November 16, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10321 The dreadful famine that engulfed Ukraine, cational institutions, and private nonprofit or- There was no objection. the northern Caucasus, and the lower Volga ganizations to assist in carrying out subsection Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield River area in 1932–1933 was the result of Jo- (a). myself such time as I may consume. (c) PROPERTY ACQUISITION.— Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1492, introduced by seph Stalin’s policy of forced collectivization. (1) AUTHORITY.—Federal funds made avail- The heaviest losses occurred in Ukraine, able under this section may be used to acquire the gentleman from (Mr. which had been the most productive agricul- non-Federal property for the purposes of this THOMAS), would establish a grant pro- tural area of the Soviet Union. Stalin was de- section, in accordance with section 3, only if gram within the Department of the In- termined to crush all vestiges of Ukrainian na- that property is within the areas described in terior to protect, preserve, and inter- tionalism. paragraph (2). pret historic confinement sites where Thus, the famine was accompanied by a (2) PROPERTY DESCRIPTIONS.—The property were detained dur- referred to in paragraph (2) is the following: devastating purge of the Ukrainian intelligen- (A) Jerome, depicted in Figure 7.1 of the Site ing World War II. tsia and the Ukrainian Communist party itself. Document. While there are two units in the Na- The famine broke the peasants’ will to resist (B) Rohwer, depicted in Figure 11.2 of the Site tional Park System that recognize the collectivization and left Ukraine politically, so- Document. internment period, National cially, and psychologically traumatized. (C) Topaz, depicted in Figure 12.2 of the Site Historic Site and Minidoka Internment Document. National Monument, there are many The death toll from the 1932–33 famine in (D) Honouliuli, located on the southern part Ukraine has been estimated between six mil- of the Island of Oahu, Hawaii, and within the who believe other internment sites lion and seven million. land area bounded by H1 to the south, Route should also be preserved short of be- This memorial will authorize the Govern- 750 (Kunia Road) to the east, the Honouliuli coming a unit of the National Park ment of Ukraine to build a memorial on federal Forest Reserve to the west, and Kunia town and System. land so that no one will forget what the Schofield Barracks to the north. This bill would further that purpose Ukraine people suffered at the hands of a dic- (3) NO EFFECT ON PRIVATE PROPERTY.—The by providing Federal funds with a par- authority granted in this subsection shall not tial private match. I urge adoption of tator and the horrible consequences of forced constitute a Federal designation or have any ef- collectivization. fect on private property ownership. the bill. Again, I urge passage of this legislation. (d) MATCHING FUND REQUIREMENT.—The Sec- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield retary shall require a 25 percent non-Federal my time. back the balance of my time. match for funds provided under this section. Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield (e) SUNSET OF AUTHORITY.—This Act shall myself such time as I may consume. back the balance of my time. have no force or effect on and after the date (Mr. RAHALL asked and was given The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. that is 2 years after the disbursement to grant- permission to revise and extend his re- ees under this section of the total amount of marks.) GUTKNECHT). The question is on the funds authorized to be appropriated under sec- motion offered by the gentleman from tion 4. Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, while the Texas (Mr. GOHMERT) that the House SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. temptation to sweep this shameful suspend the rules and pass the bill, For purposes of this Act the following defini- chapter of American history under the H.R. 562, as amended. tions apply: rug is powerful, we must resist that The question was taken; and (two- (1) HISTORIC CONFINEMENT SITES.—(A) The urge. thirds having voted in favor thereof) term ‘‘historic confinement sites’’ means the 10 The pending legislation will, we hope, the rules were suspended and the bill, internment camp sites referred to as Gila River, prevent future discrimination against Granada, Heart Mountain, Jerome, Manzanar, groups of Americans based on race, as amended, was passed. Minidoka, Poston, Rohwer, Topaz, and Tule A motion to reconsider was laid on Lake and depicted in Figures 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, ethnicity, or religious belief by pre- the table. 8.4, 9.2, 10.6, 11.2, 12.2, and 13.2, respectively, of serving and interpreting a dark chapter f the Site Document; and in American history when our actions (B) other historically significant locations, as fell far short of our ideals. PROVIDING FOR THE PRESERVA- determined by the Secretary, where Japanese Mr. Speaker, it is sobering to realize TION OF THE HISTORIC CONFINE- Americans were detained during World War II. that the internment of Japanese Amer- MENT SITES WHERE JAPANESE (2) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means icans did not take place in some far the Secretary of the Interior. AMERICANS WERE DETAINED distant past history. Rather, the horror DURING WORLD WAR II (3) SITE DOCUMENT.—The term ‘‘Site Docu- ment’’ means the document titled ‘‘Confinement of internment camps are real for many Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I move and Ethnicity: An Overview of World War II Americans, among them a very good to suspend the rules and pass the bill Japanese American Relocation Sites’’, published friend and colleague of ours and now (H.R. 1492) to provide for the preserva- by the Western Archeological and Conservation the Secretary of Transportation, Mr. tion of the historic confinement sites Center, National Park Service, in 1999. Norm Mineta. where Japanese Americans were de- SEC. 3. PRIVATE PROPERTY PROTECTION. After he and his family were forced tained during World War II, and for No Federal funds made available to carry out from their home and interned, Sec- this Act may be used to acquire any real prop- retary Mineta devoted his life to serv- other purposes, as amended. erty or any interest in any real property with- The Clerk read as follows: out the written consent of the owner or owners ing the country which had treated him H.R. 1492 of that property or interest in property. so shamefully to ensure that such in- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. justice will never be repeated. resentatives of the of America in There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary Mineta overcame the la- Congress assembled, Secretary $38,000,000 to carry out this Act. Such bels placed on him as a child and went SECTION 1. PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC CON- sums shall remain available until expended. on to carry labels including soldier, FINEMENT SITES. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- city councilman, mayor, Congressman, (a) PRESERVATION PROGRAM.—The Secretary ant to the rule, the gentleman from Mr. Chairman, and now Mr. Secretary. shall create a program within the National Park Texas (Mr. GOHMERT) and the gen- Throughout this distinguished career, Service to encourage, support, recognize, and tleman from West Virginia (Mr. RA- he was often the first Asian American work in partnership with citizens, Federal agen- HALL) each will control 20 minutes. to hold those titles. cies, State, local, and tribal governments, other public entities, educational institutions, and The Chair recognizes the gentleman Another great American victimized private nonprofit organizations for the purpose from Texas (Mr. GOHMERT). by internment was our friend and of identifying, researching, evaluating, inter- GENERAL LEAVE former colleague, the late Bob Matsui. preting, protecting, restoring, repairing, and ac- Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask Like Norm Mineta and many others, quiring historic confinement sites in order that unanimous consent that all Members Bob Matsui overcame injustice and ad- present and future generations may learn and may have 5 legislative days to revise versity suffered as a child to build a ca- gain inspiration from these sites and that these and extend their remarks and include reer of distinguished public service. sites will demonstrate the Nation’s commitment His widow and dear colleague of ours to equal justice under the law. extraneous material on the bill under (b) GRANTS.—The Secretary, in consultation consideration. today will be heard from in just a mo- with the Japanese American National Heritage The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ment. While he might have been for- Coalition, shall make grants to State, local, and objection to the request of the gen- given for being bitter or angry, Bob tribal governments, other public entities, edu- tleman from Texas? Matsui was universally praised as one

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:35 Nov 17, 2005 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16NO7.042 H16NOPT1 H10322 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 16, 2005 of the most diplomatic and cordial But in working with my friend and thousands more who wanted to voluntarily Members of this body. former colleague, Floyd Mori, in look- leave the prohibited areas could not, either be- He took his experiences as a child ing at where these locations are in cause their assets had been frozen at the be- and turned them into a passion for Utah, Wyoming, other States, we real- ginning of the war or because other States serving the young, the sick and the el- ized that just the ongoing growth and were unwilling to accept them as residents. derly, those most at risk for uncaring partial urbanization of these areas On March 24, 1942, the U.S. Army began to treatment by government. would forever cover up these particular evacuate residents of the prohibited areas; the Representative Matsui’s life work sites. evacuees included newborns, children, even has been taken up by his wife, Rep- It is not so much that I think people those who had been adopted by non-Japa- resentative . She, along are ashamed of them. I think they are nese parents, and the elderly. Sadly, those with Representative , has principally ignorant of them. And being evacuated were given just 6 days notice worked tirelessly to bring this measure whether it is desire to forget out of and, as they could only take those items the to the floor; and they are to be com- knowledge or ignorance, neither one is family could carry, were forced to dispose of mended for their efforts. acceptable. So I am very pleased that nearly all of their possessions, often for ridicu- This legislation is not only a tribute Leadership has allowed us to move lously small sums. In addition, and of par- to those who suffered the injustice of today a very modest approach, quite ticular importance in California, people were internment but also to the triumphs of rightly unifying public and private not given the opportunity to harvest their these distinguished former colleagues. where appropriate under what cir- crops; in fact, the only act of ‘‘sabotage’’ by a We urge support for H.R. 1492 in their cumstances, working with those people Japanese-American occurred when a farmer names and in the names of all of those who are in the area, and in some in- plowed his strawberry crop under when his re- who have faced or continue to face in- stances Indian tribes, to allow those quest for the opportunity to harvest it was de- justice. who are still alive and have memories nied. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of to pass them on to the young ones. And As they waited to be transported to one of my time. for those of us who take trips across 10 ‘‘relocation centers,’’ the evacuees were Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield the country to visit sites, there are temporarily housed in 17 assembly centers in such time as he may consume to the several different reasons, but probably Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington, gentleman from California (Mr. THOM- first and foremost is that great people, 12 of which were in California. One of those AS). and I believe Americans are great peo- 12 was located at the Tulare County Fair- (Mr. THOMAS asked and was given ple, can make mistakes. What you need grounds in Tulare, CA, which I formerly rep- permission to revise and extend his re- to do is admit it and remember it and resented. The assembly centers were sur- marks.) do not make it again. And for that rea- rounded by barbed wire fences, which were Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, it is a son it is very fulfilling that this bill is patrolled by military police, and consisted of pleasure to finally bring this bill to the before us. hastily constructed military barracks, with sep- floor because it puts a closing note on Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1492. arate communal bathrooms and dining halls. what was to a very great extent my up- I greatly appreciate the House’s consideration However, thousands of people, including bringing in California with personal of this important legislation as well as the as- 8,500 at Santa Anita alone, lived in horse sta- friends through the 40s and the 50s. In sistance Chairman POMBO, Representatives bles at the Santa Anita and Tanforan assem- addition to that, I had the honor and DORIS MATSUI, MIKE HONDA, and bly centers in California. pleasure of serving in the California have provided to develop it and bring it to the By the end of October, the evacuees were Assembly with Floyd Mori. floor today. moved by train into one of the following 10 re- As was mentioned by the gentleman Very simply, this legislation is a modest ef- location centers or internment sites: Jerome from West Virginia (Mr. RAHALL), fort to provide the structure and resources and Rohwer in Arkansas; Colorado River— Norm Mineta and Bob Matsui, and necessary for citizens, schools, communities, Poston—and Gila River in Arizona; Tule Lake Floyd were Nisei, American born, first and others to undertake projects in order to and Manzanar in California; Granada in Colo- generation. Their parents are known as preserve and interpret an aspect of American rado; Minidoka in Idaho; Heart Mountain in Issei, those who came over from Japan. history that many, quite frankly, would much Wyoming; and Central Utah—Topaz. Like the Their grandchildren are . And it prefer to ignore or never know. Nations, as do assembly centers, the relocation centers were does mark a period in our history people, have the opportunity to recognize their surrounded by barbed wire fences but also where native-born American citizens mistakes and use the lessons learned from had guard towers. The centers were designed were in essence rounded up. those mistakes to improve themselves. How- to be self-contained and self-sustaining com- I got to know it personally, but as I ever, to do so, the mistake must not only be munities, and like the assembly centers, they went through school and I went recognized, the lesson must be learned and primarily featured barracks-type housing. In through constitutional law classes and remembered. addition, the relocation centers were dusty, looked at Korematsu v. United States, The United States of America has recog- muddy, and often subject to extreme tempera- I realized that the majority’s opinion nized the terrible mistake it made between tures. Finally, the use of the Japanese lan- in Korematsu was written by Justice 1942 and 1945, when pursuant to Executive guage was restricted. Hugo Black, who is known probably as Order 9066, over 120,000 Japanese Ameri- In December 1944, the U.S. Government one of the premier First Amendment- cans were forcibly removed from their homes announced the relocation centers would be freedom Justices on the Court; and it and detained in government assembly and closed within a year. While nine closed before underscored the extent that this con- then relocation centers. Moreover, this mistake the end of 1945, Tule Lake was not closed cept permeated American society. taught the United States that racial prejudice until May 1946 because it continued to hold I am very, very grateful to the gen- and wartime hysteria do not justify the denial those who had renounced their U.S. citizen- tleman from California (Mr. POMBO) of human dignity and the fundamental free- ship. Unfortunately but not surprisingly, the and his committee that voted this bill doms afforded by the U.S. Constitution. Thus, Government provided only minimal assistance out unanimously, notwithstanding the the legislation before the House today is de- to those who it had wrongfully detained as fact that we have created a separate signed to help ensure the United States and, they left the centers to rebuild their lives. fund which will help pay for, in a pub- more importantly, its citizens, never forget the As I have stated, the U.S. Government has lic-private match, to preserve what is lesson learned from this mistake. admitted its mistake in this instance. It has rapidly slipping away since these in- Those who do not know the facts of this as- sought to make some degree of recompense ternment camps were for obvious rea- pect of American history are undoubtedly quite to those evacuated by paying reparations and sons in rural areas across mostly west- surprised to learn that the U.S. Government, issuing a formal apology; a memorial has ern United States. I am most familiar while rightly fighting to preserve freedom been constructed in Washington, DC, within with Manzanar which is in Inyo Coun- throughout the world, on March 2, 1942, sight of the Capitol. In addition, six of the relo- ty, and I have represented Inyo County wrongly declared over 100 areas in the States cation centers are listed on the National Reg- for more than a decade in the Congress. of Arizona, California, Oregon, and Wash- ister, Manzanar and the cemetery at Rowher And we were able to preserve that in a ington as ‘‘prohibited areas’’ to those of Japa- are National Historic Landmarks, and Minidoka location fairly close to Southern Cali- nese ancestry. While thousands of people vol- is a National Monument. As a result of legisla- fornia. untarily moved out of these prohibited areas, tion—P.L. 102–248— I cosponsored and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:35 Nov 17, 2005 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K16NO7.047 H16NOPT1 November 16, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10323 worked with my former colleague Representa- 1945, when he dove on a hand grenade to BILL THOMAS for his passionate leadership in tive Mel Levine to enact, Manzanar, which I save the lives of two of his comrades during working with this bill and in bringing it to formerly represented, has been established as the Po Valley Campaign in Italy. Poignantly, at the floor. I would also like to thank Con- gressman HONDA, Chairman POMBO and a National Historic Site. With regard to the as- the time of his death, Munemori’s mother and Ranking Member RAHALL for their bipar- sembly centers, seven, including the one in brother were interned at Manzanar. tisan dedication to this issue. I would also Tulare, do not have some form of marker or Accordingly, I now ask that you join with me like to acknowledge Mike Holland with Con- plaque to remind future generations of our to pass this important legislation, not just to gressman THOMAS’ personal staff. past wrong. honor Private First Class Munemori, not just to Finally, I would like to thank my While the legislation before the House today honor those interned, but to ensure that the good friend Gerald Yamada, who origi- certainly is designed to authorize the funding United States does not forget and repeat the nally brought this to my husband’s at- necessary to facilitate projects that involve grievous mistake it made. tention last year, for his tireless effort Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield bricks and mortar—for example, the construc- behind the scenes on behalf of the Jap- such time as she may consume to our tion of a museum at Granada or the stabiliza- anese-American community. dear and, in every sense of the word, tion of a hospital chimney at Heart Mountain— Through this legislation, we refresh its intent is not to completely reconstruct or re- distinguished colleague from California (Ms. MATSUI). the pact established in our Constitu- store the infrastructure at every relocation site tion between citizen and government or assembly center for the sake of show and (Ms. MATSUI asked and was given permission to revise and extend her re- which ensures our government is a pro- tell. Rather, the legislation is designed to be tector of our rights and liberties. as flexible as possible in recognition of the marks.) Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I re- wide differences in the current conditions at the gentleman from West Virginia for serve the balance of my time. the pertinent sites of historic significance, as yielding me this time. well as to allow for grantees to conduct a wide Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 Mr. Speaker, history plays a signifi- minutes to the gentlewoman from variety of projects in many different forms to cant role in this country. Not only does ensure the lesson taught by the sites is pre- Guam (Ms. BORDALLO), a very distin- it influence and inform our decisions guished member of our Resources Com- served forever. For instance, a project could today, but it clearly shows the suc- be as simple as a citizens’ group buying and mittee whose help was tremendous on cesses and failures of this Nation to en- this legislation. placing a plaque on a stable; another could in- sure every citizen is protected under volve an effort by students to collect, preserve, Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I the Constitution. thank the gentleman very much for the and interpret the memories of surviving evac- Sixty years ago, Executive Order 9066 time. uees, a generation we are rapidly losing. permitted the Federal Government to This flexibility is necessary and recognizes uproot 120,000 American citizens of I rise today in strong support of H.R. that the only common thread that binds the Japanese ancestry from their homes 1492, the Preservation of World War II sites related to the confinement of Japanese- and their communities, forcibly intern- Internment Sites Act. Introduced by Americans is Executive Order 9066. As with ing them in one of several camps across our colleagues from California, Mr. each of the 50 States, which are bound to- the western United States. This in- THOMAS, and I thank him for his perse- gether by the U.S. Constitution, each of the cluded my husband, Bob, who was at verance, Mr. HONDA and Ms. MATSUI, sites has its own unique history and character- that time just an infant, and his fam- this legislation would go far in pre- istics. Thus, the preservation projects needed ily. They were held a short time at serving the memory and the history, that would be undertaken with monies author- Tule Lake in California before being however troubling and painful they ized under H.R. 1492 necessarily must be sent to Caldwell, Idaho. After being ex- may be, of our government’s decision unique to the individual sites. pelled from their community, my par- to intern Japanese-Americans during The legislation provides the U.S. Secretary ents met at the internment camp in the Second World War. of the Interior with the flexibility to approve Poston, Arizona, where I was born at I thank Chairman POMBO and Rank- projects related to sites other than the 10 relo- the end of World War II. ing Member RAHALL for their very hard cation and 17 assembly centers. An example It was one of the greatest suspen- work in reporting this bill from the Re- of such a site is the Crystal City World War II sions of liberty in our Nation’s history, sources Committee. Alien Family Internment Camp in Texas, which an avoidable consequence of racial Both U.S. history and the American was run by the U.S. Immigration and Natu- prejudice and wartime hysteria. conscience now view Executive Order ralization Service, and which housed Japa- b 1230 9066, which directed the Japanese nese immigrants and nationals sent to the Americans be interned, as totally United States from Latin America. These camps are the physical, tan- wrong. It is important to note that, upon request, I gible, representation of our govern- President signed into have included limitations in this legislation. ment’s failure to protect the constitu- law legislation that led to the 1982 ‘‘Re- Specifically, the legislation contains a 25 per- tional right of every American. How- port of the U.S. Commission on War- cent non-Federal match requirement, a cap on ever, they are also a symbol of this Na- time Relocation and Internment of Ci- the amount of monies authorized, and a sun- tion’s ability to recognize and ac- vilians.’’ That report concluded that set. The legislation also limits the use of these knowledge our mistakes. Federal funds to acquire private property to For both of these reasons, it is essen- ‘‘Executive Order 9066 was not justified just four locations—Jerome, Rohwer, Topaz, tial that the internment camps and by military necessity.’’ Further, the and Honouliuli—and further requires the writ- sites be preserved and maintained. In report concluded that the underlying ten consent of the pertinent private property protecting them, we are reaffirming rationale for Executive Order 9066 was owners. our belief in the Constitution and the shaped by ‘‘race prejudice, war Finally, it is fitting that we are considering rights and protections it guarantees for hysteria, and a failure of political lead- this legislation as we return from observing each and every American. ership.’’ Veterans Day as the segregated Japanese- The bill before us embraces this idea. When signing the Civil Liberties Act American 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd H.R. 1492 allows for camp committees; of 1988 into law, President Ronald Regimental Combat Team, which had a total private citizens; and State, local and Reagan said: ‘‘Here we admit a wrong. of 25,000 men during the war, together be- tribal governments to partner with the Here we affirm our commitment as a came the most decorated combat unit for its Federal Government to preserve the Nation to equal justice under the law.’’ size in U.S. history. In fact, the men who historical sites from this period. By The Civil Liberties Act provided a long served in this unit were awarded 8 presidential preserving the history behind these overdue apology for the imprisonment unit citations, 9,486 Purple Hearts, and 18,143 physical landmarks, new generations of of Japanese-Americans during World individual decorations, including 52 Distin- Americans will learn the lessons of this War II. guished Service Crosses, the second-highest tragic period, and significantly, the Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1492 directs the award for valor. Moreover, the only Japanese- lesson will not fade from our national Secretary of the Interior to create a American World War II veteran awarded the memory. program within the National Park Medal of Honor during the war, PFC Sadao I would like to extend my sincere ap- Service to support and work in part- Munemori, earned his citation on April 5, preciation to Congressman nership with citizens, governmental

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:48 Nov 17, 2005 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16NO7.029 H16NOPT1 H10324 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 16, 2005 and tribal organizations, educational Mr. Speaker, it is right and appro- ‘‘We all cooperate, no trouble,’’ said institutions, and private nonprofit or- priate that we provide for permanent Takahashi, whose wife, Yuriko, assisted as ganizations for the purpose of identi- memorials of this difficult time, when an interpreter. fying, protecting, and acquiring his- He noted that detainees had the oppor- good people did bad things out of fear tunity to do various jobs in the camp to earn toric confinement sites where Japa- and ignorance. I especially appreciate coupons at 10 cents an hour. Takahashi said nese-Americans were detained during that among these memorials will be he and another man counted spoons before World War II in order to gain inspira- Honouliuli, so that the people of Ha- and after meals after they had heard that a tion from these sites and to dem- waii and elsewhere may put a place and detainee at Sand Island had sharpened a onstrate the Nation’s commitment to a reality to the words of Harry Urata, spoon into the shape of a knife in an attempt equal justice. of Hawaii, who said: ‘‘They made a mis- to commit suicide. The initiatives that will be funded by take. Everybody makes mistakes. But ‘‘If we miss some, gotta go all over,’’ Takahashi said. this bill, and the history that these ini- don’t repeat that.’’ tiatives will preserve, are important to Takahashi said he took English classes, Mahalo. played his violin and attended Christian our country. The Second World War [From the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, June 2, services on Sundays, when he prayed for the was a great battle for freedom. How- 2004] war to end. ever, 120,000 Japanese Americans were THE WWII INTERNMENTS—‘‘A SAD TIME ... A At Honouliuli, Takahashi met Harry forced from their homes and ordered to CHALLENGING TIME’’ Urata, and the two became friends. Yuriko Takahashi, who remained in live in seclusion. (By Rosemarie Bernardo) Answers to the questions: Why did Kaimuki, sent Takahashi a fingerprint of In March 1943, FBI agents arrived at the this happen, where did this happen, and their first daughter, who was born in October Honolulu Planning Mill in Kakaako where 1943. In his excitement, Takahashi showed it to whom did it happen, and what was it Shozo Takahashi worked as a woodworker. like for those who experienced it, this to Urata. It was only then when Urata Authorities issued Takahashi a warrant for learned that Takahashi’s wife was his former should remain available for future gen- his arrest, but allowed him to go home to coworker. erations of Americans to study, to in- pick up some of his belongings. His brother A year later, Takahashi went on a condi- terpret, to reflect upon and to learn and wife dropped him off at the FBI office, tional release from Honouliuli. He was re- from. where he was questioned. quired to report to authorities once a month Passage of H.R. 1492 will go far in Takahashi was then taken to the immigra- until he was let go in February 1945. achieving these goals. It deserves our tion station, where he was photographed and Takahashi, a kibei who was educated, un- support, Mr. Speaker, and I commend fingerprinted. All the while, he wondered derwent ROTC training and taught in Japan what he had done to be treated like a crimi- the gentleman from California (Mr. for 24 years before he returned to Hawaii, nal. wrote to the government in 1988 and re- THOMAS) who has long worked to pre- But it would take the federal government quested a copy of his internment records. serve this story and those sites of his- 45 years to tell Takahashi why it detained A report cited in Takahashi’s 1992 auto- torical significance. him at the Honouliuli internment camp. biography ‘‘An Autobiography of a Kibei- I also again thank the gentleman An exhibit will open Saturday at the Japa- Nisei’’ stated he had dual citizenship and had from California (Mr. HONDA) and the nese Cultural Center of Hawaii, 2454 S. ‘‘never attempted to be expatriated.’’ It fur- gentlewoman from California (Ms. Beretania St., telling the story of Takahashi ther stated that he lived in Japan for more MATSUI) for their leadership, and I urge and other Japanese Americans who were de- than 20 years, where he attended school, re- support for H.R. 1492. tained at internment camps in Hawaii during ceived military training and taught students Word War II. for four years. It also mentioned that he was Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 Takahashi and other former internees are minutes to the gentleman from Hawaii a Japanese-language teacher in Honolulu for expected to attend the opening from 1 to 3 three years. (Mr. CASE). p.m. Takahashi said the authorities thought he Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in ‘‘Dark Clouds Over Paradise: The Hawaii was pro-Japanese. strong support of H.R. 1492, which I am Internees Story’’ will be displayed in the Both Takahashi and Urata, who were born truly honored, especially representing center’s community gallery Tuesdays in Hawaii, had taught at the Waialae Japa- Hawaii, the State with the highest through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. nese Language School at different times be- number of Americans of Japanese an- until July 31. Admission is free. fore the war started. cestry, to cosponsor. Many people are not familiar with the his- After the internment, Takahashi worked I, like others, express my deepest ap- tory of Japanese Americans who were held in as a carpenter with his brother-in-law. He internment camps in Hawaii, said Keiko later returned to teaching at Japanese preciation on behalf not only of our Bonk, president and executive director of the AJAs, but all Americans, to the gen- schools in Honolulu, had two more children Japanese Cultural Center. and built a house for his family in Kaimuki, tleman from California (Mr. THOMAS), The detained Japanese ‘‘had to ask them- where he and his wife still live. the gentleman from California (Mr. selves these serious questions of who they Takahashi, now 89, continues to take HONDA), the gentlewoman from Cali- were and where they belong and how these English classes once a week. fornia (Ms. MATSUI), the gentleman things could be happening to them,’’ Bonk In March 1943, Urata was called to the prin- from California (Mr. POMBO) and the said. cipal’s office at Mid-Pacific Institute, where gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. RA- ‘‘It was quite a sad time, as well as a chal- two FBI officers were waiting. lenging time for the Japanese community,’’ HALL), for bringing this vital measure The officers questioned Urata for two days she said. before he was taken to the immigration sta- before the people’s House. The Japanese have to speak and educate The internment of Japanese-Ameri- tion, where he was held for two weeks in a people about the injustices, Bonk added. shack surrounded by a barbed-wire fence. cans during World War II is a tragic About 10,000 people in Hawaii were inves- He joined other Japanese Americans, many and shameful chapter in our history, tigated shortly after the Pearl Harbor at- of them issei (first-generation Japanese), at replete with misunderstanding by too tack. Buddhist priests, ministers, Japanese Honouliuli. Urata read books in English and many and courage by too few. Al- school principals and community leaders Japanese, played his guitar and sang songs though AJAs on the U.S. mainland, were detained on the night of Dec. 7, 1941. to occupy his time. He also played baseball, particularly the west coast, bore the Within two years, the FBI picked up a num- practiced kendo and cut kiawe bushes out- brunt of this national mistake, Japa- ber of kibei—Japanese Americans who side the camp, which was also surrounded by moved to Japan during their youth to obtain nese-Americans throughout our coun- a barbed-wire fence. an education and later returned to the ‘‘You get to go out from the wire, fresh try were affected. United States. An estimated 1,250 Japanese air,’’ Urata said. While he was being held in After Pearl Harbor, about 10,000 peo- Americans were detained in Hawaii during Honouliuli, Urata said he often wondered ple in Hawaii were investigated, and al- the war. why he was detained because he was an most 1,500, mostly AJAs, were detained Japanese Americans, along with some Ger- American citizen. on all of Hawaii’s main islands. The mans and Italians, were held at internment ‘‘Everytime I used to think like that inside principal camps were at Sand Island camps on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island be- the camp. I thought it was a mistake,’’ Urata and Honouliuli on Oahu. I attach to fore they were transported to a Sand Island said. these remarks a compelling article camp in May 1942. Officials later decided Urata speculated he was held at the camp that detainees should be held inland to avoid because he was a kibei who left for Japan from the June 2, 2004, Honolulu Star- the possibility of an attack. when he was 6 and returned to Hawaii 13 Bulletin reporting the remembrances Detainees were taken to Honouliuli in Lee- years later. of some of Hawaii’s surviving detain- ward Oahu on March 1, 1943. Takahashi said Urata said he was among 69 men who were ees. they were treated well. sent to the Tule Lake internment camp from

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:35 Nov 17, 2005 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16NO7.050 H16NOPT1 November 16, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10325 Honouliuli in November 1944 after he de- are without equal. These units received I thank my dear friend for allowing scribed himself as being ‘‘hardheaded.’’ over 18,000 individual declarations, me the time. I want to especially com- After he was released from Tule Lake, he many awarded posthumously, for cour- mend the gentleman from California taught Japanese at the University of Min- nesota for a couple of months before return- age in the field of battle; 9,480 Purple (Mr. HONDA), my colleague and Chair- ing to Honolulu in December 1945, the year Hearts; 560 Silver Stars; 52 Distin- man of our Asia Pacific Congressional the war ended. guished Service Crosses; and only one Caucus, and also the gentlewoman Urata opened a music studio in Palama, Medal of Honor. I submit, Mr. Speaker, from California (Ms. MATSUI), Mr. John where he taught piano, guitar and voice les- something was wrong here, one Medal Tateishi, the National Director of the sons to generations of students. His studio of Honor. The 442nd combat group Japanese-American League and my moved to a few other locations before it set- emerged as the most decorated combat good friend, Floyd Mori, the Wash- tled in its current location in downtown Honolulu. He later married and continues to unit of its size ever in the history of ington representative for JACL. give voice lessons. the United States Army. I want to share this point with my More than four decades later, Takahashi, Because of the tremendous sacrifices colleagues and the public about what Urata and thousands of former surviving in- made by Japanese-American soldiers happened. ternees each received a $20,000 reparation and African-Americans during World I remember a former colleague and check and a letter of apology from the U.S. War II, President Truman was so Member of this House for many years, government for its injustice toward Japanese moved by this that he issued an Execu- my good friend, Secretary Norm Mi- Americans during the war. tive Order to desegregate our Armed Urata, 85, said he is not bitter about his ex- neta, an 11-year-old in these camps. perience. Forces. They had these machine gun nests ‘‘They made mistakes,’’ Urata said. ‘‘Ev- I am proud to say that the Honorable posted all over the camps, and he was erybody makes mistakes. But don’t repeat DANIEL K. INOUYE, the senior Senator telling me this story. We asked, well, that.’’ from the State of Hawaii, and the late why do you have these machine guns Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 highly respected Senator Spark Matsu- around the camp? He said, they are to minutes to the gentleman from Amer- naga of Hawaii were among those who protect you from invaders coming in ican Samoa (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA), a distinguished themselves in battle as from outside. He said, if that is true, very important member of our Re- soldiers of the 100th Battalion and how come the machine guns are point- sources Committee. 442nd Infantry. ed all inside the camp? Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield It was while fighting in Europe that Mr. Speaker, I think this bill is well- 2 minutes to the gentleman from Senator INOUYE lost his arm while en- deserved of consideration and approval American Samoa (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA). gaged in battle. After congressional by our colleagues here, and again, I (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and mandate to review the military records want to commend the gentleman from was given permission to revise and ex- of our Japanese-American veterans, I California (Mr. THOMAS), my good tend his remarks.) was privileged to attend the White friend, for his leadership in getting this Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, House ceremony officiated by then- bill in, and I sincerely hope that the I rise today in full support of H.R. 1492, President Clinton that provided an ad- Members of this institution will ap- a bill to provide for the preservation of ditional 19 Congressional Medals of prove this legislation. historic internment facilities where Honor to these Japanese Americans. I Again, I thank my good friend for al- our fellow Americans who happened to submit, Mr. Speaker, how beautiful it lowing me this additional minute to be of Japanese ancestry were detained is to see justice, including for Senator say these things. during World War II. INOUYE who was also awarded with the b 1245 I also want to especially commend Congressional Medal of Honor. my colleague, the gentleman from When the patriotic survivors of the Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield California (Mr. THOMAS), for his leader- 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry re- the balance of my time to the gen- ship and commitment for authoring turned to the United States, many tleman from California (Mr. HONDA), this important legislation, in recog- were reunited with their parents and whose determination and dedication nizing the need for some kind of a pro- brothers and sisters in these relocation helped bring this bill to the floor gram to identify and provide a historic camps. I do not even know if I could today. recognition of these so-called reloca- have done what they did. Despite all (Mr. HONDA asked and was given tion camps or internment camps, I call the hatred and the bigotry, the racism permission to revise and extend his re- them concentration camps, where well that was heaped upon these Americans, marks.) over 100,000 men, women and children, when they came back, they could not Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I thank all Americans who happened to be of even get a haircut in San Francisco the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Japanese ancestry, all within the bor- simply because they were Japanese- RAHALL) for yielding me this time and ders of our own country, were forced to Americans. Full with their decorations also special thanks to Chairman THOM- move into these camps that were, in and a uniform, they could not even get AS for his impassioned advocacy of this actuality, more like prison camps. a haircut in San Francisco simply be- bill. We owe him a lot. Their homes and properties were con- cause they were Japanese. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support fiscated without any compensation and I believe these sites must be pre- of H.R. 1492, a measure to provide for certainly without any due process of served because they remind us to be the preservation of the historic con- law. vigilant, never to forget what happens finement sites where Japanese Ameri- Despite all of this, and I want to if we allow our judgments to be clouded cans were detained during World War share this with my colleagues if they by bigotry and racism. Preserving II. I thank Chairman THOMAS for his do not know this, tens of thousands of these sites is how great America can steadfast leadership in introducing and Japanese-Americans requested to join truly be for our mistakes rather than working so effectively in moving this our military to fight for our country sweeping them under the rug, and we bill forward. I am also pleased to be on during World War II. It was at the rec- learn from our mistakes in order to this measure as an original cosponsor ommendation of George Marshall to move to closer equality for all Ameri- with the gentlewoman from California President Roosevelt that we should es- cans. (Ms. MATSUI). tablish a military force composed of Mr. Speaker, I wish I did not have to This bill creates a grant program to these Japanese-Americans. That was call myself a Pacific American or Japa- provide funding for local communities the result of our establishing the 100th nese-American or African-American. I to implement plans to repair, restore, Battalion and 442nd Infantry groups have not heard anybody refer to them- and preserve historic confinement sites who fought for our country in Europe selves as European American or so that current and future generations against the Nazi Germans. French-Americans. I do not know why can learn the lessons of the internment History documents the bravery of we are forced into this kind of a situa- period. these Japanese Americans I submit, tion. I would just like to say we are all The bill uses the phrase ‘‘confine- Mr. Speaker. The military records of Americans. I hate these labels. I wish ment sites’’ so that funds may be used the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry we could have done a better job. not only for the 10 internment camps

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:35 Nov 17, 2005 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16NO7.027 H16NOPT1 H10326 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 16, 2005 but for associated sites as well. As was reminded of the events imme- Whereas Russia remains on the Special 301 stated in the bill, by preserving these diately after 9/11. Such a horrible evil Priority Watch List compiled by the United sites, we will be showing to all Ameri- thing when evil people filled with hate States Trade Representative (USTR), and cans and to the world that we are a Na- wanting to destroy innocent Americans the Congress is gravely concerned about the came and crashed into our buildings, failure of the Russian Federation to live up tion that can deal honestly with past to international standards in the protection wrongs and further show that we can leaving so many devastated and de- of intellectual property rights, a core Amer- learn from our own mistakes. Ulti- stroyed and killed. ican asset; mately, through this preservation pro- But I recall the day after 9/11, and Whereas the Congress wants to ensure that gram, we will demonstrate the Nation’s like that flower that grows after a ter- the Russian Federation redoubles its efforts commitment to equal justice under the rible event, so many all over America to adopt and enforce aggressive laws, poli- law. held hands and sang songs. I remember cies, and practices in the fight against piracy When I was a member of the Cali- the day after that event there were no and counterfeiting; hyphenated Americans in the United Whereas the Congress is particularly con- fornia State Assembly, I had the privi- cerned that the Russian Federation is, in the lege of passing legislation to create the States anywhere. We were all Ameri- cans. And that was one of the few words of Senate Concurrent Resolution 28, a California Civil Liberties Public Edu- place where ‘‘piracy that is open and noto- cation Program. The measure created things that we came away from. What rious is permitted to operate without mean- an education program to provide com- a wonderful thing. Race did not mat- ingful hindrance from the government’’; petitive grants for educational activi- ter. Background, socioeconomic condi- Whereas, according to USTR, enforcement ties and the development of edu- tions did not matter. We were Ameri- of intellectual property rights in Russia ‘‘re- cational materials to ensure that the cans, and we were proud to be Ameri- mains weak and caused substantial losses for cans. the U.S. copyright, trademark, and patent events surrounding the exclusion, The other comment that has been industries in the last year. Piracy in all forced removal, and incarceration of ci- made that should be highlighted is that copyright sectors continues unabated, and vilians and permanent resident aliens it is important to learn from our mis- the U.S. copyright industry estimated losses of Japanese ancestry would be remem- takes, and that is one of the great of $1.7 billion in 2004.’’; bered. things about America. It is one of the Whereas the Russian Federation must un- derstand that failure to adequately protect The Public Education Program has very few nations in this world that will also shed light on how Executive Order and enforce intellectual property rights will stand up and say, you know what, we have political and economic ramifications 9066, the order paving the way for the made a mistake and we are going to fix internment, impacted others such as for its relationship with the United States; it. We are going to notice it. Whereas accession to the World Trade Or- the Italian and German Americans as Some say Satchel Paige made the ganization (WTO) represents an agreement well as people of Japanese ancestry liv- quote that often is used: ‘‘Don’t look to conform one’s practices to the rule of law, ing in Latin America. I know that H.R. back. They may be gaining on you.’’ and to international standards in the WTO 1492 in a similar fashion will add to the But I read that he also had a quote Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of In- depth of knowledge we have regarding later in life: ‘‘It’s okay to look back. tellectual Property Rights (TRIPS); the internment period. Only by under- Just don’t stare.’’ This bill will allow Whereas notwithstanding some recent leg- standing the causes leading to the in- us to look back, see that we made a islative improvements, Russia’s regime to ternment can we as a Nation put our- protect intellectual property rights does not mistake, and make sure that it is cor- conform with TRIPS standards; selves in a better position to avoid rected. Whereas the United States can ill afford making similar mistakes. With regard to our troops that come deterioration of the world trading system by While my State bill in California home from Iraq and Afghanistan who permitting the entry of a country into the helped to preserve the stories of the in- are doing the service of this country, it WTO that has not demonstrated its willing- ternment period, the legislation that is important also that we learn from ness and ability to conform its practices to Mr. THOMAS has authored will help to our mistakes, and without regard to the requirements of the TRIPS; and preserve the physical, tangible remind- race, creed, sex, gender, socioeconomic Whereas the leaders of the G–8, including ers of this period and will have a deep conditions, we welcome them home; we President Putin of the Russian Federation, recently pledged to reduce intellectual prop- impact on our ability to make the sto- thank them for their bravery. In the meantime, this is a good bill. erty piracy through more effective enforce- ries real for future generations. ment: Now, therefore, be it The internment sites, Manzanar, We urge the passage of this bill. Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Topaz, Minidoka, Heart Mountain, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Senate concurring), That it is the sense of the Tule Lake, Gila River, Poston, of my time. Congress that— Amache, Rohwer, Jerome, and related The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. (1) the Russian Federation should provide confinement sites stand as an impor- GUTKNECHT). The question is on the adequate and effective protection of intellec- tant and powerful lesson for this Na- motion offered by the gentleman from tual property rights, or it risks losing its eli- Texas (Mr. GOHMERT) that the House gibility to participate in the Generalized tion. suspend the rules and pass the bill, System of Preferences (GSP) program; and I commend the groups making up the (2) as part of its effort to accede to the Japanese American National Heritage H.R. 1492, as amended. The question was taken; and (two- World Trade Organization, the Russian Fed- Coalition and the work of Gerald thirds having voted in favor thereof) eration must ensure that intellectual prop- Yamada and Floyd Mori in bringing the rules were suspended and the bill, erty is securely protected in law and in prac- tice, by demonstrating that the country is this issue to Congress. And, again, I as amended, was passed. truly want to thank Chairman THOMAS willing and able to meet its international ob- A motion to reconsider was laid on ligations in this respect. for his efforts in making this bill a re- the table. ality today and thank all of my col- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- f leagues who have joined as cosponsors ant to the rule, the gentleman from of this measure. EXPRESSING SENSE OF CONGRESS Florida (Mr. SHAW) and the gentleman Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I re- THAT RUSSIAN FEDERATION from Maryland (Mr. CARDIN) each will serve the balance of my time. MUST PROTECT INTELLECTUAL control 20 minutes. Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I have no PROPERTY RIGHTS The Chair recognizes the gentleman further requests for time, and I yield Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I move to from Florida (Mr. SHAW). back the balance of my time. suspend the rules and agree to the con- Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, in con- current resolution (H. Con. Res. 230) ex- self such time as I may consume. clusion of the debate on this bill, I ap- pressing the sense of the Congress that Today I rise in strong support for H. preciate my colleagues across the aisle the Russian Federation must protect Con. Res. 230. I commend the gen- and the wonderful heartfelt comments intellectual property rights. tleman from California (Mr. ISSA) for that have been made. It is deeply mov- The Clerk read as follows: sponsoring this resolution and focusing ing to hear some of the personal testi- H. CON. RES. 230 congressional attention on this issue. monies, and when the gentleman from Whereas the protection of intellectual Russia’s copyright piracy problem Samoa spoke saying he wished he were property is critical to the Nation’s economic ranks with China as the two most seri- not referred to as a Pacific American, I competitiveness in the 21st century; ous in the world, and it appears to be

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