Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, on August 7, India-West reported that Sharad Pawar, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's Parliament, ``expressed fear that the country might go the erstwhile Soviet Union way.'' Speaking at a function for the release of a book, Pawar said that although the Soviet Union was a nuclear power, it fell apart. He said that India's missile tests should not make it overconfident about keeping the country together. The decline of India is inevitable, Mr. Speaker, for many of the same reasons that doomed the Soviet Union. The fact that a leader of the Indian Parliament is now taking note of it is a significant development. India is a country made of may nations. It has 18 official languages. While it maintains a democratic form of government, the principles of democracy do not seem to apply where the minority nations are concerned. Tens of thousands of Sikhs, Christian Nagas, Kashmiri Muslims, Dalits, Tamils, Assamese, Manipuris, and others have been murdered by the government, with no apparent difference no matter which party is in power. Currently, there are 17 freedom movements within India's borders. It looks like Mr. Pawar is on to something. India's breakup is inevitable. I think I speak for most of us here when I say that I hope it happens in the peaceful way that the Soviet breakup did. Otherwise, there is the risk of another Yugoslavia in South Asia. It has been American policy to preserve the current artificial stability in South Asia, but let us remember that we pursued a similar policy with regard to the Soviet empire and it collapsed anyway. The best way to preserve stability, democracy, prosperity, freedom, and peace in South Asia is to get on the side of the peaceful, democratic, nonviolent freedom movements in Khalistan, Kashmir, Nagaland, and the other nations living under Indian rule. I call on my colleagues to support an internationally supervised plebiscite to settle the future of Punjab, Khalistan by votes, the way that democracies decide issues. I also call on India to fulfill its obligation to hold a plebiscite in Kashmir as it promised the United Nations it would in 1948. By these steps, India will signal its commitment to a democratic solution rather than a Yugoslavian-style ethnic war. If it will not commit itself to take these steps, my colleagues can draw their own conclusions--and so can the people of the world. India must not try to settle this issue with more bullets, more genocide, and more nuclear warheads. The time has come to shine the light of freedom on all the people and nations of South Asia. I thank Dr. Aulakh for bringing this very informative article to my attention and I am placing the article into the Record. [From India-West, Aug. 7, 1998] India May Suffer Soviet Fate: Pawar Pune (PTI).--The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Sharad Pawar Aug. 2 expressed the fear that the country might go the erstwhile Soviet Union way unless concerted efforts are taken to strengthen its economy in the wake of international reaction to its carrying out nuclear tests. Pawar was speaking at a function to release a book, ``Hiroshima,'' by noted Marathi writer D.B. Kher on the after effects of bomb explosion in Japan Aug. 6, 1945. Pawar said though the erstwhile USSR was a nuclear power it collapsed, and added that India should not become over- confident after the Pokhran-II tests. He said India should also be very vigilant as the economy of Pakistan was in the doldrums. It might take any dangerous step out of frustration. ``We should not forget the fact that Pakistan had a history of aggression against India and hence we should be on guard,'' he said.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee went to the United Nations in New York last week. He was met by about 200 protestors, mostly Sikhs, Kashmiri Muslims, and others, who were there to protest Indian nuclearization of South Asia and demand freedom for their people. This protest did not get as much coverage in the media as you might have expected under normal circumstances, so it is appropriate to take note of it here. The demonstration was led by Sikh youth in the New York area and the President of the Richmond Hill (N.Y.) Gurdwara. The demonstrators shouted slogans against Indian nuclear-weapons development. They also shouted slogans like ``India stop genocide'' as well as slogans for Sikh independence. In a flyer circulated at the demonstration, the organizers wrote that ``Vajpayee's government is responsible for plunging South Asia into a nuclear arms race. They are taking India towards a bloody confrontation with neighboring countries that could involve the entire world.'' India has recently deployed its Agni and Prithvi missiles in Punjab, Khalistan. Some of these missiles are capable of reaching parts of the United States. This deployment greatly increases the likelihood of war in South Asia, a war we now know can easily become nuclear. The Indian government has also practiced genocide against the minorities it rules. It has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, more than 200,000 Christians in Nagaland since 1947, almost 60,000 Muslims in Kashmir since 1988, and ten of thousands of Assamese, Manipuris, Tamils, Dalits, and others. The government paid thousands of cash bounties to police officers who killed Sikhs! This is why the organizers wrote that ``the Indian government's main mission is Hindu, Hindi, Hindustan. There is no room for Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, or Christians. A religiously intolerant government can never be democratic.'' While India pursues this undemocratic, imperialist objective, it takes the average Indian worker three days' pay just to buy a box of Corn Flakes. Half the population of the country lives below the international poverty line, which is substantially lower than the U.S. poverty line. Yet America officially supports this repressive, hegemonic country. We must be a beacon for freedom in South Asia. Mr. Speaker, the United States must codify the sanctions now in place against India. We must stop providing aid to this repressive regime. And finally, we must put this Congress on record in support of a free and fair plebiscite in Punjab, Khalistan and in Kashmir--the latter in accord with India's 50-year-old promise to the United Nations. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, for bringing this event to my attention. I would also like to insert the Burning Punjab article on the demonstration and the flyer from that event into the Record for the information of my colleagues. I hope that this information will help make it clear to us all just what kind of country India really is. [From the Burning Punjab News, Sept. 26, 1998] Sikhs and Others Hold Large Protest Against Indian Prime Minister's UN Visit (By Atam Inder Singh) New York.--A large numbers of Sikhs came to the United Nations in New York on Thursday to protest the appearance of Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In addition, Kashmiri Muslims and other victims of Indian tyranny protested simultaneously. Protestors distributed a large number of flyers to passers-by. They shouted slogans of ``India stop genocide,'' and ``Raj Kare Ga Khalsa'', as well as slogans against Indian nuclear weapons development. Agni and Prithvi missiles have been deployed in Punjab. The flyer pointed out that ``Vajpayee is the leader of the BJP, the militant Hindu fanatic party in India, and is the head of a repressive, fascist government that oppresses its minorities and is unfriendly to the United States.'' The flyer said that ``Vajpayee's government is responsible for plunging South Asia into a nuclear arms race. They are taking India towards a bloody confrontation with neighboring countries that could involve the entire world,'' it said. The flyer took note of the deployment of Agni and Prithvi missiles in Punjab, of its support of the nuclear efforts of rogue states like Iraq, and of the murders of large numbers of minorities living under Indian rule. The Indian government has eliminated large numbers of Sikhs since 1984, over 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 Indian Government's main agenda is Hindu, Hindi, Hindustan,'' the flyer said. ``There is no room for Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, or Christians. A religiously intolerant government can never be democratic,'' it said. ``On behalf of the Sikh Nation, I salute the organizers of this demonstration, especially Gurpreet Singh and the President of the Richmond Hill Gurdwara, Mr. Balwinder Singh Cheema,'' said Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, the organization that leads the peaceful, democratic, nonviolent struggle to free the Sikh Nation. ``This effort was mostly done by the educated Sikh youth,'' he added.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation that would link HHS award granting to child poverty rates. As part of welfare reform, the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families block grant program (TANF), provides over $1 billion for incentive awards to states. Beginning in FY 1999, TANF's High Performance Bonus Award program will give bonuses to states that reduce the number of welfare recipients. In an unrelated section of the bill, TANF requires that states determine the rate of child poverty each year and initiate corrective action if the rate increases above five percent from the previous year due to the TANF program. There is no linkage between the receipt of a high performance bonus award and child poverty rates. Therefore, under the current system, a state could sustain a dramatic increase in child poverty rates and still qualify for a bonus award if enough adults have been removed from the welfare rolls. Such an outcome would not only constitute a major ``disconnect'' in welfare policy but is highly likely. For instance, in recent testimony about the Summer Food Service Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) found that TANF caused half of the states to reduce the number of food items in the meals or reduce the number of meal locations. GAO predicted that 2 million children would be provided insufficient meals, would travel further to obtain meals or may go hungry because meals will not be served in an accessible location. Under the current rules, states that reduced the lunch program would be eligible for bonus grants. I am sure my colleagues will agree with me that this result, though unintended, is something we cannot ignore, or allow to continue. This legislation would require HHS to consider child poverty rates prior to granting awards and prohibits an award to any state that allows child poverty to increase more than 5 percent per year. My colleagues, if you share my concern about the well being of children under welfare reform, join me in support of this timely and needed legislation.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation to create an Inspector General Oversight Council. 1998 marks the twentieth anniversary of the creation of the Office of Inspector General. It was created to be an independent and objective investigative unit within an agency but not under the jurisdiction of that agency. My intention is not to change the independent nature of the office, but recent events involving the Inspector General's (IG) office have raised concerns about the necessity for oversight. Events such as: A Treasury Department Deputy Assistant Inspector General asserted pressure for investigation of an IRS Deputy Commissioner about personal tax matters over which the IG has no jurisdiction. This came after a Senate hearing during which the Deputy IRS Commissioner apologized for IRS abuses of taxpayers. A former Treasury IG resigned on the eve of the Senate Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Investigations' release of a report criticizing the awarding of sole-source consulting contracts. Despite concerns expressed by the Social Security Administration's Commissioner and employee groups, the SSA's IG planned arrest scenarios using SSA field offices to arrest wanted criminals, potentially endangering the public and field office personnel. A series of skirmishes between the Secretary of HUD and IG of HUD caused Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN) to observe ``. . . maybe we ought to try to get someone's attention over there . . .'' (Washington Post, Sept. 9, 1998). IGs have three principal responsibilities: to conduct and supervise audits and investigations; to combat fraud and promote efficiency; and to keep Congress and the agency head fully informed about problems and deficiencies. The original act did not anticipate the need to deal with arguments between the Secretary and IG of an agency, and provided no forum for the airing of grievances and input of impartial advice. The bill I introduce today will create an Oversight Council to address concerns, such as those highlighted earlier, and recommend solutions to Inspector Generals. This would increase public confidence in the federal government by assuring that the Inspector General is held to standards of accountability and integrity while preserving the independent, nonpartisan role of the Inspector General. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation to create an Inspector General Oversight Council.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held an oversight hearing on the relicensing process for the Nation's hydroelectric projects. This is an important energy issue. Hydroelectric generation is the third largest source of U.S. electric generation. And it accounts for about 96 percent of U.S. renewable energy generation. While the time remaining in this session will not permit us to address any kind of meaningful reform in the relicensing process, it is clear from yesterday's hearing that this should be a top priority in the 106th Congress. Currently relicense applications make up the bulk of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's licensing workload. The Commission's work, in this area, has been hampered by the complex nature of the relicensing process. A number of parties are involved; the gamut of Federal laws governing the process often have very different and contradictory goals; and we also discovered that there are disputes between the authority retained by State resource agencies and the Commission. The multiple layers involved in the relicensing process has imposed regulatory requirements and costs that threaten to undermine the Nation's hydropower system. New York City greatly benefits from the inexpensive hydropower generated by the Niagara Falls through New York utilities like, the New York Power Authority and Consolidated Edison. Given the need to relicense over 65 percent of the Nation's hydro electric capacity in the next 15 years, we must seriously consider establishing a more reasonable regulatory process. I would urge my colleagues to make reform of the hydro relicensing process a top priority in the next Congress. We can ill-afford to lose the benefits of our Nation's most reliable and environmentally sound renewable energy source. I look forward to addressing this important energy issue next year.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Agape Christian Fellowship Family Worship Center's 10th Anniversary in Brooklyn, New York. Agape Christian Fellowship is more than a place of worship. It strives to take care of the spiritual, educational, support, and social needs of the family as a whole. From a small acorn a mighty oak tree shall grow, with its roots planted deep and its presence strong. This metaphor only begins to describe The Agape Christian Fellowship Family Worship Center. The numerous ministries, evangelical and missionary outreaches strive to constantly increase in number and spirit the Family of the Savior. The Elders and Ministers Alliance celebrates and supports those called to serve and those who desire to be a vehicle for God. The Nehemiah Ministry for children encourages the positive support and rearing of children in the way of righteousness. The Evangelism and Missionary Department serve to meet the needs of the lost and preach salvation and hope in Christ. These are but a few of the many examples of Agape's diligence to spread the word of God. The Educational Division, Music Ministry, and Daughters of Esther are integral parts of Agape's desire to support members and nonmembers to have a complete life in the Lord. The Educational Division celebrates those in schools at all levels and encourages them to stay steadfast in their faith. The Daughters of Esther minister to young women to construct their lives according to biblical principles. Mr. Speaker, with the accomplishments highlighted and the numerous others I could not, I ask you to join me in saluting the Agape Christian Fellowship Family Worship Center on their 10th Anniversary.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4558 legislation which will ``grandfather'' SSI and Medicaid eligibility for those elderly and disabled legal immigrants who were receiving benefits on August 22, 1996 and are designated as ``not qualified'' under the 1996 welfare law. Currently, over 12,000 such immigrants nationwide, most of whom are elderly, are scheduled to lose their SSI benefits on September 30, 1998. In New York State alone, approximately 1,865 people will lose these benefits. Many in New York, and the rest of the country, will also lose their Medicaid. Many in this group are actually qualified immigrants eligible for continuing to receive SSI benefits, but are miscoded in the Social Security Administration (SSA) files and stand to lose their benefits because of administrative error. Eighty percent or more of those coded ``not qualified'' by SSA are in fact qualified immigrants whom the 1997 restoration was meant to benefit. Yet they will lose their benefits unless we, their elected officials, grandfather these individuals. Those who would lose assistance include the most vulnerable immigrants in need, the elderly and disabled, many homebound and frail, who are least able to comprehend or respond to efforts to reach out and protect them. For example, a 100 year old woman in New York receiving 24 hour home care is at risk of losing her benefits. I know none of us wants this type of tragedy to occur. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting and passing this legislation before the September 30th, 1998 deadline and avoid a needless crisis.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Reverend Doctor Randolph D. Brown. A man of vision, devotion and tireless service to others in the spirit of God. A man who gave a voice to those who could not speak for themselves. While in Michigan, Reverend Brown was paster of two churches. He was instrumental in building the First Baptist Church of Woodlawn Park, Michigan. He became pastor of the Mount Ollie Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York on May 6, 1939. Pastor Brown has brought many people together in the family of God for the last forty-six years and six months. In the community he was known as the visionary and persuasive voice of the people. Reverend Randolph D. Brown not only ministered from the pulpit, but also stood as a man of God that led by example. He served on the National Baptist Convention's Board of Directors for many years. He was one of the early members of the Board for the ``Voice'' Publications, the newspaper that is circulated throughout the National Baptist Convention, Inc. He held various offices in the Eastern Baptist Association. Always outgoing and full of life, Reverend Brown was the most prominent pastor in the Brownsville Community of Brooklyn, New York during his ministerial tenure. He was called upon numerous times to negotiate on the behalf of The Baptist Churches in matters of dispute and controversy. He was a steady constant in a sea of change, for the betterment of mankind. He was a strong voice in the transition of Bethel Hospital to Brookdale Hospital. His input in the community was vital in brining into reality the now present Nehemiah Homes, and other similar housing developments. He facilitated relationships with the 73rd precinct to bring about an era of mutual trust and partnership. The Reverend Doctor Randolph D. Brown was a dedicated pastor, loving father, true friend and an innovator and doer within his community. Those who knew him personally are thankful to have been blessed to have known such a man as Reverend Brown. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the living memory of Reverend Doctor Randolph D. Brown.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3892, ``The English Language Fluency Act''. This legislation ``block grants'' Federal bilingual education programs and eliminates numerous protections contained in current law. I view this bill as a significant setback on bilingual education. Several educational agencies and organizations also believe this bill would harm current Federally- funded bilingual education programs. For example, the Council of the Great City Schools, the New York Board of Regents, and the New York State Board of Education all oppose this measure. Let's examine just what kind of negative impact this legislation would really have on bilingual education programs. H.R. 3892 removes existing enforcement and compliance standards. For example, current bilingual education agreements between the Education Department's Civil Rights office and local school districts would be eliminated. The bill also would limit the ability of these agencies to negotiate future agreements. Additionally, the bill eliminates Civil Rights Act protections that ensure that students who are learning English continue to achieve high academic standards. In fact, it would force students to leave transitional education programs after two years, regardless of their proficiency in English. Moreover, the bill's total lack of attention to core subject matter, with all emphasis on English development only, is not sound education practice. In the case of New York State, the bill would reduce overall funding as well as funding for planning, administration, and interagency cooperation within the State due to a change in the allocation formula. At the same time, New York State would be required to taken on added responsibility for the management of the funds with sufficient monies to do so. Perhaps most significantly, this legislation overrides the tradition of local control on public education matters. Local school districts and states with a large percentage of students who are learning to speak English should be able to make their own decisions on how best to educate their students. H.R. 3892 is a ``one-size-fits-all'' approach to a complicated problem that requires autonomy and flexibility for local jurisdictions. Finally, we should not lose sight of the fact that this bill repeals the Emergency Immigrant Education program and undermines Title VII funds, from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, that have already been awarded to local school districts. This legislation is will hinder the advances made in bilingual education and I would urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 3892.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I was disturbed to learn recently that the Chief Minister of Punjab, Parkash Singh Badal, and many political leaders there are trying to outlaw the Punjab People's Commission, which is exposing the genocide against the Sikhs by the police and security forces. The Punjab government tried to prevent the commission's first meeting by canceling the meeting space that the commission had reserved. However, one of the local Gurdwaras in Chandiagarh offered its meeting space and the meeting was held anyway. During that meeting the People's Commission issued citations in more than 90 cases against police officers who have committed atrocities against the Sikhs of Punjab, Khalistan. It took up more than 3,000 other cases. This shows the pattern of repression, terror, and genocide against the Sikhs in Punjab, Khalistan. That is why the Badal government and the political leaders there want the commission closed down. We cannot sit idly by while this vital commission is destroyed. It is the only group within Punjab, Khalistan that is exposing the genocide. The Council of Khalistan has issued an excellent Open Letter on this issue. I urge my colleagues, especially those who are always lecturing us about how wonderful Indian democracy is, to read it carefully. In light of the facts presented in this letter, I call on my colleagues to maintain sanctions against India and to support an internationally-supervised plebiscite in Punjab, Khalistan so that the Sikhs of that troubled state can vote on whether they should chart their own course separately from Indian tyranny. I would like to insert that Open Letter into the Record. Open Letter to the Sikh Nation (From Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh) Support the People's Commission--Attacks on Commission by BJP, Congress, and CPI Show Who Is Behind Sikh Genocide and Deepen the Sikh Nation's Wounds To the Khalsa Panth: The BJP, Congress, and CPI have finally exposed themselves. They have revealed their own involvement in the genocide against the Sikh Nation. They don't want the truth to come out because it will show their immoral deeds. That is why they want to shut down the Peoples' Commission. Even the Badal government seems to agree. It made every effort to prevent the commission's first meeting from occurring. It is no wonder. The commission issued 90 citations against police officers and received 3,000 more cases. Evidently it is making the political leaders of all stripes nervous. They are now shivering with fear that their part in supporting the genocide against the Sikh Nation will be exposed. Do not let these corrupt leaders succeed in their effort to shut down the Peoples' Commission. The work that it is doing is too important to the Sikh Nation and all of humanity. The Armenians will not let the genocide against them 80 years ago be forgotten; the Jews will not let the world forget the Holocaust 50 years after it happened. How can the genocide against the Sikh Nation, which occurred during the last 15 years, be forgotten, even by so many Sikh leaders? On March 20, the BJP promised a ``transparent'' government. That is not what they have delivered. As Ram Narayan Kumar of the Coordination Committee on Disappearance in Punjab asked, ``How can the Government ignore the necessity to determine the facts?'' The truth will come out; the government's effort to suppress it is futile. When Badal was running the Punjab state election, he promised to appoint a commission of inquiry into the genocide. He has broken that promise. Not only has he not appointed the commission, he has boasted that his government has taken no action against the police officials who were responsible for the genocide. He has sat idly by while plainclothes police continue to patrol the Golden Temple and thousands of Sikh youth are still sitting in jail. It is no surprise that such a corrupt leader would oppose the Peoples' Commission. The human-rights community in Punjab, Khalistan tried to give Badal time. They wrote him a letter asking him to keep his promise. When de did not, the Coordination Committee on Disappearance in Punjab, comprised of all the human-rights groups and the World Sikh Council, appointed the People's Commission. The effort to shut down the Peoples' Commission show that there is no place for Sikhs in Indian democracy. As U.S. Congressman Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.) has said, ``The mere fact that Sikhs can choose their oppressors does not mean that they live in a democracy.'' Whether the government is run by Congress or by the BJP, Sikhs and other minorities continue to be abducted, tortured, raped, and murdered. How can our Sikh leaders turn a blind eye to the genocide. We recite every day the words ``Raj Kare Ga Khalsa,'' the Khalsa shall rule. Yet our Sikh leaders join Hindustan in its effort to stop the exposure of the genocide. Yet the Sikh Nation can never forget the genocide that Hindustan has inflicted upon us. It is time for the Sikh Nation to reclaim its freedom. It is only when Khalistan is free will the Sikh Nation be free of India's genocide and tyranny. The effort to suppress the People's Commission shows that it is time to begin a Shantmai Morcha to liberate Khalistan by peaceful, democratic, nonviolent means. India is destined to break up; their genocide and tyranny will not keep their corrupt, tyrannical empire together. The Sikh leaders who collaborate with their effort to escape the consequences of their actions will be remembered by the Sikh Nation as traitors to the Panth. The Sikh Nation is disgusted by the continual betrayals of the Khalsa Panth by Indian chimchas Badal, Tohra, and their allies. In 1984 Tohra and Badal told us that anyone who attacked the Golden Temple would have to walk over their dead bodies. Yet we saw Tohra with his hands in the air surrendering to the Indian troops. We know whose side these people are on. Even Tohra is now supporting the People's Commission. I hope he realized that the Guru will not forgive him for his betrayal of the Khalsa Panth. South Africa's Truth Commission exposed the evils of apartheid to the world. We must support the People's Commission to expose the genocide against the Sikh Nation. The work of the People's Commission must continue so that those who have collaborated with the genocide can be brought to justice. It must continue so that India's genocide against the Sikhs can come to light. It must continue so that our Sikh brothers and sisters can finally live in freedom. The Sikh leaders and grassroots Sikhs must speak and work in support of the commission and its efforts. The leadership must speak out forthrightly for a free Khalistan. It must commit itself to achieving this most important goal through peaceful resistance to India's brutal tyranny and by means of an internationally-supervised plebiscite so that our future can be determined democratically. That is the only way that the dignity of the Sikh Nation will be restored. Only in a free Khalistan will the Sikh Nation finally live in peace, freedom, prosperity and dignity. Only when Khalistan is free will the rights of all people be ensured. In Service to the Panth, Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President, Council of Khalistan.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, on first blush, Rabbi Leibish (Leopold) Lefkowitz was a Talmudic scholar bearing in his heart the abundant gifts and miraculous fate of the Jewish people. This singular impression fades rapidly, however, on closer inspection. Who was this rabbi, mayor, community leader, businessman, philanthropist, friend? It was, of course, Leibish Lefkowitz. Rabbi Lefkowitz, the humble immigrant who came to these shores shortly after the Second World War and settled in New York with his wife, operating a crystal and gift shop on Manhattan's Lower East Side, which soon turned into Crystal Clear Industries Enterprise, one of the largest crystal companies in the United States. Rabbi Lefkowitz, the intrepid educator, who was president of the 18,000 student Satmar educational system, United Talmudical Academy and Beth Rachel, educating children from kindergarten through post-rabbinical seminary. Rabbi Lefkowitz, the proud servant to his community, who was president of Satmar Congregation Yetev Lev of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and founder of the United Jewish Organization of Williamsburg, a community service bureau of the utmost importance and indeed profound effectiveness. Rabbi Lefkowitz, the pioneer and ``elected official,'' who was founder and mayor of the Kiryat Joel Village in Monroe, New York, now with over 15,000 residents. Rabbi Lefkowitz, the generous philanthropist, who helped so many and gave so much, building organizations, homes, even cities. And, of course, Rabbi Lefkowitz the husband, father of two, grandfather of sixteen, and great-grandfather of forty-two. As is clear, Rabbi Leibish Lefkowitz was a man of parts: many parts. And with his beloved Torah, or Old Testament, as his guide, the Divine as his inspiration, and perfecting the world as his goal, all these unique parts amalgamated into the extraordinary man that Rabbi Lefkowitz was, the true and deserving servant of God that he wished to be. Since his passing on August 1st, the amount of righteousness in this world has declined, and indeed the world has become a lesser place. The Almighty, in his infinite yet inexplicable wisdom, has taken Rabbi Lefkowitz to be with Himself, depriving us of this beloved mensch, but bestowing upon heaven his blessed soul.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joseph Lubrano, the United States Postal Service (USPS) Brooklyn Postmaster. Joseph was promoted to the position of Brooklyn Postmaster in December of 1997 from his prior position of Officer-in-Charge, Brooklyn Post Office. I wish to commend Joseph for his efforts in vastly improving the quality of postal service in the borough of Brooklyn. Joseph has expanded passport acceptance services in the Brooklyn post offices, encouraged station managers to meet and greet customers in their stations, and increased hours of operation in Brooklyn post offices and substations. His initiatives and responsiveness has improved customer relations between postal patrons and the USPS. Joseph has served twenty years with the USPS. Within three years of his induction to the USPS, he was promoted to a supervisory position. Joseph has held numerous positions in customer services, including Delivery and Collection Supervisor; General Supervisor of City Delivery; Station Manager; Manager of Delivery and Collection; Manager of Stations and Branches; Area Manager; Postmaster of Far Rockaway; Senior Manager of Post Office Operations in Westchester, New York; and various details at USPS Headquarters and in the New York area. A product of Brooklyn, New York, Joseph grew up in the New Lots neighborhood of Brooklyn. He attended Public School 171, Thomas Edison High School, and graduated from St. Johns University. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I pay tribute to Joseph Lubrano for his commitment and dedication to ensuring quality service to the people of Brooklyn from the United States Postal Service.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Chairman, I am happy to join my colleagues in expressing my views and my feelings about Lou Stokes. Lou Stokes is a very interesting person. He has the ability to persuade. I remember some years ago when I was chair of the Congressional Black Caucus that a group in Cleveland had invited me to speak. I indicated to them on the phone that I could not do it. I sent them a later indicating that I could not do it, and then I had my staff to tell them that I could not do it. And all the sudden I am walking and Lou stopped me and put a hand on my shoulder and said I would like very much for you to go and address the group in Cleveland. And I said, ``Lou, I would be delighted to go and address the group in Cleveland. But I have a problem. I have already sent them a letter.'' And he said, ``I am sure you could straighten that out.'' Mr. Chairman, I must admit I sent them a letter saying it was a mistake, I would be coming. I want people to know that Lou Stokes is very interesting in a lot of ways. Also, another thing I would like to comment about the gentleman, being around this body here now for 16 years and watching Members, Lou is special in another way. When you ask Lou for help, he does not do like a lot of Members in this body, call a press conference on you. Lou is not the kind of person that when you ask for help he calls a press conference, and then when he indicates he is going to help you he calls a big process conference. And then if he does it, he calls a real big one. He is not like that. Lou Stokes is the kind of guy that very quietly will do whatever he can do to make life better for you as a Member and your constituents. Lou, we will miss you in this body. In all the years that I have been here I cannot think of a finer Member than Lou Stokes. What a man. What a man. We will miss you.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Edward A. Weinstein, an individual who through his public service, especially in New York, is an invaluable asset to our communities. Through his 37- year tenure at Deloitte & Touche LLP, Mr. Weinstein has made a tremendous impact to both his profession, and the community. During his college days at Columbia College, Mr. Weinstein received academic honors and distinctions in economics. As a graduate student, he received his M.B.A. from The Wharton School. Mr. Weinstein was also a member of the Beta Alpha Psi and Beta Gamma Sigma honor societies at The Wharton School. The hard work ethic that led to his academic success has carried on to his success, not only as a devout father of two children, but also into his vast public service contributions to society. Mr. Weinstein is past President of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and is a past Vice President and member of its Board of Directors. He was also a member of the Council of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been chairman and a member of many committees of the New York State Society of CPAs and AICPA. Mr. Weinstein is the author of several articles dealing with the numerous topics that have been published in prominent publications such as The CPA Journal, The Journal of Accountancy, the Credit and Financial Management Magazine, and many others. In 1975, he won the Max Block Award of The CPA Journal for his article entitled ``A Time of Travail and Challenge''. Mr. Weinstein is also an individual who has been very involved in civic activities. He has been an advisor to a Junior Achievement Group as well as a member of the Financial Advisory Committee of the Salvation Army. He has been a trustee of The International House, the Fairmont Park Council for Historic Sites, the World Affairs Council, and the Federation of Jewish Agencies of Greater Philadelphia. Mr. Weinstein is very active with the United Way, and in 1992, both the NYSSCPA and AICPA recognized him with awards for his public service. Currently, he serves as a Board member of the New York City Police Foundation and the Cooper Hewitt National Museum of Design in New York. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Edward A. Weinstein, a member of the community who throughout his life has always been active in society and through his service has given back innumerable amounts of resources to the community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, the truth about India's brutality towards the Sikhs continues to come to light. A group of 13 human-rights activists issued a statement on May 19 at a press conference in Chandigarh about the torture and murder of Gurdev Singh Kaunke, the Jathedar of the Akal Takht, from December 25, 1992 to January 1, 1993. After being tortured for a week, Jathedar Kaunke, the religious leader of the Sikh Nation, was murdered by the police. Jathedar Kaunke was abducted on December 25, 1992 by the police from the Jagraon subdivision of the Ludhiana district. Even Akali Dal leader Parkash Singh Badal, now the Chief Minister of Punjab, condemned this action. He was briefly detained for his statement. Yet he has refused to refer this terrible incident for investigation by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the flimsy pretext that it would demoralize the murderous, out-of-control Punjab police. It is a well- known fact among the people of Punjab that the person responsible for the torture and murder of Jathedar Kaunke is SSP Swaran Singh Ghotna. Ghotna is not a last name, but a very inhumane torture technique used by the police for which he is infamous. On January 2, 1993, the police claimed that Jathedar Kaunke had escaped. This claim was false. He had been killed the day before. According to a news article, he was murdered by being torn in half, similar to the way that the driver for another religious leader, Bbab Charan Singh, was murdered by the Indians. The human-rights activists created a commission to look into the matter. According to their statement, they seek ``an appointment with the Chief Minister of Punjab to acquaint him with its findings and to demand registration of a case against the culprits.'' They pointed out that this demand ``is no more than a reiteration of the position that Parkash Singh Badal himself had taken at the time of the incident. The Akal Takht is the highest institution of the Sikhs that embodies their sacral and secular aspirations. Its former Jathedar was inhumanly tortured to death. We are confident that the Sikh Chief Minister of Punjab would not treat this matter in the same lackadaisical spirit that generally marks his attitude on our human-rights concerns.'' They also demanded police protection for key witnesses in the case because India has a record of intimidating, bribing, even killing witnesses. Signers of this statement include Hindu human-rights activist Ram Narayan Kumar, Justice Kuldip Singh, President of the World Sikh Council, Justice Ajit Singh Bains, chairman of the Punjab Human Rights Organization, Inderjit Singh Jaijee, chairman of the Movement Against State Repression, Dr. Sukhjit Kaur, Maj. Gen. Narinder Singh, Amrik Singh Muktsar, D.S. Gill, R. S. Bains, Amar Singh Chahal, Jaspal Singh Dhillon, Mrs. Baljit Kaur, and Navkiran Singh. They should be recognized for their courage in standing up to the Indian tyranny. This incident reveals the truth that for minorities living under Indian rule, there is no democracy. The mere fact that they have the right to choose their oppressors does not mean that they live in a democracy. In this light, it is not surprising that there are 17 freedom movements throughout India. If the United States is interested in real freedom, peace, and stability in South Asia, we must support self-determination for the Sikh Nation and all the nations of South Asia. I call on my colleagues to join in supporting an internationally- supervised plebiscite in Punjab, Khalsitan, so that the political status of this troubled country can be decided the democratic way. I also call for my colleagues to vote to stop all aid to India until the basic human and democratic rights of all people are respected. I would like to introduce the statement from The Committee for Coordination on Disappearances in Punjab in the Record. The Committee for Coordination on Disappearances in Punjab Bhai Gurdev Singh Kaunke, former Jathedar of the Akal Takht, was illegally arrested from his village home in Jagraon subdivision of Ludhiana district on 25 December 1992. The police authorities later claimed that Bhai Gurdev Singh Kaunke escaped from the custody of 2 January 1993, a claim that was widely condemned as false. Holding the then Chief Minister Beant Singh responsible for the murder of Jathedar Kaunke, Akali Dal (Badal) had not only demanded his resignation but had also asked for a high powered judicial inquiry to determine the truth. Prakash Singh Badal, the present Chief Minister of Punjab, was himself detained when he was visiting the bereaved at their village on 5 January 1992. A copy of the Punjabi Tribune dated 10 January 1993, which reported the Badal Akali Dal's position on Jathedar Kaunke's case, and report of his arrest in Ajit's 6 January 1992 edition, are enclosed. A team specially appointed by the Committee has been conducting investigations to determine the true facts of the case. The team comprises the following: Ram Narayan Kumar, Amrik Singh Muktsar, Jasapl Singh Dhillon, D.S. Gill and Rajwinder Singh Bains. Investigation conducted by this team conclusively proves inhuman torture of Bhai Gurdev Singh Kaunke, first at the Sadar Police Station of Jagraon and then at the CIA interrogation Center, from 25 December 92 to 1 January 1993. The team has also acquired irrefutable evidence to establish that the former Jathedar of the Akal Takht was killed under torture. The Coordination Committee is seeking an appointment with the Chief Minister of Punjab to acquaint him with its findings and to demand registration of a case against the culprits under relevant sections of the IPC. We also insist that the government of Punjab must hand over the investigation of the case to the CBI. Our demand, which rests on legally binding evidence, is no more than a reiteration of the position that Prakash Singh Badal had himself taken at the time of the incident. The Akal Takht is the highest institution of the Sikhs that embodies their sacral and secular aspirations. Its former Jathedar was inhumanly tortured to death. We are confident that the Sikh Chief Minister of Punjab would not treat this matter in the same lackadaisical spirit that generally marks his attitude on our human rights concerns. We also demand that the key witnesses in the case and their family members be provided with adequate security from a central police force. Our experience in the Khalra case shows that policemen accused of grave human rights offenses resort to every method--from cajoling, browbeating and bribing to open threats to life--to suborn the witnesses and to destroy the evidence. Therefore, it is crucial that the key witnesses to the custodial torture and murder of Akal Takht's former Jathedar are protected from harassment from the very beginning. Darshan Singh, former policeman at Jagraon when the incident occurred, is a key witness in the case. We demand that Drashan Singh and his family members be protected by the

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce a bill which will increase oversight protection for children and mentally disabled individuals who participate in clinical research trials. I am proud that this bill has received bi-partisan support. Mr. Shays of Connecticut, Mr. Barrett of Wisconsin, Mr. Burton of Indiana, and Mr. Waxman of California are original cosponsors of this measure. Institutional Review Boards serve as the principal line of defense for the protection of human subjects who participate in clinical research. These boards review and approve a research plan before the research is carried out and ensure that any risks are warranted in relation to the anticipated benefits. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the primary Federal department sponsoring biomedical and behavioral research. Its regulatory apparatus for overseeing such research consists of two principal tiers of review: one at the research institution level and the other at the Federal level. Both tiers are responsible for ensuring that individual researchers and their research institutions comply with Federal laws and regulations for protecting human subjects. However, the GAO and the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services have found that these Boards are falling down on the job. In numerous reports over the last 5 years, each of these oversight agencies have found that IRB's are conducting reviews too quickly and with members who lack expertise in the subject areas, that they conduct minimal review of approved research, tend to allow for unauthorized expansion of research plans or ``creep'' and that their membership and institutional affiliations may present real and apparent conflicts of interests. Both the GAO and the Inspector General warned that these serious deficiencies may jeopardize the protection apparatus necessary for people who participate in medical research. In a recent hearing of the Subcommittee on Human Resources, of which I am the ranking member, we uncovered a case which may be the realization of the fears expressed by the GAO and the IG. In New York City, a prestigious IRB permitted a research project which used the drug Fenfluramine. Researchers devised a trial which was reputedly designed to determine whether a relationship existed between aggressive behavior and the brain chemical serotonin. Fenfluramine is a class IV amphetamine which occupies the same status as drugs such as darvon and xanax. It is half of the diet drug ``phen-fen''. Prior to being withdrawn from the market in 1997 by the FDA, its only approved use was weight control. Because the drug for safety or efficacy on children under 12 years of age. Therefore, no one knows whether this drug may adversely affect children under 12. The research plan called for the participation of male children between the ages of 6-11 years old whose siblings had been adjudicated as delinquents. None of the children sought for the study had any history of violent or aggressive behavior. There is no evidence that any of the older siblings had any history of violent or aggressive behavior. The research plan specified that all children recruited should be African- American or Hispanic. Caucasian children were specifically excluded. Prior to the lab portion of the tests, the children were placed on a low protein diet for 72 hours which affects the levels of serotonin in the brain. The children were denied food for 12 hours prior to the test. After receiving Fenfluramine, a catheter was placed in the arms of the participants to enable the researchers to withdraw blood easily. Blood was withdrawn about once an hour during the five-hour tests. The blood readings were used to measure levels of serotonin activity in the children. Because this experiment involved an approved drug which was being given to measure physical and biological responses, FDA approval was not needed. After the experiment, the children and their parents were paid and sent home. Subsequently, several parents have complained that their children have suffered illnesses which they did not have prior to this ``challenge''. In numerous memos ranging over a 2-year period, the IRB asked the researchers to explain the scientific premise of their experiment in greater detail and to explain the necessity of exposing children to a procedure which the IRB deemed to constitute ``more than minimal risk''. After 2 years of correspondence, these issues were never fully addressed. Additionally, Federal regulations require that studies involving human subjects recruit participants in an ``equitable'' fashion. Here, the research plan breached that requirement because it specifically excluded White children without any medical reasons for the exclusion. The IRB approved this study despite these problems. Although the Food and Drug Administration and the Office of Protection from Research Risks are charged with the responsibility of investigating complaints involving human subject research, such investigations are rare. Both agencies rarely conduct more than 100 investigations at any given time. Corrective actions or sanctions are imposed on a fraction of those researchers investigated. The Office of Protection from Research Risks is currently investigating this New York study. However, they estimate that it may take up to a year to conclude this investigation. Clearly, we need to assure that Federal officials are empowered to take a proactive role in research abuses. However that will be difficult because currently, IRBs are not required to register or engage in any certification process. We do not know how many IRBs operate in this Nation. Therefore, we cannot know the extent of their use of children and other vulnerable populations. The bill that I introduce today requires that any IRB that uses children or mentally disabled individuals in research must report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning the participants, the nature, objectives and reasons for the research and the source of funding. The Secretary will be required to make this information available to the public. I believe that this bill will impose sunshine on this secretive process and will afford greater oversight by the government and by concerned members of the public. I ask all of my colleagues who are concerned about children and the mentally disabled to join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Jeannette Mary LoSciuto upon her retirement from the New York City Board of Education. Jeannette taught in the NYC public school system since 1972 and will retire from teaching after 25 years. Jeannette's last 23 years were spent at the Joseph B. Cavallaro School, Intermediate School 281K in Brooklyn. Jeannette taught language arts to the students of IS281K and was the department leader for 20 years. Jeannette was also the faculty advisor for the school yearbook and newspaper from 1980 to 1982. Jeannette is not only an educator but also very active in the Coney Island community. Her community activism includes serving as a member and/or officer on the local Community Board, boards of numerous elementary schools, day care centers, housing and homeowner associations, task force on poverty, Community Council, and PTAs. She also served with the Community Democratic Club from 1964 until its dissolution in 1994. This participation included positions as the editor of the newsletter, election district captain, poll watcher, petition counter and checker, and a member of its Executive Board. Jeannette joined the Boys Scouts of America in 1963 and continued to be active long after her children's involvement. Jeannette received various awards in her capacity as Den Mother; Webelo Leader; instructor; counselor for the Sheepshead District, Brooklyn; member of the Training and Commissioners staff and committee person, first in Troop & Pack #678 and then in Troop & Pack #504. Her active involvement with the Boys Scouts of America continues as committee person and merit badge counselor. In 1974, Jeannette was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Jeannette M. LoSciuto upon her retirement as a teacher in the NYC public school system. At a time, when there have been many stories told about the failures in our public school system, it is with great pleasure that we can honor someone whose dedication is an inspiration to our youth.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call your attention to The Walt Disney Company for being honored by the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) with the 1998 Maynard Jackson Award. The Walt Disney Company received this important award because of its work to ensure minority contractors equal access to contracting opportunities. The NAMC is a non-profit trade association that was established in 1969 to address the needs and concerns of minority contractors. While membership is open to people of all races and ethnic backgrounds, the organization's mandate, ``Building Bridges-Crossing Barriers,'' focuses on construction industry concerns common to African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans. The Association is active in 49 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. The Walt Disney Company's commitment to diversity in its contracting practices earned them this national honor. The company does business with more than 1500 minority-owned and women-owned businesses. Since Disney launched its Minority and Women Business Enterprise Program 16 years ago, it has increased spending with minority-owned and women- owned businesses fifty-fold. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all of my colleagues, join me in applauding The Walt Disney Company for the work they have done to receive this prestigious award.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the member of my Save Our Youth Initiative's Congressional Youth Council. One of the major challenges facing Brooklyn, and other parts of our Nation, is finding ways to open doors of opportunity for youth who constitute a disproportionately large share of the unemployed, underemployed, and incarcerated. Through the Save Our Youth Initiative, I am striving to eliminate this bleak outlook for our youth, and to provide the necessary resources so that youth can build successful lives. An important vehicle in this effort is my Congressional Youth Council. Since Spring 1996, the Youth Council's leadership role in the community encourages youth to become more active citizens. Through organizing community forums such as a Youth Town Hall meeting attended by over 200 youth and adults, participating in public hearings and other local events, and discussing policy issues with public officials such as Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden, these youth blossomed into dedicated advocates. Each young leader--April Hudson, Irvin Daniels, Felix Ramos, Akilah Holder, Tanya Cruz, Latoya Baker, Dunni Owolabi, Jethro Jelldine, Nicole Brathwaite, Michelle Warner, Yolanshe, Alexander, Fellanthin King, and Kalonji Curwen--is a shining beacon of hope for the future of our community. I am tremendously proud of their achievements in both school and the community. This month, four of these dedicated youth advocates will receive their New York State high school diplomas. They have truly shown that Generation X is a generation of excellence. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting all of the members of my Congressional Youth Council.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Washington L. Lundy's 30th Pastoral Anniversary at the Evening Star Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. Reverend Lundy is a native of McKenney, Virginia. Prior to his appointment at the Evening Star Baptist Church, Reverend Lundy had experience in pastoring at First Baptist Church in McKenney, Virginia. Following his appointment to the Evening Star Baptist Church, Reverend Lundy obtained a Bachelor of Sacred Theology and a Doctor of Divinity from Baltimore College of Bible in 1971 and 1975, respectively. Since Reverend Lundy's tenure at Evening Star Baptist Church, many wonderful things have happened to both the church and the surrounding community. Reverend Lundy founded the Eastern Baptist Association School of Religion in 1989. The Reverend also led the congregation through a five million-dollar renovation and dedication in 1994. Reverend Lundy's accomplishments do not end there. In 1991, C.S.B.C. Housing Development named him Father of the Year. Reverend Lundy also received the Contemporary Leadership Award in July, 1992, and the History Maker Award in February, 1995. In addition to this, Franklin Avenue, in Brooklyn, New York will soon be named ``Dr. Washington Lee Lundy'' Boulevard. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in saluting Reverend Washington L. Lundy on the occasion of his 30th Pastoral Anniversary at the Evening Star Baptist Church.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Robert O. Simpson's 25th Pastoral Anniversary at Janes United Methodist Church, Brooklyn, New York. Reverend Robert O. Simpson assumed responsibilities as Pastor of Janes United Methodist Church in July 1973. Reverend Simpson's formal education began, ironically, in a nursery school at Janes United Methodist Church. He attended both public and private schools in Brooklyn before earning a Master of Divinity Degree from Yale Divinity School in June 1973. Since Reverend Simpson's tenure at Janes United Methodist Church, active membership has tripled. Many positive programs have been implemented. The Church's Community Outreach has included a tutorial program, the Senior Citizens' Friendship Club, the Voter Registration and Information Project, the Meals-on-Wheels Program for the home-bound elderly or disabled in the community, and ``God's Sheltering Arms,'' Janes' ministry to the homeless who inhabit public places. Reverend Simpson's greatest challenge came in 1984, when a fire destroyed Janes Church. With his dynamic leadership, Reverend Simpson led his congregation through this crisis. With his hard work and dedication, the new Janes Church was build and consecrated in April 1991. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in saluting Reverend Robert O. Simpson on the occasion of his 25th Pastoral Anniversary at Janes United Methodist Church.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedication and achievements of Dr. Thomas P. Grissom, Jr. Dr. Grissom has earned two Doctorate degrees, and it was his desire to teach before retiring. Dr. Thomas P. Grissom, Jr. has a vast amount of experience as a pastor. He began his ministry 49 years and 9 months ago. He first became the Associate Pastor of St. Mark United Methodist Church in Manhattan. From there he went to Janes United Methodist Church in Brooklyn. After this position, he moved to Taylor Memorial Church in Oakland, California. He later returned to New York in October 1980 to pastor Salem United Methodist Church in Manhattan. He remained at Salem until the end of June in 1990. On the first Sunday of July 1990, Dr. Grissom became the Pastor of Hanson Place Central United Methodist Church, where he has served until the present time. Mr. Speaker, please join me in saluting Dr. Thomas P. Grissom, Jr. for his tremendous devotion and dedication to his profession.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, over the past year, I have listened with interest to promises of moderation and reform from Iran, but after a year of Mohammad Khatami's tenure as president, I cannot but help to conclude that the current regime continues to be one of the major violators of human rights and proponents of terrorist activities around the world. The only policy that can be successful vis-a-vis Iran is a policy of firmness. Firmness, however, will only prove effective when it is coupled with support for the establishment of democracy in Iran. On May 21st, I had the honor of hosting a gathering at which a number of my esteemed colleagues as well as experts on Iran and the region addressed various aspects of the question. In urging the administration to pursue a policy in favor of the Iranian people and their resistance, the speakers emphasized that the U.S. should not make the same mistake made during the Shah's time. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit the remarks I prepared for this briefing for publication in the Congressional Record. I would like to thank every one of you for participating in this event today. I believe it is very important that we keep our focus on the issue of human rights. Not long ago, I watched a video tape smuggled out of Iran by the Mojahedin Opposition Movement. It showed for the first time actual scenes of people being stoned to death in Iran. Four individuals were brought out, buried up to their waists, and stoned to death in the most cruel, gruesome and painful scene I have ever witnessed in my life. And this still goes on in Iran, officially. Since the election of Iran's new president, the government has announced the stoning of 7 people, four of them women. Tens of thousands of Iranians have been executed for their political beliefs since 1981. My question is, what is our administration doing about these ongoing rights violations? What have we done to relieve the suffering of the Iranian people? I believe our policy must be very firm about condemning human rights violations in Iran, and about supporting advocates of democracy, such as Maryam Rajavi. Change will come to Iran, but not from the current regime. We will not get anywhere by cuddling repressive dictators.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Father Martin Carter who has dedicated his life to the ministry. Father Martin Carter is a native of High Point, North Carolina and a priest of the Society of the Atonement. He holds a doctorate of ministry from McCormick Seminary, Chicago, Illinois. His seminary studies were completed at Pope John XXIII National Seminary, Weston, Massachusetts, where he earned a master of divinity with a bachelor of arts degree from Chicago State University, with a concentration in psychology and counseling. Father Martin has ministered in several countries in Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. He presently serves as Director of the Office of Black Ministry in the Brooklyn Diocese. His work has been published in the New Catholic Encyclopedia, The Jurist, Journal of the Society of the Atonement Ecumenical Trends and various magazines and newspapers. He has also coauthored a book that describes the African custom of Kujenga, a growth and leadership rite. The book, entitled Kujenga: Black Catholic Youth Leadership Conference, now serves as an educational tool for many black children and their parents. Father Martin uses his education to reach out to communities everywhere. Through his faithful service, he has worked with the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches. At this meeting, he represented African American Catholics and submitted a report entitled ``The Unity of the Church and the Renewal of Human Community.'' Father Martin's extraordinary contributions to the community have merited him numerous awards and honors. North Carolina State University bestowed him with a community service award and Shaw University awarded him with a Salute to Greatness Award for his ministry as director of the Office for Black Ministry, Evangelization, and Episcopal Vicar for African American Catholics. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Father Martin Carter for his valuable contributions to the community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express growing concern that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act may sharply reduce the number of pest control products used to eradicate cockroaches and other indoor pests. Principally, I am concerned that the loss of cockroach control products will exacerbate the already growing problem of asthma and allergies in inner cities, particularly among children. Sadly, no city has been harder hit by the asthma epidemic than New York. In fact, at least 10 percent of New York city school children suffer from asthma. However, the increasing asthma rate is not just a New York problem, but a national one. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the number of asthmatics have doubled over the last 20 years and more than one third of all asthmatics are children, making it the most common chronic disorder among that sub-population. The National Institutes of Health cites cockroaches as an important cause of asthma in allergic children. According to a landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine last spring, cockroach allergens are largely to blame for increased asthma rates among urban children, and children who are allergic to cockroaches are three times as likely to be hospitalized as other asthmatics. Some of the children participating in the study were from the Bronx and East Harlem. Thankfully, there are steps we can take to address the skyrocketing asthma rate and to lessen the impact of allergies. One way is more effective control of cockroaches. An editorial accompanying the study recommends the ``regular use of insecticides'' as one of the more effective means of controlling cockroaches. Since cockroaches regularly become resistant to pesticides, a wide array of pest control products is needed to effectively control infestations. Although heartened by Vice-President Gore's recent directive that E.P.A. ensure regulatory actions mandated by F.Q.P.A. are based on sound science and reasonable transition rules for agriculture, I urge E.P.A. not to forget the pest control needs of urban populations. I am concerned that F.Q.P.A. implementation may impact the availability of several pesticides critical for cockroach extermination. Mr. Speaker, May is Allergy Awareness Month. We should seize upon this window of opportunity to give this important issue the attention it deserves. I hope my colleagues representing other urban areas will join me in urging E.P.A. to keep inner-city residents, especially children, in mind when implementing F.Q.P.A.