December 8, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2155 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

WINNERS OF THE OLIN E. TEAGUE work and for the distinguished award they re- about $4 million, but which others familiar AWARD ceived. with his midwifery put at as much as $40 f million. Mr. Vega says he took the payments as part of his undercover persona, and that HON. BOB STUMP SECRET AGENT MAN his law-enforcement handlers knew it. He OF ARIZONA also denies paying any bribes. ‘‘The agents I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES worked with used to joke: ‘Baruch, we HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. trained to put people in jail, but with you, Thursday, December 7, 2000 OF MICHIGAN we get them out,’ ’’ he says. Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, in a ceremony on IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES However the case sorts out, Mr. Vega’s story offers a rare look into the twilight Wednesday, September 13, 2000, in the Thursday, December 7, 2000 House Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing world of the narcotics informant—and into room, the Orientation and Mobility Section, Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I submit the the questionable relationships and accom- modations. U.S. authorities sometimes enter Western Blind Rehabilitation Center, VA Palo following articles, which appeared in the Wall Street Journal on December 7, 2000 into the into as they pursue the global war on drugs. Alto Health Care Facility, Palo Alto, California, Already, it is proving an acute embarrass- received an Olin E. Teague Award for their ef- CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. ment to the DEA, which has placed two forts on behalf of disabled veterans. SECRET AGENT MAN—FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER agents on paid leave pending an internal in- The Teague Award is presented annually to SCORES BIG OFF PALS IN THE NARCOTICS vestigation of their relationship with Mr. VA employees whose achievements have TRADE Vega. And it comes at a delicate time, just been of extraordinary benefit to veterans with BARUCH VEGA MADE MILLIONS AS A FEDERAL as the U.S. government begins to implement service-connected disabilities, and is the high- INFORMANT, BUT WAS JUSTICE SERVED?—A a $1.3 billion program to fight the narcotics PRIVATE JET TO PANAMA CITY trade underpinning Colombia’s bloody civil est honor at VA in the field of rehabilitation. war. By Jose de Cordoba The Section members, Miriam Emanuel, Because of the highly secretive nature of Scott Johnson, Julie Hazan, Richard Ludt, MIAMI BEACH, Fla.—For years, fashion undercover operations—and law enforce- Patrick Ryan, Jennifer C. Smith, Candace photographer Baruch Vega jetted from ment’s reluctance to disclose the details of Thelen, and Paul Thomas, Blind Rehabilitation Miami to Milan, shooting the industry’s top cooperation agreements with drug suspects— Specialists; Charles ``C.T.'' Vasile, Supervisor models. it’s impossible to answer the central ques- Few knew of Mr. Vega’s off-the-books job, tion of whether traffickers who paid fees to Blind Rehabilitation Specialist, and Bill one that was far more lucrative—and dan- Ekstrom, Chief Western Blind Rehabilitation Mr. Vega received special treatment from gerous. When he wasn’t snapping collections the U.S. justice system. No evidence has Center, were selected to receive this pres- for Versace or Valentino, Mr. Vega, a Colom- been presented that any agents accepted tigious award in honor of their work to develop bian by birth and an engineer by training, bribes. But what can be pieced together, the first power scooter training program for low was covertly meeting with some of the through court documents and interviews vision blinded veterans with ambulatory prob- world’s most-powerful drug traffickers, try- with Mr. Vega and others involved in his ca- lems. ing to persuade them to surrender to U.S. reer, suggests at the very least a highly un- Realizing that current support items such as lawmen. orthodox operation that took on a life of its By most accounts, he was a star operative. own, fueled by piles of underworld cash. canes, walkers, and scooters did not meet the ‘‘We regarded Vega as our principal weapon’’ needs of the less mobile, blind veteran, the in the battle against Colombia’s drug car- RED FACES AT DEA team determined to find a solution. The team tels, says one former U.S. agent. ‘‘I think he In a brief statement, the DEA says it is worked with specialists in Physical Therapy, was very successful,’’ agrees retired cocaine ‘‘very concerned about the allegations . . . Physical Medicine, and Prosthetics Service to kingpin Jorge Luis Ochoa, speaking by cel- concerning the conduct of certain DEA study the various types of power scooters lular phone from Colombia, where he re- agents.’’ It declines to comment further, cit- available for sighted individuals. In addition to cently completed a six-year prison term. ‘‘A ing a continuing investigation. The Justice Department also declines to comment. their full daily schedules, the team members lot of people got into his program and co- operated with him, and he with them.’’ Mr. Vega became a law enforcement go-be- made the time to actually become power So many, in fact, that a meeting brokered tween almost by accident. He was working in scooter travelers to learn to navigate on the by Mr. Vega last year in a Panama hotel New York City in 1976 as a structural engi- scooters as sighted individuals. When they be- drew more than two dozen drug dealers or neer when a neighbor and fellow Colombian came fully knowledgeable of power scooter their representatives, according to Mr. Vega was arrested in a police raid. The neighbor’s travel, they began to develop options to adapt and the lawyer for one of the suspects. Rat- wife tearfully sought Mr. Vega’s help. Mr. the power scooter for use by blind veterans. tled by a new Colombian policy permitting Vega, who was studying law at night, had be- Their enthusiasm, persistence, and creativity traffickers to be extradited to the U.S., they friended a fellow student then working at met in marathon sessions with Drug En- the FBI. According to Mr. Vega, his friend paid off. Two distinct power scooter programs forcement Administration agents, negoti- said the case against the neighbor appeared were developed to meet the differing needs ating plea agreements that would poten- weak, and charges would probably be and capabilities of legally blind low vision vet- tially net them reduced jail terms in ex- dropped soon. They were. erans. These programs offer veterans a higher change for providing information on drug The grateful neighbor, who was indeed in- quality of life and a highly valued commodityÐ shipments by other traffickers. volved in the cocaine trade, gave Mr. Vega their independence. But in March, Mr. Vega’s secret life unrav- $20,000 for what he believed was a successful Mr. Speaker, the name Olin E. ``Tiger'' eled. As he was unpacking from a photo intervention. Word of Mr. Vega’s supposed Teague is synonymous with exemplary service shoot, agents from the Federal Bureau of In- clout began to spread, and he soon met many of the future capos of Colombia’s drug car- to the Nation's veterans. The late Congress- vestigation burst into his penthouse and ar- rested him on money-laundering and ob- tels, most of whom who were then living in man Teague served on the House Veterans struction-of-justice charges. In a criminal New York. Affairs Committee for 32 years, 18 of those complaint filed in Miami federal court, the By 1978, Mr. Vega was dividing his time be- years as its distinguished chairman. No one government accused him of receiving mil- tween New York and Miami, which was im- who opposed him on veterans' issues ever lion-dollar fees from drug lords, in return for mersed in the violence and decadence later had to ask why he was called Tiger. He set promising to use his influence with U.S. made famous by the television show ‘‘Miami the standards by which we can best serve all agents—and even bribes—to help them with Vice.’’ ‘‘There were the beautiful people, co- veterans. I know my colleagues join me in of- their legal problems. The name he gave the caine, models, the fast life,’’ says Sgt. June Hawkins, now a supervisor in the homicide fering our deep appreciation to the Orientation operation, according to the complaint: ‘‘The Narcotics Traffickers Rehabilitation Pro- unit of the Miami-Dade police department. and Mobility Section for their concern, dedica- gram.’’ There were also lots of unsolved murders in- tion, and innovation in meeting the special re- Mr. Vega, a trim 53-year-old who favors volving Colombians with false names. ‘‘They habilitation needs of disabled veterans. We black T-shirts, readily admits he accepted were who-isits, not who-dunnits,’’ says Sgt. congratulate them for the excellence of their the traffickers’ money, which he says totaled Hawkins.

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor. E2156 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 8, 2000 After finding Mr. Vega’s name and number a cent, but knew him as a lawyer who visited ‘‘There were 200 drug dealers who wanted in the phone book of one victim, police dis- prison ‘‘to ask Colombians for money to ad- to surrender to American justice and make a covered he was often able to identify the vise us.’’ Mr. Castano Ochoa says he never deal,’’ says Mr. Vega. who-isits. At the time, Mr. Vega was married cooperated with the U.S. government, and For the DEA’s Mr. Tinsley, the panic was to the daughter of a real-estate tycoon who says he was freed because the judge ‘‘realized a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strike a counted among his properties the Mutiny there was nothing against me.’’ crushing blow against the drug trade, says Hotel, then a favorite watering hole for That the drug dealers were paying Mr. Richard Sharpstein, his lawyer. ‘‘Tinsley be- many of the city’s most-notorious char- Vega for his purported services was an open lieved they had the highest-level drug deal- acters. secret among the U.S. agents working with ers in the world willing to cooperate at a A YACHT NAMED ABBY SUE him, says one former official. Indeed, some level never seen before,’’ says Mr. Mr. Vega lived the Miami lifestyle, with a saw it as a plus, given their tight budget. Sharpstein. In the following months, Mr. Vega was mansion off Miami Beach and a 78-foot yacht ‘‘The drug traffickers paid him to be their constantly on an airplane, shuttling between named the Abby Sue. ‘‘He was a real charm- representative,’’ say the former official. ‘‘We Panama and Miami, brokering meetings be- er,’’ remembers Sgt. Hawkins, then a mem- didn’t have to spend any government funds; tween DEA agents and drug traffickers anx- ber of Centac 26, a joint federal, state and we never could have afforded the level he was ious to make their peace with the U.S., ac- local police antidrug task force. ‘‘A wheeler- spending.’’ In any case, Mr. Vega’s results seem to cording to interviews with meeting partici- dealer extraordinaire who could sell snow to have outweighted any misgiving. In 1987, pants and statements by lawyers for drug the Eskimos.’’ Mr. Vega’s charm was enhanced by his when cartel hit men almost killed a former dealers submitted to the FBI. He was such a willingness to fund his own activities, a wel- Colombian attorney general, Mr. Vega was frequent flier that last November, he come contrast to most informants, whom po- able to learn the names of the would-be as- plunked down $250,000 toward the lease-pur- lice tend to view as money-grubbing low- sassins, says the former official. In 1989, the chase of a seven-passenger Hawker jet, Mr. lifes. Former Centac commander Raul Diaz FBI asked Mr. Vega to look into reports that Vega says. Panamanian flight manifests show that on says Mr. Vega aided in one of the unit’s big- drug dealers were planning to blow up Presi- many occasions he was accompanied on his gest cases ever, at great personal risk, and dent George Bush’s plane during a trip to Co- jet by DEA agent Larry Castillo of the agen- ‘‘didn’t get any money from us for his help.’’ lombia, says the former U.S. official. The By 1985, the Miami police introduced Mr. feedback: The hit was off. cy’s Miami office. Mr. Castillo has been Vega to the FBI, where agents determined to PLAYING A HORSE RANCHER placed on administrative leave with pay, make use of his access to the highest eche- Mr. Vega even lived the life of a country pending the result of an internal DEA probe, lons of Colombia’s drug circles. Mr. Vega— squire, courtesy of the U.S. government, along with Mr. Tinsley. Mr. Castillo’s lawyer who prefers to be called a ‘‘mediator’’ rather which set him up from 1988 to 1991 in a fancy declines to comment. The FBI complaint says that soon after the than an informant—was perfect for the job of ranch in Eustis, Fla., that had been con- Millennium indictment, Mr. Vega orches- double agent. He had turned a lifelong inter- fiscated from a drug dealer. Renamed ‘‘El trated a meeting at Panama’s Miramar est in photography into a career as a fashion Lago,’’ the ranch boasted Paso Fino show Intercontinental Hotel between an alleged photographer and producer of fashion shows. horses, highly prized as status symbols drug dealer and U.S. agents. ‘‘Vega told the That gave him access to the beautiful women among Colombian drug dealers. In fact, the CW [confidential witness] that he had U.S. and glamorous social circles that dazzled operation was really an undercover sting officials in the hotel room next door and ar- drug traffickers. conducted by a task force composed of mem- ranged for the CW to meet with them. The Meanwhile, a former U.S. official says fed- bers of the Internal Revenue Service, the CW then met with four DEA agents and a eral agents helped concoct Mr. Vega’s cover: FBI and the Lake County Police Depart- a jet-setting playboy who for a price would Miami police officer.’’ ment. During the meeting, the confidential wit- exert his influence with U.S. law-enforce- During those years, Mr. Vega entertained a ness—whom Mr. Vega and several other indi- ment agencies. To aid Mr. Vega’s deception, long stream of drug capos at El Lago. ‘‘Drug viduals familiar with the case say is Carlos the former official says, agents would make dealers used to drop off their horses and say, Ramon, an alleged drug trafficker known as leniency recommendations to prosecuting ‘‘Train them for me, Baruch,’’’ says an ac- ‘‘the Doctor’’—discussed with the agents the attorneys and judges in the cases of drug tive U.S. law-enforcement official. The task procedures for his possible surrender, the traffickers working with Mr. Vega. The re- force mostly gathered intelligence, and Mr. complaint says. sult: Colombia’s drug barons believed Mr. Vega helped induce an importance money Mr. Ramon, under indictment in Miami for Vega could do anything. launderer to cooperate with U.S. authorities, conspiracy to import and distribute cocaine, APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY says a federal law-enforcement official. wasn’t alone. More than two dozen Colom- ‘‘Baruch is a brave man,’’ says retired The official insists that defendants re- bian traffickers or their representatives were Lake County Police Capt. Fred Johnson. ‘‘I ceived no special favors, but that they truly locked in similar marathon meetings in a rendered assistance in investigations and think the world of this guy.’’ He was also industrious. Under Mr. Vega’s suite of rooms rented by Mr. Vega on various that prosecutors, using their broad discre- management, the El Lago facility became floors of the Miramar, according to meeting tion, argued for sentence reductions com- one of the largest Paso Fino ranches in the participants. mensurate with the level of cooperation. Four months later, Mr. Ramon surrendered U.S. The ranch remained government prop- This official and Mr. Vega add that the ap- to authorities in Miami, but only after a erty, but Mr. Vega says he paid for numerous pearance of impropriety was part of the act— farewell dinner at the trendy China Grill, for capital improvements, including new corrals that hardened criminals were much more which Mr. Vega says he picked up the $1,000 and stables. During this time, Mr. Vega says likely to take the first step toward cooper- tab. After spending a month in jail, Mr. he did receive about $70,000 as his percentage ating if they thought the U.S. system was Ramon, who is cooperating with U.S. au- of the haul from money-laundering stings, rigged in their favor. thorities, posted bail. He now lives in Miami but added that he also continued to receive Nevertheless, a senior federal agent famil- Beach’s luxury Portofino Tower, according iar with the case says such an arrangement fees from drug traffickers. In 1997, Mr. Vega’s work came to the atten- to court papers. would likely have violated Justice Depart- Federal investigators are now trying to tion of David Tinsley, a senior supervisor at ment guidelines. Allowing Mr. Vega to rep- trace the path of the money Mr. Vega gen- the DEA’s Miami office. People who know resent himself as someone with influence erated from traffickers. Mr. Vega says more Mr. Tinsley describe the 27-year veteran of over U.S. prosecutors and other officials ‘‘is than $5 million wound up with Daniel law enforcement to be a hyperkinetic, dedi- totally unacceptable,’’ he says. He adds that Forman, a well-respected Miami defense law- cated and sometimes zealous agent. With Mr. informants shouldn’t be in a position to ac- yer, as legal fees to represent Mr. Ramon and Tinsley, an expert on drug-money laun- cept cash from drug traffickers without su- 18 other accused traffickers. dering. Mr. Vega’s work picked up consider- pervision—although he allows that such Mr. Forman appears to have played an im- ably—especially so after a Miami federal oversight is hard to maintain when the case portant role in Mr. Vega’s final months as an grand jury indicted 31 Columbian drug traf- involves work in dangerous foreign coun- informant. The defense attorney was brought fickers in October last year. tries. into the case at the insistence of the DEA’s Among the people Mr. Vega says he helped A STAMPEDE OF COLOMBIANS Mr. Tinsley, who needed someone who would is Luis Javier Castano Ochoa, now a federal Billed as an enormous blow to Colombia’s move the plea negotiations along without deputy in Colombia’s Congress. In 1988, Mr. drug cartels, the so-called Millennium in- raising a lot of objections, according to Mr. Castano Ochoa pleaded guilty to U.S. money dictment came at a time of great confusion Vega. The informant says he quickly became laundering and drug charges and was sen- in the narcotics trade. Colombia’s congress ‘‘50–50 partners’’ with the defense attorney, tenced to 16 years. But three years later, the had recently changed the law to allow drug with Mr. Vega herding in clients and split- same Miami judge who sentenced him let traffickers to be extradited to the U.S., ting the fees with Mr. Forman. Flight mani- him off with time served. Mr. Vega says he where they couldn’t readily pay off judges. A fests show that Mr. Forman flew several met with Mr. Castano Ochoa in prison, stampede of Colombians arrived at Mr. times from Panama to Florida in the com- charging him $40,000 to help him work out a Vega’s door; some had already been indicted pany of Messrs. Vega and Castillo. cooperation agreement with the government. and others feared they could be next. All Mr. Forman, in an e-mail, strongly denied Reached by telephone in Bogota, Mr. sought the sort of edge that Mr. Vega pur- that Mr. Vega relayed legal fees to him, add- Castano Ochoa says he never paid Mr. Vega ported to offer. ing that ‘‘Mr. Vega is not, and has never CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2157 been, my partner in any sense of the word.’’ says he and Mr. Tinsley cleared the traf- was the same, the price of energy is too high He declines to comment on his clients, ex- fickers out of the hotel for fear of their ar- and is hurting our nation and others, and it cept to say that the government didn’t at- rest. must come down. tempt to interfere with his representation of ‘‘There’s a common distrust between DEA them. Bogota and DEA Miami,’’ says Mr. While OPEC has agreed to increase pro- Mr. Tinsley’s lawyer, Mr. Sharpstein, says Sharpstein, Mr. Tinsley’s lawyer. ‘‘The Bo- duction, it is difficult to ascertain by how much his client brought Mr. Forman into the case gota agents were jealous of Miami agents and what effect that increase will make on the because he had worked with Mr. Forman racking up these cases.’’ price of oil. Thus far, the price of imported when the latter was a federal prosecutor and Today, Mr. Vega is officially off limits to crude oil remains over $30 per barrel, and then as a defense attorney. ‘‘He trusts U.S. law enforcement. When the FBI charged OPEC's increase in production has done little Forman and still believes in him,’’ says Mr. him in March, authorities froze a Miami or nothing to stabilize the prices for heating Sharpstein. bank account in his name containing $1.5 oil, or significantly reduce the price per barrel As for the financial arrangements, Mr. million. Though most condemn Mr. Vega’s Sharpstein says Mr. Tinsley had no idea Mr. alleged illegal enrichment some agents be- of imported crude oil to an acceptable level for Vega was receiving money from traffickers, lieve his fall is undeserved after such a long both consumers and producers. The oil market and wouldn’t have allowed it had he known. career in a world whose common coin is remains volatile and prolonged cold weather Mr. Tinsley’s understanding was that Mr. often a violent death. could easily result in prices soaring to the $40 Vega would receive a percentage of the value As fear and controversy swirl around him, per barrel, ten-year highs of a few months of assets seized by law enforcement, a more- Mr. Vega sits in his Miami Beach penthouse, ago. This is substantiated by EIA's following traditional method of compensating inform- wearing an ankle monitoring device and statement. ants, says Mr. Sharpstein. ‘‘Unfortunately,’’ fielding phone calls from models in Greece he adds, ‘‘it’s not in writing.’’ and designers in Paris. ‘‘I will be in Miami The EIA states: ``unless the winter in the Apart from the controversy over money, for the rest of the season. Same place, same Northeast is unusually mild or world crude oil Mr. Vega’s wheeling and dealing caused ris- apartment,’’ he tells a model who calls to prices drop significantly, the projected high ing tension in the law-enforcement commu- commiserate, ‘‘I have a bunch of pictures for prices for heating oil will continue until next nity. Under a 10-year-old program, all co- you. They used the one with the bathing spring.'' The EIA further reports that, ``a risk operation agreements with major drug traf- suit. It looks very nice.’’ exists this winter for distillate fuel (home heat- fickers are supposed to be cleared through f ing oil and diesel fuel) price spikes similar to the Justice Department’s secretive ‘‘Blitz what happened last February, especially if the Committee’’ to ensure that criminals don’t THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY’S weather stays unusually cold in the Northeast pit one agency or prosecutor against another in search of the best deal. A senior com- CHILLING WINTER FORECAST for more than a few days.'' The EIA once mittee member declines to comment on Mr. again underscores that mother nature plays a Vega. HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN significant role in determining the price of en- But federal agents outside Mr. Tinsley’s ergy. OF NEW YORK small DEA group grew increasingly upset as Mr. Speaker, the next Administration must IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Vega breezed through their turf. One was create and implement a strategic, coherent, Ed Kacerosky, a driven and highly decorated Friday, December 8, 2000 forward looking short and long-term energy U.S. Customs agent known for his work lead- ing to the 1997 indictment of the Cali cocaine Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, as we enter the policy that takes winter weather into consider- cartel. winter months, the Energy Information Agency ation when formulating a national policy. Not- withstanding the current Administration's fail- $60 MILLION FOR VISAS of the U.S. Department of Energy (EIA) deliv- ered the cold facts on December 6th in its ure to enact an energy policy that makes Now a supervisor in the agency’s Miami of- sense for the American people, there are fice, Mr. Kacerosky didn’t take it well when ``Short-Term Energy Outlook for December Mr. Vega tried to help the daughter of late 2000.'' The bottom line is that prices for home short-term measures that we can take to make Cali drug load Jose Santacruz obtain U.S. heating oil and natural gas will rise this win- our homes more energy efficient this winter. resident visas for her family. At a meeting terÐconsiderably. Regardless of how our houses are heated, brokered by Mr. Vega and attended by Mr. While the EIA's report is written in approxi- there are certain steps that can lower the cost Kacerosky and other U.S. officials, Sandra mations, averages, and technical language, its of our heating bills: checking doors and win- Santacruz offered to give the U.S. half of message resonates loud and clear with our dows for leaks and drafts; wrapping the hot some $120 million her family held in ac- water boiler with insulated material; clean fil- counts around the world in exchange for the constituents and those residing in the North- visas, say U.S. officials. The U.S. turned eastÐthat their heating oil bills may increase ters on forced air furnaces; making sure that down the offer. by more than 33 percent from last winter. Fur- fireplaces are clean and working efficiently, Last year, Mr. Kacerosky became enraged thermore, it is predicted that those whose and if they are not being used, making sure upon learning that Mr. Vega had approached homes and businesses are heated by natural that the flues are sealed; installing a program- Miguel Rodriguez Orejuela, a former leader gas are likely to see an increase of 50 percent mable thermostat, and caulking and adding of the Cali cartel, in a Colombian prison. in their utility bills this winter over last winter's. weather stripping where needed. People familiar with the matter say Mr. The reasons EIA give for the projected in- Mr. Speaker, as the price of energy con- Vega offered to help Mr. Rodriguez tinues to rise, no one should have to decide Orejuela’s son William—under indictment in creases are: lower than average heating oil Miami on U.S. drug charges—in return for and natural gas reserves, an increase in de- whether to feed their family or to heat their information on possible high-level Colom- mand versus available supply, and the onset home. There are programs such as the Low bian police corruption. of colder weather, earlier in the season. The Income Home Energy Assistance Program Mr. Kacerosky, these people say, blames American Gas Association reports that while (LIHEAP), for which I have been a strong ad- William Rodriguez for the brutal 1995 torture exploratory drilling for natural gas has tripled vocate. LIHEAP is designed to assist our low and killing of the wife of a key informant. over the past year, it will take another year or income families with the costs of energy. As After the prison meeting, these people say, more before that gas will make its way into the the Department of Health and Human Serv- Mr. Kacerosky wrote an eight-page memo to marketplace. Another factor effecting home ices states, depending on the LIHEAP grant- his superiors sparking the investigation of Mr. Vega. heating oil prices, a distillate of crude oil, is ee, LIHEAP can be used for: heating assist- Mr. Vega’s activities also played into a the relatively high price per barrel of crude. In ance, cooling assistance, energy crisis inter- growing feud between the DEA’s Bogota de- this regard, our dependency on foreign oil, vention, and weatherization and other energy- tachment and Mr. Tinsley’s Miami-based specifically from the OPEC nations, hurts us. related home repairs. If constituents are hav- crew. The Colombia-based agents largely re- Mr. Speaker, the situation with OPEC is not ing trouble paying for the high costs of energy, sponsible for last year’s Millennium indict- any new issue. Our House International Rela- they should not hesitate to contact their Mem- ment were unhappy that the alleged crimi- tions Committee as well as the Government ber of Congress to find out if they qualify for nals they had long been stalking were work- Reform Committee have held hearings on LIHEAP assistance. ing out deals with Miami-based agents ap- pearing to poach on their turf with Mr. OPEC and their affecting the exorbitant costs While the EIA projects that the price of en- Vega’s help. of energy. I have called upon President Clin- ergy this winter may rise by as much as 50 Hearing on Oct. 21, 1999, that Bogota-based ton, Secretaries Albright and Richardson, and percent, it is important for our constituents to DEA agents were heading for Panama to to OPEC Ministers before their meeting last know that no one should have to choose be- crash the Miramar dealer summit, Mr. Vega September urging their assistance. The theme tween eating or heating. E2158 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 8, 2000 IN MEMORY OF FRANK HEBROCK nities they serve. In being so generous with TRIBUTE TO COLONEL ROSLYN his time, Angelo has always showed that there GLANTZ TROJAN HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN is no one who can honestly say they are ``too OF FLORIDA busy'' to serve. HON. ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES When we say that Angelo Tomasso helped build New Britain General Hospital, we mean OF MARYLAND Friday, December 8, 2000 so much more than the bricks and mortar of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would a new wing. Through his generosity, commit- Friday, December 8, 2000 like to pay special tribute to Frank Hebrock, a ment and fine example of civic service, Angelo Mr. EHRLICH. Mr. Speaker, my friend and Leesburg High School teacher and former has proven himself to be a man who helped former constituent, Colonel Roslyn Glantz Tro- Lake County Schools Superintendent can- create the reputation of New Britain General jan, is retiring after 29 years of exemplary ac- didate, who passed away on October 14, as one of the finest hospitals in the area. I feel tive federal service in the United States Army. 2000. He leaves his wife, Bernie Hebrock, his privileged to call him my friend and I thank She has served our country with dignity, son Scott and his brother Bill. Mr. Hebrock him for all he continues to do for our hospital honor, and integrity. was a talented and committed teacher and and city. Colonel Glantz Trojan, a native of Annap- was greatly loved and respected by his family, f olis, Maryland, is a 1971 graduate of Hood friends, students, and colleagues. College in Frederick, Maryland, with a Bach- Born in Cambridge, OH, where he attended H.R. 4828 elor of Arts (BA) in History and a 1981 grad- high school, Mr. Hebrock later went on to uate of George Washington University with a major in education at the University of Ohio. HON. GREG WALDEN Masters of Business Administration. In 1972, After leaving Cambridge, he taught in Talla- OF OREGON she entered the Army through the Officer Di- hassee and for the past five years in Lees- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rect Commission Program. After Officer Basic burg, FL, he taught American and world his- Friday, December 8, 2000 Training at Fort McClellan, Alabama, she was tory. Revered for his dedication, Mr. Hebrock assigned to the Combat Surveillance and exhibited a selfless commitment to his stu- Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I Electronics School at Fort Huachuca, Arizona dents both in and out of the classroom. He would like to share with my colleagues my un- as a administrative officer. was devoted to actively involving students in derstanding of the land exchanges regarding Soon thereafter, Colonel Glantz Trojan was their history lessons, and at the same time, the Steens Mountain Cooperative Manage- selected to serve as an Operations Officer and equally devoted to fostering the students' ment and Protection Act of 2000 (H.R. 4828) Officer Recruiter at the Army District Recruit- physical well-being through his work as assist- that was debated on the House Floor on Octo- ing Command in New Orleans, Louisiana. ant football coach and junior varsity baseball ber 4, 2000. From 1976 to 1979, Colonel Glantz Trojan coach at Leesburg High School. In addition, I would like the record to indicate that the served in the 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Mr. Hebrock combined his interest in govern- cash payments to the ranchers were designed Barracks, Hawaii, first as a division logistician ment with his conviction in providing the high- to compensate the payees for severance dam- and then as a Company Commander in the est quality of education to our area's schools ages to their remaining property. I want it to Division Support Command. by running for superintendent of the Lake be clear that these payments are being made County school system. for economic losses that the ranchers are suf- Following her advanced military and civilian Mr. Speaker, our community has truly suf- fering from their dislocation as a result of the schooling, she was nominated to the Army fered a great loss. We will all remember his creation of this Wilderness. Staff in 1981, where she served as Team outstanding contributions and are forever H.R. 4828 was supported by the entire Or- Chief, Tactical and Non-Tactical Wheeled Ve- grateful for his shining leadership in the field egon congressional delegation and is the hicle Program. Colonel Glantz Trojan left the of education. I would like to express my deep- product of a long and hard-fought battle to en- Pentagon in 1984 to join the staff of the 2nd est condolences to his family, coworkers, and sure that there was an Oregon solution to an Infantry Division in Camp Casey, Korea. She all of the students whose lives he so pro- Oregon issue. left Korea to attend the Armed Forces Staff foundly touched. f College. f From 1986 to 1987, Colonel Glantz Trojan THE MONOCLE RESTAURANT served a joint duty assignment at the United HONORING ANGELO TOMASSO, JR. States Readiness Command, MacDill Air HON. BOB BARR Force Base. As the first J±4 for a newly HON. NANCY L. JOHNSON OF GEORGIA formed Joint Task Force, she planned the de- OF CONNECTICUT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ployment of forces and the employment of lo- gistics for the CINC's operational plan. Colonel IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Friday, December 8, 2000 Glantz Trojan served in Germany in the Friday, December 8, 2000 Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am Army's legendary 3rd Armored Division. She Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speak- pleased to honor and recognize The Monocle first served as the Executive Officer of the er, I wish today to recognize a milestone in restaurant in Washington, DC. The Monocle 503rd Forward Support Battalion in the life of one of Connecticut's most treasured was founded in 1960 by ``Connie'' Valanos Kirchgoens, later commanding the 54th For- citizens. After serving for over 40 years in vir- and his father, veteran restauranteur George ward Support Battalion (FSB) in Friedberg, tually every officer position and on every com- Valanos. Today, the restaurant is owned and Germany. As Battalion Commander of the mittee of New Britain General Hospital, Angelo operated by Connie's son, John Valanos. This 54th FSB Colonel Glantz Trojan deployed her Tomasso, Jr., has decided to retire from the year The Monocle celebrates its 40th anniver- battalion to Desert Storm in support of the 3rd Hospital's Board of Directors. sary. Armored Division. Her support of this Division To read a list of Angelo's accomplishments The Monocle is one of our nation's Capital's during the Gulf War was truly outstanding. Fol- and activities is to bear witness to a life spent finest dining establishments. It has been one lowing the War, Colonel Glantz Trojan at- in the service of others. Whether it was as a of the few restaurants that, year after year, tended the U.S. Army War College and after soldier, entrepreneur, parent, philanthropist, or helps set the standard for fine dining in Wash- graduation was assigned to the Supreme Al- dedicated volunteer, Angelo has brought to ington, DC. The food, ambience, and cour- lied Command, Atlantic as the Logistics Plans every phase of his life the caring and under- teous staff all contribute to make a visit to The and Operations Officer. standing of a man who embraces his respon- Monocle one to remember and cherish, as It was during her assignment as the Deputy sibility to better the lives of his neighbors, have so many of our nation's political leaders Installation Commander and Garrison Com- community, and State. for 40 years. mander, U.S. Army Garrison, Aberdeen Prov- Angelo's impact on New Britain General The Monocle's location and building are fur- ing Ground (APG), Maryland, that I personally Hospital goes far beyond the work he did as ther reminders of the unique history of which came to know of Colonel Roslyn Glantz Tro- a member of the Board of Directors. As the the restaurant has become a significant part. jan's considerable skills as a leader. I later president of one of Connecticut's largest con- I join many of my colleagues in recognizing learned of her deft diplomatic and political struction firms, Angelo set an example of the the owners and the employees of The Mon- skills during her final assignment in the Army sense of responsibility business owners ocle, as it celebrates 40 years of culinary ex- as the Chief of Legislative Liaison, U.S. Army should have in keeping healthy the commu- cellence in Washington, DC. Materiel Command from 1998 until now. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2159 I am proud to report to my colleagues that pened to Musavat in the 1995 parliamentary gation of the Council of EuropeÐan organiza- Colonel Glantz Trojan's personal awards in- election. At that time, the OSCE/UN observa- tion to which Azerbaijan has applied for mem- clude the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Su- tion mission emphasized the need to amend bership and which is not particularly known for perior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the or get rid of this obviously flawed method of hard-hitting assessments of election shenani- Defense Meritorious Service Medal, as well as determining the validity of signatures, but gansÐamplified: ``Despite the positive several Army meritorious and commendation Azerbaijan's authorities did not heed that ad- changes observed in Azerbaijan in recent medals and the Southwest Asia Campaign vice. years, the scale of the infringements doesn't fit and Kuwait Liberation medals. The exclusion of leading opposition parties into any framework. We've never seen any- Mr. Speaker, this exemplary soldier, my drew strong criticism, both inside and outside thing like it.'' friend Colonel Roslyn Glantz Trojan, deserves the country, including the OSCE and the U.S. Mr. Speaker, in the context of international the thanks and praise of this grateful nation Government. In early October, in apparent re- election observation, such a brutally candid she has faithfully served for so long. I know action to international concern, President Aliev assessment is simply stunning. As far as I the Members of the House will join me in ``appealed'' to the CEC to find some way of know, representatives of ODIHR or the Coun- wishing her and her husband all the best in registering excluded opposition parties. Some cil of Europe have never expressed them- the years ahead. CEC members objected, arguing there was no selves in such terms about an election that f constitutional basis for such a presidential ap- they decided to monitor. One senses that the peal or a changed CEC ruling, but the Com- harshness of their judgment is related to their ELECTIONS IN AZERBAIJAN mission moved to include opposition parties. disappointment: Azerbaijan's authorities had Though their participation certainly broadened promised to conduct free and fair elections HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH the choice available to voters, the manner of and had long negotiated with the ODIHR and the Council of Europe about the legal frame- OF NEW JERSEY their inclusion demonstrated conclusively that President Aliev controlled the entire election work and administrative modalities but, in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES end, held an election that can only be de- Friday, December 8, 2000 process. ODIHR welcomed the decision by the CEC scribed as an embarrassment to all con- Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, on and urged a reconsideration of the exclusion cerned. According to Azerbaijan's CEC, in the party November 5, parliamentary elections were of over 400 individual candidatesÐabout half list voting, only four parties passed the six-per- held in Azerbaijan. In anticipation of those of those who tried to run in single-mandate cent threshold for parliamentary representa- elections, the Helsinki CommissionÐwhich I districts. But the CEC did not do so, and only chairÐheld hearings in May, at which rep- tion: President Aliev's governing party, the in very few cases were previously excluded New Azerbaijan Party; the Communist Party; resentatives of the government and opposition candidates allowed to run. As 100 of par- leaders testified. While the former pledged that and two opposition parties, the Popular Front liament's 125 seats were determined in single [Reformers] and Civil Solidarity. Other impor- Baku would conduct a democratic contest, in mandate districts, where local authorities exer- accordance with OSCE standards, the latter tant opposition parties allegedly failed to break cise considerable power, the rejection of over the barrier and apart from a few single man- warned that Azerbaijan's past record of hold- 400 candidates signaled the government's de- ing seriously flawed elections required the date seats won no representation in par- termination to decide the outcome of the vote. liament. strictest vigilance from the international com- Though coverage of the campaign on state In the aftermath of the election and the as- munity and pressure from Western capitals media favored the ruling party, opposition sessments of the OSCE/ODIHR and the and the Council of EuropeÐto which Azer- leaders were able to address voters on tele- Council of Europe, the international legitimacy baijan has applied for membership. vision. They used the opportunityÐwhich they of Azerbaijan's legislature is severely under- Subsequently, I introduced a resolution, H. had not enjoyed for yearsÐto criticize Presi- mined. Within Azerbaijan, the ramifications are Con. Res. 382, which called on the Govern- dent Aliev and offer an alternative vision of no better. All the leading opposition parties ment of Azerbaijan to hold free and fair elec- governing the country. Their equal access to have accused the authorities of massive vote tions and to accept the recommended amend- the media marked progress with respect to fraud, denounced the election results, and ments by the OSCE's Office of Democratic In- previous elections, as noted in the ODIHR's have refused to take the few seats in par- stitutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to the election report. liament they were given. Though some gov- law on elections. However, the voting and vote count on elec- erning party representatives have claimed that From the start, there was pressure to with- tion day itself, according to the ODIHR's elec- opposition representation is not necessary for draw the resolution from the Azerbaijani gov- tion observation mission, failed to meet OSCE the parliament to function normally, othersÐ ernment and others. They argued that Presi- standards. That is the usual dry ODIHR formu- perhaps including President AlievÐunderstand dent Aliev had made, or would make, the nec- lation to characterize an election that was not that a parliament without opposition members essary changes to ensure that the election fairÐi.e., the conditions for the participants is ruinous for Azerbaijan's image. New elec- met international standards, claiming to render were not equalÐand in which the official re- tions are slated in 11 districts, and perhaps the resolution either irrelevant or out of date. sults are not reliable or credible. The Novem- President Aliev is hoping to tempt some oppo- That pressure intensified as the election drew ber 6 statement elaborated: ``The elections sition parties to abandon their boycott by offer- near; in fact, the resolution never came to a were marred by numerous instances of seri- ing a few more seats. Whether opposition par- vote before Congress went out of session in ous irregularities, in particular, a completely ties, which are bitterly divided, will participate early November. flawed counting process.'' Moreover, ``observ- or eventually agree to take up their deputies' It is worth recalling this brief history in light ers reported ballot stuffing, manipulated turn- mandates remains to be seen. of what actually happened during Azerbaijan's out results, pre-marked ballots, and production What is clearer from the conduct of the pre-election period and on November 5. With of either false protocols or no protocols at all. election and its outcome is that President respect to the election law, one of ODIHR's . . . The international observers express their Aliev, who is preparing the succession of his concerns was ultimately addressed by a deci- concern at what seems to be a clear manipu- son as Azerbaijan's next president, was deter- sion of Azerbaijan's constitutional court, but on lation of electoral procedures.'' mined to keep opposition leaders out of par- other important issues, Baku rejected any con- This would be bad enough, considering that liament and ensure that the body as a whole cessions and refused to incorporate ODIHR's the election was the fourth since 1995 that is supportive of his heir. If the only way to suggested changes. From the beginning, failed to meet OSCE standards, even if some guarantee the desired outcome was wholesale therefore, the election could not have met progress was registered in opposition partici- vote fraud, so be it. Prognoses of possible ac- OSCE standards, as ODIHR made plain in pation and representation in the CEC. Much commodation with the opposition, or possibly several statements. more interesting and disturbing, however, even some power sharing arrangements, to During the registration period, the Central were the words used in a post-election press facilitate a smooth and peaceful transfer of Election Commission (CEC) rejected several conference by two key international observers: power, have proved unfounded. Indeed, Presi- leading opposition parties. Claiming that gov- Gerard Stoudman, the Director of ODIHR, who dent Aliev reportedly has told the new UK Am- ernment experts could tell which signatures generally employs measured, diplomatic lan- bassador to Baku that Azerbaijan does not were forged, fraudulent or otherwise invalid guage, said he had not expected to witness ``a need to join the Council of Europe, indicating merely on the basis of a visual examination, crash course in various types of manipula- that he is not prepared to make any conces- the CEC maintained the Musavat and the tion,'' and actually used the phrase ``primitive sions when it comes to maintaining his grip on Azerbaijan Democratic Party had failed to get falsification'' to describe what he had seen. power and passing it on to his chosen heir, 50,000 valid signatures. The same thing hap- Andreas Gross, the head of the observer dele- whatever the international community thinks. E2160 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 8, 2000 Even more worrisome is that by depriving TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF FORMER came a legend in his own time, by conferring the opposition of the possibility to contend for CONGRESSMAN HENRY B. GON- upon him the titles of statesman, warrior, pio- power through parliamentary means, Aliev has ZALEZ neer, patriot, hero and a national treasure. We seriously reduced the chances of a ``soft land- also remember him as funny, brilliant, a mav- ing'' in Azerbaijan. When he eventually leaves SPEECH OF erick, and a coalition builder who lived his life the scene, anything could happen. This is not HON. NICK J. RAHALL II and served his people with exuberant ardor. only a frightening prospect for the citizens of OF WEST VIRGINIA Most of all he was genuine, and he was hon- Azerbaijan, its neighbors and hopes for resolv- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES est to a fault. ing regional disputes, especially the Nagorno- Tuesday, December 5, 2000 But Henry B. Gonzalez said it best: ``I have Karabakh conflictÐit is a scenario that should never failed myself, and I have never failed alarm policymakers in Washington as well. Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to you.'' pay tribute to our colleague, the late Henry B. Mr. Speaker, it is not my intention to say ``I He provided the opportunity for all of us to Gonzalez, who died on November 28, 2000, told you so'' to those colleagues who argued follow in his footsteps, and none more so than and who served the House and the Nation for against my resolution. I would much have pre- his beloved son, the gentleman from Texas, 37 years as one of its most revered public ferred to make a statement congratulating CHARLIE GONZALEZ, our colleague now serving servants. To his family, his wife Bertha, his Azerbaijan on having held exemplary elections the 20th District of Texas, and I again extend son CHARLIE who now serves in the House as and making substantial steps towards democ- to him and his family my heartfelt sorrow and our colleague, and to all of his constituents in ratization. Alas, I cannot do so, which should tell them, Henry B. will never be forgotten. the 20th District in Texas, I extend my most sadden and concern all of us. But I fear the f sincere condolences. My prayers are with all consequences will be far more serious for the of you in the hope of giving comfort against INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION citizens of Azerbaijan. the grief of your great loss. ADDRESSING THE FLU VACCINE What to say about Henry B., as he was af- SHORTAGE f fectionately known in his San Antonio Con- NEW YORK’S HEALTHY START gressional District. In the House, Henry B. was known as a fierce activist for the poor and for HON. GENE GREEN CONSORTIUM HELPS REDUCE IN- OF TEXAS FANT MORTALITY minorities in the field of housing, small busi- ness, community development, and consumer IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fairness. He was an unbridled advocate for Friday, December 8, 2000 HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS what he believed was right for his constituents Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, influ- OF NEW YORK and the Nation. enza is a serious illness that afflicts millions of For Members like me, he was a friend, a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Americans each year. While most Americans mentor and an educatorÐbecause without his recover after a few days, influenza causes Friday, December 8, 2000 knowledge and willingness to share, many of us who did not have the privilege or oppor- thousands of deaths each year, mostly among Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, today I praise the elderly. Fortunately, vaccination can pre- the outstanding work of New York's Healthy tunity to serve with him on the Banking and Housing Committee would not have known vent a person from becoming infected with in- Start Consortium. Healthy Start/NYC (HS/ fluenza. NYC), a collaborative, community-driven, Fed- what was going on, or how to resolve the problems facing the NationÐfrom affordable Influenza vaccines are developed each year eral project was founded in 1991 to combat in- because the flu virus naturally mutates and fant mortality and poor maternal and child housing to community development to sal- vaging the savings and loan industry, naming changes. This year's strain of flu vaccine has health in three medically underserved areas. been a particularly difficult strain to produce New York neighborhoods like Bedford- only a few of his many struggles to secure the American dream for all Americans. for all manufacturers, and as a result, there Stuyvesant, Mott Haven and Central Harlem are lower than normal yields. Although we ex- have some of the Nation's highest infant mor- From the beginning of his adult life, Henry B. was on fire to help his people and his State pect there will be sufficient vaccines for this tality and poverty rates. From 1991 to 1997, year, there has been a delay in releasing vac- HS/NYC served 30,000 women and their fami- and his country. A feisty first-ever Mexican- American to serve in the State Legislature, he cines to the public. lies annually which lead to a 40 percent de- The Centers for Disease Control and Pre- crease in the infant mortality rate, a drop in was also the first to be selected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1963Ð vention (CDC) has recommended vaccinations low birth weights and a 24 percent decline in first be given to individuals who are at particu- births to teens. and in both jobs he went about kicking down ethnic barriers, facing civil rights issues with larly high risk for developing complications. The Consortium has been able to create a searing defiance that meant a 36 hour fili- This group includes individuals who are 65 strong public-private network of health and so- buster in the Texas State Senate, defeating 16 years or older, people who suffer from chronic cial service agencies, providers, schools, segregationist bills, to punching out a res- illnesses, individuals in nursing homes, chil- churches, businesses, and individuals. It has taurant patron in the 1970's for calling him a dren who are undergoing long-term aspirin remained committed to its community-driven, ``communist.'' When an apology was de- therapy, and pregnant women. collaborative approach. I want to particularly manded, Henry B. said only that he was sorry Ninety percent of vaccines are distributed by commend the work of Ngozi Moses with the he had pulled the punch. private sector distributors for use by health Brooklyn Perinatal Network; Arlene Bailey- During his 37 years in the House of Rep- care providers. This resolution urges these pri- Franklin with the Bronx Perinatal Consortium; resentatives, Henry B. Gonzalez spoke out for vate sector distributors to follow the CDC's Sharon Rumley with the Queens Comprehen- the peopleÐall peopleÐon behalf of the recommendations to ensure that those at high- sive Perinatal Council; Goldie Watkins-Bryant needs of the working poorÐlong before it was est risk for influenza complications be given with Healthy Start/New York City Project; Luci popular to do so. He held in his hand the day priority in receiving their vaccine. Chambers, with Downstate New York Healthy of his swearing in as a Member of this House H. RES. — Start Project; Mario Drummonds, with North- a bill to abolish the Poll Tax which was even- Whereas influenza is a contagious viral in- ern Manhattan Perinatal Partnership; Cheryl tually enacted, and he never stopped working Brown-Hoyte with Nassau County's Healthy fection that affects the respiratory tract; against all kinds of discrimination against the Whereas people of any age can become in- Start Project and Dara Cerwonka with Suffolk poor and the disenfranchised in our country. fected with influenza; County Perinatal Coalition. And so we say goodbye to Henry Gonzalez, Whereas, although most people who be- Now that the Healthy Start Program has knowing that the rich, the poor, the powerful, come infected with influenza recover within been reauthorized, I look forward to working the disadvantaged, the young and the old, are a few days, some people develop serious com- with the Healthy Start/New York City Consor- better off than they would have otherwise plications that can become life-threatening; tium in the months ahead. The Consortium been without his caring and compassion, and Whereas influenza causes thousands of hopes to broaden its work with consumers. I without the fire in his heart and the courage of deaths each year, mostly among the elderly; Whereas vaccination can prevent a person am certain that the Consortium will be able to his convictions as a public servant that left so from becoming infected with influenza; bring new families into its program during the much good in its wakeÐenough to last a life- Whereas the periodic mutation of the in- next fiscal year. Once again, I offer my con- time. fluenza virus requires the influenza vaccine gratulations to the Consortium on a job well We celebrate the life of Henry B. Gonzalez, to be annually updated to contain the most done. who served under eight presidents and be- recent influenza virus strains; CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2161 Whereas a lower-than-expected yield of one TRIBUTE TO SIDNEY YATES were coming by sea; or Faneuil Hall, where of the components of this season’s influenza colonists met to protect British rule; and many vaccine has caused the distribution of the other revolutionary war sites. vaccine to be delayed; HON. JOHN JOSEPH MOAKLEY Whereas the Secretary of the Department OF MASSACHUSETTS As an appropriations committee cardinal, of Health and Human Services, the Commis- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Sid was also helpful in providing funds to pre- sioner of the Food and Drug Administration, Friday, December 8, 2000 serve Boston's 31 harbor islands, which are and the Director of the Centers for Disease rich with historical and geological treasures. Control and Prevention are working closely Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, on October 5, Because of Sid's support, visitors will soon be with vaccine manufacturers to facilitate the our country lost a great patriot, Sid Yates. Sid able to take a ferry to many of these remark- availability of a safe and effective influenza was my very dear friend, and a beloved fed- able islands, which have been unaccessible vaccine for this influenza season; eral representative, who preserved and pro- for years. Sid's commitment to the preserva- Whereas temporary shortages of the influ- tected our country's finest cultural resources tion of the harbor islands will provide plenty of enza vaccine early in this influenza season and historical landmarks. recreational opportunities for residents and may require decisions to be made regarding For nearly a half of a century, Sid served in visitors to Boston. The City of Boston is a bet- how to prioritize the use of the available the House of Representatives. I was fortunate vaccine; ter place to visit thanks to the kindness and enough to have served with him for more than wisdom of Sid Yates. Whereas the vaccine available early in this 25 years. He was a true gentleman and distin- influenza season should be used to maximize guished politician who brought honor and dig- Just as the lanterns at Old North Church the protection of people at a high risk of de- shone brightly to guide the patriots in their veloping complications from an influenza in- nity to the U.S. House of Representatives. It was a very sad day when Sid announced fight for independence, Sid Yates' commitment fection; and dedication to the arts and humanities was Whereas the Director of the Centers for he would not run for reelection. I know the House of Representatives meant a great deal a guiding light for all Americans. While his Disease Control and Prevention reports that light has faded, his legacy will endure because the groups of people at a high to him, and it was very hard for Sid to leave of his devotion to preserving our country's his- (1) people who are 65 and older; a place that he loved. Personally, I missed him greatly. It always made my day when he torical landmarks and cultural resources. Just (2) residents of nursing homes and other like Paul Revere, Sid Yates was a great pa- chronic-care facilities that house people who returned to Capitol Hill for a visit. I was sad- have chronic medical conditions; dened by his passing and he will be greatly triot. (3) people who have chronic disorders of missed by those of us who worked beside f the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, him, and the nation as a whole. including asthma; Many people remember Sid as a tremen- IN RECOGNITION OF SUE NICHOLS (4) people who have had required medical dous advocate of the arts, but I will always re- follow up or hospitalization during the past member him as a master of the art of politics. year because of chronic metabolic disease, Sid loved serving as a deputy in the Demo- HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN kidney dysfunction, blood disorders, or cratic Whip organization. So much so that for immunosuppression; well over twenty years, Sid served as a deputy OF FLORIDA (5) children and teenagers who are receiv- whip, while championing the causes of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing long-term aspirin therapy; and Democratic Party. Friday, December 8, 2000 (6) women who will be in the second or Not only was Sid a great politician, but he third trimester of pregnancy during the in- was also a genuine and caring person. He fluenza season; Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would worked hard behind the scenes to help indi- like to recognize the tireless dedication of Mrs. Whereas all influenza vaccine used in the United States is produced in the private sec- vidual members shepherd their projects Sue Nichols to the children of our community. tor, and 90 percent of that vaccine is distrib- through the legislative process, but he was al- Mrs. Nichols was born and raised in Miami- uted by private-sector distributors for use by ways certain to give the credit to others. Al- Dade County where she is a teacher at St. health care providers; though a giant in the House, Sid would always Thomas Episcopal Parish School. She has Whereas reports have indicated that cer- make it a point to take of the little things with- now been teaching kindergarten for 25 years. tain distributors of the influenza vaccine are out any kind of fanfare. For instance, every Recently, Mrs. Nichols wrote an article enti- taking advantage of the influenza vaccine Thursday, after our Democratic Whip meet- tled ``Flowers of Tomorrow Are Seeds of shortage by raising their prices by as much ings, Sid would always make sure to bring Today'', which I believe is an accurate rep- as 500 percent; back muffins or danish to his staff. Although in resentation of her kind and exuberant de- Whereas distributors are first supplying the grand scheme of things this small token of meanor. This outlook is the product of a those buyers willing to pay the highest price thoughtfulness was probably lost on most for the influenza vaccine, even when those healthy life philosophy which was passed on buyers were the last to order; Members, I believe it spoke volumes on the to her by her grandmother, Viola Erhart. It is kind of person Sid Yates was. Whereas, for example, although the Direc- quite simple and yet at the same time incred- tor of the California Department of Health While I will always remember Sid as a won- ibly profound. At its core is the saying: ``May Services contracted with a distributor in derful and caring person, I can't overlook how each person I see today go happier for it on February to purchase influenza vaccine at a hard he worked to make our country a beau- his way''. She lives by this motto every day as cost of $17.99 per vial and has received only tiful and cultural place to live. As Chairman of a wife, friend and teacher. one third of the order, the Director of the the coveted Interior Appropriations Sub- Mrs. Nichols' greatest service to our com- Maine Division of Disease Control con- committee, he fought tirelessly to protect free munity lies in her devotion as a teacher to the tracted with that same distributor in June expression of the arts, and to preserve funding spreading of this wonderful vision among her and July to purchase influenza vaccine at a for national parks, historical landmarks, and cost of $39.00 per vial and received both ship- students. She understands that while the national seashores. He was a true believer in ments within two months; and young mind is fragile, it is at the same time re- the benefits of the arts and historical land- Whereas distributors are in a unique posi- markably open. By recognizing our children as marks. tion to make vaccines available first to fa- the flowers of tomorrow and instilling within My hometown of Boston had benefited cilities serving people at a high risk of devel- them her grandmother's message of kindness, greatly from his generosity and dedication to oping complications from an influenza infec- Sue is actively contributing to the development preserving historical landmarks. Over the tion, such as nursing homes, hospitals, and of these same values among her students. doctors offices: Now, therefore, be it years, Sid supported vital federal funding for Resolved, That it is the sense of the House Boston's Freedom Trail, a wonderful walking Mrs. Nichols deserves the greatest praise of Representatives that the private-sector tour through the City of Boston that provides both from the families of these young boys distributors of the influenza vaccine should a historical review of the many famous Revo- and girls, and from all those whose lives she make all reasonable efforts to ensure that, lutionary War sites including the African Meet- will touch. Her efforts are an invaluable invest- during any shortage of the influenza vaccine, ing House, Dorchester Heights, and the Old ment in our community's future and we are all priority is given to distributing the available truly blessed to have her in the classroom. vaccine to those groups of people identified South Meeting House. by the Director of the Centers for Disease Thanks to Sid's work with the Freedom Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join Control and Prevention as being at a high Trail, tourists can visit the famed Old North me in applauding Mrs. Sue Nichols for her risk of developing complications from an in- Church, where Paul Revere hung two lanterns outstanding service to the youth of our com- fluenza infection. warning citizens of Boston that the British munity. E2162 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 8, 2000 IN HONOR OF THE 90TH ANNIVER- U.S. where, on an historic September morn- Khalistan'' on the destruction of the Air India SARY OF THE CHURCH OF THE ing, he addressed a joint meeting of the jet that were reflected in statements by one of INCARNATION House and Senate. Today, as never before, our colleagues. This ``Council'' has little pres- India and the U.S., the world's two largest de- ence and HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ mocracies, are collaborating on a host of Turning to the second eventÐthe massacre OF NEW JERSEY issues of mutual interest, from technology to of 36 Sikh villagers in Chittisinghpora on IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the environment and from economic develop- March 20, 2000 which occurred just as Presi- ment to the fight against terrorism. dent Clinton arrived for his state visit to India. Friday, December 8, 2000 Our close ties with India would not have Statements that the Indian government was Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today been possible without the bipartisan coopera- responsible for this infamous act of murder, to honor the Church of the Incarnation on its tion of the Congress. The vast majority of our defies the facts. The true story is otherwise. 90th anniversary, which will be celebrated on members have embraced that relationship. We Indian authorities have arrested a prime sus- Sunday, December 10, 2000. Founded in have enacted congressional resolutions dem- pect in the case who disclosed that the mas- 1910, the Church of the Incarnation is cele- onstrating our solid support for India and its sacre was the work of a group of terrorists in brating ninety years of faith in God and com- democratic institutions and we have been ac- the ranks of the Hiz-ul-Majahideen (HUM) and munity. tively engaged in promoting regional stability The Church of the Incarnation held its first in an area of vital concern to U.S. interests, HUM's affiliate, the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LET). service on January 8, 1911, in a room rented and the flow of commerce between our na- The HUM has already been designated by the from the Afro-American Women's Industrial tions. In view of the overwhelming support in State Department as a foreign terrorist organi- Club for $6.00 a month. Although its begin- forging a harmonious relationship for the new zation and I have joined with other members nings were meager, its future would not be. millennium, it is disappointing that a few of our of the Congress in calling upon the State De- Despite financial hardship, the congregation colleagues have seen fit to disparage and dis- partment to name the LET as a terrorist orga- grew steadily, attracting members with the courage that relationship by launching a series nization. deepest faith and commitment. of ill-informed attacks on India and its people. Both the HUM and LET are on the long list In June of 1928, the Church of the Incarna- In the interest of accuracy and in the broader of terrorist organizations that are encouraged tion held a groundbreaking ceremony for its context of the growing bonds of friendship be- and supported by Pakistan. Attacks from new building. On December 24, 1928, the tween the U.S. and India, it is important that forces outside of India, often led by armed Church held its first service there. we set the record straight. mercenaries, are consistent with the pattern of In 1971, the Church achieved ``Parish Sta- First, let us consider the baseless claim that terrorism that these and other terrorist groups tus,'' and later established an award for the the Government of India was responsible for have carried out for many years against inno- man and woman of the year. In order to be- the bombing of an Air India jet in 1985, which cent Hindus and Muslims in Kashmir. Their come more involved in the community, the occurred off the coast of Ireland in a flight motive is clearÐthey seek to disrupt the terri- Church began to sponsor and implement com- originating in Canada, claiming the lives of torial integrity of India and to show that a munity outreach programs and participated in 329 passengers. That incident has now been multi-religious society cannot survive. The at- community development projects, including thoroughly investigated by one of the world's tack on the Sikh community in Chittisinghpora, after school and summer camp programs; the most respected law enforcement agencies, the by cynically choosing the very eve of Presi- renovation of P.S. #18, which currently pro- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). On dent Clinton's visit to New Delhi to perpetrate vides housing for low-income families; a October 27, 2000 after an almost 15-year in- these atrocities, follows the policy of ethnic ``Clothing Ministry'' for the poor; and a scholar- quiry, the RCMP charged two residents in Brit- cleansing to eliminate whatever little minority ship fund. ``Resurrection House'' opened for ish Columbia, Ripudaman Singh Malik and population that resides in the Kashmir valley. occupancy in 1992. In addition, the Church es- Ajaib Bagri, with the murders of the innocent Casting blame on India for these deliberate tablished a Sunday school and a men's cho- civilians killed in the crash of the Air India jet. acts of violence is at odds with the facts of the rus and youth choir, as well as a newsletter One of those individuals, Mr. Malik, has been case and India's constitutional obligation to entitled ``Good News.'' identified by Canadian authorities as the finan- protect the civil and human rights of its diverse The Church of the Incarnation merged with cial backer of extreme Sikh separatist groups communities. St. Mathew's and St. Stevens in 1997. Today, operating from Canada. Both Canadians have the three churches together are St. Augustine. also been charged with the murders of two Finally, let us consider recent statements A new church and community center will be baggage handlers in Tokyo by a bomb that claiming that India is practicing ``state ter- completed in December 2001. was meant to destroy yet another Air India rorism'' in Punjab and Kasmir, citing unsub- Ninety years after its founding, the Church flight. These individuals, will be given a trial stantiated figures from questionable and unre- of the Incarnation proudly celebrates its his- and afforded every opportunity to defend liable sources. Using these claims, it is con- toryÐa history that is a testament to the con- themselves against the murder and criminal tended India should be declared a terrorist gregation's enduring faith and extraordinary conspiracy charges lodged against them by state. Such a notion flies in the face of the commitment to God and community. Canadian authorities. documented record by the U.S. State Depart- Today, I ask that my colleagues join me in As the India Abroad News Service reported ment citing the improvement of human rights honoring the 90th anniversary of the Church of recently, moderate Sikhs in the U.S. have wel- in India. It is also contrary to the partnership the Incarnation. This congregation's faith is a comed the RCMP's apprehension of the sus- between the U.S. and India in combating the wonderful example for everyone. pects. According to India Abroad, the Sikh menace of international terrorism by engaging f Council on Religion and EducationÐa commu- in day-to-day cooperative counter-terrorist ac- nity think-tank based in WashingtonÐcon- tivities. SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT cluded: With India's record of democracy deeply WITH REGARD TO INDIA We, the Sikhs, condemn the killing of in- rooted in its constitution and its tolerance for nocent people. We also want to emphasize in its many religious and ethnic communities, the strongest possible terms that any such HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN India itself has suffered from the ravages of OF NEW YORK employment of violence for political ends is totally against Sikh teachings and values. terrorism to a degree virtually unparalleled IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Sikh religion teaches tolerance and re- around the world. The human cost of this Friday, December 8, 2000 spect for all religious beliefs and practices cross-border terrorism has been staggering. . . . The consensus in the Sikh community Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, as the year 2000 Indeed, over the years, more than 16,000 Indi- in India and internationally has been that ans in Punjab have been murdered and comes to a close, we can look back over the political issues must be resolved through past twelve months with a profound sense of maimed by cross-border terrorists. The deadly dialogue, political process and peaceful toll in Jammu and Kashmir has exceeded accomplishment by pointing to a new chapter means. We are surprised and shocked that in our relationship between the United States there could be Sikh individuals who would 21,000. and India. We have witnessed dramatic commit such a horrible act . . . It is in this context that we should examine changes that have created a dynamic and These moderate and responsible views of the damage that can be caused by unsubstan- lasting partnership as celebrated throughout the U.S. Sikh community stand in sharp con- tiated allegations and false propaganda. President Clinton's visit to India last July and trast to the false information in press releases Charges are continually hurled against the Prime Minister's Vajpayee's journey to the prepared by the so-called ``Council of Government of India every time a vicious act CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2163 of terrorism is committedÐfor example, the ni (Beta Tau Lambda) Chapter of the Alpha gional Office before being transferred to bombing of the Air India jetliner in 1985, the Phi Alpha fraternity, which marked its 60th an- Greenville in July of 1979. Since that time he attack on the Sikh community in March of this niversary on this past Monday, December 4th. has served as District Manager in Greenville, year, and the shooting of innocent pilgrims on Throughout its 94-year existence, the Alpha which includes both the Greenville and Eliza- their way to the Amarnarth caves in August. Phi Alpha fraternity has been an exemplary or- beth City offices. The Greenville District There is more than sufficient evidence to show ganization, with a mission committed to public serves eight northeastern North Carolina that the last two acts committed this year were service. The Fort Worth Alumni Chapter has Counties having over 45,000 beneficiaries re- the handiwork of elements from Pakistan be- done a tremendous job of furthering Alpha Phi ceiving over $300 million annually in Social longing to the LET. The facts with regard to Alpha's mission and has worked to make a Security benefits. Fred's respect for individual the Air India case point to Canadian-based real difference in our North Texas community. differences, his ability to build on their Sikh supra-nationalists as the source of the The Fort Worth Alumni Chapter has taken strengths and compensate for weaknesses, aviation disaster. If this kind of propaganda is action in our community to curb juvenile delin- has made him the quality manager with whom uncritically allowed to hold sway, it encour- quency, foster job training skills and commu- we have enjoyed working. ages militant units like the LET to perpetrate nity safety programs, and combat teen preg- Fred Lilley loves his country, is active in similar atrocities against innocent civilians. It is nancy by educating young men. local and community events, and lives each characteristic of the modus operandi of these Through the years, the members of Alpha day to its fullest. A retired Colonel in the U.S. terrorist groups to deflect attention from their Phi Alpha and the Beta Tau Lambda chapter Army Reserve, Fred is also a member of the inhumane acts by deliberately shifting the have become leaders of their community, a Reserve Officers Association, the Civil Affairs blame to India. testimony to the strength of their education as Associations, The Association of the U.S. The first and only address by a foreign head members of this fine organization. Army, and is a member and past President of of state before a joint meeting of the 106th Congratulations again to the Beta Tau the Greenville Civitan Club. He is a loving Congress by India's Prime Minister Vajpayee Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity husband to his wife, Lenora who is an assist- speaks volumes about the position of the U.S. on your 60th anniversary. I know you will con- ant librarian at a local elementary school and Congress on U.S.-India relations. tinue serving our Fort Worth community a wonderful father to his daughter Gail, who The recent ill-informed statements by some throughout the next 60 years. currently resides in Florida. of our colleagues do not represent the views f The service that Fred Lilley has given to the of most Members of the U.S. Congress. taxpayers for the past forty years has, in my HONORING MR. FRED W. LILLEY f opinion, exemplified what a true public servant FOR 40 YEARS OF FAITHFUL should be. His concern about efficiency and RECOGNIZING LARRY JUSTICE OF SERVICE TO THE AMERICAN always making sure the citizens are given MACON, GA, FOR HIS RETIRE- PUBLIC courteous and sincere service will long be re- MENT FROM THE BIBB COUNTY membered as Fred Lilley's legacy. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HON. WALTER B. JONES f OF NORTH CAROLINA HONORING HAROLD PRAEDIGER HON. SAXBY CHAMBLISS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF GEORGIA Friday, December 8, 2000 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, OF PENNSYLVANIA Friday, December 8, 2000 upon my election to the House of Representa- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I would like tives in 1994, I opened a district office in Friday, December 8, 2000 to honor an exceptional citizen from Macon, Greenville, NC located next door to the local Mr. HOEFFEL. Mr. Speaker, today I recog- Georgia's 8th Congressional District, Larry Social Security Administration. Little did I real- nize Mr. Harold Praediger, who is retiring as Justice of Macon, Georgia, on his retirement ize at the time how beneficial this location Borough Council President of Rockledge in from the Bibb County Board of Commis- would be in helping the people of the third dis- Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. sioners. trict. As you can imagine, my district office over Mr. Praediger has been a resident of Larry Justice was first elected to the Macon Rockledge for 45 years and has contributed Board of Commissioners in 1969 and has the past 6 years has been busy assisting con- stituents with their Social Security problems. years of extraordinary service to his commu- served as chairman for 10 years. As a long nity. He has been a member of the Borough time public servant, Larry has served on the The work my office has performed on these cases has allowed my staff and I to develop Council for more than 14 years where he State of Georgia Local Health Advisory Com- served as Recreation Chairman, Vice Presi- mission and is the past president of the a number of wonderful relationships with the employees of the Administration. One of these dent and currently as President. As President, Macon Board of Realtors. Mr. Praediger has played an integral role in I have had the distinct honor of working with relationships in particular has proven to be es- kicking off the new Municipal Building project Larry on such projects as the Fall Line Free- pecially valuableÐthe relationship between my office and Mr. Fred Lilley, district manager in that is scheduled to break ground next year. way, Robins Air Force Base and many other A graduate of Abington High School, Mr. the Social Security office next door. issues in transportation, health, education and Praediger resigned as the Head of Mainte- Fred Lilley has always been most helpful to defense. I will miss his tenacity and hard work nance at Jeanes Hospital in Philadelphia and my office. Time and time again he has as- ethic, as well as, our close working relation- is now a co-owner of Acker's Hardware. He sisted my staff and I in resolving problems for ship. and his wife, Linda, have three children: Mi- my constituents and has offered valuable ad- Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Larry chael, Steven and Leigh Anne. vice and insight. That is why, while happy for Justice for his dedication and service to Bibb It is a privilege to acknowledge the achieve- Fred, I was somewhat saddened to hear of his County. He is an extraordinary citizen, and I ments of Mr. Harold Praediger. The entire upcoming retirement from the Social Security am proud to serve as his Representative in Rockledge community has benefited from his Administration. the People's house. leadership and fellowship. I join the Borough Upon Fred Lilley's retirement on December f Council in congratulating him on his many 30, 2000, we will be losing a committed and years of exemplary service. HONORING THE FORT WORTH caring public servantÐone who has dedicated f ALUMNI (BETA TAU LAMBDA) his career to helping his fellow man. He has CHAPTER OF THE ALPHA PHI given 40 years of service to the citizens of our A FREE KASHMIR IS IN THE U.S. ALPHA FRATERNITY Nation through his work with the Social Secu- VITAL INTEREST rity Administration and the U.S. Army and HON. MARTIN FROST Army Reserves. Originally from Martin County, HON. MAJOR R. OWENS OF TEXAS NC, Fred began working for the Social Secu- OF NEW YORK rity Administration following graduation from IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES East Carolina College in 1960. During the en- Friday, December 8, 2000 suing years he worked in a number of offices Friday, December 8, 2000 Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize throughout the southeast, including a ten year Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I have just re- the outstanding efforts of the Fort Worth Alum- assignment in Social Security's Atlanta Re- turned from a 1-week visit to Pakistan and E2164 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 8, 2000 Kashmir. This brief tour of a nation of more rity Council have ignored the pains of the So I again want to tell you how proud I am than 140 million people who were our loyal al- Kashmir people. [of our forces], and how proud I am of Presi- lies during the critical years of the cold war For humanitarian reasons Kashmir must be dent Clinton for having reached across the aisle to say, ‘‘I want this Republican to serve with the Soviet Union was pleasant and tre- set free. Of equal importance is the fact that in my administration to send a signal to the mendously informative. The purpose of my trip this long festering problem fuels an explosive American people and to the Congress that was twofold. First, I represent the largest com- dispute between Pakistan and India. Because when it comes to national security there is munity of Pakistani and Kashmir-American citi- both of these powers now have nuclear weap- no party label. There is no party difference. zens in our nation. Their concerns for their ons, Kashmir has become one of the globe's We have one national security commit- homeland are also my concerns. Secondly, most dangerous regions. Justice for the peo- ment.’’ And I thank him for giving me this since I was a high school student, and for all ple of Kashmir is now inextricably interwoven opportunity to be the civilian representative with freedom from the massive world nuclear of the greatest military in the world, bar of my adult life, I have been captivated by the none. They are the finest military that we problem of Kashmir self-determination which contamination which would result from any nu- have ever had. They have performed magnifi- mysteriously does not arouse the pity and clear conflict in South Asia. cently the world over. Janet and I had the anger throughout the world that it deserves. The continuing refusal of the United States opportunity to visit General Tilelli in Korea To raise the national and world level of visi- and its allies to assign the highest priority to up on the DMZ in the frozen hills. We’ve bility on this issue I have founded the House the Kashmir problem is a dangerous strategic been out in the Persian Gulf where the tem- Pakistan-Kashmir Caucus. blunder. The failure to pursue a vigorous and peratures ranged from 120 up to 140 degrees. During our stay in Pakistan and Kashmir as thorough non-violent diplomatic solution in We have been all over the world where our men and women serve us. And I must tell the guest of the Council of Pakistan Ameri- Kashmir will result in tragic future con- you—there can be no higher honor for me cans and the government of Azad Kashmir we sequences. and Janet than to be working on their be- covered a full and productive itinerary: f half. We were received by several high level offi- It takes a great tragedy like the U.S.S. cials of the national government including the TRIBUTE TO JACK VALENTI ON Cole to remind the American people that our Head of State, General Parvez Mucharref; HIS RECEIPT OF THE CIVILIAN men and women in uniform are serving us. whose present title is Chief Executive Officer. PATRIOT AWARD Because of them, you and I are able to sleep safely. We go home tonight and we sleep We also met with the Foreign Minister, the under that blanket of freedom because of Minister of Education, the Prime Minister of HON. TOM LANTOS what they do day in and day out, because of Azad Kashmir, the Administrator of the City of OF CALIFORNIA the dangers they face day in and day out, be- LaHore, the Governor of the province of Pun- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cause of the lives they put on the line day in jab. Friday, December 8, 2000 and day out. They are great warriors. They We conferred with the American Embassy are also great musicians, as you’ve seen. and Consulate officials in both Islamabad and Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I invite my col- They are great peacekeepers. They are dip- LaHore including Ambassador Milman, Prin- leagues to join me today in congratulating and lomats. But most of all, they’re our sons and cipal Officer Sheldon Rappaport, and Counsel honoring Jack Valenti, the President of the our daughters, and we must do everything in our power to make sure that we give them General David Donahue along with the very Motion Picture Association of America, on his receipt of the first Citizen Patriot Award. This everything that they need and deserve in helpful members of their staffs. order to continue to serve us in the fashion As a result of the recent passage of the award recognizes outstanding contributions by that they do. That has been our commit- Brownback amendment which exempts edu- civilians to our nation's military personnel and ment. That will be, hopefully, the commit- cation aid from the set of sanctions presently to our nation's security. My dear friend, Jack ment of those who will follow. being imposed on Pakistan, we met with an Valenti, is a friend to many of us here in this The film industry plays a critical role. On unusual number of education officials and vis- body, and he is most deserving of this singular the way in, a number of the television re- porters were asking us, ‘‘Why are you doing ited six schools and four higher education in- honor. Jack first served our country during World War II, flying over 50 combat missions this? Why are you here in Hollywood?’’ Well, stitutions. Because of my long-term assign- Hollywood has played a role in the security ment on the Education Committee I applauded over Italy. Later, he served in a position of of this country throughout our history. If the Brownback amendment and conveyed my great responsibility in the administration of you go back to World War I, it was the movie intent to closely work with those who are President Lyndon B. Johnson. He then went star celebrities who were helping to push charged with administering it. on to represent our nation's film industry here those Liberty Bonds. If you look at World On a one day trip to Azad Kashmir we vis- in Washington, D.C. War II, many of the celebrities were raising ited three schools and a refugee camp. We Mr. Speaker, I could spend all day extolling over $1 billion to support that war effort. met children with high spirits and keen intel- the virtues of this outstanding man, this ex- And then there are the film clips that we traordinary citizen and patriot. However, my have seen here tonight—‘‘Saving Private ligence. We also met refugees who were obvi- Ryan’’ by Steven Spielberg; ‘‘U-571,’’ ‘‘The ously crushed in both spirit and body. efficient nature suggests that I share with you Perfect Storm,’’ [and] ‘‘Top Gun’’ that Jerry In Islamabad, and LaHore as well as in the excellent remarks of Secretary of Defense Bruckheimer produced earlier. And we are Azad Kashmir we participated in several press William Cohen when he presented Jack with going to witness another movie produced by conferences and meetings which discussed this award. I request that excerpts of Sec- Jerry with Michael Day, ‘‘Pearl Harbor,’’ the Kashmir problem at great length. The retary Cohen's speech be placed in the coming out on Memorial Day. And, of course, Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Sultan RECORD. there’s another great tribute to our military Mahmood Chaudary showed particular con- by Cuba Gooding, Jr. in ‘‘Men of Honor.’’ REMARKS OF SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WILLIAM The film industry is important in shaping cern about the present stalemate and the de- COHEN PRESENTING THE CIVILIAN PATRIOT what people think about our military and cline in American interest as a third party. We AWARD TO JACK VALENTI, PRESIDENT OF THE supporting them, and we wanted to be here assured him that, despite the exceptional MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA to say something to Hollywood you don’t power and influence of the Indian lobby, we I had a long speech tonight, but that’s not hear very often, and that’s ‘‘Thank you.’’ would return to achieve a greater balance of what I’m going to inflict upon you. You had Thank you for all that you do in portraying thinking and action with respect to Pakistan an opportunity to pay tribute to a young the men and women who serve us, their pa- and Kashmir. We also pledged to work with sailor who survived the U.S.S. Cole tragedy. triotism, their courage, their sense of honor. I don’t know if many of you are aware of the Pakistani and Kashmiri community in On behalf of all of us, we in the Pentagon what took place following that terrorist want to say thank you to Hollywood. America to ``jump-start'' a ``People's Movement bombing. But for 48 to 72 hours following Tonight, we’re going to present the first to Free Kashmir''. that tragic event, these young men and Citizen Patriot Award. And again, I was Self determination, democracy and human women aboard that ship worked much of the asked on the way in, ‘‘Why Valenti?’’ Of rights are assigned the highest priority in the time without any power. They were in total course, you have to say, well, why not Va- value scheme of the international community darkness. They had no external support. lenti? . . . . We are celebrating a patriot in in this year 2000. The people of Kashmir have They had lost 17 of their colleagues. Fifty Jack Valenti. He is a veteran who flew 50 been denied all three of these vital social and were desperately wounded. They had chaos combat missions over Italy in World War II, all around—smoke, jagged metal. Then they who went on to public service in the White political components while the nations of the lost the power and the water was coming in House with President Johnson, who has con- world have watched their plight for 53 years. at 10 gallons per minute, and they had to tinued his service to this film industry but The United Nations has reneged on a vital bail it out bucket by bucket. But they were also to this country. And you know that he’s promise to Kashmir for more than five dec- determined to save that ship to make sure a man of great language and literature and ades. The great powers who sit on the Secu- that ship did not go down. passion and commitment. He has been a CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2165 strong advocate on behalf of the men and Treasury, Postal Service and General Govern- Mr. Speaker, on November 7, 2000 two women who are serving us in the military. ment including planning and coordinating im- Presidents may have been elected. So if we’re looking for a citizen patriot, at portant Subcommittee travel to review counter- Vice President GORE received a majority of the very top of the list we take Jack Valenti narcotics programs in the Andean drug source for all that he represents. the popular vote cast that day and Governor countries, port security and drug trafficking in I will tell you that patriotism is in his Bush may have received a majority of the Miami and the West Coast, and Customs au- blood. I remember reading a book that he elector college electors. wrote some years ago, and I came across a tomation projects at busy commercial ports passage. He said, ‘‘I remember my white- such as Detroit and New York. Mr. MacKinnon Regardless of your political viewpoints, I be- mustached grandfather, Sicilian, proud, and also has been highly responsive to the re- lieve that from this point forward the President dignified, and dominant, speaking to me and quirements of this Subcommittee in both an- of the United States should be elected by di- his dozen grandchildren in heavy accents, ticipating and responding to our information re- rect popular vote. thick with an odd mix of Sicily and the quirements, and in facilitating any hearings or This legislation will abolish the electoral col- Texas gulf coast, and he said, ‘‘Love this other meetings between the Subcommittee country, be proud of this country. It’s a good lege and ensure that when the American peo- land.’’ and the Customs Service. He has brought great professionalism to his work, and has al- ple step into the voting booth they, and not a Jack Valenti has lived up to the words of slate of faceless electors, will choose the next his grandfather. He is proud of this country. ways contributed a fair measure of his energy, He is a proud patriot. And I can’t think of a enthusiasm and a dram of Scottish wit to all President. better summation than one I read from Jus- his endeavors. The Founding Fathers installed the electoral tice Oliver Wendell Holmes, who also was a Special Agent MacKinnon came to his cur- college as a mechanism to ensure only the warrior, during the Civil War. Holmes said rent assignment after a full and productive best and brightest individuals of their time that, ‘‘Through our great and good fortune, decade carrying out investigations of narcotics served as our President. This relic of a by- in our youth our hearts were touched with smuggling, illegal export of munitions and sen- gone era was created because the Founding fire. And it was given to us to learn at the sitive technology, and trafficking in child por- outset that life is a profound and passionate Fathers did not trust Americans to learn all thing. And while we’re permitted to scorn nography. This work included six years lead- they needed to know to make an informed de- nothing but indifference and don’t pretend to ing undercover investigations of international cision. undervalue the worldly rewards of ambition, child pornography, many of which involved the we have seen with our own eyes beyond and Internet. Out of that work, Mr. MacKinnon But times have changed and the American above the gold fields, those snowy heights of moved on to be one of the first investigators people have come along way from those days. honor. It’s for us to bear the reports of those to work in and develop the Customs Service's We now live in an era of high-speed Internet who follow. But above all, we have learned Cyber-Smuggling Center. He has developed a access, instantaneous media coverage of that whether a man accepts from Fortune wide reputation for his work in the field of international events, 24-hour news stations, her spade and will look downward and dig, or Internet investigations, testifying before our from Aspiration her axe and cord and will and cross-country flights. There is no reason scale the ice, the one and only success which counterpart Subcommittee in the Senate, as- all Americans can't access the information is his to command is to bring to his work a sisting foreign police in international investiga- they need to make an informed choice about mighty heart.’’ tions, and teaching undercover courses for who they want as their President. For more than half a century, Jack Va- State and local police on Internet crimes lenti has brought to his work a mighty against children. There was a lot of discussion about trust in heart, and we are eternally grateful for that. Special Agent MacKinnon will soon depart the recent Presidential campaignÐon both f for Boston to take up a new assignment in the sides: trusting people to make their own field as a Group Supervisor in the Office of the choices about retirement savings; trusting sen- TRIBUTE TO JOHN P. MACKINNON Special Agent in Charge officers. From our iors to choose their own prescription drug perspective, he has served Customs well, and plans; trusting women to control their repro- HON. JIM KOLBE in so doing has done the same for our Sub- ductive health. Well, if we are going to entrust OF ARIZONA committee and the Congress. We wish him all Americans to make these personal choices, the best in his new assignment and expect to we must also trust them to choose the Presi- HON. STENY H. HOYER see great things as his career progresses. dent they believe best represents their inter- OF MARYLAND f ests. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Americans do not need to be protected from Friday, December 8, 2000 LEGISLATION ABOLISHING THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE their own decisionsÐit's time to trust them. Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Speaker, my colleague, Mr. In the 20th Century we gave women the HOYER, and I wish to recognize Special Agent John MacKinnon of the U.S. Customs Service HON. GENE GREEN right to vote, allowed direct elections of our OF TEXAS for his exemplary service with the Office of United States Senators, and passed numerous IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Congressional Affairs for the past two years, voting initiatives designed to open the polling including his work as the acting team leader Friday, December 8, 2000 place to all citizens wishing to participate. for appropriations since May of this year. Spe- Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise In the 21st Century, we must to sweep cial Agent MacKinnon has provided extraor- today to introduce an amendment to the Con- away these last archaic roadblocks and move dinary assistance to the Subcommittee on stitution abolishing the Electoral College. forward to a truly modern democracy.