December 11, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H15239 imports imposed by the Block Burmese HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, The Block Burmese JADE Act will tighten JADE Act of 2007. Accordingly, certain pro- COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS, the noose on this murderous regime, expand- visions of H.R. 3890 fall under the Commit- Washington, DC, December 10, 2007. ing what this body has already done to isolate tee’s jurisdiction. Hon. CHARLES B. RANGEL, There have been some productive conversa- Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, these criminals. Burma’s junta continues to tions between the staffs of our committees, Washington, DC. enrich itself from the country’s vast natural re- during which we have proposed some changes DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Thank you for your sources while most of its people are mired in to H.R. 3890 that I believe help clarify the in- letter regarding H.R. 3890, the Block Bur- poverty. The generals and their families milk tent and scope of the measure. My under- mese JADE (Junta’s Anti-Democratic Ef- state-owned enterprises for all they’re worth, standing is that there is an agreement with forts) Act of 2007. getting their hands on much of the nearly $3 regard to these changes. I appreciate your willingness to work coop- billion in annual revenues from oil and gas, The following provisions of H.R. 3890 were eratively on this legislation and the mutu- among those changed, added, or removed be- ally agreed upon text that is being presented timber and gems. cause they fell within the Committee’s juris- to the House, including the amendments to By blocking further assets, imposing more diction: H.R. 3890 reported by the Committee on For- severe import restrictions on Burmese Section 3(a) (‘‘Annual Renewal of Resolu- eign Affairs, as described in your letter. I gemstones, and expanding the visa ban on tions No Longer Required’’): This subsection recognize that the bill contains provisions the regime’s cronies, we will further limit its was removed; Section 3(b) (Import Restrictions on that fall within the jurisdiction of the Com- comfort zone. The regime will be less able to Gemstones): This subsection was removed mittee on Ways and Means. I agree that the avoid U.S. sanctions—and U.S. companies and a new Section 3A (‘‘Prohibition on Im- inaction of your Committee with respect to will no longer be able to take tax deductions portation of Certain Jadeite and Rubies and the bill does not in any way prejudice the for investment in Burma. Articles of Jewelry Containing Jadeite or Committee on Ways and Means or its juris- These measures alone won’t bring about dictional prerogatives on this or similar leg- Rubies’’) was added; wholesale change in Burma. We need more New Section 3A(a) (‘‘Definitions’’) contains islation in the future. definitions for the terms ‘‘Appropriate Con- I will ensure that our exchange of letters help from our allies and from Burma’s neigh- gressional Committees,’’ ‘‘Burmese Covered be included in the Congressional Record. bors if we dare to hope for true freedom in Article,’’ ‘‘Non-Burmese Covered Article,’’ Cordially, that country. We need China to take a serious ‘‘Jadeite; Rubies; Articles of Jewelry Con- TOM LANTOS, stand on the right side of this issue instead of taining Jadeite or Rubies,’’ and ‘‘United Chairman. remaining—as usual—lined up against human States’’; Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I’m rights and human dignity. New Section 3A(b) (‘‘Prohibitions on Im- But this strengthening of our law—this portation of Burmese Covered Articles’’): proud to be an original cosponsor of this im- Provides that the President shall prohibit portant resolution strengthening the Burmese strengthening of our resolve—will take another the importation into the of Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003, and I concrete step in the right direction. It will also any Burmese covered article and use pro- want to thank my good friend and colleague, make an important statement to Burma’s bru- vided regulatory authority as necessary; and Chairman LANTOS, for his continued leadership tal dictators—and to the beleaguered pro-de- the President shall take actions to seek a on this issue. It’s an issue that concerns Mem- mocracy activists in that country struggling draft waiver decision by the Council on bers on both sides of the aisle and anyone under the yoke of military repression. Trade in Goods of the World Trade Organiza- Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- tion and adoption of a United Nations Gen- who cares about freedom and human rights. eral Assembly resolution; The despicable actions of Burma’s brutal re- er, I have no further requests for time, New Section 3A(c) (‘‘Requirements for Im- gime in recent months are only the latest and I yield back the balance of my portation of Non-Burmese Covered Arti- chapter in a long history of repression by that time. cles’’): Provides that the President, begin- country’s dictators. After their shocking murder The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ning 60 days after the date of enactment, and incarceration 2 months ago of peaceful question is on the motion offered by shall require certain actions by the export- the gentleman from New York (Mr. ing country, exporter and importer as a con- demonstrators, including Buddhist monks—the MEEKS) that the House suspend the dition of importing non-Burmese covered ar- very symbols of the Burmese people’s desire ticles into the United States to ensure that for peace—the Government thugs hope that rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3890, as the imported articles do not contain Bur- our attention will turn elsewhere. They hope amended. mese jadeite or rubies; that the international outcry over the violence The question was taken; and (two- New Section 3A(d) (‘‘Inapplicability’’): Ex- and humiliation of this fall will die down. But thirds being in the affirmative) the empts certain imports from the require- we are all too aware of the history of this re- rules were suspended and the bill, as ments of the Act; amended, was passed. New Section 3A(e) (‘‘Enforcement’’): Pro- gime to let that happen. vides that Burmese covered articles and non- If we turn our attention elsewhere, the re- The title was amended so as to read: Burmese covered articles imported into the gime will intensify the abuse and repeat these ‘‘A bill to amend the Burmese Freedom United States in violation of the Act are sub- crimes again and again. Since the 1988 and Democracy Act of 2003 to impose ject to all applicable laws of the United slaughter of several thousand peaceful dem- import sanctions on Burmese States; onstrators, the story of Burma has been a gemstones, expand the number of indi- New Section 3A(f) (‘‘Sense of Congress’’): constant saga of harassment, violence, and viduals against whom the visa ban is Provides that the President should take the applicable, expand the blocking of as- necessary steps to negotiate an international torture. The inhumane treatment of Nobel agreement similar to the Kimberley Process Peace Prize winner Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is sets and other prohibited activities, Certification Scheme for conflict diamonds; only the most glaring example of the regime’s and for other purposes.’’ and efforts to stifle democracy—unfortunately there A motion to reconsider was laid on New Section 7 (‘‘Waiver of Competitive are many others that don’t get as many head- the table. Need Limitation Under Generalized System lines. f of Preferences For Certain Articles of India and Thailand’’): Provides for the reinstate- Members may recall that I have mentioned HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS ment of Generalized System of Preferences in the past how the military regime in Burma ‘‘TOMMY’’ MAKEM locked up a 19-year-old student from my dis- (duty-free treatment) for specified Thai and Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I Indian jewelry. trict, Michelle Keegan, who had traveled to move to suspend the rules and agree to To expedite this legislation for floor con- Burma in 1998 to mark in a peaceful way the the resolution (H. Res. 768) honoring sideration, the Committee will forgo action 10th anniversary of those 1988 massacres. on this bill and will not oppose its consider- the life of Thomas ‘‘Tommy’’ Makem. She and others were sentenced to 5 years in ation on the suspension calendar. This is The Clerk read the title of the resolu- jail for distributing small leaflets calling for de- done with the understanding that it does not tion. in any way prejudice the Committee or its mocracy in Burma. The text of the resolution is as fol- I, and others, were outraged, and agitated jurisdictional prerogatives on this, or simi- lows: lar legislation, in the future. for the release of these young people. They H. RES. 768 I would appreciate your response to this wouldn’t let us into the country, but they letter, confirming our understanding with couldn’t keep us quiet. If not for the attention Whereas Thomas ‘‘Tommy’’ Makem was born on November 4, 1932 in Keady, County respect to H.R. 3890, and would ask that a of the U.S. Congress and the American peo- copy of our exchange of letters on this mat- Armagh, in Northern ; ter be included in the record. ple—and for the international pressure that re- Whereas Thomas Makem emigrated from Sincerely, sulted—who knows what would have hap- Ireland to Dover, in 1955, CHARLES B. RANGEL, pened to these students in the prisons of after having won the All-Ireland Champion- Chairman. Burma? Thankfully, we gained their release. ship in acting, to pursue a career in acting

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:16 Dec 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~5\2007NE~2\H11DE7.REC H11DE7 mmaher on PRODPC24 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H15240 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 11, 2007 and carrying with him only a makeshift suit- tions of artists, but his determination ber of and Tommy case, a pair of bagpipes, and proof of his and success broke down barriers that Makem. He played the long-necked five health; had long been raised to Irish Ameri- string , guitar, , border Whereas in 1956 Thomas Makem joined the cans. Tommy and the Clancy Brothers, pipes, and sang in a very distinctive Clancy Brothers, all of whom had immi- grated to the United States from Ireland, with whom he played for many years, baritone. He was sometimes known as and began performing musically together as were instrumental in breaking down the Godfather of Irish music. ‘‘The Clancy Brothers and ’’ these cultural divides. The son of a successful Irish folk and were signed by ; Tommy lived a truly remarkable life. singer, , Tommy Makem Whereas in 1961 Thomas Makem performed He arrived in America in 1955 to pursue mesmerized audiences for more than at the and, along a career in acting, having just won the four decades. He expanded and reshaped with , was named as the most All-Ireland Championship in acting. the boundaries of Irish culture and in- promising newcomer; Like so many immigrants before and fused a pride and a quest for knowledge Whereas in 1963 the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem performed at the White after, Tommy arrived with very little, of Irish culture in countless others. House at the request of President John F. carrying with him only a makeshift In 1955, Makem’s ambition to become Kennedy; suitcase, a pair of bagpipes and proof of an actor took him to New York where, Whereas the Clancy Brothers and Tommy his health. However, it did not take after a brief but rewarding career in Makem continued to perform and record Tommy long to find a life in America. live television and off-Broadway plays, music together, performing in venues such as In 1956, he joined with the Clancy he teamed up with the Clancy Broth- and on programs including The Brothers—Patrick, Tom, Bobby and ers. They appeared on the ‘‘Ed Sullivan Ed Sullivan Show and Liam—and they began performing to- Show,’’ the ‘‘Tonight Show’’ and every until 1969 when Thomas Makem left the band major television network show in the amicably to pursue a solo career; gether. In 1961, Tommy performed at Whereas in 1975 Thomas Makem again the Newport Folk Festival and, along United States. The Clancy Brothers joined with and the duo per- with Joan Baez, he was heralded as and Tommy Makem played to audi- formed together until 1988, including a ‘‘the most promising newcomer.’’ In ences from New York’s Carnegie Hall Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem reunion 1963, Tommy and the Clancy Brothers and London’s Royal Albert Hall to at the in , New performed at the White House at the every major concert venue in the York; request of President Kennedy. They English-speaking world. Whereas in 1997 Thomas Makem wrote a continued to perform together for In 1969, Tommy left the Clancy book, Tommy Makem’s Secret Ireland, and Brothers to pursue a solo career and in 1999 premiered his own one-man theatre years and played venues from Carnegie show, Invasions and Legacies, in New York, Hall to , until immediately sold out Madison Square and established the Tommy Makem Inter- Tommy embarked on a solo career in Garden in New York. His popularity national Festival of Song in South Armagh, 1969. For decades, he continued to com- soared, and he went on to three sold Ireland in 2000; pose and perform. He would later re- out concert tours in Australia, includ- Whereas throughout his performing career unite with the Clancy Brothers in 1988 ing Sydney’s opera house. Thomas Makem was highly regarded as an for a reunion concert. In 1999, Tommy By 1975, Makem had rejoined Liam exceptional musician by both his colleagues was awarded the World As- Clancy of the Clancy Brothers. The duo and the public and received many awards and worked together until 1988. Their col- honors including the World Folk Music Asso- sociation’s Lifetime Achievement ciation’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Award. laboration garnered the pair an Emmy 1999 and honorary doctorates from the Uni- Tommy was not just a musician, he nomination, as well as several plat- versity of New Hampshire in 1998, the Uni- was so much more. Tommy was an au- inum and gold records. versity of Limerick in 2001, and the Univer- thor, a philanthropist, a businessman, Tommy Makem’s music will live on sity of Ulster in 2007; and an inspiration and, most importantly, forever. ‘‘The Rambles of Spring,’’ Whereas Thomas Makem died on Wednes- he was a loving father, grandfather and Farewell to Carlingford,’’ ‘‘Gentle day, August 1, 2007 in Dover, New Hampshire husband. Annie,’’ ‘‘The Winds Are Singing Free- and will now be remembered as a dedicated Tommy passed away earlier this year dom’’ and, of course, ‘‘Four Green husband, father, and grandfather and as one of the greatest Irish-Americans of the 20th on August 1 in Dover, New Hampshire, Fields’’ are all standards in the rep- Century: Now, therefore, be it where he lived for many years. He left ertoire of folk singers around the world Resolved, That the House of Representa- behind a daughter, Katie Makem-Bou- in the late 20th and early 21st cen- tives honors the life of Thomas ‘‘Tommy’’ cher, and two grandchildren, Molly turies. Makem, and his accomplishments as a musi- Dickerman and Robert Boucher, and I am very happy to join my good cian, composer and performer. three sons, Shane, Conor and Rory, friend and colleague, Representative The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- whom with his nephew, Tom Sweeney, SHEA-PORTER, in honoring the life of ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from continue the family folk music tradi- Thomas ‘‘Tommy’’ Makem, and I ask New Hampshire (Ms. SHEA-PORTER) and tion. They will remember Tommy for my colleagues to support this resolu- the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. the living man he was and for the im- tion. BOUSTANY) each will control 20 min- pact he had on their lives. I reserve the balance of my time. utes. Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Does the gen- The Chair recognizes the gentle- b 1330 tleman from Louisiana have any fur- woman from New Hampshire. Upon his passing, condolences ther speakers? GENERAL LEAVE streamed in from all over the country, Mr. BOUSTANY. I have no other Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I as well as the world. The Makem fam- Members requesting time, and I’ll be ask unanimous consent that all Mem- ily has said that while many talked happy to yield back the balance of my bers have 5 legislative days to revise about his music, most noted what a time. and extend their remarks and include generous and kind man he was. Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I extraneous material on the resolution Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to have no further requests for time. under consideration. support this resolution and honor the I urge my colleagues to support this The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there life of a truly remarkable man, an im- resolution, and I yield back the balance objection to the request of the gentle- migrant who touched the lives of so of my time. woman from New Hampshire? many. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The There was no objection. I reserve the balance of my time. question is on the motion offered by Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentlewoman from New Hampshire rise in strong support of this resolu- myself such time as I might consume. (Ms. SHEA-PORTER) that the House sus- tion, and I yield myself such time as I Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support pend the rules and agree to the resolu- may consume. of House Resolution 768, honoring the tion, H. Res. 768. Mr. Speaker, Tommy Makem was one life of Thomas ‘‘Tommy’’ Makem. The question was taken; and (two- of the greatest Irish-American per- Makem was an internationally cele- thirds being in the affirmative) the formers to ever grace the stage. Not brated Irish folk musician, artist, poet rules were suspended and the resolu- only have his works inspired genera- and storyteller, best known as a mem- tion was agreed to.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:16 Dec 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~5\2007NE~2\H11DE7.REC H11DE7 mmaher on PRODPC24 with CONG-REC-ONLINE December 11, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H15241 A motion to reconsider was laid on alike who benefit from its outreach, cul- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the table. tural, and entertainment programs: more objection to the request of the gentle- than 75,000 people register in its non-credit woman from Hawaii? f courses; more than 33,000 people participate There was no objection. HONORING THE UNIVERSITY OF in university-sponsored conferences, work- HAWAII FOR ITS 100 YEARS OF shops, and training sessions; nearly 130,000 Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC HIGH- people attend theater, music, and dance myself as much time as I may con- ER EDUCATION events at the University’s performing arts sume. centers at the Manoa, Hilo, Kauai, Leeward, I rise today in support of House Con- Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I move to and Windward campuses; and nearly 700,000 current Resolution 264, honoring the suspend the rules and agree to the con- people cheer on the Manoa and Hilo athletic University of Hawai‘i for its 100 years current resolution (H. Con. Res. 264) teams; Whereas the vitality of today’s University of dedication to public higher edu- honoring the University of Hawaii for cation. its 100 years of commitment to public of Hawaii touches someone in virtually every The 10 campuses of the University of higher education. family in these islands; Whereas more than 250,000 alumni now re- The Clerk read the title of the con- Hawai‘i offer more than 620 nationally siding in all 50 States and in more than 80 and internationally recognized aca- current resolution. countries around the world are proud to call The text of the concurrent resolution demic programs, everything from cul- the University of Hawaii their alma mater, inary arts to tropical agriculture. It is is as follows: as the educational programs at the Univer- the only place in the Nation where stu- H. CON. RES. 264 sity have shaped these individuals into glob- dents can earn a master’s degree in in- Whereas while the natural beauty of Ha- al citizens who contribute to the well-being waii is recognized throughout the world, the of a world-wide society with a commitment digenous language studies and has the real beauty of the island state lies in its peo- to integrity, diversity, and service wherever top 25 programs for environmental law, ple, who, through their personal relation- they may be; eastern philosophy, international busi- ships with their families, friends, and neigh- Whereas the House of Representatives of ness, and second-language studies. bors, and through their dedicated efforts to the State of Hawaii proudly boasts 38 alumni The 50,000 students who attend the serve the needs of the people of Hawaii, have of the University of Hawaii system, and the university include many of Hawaii’s created prosperity and high standards of liv- Senate 15, for a total of 53 proud alumni in the Hawaii State Legislature; best and brightest. The sizable Native ing; Hawaiian, Caucasian, Japanese, Chi- Whereas the institution which would even- Whereas 2007 marks the 100th Anniversary tually become the University of Hawaii at of the establishment of the University of Ha- nese, Filipino, and Pacific Islander Manoa finds its humble beginnings in 1907 in waii, a momentous occasion by nearly every populations on our campuses reflect a small house on Young Street as the College measure; the great diversity of our State. Their of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts; Whereas the centennial observance offers years at the University of Hawai‘i will Whereas with the establishment of the Col- the people of Hawaii the opportunity to re- prepare them to be the business, com- leges of Arts and Sciences in 1920, the univer- flect on 100 years of higher education in Ha- munity, and political leaders of tomor- waii, celebrate the rich heritage of the Uni- sity became a full-fledged university, known row. today as the University of Hawaii at Manoa; versity of Hawaii, honor the people who took Whereas in 1941, the Hawaii Vocational part in building this outstanding educational I am proud to be among the 250,000 School was founded near downtown Hilo, be- enterprise, and envision an even more re- University of Hawai‘i alumni who now coming a University branch campus in 1951 markable future of excellence, sustain- reside in every State in the Union and and the University of Hawaii at Hilo in 1970; ability, and innovation that the University in at least 80 countries around the Whereas in 1964, the University of Hawaii of Hawaii has introduced to our islands; world. This extended community community colleges system was established Whereas over the past 100 years, the Uni- brings the aloha spirit to the world at with the creation of four community college versity of Hawaii has developed into a promi- nent, world-renowned educational institu- large. campuses: Honolulu; Kapiolani; Kauai; and Just last week I was here on the floor Maui, with Leeward joining the community tion famed for its gracious spirit of aloha; college system in 1969, Windward in 1972, and academic excellence, intellectual vigor, and of the House with my two green and Hawaii in 1990, as the seventh community opportunity; institutional integrity and white footballs in honor of the univer- college; service; diversity, cultural identity, social sity Warriors’ perfect 2007 football sea- Whereas West Oahu College was founded in responsibility, and fairness; collaboration son. The Warriors are the only college 1976, gaining university status in 1989 as the and respect; and accountability and fiscal in- team in the country to go undefeated, University of Hawaii—West Oahu, the young- tegrity; but they are just one of the UH sports est of the university’s baccalaureate degree- Whereas ‘‘Maluna a‘e o naˆ laˆ hui a pau ke ola ke kanaka: Above All Nations is Human- teams we cheer on across the islands. granting campuses; From volleyball to basketball, our ath- Whereas the 10 campuses of the University ity,’’ the philosophy of the University of Ha- of Hawaii combined offer more than 620 cer- waii is befitting for an institution that has letes draw nearly 700,000 fans to games tificate and degree-granting programs in a transformed the lives of many around the every year. variety of nationally and internationally- world through their experiences at the Uni- This is a special year for higher edu- recognized areas of excellence, including cul- versity; and cation in Hawaii. Not only is it Univer- inary arts, health sciences, construction, Whereas all four members of Hawaii’s con- sity of Hawai‘i’s centennial, but it is automotive mechanics, digital media, justice gressional delegation are proud graduates of the University of Hawaii: Now, therefore, be also the 35th anniversary of the pas- administration, forensic anthropology, in- sage of title IX, now known as the digenous languages, tropical agriculture, it natural sciences, ocean sciences, earth Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in sciences, astronomy, international business, Senate concurring), That Congress congratu- Education Act. Patsy was a friend and languages and culture, legal studies, and lates the University of Hawaii on the mo- continues to be an inspiration to me. medicine, to over 50,000 students across the mentous occasion of its 100th Anniversary, This year the University of Hawai‘i State every year; and expresses its warmest aloha and best joined me and Congress in honoring Whereas the University of Hawaii has em- wishes for continued success. Patsy and her trailblazing work to braced and employed technological advances The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- open the doors of higher education to to reach and serve students via distance women across the country. learning technologies on the Internet, two- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from way video, and cable television; Hawaii (Ms. HIRONO) and the gentleman I want to take a moment to thank Whereas the nearly 15,000 Hawaii residents from Louisiana (Mr. BOUSTANY) each the people who make the University of who are employed full-time by the Univer- will control 20 minutes. Hawai‘i what it is today. David sity of Hawaii as faculty, staff, researchers, The Chair recognizes the gentle- McClain, the current president of the and in other capacities, serve the University woman from Hawaii. university, and the 17 presidents who and the State of Hawaii by educating its citi- have come before him have all been zens, contributing to the economy, sup- GENERAL LEAVE leaders, dedicated to excellence in pub- porting workforce development, and engag- Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I request lic higher education. The phenomenal ing the community to address societal issues and underserved populations; 5 legislative days during which Mem- team of faculty and staff has truly Whereas the impacts of the University of bers may revise and extend and insert made a positive difference in the lives Hawaii are not confined to those students in material relevant to House Concurrent of hundreds of thousands of students, its classrooms, but residents and visitors Resolution 264 into the RECORD. past and present. Those students, in

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