February 27, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE 2137 rights movement, who inspired ordi- cases against discrimination, would be the holiday recess, December 22 to De- nary African Americans to demand pleased to see my colleague from Illi- cember 31, 2005. The trip included stops equal rights as American citizens. nois—the son of a Kenyan father and in Brussels, Belgium; Tallinn, Estonia; Their recent deaths remind us, during Kansan mother—serving in the U.S. Amman, Jordan; Baghdad, Iraq; Tel this month in particular, to take the Senate. I think he would have smiled Aviv, Israel and Frankfurt, Germany. time to reflect on the vital heritage in sad approval as he saw Rosa Parks This trip enabled me to learn about and important contributions of African lay in honor in the rotunda of the U.S. the important transformations coun- Americans. Capitol—one of the highest honors we tries in Eastern and Western Europe This year also marks what would can accord a person and one she so are making as we enter the 20th cen- have been Dr. Martin Luther King, rightly deserved. I think Mr. Houston tury and away from the Cold War era. Jr.’s 77th birthday, and it is important would be pleased that at least one of Additionally, my travels through the that we continue to honor the values of the murderers of James Chaney, Mi- Mideast provided me tremendous in- faith, compassion, courage, truth, and chael Schwerner, and Andrew Goodman sight into the evolving political struc- justice that guided his dream for Amer- has finally been convicted of that hor- ture of the region as well as the United ica. We have made great progress, espe- rible deed. Dr. King would also approve States’ progress on the war on terror. cially in the area of racial justice, but of the fact that the U.S. Senate finally, Prior to my departure many inter- we still haven’t reached the Promised finally last year, condemned lynching. esting and significant events occurred Land. If he were alive today, what I think another civil rights leader, which helped shape the focus of my would Dr. King, leader of the civil John Jones, the first African American travels including: the eventual exten- rights movement and the Poor People’s to hold elective office in Illinois, would sion of the PATRIOT Act, the success- Campaign, say about the fact that one also approve of the fact that 81 percent ful elections in Iraq, the New York in five American children are living in of African Americans aged 25 and older Times disclosure of domestic eaves- poverty today? What would he say had at least a high school diploma, an dropping and the tight fiscal budget about the fact that here, in the increase from less than 1 in 5 in the constraints placed on the Fiscal Year wealthiest Nation on Earth, 45 million 1950s. Today, African Americans own 2006 appropriations process. The broad- people have no health insurance and 1.2 million businesses that generate er implications of these events were millions more are underinsured? $69.8 billion or about $735,586 per firm. issues which I frequently encountered What would Asa Philip Randolph, the Mr. Jones would also be proud to hear in my travels. labor leader who organized the Pull- that 60 percent of African Americans man car porters and fought against dis- age 18 and older voted in the 2004 Presi- The first full day of my trip, Decem- crimination and segregation in the dential election, which equaled 14 mil- ber 23, 2005, began in Brussels, Belgium Armed Forces, say about the growing lion voters. where I met with a number of members income inequality in America and the Yes, African Americans have made of two of the three U.S. Missions in fact that corporate profits have in- great achievements, but Dr. King Belgium: the U.S. Mission to the Euro- creased 50 percent in the last 5 years— would also remind us that we have fur- pean Union, and officials from the U.S. but low wage workers haven’t had a ther to go. One example is Georgia’s Embassy in Belgium. The briefing was raise in 7 years because the Congress of new voter-identification law, which provided by: Will Imbrie, DCM; Ted An- the United States refuses to raise the was approved over the objections of drews, POL; Mike McKinley, Deputy minimum wage? A parent who works 40 noncareer lawyers at the Department Head of the U.S. Mission to the E.U.; hours a week, 52 weeks a year for min- of Justice who warned that the plan Lee Litzenberger, Political Minister imum wage today doesn’t even earn would unfairly disenfranchise minority Counselor—U.S. Mission to the E.U.; enough to lift herself and her child out voters. Therefore, in the spirit of Dr. and Dale Bendler, Special Adviser to of poverty. Would Asa Randolph call King’s message of equality and racial the Ambassador. The discussions fo- that progress? Would he call that jus- justice, we need to reauthorize and cused on a number of issues including tice? strengthen the Voting Rights Act— the war on terror, war crimes, NATO What would Fannie Lou Hamer, a with all of its sections—this year. and perceptions of President Bush by civil rights activist who fought for low- Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, those Belgians. Ambassador Korologus’s staff income housing, school desegregation, in the civil rights movement worked to briefed me on his efforts to build a and daycare, have said if she had seen secure basic civil rights and voting strong transatlantic relationship be- the pictures of people stranded on roof- rights in statute. The cost for those in tween the United States, the European tops in New Orleans and left homeless the movement was high: church burn- Union, Belgium and NATO. I found it by Katrina in Biloxi, Pearl River, and ings, bombings, shootings, and beat- interesting that Belgium is the 14th so many other communities through- ings. I walked in those same footsteps largest trade partner of the United out the gulf coast? I suspect she would during my recent pilgrimage with U.S. States and that the country is making ask the same questions we all asked: Representative John Lewis to Selma a substantial contribution to the war How could this happen in America? In and Montgomery, AL. It is important on terror financially. I support Ambas- 2005? that we recognize the contributions of sador Korologus’s efforts and look for- This year, America lost Rosa Parks, these extraordinary people because the ward to working with him and his staff the mother of the civil rights move- legacy they left behind is an expression in the future. ment. Many others of those who of important American values—equal- Mike McKinley informed me that marched and worked with her have ity, nondiscrimination, fairness, and Belgians are unhappy with the war in passed on as well. How do those of us ensuring the full participation of ev- Iraq and that they see a difference with who believe in their dream keep it eryone in our society. Therefore, I cele- the war waged in Afghanistan. It is alive? We keep it alive by continuing brate this month with pride and reflec- perceived that the United Nations sup- the fight begun by them and by remem- tion, knowing that although we have port of the war in Afghanistan, as op- bering and acting on what Dr. King come a long way, we still have a great posed to Iraq, is the reason the country said: America has no second- or third- distance to go in order to fulfill our has sent troops to Afghanistan as well class citizens. We should all have an Nation’s ideals of equality and equal as the horrendous acts of terrorism on equal voice, and an equal chance to opportunity. 9/11. Mr. McKinley also informed me succeed. f that the European countries, through Yes, we have made progress in some the EU, will make significant contribu- areas. I think Charles Hamilton Hous- REPORT ON FOREIGN TRAVEL tions to the rebuilding of Afghani- ton, civil rights attorney who as a fac- Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I have stan—5 billion euros over a 5-year pe- ulty member at Howard University pre- sought recognition to report on a trip I riod. Mr. Imbrie stated that the percep- pared Thurgood Marshall to argue made to Europe and the Mideast during tion of President Bush in Belgium has

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:06 Mar 13, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR27FE06.DAT BR27FE06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE 2138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE February 27, 2006 improved not as a result of his most re- Estonian government is seeking an ag- expressed the view that the inter- cent speeches, but because of the clear gressive strategy to reverse this de- national community as a whole needs success of elections in Iraq. cline. Specifically, the government is develop a plan to address the issue. Mr. McKinley also briefed me on the offering parents 15 months of paid ma- I brought up the recent Judiciary strong relationship the European ternity leave—a rate not to exceed Hearing I held to examine Saudi Ara- Union has with the North Atlantic three times the national average sal- bia’s promotion of radical Islam. The Treaty Organization, with 19 members ary. Additionally, the employer is re- King said that the difference comes of the E.U. also a part of the 25 nations quired to hold the mother’s position down to ideology and the he is trying in NATO. Mr. Imbrie discussed the open for up to three years. This aggres- to stamp out fear. The Saudi govern- transformation which is being at- sive strategy is expected to result in ment is not addressing the issue of ide- tempted with NATO, forcing its mem- nearly 300 more births from last year’s ology, and an interpretation of the ber countries to acknowledge that a total. Koran, that promotes the use violence. While in Estonia, I was fortunate to threat within the NATO states is less It was encouraging to learn, though, examine the country’s rich cultural likely than the threat of terrorism that the Saudi government is begin- heritage. On December 25, 2005, I was which exists from outside. The trans- ning to base its educational model on provided a guided walking tour of formation also asks countries to be that of Jordan’s. He stated another Tallinn by a local guide, Stanislav postured in such a way that deploy- way to promote reform is to hold the ment of support is quick and efficient. Lomunov. This nearly 2-hour tour in- cluded a stop in the Alexander Nevsky Saudis to task and require trans- Mr. McKinley stated his strong belief parency in their actions. that NATO is producing positive re- Russian Orthodox Church. Following the tour, I met with Rabbi E. Shmuel Immediately following my meeting sults and is essential as a vehicle avail- with the King, I proceeded to the office able to deploy resources throughout Kot, the Chief Rabbi of Estonia, and participated in the Jewish commu- of Jordan’s Prime Minister Maruf al- the region and the world. BAKHIT, who served in Jordanian A particular issue discussed relevant nities lighting of the first Chanukah Army for 35 years and is former Jor- to my work on the Judiciary Com- candle. This ceremony was followed by danian National Security Advisor. We mittee is that of a law recently a tour of the local Jewish Community began our discussion with the topic of changed in Belgium which enabled the Center and site of a new temple already Iraq. The Prime Minister believes that prosecution of war crimes committed under construction. I later spent the it would be disastrous for Iraq if the anywhere in the world, at any time. evening with the Rabbi and his family, U.S. were to pull out. He is hopeful The law has been reformed now to including four beautiful children, for a that soon the Iraqi forces will be able state that the person bringing the candle lighting ceremony at his home to defend themselves. The elections charge must be the offended individual accompanied with potato latkes made went well in his opinion and hopefully and reside in Belgium. He cited two re- by his wife. One of the most interesting aspects this is a positive sign that the process cent examples of the law’s successful of Estonia is its economy. Mr. Gold- is moving forward. implementation. stein explained to me that the econ- Of particular interest to me were Mr. We discussed Jordan’s judicial sys- omy is very focused on the high-tech Bendler’s descriptions of the exchange tem. He explained to me that the coun- sector and is one of the original pro- of information between Belgian offi- try’s judicial system has moved away ducers of software allowing consumers cials and the U.S. He cited a recent from military courts to a civil court to make phone calls over the internet, case where a Belgian citizen suspected system with one mixed civil/military Kazza and internet gambling. The of being a potential terrorist was court. The system is not a jury system country has a tremendous tourism in- tracked and later lost, only to be found but a inquisitorial system where the dustry with nearly 3,000 hotel rooms to again in Iraq. The individual’s inten- judge may call any consultant he/she be built by 2007. Additionally, the desires. Judges go through a 2-year tion was to be a suicide bomber and to country serves as an exit port for much harm U.S. forces. With the help of the training program before they are se- of Russia’s oil. What I found most in- lected to preside over a court. Cur- information provided by Belgians, U.S. teresting is the country’s implementa- forces were able to prevent any loss of rently, the country is continuing a tion of a 22 percent flat tax since 1996. plan to upgrade the courts and expedite life to U.S. troops. I believe this type of I departed from Estonia for Jordan cooperation between nations is an im- its cases. The Prime Minister believes on December 26, 2005, arriving nearly 1 that good progress has been made in portant step forward in the war on ter- hour late due to snow in Estonia. I was ror. the last 2–3 years of this plan which in- met at the airport by U.S. Ambassador cludes new technology. On December 24, 2005, I headed to David Hale and immediately proceeded Tallinn, Estonia, my first trip to the to a meeting with King Abdullah at his The following morning, Tuesday, De- Baltic country. I was met by Jeff Gold- private residence. Ambassador Hale de- cember 27, I flew into Iraq. After a 2- stein, the Deputy Chief of the Mission, scribed Jordan’s reaction to the recent hour flight on a C–130 and a 10 minute and was briefed on the country’s his- bombings of hotels in the country, flight on a helicopter, including 35 tory and its future. Estonia is a small stating the Nation had never been pounds of body armor and a helmet, I country of approximately 1.4 million more unified and that the terrorist at- arrived in Baghdad. I immediately pro- people, with nearly 400,000 individuals tacks caused the country to review its ceeded to a meeting with MG Tim living in Tallinn. Tallinn is a beautiful security measures and civil liberties. Donovan, chief of staff, Multinational city with much to offer both culturally The increased security was visible with Force-Iraq. General Donovan explained and economically. Mr. Goldstein ad- armed guards and roadblocks at hotels that U.S. forces in Iraq had signifi- dressed a number of significant issues throughout the city. cantly hindered al-Qaida and other in- including the country’s declining birth- During my meeting with King surgents ability to operate in Iraq. Ad- rate, its high tech economy, its AIDS Abdullah, the focus of our discussions ditionally, he described the hope that epidemic, and the ability of its resi- was on the future of Iraq and ter- in 2006 the United States will serve a dents to receive free schooling in Euro- rorism. The King expressed to me the more supporting role than it currently pean Union countries. need for the Iraqi government to be does. I asked him what the U.S.’s role The issue of a declining birthrate in moderate and not extremist. He be- will be as the Iraqi security force con- Estonia is one of tremendous impor- lieves a moderate government will pro- tinues to increase. General Donovan tance. With a country of only 1.4 mil- vide the Iraqi people something to explained to me that the U.S. should lion people, the decline is being felt build upon and help provide a stable serve a reduced role as Iraqi security and the country is forced with the country. forces increase and that they are cur- prospect of having to close some of its Regarding Iran’s progress towards ac- rently working on more U.S. reduc- schools. To address this problem the quiring nuclear capabilities, the King tions.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:06 Mar 13, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR27FE06.DAT BR27FE06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 27, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE 2139 The general assesses the future of cial procedures. He explained to me which prevents corruption. The con- Iraq’s democracy as developing and ex- that the court would decide Saddam’s sensus view seems to be that success of pressed his view that Iraqis need to fate and that more testimony needed an Iraqi nation depends on the strength move beyond cultural divides. He em- to be heard. of the Iraqis themselves. phasized that the country needs to de- The chief prosecutor explained to me The flight out of Iraq was identical velop a middle class to make democ- his work on the case, stating the pros- to the flight in with the significant ex- racy succeed. ecution of Saddam will be long and de- ception that the C–130 taking me back I inquired about the status of Iraq’s tailed. He believes that documents and to Amman was once stationed at Wil- oil industry. He explained that the in- evidence provided to the court and the low Grove Air Base and was named the dustry is old and so is its infrastruc- judges should be given to the public for Spirit of Philadelphia. ture. Currently, they are able to export all to see. I arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel on De- 3 million barrels a day. But in order for I proceeded from the courthouse back cember 28, 2005. My first meeting was them to expand upon their capacity to the U.S. Headquarters for a meeting with Peter Vrollman, Gene Cretz, Wil- there will need to be an investment in with LTG Martin Dempsey, Com- liam Weinstein, Peter Hussee, Jim Bea- technology and infrastructure. mander, Multinational Security Train- ver, and William Clark of the U.S. Em- Following my meeting with General ing Corps—Iraq. Much of what we dis- bassy. The discussion began with an Donovan, I proceeded to have lunch cussed was of a classified matter, how- analysis of the state of play in Israeli with Brenda Zollinger, a Horsham, PA ever I can share information about the politics. It is expected that Sharon, native. She described to me her work goals of the Multinational Security whose health does not seem to be a in the Army over the last 8 years. What Training Corps. First, they are work- major concern, will win the March I took away most from our conversa- ing to build and sustain the Ministries elections and work in some form of co- tion is her belief that the military is of Interior and Defense’s institutional alition government with the Labor doing a good job taking care of our capabilities. Additionally, they are party. With respect to Hamas, it is troops. working to generate capable forces and thought there is a possibility that it After lunch I met with officials in- develop those forces in a professional could win nearly 3 percent or even out- volved in the Department of Justice’s manner. Finally, they are working on right in the Palestinian elections cre- Regime Crime Liaison’s Office, RCLO; the transition and transformation of ating complicated policy questions for Mr. Kevin Dooley, CAPT Stephen multinational units to Iraqi security Israel. Hamas is described as a sophis- Burris, USN, and Mr. Eric Blinderman. forces. ticated, strategic and organized while The RCLO was created by a National Lieutenant General Dempsey Fattah is in some disarray nor do they Security Presidential Directive in 2004, stressed to me the need for Iraqis to have the resources necessary to get and serves to assist the Iraqi High Tri- demonstrate strong leadership because votes on certain demographics. One of bunal and to provide security and sup- it is that leadership that will be the the reasons that Hamas is doing so well port for the Tribunal. In the briefing I key enabler to develop the security in these elections is their municipality learned that the judicial system is an ministries. Currently, there are 223,000 leaders are well respected members of inquisitorial system based on a five- Iraqis in their security services, 75,000 the community and have done good judge panel which needs a simple ma- of which serve as police officers in Iraq. work for those communities. If Hamas jority to adjudicate. Additionally, the The U.S. is currently assisting Iraq in does win and Israel is forced to deal court has no burden of proof beyond a producing 3,500 qualified police officers with them there are actions that can reasonable doubt. a month. As of March 14, 2005, 3 out of hinder Hamas economically such as I expressed the view that Saddam has the 45 Iraqi battalions were leading the revenue collected by Israel at the cus- committed so many atrocities that the efforts to secure their nation. Pres- toms boarder which is provided to the trial should be very simple if the evi- ently, there are 45 of the 100 Iraqi bat- Palestinian Authority. dence was put forward in an organized talions leading the efforts to secure It appears that the economy is im- and methodical way. This can not be their nation. This is a tremendous in- proving in Israel and this may be a re- done with Saddam controlling the crease in only a 9-month period. sult of the decline in terrorist events. microphone to make speeches. I think Lieutenant General Dempsey echoed I met with Ehud Barak later that it is a shame that the trial could not the remarks of Major General Donovan afternoon; I was honored to see a copy have been held sooner. in stating the Iraqis must achieve gov- of my book, ‘‘Passion for Truth’’ on his Mr. Dooley and Captain Burris ac- ernment unity by setting aside their bookshelf. Barak told me that Ariel companied me to the courthouse and cultural differences and uniting as a Sharon has changed the political map provided me a tour of both Saddam’s country. of Israel in a positive way for Israelis cell and the courtroom. I also viewed Before leaving Iraq, I met with the and his decisions are slowly moving the security control room where all ac- following U.S. Embassy Officials; Israel in the right direction. Barak de- tions of the courthouse are monitored. David Litt, Major General Harris, scribed the political landscape in Israel Following the tour, I proceeded to James Yellin, RADMR Scott Van like musical chairs, you can defeat meet with members of Saddam’s trial Buskirk, Tom Delare, John Smith, Mi- people but everyone is still around, including: the Presiding Judge Rizgar, chael Oreste, Don Allegro, Don Brady, they do not go away. Barak asked me the Chief Prosecutor Jafaar and the Minnie Wright, Captain Stephen about the situation in the United Chief Investigating Judge Ra-id. Burris, Kevin Dooley, Liz Colton and States, particularly about NSA’s wire- I asked Presiding Judge Rizgar how Eric Blinderman to discuss Iraq’s fu- tapping. I explained to him that the Saddam could be controlled. He gave ture and how the Embassy was helping Judiciary Committee plans to hold me the answer that a doctor deals with to create a more stable society. It was hearings on the issue. He also asked me the patient, not the individual illness. stated that the odds are good for about the visit to Iraq the day before He elaborated by stating that it is the achieving a collective party in the Iraq and my outlook for the country. I ex- job of every judge to respect all parties elections. I was informed that there are plained to him that there are a number in a case. Additionally, he voiced his many criminal cases waiting for inves- of highly qualified men and women opinion that Iraq is on the doorstep of tigation and prosecution in the judicial working there and that I am hopeful a new life and a careful image of its ju- system. However, the detention facili- 2006 will be a year the Iraqi’s take on dicial system must be projected. With ties are not adequate and the police do more responsibility . respect, I stated my concern to the not have enough room for the crimi- Continuing our discussion on Iraq, Presiding Judge that Saddam is a vi- nals. On the economic front, the U.S. is Barak conveyed to me his opinion that cious, evil man and that is not coming working to set the stage for the Inter- the United States should stay the out in the trial. The Judge explained national Monetary Fund agreement course in Iraq, and not to would cause that he is following Iraqi law and judi- and is working to create a system devastating consequences not only for

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:06 Mar 13, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR27FE06.DAT BR27FE06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE 2140 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE February 27, 2006 Iraq, but also for the Middle East and tor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, community for his discipline, tough- the World. He did state the view that where he served faithfully and honor- ness, tremendous dedication, and many the President must continue to project ably for 56 years. Dr. Bachman quickly accomplishments, most notably in the a positive image because a com- became a pillar of the Charleston com- 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games. During promised image can create problems munity. He baptized hundreds of locals his career, Eric broke the American itself. Additionally, the U.S. must into membership at St. John’s during 400-meter Individual medley, IM, focus on training Iraq security services his tenure and is even known to have record four times. Eric, affectionately and reducing the visibility of its own educated slaves as well as freemen of known by many as ‘‘Snik,’’ was re- units. African descent. He helped found and membered by his family, friends and Immediately following my meeting served twice as president of the South the community in a celebration of his with Barak I proceeded to meet with Carolina Lutheran Synod from 1824 to life at Canham Natatorium at the Uni- Shimon Peres. Accompanying Peres 1833 and again from 1839 to 1840. As versity of Michigan on January 17. was his friend Rishon Lezion Mayor Synod president, Dr. Bachman took ac- Eric was born in Butler, PA, on Au- Meir Nitzan, who was there to describe tion that led to establishment in 1831 gust 7, 1970, and enrolled at the Univer- the ever changing dynamic of Israeli of a school to train Lutheran min- sity of Michigan in 1988. As a Wol- politics. isters, now known as the Lutheran verine, Snik helped lead the men’s I asked Peres about the new party Theological Southern Seminary of Co- swim team to four straight Big Ten Kadima and he explained to me that lumbia, SC. Championships and enjoyed the dis- tinction of finishing in the top six na- the new party would be the largest A seminal and active member of the tionally during all 4 of his years at party and would control the govern- ‘‘Circle of Naturalists,’’ Dr. Bachman Michigan. In 1991 and 1993, Eric earned ment. He went on to describe Israel’s had a keen interest in the natural his- the No. 1 world ranking in the 400- changing political dynamic by the de- tory of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. meter IM. Eric won silver in the 400- mise of the right wing, an extremist He is known to have discovered or de- meter IM in the 1992 Olympics in Bar- wing. Additionally, he described the scribed many birds and mammals pre- celona and in the 1996 Olympics in At- Labor party’s belief that the economy viously unknown to science and fre- lanta. Eric also won two silver medals quently published letters and short ar- is writing policy. But to him, a modern at the 1991 world championships and a ticles about his natural history obser- economy needs to be open to social bronze medal at the 1994 world cham- vations in local and regional publica- change and not be driven by economic pionships. factors. tions including the South Carolina To give you a sense of Eric as a per- We went on to discuss the Pales- Medical Journal. son, Chuck Wielgus, executive director tinian Authority and he said if Hamas In December 1856, Dr. Bachman of USA Swimming, offered these words. were to win it would be a wasted vic- helped found Newberry College as a Lu- ‘‘The loss of Eric Namesnik is shocking tory because Hamas is a religious based theran-based liberal arts institution for the entire swimming community. group and therefore there is no room to north of Columbia at Newberry. Dr. Snik represented everything great compromise. Bachman served as first president of about the Olympic movement. His Peres also believes President Bush’s the Newberry College Board of Trust- work ethic, toughness and dedication decision to go to war in Iraq was the ees beginning in January 1857. During were the embodiment of an Olympian, right thing to do and that the Presi- his tenure, he took many actions to as- and they made him one of the most ad- dent was the victim of an intelligence sure the high quality of secular and re- mired competitors the sport of swim- mistake. This marks the third leader ligious education that has existed for ming has seen.’’ His long-time coach at to support President Bush’s decision to 150 years. Michigan, Jon Urbanchek, said of Eric, seek a regime change in Iraq. He added Dr. Bachman was a true academic, ‘‘What he did for Michigan is immeas- that Saddam accepted the U.N. resolu- devoted to his church and to God, to urable. It’s not just how fast he swam, tions following the first Gulf War but science and natural history, to his but the good person he was, the char- chose to ignore them. community and country, and to secular acter. He had his life in perspective and Before the meeting ended I asked and religious education. He died at the knew that his family was at the center Peres if he was really smiling the in age of 84 in February 1874, but Dr. of his life. Eric was an unbelievable picture where he is shaking hands with Bachman’s legacy is alive and well at human being.’’ Yasser Arafat. He recalled the moment Newberry College. On April 20, 2006, the After Eric’s competitive swimming and stated that without Arafat there Newberry Alumni Association will career ended, he accepted a position as would have been no agreement but begin the school’s Sesquicentennial an assistant swim coach at the Univer- with Arafat the agreement would never Celebration with a major 4-day sympo- sity of Michigan. From 1997 to 2004, he be fulfilled. sium entitled ‘‘Nature, God, and Social helped coach 11 Olympians, and the After an overnight rest stop in Reform in the Old South: The Life and Wolverines won three Big Ten titles. Frankfurt, Germany, we returned to Work of the Rev. John Bachman.’’ After coaching at Michigan for 7 years, the United States. It is with great respect that I com- Eric became the head coach of the Wol- f memorate the life’s work of Dr. John verine Aquatics Swim Club in Ann Bachman and recognize the rich his- Arbor and an assistant men’s swim- ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS tory he inaugurated at Newberry Col- ming coach at Eastern Michigan Uni- lege.∑ versity. Eric’s love for swimming was evi- TRIBUTE TO DR. JOHN BACHMAN f denced not only by his many accom- ∑ Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise TRIBUTE TO ERIC NAMESNIK plishments throughout his long and today to commemorate Newberry Col- ∑ Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I, along distinguished career in the pool, but lege and its founder, Dr. John with my colleague Senator STABENOW, also by his efforts to help shape the Bachman, on the occasion of the would like to take this opportunity to lives of many young people learning school’s 150th anniversary. Since its es- bring our colleagues’ attention to a the sport. At Wolverine Aquatics, Eric tablishment in 1856, Newberry College tragic event that took place last served as an inspirational role model has become one of South Carolina’s month in Pittsfield Township, MI. On for hundreds of up-and-coming swim- leading institutes of higher education. January 11, 2006, Eric Namesnik, a two- mers. Today, his swimmers are wearing I am proud to recognize Newberry and time Olympic silver medalist and Uni- blue wristbands inscribed ‘‘Swim 4 honor Dr. Bachman. versity of Michigan swimming stand- Snik’’ in his honor and swim caps with Dr. Bachman originally came to out, died from injuries sustained dur- the words ‘‘Snik’’ and one of Eric’s South Carolina from New York in 1815. ing a traffic accident on January 7. mantras: ‘‘D3,’’ which stands for desire, Settling in Charleston, he became pas- Eric was best known in the swimming determination and dedication.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:06 Mar 13, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR27FE06.DAT BR27FE06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE