E2250 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 20, 1998 will achieve this, but if they do it could well set In December of 1997, President Wasmosy, leaving my office for the greener, or perhaps the country up for a showdown between a vic- not wishing to turn control of the government whiter, pastures of Minnesota. Janet and her torious Chavez and all the rest of the country's over to his arch enemy, General Ovieda, had fiance, Don Kitson, are planning a wedding governmental system. Ovieda arrested on charges of sedition related next year and will soon start the construction U.S. observers see only one possible op- to the 1996 attempted coup. In February, of their own airplane. I am certain that Don tion: that after the November elections, all 1998, a Wasmosy-appointed military tribunal and Janet have a wonderful future ahead of independent candidates for president will coa- convicted Ovieda and sentenced him to ten themÐif she can survive five years of working lesce around one candidate, perhaps, the pro- years in prison. In mid-April the Supreme for me, she can survive at least fifty-five years business and pro-reform successful former Court upheld the tribunal's sentence which of marriage with Don. governor, Henrique Salas Romer. He is cur- automatically nullified Ovieda's candidacy and rently second in the polls, but still not within threw the Presidential campaign into disarray. We all recognize the importance of congres- striking distance. Moreover, this scenario is The Colorado party then elevated Raul Cubas sional staff. Unfortunately, far too many of not without danger: if the lower classes per- to be the Presidential candidate and appointed them come and go on short notice. Fortu- ceive that the middle and upper classes are Luis Argana as Vice Presidential candidate. nately for my office and the constituents of the cooperating to defeat their candidate that may On May 10, Raul Cubas was elected Presi- Fourth Congressional District of Wisconsin, energize even more dedicated voters for Cha- dent of Paraguay, but the vote was seen more Janet has not simply come and gone. Instead, vez and increase their resolve to turn out on as a vote for Ovieda than for Cubas. she has sacrificed herself for all of us, be it election day. Worse, if Chavez loses after After his election, Cubas indicated that one through long hours at the office, helpful advice leading in the polls for so long and by so of the first things he would do would be to free to a colleague, or timely service for a constitu- much, he has already said he will blame fraud ex-general Ovieda from jail. In reaction, the ent. and order his ``troops'' into the streets. Chavez parliament passed a law limiting presidential has already accused the head of the army of Janet has been a model of perseverance pardons by stating that a prisoner had to and dedication. In 1993, Janet came to work plotting to deny the election to Chavez which serve at least half of his sentence before in Chavez's words could ``provoke civil war.'' for me as a Staff Assistant and she leaves as being granted a pardon. my Administrative Assistant. In those five This could set off a period of violent instability Shortly after taking office on August 15, and years, Janet has held nearly every position in throughout the country. despite the new law, President Cubas an- my office. I am sure there were many times PARAGUAY nounced that he was commuting Ovieda's ten- Janet went home, frustrated after a long day On May 10, Paraguay held only its second year prison sentence and would release him democratic election for President since the from jail. This action has set off a chain reac- at the office, determined to move on to an- end of the 35-year dictatorship of General tion of events which has threatened the very other job. To her credit, Janet always returned Alfredo Stroessner. The election of Raul foundation of Paraguay's politics and its de- the next day with a smile on her face, eager Cubas Grau represented the first civilian lead- mocracy. Immediately after his decision to to work. er to succeed another as Paraguay's Presi- commute the sentence, a group of opposition Janet is also a breast cancer survivor. In- dent. But the Administration of President lawmakers in the Parliament petitioned the Su- stead of succumbing to this awful disease, Cubas, barely three months old, faces a po- preme Court to overrule the pardon and to Janet conquered it. She never doubted her tential constitutional crisis which threatens the order Ovieda back to prison. In addition, sev- ability to persevere, and she is stronger per- struggling democracy. This crisis has been eral lawmakers began searching for a way to son for it. More important, Janet now lends precipitated by the role of the real beneficiary have President Cubas impeached. And, sev- her time to help other women who have been of Paraguay's recent electionsÐformer Gen- eral members of Cubas' cabinet, including the diagnosed with breast cancer. eral Lino Oviedo. President's brother, the Commerce Minister, In April 1996, after a brewing internal feud resigned in protest. Because so many of our staff come and go, between then-President Juan Carlos The Supreme Court is currently trying to de- we get into a habit of thinking that staff are Wasmosy and General Lino Ovieda, head of cide whether to hear the petition to overrule interchangeable partsÐif someone leaves, an- the Paraguayan armed forces, Ovieda was the Presidential pardon. However, it is re- other will step in and take their place. Some fired. Not willing to go quietly, General Ovieda ported that Ovieda has threatened reprisals staffers do not stay in one place long enough retired to his barracks and staged what was against anyone trying to uphold the Par- to make an impression, others are harder to described as a modest coup attempt against liament's petition and is preparing to defend replace because of their special qualities. And President Wasmosy, calling for the President himself against any attempts to do so. It is un- there are a select few like Janet Brown who to step down. However, the situation was con- clear whether President Cubas would uphold are never truly replaced. sidered serious enough that representatives of the laws of the state and would permit the re- Because Janet has held nearly every posi- Paraguay's neighboring counties and the Sec- arrest of Ovieda should the Supreme Court tion in my office and has faced such difficult retary General of the OAS felt it necessary to rule that way. It is also reported that President challenges, the other members of my staff intervene to convince General Ovieda to end Cubas may be threatening the four Supreme his rebellion. As a result of the intervention, a constantly turn to her in times of need. Per- Court Justices who have not yet attained what sons new to the office look to her for advice, compromise was reached in which General would be considered lifetime tenure on the Ovieda would end his coup and retire, and and veterans appreciate her unique ability to Court with those appointments. be both a colleague and friend. When Janet would then be given the portfolio of Minister of This crisis between the executive, the legis- departs my staff in a few weeks, she will be Defense. Ovieda agreed and the rebellion lature and the court has shaken the foundation leaving behind an office that is stronger be- ended. However, in the ensuing period, public of Paraguay's government and could set the opposition arose against the deal, and the stage for a possible military action if the issue cause of her years of service. General, leading President Wasmosy to void is not resolved peacefully. It is incumbent Janet has also become a close friend of my the agreement. General Ovieda left the capital upon the actors in this crisis to resolve their family. Just as the other staff members rely on vowing to run for President. differences so that democracy is preserved, her for help, so do we. Our dog and office In 1997, in preparation for the upcoming that the separation of powers among the three mascot Colby will miss the hours of undivided elections, a split developed within the ruling branches of government is upheld and that the attention he received from Janet. My wife and Colorado political party, which had governed rule of law prevails. I truly appreciate all the times Janet has Paraguay for more than 50 years. The debate f helped us through the last-minute emer- pitted sitting President Juan Carlos Wasmosy gencies and scheduling changes that are in- and his choice of a successor, Luis Argana, A TRIBUTE TO JANET BROWN herent to a career in Congress. Because of against the resurgent former General, Ovieda, those times Janet will always have a special who had formed his own party within the Colo- HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA place in my heart and on my auto insurance rado organization. In September of 1997, in a OF WISCONSIN record. surprise which shocked everyone observing IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Paraguay, General Ovieda won the Colorado Mr. Speaker, I and the entire staff are say- party nomination for President. He nominated Tuesday, October 20, 1998 ing goodbye not only to a truly great profes- Raul Cubas as his candidate for Vice-Presi- Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sional, but a truly great friend as well. Janet, dent and embarked on an ambitious and skill- tribute to my Administrative Assistant, Janet we wish you the best of luck and our deepest ful campaign. Brown. In a few short weeks Janet will be and most heartfelt thanks. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2251 A TRIBUTE TO THE HON. DAN RETIREMENT TRIBUTE TO BOB as a result of dumping by Asian and Russian SCHAEFER BOYER producers. But the Administration has not acted to stop this illegal practice. HON. JOE SKEEN HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN The Members of the European Union have OF CALIFORNIA been smart enough to protect their steel in- OF NEW MEXICO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dustry from dumping by erecting temporary IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES barriers to steel imports during the financial Tuesday, October 20, 1998 Tuesday, October 20, 1998 crisis. Their steel industry will weather this Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, this election storm. Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay spe- day Robert Kent Boyer will be retiring from American steel workersÐthe most efficient cial recognition to the gentleman from Colo- government service. Bob has been a close in the worldÐcannot continue to be besieged rado (Mr. SCHAEFER) who is retiring from Con- friend and colleague to many members and by foreign steel products while waiting indefi- gress at the end of the 105th Congressional staffers in the Congress. His career has been nitely for trade cases to be settled. Damage to session. marked by a long commitment and deep dedi- the American steel industry is extensive, se- I am honored and pleased to have served cation to America's place in the world. vere, and rapidly growing. with DAN SCHAEFER throughout my tenure in Bob worked his way up from hardscrabble I want to say that I do think there is a legiti- the House of Representatives. Working to- beginnings in Arkansas through perseverance mate role for the United States, Japan, the gether, we have served as members of the and elbow grease. He served our nation in the European Union, and others to play, together, minority and majority party in Congress and United States Air Force before coming to the to help Russia and the newly industrialized have always held principle over politics. U.S. Congress as a staffer in 1968. Bob Asian countries get through this economic cri- We are going to miss Mr. SCHAEFER next served on the staffs of Senator John McClel- sis. But the American steel industry cannot session. Throughout his distinguished career lan and Representatives Allard, Lowenstein, and should not shoulder the burden alone. in the House, he has served his constituents WILLIAM ROTH and William Mailliard with dis- Just recently, just in the Pittsburgh area, from Colorado and the United States with tinction. In 1971, Representatives Thomas Riverview Steel in Glassport, and a number of honor and distinction. (Doc) Morgan, Chairman of the Committee on other steel producers have been forced out of DAN will be remembered here for many no- Foreign Affairs and Representative Mailliard, business by unfair imports. Steel has already table legislative accomplishments. Passing the the Ranking Minority Member appointed Bob been through tough times in our lifetimesÐbut Federal Facilities Compliance Act ensured that to the professional staff of the full Committee the industry has come back more competitive those of us with Federal facilities in our dis- on Foreign Affairs, where he worked for more than ever. The current steel crisis is an exter- tricts received the same level of environmental than 22 years. nal, macroeconomic problem that is unfairly protection as everyone else in the country. He During his tenure on the Hill, Bob oversaw impacting American workers. We already have was and is a major player in helping us in some of this nation's most important inter- the laws in place to address this problem. We New Mexico streamline the bureaucratic proc- national work in combating narcotics, improv- need to act now to stop another hollowing out ess to get the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant up ing diplomatic security, fighting terrorism and of American industry, by acting to stop illegal and runningÐand while we're still not there assisting refugees who were the innocent vic- dumping. yet, we're a lot closer today because of DAN tims of conflict and disaster. This House must act today to urge concrete SCHAEFER's efforts and I look forward to riding In 1993 Bob, was appointed as the Senior measures on the Administration to stop the shotgun on that first truck with him. Deputy Assistant Administrator for Legislative flow of dumped steel. The Traficant Resolution and Public Affairs at the U.S. Agency for Inter- Mr. SCHAEFER also helped spark the na- makes the strongly worded statement that national Development, a post he still holds. tional debate on reforming our nation's tax needs to be made on this subject. Although Bob's sage counsel and abiding knowledge of code. His legislation to eliminate income tax it's non-binding, the Traficant Resolution would international affairs has helped USAID make it raised a lot of eyebrows, but also raised the call on the Administration to investigate these through some of its most difficult times. I know national awareness of the mess our tax sys- low-priced steel imports for 10 days. If the Bob's colleagues at USAID will miss him every tem is in. I also recall that DAN was talking Asians, former Soviet states, or anyone else is bit as much as we will. about a balanced budget long before the ma- flouting international trade agreements, the In closing, let me just say that Bob Boyer is jority of our colleagues in Congress. His bal- President should impose a 1-year ban on steel genuinely one of the kindest, most warm- anced budget legislation, introduced in the imports from that country. By asking for these hearted and talented people I have had the 103rd Congress, was the blueprint for many actions, the Traficant Resolution is making a pleasure to work with. We will miss seeing him subsequent bills, and saw its fulfillment in the real statement. This is not just some toothless in his cowboy boots dispensing advice during Balanced Budget Act passed by this Con- piece of paper that would make this issue go the authorization and appropriations process. I gress. away. Because this issue will not go away. wish he and his lovely wife, Sandy, and While I have just scratched the surface of I urge my colleagues to think over this seri- daughter, Vanessa, the very best in his retire- ous problem, and vote in favor of the Traficant DAN's distinguished career, it is a pretty im- ment. He has served the country well and in Resolution. pressive list of accomplishments. Just as im- the best tradition of government servants ev- pressive, though, has been DAN's non-legisla- erywhere. f tive accomplishments. As manager of the Re- f publican baseball team, he turned the event HONORING REVEREND DR. ERIC R. from a back-alley pepper game into a major- REGARDING STEEL IMPORTS FIGUEROA, SR. BISHOP-DESIGNATE league success, to the point where the game now gets nationwide radio and TV coverage, SPEECH OF HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS and helps support a number of worthy char- HON. MICHAEL F. DOYLE OF NEW YORK ities in the Washington area. I know I've en- OF PENNSYLVANIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES joyed his participation in the Western Caucus IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and the Wild Turkey Club, where Members Tuesday, October 20, 1998 facing similar problems and with similar con- Thursday, October 15, 1998 Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stituencies are able to work through the dif- Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Dr. Eric R. Figueroa, Sr. ficult issues facing Congress in a sober and urge support for the resolution offered by my Bishop-Designate. A man of vision, devotion thought-provoking atmosphere. While Con- colleague from Ohio. Along with my friends and tireless service to others in the spirit of gress as an institution will certainly be poorer from Indiana and Ohio, and many other Mem- God. without DAN's presence, I also know that many bers of the House who have been working to Reverend Dr. Eric R. Figueroa, Sr. was born Members will suffer a personal loss from his get debate and a fair vote on this issueÐI am on February 15, 1954 in New York, NY and is retirement as well. deeply concerned about the current crisis in the oldest of three children born to Elder Ron- In closing, I sincerely wish DAN SCHAEFER the U.S. steel industry. We are worried about ald L. Figueroa and Mother Minnie M. and his family all the best and look forward to this steel crisis and we want to send a strong Figueroa. He is the husband of Evangelist Do- the day the Colorado Rockies name him as message to the White House. reen Figueroa for 23 years, and the father of their Manager. Good luck and God bless you The U.S. steel industry and its workers are three anointed and marvelously gifted children, DAN, we'll miss you around here. suffering tremendously from reduced orders, Timiney, Anaysha and Eric Jr.