June 23, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5669 Wisconsin (Mr. GREEN) and the gen- infirm go for sympathy, not to the well not to introduce or refer to people in tleman from California (Mr. LANTOS) and buoyant, but to those who have the balcony. each will control 20 minutes. suffered like themselves.’’ Unfortu- Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speak- The Chair recognizes the gentleman nately, we Americans are no strangers er, I have no further requests for time, from Wisconsin (Mr. GREEN). to tragedy and loss. and I yield back the balance of my GENERAL LEAVE Mr. Speaker, the people of Algeria time. Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speak- and their government stood with us The SPEAKER pro tempore. The er, I ask unanimous consent that all after our own tragedy of September 11, question is on the motion offered by Members may have 5 legislative days 2001. They have been stalwart allies in the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. within which to revise and extend their our war on terrorism, and now it is our GREEN) that the House suspend the remarks and include extraneous mate- turn to aid our friends in a time of rules and agree to the resolution, H. rial on H. Res. 264. great need. It is with this in mind that Res. 264. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there we now express our solidarity with and The question was taken. objection to the request of the gen- our sympathy for those who have suf- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the tleman from Wisconsin? fered in Algeria. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of There was no objection. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of those present have voted in the affirm- Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speak- my time. ative. er, I yield myself such time as I may Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I consume. myself such time as I may consume. demand the yeas and nays. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support The yeas and nays were ordered. the gentleman from California (Mr. of this resolution, which I had the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- LANTOS) for bringing H. Res. 264, ex- privilege of writing. ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Mr. Speaker, I want to express at the pressing sympathy for the victims of Chair’s prior announcement, further the devastating earthquake that outset my appreciation to my able as- sistant, Robin Roizman, for working on proceedings on this motion will be struck Algeria on May 21, 2003, before postponed. us today. this resolution. As many of you know, on May 21, an Mr. Speaker, I want to express my f earthquake registering 6.8 on the Rich- thanks to my colleagues, the gen- COMMENDING PEOPLE OF THE RE- ter scale struck northern Algeria, 45 tleman from Wisconsin (Mr. GREEN); PUBLIC OF KENYA FOR CON- miles east of the capital of Algiers. the distinguished chairman of our com- DUCTING FREE AND FAIR ELEC- This was followed with a series of mittee, the gentleman from Illinois TIONS AND PEACEFUL AND OR- aftershocks, five with magnitudes (Mr. HYDE); the gentleman from Indi- DERLY TRANSFER OF POWER greater than 5.0, and at least 19 with ana (Mr. PENCE); and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. PITTS), for Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speak- magnitudes ranging between 4.0 and er, I move to suspend the rules and 4.9. These were the worst quakes to joining me in introducing this impor- tant resolution. agree to the resolution (H. Res. 177) strike Algeria since 1980. commending the people of the Republic The impact was devastating. 2,268 Al- Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 264 expresses the deepest sympathy of the American of Kenya for conducting free and fair gerians were killed, making this dead- elections, for the peaceful and orderly lier than all of the other earthquakes people and of this Congress for the vic- transfer of power in their government, in the world over the past 2 years com- tims of the devastating earthquake and for the continued success of democ- bined, including the 2002 earthquake in that struck Algeria on May 21, 2003. racy in their nation since that transi- Afghanistan which killed 1,000. This was the most tragic earthquake to Thousands of buildings have been de- hit that country in almost a quarter tion, as amended. The Clerk read as follows: stroyed, and health services, water sup- century. With a Richter scale reading plies, electricity and telecommuni- of 6.8, the earthquake devastated the H. RES. 177 cations have been severely disrupted. country, severely disrupted its health Whereas on December 27, 2002, the Republic Confidence in the government has also services, water supply, electricity and of Kenya successfully held presidential, par- been shaken as press reports link the telecommunications. liamentary, and local elections; The earthquake and its aftershocks Whereas these elections were widely high death toll with poor building con- praised by objective international observers struction and mismanagement of the have killed over 2,000 innocent people of Algeria, injured over 10,000, and left as free and fair; housing sector. Whereas the Department of State stated The international response to this over 200,000 Algerian citizens homeless. We immediately responded to this that with these elections the Kenyan people disaster has been vigorous. The U.S. ‘‘have made a strong demonstration of their contribution to the relief effort is cur- disaster by providing emergency hu- democratic commitment and established an rently valued at $1.6 million, including manitarian supplies. My resolution en- important example for the region and for the $827,107 in grants and relief supplies courages our administration to con- world’’; from the U.S. Agency for International tinue providing assistance to the peo- Whereas the European Union stated that Development Office of Foreign Disaster ple of Algeria in this very difficult ‘‘the overall conduct of the elections con- stitutes an example for other countries in Assistance; $424,000 in relief supplies time. The resolution expresses our sym- the region’’; from the Department of Defense/De- pathy for the Algerian people and calls Whereas these elections signal a major fense Security Cooperation Agency; on our administration to monitor con- step forward for Kenyan democracy, particu- and $368,000 in relief supplies from the ditions there and to continue providing larly when compared with other elections held in Kenya since it became an inde- Department of Defense/U.S. European all necessary assistance to the govern- Command. For other donors, the pendent state in 1963; ment and people of Algeria. Whereas the transition of power put in mo- United Nations Office for Coordination I want to note, Mr. Speaker, that we of Humanitarian Affairs and the Inter- tion by these elections culminated on De- have in the gallery the distinguished cember 30, 2002, when former President Dan- national Federation of the Red Cross Ambassador from Algeria, and I want iel Toroitich arap Moi peaceably transferred and Red Crescent Societies are taking to express to him personally our deep the Kenyan presidency to President Mwai the lead. support and commitment to help in Kibaki; and Through this robust response, major these difficult days for his country. Whereas these elections and the subse- catastrophes have been diverted, in- quent transfer of power from leader to leader cluding cholera outbreaks. However, b 1415 represent the birth of a successful new de- there is still a long way to go on the I urge all of my colleagues to support mocracy in Kenya: Now, therefore, be it path towards recovery. Thousands of H. Res. 264. Resolved, That the House of Representa- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance tives— homes need to be rebuilt, and struc- (1) commends the people of the Republic of tures able to withstand earthquakes of my time. Kenya for conducting free and fair elections, will need to be erected. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE and the Government of Kenya for its success- The great American educator, Cath- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ful completion of a peaceful and orderly erine Beecher, said, ‘‘The delicate and ADERHOLT). All Members are reminded transition of power;

VerDate Jan 31 2003 02:20 Jun 24, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.009 H23PT1 H5670 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2003 (2) expresses its desire to see this new de- we all know vividly and tragically, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, mocracy in Kenya continue to thrive, as it Kenya has been the site of horrible and I rise today in support of H. Res. 177 which has in the months following the 2002 elec- deadly acts of terrorism aimed at West- commends the people of the Republic of tions; ern interests. Just last week we praised (3) urges other African countries to look to Kenya for conducting fair elections and main- Kenya as an example of a working democ- and thanked Kenya for its handling of taining a civil democracy. racy in action and to follow the example set the many refugees who have fled from Kenya, once a nation ripe with political cor- by the people of Kenya during this recent Kenya’s troubled neighbors. ruption and intertribal conflict, has now estab- election process; Mr. Speaker, I ask that we commend lished itself as an embodiment of democratic (4) reaffirms the friendship that exists be- Kenya for its successful elections and principle. Prior to the elections held in 2002, tween the people of the United States and its announced plans to attack corrup- Kenya’s system of government was used pri- people of Kenya, as two nations bound to- tion and its plans to extend basic edu- marily as a means through which to achieve gether by the shared values of democracy; cation. I ask that we thank Kenya for personal gain rather than the development of (5) offers its commitment to working to en- sure democracy is able to grow and flourish its commitment to fighting terrorism policies designed for the public good. The re- as Kenya moves into the challenging future shoulder to shoulder with the United tirement of Daniel Arap Moi, after serving as that lies ahead; and States, and I ask that we encourage president for two decades, ushered in a new (6) commends the Government of Kenya for Kenya to follow through in its prom- beginning for Kenya’s quest for political sta- its commitment and concrete steps taken— ising first steps since the administra- bility and overall sustainability. While intense (A) to strengthen democracy, human rights tion took over. The future can be right, power struggles and backroom deals among and the rule of law; it can be bright, and it can be uplifting various political affiliations once permeated (B) to combat corruption; if they follow through on what they Kenya’s government, the fair election of Presi- (C) to provide free and universal primary education; have started. dent Kibaki has given way to nation of open- (D) to fight against HIV/AIDS; and Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of ness and tolerance of different political (E) to support the United States in the war my time. ideologies within the scope of a diverse na- on terrorism. Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield tion. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- myself such time as I may consume. The peaceful transition of power has en- ant to the rule, the gentleman from Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support abled Kenya to take on a more prominent po- Wisconsin (Mr. GREEN) and the gen- of this resolution. First, I want to sition in the global community. Kenya has tleman from California (Mr. LANTOS) thank the gentleman from Wisconsin served an important role in fostering regional each will control 20 minutes. (Mr. GREEN), my good friend and col- stability in the Horn of Africa. Kenya has in- The Chair recognizes the gentleman league, a distinguished member of the vested a great deal of energy and resources from Wisconsin (Mr. GREEN). Committee on International Relations in supporting the ongoing negotiations aimed Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speak- who has brought special expertise on at putting an end to the seemingly endless er, I yield myself such time as I may Africa to our committee, for intro- civil war being waged in Sudan. As the third consume. ducing this resolution which draws at- largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya Mr. Speaker, there are many reasons tention to the highly successful elec- has the potential to become one of the most for us to agree to this resolution and to tions held recently in Kenya. influential countries in Africa. commend the people and the Govern- Kenya, Mr. Speaker, has traveled a Today Kenya remains a high priority for ment of Kenya. First and foremost, bumpy road as an emerging democracy U.S. foreign policy interests. Kenya has re- just months ago Kenya conducted his- and has struggled with corruption, eth- mained a consistent supporter of U.S. efforts toric national elections. Historic be- nic politics and questionable elections. to combat terrorism on a global scale. How- cause they were nonviolent and free It sounds like some other countries we ever the U.S. should not simply reduce its and fair. People of Kenya rose up and know. Yet throughout its 40 years of partnership with Kenya to that of military and rejected a trend of unfair antidemo- independence, the Kenyan people have security concerns. Rather we should use this cratic elections that have marred not kept the dream of democracy alive, time of political calm to expand our range of just Kenya but far too many countries strived to build strong civic institu- interest to issues of human rights, democra- and elections on that continent. tions, and upheld the ideals of democ- tization, and economic accountability. Inter- As a firsthand observer of those elec- racy; and now this has paid off. national donor agencies continue to fund a tions, I can testify to the determina- Mr. Speaker, Kenya is one of our wide range of programs throughout the coun- tion that so many Kenyans and so strongest allies in our global war try as it is seen as nation of great possibility many nongovernmental organizations against terrorism, and it has paid a for economic growth and development. Re- showed in building a process for voter very high price. Many civilian lives search institutions, like the Center for Disease registration and voter education and were taken in the attacks on our em- Control & Prevention, have made considerable ballot security that is commendable. bassy in Nairobi and a major tourist investments in Kenya’s public health system. Secondly, Mr. Speaker, we should com- hotel. May I mention parenthetically, Kenya’s peaceful democratic transition has mend Kenya for what those elections Mr. Speaker, that just this past week- served as a humanitarian platform that other were all about. The now president, re- end we were again forced to close our countries may be able to emulate. This point cently elected President Mwai Kibaki embassy in Nairobi, our new embassy in time is a particularly critical juncture for and his party won the presidency and because of terrorist threats. Kenya. It will be important for Kenya to main- the majority of the Kenya Parliament The Kenyan economy, which is so tain its newfound sense of democracy as it at- on a platform of rooting out corruption heavily based on tourism, has suffered tempts to sustain both its political as well as and reforming the government process enormously. Yet the government of its economic stability. and just as importantly offering the Kenya remains a staunch ally in our Therefore I stand in solidarity with my col- nation and the Kenyan people free pri- global fight against terrorism, a de- leagues in support of H. Res. 177 in hopes mary school education. This platform mocracy in the face of this vulner- that Kenya continues along the path toward a was not only popular, obviously, but it ability. peaceful democratic state. was the right thing to do. It is a cru- Mr. Speaker, our resolution puts the Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield cial part of a prescription for a bright- U.S. Congress on record, supporting the back the balance of my time. er future for a country and a people of people and the leaders of Kenya as they Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speak- enormous potential. And while the new strive to build their democracy. They er, first I would like to thank the gen- administration is young, it seems de- are on the right track. I hope, Mr. tleman from California (Mr. LANTOS) termined to follow through on its Speaker, that congressional support for his gracious and kind words. pledges. does not end with this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I have no further re- The third reason, Kenya is a crucial Kenya continues to need our assistance quests for time, and I yield back the ally and a good friend to America. We in consolidating its democracy. The balance my time. have a military access agreement with country needs our help in preventing The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the government of Kenya. Kenya is a future terrorist attacks and in rebuild- question is on the motion offered by staunch ally and friend even though it ing their tourism industry. I urge all of the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. is located in a troubled region; and as our colleagues to support H. Res. 177. GREEN) that the House suspend the

VerDate Jan 31 2003 02:56 Jun 24, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.002 H23PT1 June 23, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5671 rules and agree to the resolution, H. Afghanistan, as signs of their commitment reforms and to undertake steps to en- Res. 177, as amended. to promote international freedom and secu- hance border security so they can con- The question was taken. rity: Now, therefore, be it tribute to regional stability. Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Mr. Speaker, this Member urges the The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Senate concurring), That Congress— opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of (1) strongly supports the United States- House to agree to this concurrent reso- those present have voted in the affirm- Adriatic Charter and commends Albania, lution. ative. Croatia, and Macedonia for their continued Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I efforts to become full-fledged members of the my time. demand the yeas and nays. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield The yeas and nays were ordered. and the European Union; myself such time as I may consume. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- (2) urges NATO to invite Albania, Croatia, Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support and Macedonia to join NATO as soon as each of this resolution. First, I want to com- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the of these countries respectively demonstrates Chair’s prior announcement, further mend the gentleman from Nebraska the ability to assume the responsibilities of (Mr. BEREUTER) and the gentleman proceedings on this motion will be NATO membership through the Membership from New York (Mr. ENGEL) and the postponed. Action Plan; gentleman from Florida (Mr. WEXLER) f (3) welcomes and supports the aspirations of Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia to join for their leadership on this important COMMENDING THE SIGNING OF the European Union at the earliest oppor- resolution, and the gentleman from Il- THE UNITED STATES-ADRIATIC tunity; linois (Mr. HYDE), our chairman, for CHARTER (4) recognizes that Albania, Croatia, and moving it forward so expeditiously. Macedonia are making important strides to Our resolution celebrates cooperation Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speak- bring their economic, military, and political and forward-thinking among the na- er, I move to suspend the rules and institutions into conformance with the tions of the Balkans, a region that just agree to the concurrent resolution (H. standards of NATO and other Euro-Atlantic a few years ago was engulfed in ethnic Con. Res. 209) commending the signing institutions; and violence and strife. Our Nation, Mr. (5) commends Secretary of State Powell of the United States-Adriatic Charter, Speaker, has an enduring interest in a charter of partnership among the for his personal support of the Adriatic Char- ter. the independence, territorial integrity, United States, Albania, Croatia, and and security of Albania, Croatia, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Macedonia, as amended. Macedonia and supports their full inte- ant to the rule, the gentleman from The Clerk read as follows: gration in the community of demo- Wisconsin (Mr. GREEN) and the gen- H. CON. RES. 209 cratic Euro-Atlantic states. The Adri- tleman from California (Mr. LANTOS) atic Charter affirms the commitment Whereas the United States has an enduring each will control 20 minutes. interest in the independence, territorial in- of Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia to The Chair recognizes the gentleman tegrity, and security of Albania, Croatia, and the values and principles of NATO and from Wisconsin (Mr. GREEN). The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to their joining the Atlantic Alliance GENERAL LEAVE and supports their full integration in the at the earliest practical time. community of democratic Euro-Atlantic Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speak- Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia states; er, I ask unanimous consent that all Whereas Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia have taken positive steps to advance Members may have 5 legislative days their integration into Europe and have have taken clear and positive steps to ad- within which to revise and extend their vance their integration into Europe by es- already contributed to European secu- tablishing close cooperative relations among remarks and to include extraneous ma- rity and to the peace and security of themselves and with their neighbors, as well terial on the concurrent resolution southeast Europe through the resolu- as their promotion of regional cooperation; under consideration. tion of severe conflicts in the region. Whereas Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Mr. Speaker, I commend all of my have already contributed to European secu- objection to the request of the gen- colleagues who have worked on this rity and to the peace and security of south- tleman from Wisconsin? concurrent resolution. I urge every east Europe through the resolution of con- There was no objection. Member of this House to support its flicts in the region and their regional co- Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speak- operation in the Southeast Europe Defense passage. er, I yield myself such time as I may Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Ministerial; consume. Whereas on May 2, 2003, the United States- of my time. Adriatic Charter was signed in Tirana, Alba- Mr. Speaker, the concurrent resolu- Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speak- nia, by Secretary of State Colin Powell, Al- tion before us expresses the support of er, I yield such time as he may con- banian Foreign Minister Ilir Meta, Croatian the Congress for the Adriatic Charter, sume to the gentleman from Nebraska Foreign Minister Tonino Picula, and Mac- as it was reported favorably by the (Mr. BEREUTER), the chairman of the edonian Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva; Committee on International Relations Europe Subcommittee. Whereas the Adriatic Charter affirms the on June 12. (Mr. BEREUTER asked and was commitment of Albania, Croatia, and Mac- The charter was signed on May 2 in given permission to revise and extend edonia to the values and principles of the the Albanian capital of Tirana by Sec- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) his remarks.) and to joining the Alliance at the earliest retary of State Powell and the foreign Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I possible time; ministers of Albania, Croatia, and the thank the gentleman from Wisconsin Whereas Secretary of State Powell stated former Yugoslav Republic of Mac- (Mr. GREEN) for handling this concur- that the Adriatic Charter ‘‘reaffirms our edonia, the three remaining NATO-as- rent resolution and for the support of partners’ dedication to work individually, pirant nations. the gentleman from California (Mr. with each other, and with their neighbors to The Adriatic Charter pledges the LANTOS), as well, on this very impor- build a region of strong democracies powered United States to support efforts by Al- tant resolution. by free market economies . . . [i]t under- bania, Croatia, and Macedonia to join I want to begin by of course express- scores the importance we place on their Euro-Atlantic institutions like NATO eventual full integration into NATO and ing my strong support for the resolu- other European institutions . . . [a]nd most and the European Union. In this agree- tion and thanking the distinguished importantly, the Charter promises to ment, the three aspirant nations com- gentleman from New York (Mr. ENGEL), strengthen the ties that bind the peoples of mit themselves to accelerate their one of our colleagues on the Com- the region to the United States, to one an- democratic reforms, protect human mittee on International Relations, for other, and to a common future within the rights, implement market-oriented authoring the legislation and for work- Euro-Atlantic family’’; and economic policies, and enhance their ing with the staff of the subcommittee Whereas 75 Albanian special forces troops mutual cooperation. Under the Adri- and the full committee. He has long were sent to Iraq as part of the coalition atic Charter, the United States and forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom, 29 been a champion of Albania in the Macedonian special forces troops were sent these three countries pledge to consult House, and I am pleased to be a cospon- to Iraq as part of the postwar stabilization whenever the security of one of them is sor of this resolution. force, and Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia threatened. For their part, the aspirant As mentioned by the gentleman from all contributed to the stabilization forces in countries promise to continue defense Wisconsin (Mr. GREEN), this is a pledge

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