Frank Wolf

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I want to share with you the findings from the report of the International Eminent Persons Group that was created out of the agreements negotiated by special envoy for Sudan, former Senator John Danforth. This group was invited to Sudan by both parties to the conflict in Sudan, the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Army, to investigate the occurrence of slavery and abduction there. The report indicates that the group found sufficient evidence during its investigation that the Government of Sudan uses slavery as a part of a ``counter-insurgency strategy pursued by successive governments in Khartoum.'' These actions include incidences of abduction and associated abuses that occur in conjunction with attacks by pro-govemment militias known as murahaleen on villages in SPLA-controlled areas . . . the Government of Sudan and its predecessors have been responsible for arming murahaleen groups, for using them as auxiliary military forces and for allowing members of such forces to enjoy impunity for a wide range of serious crimes committed in the course of attacks. They bum villages, loot cattle, rape and kill civilians, and abduct and enslave men, women and children. As this report shows, the government in Khartoum has used slavery as a strategy and as a weapon for years. It is time for Khartoum to end this horrible practice and for the world to condemn Khartoum for this atrocity. As the Bush Administration and the international community press for peace in Sudan, ending the form of slavery practiced by Sudan needs to be at the forefront of the discussions. Findings Finding 1. Changes in the international environment and within Sudan itself have raised hopes for progress toward peace in Sudan. Finding 2. The United States, other concerned governments and international institutions should engage this possibility with energy on the one hand and rigorous conditionality on the other. Progress in dealing with human rights abuses is a key element in the establishment of a just and durable peace in Sudan. Finding 3. Many observers note an improved political climate in Khartoum, characterized by a renewed dialogue among political parties and the return of representatives of some northern political parties to Khartoum. The Sudanese Government's acceptance of, and cooperation with, the mission of Senator John Danforth, and with our own mission, may be regarded as reflections of this change. Recent initiatives by the SPLM/A to encourage the institutions of civil society are also examples of favorable political developments. Finding 4. Despite these positive signs, the people of Sudan continue to be subjected to a range of serious and sustained human-rights-abuses. These abuses have been extensively documented in numerous human rights reports, including those of Human Rights Watch, Anti-Slavery International, the Special Rapporteur of the UN Commission on Human Rights on Sudan and other credible observers. They include denial of rights of expression and association, restrictions on press freedom, harassment of certain opposition political groups and independent religious bodies, arbitrary arrest and detention, cruel and unusual punishment and arbitrary interpretation and application of laws. Particularly serious abuses have occurred in connection with the current civil war. To one degree or another, all of the warring parties have engaged in such practices as the forced displacement of civilian populations, intentional attacks on civilians, abductions, the forcible recruitment of children and other civilians as soldiers and forced laborers, hostage taking, rape, looting, destruction of food supplies and the denial of access to humanitarian assistance. Women and children have suffered especially, both from abduction and sexual violence. All these practices are prohibited by international covenants and conventions. The causes of these abuses are far-reaching and complex and must be understood and addressed as a whole. Finding 5. Our Group's mandate called upon us specifically to examine slavery, abduction and forced servitude. We found a wide range of economic relationships between northerners and persons from the south who have either been displaced or have migrated to the north. Such relationships range from debt bondage to benign relations of sponsorship or adoption. The majority of these relations, while they may involve economic exploitation, do not fall under the rubric of slavery. However, we also found evidence of exploitative and abusive relationships that, in some cases, do meet the definition of slavery as contained in international conventions, which Sudan has signed. This evidence is confirmed in interviews conducted by the Group, which is consistent with reports and interviews carried out by other credible agencies and organizations. Of particular concern is the pattern of abuses that occurs in conjunction with attacks by pro-government militias known as murahaleen on villages in SPLA-controlled areas near the boundary between northern and southern Sudan. These are characterized by: capture through abduction (generally accompanied by violence); the forced transfer of victims to another community; subjection to forced labor for no pay; denial of victims' freedom of movement and choice; and, frequently, assaults on personal identity such as renaming, forced religious conversion, involuntary circumcision, prohibition on the use of native languages and the denial of contacts with the victims' families and communities of origin. Many of those who are abducted and enslaved remain with their abductors in the areas of South Darfur or West Kordofan; some escape or are returned; and others are sold or transferred to third parties. The Group was unable to establish the extent of the onward sale of slaves. It received no information that would confirm the existence of actual slave markets. The Group also found evidence of ways other than abduction in which persons are put into conditions of slavery, which include being lured by false promises of employment. There are reports, which the Group was unable to confirm, that some abducted children are detained in institutions misleadingly described as Koranic schools. In Ed Da'ein the Group interviewed a number of Rizeigat men, women and children who had been detained after the SPLA capture of Yei. We concluded that these particular individuals were not victims of abduction. Finding 6. The Group was not able to establish the number of persons who have been abducted and/or enslaved. There are vast divergences among available estimates. (See table under Research Priorities in the Supporting Analysis section.) The Government of Sudan and the SPLM/A have obstructed efforts by independent organizations from within and outside Sudan to investigate the problem of contemporary slavery and related issues. Finding 7. The resurgence of slavery in contemporary Sudan differs both from the historical slave trade of the nineteenth-century and from the small-scale inter-tribal abduction (or ``hostage-taking'') that is endemic among many pastoral peoples in East and North-East Africa. The pattern of slave taking that has developed since the start of the civil war is, to a substantial degree, the product of a counter-insurgency strategy pursued by successive governments in Khartoum. This strategy involves arming local militias from northern Sudan. These militias attack villages in SPLA- controlled areas, principally along the boundary between northern and southern Sudan. They burn villages, loot cattle, rape and kill civilians, and abduct and enslave men, women and children. Such attacks are frequently carried out by militia members while employed by the government as auxiliary guards on military rail convoys traveling through SPLA- controlled areas. Finding 8. The government acknowledges that abduction of civilians occurs. Its 1999 decision to create the Committee for the Elimination of Abduction of Women and Children (CEAWC) was a significant step in its recognition of the problem and its effort to address the plight of abducted persons. (See the discussion of CEAWC, including concerns about its effectiveness, in the Supporting Analysis section). However, the government has failed to acknowledge its own responsibility for acts committed by militias and other forces under its authority. The lack of judicial control and appropriate structures of military accountability means that militia members are able to act with impunity. Finding 9. The challenges of dealing with the issues of slavery, abduction and forced servitude are made much greater by an absence of democratic institutions and practices, both in areas controlled by the government and in those controlled by the SPLM/A and other armed groups. Specifically, there is an absence of pluralism, the rule of law, freedom of the press and other means of exchanging information, accountability in government and public administration, and independence of the judiciary. In government-control led areas, this lack of transparency and accountability has severely limited the ability of citizens to voice grievances or seek judicial redress for a range of abuses, including abduction, slavery and forced servitude. In SPLM/A controlled areas, the lack of democratic governance, the obstruction of free inquiry, and the constraints imposed on civil society have hampered the ability to learn, the truth about alleged abuses of human rights, and to obtain remedies for them. Finding 10. The Group notes with alarm recent reports from credible sources, including the Special Rapporteur on Sudan of the UN Commission on Human Rights, regarding increasing levels of fighting in areas of oil development in Western Upper Nile. The Group, while not able to visit this area, interviewed persons displaced in 2002 from Western Upper Nile. They report a pattern that includes the use of militias, attacks on civilians, forced displacement of large local populations, abduction and associated abuses. (See Selected Bibliography). Finding 11. Bringing about an end to the practices of slavery, abduction and forced servitude will require Sudan's national political and military leaders to speak out forcefully and to act vigorously against these practices. Denials of the existence of slavery and rationalizations for its existence may be interpreted by some as indifference or, worse, license to continue these abuses.

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, let me just say on the issue of Mr. Ashcroft, before 9/ 11 and after 9/11, the world changed tremendously. I think we have to look forward as to what we do. I was the author of the National Commission on Terrorism, the Bremmer Commission. It came up with their report in the year 2001. Many people believe that if those recommendations had been followed, many other things would not have happened. I think the world was not very interested in the issue of terrorism. I say that in defense of Attorney General Ashcroft, I think, as of 9/11. But let me say, the gentleman has a good amendment. I agree that this funding is crucial to the FBI in its fight against terrorism. All of the funding under the discussion in this amendment directly supports the FBI efforts to upgrade and modernize this technology and better share its intelligence data. The reorganization that the FBI will soon be sending up moves heavily into this area, one, put terrorism at the top; two, deal with the technology which was a major problem in the Timothy McVeigh case. Also, to make sure that whatever data that the FBI has is shared with other agencies, such as the CIA and other government authorities. The FBI is at a crucial period in their history and I think the Congress ought to do everything they can to help with regard to technology and with regard to upgrades. I think the gentleman from Wisconsin has a good amendment here. I urge its adoption.

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. I will be brief. I just wanted to rise in support of the DeLay amendment. I broke with my party. I supported sending troops and being involved in Bosnia and in Kosovo. But I will tell those who cared about that, the first American soldier that is brought before the court, we would lose support from the American public for any involvement around the world. If America is not involved, it is not successful. And if we were not involved, the world would be a much more dangerous place. The DeLay amendment is really a good amendment. For that I would urge that we would support it. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 405, legislation commemorating the independence of East Timor and expressing the sense of Congress that the President should establish diplomatic relations with East Timor. Independence for East Timor has been a long time coming. It was ruled by the Portugese for 400 years and then more recently experienced 25 years of Indonesian occupation. Unfortunately, many East Timorese suffered during the path to independence, particularly when Indonesian military backed militias went on a murderous rampage in 1999, after the people of East Timor voted for independence. Thousands of innocent East Timorese were killed and hundreds of thousands became refugees because of the violence carried out against the East Timorese who were only seeking freedom. Fortunately, the East Timorese have benefitted from having solid leaders. I met many of these people when I visited East Timor in 1997-- people such as Roman Catholic Bishop Belo, bishop of Dili. Bishop Belo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his invaluable work on behalf of peace and justice in East Timor. Representative Tony Hall and I nominated Bishop Belo for this award of which he so deservingly was presented several years ago. I met with many other outstanding East Timorese volunteers, local leaders, NGO staff and religious leaders who also helped forge the way for a peaceful movement of independence. All are to be commended for their contributions that have led to East Timor's independence. Recently elected President Jose Alexandre Gusmao also appears to be a leader who will serve his new country well. He is emphasizing reconciliation rather than revenge for the sufferings and atrocities the people suffered at the hands of the pro- Indonesian militias in 1999. I am hopeful that the new country of East Timor will be a reliable and worthy addition to the international community. I want to congratulate the people of East Timor, President Gusmao, Bishop Belo, Jose Ramos Horta, and the many other East Timorese who brought their people and their nation to this historic point. I also want to commend President Bush for his action yesterday recognizing East Timor as a nation and establishing diplomatic relations. Lastly, I want to thank Representative Smith for sponsoring this important legislation and for all of his work in this Congress not only on East Timor, but for human rights and religious freedom.

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this legislation. The bill includes $112 million for the FBI, which is $102 million above the request of the administration; but it will help the FBI do what they have to do. The recommendation also includes $10 million for the foreign terrorist tracking task force, a multiagency effort to prevent terrorists from coming into the country. We certainly need that as quickly as possible. $75 million is recommended for the INS, $40 million above the request. Again the administration was low in its request. You cannot complain about the INS and then not fund its necessary programs, including $49 million to address the shortfall in the immigration inspection account; $25 million to bolster efforts to track and apprehend people who have absconded on deportation orders; and $1 million to continue development of an entry-exit system. The bill also has $175 million for the Justice Department for State and local first responder equipment, training and planning needs. This funding is provided to the Department of Justice as authorized by the USA Patriot instead of being provided to FEMA as requested. For the State Department and the Broadcasting Board of Governors, the bill includes a total of $337 million for critical embassy security and public diplomacy needs. After September 11, a lot of attention has been paid to the inadequacy of public diplomacy efforts. We are not doing an adequate job of telling America's story to the world and communicating effectively with the foreign public. To improve this effort, the bill includes $52.6 million for information, exchange and broadcasting programs of the State Department and the Broadcasting Board of Governors, $27.7 million above the request. The amount also includes $17.5 million for information programs, $20 million for international exchange programs, $7.4 million for the continuation of the Radio Free Afghanistan, and $7.7 million to expand the reach of the Middle East Radio Network. Then in closing, the bill also includes $20 million for 100 additional positions at the SEC to address the immediate and urgent need for increased oversight of the accounting industry. Finally, the bill includes a provision authorizing the closed circuit transmission of the Moussaoui trial to victims of the September 11 attacks, and we also provide the requisite funding for that. Mr. Chairman, this is a very important and an emergency issue. I urge quick passage of the bill, hopefully through the Senate and to the President for his signature.

Mr. WOLF. I would say, Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from Washington is absolutely correct. It was our intent to differentiate these commuter vessels from cruise ships. As part of the fiscal year 2003 appropriation process, we absolutely will explore legislative exemptions to ensure that the fee does not have unintended consequences. I thank the gentleman for bringing this to our attention. We will take care of it.

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for that statement. As the chairman knows, many of our colleagues, and certainly I am in that group, strongly support this program and we want to ensure that no changes are enacted that would prevent a qualified carrier from receiving a loan guarantee as early as the stabilization board may act on the application. This particular program was enacted to assist carriers suffering losses as a result of the terrorist attack on September 11. The Federal Government's closure of Reagan National Airport made matters even worse for some of the carriers. I know the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis), the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran), the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Myrick), and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) have been very, very concerned about this. We are aware of one or more carriers that may apply for a loan guarantee before the deadline of June 28, 2002. There are concerns that the provision, if enacted, might have the unintended consequences of preventing a qualified carrier from securing a Federal loan guarantee in time to avoid bankruptcy or other irreparable harm to a carrier's operations, employees and customers. Would the chairman be willing to work with us and other Members, and there were so many that were interested in this, to ensure that that provision does not have those unintended effects?

Mr. WOLF. I would be pleased to engage in a colloquy with the gentleman from Washington and the gentleman from New York.

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, this week 220 religious leaders across the spectrum signed an open letter to this Congress and to the Bush administration calling on the Nation's leaders to oppose the further spread of gambling. The signers are across the spectrum of the religious views in this country. It is time, Mr. Speaker, for the country to address the devastation that gambling has wrought on our children, our families, communities and Nation, is what they wrote. Mr. Speaker, I want to emphasize the significance of this letter. This is not a message from political leaders, this is not a message from business or labor, this is not a message from many of the usual interest groups that express their views here every day. Rather, it is a message from our Nation's moral and spiritual leaders. Not often do so many religious leaders from such broad perspectives speak out on any issue. But when they do, it is noteworthy. Recall the issues of slavery, the civil rights movement, elderly and child poverty, the dangers of communism, South African apartheid, famine and humanitarian issues throughout the world. All these issues commanded the attention of the Nation's spiritual leaders. The incredible spread of gambling is also a call to arms for our Nation's faith communities. Why are so many in the religious community so alarmed? Legalized gambling, once relegated to a few areas of the country, continues to spread at an alarming rate, so quickly that soon almost every American will be within driving distance of a casino. Gambling expansion has swept the Nation, with revenues jumping from about $1 billion in 1980 to well over $50 billion today. That means Americans lose on average of $137 million every day of the year from gambling. Let me say that again: Americans lose on the average $137 million every day of the year from gambling. In short, while the explosion of various forms of gambling across America has generated revenue for States and for the gambling industry, it has left in its wake human misery that is only now beginning to be understood. This misery ends up costing the States more than they receive and creates a vicious cycle as the need for social services dramatically increases. Whether a State lottery, a casino or a ``cruise to nowhere,'' gambling is a losing bet for funding legitimate social needs. Yet in State after State the gambling industry pours money into the coffers of political campaigns from both political parties in hopes of advancing their interests. The fact that gambling has not spread further is a tribute to the tireless efforts of a few grass roots activists in the States. These citizen advocacy efforts, often outspent by rates of 20 to 1, have held a levy against an even greater encroachment by the gambling industry into every community in America. But the gambling industry has another card up its sleeve and has used it very effectively in the last decade. Instead of going through the normal legislative channels, they have ever increasingly circumvented State grass roots resistance by going through our Nation's Native Americans. Indian casinos are the fastest growing form of gambling today. Our Federal policy toward our Nation's first citizens is in a terrible state. A few tribes have done very well, and yet nearly 80 percent of all Native Americans receive nothing from gambling. Let me repeat: 80 percent receive nothing from gambling. The vast majority live in areas where casinos are simply not viable. What kind of Federal policy rewards a few people living in population centers while the rest languish? There is a casino that operates in California that actually has one adult member of the tribe, one member, and thousands of Native Americans live in our Great Plains States and receive nothing. Defenders of Indian gambling never seem to talk about this disparity. What has the spread of gambling meant for the country? Some 15.4 million Americans are already suffering from problem and pathological gambling, also called gambling addiction, which is devastating to the individuals and his or her family. The effects of this addiction are wide ranging and often impact many who are not at all involved with gambling. It is not unusual for a gambling addict to end up in bankruptcy, with a broken family, and facing criminal charges from his or her employer. Youth introduced early to gambling are particularly at a high risk for gambling addiction. Of the over 15 million Americans suffering from problem gambling disorders, over half, 7.9 million, are adolescents. There is a tremendous need for prevention. Unfortunately, there is no money really for prevention. Soon, gambling will be in every home in America with the Internet connection. More than 850 Internet gambling sites worldwide had revenues in 1999 of $1.67 billion, up more than 80 percent from 1998, according to Christiansen Capital Advisors, who track the industry. Revenues are expected to top $3 billion by 2002, and the Congress and the administration have done nothing. I would hope this Congress and this administration would reflect on the seriousness of this issue. This is not about a person making a choice to travel to Las Vegas or Atlantic City and gamble for recreation. The reality is that such a choice takes planning and some time. As gambling spreads throughout the Nation, there is less planning, less time, and much more availability for potential addicts to gamble. With all this hard evidence, our Nation's religious leaders have been moved to forcibly speak out. They have demanded that we ``place American citizens and families ahead of false promises and hefty political contributions of the gambling industry and begin to address this rapidly growing menace to our national welfare.'' Who will speak out against the spread of gambling, the crime, the corruption, the family breakdown, the suicide the bankruptcy, the exploitation of the poor? Our Nation's religious leaders have spoken out. I would hope that Congress would speak out. And I would say to the Bush administration, your silence on this issue is becoming deafening. So the Bush administration should also speak out. For the poor, the young, the elderly, the addicts, the families of America, hopefully, maybe just someone, someone will listen and speak out. Mr. Speaker, I provide for the Record a copy of the letter signed by these 220 religious leaders and all their names. An Open Letter From 220 Religious Leaders to the President and Congress on the Spread of Gambling Dear Member of Congress: We, the undersigned, represent a variety of faith perspectives and religious beliefs. We hold differing convictions regarding many of the most prominent issues of our day. Yet we are united in our opposition to legalized gambling. We believe it to be a moral and cultural cancer. Therefore, we respectfully urge Congress to begin to address the devastation that gambling has wrought on our children, families, communities and nation. Consider just the following sampling of gambling's toll on America's citizenry: Gambling exploits those with the fewest financial resources, as both a multitude of studies and our own experiences in our individual communities readily confirm. A few months ago we were inundated with glowing press accounts of the Powerball winner from Kentucky who gambled part of his unemployment check to attain the jackpot. How many tens of thousands of others in similar circumstances squandered their meager income chasing this state-sponsored fantasy and wound up without enough money to pay the rent or put food on the table? According to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission (NGISC), individuals earning less than $10,000 per year spend more on lottery tickets every year than any other income group. Each of us--and the faith communities we represent--could provide countless stories of families shattered by gambling addiction. We are often the ones forced to pick up the pieces of lives ripped apart by divorce and domestic violence. According to a survey by the NGISC, gambling has been responsible, in whole or in part, for more than 2 million divorces in recent years. Child abuse and neglect are other effluents of gambling's explosive growth. In addition, research indicates that children of gambling addicts do more poorly in school, experience more behavioral problems, and are more susceptible to gambling addiction themselves. The gambling boom has made our communities more dangerous places to live. Gambling operations attract crime, and they create new criminals out of otherwise law-abiding citizens. Studies confirm that more than half of gambling addicts will engage in illegal activities--everything from embezzlement to armed robbery--to fund their compulsion to gamble. Gambling has subverted the rightful role of government as protectorate of the people. Casinos in particular have bought favors with politicians at all levels, thus enabling them to spread their poison product into even more communities. In the most recent election, gambling interests lavished $10.9 million on candidates and parties at the federal level alone. That does not include the multi-millions spent on lobbying, nor does it take into account that gambling interests have become the single most powerful force in a number of state governments. All of this influence comes at a terrible price that is paid for by the gambling industry's multitude of victims. The rapid increase in legal gambling opportunities has created a concomitant boom in the number of gambling addicts. According to the NGISC, more than 15 million Americans struggle with a significant gambling problem--and the repercussions are often profound. Perhaps no single statistic better reveals the depth of despair associated with gambling addiction than this: One in five of those who become addicted to gambling will attempt to take his or her own life. Legal gambling operations entice teenagers to delve into this dangerous activity. Many become trapped. Studies show that the rate of gambling problems among adolescents is dramatically higher than that for adults. Hundreds of thousands of teens regularly access casinos, lotteries, and other legal betting venues despite age regulations to the contrary. Further, aggressive and omnipresent gambling advertising campaigns disparage the ethic of work, diligence and study while bombarding teens with the idea that gambling is the means to get rich quick. Gambling has become a blight on our nation's cultural landscape. As religious leaders, we see the gambling-induced pain and devastation among many of those who look to us for spiritual guidance. Thus, we stand together not only in our concern, but in our commitment to oppose this predatory and destructive industry. We call on members of Congress to place America's citizens and families ahead of the false promises and hefty political contributions of the gambling industry, and to begin to address this rapidly growing menace to our national welfare. Sincerely, Dr. Mark Bailey, President, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, Jr., Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ron Black, Executive Director, General Association of General Baptists. Dr. Bill Bright, Founder and Chairman, Campus Crusade for Christ. David Bryant, Chairman, America's National Prayer Committee. Commissioner John Busby, National Commander, The Salvation Army. Dr. Gaylen J. Byker, President, Calvin College. Tony Campolo, Ph.D., President, The Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education. Dr. Judson Carlberg, President, Gordon College. Dr. Morris H. Chapman, President & CEO, Southern Baptist Convention, Executive Committee. Charles W. Colson, Chairman of the Board, Prison Fellowship Ministries. Dr. Clyde Cook, President, Biola University and Talbot School of Theology. Kenneth L. Connor, President, Family Research Council. Dr. James C. Dobson, President, Focus on the Family. David H. Engelhard, General Secretary, Christian Reformed Church in North America. Dr. Tony Evans, President, The Urban Alternative. Reverend Jeff Farmer, President, Open Bible Churches. Bruce L. Fister, Lt. Gen. USAF (Ret.), Executive Director, Officers' Christian Fellowship. Leighton Ford, President, Leighton Ford Ministries. Dr. Stan D. Gaede, President, Westmont College. Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Gillespie, President, Princeton Theological Seminary. William Graham, Acting Dean, Harvard Divinity School. The Rt. Rev. J. Clark Grew II, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Ohio. Bishop Susan W. Hassinger, United Methodist Church, Boston Area. Rev. Paul Hirschy, Bishop, Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA. Dr. David W. Holdren, General Superintendent, The Wesleyan Church. Clyde M. Hughes, Bishop, International Pentecostal Church of Christ. L. Gregory Jones, Dean and Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity School. Rev. Dr. Walter C. Kaiser, President, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Rabbi Benjamin Kamenetzky, Executive Director, Yeshiva of South Shore. D. James Kennedy, Ph.D., Senior Minister, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. Clifton Kirkpatrick, State Clerk of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Dr. Richard Land, President, Ethics and Religious Liberty, Commission of the SBC. Rabbi Abraham S. Lefkowitz, Chaplain, Nassau County Police Department. Dr. Duane Litfin, President, Wheaton College. Max Lucado, Senior Minister, Oak Hills Church of Christ. Bishop Joel N. Martinez, United Methodist Church, San Antonio Area. Bishop Felton E. May, United Methodist Church, Washington, D.C. Area. Dr. James Merritt, President, Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Kenneth M. Meyer, Chancellor, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Richard J. Mouw, President, Fuller Theological Seminary. Harold Myra, Executive Chairman, Christianity Today International. Father Richard John Neuhaus, President, Institute on Religion and Public Life. Dr. John M. Perkins, Chairman, Christian Community Development Association. Glenn Plummer, Chairman, National Religious Broadcasters. The Rt. Reverend F. Neff Powell, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. Dennis Rainey, Executive Director, Family Life. Sandy Rios, President, Concerned Women for America. Adrian Rogers, Senior Pastor, Bellevue Baptist Church. Dr. Rex M. Rogers, President, Cornerstone University. Rt. Rev. Catherine S. Roskam, Bishop Suffragan of New York. Bruce Ryskamp, President and CEO, Zondervan. Dr. Emanuel Sandberg, Executive Director, The Brethren Church. Bishop Beverly J. Shamana, United Methodist Church, San Francisco Area. Dr. Dal Shealy, President/CEO, Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Ronald J. Sider, President, Evangelicals for Social Action. Charles W. Smith, Sr. Pastor, Calvary Chapel. Sister Lucille Souza, MSC, Mother Cabrini High School. David Stevens, MD, Executive Director, Christian Medical Association. Dr. Thomas Trask, General Superintendent, General Council of the Assemblies of God. Miroslav Volf, Professor, Yale University. Rev. Jim Wallis, Editor-in-Chief, Sojourners. Donald E. Wildemon, President American Family Association. Dr. Edward W. Williamson, General Superintendent, Evangelical Methodist Church, International Headquarters. Jim Winkler, General Secretary, United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society. Ravi K. Zacharias, President, International Ministries. Additional Signatories to the ``Open Letter to the President and Congress'' The Rt. Rev. Keith L. Ackerman, Bishop, Diocese of Quincy (IL). Howard Ahmanson, President, Fieldstead & Co. Robert T. Allen, President, National Association of Evangelicals--Arizona. Dr. A.J. Anglin, President, Trinity Christian College. Dr. Jay A. Barber, President, Warner Pacific College. Dr. James Barnes, President, Indiana Wesleyan University. Rev. Dr. Peter B. Barnes, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church (Boulder, CO). Dr. Philip J. Baur, Interim President, Bethel Seminary of the East. Dr. Timothy F. George, President, Samford University. Michael Glenn, Executive Vice President, National Religious Broadcasters Association. J. Gary Glosten, Bishop Suffragan, Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. William T. Greig II, Chairperson, Gospel Light Publishing. Doris W. Greig, Chairperson, Gospel Light Publications. Wayne Grudem, Ph.D., Research Professor of Bible and Theology, Phoenix Seminary, Past President, Evangelical Theological Society. Dr. David J. Gyertson, President, Taylor University. Pastor Matthew Heard, Senior Pastor, Woodmen Valley Chapel. The Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley, Jr., Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. Bishop Gregory Palmer, Iowa Conference, United Methodist Church. Joe E. Pennel, Jr., Bishop, Virginia Conference of United Methodist Church. Randy Pope, Pastor, Perimeter Church. Tom Prichard, President, Minnesota Family Council. Dr. Paul A. Rader, President, Asbury College. Stephen W. Reed, General Counsel, Focus on the Family. Larry D. Robertson, Ph.D., State Evangelism Specialist, Tennessee Baptist Convention. Dr. LeVon Balzer, President, John Brown University. The Rt. Reverend David C. Bane, Jr., Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. Dr. Gayle D. Beebe, President, Spring Arbor University. Bobbi Biehl, President, Masterplanning Group International. Bishop Bruce Blake, United Methodist Church, Oklahoma Area. Richard Bott, Sr., President, Bott Radio Network. Robert H. Brindle, Consultant to churches. Reverend R.O. and Elsa Prince Broehuizen, Pastor (Holland,

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call the attention of the House to an open letter from 220 religious leaders to the President of the United States and Congress on the spread of gambling. They said, ``We, the undersigned, represent a variety of faith perspectives and religious beliefs. We hold different convictions regarding many of the most prominent issues of the day, yet we are united in our opposition to legalized gambling and we respectfully urge Congress to begin to address the devastation that gambling has wrought on our children and families and communities as a Nation.'' And then they go on to talk about the faith community can provide countless stories of families shattered by gambling addiction. It was a full page ad in Roll Call. I urge Members to look at it and see. This Congress ought to begin to deal with this issue of the spread of gambling. An Open Letter From 220 Religious Leaders to the President and Congress on the Spread of Gambling Dear Member of Congress: We, the undersigned, represent a variety of faith perspectives and religious beliefs. We hold differing convictions regarding many of the most prominent issues of our day. Yet we are united in our opposition to legalized gambling. We believe it to be a moral and cultural cancer. Therefore, we respectfully urge Congress to begin to address the devastation that gambling has wrought on our children, families, communities and nation. Consider just the following sampling of gambling's toll on America's citizenry: Gambling exploits those with the fewest financial resources, as both a multitude of studies and our own experiences in our individual communities readily confirm. A few months ago we were inundated with glowing press accounts of the Powerball winner from Kentucky who gambled part of his unemployment check to attain the jackpot. How many tens of thousands of others in similar circumstances squandered their meager income chasing this state-sponsored fantasy and wound up without enough money to pay the rent or put food on the table? According to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission (NGISC), individuals earning less than $10,000 per year spend more on lottery tickets every year than any other income group. Each of us--and the faith communities we represent--could provide countless stories of families shattered by gambling addiction. We are often the ones forced to pick up the pieces of lives ripped apart by divorce and domestic violence. According to a survey by the NGISC, gambling has been responsible, in whole or in part, for more than 2 million divorces in recent years. Child abuse and neglect are other effluents of gambling's explosive growth. In addition, research indicates that children of gambling addicts do more poorly in school, experience more behavioral problems, and are more susceptible to gambling addiction themselves. The gambling boom has made our communities more dangerous places to live. Gambling operations attract crime, and they create new criminals out of otherwise law-abiding citizens. Studies confirm that more than half of gambling addicts will engage in illegal activities--everything from embezzlement to armed robbery--to fund their compulsion to gamble. Gambling has subverted the rightful role of government as protectorate of the people. Casinos in particular have bought favors with politicians at all levels, thus enabling them to spread their poison product into even more communities. In the most recent election, gambling interests lavished $10.9 million on candidates and parties at the federal level alone. That does not include the multi-millions spent on lobbying, nor does it take into account that gambling interests have become the single most powerful force in a number of state governments. All of this influence comes at a terrible price that is paid for by the gambling industry's multitude of victims. The rapid increase in legal gambling opportunities has created a concomitant boom in the number of gambling addicts. According to the NGISC, more than 15 million Americans struggle with a significant gambling problem--and the repercussions are often profound. Perhaps no single statistic better reveals the depth of despair associated with gambling addiction than this: One in five of those who become addicted to gambling will attempt to take his or her own life. Legal gambling operations entice teenagers to delve into this dangerous activity. Many become trapped. Studies show that the rate of gambling problems among adolescents is dramatically higher than that for adults. Hundreds of thousands of teens regularly access casinos, lotteries, and other legal betting venues despite age regulations to the contrary. Further, aggressive and omnipresent gambling advertising campaigns disparage the ethic of work, diligence and study while bombarding teens with the idea that gambling is the means to get rich quick. Gambling has become a blight on our nation's cultural landscape. As religious leaders, we see the gambling-induced pain and devastation among many of those who look to us for spiritual guidance. Thus, we stand together not only in our concern, but in our commitment to oppose this predatory and destructive industry. We call on members of Congress to place America's citizens and families ahead of the false promises and hefty political contributions of the gambling industry, and to begin to address this rapidly growing menace to our national welfare. Sincerely, Dr. Mark Bailey, President, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, Jr., Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ron Black, Executive Director, General Association of General Baptists. Dr. Bill Bright, Founder and Chairman, Campus Crusade for Christ. David Bryant, Chairman, America's National Prayer Committee. Commissioner John Busby, National Commander, The Salvation Army. Dr. Gaylen J. Byker, President, Calvin College. Tony Campolo, Ph.D., President, The Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education. Dr. Judson Carlberg, President, Gordon College. Dr. Morris H. Chapman, President & CEO, Southern Baptist Convention, Executive Committee. Charles W. Colson, Chairman of the Board, Prison Fellowship Ministries. Dr. Clyde Cook, President, Biola University and Talbot School of Theology. Kenneth L. Connor, President, Family Research Council. Dr. James C. Dobson, President, Focus on the Family. David H. Engelhard, General Secretary, Christian Reformed Church in North America. Dr. Tony Evans, President, The Urban Alternative. Reverend Jeff Farmer, President, Open Bible Churches. Bruce L. Fister, Lt. Gen. USAF (Ret.), Executive Director, Officers' Christian Fellowship. Leighton Ford, President, Leighton Ford Ministries. Dr. Stan D. Gaede, President, Westmont College. Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Gillespie, President, Princeton Theological Seminary. William Graham, Acting Dean, Harvard Divinity School. The Rt. Rev. J. Clark Grew II, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Ohio. Bishop Susan W. Hassinger, United Methodist Church, Boston Area. Rev. Paul Hirschy, Bishop, Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA. Dr. David W. Holdren, General Superintendent, The Wesleyan Church. Clyde M. Hughes, Bishop, International Pentecostal Church of Christ. L. Gregory Jones, Dean and Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity School. Rev. Dr. Walter C. Kaiser, President, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Rabbi Benjamin Kamenetzky, Executive Director, Yeshiva of South Shore. D. James Kennedy, Ph.D., Senior Minister, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. Clifton Kirkpatrick, State Clerk of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Dr. Richard Land, President, Ethics and Religious Liberty, Commission of the SBC. Rabbi Abraham S. Lefkowitz, Chaplain, Nassau County Police Department. Dr. Duane Litfin, President, Wheaton College. Max Lucado, Senior Minister, Oak Hills Church of Christ. Bishop Joel N. Martinez, United Methodist Church, San Antonio Area. Bishop Felton E. May, United Methodist Church, Washington, D.C. Area. Dr. James Merritt, President, Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Kenneth M. Meyer, Chancellor, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Richard J. Mouw, President, Fuller Theological Seminary. Harold Myra, Executive Chairman, Christianity Today International. Father Richard John Neuhaus, President, Institute on Religion and Public Life. Dr. John M. Perkins, Chairman, Christian Community Development Association. Glenn Plummer, Chairman, National Religious Broadcasters. The Rt. Reverend F. Neff Powell, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. Dennis Rainey, Executive Director, Family Life. Sandy Rios, President, Concerned Women for America. Adrian Rogers, Senior Pastor, Bellevue Baptist Church. Dr. Rex M. Rogers, President, Cornerstone University. Rt. Rev. Catherine S. Roskam, Bishop Suffragan of New York. Bruce Ryskamp, President and CEO, Zondervan. Dr. Emanuel Sandberg, Executive Director, The Brethren Church. Bishop Beverly J. Shamana, United Methodist Church, San Francisco Area. Dr. Dal Shealy, President/CEO, Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Ronald J. Sider, President, Evangelicals for Social Action. Charles W. Smith, Sr. Pastor, Calvary Chapel. Sister Lucille Souza, MSC, Mother Cabrini High School. David Stevens, MD, Executive Director, Christian Medical Association. Dr. Thomas Trask, General Superintendent, General Council of the Assemblies of God. Miroslav Volf, Professor, Yale University. Rev. Jim Wallis, Editor-in-Chief, Sojourners. Donald E. Wildemon, President American Family Association. Dr. Edward W. Williamson, General Superintendent, Evangelical Methodist Church, International Headquarters. Jim Winkler, General Secretary, United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society. Ravi K. Zacharias, President, International Ministries. Additional Signatories to the ``Open Letter to the President and Congress'' The Rt. Rev. Keith L. Ackerman, Bishop, Diocese of Quincy (IL). Howard Ahmanson, President, Fieldstead & Co. Robert T. Allen, President, National Association of Evangelicals--Arizona. Dr. A.J. Anglin, President, Trinity Christian College. Dr. Jay A. Barber, President, Warner Pacific College. Dr. James Barnes, President, Indiana Wesleyan University. Rev. Dr. Peter B. Barnes, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church (Boulder, CO). Dr. Philip J. Baur, Interim President, Bethel Seminary of the East. Dr. Timothy F. George, President, Samford University. Michael Glenn, Executive Vice President, National Religious Broadcasters Association. J. Gary Glosten, Bishop Suffragan, Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. William T. Greig II, Chairperson, Gospel Light Publishing. Doris W. Greig, Chairperson, Gospel Light Publications. Wayne Grudem, Ph.D., Research Professor of Bible and Theology, Phoenix Seminary, Past President, Evangelical Theological Society. Dr. David J. Gyertson, President, Taylor University. Pastor Matthew Heard, Senior Pastor, Woodmen Valley Chapel. The Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley, Jr., Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. Bishop Gregory Palmer, Iowa Conference, United Methodist Church. Joe E. Pennel, Jr., Bishop, Virginia Conference of United Methodist Church. Randy Pope, Pastor, Perimeter Church. Tom Prichard, President, Minnesota Family Council. Dr. Paul A. Rader, President, Asbury College. Stephen W. Reed, General Counsel, Focus on the Family. Larry D. Robertson, Ph.D., State Evangelism Specialist, Tennessee Baptist Convention. Dr. LeVon Balzer, President, John Brown University. The Rt. Reverend David C. Bane, Jr., Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. Dr. Gayle D. Beebe, President, Spring Arbor University. Bobbi Biehl, President, Masterplanning Group International. Bishop Bruce Blake, United Methodist Church, Oklahoma Area. Richard Bott, Sr., President, Bott Radio Network. Robert H. Brindle, Consultant to churches. Reverend R.O. and Elsa Prince Broehuizen, Pastor (Holland,

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I want to call to the attention of our colleagues an article in the March 11, 2002, edition of the Washington Post which tells the story of a decorated flight surgeon with the Army's elite Delta Force who now spends his time in the rural areas of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia as a beloved country doctor making house calls. His name is John O. Marsh III, better known as Rob, the son of John O. Marsh Jr., better known to many of his former colleagues in this House as Jack. I am proud to represent as part of Virginia's 10th District areas which used to be included in the 1960's in the old 7th District, which was ably represented by then Congressman Jack Marsh. As many of our colleagues will recall, Jack went on to serve in the administration of President Ford and as Secretary of the Army under both Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. We congratulate Dr. Rob Marsh, who has followed in his father's footsteps in his service to the people of his nation and to his state. The Post article follows: [From the Washington Post, Mar. 4, 2002] From Front Lines to Back Roads--Delta Force Doctor Now Delivers Care In Rural Virginia (By Carol Morello) MIDDLEBROOK, VA.--The only doctor in this crossroads of a Shenandoah Valley village does not volunteer details of his years with an elite Army unit, or how he almost died in Somalia of mortar wounds. And his patients are too polite to probe. But while waiting in the clinic to see Rob Marsh, many of them study the watercolor prints on the walls, depicting soldiers rappelling into battle and downed Black Hawk helicopters. How, they wonder, did this decorated combat physician come to treat the aches and pains of farmers and factory workers in the valley? ``They remind me every day where I came from, and why I'm here,'' explains Marsh while driving over gravel roads and one lane bridges in his pickup truck. He's making house calls. And he won't send a bill. It's not very efficient, he allows, but this is what a good country doctor does. They didn't have a doctor before Marsh moved here six years ago with his wife, Barbara, and their children--now two boys and two girls, ages 3 to 9. ``I feel that's why I was saved, to come back here and do this,'' he says. ``This is my calling.'' At a time when rural America is starved for physicians to provide basic health care, Marsh practices medicine with a care and attention that seem lost to another era. How many doctors are left whose patients drop by just to leave a home- baked cake or to show off photographs of the animals they've raised in 4-H? Marsh's practice in a University of Virginia satellite clinic is all the more extraordinary when contrasted with the life he used to lead as a flight surgeon for Delta Force, the Army's secretive Special Forces unit. His office is filled with mementos of war zones where he mended wounds and lost friends before settling on a farm near here. A bookshelf holds the iconic Delta Force dagger inside a triangular frame along with the motto ``Oppressors Beware.'' In two examining rooms, drawings of Delta Force battles share wall space with osteoporosis posters. Even his clock is on Zulu time. His Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars and Purple Heart are stashed at home and in his truck. What is missing is anything that smacks of the Hollywood version of what happened to Delta Force and Ranger troops in Mogadishu, Somalia, in October 1993. Marsh has not seen the blockbuster film ``Black Hawk Down.'' ``I don't have to go watch a reenactment of seeing 18 of my friends die,'' he says. Nor did he consent when producers asked him to be a consultant. ``I couldn't leave my patients,'' he explains. Friends and colleagues say a common thread runs through Marsh's work in polar-opposite environments. ``His dedication to the military was just as intense as his dedication is now to his patients,'' says Lewis Barnett, the former head of the University of Virginia's family medicine program. ``He's a devoted servant.'' Marsh, 46, had wanted to be a Green Beret ever since a third-grade visit to Fort Bragg with his father, John O. Marsh Jr., then a Democratic congressman from the Shenandoah Valley who later became secretary of the Army under presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. The son is John O. Marsh III, but everyone knows him as Rob. The quickest route into the Green Berets was as a medic, so Marsh enlisted and eventually received a degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School. He had his share of close calls. During the Persian Gulf War in 1991, for example, a medic who replaced him on a helicopter flight into Iraq was killed when the chopper crashed. But nothing compared to his experience in Somalia two years later. U.S. troops set out to capture two aides to a local warlord. Army Rangers and Delta Force operatives became pinned down during a night of pitched combat. The casualties arrived at the airport base in waves. First a handful, then by the dozens--some 60 serious casualties in all. Marsh and two other physicians worked through the night and into the next day. Eighteen Americans and hundreds of Somalis died in the fighting, chronicled in the book ``Black Hawk Down'' by Mark Bowden, and the movie of the same name. For Marsh, the worst was yet to come. Two days later, he was standing on the tarmac with other officers when a mortar hit. The man next to him was killed. Twelve soldiers were wounded, including Marsh. Here is what he remembers before losing consciousness: ``A flash. Noise. I remember feeling pain.'' Shrapnel shredded his abdomen. A shard pierced an artery in his leg. Yet even as he lay bleeding from his nearly fatal wounds, he ordered soldiers to carry the injured to his side so he could perform triage. ``They were my people. I wanted to know who was hit.'' Marsh's father, who vividly recalls his son's arrival at Andrews Air Force Base two weeks later, believes the experience made him a better doctor: ``It's given him empathy and insight into people who are sick.'' Even before his injury, Marsh had talked of returning to the valley, which he always considered home, though he was largely educated in Arlington public schools. The university's health system was looking to open a rural office in this area and show medical students the life of a country doctor--a breed that has largely vanished over the last 50 years as physicians have gravitated to specialties and urban areas. ``Rural areas can be hard on the family,'' says Claudette Dalton, an anesthesiologist who heads the university's community education program. ``There are no cultural attractions. You have to drive 10 miles to the Piggly Wiggly to get groceries.'' Marsh saw it differently. ``He goes where the need is greatest,'' says Dalton. ``There aren't many physicians who will take on all comers as patients.'' One day recently, Marsh spent the afternoon crisscrossing the back roads of this cattle-raising area south of Staunton. He made a half-dozen house calls, most to elderly, housebound patients. Testing the memory of a stroke victim, he asked her how many chickens her daughter owns. At the home of a cancer patient struggling to pay for his arsenal of medicine, Marsh left a supply of salesman's samples. In the run-down farmhouse of a man who had been acting confused, Marsh found an addling blend of outdated drugs, some of which had expired in 1986. He would not ask for payment. ``If I sent them a bill for $150 for a house visit, they would pay,'' he explains. ``But I probably wouldn't keep them as a patient.'' They are not just his patients, he says, but ``my friends.'' That's why he attends their funerals, serves on their volunteer fire and rescue unit, makes apple butter with the Ruritan club, and is an elder in his Presbyterian church. ``You can become very close to everyone, very quickly,'' he says of this hamlet of 200, so small it lacks even a stoplight. ``If you're a good doctor, you treat people right and get involved in the community.`` It's a philosophy he's passing on to the coming generation of doctors. ``He believes we should make sure we give more to our community than just medicine,'' says Frank Petruzella, a U-Va. medical student who spent a month working with Marsh. ``He's very involved in all aspects of people's lives.'' Marsh has been involved in Carl Sprouse's life for a decade. They were in Delta Force together, and Sprouse now lives down the road. ``When my father had complications after open heart surgery, Doc Marsh would stop by at 11 or 12 at night to see him in the hospital,'' recalls Sprouse. ``He wasn't his doctor. He just has compassion for people. He was a good soldier. He's a great man.'' Marsh deflects such praise. In this small farming community that he and his family call home, he has rediscovered what he loved most about Delta Force. ``It's the same atmosphere,'' he says. ``Everybody takes care of each other, and we do our jobs.''

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3924, the Freedom to Telecommute Act of 2002. Mr. Chairman, I have been a strong advocate of telecommuting and believe that it can be a major answer to solving traffic congestion around the country. It's simple. Fewer cars equal less traffic equal less pollution. The federal government is already on the way to making telework a standard option for federal employees. Two years ago I included a provision in the transportation spending bill which requires federal agencies to identify employees whose jobs would be appropriate for telework one or more days each week. By the end of last year, each agency was required to offer the telework option to 25 percent of these eligible employees and to continue offering the option to an additional 25 percent until 100 percent of federal employees who are able to telework can. My friend and colleague from Virginia, Representative Davis who strongly supports the federal telework program, has sponsored the Freedom to Telecommute Act on the floor today. This bill to authorize telecommuting for federal contractors will partner with my provision requiring federal agencies to allow workers to telework. It only makes sense that if we are working to encourage federal employees to be teleworking, we should also be allowing employees of federal contractors who work side by side with federal workers the option to telecommute. A George Mason University study found that by reducing cars on the road by 3 percent, you can reduce traffic delays by 10 percent. This means if we can get 6 percent of the workforce to telecommute, we can reduce traffic congestion by 20 percent. Studies show that employees are more productive when they telework. They also have a higher quality of life and more time to spend with their families instead of sitting in traffic. Teleworking also saves businesses money by freeing up expensive office space. Add in the benefit of cleaner air from fewer cars on the road and teleworking adds up to a win-win situation for everyone. I urge a unanimous vote for H.R. 3924.

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 368. My Congressional District, the 10th of Virginia, lost nearly 30 people at the Pentagon to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. This resolution commends the Phoenix Project which is the ongoing effort at the Pentagon to rebuild the damaged section by September 11, 2002. Like the Phoenix which rose out of the ashes, the project is running on schedule because Phoenix team members are working around the clock, 6 days per week, to bring the Pentagon back from the ``ashes.'' It is those workers today who we congratulate and thank. The reconstruction of the Pentagon will rebuild the damaged building and also help heal emotional wounds. It also sends a message to the terrorists that America cannot be defeated. Our ideals and freedoms will not waiver in the face of terrorism. I am honored to be speaking in support of this resolution. It is important that we not forget the courage and bravery of all those affected by the events of September 11. I urge your unanimous support for this resolution to honor those brave Americans who died on September 11 and to thank those workers who are rebuilding the Pentagon.

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate the Greek people on the 181st anniversary of Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire. The thoughts and ideas emanating from the Greek Isles have had a profound influence on the world. Ancient Greece's embrace of democracy, contributions in philosophy, spirit of athletic competition, and fierce adherence to freedom have shaped America in deep and significant ways. America would not be the country it is without the remarkable influence of Greece. Again, I congratulate the Greek people on their country's day of independence and hope for many, many years in which freedom and democracy reign throughout Greece.

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, an organization called the Committee for Investigation on Persecution in China has compiled an unparalleled trove of documents concerning religious persecution by authorities of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The organization's president, Li Shixiong, has compiled an extensive archive that documents some 22,000 testimonies about persecution of Christians in China. This archive also contains court transcripts, internal PRC government documents and photographs. The work of the Committee for Investigation on Persecution in China provides a unique insight into how the PRC persecutes and imprisons people of faith, and restricts religious freedom throughout the country. Attached for our colleagues is a copy of an article about the work of the Committee for Investigation on Persecution in China that appeared in the March 11, 2002, issue of the magazine Christianity Today. [From Christianity Today, Mar. 11, 2002] ``New'' China: Same Old Tricks Top communists, despite their denials, endorse arrest and torture of Chinese Christians by the thousands (By Tony Carnes) A Chinese Christian refugee in New York, working with Christians in China, has compiled an extensive new archive documenting brutal religious persecution that has caused more than 100 deaths and thousands of injuries. Activist Li Shi-xiong, head of the New York City-based Committee for Investigation on Persecution of Religion in China, believes these documents establish that communist rulers at the highest levels take an active role in persecuting house-church Christians. In the past, top leaders in China have blamed repression on overzealous local officials. The New York committee timed its unveiling of the archive to influence President Bush during his February trip to China. The archive is a 10-foot-high stack of 22,000 testimonies about persecution of Chinese Christians. It includes court transcripts, internal government documents, and photographs. Experts call it the largest collection ever assembled on the persecuted church in China. ``The secret documents alone are extremely rare and incredibly important,'' says Carol Hamrin, a star China analyst who recently retired from the State Department. The mammoth collection, which Li calls a ``truth bomb,'' includes 5,000 detailed testimonies of Chinese Christians describing their arrests, interrogations, and jailings. Many account include photographs of the persecuted believers, including injuries they suffered while in custody. Some case files include official arrest and court records. The largest number of testimonies comes from central Henan Province, where persecution has dramatically escalated since 1999. Li's group has also collected partial reports on 17,000 others, mostly Christians, persecuted for their religious beliefs. Li is also documenting the cases of 117 religious people who have died while in official custody, 700 who have been put in labor camps, and 550 who are wanted by the police but are in hiding. He is also investigating 300 police officers accused of being especially abusive. Freedom House's Nina Shea has written that Li's archive is a ``tremendous work.'' Shea, a member of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, marvels at Li's ``dedication to the cause of religious freedom and his amazing work in the documentation of so many thousands of cases of the persecution of China's Christians.'' Freedom House, an advocacy organization founded in 1941 by Eleanor Roosevelt, plans to make extensive use of the archive. China scholar Brent Fulton, head of China Source in Los Angeles, is aware of the archive but has not examined its contents. He says the documents indicate the ``degree of seriousness'' with which China approaches unregistered religious groups. ``They see the unregistered groups as a national security threat.'' Li and the New York committee believe that going public with the archive will build international political pressure on China's leaders to end their repression of religion. Fulton foresees the government searching for those who leaked the documents. He also expects more crackdowns. But, he says, ``The long-term response to the release of these papers will be good.'' A Sensitive Time The revelation of the archive comes at a sensitive time for China. Political leaders say that the nation of 1.3 billion people faces wrenching changes related to its entrance into the World Trade Organization (WTO) last December. WTO membership will lower trade barriers, enabling China to compete for trade on a more level playing field. Certain parts of China's economy, such as high tech, are expected to do well. Others, such as the inefficient and subsidized industrial and agricultural sectors, may be pummeled. Millions of unskilled laborers could be thrown out of work. Seeking to maintain its grip on society, the Chinese government since 1999 has been waging a campaign against ``cults,'' such as the Falun Gong movement. (Falun Gong adherents use physical exercise as a spiritual discipline.) China's officials are trying now to eliminate what they consider undesirable movement, because WTO membership will bring additional international pressure on China to improve its poor record on human rights. ``[China's] officials spell out that the anti-cult campaign is a preparation for the further opening of society because of China joining the World Trade Organization,'' Hamrin says. But, Fulton adds, ``There are in fact a lot of cult groups that are doing bad things.'' Says Eric Burklin, president of Colorado-based China Partner, ``China wants to have a positive image with the rest of the world. The government can't really discern the cults from the non-cults because [China's top leaders] are atheistic.'' The archive makes it clear that repression of religion is official state policy at the highest levels--not merely a local and sporadic phenomenon, as China usually claims. In the documents, officials say the cults are ``soaking into'' and weakening the foundations of state authority. Officials link rising religious influence to the increased influence of Western cultural values of democracy and equality. In public, Chinese leaders are vague on what actually constitutes a cult. ``Cults are not religions,'' Premier Zhu Rong Ji said in a December meeting on religion. Critics say this approach allows authorities to crack down on any groups they do not like--including many house churches. These churches typically do not register with the government- sponsored Three-Self Patriotic Movement. While there is no consensus on the number of Christians in China, Operation World estimates the presence of 45 million people in house churches and another 40 million members and adherents in the official church. There are about 12 million Catholics in China, in both state and unofficial groups. Hamrin, who favors improving trade relations with China, says that this latest government repression will worsen matters. ``This massive campaign against millions of their people will exacerbate social tensions'' Aggressive Actions In a recent public pronouncement, China's government declared that religion has never fared better. Ye Xiaowen, the head of the Religious Affairs Bureau, toured the United States last year. Ye claimed that the government had initiated a ``golden time'' for religion. China's president, Jiang Zemin, recently told a U.S. congressional delegation in Beijing, ``I am looking forward to seeing a church on one side of every village and a mosque on the other side.'' During the second week of December, top communist leaders gathered in Beijing to discuss religion policy. Jiang led off with a speech declaring, ``The influence of religion on political and social lives in today's world should never be underestimated.'' In lower-profile gatherings, however, the talk tilts toward intensive surveillance of religion, according to Li's archival materials. In a speech, a local public security official in charge of religion quoted Hu Jintao, likely to be the next leader of China, on the proper approach to a ``cult'': ``Watch and follow its direction and deal with it by law at the proper time.'' As the orders filter down, local leaders often act aggressively. A provincial security chief says, ``Talk less and smash the cult quietly.'' Li's archive documents how the anti-cult campaign was quickly broadened to include ``The central government is defining whole groups as targets of extreme measures,'' says Hamrin, who produced the U.s. State Department's first annual reports on religious freedom and persecution in China. For example, more than 300 Chinese associated with the Falun Gong movement have died while in China's custody. Increasingly, groups are targeted not just for breaking civil laws on registration and holding unauthorized meetings, but for their beliefs and religious doctrine. The government, the archive shows, especially dislikes preaching about ``the end of the world'' or teaching that ``the Lord can heal a person of disease.'' According to the archive, the Ministry of Public Security spells out five characteristics of a cult, ranging from the clearly defined ``deifying its top leader'' to the grab bag of ``stirring up and deceiving others.'' (See ``What China's Secret Documents Reveals'') The documents show that officials are especially wary of unregistered church groups that attempt to link with other unregistered groups. In such cases, the archive shows, officials are returning to the fierce battles from the era of Mao Zedong, China's first communist ruler, from 50 years ago. This has led to tremendous abuses. In April 2000, officials put Peter Xu's Born Again Movement on their cult list. Officials set quotas for arrests, putting pressure on local police to obtain confessions. Police often beat, slap, and use electric shocks to obtain those confessions. Leaders of the large South China Church organization also have been hit hard by recent arrests. A document from a police official in the provincial religion office hints that poorly trained police in Hebei Province are resorting to abusive interrogation methods instead of quiet information- gathering. The archive reveals several recent cases of local police trying to bribe the families of people they had killed under interrogation. Leaders of the South China Church report, ``On July 20, 2001, we heard the news that Yu Zongju was tortured to death. The police did not inform her family until her body started to smell. They asked her family to meet them in a restaurant. They paid them $8,000 and warned them to keep quiet.'' Christian Networks ``Mutate'' Last year, the Bush administration sponsored a resolution for the United Nations Commission on Human Rights that condemned Beijing's human rights record. Amnesty International reported in 2001 that China's use of torture was widespread and systematic. China analysts such as Hamrin say that the Chinese government, wishing to improve its image internationally, probably will respond favorably to pressure to improve human rights. ``China has really developed and they have tasted too much freedom to go back,'' says Eric Burklin of China Partner. ``There would be major bloodshed if they tried to go back to Maoist times.'' But Li's archive shows that China's emerging strategy for dealing with the house-church movement is comprehensive and difficult for outsiders to counter. Officials gain access through informants, harass leaders, block communication, and strip churches of financial assets, including church buildings and homes. The government notes in the documents that house-church Christians already have a means to resist these new efforts at repression. House-church leaders reportedly are creating networks that constantly mutate. Leaders communicate with wireless phones and hard-to-trace Web sties. In response, the government has begun building a national computer network known as the ``Golden Shield'' in order to conduct Internet surveillance and information-gathering. Meanwhile, the impact of Li's archives promises to be seismic. ``It's a bombshell,'' Shea says.

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, last week, the humanitarian and relief organization, AmeriCares, delivered a cargo plane's worth of medicine and food to the very needy people of Afghanistan. Some 79,400 pounds of donated medical supplies and food was delivered for the sick and starving men, women and children in Afghanistan. The supplies range from basic antibiotics, analgesics and bandages to nutritional supplements, flour and cooking oil. So many have suffered in Afghanistan. A staggering number are dying or have contracted disease because of malnutrition. AmeriCares' shipment of food and medical supplies will help save thousands of lives. Under the leadership of founder Bob Macauley, AmeriCares provides immediate response to emergency medical needs--and supports long-term health care programs--for all people around the world, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion. AmeriCares solicits donations of medicines, medical supplies and other relief materials from U.S. and international manufacturers and delivers them quickly and efficiently to indigenous health care and welfare professionals in 137 countries. Since its inception in 1982, AmeriCares has delivered more than $2.9 billion worth of life-saving supplies to those in need. I commend the staff of AmeriCares for their hard work in bringing much needed food and medical supplies to the suffering people of Afghanistan.

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I was honored to attend the annual National Prayer Breakfast last Thursday morning, Feb. 7, and to hear the moving words of Joseph Finley, a member of Tower Ladder 7 of the Fire Department of New York, among the first responders to the World Trade Center on September 11. I want to share his inspiring remarks with our colleagues, which includes the names of the heroes from his firehouse who made the ultimate sacrifice that fateful day. In a letter to me, he called the prayer breakfast an ``incredible experience'' for his wife Maryellen and himself, but it was also ``bittersweet.'' As he noted, ``We wouldn't have been there to experience it if not for September 11th.'' He also said, ``It was inspiring and reassuring to see that the leaders of our nation have a genuine devotion to God. I believe this will help make our great country an even better place for our children.'' Mr. Speaker, Joseph Finley's remarks follow: Mr. President and Mrs. Bush, it is an honor to be here with you and all of these distinguished guests. I am humbled and privileged to be representing the courageous firefighters of New York City. I am sad, however, for the reason for my participation. I wish that September 11th had never happened. Prior to that tragic day, the greatest loss of firefighters at any one time in the entire United States occurred in 1966, when 12 firemen lost their lives in the 23rd Street Fire in Manhattan. My father, Lieutenant John Finley of Ladder 7, was one of them. I was 10-years-old. When people run out of a burning building, we firemen run in. That's what we do. But none of us thought, when we joined the fire department, that we would some day be called upon to fight in a war--a war against terrorism. For the New York City firefighter, there is an inconsolable wound in our hearts that will never heal. Three hundred forty-three of my ``brothers'' were murdered. Nine men from my firehouse are gone. We will never forget the evil that has been unjustly unleashed upon us. When the Twin Towers collapsed, the Fire Department called in every single firefighter in the city. Thousands of us converged on the World Trade Center. Burning paper rained down, grit scratched our eyes, the thick smoke made us cough. Everything was covered in gray ash. The huge plume of smoke was mind-boggling. Our footsteps were muffled by the layers of dust and paper. There was an eerie silence. Who could imagine downtown Manhattan, in the middle of the day, with no one around and we were the only sign of life. the silence was beyond description. No sounds, no sirens, no survivors, just ash, flames and smoke. As we trudged through the wreckage, unable to speak, I literally thought the world was coming to an end. It was surreal. There were no words to speak, except the prayer in my heart, which said ``Lord Jesus, have mercy upon us.'' In the midst of that brooding silence and despair and the wreckage of the Towers--something absolutely amazing happened. Church bells started to ring all over downtown. And we realized that we were not alone. Those ringing bells became a poignant reminder of hope. Our neighbor, the New York Yankees' Chaplain, has stopped by our firehouse almost every day since 9-11. He helped us to remember that we have been left with a great legacy of courage, faith, hope and love. Scripture says ``greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friends.'' One century ago, Edward Crocker, chief of the Fire Department of New York, said: ``I have no ambition in this world but one, And that is to be a fireman. The position may, In the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; But those who know the work which a fireman has to do believe his is a noble calling. Our proudest moment is to save...lives. Under the impulse of such thought the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, Even of supreme sacrifice.'' Mr. President, I was personally heartened by your own words when you said, ``Grief and tragedy and hatred are only for a time. Goodness, remembrance and love have no end.'' As a child who lost my own father in the line of duty, I am here as proof that we can get through the anguish and the grief. By returning to the Lord, we will survive. With His help, we will prevail. And now, an Old Testament reading from the book of Hosea, Chapter 6, verses 1 through 3: ``Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces But he will heal us; He Has injured us But he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; On the third day he will restore us, That we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the Lord; Let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, Like the spring rains that water the earth.'' Amen. Thank you. The following men from my firehouse were among the 343 firefighters who made the supreme sacrifice on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center in New York City: Battalion Chief John Moran Captain Vernon Richard Lieutenant Kenneth Phelan Firefighter George Cain Firefighter Robert Foti Firefighter Charles Mendez Firefighter Richard Muldowney Firefighter Douglas Oelschlager Firefighter Vincent Princiotta

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today and join fellow members of the Virginia delegation and other colleagues in support of H.R. 1748, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 805 Glen Burnie Road in Richmond, Virginia, as the ``Tom Bliley Post Office Building,'' and to pay tribute to our former Virginia colleague who retired from this House at the end of the 106th Congress. Tom Bliley is a true Virginia gentleman who epitomizes the highest ideals of public service. He came to Congress with me in 1981. It was an honor to serve side by side with him for 20 years. Tom was a perfect match for Virginia's 7th District which includes the city of Richmond, as this is a district replete with a tradition of true statesmen. Tom left the Congress, having served as chairman of the Commerce Committee, a responsibility he took seriously and performed with incredible legislative skill and expertise. He showed an amazing ability to deal with such complex issues as the electric utility grid and Medicaid formulas to home medical services and drug discounts for veterans. Tom had a diverse political career before even making his way to Capitol Hill. He was first elected to the Richmond Council as a conservative Democrat in 1968, then as mayor of Richmond from 1970-77, and eventually to the House of Representatives--this time as a Republican. His unique background enabled him to work to achieve bipartisan results while never losing sight of the issues which were important to his district and his constituents. It is a fitting tribute that a postal facility in his hometown of Richmond will bear his name and will honor his years of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia and to the nation.

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, as many know, NBC recently announced its decision to begin airing hard liquor advertisements. This decision abruptly terminates over 50 years of corporate responsibility and effective self-regulation. Now more troubling is that NBC is not even abiding strictly to its own guidelines. For instance, NBC has promised that they will not extend their decision to advertising hard liquor on the Olympics. Well, as this recent article from USA Today says, and I will submit for the Record, they are skating on thin ice. Mr. Speaker, NBC plans to allow the advertisement of products such as Bacardi Silver. Yes, the Olympics, perhaps one of the most youth- oriented sporting events ever, will have promotions for Bacardi Silver and other alcohol advertisements. Technically, Bacardi Silver is not a distilled spirit since its alcohol content is approximately that of beer; however, we all know the reality of such an advertising tactic. Bacardi is a name people associate with hard liquor, period. Simply put, this appears to be a subterfuge to actually market hard liquor. NBC is allowing direct marketing to youth of a well-known brand of hard liquor by piggybacking onto another product. This is outrageous. For all the protestations by NBC about their responsible policy of alcohol advertising, it is a sham. Young people, 13-, 14-, 15-year-olds, will be watching the Olympics and see the ads for products such as Bacardi Silver. Does anyone responsible think there will not be any association? We are just now making progress with regard to dealing with drunk driving by young people. The Center on Alcohol Advertising conducted a pilot study that demonstrates beer commercials and attendant brands were recognizable by children as young as 9 to 11. That is the exact type of advertisements we are talking about for the Olympics. What will the consequences of this policy be? In short, more young people drinking will result in increases in drunk driving, teen deaths and alcoholism. Alcohol is a factor in the four leading causes of death among persons age 10 through 24: motor vehicle crashes, unintentional injuries, homicide and suicide. Alcohol-related car crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers 15 to 24. Young people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21. NBC is being irresponsible. NBC will cause the hurt and pain and suffering in the families of many, many people in this United States. The public has spoken out on this issue, and NBC does not care. The National Center for Science in the Public Interest conducted a poll that shows 73 percent of the public believes hard liquor advertising will increase youth drinking. NBC does not care. We are submitting a letter from 25 groups asking NBC to go back to the policy that it had for 52 years. I also want to close with an article from the Washington Post that illustrates the real consequences of drunk driving better than any set of statistics. Just this weekend in my congressional district in Sterling, Virginia, a drunk driver killed a boy and his grandfather. Mr. Speaker, imagine receiving that call from the State police if you were the boy's mother. NBC's hard liquor advertising will lead to more drunk driving and more of those phone calls. I urge Members to speak out on this issue and let NBC know that it ought to do what the American people think appropriate. It ought to go back to its voluntary guidelines that it had for 50 years and do not advertise hard liquor to young people of the country and bring about pain and suffering for families.

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I want to share with our colleagues a speech delivered late last year at Princeton University by Lynne V. Cheney, the wife of the Vice President of the United States, about the importance of knowing history and teaching it well. An expert on education, Mrs. Cheney is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and holds a doctorate degree from the University of Wisconsin. ``Teaching for Freedom'', Address by Lynne V. Cheney, James Madison Program, Princeton University, November 29, 2001 It's a great pleasure to be here this afternoon as part of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. Professor George, you deserve congratulations for the excellence of this program's efforts, and let me praise Princeton University as well. By giving this program a home, Princeton is setting an example of how people of differing viewpoints can, in a university setting, debate important issues with seriousness and civility. For someone who loves American history, this part of New Jersey is a remarkable place to be, a place rich with stories of our country's past. Next month, on Christmas night, it will be two hundred twenty-five years since George Washington cross the Delaware, and in a surprise attack on the Hessian mercenaries manning the British post at Trenton, managed to kill dozens and capture more than nine hundred while sustaining not a single fatality on the American side. The wonderful painting by Emanuel Leutze of Washington crossing the ice-choked Delaware hints, but barely, at the significance of this victory. The men in the boat with Washington are dressed in a motley assortment of clothes. One does not imagine that Washington has a highly trained and disciplined force. But the men in the boat do not look nearly as ragged and miserable as the historical record suggests Washington's troops were. The painter Charles Wilson Peale, observing Washington's army in early December, as they were retreating before the advancing British, had been struck with horror at the sight of the sick, exhausted, and half-naked men. One soldier approached Peale. He was a man who ``had lost all his clothes. He was in an old, dirty blanket jacket, his beard long, and his face so full of sores he could not clean it.'' Only when the soldier spoke, did Peale realize that it was his much-loved brother James. These Americans, going up against superior numbers of British forces, who were better equipped and better trained, had, not surprisingly, spent most of the war thus far in retreat. And that is why Trenton mattered so much, because suddenly, in the depths of icy winter, there was a victory, and Washington was determined to build on it. He moved his troops back to Pennsylvania, waited until the commissary wagons could bring provisions, and then on December 30th, crossed the Delaware into New Jersey again and entrenched his troops near Trenton. Since the enlistments of most of his men expired at year's end, his first job was to persuade a significant number of them to stick with him, which he did with rousing speeches--and $50,000 raised by Philadelphia financier Robert Morris. Some of Washington's men may have regretted the decision to stay on when, on January 2, 1777, General Cornwallis and 5000 well-trained, well-equipped men advanced on Trenton from Princeton. Washington's pickets had to fall back across a creek. With shot and shell flying overhead, scores of men had to make their way across a narrow stone bridge, and while there was no doubt fear, there was no panic. At the end of the bridge, Washington, on horseback, had taken up a position where his men could see him, firm, composed, resolute. One of his men forever remembered pressing ``against the shoulder of the General's horse'' and touching Washington's boot. Cornwallis was convinced that he had Washington, whom he called ``the old fox,'' trapped, but Washington, leaving his campfires burning as a diversion, moved most of his men around the British left flank and headed for Princeton. The first encounter between an American brigade approaching Princeton and British troops leaving it to join their main force in Trenton did not go well for the Americans. Many were wounded and killed in a bayonet attack. The survivors fell back, bloody, dazed, confused, but Washington rallied them and after more troops arrived, led them himself toward the British. Displaying astonished bravery, he took his men to within thirty yards of the British lines and ordered them to fire. One staff officer was so sure Washington would be killed that he pulled his hat over his eyes to escape the sight, but when the smoke cleared, the General was unharmed. The staff officer wept in relief. Washington clasped his hand and then led the charge after the fleeing British. As I'm sure everyone living near Princeton knows, this story has a pretty dramatic ending. The British took refuge in Nassau Hall, which the Americans then fired upon. The result was not only to persuade the British to surrender, but, legend has it, to decapitate, with a well-fired cannonball, a portrait of King George the Second. Now, I tell this story in part because it is a wonderful story, and it is an important one as well. Demoralized as Washington and his countrymen were, news of these victories, James Thomas Flexner has written, ``traveled across America like a rainstorm across a parched land, lifting bowed heads everywhere.'' But I also tell this story because it makes the point--as so many of the stories of our country's beginnings do--that this nation was not inevitable. The founders had the odds stacked very much against them. No one had ever thrown off a colonial power before. No one had ever established representative government over a vast expanse of land. The Americans were going up against the mightiest military force in the world, and so much of the success they did experience depended on individuals, particularly on Washington, whose legendary bravery--so inspiring to his men--might easily have gotten him killed. During one battle in the French and Indian War, he had two horses shot out from under him, one bullet had gone through his hat and three ripped through his uniform. A few years later, in 1757, when two detachments of Virginians mistakenly began firing upon one another, he rode his horse between the firing troops and used his sword to knock the gun barrels skyward. Fourteen men were killed, but Washington was untouched. If it had turned out otherwise, who would have commanded our troops in the Revolutionary War? Who could have lent similar prestige to the Constitutional Convention? Who could have been trusted to be the first president--and to give up power at the proper time? We are very lucky that things turned out as they did, and so is the world. Jefferson believed that the American Revolution would set the ball of liberty so well in motion that it would roll round the globe, and he was right. Inspired by what happened here, people in other parts of the world began to struggle for freedom and many of them succeeded. But freedom, as the study of our history shows, is not our inevitable heritage, nor is it humankind's. This realization should make our freedom all the more precious to us, all the more worth defending. Were we to lose it, liberty might not come our way again. The concern I would like to bring before you tonight is that we haven't done a very good job of teaching our history. We haven't given young people the knowledge they need in order to appreciate how greatly fortunate we are to live in freedom or, indeed, to have much insight at all into the American past. A 1989 survey of college seniors showed that more than half did not understand the purpose of The Federalist papers. One out of four was unable to distinguish Karl Marx's words from the ideas of the United States Constitution. A 1999 survey of elite college seniors--that is seniors at schools like Princeton and Yale and Stanford-- showed that only one out of five knew that the words ``government of the people, by the people, for the people'' came from the Gettysburg Address. Forty per cent did not know that the Constitution established the division of power between the states and the federal government. To the question of who was the American general in command at Yorktown, the most popular answer was Ulysses S. Grant. Now one cannot attribute this lack of knowledge solely to a failure of colleges and universities. Indeed, the questions asked on these surveys are the kinds of things we should expect high school seniors to know. But surely a contributing factor to the lack of knowledge highlighted by the survey is that no one--not a single one--of the fifty-five elite colleges and universities whose students were polled required a course in American history. I have been concerned about lack of historical knowledge for well over a decade, long enough so that I understand that the institutional reforms that would help remedy the problem are difficult to achieve. One important reason that American history is not required is because if it were, faculty members would have to teach it--and there is very little professional incentive for them to do so. Advancement in academia comes from publishing, and there is little market in academic journals for articles on subjects that are broadly conceived. What is wanted are specialized articles that are compatible with teaching specialized courses. In not wanting to take on general education, people in accordance are doing what people in every profession tend to do: avoiding activities for which there are few if any professional incentives. Changing the reward system of higher education is likely to take a very long time--and that's the optimistic view. So, too, is it likely to take a long time for every state in the union to put in place history standards--and the tests to match them--that will ensure that youngsters in grade school, middle school, and high school gain essential knowledge of our nation's past. The fact that the improvement of historical education in our schools and colleges and universities won't happen overnight is no reason to quit the struggle. I certainly intend to keep working on it--and applauding the efforts of groups like the National Association of Scholars and the American Council of Trustees and Alumni that have spoken out forcefully in favor of well- rounded general education. But we should recognize that until long-term efforts succeed, American history will remain largely mysterious to many graduates of our finest institutions. They will continue to place Ulysses S. Grant at Yorktown--unless we come up with extracurricular ways to encourage them to know the men and women and events and ideas that have shaped this country. I began thinking about this when I read there were teach- ins on our campuses, not very well attended events, according to what I've read--and little wonder. They fit an old paradigm when this country was involved in a war with which large numbers of Americans disagreed, in which many, rightly or wrongly, thought vital American interests were not at stake. None of that applies now. This is not a war in which we get to choose whether or not to fight. Thousands of Americans were killed on the very first day of conflict here at home. We don't have the luxury of not getting involved. It's time for gatherings of a new kind, it seems to me, in which we remind ourselves of exactly what it is we are defending, in which we talk about exactly what it is we have at stake. Let us talk to one another about freedom, asking, perhaps as a start, why the founders--Jefferson and Madison, in particular--were so determined that government would have no role in determining how people worship. We might take the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom for our text. Jefferson wrote it, Madison got it through the Virginia legislature. In this remarkable time in which we live, any of us can get it off the Internet and see that for Jefferson the issue was not just religious freedom, but intellectual freedom. ``Truth is great,'' he wrote, ``and will prevail if left to herself. She is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict, unless by human interposition (she is) disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate. Let us engage in conversations in which we explore how the clash of ideas has benefitted this country and how the ability to follow a thought wherever it may lead has brought the flourishing of invention and business and art. We might also meet to talk about valor and use as one of our resources the web site of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. There are so many stories of heroism on it, so many stories of men throwing themselves on grenades or exposing themselves to enemy fire in order to save those near them. The honor roll of heroes is in the thousands now, but reading through it is a reminder of the enormous sacrifices that have been made for the sake of freedom. And listen to just some of the names: John Ortega, Joshua Chamberlain, Abraham Cohn, Daniel Inouye, Joseph Timothy O'Callahan, Joe Nishimoto, Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr., Riley Pitts, Roy Benavidez, Jack Jacobs, Gary Gordon, Randall Shughart. Our liberty has depended on the valor of Americans whose forebears came from every part of the world. Let us remember their bravery with awe and talk about the inspiration we should take from it, not just to be brave ourselves in the much smaller ways our lives are likely to demand, but also to recognize what they so heroically illustrated: that great deeds are not the province of any particular race, creed, or class. Let us talk about how our nation has grown better and stronger as this realization has become ever more central to our national life, and let us talk about the growing we still have to do. I have been thinking of these gatherings as teach-ins for freedom, but they needn't take place just on campuses. Public libraries would be a good place for them--and so would homes. Indeed, in their private lives millions of Americans have shown their hunger to know more about our nation's history. They buy Stephen Ambrose's books. They watch TV series like the HBO production of Band of Brothers. Edmund Morris's Theodore Rex is unlikely to make it onto many college or university reading lists, but books of this kind and their older equivalents--I think of Daniel Boorstin's The Americans--can be entryways into our nation's past for young adults as well as their parents. In the weeks since September 11, I've had some very well- credentialed, relatively recent college graduates confess to me how little they know about American history. ``Is there a `History for Dummies' book?'' one asked, half-jokingly. There may well be, but my recommendation would be to start with some of the thoughtful, well-written books that have received wide acclaim. David McCullough's John Adams would be first on my list for the amazing job McCullough does of simultaneously conveying the significance of Adams' accomplishments and the warmth of his humanity. As for the children, let us continue the efforts to improve history instruction in our schools, but while we work on that, let us also tell them the stories that might otherwise go untold. At our Thanksgiving table we talked to our grandchildren about the pilgrims and how hard it was to cross the ocean to an unfamiliar land and how the difficulty of their voyage was a measure of how much they wanted to worship God as they chose and have their children grow up in a way they thought was right. At our Christmas table, we will, to be sure, talk about the baby born in Bethlehem and the angels who sang and the shepherds and kings who came to visit him. But we will also remember George Washington and how, on a dark December 25th he led his improbable army across an ice-choked river to give a people struggling for independence hope that they might one day be free. Thank you very much, Professor George, for having me here this afternoon. James Madison told us, in words that I understand are now inscribed in Corwin Hall, that a well- instructed people alone can be permanently a free people. The gatherings you have here at Princeton under the auspices of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions contribute to our instruction--and to our freedom.

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hall) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts), both good friends who have really done a lot to help on human rights and hunger and religious freedom issues, and I traveled to Afghanistan and Pakistan from January 2 through 10. After spending 2 days of that trip in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, clearly the situation there is desperate. At a later time on the House floor perhaps the gentleman from Ohio, the gentleman from Pennsylvania and I can share in greater detail our observations, but there are some comments I would like to make today. The issue of security in Afghanistan has to be dealt with immediately. The country is still not safe. We were told there are no low risk areas in the country. Crime in Kabul--banditry and murder--is on the rise. Interim Chairman Harmid Karzai told us that he may ask that outside forces be brought in to provide security not only for the Afghan people but to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered. The Afghan government will need help with rebuilding an army that is loyal to the central government and an effective police force to maintain order. The Bush administration is working diligently to help ease tensions between Pakistan and India, and I support that effort. The threat of nuclear war and the potential negative impact a war in the region would have on the United States' war on terrorism demands immediate attention. President Bush and the Secretary of State have done a great job with regard to bringing both India and Pakistan together. If a special envoy would be helpful in the region, I would suggest that be done. We ought to immediately restore the AID, Agency for International Development, mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan. AID is doing a tremendous job. The Agency for International Development is critical to countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan to prevent future extremism. We must do whatever is necessary to defeat terrorism, which means the United States has a responsibility to stay active and involved because the war on terrorism is not a conventional war. It is not only a military fight but an economic, cultural and educational struggle. Afghanistan and Pakistan are like bookends. Whatever happens to one country happens to the other. Many believe that the West abandoned Afghanistan after it defeated the Soviet Union, and it became a fertile ground for the rise of the Taliban. We cannot walk away again. If we do, we could be back to where we are today. I would encourage individuals to go and visit Afghanistan to witness this firsthand. The Afghan people are optimistic, they are hopeful, they are looking to see progress. While substantial resources are required immediately, long-term, multiyear funding for development must be secured in addition to what is already available, but not detract from the development and humanitarian assistance given to other parts of the world. We should continue to encourage and promote cooperation among the states in the region which share an interest in the stability of Afghanistan and be concerned with regard to the fact that the Iranians appear to be moving into Afghanistan in a big way. Efforts should be made to prevent the drug trade from being increased and to ultimately wipe it out. Ironically, the cultivation of opium was banned under the Taliban but not strictly enforced. I am concerned that drugs may begin to come back in a big way, because, regrettably, for many Afghani farmers, growing opium is a way of making a living. We do not want to see the drug trade reestablished in Afghanistan which then ends up on the streets of the United States and Western countries. People-to-people diplomacy, without using taxpayer money, hospital to hospital, school to school, civic association, Rotary clubs, Kiwanis clubs, Lions clubs should be encouraged to take on projects. While there we went into a girls' school. The young girls have not been to school for 5 years. They need supplies. Our schools could adopt those schools, and send pens, pencils, books. Hospitals here could donate medicines, equipment and other supplies. We ought not just be looking for Federal dollars but also for volunteer groups in the West, not only in the United States but in Britain and in other countries, to be involved. The U.S. business community can also help. Hopefully the Afghan community in the United States will participate and go back and help their colleagues and fellow family members in Afghanistan. There are a number of other comments that I will make that I will just submit for the Record. I want to close by acknowledging the great job our military have done in Afghanistan and continue to do, the dedicated forces of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. I want to acknowledge and salute the thousands of men and women serving in the Nation's Armed Forces in Afghanistan and around the world. I want to salute the State Department personnel in Afghanistan and Pakistan and here in the United States who are working very hard on this issue. They deserve our special thanks. I also want to thank all of the NGOs, the World Food Programme in particular, working in this region to keep famine from taking place; this is the beginning of the fourth year of a drought. Also Save the Children, Catholic Relief, Church World Services and many other groups are doing an outstanding job. I also want to thank the American Ambassador, Wendy Chamberlin, and her staff in Pakistan and the staff in the American embassy in Afghanistan. We will prevail and make sure that Afghanistan never returns to terrorism.

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, in November 2000, the Dogwood Elementary School in Reston, VA, was completely demolished as a result of a tragic and extensive fire. The students soon found that the school flag also was lost in the fire. As members of Congress, we have the privilege of having flags flown over the U.S. Capitol--the symbol of our democracy--and I was honored to present one of those new American flags to the students and teachers at Dogwood Elementary. The school is now rebuilt and ready to reopen. I want to share with our colleagues the following message provided to me by Linda Thetford, assistant principal at Dogwood Elementary School, about the importance of the American flag to the school and its students. On behalf of the Dogwood Elementary School we consider it an honor to be selected to receive an American Flag that has flown over the United States capitol. The tragedies of recent world events provide a backdrop for our local tragedy and have provided opportunities for our students to understand the significance of all Americans together to rebuild our future. In November 2000, the Dogwood Elementary School in Reston suffered a shocking crisis when the entire school was demolished due to an extensive fire. The students, staff, parents and community experienced a tremendous loss as they tried to cope with this catastrophe. Once students were reassigned to temporary classrooms they gathered to raise the flag, which was a daily routine. However they quickly realized the American flag had burned along with all the other building contents. The 530 students of Dogwood take great pride in representing their community and their country. Many students' families originate from countries throughout the world and speak over 22 languages. While the students attend school, many of their parents have studied to become American citizens. The gift of an American Flag would be a fitting tribute, not only to those heroes of September 11, but also to those in our community who have displayed the American spirit by coming together in time of crisis to rebuild Dogwood Elementary. During the past year a tremendous number of people have collaborated together to rebuild Dogwood Elementary School. Many individuals have donated their professional skills and talents to help create a wonderful new school for the children of Reston. Thanks to all the dedication and continued effort we are now ready to open our re-built school.

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today in support of H. Con. Res. 281, honoring Johnny Micheal Spann, the first American killed in combat during the war against terrorism in Afghanistan. I had the opportunity to attend the funeral yesterday, which was very moving. Mike Spann was laid to rest yesterday with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery. He resided with his wife and family in Manassas Park, Virginia, in the 10th Congressional District which I represent. I wish these kinds of resolutions never needed to be introduced. I wish our world was a peaceful place where there was never any time of war, when we never had to call on the brave men and women of our Armed Forces and security agencies to fight for our freedoms. But I am thankful that when our freedoms must be defended, we have people like Mike Spann who are willing to lay their lives on the line for us. Our Nation will forever be grateful to Mike Spann for his bravery and sacrifice and to all the men and women fighting to defend our Nation and willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for freedom. Mike Spann was a young man, 32 years old. I have four children in their thirties and one in their late twenties. He was a former captain in the Marine Corps. He was working as an officer in the Central Intelligence Agency. He was inside a prison fortress in Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan, interviewing Taliban prisoners when a prison uprising began on Sunday, November 25. He was brutally beaten and shot to death, the first American known to be killed in combat in Afghanistan during the war. Mike Spann is the 79th employee of the Central Intelligence Agency killed in the line of duty and will be memorialized with a star on a wall of honor at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. Let us hope that his will be the last star that is ever necessary to be placed on that wall. Words are so inadequate at this time in expressing our heartfelt sympathies to the family of this brave hero, his mom and dad and his sisters, his wife Shannon and his three young children. But they should know that the thoughts and prayers of a grateful Congress and Nation remain with them. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the thousands of men and women in service to their country who risk their lives every day fighting to assure our freedom and safety.

Mr. WOLF

Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Sabo) and the staff for a really, really great job. This is a very difficult bill, a lot of contentious issues, that really tie a lot of people up. They really have done an amazing job. I have been watching and I just want to congratulate the gentleman for it. On the issue of truck safety, speaking of the Mexican trucks, I appreciate that they literally by their actions here have saved a lot of lives. There will be a lot of people that will never get the telephone call saying that a loved one was killed because of a truck coming out of Mexico because of the actions that they have done. They will not know that they did not get that telephone call because of the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Sabo), but I want to kind of put it in the record that, because of their efforts, they will not get that call. I think it is now incumbent upon the administration to take the good work that they have done and enforce it appropriately, and I know they will hold their feet to the fire. Again, to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), congratulations and to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Sabo), congratulations. Also, they have an outstanding staff, having worked with them for a number of years. So I want to also congratulate the staff, and there really ought not be any negative votes against this bill. I cannot see why a Member of Congress would vote against the bill and hope everyone votes for it.