E750 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 8, 2001 of the 1950s. The less-stable post-Cold War this week as the Regional Subcontractor of smuggling operations, while staying out of the world, with the addition of such nations as the Year. She is the first in our region to re- host nation’s respective internal affairs and Northern Korea, Iraq and Iran to the list of ceive this award. chain of command. Although an innovative ap- potential nuclear threats, adds to that. (In fairness, though, Ms. Hillburst’s father started the Commercial proach to drug policy, this helping-hand policy The ABM treaty is a sticking point, of Printing Company in Rockford in 1948. She is in obvious need of review, especially with sorts, but that doesn’t mean a new document assumed the helm of the company in 1989. respect to Peru. can’t be crafted to take its place. Contrary, The business performs customized and com- Mr. Speaker, as you know, Section 1012 of perhaps, to common perception, there is a mercial printing jobs. Rebecca Hillburst and the 1995 Defense Authorization Act requires provision for withdrawing from it. Either her four employees, George, Lars and Eleanor Russia or the United States can get out on Hillburst and Darcie Powelson are symbolic of that U.S. intelligence and related assets can six months’ notice by explaining that its the small entrepreneurial enterprise that only be used if the President determines ‘‘supreme interests’’ have been jeopardized whether drug smuggling comprise an ‘‘extraor- by events relating to the treaty. makes America great. I applaud their hard work and dedication. dinary threat to the national security of’’ the Bush, in his remarks on Tuesday, seemed foreign country and that ‘‘that country has the to have been laying the groundwork for such f an assertion. In any case, this much is cer- appropriate procedures in place to protect tain: A functioning missile defense is incom- EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO FAM- against the innocent loss of life...which patible with the treaty, which forbids it. At ILY, FRIENDS, AND COWORKERS shall at a minimum include effective means to least the president chose not to figuratively OF VERONICA ‘‘RONI’’ BOWERS identify and warn an aircraft before the use of rip the document up, which some of his cam- AND CHARITY BOWERS force’’ is authorized. After temporarily sus- paign rhetoric last fall seemed to suggest. He pending air interdiction flights in early 1994, wants to—at some undetermined point—take SPEECH OF the legitimate exit route. former President Clinton made the determina- The president also wants to give back with HON. TODD RUSSELL PLATTS tion that Peru fulfilled Section 1012 one hand at least part of what he proposes to OF PENNSYLVANIA These straight-forward procedures include take away with the other. He’s convinced checking the flight plan of the observed air- (and he’s probably right) that the United IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES craft, establishing radio communications, mak- States doesn’t need nearly the nuclear arse- Tuesday, May 1, 2001 nal it now maintains. America has about ing visual contact to check the aircraft’s reg- 7,200 warheads; Russia, about 6,100. Under Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, as we all are istry and to give it visual instructions to land, various START agreements and negotia- well aware, on the morning of April 20th a Pe- getting permission to fire warning shots, then tions, both nations have agreed to a target of ruvian Air Force fighter jet erroneously shot disabling shots and finally, when all else fails 2,000 to 2,500. Bush has said lately that he en- down a single engine Cessna owned and op- and the aircraft refuses to comply, then and visions still lower numbers, and Moscow seems ready to go along. (Not the least of its erated by the Association of Baptists for World only then can permission be granted to shoot reasons is the cost savings.) Evangelism based in York County, Pennsyl- down a civilian aircraft. vania and located in my District. In so doing, Cost still casts a long shadow on the mis- All reports indicate that on that fateful Friday one American missionary was severely injured sile defense idea as well, though. Defense De- morning, over the strenuous objection of U.S. partment sources say even a rudimentary and two were tragically killed. personnel, Peruvian officials either moved too plan could start at $35 billion. One of the I want to express my profound sympathy to quickly through these procedures, or did not proposal’s harshest critics, Sen. Joseph James Bowers and his son Cory upon the implement them fully. The result was that a Biden of Delaware, has fielded a figure al- tragic and untimely loss of their wife and most 30 times higher; $1 trillion. At such bullet fired from a Peruvian Sukhoi—25 jet prices (in addition to what already has been mother, Veronica ‘‘Roni’’ Bowers and seven- month-old daughter Charity. I also want to ex- fighter passed through the fuselage of the tiny spent), the nation certainly deserves a sys- missionary plane, through the heart of Roni tem that works. Bush’s commitment to it press my sincere gratitude to the pilot of the should include a commitment to eliminating plane Kevin Donaldson, who despite severely Bowers and into the head of baby Charity, kill- the engineering hanky-panky that marked injuring both legs was able to land safely in ing both instantly. The air interdiction effort in previous tests. the Amazon River. Peru and the overall policy itself is mired in In coming months, Bush and other top offi- In addition, I want to urge the Association of questions. cials will be fanning out over Asia and Eu- Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE) to con- rope, talking to America’s allies and seeking President Bush has requested $882 million input—views to be taken into account. This tinue to pursue their critical outreach efforts in for his Andean Regional Initiative in next has all the earmarks of a rational, reasoned the Amazon region and around the world. As year’s budget. This program will substantially approach far superior to the gunslinger rhet- a matter of background, the ABWE supports increase the investment in drug interdiction oric of last year’s campaign. It just might 1,300 missionaries in 65 countries worldwide. and eradication efforts in Peru and sur- work. The administration is to be congratu- The missionary group has worked in Peru rounding countries. Before Congress appro- lated for being both assertive and construc- since 1939 establishing Baptist churches, priates another dollar toward counter drug ef- tive. schools, camps, and centers for pregnant forts in Peru, I believe it is imperative for us f women, as well as providing medical care to review and rethink our interdiction policy. I throughout the Peruvian Amazon. More than urge Congress to look into tightening intercept SMALL BUSINESS WEEK 8,000 churches in the U.S. and Canada con- procedures in drug trafficking areas, as well as tribute money to support the mission of the strengthening the important role they have in HON. DONALD A. MANZULLO ABWE. But what makes ABWE’s mission so the oversight of our drug policy. OF NEW YORK successful are the countless American men, The United States should not expend tax- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES women, and families from all walks of life who willingly sacrifice their precious time and effort, payer dollars to provide intelligence to a coun- Tuesday, May 8, 2001 and unfortunately sometimes their lives, to do try that apparently violates straight-forward, Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, as Chairman God’s work. internationally recognized interception proce- of the Small Business Committee, I am The untimely death of Roni and Charity dures. Every effort must be made in our inter- pleased to join with the President in launching Bowers has brought to the forefront a signifi- diction policies and procedures to ensure Small Business Week. Small businesses rep- cant, but little known operation that takes against the innocent loss of life. We cannot resent the most important sector of our econ- place as part of our overall anti-drug policy. undo the horrific personal tragedy that James omy. They comprise 99.7 percent of all the Since the mid 1980’s, the Department of De- and Cory Bowers have endured with the loss employers in the United States. They provide fense has led an inter-agency air interdiction of their wife and daughter, mother and sister. two-thirds of the initial job opportunities for effort to close the ‘‘air bridge’’ between coca We can, however, do our utmost as a nation Americans. And, they provided over $63 billion fields in the Andean region of Peru and Bolivia to ensure that through procedural reforms of worth of goods and services to the federal and the production facilities in Colombia. The the interdiction program, this private tragedy is government. idea was that the United States would provide transformed into a public good, so that no One of my constituents, Ms. Rebecca intelligence and other assets to the host na- other family will suffer a similar heartache and Hillburst of Rockford, Illinois, will be honored tions for the detection and elimination of drug loss in the future. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E751 COMMEMORATION OF THE of H.R. 10, the Comprehensive Retirement fact that Americans pay more in taxes than for ARMENIAN GENOCIDE Security and Pension Reform Act of 2001 and these necessities. In 1992, National Tax Free- strongly support its enactment. dom Day was nearly a whole month earlier— HON. NITA M. LOWEY I ask unanimous consent that the RECORD April 18. The hard-working, American tax- OF NEW YORK reflect that my vote on final passage should payers deserve a break! IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES have been ‘‘yea.’’ Given the significance of the day, it is per- f haps fitting that we are considering the budget Tuesday, May 8, 2001 conference report. That package includes Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in AN ARTISTIC DISCOVERY $1.35 trillion in tax relief for all American tax- commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, a payers. With this tax relief, they can begin to horrific event in world history that took the HON. DARLENE HOOLEY earn for themselves a little sooner, and to plan lives of 1.5 million Armenians and tore the Ar- OF OREGON for their priorities and their needs a little ear- menian nation from its historic homeland. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lier. The Armenian Genocide, the first act of In fact, current forecasts—under the as- Tuesday, May 8, 2001 genocide in the twentieth century, is emblem- sumption that there are no changes in the tax atic of the high human cost of senseless ha- Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise laws—have National Tax Freedom Day in tred and prejudice. I join my colleagues today, today to show my deepest appreciation for 2011 falling on May 10. But, if the Bush tax in solidarity with the Armenian-American com- some of the most dedicated people I know. relief package were passed, that date would munity and with Armenians throughout the This last weekend, I held an art competition be pulled back to May 5. In Washington terms, world, to commemorate this dark period in for high school students in the 5th Congres- where we throw around numbers in the mil- human history and to ensure we take to heart sional District called ‘‘An Artistic Discovery’’. lions, billions, and trillions everyday, five days the lessons learned from this tragedy. The leg- Eight schools and over 50 children partici- may not seem like much. But, to the family liv- acy of those who were lost must be our pated in the competition, producing some of ing paycheck to paycheck or trying to set pledge to remember—and to prevent such an the most creative, innovative pieces of art I’ve aside a little bit in personal savings for the fu- episode from happening again. ever seen. All of these future artists deserve ture, it means a lot. We have already learned the lessons of for- to be recognized. It is in their honor, Mr. Speaker, that I am getting. The indifference of the world to human Today however, I rise to pay respect to the pleased to support efforts to let them keep suffering and the slaughter of 1.5 million Ar- behind-the-scene heroes of ‘‘An Artistic Dis- more of their hard-earned money in their own menians set the stage for the Holocaust, eth- covery’’—the teachers. The dedication these homes, and to support the $1.35 trillion in tax nic cleansing in Kosovo, and other tragic teachers have for their students, art, and for relief in our Fiscal Year 2002 budget. events of a massive scale. Today’s com- teaching doesn’t come from a textbook, or f memoration comes too late for those who from years of experience. The pride that radi- have already fallen victim to blind hatred. But ated from these teachers faces when their stu- FORT OSAGE we hope and pray that it is not too late for dents stood next to their artwork came from those in danger around the world. deep inside their soul. HON. SAM GRAVES As we recall the Armenian Genocide and On this day, Teacher Appreciation Day, I OF MISSOURI mourn its victims, we renew our pledge to the would like to show my appreciation for the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES teachers who put so much work into making Armenian nation to do everything we can to Tuesday, May 8, 2001 prevent further aggression, and we renew our ‘‘An Artistic Discovery’’ a success. Several commitment to ensuring that Armenians teachers helped to make this event possible, Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to throughout the world can live free of threats to including: Karin Hughes from South Salem, recognize the importance of Fort Osage as a their existence and prosperity. Lynn Pass from West Linn, John Allgood from landmark identified and later developed by Unfortunately, we must still work toward this Gladstone, John Beck of Dallas, Judy Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during the simple goal. Azerbaijan continues to blockade Frohreich of Stayton, Wendy Edginton of voyage of the Corps of Discovery. Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh, denying the Clackamas, John Widder of Tillamook, and In June of 1804, the Corps of Discovery Armenian people the food, medicine, and Donna Hues of John F. Kennedy High School passed a high bluff on the Missouri River— other humanitarian assistance they need to in Mt. Angel. which would later become Fort Osage in Jack- lead secure, prosperous lives. The United Without these teachers, their students would son County, Missouri. Only four years later, States has taken a leadership role in trying to have missed out on the opportunity to display Clark returned to initiate construction on a Fort bring the blockade to an end and crafting a their wonderful artwork and we would have and trading-house under the direction of the solution to this tragic conflict. As we look for- missed the chance to enjoy it. War Department. Clark noted ‘‘The River ward to a new round of proximity talks in f could be completely defended’’ and he June, we are filled with hope that this year we deemed the ‘‘situation elegant.’’ IN HONOR OF FLORIDA TAX will see peace and stability in the Caucasus. Fort Osage (or Fort Clark as it was originally FREEDOM DAY 2001 Mr. Speaker, the Armenian people have named) played an important role in the explo- shown true resilience in confronting the many ration and development of the West. Goods obstacles they have faced in the last century. HON. ANDER CRENSHAW were traded with the Osage, Ayauway and From the ashes of the Genocide, Armenians OF FLORIDA Kansas tribes at this site for years to come. have become a strong people, making great IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fort Osage proved to be the single most prof- itable trading post of its kind in the United contributions throughout the world, In the Tuesday, May 8, 2001 words of Armenian-American author William States and the territories. We are indebted to Saroyan, ‘‘when two of them meet anywhere Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, starting the legacy of the Fort and the people who in the world, see if they will not create a New today, the average hard-working Floridian lived, worked and defended the Fort. Their Armenia.’’ starts to work for himself and his family. courage had a profound effect on the evo- Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in hoping Today is Florida’s Tax Freedom Day. On lution of our nation. that we will soon see a ‘‘New Armenia,’’ and average, for the last 128 days, Floridians have As part of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial in pledging to hasten its arrival. been working to earn the money they need to Commemoration, Jackson County Parks and pay their federal, state, and local taxes. In Recreation is proposing an innovative edu- f other parts of the country, where state and cation center. The education center would PERSONAL EXPLANATION local taxes are higher, Tax Freedom Day still showcase artifacts and exhibit the significance hasn’t come. of the Missouri River. I believe this education HON. BOBBY L. RUSH Mr. Speaker, last week we hit the American center is a wonderful addition to the com- OF ILLINOIS average—May 3 was National Tax Freedom memoration and will help visitors understand IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Day. That means it takes 123 days for the av- the significance of Fort Osage. It is the only erage American to earn enough to pay their site along the trail where Clark returned to de- Tuesday, May 8, 2001 tax bills. Curiously, it only takes 106 days for velop a facility that fulfilled the goals of Presi- Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall vote No. them to earn enough to pay for their food, dent Thomas Jefferson’s dream of commerce 96, I inadvertently voted no. I am a cosponsor shelter, and clothing combined, proof of the and development with the west.