E590 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 14, 2019 Harry Bajraktari soon became an Albanian- cans heard in Washington. They founded the Born and raised in Gaylord, Chief McVannel American community leader and worked hard National Albanian American Council, which dedicated nearly 25 years of his life to the to educate politicians, diplomats, and experts was the leading Albanian American organiza- people of Michigan, serving in Kalkaska and on the issue of Kosova and Albania. tion in Washington, D.C. for many years. Otsego County before becoming chief in Gay- The Kosovar crisis was part of the larger Although Mete¨ Bajraktari passed away in lord. During his tenure Brett thrived as a lead- Yugoslavian implosion, with genocide and 1998 and did not live to see his dream of a er and communicator, working productively massive war crimes ravaging the now-dis- free and independent Kosova come true, his with other local leaders and forming a familial solved country. With waves of refugees and a family continues remember him as they con- bond in the department he oversaw. His ex- spreading instability in southern Europe, it was tinue to fight for their homeland. Today, a ceptional leadership skills are reflected in the clear that American leadership was des- major shopping center in Peja is dedicated to excellence of the officers who have served perately needed. him, fifty years after he fled Belgrade’s op- under him and the trust placed in him by the Fortunately, the cause for Kosovar inde- pression. That shopping center stands strong people of Northern Michigan. Chief pendence found broad bipartisan support in in the heart of the city and I am honored that McVannel’s constant dedication to the public Congress and throughout the country. With a street in my name borders that facility. good is commendable, and the impact of his Harry’s guidance, I helped found the bipartisan For his great work in support of Kosova’s work on the people of Northern Michigan can- Albanian Issues Caucus more than 25 years independence, advocacy for democracy in Al- not be overstated. ago. I’ll never forget traveling to Kosova in bania, and human rights throughout the Bal- Madam Speaker. it is my honor to recognize 1996 with Harry and raising the American flag kans, Harry Bajraktari has been recognized Chief Brett McVannel for his decades of serv- at the opening of the United States Informa- with the highest medals and honors. These ice to the people of our state. Michiganders tion Agency office in Kosova’s capital, awards are high honors from the President of can take great pride in knowing the First Dis- Prishtina. Kosova, the President of Albania and recogni- trict is home to such a devoted individual. On Through his efforts fighting for freedom in tion from the White House. When the story of behalf of my constituents, I wish Brett all the Kosova, Harry and many of his friends in the Kosova is finally told, let us always recall the best in his future endeavors. commitment of Harry Bajraktari and his family. Albanian American community came to know f and work closely with leaders in the Senate Here in the United States, Harry Bajraktari and House. Across the American political is recognized for his support for humanitarian RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT spectrum, Harry led his community in meet- and community initiatives. He and his family DANIEL SWAIM ings with key leaders, including Senator Bob are proud, patriotic, Americans with a deep gratitude for what their new home, the United Dole, Vice President Biden, MITCH MCCON- HON. RODNEY DAVIS States, has given to them, and, in exchange, NELL, Alfonse D’Amato, Tom Lantos, Susan OF ILLINOIS their hard work and success has made New Molinari, and many others. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In his advocacy for independence in Kosova York and this country a better place to live. and democracy in Albania, Harry Bajraktari When they arrived on these shores, the Tuesday, May 14, 2019 contributed to community organizations, wrote- Bajraktaris were only six people. A seventh, Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam op-eds, met with American and international the youngest sibling, Miftar, was born during Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant officials, testified in the U.S. Congress and that first year in America. Today, Harry Daniel Swaim for his exceptional service to spoke at many rallies. In 1991, he founded Bajraktari is the proud father of four children the House CAO Office of Finance’s Budget, Illyria, a modern and professional Albanian- and has eight grandchildren. His sister, Nurije Planning and Analysis (BPA) division. American newspaper. Based in New York, it (Bajraktari) Osmani has four children and Lt. Swaim was detailed to BPA during a vital had subscribers throughout the United States three grandchildren. Litafete (Bajraktari) Gega period to coordinate the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 and overseas. To this day, Illyria remains a has four children and one grandchild. Hateme budget formulation process and assist with voice for Albanian-Americans and continues to (Bajraktari) Nezaj has three children. Miftar execution of the House’s FY 2019 resources. inform the community and the American peo- Bajraktari has three children. His superior knowledge of the federal budg- Mete¨ and Ziza have passed away, but their ple. eting process, keen analytical skills, and work memory lives with their children, grandchildren In 1992, President George H.W. Bush ethic enabled BPA to mitigate its temporary and great grandchildren. The continued story issued what is known as the Christmas Warn- personnel gaps. Lt. Swaim’s efforts facilitated of the Bajraktari family will live on as a sin- ing to Milosevic, threatening military interven- better insight on available resources, led to gular example of achieving the American tion if Serbia provoked a war in Kosova. In optimal decision making on allocation of funds, dream. And today, their vision has become a March 1999, after Belgrade’s tanks rolled into and ultimately enabled timely delivery of a well reality, and their promises have been fulfilled. Kosova, President Bill Clinton fulfilled that justified FY 2020 House Budget. Harry has told me on many occasions his fam- promise, and the United States led NATO in Lt. Swaim’s stellar professionalism and de- ily’s journey to America and the opportunities war against Yugoslavia. They stopped a hu- votion to duty reflect great credit upon himself afforded to them through this journey was manitarian catastrophe and the ethnic cleans- and are in keeping with the highest traditions worth their many sacrifices. These are the ing of more than a million Albanians, and liber- of the United States Coast Guard. ated Kosova. kind of stories and people that add depth and I ask my colleagues to join me today in This represented the end of the wars of humanity to our country’s rich heritage. And, commending Lt. Swaim for his dedication and Milosevic’s Balkan wars and, one year later, for myself, I am proud to call Harry Bajraktari service and wish him fair winds and following he fell from power, ushering in a new era of and his family close personal friends and to seas as he embarks on his next assignment relative peace and stability in the region. In honor the 50th anniversary of their arrival in as the Commanding Officer of USCG Cutter 2008, Kosova became the newest inde- the United States. Sturgeon Bay. f pendent country in Europe with the support f and the recognition of the United States. It is RECOGNIZING CHIEF BRETT HONORING RONALD DELLUMS now recognized by more than 110 nations. MCVANNEL FOR HIS SERVICE IN Harry Bajraktari followed the example of THE GAYLORD CITY POLICE DE- other great Albanian-American leaders of the PARTMENT HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON early 20th century like Bishop Fan Noli and OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Ambassador Faik Konitza, who worked to HON. JACK BERGMAN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES forge the special relationship and historic OF MICHIGAN friendship between ethnic Albanians and the Tuesday, May 14, 2019 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES United States of America. He was also in- Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, we cele- spired by a great Albanian American leader in Tuesday, May 14, 2019 brate our colleague and friend Ronald Dellums business and politics, Anthony Athanas, in Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it’s my at a time of historic polarization in Congress. Boston. honor to recognize Brett McVannel for his re- It is a good time to remember the peace advo- Harry and many others from such states as tirement as chief of the Gaylord City Police cate who chaired the Armed Services Com- New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Con- Department. Through his exceptional leader- mittee with such equanimity that he won the necticut, Texas, Illinois, Michigan and other ship and steadfast devotion to his community, respect, even the friendship, of those who op- states worked together and became instru- Brett has become an indispensable part of posed every cause, of the many into which mental in making the voice of Albanian Ameri- Michigan’s First District. Ron poured his considerable talent.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 May 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A14MY8.024 E14MYPT1 May 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E591 I first came to admire Ron even before INTRODUCTION OF THE MAPLE OFFICER ANTHONY NERI being elected to Congress from my work in ACT the Free South Africa anti-apartheid move- HON. FRANCIS ROONEY ment. For 14 years, Ron did not relent until he HON. EARL BLUMENAUER OF FLORIDA freed his landmark bill for South Africa divest- OF OREGON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment, overcoming a presidential veto. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, May 14, 2019 By the time I was elected to Congress, Ron had already been chair of the District of Co- Tuesday, May 14, 2019 Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I lumbia Committee for more than a decade. Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today rise today in honor of Anthony Neri, an officer That committee is long gone, and nothing I am reintroducing the Maintaining Appropriate with the Sanibel Police Department who would have pleased Chairman Dellums more Protections For Legal Entry (MAPLE) Act. This passed away on Monday, May 6, 2019. Mr. than its demise. But when freedom-loving Ron bill, which is included within the Responsibly Neri had served the Sanibel Police Depart- Dellums first came to Congress, he knew that Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act ment since 2012, and as an officer since if there had to be such a Committee, he want- (H.R. 1119), would exempt cannabis-use and/ 2015. ed a seat on it. Just as Ron sought peace by or participation in the cannabis industry as a Prior to serving with the Police Department serving on the Armed Service Committee, he disqualification for entry into the United States in Sanibel, Mr. Neri was a Revenue Officer sought to free D.C. from congressional control from a country that has ended its marijuana with the U.S. Department of the Treasury for by serving on the D.C. Committee. prohibition and would protect foreign nationals 30 years. He also served as a police officer in He joined the D.C. Committee during his who participate in cannabis activity in states Union Township, New Jersey prior to moving very first term in Congress. Upon becoming where it’s legal from deportation. to Southwest Florida. chair of the Committee, Ron framed his serv- Our federal cannabis laws are outdated and Officer Neri was honored along with 18 ice as ‘‘an advocate, not an overseer of Dis- out of touch. They also have negatively im- other officers at the Lee County Fallen Officer trict affairs.’’ No sooner had Ron gotten to pacted countless lives. Congress cannot con- Memorial Ceremony held on Tuesday, May 7, Congress in 1975, in his very first term, long tinue to be out of touch with a movement that 2019 at Centennial Park in Fort Myers, Flor- before I even thought about becoming a Mem- a growing majority of Americans support. It’s ida. ber, he introduced the first D.C. statehood bill. time to end this senseless prohibition. I am grateful to Officer Neri for his service Ron would relish our progress today as we to our community, and my thoughts and pray- close in on enough votes for the D.C. state- f ers are with his friends and family. hood bill to pass in the House this term. We HONORING DR. HIRAM TAVAREZ f expect a vote soon in the Oversight and Re- OPINION PIECE BY U.S. AMBAS- form Committee to send the bill to the House HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ SADOR TO ISRAEL DAVID M. Floor. When that committee vote occurs, we FRIEDMAN will not be able to claim we are breaking new OF TEXAS or historic ground. In 1987, more than 30 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. LEE M. ZELDIN years ago, Chairman Ron Dellums proclaimed, Tuesday, May 14, 2019 OF NEW YORK ‘‘There should be no colonies in a democracy’’ Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and led the District Committee in a vote for I rise today to honor the career of Dr. Hiram Tuesday, May 14, 2019 statehood for the District of Columbia that Tavarez from McAllen, Texas. Dr. Tavarez re- passed in his Committee. cently retired after dedicating his career to the Mr. ZELDIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today The American citizens who live in the na- health and prosperity of the people of South to include in the RECORD the following piece tion’s capital will forever remember Ron Del- Texas. For the past 55 years, he has worked authored by U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David lums, prescient warrior for equality and free- tirelessly to help people in the Rio Grande M. Friedman in honor of the one-year anniver- dom—and well ahead of his time—a leader for Valley lead healthy lives. sary of the U.S. embassy opening in Jeru- statehood for the District of Columbia. Dr. Tavarez earned his medical degree from salem: the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon in A YEAR AFTER OPENING THE JERUSALEM f Monterrey, Mexico, and started his residency EMBASSY: ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY in internal medicine at Scott & White Memorial On May 14, 2018, the United States finally LORELEI DOMKE—CRITICAL opened its embassy in Israel’s eternal cap- LANGUAGE SCHOLARSHIP (CLS) Hospital in Temple, Texas. In 1965, Dr. Tavarez finished his residency and joined his ital, Jerusalem. In making the courageous decision to take this historic step, President brothers, Marvin and Vicente, in McAllen HON. FRANCIS ROONEY Donald Trump not only fulfilled a 23-year-old where they began practicing medicine. There, mandate from the United States Congress OF FLORIDA they opened the Tavarez Medical Center but he also recognized a 3,000-year-old truth IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES which still serves our community today. In the that Israel’s enemies have long sought to erase. Tuesday, May 14, 2019 early days of the Tavarez Medical Center, Hiram and his brothers frequently made house America has been fascinated by Jerusalem Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I calls homes to administer treatment and care. since the early days of our republic. In 1844, rise today in honor of Lorelei Domke, a Cape Dr. Tavarez would continue to demonstrate his Warder Cresson, the first consul general, an- Coral, FL resident and senior at New College nounced after his appointment by the sec- unwavering commitment to serving others retary of state that the United States was of Florida studying Chinese language and cul- throughout his career. His good deeds did not thereby extending its protection to the Jews ture, who was awarded the U.S. Department go unnoticed as he received several honors of Jerusalem. The first permanent consular of State’s Critical Language Scholarship. and awards for his commitment to his commu- presence opened just inside the Jaffa Gate in The Critical Language Scholarship Program nity and patients. 1857, and diplomatic presence has remained is merit-based and funded through an annual Dr. Tavarez’s dedication to helping others is constant in and around the Old City ever appropriation to the U.S. Department of matched by his staff’s loyalty and mission of since. President Abraham Lincoln, just be- State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Af- service. The staff at the Tavarez Medical Cen- fore his death, told his wife how he longed to fairs. visit Jerusalem. And President Ulysses ter consistently praise Dr. Tavarez for his Grant and Mark Twain both visited Jeru- The scholarship program seeks to expand compassion and his kindness; sentiments salem in the mid–19th century and wrote ex- the number of Americans studying foreign lan- echoed by his patients. For more than half a tensively about their experiences. guages for national security and economic century, Dr. Tavarez has unfailingly ensured Neither Grant nor Twain were all that im- prosperity by providing instruction abroad in every patient receives the highest quality care pressed with Jerusalem in those days. It was fourteen key languages. Out of more than possible. His past shines brightly with his good poor, inhospitable and undeveloped. The Old 5,500 student applications, Ms. Domke was feats, and his retirement is well deserved. City of Jerusalem remained that way well among the 572 students to be selected. into the 20th century, whether under the rule Madam Speaker, Dr. Tavarez is a pillar of of the Ottoman Empire until 1917, the Brit- I congratulate Lorelei on her selection for the community in South Texas and serves as ish Mandate until 1948, or the Kingdom of the Critical Language Scholarship and look an example to all of us. It is truly an honor to Jordan until 1967. In 1967, Jerusalem was re- forward to seeing the contributions she will represent dedicated, selfless individuals like unified as a single city under Israeli rule. Al- make to our community. him. most immediately, Jerusalem began to

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