Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join Innovations in American Government, an awards program of the Ford Foundation and Harvard University's John F. Kennedy's School of Government in partnership with the Council for Excellence in Government, in commending the exciting efforts of Brooklyn Child Advocacy Center (BCAC) in creating a program which put children first. Innovations in American Government is recognized as one of the most prestigious public awards in the country. Innovations awards and recognizes programs and policies that represent original and effective government initiatives. The Brooklyn Child Advocacy Center is among the 100 semifinalists for the award this year. BCAC is an inter-agency partnership that brings together all the jurisdictional agencies responsible for the investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse. Traditionally, the investigation of child sexual abuse meant multiple interviews with multiple professionals, disclosing the abuse to three separate agencies. Through the creation of BCAC, previous practices have changed dramatically. When children disclose sexual abuse, they are brought to the BCAC, a child-friendly environment, instead of police precincts, emergency rooms, and municipal offices. At the Center, specialized units of each agency's staff work together in a coordinated, multidisciplinary team approach. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Brooklyn Child Advocacy Center for all of its achievements and hard work to meet the needs of children who have been victimized.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment offered by the gentleman from Iowa. The five percent commercial basket contained in H.R. 10 recognizes that the securities industry has a long, troublefree history or affiliation with commercial companies. In fact, there are instances in which securities firms have benefitted greatly from the capital a commercial affiliate has contributed. Additionally, allowing financial holding companies (F.H.C.s) to invest a percentage of their domestic gross revenues in non-financial activities will provide companies with a source of capital and will help F.H.C.s. The Commerce Committee reported out this with a 5% commercial basket. The Banking Committee passed a 15% commercial basket amendment by a 35 to 19 vote. At no point did either committee say that there should be no commercial basket. Modernization legislation can not continue the status quo. This bill must reflect the current market and permit some form of commercial affiliation. Therefore, I would urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment and to support the gentlelady's from New Jersey's amendment to increase the commercial basket to 10%.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I was very distressed to hear of the recent Indian nuclear test. This test moves the subcontinent closer than it has ever been to a devastating nuclear war and threatens the peace of South Asia and the world. Recently, the Rand Corporation, a widely-respected think tank, predicted a war between India and Pakistan. The Rand study predicted that this war could go nuclear. Unfortunately, this explosion in the Rajasthan desert brings that prediction dangerously close to materializing. No one can be sanguine in the face of such a grave threat, especially since India refuses to join the other nuclear states of the world in accepting the restraints of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Pakistan has said that it will sign the treaty when India does; it is the Indian government that refuses to let South Asia escape from the threat of nuclear war. It appears that even many supporters of India are worried about this dangerous test. The Center for Strategic and International Studies, a pro-India think tank, reportedly said that this test would backfire on India. I am encouraged that a prominent organization that supports India has spoken out about the danger this test poses. America provides significant support for this nuclear campaign. India is one of the five largest recipients of aid from the hardworking taxpayers of the United States. We should end this aid immediately and impose tough sanctions on India to put the brakes on its aggressive nuclear effort. This will put pressure on India to focus its resources on development at home, where half the people live below the international poverty line, instead of trying to intimidate its neighbors to extend its empire. The Council of Khalistan recently issued a press release on this issue which speaks strongly and responsibly about measures America can take to make it clear to India that we will not allow it to turn the subcontinent into a theater of nuclear combat. I support the measures outlined in this release and I would like to place this release in the Record. Sanction India for Nuclear weapons Test--President Clinton Should Cancel Visit to India Washington, D.C., May 11--Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, today strongly condemned India for its test of three nuclear devices and called on the Administration and Congress to impose sanctions on India for that test. He also urged President Clinton to cancel his scheduled visit to India. ``India has been pursuing nuclear domination in South Asia for quite a while,'' Dr. Aulakh said, ``even though it is under no military threat.'' According to a British documentary entitled ``Nuclear India,'' India uses only 2 percent of its development budget on health and 2 percent on education, but 25 percent of its development budget goes to nuclear development. India is one of the five largest recipients of U.S. aid. ``It is time for the U.S. government to place sanctions on this imperialist state,'' he said. India has refused to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), Dr. Aulakh pointed out. ``Without India's agreement to this treaty, how do we know that India won't spread its nuclear-weapons technology around to hostile countries like Iran?,'' he asked. India has provided heavy water and nuclear submarines to the Iranian regime, according to newspaper reports. ``This nuclear test poses a serious danger to the world,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``India has ballistic missiles currently aimed at Pakistan and it shows signs of a country preparing for a military attack,'' he added. ``India can no longer deny its ambition to achieve hegemony in the subcontinent, backed by nuclear weapons,'' he said. He pointed out that two leaders of the ruling BJD recently called for Pakistan and Bangladesh to become part of India. ``I view this nuclear test as an effort to scare India's neighbors into submission to its dreams of hegemony,'' he said. ``Sanctions against South Africa led to the end of apartheid,'' he said. ``Sanctions against India will bring about an end to its aggressive nuclear weapons development.'' Dr. Aulakh called on President Clinton to cancel his visit to India. ``Why should the President of the United States grant his symbolic blessing to this aggressive action against all the countries of South Asia?,'' he asked. ``We all want to have good relations with India, but it must pay the price for its destabilizing test,'' he said. ``By cancelling this visit, the President can make it clear that America will not support Indian military aggression or Indian hegemony in the subcontinent.'' ``The best way to keep India from using its military resources to achieve dominance in South Asia to support Punjab, Khalistan and all of the subcontinent in their struggle for freedom.,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``Punjab, Khalistan is a natural buffer between India and Pakistan. Sikhs are committed to make Punjab a nuclear-free zone now and in the future. We will not and cannot tolerate nuclear weapons in our homeland and the Sikh Nation will do all in its power to make all of South Asia nuclear-free.''

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of the Centennial of the oldest social work training program in the nation, I hereby offer congratulations to the Columbia University School of Social Work. Evolving from a summer program organized by the Charity Organization Society in New York, the School of Social Work has a long and distinguished history of pioneering research, informed advocacy and exceptional professional training. It is a remarkable accomplishment that social workers have played key roles in every major social reform movement, from settlement houses to labor reform, to the New Deal, to civil rights and voter registration. Many of the things we take for granted today--Social Security, child labor laws, the minimum wage, the 40-hour work week, Medicare--came about because social workers saw injustice, acted, and inspired others. Throughout this century Columbia's faculty, students and alumni have worked tirelessly to address both the causes and symptoms of our most pressing social problems. National movements, such as the White House Conference on Children and the National Urban League, have emerged from projects undertaken by the School's faculty and administrators in cooperation with professional and community organizations. The entire nation has benefited from the work of people like Eveline Burns (Social Security); Mitchell I. Ginsberg (Head Start); Richard Cloward (welfare rights and voter registration); Alfred Kahn and Sheila B. Kamerman (cross-national studies of social services), and David Fanshel (children in foster care). As your School, and indeed the social work profession, moves into its second century, they will be both challenged to respond to social change, new social problems, family change, and evolving societal commitments. Now more than ever, we will need well-trained and dedicated social workers to work with troubled children and families, organize communities for change, conduct cutting-edge research, administer social programs, and alleviate society's most intractable problems. Mr. Speaker, it is with appreciation and admiration that I extend my best wishes to the Columbia University School of Social Work on its Centennial and look forward to its future activity and achievement.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in joining the National Energy Resources Organization in commending the exciting efforts of Brooklyn Union Gas in fostering national energy activities. The National Energy Resources Organization, NERO, was formed as a non-profit organization whose purpose is to bring together representatives of U.S. industry and government officials so that information can be disseminated and new applications of energy resources may be created. Specifically, NERO has also been committed to educating the public about the advances made in energy technology and its application for modern energy technology for the benefit of mankind. NERO recently recognized Brooklyn Union for its effort in achieving all of these goals with its Research and Development Award. Brooklyn Union has worked diligently to make fuel cells a clean and efficient means of generating electricity for industrial and commercial customers. While working with International Fuel Cells, Brooklyn Union has been actively involved with fuel cell development for more than 25 years. Its program has centered around demonstrating the environmental benefits and energy-efficiency of fuel cells for industrial and commercial applications, particularly in facilities that need reliable, continuous sources of power. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Brooklyn Union for all of its achievements and hard work in fuel cell units.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Spurgeon Eugene Crayton, Pastor, Mount Ollie Baptist Church. Rev. Crayton has dedicated his life to the church and the community of Brooklyn, New York. The 65-year-old Brownsville pastor is one of the busiest in the city. He conducts as many as fifteen revivals a year, preaching in a style that he describes as a combination of old fashioned flare mixed with contemporary versions of biblical stories. As a specialist in teaching Baptist doctrine, Rev. Crayton has held a variety of posts in the Eastern Baptist Association, representing Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties, and is presently an Area Vice President of the Empire State Baptist Convention, which represents some 500 churches from Niagara Falls to East Hampton. In addition to his pastoral duties, Rev. Crayton has managed to author several books, including a collection of short stories about his Korean War experiences called ``Screams and Protest'', which is used by the public school system. He has also written ``God's Star in the East'', a guide to Baptist congregations, and is working on a third book entitled, ``The Black Baptist Church of Today''. Aways a man of action, Rev. Crayton has even found time to write plays, including ``Another One Gone'' and ``The Erudite''. Through his commitment to work on behalf of the community, this dynamic minister has also served as a charter board member of the Half Way House Rehabilitation Center for Drug Abuse; as a Protestant Chaplain for the Madonna Heights School for Girls, a Catholic School; and is an instructor of English at Central Commercial High School in New York City. Rev. Crayton's own words exemplify his extraordinary sensitivity to the needs of God's people: ``We have a lot of dedicated ministers who want not only to be good preachers, but will help fight for social causes for their parishioners. There is a greater interest now on the part of the ministry to understand the religious, political, social, and economic problems of our communities.'' He has truly left an indelible mark for all to follow. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Rev. Spurgeon Eugene Crayton for his valuable contributions to the community of Brooklyn.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1872, the Communications Satellite Competition and Privatization Act. This legislation will serve to create a competitive, free enterprise environment in both the domestic and international satellite marketplace. As our global economy moves towards a more competitive marketplace, H.R. 1872 would also bring lower prices, increase competition, and spur technological innovation. Although I applaud the goals of H.R. 1872, I believe that certain provisions within the bill are misguided and punitive. Specifically, H.R. 1872 contains restrictions that will limit the services that Comsat can offer using its satellite services. The current language provides that if certain rigid milestones are not met, Comsat would be forced to stop marketing certain services offered. If adopted, this provision would give rise to a ``takings'' claim under the Constitution, and would result in tremendous tax liabilities for consumers. As a supporter of fair and open competition, I cannot condone such punitive measures, and will support the amendment offered by the gentlelady from Maryland, Representative Connie Morella, which would permit Comsat to continue to use its property and prohibit the FCC from implementing the service restriction in a manner that would result in a government ``takings''. H.R. 1872 also contains a provision that would severely limit Comsat's ability to engage in binding contractual agreements. Proponents of the measure argue that ``Comsat has `locked up' the market with long-term contracts'' and, therefore, customers of Comsat should be afforded the opportunity to unilaterally breach their contracts so that they make them a ``fresh look'' at any available competitor in the marketplace. While I agree that every business should be given an opportunity to compete on a level playing field, I also believe that the stability of our global marketplace depends on maintaining fairly bargained contractual agreements. To date, there has not been any evidence to prove any anti-competitive contractual negotiations by any of the satellite companies. The strength of the U.S. economy, and even the world economy, depends on contractual stability. This overarching principle secures my support for the amendment offered by the gentleman from Louisiana, Representative Billy Tauzin (R-LA). Let me be clear. I believe that H.R. 1872 will promote fair and open competition in the global satellite industry. Moreover, I believe H.R. 1872 will create jobs for all of our communities. At the end of the day, the most important question we must ask ourselves is what did we do to benefit the citizens of this great country. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote Yes on the Morella and Tauzin amendments and Yes on the final passage of H.R. 1872.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, when the Akali government in Punjab was elected, they promised to appoint a commission to investigate the genocide against the Sikhs since 1984. They have not kept that promise. As a result, Justice Kuldip Singh, the President of the World Sikh Council, announced that he will be appointing a citizens' commission to conduct this investigation, according to an article that ran on April 10 in the ``Times of India.'' Justice Kuldip Singh said that the commission will be chaired by a retired Supreme Court justice, that it will begin work next month, and that it will submit its report by the end of the year. It will investigate atrocities by militants as well as those by the state and central governments. Since the Akali government took power in Punjab in March 1997, more than 100 atrocities by the state government have been documented. We should take this opportunity to congratulate Justice Kuldip Singh and all the human-rights activists who provided the impetus for this commission. It is well past time for the truth about Indian genocide in Punjab, Khalistan to come out. This commission is the beginning of that process. Just as the world has begun to learn the truth about the genocide in Armenia over eighty years ago and the Holocaust more than 50 years ago, it is critically important that the world learn the truth about India's genocide against the Sikhs and the other minorities of South Asia, such as the Christians of Nagaland, the Muslims of Kashmir, the Dalit Untouchables, and others. Why has the Akali-BJP government in Punjab resisted this probe? The only people who resisted exposure of these other genocide campaigns were those who would be hurt by the revelation. One has to wonder why the Akali government would make itself part of the coverup. In that light, the Citizens Commission is a great step forward. We await their report so that the truth about the genocide in Punjab, Khalistan will come out. I urge the other minorities under Indian rule to create similar commissions to bring out the truth about India's treatment of them as well. I would like to submit the ``Times of India'' article as well as the excellent press release on the Commission from the Council of Khalistan. I urge my colleagues to read them. [From the Times of India, Apr. 10, 1998] Sikh Council Panel To Probe Punjab Violence Chandigarh. The World Sikh Council (WSC), headed by former Supreme Court judge Kuldip Singh, has decided to set up a ``people's commission'' to probe violence in Punjab during the militancy period. Mr. Singh told reporters that the commission, to be headed by a retired chief justice of the Supreme Court, would start functioning from next month. It is expected to submit its findings by the year end. He said the commission would probe ``human rights violation by militants and also the state''. Mr. Singh said the people had the right to know the truth and those who were oblivious to it were likely to repeat history. A constitutional body could not probe this problem, hence the need for setting up such a commission. Interestingly, the Akali Dal-BJP combine had promised to set up a similar commission on the eve of the assembly elections last year. After coming to power in the state, it abandoned the plan saying such a commission would only open old wounds.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Meek- Northup learning disabilities amendment to H.R. 6, the Higher Education Reauthorization Act. According to the National Institute of Health, there are 39 million Americans with learning disabilities. This amendment would ensure that young people with the ability to be high achievers can accomplish their goals to be doctors, engineers, lawyers, and teachers. While there are Federal programs to help elementary and secondary school students with learning disabilities, there are none for college students. This vital legislation authorizes $10 million a year for five demonstration projects at colleges or universities. Each institution would be responsible for developing programs, strategies, and approaches for teaching individuals with learning disabilities at the college level. It would also ensure that teachers and institutions across this nation have access to a national repository of information on teaching the learning disabled student. As our global economy moves toward the 21st century, such efforts would create a level playing field for all children of this great nation. Our children are our future. It is our responsibility to ensure that their future is bright. There must not be any children left behind. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``YES'' on the Meek-Northup amendment.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ming Pao Daily News. Ming Pao Daily News celebrated their first anniversary on April 8, 1998. Since Ming Pao Daily News' entry into the northeast market last year, it has quickly grown to become one of the most widely circulated daily publications within the tri-state area. Ming Pao Daily News' circulation in Hong Kong, Canada, and now the United States, has made it one of the most influential Chinese newspapers internationally. For the past year, Ming Pao Daily News has reached out to New York's Asian community and forged a positive and hopefully long lasting relationship. Ming Pao Daily News has hosted various charity fundraisers, events, and activities that not only benefitted the Asian community, but all of New York City. It is the media's responsibility to accurately, objectively, and timely report international, national, and/or local news to their audience and I encourage Ming Pao Daily News to continue with that role. It is that valuable service that their readers have come to rely upon. It is my pleasure to recognize Ming Pao Daily News on the auspicious occasion of their first anniversary and their contributions this past year.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3717, which would implement a permanent ban on federal funding for needle exchange programs. According to the National Organization responding to AIDS, an estimated 1 to 2 million Americans inject illegal drugs and the sharing of needles among injecting drug users is a leading cause of HIV transmission. Furthermore, since 1988, when this program ceased, an estimated 20-25,000 people have contracted AIDS as a direct result of contact with an intravenous drug user. Needle exchange programs would involve the swap of dirty needles for clean needles. Since one can only obtain a clean needle in exchange for a dirty needle, there is an incentive to collect and turn in the needle. In an age where HIV and AIDS are spreading at enormous rates, needle exchange programs not only reduce HIV infections but also have the potential to act as a bridge to drug treatment. AIDS is the leading cause of death amongst African Americans that are between 25-44 years of age. The Center For Disease Control reported that the rate of HIV/ AIDS in the African American community is 7 times that of the general population. This means that 72 African Americans are infected every day. By supplying clean syringes, we simply assure that death is not a certainty. The National Commission on AIDS, National Academy of Sciences and the National Institutes of Health are just a few organizations that, through extensive sound scientific research, have concluded that needle exchange programs are effective and can significantly reduce the number of new HIV and AIDS cases. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association and the National Association of City and County Health Officials, among many others, are leading world organizations that have endorsed federal funding of needle exchange programs. In fact, research has shown, there is no evidence that needle exchange programs lead to increased drug use by exchange clients. From a financial standpoint, needle exchange programs are surprisingly cost effective. One model estimates that over a period of five years, needle exchange programs could prevent HIV infections among clients, their sexual partners and their children at a cost of approximately $9,400 per infected person. Compare this with the lifetime cost of treating an individual with AIDS, which exceeds $100,000. I urge my colleagues to vote against H.R. 3717 which bans federal funding for needle exchange programs. Needle exchange programs have proven to be effective in reducing the transmission of HIV and AIDS and through this program, communities would be safer from the health hazards associated with dirty needles littering the streets. No one ever built a reputation on what they were going to do. We've seen what banning federal funding for needle exchange programs can do. Let's establish a solid reputation by funding needle exchange programs that would reduce the transmission of HIV and other diseases and more importantly, save lives.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, we had hoped that the election of a new Sikh- led government in Punjab would end the tyranny that has reigned there. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. Former Justice Ajit Singh Bains, chairman of the Punjab Human Rights Organization (PHRO), recently described Punjab as a police state. As the Council of Khalistan recently pointed out in a letter to Punjab police chief P.C. Dogra, Punjab remains a police state even under the rule of the Akali Dal. Since the Akali government took power in March last year, over 100 atrocities have been documented, including murders, rapes, and many instances of torture by the Punjab police. The Akali government has not freed any of the Sikh prisoners held in illegal detention, some since 1984, nor has it brought charges against even a single policeman. Even the Congress Party governments in Punjab and Delhi charged a few police officers who committed the most visible abuses. Yet despite a Supreme Court order that the police officers who kidnapped human-rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra on September 6, 1995 be indicted, the Akali government proudly boasts that no action has been taken against any police officer. Earlier this month, members of the Khalra Committee had their tires slashed by the police during a court hearing. Mr. Khalra's wife, Paramjit Kaur Khalra, has been falsely charged with bribing a witness, who is now under police protection. Two other witnesses have also had their rights infringed. Kikkar Singh was falsely implicated in two cases, and PHRO Vice Chairman Kirpal Singh Randhawa recently wrote to the Chief Minister and the President of the World Sikh Council exposing a police conspiracy to eliminate him. In March, a 17-year-old Sikh girl named Hardip Kaur was gang-raped by four policemen. In February , two Sikh youths were arrested while riding their bicycles in front of a Gurdwara (a Sikh temple.) Also in February, a Sikh named Malkiat Singh died from torture by the police at the Ahmedgarh police station. Plainclothes police even occupy the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest of Sikh shrines, which was the scene of a brutal desecration and massacre by the Indian military in June 1984. Even Justice J.S. Sekhon, a member of the government-appointed Punjab Human Rights Commission, expressed his concern about police behavior. He said that his commission has received 90 complaints about police misconduct. Some incidents have resulted in death. This does not sound like the way a democracy operates. Justice Bains is right. Punjab is a police state. I call upon the Punjab government to begin prosecuting police, to bring in independent human-rights monitors, to release all Sikh political prisoners, and to begin observing the basic rights of all human beings. If it will not, America should ban all trade with Punjab and demand an internationally-supervised plebiscite on independence for Punjab, Khalistan. These are the best steps we can take to insure that the rule of law and the glow of freedom finally come to the Sikh homeland. I am placing the Council of Khalistan's letter to Mr. Dogra into the Record. [Open Letter to Punjab DGP Dogra From Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President, Council of Khalistan, April 16, 1998] Punjab Is a Police State--End Police Abuses Now! Mr. Dogra: Recently Justice Ajit Snigh Bains, the chairman of the Punjab Human Rights Organization, described Punjab as a police state. He is right. Your police have murdered, raped, tortured, and secretly cremated tens of thousands of Sikhs since 1984. Last week the human-rights community in Punjab met with the Chief Minister. They detailed numerous abuses of human rights by the police. Your police slashed the tires of Khalra Committee members. The Supreme Court ordered the indictment of the police officers who kidnapped Jaswant Singh Khalra on September 6, 1995, yet they are still at large. Mr. Khalra's whereabouts remain unknown. Mr. Khalra published a report exposing the police tactic of abducting Sikhs, torturing and killing them, then declaring their bodies ``unidentified'' and cremating them. For this, the late Tarn Taran police chief, Ajit Sandhu, threatened that ``We made 25,000 disappear. It would not be hard to make one more disappear.'' It has been two and a half years since Mr. Khalra was kidnapped. When will your police take responsibility? Kikkar Singh, who is a witness in the Khalra case, was falsely implicated in two cases and remains in jail. Kirpal Singh Randhawa, Vice-Chairman of the Punjab Human Rights Organization, is a witness in the Khalra case. He wrote to the Chief Minister and the President of the World Sikh Council exposing a police conspiracy to eliminate him. These illegal actions show the lengths that the police will go to in the effort to cover up their own responsibility for the reign of terror that has engulfed Punjab. Just in the last year, over 90 atrocities by police have been documented in Punjab. Last month, a 17-year-old Sikh girl named Hardip Kaur was waiting for a bus to take her to her family's village. She was offered a ride by two police officers, and this innocent young girl accepted. She was taken to a house where these officers and two other police officers gang-raped her all night. In February, Malkiat Singh of the village of Bisgawa died from torture inflicted by the Inspector and Sub-Inspector of the Ahmedgarh police station. In February, two Sikh youths who were riding their bicycles in front of a Gurdwara were picked up by your police and stuffed into a police jeep. They are accused of being militants, but the residents of their village say that these charges are unfounded. These are just some of the most recent incidents. How can a country that operates this way call itself a ``democracy?'' It is a well-known fact, reported by the U.S. State Department, that police officers have received cash bounties for killing innocent Sikhs. It was in pursuit of one of these bounties that the police murdered a three-year-old child and claimed that he was a ``terrorist.'' Do you consider that acceptable police practice? Your police even continue to occupy the Golden Temple, the holiest of Sikh shrines. It has been fourteen years since the desecration and massacre known as Operation Bluestar. There is no better illustration of the fact that there is no place for Sikhs in India's ``secular democracy.'' During a recent visit to Punjab and Chandigarh, Canadian Revenue Minister Herb Dhaliwal said that only when the problem of harassment of people and insecurity of property is solved will outsiders be encouraged to invest in Punjab. He called for democratic change. It is you and your police force that can end the harassment and abuse of human rights. Only then will the door be open for real democracy to function in Punjab. Recently, Justice J.S. Sekhon, a member of the government- appointed Punjab Human Rights Commission, said that he is worried about the inhuman behavior of the police. He noted that the police have been torturing people in the police stations and that the law does not allow this. Even though militancy has yielded to peace in Punjab, he said, his commission has received 90 complaints against the police. Justice Sekhon said that the commission is taking a serious view of these complaints, especially those that resulted in death in police custody. He added that the police must be more cooperative and humane towards people. What further proof is needed? Punjab is a police state. As Justice Sekhon said, your police force has a long way to go before it begins to resemble the law-enforcement arm of a free state. As the Director General, you bear ultimate responsibility for these crimes. Even your own allies are exposing the reign of terror that you police have imposed on the hardworking people of Punjab. Only when the fundamental rights of all people are observed can any country call itself democratic and free. We Sikhs are moving towards true democracy and freedom in our homeland, you can either help in that process or hinder that process. So far you have done the latter, I hope for the sake of your own conscience, you begin to do the former. It is your responsibility to end the police tyranny in Punjab, otherwise, history and the Sikhs will never forgive you. Panth Da Sewadar, Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President, Council of Khalistan.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of my former colleague, Bella Abzug, the ``Queen of New York.'' Throughout her illustrious career in public service, she was a zealous advocate for all. This New York Democrat was truly a woman who dared to be different. As a Member of Congress, labor lawyer, civil- liberties advocate, and peace activist, Bella used her special talents to give ``voice'' to many causes. From her first day on the floor of the House of Representatives when she protested the Vietnam war to her recent efforts to promote a ``safe and sustainable'' global environment, she gained the respect of the world. I am truly honored to have known the regal Bella Abzug. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the memory of my dear colleague, Bella Abzug. Her indelible mark on this nation will be remembered for a lifetime.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the Roukema Amendment to the Building Efficient Surface Transportation and Equity Act to eliminate the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. I strongly support the DBE Program which was first signed into law by President Reagan in 1983. The goal of the DBE Program is to eradicate the lingering effects of discrimination in the construction industry, and provide equal opportunities for minority and women-owned business to compete for federal highway and construction contracts. Although the playing field is still far from level, we have made progress since the inception of the DBE Program. The percentage of women and minority-owned firms participating in the construction of America's highways has increased. By reaching out to minority and women-owned firms and forging business relationships, this program has been successful in countering the effects of ``good old boys'' network. Despite the success of the DBE program, non-DBE firms still get over 85% of federal highway and construction contracts. If we eliminate this program now, we will reverse modest gains for women and minorities in the construction industry. Make no mistake, when Members say that they want to eliminate this program in order to ensure fair competition for all firms, including those owned by minorities and women, they are deliberately misleading the American people. If they do not believe that discrimination exists in the construction industry, they are blind. If they do not believe that majority-owned firms, advantaged by a network good old boys, have a historical advantage, they are either blind or naive, or both. If they say that elimination of the DBE Program will not result in a sharp decline in the percentage of minority and women-owned firms participating in federal construction projects, they are insincere. Mr. Chairman, both the Reagan and Bush administrations supported the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. The President, under the stewardship of Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater, has urged Congress to continue its support for the DBE Program. The DBE program does not impose quotas or set-asides. Instead, it simply sets a national goal that 10% of highway and transit funds be used for services rendered by disadvantaged businesses. However, the goals are flexible. The program allows state and local governments to set their own goals based on the numbers of disadvantaged businesses in their markets. And a state can waive the goal if it cannot find a qualified disadvantaged business. The DBE program is consistent with President Clinton's ``mend it, don't end it'' policy on affirmative action, and the Supreme Court's Adarand decisions which allowed the use of affirmative action programs by the federal government to meet a ``compelling government interest'' to combat the ``lingering effects of discrimination.'' I urge my colleagues to follow the lead of the House authorizing Committee, which recommends that this program be continued. I urge you to follow the Senate's lead, which voted overwhelmingly to retain it. And finally, I urge my colleagues to follow the lead of the two past Presidents and our current President, all of whom support this valuable program. I urge the rejection of this amendment.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that one of my constituents, La-Kee-A Lowry, a 21-year-old young lady from Brooklyn, New York will be honored tomorrow as one of the six top winners in the first annual Seventeen/Cover Girl Volunteerism Awards. Growing up in a Brooklyn housing project, La-Kee-A found a sanctuary in her public library, heading there after school and remaining until closing time. One day she arrived at the library to find a sign announcing it was being shut down due to budget cuts. Horrified, La- Kee-A moved immediately to action. She started a local petition, collected over 1500 signatures, and organized her classmates to write letters to the White House. She appealed to elected officials in her area and at one point even staged a sit-in in front of the library. Local gang members threatened La-Kee-A and her grandmother, who largely raised her, begged her to just ``let it go''. But La-Kee-A prevailed and the library remained open. Today, La-Kee-A helps others reap the benefits of her work by, among other endeavors, working with children to spread the pleasures of reading. La-Kee-A is a young woman who demonstrated through pride and courage that young people can make a difference. I am proud that Seventeen and Cover Girl have recognized her important contributions to the Brooklyn community. Their efforts to reward the positive actions of young women are highly commendable and should be replicated by others. La-Kee-A is truly an example for young people everywhere that volunteerism can make a difference in their communities. Congratulations, La-Kee-A for your courage and for showing the world that young people can make important contributions if they are simply willing to stand up for their beliefs.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, today I am sharing with my colleagues various newspaper articles related to a recent peaceful rally in which protestors were attacked by Croatian police. It was reported in the Federal Tribune that there were between 12,000 to 14,000 policemen from throughout Croatia brought in to control an estimated 10,000 to 30,000 protestors. The rally was organized by the largest trade union in Croatia and several opposition political parties. The reported focus of the rally were issues of high unemployment and poor living conditions for workers and retirees, while at the same time it has been reported that Croatia's President Franjo Tudjman has amassed a considerable fortune for himself and his family. I am also inserting into the Record an informative article released this week by Jack Anderson and Jan Moller entitled, ``Croatian Seeks To End Human-Rights Abuses.'' [From BBC News, Feb. 21, 1998] Croatian Police Deny Demo Injuries The Croatian Interior Ministry has denied reports that police used force against demonstrators during a mass protest in the capital Zagreb. Tens of thousands of people took part in what is described as the largest rally the nation has seen, against growing poverty and unemployment. The government banned the demonstration from main city square, Ban Jelacic square, deploying hundreds of police with riot gear to prevent the crowd from gaining access. Protesters threw apples and eggs at officers and a shop window was shattered. An Interior Ministry statement, carried by the official news agency HINA, contradicted Croatian radio and TV reports that several people were being treated in hospital for injuries. Five police staff were also reported injured. The demonstration was organized by three trade unions and backed by 10 opposition parties. Correspondents say about 10,000 protesters moved to Marshall Tito square, also known as Theatre Square, where they held an hour-long meeting. The head of the Croatian Workers Trade Union, Boris Kunst, said he was saddened that the Croatian police had raised their hands against the protesters. ``These people that gathered here are those who defended Croatia,'' he said. ``But they cannot live off their salaries, while the others are decorating their palaces and are stealing from us.'' Protesters called on ministers to reduce their own salaries and scrap the newly-introduced 22% value added tax which has seen prices increase on basic goods including food. Correspondents say Croats have been reluctant to demonstrate against the government, lead by President Franco Tujman, since the country achieved independence through a devastating war in 1991. But dissatisfaction among citizens is mounting as the majority of them face post-war poverty. An unemployment rate, which independent analysts say tops 23%, is at the center of public grievances. As the rate rises a new wealthy elite, consisting mainly of businessmen favored by the government or ruling party members, has emerged.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, we rise today to acknowledge the efforts of Dobroslav Paraga, a political opposition leader from Croatia, to bring about democratic and human rights reforms in his country. As our colleagues are probably aware, we recently introduced a resolution, H. Res. 375, expressing our concern about repression by the Government of Croatia of these rights. In 1989, Mr. Paraga met with Members of both Chambers of the Congress and as a result S. Res. 169, calling for respect of human rights throughout the former Yugoslavia, passed the Senate and a companion resolution, H. Res. 240 was introduced in the House. Mr. Paraga has been an eloquent spokesman for the rights of the citizens of Croatia and we, in the Congress, respect his commitment and courage. As a result of his efforts, he has been the target of harassment, political trials and several suspicious assassination attempts. Soon Mr. Paraga will be returning to his home in Zagreb and we will be monitoring his treatment by the Croatian government. We are inserting a statement by Attorney Joseph A. Morris, who successfully represented Mr. Paraga as co-counsel in the trial that followed his last visit to the Congress in 1993. Attorney Morris is a former Assistant Attorney General of the United States and is President of the Midwest Region of B'nai B'rith in the United States. We believe Members will be interested in his statement which follows:

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues of a letter to President Clinton expressing the deep concern of members about the Croatian government's authoritarian and non-democratic actions. Because the United States is sending financial aid to Croatia we must monitor the situation. I am inserting a copy of this letter along with a translation of a related March 13, 1998 Voice of America boardcast. Congress of the United States Washington, DC 20515 Hon. William Jefferson Clinton, President of the United States, The White House, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. President: We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the Croatian government's continued pattern of intolerance toward the basic freedoms of political expression, a free press, and civil liberties. While we expected that the transition from a former communist republic to a democracy would not happen overnight, it has been seven years since Croatia declared itself an independent democratic nation, and little progress has been made in implementing democratic reforms. This was recently reaffirmed by the State Department's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1997. In its report, the State Department makes the finding that in Croatia ``the continuing concentration of power within the one-party central government, makes Croatia's nominally democratic system in reality authoritarian.'' Most print and broadcast media continue to be owned by the Croatian government resulting in considerable restriction on freedom of the press. Journalists who criticize the government face harassment and even prosecution. the Association of Electronic Media Journalists was established in October 1997, and issued a manifesto (``Forum 21'') with 21 points calling for professional and open electronic media. The State Department found ``13 of members who worked for state radio and television, came under immediate pressure and threats from the HDZ [President Tudjman's party] and the state-run media to curtail these outside activities.'' The State Department further reported ``The Government maintained an unofficial campaign of harassment of the independent media throughout the year.'' In August 1997, the Croatian government brought charges against two prominent human rights activists, Ivan Cicak, long-time President of the Croatian Helsinki Committee, and politician Dobroslav Paraga, President of the Croatian Party of Rights 1861. The government alleged that both men had violated the Criminal Code by disseminating false information with the intent of causing political instability in the country. According to the State Department Report, ``. . . the same and similar statements had been made by these individuals--with no ensuing public disorder--several years previously and that similar sentiments were expressed by others.'' The charges were brought against these men within days of their meeting with the investigators from The Hague War Crimes Tribunal in which they turned over documentation involving allegations against several high government officials. In addition, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) found the presidential election in June of 1997 to be ``fundamentally flawed'' and came to a similar conclusion with regards to the parliamentary and local elections in April 1997. The President's ruling party was given an overwhelming advantage in coverage by the state- owned electronic media throughout the election year. Furthermore, there is a disturbing trend over the past few years by the Croatian government to use administrative courts to replace heads of democratically elected parties. The method is simple, the party is registered as being headed by someone who is favored by the ruling party. The judicial system continues to be heavily influenced by the Croatian Administration. In 1997, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Krunislaw Olujic, was dismissed. Three members of the State Judiciary Council were witnesses against him while at the same time they also decided his fate. The OSCE reported that Olujic's dismissal ``put in question the separation of powers provided for by the Constitution.'' Mr. President, we believe it is well past the time for Croatia to hold fair and free elections based on election laws which do not favor the ruling party over the opposition. The government should return democratically elected leaders of Parliamentary parties who were removed by administrative measures. There must be multi-party control of the election process. An independent media must be allowed to report without fear of reprisal, and the judiciary must be independent from any political influence. We therefore urge you to increase the pressure on the Croatian government to come in line with internationally recognized democratic principles through all means at your disposal, including the disbursement of U.S. assistance. Sincerely, Tom Lantos, Tom Campbell, Tony P. Hall, John Edward Porter, Martin Frost, Henry J. Hyde, Benjamin A. Gilman, Luise V. Gutierrez, William O. Lipinski, Edolphus Towns, Jesse L. Jackson Jr., Joel Hefley.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to share with my colleagues an informative newspaper article revealing the unfortunate lack of progress towards democratic and human rights in Croatia (documented recently in the State Department's Country Report). I also want to express my deep sympathy and support for the citizens of this Republic who voted for democracy nearly eight years ago. The people of Croatia were right in wanting to join other democratic nations by implementing democratic reforms that would bring them more freedom and better lives for their families. It is unfortunate, that the ruling party and its leader, President Tudjman, maintain an authortiarian grip that stifles these dreams. One has only to look at Croatia's neighbor, Slovenia, to see how different it could have been had Croatia's leaders embraced democracy instead of holding on to the past and their personal power at the expense of the people of Croatia. At this point, I include the text of a bill I recently introduced on this matter, H. Res. 375. [From the New York Times, Feb. 15, 1998] Threats Worry 3 Who Tied Croatian Army to Atrocities (By Chris Hedges) Zagreb, Croatia, Feb. 14.--Three former Croatian soldiers who provided testimony and documents detailing the killing of scores of ethnic Serbs and Croats by the Croatian Army say they have been repeatedly beaten by unidentified assailants, their vehicles have been firebombed and they receive almost daily death threats. The men, who gave their evidence to the war crimes tribunal at The Hague, say they witnessed scores of abductions and killings in and around the town of Gospic during Croatia's 1991 war of independence from Yugoslavia. They say that hundreds of ethnic Serbs, as well as Croats who opposed the nationalist movement, were executed and buried in mass graves around Gospic by the Croatian Army, paramilitary groups and the police. They also contend that documents they have turned over to The Hague implicate senior Croatian officials, including Defense Minister Gojko Susak, in the killings. The Croatian Government denies that its senior officials were involved in human rights abuses during the war. The decision by Milan Levar, 43, the former commander of a reconnaissance intelligence unit; Zdenko Bando, 41, a former military police commander, and Zdenko Ropac, 45, a former secret intelligence police officer, to approach The Hague is one of the very rare cases in which senior officers have volunteered to describe abuses committed by their own soldiers to the tribunal. But the men, two of whom have fled their native town of Gospic because of attacks, said in interviews recently that the tribunal took so long to investigate the reports of massacres that local authorities had time to destroy some of the evidence. They also assert that the tribunal has not provided them and their families with promised protection. ``We do not understand what is going on,'' said Mr. Levar, who first met with tribunal investigators last August in Gospic, 100 miles south of Zagreb. ``We have been branded traitors. We live under constant pressure. The police chief in Gospic and the local army commander are war criminals. What kind of protection can we expect from these men?'' Christian Chartier, the spokesman for the tribunal, said in a telephone interview that it was not the tribunal's policy to comment on its investigations. But Mr. Chartier confirmed that investigators had met with the three men and twice offered them ``proposals for protection'' that he said the former soldiers had ``turned down'' ``We are still discussing this with them,'' he said, refusing to elaborate. ``We are hopeful that a proposal may be accepted.'' The men say that a few of the mass graves were cleared by the Croatian military shortly before tribunal investigators visited Gospic last summer, but that other sites remain untouched. The men, two of whom went to The Hague in December to meet again with investigators, also said they turned over videotapes showing Croatian forces killing civilians. ``I was in a position to see everything that was happening,'' Mr. Bando said. ``The orders to carry out these killings came to us from the Ministry of Defense. Those who committed these crimes were never punished, in fact they were promoted within the military, the police and the political structure. They remain in power. We find this inexcusable.'' Mr Bando, who is unemployed and facing an unexplained eviction notice from his small apartment in Zagreb, said that in October 1991 local police officials pulled up to his office with a truck piled with bodies, including those of women and children. ``Blood was dripping through the floor boards,'' he said. ``These people had just been executed. The driver was looking for a place to bury them.'' Mr. Levar said he witnessed the deaths of about 50 people. Mr. Ropac said that he knew of 127 ethnic Serbs who were killed in Gospic before he left the town and ``that the figure grew later.'' The allegations of widespread killings by nationalist Croats around Gospic were bolstered last September when one of the executioners Miro Bajramovic, confessed in The Feral Tribune, an independent weekly, to the murder of 72 civilians. Mr. Bajramovic was arrested after the publication of the confession and remains in prison. The three former soldiers said that Mr. Bajramovic was being subjected to frequent beatings and intense ``Psychological torture'' by his Croatian jailers. Their accusations have been impossible to substantiate, though. Gospic, which had some 15,000 inhabitants before the war, is now a forlorn, heavily damaged town with just 3,000 people. The former soldiers angrily assert that those who carried out the abductions and murders came from ``the scum of the town'' and were primarily interested in looting the homes and property of the Serbs and Croats they killed. ``These people killed my town--the town of my father and grandfather,'' Mr. Levar said. ``I doubt it will ever revive. They killed it to get very rich. This dirty money keeps them in power. All we want is for them to pay for their crimes.'' 2 Bosnian Serbs Surrender to U.N. Bosanski Samac, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Feb. 14--(AP).--Two Bosnian, Serbs surrendered today to the United Nations war crimes tribunal, the first Serbian suspects to do so voluntarily. Driving their own cars, with officials from the United States Embassy as passengers, the suspects, Milan Silmic and Miroslav Tadic, left for Tuzia, where NATO-led troops will meet them for the journey to the court, in The Hague. Indicted on war crimes charges in 1995, the two men say they are innocent. They said they believed that conditions had been set for a fair trail.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, just one block away from my district office is the campus of Brooklyn Law School. This year, Brooklyn Law School Professor Joseph Crea celebrates his fiftieth year as a member of the faculty. I believe that Professor Crea may hold the distinction of teaching more law students and training more lawyers than any other person in the United States and possibly in the world. Professor Crea's path to the law is even more amazing than his longevity as a faculty member. He was born in 1915 and spent his early years growing up in Manhattan's Lower East Side. His family moved to the Gravesend section of Brooklyn and there he attended Bay Ridge High School as an evening student. By day, he drove a bread truck, and one day he drove past a pile of discarded books in an empty field. He found among them a legal treatise on corporate reorganizations and, when he read it, he discovered that the legal fees for reorganizing a small railroad, even in the depths of the Great Depression, amounted to $2 million. Then and there he decided that law school was for him. But first he would serve his country in World War II. Then as a returning veteran, he attended Brooklyn Law School at night, while working for the Selective Service Administration by day. He started law school even before he eventually graduated from Brooklyn College. During this period he also met and married his beloved wife Regina and started a family of four daughters. Despite his family and professional commitments, Joe Crea was such an able student that then Dean Carswell asked him to join the faculty. The first course he taught in 1948 was Torts. Since then, he has taught most of the courses in the curriculum at one time or another and continues to teach a full load of both Corporations and Commercial Paper courses as Professor Emeritus. In addition to being a key teacher and mentor for five decades of students, Professor Crea has been a pivotal member of the faculty. Nearly thirty years ago, at a critical moment in the law school's history, Joe Crea provided the leadership, vision, and cohesiveness that allowed Brooklyn Law School to begin its evolution into a modern law school with a national curriculum, faculty, and student body. Even today, he provides the history and wisdom that helps Brooklyn Law School face its new challenges as we approach the beginning of the 21st century and the one-hundredth anniversary of Brooklyn Law School. This year Brooklyn Law School honors Professor Joseph Crea's fifty years of teaching with two separate gala celebrations. I offer this tribute which will be presented to him in commemoration of his years of service and the incomparable impact he has had on his colleagues and on tens of thousands of students. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Professor Joseph Crea for his distinguished years of teaching at a Brooklyn Law School.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to my colleagues' attention the attached articles from the January and February, 1998 edition of News India-Times and Burning Punjab placed into the Congressional Record. I was shocked to read an article from News India-Times stating that ``India will not tolerate the use of military force against Iraq.'' This threat was made by Inder Kumar Gujral, the caretaker Prime Minister of India, on January 30. ``Hindustan will not tolerate another attack on Iraq,'' the Reuters news service quoted Mr. Gujral as saying. Members of this House have differing views about the wisdom of launching a military attack against Iraq, but one thing I think we can all agree on is that this decision should be made by the government of the United States without the threats or interference of any foreign power, especially one that depends on American aid. Indian is one of the five largest recipients of foreign aid from the United States. Its economy is so bad that half the population lives below the international poverty line. Yet it has been a major exporter of dangerous weapons to Iran and other hostile countries. How can the United States continue to aid such a country? If the shoe were on the other foot, Mr. Speaker, India would be decrying this interference in its internal affairs. But Mr. Gujral seems to think that it is OK for him to interfere in America's internal affairs. Sovereign countries are allowed to have and express their opinions, even to express them in strong language, but this kind of threat against the sovereignty of the United States is unacceptable and must not be tolerated. I also find its ironic that a country that has murdered almost 60,000 Muslims in Kashmir in the past decade is taking such a strong position in support of a Muslim country. If India's repression against the Sikhs of Khalistan, the Christians of Nagaland, the Dalits, the Muslims of Kashmir, and other minorities of South Asia were not reason enough to support the independence movements of South Asia, this kind of threat ought to make us support them for strategic reasons. Let us make it clear to India and all the countries of the world that we will not tolerate this kind of interference with our national sovereignty. I am introducing the News India-Times article from its February 6 issue into the Record: [From the News-India Times, Feb. 6, 1997] Attack On Iraq Won't Be Tolerated: Gujral Calcutta.--India will not tolerate the use of military force against Iraq, Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral told an election rally Jan. 30. Reuters quoted the premier as saying: ``Hindustan will not tolerate another attack on Iraq,'' Gujral told the rally in the eastern city of Calcutta. ``An attack on Iraq will jeopardize the peace in the entire Middle East region where more than 2.5 million Indians live.'' Gujral said he had written to President Bill Clinton stating that an attack on Iraq would endanger the lives of expatriate Indians and had sent similar letters to leaders of the other four nations with permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council. ``However, India was of view that use of military force against Iraq will complicate the situation and will not contribute to the ends to which the UN is committed. Further, it will greatly aggravate the acute sufferings which the Iraqi people had undergone, he said, PTI reported. In his letter to Clinton, Gujral drew attention to the geographical proximity and traditional cultural links which India has with the Gulf region and the substantial growth of New Delhi's interaction over the years with all the countries in the region, especially in the economic field. ``The Gulf countries, are among India's leading trading partners and sources of energy and are home to sizeable Indian community,'' Gujral said.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the skill and achievements of Vilicia Elizabeth Cade. Her contribution to public and community service is incomparable. Vilicia was taught the value of community service and scholarship at a young age. As a child, she was often involved in community service through her family's church. Her zeal for community service found its firm foundations from these experiences. In 1984, Vilicia attended the College of New Paltz. While enrolled full time she was involved in various community service endeavors. One particular project, involved creating a plan to provide resources for migrant workers. In addition, Ms. Cade stood in the forefront to fight injustice. She helped organize peaceful and successful demonstrations against apartheid. These demonstrations eventually lead to her college's discontinuing its use of a bank that had investments in South Africa. In the end, NYPRIG asked Ms. Cade to serve as a poster model for their 1986-97 campaign. In 1986, she joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. As a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, she continued her community service endeavors. In addition, her local chapter started a scholarship fund in the Sorority's name for female students. Vilicia obtained her Bachelor's degree in 1988. Without reservation her peers voted for her to be the first recipient of the ``NIA'' Award, an award for the highest grade point average in her major. She also received a full fellowship for graduate studies. In 1989 she attended the State University of New York at Albany for graduate school. Upon returning to Brooklyn, Vilicia continued in her commitment to community and scholarship. She obtained employment with the Federation Employment Guidance Service (FEGS). Through her employment as a case manager with ``at risk'' New York City Public High School students, she organized college trips and encouraged students to be actively involved in service learning projects. In 1996, she obtained her second Masters degree from Long Island University. Vilicia was blessed with two beautiful sons, Jelani Omari (deceased) and Curtis Anthony. Encouraged by her supportive family, friends, and Sorors, Vilicia continues to fight for the betterment of her community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Vilicia Elizabeth Cade for all of her achievements, for being a woman who dares to be different, and for showing young women everywhere that they can do and accomplish anything.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the skill and achievements of Barbara Elk. Her contribution to education, particularly William H. Maxwell Vocational High School, is incomparable. Barbara has served as principal of William H. Maxwell Vocational High School since 1991. Before becoming principal, she was District Manager of Clinical Services for the Brooklyn Superintendency for five and one half years. She served as an assistant principal of Special Education at John Dewey High School and teacher at James Madison High School. Altogether, she has served the New York City Board of Education as an educator, administrator, and supervisor for twenty-six years. Barbara has always known that her mission is to educate and challenge the student and staff by nurturing and encouraging their growth, to ensure a positive impact upon home, school, and community. She believes that when children are prepared mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically for today and the future, we all gain strength, success and deep satisfaction. This holistic view of education makes me proud to know that she is involved in preparing our children for the next century. Ms. Elk has received tremendous support from her husband, Barry, two sons, Adam and Benjamin, a daughter-in-law, Tari, her sister Deborah and her family. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Barbara Elk for all of her achievements, for being a woman who dares to be different, and for showing young women everywhere that they can do and accomplish anything.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and achievements of Elba Iris Rojas. Elba was born in Puerto Rico and she and her family moved to the United States when she was just a child. Her family has allowed her to become the success that she is today. As a result of her dedication to education, Ms. Rojas was awarded a scholarship to Kings County Hospital of Nursing in 1968. During her tenure in the nursing program, Elba knew that she could best serve her community as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. For over twenty years she has managed to provide invaluable services in this capacity through a joint program of Kings County Hospital Center and Down State Medical Center. While working at the Hospital, Ms. Rojas has participated in numerous health fairs and career days in community high schools. She also serves as a mentor to nursing students. I have no doubt that Mrs. Rojas has guided many young people to make their own contributions to the field of health. When one speaks to Ms. Rojas, one gets a sense that she is truly excited about her life. As a wife, mother of three, and a professional, it is clear that the demands of these roles do not exhaust her, but strengthen her commitment to her work and family. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Ms. Elba Iris Rojas for all of her achievements, for being a woman who dares to be different, and for showing young women everywhere that they can do and accomplish anything.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the skill and achievements of Jackie Smith. Her contribution to women's sports is incomparable. Jackie began playing organized basketball at the age of 11. The effort that she put into the game since then has made her a competitive player of international renown. She attended Forest Hills High School and, as a premier player, received All-City honors and the 1st Regusus award given by New York City. Upon graduation, she received a full athletic scholarship to St. John's University where she led the team to two Big East championships, four NCAA appearances, and has received numerous individual awards. In 1986, after receiving her Bachelors degree, she played professionally with the Racing Club de France in Paris, France. In 1988, she returned to New York City to play an instrumental role with the Brooklyn Sports Foundation as its Community Relations Director. While in this position, she worked closely with the Foundation's Chairman, Board of Directors, and community leaders to plan and develop the first and only sports complex for amateur sports in Brooklyn. In keeping with her love of sports, this year she became the Head Women's Basketball Coach at York College and is committed to building a successful program. Mr. Speaker, join me in congratulating Ms. Jackie Smith for all of her achievements, for being a woman who dares to be different, and showing young women everywhere that they can do, and accomplish, anything.