CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E961 for more than six decades. I extend to them has made repeated ap- to protect and serve the communities of their my sincerest congratulations and gratitude. peals to the Lao authorities to improve the beloved Nation. Since then, over 14,000 offi- f conditions of the detentions of the prisoners. cers have died in the line of duty, including Such appeals have been ignored, resulting in over 1,000 from the State of New York. The RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY this tragic death. That Thongsouk died and the city of New York has lost more officers than AND IN unknown number of other prisoners still re- any other department in the Nation, with more main to be left in such critical conditions in the than 500 deaths. These heroes must never be HON. BRUCE F. VENTO face of these many expressions of concern forgotten, and their sacrifice must serve as a OF MINNESOTA highlights not only the Lao Government's com- reminder that the price of a safer America, an IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES plete lack of care of its political prisoners, but America based on law and order, is being paid Thursday, May 13, 1999 its contempt for the opinion of the international for by the blood and lives of our police offi- community. cers. Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud Specifically, my resolution calls upon the La- Although our Nation's crime rate is at its to introduce legislation that calls for democ- otian government to respect international lowest level in years, on average, one law en- racy, free elections and basic human rights in norms of human rights and democratic free- forcement office is killed somewhere in Amer- the 's Democratic Republic. This doms as embodied in its constitution and inter- ica nearly every other day. Over the past ten important resolution reaffirms and promotes national agreements; issue a public statement years, America has lost one police officer our commitment to free and fair elections and specifically reaffirming its commitment to pro- every 54 hours; over 1,500 men and women. basic human rights standards for the Lao peo- tecting religious freedom and other basic Already in 1999, forty officers have given their ple, especially the Lao-Hmong. While United human rights, fully institute a process of de- lives in the line of duty, a poignant reminder States forces have departed Southeast Asia, mocracy, human rights openly and free and that crime reduction comes at a stiff price. the plight of the Lao-Hmong inside of Laos fair elections in Laos, and specifically ensures Police Memorial Week is a time to remind must not be forgotten. that the National Assembly elections, currently us that when a police officer is killed, it is not The continuous allegations of persecution scheduled for 2002, are openly contested; and a city that loses an officer, it is an entire na- and abuse of the Lao people, especially the allow access for international human rights tion. We must believe that the senseless mur- Lao-Hmong, must not be overlooked. The monitors, including the International Com- ders and crimes against our Nation's bravest United States must investigate these allega- mittee of the Red Cross and Amnesty Inter- men and women will one day stop; until then tions promptly. Lao-Hmong families are re- national inside of Lao prisons and all regions we will do everything we can in order to re- ported to be threatened daily under the Com- of the country to investigate allegations of member and honor all of the law enforcement munist regime in Laos. We must focus public human rights abuse, especially those against officers who have ever given their lives. attention to address such allegations in at- the Lao-Hmong, when requested. I would like to take this opportunity to recite tempt to finally bring a halt to this persecution. The United States must continue to ask the the names of those fallen heroes from New I would like to remind my Colleagues that tough questions and not accept a blissful lack York, who, in the name of duty, gave their the service and contributions of the Lao- of knowledge as satisfactory. My resolution lives over the past two years: Chief Constable Hmong patriots had a major impact on achiev- builds upon similar Senate action last Con- Norman E. Carr Jr., Officer Robert McLellan, ing today's global order and the positive gress and amendments, which I have au- Officer Sean Carrington, Officer Gerard Carter, changes of the past decades. Extreme sac- thored, that have been added to the State De- Officer Anthony Mosomillo, and Officer Mat- rifices were made by the Lao-Hmong in the partment Authorization in previous House ac- thew Dziergowski. I would also like us to re- jungles and in the highlands, whether in uni- tion, but have not been enacted into law due member an officer from my congressional dis- form or in the common clothing of the laborer. to other matters. Much more needs to be done trict Vincent Guidice of Stony Point, NY., who Thousands of U.S. soldier's lives were spared in regards to this matter. U.S. policy and law died in the line of duty on May 22nd, 1996. To because of the Lao-Hmong patriots' support must be changed if we expect results. Con- our fallen officers, we express our Nation's and help as they fought along side the United gress must ensure that the Lao Government is gratitudes. States forces in the War. For their ef- held accountable for their actions and inac- In your spirit, I will continue to fight for those forts, the Lao-Hmong deserve our thanks, our tions. Importantly, Laos is seeking normal laws that provide our Nation's peace officers shelter and certainly fundamental human trade and diplomatic relations with the United with the tools needed to fulfill their mandate of rights, freedoms, responsibility of democracy States and the global community. But, the pol- making our communities a safer place in and openly-contested free and fair elections icy and conduct of the Laotian government in which to live. that will establish the right to self-determina- regards to human rights must be transparent I urge all Americans to visit the National tion in Laos. prior to putting in place such political and eco- Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Wash- Despite frequent statements about its com- nomic policy. We owe the people of Laos the ington. It is a tribute to the dedicated service mitment to the enforcement of human rights moral obligation to remain diligent to their of our law enforcement officers and their dis- standards in the country, the Laotian govern- human rights circumstance and plight. tinguished service and sacrifice. ment's actual practices deviate from such im- f f portant principles. The Government may have learned to ``talk the talk'' and make paper HONORING AND RECOGNIZING SUPPORT THE VETERANS SEXUAL promises, but they must be held accountable SLAIN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFI- TRAUMA TREATMENT ACT to ``walk the walk.'' On a daily basis, the gov- CERS ernment violates the civil and political rights of HON. LUIS V. GUTIERREZ SPEECH OF Laotian citizens by denying them the basic OF ILLINOIS freedoms of speech, assembly, and associa- HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion. According to the State Department Coun- OF NEW YORK Thursday, May 13, 1999 try Reports on Human Rights Practices for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1998, the Laotian government has only slowly Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, today I am eased restrictions on basic freedoms and con- Tuesday, May 11, 1999 introducing legislation to make permanent the tinues to significantly restrict the freedoms of Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to sexual trauma counseling and treatment serv- speech, assembly and religion. take this opportunity to recognize Police Me- ices offered by the Department of Veterans Af- Moreover, Amnesty International reports that morial Week. It is a time when the citizens of fairs. The Veterans Sexual Trauma Treatment serious problems persist in the human rights the United States join the families, friends and Act, which I also introduced during the 105th record of the Government of Laos. Such re- colleagues of our Nation's slain peace officers, Congress, will enable more former military ports include the continued detention of polit- to honor and remember the sacrifices they personnel who were subjected to sexual har- ical prisoners and the treatment of such pris- have made. assment or abuse during their military service oners in a manner that is degrading, abusive On September 24, 1789, Congress created to receive proper medical and psychological and inhumane. In February of this year, one the first federal law enforcement officer, the care. political prisoner, Thongsouk Saysanghi, died United States Marshal. Five years later, on A high incidence of sexual harassment and in a remote prison camp in Laos. In addition, January 11th, 1794, U.S. Marshal Robert assault cases in the military have been re- an unknown number of other political pris- Forsyth became the first officer, in a long list ported in the past several years. While some oners still remain inside of Laotian prisons. of men and women who have given their lives of these cases have gained national attention, E962 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 14, 1999 many more have gone unreported. What is ordinator for the Cooperative Threat Reduction Macon County. For these reasons, I ask my often not discussed is the issue of treatment Office in the weapons protection, security and colleagues to please join me in acknowledging and counseling for the victims of these of- accounting effort, which is charged with pro- a great American and Illinoisan, Mrs. Florence fenses. The current law does not provide med- tecting nuclear warheads in the former Soviet White. ical and counseling services for victims of Union. He also analyzes and organizes the these abuses. The Veterans Sexual Trauma Department's and U.S. government's inter- f Treatment Act would permanently authorize agency assets to best respond to threats from sexual trauma and treatment for active military Weapons of Mass Destruction. Further, Mr. HONORING WEST POINT CADET personnel, reservists and national guard per- Friedman created a prototype for the first Mili- ALISON JONES sonnel. My bill would also require the VA to tary-Business Leadership Fellowship and un- report to Congress regarding the use of sexual dertook a Marine Corps-wide analysis of orga- HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN trauma programs and their collaborative efforts nizational mission and implementation proce- with the Department of Defense to educate dures. OF NEW YORK and inform our armed forces personnel about Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Al- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sexual trauma programs at VA facilities. exander Friedman on the floor of the House of Thursday, May 13, 1999 Mr. Speaker, a greater number of women Representatives for his accomplishments and are entering the military each year. These for being chosen to participate in the White Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to take services are needed. I am hopeful that my col- House Fellowship Program. I ask my col- this opportunity to honor the heroism of West leagues will join me by supporting this bill. I leagues to join me in wishing Alexander Fried- Point Cadet 1st Class Alison M. Jones. look forward to working with them to provide man many more years of success. I was present at a recent dress parade at all veterans with the health care they have f West Point when Cadet Jones was awarded earned and deserve. the Soldier's Medal, the Army's highest peace- f PERSONAL EXPLANATION time award for bravery. According to the award citation, Cadet Jones was awarded the A TRIBUTE TO ALEXANDER HON. BOB RILEY medal for ``heroism above and beyond the call FRIEDMAN of duty following the terrorist bombing of the OF ALABAMA United States Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, on HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 7 August 1998.'' OF NEW YORK Thursday, May 13, 1999 Cadet Jones was spending the summer in- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. RILEY. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably terning in Kenya just a few blocks away from Thursday, May 13, 1999 detained for the vote on final passage of H.R. the embassy. Despite being nearly knocked 755 (rollcall 128). Had I been present, I would down by the explosion, she rushed to the Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, have voted ``aye.'' American Embassy and entered, searching for I would like to take a moment to salute a resi- f survivors and helping recover human remains. dent of New York who currently serves our On her own initiative, she then ``established a country as a White House FellowÐAlexander A TRIBUTE TO FLORENCE WHITE check point to control entry into the embassy Friedman. and facilitate the restoration of security and Mr. Friedman is one of just 17 individuals the organization of rescue efforts.'' nationwide to receive the White House Fellow- HON. DAVID D. PHELPS In her search for victims, Cadet Jones dis- ship this year. Established in 1965, the fellow- OF ILLINOIS covered a Kenyan man whose leg had been ship allows outstanding citizens to participate IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES crushed as a result of the explosion. She used in a once-in-a-lifetime experience by working Thursday, May 13, 1999 pieces of a ceiling beam to make a splint for hand-in-hand with leaders in government. Ap- him and kept him calm so he would not pass plicants are chosen based on demonstration Mr. PHELPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to out. of excellence in community service, academic honor and pay tribute to an outstanding citizen achievement, leadership and professional ex- of Illinois' 19th District; Flora White. I would Cadet Jones is the first female West Point perience. It is the nation's most prestigious fel- like to recognize Florence White for her years cadet to be awarded the Soldier's Medal, lowship for public service and leadership de- of dedicated service in the Macon County which was established in 1922 by the War De- velopment. Schools, as well as her everlasting interest partment to recognize acts of bravery com- Alexander Friedman co-founded and hard work in preserving the history of mitted during peacetime. While several West Adventa.com, an Internet firm that provides Macon County. Point cadets have received the award, Ms. business-to-business marketing information. Florence has very deep roots in Macon Jones is the first since 1992. The Soldier's He also founded Accelerated Clinical, a bio- County. She is a direct descendent of William Medal is amongst the highest honors that can technology service company dedicated to ac- Warnick, who was the first sheriff of Macon be bestowed upon an individual, as the level celerating the clinical trial process for bio- County. Her great-grandfather, William Austin, of bravery the medal honors is equal to that technology firms. He earned his BA in politics helped plot the city of Decatur. needed to win the Distinguished Flying Cross. from Princeton University and a JD/MBA from It is clear why Florence has been honored Cadet Jones, 21, is a native of Baltimore, Columbia University. Mr. Friedman is also a for this important recognition. She started her Maryland. Upon graduation, she plans to join founder of the 21st Century Roundtable, his teaching career in 1924, presiding over sev- the widely-deployed military police. This will generation's first civic venture-capital non-prof- eral one-room schools in Macon County. In allow her even more opportunities to exhibit it group. The organization pairs young leaders 1955, she was appointed assistant super- her courage. of non-profits with young professionals who intendent in charge of elementary education in On May 29, 1999, West Point will graduate can provide advice, services and financing. He the Lakeview unit district. She subsequently its final class of the 20th century. The sort of has maintained his commitment to civic duties became principal in the Brush College #2 bravery exemplified by Cadet Jones is pre- by founding Climb for the Cure, a national stu- School and Spence School. She frequently cisely what West Point training promotes. Ac- dent effort that raised $1 million for AIDS re- taught in the Macon County Historical Soci- tions such as those taken by Cadet Jones will search through a climb of Alaska's Mt. McKin- ety's Salem one-room schoolhouse in the So- enable our military forces to maintain their ley, and also by serving as a small-claims ciety's Prairie Village. Florence is the author of strong posture well into the next century. court and family mediator in Harlem and the ``Rural Schools of Macon County'' and ``Me- While Cadet Jones' modesty may lead one South Bronx. His tireless efforts on behalf of morial Windows.'' She has received numerous to believe that her life-saving efforts were not the people of New York have earned him the awards from Decatur philanthropic organiza- unusual, it is obvious that such heroism is in- honor of becoming a recipient of such a com- tions. Florence received her masters degree deed extraordinary. Her leadership is to be petitive fellowship. from Millikin University. honored and commended, not just through the As a White House Fellow, Mr. Friedman has Florence's life has been dedicated to the presentation of the Soldier's Medal, but by a been assigned to the Department of Defense. achievement of excellence in education and recognition of her efforts by all my colleagues In this capacity, he serves as acting policy co- the preservation of the history and heritage of today.