Peter Visclosky

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce you to a true American family who has sacrificed and served our great Nation. Eight of Charles and Anna Haber's sons all proudly served in World War II between 1936-47. The story of the Haber family is one of two people immigrating to the United States, meeting, and overcoming hardships, to live out the American dream. In the early 1900's, Charles and Anna each left Czechoslovakia to come to the United States. However, they did not know each other at the time. They both happened to settle in a mining town in Pennsylvania which is where they met. They soon were married and had a large family of nine sons and three daughters. However, the story does not end there. Tragically, in 1928, there was a terrible explosion in the coal mining town of Mather, PA, which killed 211 miners. Charles, aged 42, and his brother, George, aged 21, were among those casualties. Determined to go on with her life, Anna took her children to the Pittsburgh area to live. However, before this move, two of her daughters had died from illnesses during childhood. Once World War II began, eight of the Haber sons entered the military to fight to preserve democracy. Paul and Peter served in the U.S. Army, while John served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Andrew, Michael, Joseph, Steve, and Frank all served their country in the U.S. Navy. Charles and Anna Haber's son, Frank, and his wife, Lillian, have resided in Indiana's First Congressional District for 44 years. They have three children, Charles, Maureen, and Colleen, and seven grandchildren. Frank and Lillian are proud that their oldest grandchild, Jennifer, is carrying on the family tradition as a student at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Mr. Speaker, the Habers' service to our great country is a shining example of one family's dedication and valor. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring this fine family for such patriotic heroism.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker: It is with great pleasure that I commend the alumni of Froebel High School on the celebration of the 12th anniversary of their first reunion family picnic. This picnic was held on Saturday, August 10, 1996, on the grounds of what used to be Froebel High School in Gary, IN. An originator of the event and current chairman of the Froebel class of 1962, the honorable Vernon Smith, State representative for Indiana's fourteenth district, stated that this picnic was originated in 1984 to maintain the inner city spirit and rivalry between the alumni of the Froebel Blue Devils and the Gary Roosevelt Panthers. Initially, the graduating classes of 1962 from both high schools combined efforts to create a nostalgia reunion. This began with a basketball game between the two alumni groups and was followed by a dance. Recently, however, the Roosevelt class of 1972 has taken over responsibility from its class of 1962 and the two schools have separated a few of their events. The current chairman of Roosevelt's class of 1972 is Dwight E. Pointer. Representative Smith stated that Roosevelt and Froebel were the most competitive schools in this area. Therefore, they created this event to recapture the great memories and allow the generations of graduates to continue the tradition. In fact, many people return to Gary to attend this celebratory event. This event, which usually attracts over 3,000 people, was again held in conjunction with the week-long nostalgia event. On August 7, a casino night was held at the Genesis Center followed by the picnic and nostalgia dance on August 10. On August 11, a church service and block party were held in Gary. Froebel, which was also known as the immigrant school, is presently being surveyed for landmark status. The Pony Express and stage coaches changed horses at a way station located on the Froebel property en route to Chicago. Friedrich Froebel, who believed toddlers could be educated, instituted the first kindergartens and invented the alphabetical/numerical building blocks that are used worldwide by preschoolers. On September 9, 1907, actual class work began at the 14th street school as it was called before Froebel opened. In 1910, the city of Gary authorized a 10-acre site for the construction of Froebel. It was completed and opened in September 1912. William A. Wirt, a student of Froebel's philosophies, made it mandatory that the Gary schools implement kindergarten through 12th grade at this school. All of the high tech concepts of the era were realized in the Froebel curriculum and soon this Gary plan gained prominence and was adopted by many school districts nationwide. Froebel High School was converted into a middle school in 1969 and the last class that was held in that building was in 1977. Since that time, Froebel School has remained closed. Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled that the residents of Gary took the time to celebrate and appreciate their city's history. May the alumni of Froebel and Roosevelt High Schools continue to honor their schools and exude the pride that has persevered to unite everyone in Gary.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor a great citizen who has made a tremendous impact on educating children in the School City of Hammond, IN. Mrs. Marge Keltner, title I director for the School City of Hammond, retired at the end of the 1996 school year. Mrs. Keltner began her career in education in 1955 as a fourth grade classroom teacher. She came to the School City of Hammond in 1959 in the same capacity. In 1965, Mrs. Keltner's teaching assignment changed when she became the title I reading teacher. Title I is a federally funded educational program that assists students who have reading problems. Mrs. Keltner's role with title I expanded through the years as she became a title I reading teacher coordinator, instructional supervisor, and, finally, program director. Mrs. Keltner also taught undergraduate and graduate level education at Indiana University Northwest and Purdue University Calumet. In addition to her work with the title I program, Mrs. Keltner worked diligently to foster literacy. She is currently a charter member of the Hammond Area Reading Council and has served on the board of directors for the Calumet Area Literary Council. In addition, Mrs. Keltner served two terms as president of the Indiana State Reading Council and was appointed by Governor Bayh to a statewide Literacy Coalition. Marge Keltner can be very proud of the work she has done to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Indiana's First Congressional District. She serves as a positive role model for teachers and students alike, and proves that with a little assistance from a caring teacher, a child can grow into and prosper as a productive adult.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my strong opposition to H.R. 2391, the so-called Families Flexibility Act. This bad bill is just one more attempt by the Republican-controlled 104th Congress to weaken the rights of working men and women. I am very concerned that permitting employers to compensate hourly employees' overtime work in time off, rather than in cash, will in many workplaces, significantly reduce workers' take home wages. I oppose this bill because it would significantly weaken labor protections for the people who can least afford to lose them, such as construction workers. It is the carpenters, electricians, pipefitters, and sheet metal workers, in my district, who during the warm spring and summer months, work all the overtime possible so they can accumulate enough money to last them through the cold winter months. They know that in December, January, and February they are going to have more time off than they want. It is this core of the work force that no longer looks at the 40-hour work week as a standard, but rather a necessity. These are the same people who are the most likely to suffer coercive practices by their employers by being forced to accept compensatory time--which they do not want and can not afford--instead of benefiting from the premium overtime pay they have earned. In a perfect world, all businesses have the financial resources to cash out all employees at the end of every year for their unused compensatory time, as the bill would require. But this is not a perfect world. Many small contractors do not have the cash resources to even-up with their workers, and they would send them into the slow winter months without the money in their bank accounts that they and their families need to survive. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle talk about ``pay as you go.'' A pay as you go policy is the only way companies should be able to pay their workers. What the authors of this bill would like you to believe is that this bill offers workers more control over their working lives. What it really does is take away an individual's right to choose. Under H.R. 2391, workers do not have the ability to schedule their earned compensatory time when they need. it. In fact an employer can schedule compensatory time anytime he chooses without ever having to consult the worker. I am concerned about the steelworker in northwest Indiana, who has legitimately agreed to compensatory time and has been doubling up on shifts to earn overtime. He's going to approach his boss to request time-off at the end of the summer so he can plan some time together with his kids before they return to school in the fall. His boss may tell him, ``Sorry, but if I gave you your earned time off when you want, it would disrupt my operations. Don't worry I'll schedule your `comp time' in October when the blast furnace shuts down for a four-week re-line job.'' That steelworker would have had that time off anyhow and his kids are already going to be back in school. Thanks a lot. In essence, H.R. 2391 gives employers a veto over their workers' use of their own earned hours off, opening the door to abuses such as making employees work 60 hours 1 week and then 20 hours the next, with little or no notice. Mr. Chairman, when the people back home in my district sit down each month to figure out financially how they are going to make it through the upcoming month, they take into account their expected overtime wages. Employers do not just hand out bonuses anymore. Today, you have got to earn them. I am voting against this misguided bill because without overtime pay, many of my constituents cannot afford to send their kids to college, buy a reliable car for work, or provide themselves and their families with adequate health care. This bill guts the protections of the Fair Labor Standards Act and undermines living standards for workers. H.R. 2391 is not designed to give workers more control over their working lives. It is, instead, an attempt to snatch hard won rights out of the hands of this country's workers and deny them basic, simple needs, like respect for their hard work, a decent living wage, and a chance to provide for their families. I urge a ``no'' vote on H.R. 2391.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding this time to me. Mr. Chairman, I regret that I was not present 19 years ago when the Tom Bevill-John Myers story began; the gentleman from Alabama [Mr. Bevill] at that time being chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Myers] being the ranking minority member. I am very pleased that I was present, however, as a member of the subcommittee on the very last markup held by the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Myers], and the ranking minority member, the gentleman from Alabama [Mr. Bevill]. These two gentleman are gentleman in the truest sense of the word, and with the national public debate that has been overtaken by cynicism, they are the two who we can point to in the House of Representatives and hold out as examples of people who can hold strongly held views and yet work 24 hours a day to find that responsible bipartisan middle ground. I say to the gentleman from Indiana and the gentleman from Alabama, I respect you, I have a deep affection for you. You have been friends of mine. You have been more than generous, much more generous than I deserved, with me, and you will be sorely missed. You have my every best wish for good health, joy, and happiness for every day of your life, and it was a tremendous privilege to be able to serve, however shortly, on the subcommittee with both of you in leadership positions.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 22d anniversary of Turkey's invasion, and subsequent occupation, of Cyprus. Having gained its independence from Great Britain in 1960, Cyprus enjoyed a proud, albeit short, period of political independence. On July 20, 1974, this independence was shattered when 6,000 Turkish troops and 40 tanks invaded the north coast of Cyprus and proceeded to occupy nearly 40 percent of the island. The ensuing fighting killed thousands of Cypriots and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes. Today, there are 1,619 people still missing, 5 of whom are United States citizens. Twenty-two years after the invasion, 35,000 Turkish troops continue to occupy Cyprus in violation of international law. A barbed wire fence cuts across the island, separating families from their property and splitting this once beautiful country in half. Despite efforts by the United States and the United Nations to bring about an acceptable resolution to this situation, Turkey continues to stonewall negotiations. It has continuously refused to either return or pay restitution for any of the land that is captured, and sporadic fighting on the island continues to this day. The occupation of Cyprus is one of the reasons that I offered an amendment to the fiscal year 1997 Foreign Operations appropriations bill to cut $25 million in United States economic aid to Turkey. This amendment, which the House overwhelmingly approved by a vote of 301 to 118, sends a clear message to Turkey that its illegal and immoral occupation of Cyprus will not be tolerated by this country. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join with my colleagues in standing up against Turkish tyranny in Cyprus. I would especially like to extend my thanks to the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, for his tireless work to ensure that the people of Cyprus are not forgotten. Twenty-two years is a long time to wait, but it is my sincerest hope that our actions will help persuade Turkey to end its unlawful occupation of Cyprus and return the island to its rightful owners. Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts, Mr. Speaker, July 20, 1996 marked the 22d year of Turkey's illegal invasion and continued occupation of the Island of Cyprus. On July 20, 1974, 6,000 Turkish troops attacked the island, destroying nearly five centuries of peaceful coexistence between Turkish and Greek Cypriots. As a result, almost 40 percent of the island came under Turkish rule--even though Turkish Cypriots make up less than 20 percent of the total population of that island. And the Turks employed deliberately cruel and harsh measures to intimidate the Greek Cypriots. There are reports of extensive killings, rape of women of all ages, torture, looting, and robberies. Despite countless efforts by the Greek communities and the United Nations to settle this dispute, a solution has not been found. Turkey is the only nation that recognizes the Turkish claim to the island--yet the Greeks are still held victims of the Turkish invasion. The current situation is one of gridlock. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. We must have peace on the Island of Cyprus. And peace requires that foreign troops withdraw from their occupation of Cyprus. Cyprus has been a divided country since 1974--22 years too long. I urge all of my colleagues to focus their attention on finding a just and lasting solution for the Island of Cyprus.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate three distinguished young men for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout of the Boy Scouts of America [BSA]. Joseph Rybarczyk, Adam Summers, and Anthony Paul Pagorek are all members of the Boy Scout Troop No. 542, sponsored by St. Thomas More Catholic Church Holy Name Society of Munster. They will receive this honor at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Sunday, July 21, 1996, at the Munster Community Social Center located in Munster, IN. An elite group of 2.5 percent of all Boy Scouts attain the Eagle Scout ranking, which is the highest of seven rankings in the Boy Scouts organization. In order to become an Eagle Scout, one must complete the following three tasks; earn 21 merit badges; complete a service project; and demonstrate strong leadership skills within the troop. According to Stephen Kennedy, Troop Scout Master of BSA Troop No. 542, all three young men are longstanding members of Troop No. 542, as well as outstanding students. Joe, a student at Munster High School and a member of their school band, did an angel tree with the Salvation Army. This project provided Christmas gifts for the Salvation Army to distribute throughout the holiday. Joe was also a senior patrol leader, which is the highest position in the troop. Adam, also a member of Munster High School and their school band, took part in park improvements for the town of Munster. Specifically, he helped to restore several park benches. Anthony, an outstanding student and athlete at Andrean High School, improved landscaping around St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Anthony also attended the National Scout Preserve in Philmont, NM. This preserve is a high adventure camp with a rugged terrain. The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout always has carried with it special significance, not only in scouting, but also as he enters higher education, a career, or community service. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Adam Summers, Anthony Paul Pagorek, and Joseph Rybarczyk for their commendable efforts in society. It takes a great deal of tenacity and devotion to achieve such an illustrious ranking. These three young men have established promising futures, while at the same time improving the quality of life in Indiana's First Congressional District.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to commemorate Leonard and Ruby Bassett on their golden wedding anniversary. The Bassetts' children, Leonard Jr., Dennis, Leatha, and Oddette, are hosting a joyous celebration honoring their parents' 50 years of love, friendship and devotion. This event will be held this Saturday, July 20, 1996, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, IN. While in their early twenties Leonard Bassett and Ruby Holman met in the spring of 1946 at a dance hall located across from Froebel High School in Gary. Mr. Bassett had just returned from 28 months of service in the U.S. Navy and resolved to attend a dance that was being held for young adults. It was there that they first met. The two knew of each other during their years at Roosevelt High School, but they did not formally meet until this magical night at the dance. After courting for a couple of months, the two discovered that they shared the same dreams of settling down and starting a family. After a short period of dating, Leonard and Ruby knew that they had found true love and that they were destined to be partners in life. Shortly thereafter, Leonard and Ruby were joined in holy matrimony on July 21, 1946. During the Bassetts' 50 years of marriage they had 4 children: Leonard, Jr., Dennis, Leatha, and Oddette. The Bassetts are thankful that, following graduation from Roosevelt High School, all four of their children were able to continue on to higher education and establish themselves in their respective careers. In 1983, Leonard retired from U.S. Steel after devoting 37 years of his life to the steel industry. Leonard retired as a production foreman. When Ruby retired, she was head cook of the Gary Community School Corp. Currently, she is a part-time employee with the Lake County government. Ruby is also a precinct committee person and co- captain of the fifth precinct in Gary. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other colleagues to join me in congratulating the Bassetts as they celebrate 50 years of marriage. In today's world, it is refreshing to see two people who have devoted their lives to creating a successful marriage and happy family. May the Bassetts be a positive role model for today's young couples who are starting families. They are proof that a little dedication and a lot of love can make marriage one of life's most magnificent experiences.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. I want to draw particular attention to one provision of the bill that I strongly support, and that is the inclusion of $24 million for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to expand their ongoing investigation of the recent wave of church burnings occurring across the United States. Since January of last year, 36 African-American churches have been burned to the ground by arsons. These burnings have destroyed important sources of American history and left small rural communities gripped by an epidemic of terror and fear unknown since the days when marauding Klansmen destroyed lives and property at will. I am saddened to witness a climate in which many of America's most sacred institutions can be subjected to such abuse. Currently an estimated 1,000 Federal and State investigators are involved in the ongoing investigations, and ATF alone is spending more than $1 million a month for these investigations. I applaud Chairman Lightfoot for the leadership he has shown in his decision to include $24 million for ATF to expend in their investigations of these arsons. I also applaud his decision to create a joint Treasury-Justice Department task force whose investigation will be national in scope. This action by the chairman compliments legislation recently signed into law by the President, the Church Arson Prevention Act. These new laws make it easier for Federal authorities to investigate crimes against places of worship and broadens jurisdictional authority in church arson cases. I applaud the new law, but I feel the action taken by the committee is of immediate importance. Clearly funds for additional personnel and resources will ultimately prove to be the difference between success and failure in the investigations. This Congress must send a strong message that hate and intolerance will no longer be tolerated in any sector of our society. Mr. Chairman, I would also be remiss if I did not commend the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Iowa [Mr. Lightfoot], for his outstanding service to his country and to this institution. The chairman and I are classmates, and he is a gentleman in every sense of the word. And I think Charles Dickens, in ``A Christmas Carol,'' said it best, he is as a good a friend, as good a master and as good a man as this institution has ever known. His dedication to his family has never been in doubt, and his dedication to his country has never been questioned. Every night I tell my two sons to have happy dreams and a good life. As you continue your life and career, I hope that you may live your dream. As you continue your very good life, good luck, my friend.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is the belief of many that we are all put on this Earth for a reason. Mr. Hilbert L. Bradley has accomplished his mission in life after spending a lifetime working unselfishly to improve the lives of citizens in the city of Gary, as well as the entire State of Indiana. In a congratulatory celebration, the community of Indiana's First Congressional District will gather on Sunday, June 23, 1996, for a testimonial dinner to honor Hilbert. This dinner will take place at Marquette on the Lagoon in Gary, IN. As an attorney dedicated to his profession, and a community activist dedicated to the well-being of others, Hilbert has tirelessly led the fight for equal opportunity, and civil and human rights protections for all people. He has provided legal counsel in landmark civil rights cases, as well as pro bono services for the NAACP. Hilbert is a noted trial lawyer and has had a distinguished career as a deputy prosecutor, corporation counsel, and interim judge and mediator. In 1987, Hilbert founded the Indiana Coalition for Black Judicial Officials, and he serves as the group's general chairman today. The organization's purpose is to increase the number of black judicial officials in the State of Indiana. The Indiana Coalition for Black Judicial Officials organizes statewide public awareness campaigns which have resulted in an increased number of black referees and judges pro tem, the election of a black judge to the Lake County Superior Court, the appointment of Robert Rucker, the first African-American to serve on the Indiana Court of Appeals, Fifth District, and Myra Selby, the first female and the first African-American to serve on the Indiana Supreme Court. Hilbert also cofounded the Fair Share Organization in 1958. Its purpose was to assure that black people receive their fair share of the fruits of American democracy. One major accomplishment of the organization was the employment of the first black managers of a major chain store, the A&P, in Gary. Outside of the legal profession, Hilbert has reached out to several civic organizations. Hilbert's distinguished memberships include: lifetime memberships of the NAACP and the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; the Urban League of Northwest Indiana; St. Timothy Community Church; Calumet Inn of Court; James C. Kimbrough Law Association; the Lake County Bar Association; the Indiana State Bar Association. He also serves as a board member for the Methodist Hospitals. Moreover, he has received local and national recognition for having excelled in his profession. In 1994, Hilbert received the National NAACP William Ming Award, the Valparaiso University Black Law Students Association Education and Civil Rights Award, the Omega Psi Phi Inc. Citizen of the Year Award, and the Phi Delta Kappa (Beta Mu Chapter) Outstanding Service and Leadership Award. In 1992, Hilbert was inducted into the Steel City Hall of Fame, and, in 1991 and 1958, he received the NAACP Mary White Ovington Award. Hilbert is the only member to whom the Gary branch has twice presented this award. In 1990, Hilbert was presented with the Gary Frontiers Drum Major Award, the Focus 2000 Great Garyite Award, the NAACP Community Service Award, and the Tolleston Community Council Service Award. As Hilbert reflects back on his career and community activism, he can hold his head high and be proud of his accomplishments. Hilbert is a true role model for all young professionals and citizens. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring Hilbert Bradley for his unselfish dedication to make Indiana's First Congressional District, as well as the entire Nation, a better place in which to work and live.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Istook- Visclosky amendment. The amendment is a bipartisan solution to a growing national problem which is the inability of our States to collect sales taxes from individuals who purchase retail items on Indian trust property. This amendment will protect State revenue by ending a Federal policy which erodes a number of States tax bases. Rather than contributing to the current problem by granting new lands to tribes that refuse to collect State taxes on sales of non-Indians, our amendment will guarantee that the Federal Government does not take any action to further erode a tax base in a State. As this Congress continues to shift additional responsibilities onto the States, I feel it is imperative that the Federal Government not actively work to reduce the tax base of individual States. This amendment will also promote fair competition and a level playing field, as the gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Istook] has also pointed out in his remarks. Because these taxes comprise such a large percentage of the product's cost, it is absolutely unfair to ask non-Indian retailers to compete against an Indian retailer that does not collect the sales tax. I also think it is very important to emphasize, as my colleague on the other side has just done, what we do not do. This amendment does not impose any State or local tax on Indians. This amendment would not impact on the sovereignty of Indian tribes. This amendment would not affect the ability of tribes to operate businesses on any Indian reservation lands, nor any lands currently held in trust status. In closing, I would urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this well-defined limitation amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today and pay tribute to a celebrated community servant, Mr. Michael Stevens. On Friday, June 21, 1996, Michael, along with his friends and family, will celebrate his retirement from the Iron Workers Union Local No. 395 in Hammond, IN. This retirement dinner will be held at St. Elijah Serbian-American Hall in Merrillville, IN. We are all fortunate to have dedicated people, like Michael, involved in the labor movement in Indiana's First Congressional District. Michael embarked on his distinguished career as an iron worker in local No. 392 in East St. Louis, IL, in June of 1966. He then moved to northwest Indiana and joined Iron Workers Local No. 395 in Hammond in September 1967. In May, 1974, he suffered from a disabling fall on the job. During his convalescence, Michael earned a degree from Mineral Area College in Missouri. Following his graduation in June 1979, he returned to ironworking out of local No. 395 in September of that same year. In 1981, Michael was elected to the local No. 395's examining board. In 1981, 1986, and 1991, Michael was elected to represent local No. 395 as a convention delegate. In 1984, Michael was elected as local No. 395's financial secretary-treasurer and he was reelected for three more terms in 1987, 1990, 1993. Michael retired this year after 30 years as a member of local No. 395, 15 years as an officer, and 4 terms as local No. 395's financial secretary-treasurer. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Michael, his wife, Bonnie, and his two children, Tina and Byron. They can all be proud, as Michael has worked arduously in the labor movement to make the American dream possible for others. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to congratulate Michael, who has proven himself to be a distinguished advocate for the labor movement. I sincerely wish Michael a long, happy, and productive retirement.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to a celebrated community servant, Mr. Lawrence B. Alport. On Monday, June 24, 1996, Lawrence's friends and family will gather to celebrate his installation as president of B'nai B'rith District 2. The installation banquet will be held at The Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, IN. Since he first joined the organization in 1980, Lawrence has proven to be a great leader within B'nai B'rith. For the past year, Lawrence served as president-elect, as well as a member of the board of governors. Lawrence also served for 3 years as vice president. Lawrence currently serves as vice-chairman for B'nai B'rith's international Community Volunteer Service, and he has held this position for 9 years. Previously, Lawrence served on B'nai B'rith's Membership Cabinet, Fundraising Cabinet, and Leadership Cabinet. In addition, Lawrence served as the president of the Indiana State Association for B'nai B'rith. For B'nai B'rith's America Lodge No. 90, Lawrence served as president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. We are all fortunate to have dedicated people, like Lawrence, involved in the community of Indiana's First Congressional District. In addition to his involvement with B'nai B'rith, Lawrence is a board member of Hoosier Boys Town. He also served as a board member for Northwest Indiana Family Services where he was president for 3 years. Professionally, Lawrence is the president of David Lawrence Enterprises, Inc., a company he founded in 1993. David Lawrence Enterprises specializes in energy conservation and indoor air quality equipment for manufacturers. B'nai B'rith is the world's oldest and largest Jewish organization with members in 55 countries. B'nai B'rith has been in existence for over 150 years. District 2 consists of eight surrounding States including Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Kansas, Missouri, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. Locally, B'nai B'rith America Lodge No. 90, which covers all of northwest Indiana, sponsors several community events. Lodge No. 90, which has a B'nai B'rith youth organization, has taken children to baseball games and sponsored a brotherhood essay contest for elementary and junior high students. Lodge No. 90 has also sponsored a teddy bear drive to help acquire teddy bears for hospitals. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Lawrence and his wife, Jane Harper Alport, on the eve of his installation as president of B'nai B'rith District 2. They can be proud as Lawrence works hard to preserve Jewish culture while improving the quality of life for Indiana's First Congressional District. I sincerely wish Lawrence a long, happy, and successful term.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote and, pending that, I make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I believe that this will be the close of the debate. We just wanted to respond to a couple of the points that were made today. There was a debate here earlier today on the House floor about how far back in time we should go to resolve the issue before us. I would suggest last year, 1995, represents the year in which we adopted the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act which does have an impact on Turkey. There is an existing blockade. We have to go back but one year. There was a suggestion that there is in fact no blockade, that there is suitcase trading going on here. I have people coming into my office today talking about triple trailers doing trade with the country of Mexico and Canada. Here we are talking about suitcase trade. There is also an assertion that there is an airline corridor once a week. My recollection is there was an air corridor to the city of Berlin when the Russians blockaded the city. It would be my assertion that the blockade continues to exist. The comment was made here too that this is simply ethnic politics. I would agree with that assertion. I am very concerned about the ethnic Armenians who have 1 hour of electricity every day because of the Turkish blockade. I am very concerned about the ethnics in north Cyprus because of the continuing Turkish occupation. There was a suggestion here that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of Defense are opposed to this amendment. I will accept their objection. But my question is, why? We do not limit or prevent the waiver of this act by the President for military assistance. It only goes to the example of economic assistance, to the tune of $25 million. There be in excess of $140 million in military assistance. So with that, Mr. Chairman, I would ask that my colleagues support the amendment, the bipartisan amendment that is before the House.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I offer a bipartisan amendment in conjunction with the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Bilirakis], the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Kennedy], the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Durbin], and the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Smith]. Our amendment would narrow the authority of the President to provide U.S. economic assistance to countries found to be in violation of the U.S. Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act. The Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act was signed into law in 1995, prohibits foreign aid to any country that blockades the delivery of U.S. disaster relief supplies to a third country as that currently applies to the country of Turkey which, since April 1993, has blocked all U.S. disaster relief assistance and International Red Cross medical supplies bound for the landlocked country of Armenia. In addition to Turkey's ongoing blockade of humanitarian assistance to Romania, Turkey is continuing its illegal occupation of northern Cyprus, its internationally condemned war against the Kurds living in southeast Turkey, its persecution of Christians and its aggressive policy in the Aegean Sea which very nearly resulted in an armed confrontation with Greece earlier this year. The Clinton administration has failed to address these issues. In fact, last month President Clinton rejected clear congressional intent by waiving the application of the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act to Turkey. As I stated before, U.S. law today prohibits U.S. economic or military assistance to any country that directly blockades the transport of U.S. disaster assistance or emergency relief supplies to a third country. Authored in the House by the gentleman from New Jersey, Mr. Smith and the gentleman from Massachusetts, Mr. Kennedy, and in the Senate by Senators Dole and Simon, this law applies to Turkey because of its ongoing blockade of all U.S. and international humanitarian relief supplies bound for Armenia. In order to maintain U.S. pressure on Turkey, we are offering this amendment in a bipartisan fashion to ensure that Turkey complies with the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act before it receives any additional U.S. economic support funds. Specifically, our amendment will narrow the Presidential waiver authority contained within the act, ending the ability of the President to invoke a national security waiver in order to provide up to $25 million in fiscal year 1997 in economic assistance funds to Turkey. Mr. Chairman, while our amendment would cut $25 million in economic aid to Turkey if they do not lift the blockade of Armenia, it would have absolutely no effect on U.S. military assistance to Turkey. I repeat that. It would have absolutely no effect on U.S. military assistance to Turkey, which, in fiscal year 1997, is scheduled to exceed $140 million. Turkey's hostile and aggressive actions in the last 11 months demand a response from this country. The Clinton administration has failed to adequately do so, and it is up to the Congress to make a clear, decisive statement to Turkey that its hostile and aggressive policies against other countries will not be tolerated or rewarded by the people of the United States. Mr. Chairman, I strongly support a policy of positive engagement with Turkey. However, we cannot condone blindly giving foreign aid and economic assistance dollars to a country which so routinely violates the rights of its neighbors. Mr. Chairman, I would encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to congratulate the Polish Army Veterans Association [PAVA] Post 40 in Hammond, IN on its 75th anniversary. PAVA Post 40 will hold an anniversary celebration at its banquet hall in Hammond this Saturday, May 18, 1996. I especially would like to congratulate post commander, Mr. Walter Prygon, and post financial secretary, Mr. Zenon Wiecinski, and all the other members of PAVA Post 40 for their time-honored dedication to preserve their Polish heritage and to assist their fellow countrymen in times of need. Joining the celebration will be Edward Repay, president of the Hammond City Council, and Lake County sheriff, John Buncich. The history of the PAVA is one of pride and honor. At the beginning of World War I, while the United States was still a neutral country, several prominent Polish-Americans issued an appeal to organize a volunteer army to fight the threat to Poland's freedom. Because the United States was still neutral at this time, it granted permission to Polish-American leaders to form an army to help with the war in Poland. Within the framework of the so-called Act of Arming, thousands of young Polish immigrants in the United States and Canada presented themselves for training. This training took place at Camp Niagara, in Canada. After training, the recruits were sent to France under the command of the leader of the Polish Armed Forces, Gen. Jozef Haller. General Haller named these troops the ``Blekitna Armia'' (Blue Army) after the color of their uniforms. Under the command of General Haller, the Blue Army contributed to the end of the Polish-Red Communist conflict. However, because Poland was destroyed by war and 150 years of bondage by neighboring countries, Poland could not compensate General Haller and the Blue Army for their heroic stand and sacrifice. After completing their duties, the Blue Army soldiers returned to the United States and Canada in tattered uniforms. Once back in the United States, the soldiers sought to continue the traditions they developed in Poland by forming a veterans organization in the United States and Canada. This organization was registered in the United States under the name of the Polish Army Veterans Association. Currently, the national headquarters is located in Cleveland, OH, and there are 70 posts with about 2,000 members throughout the country. The purpose of the organization, as incorporated in its own constitution, is to bring help to those less fortunate, as well as to hold social gatherings in an effort to cultivate and continue Polish traditions. Before World War I, the majority of Polish immigrants in the United States settled in industrial towns, such as Hammond, IN and others in northwest Indiana. These Polish-American settlers included discharged soldiers of General Haller's army. These immigrants registered with the national headquarters of the Polish Army Veterans Association, and, on May 5, 1921, they were officially designated as Post 40. Eventually, the members of Post 40 realized they needed their own home office, which led to the purchase of the building at 241 Gostlin Street in Hammond. This remains their current home office. Local organizations hold special events at Post 40, including the Soccer Club ``Polonia,'' Saturday School of Polish Language, and academia group 3095. In 1936, the Women's Auxiliary at Post 40 was organized by Mrs. W. Wytrzymalski, who also became the first president. The Women's Auxiliary has offered its assistance in all veterans' undertakings, especially in its collection of ``Blawateck'' (Polish Buddy Poppies), which are sold to help raise money for the veterans. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to reiterate my congratulations to Post 40 Commander Prygon, Financial Secretary Wiecinski, and all members of PAVA Post 40 for their commitment to remembering their Polish heritage, as well as their commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents of Indiana's First Congressional District. May their 75th anniversary celebration be a joyous one.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, the U.S. Constitution establishes the fundamental rights we enjoy as Americans. It embodies what is good and right in America. The first amendment to our Constitution provides for the right to peacefully assemble, and it enshrines free speech as being a basic tenet upon which the democracy of our great Nation rests. As history has taught us, the Constitution, which represents so much of what is good in our country, also protects those who promote evil. I am sad to say that the Ku Klux Klan [KKK], which embraces bigotry, hatred, and intolerance, will exercise its first amendment rights and rally in Portage, IN this Saturday, May 11. I join the overwhelming majority of Portage residents--and others in Northwest Indiana--in condemning the KKK and everythIng for which it stands. The Ku Klux Klan is reviled around the world for its association with terror and violence. Through violence and intimidation, the KKK has historically punished opposing persons or groups, traditionally persons of color and religious minorities. Since its inception, the KKK has engaged in despicable acts of violence and hate, characterized by lynchings in the rural South, cross burnings, and other forms of hate crime. There is no place in our diverse society for this divisiveness. We must do everything within our power to stop the KKK and other perpetrators of hate crime. In repudiation of the KKK, a wide variety of people and organizations in Indiana's First Congressional District will convene a prodiversity counter-rally to show America that the KKK's attempt to spread hatred in our community will not prevail. This Saturday, while the KKK exercises its right to assemble, an immense group of civic, business, religious, and student leaders will gather at Woodland Park in Portage, IN, to emphasize their message of unity and brotherhood. The prodiversity rally is the brainchild of Eric Mason and Michael Krueger, two Portage High School seniors. As a result of their commitment to embrace and commemorate ethnic, racial, and religious diversity, the prodiversity rally, has grown into an enormous celebration. Participants at the prodiversity rally will include: Portage Mayor Sammie Maletta; a keynote speech by Jack Parton, director of the United Steelworkers of America [USWA] district 7; and the Reverend David Kehert, Dean of the chapel at Valparaiso University. Several other organizations have passed resolutions or offered support for the prodiversity rally and its laudable ideals. Jack Parton, director of the USWA, district 7, has urged all steelworkers to attend the rally, while USWA Local 1014, United Steel Group's Gary Works, and an association of retired steelworkers, have also expressed their support for the counterrally. Alice Bush, spokesperson for the Healthcare Workers of America, district 1199, stated that her organization and Whispering Pines Health Care Center in Valparaiso, IN, are donating medical supplies for a first-aid tent at Woodland Park. This fine labor group serves all of Northwest Indiana. In addition, the Calumet project, a Hammond--based coalition of religious, labor, and community groups covering all of Northwest Indiana, has offered its support at the prodiversity rally. Meanwhile, 29 pastors representing all faiths and almost all Portage churches, have united under the Pastors United for Racial Equality [P.U.R.E.] banner. P.U.R.E. has approved a resolution stating that, even though the KKK often uses Christian symbolism, it unequivocally and wholeheartedly condemns the ideals of the KKK and those of any such proclaimers of hate in our society. In addition, there will be a candlelight vigil to counter the KKK rally, sponsored by the Valparaiso Ministerial Association. The ministerial association is encouraging church members and others to make pledges to charitable causes which benefit minority groups or combat racism and bigotry. Businesses are rallying together to oppose the KKK rally. In an effort to keep residents away from the KKK rally and promote security, Portage city officials have asked that Portage businesses near the site band together and close on Saturday afternoon. In support of this plea, many businesses have agreed to close early. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the founders of the prodiversity rally, Eric Mason and Michael Krueger, for having the wisdom to bring the community of Northwest Indiana together to promote peace and harmony. May the actions of these distinguished young men, the participants in the prodiversity rally, as well as all of the organizations and community leaders who have pulled together to condemn the white supremacists' message--and, instead, promote diversity--be emulated by other towns and cities. The prodiversity rally is a powerful example of how to overcome hatred and pull together to promote unity. I join these dignified members of Indiana's First Congressional District in their commitment to ethnic, racial, and religious diversity. These ideals are truly what continues to make America the greatest country in the world.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate 19 outstanding individuals who are celebrating 50 years of membership in the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 170. The festivities will begin this Sunday, May 5, with a mass at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Gary, IN, followed by a banquet at Lodge 170 in Merrillville, IN. The esteemed guest speaker at this celebratory event will be the Hon. John Buncich, Sheriff of Lake County, IN. At this time, I would like to recognize the following members who be will honored on Sunday for their 50 years of membership in the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 170: Rosemary Adams, Bryan Magdaline; John V. Chelich; Alvin Eugene Erbesti; Lillian Gorski; Andy Horvatich; Pauline Jocha; Mary Klen; Francis Medved; Jennie Miller; Anna Mordi; Rosemary Petrovich; John Pitula; Shirley Pollizatto; Robert Razumich; Anne Wagner; Catherine Yavor; Catherine Zitz; and Christine Zivcic. These 19 members of Lodge 170 have lived up to the highest ideals of their solidarity with the people of Croatia and service to the Croatian- American population. I would also like to recognize Ms. Elizabeth Morgavan, who has served as president of Lodge 170 for over 10 years. As an honorary lifetime member, she has dedicated her efforts to all facets of the Croatian Fraternal Union. In 1992, Elizabeth was named ``Woman of the Year'' by her peers at Lodge 170 for the countless hours she has dedicated to various projects and programs within the Lodge and the Croatian- American community. Over the years, it has been my privilege and honor to work with the membership of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 170. They have, in no uncertain terms, played a key role in promoting fraternal and cultural activity among the Croatian-American population of northwest Indiana. Lodge 170, the largest Croatian Fraternal Union lodge in the United States, has provided its many members with opportunities to share their ethnic heritage with their fellow countrymen. More importantly, Lodge 170 has provided social assistance and insurance benefits for its members, as well as other Croatian-Americans. Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my other colleagues to join me in commending the dedication and longevity of all those who have served for 50 years as members of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 170.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Croatian Catholic Union of the United States of America and Canada [CCU] as it celebrates its 75th anniversary and legacy of accomplishment for Croatian-Americans. The celebration will begin this Saturday, May 4, during a luncheon at the Croatian Catholic Union home office in Hobart, IN. The celebration will continue on Sunday in Chicago, with a mass at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. The CCU is honored to have His Eminence Cardinal Franjo Kuharic, the archbishop of Zagerb, Croatia, and Msgr. Valdimir Stankovic, the director of pastoral care for Croatians aboard and director of Croatian Caritas, preside over the anniversary celebration. In addition, Melchior Masina, the national president of the CCU, and Myrna Jurcev, the national secretary treasurer of the CCU, will be speaking. Both the residents of Indiana's First Congressional District. The CCU is a fraternal benefit society incorporated in 1921 under the laws of the State of Indiana as a nonprofit organization. This organization provides life insurance and other benefits to its members and promotes religious, civic, charitable, educational, social, and cultural programs for the enrichment of its members. Furthermore, the CCU promotes the values of its members' Croatian Catholic heritage. In 1970, through its religious programs, the CCU erected two Marian Chapels, which make up the Croatian Marian Shrine in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. This Croatian Marian Shrine offers a place to worship and it serves as a symbol of Croatian- American contributions to the New World. Moreover, it unites all visiting Croatian-Americans in a strong bind of mutual solidarity and identity. Each year, the CCU organizes a national pilgrimage to the shrine. While the CCU's programs are civic in nature, the CCU participates in all events sponsored by the National Fraternal Congress. For example, the CCU raised significant funds to restore the Statue of Liberty, and it also made donations to Habitat for Humanity. In fact, many charitable donations have been made throughout the CCU's history, especially at times of great disasters. The CCU has raised millions of dollars in cash donations, medical supplies, food, and clothing for the refugees and orphans in the Balkans. According to the CCU, the purpose of the organization is service to God. The center of the CCU's mission is service to Croatian-American people. The core of their vision is service, solidarity and love for one another. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring the Croatian Catholic Union of the United States and Canada during its 75th anniversary celebration. All the CCU's members should be commended for their dedication to preserving their culture, as well as assisting Croatian-Americans and others in times of need.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to pay tribute to Vice Adm. Michael Kalleres, who will be honored on April 28, 1996 by the Parish Council and the entire Cathedral Community of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral. This distinguished citizen of Indiana's First Congressional District will address the congregation during the Liturgy and again during a formal luncheon to be held in his honor. This event will take place at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Merrillville, IN of which he and his wife, Georgia, have been longtime pioneer members. Admiral Kalleres retired from active duty in September 1994 after 32 years of distinguished service as a naval officer. During this time, he led eight commands in combat and in peacetime, including two Financial Management Directorates. In addition, he led surface ships, squadrons, and two Joint Fleet Organizations. Admiral Kalleres earned a bachelor of science degree in Industrial Management and Engineering from Purdue University and a master of science degree in Political and International Affairs from George Washington University. He is also a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval War College and the National War College. Admiral Kalleres has received 18 military awards and decorations including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, and the 1990 Son of Indiana Award for Military Service. Admiral Kalleres' dedication and involvement in the community has been recognized by several other organizations. In 1988, he was awarded the Saint Andrew's Medal for public service by the Greek Orthodox Church. Moreover, Admiral Kalleres received the 1993 Leadership Award from the American Hellenic Institute, and, in March of that same year, he was vested into the International Service Order of Saint Andrew as an Archon. He receive the AXIOs (Worthiness) Medal from the State of California, the 1992 State of Illinois Distinguished Citizen Award, and he was recognized as a Sagamore of the Wabash in 1994. Admiral Kalleres has also been cited in the Marquis Who's Who since 1990. This past January, Admiral Kalleres was elected to the National Board of the Salvation Army, where he serves on the Disaster Relief and Communications Committee. Furthermore, he is a member of the Dean's Advisory Board at Purdue University, and he currently serves as a member of the Defense Science Board for Strategic Mobility. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring this fine citizen for his dedication to the United States, as well as his community in northwest Indiana. Admiral Kalleres' loyalty and dedication to his country should serve as a model for the citizens of Indiana's First Congressional District and all Americans.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Armenian genocide. Each year, I join my House colleagues from both sides of the aisle in remembering the terrible atrocities that have been committed by Turkey against the Armenian people. Members of Congress rise in this chamber every spring to publicly remember the genocide, but far too often these words and speeches are quickly forgotten. Far too often, people want nothing more than to forget that mankind can be so cruel. Far too often, people whisper quietly in the dark among themselves about how such a terrible thing as the Armenian genocide could never happen again. Mr. Speaker, those people who whisper such words are wrong, terribly wrong. First, I would like to talk about how the Armenian genocide began. It began on April 24, 1915, when over 400 religious, political, and intellectual leaders of the Armenian community in Constantinople were executed by the Turkish Government. Thus began a war of ethnic genocide by the Ottoman Empire against Armenians that finally ended in 1923, when over half of the world's Armenian population--an estimated 1.5 million men, women, and children--had been killed. By the end of 1923, virtually the entire Armenian population of Anatolia and western Armenia was dead. While it is important to remember this horrible fact of history in order to help comfort the survivors, we must also remain eternally vigilant in order to protect Armenia from new and more hostile aggressors. Even now, as we rise to commemorate the accomplishments of the Armenian people and mourn the tragedies they have suffered, Turkey and other countries are attempting to break Armenia down by maintaining a crushing and total blockade against this free nation. For five consecutive years, Turkey and the former Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan have maintained a blockade of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh. The blockade has cut off the transport of food, fuel, medicine, and all other commodities. The blockade has driven over 90 percent of Armenia's population below a poverty level of $1.00 a day. As many as one-fifth of Armenia's 3.6 million people have fled the country. Because of the ongoing blockade and long winters without heat, thousands of Armenians have died from the harsh cold. These deaths are on Turkish hands, just as the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians earlier this century are on Turkish hands. Last year, I led the fight in the House of Representatives to protect Armenia from this vicious blockade by Turkey and Azerbaijan by stripping out a provision in the fiscal year 1996 Foreign Operations appropriations bill that would have allowed the United Stated Government to provide direct cash payments to the Government of Azerbaijan before Azerbaijan had lifted its blockade of Armenia. My amendment was approved by a voice vote, demonstrating widespread bipartisan support among House members for maintaining the strict sanctions against the Azerbaijani Government. There were over 2 hours of debate on the amendment, during which both Republicans and Democrats spoke strongly in favor of keeping prior U.S. law in place. Although it has suffered greatly, Armenia is once again a sovereign, independent country. Its people are strong and determined to succeed. I am proud to support Armenia and the many noble ideals it represents. It is my sincere hope that the United States continues to strengthen its relationship with the nation and the people of Armenia. Towards that end, I am extremely pleased that a strong and vibrant Armenian-American community is flourishing in northwest Indiana. In fact, my predecessor in the House of Representatives, the late Adam Benjamin, was of Armenian heritage. There are still strong ties to the Armenian homeland among Armenian-Americans. During the devastating Armenian winter of 1992-1993, Mrs. Vicki Hovanessian and her husband, Dr. Raffy Hovanessian, residents of Indiana's First Congressional district, helped to raise over $750,000 for purchases of winter rescue supplies of heating fuel and foodstuffs. In the last 12 months, alone, the Hovanessians have raised over $1,000,000 for charitable and educational purposes in Armenia and the United States. Two other Armenian families in my congressional district, Heratch and Sonya Doumanian and Ara and Rosy Yeretsian, have also contributed countless hours and resources toward charitable works in the United States and Armenia. One of the notable causes for which they have worked is the Saint Nersses Seminary in New York, which sponsors an exchange program between the United States and Armenia for new seminarians. I commend these generous families for their hard work and dedication to charitable giving. In closing, I would like to commend my colleagues, Representatives Porter and Pallone, for organizing this special order to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Armenian genocide. This remembrance will not only console the survivors and their families, but it may also serve to avert future atrocities.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, April 13, 1996, numerous outstanding Hispanics from Indiana's First Congressional District were honored for their notable contributions to northwest Indiana. Student Recognition Awards, a President's Award, a Community Outreach Award, a Cesar Chavez award and an Outstanding Family Award were presented by the Hispanic Coordinating Council during a banquet held at the American Legion Post No. 369 in East Chicago, IN. Sixty Hispanic students representing thirty northwest Indiana and northeast Illinois high schools were recognized for their academic and athletic achievement. The students who received awards for Outstanding Academic Achievement include: Melissa Hogg, Andrean High School; Angelica Quiroz, Calumet High School; April Ybarra, Clark Middle/Senior High School; Leandro Cortez, Jr., East Chicago Central High School; Fidel Lopez, Edison Junior/Senior High School; Laura Rivera, Gavit Middle/High School; Susan Barriga, Griffith Senior High School; Tina Rongel, Hammond High School; Iris Sanchez, Hanover Central High School; Raymond Padron, Hebron Junior/Senior High School; Nicole Yadron, Highland High School; Nina Ramos, Hobart High School; Elvin Roman, Horace Mann High School; Megan Mendoza, Lowell High School; Carmen Bonilla and Robert Martinez, Merrillville High School; Rebekah Perez, Morton High School; Christopher Garcia and Odette Gutierrez, Munster High School; James Espinoza, Portage High School; Patrica Cisneros and Javier Fuentes, River Forest High School; Mabel Lamas and Allison Karas, Thornton Fractional North High School; Leslie Cruz, Thornton Fractional South High School; William Marquez and Alison DeSchamp, Valparaiso High School; and Santiago Rodrigues, Jr., Whiting Middle/ High School. The students who received awards for Outstanding Athletic Achievement include: Matthew Murawski, Andrean High School; Israel Anthony Roman, Bishop Noll Institute; Daniel Mendez, Boone Grove High School; Seleno Gomez, Calumet High School; Manuel Amezcua, Clark Middle/Senior High School; Paul Maldonado and Frank Chabes, East Chicago Central High School; Nick Reyes, Edison Junior/Senior High School; Enrique Luna, Gavit Middle/Senior High School; Stefanie Dominquez, Griffith Senior High School; Diana Cruz, Hammond High School; Jennifer Conley, Hanover Central High School; Rachel Guzman, Highland High School; Kristopher Kingery, Hobart High School; Jose Fogleman, Lowell High School; Mike Villanueva, Merrillville High School; David Mendoza, Morton High School; Alaina Altschu and Derek Serna, Munster High School; Nicholas Munoz and Leroy Vega, Portage High School; Mellissa Piunti, River Forest High School; and Luis Dominguez, Whiting Middle/Senior High School. Those students who received awards for being an Outstanding Student include: William Maldonado, East Chicago Central High School; Zack Escobedo, Lake Ridge Middle School; Thomas Bonez, Portage High School; and Jason Lee Pedroza, River Forest High School. The Council also presented the Outstanding Family Award to Jose and Josephine Valtierra and their 11 children. This distinguished family was carefully selected from many qualified families on the basis of their unity and dedication to one another's successes. The Senoras of Yesteryear received the President's Award. This Senoras of Yesteryear honors women who have recorded and documented achievements of Hispanic families in East Chicago and the Indiana Harbor Region. The Community Organization Award was presented to the Hammond Hispanic Community Committee. Juan Andrade, Jr. earned the Cesar Chavez Award for co-founding the Midwest- Northeast Voter Registration Education Project. Juan was also recently named one of the ``100 Most Influential Hispanics in America'' by the Hispanic Business Magazine. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in applauding all of the award recipients chosen by the Hispanic Coordinating Council. I feel that all of the participants are most deserving of the honors that were bestowed upon them. Moreover, I would like to commend the Hispanic Coordinating Council, its President, Ben Luna, and all of the Council members for committing themselves to preserving their culture. It is my privilege to commend them on their achievements.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to call attention to the School City of Hammond and the Parent Advisory Council of the bilingual education program for holding its Spring Multicultural Festival. This year's festival, entitled ``Linking Worlds,'' will be held today, March 29, 1996 at the Dynasty Ballroom and Conference Center in Hammond, IN. The School City of Hammond possesses a population that is rich in diversity of backgrounds and languages. This is reflected in the growth of families with a native language other than English. From 1970 to 1990, the number of students from non-English-speaking homes has grown from 977 to 2,306. To meet the needs of these students, the School City of Hammond proposed and received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, which was implemented in September, 1991. The mission of the School City of Hammond Bilingual Education Program is to provide a quality education for all students requiring language skill development. The program implements individualized instruction with an emphasis on reading and language arts in the English language. All skills are reinforced by computer. While the focus of the School City of Hammond is English instruction, the bilingual education program also provides the opportunity to learn up to 33 other languages. I would like to recognize the following administrators and board members who make this incredible program possible. The Hammond School Board of Trustees includes: Mrs. Rebecca Ward, president; Mrs. Albertine M. Dent, vice-president; Mrs. Linda C. Lawson, secretary; Dr. David O. Dickson, superintendent; Mr. Gerald J. Mazur; and Mr. Jay K. Potesta. The School City of Hammond Bilingual Education Program staff includes: Ms. Peggy Dellahoussaye-Kroc, director, Ms. Elena Rivera- Cruz; resource coordinator; Ms. Graciela Kamer, parent coordinator; Mr. Piedad Kerr, language assessor; and Ms. Nilsa Santiago, divisional secretary. The Parent Advisory Council includes: Ms. Rosa Leyva, president; Ms. Teresa Turrubiates, secretary; Ms. Josefina Acosta, assistant secretary; Ms. Agustina Alcantar, treasury; Ms. Norma Solis and honorary members, Ms. Norma Solis, and Mr. Guadalupe Turrubiates. The success rate of the bilingual program has been phenomenal. Within 3 years, the program has expanded from serving 2 schools to 13 schools. Moreover, the School City of Hammond now has the largest limited English proficient population in northwest Indiana, and the bilingual program has prompted an outpouring of support from the Hispanic community for student activities, including a small folklore dance group. Furthermore, the program has collaborated with businesses, including American Maize, and NBD and Calumet National Banks. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in a heartfelt message of congratulations to the School City of Hammond and the Parent Advisory Council for their celebrated success with the bilingual education program. This truly shows that a school system and parental group can work harmoniously together to produce a beneficial program for everyone in Indiana's First Congressional District. The members of this collaborative project should be proud of their efforts to successfully preserve all ethnic cultures.