H4726 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 22, 1999 south, and we hope to hold their feet to about the events in the Balkans and, of NATO who stood united and through the fire because the drugs coming up more specifically, our involvement in their perseverance finally prevailed in from Colombia and South America Kosovo. The events have been pro- getting Milosevic to capitulate and to transit through the south of Mexico. gressing quite rapidly over the last end the atrocities in Kosovo. Finally, we want to seek the coopera- week and a half or so after Milosevic I think it was a real show of deter- tion of Mexico in enforcing laws that had finally agreed to capitulate. mination and the very credibility of they have passed dealing with illegal Now I think now is a good oppor- NATO and the U.S. leadership on the narcotics trafficking which they have tunity for us to kind of stand back and European continent, and as the leader really thumbed their nose at, including take a look at the past, present condi- of NATO was very much on the line. Operation Casa Blanca, a U.S. Customs tions in the Balkans area and also the But this policy has been difficult to operation where last year our Customs vision of the future in that area, as explain to the folks back home in Wis- investigators uncovered a plot to laun- tenuous as it may be. consin. I think by and large the people der hundreds of millions of dollars There is no question that, thus far, who I have had the opportunity to talk through banks and arrested individ- things seem to be progressing accord- to about this and to elicit their opin- uals, indicted individuals, and Mexican ing to plan, knock on wood, but it is ions have felt very conflicted about our officials knew about it and even so going to be a very difficult task of im- role in the Balkans and with the NATO Mexico when these indictments and ar- plementing the peace, of securing it. air campaign. rests were made threatened to arrest Now that we have won the conflict, it They see, as everyone else does in the United States Customs officials and is vitally important that we do every- country, the horror image that has other U.S. law enforcement officers. So thing possible not to lose the war, and been reported on TV, and they have rather than cooperate fully as the law that is the next great challenge that heard the stories, the plight of the requires for certification, they have ac- we face as a Nation, as the leader of Kosovar families, the ethnic cleansing tually thumbed their nose at the the NATO alliance for the sake of the and the atrocities that have taken United States. European continent. place in Kosovo, and I think the nat- But let us give credit where credit is ural reaction for most Americans is to b 2015 due tonight, Mr. Speaker, starting with try to do something to prevent that. So, Mr. Speaker, with those com- the troops in the area. I had the oppor- But on the other hand there was also ments tonight, tomorrow we will hear tunity, the privilege really, a few short the tug, the concern, that this could more about Mexico and how it has be- weeks ago to be a part of a small con- turn into a quagmire. It may be our come a haven for murderers and for gressional delegation of 10 other Mem- next Vietnam in areas so far away that drug traffickers, and we will return to bers who headed over to the Balkans on we knew very little about as far as the the floor with additional information a fact-finding mission. history and the peoples and the origins both to the Congress and the American It was really a threefold purpose for of the conflicts, the politics of the situ- people on the biggest social problem going over there. One was to meet with ation, the socioeconomic conditions in facing our Nation and the root problem military command, the leadership the Balkans, that people also felt con- to many of the crimes, the murders, there, and get an assessment from flicted about our active and leadership the gun offenses that we see in this Na- them. role in this campaign. tion. That is the problem of illegal nar- Another reason for going was to meet And so you get a lot of conflicting cotics. with the troops in the field, make sure advice, as you can imagine, from folks f that everything that they needed in back home. I have been certainly se- order to carry out their mission as verely criticized in the press, letters to EVENTS IN THE BALKANS safely and efficiently as possible was the editor, people on the street who The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under being delivered to them. come up to me who vehemently dis- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- Finally, a chance to get into the ref- agree with my support for the NATO uary 6, 1999, the gentleman from Wis- ugee camps, meet with the Kosovar ref- campaign and my belief that it was in consin (Mr. KIND) is recognized for 60 ugees, families, hear from them first- the United States’ interests to be in- minutes as the designee of the major- hand what terror and horror they had volved on the European continent ity leader. just been put through in Kosovo, the again. Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, before I get fortunate ones that were able to suc- But hopefully what we have today is into tonight’s discussion, I want to cessfully leave the country. the dawn of the new era of peace, a first compliment my good friend from It was a fascinating trip, it was in- lasting peace in the region, a peace Florida (Mr. MICA) for his weekly re- credibly emotional and very moving that is going to finally see the removal minder to this body and to the Nation listening to the firsthand accounts of of Slobodan Milosevic from power in about the evils of drugs and the drug the innocent civilians who were forced Serbia, a peace that will see real demo- war and the challenges that we still out of the country and what had just cratic reform take place within the face as a Nation. taken place inside their villages and Balkan countries and a peace that will As a former prosecutor in western cities. see the eventual inclusion of these Bal- Wisconsin and special prosecutor in the All of them had their own horror kan nations into the community of na- State of Wisconsin, I saw up front and story to tell. Each of them explained in tions in Europe as full-fledged partners close and personal the evil effects that their own terms the terror that they in the European Union and perhaps drugs have, not only in our society, but had just survived. I did not encounter even some day members of the NATO with individuals and the families and one person in those refugee camps, Mr. alliance itself. the communities in which the problem Speaker, who was not affected by the Is this an illusion or a pipe dream? I persists. And I look forward to working loss of a loved one, either someone who really do not think so. But I think first in the coming weeks and for the rest of they had personally witnessed executed and foremost the credit really does be- this session with my friend from Flor- before their very eyes or who had fled, long to those young men and women in ida to develop a comprehensive and many of them up into the mountains to American uniform who are being asked commonsense policy in order to tackle avoid the Serb forces. yet again in the 20th century to try to this scourge in American society. But I And you cannot help but go to a re- restore some peace and stability on a do compliment him for all the wonder- gion and experience what I think we conflict-torn region called the Euro- ful work that he has done in committee did as a delegation and not be moved pean continent and to try to restore and for this body for the sake of the and profoundly affected by what has some humanity to the European con- Nation. taken place in the Balkans. tinent. Mr. Speaker, what I like to do right But I do believe that was the right I think the concern was as the 20th now is kind of change gears a little bit. policy for the right reason at the right century entered in very bloody inter- I rise today along with a few other col- time, the NATO campaign against necine warfare primarily in this region. leagues who I anticipate will be joining Milosevic. I also believe that credit The beginning of the 20th century that me in a little bit to talk for a while should go to the 19 democratic nations we were going to exit the 20th century

VerDate 18-JUN-99 12:32 Jun 23, 1999 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\CRI\H22JN9.REC pfrm08 PsN: pfrm08 June 22, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4727 under the same type of conditions, and Europe, that it was in our interests to ever seen. I think they proved that in I think today is a day where Americans remain engaged and to pursue a policy the Kosovo conflict. can stand tall and feel proud about the of peace and stability and promoting But it has been a difficult policy to role that the United States of America democratic reforms throughout the explain and to justify U.S. interests in played in trying to help innocent civil- continent. the Balkans. However, I believe it was ians to end the atrocities that were That is what gave rise, after all, to the right policy for the right reasons. being committed in Kosovo by the Marshall Plan. We literally rebuilt If we are going to learn any lessons Milosevic’s forces and to try to bring Europe and Japan from the ashes of from the Second World War, it is that some peace and stability to this con- conflict from the Second World War, the United States should not stand idly tinent, a continent that we have paid and it ultimately gave rise to the by when we do have the capability to dearly with our own blood during the NATO alliance that has had U.S. lead- do something about it and watch the first half of the 20th century. ership for the past 50 or so years. innocent slaughter of civilians in Eu- It was, after all, even though the And who can argue with the success rope, and in the Balkans in this in- United States was the first half of the of NATO? The last 50 years in Europe stance. century pursuing a policy of disengage- have been some of the most peaceful It was not my first trip to the Bal- ment from Europe of isolationism, it years that the continent has ever expe- kans. I went over about a year ago and was a single shot that rang out on the rienced, and I would submit it is in a visited the NATO peacekeeping mis- streets of Sarajevo, the capital of large measure due to the United States sion in Bosnia, a policy I believe has Yugoslavia, back in 1914 that provided participation, active involvement, with been extremely successful since the the spark that led to the blaze that not only economic conditions in Eu- end of the hostilities in that country eventually engulfed all of Europe and rope, but the NATO military alliance, back in 1996. I also had a chance to ultimately drew the United States, re- to provide some stability and to give visit the former Yugoslavian Republic luctantly albeit, into the First World these countries a chance to experience back in 1990 as a student, Mr. Speaker, War at a tremendous cost and sacrifice real democracy, real freedom, and lib- with a backpack on my back, traveling to our Nation with the loss of young erties that we unfortunately at times by myself throughout the region, when lives that were spilled on the continent take for granted in the United States. I, as a student of history, who loved to of Europe. But none of this could have been read a lot about European history in And then in the shadow of the First done without the tremendous commit- particular, saw the war clouds on the World War and all of the conditions ment and professionalism exhibited by horizon after Milosevic came to power that were created in trying to form a our U.S. troops throughout Europe, but in 1989. I wanted to take that oppor- lasting peace, we ultimately saw a Sec- especially in this conflict. It is truly tunity to get into that country quickly ond World War just two short decades amazing for me to have gone over there and meet the people throughout Yugo- after the first one on the continent. and to have met with many of the slavia, and other students, and get But again, between the inter-war peri- troops who are involved in carrying out their reaction and their impression as ods, the United States and the people their mission whether it was the to whether war was imminent and in- logistical support base at Ramstein Air in this country felt that it was not in evitable. Force Base in Germany. And we met our interest to be actively involved in It was striking back then that those with the troops there providing assist- Europe, that we can retreat across the who I met were not convinced that this ance to the campaign or meeting with ocean again, pursue a policy of splendid was necessarily and inevitably going to the pilots in Aviano, Italy, the F–15, isolationism, hope that the countries lead to warfare. In fact, many of them the F–16 pilots carrying out the sortie in Europe can settle their differences believed that it would have been cata- missions over Kosovo, even spending themselves and that things would just strophic for those different ethnic half a day in Tirana, Albania, with work out on their own, but unfortu- groups to turn on one another. They Task Force Hawk, the Apache heli- nately the efforts of Europe proved were working incredibly hard back copter task force that was deployed, then to make economic progress, to otherwise. and they were ultimately employed in In fact, public opinion polling before have an integrated Yugoslavian area the Kosovo conflict. the bombing of Pearl Harbor; yes, they But just meeting with these young that could eventually be included into did do some polling back then, too; re- men and women was truly inspiring, the European Union and the rest of the vealed that the overwhelming majority seeing their professionalism, the dedi- Western European continent for the of Americans felt that the problems on cation, the commitment that they ex- benefits of trade and the economy. And the European continent were not our hibited. No other Nation in the world, they felt that it was senseless for them problems, that it was something we Mr. Speaker, could have done what the to turn on one another and to begin a should avoid at all costs, that we had United States did do in this situation conflict and to subject the region to our own issues and concerns to deal within a very short period of time, war. But 6 short months after my visit with within the continental United being able to deploy a force of that to the region, sure enough, that is States and that the last thing we want- magnitude, deployed even in Albania in when the first fighting broke loose. ed to do was get dragged into the Euro- a short time period in which it was de- I think all too often when we get in- pean conflict again. ployed and still dealing with the hu- volved in these types of military con- And we tried pursuing that policy of manitarian catastrophe, the likes of flicts across the globe, but here in par- splendid isolationism while at the which the continent has not seen since ticular, we tend to focus on the short same time FDR was trying to move the the Second World War. It was truly an term and on the specifics of the imme- country into the realization that, no, amazing feat that I think America can diate situation. I think it is helpful we do have vital interests at stake re- be proud of given our logistical capa- from time to time to step back and get garding the stability and the peace in bilities that do exist on the European a historical perspective as far as what Europe. But it did take the bombing of continent. is happening around the countries and Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, to And I just wish all Americans had where all of this is leading. I think arouse this Nation into action and the opportunity that I and the rest of with that historical perspective, we again draw us into the Second World my colleagues who went on that mis- have a lot of reason to be optimistic War as reluctant participants. sion over to the Balkans to see and to that we can see a lasting peace in the And the cost of those two world wars meet these troops as I did. These are Balkans, a peace that will lead to were tremendous. Over 500,000 young the young men and women who are day democratic reforms and to economic American lives lost during those two and night guarding the fence of free- integration into that region. conflicts, over a million casualties we dom, protecting our security and main- Let me just go down to the well in suffered. And at the end of the Second taining our interests across the globe. order to illustrate a point of what I am World War we made a policy change in trying to get at. It is really a remark- the country, that never again should it b 2030 able phenomenon that we have seen be viewed in our interests to stand They are the best trained, the best take place across Europe in the last back and to let events go unheeded in capable military that the world has decade or so. I think the historical

VerDate 18-JUN-99 12:32 Jun 23, 1999 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\CRI\H22JN9.REC pfrm08 PsN: pfrm08 H4728 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 22, 1999 trends that have been sweeping across matter of a very short time when Ser- signed, a very comprehensive picture of Europe over the last 10 years are work- bia and these Balkan nations are going the refugee camps and the troop de- ing in our favor when it comes to man- to institute democratic reforms, when ployment, and to meet with General aging a lasting peace and an optimistic they are going to reject the authori- Wesley Clarke. It was quite an inform- vision for the Balkans. tarian and criminal policies of ative and incredible trip. With that, let me descend into the Slobodan Milosevic and move to demo- The most poignant moment for me well. cratic institutions, have democratic and I think for all of us came on Sun- Mr. Speaker, what I put up here a lit- elections, and then ultimately change day, May 23, when we were at the tle bit earlier is a map of Europe. The the conditions which would allow their Kosovo/Macedonia border of Blace title of it is European Transition to acceptance into the rest of Europe and when traumatized refugees began Democratic Government, 1989–1999. into the European Union. That, for me, streaming, or, more appropriately, Why is 1989 a significant date? Well, gives me a lot of hope, a lot of promise, staggering, across the border. We were that is when the Berlin Wall fell, and really, that what we did in the Bal- able to talk with them, and what we that is when the collapse of com- kans, albeit very difficult in the short heard made us literally weep along munism and the Soviet Union oc- term, is going to be the right policy in with them. Stories of guns to the head, curred. That is when the Communist the long term by giving these people a a grenade thrown into a family group; nations throughout Europe started to chance of realizing true peace and sta- being driven from home with 5 min- fall one right after another. I had a bility and allowing democratic reform utes’ notice; eating grass in the hills; chance to visit Central Europe a few to take place. hunger; terror; murder. short months after the collapse of the I think that is a message that we In a tent of some 15 women, I would Communist governments. have not heard all that much of during say, and a few dozen children, it was But what this map depicts, the blue the course of this conflict in the Bal- eerily quiet. Those of us who have chil- area showing the countries in Western kans, during the NATO air campaign, dren know that when we get that many Europe show what nations had demo- is that we certainly have time on our little kids together, it is usually noisy cratic governments before 1989, before side, and that Milosevic is facing irre- and a lot of energy. It was really silent the collapse of communism. We recog- sistible forces throughout the con- in there. These women had no idea nize the boot-shaped Italy, Spain, tinent of Europe, and that as long as where their husbands were, and their Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, but we we can continue to maintain the policy children, of course, had no idea where can see how limited this map is before in the international community of iso- their fathers were. 1989 when it came to democratic gov- lating him, as has been accomplished In another tent, a well-dressed man ernments that were already existing on now through the NATO air campaign, pointed to the wheelbarrow he had used the continent of Europe. But after the through the International War Crimes to wheel his frail, elderly mother collapse of the Berlin Wall and the Tribunal issuing an indictment against across the border. He was fine for a Communist regimes, the purple area Milosevic as a war criminal, the first while in talking about what happened demonstrates how democracy has since time any sitting President of a nation to his family, but then, when he talked swept Europe and what countries now has been indicted for war crimes, and about the wheelbarrow and pointed to have been included into the fold of also given the significant event of Rus- his mother who was sitting on a blan- democratic nations. All of central Eu- sia coming over and accepting the ket, he broke down. She was com- rope, including East Germany which is NATO objectives during this campaign forting him by saying, at least we are now a part of Germany; all of the and further isolating Milosevic, he is still alive. He did not know, however, if former Soviet Union. basically left with no friends anymore the same were true for his grown chil- What the red portions of this map in the international community. dren. demonstrate are those nations that are That is what gives me a lot of hope The day that I came back, there was still lagging behind in this great his- that what we can see happen in this re- an e-mail waiting for me from a con- torical sweep of Europe, that are still gion is a very successful policy of en- stituent that said, I quote, ‘‘I have se- dominated by authoritarian and dic- gagement, leading to democratic re- rious reservations about your casual tatorial regimes, one of which is still forms and leading to a Balkans area use of terms like atrocities, crimes right here in the heart of central Eu- that will be included within the rest of against humanity, genocide.’’ I guess rope, Belarus; and the other happens to the European community as far as de- that e-mail kind of hit me at the wrong be the Yugoslav Republic under the mocracy and economic integration is moment, because after having talked Milosevic regime down here in the Bal- concerned. So I think certainly we to victims of and witnesses to the ter- kans. have that possibility, we certainly ror of the Serbian forces, I felt that I think what this demonstrates all have that capability right now, but the these words were exactly appropriate. too well is that Milosevic in this situa- reports, the news stories coming out, And now, of course, we are learning tion is isolated. He is an island. He is at least right now, appears to show more every day about the extent of the surrounded by emerging democracies. I that things are working according to atrocities committed against the eth- mean, who amongst us could have pre- plan. nic Albanian Kosovars. Estimates of dicted that in 10 short years some of What I would like to do now is yield the number dead keep rising. Evidence the most repressive Communist re- to my friend, the gentlewoman from of torture abounds. Mass graves, rape, gimes in central Europe would today be Chicago, Illinois (Ms. SCHAKOWSKY), burned bodies, human shields, it is flourishing democracies and full mem- who is one of my colleagues who was really hard to read the accounts. bers of the European Union, and even able to join us on the trip over to the Then the evening after our return, members of the NATO Alliance itself, Balkans just a few short weeks ago. the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. within 10 short years. That was un- Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I BIGGERT), who was also part of our del- imaginable pre-1989. But, in fact, that thank the gentleman from Wisconsin egation, and I cohosted a reception at has been the historical trend right for organizing this intelligent and the Holocaust Museum for our fresh- now. It is only so long when one Com- thoughtful and optimistic discussion, men colleagues. At that event, Miles munist dictator can withstand the and for allowing me to participate. Lehrman, who is president of the Holo- force of historical events. From May 20 to May 24, we were both caust Council and a Holocaust survivor What we see here is a Serbia that is part of a congressional delegation to said, this is his quote: ‘‘It is here,’’ he completely surrounded and isolated by the Balkans that was led by the gen- was talking about the museum, ‘‘It is emerging democracies; some that are tleman from Ohio (Mr. HOBSON) and the here where you will fully comprehend full-fledged democracies, others that gentleman from Michigan (Mr. that the Holocaust did not begin in are well on the road to democratic re- BONIOR), and due to the persistence Auschwitz or in any of the death forms and democratic institutions. I really of the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. camps. It began when lawmakers think that, more than anything, gives HOBSON), our delegation was able to get lacked the stamina to speak out us hope that it is going to be a matter a firsthand picture of the situation in against the constantly escalating evils. of time, I think, in my own opinion, a the days before the agreement was It is here where it will become clear to

VerDate 18-JUN-99 12:32 Jun 23, 1999 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\CRI\H22JN9.REC pfrm08 PsN: pfrm08 June 22, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4729 you what our role in Kosovo must be. ilies in the camps, they were very cracking down on the ethnic Albanians It is here where you will see what can eager that once NATO prevailed, that within Kosovo, stripping them of their happen to a people who become they wanted to get back to their identity, of their culture and history, mezmerized by a political charlatan homes, which was a natural reaction. and even disallowing the use of their who professed to simple answers to What was interesting, however, was own language. complex and difficult problems. It is another reason they gave, for why they But the atrocities really started to here where you will be able to fortify felt it was so important to get back to be stepped up in the early 1998 period your inner strengths, to stick to your their homes as soon as possible. It was when Serb forces started moving in. convictions and speak your mind in the same that thing that many Alba- That is when the negotiations between your legislative deliberations, even at nians and Muslims experienced during the West and Milosevic started. It was times when your opinion may not be the Bosnia conflict just a few short later in the year at Rambouillet where most popular. It will strengthen your years ago when Serb forces overran we were trying to reach a peaceful res- determination to stand alone, if need their towns. They stripped them of ev- olution to what was occurring in be, and speak truth to power.’’ erything that they had, identity, iden- Kosovo. That was Miles Lehrman, the presi- tification papers, documents proving But this is not something that start- dent of the Holocaust Council. ownership of property. ed overnight. This was not a change in I often speak of my granddaughter, And when they were eventually al- NATO policy. In fact, it was a policy Isabel, on this floor. She is now 15 lowed to come back and resettle, it was that was clearly enunciated back in months old. I thought about her when very difficult for them to prove up 1991 and 1992 within the NATO nations I thought about Kosovo and knew that ownership of their properties and of themselves, but also within the Bush if, when she grew up, she asked me their homes. They were concerned the administration, when President Bush what I did to stop the killing of inno- same thing was going to happen in clearly warned Milosevic that if he cent people, I wanted to tell her that I Kosovo. In fact, they knew when they moved on Kosovo, that NATO would did the right thing. And when I lis- were expelled that many of the towns move on him. It was really a continu- tened to that brave survivor of the Hol- and villages were being laid waste and ation of that policy into the Clinton ocaust, I heard him saying that we did burned to the ground, but they were administration and within the NATO the right thing to stop Milosevic. eager to get back see what did remain, alliance that ultimately led to the But our job is not done yet. It will and to lay claim again to their owner- NATO air strike campaign against not be done until those mothers are re- ship and to their lands. Milosevic’s forces in Kosovo. united with their husbands who we But the other subtitle to this article But I think we are going to see in the hope are still alive; until the man and reads, ‘‘Serb-led Offensive Took 10,000 coming days more and more stories of his mother are home, and the wheel- Lives, According to British Esti- the atrocities and the brutality that barrow is used in the garden again; and mates.’’ That figure was still higher was perpetrated on these people within until our children start playing games than what the actual predictions were Kosovo. of peace and not of war. And until the earlier. In fact, that number is being Another article I think demonstrates vision of the gentleman from Wis- escalated every day with the revelation a little bit of the ambivalence that not consin, his vision of Europe that, with of more mass graves and the body only the American people were feeling the help of the United States and counts that are coming with it. It was in the course of this campaign, but NATO and the international commu- something that we feared at the time. some of the troops themselves in the nity, can be a unified Europe working Since we did not have people inside area. as part of a more unified international Kosovo that could give us firsthand ac- It was interesting when I was in community, I think that was the ulti- counts, other than the refugees them- Aviano, Italy, talking to a lot of the pi- mate goal of our mission there, and I selves, it was very difficult to predict lots, asking them their opinion as far hope very much that we can be part of just the magnitude of the atrocities as the policy and whether or not this achieving that goal as we move for- and the mass executions and mass made sense and if it was working, one ward. graves that are now being uncovered. of the pilots came to me and said, if Sure enough, now that the NATO you could see what we see flying these b 2045 peacekeeping troops are allowed in missions over Kosovo, the lines of refu- Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I thank the they are uncovering mass grave after gees streaming out, and you could tell gentlewoman for her comments and mass grave, and the number is only where the line originated from because participation on this issue, and for going up and up and up. Again, I think of the black plumes of smoke coming traveling with me just a few weeks ago. our worst fears are being realized. I up from behind them of the burnt vil- It really was a moving, very emotional also believe that but for the NATO lages and burnt cities that they were experience, I think, for all of us. campaign, the atrocities would have fleeing from Serb forces, and the bodies I have never seen a group of rep- been much more severe than what we strewn along the countryside, if you resentatives, Mr. Speaker, who were are witnessing today. could see that as we are flying over the quieter or more chagrined than we There has been some criticism that countryside it would remove any doubt were when we boarded that bus at because of the NATO campaign, it led that this is something we have to do. Blace, the refugee camp in northern to the brutality and to the ethnic In fact, in an article last week a cou- Macedonia, having met with the fami- cleansing that occurred in Kosovo. I ple of the other troops were inter- lies the moment they took their first happen to disagree with that, given viewed. Let me just quote this. This steps out of Kosovo and talking to historical indicators and facts. In fact, was in USA Today. The headline reads them, and hearing firsthand accounts the policy of oppression within Kosovo ‘‘Marines Play Hurry Up and Wait.’’ of the atrocities and the terror that itself and even Bosnia really began ‘‘The moment arrives beneath a they were just put through. shortly after Milosevic came to power trash-strewn overpass in the heart of Now we read the headlines of the re- in 1989. Skopje. cent days showing that what we feared These were groups, provinces within ‘‘Huddled in the shadows are dozens is in fact materializing; that once Yugoslavia that enjoyed a form of self- of children, some in underwear, others NATO troops, the peacekeeping troops, autonomy during the Tito regime. Tito barefoot, each waving dirty hands were allowed to go into Kosovo along realized that given the ethnic diversity formed into peace symbols. with the western media, who were spe- of the region, it made sense to allow ‘‘ ‘Nah-toe! Nah-toe!’ their cries thun- cifically excluded during the 78-day air them a form of self-autonomy, to allow der off the overpass walls. campaign, that the atrocities are even them to practice their own religion and ‘‘ ‘Wow,’ says Lance Corporal Jon more magnified and even more horrific. culture and have their own language. Hager, 23, of Carlisle, Pa., at the wheel In fact, this headline in the papers a But Milosevic came to power by na- of a marine Humvee. . . . couple of days ago reads ‘‘Kosovo Alba- tionalizing the issue and by claiming ‘‘ ‘I’ll never forget it,’ says Lt. John nians returning in droves,’’ which is no that Kosovo is Serbia. Immediately Marcinek, 28, of Rochester, N.Y., com- surprise. When we talked with the fam- when he took power in 1989 he started mander of the Marine Combined Anti-

VerDate 18-JUN-99 12:32 Jun 23, 1999 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\CRI\H22JN9.REC pfrm08 PsN: pfrm08 H4730 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 22, 1999 armor Team, which will be responsible regime of the butcher of Belgrade. I and I will repeat that just this morning for securing’’ the part of Southeast think he has been so aptly named the the Washington Post reported that Kosovo that the United States is re- butcher of Belgrade. demonstrations denouncing Milosevic’s sponsible for. A couple more stories in the paper in- genocidal rampage in Kosovo have ‘‘Resting in the sizzling sun near the dicating what has transpired in recent begun to occur in Belgrade. We ex- border with Kosovo, Marcinek searches days. ‘‘Framework for peace takes pected them in Pristina, but they are out a pen and pad. shape. Last Serb soldiers leave occurring in Belgrade. He says, ‘‘ ‘I want to write my Kosovo.’’ They had left 12 hours ahead One Serb protester complained, and girlfriend and tell her this was the best of time, which allowed NATO to for- this bears repeating, as the gentleman experience that has ever happened to mally declare an ending of the NATO from Wisconsin (Mr. KIND) just used me,’ says the former Utah ski bum. ‘It air campaign. this quote, ‘‘Milosevic lied to us. He led hits you straight in the heart. The Then perhaps, most significantly, the us in the wrong direction. We should be tears flowed.’ ’’ KLA signs a peace agreement calling entering the European Union and co- ‘‘For Sergeant James Loy, the sight for the demilitarization of the KLA operating with the rest of the world. does nothing less than change his views army. That is one of the key linchpins Instead, we are completely isolated.’’ on being in the Balkans. to a successful peaceful resolution and Second, we see 1.3 million Kosovars He said, ‘‘‘I’ll be honest, until now I stability in the region, is that the who were forced to flee their homeland didn’t really feel like we needed to be KLA, the guerillas that were fighting or displaced within their province pre- here. Until I saw those kids,’’ and he against Milosevic’s armies in Kosovo, paring to return home. We have some has a 10-month-old son himself called are agreeing to disarm and to allow measure of confidence that the night- Christopher. He went on to say, ‘‘ ‘We democratic reforms to take place in marish scenes and gross violations of do have a purpose here, and that’s to the country. human rights in Kosovo are at an end get those kids back home. Some people Here is one that really gives me a lot and will not be replayed there soon. in the U.S. think we’re just here to of hope: ‘‘KLA Chief Appeals to Serbs Third, we see the unified, decisive ac- kill. But we can help give these people to Return. Political Leader Says tion by NATO forces can repulse a their freedom back.’ ’’ Rebels Support ‘Democratic Kosovo.’ ’’ ruthless dictator, protect and preserve And get something monumental in The political leader of the Kosovo the sanctity of human rights, and help return: ‘‘ ‘This is our moment in his- Liberation Army said today that the stabilize the entire region. tory,’ ’’ he said. ‘‘ ‘If people in the ethnic Albanian rebel group is com- Can anyone seriously question United States could see this now, mitted to building ‘‘a modern civil so- whether the threat to Macedonia or the they’d understand.’ ’’ ciety’’ in the Serbian province, and ap- Yugoslavia Republic of Montenegro is What is encouraging in recent days pealed to fleeing Serbs to return to live less tonight because of NATO’s unwav- are some of the reports coming out of in a democratic Kosovo, as long as they ering action against Milosevic and his Serbia itself indicating that internal have not committed any crimes henchmen? No one can doubt that the opposition to Milosevic is rising. This against their people. same could not be said had we fallen article reads ‘‘Serbian orthodox church I think these are all indications of prey to the isolationist experts who urges Milosevic and his cabinet to what is transpiring in recent days that coached appeasement. quit.’’ could give us a lot of hope to be opti- In 1940, as the European continent Another article in today’s paper, the mistic regarding the success of our was about to explode into a Second Washington Post, entitled ‘‘Serbs From mission in Kosovo. World War, President Franklin Delano Kosovo Assail Government. Pro-West- What I would like to do right now is Roosevelt said of appeasement, no man ern Politicians Seek Elections.’’ to yield some time to one of our lead- can tame a tiger into a kitten by Here the article reads ‘‘Last week, a ers in the Democratic Caucus, someone stroking it. There can be no appease- 45-year-old Serbian lawyer named who has been at the forefront of this ment with ruthlessness. There can be Dragan Antic fled his home in southern issue, the gentleman from Maryland no reasoning with the incendiary Kosovo for fear of ethnic Albanian gue- (Mr. HOYER). bomb.’’ rillas who were beginning to pour into Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Milosevic’s ruthless actions, his re- town. Today he stood in the center of my friend, the gentleman from Wis- jection of reasoning during the entire Belgrade denouncing Yugoslav Presi- consin, for yielding to me. I want to decade, left us little alternative but to dent Slobodan Milosevich as the source congratulate the gentleman for focus- confront him with force. of his troubles. ing on this issue. Mr. Speaker, let me again repeat, for ‘‘ ‘It is Slobodan who is guilty,’ ’’ he Mr. Speaker, I think it is important the entire decade. This was not some- shouted as police attempted to break that we do so because I think we need thing that was sprung on the West. In up a protest rally by a hundred or so to reflect upon what the lessons of this fact, in my opinion, the West waited Serbs who had just recently fled operation are. Many had doubts. Many too long. But it is never too late to do Kosovo. ‘‘ ‘What was the purpose of were concerned that we were going to the right thing. fighting this war if we had to give lose large numbers of people. Many b Kosovo away? Before the war we were were concerned that those who had 2100 living in our homes. Now we have noth- been expelled from Kosovo would not With President Clinton, an extraor- ing more than the clothes you see on want to go home. Many frankly were dinarily courageous and forceful Prime our backs.’ ’’ ‘‘ ‘Milosevic led us in the opposed to the President’s leadership Minister of Great Britain, and other wrong direction,’’’ complained another on this issue because they thought it leaders in NATO who obviously had in displaced Serb. We should be entering was wrong. their own parliaments voices of doubt, the European Union and cooperating Mr. Speaker, the butcher of Belgrade, voices of nonsupport, but notwith- with the rest of the world. Instead, we however, is in full retreat. NATO’s 78- standing that, they courageously stood are completely isolated.’ ’’ day air campaign operation allied force as a NATO alliance to say that this Adding to the pressure on Milosevic, has harnessed Slobodan Milosevic’s un- kind of genocidal activity will not a pro-Western political opposition bridled barbarism. It is producing the stand in the bosom of Europe. group announced plans today for a se- results we knew it would. It has made Fourth, we see that the credibility of ries of demonstrations to demand early the world, in my opinion, a safer place the United States has been enhanced parliamentary elections in Serbia. today. throughout the world. As William I think what we are seeing is internal When we look at Southeastern Eu- Kristol and Robert Kagan wrote re- opposition starting to rise up against rope tonight and compare it to the sit- cently in the Weekly Standard, Mr. Milosevic, realizing that it is because uation there just 3 months ago, what Speaker, as I am sure my colleagues of his policies in the region that has do we see? First, of course, as I have well know, neither Mr. Kristol nor Mr. cost them their homes as a result, and said, we see a weakened Milosevic, both Kagan are known as spinmeisters for that they realize that their future can- at home and abroad. The gentleman the Clinton administration, but they not any longer be tied into the brutal from Wisconsin (Mr. KIND) mentioned said this, the victory in Kosovo should

VerDate 18-JUN-99 12:32 Jun 23, 1999 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\CRI\H22JN9.REC pfrm08 PsN: pfrm08 June 22, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4731 ‘‘send a message to would-be aggressors being held accountable for the atroc- able consolation that those people in that . . . the United States and its al- ities for which he is clearly respon- the Nazi concentration camps had dur- lies can summon the will and the force sible. If we do not, Mr. Speaker, if we ing the Second World War was the be- to do them harm.’’ do not hold those who have committed lief that, if the Western democracies of We have sent, I think, a very simple war crimes accountable, then I fear we the world knew what was going on, message to would-be aggressors in Eu- will see a continuation of the cycle of they would do everything possible to rope and elsewhere. Do not do it. Do violence and revenge that has plagued try to stop it, bombing the rail lines, not do it. Do not do it. The West has the Balkans for so many years. bombing the crematoriums.’’ But his- the will, and the West clearly has the If, however, we hold accountable tory later showed that the western ability to confront you, stop you, de- those responsible, then there will not leaders did know, but they did not do feat you, and drive you back. Do not do be cause for the victims and their fami- anything to try to stop it. it. lies and their successors to again This time is different. This time the If one takes aggressive hostile action strike out, to in vengeance, to restore Western democracies know, and they against one’s neighbors or one’s own the honor that has not been restored are intervening. This time, in his opin- people, one will pay a very high price because we did not hold the criminals ion at least, he feels we are on the indeed. accountable. right side of history in this situation. Fifth, we see that a policy that rec- We should encourage the Serbs to re- With that, I yield to the gentleman ognizes and embraces basic human move Milosevic and the brutal leaders from Texas (Mr. REYES) who was also rights, decency, and democratic values who have caused this tragic suffering one of my colleagues who joined us on is not just the right thing to do, but, and misery. Serbia also must be clear the trip to the Balkans, Albania and Mr. Speaker, a strategic imperative. about this. So long as Milosevic re- Macedonia just a few weeks ago. This policy, in this case, has been vin- mains in power, it will not and should Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the dicated. not receive financial assistance for its gentleman for yielding to me. I am one Syndicated columnist William Safire reconstruction. Humanitarian aid, yes. of those that took the opportunity to hit the nail on the head when he wrote Reconstruction aid, economic aid, no. go to the region, to the Balkans, and recently, ‘‘International moral stand- Mr. Speaker, I am one of the Mem- take a firsthand look at what was oc- ards of conduct, long derided by bers of this House who has traveled to curring. geopoliticians, now have muscle.’’ Macedonia and Albania, been to I will tell my colleagues, Mr. Speak- How proud Americans ought to be of Pristina and Kosovo, and seen with my er, that I had an opportunity to go, not their President, this Congress, and once, not twice, but three times into their young men and women in the own eyes the devastation and the con- this region. In fact, on Easter Sunday, armed forces of the United States who sequences of genocide. These images I was in Prague and had the oppor- align with those in NATO made that are seared into my memory forever. We will not always be able to inter- tunity to go to the NATO bunker that quote possible. That the cynics, the vene to stop injustice wherever it oc- was recently admitted to the NATO al- realpolitiks of the world who said that we did not have a strategic interest curs, but we have laid down a powerful liance, the Czech Republic had made there, yes, of course, there was a moral precedent in Kosovo. Our credibility, as available. That day that I was there, on Easter imperative, but we did not have a stra- I said, earlier has been enhanced. Sunday at that NATO bunker, the tegic interest; therefore, perhaps as we NATO has been strengthened. A brutal did during the 1930s we ought to stand dictator has been repulsed, and the Czech Republic cleared 130 sorties to go and simply watch, perhaps lament, per- cause for human rights has been ad- through their airspace to bomb Yugo- haps wring our hand, but not take ac- vanced. If those are not good causes, slavia. I mention that because it is tion. Mr. Speaker, I do not know what are. very significant when we have heard The Clinton administration with the Again, Mr. Speaker, I thank the gen- over an over the last few weeks that, support of this Congress not only uni- tleman from Wisconsin (Mr. KIND) who first of all, a bombing campaign would fied, not always out front, but never- has himself been such a leader in this never work, a bombing campaign would theless united in our conviction that effort and who is ensured that the not bring about the desired effect and we would let this policy go forward and American public had the facts and were the desired impact to force Milosevic congratulate themselves for standing themselves focused on the objectives to come to the peace table. for what is right. Why? Because of we sought, the means we used. Interestingly enough, every time I NATO’s unified unwavering action in Parenthetically, let me say that we heard that, it was being espoused nor- Kosovo, we have made it clear that were extraordinarily lucky, the redress mally by people that have never been international wrongdoers can and will of the wrongs that were occurring, if on the receiving end of a bombing cam- be confronted. they occur in the future, may not be as paign or a mortar attack or any of This does not mean we can intervene, costless as this enterprise was. But those. Mr. Speaker, in every instance. As Sec- having said that, the enterprise will be Having had the experience of Viet- retary of State Madeleine Albright worth it. nam and having been involved in some stated recently, and again I quote, ‘‘In Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I thank the of those attacks, I can tell my col- copying with future crisis, the accumu- gentleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER) leagues that there is nothing more tax- lated wisdom of the past will have to for his comments and for the leader- ing, more horrifying that makes one be weighed against the factors unique ship that he has shown on this issue. feel more helpless than being attacked to that place and time.’’ What a long ways we have come in a by bombs or mortars. Unfortunately, for Milosevic, Kosovo short period of time when, just a few So to those that were criticizing the was the place and the time. short weeks ago, this Chamber by a strategy, I say it worked. It is some- Finally, in closing let me state our 213–213 vote tied on whether or not to thing that we all have to recognize and efforts to secure peace in the Balkans even continue to support the NATO air give credit where credit is due to the are not over. We must keep the faith. campaign in the region. Now we are on President and to the whole NATO alli- We must keep our will. We must keep the precipice of peace breaking out in ance. our focus. We must keep our ties to our the region. We also heard over and over, what is allies strong and unbroken. A while back, I had a chance to have our interest in the region? What kind Milosevic has properly been branded a conversation with Elie Wiesel, one of of national interests could we possibly as a war criminal by the International the Nazi concentration camp survivors, have? I think a number of my col- War Crimes Tribunal at the Hague. He, one of the foremost experts on the Hol- leagues this evening have gone over Mr. Speaker, and those who committed ocaust. I asked him what his thoughts that interest and that compelling and crimes allied with him or, very frank- were in regards to the NATO air cam- overwhelming obligation that we, as ly, those who committed crimes on the paign in the Balkans. Americans, can take full pride in to- other side must be held accountable. What he said I thought really crys- night and in the coming days that Our policy goal now should be, not tallized the issue, for me at least, in President Clinton took the tough only his removal from office, but his which he said, ‘‘Listen, the only miser- stand, made the tough decisions, and

VerDate 18-JUN-99 12:32 Jun 23, 1999 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\CRI\H22JN9.REC pfrm08 PsN: pfrm08 H4732 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 22, 1999 ultimately brought Milosevic to the Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I wish to The motion was agreed to; accord- peace table and provided us an oppor- conclude by saying that, in the final ingly (at 9 o’clock and 16 minutes tunity to once more see how great we analysis, someone had to stop p.m.), the House adjourned until to- as a country and as a nation can be. Milosevic in Kosovo. And given the morrow, Wednesday, June 23, 1999, at 10 Even though over the past few weeks current geopolitical global lineup, that a.m. we have not all been in complete agree- someone was us. I just hope and pray ment, we have not all been satisfied that for the sake of peace in the region, f that all the things that were happening that what has started now will con- and that were occurring were being tinue and we will see a lasting peace. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, done according to the strategy or ac- And that our troops in the region, who ETC. cording to the game plan, but one are being asked to act as peacekeepers, thing that we do know tonight and will be able to do their jobs success- Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive that we have known since Milosevic fully, efficiently, and as quickly as pos- communications were taken from the came to the peace table is that we have sible so they can all return to their Speaker’s table and referred as follows: so many thousands of refugees that are families safely. 2678. A letter from the Administrator, Ag- grateful for the role that the United f States and NATO played in giving ricultural Marketing Service, Department of them the opportunity to go back and LEAVE OF ABSENCE Agriculture, transmitting the Department’s By unanimous consent, leave of ab- final rule—1999 Amendment to Cotton Board regain what they had, go back and take Rules and Regulations Adjusting Supple- hold of what we hope is the future, the sence was granted to: Mr. TIAHRT (at the request of Mr. mental Assessment on Imports [CN–99–002] rest of their lives in their home coun- received June 11, 1999, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. try, in their home turf. ARMEY) for today on account of attend- ing his daughter’s high school gradua- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agri- We heard a lot of the pundits night culture. after night after night telling the tion. 2679. A letter from the Administrator, Ag- American people and the audience Mr. GILCHREST (at the request of Mr. ARMEY) for today and June 23 on ac- ricultural Marketing Service, Department of worldwide that the refugees that had Agriculture, transmitting the Department’s left their homes would never want to count of official business. Mr. DEFAZIO (at the request of Mr. final—Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown go back. They were wrong. They were GEPHARDT) for today and June 23 on ac- In California; Final Free and Reserve Per- wrong, and they should admit it. Just count of official business. centages for 1998–99 Zante Currant Raisins [Docket No. FV99–989–3 FIR] received June like they were wrong about the air Mr. UNDERWOOD (at the request of 11, 1999, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to strategy and the bombing campaign Mr. GEPHARDT) for today through noon the Committee on Agriculture. that it would never work, it worked. on Thursday, June 24th on account of They should admit it. official business. 2680. A letter from the Director, Test, Sys- Part of the compelling story, part of f tems Engineering & Evaluation, Department what I hope is chronicled in this cam- of Defense, transmitting notification of in- paign and in this great humanitarian SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED tent to obligate funds for out-of-cycle FY effort led by the United States and By unanimous consent, permission to 1999 FCT projects and FY 2000 in-cycle FCT NATO is the tremendous impact that it address the House, following the legis- projects, pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2350a(g); to had on many thousands of individuals lative program and any special orders the Committee on Armed Services. of every size and every age and every heretofore entered, was granted to: 2681. A letter from the Secretary of De- description, many thousands of individ- The following Members (at the re- fense, transmitting a report regarding the uals that were forced to flee their quest of Mr. MCNULTY) to revise and FY 1999 acquisition and support workforce homes. extend their remarks and include ex- reductions; to the Committee on Armed I would ask the American people to- traneous material: Services. night to stop and reflect for a moment Mr. PALLONE, for 5 minutes, today. 2682. A letter from the Director, Office of what would happen to them personally Mr. HOLT, for 5 minutes, today. Regulatory Management and Information, Ms. NORTON, for 5 minutes today. Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- if they were to suffer this contend of Mrs. JONES of Ohio, for 5 minutes, trauma, a trauma that to us is un- ting the Agency’s final rule—Clean Air Act today. Full Approval of 40 CFR Part 70 Operating imaginable, to us it is incomprehen- Mr. ROEMER, for 5 minutes, today. Permit Program; State of North Dakota sible because we cannot even begin to Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, for 5 [ND–001a; FRL–6360–3] received June 10, 1999, imagine what it would be like to be minutes, today. pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- forced out of our homes and to be Ms. DELAURO, for 5 minutes, today. mittee on Commerce. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, forced into the refugee camps and the 2683. A letter from the Director, Office of conditions of which my colleagues and for 5 minutes, today. Regulatory Management and Information, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, for 5 minutes, I had a first-hand look, and conditions Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- that today are going to be resolved by today. ting the Agency’s final rule—Clean Air Act Ms. SLAUGHTER, for 5 minutes, today. Approval and Promulgation of State Imple- allowing these refugees to go back to Mr. DAVIS of Florida, for 5 minutes, mentation Plan; Colorado; Revisions Regard- their homeland. today. b ing Negligibly Reactive Volatile Organic 2115 Ms. WOOLSEY, for 5 minutes, today. Compounds and Other Regulatory Revisions Mr. FORD, for 5 minutes, today. Mr. REYES. I am proud to be in the [CO–001–0027a, CO–001–0028a, & CO–001–0033a; Mr. GREEN of Texas, for 5 minutes, well of the House this evening to thank FRL–6358–6] received June 10, 1999, pursuant today. to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on President Clinton and to thank the Mr. ETHERIDGE, for 5 minutes, today. NATO alliance. Over and over in the (The following Members (at the re- Commerce. past weeks we heard it would never quest of Mr. FOLEY) to revise and ex- 2684. A letter from the Director, Office of hold together. It held together. It tend their remarks and include extra- Regulatory Management and Information, brought about the desired successful neous material:) Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- conclusion that is going to, I think, Mr. BEREUTER, for 5 minutes, today. ting the Agency’s final rule—Approval and write yet another chapter in the great Mr. BILIRAKIS, for 5 minutes, on June Promulgation of Air Quality Implementa- history of this country where we do not 24. tion Plans; Maryland; Control of VOC Emis- sions from Decorative Surfaces, Brake Shoe do things because they are easy, we do Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania, for 5 minutes, today. Coatings, Structural Steel Coatings, and not do things because they are simple, Digital Imaging [MD–3039a; FRL–6357–5] re- but we do do things, no matter how dif- Mr. PAUL, for 5 minutes, today. Mr. JONES of North Carolina, for 5 ceived June 10, 1999, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. ficult the task, because they are the minutes, today, June 23 and June 24. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Commerce. right thing to do. Mr. SOUDER, for 5 minutes, today. 2685. A letter from the Director, Office of I am proud of the President, I am f Regulatory Management and Information, proud of our men and women in uni- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- form, and I am proud of those of my ADJOURNMENT ting the Agency’s final rule—Approval and colleagues that stood with our Presi- Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I move that Promulgation of Air Quality Implementa- dent. the House do now adjourn. tion Plans; Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;

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