H484 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 28, 2001 a long-term solution to a crisis we face were unintentionally disenfranchised. Spoiled that election officials have faced in buying new in the wake of the 2000 elections. ballots occurred on lever machines, on punch equipment is that the available technology is Mr. Speaker, today together with my col- cards, on optical scanners and on modern simply not as good as it could be. In part, that leagues Mr. HORN and Mr. PRICE, and with 60 electronic touch screens. The number of bal- is because the market for voting equipment is additional cosponsors, I am introducing the lots not counted far exceeds any measure of not that large. Thus, the grant money would Voting Improvement Act. This bill provides a the margin of victory in the Presidential elec- help to stimulate the production of equipment short term and a long term solution to crisis tion. that better accommodates all types of disabil- we face in the wake of the 2000 election. We have neglected our election system as ities, is more cost effective, and is more accu- One of the reactions that I have heard re- a whole—trusting in outmoded equipment be- rate and easy to use. peatedly from my constituents in the months cause it is familiar—and trusting in wide mar- A minimum of 20 percent of grant funds for since the election, was shock at the sheer gins of victory because they often occur. I be- States and local jurisdictions would be re- number of votes that were cast but were not lieve that with focus and funding we can de- quired to be used for voter education and for counted—19,000 discarded ballots in Palm velop voting technology that is cost effective, training. Voter education plays a critical role in Beach County alone. Those numbers are that is accurate, and that is accessible to all getting more votes counted. The implementa- shocking—and they have the potential to drive voters including the blind and the disabled. tion of new voting systems cannot be success- voters away from the polls permanently unless While it is not possible to eliminate spoiled ful unless the voters are amply educated in we can act quickly to repair our voting system ballots, there is no reason that we should not how to properly use it. Polls must also be and repair the voters’ confidence in that sys- be able to reduce the nationwide error rate to staffed with people trained to aid voters in get- tem. .5 percent. ting their votes cast and counted, not at dis- In 615 days we will be having a federal I know that it is possible as a nation to dras- couraging them from voting at all. To that end, election. That election will be subjected to the tically reduce the numbers of uncounted votes the bill would provide leave to any federal em- greatest amount of media scrutiny that has and do it quickly. It is possible because my ployee who worked in a polling place on a fed- ever befallen an election in this country. And own state of Maryland did it. They went from eral election day. Making federal worker re- that is why I believe that it is imperative that a statewide error rate of 1.5 percent in 1988 sources available is an attempt to aid election we devise a way to bring about the most dra- to a statewide error rate of less than .5 per- officials in the tremendous task of recruiting matic reduction possible in the number of cent in 2000. They accomplished this remark- and training the huge work force that play a votes that are cast but not counted. able achievement in part by getting rid of key role in making federal elections work. The quickest way to get more votes counted punch cards. Maryland stands as an example The new Commission would also be respon- is to target the system with the highest rate of and a challenge to the rest of the states. If we sible for creation of a Model Election Code. error and the lowest rate of public confidence. can reduce the number of uncounted ballots to Like the Uniform Commercial Code or other That system is, without a doubt, the punch .5 percent nationwide, one and a half million Model Codes, it would serve as a resource to card. A joint MIT Caltech analysis recently es- more voters would have their votes counted. timated that the nationwide error rate for Whatever the means by which we seek to States that are seeking to protect themselves punch cards is 2.5 percent. This translates to reduce the number of uncounted votes— from legal challenges. The Model Code would as many as 986,000 votes cast but not count- through this bill—through some other Con- cover statutory provisions including what con- ed on punch card systems alone. Almost a gressional proposal—or by State action—we stitutes a vote, when and how a recount third of voters used punch card systems in must work hard to get these votes counted. I should be held, and how an election contest 2000, making it the most commonly used vot- also want to say to the States and to the should be handled. I hope that an organization ing method. counties—this is an urgent problem. Do not with experience in producing model laws, such Yet, in some jurisdictions punch cards have wait. Do not trust that federal resources are as the National Conference of Commissioners had error rates as high as 6.25 percent or one coming. Act now to make improvements in- on Uniform State Laws, will agree to draft the in every 16 ballots. These disturbingly high cluding buying new equipment for 2002. I fear Model Code, as I believe that a product will rates of spoiled ballots also have a troubling that one of the unintentional effects of the dis- that imprimatur of expertise and credibility tendency of occurring in jurisdictions with high cussion about this issue on Capitol Hill, is that could prove a valuable resource in improving populations of minority voters. For example, in we are unintentionally producing a disincentive election statutes nationwide. Chicago rates of uncounted ballots increased for states and counties. The Voting Improve- Finally, the new Commission would serve as from 1 in 20 in precincts that were less than ment Act would provide reimbursements to a national clearinghouse for information and 30 percent African American, to 1 in 12 ballots any punch card jurisdiction that acts now and study on what elections practices work best. It in precincts more heavily populated with mi- gets new equipment in place for Election Day would develop voluntary ‘‘best practice stand- norities. Fifty one precincts in Chicago had 2002. I challenge those state and counties to ards’’ to study issues including how a ballot ballots that were ruined at a rate of 1 in 6 bal- do so. should best be designed, how voter registra- lots. These 51 precincts were 90 percent Afri- Nonetheless, money and equipment alone tion list should best be maintained, and how can American and Hispanic. cannot solve the problems with our voting sys- many votes continue to go uncounted across Punch card technology has not changed tem. New technology must be accompanied the country. significantly since its introduction in 1964. This by voter education, and by polling place re- This bipartisan legislation is supported by a is true even though there is virtually no other sources including helpful and well trained broad and diverse group of Members. I am technology that has not undergone revolu- workers and officials. That is why the punch very hopeful that we will continue to add more tionary improvements since 1964. We no card buyout is simply step one of the Voting co-sponsors and move this legislation forward. longer use rotary dial 1964 telephones, or Improvement Act. A few weeks ago, President Bush met with portable 78 rpm record players. Desktop com- The Voting Improvement Act would also cre- members of the Congressional Black Caucus puters have completely displaced typewriters, ate a new four member bipartisan Election Ad- and remarked: ‘‘This is America. Everyone de- and even the venerable rolodex is being ministration Commission. The primary function serves the right to vote.’’ However, as we all quickly replaced by the Palm Pilot. Yet the of the new agency would be to administer an know now, the right to vote is not enough. punch card counter remains virtually un- annual grant program to aid states in the ad- Every vote also must be counted. The Voting changed. In fact, punch cards themselves, a ministration of elections. In 2003, the punch Improvement Act will help us do just that, and standard IBM product used in any number of card buyout would be replaced by a grant pro- will go a long way in restoring public con- computer systems in 1964—today are pro- gram to provide $140 million annually to states fidence in our election system and our democ- duced only for the purpose of voting! There is and to counties. racy itself.*****-*****- -Name: -Payroll No. no excuse for keeping a punch card voting Unlike the buyout which requires no commit- -Folios: -Date: -Subformat: system in place. Particularly as this bill will ments from the States, the grant program provide $6,000 a precinct to any jurisdiction would require States or local jurisdictions to f that replaces punch cards by Election Day provide 25 percent in matching funds. States 2002. will also be required to install equipment that BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL While punch card voting systems are the can be used by blind and disabled voters to DELEGATION TRIP number one offender, they are not the only vote privately, and States must also provide problem. One estimate from a Bryn Mawr assurances that they are in full compliance The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. computer scientist is that nationwide, and with existing laws. OSBORNE). Under the Speaker’s an- across voting equipment, about two percent of Ten million dollars of the grant money would nounced policy of January 3, 2001, the the votes cast nationwide in 2000 were not also be reserved for research and develop- gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. counted. That means that over 2 million voters ment by manufacturers. one of the problems WELDON) is recognized for 60 minutes.

VerDate 23-FEB-2001 02:30 Mar 01, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K28FE7.086 pfrm01 PsN: H28PT1 February 28, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H485 Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. they are here to make whatever com- was still in existence, sought a formal Speaker, I rise today to take the 1-hour ments they would like to make. relationship with the Congress. We de- Special Order to highlight a congres- The cochair of the delegation is murred and did not want to enter such sional delegation trip that transpired someone who I have the highest admi- a relationship. The reason for that, of last week traveling to Moscow, Russia; ration for in this institution. He and I course, is they were not a democrat- Kiev, Ukraine; and Kishinev, Moldova. worked together on a number of issues, ically elected parliament. We have seen One of the areas that perhaps presents Russia being one of them. Seven years historic changes, revolutionary the greatest challenge to us over the ago, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. changes as Russia emerged as a new de- next several years is our relationship HOYER) and I were able to convince our mocracy. It is a democracy, obviously, with those critical countries. leadership, then Speaker Gingrich and struggling with its economy and strug- The delegation that traveled to those Minority Leader GEPHARDT, that we gling with a developing democracy. It countries was a bipartisan delegation. should institutionalize the relationship was the thought of the gentleman from In fact, I was outnumbered. There were between the Russian Duma, their par- Pennsylvania (Mr. WELDON), with four Democrats and three Republicans. liament, and our Congress. which I strongly agreed, that the bet- But it was a solid bipartisan effort. We The gentleman from Maryland (Mr. ter and closer relationship they had had no disagreements and we had, I HOYER) and I have co-chaired that ini- with representatives of the people’s think, one of the most exciting series tiative for the past 7 years, and we House and of the United States Senate, of meetings that any delegation has have had dozens of meetings in Amer- really the examples for democratic par- had in that part of the world. ica and in Russia trying to build a clos- liamentary bodies in the world, it It was a delegation that hit the er sense of cooperation with the parlia- would assist them in their developing ground running. We were hosted by the mentarians in the Russian Duma in all democracy and would assist us as well chairman of President Putin’s political fashions. in establishing a relationship which party in Moscow, the Unity Party, The gentleman from Maryland also is would lead to better understanding and, therefore, more cooperation. Boris Gryzlov. Even though our plane the first vice president of the Com- Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from was late because of problems with the mittee for Security and Cooperation in Pennsylvania mentioned that I chaired weather, we left on Saturday, we were Europe, and so he represents our coun- and am now the ranking member of the hoping to arrive Sunday afternoon, we try on issues affecting the European Helsinki Commission. That commis- arrived in our hotel in Moscow at 12:30 community as it relates to Russia and sion focuses on human rights. I kidded a.m.; and there waiting for us was the other Nations. He also is the former when we were in Moscow, when Viktor Deputy Minister for Housing and Con- chairman of the Helsinki Commission, Chernomyrdin was at dinner with us, struction in Moscow. so he has worked tirelessly for human that I was coming back to the United So we had our first meeting at 12:30 rights throughout the world. States and raising a human rights in the morning until 1:30 in the morn- So it was a real pleasure to have the issue about the gentleman from Penn- ing. So those who say Members of Con- gentleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER) sylvania making us work so hard. gress do not work, I would say this del- on this trip. Forty-one meetings in 4 days is quite a egation worked. That was to set the Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman schedule. But I found the meetings ex- tone for the trip. That was the first of from Maryland (Mr. HOYER), my good traordinarily productive, worthwhile, 41 meetings that occurred during 5 friend and colleague, for his own sum- and I think establishing a better rela- days in the capital cities of Moscow, mation of our trip. tionship between our two countries Kiev and Kishinev. Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank and, indeed, between the leaders in It was a very historically significant the gentleman for yielding me this Moldova, although they are now new, time because each of those countries time and for his leadership. The gen- and the leaders in the Ukraine, al- are going through some very difficult tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. though now troubled. turmoil. As we all know, Russia has WELDON) and I have been friends since I had to leave the trip early and go to been drifting away from the West. In he came to the Congress many years Vienna for a meeting of the standing fact, while we were there, we got an up- ago. committee of the Organization on Se- date on a new strategic partnership b 1500 curity and Cooperation in Europe that Russia is now aligning itself with where I have the privilege of rep- He serves on the Committee on China. resenting our country, but I know from In the Ukraine, we were there in the Armed Services and is one of the most talking to Members who concluded the midst of a crisis as the President of knowledgeable Members in the Con- trip that it was an extraordinarily that country, President Kuchma, was gress on matters related to our na- worthwhile trip. under severe criticism for having alleg- tional defense. But probably less well The gentleman from Pennsylvania edly been taped in ordering the assas- known is his extraordinary depth of (Mr. HOEFFEL) is going to speak after sination of a prominent journalist in knowledge of Russia, of the former So- me. He is a new Member of Congress. Ukraine. The people in many regards viet Union, of former Soviet officials, This was, I think, his first visit to Rus- were demanding, not just free press, and present leaders in Russia itself. He sia and to some of the former Soviet but were demanding that President is a friend of many, a colleague of oth- states. It was my 15th or 16th visit. The Kuchma be held accountable and be re- ers, and an interlocutor of many more. gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. moved from office. Obviously, our relationship to Russia WELDON) has been there, as I recall his In Moldova, the meetings were equal- is one of the most important relation- saying, 23 times. ly significant because, 2 days after we ships that we have as a Nation. The re- Mr. Speaker, we need to continue were in Moldova, they had their par- lationship between Russia and the these visits. We need to continue this liamentary elections. Unfortunately, United States is one critical to inter- conversation. We need to continue with Mr. Speaker, the Communists won con- national security and stability. As vice cooperation. There will, of course, be trol of the Moldovan parliament with president of the Parliamentary Assem- and are times when we disagree; but we 71 percent of the vote, a major shift in bly of the Organization on Security need to disagree while talking to one that country, a very strategically im- and Cooperation in Europe, I have the another. We need to disagree while un- portant country, a major shift away opportunity to meet regularly with derstanding the perspective of one an- from the democratic reforms that have members of the Duma. However, under other. It is critical for our own coun- been occurring in Moldova over the the leadership of the gentleman from tries and critical for all the world, and past 8 years. Pennsylvania (Mr. WELDON), and with I want to thank the gentleman for his So that underscores the importance the concurrence, as he pointed out, of leadership and to tell him how much I of the reason why our trip was signifi- then-Speaker Gingrich and minority appreciate co-chairing the Congress- cant. leader GEPHARDT, we established a for- Duma committee with him and the I want to go through the trip in a mal relationship. worthwhile work that we and other great amount of detail, but I would It is interesting to note that the su- Members of the House of Representa- like to call on my colleagues while preme Soviet, when the Soviet Union tives and the United States Senate and

VerDate 23-FEB-2001 02:30 Mar 01, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K28FE7.087 pfrm01 PsN: H28PT1 H486 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 28, 2001 the Duma are doing to establish an on- that the gentleman from Pennsylvania to thank my colleague, the gentleman going, continuing, positive relationship (Mr. WELDON), who is probably the ex- from Pennsylvania (Mr. WELDON), for with this great merging democracy, pert in this Congress on national mis- his extraordinary leadership in this Russia. sile defense, will relate the numerous Congress and on this trip due to his I thank the gentleman for yielding to discussions we had on that issue to en- vast knowledge of Russia and the me. sure that there is not a misunder- former Soviet Union, the extraordinary Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. I standing on either side as to what the contacts he has as a result of those 23 thank the gentleman from Maryland objectives are and what the sense of re- visits. I can report to the House that for his leadership on this delegation sponsibility is with respect to defend- the gentleman is well known and well and in the Congress and, actually, in ing our peoples, both in Russia and in regarded among Russian officials, the world. He is extremely well re- the United States, from those who members of the Duma, as well as mem- spected around the world for his com- would terrorize our peoples by ballistic bers of the Putin cabinet and members mitment to principles that are impor- missile attacks from a Third World na- of the Russian military. tant to any democratic nation. tion. My colleague has devoted years and Just to give our colleagues one exam- So the issue of independent media years to the study of Russia. And with ple of one of the issues that the gen- outlets, the issue of defense and secu- his relationships and in developing re- tleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER) rity arrangements between our two lationships with people in Russia, that raised repeatedly in Russia was free- peoples, were very important issues reflects so well on this Congress and dom of the press. He arranged a meet- among many, many others that we provided such great guidance to us on ing with one of those, a fellow by the raised. I am not going to go into them this trip. And, of course, he will agree name of Mr. Kiselov, who is the equiva- all, because I know the gentleman from that we were blessed to have as a co- chair on the trip the gentleman from lent to our Dan Rather or one of those Pennsylvania (Mr. WELDON) will as OYER), who just spoke, kinds of people, Ted Koppel. The gen- well. But we talked about health Maryland (Mr. H who also has a marvelous background tleman from Maryland was very ada- issues, we talked about the environ- with his many visits to Russia. I can- mant in pressing the Russians on the ment, we talked about fighting drugs, not imagine a delegation that could freedom of the press as a key part of and we talked about confronting ter- possibly be better led than this one led any democracy. In fact, he challenged rorists in a cooperative way, because by my colleague, the gentleman from them on the rumored threats to shut all of those issues were convergent in Pennsylvania (Mr. WELDON), and the down one of the TV stations and to fur- the best interests of both of our citi- ther censor their media. gentleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER). zenry. Again, the discussions that we I wanted to thank my colleague for Perhaps the gentleman would like to have that lead to better understanding elaborate on that point. his foresight in establishing with the and more cooperation will certainly re- gentleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER) Mr. HOYER. I will take a little more sult in a more stable and secure inter- time. I know the gentleman from Penn- the Congress-Duma committee. I want- national environment. ed to say just a few words about how sylvania (Mr. HOEFFEL) has a meeting Again, I thank the gentleman for al- interesting I found this relationship to go to, and I want to get to him, but lowing me to speak briefly about the I did have the opportunity to meet during our visit to Moscow; how useful importance of NTV and Media-MOST I found it to be to have an established with Mr. Kiselov, who, as the gen- to the growth of the democracy in Rus- tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. format and framework in which Mem- sia. I thank the gentleman for yielding bers of Congress could talk with Mem- WELDON) pointed out, is sort of our to me. bers of the Russian state Duma and Tom Brokaw, Peter Jennings, Walter Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. I have a very free flow of information Cronkite, and Dan Rather rolled up thank my colleague again for stopping and questions back and forth. into one. Media-MOST and NTV is the by this evening. He is extremely busy. In fact, we had that free flow of infor- only independent TV station in Russia. Joining us from the delegation, Mr. mation. I was able, along with the It is funded by, in part at least, by a Speaker, among the seven Members of members of our delegation, to ask gentleman named Gusinsky. We urged Congress who were with us besides the some tough questions of our Russian the members of the Russian Duma and gentleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER) guests regarding, first off, the question other officials with whom we met to and the gentleman I am going to intro- of freedom of the press that the gen- ensure that they would continue to be duce next were, on the Republican side, tleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER) has free and independent. the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. just eloquently addressed. We were able It is interesting that Ted Turner, SCHAFFER) and our freshman Repub- to ask the members of the Duma why who has so successfully opened up the lican, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. this crackdown is occurring against eyes of the world to other lands CRENSHAW). Joining us on the Demo- the independent media in Russia. We through CNN, an extraordinary con- crat side were the gentleman from Ohio asked about the background for it, the tribution to the interchange of peoples (Mr. KUCINICH), and also a senior mem- reasons for it, and we got some mixed and the knowledge of one people of an- ber of the Committee on Appropria- results. other, it is interesting that he has tions, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Some of the members on the Russian made an offer, along with partners, KAPTUR). So it was a strongly bipar- side denied that there was any serious George Soros and others, to participate tisan and well-balanced delegation that crackdown or infringement of freedom at the level of $30 million in helping to gave the people that we met with a of the press in Russia. That is not the finance this independent TV station. complete picture of the political land- information that we have been given We urged the leaders in Russia to en- scape in America. by human rights advocates, by our em- sure that that station would remain It was a pleasure to have one of our bassy personnel and by others. We did independent, because we know that a more junior Members of Congress with not resolve this dispute in our discus- democracy cannot flourish without an us. He is now in his second term. He hit sions, but we had a good opportunity to independent press, without inde- the ground running. It was his first trip talk about it and to raise the issue and pendent criticism, without an inde- to Moscow, and he did the people of to make sure that the members of the pendent voice letting the people of that Montgomery County well by showing Duma understand that the Members of democracy know what their govern- the very positive side of America, yet Congress are well aware of this issue. ment is doing. If it is only a govern- confronting the Russians where needed I and other members of the congres- ment-owned station, or if it is only a as well as the other countries that we sional delegation were able to raise station owned by an organization like visited on the important issues that questions about legislation the Duma Gasprom, dependent on the govern- face our two societies. is considering that would restrict reli- ment, then it will not be a free and ob- I would like now to recognize my col- gious practices in Russia by regulating jective voice. It will not be an alter- league, the gentleman from Pennsyl- organized religion, and legislation that native voice. vania (Mr. HOEFFEL). would restrict and limit political par- So that was one of the issues that we Mr. HOEFFEL. I thank the gen- ties in Russia. Both of those restric- had the opportunity to raise. I know tleman for yielding to me; and I want tions are of great concern to those of

VerDate 23-FEB-2001 01:10 Mar 01, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K28FE7.088 pfrm01 PsN: H28PT1 February 28, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H487 us in this country who understand how On the question of missile defense, logue with the Russians was to em- important it is not just to have a free the Russians are very alarmed by the power the parliament to show the and independent media but also, obvi- possibility that this country will uni- emerging Duma and its leaders how ously, to have a free exercise of reli- laterally deploy a national missile de- they can accomplish the same kinds of gion and a political system that allows fense. They seem anxious to work with checks and balances that we provide in political parties to organize free of Western nations on the notion of mis- our government here in America. By government control. sile defenses. They recognize that the interacting with committee chairs, by biggest threat to them as the biggest sharing staffs, by having regular meet- b 1515 threat to us is the concern about rogue ings on issues that are both common to There is no doubt that while Russia nations, terrorist use of weapons and of us like the environment, health care, is moving toward a more democratic course the possibility of accidental social issues, economic issues, we also society, dedicated to free enterprise launches. I think while we certainly can confront the more difficult issues, and the development of free markets, did not come to a meeting of the strategic issues, defense issues, multi- there are still some efforts involved to minds, there is a greater under- lateral relationships. So our overriding centralize society and government, ef- standing, I think, as a result of this purpose is to empower the parliament, forts that we do not fully support here visit regarding the potential for the make it more of a constructive force in in this country. We were able to raise United States and Russia and our Euro- the democracy so it can in fact achieve these issues with our colleagues from pean allies and NATO to work jointly the same kind of role that our Congress the Russian Duma in a way that I to develop a joint missile defense sys- plays in America, one that only makes think was very positive. In turn, as the tem that would protect all of the West- the democracy in Russia stronger. gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. ern democracies and our emerging de- The second purpose is to help Russia WELDON) knows, this format gave mocracies, such as Russia, against the build a middle class. Because if Russia members of the Duma the opportunity very real threats that our President is to survive over the long haul, we can to raise issues with us. I and members has quite rightly pointed out that are do all that we want to encourage rela- of our delegation asked them about the posed by rogue nations and others. tionships but we have to help Russia arms transfers to Iran which concerned I thank the gentleman for this oppor- understand what it is going to take to us. Their reply was that this was an tunity to speak. I did not mean to talk build a middle class. The strength of economic matter, that the budget prob- this long this afternoon, but the gen- America is our middle class. I am con- lems they have in Russia leads them to tleman has given me an opportunity to vinced that what has largely empow- sell their arms technology and the abil- learn a great deal about Russia and the ered that middle class has been the ity to establish nuclear reactors, for former Soviet Union. It was a fas- ability of people to own and buy their example, to Iran to help with their cinating trip. I believe that this kind of own homes, to own a piece of America, budget problem. And so they asked us, travel is very useful for Members of if you will, and what we have been in turn, to help them with their debt, Congress. And when there is an organi- doing for the past 5 years is working to help the Paris Club of Nations to un- zation in place, such as the Congress- with Russia to put into place a mort- derstand the need to either forgive or Duma Committee, it gives a wonderful gage financing system for average Rus- restructure some of the Russian debt opportunity for a better understanding sians. These discussions were a major that is owed that is a crushing burden between parliamentarians of different part of our efforts in Russia. We also on that economy. Much of that debt is countries. I thank the gentleman for had similar discussions in the other Soviet era. Some of that debt is World the work he has done over the last dec- countries. So focusing on empowering War II era. The Russians made a good ade or so here in Congress dealing with the parliament and building a middle argument for the need for some debt Russia, I thank him for his leadership class, they were the overriding themes relief. But that, of course, did not on the trip, and I thank him for his of our talks, but we had a wide range of change our belief that these arm sales time this afternoon. talks. and technology transfers to Iran is not Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. I I think, Mr. Speaker, we took the something that we view as simply an thank my colleague for his outstanding right approach. In visiting Russia, we economic issue as the Russians do but contributions to the trip. He was a val- did not go over there as if they were something that we consider to be a se- uable partner, he was an aggressive our enemy. Unfortunately, the presi- curity threat to this country and a po- representative of the American posi- dential visit that took place last May litical problem for this country that tion, and yet he was open and aware of between President Clinton and Presi- must be addressed and must be the need to listen to the Russian- dent Putin had the two of them come changed. Ukrainian-Moldovan perspective of together and focus on things that we And, of course, the issue that we dis- world issues and the relationship to totally disagree on; namely, how many cussed the most with our Russian hosts our relationship with those countries. I missiles should we point at each other. was the question of arms control and thank my colleague for being here this We took the exact opposite approach. missile defense. While we did not have evening. The major thrust of our meetings were a complete meeting of the minds on Mr. Speaker, at this time before I in- positive. They were about health care that issue and while in fact our own troduce one of my other colleagues who initiatives. They were about environ- delegation had several different views was on the trip, I would like to go mental initiatives, economic initia- on the question of missile defense in through and just highlight the kind of tives, technology initiatives, a mort- particular, we did have a good discus- meetings we held and give the overall gage system, ways that we could fur- sion which I think would be summa- themes of what the purpose of our trip ther cooperate and allow Russia to rized that the Russian officials as well was all about. build a stable society and one that is as the Russian military would like to First of all, since we formed the closely interconnected with an Amer- see continued arms negotiations, bilat- Duma-Congress initiative 7 years ago, I ican society. That reflects the kinds of eral negotiations as opposed to unilat- have had two overriding purposes in meetings that we had. eral reductions, because the process of our relationship with Russia. We tend I mentioned our first meeting was at going through bilateral negotiations to want to rely on the Presidents of our 12:30 a.m. on Monday morning when we allows confidence and trust to be devel- two countries to work out our relation- arrived and our plane was late, we oped on both sides and allows the nego- ship. As we all know, they are the drove to the hotel and there in our tiations of verification provisions that heads of state and they are the ones hotel in downtown Moscow was the would make sure that through inspec- who set the overall policy. But there is Deputy Minister of Housing and Con- tions and other mechanisms, we can be a constructive role for the parliaments struction Mr. Ponomorof waiting for sure that the reductions in arms that to play. There is a very important role us. And so the Members of Congress, are being negotiated are actually im- that we can do to assist emerging de- even though they had been flying for plemented, something that is not avail- mocracies like those we visited. The over 24 straight hours, sat up for an- able when one country unilaterally two overriding purposes I have had in other hour until 1:30 in the morning cuts its weapons. forming the interparliamentary dia- and had our first meeting.

VerDate 23-FEB-2001 01:10 Mar 01, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K28FE7.090 pfrm01 PsN: H28PT1 H488 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 28, 2001 On Monday morning, we arose at 8 With Kurchatov we continued our b 1530 a.m. and we had meetings with the dep- discussions about cooperation, in par- Now when we arrived in Moldova, uty minister of the economy, the hous- ticular some measures of providing a they were controlled by a western fac- ing minister for all of Russia and the new form of energy that could be float- tion. Unfortunately, two days later, finance minister. We met with our Am- ed on barges involving nuclear power Moldova’s parliamentary elections bassador, Jim Collins, to get a briefing plants, to assist where there are energy turned the control over to the com- from the State Department there. For shortfalls like that that we have just munists who now control 71 percent of lunch we were hosted by the American seen experienced in California. the Moldovan parliament. business leaders, the executives of Our final major event on Monday was One of our prime purposes in going to American companies who have set up a dinner hosted by the executives of Moldova was to establish a new inter- operations throughout Russia, and we UKOS Oil Company, the second largest parliamentary linkage between the heard from them about what we should oil company in Russia, and there we Moldovan parliament and the U.S. Con- be doing to better improve the rela- talked about economic interaction, we gress. Chairing the American side of tionship economically between Russia talked about ways that American com- that interparliamentary linkage is the and America. We then traveled to a panies can more aggressively engage gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. hospital on the outskirts of Moscow, ITTS) and the gentleman from Ohio with the energy giants that are devel- P Hospital No. 7. We were joined by rep- (Mr. KUCINICH). oping inside of Russia. As President resentatives of cancer institutes in At this point in time, Mr. Speaker, I Bush outlined to us last night, that de- America who had flown over separately would like to turn to my colleague, the veloping an national energy strategy is from the Fox Chase Cancer Center and gentleman from Ohio (Mr. KUCINICH), critically important, our goal was to from the National Cancer Institutes, who is the co-chair of the Moldovan see whether or not Russia can become we took a delegation and traveled out American Interparliamentary Assem- a key strategic ally in terms of offering to the largest hospital in Moscow, a bly, who was on the trip, for his com- us other energy resources. 1,500-bed hospital that focuses on can- ments both about Moldova and more cer and cancer research. Right adjacent On Tuesday at 8 a.m. we started our broadly about the trip in general. So I to this hospital is the Blokhin Cancer meetings with the Ministry of Atomic yield to my good friend, the gentleman Center. Our purpose was to build on a Energy. Minister Adamov hosted us for from Ohio (Mr. KUCINICH). memorandum of understanding that an hour. We discussed the broad range Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank had been signed 2 weeks earlier by the of nuclear issues involving both Russia the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Russian and American Cancer Research and America. There are productive op- WELDON) for yielding. I want to thank Centers. So our first serious meeting portunities that are arising from that the gentleman for his outstanding lead- ership in reaching out to people in Rus- outside of the government was with meeting. I will outline them in more sia and the Ukraine, Moldova and ties to establish closer relations be- detail in a report that I will file. throughout Europe. I think that I can tween our health care system. The rest of Tuesday was spent in the After the meeting at Hospital No. 7, speak for everyone on the trip in say- Duma. We met with the Deputy Speak- ing that we believe that the gentleman we went to the Nuclear Safety Insti- er, all the factional leaders and the from Pennsylvania (Mr. WELDON) has tute, where again we ceremoniously major committees in the Duma, includ- brought a level of stature to his posi- signed memorandums of understanding ing international affairs, foreign af- tion as a Member of Congress where that were agreed upon by our Depart- fairs, housing and mortgages, ecology, one can see the respect with which he ment of Energy earlier to establish all the major interest areas in the Rus- is held by leaders of all the nations joint projects between the Kurchatov sian Duma that we could work to- who have met with him many times Institute, an institute in downtown gether on. In fact, a part of our meet- concerning their movement towards Moscow, and the Nuclear Safety Insti- ing with the Ecology Committee of the democratization. So I can say what an tute, to bring our two countries closer Duma, which is chaired by Chairman honor it was for me to be on the trip together to protect the people in both Grachev, was to sign an agreement to and to share in the dedication of the countries from the threat of nuclear assist the Russians in building a coop- gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. problems, the theft of nuclear mate- erative effort to deal with their envi- WELDON), and his knowledge and his rial, the disintegration of nuclear ma- ronmental issues and concerns. Work- passion for bringing people together, terial, the illegal dumping of nuclear ing with a London-based group, the Ad- particularly at a parliamentary level. waste and establishing a new frame- visory Council on Protecting the Seas, Since the gentleman left off men- work of cooperation. over the past 4 years, Russia has devel- tioning with Moldova, we went to In fact, Mr. Speaker, one of the most oped a strategy to begin to address its Moldova in the hope of encouraging the interesting discussions on the trip was environmental concerns. At our meet- rule of law, democratic order, market with our Russian counterparts who ing with Chairman Grachev, we af- economy and as the gentleman from floated the idea that perhaps we can firmed our support to help Russia Pennsylvania (Mr. WELDON) may have create a new way of disposing or actu- through the U.N. acquire the money to recounted or has been recounted early, ally storing our spent nuclear fuel. implement that environmental plan of Moldova made a choice a few days ago As we all know, Mr. Speaker, in action. for the Communist Party to be in- America, Yucca Mountain is very con- Also on Tuesday, we had a dinner volved in the organization of its gov- troversial, which is the site where we ernment and actually direct the orga- would ultimately store our spent nu- with the Moscow Petroleum Club. Former Prime Minister Viktor nization of its government. clear waste. What the Russians are be- The notes that I have from the meet- Chernomyrdin, former Ambassador to ginning to talk about is America and ing indicate that the leader of the the U.S. Yuli Vorontsov, our Ambas- Russia joining together and having a party in Moldova stated that they ap- sador and a host of other dignitaries common site, probably in Siberia or in preciated the contacts with the U.S. the Ural Mountains that would be man- joined us for a solid evening of both so- Congress and they look for those con- aged by an international organization cial interaction and, more importantly, tacts to become stronger and that they where America and Russia together constructive dialogue about U.S.-Rus- respect the United States as a world would store their spent nuclear fuel so sian relations. power and they hope that our govern- that we could work together on re- On Wednesday we traveled to ment will work with them and respect search over the next several decades of Moldova. In Moldova the delegation the choices that have been made by the how to eliminate that spent nuclear met individually with all the senior people and that they hoped that the re- fuel and how to develop new peaceful leaders of the Moldovan government, lations will develop between the U.S. solutions and new peaceful uses of the President, the Prime Minister, the Congress and the Moldovan govern- spent nuclear fuel, an interesting con- Foreign Minister, the Speaker of the ment. This was done, of course, pro- cept that we invited the Russians to Parliament and we met with the par- spectively because as it turns out come back to us with some specific liamentary members themselves, in- Moldova did vote for the Communist ideas on. cluding the Communist faction. Party.

VerDate 23-FEB-2001 01:10 Mar 01, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K28FE7.092 pfrm01 PsN: H28PT1 February 28, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H489 The gentleman from Pennsylvania F.B.I. independent investigation and with Moldova and the West and the (Mr. WELDON) and members of our dele- assistance on the forensics of a case U.S. wants to help you. gation actually laid the groundwork that involves the murder of a jour- We also visited a collective farm or a for a dialogue with a government nalist, H.E. Khandogiy, whose death former collective farm on perhaps one which now may have a totally different has unfortunately been linked to peo- of our most emotional visits on the perspective than we do about how ple in power in Ukraine. trip to see young children and adults things should be done, but at least we So what we did on our trip was to af- who have been given the opportunity are in a position where we can be talk- firm support for democratization; was to take over the land that used to be ing. to show people all over the world that owned by the state and now own it pri- Furthermore, the opening that made they can benefit by taking a course of vately; to see the pride in their faces as with Russia, we had, I thought, very market economics that are tempered they stood up before us and they told important discussions with parliamen- by respecting the systems of power their personal stories of having taken tarians about issues of financial aid that exist in a country. One of the back land that their grandfathers and and the International Monetary Fund, things that I thought was quite telling grandmothers had had decades ago that the need for further economic reforms, that was said by Mr. Kiriyenko, and I now is controlled by them; and the discussions about privatization, discus- would like to close with this thought, products they are producing with no sions about the role of NATO, which a is the importance of paying attention pesticides, no fertilizers, organic farm- number of parliamentarians were con- to people and developing people. He ing at its best. This is a part of the cerned about, the bombing of Serbia, said that in the future we will compete Moldovan experience, and the ground- which, by the way, it was almost 2 not just with price or quality but with work we laid will allow our Congress to years ago that the gentleman from respect to who will be first to intro- play an integral role with this new Pennsylvania (Mr. WELDON) led a dele- duce innovation. communist-controlled parliament gation to Vienna, which I was privi- He spoke of the significance of which won the elections in Moldova leged to participate in, that created a human capital, people, investing in this past Monday. framework for ending the bombing in people. He said this is not just a finan- So I would say to the gentleman from Serbia. Actually, as we met with the cial issue, it is not a technical issue, it Ohio (Mr. KUCINICH), he was a very im- members of the Russian parliament is a problem of culture, and it is not in- portant addition to the trip and we there, we created more of a structure cidental that we talk of culture. He thank him. It was really good because for increased exchange and confidence talked of the importance of us learning all of them got to see that in America building, and I thought that was very other cultures, the importance of us there are two sides on missile defense. important. understanding the results of culture Every time I would give one position, In our discussions with Lubov Sliska, and transitional economies, and I the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. who was the first deputy of the Duma, think that message that we bring back KUCINICH) would give the other. We she pointed out how important it was here is one that shows that we as Mem- said that is healthy, that is America. It to have productive discussions with bers of Congress can help to improve was a good dialogue, and I thank the NATO; that she wanted to see trade exchanges with other parliamentarians gentleman for being with us on the and economic growth emphasized in around the world, can be vessels for trip. our relations, agriculture, energy, for- freedom and justice and can continue Mr. KUCINICH. I thank the gen- eign affairs, internal security, defense the work of this country as being the tleman. and disarmament, cooperation on light of the world. Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. The crime investigations, culture and I thank the gentleman from Pennsyl- other important part of our trip, Mr. health. vania (Mr. WELDON) for his indulgence Speaker, was Ukraine. Arriving in Our meeting with Sergey Kiriyenko, here, and I thank him for giving me the Ukraine 3 days ahead of us, after hav- who was at one time the prime min- privilege of assisting him and other ing left us in Moscow, were our two ister of Russia and is now one of the Members, the gentlewoman from Ohio Members of Congress who know the super governors appointed by President (Ms. KAPTUR) and others of the delega- most about Ukraine. In fact, they are Putin, I thought was very productive. tion, in this very important mission. both of Ukrainian ancestry. They are He pointed out among other things how Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. I the new cochairs of the Ukrainian grave is the threat of chemical weap- want to thank my friend and colleague, Rada American Congress initiative ons. They have 40,000 tons of chemical the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. coming together on behalf of our two weapons they want to dispose of, and KUCINICH) for his remarks. He played countries. The gentlewoman from Ohio how he had hoped we could bring a an absolutely unbelievable role in this (Ms. KAPTUR) has traveled to Ukraine a level of cooperation through par- trip. He has kicked off, along with the number of times. She has been out on liamentary contact to help raise the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. the farms, outside of the big cities, issue of these chemical weapons, in- PITTS), a new initiative with the looking for strategies to help the crease the awareness of the need for Moldovan parliament. Nothing could Ukrainian people. U.S. and Russian cooperation, sponsor be more important right now because She is our Democrat co-chair. The colloquia in the U.S. Congress on this; of Moldova’s strategic location, be- gentleman from Colorado (Mr. SCHAF- that we as Members of Congress could cause of Moldova’s issues. Part of our FER) is our Republican co-chair. The write letters to our fellows urging visit to Moldova, besides the formal gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR) them to get involved; sign a letter to meeting, including a trip to Trans- is just the person to talk to when it the President talking about the need to Dniester, which is an independent en- comes to that part of the world, and if do something about these chemical clave where the 14th Army Division of anyone wants to know anything about weapons and to generally pursue a the Russian military is still located. In Ukraine, they cannot know anything course that would enable Russia to get fact, there are so many units there without talking to the gentlewoman some assistance on trying to dispense that we were told it would take days from Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR). So our good with this. and days and over a year, if you had friend and colleague on the trip and One final comment, if I may, I think four train loads a day hauling arma- leader in the Congress, the gentle- our visit to Ukraine was momentous ments out of Moldova it would be over woman from Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR). because we were able to get the a year and you still would not have re- Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I want to Kuchma administration to recognize moved all of the 14th Army Division. thank my good friend and most able how serious our commitment is to free- So we traveled up there, and we met colleague, the gentleman from Penn- dom of press, freedom of speech and with someone who calls himself Presi- sylvania (Mr. WELDON), for arranging freedom of assembly in this country. dent, the leader of this breakaway pub- for this special order. I wanted to pub- We take it quite seriously. lic, Mr. Smirnov, and the gentleman licly acknowledge the incredibly im- In an unprecedented 2 hour and 15 from Ohio (Mr. KUCINICH) joined us in a portant role he is playing in helping to minute meeting with the President of dialogue with this breakaway group build bridges to nations that were our Ukraine, we got him to agree to an saying it is important that you reunify former enemies. I think as history is

VerDate 23-FEB-2001 01:10 Mar 01, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K28FE7.094 pfrm01 PsN: H28PT1 H490 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 28, 2001 written, as surely it will be, and we among the most able citizens that we tionships with the parliaments of Moldova look back at the challenge to building could send into that most complex part and Ukraine. The other members of the dele- the peace as opposed to only fighting of the world. gation include: Representative Steny Hoyer either hot or cold wars, the role of the (D–MD), Representative Marcy Kaptur (D– b 1545 OH), Representative Bob Schaffer, (R–CO), gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Representative Dennis Kucinich (D–OH), WELDON) will be absolutely essential As an American, I was just very Representative Joe Hoeffel, (D–PA), and Rep- and recognized, and I hope the Amer- proud to be there and to be able to lis- resentative Ander Crenshaw, (R–FL). ican people as they listen to this spe- ten to them and to learn from them, The Congressional delegation participated cial order today will understand that it and to have their help in meeting the in over 40 scheduled meetings in the three is in America’s interest to build func- people that we needed to in those coun- countries that included meeting with the Presidents of Moldova and Ukraine, as well tioning democracies in that part of the tries. At the urging of the gentleman from as the leadership of the parliaments, senior world; that we cannot afford to ignore civilian cabinet level officials and military the millions and millions of people Pennsylvania (Mr. WELDON), several of leaders in all three countries. In Russia and that live there and still need to learn us attempted to put the beginnings of Ukraine, the delegation met with prominent about the institutions of freedom, cer- an agreement on housing, helping Rus- media figures concerned with press freedoms tainly in the management of their own sia to begin, begin the first mortgage in their respective countries. instruments of governance. The gen- system. It will not be easy. It is a vast While meeting with President Leonid Kuchma and other officials in Kyiv, the dele- tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. country with 13 time zones, no sense of free enterprise, no institutions in gation expressed its serious concerns with WELDON) has been the leader in estab- the Heorhiy Gongadze incident, and believes lishing the Congressional Duma ex- place, either financial or in terms of the subsequent investigation must be pur- change in Russia. the substantive work that needs to be sued irrespective of where it may lead. That For the last 8 years, sometimes I am done to create a mortgage system pursuit must be compatible with the fol- sure it was a lonely task trying to based on collateral, including land. lowing principals: The freedom of speech, make friendships with people who had There is no system of collateralizing press, and assembly; the rule of law; and just recently been some of our most land to borrow against. nonviolence. But America must help in this en- The delegation believes that any settle- harsh critics and bitter enemies, and ment of the Gongadze crisis not taking the yet the gentleman has pursued this deavor. We cannot be like ostriches above points into account would adversely year after year after year. To me, that with our heads in the ground. We have affect future Ukrainian/American relations. is the test of true leadership, and I to use the instruments of freedom, all The delegation also: Extends its sincere wanted to say that. the institutions we have available to sympathy to the families and associates of I hope the gentleman’s constituents us, to try at this moment in history to Mr. Gongadze; reiterates the offer of tech- are listening to this. I hope the Amer- make a difference. nical support from the Federal Bureau of In- ican people are listening because truly I want to thank the gentleman from vestigation; expresses its strong belief and insistence that a credible and independent we have to figure out how to build a Pennsylvania for leading us down that investigation is essential in order to earn the peace that will last, and it can only path, recognizing that community de- confidence of Ukraine and the rest of the come through communication with the velopment is an equal partner, along world community; affirms the principle that leaders of those countries and with the with a strong defense, in order to help those accused must be considered innocent people institution of those countries. nations remain at peace. until proven guilty; and intends to introduce In the brief time I have to say some- In terms of Ukraine, I just wanted to a resolution in the House of Representatives thing tonight, I also wanted to ac- say that we arrived at a time when the to express the sense of Congress that this in- knowledge, in terms of Ukraine, the President of the country obviously is cident should be resolved peacefully. During the over two hour meeting with gentleman from Colorado (Mr. SCHAF- under extreme duress. There are President Kuchma, the delegation was grati- FER), who is our partner in this effort, charges and countercharges, and the fied to receive the commitment of the Presi- Republican and Democrat working to- institutions of that country are not dent to follow the rule of law, maintain the gether on behalf of the interests of strong enough to conduct a full and freedom of the press and assembly, and to freedom, in signing the agreement that thorough investigation of the actual use restraint in the use of force. we would like to submit to the RECORD criminal acts that were involved in the U.S. CONGRESS-RADA PARLIAMENTARY this evening for the new Congressional beheading of a very well known jour- EXCHANGE Rada exchange for Ukraine. nalist in that country who had been a We, the undersigned members of the It is modeled on the impressive work critic of many aspects of the current United States House of Representatives and that the gentleman has done, along government. members of the Parliament of Ukraine, do with the gentleman from Maryland hereby establish the U.S. Congress-Rada Par- I wish to submit to the RECORD also liamentary Exchange (further referred to as (Mr. HOYER), in Russia for these past this evening the press statement that CRPE), for the purpose of facilitating ex- several years. We have a lot of work to all of us created in Ukraine and re- panded strategic relations between the do in Ukraine and we arrived at a most leased to the international press en- United States and Ukraine. delicate moment, and I will say a word couraging that there be a full inves- The purpose of CRPE is to foster closer re- about that in a second. But I wanted to tigation, and in fact, even engaging lations between our two legislatures to ad- say to my colleagues here this evening, other partners from the West, from Eu- dress key bilateral issues. It is the goal of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. the CRPE Parliament to examine issues of rope, from the United States, in trying mutual understanding and continue a con- CRENSHAW), what a great thrill it was to get at the true facts in this case. structive dialogue toward permanent peace for me to be able to travel with him, The press statement referred to is as and prosperity. with his wife; the gentleman from follows: Having reviewed the work of the initial Pennsylvania (Mr. HOEFFEL); the gen- U.S. DELEGATION CONDUCTS WHIRLWIND FACT- congressional delegation to Ukraine in No- tleman from Ohio (Mr. KUCINICH), who FINDING VISIT OF RUSSIA, MOLDOVA AND vember 1999, which participated in discus- was with us a little earlier this UKRAINE sions of mutual interest in trade, economic well-being, energy reformation, agriculture, evening; and the gentleman from Mary- DELEGATION URGES PEACEFUL, DEMOCRATIC and military relations, CRPE will promote land (Mr. HOYER); and certainly the RESOLUTION TO CURRENT CRISIS; DELEGATION closer relationships between the lawmakers ESTABLISHES HISTORIC U.S. CONGRESS- gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. of both countries. PITTS), who has a major responsibility VERKHOVENA RADA PARLIAMENTARY EX- Building upon the strategic partnership be- on the Moldovan Parliamentary Ex- CHANGE tween the Untied States and Ukraine first change. A Congressional delegation of seven mem- established in 1996, the CRPE shall serve as To be there particularly at this time bers of the U.S. Congress led by the Honor- a conduit in further developing and con- and to experience the ambassadors’ able Curt Weldon (R–PA) is completing a tinuing economic and political cooperation wisdom really, the ambassador of the three-nation visit including Russia, between the two countries. Moldova, and Ukraine. The purpose of this Now, be it resolved by affirmation of the United States to Russia, Mr. James visit was to continue the relationships estab- undersigned Members of the House of Rep- Collins, the ambassador from the lished seven years ago between the United resentatives, with the support of the Con- United States to Ukraine, Ambassador States House of Representatives and the gressional Ukrainian Caucus, and the Parlia- Carlos Pascual. Honestly, they are Russian Duma, and to establish similar rela- mentarians of the Ukrainian Verkhovna

VerDate 23-FEB-2001 02:30 Mar 01, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K28FE7.096 pfrm01 PsN: H28PT1 February 28, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H491 Rada there is hereby established, the U.S. of the birth of Christ. Thousands attended dition, the concentration of Orthodox par- Congress-Rada Parliamentary Exchange. Be the Christmas liturgy in Moscow’s Cathedral ishes is such that 8,450, or almost half, are it further resolved, the Exchange shall: of Christ the Saviour, triumphantly, and, situated not in Russia, but in the west in (1) Constitute a working group to help re- many have averred, tastelessly, restored to Ukraine. The vast area of Siberia east of the solve any issues hampering an expansion of the city’s skyline more than 60 years after Yenisei River, by contrast, contains approxi- economic and political cooperation between Stalin ordered its obliteration from it. Live mately 500 parishes. The Orthodox Church’s the United States and Ukraine; and, coverage of the event was marred, however, current total of 19,000 parishes is still only a (2) Establish items of discussion by the when Patriarch Alexis II arrived more than fraction of the 78,000 it had before the Revo- CRPE which encompass economic relations, an hour late, delayed by his participation in lution, and the euphoria of the early 1990s trade, space exploration, health-care, the en- the day’s informal meetings between Presi- when many new believers were received is a vironment, agriculture, natural sources, and dent Putin and the German Chancellor, thing of the past. any other matter important to the pro- Gerhard Schroder. As the television cameras Does this mean that the much-vaunted re- motion of close ties between the United panned in on the massed faithful awaiting vival of Orthodoxy in Russia is a fiction? States and Ukraine; and, their Patriarch, they picked out the emerald Many Western commentators have looked (3) Convene bi-annually in the United robes of seemingly the most senior cleric in for it in vain, expecting a healthy revival to States and Ukraine to formally exchange attendance—Mufti Talgat Tadzhuddin, head exhibit certain characteristics, such as so- viewpoints brought about by current events. of Russia’s Central Spiritual Directorate of cial work, a desire for ecumenical dialogue The CRPE will from time to time issue rec- Muslims. For the third year running, the or a move towards modernising liturgical ommendations to be pursued in each legisla- chief representative of Russia’s Roman language. By contrast, they have seen a rise ture. Catholics, Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, had not in nationalism within the Church coupled The founders of the CRPE hereby acknowl- been invited. with virulent anti-Catholicism. edge the leaders of the Congress of the Catholic-Orthodox relations in Russia re- If one can speak of a revival, it does not United States, in coordination with the Con- main poor. The Moscow Patriarchate’s fre- exhibit those characteristics sought for by gressional Ukrainian Caucus, and the Par- quent complaints that the Catholic Church Western Christians. There is a core of sin- liament of Ukraine, for their dedication to is engaging in rampant proselytism translate cere, sober-minded practising Orthodox in establishing the Exchange. into a state policy of containment. In Mos- Russia devoted to their Church, but they Signed at Washington, D.C. November 18, cow, there are 27 Masses in more than 10 lan- tend to concentrate upon the vertical as- 1999 by: Hon. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the guages every Sunday—almost all of which pects of church life. Asked whether there had U.S. House of Representatives, Signed at take place under two roofs. Attempts to re- been an Orthodox revival in Russia, one Kyiv, on November 30, 1999 by: Hon. claim the third historically Catholic build- young parishioner told me that it was dif- Oleksander Tkachenko, Speaker of the ing of the church of SS Peter and Paul in ficult to know hat such a revival would be Ukrainian Parliament. order to relieve the strain have been fruit- like from the point of view of the New Testa- less. When Cardinal Angelo Sodano acting as ment, since ‘‘God’s kingdom is not of this Ms. KAPTUR. Also to that country, papal legate made a request to Mayor world’’. In the light of such sentiments, it is we would urge Ukraine to follow the Luzhkov’s office for three plots of land to perhaps easier to understand why one of the principles of freedom of speech, press, build chapels in lieu of the return of the strongest elements of revival is not in the assembly, the rule of law, and non- church of SS Peter and Paul, he reportedly social sphere, but monasticism. Compared violence. We want to walk alongside received a strong and swift rejection. with their Christian counterparts in western them. As they get through this par- According to one Catholic source in Mos- Europe, however, practising Orthodox are ticular crisis, we know their country cow, the Catholic Church has agreed not to stronger within sections of society such as create any new institutions or structures in will be stronger, just as ours will be academia and youth, where they tend to the city, so that the number of legally reg- enjoy the respect of their non-believing peers stronger as a result of the crises that istered parishes totals five. The remainder— rather than experiencing their scepticism. we have been through. including those which group Filipinos, Latin Nationalist feeling among these practising We expressed our deep regrets to the Americans, Koreans and Iraqis—are either Orthodox, however, remains passive. Nation- families who are so troubled by the dis- termed ‘‘pastoral points’’ in an official direc- alists prefer to parade on the streets with appearance of Mr. Gongadze, and we tory of the Catholic Church in Russia for the banners rather than attend church, and, as also reiterated and believe that in the year 2000, or else are not listed at all. In ad- before the Revolution, only a tiny minority meeting with the gentleman from dition, the two apostolic administrations of Orthodox monarchists belong to the (‘‘diocese’’ would be too provocative a term) virulently nationalist Black Hundreds move- Pennsylvania (Mr. WELDON) and Presi- of southern European Russia and eastern Si- ment. There are in any case two forms of na- dent Kuchma, we got the first commit- beria have been denied registration because tionalism in Russia—Stalinist and pre-revo- ment of an agreement from the Ukrain- they are headed by foreigners. Bishop Jerzy lutionary. Most nationalists belong in the ian government to use resources in the Mazur, a Pole, and Bishop Clemens Pickel, a first category and are indifferent to religion. West to help get at the bottom of what German, have been told that they will be This does not stop them from being opposed actually created the crime. granted Russian citizenship only if they to the institution of the Catholic Church, We urge the government of Ukraine marry a Russian, and currently have to pass however, since there is a general perception to use us. We believe that the con- any noninternal documentation—such as in- that it belongs to an organised anti-Russian vitations for visiting foreign clergy—to their force, and all Russians were taught in school fidence of the people of Ukraine and counterparts with legal status in Moscow or that Catholics were crusaders from the Bal- the West depends on a fair and thor- Novosibirsk. By contrast, the American-born tics repelled by the national hero Alexander ough investigation of the facts. We are Berl Lazar, the Kremlin’s preferred choice as Nevsky. going to be introducing a resolution chief rabbi over Adolf Shayevich, who is Although punching above their weight, here in the House to express the sense backed by the industrialist and oligarch practising Orthodox in favour of ecumenical that this Congress wants this incident Vladimir Gusinsky, faced no obstruction in dialogue are indeed very few. In the Soviet resolved peacefully. obtaining Russian citizenship. era, the pro-ecumenical element within the So I wanted to say to the gentleman The chancellor of the Moscow-based Euro- Church gained an artificial influence because pean Apostolic Administration, the Catholic of its usefulness to the foreign policy aims of from Pennsylvania (Mr. WELDON) for priest Fr Igor Kovalevsky, insists that the the regime, and precisely for that reason is the RECORD this evening, I just again Catholic Church in Russia ‘‘is just trying to now frequently viewed with derision by post- want to thank the gentleman so very function normally and provide for its minor- revival practising believers. For most Ortho- much for the gentleman’s international ity here. We are not posing any competition dox, ecumenical dialogue with Catholics (and leadership in bringing this all together at all.’’ With 60 per cent of the Russian popu- others) is impossible for a simple reason— and doing what is historically correct lation claiming to be Orthodox, and the they are heretics. To Russian Orthodox, how- and imperative for peace in this new Catholic Church bending over backwards to ever, this does not necessarily conjure up millennium. keep to its own while simultaneously sup- emotive images of burnings at the stake: one porting the Orthodox through foundations parishioner matter-of-factly explained to me Mr. Speaker, I also include for the such as Aid to the Church in Need, it is in- that the word ‘‘heresy’’ merely derives from RECORD an article that relates to Rus- tended difficult to see why the Catholic mi- the Greek for ‘‘opinion’’; that is, anything sia and some of the difficulties that nority of approximately 500,000 is subject to deviating from Orthodox tradition is the church-related organizations are hav- so much hostility. product of the mistaken human notion that ing in accessing properties. Orthodox fears of competition appear more this tradition could be improved upon. The article referred to is as follows: realistic, however, when one takes into ac- In one Moscow parish I recently heard a count the fact that so few Russians are truly sermon in which the priest likened Ortho- ICE CURTAIN IN THE EAST touched by Orthodoxy. Where they have a doxy to the calculation 2×2=4. At some stage, (By Geraldine Fagan) presence, Catholics might constitute 1 per he said, Catholics (and others) decided that On 7 January, Russia’s Orthodox Church cent of the population, with practising Or- in fact it would be more accurate to say celebrated the two-thousandth anniversary thodox making up another 3 per cent. In ad- 2×2=4.000025. ‘‘You can build a chair with

VerDate 23-FEB-2001 02:01 Mar 01, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A28FE7.042 pfrm01 PsN: H28PT1 H492 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 28, 2001 those people using their calculations and it standing of that region of the world. I foreign leaders. I thank the gentleman will turn out all right’’, he explained to the think there is no better way, if we are for his great leadership, and for what I congregation, ‘‘but if you both build space- going to develop a lasting peace, than know is going to be a very effective ships and set your course on a far-off planet, for people to talk to people and get to role in this Congress during his long their spaceship will end up somewhere else’’. The Catholic concept promoted by Pope know and understand each other. tenure here. John Paul II of a Europe breathing with two But as I observed from just a polit- Mr. Speaker, there it is, a summary lungs, East and West, is not theologically ical standpoint, it was so encouraging of our trip. We are proud of what we possible for Orthodox in Russia. No amount to me to see that Russia is moving in did. We have no apologies to make: 41 of sensitive diplomacy and donations of the right direction. They have opened meetings in five days in three different floating churches from Catholics will change their society. There is freedom of reli- States, a number of cities, visits with that. gion, freedom of assembly, freedom of the people on collective farms, in hos- There are signs, however, that the Vatican the press. They are establishing a rule pitals, going out and having dinner might be becoming wise to all this. The pas- sivity towards Orthodox criticism through- of law. with ordinary people and future and out the past decade in Russia, culminating But I think it was particularly im- emerging leaders, all of it designed to in intense diplomatic efforts to bring the portant for us to be there at that time, build better relations between America Pope here in the symbolic year of 2000, has because as crises occur, there is always and the emerging former Soviet states. brought few returns. In the light of this, it is that chance that we can move forward I want to close, Mr. Speaker, with a of some significance that the recently-re- and become more open, or move back- brief outline of a meeting that I had turned and restored Church of the Immacu- wards and become oppressive and re- with General Kavshnin. General late Conception in Moscow is now openly re- gressive. Kavshnin is the equivalent to our Gen- ferred to as a cathedral. Of much greater im- I was encouraged to see things mov- eral Shelton. The meeting was sup- port is the planned papal visit to predomi- nantly Orthodox Ukraine, set up without the ing in the right direction from a polit- posed to last for 30 minutes. He had all agreement of the leader of the only offi- ical standpoint. The rule of law seems of his generals lined up there together cially-recognised Orthodox Church in that to be taking place. Property rights are across the table. We sat there for over country—the one that gives allegiance to the being established. We were instru- 2 hours, a very animated discussion Moscow Patriarchate. It looks as if Catholic- mental in trying to encourage the use about where Russia is, the strength of Russian Orthodox relations might be about of mortgages as people borrow money the Russian military, the recent mili- to become stormier, if also more open. to try to own their own property. tary exercise they were involved in, Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. From an economic standpoint, I was and what his vision of an American- Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman particularly pleased to see that last Russian relationship will be in the fu- from Ohio. We all have a very valued year their economy grew about 7 per- ture. possession in this Congress with the cent, investment was up 15 to 17 per- I will be candid, it was not the most gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR), cent, so that is all encouraging. I think warm discussion of our trip, but it was who is an outstanding leader, com- that has a lot to do with the political a candid discussion of Russia’s con- mands respect wherever she goes, and stability that is coming into play. cerns. We reassured him that America always presents a nonpartisan view in But as the gentleman and I know, is not trying to drive Russia into the terms of improving relations. how important that economic engine corner. To the contrary, we do not The gentlewoman’s leadership as a becomes. I was astounded to learn that want Russia aligned more closely with senior member of the Committee on while the economy is growing, it is rel- China against us. We challenged Gen- Appropriations, a specialist on agri- atively small by world standards, in eral Kavshnin, based on discussions I culture issues, on economic develop- the neighborhood of $30 billion, when had before going on the trip with Sec- ment and empowerment issues, is that is half of what the State of Flor- retary of Defense Don Rumsfeld, who I known throughout the world, espe- ida is. So they have a long way to go, have the highest respect for, and the cially in Ukraine and now in Russia. but they are moving in the right direc- general in charge of our missile defense We appreciate that. tion. organization, General Kadish, who I I look forward to working with the Finally, as we visited, it was encour- have equal praise for. gentlewoman and our good friend, the aging to me to see from a security Their challenge from me to the Rus- gentleman from Colorado (Mr. SCHAF- standpoint that they are taking steps sians was: We are waiting for your re- FER), in helping Ukraine become a key in the right direction: reducing their sponse, Russia, to work together. That ally of the U.S. over the next several military, dealing with us in ways to was the message we carried throughout years. solve their biological and chemical our trip: We are waiting for you, Rus- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman weapons problem. I guess the jury is sia, to come back and tell us how we from Florida (Mr. CRENSHAW), our still out on that. can work together on defending our freshman member of the delegation, an But the message we took is when we people, the European people, and the outstanding Member. He was involved, talk about national missile defense, we Russian people from the threat of engaged, and he played a very vital want to work together; they are no rogue states, states that do not abide role. We look to him to provide that longer our enemy, that the Cold War is by the norms. freshman leadership in showing other over. Yet, it is still not a safe place to In that meeting with General colleagues of ours that are new to Con- live. There are rogue nations, there is Kavshnin, we opened the door for fur- gress that they can play a very con- nuclear proliferation. I hope they will ther dialogue. structive role in helping to make the continue the dialogue with us that we Finally, Mr. Speaker, we were dis- world a safer place. began so we can work together for a appointed with one aspect of the trip: Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I long and lasting peace. We did not get to meet President thank the gentleman from Pennsyl- Again, I say to the gentleman from Putin. We had had a commitment be- vania for the privilege to travel with Pennsylvania (Mr. WELDON), I want to fore we left that we would meet with him. As a freshman, as the gentleman thank him as a freshman here for that him. We were told when we arrived points out, it was remarkable to me to incredible opportunity to begin to un- that, because of the bombing of Iraq, know and understand first-hand some derstand and now to work as a member he would not meet with us. It was dis- of the problems in that region, and as of the Committee on Armed Services to appointing, because I had been on Air a new member of the Committee on try to make this a safer place for ev- Force One the previous Tuesday, I had Armed Services, I think it is going to eryone. told President Bush of our trip to Rus- be even more valuable. Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. sia, and he said to me, Congressman, I would just like to make a couple of Speaker, I thank our colleague. The make sure you tell President Putin and observations that really hit home to people of Florida have sent us a great the Russians that we want to be their me, particularly in Russia. It was a one. He is going to be a star in this friends. We have no quarrel with the grueling trip, with 40 meetings in six body. We can already see it in the way Russians. We want to work together. cities and 23 meetings in Moscow, but I he handled himself and the way he con- That was the message, Mr. Speaker, came away with such a unique under- ducted himself in meeting with these that I wanted to deliver to Mr. Putin

VerDate 23-FEB-2001 02:01 Mar 01, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A28FE7.069 pfrm01 PsN: H28PT1 February 28, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H493 personally with our delegation. We I urge our colleagues to join us in the activities of President Bush, Fa- were not able to do that. Otherwise, this effort in backing H.R. 775. ther Bush. Father Bush had launched the trip was a resounding success. I f the governors campaign to improve thank my colleagues for participating. education. There was a huge governors b 1600 f conference and the governors came to- gether, and they set forth goals to be INTRODUCTION OF H.R. 775, THE REFORM EDUCATION IN AMERICA achieved. VOTING IMPROVEMENT ACT OF The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under There was a step-by-step progression 2001 the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- forward, which President Clinton as a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a uary 3, 2001, the gentleman from New governor, Governor Clinton of Arkan- previous order of the House, the gen- York (Mr. OWENS) is recognized for 60 sas, had been involved in, and Presi- tleman from California (Mr. HORN) is minutes. dent Clinton did build on what Presi- recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, in the dent Bush had started. President Clin- Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased President’s address last night he re- ton also added some dollars to the mas- to join today with our colleague, the affirmed the fact that education is one ter plan. gentleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER), of his top priorities. It appears from I think, relatively speaking, if you and others in introducing the Voting the speech that the President made compare the record of President Clin- Improvement Act of 2001, H.R. 775, as that the only priority which ranks ton on education to the record of his we will call it. above education is the tax cut that is predecessor, Father Bush, to the record The past election produced a great being proposed. of Ronald Reagan, President Clinton deal of confusion, turmoil, and uncer- I salute the President for his selec- had a very outstanding record in terms tainty. Although there were a number tion and for his devotion and dedica- of resources committed as well as the of factors in producing that confusion, tion to education as the number one necessary job owning. one major factor in Florida and other priority. I think it is very important But even the Clinton administration States was the continuing use of out- that he has taken note of the fact that did not dare, for whatever reason, dated and even antiquated punch card this has been the priority of the Amer- which I do not care to go into today, voting systems. ican people for the last 4 years or 5 set forth a bold blueprint and the re- The bill we are introducing today years. sources to match it, which would deal tackles this problem immediately and Education has ranked as either the with the problem in a constructive directly by establishing a grant pro- number one priority or somewhere in way. Why? Why is it? Repeatedly there gram for the States to replace all the top two or three priorities for the is a sense within America that ordi- punch card systems before the next last 5 years. So the President is ac- nary people, the public opinion polls Federal election in 2002. In short, this knowledging the fact that in a democ- keep showing that there is a gut reac- bill provides a practical solution for racy, the directions really come from tion, a gut feeling that nothing is more solving some of the more troublesome the bottom. important than education. There is a voting equipment problems. He is not alone. The previous Presi- feeling that we are not doing enough to As the gentleman from Maryland dent chose to call himself the Edu- improve education in America. (Mr. HOYER) has noted in introducing cation President, President Clinton. At Why is that? The gut reaction and the bill, punch card systems have the one point he said he wanted to be the the common sense feeling does not highest rate of error among all voting Education President. And he and the translate into really bold action. We methods. One study by the Massachu- younger Mr. Bush are not the only have had bold action within the last 5 setts Institute of Technology and the ones. years. We have had bold action in California Institute of Technology re- Father Bush, I think, first coined the terms of a transportation plan. cently estimated that the nationwide phrase Education President. The father One of the boldest initiatives taken error rate for punch cards is 21⁄2 per- of the present President said he wanted in the domestic front was the bill cent, and in a national election that to be the Education President. which authorized $218 billion over a pe- would mean that nearly 1 million votes Before that, Ronald Reagan launched riod of 6 years for transportation are thrown out and never counted due the movement to reform education in projects, road building, bridges, et to mistakes caused by punch card sys- America with a report called A Nation cetera, et cetera. So we did some big tems. Clearly, we need to make re- At Risk, A Nation At Risk. We are now spending on a domestic issue. placements of these antiquated sys- in our fourth President who has chosen We have been spending large amounts tems a very high priority. to make education a number one pri- of money, of course, on defense. And In addition to immediate equipment ority. We should be making some tre- continually under all of these Presi- replacement, this bill establishes an mendous progress in terms of the im- dents, the defense budget has done very ongoing grant program to assure that provement of education in our Nation. well. But in the domestic arena, we new voting systems are developed and I regretfully report, however, that moved in a very bold way to fund a deployed so that voters have up-to-date this is not the case. Despite the fact transportation act which provided $218 systems in the future. that lip service has been paid to the re- billion over a 6-year period. That is the The bill also assures that voter edu- form of education in America by the kind of action that I always dreamed cation and training of poll workers are last four Presidents, the progress has of, and I think it was necessary. given increased attention and support, been fairly slow. The flaw is in the lack I maintain it still is necessary if we and H.R. 775 establishes a permanent of resources. are really going to come to grips with bipartisan commission to act as a na- When A Nation At Risk was issued as what has to happen in the area of edu- tionwide resource for information a report by President Ronald Reagan, cation. gathering and studying the best prac- President Reagan offered no program Education suffers from a lack of re- tices for ballot design and other basic with any dollars. He offered strictly sources, and that is the primary prob- election needs. jawboning, lectures about how impor- lem. We cannot escape that. No Mr. Speaker, the Voting Improve- tant it was to improve education. amount of jawboning and no amount of ment Act is one of several proposals President George Bush, following theorizing, no amount of testing will being introduced for overhauling our President Reagan, did offer a program, escape the fact that there is a definite election laws and making certain that but it was a very sparse program in lack of resources. we never repeat the chaos of the past terms of dollars. There were a lot of Let me just set the stage and estab- election. All of these demand careful words and a lot of lectures again, but lish some parameters which are both review and the development of a bipar- very little was offered in terms of re- local and national. At the local level, tisan consensus for sound reform. This sources. in New York City, we have just re- bill sets clear priorities and offers President Clinton offered a dramatic ceived the results of a 7-year court practical solutions that must be part of blueprint for the reform of education. case. A ruling has been made after a 7- any final reform plan. President Clinton did build on some of year trial by a Supreme Court judge

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