Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the notable achievements of Wyckoff Heights Medical Center (WHMC) in Brooklyn, New York. As a 1998 recipient of an Accreditation with Commendation from the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the Nation's oldest and largest accrediting body, WHMC has been recognized as a superior health care provider. This Accreditation with Commendation is a significant achievement that recognizes WHMC's exemplary performance for providing quality care in the borough of Brooklyn. Formed in 1951, the Joint Commission evaluated and accredits almost 11,000 hospitals and home care agencies, and over 7,000 other health care organizations. As the Representative of the 10th Congressional District of Brooklyn, I am extremely proud of these dedicated men and women. Under the vigorous leadership of Dominick J. Gio, President and CEO, WHMC is poised to lead the nation into the new millennium. WHMC employees at both the main campus and ambulatory sites go the extra mile on a daily basis in order to provide the best possible health care to its patients. This award highlights the fact that WHMC is a shining star in the world of healthcare. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Wyckoff Heights Medical Center for its tremendous achievement.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, colleagues on both side of the aisle, today I rise in opposition to the Articles of Impeachment that have been forwarded to the House of Representatives by the Judiciary Committee. My opposition to these articles of impeachment do not constitute a minority view. My opposition reflects the overwhelming sentiment of the constituents in the 10th Congressional District, the overwhelming sentiment of the people in New York City, the overwhelming sentiment of the people in New York State and the overwhelming view of the American people. It represents the view of 400 of the leading historians and 430 of the leading constitutional experts in this nation. My objections to the Articles of Impeachment are based on the partisan misinterpretation of the facts and the law. None of the articles of impeachment contain facts that remotely constitute a basis for criminal conduct. Article I alleges that the President committed perjury before the grand jury by providing ``perjurious, false and misleading testimony.'' Yet the Judiciary Committee failed to outline one perjurious statement which the President allegedly made. Article II alleges that the President provided ``perjurious, false and misleading testimony'' in the Paula Jones lawsuit. Yet the committee failed to acknowledge that this lawsuit was subsequently dismissed by a federal judge for having no legal merit whatsoever. Did the framers of the constitution intend that we impeach a sitting President for giving misleading testimony in a meritless lawsuit? Article III alleges that the President obstructed justice by persuading Ms. Lewinsky, Vernon Jordan, and Betty Currie to carry out various illegal acts on his behalf. The committee failed to acknowledge that Ms. Lewinsky, Vernon Jordan, and Betty Currie all testified that the President never encouraged them to perform * * * respond to written interrogatories prepared by the Judiciary Committee. Since the president responded, in exhaustive detail, to all 81 interrogatories, it is difficult to understand how his responses could be characterized as a refusal or failure to respond. But even if the Judiciary Committee were to establish that the president of the United States committed perjury in the civil deposition and before the grand jury, this would not constitute impeachable offenses as defined in the constitution. The impeachment of the President of the United States is perhaps the most awesome, solemn and formidable task that we will ever confront in our Congressional careers. It ought not to be based on contrived legal arguments or on narrow partisan interest. It is an extraordinary remedy that has been used only once in the constitutional history of this nation. Article II, Section IV of the constitution makes it clear that the extraordinary remedy of impeachment was to be sparingly used and restricted to ``treason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors.'' During the constitutional debates, it became clear that purpose of impeachment was not to redress personal wrongdoing or private criminal conduct, but only to redress attempts to subvert the constitution or the ``system of government.'' It is transparently clear that these articles of impeachment do not involve private criminal conduct. It is also clear that they do not constitute an attempt to subvert the constitution or to overthrow the system of government. That is why 100 percent of the Democrats on the Judiciary Committee, 90 percent of my constituents, 61 percent of the American people, and the vast preponderance of the historians and constitutional experts in this nation oppose impeachment. If there is one thing that the impeachment debate reflects, it is the perils of ``divided government.'' The tradition of electing a Democratic president and a Republican Congress has led to legislative paralysis and the weakening of the institution of the presidency. The Republicans on the Judiciary Committee are driving a runaway train that is leading this nation inexorably down a dark tunnel of impending national catastrophe. The American people will not easily forget this egregious abuse of power and will write their own Articles of Impeachment against the Republican majority in the next congressional elections in the year 2000.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Howard F. Sommer for service to the Brooklyn community, and congratulate him as a recipient of an Institute for Community Living award. Since late 1995, Howard Sommer has managed the New York Community Investment Company L.L.C. (NYCIC) as its President and CEO. NYCIC, an equity investment and loan fund established by the ten member banks of the New York Clearinghouse Association, provides growth capital to small businesses throughout New York and offers similar risk capital to not-for-profits who contribute to economic and community development. NYCIC currently has over $25 million under management. Formerly, Mr. Sommer was a principal in several privately owned corporations involved in related funding activities to the business community. For twenty years, he served as President of U.S. Capital Corporation and Fundex Capital Corporation-managing in excess of $100 million in small business investments and loans. Mr. Sommer was also active in the federally administered Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program. After several years as a board and executive committee member, he served as Chairman of the National Association of SBIC in 1994. During that time, he worked closely with the Congress, the Small Business Administration and the Investment Advisory Council to improve the federal government's efforts to assist small business on a national level. Earlier in his professional career, he held various management positions with IBM and XEROX corporations. Mr. Sommer holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering form the City College of New York and attended NYU's Graduate School of Business. He serves as a director of several public and private business corporations and, with his wife Arlene, have a long history of involvement in charitable causes. He looks forward to continuing his support of the Institute for Community Living and the valuable services it provides to the people of New York City. Mr. Speaker, I would like you and my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join me in honoring Mr. Howard F. Sommer for his invaluable service to the Institute for Community Living and the Brooklyn community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, on this our last day of the 105th Congress, I must voice my deep regret that we refused to take any action on a Federal ``hate crimes'' bill. Many of my colleagues argued that the assault and homicide statutes in the individual states were sufficient to address any abuses perpetrated against our citizens because of race, religion, ethnicity or sexual preference. Others argued that many states already had hate crimes laws on the books and therefore a Federal statute was simply an unnecessary duplication. Unfortunately, our failure to act signals much more than a concern about duplication of laws or an honest debate about the sufficiency of state laws to protect innocent citizens against crimes which occur simply because the victims are in some way ``different'' from their attackers. These physical attacks have increased with alarming frequency; they have been both racially motivated and homophobic. During the 105th Congress, we saw violent racial attacks on Black men and children which resulted in severe injuries in two cases and death in another. The recent death of Wyoming student, Matthew Shepard, was due solely to the fact that he was gay and his attackers hated gays. Bias and prejudice are not figments of a liberal imagination; they are very real acts especially when they result in death or injury. Unless we make a clear public policy statement opposing these acts, we give the attackers the impression that their abhorrent behavior is acceptable. That is why I have sponsored amendments to The Civil Rights Act, H.R. 365, which would give Federal civil rights protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual preference. But we must go beyond anti-discrimination laws; we must ensure that there is a Federal statute to punish the perpetrators of bias-based attacks. It is my fervent hope that the biggest failure of the 105th Congress will not be repeated in the 106th Congress. Let us pass a Federal hate crimes bill as our first order of business in January.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Steven H. Kronethal for his dedicated service to the Brooklyn community and to congratulate him as a recipient of an Institute for Community Living award. Steven H. Kronethal joined Integrated Planning Associates, Inc. as Vice President in 1991. Since 1995, Integrated Planning has been designing and implementing a variety of Employee Benefit programs for both the profit and non-profit communities. By working with the non- profit community, Integrated Planning has been able to help their clients provide comprehensive and cost effective benefits for their employees. Specializing in both health insurance and pension plans, Integrated Planning's goal is to help employers attract and keep the best employees available. Steven is a graduate of Boston University's School of Management with a degree in finance. He also holds many industry awards and recognition. Steven and his wife, Andrea, just welcomed their first- born child, Brandon, in September. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Steven Kronethal for his invaluable contributions to the Institute for Community Living and the Brooklyn community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judith Marden for service to the Brooklyn community, and congratulate her as a recipient of an Institute for Community Living award. Judith Marden graduated from Adelphi University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She received her Master of Science Degree in Elementary education from Hofstra University concentrating on courses in sociology and psychology. After teaching for a number of years, she decided to join her husband Melvin in their contract and design business. At that time she attended the New York School of Interior Design. For the last twenty-five years, she has taken her background in design, psychology and sociology and applied them to furnishing residences, group homes, and larger facilities. The emphasis has been on establishing a home-like environment to suit the different needs of the individuals living in them. In her work, Judith has researched the living needs of the homeless, mentally ill, chemically addicted, developmentally disabled, individuals with AIDS, children in foster care, battered women, senior citizens, children and unwed mothers, while working with the agencies that care for and support these populations. Mr. Speaker, I would like you and my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join me in honoring Ms. Judith Marden for her invaluable service to the Institute for Community Living and the Brooklyn community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce ``The Certified Nurse Midwifery Medicare Services Act''. This legislation will correct several inequities in the nurse-midwives' ability to provide health care services to Medicare recipients. This bill specifically increases the reimbursement rate to 95 percent of physician payment as well as permitting free-standing birth centers to receive Medicare reimbursement. Currently, under the Medicare program, nurse-midwives are reimbursed for only 65 percent of physician's payment for providing the same services. Fifty-six percent of women who are cared for by CNMs live in areas that are designated as underserved, within inner city or rural areas. In fact, 70 percent of women and newborns seen by nurse-midwives are considered vulnerable by virtue of age, socioeconomic status, education, ethnicity, or place of residence. As of 1996, over 50,000 women, in the Medicare program, had a primary diagnosis related to ``pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium''. While Medicare has provided for coverage of the professional services of CNMs since July 1, 1988, the low 65 percent reimbursement rate results in payments of $800 to $1,200 for nine to ten months of care for pregnancy, including deliveries. At this level, nurse-midwives can not afford to serve the Medicare population, a population which is clearly increasingly in need of access to health care providers. The second major inequity corrected by this bill would allow free standing birth centers to be reimbursed. Currently, the Medicare program does not recognize free-standing birth centers. Birth centers have a 20 year history of providing quality services with excellent outcomes for mothers and babies. In fact, the first urban birth center was established in New York City in 1975. The excellent quality of care with great savings has been demonstrated in many research studies. The most recent data released by the Health Insurance Association of America and the National Association of Childbearing Centers showed that in 1995 there was a cost savings of over $3,000 per birth when comparing a birth center to a hospital birth. Medicare can realize considerable savings and improved outcomes for disabled women and their infants who use nurse-midwives and birth centers. Mr. Chairman, while this legislation is being introduced in the last days of the 105th Congress, I am confident that this measure will receive serious consideration in the next Congress. We must continue to work to increase access to health care for underserved populations. All too often chronically disabled women have specialists as their primary care providers who neglect their obstetrical and gynecological needs. I look forward to working with my colleagues to improve the payment restrictions on access to nurse-midwifery services for Medicare recipients.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Dr. Eric R. Figueroa, Sr. Bishop-Designate. A man of vision, devotion and tireless service to others in the spirit of God. Reverend Dr. Eric R. Figueroa, Sr. was born on February 15, 1954 in New York, NY and is the oldest of three children born to Elder Ronald L. Figueroa and Mother Minnie M. Figueroa. He is the husband of Evangelist Doreen Figueroa for 23 years, and the father of three anointed and marvelously gifted children, Timiney, Anaysha and Eric Jr. Reverend Dr. Figueroa is a graduate of Boys High School, Hunter College and Manhattan Bible Institute with honors. In his continued pursuit of academic and spiritual excellence, he received a Doctorate in Divinity from the National Theological Seminary of the Commonwealth University of St. Louis, Missouri and a Doctorate of Theology from the St. Paul Bible Institute. As a child, Rev. Figueroa enjoyed the benefit of a spiritual nurturing environment--living in a household surrounded by Spirit filled believers. His spiritual renaissance occurred at the Institutional Church of God in Christ under the Pastorate of Bishop Carl E. Williams, Sr. While at Institutional, he worked in numerous positions serving the Savior and the church well. Acknowledging his call to the ministry in August of 1976, the inevitable happened, he followed in the lineage of his grandfather, the late Reverend David A. Figueroa, Sr., Pastor of the Mount Zion Pentecostal Faith Church and his father, Reverend Ronald Figueroa, Assistant Pastor of the New Life Tabernacle, making him the third generation of preachers. In 1978 he was ordained as an Elder by Bishop Carl E. Williams, Pastor of the Institutional Church of God in Christ International. The Reverend's unique and inclusionary character and ministry forged interdenominational relationships that transcended traditional religious barriers, walls and spiritual stereotypes in an effort to advance the Kingdom of God. His skillful presentation of the Gospel and his sense of civil and community duty has brought him to the attention and demand of many distinguished religious and political organizations who have benefited from his expertise. In January 1998, the Presiding Prelate, his Eminence, Bishop Carl E. Williams Sr. and the Board of Bishops of the Church of God in Christ International, officially proclaimed Reverend Dr. Eric R. Figueroa Sr. as Bishop-Designate in the Lord's Church. After several years of fruitful Evangelistic Ministry, Dr. Figueroa organized and founded the New Life Crusade Ministry in 1981. As this phase of ministry developed it was evident that God had higher heights destined for the ministry. In 1983 God gave Rev. Figueroa a vision for a church called New Life Tabernacle. On August 21, 1983 New Life Tabernacle was founded with seven members dedicated unto the Lord. Over the past 15 years New Life Tabernacle has grown in numbers, exceeding a membership of 400. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join me in saluting Reverend Doctor Eric R. Figueroa, Sr. Bishop- Designate.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the omnibus appropriations bill H.R. 4328. Amongst the many important elements in this legislation, including tremendous civil rights victories for Haitian refugees, black farmers, and gulf war veterans, there are two in particular that I want to highlight. The nationwide poison control centers network and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program, have proven their effectiveness and necessity. Poison control centers provide a unique and valuable resource. They are an integral part of a nationwide public health system to decrease accidental deaths. Four million calls, last year alone, were fielded by the centers, ranging from minor to life threatening. Imagine the potential loss of life if each one of those individuals had been forced to rely solely on accessing the 911 system instead. I remain hopeful that the President's budget for FY 2000 will recognize the shortfall in federal funding for the centers. In the interim, we have the opportunity to immediately support poison control centers by passing this Appropriations bill with the $222 million dollar increase in public health initiatives. I am aware that CDC has a number of public health initiatives it would like to fund with these dollars. I implore them to devote significant resources from the increase to the poison control centers network. I believe that there is nothing more important than decreasing accidental deaths due to poisonings. Another issue I would like to highlight also deals with the needs of America's families who are trying to get a fresh start. As the second generation of welfare recipients affected by ``welfare reform'' come off the welfare roles it is important that there be employment opportunities. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit program encourages the private sector to partner with the public sector to aid in the welfare to work movement. In just twenty-one months, nearly 450,000 people have been hired through the program, earning a tax credit for their employees. In less than two years almost a half million tax dependents have become tax contributors. This, my colleagues, is a much-welcomed outcome of the program. The tax credit encourages private sector employees to hire welfare recipients and it works. Unfortunately, the tax credit expired on June 30, of this year. The omnibus bill extends the program for twelve months, and it is now up to Congress to pass this vital legislation. Failure to renew the WOTC program would have a devastating impact on welfare recipients needing to find work. This action would occur just as many welfare recipients are being forced off the welfare rolls as a result of the welfare- reform bill. The WOTC program is a way for at least some of those forced off of public assistance to become employed. Mr. Speaker, the poison control centers network and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program are needed for the well being of America's families. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in passing this legislation.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Katie Davis for her dedicated service to the Brooklyn community and to congratulate her as a recent recipient of an Institute for Community Living award. Katie Davis, a graduate of Hunter College and Columbia University's Public Health Administration School, and a successful administrator at Kingsborough Psychiatric Center has made and continues to make a difference in the lives of young African Americans and Hispanics. Katie's involvement with youngsters in various aspects of their lives through a continuous process of mentoring, engagement in positive activities and community programs aimed at giving them hope for their future, has helped to mold their actions and to lead more productive lives. Many of these young adults have gone on to successfully occupy various positions, further their studies and give back to their communities by helping others. Katie has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless young adults as well as in her own. She has worked incessantly on behalf of community residents who have special needs like her own daughter, Jacqueline, and continue to meet daily challenges for independence and dignity throughout their lives. It is in Jacqueline's memory that the Institute for Community Living's Emerson/Davis Family Development Center was dedicated. Katie has also been an advocate for children's education and for the improvement of housing for seniors and young low- income families. Katie is an active member of the Board of Directors of the Vanguard Urban Improvement Association, which sponsors, the development and renovation of affordable housing for low-income families in Central Brooklyn. She is also chairperson of Medgar Evers College Community Council, where she works to improve the college's ability to connect with the community, and to enhance the academic status of this educational institution. One of Katie's greatest accomplishments, however, was her election by the grassroots community as a delegate to the 1984 Democratic Convention. Her election by the community was viewed as an acknowledgement of her tireless efforts in providing voter education workshops, and organizing and directing voter registration and participation campaigns. As an active member of the Antioch Baptist Church she has served on its Board of Trustees. Katie currently resides in Brooklyn with her husband, Hervin, and her daughter, Charlene. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Katie Davis for her invaluable contributions to the Institute for Community Living and the Brooklyn community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, on October 1, Ram Narayan Kumar, the producer of the excellent video ``Disappearances in Punjab'', and Cynthia Mahmood, a professor at the University of Maine who has studied issues in Punjab, issued a detailed reported entitled ``Disappearances in Punjab and the Impunity of the Indian State.'' It exposes the brutal tyranny that has been imposed on the Sikhs of Punjab, Khalistan by ``the world's largest democracy.'' The report exposes India's ``war without quarter'' against the Sikh Nation that has resulted in the extrajudicial murders of over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984. The authors describe this ``war without quarter'' as a ``dirty water.'' The authors note that ``the law in Punjab accommodated to, buttressed, and furthered the pattern of atrocities against Sikh citizens that had evolved against Sikh citizens. Minimal human rights were being abrogated in `the world's largest democracy.' '' These abuses were carried out through mechanisms like the so-called ``Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act'' (TADA), which permitted virtually unlimited detention of anyone without charge or trial. Even though this repressive law expired in March 1995, thousands of people continue to be held under it. The report contains extensive discussion of the case of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who was kidnapped and murdered by the police after he exposed the Indian government's brutal masscremation policy in Punjab. After his report, the Tarn Taran police chief, Ajit Sandhu, told Mr. Khalra, ``We can make one more body disappear.'' It appears that this promise has been kept. Now the police have filed false charges against Jaspal Singh Dhillon, who assisted and continued Mr. Khalra's work. The Indian Supreme Court described this policy as ``worse than a genocide.'' It said that there have been ``flagrant violation of human rights on a mass scale.'' The report also demonstrates the weakness of India's National Human Rights Commission, which cannot investigate abuses by the security forces and cannot investigate cases over a year old. The Commission is essentially impotent. As a result of these abuses, 18 human-rights organizations and 13 individuals who have been active in human-rights work formed the Coordination Committee on Disappearances in Panjab, which then appointed the Peoples Commission on Human Rights Violations in Punjab. This commission has issued 90 citations and taken over 3,000 more cases. The government has taken action to close down the commission and tried to prevent its first meeting from taking place. The report shows that the government has worked to silence human-rights groups through intimidation and violence. Mr. Speaker, these events occurred in only one of India's 25 states. There are currently 17 freedom movements within India's borders. The United States is a bastion of freedom in the world. We should not be supporting such a repressive country. The sanctions we placed on India this spring must be maintained and we should also cut off its U.S. aid. It is now apparent that only when the people of Punjab, Khalistan and the other captive nations of the Indian subcontinent are allowed to claim their sovereignty will their people live in freedom, peace, prosperity, and stability. The United States Congress can help make that happen by declaring our support for free and fair plebiscites on independence in Punjab, Khalistan and in Kashmir. By these means we can help end these abuses and bring freedom to all the people of South Asia. I thank Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, for bringing this report to my attention and his continued effort to free his nation from the repression of the Indian government.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Melvin H. Marden for his dedicated service to the Brooklyn community and to congratulate him as a recipient of an Institute for Community Living award. Melvin H. Marden, a graduate of Adelphi University and New York School of Interior Design, started his first business in the retail home improvement and design industry. For thirty years he gained a complete background in all aspects of interior construction and design. During the time he operated a retail business, Melvin also worked with non-profit agencies by furnishing the interior of many types of facilities. His primary focus was to establish a residential setting by using contract furniture, fabrics, window treatments, framed artworks, floorings, and many colors and textures suited to the individual needs of each residence. Melvin now works solely in the contract and institutional field. His emphasis is in developing and constructing furniture, furnishings and environments to suit the needs of the various types of populations who are supported and housed by non-profit agencies. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Melvin H. Marden for his invaluable contributions to the Institute for Community Living and the Brooklyn community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, at the recent convention of the Council of Khalistan, the delegates passed a resolution to nominate the Council's President, Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, for the Nobel Peace Prize. This is a very well-deserved nomination. Dr. Aulakh is well known to many of us in Congress for his tireless work to free the Sikh homeland, Punjab, Khalistan, from Indian rule. He is dedicated to doing so by peaceful means. For eleven years, the Council of Khalistan has led the peaceful, democratic, nonviolent movement to liberate Khalistan, which declared its independence on October 7, 1987. The Indian government labels anyone who advocates independence for Khalistan a ``terrorist,'' even when he advocates freedom by peaceful means. Meanwhile, India has murdered more than 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, according to figures compiled by the Punjab State Magistracy and by human-rights groups. About 50,000 Sikh youth have been abducted, tortured, and murdered by the police, then their bodies have been declared ``unidentified'' and cremated. In addition to his work with Congress, Dr. Aulakh has worked with organizations like the United Nations Human Rights Commission, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples' Organization, and members of the media. He has worked tirelessly to make the world aware of Indian repression against the Sikhs. Dr. Aulakh has not just worked to expose the oppression of Sikhs, however. Recently he brought to the attention of the Congress the rapes of four nuns in Madhya Pradesh. He has helped to expose the Indian government's extrajudical killings of Christians, Muslims, Dalits, Assamese, Manipuris, and others. Wherever in South Asia oppression rears its ugly head, Dr. Aulakh has been there to expose it. Dr. Aulakh has also worked with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to make sure that the Indian government's efforts to alter Sikh history for their own convenience. Yassir Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin received a Nobel Peace Prize. If they are qualified, then Dr. Aulakh's efforts make him a good candidate for this prestigious award. America must support efforts like Dr. Aulakh's and those of other peaceful freedom fighters. We can do this by maintaining the sanctions imposed on India after its nuclear weapons test in place, by cutting off all American aid to India, and by publicly declaring our support for a plebiscite in Punjab, Khalistan so that the Sikhs of Khalistan can decide freely and democratically the issue of independence. We should also support the same right for all other people, notably the people of Kashmire. Mr. Speaker, I would like to place the Council of Khalistan's press release on the recommendation of Dr. Aulakh for the Nobel Prize into the Congressional Record. [From Council of Khalistan--Press Release, Oct. 14, 1998] Dr. Aulakh Recommended for Nobel Peace Prize Washington, DC--The annual convention of the Council of Khalistan, which was held October 10-11 at the Sikh Cultural Society in Richmond Hill, New York, passed a resolution unanimously recommending Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, for the Nobel Peace Prize. The recommendation is based on Dr. Aulakh's tireless work for a Shantmai Morcha (peaceful agitation) to liberate the Sikh homeland, Khalistan, from Indian rule. Dr. Aulakh's name will be formally submitted to the Nobel Prize committee soon. The Council of Khalistan is the government pro tempore of Khalistan, the independent state declared by the Sikhs on October 7, 1987. If was formed at the time of that declaration and has worked to liberate Khalistan for eleven years. The Council of Khalistan leads the Sikhs' peaceful, democratic, nonviolent struggle to liberate Khalistan. Dr. Aulakh is well known for his work with Members of Congress, the United Nations Human Rights Commission, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), the American and international media, and other people and organizations to get information about Indian genocide against the Sikhs out to the world. This genocide has killed over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984. Tens of thousands are rotting in Indian jails without charge or trial, some since 1984. The Council of Khalistan has collected information about more than 150 atrocities in Punjab since the Akali Dal government took power in February 1997. The Indian government has been altering Sikh history, but Dr. Aulakh's work has gotten the true history of the Sikh Nation preserved in the Congressional Record, which the Indian government cannot alter. The resolution cites Dr. Aulakh's consistent support for peaceful action to combat Indian state terrorism and his explicit rejection of militancy as a means of liberating Khalistan. The Indian government routinely labels anyone who advocates freedom for Khalistan a ``terrorist.'' In addition to his work for the Sikhs of Khalistan, Dr. Aulakh has worked with Members of the U.S. Congress to expose Indian tyranny against other minorities in India, such as the recent rapes of four nuns by a gang of Hindu nationalists. The Indian government has killed over 200,000 Christians in Nagaland since 1947, about 60,000 Muslims in Kashmir since 1988, and tens of thousands of Assamese, Manipuris, Tamils, Dalits (``black untouchables,'' the aboriginal people of South Asia), and others. ``I am extremely honored that the delegates to this convention saw fit to recommend me for the Nobel Prize,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``This would be a great honor, not only for me, but also for the oppressed Sikh Nation and the people of Khalistan,'' he said.``Certainly it would further expose our freedom struggle to the international community.''

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 1722, The Women's Health Research and Prevention Amendments of 1998. This legislation is a positive step in the right direction towards prioritizing research and prevention in regards to women's health. This timely legislation increases Congress support of research which will clearly benefit a segment of the population often relegated to a ``second place'' status in research. For too long, research on men has been extrapolated to women especially in the area of cardiovascular disease. It is time for Congress to acknowledge the lack of strong and complete research on women's health issues, and do something about it. The question should no longer be when, the question should be, shall we do it today? This legislation is our opportunity to tell the women of America that we recognize their unique health problems and want to advance plans to combat them. The bill expands research and education in areas such as; breast, ovarian and related cancer, osteoporosis, Paget's and other bone diseases. These diseases have devastated many women, but this legislation allows us to continue to elucidate their pathogenesis, treat, and most importantly possibly prevent these diseases. The importance of the education and early detection programs this legislation extends should not go unnoticed. Education is one of the most powerful keys to empowering women with regards to their health. It also removes the social isolation so many of these ailments may create. In addition S. 1722 will help women to be aware of preventative health programs and support groups designed to assist them in their time of need. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in an aye vote for this legislation. As I stated earlier the question is not when will we do it, the question is will we do it today?

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I think the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) and of course to all the Members of our delegation here. This is a real tribute to a very fine individual, 1 that I have had the opportunity to serve with for 14 years. Of course, Tom and I serve on the same committee. Tom is a real stabilizing force. He has a flare for saying the right thing at the right time. I remembered some meetings when they get pretty heated. In the Committee on Commerce, there is always a lot of negotiating and that we sit there. Of course Tom does not speak early, early. He will let it sort of heat things up; and when things get really heated, then Tom will come with his common voice and say, well, have you thought about this? Of course, sometimes we do not get it right away; but then, all of a sudden, just before we give up, then Tom will come back again with a thought or an idea, and that idea will carry the day. Tom, you have just been a tremendous person on that committee. A lot of things that we were able to accomplish we would not have been able to accomplish if it had not been for that common voice of Tom Manton. Tom Manton is one negotiator. If Tom Manton cannot negotiate it, forget about it. It is something that cannot be done. Tom knows how to talk in the back room. He knows how to operate. He is not a guy that gets on the floor every day and make a lot of noise on the floor and bang and talk about what should happen and all that. But Tom is always there sitting very focused and negotiating on what is in the best interest for his district, what is in the best interest for the State, what is in the best interest for this Nation. Tom is always there doing that. I think the other thing that Tom has, he has the ability to sort of listen to whatever is being said and then, of course, sort of pick out really the key kind of factors, because then, based on that, then you can determine what tomorrow is going to do. We watch him. Then all of a sudden, he will make a vote. Occasionally I will ask him why did you vote this way. He will give us history. That was the thing that I was very shocked, because I did not see Tom in terms of the kind of guy that would sit back and sort of talk about what happened many, many years ago and, as a result, that is why he is now behaving this way. I want my colleagues to know, the other part that I think that is very, very important is that Tom is truly a leader, because sometimes we have people that are leading, and nobody is following. That is just somebody taking a walk. But Tom Manton shows real leadership, and people follow him. People listen to him. People want to know in terms of what he is going to do and what he is going to say. Tom, I would just like to sort of associate myself with those who are saying that they would like to see you become the next New York State Chair. I do not want to get involved in that. I do not want to talk about it too much. But I will tell you this, Tom, that if there is anything that I could do, I mean, of course whatever it is, I would definitely be there on behalf of you in terms of making certain that that happened, because I know that New York State and this Nation would be much better off as a result of Tom Manton providing that kind of leadership. He has done it on the local level. I am certain that he could do it on the State level. Of course he will do it again on the national level as he has done it as a Member of the United States Congress. On the Committee on Commerce, Tom, let me close by saying we are going to miss you. We are going to miss you in terms of the fact that I am sort of wondering now who is going to calm us down, who is going to be the guy that has the flare to say the right word to sort of settle things down. I do not know who is going to do it. I think the gentleman from New York (Mr. Manton) has been here around long enough that he sort of trained some of us here from our delegation, and I am hoping that we will be able to use those skills that he has given us to be able to sort of calm things down, to be able to continue to get things for Queens, of course, and of course Brooklyn and New York State, and of course to be able to do the kind of things that this Nation needs done, and we need it done very effectively. Tom, you have done a magnificent job here in the 14 years that you have been here. We are going to miss you, Tom, but I am so happy to know that you are not leaving politics, that you are going to go back to New York, and you are going to be involved in the political arena as well. So we look forward to working with you there in that capacity where you can continue to calm folks down. Thank you so much. You need to come to Brooklyn and calm Brooklyn down.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Brooklyn Police Officers who were honored in the Top Cop Award Ceremony. These men, who everyday place themselves on the line are a vital resource to Brooklyn in particular and New York State in general. Their heroism above and beyond their call to duty is an admirable and honorable task. These officers without regard for their own safety, used their excellent training and resources to thwart a potential domestic terrorist act. With the use of civilian informants, the officers were made aware of plans to use explosive devices with the intent of targeting and destroying a section of the New York subway system. One can imagine the tragedy that may have ensued had those deadly plans been carried out. Thanks to the expedient tactical plans created by the officers they were able to catch the would be domestic terrorists before they were able to do any harm. This act is just one of the many these officers do day in and day out constantly protecting civilians from unseen dangers and harm. These officers embody the true and honorable spirit of law enforcement. They stand as shining examples of what it means to uphold law and justice. Though they deserve so much more for their constant and tireless commitment, this award shows our support and understanding of the danger of the job they do for us everyday. I want these officers to know that I personally thank them for protecting me and my loved ones from an all too close possible incident of domestic terrorism. May their honor and valor stand as an example to others, officers and civilians, of the true meaning of dedication and selflessness. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask you and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to rise with me to give a well deserved round of applause for Brooklyn's Top Cops--Officer Joseph Dolan, Sergeant, John A. English, Jr., Officer Michael F. Kenan, Officer David Martinez, Lieutenant Owen C. McCaffrey, Deputy Inspector Raymond McDermott, Captain Ralph Pascullo, and Officer Mario Zorovic.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor distinguished Professor Emeritus Robert Furchgott recipient of the Nobel Prize for Medicine. Professor Furchgott received the Nobel Prize for Medicine as a much deserved salute for a long, distinguished and continually evolving career. Furchgott's love for science began as a young man growing up in the great state of South Carolina. After earning a doctorate in biochemistry at Northwestern University in Illinois, he headed to New York's Cornell Medical Center. In 1956, he landed a position at SUNY Downstate (now called SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn). He remained there until his retirement in 1989, and is now a professor emeritus. Doctor Furchgott, always modest and unassuming, stated that a lucky mistake led to his discovery of the role in nitric oxide in vascular relaxation. Those that know him best know that this is his style. The Nobel Prize was not only for his pioneering discovery but it is also in recognition of his years of hard work and perseverance. Even as a tireless researcher, he has also been dedicated to the responsibility of shaping the next generation of pioneers. He never turns down students' request to read their research papers. The professor, a giant in the field of medicine, is truly a role model and an inspiration for our children. A man of great conviction and passion for increasing the body of medical knowledge we will all benefit from, Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in saluting the achievement of Professor Robert Furchgott.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, let me begin by thanking the chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bliley), for the outstanding leadership, and, of course, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), for his outstanding leadership. On this side of the aisle let me thank the ranking member, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), for his hard work in making this a reality, and, of course, the ranking member of the subcommittee, my good friend and a person that has worked very hard as well, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown), for making it possible for us to be here at this point and time. The work of the committee and staff as well, I should recognize that on both sides of the aisle, was vital in terms of bringing us to this point in time as well. I would like to thank Mr. Eric Berger, and, of course, John Ford, and, of course, Brenda Pillors of my staff, for their work to improve this bill. I want to express my support for the hold-harmless provision to protect the nurse practitioners and nurse midwives funding levels until a primary health care work study is implemented. Let me commend the nursing community for their efforts to develop a workable solution. They stayed there and they continued to have dialogue and to have discussions to make it possible for us to come together to have something that we all could sort of support and begin to work with. The nursing practitioners and nurse midwives who provide primary care services and practice in underserved areas have a proven track record in meeting the goals of this legislation. This funding will continue until a study incorporating key factors as part of its methodology can be done to provide data that will assist HHS in making further funding decisions. This is so important, because we want to make certain that we have the kind of information that we need in order to move forward. The House Committee on Commerce and the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee will receive reports from the department about the study, and that will come back to us and then we will have that information as well. We are hopeful that such a study will help us identify Federal health professional education priorities, which is needed and needed desperately. Additionally I am pleased that S. 1754, as amended, does not supersede years of state legislative efforts to establish a new Federal definition for advanced practice nurses. This is something that a lot of people are concerned with, and, of course, as a result of the hard work we were able to resolve that issue as well. The changes by the Committee on Commerce ensures that we will not interfere with how nursing is treated at the state level or in the private sector. This will not interfere with that in any way. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. It is not perfect legislation, but, I will tell you, it is legislation that has taken a giant step in the right direction. This bill will go a long way towards improving health professional education and making certain that the programs will meet the kind of needs and be able to meet the needs of those in underserved areas as well. Mr. Speaker, I ask that we move forward, and ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation, and also to recognize the hard work that has gone on on both sides of the aisle among both Democrats and Republicans.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a sense of the Congress resolution supporting United States assistance to the Republic of Turkmenistan to build pipeline routes or take other measures necessary to resume the export of natural gas. Turkmenistan, a newly independent Republic, bordering the oil and gas rich Caspian Sea, plays a vital role in the stability of Central Asia, a region that is quickly becoming one of the most strategically important areas in the world. As we enter the 21st century, it should be the goal of the United States to support the exploration and use of cleaner sources of energy, without hampering economic growth. Turkmenistan, a country with one of the largest reserves of natural gas in the world, plays a key role in reaching this goal. At this point, political and economic factors have hindered Turkmenistan from exporting its natural gas to the world. The United States must act to assist Turkmenistan in resuming the sale of its natural gas. The resumption of Turkmen gas sales is one of the main hurdles that must be overcome before economic and political stability comes to this region. Without stability, Central Asia could cease to be a viable source of clean energy for the world, and also deteriorate into a ``hot spot'' where different cultures and political forces could combine to create a threat to our national security. Again, Mr. Speaker, I ask my fellow members to support this resolution, and in so doing give Turkmenistan encouragement to promote stability and democratization in the region.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, When a family makes the difficult decision to place an aging relative in a nursing home, they trust the institution to care properly for their loved one. However, over the last few years, numerous concerns have been raised about the quality of care and standards within the nursing home industry. At a time when this industry is experiencing explosive growth, I believe it is imperative that Congress institute safeguards to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Human Resources, which has held numerous hearings examining our nation's nursing homes, I believe that introducing the Long-Term Care Patient Protection Act of 1998 today will take a pivotal step in the right direction. This bill represents part of the Administration's efforts to improve quality of care within the nursing home industry, and serves as a complement to H.R. 4686, a bill introduced by my esteemed colleague, Mr. Joseph P. Kennedy, II, of Massachusetts. Specifically, the Long-Term Care Patient Protection Act of 1998, would allow qualified and trained paid staff other than nurses aides and licensed health professionals to provide feeding and hydration assistance to residents in nursing facilities participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. It would also prevent a nursing facility from using any individual as a feeding and hydration assistant in the facility unless the individual has completed a training and competency evaluation approved by their respective state. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join my efforts to assist millions of families across this nation by supporting the Long-Term Care Patient Protection act of 1998.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I deeply regret that H.R. 4110 did not contain a presumption of exposure for Persian Gulf War veterans. The Subcommittee on Human Resources of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight chaired by the gentleman from Connecticut, Mr. Shays, held over a dozen hearings for the last 32 months. As the Ranking Minority on this Subcommittee, I am proud to say that these hearings were conducted on a totally bipartisan fashion which later resulted in two important bills, introduced by Mr. Shays and myself with over 200 co-sponsors. These bills tracked two major recommendations of our oversight report, H.R. 4036 and H.R. 4035. Our oversight report recommended two important changes in the manner in which the VA processes future claims--a presumption of exposure and a prohibition against a waiver of informed consent requirements by the FDA for the use of experimental or investigational drugs, unless the President approves. Tragically, neither provision was included in a rush to push this bill forward. I believe that there are important provisions in H.R. 4110 but no one should be under the allusion that this bill will really meet the needs of Persian Gulf War veterans or any veterans who may face similar battle conditions in the future.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague, the gentlelady from California, in voicing my adamant opposition to this bill. Last year, the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued an interim ruling against the European Union's (EU) banana program for the Caribbean. This ruling was in response to a U.S. claim of trade protections, on behalf of the Chiquita Banana Company, who wants to sell to European countries. The WTO ruling, if implemented, will destabilize the economic and social infrastructure of Caribbean countries. This ruling is particularly problematic given the fact that we have been unable to enact a Caribbean trade bill to assist this region with economic development. This situation would be particularly harmful to eastern Caribbean countries, like Dominica, where banana exports account for 70 percent of the income and employment. We should not underestimate the impact this action will have on the enhancement of drug trafficking as an economic replacement for the banana industry. The WTO has demonstrated neither understanding of, nor concern for the problems of these small developing countries. I have repeatedly called on the Administration to ensure that the thousands of small Caribbean banana farmers, and the economies of so many Caribbean nations, not be damaged in any way. I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 4761. It is a bill that rewards one special interest at the expense of many of our Caribbean allies and more importantly it will consign Caribbean peoples to further economic devastation beyond that experienced by the recent hurricane. This bill deserves to be defeated.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to my colleagues' attention the attached article from Euronmoney October 1998, ``Brunei Darussalam: The Abode of Peace.'' Brunei Darussalam: The Abode of Peace Asia is caught in recession. No country in the region can expect to escape from at least part of the consequences of the turnmoil that has swept Asian economies. That said, the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam is better placed than most regional states to weather the challenges ahead. With the August 1998 inauguration of HRH Prince Haji Al- Muhtadee Billah as Crown Prince and future 30th Sultan in a direct royal line that reaches back over 500 years, Negara Brunei Darussalam truly reaffirmed its position as ``The Abode of Peace.'' The spectacular and traditional ceremony held in the heart of the capital Bandar Seri Begawan, a modern and forward- looking city, served to underline Brunei Darussalam's fortunate and enduring ability to combine the very best of the past with the very best of the new. Brunei Darussalam has changed hugely with the flow of oil wealth, but His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, his government and his people have all striven to maintain the traditional standards of the country. On the resumption of independence in 1984, His Majesty the Sultan proclaimed the country a sovereign, democratic Sunni Moslem monarchy. From the 14th to the 16th centuries Brunei Darussalam was the centre of a substantial empire with strong trading links, which covered much of Borneo and the neighbouring islands. However, by the end of the 19th century the Sultanate had lost much of its territory and influence as the result of European colonial expansion throughout south- east Asia. In these difficult circumstances, Brunei Darussalam agreed to become a British protectorate and in 1888 accepted a British resident who advised the Sultan on all matters except the Islamic faith and Malay custom. The discovery of oil in the western part of the country 20 years later initiated a long period of economic development, which was accelerated when the first offshore discoveries were made in the 1960s and given a further boost by the increase in oil prices in the 1970s. The Brunei Darussalam constitution was drawn up in 1959, at the same time that the Sultanate became self-governing, although the British maintained responsibility for the country's foreign affairs, security and defence. In 1967, Sultan Haji Omar `Ali Saifuddin Sa'adul Khari Waddien, who had reigned for 17 years, voluntarily abdicated in favour of his eldest son, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, who ascended the throne in 1968, becoming the 29th Sultan. Since then, His Majesty the Sultan has built upon the foundations laid by his late father, HM Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin, III, who is remembered as the architect of modern Brunei Darussalam. But the old Sultan never lost his links with his country's past. When he knew he was dying in 1986, he left his modern palace and returned to the old palace near the Kampong Ayer stilt village on the Brunei River, from which his family had first moved at the start of the century. The 1979 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation reinterpreted the long-standing relationship between Britain and Brunei Darussalam and paved the way for Brunei Darussalam to reassume full responsibility for its own destiny as an independent state in January 1, 1984. Since that date, Brunei Darussalam has joined and supported the aims of all the principle international organizations. Upon independence, it joined the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean). Most of Brunei's trade is conducted with the other members of Asean, with Singapore being the leading trading partner within the grouping. Participation within Asean projects has also given Brunei an interest in the economic development of the region. In October 1991, the member states of Asean formally announced the establishment of the Asean Free Trade Area (Afta), which was to be implemented over a period of 15 years, later reduced to 10. Brunei is also a member of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) whose heads of government will be the guests of Brunei Darussalam during the Apec 2000 meeting, to be held in Bandar Seri Begawan. Brunei Darussalam is also a member of the Islamic Development Bank, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. In October 1993, the idea of a ``growth quadrangle'', encompassing Mindanao and Palawan (the Philippines), Sarawak, Labuan and Sabah (Malaysia), East and West Kalimantan and Sulawesi (Indonesia) and Brunei, was mooted, aiming to emulate the Singapore-Johore-Riau ``growth triangle''. At a meeting in Mindanao in November 1994, it was agreed to establish the ``growth triangle'' as the Brunei - Indonesia - Malaysia - Philippines - East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). The area has since been expanded with the announcement of the incorporation of additional provinces in Indonesia, including North and South Kalimantan. Maluku Islands and Irian Jaya, in July 1996. It was also decided to locate the secretariat of the East Asean Business Council (EABC) in Brunei. The provision of an office and the pledge to fund one half of the secretariat's operating expenses on a three-year renewable basis, are seen as part of Brunei Darussalam's commitment towards the development of BIMP-EAGA. Brunei Darussalam is on the northern coast of the island of Borneo. It covers an area of 5,765 square kilometres. Malays form the majority of the population with a Chinese minority. There are also small expatriate communities, particularly from Britain, the Netherlands, the United States and Australia. Brunei Darussalam is divided into two parts by Sarawak, a part of eastern Malaysia. The western side of the country is made up of two main districts, Brunei-Muara, Tutong and Belait while the eastern side contains the Temburong district. The climate is tropical and the average daytime temperatures range between 26 degrees centigrade (80 degrees Fahrenheit) and 35C (95F), with the evenings generally being a little cooler. The annual rainfall varies from 200 inches a year in the interior to 100 inches annually on the coast. Brunei Darussalam has 130 kilometres of coastline and over 85% of the population lives in the coastal area. Cautious economic management In 1997, GDP per head, in Brunei Darussalam measured at current prices was Br$25,600 ($14,712). After some years of gentle decline, between 1990 and 1997 GDP increased by an annual average of 2.2%. In 1997, Brunei's GDP, at current prices was estimated at Br$8,051 million. The economy is based largely on wealth from natural gas and petroleum and from the Brunei Investment Agency managed funds of short and long-term assets. The proportion of GDP contributed by the petroleum sector has however declined steadily from 83.7% in 1980 to 72.8% in 1985 to 62.9% in 1990 and 35.6% in 1997. Based on the current rate of production, Brunei Darussalam's petroleum and natural gas reserves are expected to last for another 20 and 30 years respectively. The diversification of the economy into non-petroleum- related activities, which is expected to reduce income disparity (with wealth concentrated hitherto in the petroleum sector) remains a major challenge. The proportion of GDP contributed by the non-oil sector has increased annually since 1986. Between 1990 and 1996, the GDP of the non-oil sector rose at an average of 5.7% per annum. In 1997 this relatively high growth continued, particularly in service-related areas. The petroleum sector was adversely affected by depressed prices on the world oil market in the late 1980s. Export earnings from petroleum and natural gas declined by about Br$9.7 billion in 1980 to Br$3.6 billion in 1997, although the latter figure still represented 91.1% of the total export revenue. The downward movement in oil prices has, however, been somewhat balanced by the appreciation of the US dollar as well as the improvement in the non-oil sectors, helped to sustain the recovery of the overall economy, with GDP growth rising from -1.1% in 1992 to 4.1% in 1997. Brunei's dependence on imports renders it susceptible to external inflationary pressures. Subsidies on essential foodstuffs and petrol however play a part in controlling inflationary pressure. The average annual rate of inflation, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI), was 4% during the decade to 1990 and 2.4% between 1990 and 1994. The index increased by 6.5% in 1995, largely owning to the stiff import tariff announced by the government early in the year, although this rise was mitigated somewhat by a tariff reduction on some 700 other items in the course of the year. In 1997 the CPI stood at a low of 1.7%, further improving from the 2% recorded the previous year when the government implement further tariff cuts on imported consumer items, some tariffs being abolished altogether. In October 1987, the government began a year long survey of household expenditure to help it formulate a new base for the calculation of the

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, the August 14 issue of News India-Times carried a very interesting story. Kuldip Nayar, a veteran journalist and former Indian Ambassador to the United Kingdom who is now a member of the upper house of India's Parliament, admitted that India is a terrorist state. How long will it take for America to admit it? Mr. Nayar was quoted as saying that Pakistan's attack on the village of Doda was an act of retaliation for Indian massacres in the Pakistani state of Sindh. Nayar has been a vocal opponent of the Indian government's nuclear tests, according to the story. Now he is admitting that India has undertaken activities designed to destabilize Pakistan. This is part of India's drive for total hegemony in South Asia. Unfortunately, Mr. Nayar's remarks ignore another aspect of Indian state terrorism: the tyranny it has inflicted on the Sikhs, the Christians of Nagaland, the Muslims of Kashmir and others. According to very credible numbers published by human-rights groups and the Punjab judiciary, the government of India has murdered more than 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, in excess of 200,000 Christians in Nagaland since 1947, almost 60,000 Kashmiri Muslims since 1988, and tens of thousands of Assamese, Tamils, Manipuris, Dalits, and others. The State Department reported that between 1992 and 1994 the Indian government paid over 41,000 cash bounties to police officers for murdering Sikhs. Two Canadian journalists published a book called Soft Target in which they proved that the Indian government blew up its own airliner in 1985 just to blame the Sikhs. In this light, the United States must declare India a terrorist state. We must then impose all the sanctions that we impose on any other terrorist state. This will be a good step towards ending the terrorism and restoring freedom to all the people of South Asia. I submit the News India-Times article for the Record. [From the News India-Times, Aug. 14, 1998] Kuldip Nayar Flayed For `Anti-India' Remarks New Delhi.--The recent statement allegedly made by Kuldip Nayar, veteran journalist and nominated member of the Rajya Sabha on the Doda massacre has created a furor in the country. Nayar is now looked upon as a ``treacherous, anti-national element'' for suggesting that the massacre at Doda is only a retaliation by Pakistan for similar actions by Indian agents in Sindh. The comment which has been so strong has even taken up editorial columns of the country's leading newspapers and magazines. One such editorial piece has even called it a blasphemous statement and that patriotism has been turned into a dirty word by a ``coterie of influential so-called intellectual.'' It added that such a statement would not have been made even by a spokesperson of Pakistan's notorious Inter-Services intelligence as that would have indicated its involvement in the Doda massacres. Meanwhile, American Friends of India condemning Kuldip Nayar have circulated a release questioning Nayar's credibility as a representative of the nation. ``This preposterous action by Kuldip Nayar brings several issues into question. Can he be trusted to be our representative in the Upper House of the Indian Parliament? Isn't his allegiance undoubtedly toward Pakistan? How can he support this inhuman brutality against his own countrymen? Is his representation of the Indian people justified? It may be noted here that Nayar represents a lobby of so- called intellectuals that blames the Indian government for Pakistan-sponsored massacres in Kashmir, and vehemently supports the US Government protests against the Indian nuclear tests. Does this lobby stand for India's unity or does it wish for its dismemberment? Nayar and his fellow co-conspirators will do well to note that Kashmir is not about religion. It is about freedom of religion. We urge the government of India and the Indian National Human Rights Commission to treat the Kashmiri Pandits as ``internally displaced people'' and stress the importance of providing conditions for their safe return to the valley. In light of such terrible tragedy of fellow Indians in Kashmir, Nayar should be expelled from the Rajya Sabha. We also urge the patriotic parliamentarians to take immediate action against Nayar for his treacherous and anti-national actions in the Rajya Sabha,'' the organization stated.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, October 7 is the eleventh anniversary of the Sikh Nation's declaration of an independent Khalistan and the founding of the Council of Khalistan to lead the independence movement. I congratulate the Council and its President, Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, on this important occasion. The Sikhs have a history of self-rule. They ruled Punjab from 1765 to 1849 and were recognized by most of the world's major countries. They were promised an independent state at the time of India's independence but were given false promises to keep them within India's artificial borders. Not one single Sikh representative ever signed the Indian constitution to this day, 51 years later. Now the Sikhs seek to reclaim their national status. Dr. Aulakh and his organization have been tireless and effective leaders in that struggle. In our own Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote that when governments become destructive of their obligation to protect liberty, `it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it.'' The Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, about 60,000 Muslims in Kashmir since 1988, more than 200,000 Christians in Nagaland, and tens of thousands of other minorities, including Dalits-- the aboriginal people of South Asia--Assamese, Tamils, and Manipuris, to name just a few. The Indian Supreme Court described the situation in Punjab as ``worse than a genocide.'' When the Serbian dictator institutes a campaign of ``ethnic cleansing'' in Bosnia or Kosovo, we recognize that this is a clear example of a government which is destroying liberty, not upholding it, yet when India commits genocide against Sikhs, Christians, Muslims, and others, many members of this House proudly defend it as ``as the world's largest democracy.'' Mr. Speaker, the United States is the world's only superpower. It is the beacon of liberty for the world. We must support self-determination for all the occupied nations of South Asia. We must maintain sanctions against India, especially now that Prithvi and Agni missiles, some of which can reach Alaska, are deployed in Punjab. The time has come to stop all aid and trade to this corrupt government. And we must support free and fair votes and peaceful talks to bring freedom to South Asia by democratic means. Only when all the nations and peoples of South Asia live in freedom will peace and stability come to that region. I salute the Council of Khalistan for its work in this noble cause. I thank Dr. Aulakh for reminding us of our obligation to ensure the survival and the success of liberty. I call on my colleagues to listen to the information he brings us and to extend him and his people our full support.