May 4, 2000 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 6973 100 Women for Major Owens was organized expand the rule of law, develop a free market these leaders have done. I ask my colleagues in order to provide an opportunity for women system and pursue a course of integration into to join me in congratulating each of these of diverse backgrounds and cultures to work the community of free and democratic nations, young ladies in reaching this milestone. I wish together in order to improve the quality of life including the seeking of membership in the each of them continued success in their future for their community. European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty endeavors. On May 5, 2000, 100 Women for Major Organization (NATO). f Owens will formally celebrate its 10th Anniver- Latvia, together with the Republics of Esto- sary with a dinner and a special viewing of nia and Lithuania, continues to make a signifi- TRIBUTE TO OFFICER WILLIAM ‘‘Grace In The Light’’ at the famous Billie Holi- cant contribution toward maintaining peace ‘‘BILL’’ BURGSTINER day Theater in Brooklyn, New York. This mile- and stability in the surrounding region, espe- stone highlights the many years of service this cially in peacekeeping operations in Bosnia HON. JACK KINGSTON organization has given Central Brooklyn by and Kosovo. OF GEORGIA serving as mentors and role models for young In honor of Latvian Independence Day, I am IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES introducing a concurrent resolution to com- women and their families. Through programs Thursday, May 4, 2000 that range from educational seminars focusing memorate this special occasion. I hope you on health care, teen pregnancy prevention, will join me today in supporting this legislation. Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to HIV–AIDS awareness, public education reform Once again, I congratulate the people of recognize Officer William ‘‘Bill’’ Burgstiner, and a number of other important initiatives, the Latvia on their anniversary of independence. I United Nations police officer, of Savannah, leadership has guided its members to becom- look forward to witnessing all of the future suc- Georgia. Officer Burgstiner is serving as a ing a powerful force for the residents of our cesses from this prosperous emerging democ- U.N. police officer in Kosovo, he is a hero by community. In addition to also providing schol- racy. any other name. In late March, 2000, in a war arships to deserving students in Brooklyn, Ms. f torn Kosovo, an abandon baby lay by the side Alice Spratley and Ms. Audrei Boyce have of a road wrapped in a bloodied blanket and skillfully, since the beginning of the program 25 GRAND RAPIDS GIRL SCOUTS bleeding from its umbilical cord. The baby’s administered the Congressional Awards Pro- HONORED WITH ORGANIZATION’S good fortune began when Officer Bill gram which will, this year nominate several HIGHEST AWARD Burgstiner was returning from a meeting and candidates for the Gold Medal. driving through the village of Prilep, about 50 Mr. Speaker, in celebration of their 10th An- HON. VERNON J. EHLERS miles southwest of the provincial capital of niversary, I am honored to salute this pres- OF MICHIGAN Pristina. tigious and spirited group of leaders, their past IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES A villager flagged him down and took Officer Burgstiner to the baby, who was lying on a Presidents, Ms. Celeste Green one of the Thursday, May 4, 2000 founding members and first President, Ms. step, wrapped in a blood soaked blanket. Bill Bernice Carter and their current President, an Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to used a table cloth to stop the bleeding. He outstanding educator, Ms. Verdeen Gaddy and honor 25 young women, ages 14 through 17, then whisked the child to the Italian military wish them continued success. from my home city of Grand Rapids, Michigan hospital, rushed through the front gate and de- Finally, I would like to acknowledge with who are being honored by the Girl Scouts with livered Fortunato (the baby’s new name) into deep gratitude, the officers and members of the organization’s highest honor during a cere- the arms of Roberto Bramati, a doctor. Doctor this stellar organization: Verdeen Gaddy, mony today in Grand Rapids. The young Bramati credited Officer Burgstiner with saving President; Audrei Boyce, 1st Vice President; women will receive the Girl Scout Gold Award the precious life of little Fortunato. Bernice Carter, 2nd Vice President, Norva symbolizing outstanding accomplishments in A Savannah native, Bill joined the Bruns- Butler, Recording Secretary; Edena Gill, Cor- the areas of leadership, community service, wick Police Department after graduating from responding Secretary; Eileen Graham, Finan- career planning, and personal development. the police academy. He served from 1990 to cial Secretary; Theopia Green Treasurer; Evy These future leaders have dedicated the 1993, and helped organize the department’s Papillon-Juste, Chaplain; Adelaide Wyllie, Par- last two years to achieving this award. To be K–9 unit. A role model in the local community liamentarian; Celeste Green, Historian. considered for the Girl Scout Gold Award, he has again shown that his compassion and Ms. Mattie Pusey, another dedicated public candidates must earn four interest project strength of character crosses international bor- servant is serving as this year’s Anniversary patches: the Career Exploration Pin, the Sen- ders. It is with great pleasure that I recognize Committee Chairperson. She is being assisted ior Girl Scout Leadership Award, and the Sen- Officer William ‘‘Bill’’ Burgstiner for his kind hu- by Ms. Margaret Wiseman, Ms. Annie Nichol- ior Girl Scout Challenge, as well as designing manitarian and heroic act. son and Mr. Garry Tilzer of my Brooklyn Staff. and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award f Her committee consists of Ms. Ann Munroe, project. The latter is accomplished by working Ms. Adelaide Wyllie, Eddye Elijah, Erma closely with an adult Girl Scout volunteer. It IN TRIBUTE TO CLAIRE HOPE, SBA McEachine, Martha Greene, Sylvia Whiteside, should also be noted that these Girl Scouts VETERAN ADVOCATE OF THE Alice Spratley, Audrei Boyce, Edena Gill, Lor- accomplish all of this in addition to their school YEAR raine Smith, Orette Spence and Mart Blake. work, chores at home, and extracurricular ac- f tivities. HON. ELTON GALLEGLY The 25 young women receiving the Girl OF CALIFORNIA THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE REES- Scout’s highest honor are: Rachel Voorhees, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TABLISHMENT OF LATVIAN Carla Kaiser, Rachael Goodstein, Anne INDEPENDENCE Clocklin, Nora Hauk, Holly Morris, Theresa Thursday, May 4, 2000 Whitaker, Barbie Gatchel, Jennifer Bryant, Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay HON. JOHN SHIMKUS Jennifer Kelly, Kelly Slezak, Elizabeth Gillis, tribute to Claire Hope, who has been recog- OF ILLINOIS Kim Farrell, Eda Koning, Jamie Wakely, Kate nized by the U.S. Small Business Administra- Chisholm, Jeannette Durham, Melissa tion as the 2000 Veteran Advocate of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Springvloed, Abby Caldwell, Katherine Year. Thursday, May 4, 2000 Muszkiewicz, Cristin McNamara, Andrea Claire Hope is the founder and president of Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, today I com- Tenkel, Nicole Flanagan, Mindy Peterson, and Claire Hope Enterprises in Camarillo, Cali- memorate the Republic of Latvia on the tenth Libby Bode. fornia, in my district. She has more than 30 anniversary of the reestablishment of its inde- Mr. Speaker, it is with great delight that I years experience in human resources man- pendence from the former Soviet Union. honor these young women for their out- agement, and has offered that experience pro- On May 4th 1990, the people of Latvia so- standing contributions to the Girl Scouts and bono to many veterans. Since 1992, she has lidified their full sovereignty which served to our community. Their accomplishments and served on the California Employer Advisory further the disintegration of the Soviet Union. dedication should serve as a model for their Council Veteran Committee. She specializes Latvia has since successfully pursued poli- peers and future Girl Scouts. To be the best, in assisting veterans to become small busi- cies to build democracy, protect human rights, one must give it their all, and that is what ness owners.

VerDate jul 14 2003 13:23 Aug 24, 2004 Jkt 029102 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR00\E04MY0.000 E04MY0 6974 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS May 4, 2000 Claire Hope is also President and Founder had outright refused to hold a hearing on IN HONOR OF THE PHILIPPINE of the Industry Education Council of Eastern CEDAW and continues to block its consider- NURSES ASSOCIATION OF OHIO Ventura County, implementing strategic plans ation on the Senate floor. This means that the that included the employment of veterans. chamber’s 99 other Senators cannot express HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH Other avenues she has used to promote em- their views on this important treaty. It is unac- OF OHIO ployment of veterans and small business own- ceptable that the democratic process is being IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ership by veterans include: Regional Vice held captive by one person. I am hopeful that Thursday, May 4, 2000 President of the California Employer Advisory today’s hearing in the House International Re- for six years, Committee Member of the lations Committee is a first step in reversing Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I recog- Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce Edu- Congress’ inaction on CEDAW and will ignite nize the Philippine Nurses Association of cation Committee, and Task Force Member for a true dialogue in the Senate on CEDAW’s America, which is holding its 21st annual con- Workforce Development for the Conejo Valley ability to help empower women around the vention on June 21–23, 2000 in Indianapolis, Community Foundation. world. Until then, I will continue to push Chair- Indiana. The Philippine Nurses Association of Claire also served as President of the Simi/ man HELMS and the Senate to ratify it. Ohio will co-host the event along with the Conejo Valley Employer Advisory Council chapters from Michigan and Indiana. This f (SCVEAC). In 1997, SCVEAC was chosen as year’s convention, titled Nursing Odyssey: the outstanding EAC in the State of California PERSONAL EXPLANATION New Realities, New Vision, will reflect the dy- and outstanding EAC in the United States for namic role of nurses in a changing health care encouraging veteran business ownership. HON. SUE WILKINS MYRICK delivery system. Claire Hope is a very capable and dedicated The Philippine Nurses Association of Amer- OF NORTH CAROLINA advocate for veterans and is very deserving of ica was established in 1979 in response to the this honor. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES growing need to address the concerns and I have the pleasure of working with Claire Thursday, May 4, 2000 issues important to Filipino nurses within this country. The Ohio Chapter was formally estab- on Ventura County Stand Down 2000, which Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, due to nec- she founded and chairs and for which I serve lished in 1992. The PNA of Ohio is a vol- essary medical treatment, I was not present untary, non-profit organization encompassing as honorary co-chairman. A Stand Down is for the following votes. If I had been present, where homeless veterans gain rest for a the areas of Cleveland, Akron, Medina in I would have voted as follows: Ohio. There are over one hundred paid mem- weekend from the daily battle for survival, by MAY 2, 2000 sleeping in comfortable tents and taking ad- bers in the chapter. Rollcall vote 131, on the motion to Suspend vantage of services that could lead to jobs and The objectives of the Philippine Nurses As- the Rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 300, housing. sociation reflect their commitment to commu- commending the successful preparation of our Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join nity service and the promotion of activities and Nation to withstand the Y2K computer prob- me in congratulating Claire Hope for her rec- programs that unify the Filipino nurses of the lems, I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ ognition as the U.S. Small Business Adminis- United States and advance health care of Fili- Rollcall vote 132, on the motion to Suspend tration Veteran Advocate of the Year and in pinos throughout the nation. Their contribu- the Rules and pass H.R. 2932, the Golden thanking her for all her hard work and dedica- tions to the betterment of their community is Spike/Crossroads of the West National Herit- tion on behalf of our veterans. noteworthy. Their dedication, caring, and love age Area, I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ for others is most evident, and I am grateful f MAY 3, 2000 for their service to others. PERSONAL EXPLANATION Rollcall vote 133, on the motion to Suspend My fellow colleagues, I ask you to join with the Rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 295, re- me in recognizing the important accomplish- HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY lating to human rights violations in the Social- ments and essential contributions of the Phil- ippine Nurses Association of America. OF CALIFORNIA ist Republic of Vietnam, I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Rollcall vote 134, on the motion to Suspend Thursday, May 4, 2000 RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATU- the Rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 304, ex- LATING THE BULGARIAN GOV- Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I pressing condemnation of the continued egre- ERNMENT unfortunately missed two recorded votes on gious violations of human rights in the Repub- suspension bills, H. Con. Res. 295, and H. lic of Belarus, I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ Con. Res. 304. Had I been present, I would Rollcall vote 135, on the motion to Suspend HON. KEVIN BRADY have voted ‘‘yea’’ on both resolutions. the Rules and pass S. 1744, continued sub- OF TEXAS However, I would like to share that my ab- mission of certain species conservation re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sence from the House floor was because I ports, I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ Thursday, May 4, 2000 was hosting a press conference with three Rollcall vote 136, on the motion to Suspend Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on be- women from Afghanistan, Nigeria, Iran on the Rules and pass H.R. 1509, the Disabled half of myself and my colleague from Lou- global discrimination against women. These Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation, I would isiana, JOHN COOKSEY, who also serves with brave women shared their stories of discrimi- have voted ‘‘yea.’’ me on the House International Relations Com- nation and suffering living under the restrictive Rollcall vote 137, on the motion to Suspend mittee, I would like to take a moment to recog- regimes in Iran and the Taliban government, the Rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 310, nize and congratulate the Bulgarian Govern- and of being genitally mutilated as a young supporting a National Charter Schools Week, ment—particularly Prime Minister Ivan Kostov child in Nigeria. Their horrifying stories were I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ and Deputy Prime Minister Peter Zhotev—for true anecdotes of why the Senate must ratify Rollcall vote 138, on passage of H.R. 2957, the significant efforts that the Government has CEDAW, the United Nations Convention in the the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Act, made over the last two years to strengthen Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ Bulgaria’s economy, and in particular, Bul- CEDAW, which was first adopted by the Rollcall vote 139, the motion to Suspend the garia’s energy sector. United Nations twenty years ago, formally Rules and pass S. 2323, the Worker Eco- After years of economic decline and mis- codifies women’s equality and promotes wom- nomic Opportunity Act, I would have voted management under socialist rule, we are en’s inclusion in business, government and ‘‘yea.’’ pleased to see that the country’s economic other economic and social sectors. While I am Rollcall vote 140, on the motion to Suspend picture is now showing solid signs of improve- very pleased that the House International Re- the Rules and pass H.R. 4055, the IDEA Full ment. In 1999, inflation dropped to 6.2 percent lations Committee held a hearing on my bill Funding Act, I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ and the country’s economy grew by 2.5 per- that urges the Senate to ratify CEDAW (House Rollcall vote 141, on the motion to Suspend cent. In 2000, a 4% level of growth has been Resolution 107) I am outraged that it is being the Rules and pass H.R. 1901, the Kika de la targeted and appears to be achievable. held up by one person in the Senate. The Garza United States Border Station, I would There is no doubt, that Prime Minister Senate Foreign Relations Chair, Jesse Helms, have voted ‘‘yea.’’ Kostov and his team have played a key role

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