S13656 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 30, 2003 feel his loss so acutely here in this 2002, police qualified the murder of U.S. POLICY TOWARD body. But his voice still echoes in this Hector Arturo Diaz as a hate crime. Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise Chamber, and his spirit and fierce dedi- Mr. Diaz was shot in the back by an ac- today to address an issue of great con- cation to justice live on. What so many quaintance, Justen Hall. At the time, cern to me—the ban on travel to Cuba. of us loved about Paul was that unpar- Mr. Diaz, a transvestite, was dressed in Last week, the Senate scored an im- alleled passion he had for doing what female clothing. portant victory in the fight to bring was right. That still inspires me today, I believe that Government’s first common sense to U.S. policy toward as it inspires so many others. And it is duty is to defend its citizens, to defend Cuba. We voted by a wide margin—59 to just one more reason to be thankful to them against the harms that come out 36—to suspend enforcement of the trav- Paul, and to honor his memory. of hate. The Local Law Enforcement el ban. The House approved the same I think of Paul often as issues come Enhancement Act is a symbol that can amendment in September, also by a before the Senate about which he cared become substance. By passing this leg- so deeply. Earlier this month, as we ob- wide margin. islation and changing current law, we The wide margin of victory reflects served Mental Illness Awareness Week, can change hearts and minds as well. I thought of all Paul did to advocate the majority of Americans who want for mental health parity throughout f an end to the travel ban. his time here, and what a vital con- Over the weekend, editorial writers tribution he made to getting affordable 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNITED from a diverse range of newspapers medical treatment to people suffering STATES HOLOCAUST MUSEUM noted and applauded our victory: the from mental illnesses. I have been Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, to- Wall Street Journal, the New York proud to support this issue when it has morrow, the United States Holocaust Times, the Chicago Tribune, and the come to the floor, and last week I Memorial Museum will mark its 10th Orlando Sentinel-Tribune. joined the entire Democratic caucus in anniversary. More than 6,000 Holocaust Let me offer just a few quotes: the urging the majority leader to take up survivors and family members will Chicago Tribune says: and pass the Senator Paul Wellstone visit the museum this weekend to help In an age of very real terrorist threats, Mental Health Equitable Treatment commemorate the museum’s important Cuba hardly makes the list. For the Depart- ment of Homeland Security to redouble its Act of 2003. We must ensure that men- contributions. Together, these men and efforts and tie up more money and personnel tal illnesses are treated the same way women comprise a living legacy of the in enforcing the travel ban against Cuba—as as other physical illnesses by insurers. Shoah. By sharing their memories, the president proposed two weeks ago—is an Paul also fought to stop U.S. compa- these courageous survivors can help en- incredible waste of resources. nies that move their headquarters to sure that such evil is never again per- points out: ‘‘tax haven’’ countries to avoid paying petrated against any people, anywhere. The proper response to such outrages as U.S. taxes from getting Federal pro- America is a land of immigrants, and the Castro regime’s roundup of dissidents curement contracts. I am proud to be a our history demonstrates that we are and writers earlier this year is to seek to part of the effort to move that forward. stronger because of our diversity, not overwhelm the island with American influ- I also am proud to help carry on Paul’s in spite of it. But we can only live up ence. work in the fight for a good public edu- to the promise of our diversity if we And the Orlando Sentinel argues: cation for every child. Paul believed, as recognize the inherent rights and free- The ban on U.S. travel is futile, self-defeat- I do, that every child is entitled to a dom of all human life. One of the most ing, a waste of scarce resources and incon- good education no matter his or her powerful ways we can remind each sistent with other American policies. circumstances in life. He called this other and our children about the im- These papers spoke out in favor of ‘‘equality of opportunity.’’ I was proud portance of this fundamental principle the Senate’s actions because they rec- to work with him on the issue of stand- is to ensure that the Holocaust is never ognize that the current policy has been ardized testing. He and I agreed that forgotten. a failure and because they know that over-testing of our public school stu- For that reason it is fitting that the engagement with Cuba is the best and dents is not the cure-all for public edu- Holocaust Memorial Museum is located most effective way to bring democratic cation. I hope that my efforts to return on the National Mall. Visitors to this change to Cuba. authority for decisions about how often cherished landmark can see the Dec- In my view, the Cuba travel provi- to test students to the States and local laration of Independence, the Wright sions should not even be subject to con- school districts will, in some small brothers’ glider, and some of America’s ference. The House and Senate have way, build upon Paul’s legacy of fight- most treasured art; all of them vivid passed the same amendment; there is ing for a level playing field for all stu- reminders about the capacity of the nothing for conferees to discuss. dents. human spirit and the promise of man- There are many Members of this These are just a few of the causes kind. Yet it is just as important to body who have worked hard to ease the Paul worked on, and just a few of the teach young people and remind adults ways that he lives on in this body, and embargo. Any Treasury-Transportation about one of the darkest chapters of in the lives of the countless Americans conference report that does not include human history. Although the Holo- he touched through his lifetime. We the Senate and House-passed language caust was a terrible tragedy that can still hear his voice echo in this is unacceptable, and we will look at all stained all humanity, it must never be chamber, urging all of us on to build a procedural options to stop this from more just world. Let us honor Paul’s hidden from view. happening. memory by heeding his words, and car- The Holocaust Memorial Museum That said, I fully expect this amend- rying on the great work of our dear plays a special role in teaching our ment to become law. Despite recent in- friend. children and grandchildren about this correct reporting, none of the sup- dark chapter in world history. This porters of this legislation believe that f haunting permanent memorial will en- we can’t accomplish our goal of lifting LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT sure that future generations will learn the Cuba travel ban. OF 2003 about this tragedy. And I have to say here that I do not Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise Survivors and liberators of the Holo- believe the President will veto this today to speak about the need for hate caust have a unique opportunity to bill. Of course, the Cuba provisions crimes legislation. On May 1, 2003, Sen- share the stories of this awful period. I have overwhelming support, but the ator KENNEDY and I introduced the thank them for having the courage and appropriations bill itself passed the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement dignity to survive the horrors of the Senate 90 to 3. The administration Act, a bill that would add new cat- Holocaust, and for having the bravery knows a veto could be easily over- egories to current hate crimes law, to share their experiences with others ridden. sending a signal that violence of any so that it may never happen again. I do believe that pro-embargo forces kind is unacceptable in our society. Their contributions will help all of us see the writing on the wall. Momentum I will describe one such crime that build a better America and a better to end the embargo is clearly building. took place in El Paso, TX. In April world. We have had a year filled with success.

VerDate jul 14 2003 23:42 Oct 31, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30OC6.199 S30PT2 October 30, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S13657 Several months ago, Senators ENZI, As Mr. Flake has written, Fidel’s three The proper response to such outrages as DORGAN, and I introduced legislation, most obvious failures are ‘‘breakfast, lunch the Castro regime’s roundup of dissidents S. 950, that would permanently lift the and dinner.’’ The more Americans are able to and writers earlier this year is to seek to travel ban. There are 31 cosponsors of travel to Cuba, the more will be able to see overwhelm the island with American influ- for themselves the suffering that Fidel and ence—corporate and cultural—and with that legislation, and we are adding new his commissars have wrought. American tourists and other private visitors. cosponsors this week. This is the approach we take in trying to de- The Foreign Relations Committee [From the Orlando Sentinel, Oct. 25, 2003] mocratize other nations. has committed to vote on that legisla- LIFT BAN ON CUBA TRAVEL The Senate’s measure, an amendment to a tion by the end of the year, and I ex- Our position: Removing restrictions on $90 billion spending bill to finance the Treas- pect the committee to approve it by a U.S. travel would expose Cubans to free ury and Transportation Departments, is large majority. ideas. identical to a provision approved overwhelm- Recent polls indicate that most The U.S. Senate took a courageous and ingly by the House. Such agreement means Americans oppose the travel ban. In correct stand on Cuba policy last week. it will be hard for Republican leaders to try fact, even most Cuban Americans—his- Fifty-nine senators defied a veto threat to kill the amendment behind closed doors. from President George W. Bush in voting That leaves the possibility of a presidential torically supportive of the embargo— against the ban on U.S. travel to Cuba. Like veto, though the White House cannot relish favor lifting the ban. a majority of U.S. House members, those the idea of holding up government spending So the Senate and the House votes senators realize that the ban is—if any- to placate parochial interests in , no are only the latest rebuke of an out- thing—counterproductive. matter how powerful. As the main bene- dated policy. The ban is political rather than practical. ficiary of this failed policy, Mr. Castro may Thirteen of the 16 Senate appropri- It pleases many Cuban-Americans in Florida, want to call Mr. Bush and encourage him to ators on the Subcommittee were sup- but it and other hard-line measures haven’t get that veto pen ready. portive of the Cuba amendment. And I dislodged dictator . Restricting the freedom of U.S. citizens to [From the Chicago Tribune, Oct. 27, 2003] am confident they will work hard to travel to Cuba limits the communist island’s CONGRESS’ MESSAGE ON CUBA keep this provision. But I also know exposure to American ideas. It also helps they will be under some pressure. I conceal the extent of repression in Cuba Cues that it’s time for the United States— urge them to stand up to those who from Americans. Those are both big favors and particularly the Bush administration— might try to defy the will of the Con- for Mr. Castro. to abandon the 40-year-old embargo on Cuba gress. The greatest threat to any totalitarian got considerably louder on Thursday, when I ask unanimous consent to print in government is the free flow of information. the Senate voted 59–36 to life the ban on travel by U.S. citizens. The Senate measure the RECORD the aforementioned edi- That explains why independent journalists and librarians were targeted in the Castro is identical to one passed by the House a torials. month ago. There being on objection, the mate- government’s brutal crackdown on dissidents earlier this year. The White House, tuned to an altogether rial was ordered to be printed in the Enforcing the ban on U.S. travel to Cuba different wavelength, threatens to veto any RECORD, as follows: also ties up limited resources in both the bill loosening the economic and travel sanc- [From the Wall Street Journal, Oct. 27, 2003] Homeland Security and Treasury depart- tions against Cuba. Two weeks ago, Presi- CLUB ments. Those resources would be better di- dent Bush—surrounded by a supportive group The Bush Administration, more than most, rected toward fighting terrorism. of Cuban exiles from —announced contains people whose families have paid a Predictably, the White House criticized the measures to tighten the economic noose personal price for the horror that is Cuban Senate vote, saying it would ‘‘provide a help- around the island. communism. Which is why it’s a little un- ing hand to a desperate and repressive re- It’s no secret that the president wants to fair, after last week’s Senate vote to lift the gime.’’ But Mr. Bush’s hard line on Cuba is nail down the votes of the fervidly anti-Cas- U.S. travel ban to Cuba, to dismiss the White contradicted by his continuing engagement tro Cuban-American community. House objections merely as worry that sign- with China, another repressive communist But at what cost? Congress supports lifting ing such language would hurt the President’s regime. the embargo, and so do many conservative re-election chances in Florida. The ban on U.S. travel to Cuba is futile, Republican politicians and business inter- Yes, the Cuban-American vote is a big self-defeating, a waste of scarce resources ests—particularly in the Midwest. It is time deal, as Bill Clinton recognized when he and inconsistent with other American poli- to end the Cold War sideshow of the Cuban courted Miami’s anti-Castro community and cies. It’s past time to lift it. embargo. cash in his election runs. And given that the Never has the American obsession with Senate vote approving the lifting of the trav- [From the New York Times, Oct. 25, 2003] Cuba seemed so out of proportion or self-de- el restrictions was less than the two-thirds CONGRESSIONAL RESOLVE ON CUBA feating, particularly for a Republican admin- required to override any veto, we’d be sur- Though normally inclined to follow their istration, as it does now. This is a question prised if the White House doesn’t make good president’s lead on foreign policy, many Con- of national interest, not the political inter- on its threat. But the tension here reflects gressional Republicans have now broken ests of the tiny but vociferous Cuban-Amer- what is a genuine argument among conserv- ranks on Cuba. By a wide margin, the Senate ican community. atives over what is the best way to bring joined the House on Thursday in voting to Thursday’s vote in the senate, on an Fidel Castro down. ease travel restrictions to Cuba, just two amendment to the Transportation and Otto Reich of the National Security Coun- weeks after President Bush vowed to tough- Treasury spending bill, was important for cil staff and Housing Secretary Mel Martinez en sanctions on the government of Fidel Cas- several reasons. It showed a significant pol- believe that lifting such restrictions will tro and enforce them more energetically. icy shift in the Senate since 1999, when the breathe financial life into a decaying regime. The renegade Republicans apparently think upper chamber rejected lifting the travel re- Some of our free market friends in Congress, that Mr. Bush’s approach is dictated less by strictions on 55–43 vote. notably Arizona Republican Jeff Flake, a coherent vision than by electoral concerns Supporters this time included 19 Repub- argue that after 40 years of an embargo Fidel involving anti-Castro Republican voters in licans, including several from farm states is still sitting pretty. So it’s time to try Florida. such as Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Sen. something different. This Congressional resolve is commend- Dick Durbin voted for the amendment. Sen. We fall into the latter group, not least be- able. Four decades of sanctions have allowed Peter Fitzgerald voted against it. cause one of the problems with the existing Mr. Castro to portray himself, both at home Fitzgerald ought to pay attention. Lifting travel ban is that it is applied selectively. and abroad, as a victim of Yankee impe- the travel ban is a critical step toward even- Privileged groups of people—academics, jour- rialism. Mr. Castro would probably be as dis- tually lifting the U.S. embargo on Cuba and nalists, Cuban Americans and left-leaning appointed as his adversaries in Florida to see opening the door for more trade. Illinois Christian groups—can and already do travel the sanctions lifted. firms such as Archer Daniels Midland Co. to Cuba. Jimmy Carter travels there and That is one reason he has a knack for pro- benefit from increased sales of foodstuffs to CNN more or less treats it like a state visit. voking a backlash anytime there is a chance Cuba, so far conducted on a cash-only basis. But we’re also impressed by Oswaldo Paya, of a change in the status quo, which may be Last year total exports to Cuba reached leader of Cuba’s homegrown answer to Po- the best of all words for Mr. Castro. The dol- nearly $140 million, but it is estimated if all land’s Solidarity movement, who wants to lars sent home from Florida relatives and restrictions were lifted, that figure could in- see the U.S. embargo lifted. Mr. Paya points the money spent by European tourists have crease significantly. Cuba would get better out that the heart of the Cuban crisis isn’t kept the rickety Cuban economy afloat since prices—Texas’ rice is far closer than Chi- the partial embargo the U.S. has imposed on the Soviet collapse. At the same time, sanc- na’s—and American farmers, strapped for Cuba but is the total embargo Fidel has im- tions imposed by the United States have markets, could benefit too. posed on his own people: the limits on their kept democratizing influences at bay and In an age of very real terrorist threats, speech, their ability to go to church, to run provided the regime with a justification for Cuba hardly makes the list. For the Depart- their own enterprises, and so on. its authoritarian ways. ment of Homeland Security to redouble its

VerDate jul 14 2003 23:42 Oct 31, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30OC6.152 S30PT2 S13658 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 30, 2003 efforts and tie up more money and personnel Conter, lifelong residents of Wisconsin, it kept him very active, and he began in enforcing the travel ban against Cuba—as on their 60th wedding anniversary. The boating in the Monterey Bay. Like ev- the president proposed two weeks ago—is an country dance they met at began their erything Jack did, he gave boating his incredible waste of resources. life together blessed with family and all and joined the Coast Guard Auxil- This legislation is likely headed to con- iary, assisting in sea rescues. He also ference committee, where GOP leaders must friends to celebrate these years. make sure the Cuba language doesn’t mys- The couple was married at Holy taught weather forecasting and radio teriously disappear. Congress ought to make Cross Catholic Church in Mishicot on communications. clear its resolve to end the pointless flogging November 6, 1943. Florence joined Carl In 1981, he was appointed to the of Cuba. The embargo only intensifies the on his family homestead in Two Creeks Santa Cruz Port Commission, a posi- misery of the long-suffering Cubans while where he was born and lived for 85 tion to which he was twice re-elected shortchanging U.S. economic and political years. It remained an active dairy farm over the next 17 years. He also served interests. That makes no sense at all. until the late 1960s. Recently they have as a Santa Cruz City Planning Commis- f moved to Mishicot. sioner. After Jack retired, he was a devoted ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS Today, many years after that first country dance at which they met, their volunteer for the Santa Cruz County story continues. Their children have Red Cross. He built HAM radio sys- grown up to be successful adults them- tems, travelled and practiced his CONGRATULATIONS TO MRS. French language skills. Recalls his son LILLIAN S. ROBINSON selves, providing Carl and Florence with three grandchildren and four Tom, ‘‘Sports cars, TV’s, HAM radios ∑ Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay and computers were all puzzles to be great grandchildren. Family life and tribute and congratulate Mrs. Lillian unwrapped with his tools and insight.’’ faith has been a rewarding and sus- S. Robinson of Mt. Sterling, KY on her His daughter Diana commented, ‘‘I taining part of their long relationship. selection as a 2003 Experience Works most admire that he was brave and lov- Carl supports Florence in her advocacy Time Award honoree. ing. He was romantic, tender and funny of senior citizen issues. They both Mrs. Robinson was nominated for with my mother. He was a caring fa- enjoy playing sheepshead and belong to this award for her dedication to the ther.’’ Throughout his life, Jack was several card clubs. educationm of the children of Ken- constantly helping anyone in need. As I join their many friends and their one friend and neighbor explained of tucky. A youthful 83, she serves as the family in celebration as we honor Carl assistant director of the Community Jack and Brenda, ‘‘they always served and Florence Conter on their 60th wed- the community.’’ Education Program in Montgomery ding anniversary. They are the very County, where she organizes volunteer Jack had a wonderful sense of humor. best Wisconsin has to offer, and I wish Even when he was sick and in the hos- programs including Pee Wee Basket- them continued joy and happiness.∑ ball, the Cookie Candy Club and Par- pital, his caregivers would leave the ent-Child Tea. f room smiling because of his joking. The citizens of Kentucky are fortu- JAMES ‘‘JACK’’ MEEHAN: IN ‘‘He had a quick wit that was kind, nate to have the leadership of Mrs. MEMORIAM playful and relentless. He had a dis- tinctive Jack Meehan laugh and you Robinson. Her example of dedication, Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise to hard work and compassion should be an could find him in airports and crowded share with my colleagues the memory restaurants by that laugh,’’ remem- inspiration to all throughout the Com- of a remarkable man, James ‘‘Jack’’ bered son Terry. Added son Tom, monwealth. Meehan of Santa Cruz, CA, who died on ‘‘Whenever asked about his favorite Congratulations, Mrs. Robinson for Saturday, October 25, 2003. Throughout time of life, he would always respond receiving the 2003 Outstanding Older his life he compiled an extraordinary ‘right now, and in the future.’’’ Workers award. You have my most sin- record of devotion to his family, his James ‘‘Jack’’ Meehan is survived by cere appreciation for your work and I community and our Nation. Jack was his daughter Diana, sons Terry and look forward to your continued service an 84-year-old longtime Santa Cruz Tom and six grandchildren. He was an ∑ to your of our Commonwealth. resident, former Santa Cruz City Plan- exceptional man. f ning Commissioner and Santa Cruz f Port District Commissioner, pilot, CONGRATULATIONS TO THE space industry pioneer, community MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT FRENCHBURG JOB CORPS volunteer and beloved husband, father Messages from the President of the ∑ Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay and grandfather. United States were communicated to tribute and congratulate the members Jack was born and raised in Brook- the Senate by Mr. Williams, one of his of the Frenchburg Job Corps of Mariba, lyn, NY. He married Brenda McGourty secretaries. KY on their ‘‘Make A Difference Day’’ in 1942 and she remained his devoted f program. partner for 57 years until her death in EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED The Frenchburg Jobs Corps con- 1999. Jack and Brenda had three chil- ducted a wide-ranging program of com- dren: daughter Diana and sons Terry As in executive session the Presiding munity service in Northern Kentucky. and Tom. Officer laid before the Senate messages From cleaning parks to building handi- He served as an Army air corps pilot from the President of the United cap accessible ramps to visiting the el- in Europe during World War II. After States submitting sundry nominations derly, these Kentuckians truly made a his plane was shot down, Jack’s brav- which were referred to the appropriate difference on October 24, 2003. ery helped him successfully evade cap- committees. The citizens of Kentucky are fortu- ture. We will always be grateful for (The nominations received today are nate to have the leadership of the Jack’s heroic service defending our Na- printed at the end of the Senate pro- Frenchburg Job Corps. Their example tion, our freedoms and our way of life. ceedings.) of dedication, hard work, and compas- During the 1950s, Jack put his avia- f sion should be an inspiration to all tion skills to use as a Viking rocket de- MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE throughout the Commonwealth. signer and tester in New Mexico. He At 12:29 p.m., a message from the They have my most sincere apprecia- was a pioneer in this field because the House of Representatives, delivered by tion for this work, and I look forward Viking rocket was a precursor to the Ms. Niland, one of its reading clerks, to their continued service to Ken- Vanguard rocket which launched ∑ announced that the House has passed tucky. America’s first satellite. the following bill and joint resolution, f In 1959, Jack and his family settled in in which it requests the concurrence of beautiful Santa Cruz. Jack tested sat- the Senate: CARL AND FLORENCE CONTER’S ellites at Lockheed Martin in nearby 60TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY H.R. 1720. An act to authorize the Sec- Sunnyvale. He continued to pilot small retary of Veterans Affairs to carry out con- ∑ Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise planes until he gave that up in 1977. struction projects for the purpose of improv- today to honor Carl and Florence But of course, Jack’s irrepressible spir- ing, renovating, establishing, and updating

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