to seeing the whole of Central Asia develop into a truly stable and prosperous region. Only then will it cease to be a breeding ground for terrorism and a source of threats to our homeland and other peaceful nations. The time to act is now. Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and President Nursultan Nazarbayev on the New Kazakhstan-American Relationship [The White House, December 21, 2001] We declare our commitment to strengthen the long-term, strategic partnership and cooperation between our nations, seeking to advance a shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous and sovereign Kazakhstan in the 21st Century that is increasingly integrated into the global economy and the community of democratic nations. To this end, we will advance our cooperation on counterterrorism and non-proliferation, democratic political and free-market economic reform, and market-based investment and development of energy resources. These goals further reflect our recognition that the threats of terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction endanger the security not only of the United States and Kazakhstan, but of the world at large. We therefore seek to develop our security cooperation to address these challenges and foster cooperation among Kazakhstan, its Central Asian neighbors, the United States, and our European friends, partners, and allies. In pursuit of these objectives, we are determined to deepen cooperation bilaterally and within NATO's Partnership for Peace. We reiterate our intent to cooperate in the war against terrorism to its conclusion and within the framework of the international coalition. We underscore our support for a broad-based Afghan government at peace internally and with its neighbors. We also pledge our readiness to cooperate in Afghanistan's reconstruction. Recognizing that Kazakhstan was the first country to renounce its nuclear-weapons status voluntarily, we reaffirm our mutual commitment to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Both sides agree on the need for urgent attention to improving the physical protection and accounting of all nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons materials in all possessor states, and to preventing illicit trafficking in these materials. We pledge to expand our cooperation on these matters under the United States-Kazakhstan Cooperative Threat Reduction Agreement. In the spirit of partnership, Kazakhstan and the United States intend to strengthen joint activity in ensuring security and stability in Central Asia. We agree that the expansion of trade and economic ties among the states of Central Asia, and deepening of regional integration in important areas, such as the environment, water resources, and transportation systems are a basis for regional security. The United States will consider enhancing assistance programs to Kazakhstan to strengthen border security and to increase the defensive capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan. We recognize that free market economies and the rule of law provide the most effective means to advance the welfare of our citizens and the stability of our societies. The United States and Kazakhstan pledge to advance our bilateral economic, trade, and investment relations, including through expanded contacts between the business communities of our countries. We will strive to further develop an attractive, transparent and predictable investment climate. Achieving this goal requires removal of legislative and administrative barriers to investment, strengthening respect for contracts and the rule of law, reducing corruption, and enhancing Kazakhstan's strong record on economic reform. We also intend to cooperate to advance Kazakhstan's integration in the global economy by supporting Kazakhstan's accession to the World Trade Organization on the basis of standard and agreed criteria, and its graduation from the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. We affirm our desire to strengthen our energy partnership to diversify export options for Kazakhstan's oil and gas and to diversify global energy supplies. We share the view that a key element of this effort is development of multiple pipelines that will ensure delivery of Caspian energy to world markets, unfettered by monopolies or constrained by geographic chokepoints. We welcome the recent opening of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) Pipeline and underscore our support for development of the Aktau-Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil export route on commercial terms. We will also work together to protect the rights of foreign investors and to abide by decisions of courts, particularly of international courts of arbitration. Recognizing that democracy is a cornerstone of long-term stability, we reaffirm our desire to strengthen democratic institutions and processes, such as independent media, local government, pluralism, and free and fair elections. We also reiterate our mutual commitments to advance the rule of law and promote freedom of religion and other universal human rights as promoted by the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, of which we are both members. Finally, we pledge to enhance understanding between the citizens of our two countries by promoting people-to- people exchanges, initiatives of nongovernmental organizations, and contacts between business people.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, on May 8, 2002, a good friend of America's consumers will receive the prestigious Torch of Liberty Award from the well-respected Jewish Anti-Defamation League. This honor has been bestowed on Thomas C. Gallagher, president and chief operating officer of Genuine Parts Company-NAPA, for his unfailing promotion of diversity and tolerance in the workforce in general and in the Office Products industry in particular, as well as his continued dedication in working for tolerance in the community. The Anti-Defamation League has never veered from its mission of obliterating hate and bigotry. Since 1913, the ADL has moved forward to quash hatred whenever it raised its ugly head. So, this May, when the ADL in the fine state of New York bequeaths Thomas Gallagher with its Torch of Liberty Award, it will be because of its acknowledgement of people like Mr. Gallager who never fail to take a stand to do what is right and just. At a time when America stands unified to protect our precious freedoms, it gives us all pause that organizations like the ADL have fought the ``good'' battles when those battles weren't popular, that they continue to strive to recognize individuals and will continue to march forward and shine as a beacon of light with truth and justice in what sometimes seems like a world of darkness. It has been my pleasure to personally know Tom Gallagher and see first-hand his commitment to America's consumers. It is with pride in Tom as a fellow American that I place his name in the Congressional Record for others to know the merits and values of one of America's foremost business leaders.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues and all decent people of the world in condemning the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament. I extend my sympathies to the victims and their families. Terrorism is never acceptable. We are currently at war against terrorism, as we should be. However, India is a country that has practiced terrorism against the peoples living within its borders. It has a pattern of terrorism. Remember that two government officials there were quoted last year as saying that Pakistan should be absorbed into India. It is clear that India seeks hegemony over all the peoples and nations of South Asia. In May, Indian troops were overwhelmed by villagers, both Sikhs and Muslims, while they were trying to set fire to a Sikh Gurdwara and some Sikh houses in Kashmir. Independent investigations by the International Human Rights Organization and jointly by the Punjab Human Rights Organization and the Movement Against State Repression have conclusively shown that the Indian government carried out the massacre of 35 Sikhs in Chithisinghpora in March 2000 while former President Clinton was visiting India. Its police broke up a Christian religious festival with gunfire. According to the excellent book Soft Target, written by two respected Toronto reporters, the Indian government blew up its own airliner in 1985, killing 329 innocent people. According to a report in the Hitavada newspaper, India paid the late Governor of Punjab, Surendra Nath, $1.5 billion to create terrorism in Punjab, Khalistan and in Kashmir. We must work to stop terrorism wherever it occurs. India's terrorism is no exception. We should stop our aid to India until it stops its repression of the Christians, Sikhs, Muslims, and other minorities, and we should declare our public support for self-determination for all the people of South Asia in the form of a free and fair plebiscite on the question of independence. A report published this past May by the Movement Against State Repression showed that the Indian government admitted that 52,268 Sikh political prisoners are rotting in Indian jails without charge or trial. Many have been in illegal custody since 1984. The Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, according to the Politics of Genocide by Inderjit Singh Jaijee. Over 75,000 Kashmiri Muslims and over 200,000 Christians have been killed. Mr. Speaker, the Council of Khalistan has published an excellent press release on this attack. I would like to share it with my colleagues by inserting it into the Record now. [From the Council of Khalistan, Dec. 14, 2001] Council Of Khalistan Condemns All Terrorism--Terrorist Attack on Indian Parliament Is a Product of Indian Repression (By Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Tenth Master) India Must End Its Repression Instead of Blaming Pakistan-- Newspaper Says Indian Government Knew of Attack in Advance Washington, DC--The Council of Khalistan today condemned the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament, but called on the Indian government to join the fight against terrorism worldwide and to end its own terrorism against minorities. ``We condemn terrorism in all forms, wherever it comes from,'' said Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, the government pro tempore of Khalistan, the Sikh homeland, which declared its independence from India on October 7, 1987. ``We strongly condemn this terrorist action and we condemn the Indian government's terrorism that gave rise to this act,'' he said. ``When you repress people long enough, they strike back. India's repression of minorities made this incident inevitable.'' The Deccan Chronicle reported today that the Indian government knew of the attack in advance and did nothing to stop it. This shows government involvement in the incident. yet the Indian government has blamed Pakistan for the attacks. India will use this incident as an excuse for more repression of the minorities, such as the Sikhs of Khalistan, the Muslims of Kashmir, the Christians of Nagaland, and others. ``India must stop blaming Pakistan for everything that goes wrong in India and end its own terrorism against the Sikhs, Christians, Muslims, and other minorities,'' said Dr. Aulakh. ``It is time for India to release more than 52,000 Sikh political prisoners and the tens of thousands of other political prisoners and end its repression,'' Dr. Aulakh said. The book ``Soft Target,'' written by two Canadian journalists, proves that the Indian government blew up its own airliner in 1985 to generate more repression against Sikhs. In November 1994, the newspaper Hitavada reported that the government paid the late governor of Punjab, Surendra Nath, $1.5 billion to generate terrorist activity in Punjab and Kashmir. ``I salute Pakistani President Musharraf for risking his political life by supporting America and the world in its fight against terrorism. It is time for India to get on board,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``I call on India to join the fight against terrorism and I call on the Sikh leadership in Punjab to stop making coalitions with the Indian government and work for freedom for the Sikhs and the other minority nations of South Asia,'' he said. ``There is a very good reason that there are 17 freedom movements within India's current borders.'' The Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984. According to a report in May by the Movement Against State Repression, India admitted that 52,268 Sikh political prisoners are rotting in Indian jails without charge or trial. Many have been in illegal custody since 1984. Over 200,000 Christians have been killed since 1947 and over 75,000 Kashmiri Muslims have been killed since 1988. The Indian Supreme Court described the situation in Punjab as ``worse than a genocide.'' In May, Indian troops were caught red- handed trying to set fire to a Gurdwara (a Sikh temple) and some Sikh houses in Kashmir. Two independent investigations have proven that the Indian government carried out the March 2000 massacre of 35 Sikhs in Chithisinghpora. U.S. Congressman Dana Rohrabacher has said that for Sikhs, Kashmiri Muslims, and other minorities ``India might as well be Nazi Germany.'' India has also repressed Christians. Two leaders of the ruling BJP said that everyone who lives in India must either be a Hindu or be subservient to Hinduism. Priests have been murdered, nuns have been raped, churches have been burned, Christian schools and prayer halls have been destroyed, and no one has been punished for these acts. Militant Hindu fundamentalists allied with the RSS, the pro-Fascist parent organization of the ruling BJP, burned missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons to death. In 1997, police broke up a Christian religious festival with gunfire. ``Nations that do not have political power vanish,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``Sikhs are a separate nation and ruled Punjab up to 1849 when the British annexed Punjab. The nations and people of South Asia must have self-determination now.''