April 14, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2545 the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Whereas the American people stood in sup- We pledge to stand by the Polish FUDGE) that the House suspend the port of the Solidarity movement as it fought Government as it seeks to reconstitute rules and agree to the resolution, H. against the oppression of the Polish com- itself and reaffirm our enduring friend- Res. 1242. munist government through peaceful means, ship for . eventually leading to Solidarity members The question was taken. being elected to office in partially free demo- Madam Speaker, what makes this ac- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the cratic elections held on June 4, 1989; cident even more tragic is that it oc- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Whereas Poland joined the North Atlantic curred as President Kaczynski’s delega- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1999 and has tion was traveling to commemorate Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Madam since contributed to military operations in one of the most brutal events of World Speaker, I object to the vote on the Iraq and Afghanistan; and War II—the execution of more than ground that a quorum is not present Whereas the United States and Poland 20,000 Polish officers, prisoners, and in- and make the point of order that a share a strong bond of friendship and inter- tellectuals in Forest by the So- national cooperation: Now, therefore, be it quorum is not present. Resolved, That the House of Representa- viet Secret Police in 1939. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tives— Earlier in the week, there were en- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the (1) mourns the death of President couraging signs that Poland and Chair’s prior announcement, further Kaczynski and the terrible loss of life that were beginning to heal the deep wounds proceedings on this motion will be resulted from the plane crash of , caused by these horrific wartime postponed. 2010; events. Russian Prime Minister Putin The point of no quorum is considered (2) expresses its deepest sympathies to the joined Poland Prime Minister Donald people of Poland and the families of those Tusk at a ceremony marking the 70th withdrawn. who perished for their profound loss; f (3) expresses strong and continued soli- anniversary of this massacre—the first darity with the people of Poland and all per- time a Russian leader has ever partici- EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO THE sons of Polish descent; and pated in this memorial. PEOPLE OF POLAND (4) expresses unwavering support for the The Russian people have been very Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I Polish government as it works to overcome supportive and responsive in the wake the loss of many key public officials. move to suspend the rules and agree to of the disaster, with Prime Minister the resolution (H. Res. 1246) expressing The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Putin personally heading the inquiry sympathy to the people of Poland in ant to the rule, the gentleman from into the crash. the aftermath of the tragic plane crash Massachusetts (Mr. DELAHUNT) and the Konstantin Kosachev, chairman of that killed the country’s President, gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. ROS- the International Relations Committee First Lady, and 94 others on April 10, LEHTINEN) each will control 20 minutes. of the Russian State Duma—described 2010. The Chair recognizes the gentleman the death of the Polish President as a The Clerk read the title of the resolu- from Massachusetts. great tragedy for both the Polish and tion. GENERAL LEAVE the Russian peoples. Observing that The text of the resolution is as fol- Mr. DELAHUNT. I ask unanimous both countries were mourning to- lows: consent that all Members may have 5 gether, he solemnly noted, and these legislative days to revise and extend are his words: ‘‘Katyn took some more H. RES. 1246 their remarks and include extraneous victims.’’ Whereas the Polish President Lech If anything positive is to come from Kaczynski and 95 other people, including Po- material on the resolution under con- land’s First Lady, deputy foreign minister, sideration. these tragic deaths, it may be the de- deputy defense minister, dozens of members The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there velopment of closer ties between these of Parliament, the chiefs of the army and objection to the request of the gen- two nations and their citizens. navy, and the president of the national bank, tleman from Massachusetts? Madam Speaker, I urge my col- were killed in a plane crash in western Rus- There was no objection. leagues to support this resolution, and sia on April 10, 2010; Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I I reserve the balance of my time. Whereas President Kaczynski and his col- yield myself as much time as I may b 1430 leagues were traveling to Katyn, Russia for a consume. memorial service to mark the 70th anniver- I rise in strong support of this resolu- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- sary of the Soviet secret police killing of er, I yield myself such time as I may more than 20,000 Polish officers, prisoners, tion, which expresses sympathy for the and intellectuals who were captured after people of Poland following the tragic consume. the invaded Poland in 1939; plane crash last weekend that killed Madam Speaker, I am saddened by Whereas , who served their President and so many others. the need for this resolution. The death as Poland’s final president in exile before the I wish to thank my colleagues and of Polish President Lech Kaczynski, country’s return to democracy, perished; friends, Representatives DAHLKEMPER, his wife Maria, and 94 other Polish offi- Whereas Anna Walentynowicz, the former KANJORSKI, and LIPINSKI for quickly cials and citizens in the plane crash in dock worker whose firing in 1980 sparked the preparing a text that enables this Russia on April 10 was sudden, unex- Solidarity strike that ultimately overthrew House to add its voice to the condo- pected, and truly a tragedy for the na- the Polish communist government, was also tion of Poland. killed in the crash; lences being expressed around the Whereas respected Chicago artist Wojciech world on this sad occasion. We have all seen the outpouring of Seweryn, whose father was killed in Katyn, Last Saturday we woke to the ter- grief and tributes since then by the and who recently completed a memorial to rible news of a plane crash in western citizens of Poland in support and in the victims of Katyn at St. Adalbert Ceme- Russia. This accident took the lives of honor of their late President and all tery in Niles, Illinois, which Polish President Polish President Lech Kaczynski, his who died with him. Kaczynski planned to visit in May, died in wife, the deputy foreign minister, the There is little that we can here do the crash as well; deputy defense minister, the chiefs of today to add to the honors bestowed Whereas Russia and Poland had begun to upon the departed by their very own heal the deep wounds from the Katyn trag- the army and navy, the president of edy, with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir the national bank, dozens of members countrymen, but we can, however, offer Putin recently joining Polish Prime Minister of parliament, as well as civilian and our condolences to the strong and Donald Tusk at a ceremony marking the military staff. proud nation of Poland, which has been event at Katyn; Today, the House mourns the death and remains a friend and an ally of the Whereas Prime Minister Putin, the first of President Kaczynski and his col- United States. Russian leader ever to attend the Katyn leagues. We express our deepest sym- Despite the loss of their President, commemoration said ‘‘we bow our heads to pathies to the people of Poland as well we can be certain that the Polish peo- those who bravely met death here’’; to the families who have suffered such ple will continue on the road toward Whereas more than 9,000,000 Americans of Polish descent now reside in the United a grievous loss. We think, too, of the democracy, prosperity, and security, States, including in major metropolitan millions of Americans who claim Pol- the road that they have traveled since areas such as Chicago, Detroit, and New ish ancestry, as we know their hearts they broke free of the grip of Com- York City; are also heavy. munist authoritarian rule in 1989.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Jul 08, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H14AP0.REC H14AP0 mmaher on DSKD5P82C1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H2546 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 14, 2010 How proud we were, when they re- many of the leading officials and coun- Madam Speaker, I also rise today to gained their freedom, that America has trymen. At this time, and in the fu- join all my colleagues in mourning the stood by the people of Poland during ture, America will forever remain a death of President Lech Kaczynski and those times when they suffered under a friend of Poland. many others who died in that plane Communist dictatorship and domina- With that, Madam Speaker, I reserve crash on April 10, 2010. Poland lost tion by the former Soviet regime in the balance of my time. some of its most famous political fig- . Similarly, the people of Po- Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I ures. They were heroes among the Pol- land now offer their solidarity with yield 1 minute to one of the original ish people. The 95 people that died that those who seek freedom in my native sponsors of this resolution, the gentle- day included the President, a very pro- homeland of Cuba. Having suffered in woman from Pennsylvania (Mrs. U.S. and anti-Soviet individual, and his the not-too-distant past under the DAHLKEMPER). wife and numerous other political gov- crushing yoke of the Soviet regime, Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. I thank the ernment officials. many in Poland sadly know all too well gentleman; and I want to thank the It’s interesting to note why so many the struggles that the people of Cuba leadership for allowing myself and my officials were going to Russia, why face each and every day under the colleagues, Mr. LIPINSKI and Mr. KAN- they were on that particular plane stranglehold of the Cuban dictatorship. JORSKI, to bring forward this very im- headed to a specific event. Well, that Poland’s support for human rights portant but very sad resolution. Polish delegation was traveling to Rus- and democracy in Cuba illustrates it It is with a very heavy heart today sia to commemorate the 70th anniver- has not forgotten its past suffering nor that I rise to offer House Resolution sary of the . the strength that it received from the 1246 expressing sympathy to the people On September 17, 1939, the Red Army solidarity of others. And how proud we of Poland in the aftermath of the trag- invaded the territory of Poland from are today that Poland has become an ic plane crash that killed the country’s the east. They captured hundreds of important member of both the North President, First Lady, and 94 others on thousands of and deported them Atlantic Alliance and the European April 10, 2010. President Lech to prisoner of war camps in the western Union and that it has become a strong Kaczynski, his wife Maria, Poland’s Soviet Union. voice for those countries in Eastern army chief, navy chief commander, Once at the camps, the Poles were subjected to lengthy interrogations; Europe that are working to ensure that governor of the Polish central bank, and if the prisoners could not be in- they never again fall victim to the other lawmakers, aides, and state offi- duced to adopt a pro-Soviet attitude, domination by a more powerful neigh- cials were lost when their plane they were declared ‘‘hardened and un- boring state. crashed in Western Russia. President Kaczynski was, in fact, an The delegation was traveling to a compromising enemies of Soviet au- important leader in an effort to ensure memorial service to honor 22,000 Polish thority.’’ So on March 5, 1940, Joseph Stalin that the hard-won liberty and democ- officers killed in Russia’s Katyn forest and three of his henchmen signed an racy today enjoyed by Poland and by the Soviet secret police in 1940. order to execute over 20,000 prisoners, other nations of Eastern Europe is not We offer our condolences and sym- all Poles, to weaken any future Polish pathy to the Polish people and Polish bartered away. He recognized the temp- military. In the Katyn forest, Soviet Americans as we mourn the loss of tations faced by other European states secret police executed more than 20,000 President Kaczynski, his wife, and which eagerly expand their commercial Polish nationals who were mainly offi- other great leaders lost in this tragedy. and military exports to Russia while cers in the Polish military. increasing their reliance on energy President Kaczynski was a distin- And beginning on April 3, the killings supplies from Russia. He would not guished statesman and leader in the were methodical. After a condemned succumb to those Russian manipula- Solidarity movement. He will be long person’s information was checked, that tions and coercions. remembered for his commitment to individual was handcuffed and led to a The late Polish President was a voice freedom, democracy, and human dig- secret cell that was insulated with felt that may have been unwelcome among nity. to make sure that no noise could come some in the councils in Brussels, but it Today, we stand in solidarity with from that cell. The sounds were also was a voice that was heeded. more than 38 millions Poles in Poland masked by the operation of loud ma- Moreover, Madam Speaker, under his and 9 million Americans of Polish de- chines that were working in the fac- leadership, Poland continued as a scent now residing in the United tories. And after being taken to the strong friend and a staunch ally of the States, including more than 14,000 Pol- cell, the victim was immediately shot United States, supporting military op- ish Americans in my hometown of Erie, in the back of the head. His body was erations against extremists in Iraq and Pennsylvania. Polish Americans have taken out through the opposite door in in Afghanistan, supporting America’s made great contributions to our Na- the cell and laid in one of the five or efforts to create long-range missile de- tion’s livelihood and culture, and we six waiting trucks, whereupon the next fenses for both Europe and the United are grateful for their presence in the condemned Pole was taken inside and States, participating as a full partner United States. the same procedure was methodically in NATO, and supporting the expansion Our hearts go out to our Polish followed again. of democracy everywhere. brothers and sisters across the globe This occurred over 20,000 times; and There are those in Europe who, while who share in this horrible loss. In this the procedure went on every day, every enjoying the security commitment pro- time of mourning, let us remember the night, except, ironically, for the May vided by the United States through words of St. Peter, ‘‘And the God of all Day celebration. In the end, those NATO, nevertheless feel free to criti- grace, who called you to his eternal 20,000 POWs and prisoners were exe- cize America’s initiatives to fight ex- glory in Christ, after you have suffered cuted without a trial, just a summary tremism and address threats around a little while, will himself restore you judgment. the world. President Kaczynski was not and make you strong, firm, and stead- Those who died at the Katyn include one of those voices. In fact, during his fast.’’ an admiral, two generals, 24 colonels, trip to the United States 3 years ago, I urge my colleagues to stand in soli- 79 lieutenant colonels, 258 Polish ma- he made a special trip to visit the darity with Poland and support our res- jors, 654 captains, 17 naval captains, Reagan Library as a sign of his coun- olution. over 3,000 noncommissioned officers. It try’s appreciation for our former Presi- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- included even seven chaplains, three dent’s leadership in the efforts to free er, at this time, I would like to yield landowners, a prince, 43 public offi- his country from Communist domina- such time as he may consume to our cials, 85 privates, and 131 other refu- tion. President Kaczynski valued this esteemed colleague, the gentleman gees. support and offered Poland’s support in from Texas (Mr. POE), a wonderful Also among the dead were 20 univer- return. member of our Committee on Foreign sity professors, 300 doctors, several Madam Speaker, we express our con- Affairs. hundred lawyers, engineers, teachers, dolences to the people of Poland on the Mr. POE of Texas. I thank the rank- and more than 100 writers and journal- loss of their President, his wife, and so ing member for yielding. ists, as well as about 200 pilots, all

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Jul 08, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H14AP0.REC H14AP0 mmaher on DSKD5P82C1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 14, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2547 leaders in the Polish community. The has suffered and continues to grieve. The scope of this tragedy is inde- effort of the Soviet Union was to de- However, as a proud Polish American, I scribable, the pain of the loss is un- stroy those leaders and destroy Poland hope that by sharing our own grief, imaginable, and our thoughts and pray- as well. These were all Poles, all vic- sympathy, and unity with the Polish ers rest with the families, friends, and tims of the terror of communism. people, we will be able to help them loved ones of the victims. Their loss For over half a century, Moscow even gather the resolve and strength needed strikes a blow to the hearts of Polish denied this ever occurred. The Soviet to get through such difficult times. citizens, all Polish Americans—my government had suppressed all the in- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- nieces are Polish American—and all formation about the shootings and er, I know that Mr. DELAHUNT has who believe in a future of peace and blamed it on the Nazis. In 1992, Russia about 10 speakers, so I’m going to con- prosperity for Poland and for every na- finally released the documents showing tinue to reserve for a while. tion. that the entire Politburo, including Jo- Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I I would like to talk about the Presi- seph Stalin, signed an order dated now yield 1 minute to the dean of the dent. Few leaders have proven greater March, 1940, to kill these Polish offi- House, Chairman JOHN DINGELL. champions of progress in human dig- cers. (Mr. DINGELL asked and was given nity than President Kaczynski. He was Poland had a rough history in the permission to revise and extend his re- a true advocate of liberty for Poland, last century. They were invaded by the marks.) for Poland’s families, workers, and Nazis, and many of the Poles were Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I citizens. His life was defined by a long taken to Germany and died in con- commend, congratulate, and thank my struggle for freedom and by the ulti- centration camps. And then the Sovi- good friends on the committee for their mate victory of democracy and human kindness, and I thank my good friend ets invaded the same country trying to rights. drive out the Nazis; and they, too, took from Massachusetts for yielding this As a leader in the Solidarity move- many Poles and put them in concentra- time to me. ment, he helped turn the tides of his- I rise in strong support of the resolu- tion camps, where many of them died. tory against the tyranny and oppres- tion expressing the sympathy of the In the United States, we celebrate sion of communist rule. As Mayor of United States for the people of Poland the end of World War II in 1945, but the and as , he in the aftermath of the tragic plane Poles, they don’t celebrate the end of worked to make the promise of a more crash that killed the country’s Presi- World War II in 1945. They celebrate it just future a reality for the Polish na- dent, First Lady, and 94 other Poles. in 1989, when the wall finally fell and tion. Together with so many who lost My thoughts and prayers are with the the Soviets left town. It was a long war their lives in the tragedy, President for our friends in Poland. Polish people at this difficult time. As an American of Polish descent, Kaczynski sought to rebuild Poland, to So now, Madam Speaker, we know make his country safer and more se- the rest of the story and why President proud of my heritage, I grieve at this loss. And what a sad time it occurs cure, and to write a new chapter for fu- Kaczynski and so many Poles were on ture generations. that plane that crashed in Russia. Now when the Poles were going to Smo- lensk, Russia to commemorate the Again, as I say, we have been blessed they, too, ironically, have died on the in our country with a strong Polish same land where thousands of other killing of 20,000 Polish officers and in- telligentsia under the direct orders of American community, and I know all Poles died over 70 years ago. of them join us in this resolution which It is appropriate today that we pay the Soviet dictator, Joseph Stalin. I am grieving about the situation in remembers the lives lost in this hor- homage to all of those Poles who have rible tragedy: the President; so many lived and died in a quest for Polish lib- Poland, but I am proud that the Polish people have established a democracy Polish military and political leaders, erty, those Poles who have always been past and present; and distinguished an ally of the United States, and we which is not only a friend of the United States, but which is able to survive citizens. It recalls the life of Poland’s grieve while they grieve in Poland. final President in exile who led the And that’s just the way it is. these difficult times and maintain not Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I only its friendship for America, but its charge to close the doors of political now yield 1 minute to another original leadership in the world and its superb oppression and open an age of demo- sponsor of this resolution, the gen- work in maintaining a democracy for cratic freedom. This resolution honors the life of a tleman from Illinois (Mr. LIPINSKI). which the Poles have yearned so long. Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I Mr. DELAHUNT. I thank the gen- former dock worker whose actions ig- rise to share my deepest sympathies tleman. nited the Solidarity movement that and solemn condolences with the peo- I now yield to the Speaker of the changed the course of Polish history. ple of Poland and all those who are im- House, the gentlelady from California The resolution reminds us of a Polish pacted by this tragic plane crash. (Ms. PELOSI). American artist from Chicago who just President Kaczynski will be deeply Ms. PELOSI. I thank the gentleman finished a memorial to the victims of missed. He was determined to ensure for yielding, and I thank Mr. DELAHUNT the Katyn massacre, where his own fa- the strength, prosperity, and sov- and Congresswoman ROS-LEHTINEN for ther had perished. The United States Congress joins Po- ereignty of Poland and was a strong giving us this opportunity to come to land and countries across the globe in ally of the United States. the floor to express our sympathy to the people of Poland. mourning the death of such extraor- b 1445 Our country is blessed with many dinary leaders. In the words of this res- Chicago also mourns the loss of one Polish Americans. It is a blessing to olution, we express strong and contin- of our own, Wojciech Seweryn, who our country. They are mourning this ued solidarity with the people of Po- perished in the crash. loss, and all Americans join them. And land and all persons of Polish descent. The Polish and American people have today, Congress officially joins in that And we are so blessed that the dean of long shared a deep attachment to the mourning. our delegation in the Congress, Mr. values of freedom and independence. The United States and, indeed, the DINGELL, shares that honor and brings Today, with over 9 million people of entire world mourn the loss of Presi- luster to his Polish heritage, as well as Polish ancestry in the U.S., including dent Kaczynski and First Lady Maria other Members of our Congress as well. roughly 1 million in Illinois, Poland re- Kaczynski and all who perished in last And the resolution offers our unwaver- mains one of America’s closest allies. weekend’s tragic crash. The United ing support for the Polish Government Our two nations continue to cooperate States stands with our friend and ally as it works to overcome the loss of closely on issues of national security, and the people of Poland as they grieve many key officials. Let us strive to live regional and global security, democra- the loss of their President and First up to their legacy of hope for a bright- tization, and human rights. Our friend- Lady, the Chiefs of the Army and er future for Poland, Europe, and all ship and partnership have been and will Navy, the President of the National humanity. continue to be steadfast. Bank, the Deputy Foreign Minister, This morning, I had the privilege of Nothing we say today will make up and dozens of other Cabinet officials joining Congresswoman MARCY KAP- for the tremendous loss that Poland and members of Parliament. TUR—and Congressman MIKE QUIGLEY

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Jul 08, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H14AP0.REC H14AP0 mmaher on DSKD5P82C1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H2548 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 14, 2010 was there before us—and other Mem- trict, has one of the most vibrant Pol- when 20,000 Polish prisoners—including Army bers who have gone to the Polish Em- ish American communities in the Na- officers and the leading Polish intellectuals of bassy to sign the book of condolences. tion. During the 1980s, many Poles took the time—were brutally murdered by Soviet We are very proud that in doing so we refuge in this Little Poland when mar- Forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin was joined President Barack Obama, who tial law was imposed against Solidarity to join the Polish delegation in their com- had earlier, a few days ago, signed that back home. memoration of the massacre, the first time a book. I know it is a comfort to the peo- Just 2 years ago, President high-ranking Russian official has done so ple of Poland. Ambassador Kupiecki, Kaczynski came to Greenpoint. He wor- since the massacre occurred 70 years ago. who may be with us here or shortly shipped in our churches. He met with Roger Cohen, writing yesterday in the New will join us in the gallery, told us how local leaders, and he visited with the York Times, remarked, ‘‘Poland should shame the people of Poland were so pleased people of Little Poland. His trip there every nation that believes peace and reconcili- and comforted by the fact that Presi- was an inspiring moment for many ation are impossible, every state that believes dent Obama would be attending the fu- New Yorkers. Today there are heavy that sacrifice of new generations is needed to neral in Poland on Sunday. He will hearts in Greenpoint, as there are in avenge the grievances of history . . . It is Po- bring with him all the sympathy of the Polish American communities land that is now at peace with its neighbors American people and all of the prayers throughout the Nation. and stable. It is Poland that has joined Ger- to help mourn the loss that the people In coming weeks, the Polish people many in the European Union. So do not tell have suffered. will grieve their loss. We join them in me that cruel history cannot be overcome.’’ Thank you again, Mr. Chairman and mourning, but we can be comforted Let us use this unimaginable tragedy to fol- Madam ROS-LEHTINEN, for giving us that Poland will recover, carry for- low Poland’s example to promote peace, rec- the opportunity to share our grief over ward, and grow stronger. onciliation, and diplomacy in the world. this terrible loss. The fact that this crash occurred [From the New York Times, Apr. 13, 2010] Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- while traveling to a ceremony for an- THE GLORY OF POLAND er, I ask unanimous consent that for other tragedy is a sad irony; however, (By Roger Cohen) OE it also reminds us of the Polish peo- the remainder of our time Judge P NEW YORK.—My first thought, hearing of be allowed to manage our time. ple’s strength in the face of adversity. the Polish tragedy, was that history’s gyre The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there That unyielding spirit shall remain an can be of an unbearable cruelty, decapitating objection to the request of the gentle- important part of Poland’s identity Poland’s elite twice in the same cursed woman from Florida? and of her many sons and daughters place, Katyn. There was no objection. who reside in the United States. My second was to call my old friend Adam Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I Michnik in Warsaw. Michnik, an intellectual now yield 1 minute to the gentleman now yield 1 minute to the gentleman imprisoned six times by the former puppet- Soviet Communist rulers, once told me: from Illinois (Mr. QUIGLEY). from Ohio, Representative KUCINICH. ‘‘Anyone who has suffered that humilia- Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, last Mr. KUCINICH. Thank you very tion, at some level, wants revenge. I know night I spoke of the great tragedy that much, Mr. DELAHUNT. all the lies. I saw people being killed. But I has befallen Poland. Today I rise to On Saturday, I received a call from also know that revanchism is never ending. honor a great man, artist, and activist the leader of Cleveland’s Polish com- And my obsession has been that we should who was also killed in the crash that munity, John Borkowski, who in- have a revolution that does not resemble the took Poland’s President and 95 others. formed me of the tragedy that befell French or Russian, but rather the American, One of my constituents, Wojciech the nation of Poland. in the sense that it be for something, not Seweryn, was aboard the plane on his Cleveland has a very large Polish against something. A revolution for a con- stitution, not a paradise. An anti-utopian way to participate in the commemora- American community, which is very revolution. Because utopias lead to the guil- tive events planned to honor those proud of its heritage and very involved lotine and the .’’ 20,000 Poles who died some 70 years in promoting the social and cultural Michnik’s obsession has yielded fruit. ago. aspects of the Polish ethnic heritage. President Lech Kaczynski is dead. Slawomir A Polish artist and influential mem- The loss of the humblest citizen on Skrzypek, the president of the National ber of Chicago’s Polish community, Mr. that plane was a great tragedy for Po- Bank, is dead. An explosion in the fog of the Seweryn’s father died at Katyn, and land. The total loss is a tragedy of forest took them and 94 others on the way to Seweryn himself spearheaded the con- monumental proportions. Katyn. But Poland’s democracy has scarcely skipped a beat. The leader of the lower house struction of a memorial to the event in I am glad to see the United States of Parliament has become acting president a cemetery in Niles, Illinois. Seweryn Congress recognizing the tragedy that pending an election. The first deputy presi- was on hand last year when the monu- has befallen the Polish people and also dent of the National Bank has assumed the ment was dedicated, as he was at many joining in in mourning the loss of duties of the late president. Poland, oft dis- important events in Chicago’s Polish President Kaczynski, the First Lady, membered, even wiped from the map, is calm community. and 94 others. and at peace. Poles in Chicago make up the largest I would like to insert in the RECORD ‘‘Katyn is the place of death of the Polish ethnically Polish population of any a column by Roger Cohen that I think intelligentsia,’’ Michnik, now the soul of Po- land’s successful Gazeta Wyborcza news- city outside of Poland, second only to puts an appropriate frame on this im- paper, said when I reached him by phone. Warsaw, the capital of Poland. The portant discussion today in which we ‘‘This is a terrible national tragedy. But in Polish American community will un- recognize the grief of the Polish people my sadness I am optimistic because Putin’s doubtedly struggle to fill the void left and show solidarity with them. strong and wise declaration has opened a by many, but particularly Mr. Seweryn Finally, I would just like to say, new phase in Polish-Russian relations, and and all those lost a few short days ago. niech zyje Polska—long live Poland. because we Poles are showing we can be re- Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I Madam Speaker, I rise to express my strong sponsible and stable.’’ continue to reserve. support of and condolences for the people of Michnik was referring to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s words after he decided last Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I Poland as they mourn the loss of their Presi- week to join, for the first time, Polish offi- now yield 1 minute to the gentlelady dent, Lech Kaczynski, the First Lady, and 94 cials commemorating the anniversary of the from New York (Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ). others after a tragic plane crash this past Sat- murder at Katyn of thousands of Polish offi- (Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ asked and was urday. cers by the Soviet Union at the start of given permission to revise and extend In addition to President Kaczynski, his wife, World War II. Putin, while defending the her remarks.) and key public officials, prominent figures in Russian people, denounced the ‘‘cynical lies’’ Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I Polish history perished in the plane crash as that had hidden the truth of Katyn, said rise in strong support of the resolution. well—former labor leaders, intellectuals, and ‘‘there is no justification for these crimes’’ All of us mourn the loss of those who of a ‘‘totalitarian regime’’ and declared, ‘‘We historians—figures that shaped Polish history, should meet each other halfway, realizing helped spread the light of freedom dur- revolutionized Polish political discourse, and that it is impossible to live only in the ing the Cold War. preserved Polish heritage. past.’’ Our Nation enjoys deep ties to Po- In cruel irony, they were traveling to Russia The declaration, dismissed by the paleo- land. Greenpoint, Brooklyn, in my dis- to commemorate the 1940 Katyn massacre lithic Russian Communist Party, mattered

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Jul 08, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H14AP0.REC H14AP0 mmaher on DSKD5P82C1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 14, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2549 less than Putin’s presence, head bowed in signs are there—to greater relation- member of the Foreign Affairs Com- that forest of shame. Watching him beside ships between Russia and Poland. mittee, the gentlewoman from Nevada Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, I Madam Speaker, Poland is our ally. (Ms. BERKLEY). thought of Franc¸ois Mitterrand and Helmut In Saint John Kanty church in Clif- Ms. BERKLEY. I thank the gen- Kohl hand-in-hand at Verdun in 1984: of such ton—in my district—and members in solemn moments of reconciliation has the tleman for giving me this time to offer miracle of a Europe whole and free been Passaic, in Wallington and in Garfield, my condolences to the people of Po- built. Now that Europe extends eastward to- there are Polish Americans who send land. ward the Urals. out their deepest sympathies to the Madam Speaker, I rise today to join I thought even of Willy Brandt on his families. with Polish Americans, with our Na- knees in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1970, a turn- Picture the President of the United tion and, indeed, with the whole world ing point on the road to a German-Polish States, God forbid, and his family and in expressing our deepest sympathies reconciliation more miraculous in its way all of the dignitaries of the govern- to the people of Poland following this even than the dawning of the post-war Ger- ment—the FBI, the head of the CIA— weekend’s tragedy that killed their man-French alliance. And now perhaps comes the most wondrous rapprochement, going to the 9/11 commemoration in President, the First Lady and a num- the Polish-Russian. New York City and the plane’s going ber of other Polish military and civic It is too early to say where Warsaw-Mos- down and the whole government wiped leaders and dignitaries. We remember cow relations are headed but not too early to out. This is the magnitude that we are these men and women who gave their say that 96 lost souls would be dishonored if looking at today. Our prayers go to the lives while in the service of Poland, Polish and Russian leaders do not make of Polish people. We are all Poles today, and we send our sincerest condolences this tragedy a solemn bond. As Tusk told and until all of these folks are buried, to those families who have lost loved Putin, ‘‘A word of truth can mobilize two we wish them the best and their fami- ones. peoples looking for the road to reconcili- ation. Are we capable of transforming a lie lies the best. President Kaczynski fought for free- into reconciliation? We must believe we In closing, this is a very special dom during the Cold War and brought can.’’ friend of the United States of America. our two nations closer together during Poland should shame every nation that be- POLISH OUTREACH LETTER his tenure in office. His legacy will not lieves peace and reconciliation are impos- I was deeply saddened to hear about the be forgotten. America stands with our sible, every state that believes the sacrifice tragic plane crash on April 10, 2010 that took ally Poland, and we pledge our contin- of new generations is needed to avenge the the lives of 97 people, including high ranking ued support during this time of transi- grievances of history. The thing about com- Polish government officials, dignitaries, tion. petitive victimhood, a favorite Middle East- military leaders, President Lech Kaczyn´ ski ern pastime, is that it condemns the children and his wife, Maria Kaczyn´ ska. President As a member of the House Foreign of today to join the long list of the dead. Kaczyn´ ski served the Polish nation admi- Affairs Committee and as chairman of For scarcely any nation has suffered since rably, from his election as Mayor of Warsaw the Transatlantic Legislators Dia- 1939 as Poland, carved up by the Hitler-Sta- in 2002, to his Presidential election in 2005. logue, I call on my colleagues to ensure lin nonaggression pact, transformed by the He worked tirelessly for the people of Po- U.S. support for Poland’s needs after Nazis into the epicenter of their program to land. His fight for freedom and democracy in this heartbreaking and breathtaking annihilate European Jewry, land of Ausch- Poland made him a great ally for the United incident and to support this resolution witz and Majdanek, killing field for millions States. expressing our condolences to the peo- of Christian Poles and millions of Polish My deepest condolences go out to the Pol- Jews, brave home to the Warsaw Uprising, ish people, as well as the Polish-American ple of Poland. Soviet pawn, lonely Solidarity-led leader of community during this time of mourning. Mr. POE of Texas. I continue to re- post-Yalta Europe’s fight for freedom, a The tragic events of last week are made even serve the balance of my time. place where, as one of its great poets, more poignant by the location of the crash Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I Wislawa Szymborska, wrote, ‘‘History site, as the flight was en route to now yield 1 minute to the distinguished counts its skeletons in round numbers’’— Air Base in Russia to commemorate the 70th gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR). 20,000 of them at Katyn. anniversary of the Katyn Massacre. The Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, thank It is this Poland that is now at peace with massacre of 20,000 Polish military officers in you for bringing this resolution to the its neighbors and stable. It is this Poland 1940 still resonates as one of history’s worst floor. wartime atrocities. This horrific event is that has joined Germany in the European Madam Speaker, on Saturday, I was Union. It is this Poland that has just seen magnified by the sudden loss of relatives of the very symbols of its tumultuous history massacre victims who were on board the emailed by Stanley Kobylak, a leader (including the Gdansk dock worker Anna flight traveling to commemorate the anni- of the Polish community in the Toledo, Walentynowicz and former president-in-exile versary. Ohio/Rossford area, informing me of Ryszard Kaczorowski) go down in a Soviet- Remembering the Katyn Massacre and Po- this tragic situation. I rise in support made jet and responded with dignity, accord- land’s wartime contributions is why I am a of this important resolution, offering ing to the rule of law. proud cosponsor of H. Res. 715, recognizing sympathy to the liberty-loving nation So do not tell me that cruel history cannot the 70th anniversary of the Soviet and Nazi and the pivotal role Po- and people of the Republic of Poland, be overcome. Do not tell me that Israelis and our great ally. Palestinians can never make peace. Do not land has assumed at freedom’s edge since tell me that the people in the streets of gaining independence. This resolution com- Poland is one of America’s longest Bangkok and Bishkek and Tehran dream in mends the people of Poland for their historic and most steadfast allies from the time vain of freedom and democracy. Do not tell struggle against communism and fascism, of our own Republic’s founding, made me that lies can stand forever. recognizes our continued friendship with our possible by the valiance of Polish Gen- Ask the Poles. They know. Polish allies and honors the historic ties be- erals Casimir Pulaski and Tadeusz tween the United States and Poland. Kosciuszko. Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I As you know, I am deeply committed to now yield 1 minute to the gentleman serving my many constituents in the Polish- Poland’s highest leaders, including from New Jersey (Mr. PASCRELL). American Community. Please be assured its President and First Lady, Lech and (Mr. PASCRELL asked and was given that I will continue to work hard to foster Maria Kaczynski, were among the vic- permission to revise and extend his re- relationships between our two nations, and tims of that terrible crash as they marks.) to represent the Polish American commu- wended their way to commemorate the nity in New Jersey. Please count on me if 70th anniversary of the Katyn mas- b 1500 ever I may assist you regarding any federal sacre when over 22,000 Polish officers, Mr. PASCRELL. The very people who matter. I would like to remind you that my intellectuals and leaders were mur- website, www.pascrell.house.gov is frequently stand on this floor today spoke with us, updated and provides a good way to commu- dered at the hands of Joseph Stalin and Mr. DELAHUNT, 10 years ago, when we nicate with me. the Soviet Army in and around that fought to make sure that Poland was a Sincerely, forest during World War II. The truth member of NATO. Ironically, as you Bill Pascrell, Jr., of that slaughter was hidden for over 70 stand to manage the resolution, House Member of Congress. years, and now the entire world knows Resolution 1246, your career has been Mr. POE of Texas. I continue to re- of that sacred ground. filled with building bridges between serve the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, please allow me to communities. This tragedy is ironic in Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I extend condolences on behalf of my that, hopefully, it will lead—and the now yield 1 minute to a distinguished constituents in Ohio to the friends and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Jul 08, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H14AP0.REC H14AP0 mmaher on DSKD5P82C1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H2550 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 14, 2010 families of those who perished, to the day in a plane crash in western Russia along Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, all people of Poland, to the nation of Po- with dozens of other distinguished civilian and the world mourns the horrific plane crash land, and to the people of Polish herit- military leaders of Poland. We mourn their which took the lives of Polish President Lech age throughout the world. Let this mo- loss and join in sending our sincere condo- Kaczynski, his wife Maria, and so many of Po- ment be one of recommitment to Po- lences to the people of Poland, and especially land’s leading political, military, and financial land’s highest aspirations and full ex- the family and friends of those who perished officials. This horrible tragedy will be felt for pression of its own history. in this tragic accident. years to come by so many and my thoughts So long as we are alive, there will be Poland is a close friend and ally of the and prayers are with Poland on this day. a Poland. United States. Our two countries are linked by I want to particularly acknowledge the tragic Mr. POE of Texas. I yield myself such longstanding ties of family and friendship. My loss of Janusz Kochanowski. Dr. Kochanowski time as I may consume. home state of Michigan has a large and vi- was a true scholar, a champion of human Madam Speaker, we sometimes for- brant Polish-American community. We stand rights, and a good friend of the United States get how great an ally Poland is to the in solidarity with them during this difficult time who unfortunately was on board that fateful United States. They have not only had as we pay our respects to all of those who flight. He was a lawyer, a professor, a dip- a quest for freedom for their own peo- were lost in this tragedy. lomat, and most recently the Polish Commis- ple, but they have been an ally to this I also wish to express my appreciation to sioner for Civil Rights Protection (ombuds- Nation. As the United States and other Representatives DAHLKEMPER and LIPINSKI for man). It was in this position that he was an NATO countries are engaged in the introducing the resolution before the House. I outspoken advocate on behalf of the Polish battle against terrorism in Afghani- am pleased to join them in cosponsoring it people including rebuking his own government stan, there are over 2,000 members of and urge its passage. for its refusal to provide swine flu vaccines to the Polish military who are there as Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, today I the public amid the global panic. well, side by side with the United rise in support of H. Res. 1246 with a heavy Once again, let me express my condolences States and with other NATO forces, the heart to express my deepest condolences to to Dr. Kochanowski’s wife, Ewa, and his two freedom fighters that they are, helping the country of Poland, its people, and the Pol- children, Marta and Mateusz, on this tragic to seek freedom and liberty in Afghani- ish American community. This weekend the loss. stan and against those international country of Poland suffered a tragic loss. Satur- Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise in terrorists who do us all harm. day, I awoke to news that the president of Po- strong support of H. Res. 1246 to pay tribute I think Mr. PASCRELL, the gentleman land, Lech Kaczynski, Poland’s first lady Maria to Polish President Lech Kaczyn´ski, First Lady from New Jersey, said it well today. Kaczynski, President of the Polish central Maria Kaczyn´ska, and the other Polish officials ‘‘We are all Poles,’’ and we honor them, bank, Slawomir Skrzypek, and many other who were lost in the catastrophic plane crash and we suffer their loss and their grief high ranking military officials all died in a plane on April 10, 2010. I would like to express my at this time because of the tragedy crash. The President and these other leaders deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the that occurred not only on Saturday but were in route to Russia to commemorate the people and government of Poland, the families at the massacre that occurred in that 70th anniversary of the tragic massacre at of those who perished, and Polish Americans, forest in the Soviet Union many, many Katyn. especially those who call Northwest Indiana years ago. Although these leaders will be missed, I home, in the wake of this tragedy. This is a I yield back the balance of my time. have faith that many talented people in Poland devastating loss for Poland, the United States, Mr. DELAHUNT. I would just echo will help their country emerge from this time of and the world. the eloquent sentiments expressed by sorrow and mourning. I want to let the people Poland is a very dear friend to the United my friend from Texas. of the country of Poland know that I and Metro States, and President Kaczyn´ski was one of I have no further requests for time. Detroit’s Polish American community extend America’s valued and trusted allies. President Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, our deepest sorrow and extend to you our Kaczyn´ski played a key role in the Solidarity I rise today to express my sincere condo- thoughts and prayers in your time of need. movement, and was widely admired in the lences to the People of Poland and all Ameri- Mr. MCMAHON. Madam Speaker, today, I United States as a champion for democracy cans of Polish descent who are grieving in the offer my deepest condolences to the country and an advocate for freedom and human wake of the tragic plane crash on April 10th in of Poland, its citizens, and the families of rights in Poland, and around the world. which President Lech Kaczynski and dozens President Kaczynski, his wife and all those There is a significant sense of sadness of the country’s top political and military lead- killed on April 10, 2010. That is why I rise throughout Indiana’s First Congressional Dis- ers were killed. today in support of H. Res. 1246, a resolution trict, where Polish communities have gathered One out of every four inhabitants of expressing sympathy for the people of Poland together to honor and mourn those lost. I Riverhead, New York in the first Congres- in the aftermath of the tragic plane crash that share the sadness, and join the Polish people, sional district of New York claim Polish herit- killed the country’s President, First Lady and in Northwest Indiana and around the world, in age. This thriving ethnic enclave has been a 94 others this past Saturday. mourning. Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I growing community devoted to family, religion, Implausibly, this untimely tragedy occurred and tradition since the turn of the twentieth yield back the balance of my time. while President Kaczynski was on his way to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The century. commemorate the unspeakable injustices car- question is on the motion offered by After arriving in America, Polish families es- ried out upon the Polish people during the the gentleman from Massachusetts tablished family farms and throughout Katyn massacre. (Mr. DELAHUNT) that the House suspend the East End of Long Island. Hard work en- His ability to commemorate this massacre the rules and agree to the resolution, abled Riverhead’s Polish Town to grow as alongside Russian leaders for the first time, H. Res. 1246. new immigrants added their talents and skills speaks volumes to his skill and understanding The question was taken. to those of their neighbors, and the commu- as a politician and a world leader. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the nity’s special character endures today. Through my position on the House Foreign opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Madam Speaker, Poland and the United Affairs Committee and the Subcommittee on in the affirmative, the ayes have it. States share a long history of mutual support. Europe, I have witnessed President Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, on In this Congress, General Casimir Pulaski, Kaczynski’s efforts to strengthen US-Poland that I demand the yeas and nays. legendary Polish commander of the American relations. He was truly one of America’s most The yeas and nays were ordered. Cavalry during the Revolutionary War, was valued and trusted allies. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- given our nation’s highest honor as an Hon- His work for human rights and freedoms, ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the orary Citizen. Just as General Pulaski sup- not only benefited the people of Poland, but Chair’s prior announcement, further ported America in our hour of need, today we the entire international community. He will be proceedings on this motion will be stand with all who are suffering from this ter- long remembered and sorely missed. postponed. rible loss and pledge our continued support of Most notably, he will remain a champion for f Poland and its people. democracy, a man whose journey took him Mr. LEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise to join so from the Gdansk Shipyards to the presidency ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER many of my House colleagues in mourning the of a free people. His legend will live in the PRO TEMPORE loss of President Lech Kaczynski and First hearts and minds of all those who yearn for a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Lady Maria Kaczynska, who died last Satur- better, more peaceful world. ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings

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