April 18, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3587 for 1 minute and to revise and extend confrontational and not coddle the tribute to Commerce Secretary Ron his remarks.) Russians on these very important is- Brown and all of the Americans who Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, on sues. lost their lives in that awful tragedy Tuesday, this Member introduced legis- f on April 3 while they were all serving lation to designate the American Dis- their country on a mission to Bosnia. I covery Trail as a component of the Na- TRIBUTE TO SECRETARY RONALD am pleased that we are able to make tional Trails System. The bill, H.R. H. BROWN AND AMERICANS WHO this a bipartisan resolution, in fact, a 3250, also creates a new category in the LOST THEIR LIVES ON MISSION resolution of all the Members of the system—National Discovery Trails. TO BOSNIA House. For when a highly and distin- The bill is already supported by a Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I ask guished member of the U.S. Cabinet is bipartisanly balanced 44 cosponsors. unanimous consent for the immediate killed overseas for the first time in This legislation represents an excit- consideration in the House of the reso- American history, when we lose an in- ing step forward in the development lution (H. Res. 406) in tribute to Sec- dividual, and individuals of such ex- and connection of trails in the United retary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown traordinary ability and achievement, States. The multiuse ADT provides the and other Americans who lost their when we lose so many other dedicated connections which are needed to link lives on April 3, 1996, while in service business leaders and public servants, existing trails and create a backbone to their country on a mission to members of the Commerce Depart- for the National Trails System. While Bosnia. ment, members of the U.S. Air Force, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pa- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- it is not a partisan tragedy, it is truly cific, it connects large cities and small tion. a tragedy for all of our citizens and all communities with forests and remote The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. of our country. areas. QUINN). Is there objection to the re- In the week since Ron Brown’s death, The American Discovery Trail will quest of the gentleman from Missouri? it has already become a cliche to speak provide outstanding, family oriented There was no objection. of his brilliant political and public recreation for all Americans. It will The SPEAKER pro tempore. The service career. Of his pioneering role as also offer important economic develop- clerk will report the resolution. chairman of the Democratic Party and ment opportunities to the communities The Clerk read as follows: his efforts to almost single-handedly redefine the Commerce Department along its route. H. RES. 406 The ADT also takes into account pri- and its mandate. For those of us who Whereas Ronald H. Brown served the Unit- vate property concerns since almost all ed States of America with patriotism and considered Ron a friend, as I did, it is of the trail is on public lands. The few skill as a soldier, a civil rights leader, and reassuring to know that the country exceptions are in locations where there attorney; remembers him as fondly as we do. But are existing rights-of-way or agree- Whereas Ronald H. Brown devoted his life when there are so many tangible ments with existing trails or by invita- to opening doors, building bridges, and help- achievements to celebrate in a man’s tion. The bill also mandates that no ing those in need; life, it becomes harder to recognize lands or interests outside the exterior Whereas Ronald H. Brown lost his life in a what is less tangible but perhaps as boundaries of federally administered tragic airplane accident on April 3, 1996, more important. while in service to his country on a mission To me, there is a simple reason why areas may be acquired by the United in Bosnia; and States solely for the American Discov- Whereas thirty-two other Americans from Ron Brown broke down so many bar- ery Trail. government and industry who served the Na- riers in so many areas and shattered so The American Discovery Trail is na- tion with great courage, achievement, and many preconceptions, about politics, tional in scope, but it is made possible dedication also lost their lives in the acci- race, and America’s place in the world. by the grassroots efforts on the State dent: Now, therefore, be it For all of his practical and political and local level. This Member urges his Resolved, That the House of Representa- talents, Ron Brown was an idealist, colleagues to support these local ef- tives pays tribute to the remarkable life and pure and simple. His goals for himself, career of Ronald H. Brown, and it extends his party and his country were always forts by cosponsoring the American condolences to his family. Discovery Trail bill. Be it further resolved, That the House of based on what should be and not on f Representatives also pays tribute to the con- what others thought could be. This is a tributions of all those who perished, and that rare quality in any of us, in a politi- PRESIDENT CLINTON SHOULD BE we extend our condolences to the families of: cian, a rate quality in a human being. TOUGH AND CONFRONTATIONAL Staff Sergeant Gerald Aldrich, Duane Chris- But it is why so many people loved and WITH MR. YELTSIN tian, Barry Conrad, Paul Cushman III, Adam respected Ron Brown and were so often (Mr. ROEMER asked and was given Darling, Captain Ashley James Davis, Gail willing to abandon their own goals and permission to address the House for 1 Dobert, Robert Donovan, Claudio Elia, Staff egos to work with him for a higher pur- Sergeant Robert Farrington, Jr., David Ford, minute and to revise and extend his re- Carol Hamilton, Kathryn Hoffman, Lee pose. marks.) Jackson, Steven Kaminiski, Katheryn Kel- Mr. Speaker, much has been said in Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, today logg, Technical Sergeant Shelley Kelly, recent days about Ron Brown’s ability the President of the United States James Lewek, Frank Maier, Charles to heal divisions, to reconcile views, to travels to Russia. I would hope that the Meissner, William Morton, Walter Murphy, focus on what unite people rather than President would not pose for photo op- Mathanial Nash, Lawrence Payne, Leonard on what divide them. He truly believed portunities with Mr. Yeltsin but would Pieroni, Captain Timothy Shafer, John that you could always accomplish more instead be very tough and very Scoville, I. Donald Terner, P. Stuart Tholan, by working together, by bringing oth- confrontational on three important is- Technical Sergeant Cheryl Ann Turnage, ers along with you. That is one reason Naomi Warbasse, and Robert Whittaker. sues to America: SEC. 2. The Clerk of the House shall trans- why he nurtured so much talent in so First, the ongoing war in Chechnya mit a copy of the resolution to each of the many other people throughout his ca- that is killing thousands and thou- families. reer. As party chairman, he really did sands of people each month. We need to bring the Democratic Party together, b bring an end to that war immediately. 1030 something that is hard to do, some- Second, the New York Times re- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. times almost one person at a time. cently reported a secret project going QUINN). The gentleman from Missouri To see the depth of his empathy and on in the Ural mountains in Russia. We [Mr. GEPHARDT] is recognized for 1 understanding, to see how far he would need to find out more about that. hour. go to understand people who disagreed Third, renegotiating the space sta- Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I yield with him and opinions and then to find tion on the part of the Russians could myself such time as I may consume. In the common ground between them was cost the American taxpayers several a moment, I will yield to the distin- to see the very essence of leadership. hundreds of millions of dollars. I would guished Speaker of the House. Commerce Secretary Ron Brown dra- hope the President, in a policy of en- Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning with matically expanded his mandate, rein- gagement, would be tough and great sadness to offer a resolution in vigorating the foreign commercial H3588 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 18, 1996 service and becoming a real booster of a number of Americans serving their dom, to the willingness they had to U.S. exports on a scale that we have country, serving the cause of freedom, serve their country, and that our of- never seen before. He poured all of his seeking to help a war-torn region who fices and our doors are open, both to passion and energy in his work at Com- found themselves willing to take real Secretary Brown’s family, but equally merce, as he had at the Democratic risks. This tragedy is a reminder that important, to the family of every Committee, and I always admired the service in our armed services and at American who was on that airplane, to aggressive way in which he led that de- times service to our country is poten- the family of every person who died in partment, even in the face of criticism. tially dangerous and requires of our service to their country. Mr. Speaker, our country could use citizens a willingness to put duty above Again, I thank my friend for offering more Ron Browns, for he pushed bound- pleasure and to put country above self. this resolution which I so strongly sup- aries, broke down barriers almost in- Mr. Speaker, Secretary Ron Brown is port and which I would hope the House stinctively, intuitively as if he simply the first Cabinet Secretary killed on will pass unanimously in just a few refused to acknowledge that they were duty in over 150 years. I think it was an minutes. there in the first place. Perhaps in that enormous shock to all of us to be re- Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I sense, we can find a shred of meaning minded of the dangers traveling around thank the Speaker for that fine state- in Ron Brown’s death, because no risk, the world that can affect those who ment and urge all the Members to vote no naysayers could ever have kept him serve even in civilian posts. I knew Ron for this resolution. from exploring new terrain, for reach- Brown as a competitor. We did not Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- ing new challenges, and from trying to meet in the same planning meetings. sent that the gentleman from Michigan redefine the world in which we live. We were not involved in the same [Mr. DINGELL] be allowed to manage That he managed to do all of these things when he was chairman of the the remainder of the time. things in so few years is a powerful leg- Democratic National Committee, but I The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there acy indeed. I also want to reach out on got to know him as somebody who was objection to the request of the gen- behalf of all of us to the families not brilliant, who was charming, who was tleman from Missouri? only of Ron Brown but all of the Amer- energetic and, maybe more important, There was no objection. icans who died in this terrible tragedy. who had a kind of creativity with a re- Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield All of them together, in their own way, markable resilience. Whatever angle myself 2 minutes. were trying to do something very im- you came at Ron from, he came back Mr. Speaker, I first want to commend portant for the United States and for with a new idea, a new approach, new our distinguished minority leader and the world. The business people who intensity. He was a great competitor. I the Speaker for introducing this impor- were out there were out there to help think that both Lee Atwater before his tant resolution and for bringing it to rebuild an economy torn by war and death and Haley Barbour since have the floor in this expeditious manner. strife. found in Ron Brown a personal friend I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this Mr. Speaker, the truth is there was and somebody who shared their passion resolution, which pays tribute to Sec- no real profit to be made by these com- for democracy and shared their zest for retary of Commerce Ron Brown and panies. They were there on a mission of partisan competition. the other 33 Americans who lost their the United States to help the people of It is true that Ron Brown was at lives in the tragic airplane crash on Bosnia. Unlike maybe many of the times very controversial and a lot of April 3. other trade missions that Ron Brown questions were raised, a lot of charges In the past 2 weeks, we all have heard asked them to be on, this one was truly were made. Certainly, of all the Mem- the tremendous accolades paid to Sec- a mission of help. This was a mission of bers of the House, I may be the most retary Brown for his numerous con- altruism in the highest sense of the able to identify with being at the cen- tributions to this Nation. He was a business community and the people of ter of controversy at times. And I can great public servant, a loving husband this country. say that every time we would meet and and father, and a man who brought tre- So to the families of all of these peo- we would talk, there was a positiveness mendous enthusiasm, vision, humor, ple, whether it was business leaders, to his approach. There was an intensity and intelligence to every challenge he whether it is Ron Brown, whether it and a willingness to live out whatever accepted. was the Air Force people who were try- happened and whatever fights he was The country is much better off be- ing to take them there, whether it was in, a willingness to move forward, to cause of Ron Brown. We have all heard the staff people at Commerce, I want to focus on getting things done that was the many tributes from American busi- reach out and deliver in as heartfelt a quite remarkable. ness leaders who have called him the way as we can the deep sympathy and At the Commerce Department, he best Secretary of Commerce in our Na- the feeling of gratitude and apprecia- traveled across the world, worked with tion’s history. These statements were tion that all of us have for all of these senior executives, did, I thought, re- made well before his tragic death. As people and their families. markably creative things to create Secretary of Commerce, Ron worked There is no way that any of us can American jobs through world sales. tirelessly and aggressively to create bring these lives back, but we can at And again and again he would put to- and protect American jobs. Under his least stand here today and on behalf of gether a team, they would go to a leadership, the Department delivered the American people give a heartfelt country and he would achieve break- more for less by making sensible in- condolence of sympathy and heartfelt throughs for American workers and for vestments in our communities, pro- thanks and appreciation for the sac- American sales that had not occurred tecting intellectual property rights, rifice of all of the people who died in before. In his last mission, as my good stimulating advances in technology this terrible tragedy. friend from Missouri was pointing out, and telecommunications, increasing Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he Ron Brown was on a selfless venture to our competitiveness and exports, and may consume to the distinguished help those who needed help, to help providing essential weather forecast- Speaker of the House, the gentleman those who sought peace, recognizing ing, research, and environmental serv- from Georgia [Mr. GINGRICH]. that as Commerce Secretary, if he ices. Mr. GINGRICH. Let me thank my could help them begin to rebuild their I know many other Members with to colleague for yielding and let me thank economies, he might be able to begin speak this morning, so I will end by the minority leader for proposing this to rebuild their cultures, and they simply saying farewell and thank you resolution which I think every Member might be able to find a way to seek to my dear friend Ron Brown and by of the House will support and which I prosperity together rather than to de- extending my deepest condolences to think every Member of the House wish- stroy their region in war. his wife Alma, to his wonderful chil- es to reach each family touched by this I think we in the House want Ron dren, and to the families and friends of tragedy. Brown’s family and the families of all the other Americans who lost their The House, I believe, will want to ex- of those who died in this accident to lives in service to their country on tend condolences to every member of know that we are deeply grateful for April 3. The loss of their collective tal- every family to realize that there were the commitment they made to free- ents will be felt for years to come. April 18, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3589 b 1045 creed. He did not internalize his hum- disagree with that, and Ron understood Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 ble beginnings. He made something out that, and we talked at great length minutes to the distinguished gentle- of each one. He did not relate himself about that. woman from Florida [Mrs. MEEK]. to the roles which society had defined I shared his interest in the National Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, for him and others like him. Marine Fishery Service, which was one first of all I would like to thank, as a He was an unifying and driving force of the many agencies under his charge representative of the Congressional to indicate to all of us what a public at the Department of Commerce, and Black Caucus, to thank the leader, the servant should be like. He knew what they did tremendous things, the Na- gentleman from Georgia [Mr. GING- it meant to be one. He put the needs of tional Marine Fishery Service, some- RICH], to thank our Speaker, and to say the American people ahead of his own. thing again that we had in common to our Speaker we thank him for bring- He lived for America, and ultimately, with my eastern Long Island district, ing in the bipartisan part of this reso- Mr. Speaker, he gave his life for Amer- and, as I have acknowledge, he has lution, and I thank him very much, ica. built tremendous bridges across the Speaker GINGRICH, for adding this di- So I want to thank this House for be- world on behalf of all Americans in the mension to this resolution. stowing this tribute on Ron Brown, and area of international trade particu- Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown on behalf of the Congressional Black larly, and during my last 15 months in and the other Americans who lost their Caucuss I would like to say, ‘‘Thank this body I have heard repeatedly, long lives on April 3 while in service to our you to all of you.’’ before the tragedy, of the tremendous country, they were true patriots, and Mr. DINGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 accomplishments of the Secretary of they deserve the honor which patriots minutes to the distinguished gen- Commerce, Ron Brown, in the area of should receive. tleman from New York [Mr. FORBES]. exporting. The Congressional Black Caucus Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in So I rise today in support of the reso- thanks all of this House for represent- support of this resolution, and most lution. I extend to the family of Ron ing and paying a tribute to Secretary importantly I rise in support to cele- Brown, to his dear wife, Alma, and his Brown. We also want to thank Senator brate the life of the man that we knew children, Tracy and Michael, and to all BOB DOLE, who cosponsored the resolu- as Ron Brown. of the families of the 33 others whom tion in the Senate, and 98 of his col- I am a new Member of this body, we lost in the tragedy earlier this leagues properly and officially hon- going on my 15th month, and early in month, I extend our condolences, our ored, just as we are doing, Secretary my tenure Ron Brown reached out to heartfelt sympathies, and our prayers Brown and the other great Americans me as one of those new freshmen Mem- and thoughts are with all of you. who died in the service of their coun- bers, those Republican freshmen Mem- I stood in this well several evenings try. bers of the Congress, because Ron ago and made note of another individ- We pay tribute to Commerce Sec- Brown, above all else, was the kind of ual whom we lost in this tragedy from retary Ron Brown and the others. He man that built bridges, and, yes, we my district, young Gail Dobert, who was the 30th U.S. Secretary of Com- know his service as a great politician, served with Ron Brown in his chair- merce. He had been a strong and force- and I say that in the most reverent and manship of the Democratic National ful advocate for not only American decent sense because he understood Committee, and with excitement and business, but Ron Brown stretched all good politics, he understood the art of great promise went with him over to out to the byways and the ghettos of compromise and building bridges. the Department of Commerce and this country, and they all had a model Ron Brown was a people person, he served so ably to help build this inter- to follow, regardless of race, color, or was a good and decent man, and I am national presence that Ron made pos- creed. He was a beacon of hope for the so very honored to stand in this well sible. divergent messages that make up this with so many others who have come to So I rise in support of this resolution, country. revere and respect Ron Brown and to and I appreciate the House taking this Under Secretary Brown’s leadership, have called him my friend. time today to celebrate the life of Ron the Commerce Department became one Mr. Speaker, over the last 15 months Brown. He was a good and decent man. of the major success stories in the Clin- we spent many moments together, Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 ton administration. He launched a na- some of his more difficult personal mo- minutes to the distinguished gentle- tional export strategy predicated on ments. I was honored to have spent woman from Connecticut [Mrs. KEN- the very basic idea that American ex- some time over in his office with him, NELLY]. ports translate into jobs and opportu- and, Mr. Speaker, Ron Brown, as I said, Mrs. KENNELLY. Mr. Speaker, today nities for American business and work- was a tremendous individual, and he we honor a dear friend and a great ing people. In the pursuit of this strat- was a tremendous public servant. He leader, the late Commerce Secretary, egy, Secretary Brown conducted trade built the Commerce Department in a Ron Brown. mission after trade mission. way that I think few on either side of Every so often, fortunately, our He was a tireless worker or soldier in the aisle would dispute. It said that the country produces someone who re- the American Army. He had the vision work of Ron Brown has sowed the seeds minds us of the hope, energy, and opti- to see that beyond the horrors of war, for about $44 billion in new economic mism that are the very essence of behind the horrors of war-torn Bosnia opportunity for American businesses as being an American. Ron Brown was lay opportunities, not only for Amer- a result of his travels around the globe such a person. He was a vital man— ican business, but for the Bosnian peo- to build partnerships with other na- vital in his love of life, and vital in the ple. To be of service, he wanted to be, tions. energy that he brought to his work. and he did it as well as to engage in As I said, he was a good and decent Those of us who had the joy of work- commerce. man, and we shared something else in ing with Ron Brown know the total Ron Brown was a common man with common: our love for a place on east- dedication he brought to any job. an uncommon touch who, while fight- ern Long Island called Sag Harbor, and Verve, style, and sheer energy were his ing against this Nation’s injustices, he spent many wonderful private mo- hallmarks. also believed he could be bettering this ments there with his dear wife, Alma, But beyond that dazzling surface lay Nation and that all people could be lift- and with his children. an intellect of great depth in under- ed up to reach their highest potential. Mr. Speaker, Ron Brown, as I say, standing the forces at work in the Because of Ron Brown, doors have been will be sorely missed. He was a man of world today. He knew that in an in- opened for many Americans that were good humor, good decency, and we creasingly complex and competitive never evern cracked before. reached out and spoke with each other world, Government officials must fight The Congressional Black Caucus is many, many times over the last 15 to gain a fair share of foreign projects grateful for Secretary Ron Brown’s leg- months. and markets for U.S. goods. So Ron acy, which he left to all of us. He came I disagree with some who think that, Brown pioneered commercial diplo- from humble roots, but he did not in- for example, we should change the way macy. From his first day at the Com- ternalize his race or his color or his the Commerce Department is set up. I merce Department to his last tragic H3590 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 18, 1996 flight, Ron Brown proved himself to be of Susan Day, who grew up next door, Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 the best advocate American business and to Walter J. Murphy, who also minute to the distinguished gentleman ever had. Against the world’s toughest grew up in Glens Falls. from Pennsylvania [Mr. FOX]. competition, he championed our coun- They and Ron Brown were just 2 of Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speak- try’s industries, workers, and products. the 33 decent human beings who were er, I rise in tribute today to a great He pioneered commercial diplomacy doing their part in trying to bring America, Ron Brown, who was an out- from his first day at Commerce to his peace and stability to that troubled standing father to Tracy and Michael, last, tragic flight. part of the world. a loving husband to Alma, a fine Cabi- Ron Brown proved himself to be a May God Bless them all. net secretary, a trusted adviser to strong voice for American business and Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 President Clinton, a champion of busi- for all Americans. Against the world’s minutes to the distinguished gentle- ness. He helped increase the growth of toughest competition, he championed woman from the District of Columbia this country’s companies and, as well, our country. His knowledge, his good [Ms. NORTON]. increased jobs; a goodwill ambassador will, and his commitment to this coun- Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank for the United States; a positive spirit; try will all be missed deeply. With my the gentleman for yielding this time to a modern-day Will Rogers. He never colleagues, I send my deepest sym- me, and I thank him for his leadership lost his cool. and his tribute to Ron Brown. pathy to his family. The world gave him lemons and he Seven Americans, seven public serv- But, Mr. Speaker, on a personal note, made lemonade; a role model for our ants, went down on that fated plane in I just want to speak about Ron Brown young people; for those who want to Bosnia. One of them was Ronald H. as I knew him. He had something that get involved in government, work for a Brown. He was my friend of 30 years always had me in awe. When Ron good candidate, work for a good cause, and my constituent. This was the city Brown talked to you, you thought he and work for your country, just like in which he was born, it is the city cared about you. Ron Brown did, a great American who where he lived out his life, it was the The last time I talked to Ron Brown we tribute today, and who will be city where he became known as both a was a week before he went on his trip. greatly missed. public man and a public servant. Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 My colleagues would have thought this Many of us will remember him also terribly busy man was waiting for my minutes to the distinguished gen- as a family man. The most poignant tleman from South Carolina [Mr. call. And my call was a request, an- photograph of Ron is the one with his other request of so many requests, to SPRATT]. twin grandsons. (Mr. SPRATT asked and was given take up part of his very important permission to revise and extend his re- time. b 1100 marks.) My sympathy to his family, my sym- What Ron meant to his son Michael Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pathy to the United States of America, and his daughter Tracy is itself a sponsor this resolution because Ron because he is gone. model for how to be a parent in these Brown was a friend and a rare Amer- Ron, your thousands of friends are days when so many have lost that art. ican. He was African-American, but he going to miss you. Yet, this most busy of men was a won- transcended race and color. He was a Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 derful parent to his children. party leader, and one of the best be- minutes to the distinguished gen- Ron will be remembered as a breaker cause he resurrected our party, but tleman from New York [Mr. SOLOMON]. of barriers on one hand, and as an ex- there was nothing ever small or petty Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I thank traordinary innovator on the other. He or partisan about him. He had this the gentleman from Michigan, JOHN broke barriers that no man or woman enormous affinity for people, and he DINGELL, for being gracious with his before him had even attempted. This led by bringing people together, not by time, and I will only take just a couple was, I have to say, my colleagues, a splitting us apart. of minutes. black man who simply did not know When he came before our committee Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise as his place and refused to accept the no- to defend his embattled Commerce De- a conservative to pay tribute and give tion that there was one for him. So partment, he was a forceful advocate my sympathy to the family of Ron when it came time to resurrect the with the facts at his command, but he Brown. Democratic Party, it was Ron Brown made his case without a trace of rancor Ron Brown was a liberal. We rarely who stepped forward and said not ‘‘Not or resentment. He could do that be- shared the same philosophical views. me,’’ but ‘‘It must be me.’’ cause he sat there as the single best ar- But let me say to my colleagues there When he went to the Commerce De- gument for that embattled department. was no more trusted man in politics, in partment he said not ‘‘How do you do Ron Brown was a bridge-builder at a my opinion, than Ron Brown because this job?’’ but ‘‘I will do this job in a time when so many of our differences he really believed what he said. He was way it has never been done before.’’ So seem unbridgeable. His goodness and truly genuine. I think we really need to after he broke the barriers, he did his decency and his energy and charm learn from Ron Brown’s spirit. Even something much more important. He are assets we sorely need in the public though he was a partisan Democrat was a pioneer in turning around each of life of this country. We can ill afford to and I am a partisan Republican, we all those institutions. lose leaders like him, before his time, could meet with him, and when that It was Ron Brown who engineered the still in his prime. meeting was finished and when I was comeback of the Democratic Party in But in the broadest sense, we have walking out of the room, it felt like 1992, and it was Ron Brown who per- not lost Ron Brown, for he remains a walking out after having met with a fected the art of diplomacy, of com- lasting symbol of what America at its friend even though we might have dis- mercial diplomacy at the Commerce best can be. I extend to his family, and agreed. Department. Either one of these break- to the families of all those who per- That is the kind of man that Ron throughs, either one of these pioneer- ished in this tragic accident, my sym- Brown was. We need more people like ing efforts, would have left Ron’s name pathy and our gratitude for the selfless that in Government, we need more peo- written in the book of American his- service rendered our country in the ple like that in this House of Rep- tory. He wrote new pages wherever he cause of peace in a forlorn place. resentatives. We all, those of us who went. He wrote them in part because he Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 show emotion from time to time, could had it all. He was an extraordinarily minutes to the distinguished gen- take a lesson from Ron Brown because talented man, and because he under- tleman from Ohio [Mr. NEY]. he was truly a decent human being, stood the expanse of his talents, he (Mr. NEY asked and was given per- liked by so many people, including me. gave it all. mission to revise and extend his re- Our condolences also go out to all of Ron exemplified the best of our coun- marks.) the families of those who lost their try, the American spirit of optimism, Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the lives in the terrible tragedy including the refusal to recognize any limits. gentleman from yielding time to me. the families from Glens Falls, NY, my May our country also make that same Mr. Speaker, I also wanted to extend hometown, Claudio Elia, the husband refusal. on behalf of my district and, obviously, April 18, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3591 all the Members of the House, condo- I was appointed to the Democratic politics. He went out of his way to help lences to the family of Ron Brown and National Committee [DNC] by Paul make my Exports Conference a success, all those who were aboard the airplane Kirk, largely at the behest of Ron and I happen to be a Republican. His that crashed in Bosnia. Brown, who shortly thereafter was cho- help with the Export Administration Also, Mr. Speaker, I wanted to point sen as the chairman of the DNC. As Act was invaluable. That bill will in- out that one of my constituents who Chair of the DNC, he is credited with crease our exports by $30 billion. was originally from Zanesville, OH, running a coordinated campaign, which Mr. Speaker, I just want the people Shelly McPeck Kelly, was aboard that not only elected Democrats to the Sen- of this body to know that when Ron plane. She leaves behind a loving fam- ate and House, but helped to elect Bill Brown went overseas, he worked hard. ily in Zanesville, OH. That would be Clinton President of the United States. When he went down with a number of her mother, Shirley Clark, and also her Shorty, thereafter, he was appointed CEO’s to Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, stepfather, Sam Clark, and several sib- Secretary of Commerce, where he did a he worked as many as 35 hours in a row lings. She also leaves behind a loving splendid job for the President and for briefing people, talking to people, and husband, Dennis, and two children, the country. trying to create jobs. Ron Brown did a Sean and Courtney. Ron Brown was the convention man- lot for the economy of this country, Shelly McPeck Kelly was to retire in ager for my father’s Presidential cam- and we are going to miss him. I thank 2 years from the Air Force. She paign in 1988, where he used his bridge- the gentleman for yielding me the achieved the rank of technical ser- building skills to close the gap between time. geant. She was a loyal and devoted wife progressives and the more conservative Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 and a loving mother. She served faith- members of our party. In many ways, minutes to the distinguished gen- fully her Government aboard a U.S. Air even more than business development, tleman from New Jersey [Mr. PAYNE]. Force plane, and also had previously that is Ron Brown’s legacy. He was a (Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey asked and served for the President aboard Air gifted bridge builder—bridging the gaps was given permission to revise and ex- Force One during the Bush administra- of human misunderstanding and fear; tend his remarks.) tion. and building human trust and under- Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. I recognize her service to the coun- standing. Speaker, let me thank the gentleman try, and rise on behalf of the residents Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield from Michigan [Mr. DINGELL] for han- of eastern Ohio to say that we want to 21⁄2 minutes to the distinguished gen- dling this resolution. commend Shelly McPeck Kelly for her tleman from Wisconsin [Mr. ROTH]. Mr. Speaker, last night we held a spe- service to the United States of America Mr. ROTH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the cial orders session to honor our friend during the Bosnia peacekeeping mis- gentleman for yielding time to me. and a great American hero, Ron Brown. sion, and just also say that the resi- Mr. Speaker, I got to know Ron I rise now to join my colleagues in sup- Brown because I serve on the Inter- dents of eastern Ohio join me in honor- porting this resolution paying tribute national Relations Committee, and be- ing the memory of Shelly McPeck to this remarkable public servant. Kelly and send condolences to her fam- cause I also serve as Chairman of the As Secretary of Commerce, Ron ily, as we also send to the family of Congressional Travel and Tourism Cau- Brown was known around the world as cus. Ron Brown had a great sense of Ron Brown and the other devoted and a tireless crusader for fair and free humor. He was also a fellow that loyal Americans aboard that plane. trade. A skilled negotiator, he kept Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 helped Republicans. I hold an exports America’s interests in the forefront minutes to the distinguished gen- conference every year, and over 1,000 while winning the respect of our for- tleman from Illinois [Mr. JACKSON]. people come to that conference each eign competitors. Although Ron Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speak- year. Ron Brown was one of the key- Brown’s life was cut short, it was filled er, I thank the distinguished gen- note speakers at the conference 2 years with extraordinary achievements: U.S. tleman from Michigan [Mr. DINGELL] ago. for yielding this time to me, and for his As I said, he had a great sense of Army captain, vice president of the Na- forthright vision in honoring the late humor. When I spoke with him at the tional Urban League, chief counsel, Secretary of Commerce. White House Conference on Travel and Senate Judiciary Committee, partner Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to Tourism, he said to me, ‘‘You know, in the law firm Patton, Boggs & Blow; join my colleagues in sponsoring this you are my favorite Republican.’’ I was chairman of the Democratic National resolution in honor of Secretary Ron really proud of that until someone told Committee, and his crowning achieve- Brown and the others who lost their me, Ron tells all the Republicans they ment, Secretary of Commerce. lives on Wednesday, April 3. The tragic are his ‘Favorite Republican’.’’ His dynamic energy was the force plane crash and death of Secretary of We have a travel and tourism bill de- that propelled the Commerce Depart- Commerce Ron Brown is a personal veloped from the recommendations of ment forward. He and his energetic loss, as well as a national loss of a the White House conference. The suc- young staff brought billions of dollars great public servant. In addition to cess of that bill is a testimonial to Ron of business home to the United States, being a professional colleague, I was a Brown, because we have 225 cosponsors transforming a lackluster Federal close personal friend, not only of Ron of that legislation. agency into a whirlwind of productive Brown, but of his entire family, his Ron and I also worked together on activity. We take a moment now to say wife Alma, his two children, Tracey another bill, the Export Administra- thank you, Secretary Brown, for being and Michael, and his brother Chip tion Act. For 17 years, Congress was both a dreamer and a doer. Your candle Brown. unable to put together an export ad- has not been extinguished; its light Our prayers are with Ron Brown’s ministration act. Then, I want to Ron continues to burn. family and with all of the families who Brown and said, ‘‘I have to talk to the Our deepest sympathy goes to his lost loved ones in this terrible trag- President about this.’’ Thanks to Ron loving family—his wife, Alma and chil- edy—Bill Morton, Carol Hamilton, Brown, I did have a chance to talk to dren Michael and Tracey and to the Duane Christian, Kathryn Hoffman, President Clinton three times on the families of all of those dedicated Amer- and the others. It is a reminder to all legislation. That bill has been reported icans who died on that fateful mission. of us to be good stewards of the time out of our full committee, and it is We will miss Ron. He was a true and talent that God has given us on waiting for a full House vote in May. American. He was an American who this Earth, and to use it to serve others Ron Brown was a great Democrat, said that we can do it. He opened the to the best of our abilities. and he worked hard for the party. I eyes of this world to what can be done I was with Secretary Ron Brown just think the loss of Ron Brown to Clinton with dedication. Thank you very much a couple of weeks ago at a breakfast is comparable to the loss of Lee for your service. meeting. He came up to me and con- Atwater to President Bush. That is my Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 gratulated me on my election to Con- opinion. That is how much I thought of minutes to the distinguished gen- gress. He said, ‘‘I am so proud of you.’’ Ron Brown. tleman from Connecticut [Mr. SHAYS]. The feeling was mutual, I was also Yes, he was the loyal opposition, but Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the proud of him. he knew when to put aside partisan gentleman for yielding time to me, and H3592 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 18, 1996 I thank my colleague, the gentleman Everything that we have been taught someone who has been so vibrant and been so from Connecticut [Mr. FRANKS], for let- in this country in our history deals wonderful to this country, as well as one who ting me go a bit out of order. with our relationship with England and would have such a great future that was taken away from him so abruptly. Mr. Speaker, I want to pay my sol- with Europe. But now that they have Secretary Brown dedicated his life to his emn and deep respects for Mr. Brown, their Common Market, we have to find country and, ultimately, died in service of it. who was an outstanding chairman of a other places to sell our goods: Central There is no greater love that one can have major political party, the Democrat America, South America, Africa, for one’s country than to die for it. Party, and an outstanding Secretary of China, all of these markets. And we Even though he died at a relatively young Commerce. He was someone who was have to do it in a way that we are not age, Secretary Brown’s accomplishments extraordinarily energetic. I never met were far greater than most people ever so hung up with our European connec- achieve at any age. with him when he was not upbeat and tion as much as we are with our human I realize the feelings of grief that you must excited and very dynamic. I wish to ex- being connection, and that was what feel at this tragic time. However, the love of press my condolences to his wife, Ron Brown was all about. your family and the warmth and sincerity of Alma, and to his two magnificent chil- Ron Brown saw despair. He saw the neighbors, friends and the many people of dren, Michael and Tracy. need for economic development. He our great country who are mourning the loss knew what a job would do for a person of Secretary Brown, will help sustain you in b 1115 the days to come. in terms of family values and dignity This resolution also honors the oth- I know that Secretary Brown’s memory and planning a family and having a will be cherished by the many people whose ers who died in this tragic plane crash place to live. When he went to these lives he touched and affected. in the former Yugoslavia, and I want to countries, he did not just see a place to My prayers are also being sent, Mr. pay particular respect to Robert Dono- sell airplanes. He saw the pain and the Speaker, to the other passengers who van, who was the president and chair- misery and the opportunity to help died in the crash, including the two man of ABB, and, a resident of Fair- build their economy, build friendships families from my State of Connecticut. field, CT. I also want to pay respect to and, of course, while doing that, to cre- Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 his magnificent wife Peg, and his two ate the jobs and the dignity and the minutes to the distinguished gen- children, Kara and Kevin. I learned a disposable income that would be nec- tleman from Maryland [Mr. HOYER]. lot from meeting with them after the essary for trade. Mr. HOYER. I thank my friend from death of their husband and father That is why when I have had the op- Michigan for yielding me the time. about the resilience of a great Amer- portunity and the honor to travel with Mr. Speaker, on April 3 of this year, ican family and how proud he could be him, that he never just stayed with the 33 bright and shining stars of America of his family. I want to pay respect for big shots. He always went out there lost their lives on a mission for their his service to West Point and to his with the beneficiaries, the poor, those Government. Whether they came from country. He was a true great American that sometimes seemed to be without the private sector, the armed services, patriot. hope. Even in South Africa, where he or public service as Ron Brown and his At this time I also want to pay my went to Soweto and spent more time colleagues from Commerce, they were respect to Claudio Elia, who was presi- than I would normally spend to see the all serving America and serving as a dent and chairman of Air and Water people in Soweto, to sing their national shining example to us, all of the best Technology. He was a recent citizen of anthem in his honor and his presence, that is within us. the United States, and I am told by his meant that he did more than just sell I, and a number of my colleagues, wife Susan and his children Mark and goods to these people. He was selling went to Dover Air Force Base to wel- Christine that their father would have the United States of America. come back the 33 caskets containing taken extraordinary joy, pleasure, and I hope those that have targeted the those bodies. Their souls, of course, admiration—they would have been so Commerce Department would realize had gone to God. But as we paid tribute proud to have heard the President of that Ron Brown electrified everybody to them as human beings and expressed the United States call him and the oth- in Commerce. They love their country our sorrow along with their families at ers who went on this dangerous mission and they love what they are going. their leaving, we listened to the Presi- great American patriots. I was in awe Whenever Ron Brown went overseas, dent’s eulogy which was appropriate of this family, the Elia family, in our embassies turned overnight into and, I thought, compelling. He said terms of my conversation and dialog being satellites of the Commerce De- that these 33 lives show us the best of with them, on how they dealt with the partment, and our business people, in- America, and indeed they did. And as death of their husband and father. stead of seeing staid diplomats and am- this resolution does, the President My respects to Mr. Brown and to bassadors, they saw those people that named each and every one of those 33. these two great families. were there making deals for them. Ron Brown was, as he was to so Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 I hope as this Congress moves for- many, my friend. I particularly re- minutes to the distinguished gen- ward and we have to go to the North member an incident where we were tleman from New York [Mr. RANGEL]. American free trade countries and we going to Los Angeles to speak, and he (Mr. RANGEL asked and was given have to go to China and Japan, that we had arrived at Dulles on an airplane, permission to revise and extend his re- really give other Americans the oppor- and I had gone there from here, and he marks.) tunities and change the complexion lit- had a very short connection. We got on Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, let me erally of the State Department, as the plane and we were flying to Los thank my friend from Michigan for Commerce has changed, and give Angeles, and he had to speak that managing this bill for my dear friend America a better chance to show how night at 5 o’clock and, lo and behold, Ron Brown. good we really are. his bags had not followed him and he One of the questions that I have Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 was in casual clothes. found most difficult to answer was minutes to the distinguished gen- Now, Ron Brown was not one to what made Ron Brown so different. I tleman from Connecticut [Mr. speak in casual clothes, as we will re- have to admit that I do not really have FRANKS]. call. Luckily, I had two suits in my the answer, but one of the things that Mr. FRANKS of Connecticut. I thank bag, so we went in the men’s room at I think that made him different was the gentleman from Michigan for yield- the Denver Airport, and there we were, the depth of which he loved this coun- ing me the time this morning. a black man and white man exchanging try and the fact that the country gave Mr. Speaker, I would like to read a suits and dressing to speak that night. him an opportunity to show just how letter that I sent to Alma Brown, Mi- I am sure a lot of people said, ‘‘What’s good he was. chael, and Tracy and the other mem- going on here?’’ When you think about that, you have bers of the Brown family: Ron Brown spoke that night, and he to take a look at the history of our It is with great sorrow that I write this let- said, ‘‘I’m Ron Brown, but this is country, where we were and where we ter of condolence to all the members of your STENY HOYER’s suit.’’ He was so ele- are going, and was Ron Brown not the extended family. Losing a family member is gant, I am sure that he thought my right guy at the right time. always difficult, particularly when it is suit was not quite up to his standards. April 18, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3593 Ron Brown contributed greatly to land, help to heal a people of their hatreds, more than any other reminds us that life is this country in so many different ways. help to bring a better tomorrow through more than what we know, life is more than Yes, he was as shining an example of honest work and shared enterprise. They what we can understand, life is more than, what a Secretary of Commerce ought know what their country had given them and sometimes, even we can bear. But life is also they gave it back with a force, an energy, an eternal. For each of these 33 of our fellow to be as any in history, but he was optimism that every one of us can be proud Americans and the two fine Croatians that much more than that. He was, as so of. fell with them, their day on Earth was too many of my colleagues have indicated, They were outstanding business leaders short, but for our country men and women a representation of what America is all who gave their employees and their cus- we must remember that what they did while about and what its best instincts tomers their very best. They were brave the sun was out will last with us forever. produce. members of our military, dedicated to pre- If I may now, I would like to read the Ron Brown was indeed a happy war- serving our freedom and advancing Ameri- names of all of them, in honor of their lives, rior. He was the embodiment of the joy ca’s cause. their service and their families: There was a brilliant correspondent, com- Staff Sergeant Gerald Aldrich of politics. Ron Brown, for all the mitted to helping Americans better under- Ronald Brown young people of America, ought to be stand this complicated new world we live in. Duane Christian an example that there are no barriers And there were public servants, some of Barry Conrad too high, no mountains too hard to them still in the fresh springtime of their Paul Cushman III climb that should preclude you from years, who gave nothing less than everything Adam Darling accomplishing all that your character they had, because they believed in the nobil- Captain Ashley James Davis ity of public service. Gail Dobert and your energy and your commitment And there was a noble Secretary of Com- Robert Donovan will allow you to accomplish. merce who never saw a mountain he couldn’t Claudio Eli a The President of the United States, climb or a river he couldn’t build a bridge Staff Sergeant Robert Farrington, Jr. as he closed the eulogy in Dover on across. David Ford April 6, said this: All of them were so full of possibility. Even Carol Hamilton Today we bring their bodies back home to as we grieve for what their lives might have Kathryn Hoffman America, but their souls are surely at home been, let us celebrate what their lives were, Lee Jackson with God. We welcome them home. We miss for their public achievements and their pri- Stephen Kaminski them. We ask God to be with them and their vate victories of love and kindness and devo- Katherine Kellogg families. tion are things that no one—no one—could Technical Sergeant Shelly Kelly do anything but treasure. James Lewek The President said that we ought to These 33 lives show us the best of America. Frank Maier pray that God bless America. And God They are a stern rebuke to the cynicism that Charles Meissner did bless America. He did so through is all too familiar today. For as family after William Morton the lives of these 33 shining examples family after family told the Vice President Walter Murphy of the best of America. and Hillary and me today, their loved ones Lawrence Payne Mr. Speaker, I include the remarks of were proud of what they were doing, they be- Nathaniel Nash Leonard Pieroni the President on April 6 at this point lieved in what they were doing, they believed in this country, they believed we could make Captain Timothy Schafer in the RECORD. a difference. How silly they make cynicism John Scoville REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AND BRIGADIER seem. And, more important, they were a I. Donald Terner GENERAL WILLIAM J. DEDINGER, DEPUTY glowing testimonial to the power of individ- P. Stuart Tholan CHIEF OF CHAPLAINS, AT CEREMONY HONOR- uals who improved their own lives and ele- Technical Sergeant Cheryl Ann Turnage ING THE AMERICANS WHO ACCOMPANIED SEC- vate the lives of others and make a better fu- Naomi Warbasse RETARY OF COMMERCE RON BROWN TO CRO- ture for others. These 33 people loved Amer- Robert Al Whittaker ATIA ica enough to use what is best about it in Today we bring their bodies back home to BRIGADIER GENERAL DEDINGER. Let us pray. their own lives, to try to help solve a prob- America, but their souls are surely at home Almighty God, source of all comfort and con- lem a long, long way from home. with God. We welcome them home. We miss solation, we ask your blessing as we receive At the first of this interminable week, Ron them. We ask God to be with them and their the victims of this tragic accident. Though Brown came to the White House to visit with families. we walk through the valley of death and me and the Vice President and a few others. God bless you all, and God bless our be- grief, we fear no evil, for you are with us And at the end of the visit he was bubbling loved nation. Amen. with your comfort and consolation. You al- with enthusiasm about this mission. And he Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 ways prepare a table of refreshment for us, went through all the people from the Com- minute to the distinguished gentleman and surely your goodness and mercy will up- merce Department who were going. And then from Illinois [Mr. HYDE]. hold us in our grief and sorrow in these days. he went through every single business leader (Mr. HYDE asked and was given per- Help us always to remember these public that was going. And he said, you know, I’ve servants, ever mindful of their willingness to taken so many of these missions to advance mission to revise and extend his re- share their talents and wisdom, not only America’s economic interest and to generate marks.) with their own nation, but also with people jobs for Americans; these business people are Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I did not seeking to recover from the ravages of war. going on this mission because they want to have the honor of personally knowing May their example renew our personal vision use the power of the American economy to Ron Brown, but I knew him by reputa- of public service. Lord, give us this day a save the peace in the Balkans. tion and by watching him work with new hope, as we feel despair; new light, as we That is a noble thing. Nearly 5,000 miles flair and gusto in a very important job. sense darkness; deeper compassion, as we ex- from home, they went to help people build He was a great role model for every- perience loss. May this hope, this light, this their own homes and roads, to turn on the compassion heal the brokenness of our lights in cities darkened by war, to restore body. He was indeed a marvel. hearts and minds. the everyday interchange of people working One searches tragedies for some This we ask in you holy name. Amen. and living together with something to look meaning or for some glimmer of good. THE PRESIDENT. My fellow Americans, forward to and a dream to raise their own Out of Ron Brown’s tragic end and out today we come to a place that has seen too children by. You know, we can say a lot of of the deaths of his passengers, it many sad, silent homecomings. For this is things, because these people were many seems to me we can take comfort in where we in America bring home our own— things to those who loved them. But I say to the fact that he died as a public serv- those who have given their lives in the serv- all of you, to every American, they were all ant and elevated the category of public ice of their country. patriots, whether soldiers or civil servants or The 33 fine Americans we meet today, on committed citizens, they were patriots. service through his sacrifice and their last journey home, ended their lives on In their memory and in their honor, let us through his example. And those of us a hard mountain a long way from home. But rededicate our lives to our country and to who are very concerned about the low in a way they never left America. On their our fellow citizens; in their memory and in estate and esteem that public service mission of peace and hope, they carried with their honor, let us resolve to continue their has in people’s minds, it seems to me them America’s spirit, what our greatest mission of peace and healing and progress. can take some consolation. martyr. Abraham Lincoln, called ‘‘the last, We must not let their mission fail. And we God bless Ron Brown and his family best hope of earth.’’ will not let their mission fail. Our loved ones and friends loved their The sun is going down on this day. The and all of those on the plane. country and they loved serving their coun- next time it rises it will be Easter morning, Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 try. They believed that America, through a day that marks the passage from loss and minutes to the distinguished gen- their efforts, could help to restore a broken despair to hope and redemption, a day that tleman from Tennessee [Mr. FORD]. H3594 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 18, 1996 b 1130 Ron reached out to me and befriended I simply wanted to be one of the Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I want to me, and for the past 12 years that Members who rose in support of this thank my friend from Michigan for friendship continued. resolution and to express my condo- yielding me 2 minutes. Most recently at home on a Sunday lences to the Brown family and the Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to sup- he called me to talk about preserving families of all the other brave Ameri- port the resolution that is before the the international trade functions at cans who lost their lives in this tragic House today in tribute to Secretary the Department of Commerce, a func- accident. Ron Brown and other Americans who tion that he exercised as well as any Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 met their untimely death. Secretary of Commerce in history, I minutes to my good friend and col- Ron Brown, and I really associate think better than any Secretary of league, the gentleman from Georgia myself first with all of the remarks Commerce in history. [Mr. BISHOP]. that have been made so far on this res- As Ron was so good at doing, he Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, history olution before the House, and we all reached out to me again and found will remember Ron Brown as one of the were saddened with the death of Ron common ground, in this case our mu- most dynamic, creative and brilliant Brown and others, for this Nation to tual back problems we were experienc- leaders to ever serve in a Presidential know that Ron Brown was a good pub- ing. Unfortunately, my back surgery Cabinet. These characteristics stand out lic servant, that Ron Brown not only kept me away from his funeral last strong and clear in the many articles served his Nation well, but I was a week. reviewing his career that were pub- neighbor of Ron Brown’s. That is true TOBY ROTH said he called him his fa- lished after the plane crash that took for Alma and Tracy, along with Mike vorite Republican, and apparently he called some other Republicans that. He his life and the lives of the staff Mem- and the two grandchildren. bers and business leaders accompany- Being a neighbor, I guess for the past never called me that, but he did call ing him on that fatal trip to the former 15 years here in the D.C. area, to know me his friend, and I cherish that, and Yugoslavia. Ron Brown and his family, and to see will cherish that forever. Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 One national magazine, Jet, featured and to watch how he was able to de- a number of photographs of Ron Brown minutes to the distinguished gentle- velop such a great family and a good at work. They showed Ron Brown in woman from Georgia [Ms. MCKINNEY]. support system for that family, and he China, in Japan, in South Africa, in Ms. MCKINNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise was a good neighbor. Ron kept the Egypt, in Saudi Arabia, in Israel, in today in support of this resolution, and neighborhood upbeat. He was one who Gaza, in Russia, in Germany, in Chile, I would like to thank the Democratic was always available and had time for in Indonesia, and in Bosnia, just hours leader and the Speaker for bringing young people. before the crash on the mountain top. I can say that, because I have three this measure to the floor today. He seemed to be everywhere during First, I wish to extend my condo- sons myself, and my three sons have those few busy years he served as Sec- been somewhat raised in the presence lences to the Brown family and to the retary of Commerce, the first African- of Ron Brown, and to know of his lead- families of all those who went down on American to hold that office, even ership and to know of his character and that fateful flight. Their loss is our coming to the Second District of Geor- to know of his smartness. He was ex- loss, and America mourns the passing gia to deliver the commencement ad- tremely bright while he was there at of some of our best and brightest. dress at Albany State College. the law firm here in the District. Mr. Speaker, I personally admired In a span of less than 3 years, he He went on to become the chairman Ron Brown as a role model and as a made 15 trade missions to more than 25 of the Democratic National Commit- public servant. Moreover, his work countries. These trips produced a tee. Then I was on the plane with him touched the lives of my constituents record 80 billion dollars’ worth of new going to my hometown in Memphis who benefited from his vision of im- business contracts for U.S. made goods back in 1992, the end of 1992, when he proving the lives of working families and services. His work in foreign trade was called by the President-elect Clin- through investments and exports. led to a 26-percent increase in U.S. ex- ton to be offered a Cabinet slot in the Ron Brown exemplified everything ports. But he also worked to enhance administration. We had that 2-hour we as Democrats believe in and stand minority business enterprise in Amer- flight. He left Memphis and went to the for. His belief in the human spirit and ica and abroad. Little Rock area. the American dream permeated every Vice President GORE called him the But to hear him and listen to him, aspect of his life. His unwavering com- greatest Commerce Secretary in his- and to know he was about serving this passion and concern for the less fortu- tory. But it was not just political allies Nation, and to see Ron Brown as a cor- nate was the moral compass by which who recognized his extraordinary abil- porate giant, leading corporate Amer- he guided his work. As Democrats, we ity. Senator DOLE described him as a ican into other ventures throughout have lost one of our party’s finest. tireless advocate for American business the world, and to create jobs and to Mr. Speaker, it is not often that I get and a gifted leader. bring huge dollar amounts into this to meet the likes of a Ron Brown. Born in Washington, DC, and raised country, as a neighbor and as a friend Moreover, I am proud to have known in Harlem, Ron Brown was gifted at ev- and as a Member of this body, I would him and appreciate what he has done erything he did, as a student at say that he made a great contribution for my constituents, for my party, and Middlebury College and St. John’s Uni- to mankind, he made a great contribu- for my country. versity, as an Army officer in Germany tion to America, and Ron Brown will A young woman from Atlanta was and Korea, as an official and social be missed.We are certainly praying for also on that plane, Kathryn Hoffman. worker with the National Urban the family and other family members My condolences are extended to her League, as a senatorial aide and chief of the other deceased persons. family and to her friends. counsel for the Senate Judiciary Com- Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 I was recently asked by a journalist mittee, as chairman of the Democratic minute to the distinguished gentleman about the loss of Ron Brown, a black National Committee, as an attorney in from Ohio [Mr. PORTMAN]. leader. I corrected that journalist. Ron a leading law firm, and as Secretary of Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Brown was an American leader. Commerce, and as a friend. the gentleman for giving me the oppor- Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield Many of the articles about Ron tunity to speak. 30 seconds to my good friend and col- Brown’s career referred to him as a I was over at my office and I heard league, the gentleman from North trailblazer. This was certainly true, this, and I wanted to be here. Twelve Carolina [Mr. WATT]. and the trails he blazed brought jobs years ago, fresh out of law school, I Mr. WATT of North Carolina. Mr. and a more secure economy for all worked with Ron Brown as an inter- Speaker, all of those of us who were Americans. He will be sorely missed. national trade lawyer. At the time I friends of Ron Brown certainly have Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield was doing volunteer work for then Vice their own personal stories, and I have such time as he may consume to the President Bush. So clearly we were on mine, but I will not take the time to gentleman from North Carolina [Mr. opposite sides of the political aisle. Yet dwell in personal stories. HEFNER]. April 18, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3595 (Mr. HEFNER asked and was given another American that I have ever met During this time of remembrance, I would permission to revise and extend his re- in my lifetime who has worked as hard, like to pay tribute to an Air Force pilot who lost marks.) who has had such a strong commit- his life serving our country, Capt. Ashley J. Mr. HEFNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in ment to country, than Ron Brown. Davis. Captain Davis was from my hometown, strong support of the resolution and Mr. Speaker, I stand before the House Baton Rouge, LA. A victim of the tragic plane thank the gentleman for bringing it today to say that Ron Brown was in- crash which ended the lives of 33 Americans forth. We have lost a dear friend. deed a scholar, a leader, and a role who were serving their country, Captain Davis' Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 model, for people all across this coun- mission was to pilot the dignitaries who visited minute to the distinguished gentleman try. Europe. He was chosen for the job just 18 from Michigan [Mr. LEVIN]. The last time Ron Brown and I had months ago, over 38 other pilots. I offer my Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, the out- an opportunity to sit down and talk condolences to Captain Davis' family. He is pouring of feeling after Ron Brown’s was actually in the Fourth Congres- survived by his wife Debra, and two children. death was unique. It was a tribute to sional District. I called him at the De- A man of great spirit and patriotism, I know his Ron, to his capacity for friendship, to partment of Commerce and said, Mr. family and friends will miss him. The Air Force his verve, his zest for life, his intel- Secretary, I want you to come to Lou- has also suffered a great loss in his untimely ligence, his caring. It was also a trib- isiana and talk about economic devel- death during his dedicated service to our ute to Ron Brown’s America. opment. And right off the cuff he just country. Today, I extend my prayers to this Ron Brown’s life showed that there said, I will be there. And in about 30 family as well as the families of all the persons are almost no limits to opportunity in minutes, he called back and said, I will who lost their lives in Croatia. America. You have to work for it. But be there in about 3 weeks. Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise we often talk about the limitlessness of So I want to thank the Ron Brown today to commemorate former Secretary of opportunity, It is not always quite family. I also want to give a special Commerce, Ron Brown. true. Ron tried so hard to make it true. tribute to a family from Louisiana. Throughout the past several days I have Like so many other dear friends of The pilot of that plane was from my heard the accomplishments of Ron Brown Ron Brown, I have mourned his death. home State of Louisiana, Ashley Davis. extolled by my colleagues. Americans every- I miss of him every day. To his wife and to his two little chil- where, and especially those who were close to Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 dren, we want to say that we offer our Ron are deeply affected by this tragedy. Ron minute to the distinguished gentleman condolences to them and to all of the was much more than a great chairman of the from Connecticut [Mr. GEJDENSON]. families of those who lost their lives in Democratic Party and Secretary of Commerce, Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, Ron this tragic accident. To them we say he was a true pioneer and an inspirational Brown, who was a good friend of many God bless you, and we will pray for human being. years, and I appeared on a program you. I feel extremely fortunate to have known about 3 weeks into his position as Sec- Mr. Speaker, I do not think it is possible for Ron as a personal friend. Ron began to serve retary of Commerce, and I was some- everyone to fully comprehend what a loss the as chair of the Democratic Party around the what nervous for my friend, because Nation will suffer without the late Commerce time I became chair of the Democratic Con- the breadth and depth of areas covered Secretary Ron H. Brown. Not only was he a gressional Campaign Committee. Ron exhib- by the Commerce Department are so champion for the domestic and international ited unwavering optimism in the face of adver- vast. Within 3 weeks he had mastered development of American business, but also, sity and inspired others to do the same. the area of high-technology licensing and more importantly, his extraordinary char- Through his tireless efforts, Ron Brown re- and exports to a degree which most acter was an invaluable asset to the U.S. Gov- stored the Democratic Party to greatness and secretaries had not at the completion ernment. Every project he touched was ap- brought a Democrat back to the White House. of their term, his interest length was proached with a tireless devotion and a pro- Ron was the type of person who consist- such and his intensity and commit- found understanding of the initiative's impact ently exceeded people's expectations. As ment to the areas he was in charge of. on the Nation's economy. He led by example, Commerce Secretary, Ron single-handedly He knew his job, he executed it with urging others to work as partners instead of defined his role. He succeeded in promoting dignity and grace and with an energy competitors to maximize opportunities. American business and boosting exports to that ought to inspire everyone in both Truly, this man was in the business of build- new heights. the public and private sector. ing bridges and reinforcing existing relation- Ron Brown was a pioneer in every sense of He fought for the economic strength ships to ensure opportunities for advancement the word. He spent his life overcoming obsta- of this country from every working of large and small business interests alike. cles and opening up new doors for others to man and woman’s point of view. He Under his leadership, all facets of the Com- follow. His death occurred while he was cul- wanted to make sure there were jobs so merce Department flourished and enjoyed the tivating the seeds of economic growth and that each American would have the benefits of innovative policies. He was instru- creating greater opportunities for a country kind of opportunity he had made for mental in developing a comprehensive and co- ravaged by war. himself. ordinated plan for bringing together the many Ron Brown will be long remembered for the He was a friend, he was incredibly ca- elements of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Ad- tremendous service he provided to his coun- pable. I cannot imagine that there is ministration; he sought to improve patent and try. However, I will miss him as a close friend. anyone who will serve in that capacity trademark protection of U.S. interests in intel- Adam Darling, a 29-year-old Commerce De- who will have the energy and intellect lectual property; he worked diligently for tele- partment employee was also among those that Ron Brown had. communications reform to create a competitive who perished in the crash. Darling had worked The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- marketplace and to illuminate how technology at the Department since 1993 and had helped tleman from Michigan [Mr. DINGELL] can alleviate geographic barriers and enhance plan the trip to the region. A former Davis, CA has 11⁄2 minutes remaining. education; he instituted a long-term plan to as- resident and graduate of the University of Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield sist the New England fishing industryÐthe list Pennsylvania, Darling had a promising future the balance of the time to the distin- goes on and on. ahead of him. My deepest sympathy goes out guished gentleman from Louisiana [Mr. A man of firsts, Ron Brown was the first Af- to Adam's family. FIELDS]. rican-American chairman of the Democratic Tim Schaefer, a Sacramento native, was (Mr. FIELDS of Louisiana asked and National Committee and the first African-Amer- among the six Air Force crew members who was given permission to revise and ex- ican to hold the office of U.S. Secretary of perished in the accident. Schaefer, the plane's tend his remarks.) Commerce. He worked tirelessly to promote copilot, had earned a degree in mechanical Mr. FIELDS of Louisiana. Mr. Speak- the Commerce Department's mission of long- engineering from California State University, er, I want to thank the gentleman for term economic growthÐto him we owe a debt Sacramento. Also among the crew was Capt. yielding me time. of gratitude for our Nation's prosperity. At a Ashley J. Davis. Both men had been stationed Mr. Speaker, Ron Brown was a very time when diversity seems to be a dividing at Beale AFB. I salute these members of the personal friend of mine. I had an oppor- force in this country, Ron Brown demonstrated armed services who paid the ultimate price to tunity to meet him on a Presidential that diversity is our Nation's greatest asset. It serve their country. campaign in 1988, where he and I shared is in this spirit that I offer these words of trib- Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to many platforms together. There is not ute. honor Ron Brown, the United States Secretary H3596 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 18, 1996 of Commerce who was killed in a tragic acci- panies and the workers they employ. Ron White House after losing three straight na- dent on April 3, 1996. He and 35 other victims Brown will forever be remembered as being a tional elections. died when their plane went down on a stormy success at this task. Last summer, Ron Brown traveled to my evening in Croatia. He was serving as a dip- The people who died aboard that plane congressional district to attend the closing lomat in the war-torn area, analyzing the econ- gave the ultimate sacrifice in the name of de- ceremony of the Special Olympics in New omy and what actions needed to be taken in mocracy and a global free market. Prosperity Haven. We spent the glorious Connecticut the former Yugoslavia in order to spur eco- and economic hope are essential in bringing morning touring events and had a great time nomic growth to secure the peace. long-term peace and security to that region of with those wonderful Special Olympians who Ron Brown was indeed an asset to the Unit- the world. Ron Brown and the other individ- shared Ron's never-give-up spirit. ed States. He was one of the ambitious, spe- uals on that plane knew this and recognized Mr. Speaker, Ron Brown lived the American cial people who is capable of performing mul- their role in spreading our Nation's democratic dream and served as an inspirational role tiple roles in their lives while at the same time and free-market beliefs around the globe. model for America's youth. Our country has succeeding in all arenas and remaining true to My heart goes out to each and every family lost a great leader. their ideology. member of those who died in that tragic crash. I also want to convey my condolences to Ron Brown was a vocal and successful civil In this time of great sadness, these families the friends and families of Robert Donovan, rights advocate, political strategist, corporate should know that as Americans their loved the chief executive officer of ABB, Inc., lawyer, and propagator of American business ones will be missed, as patriots they will never headquartered in Norwalk, CT, and Claudio interests. be forgotten. Elia, the chairman and chief executive officer He tirelessly campaigned to make the inter- Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, ``Fanfare to of Air and Water Technologies Corp. in ests of American businesses a foreign policy the Common Man'' was played triumphantly at Branchburg, NJ, who lived in Greenwich, CT. goal. He certainly deserves credit and thanks the funeral of the late Commerce Secretary, In addition, the Nation lost many fine, dedi- for market expansion. Ronald H. Brown. His family could have cated people in this tragedy who gave their It is because of his success in multiple are- played some horn tooting type music, in view lives in an attempt to heal a nation and a nas and in the international community that of the facts that Mr. Brown was truly a suc- world ravaged by war. Connecticut and the the United States and the world mourn to- cessful, high stakes Washington player and an Nation mourn the loss. gether. Today we should all take a moment to overachiever in many respects. However, they Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to remember the career and the man we lost. know Ron would not have wanted it any other join my colleagues in tribute to a truly remark- Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, on April 3, 1996 way. able man, the late Honorable Ron Brown. Ron the United States lost a leader. Secretary of Ron Brown did not see himself as a Demo- Brown was a prominent black American who Commerce Ronald H. Brown inspired us all cratic power broker or jet setter or trailblazer dedicated his life to building a better world for with his ability to bring together people from like we did. He saw himself as a middle-class all people. Blessed with many talents and op- different backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures to kid who grew up in Harlem that loved the find and achieve a goal for the common good. portunities, Ron used them wisely and he He inspired us by his commitment to finding basic things in life: family, friends, work, and shared his gifts generously. opportunities for U.S. businesses overseas, country. He was passionate about each. He Ron Brown was a compassionate man who recognizing that our country's trade deficit is was also passionately devoted to ensuring thrived on challenge. He blazed new trails and harmful to our domestic economy and the jobs that everyone got an opportunity, a chance to often was the first black American in his field. Americans want and need. do better. He believed in opportunity so much Ron was the first black member of his college Because of his leadership, many California that he insisted that his Commerce Depart- fraternity, the first black counsel for the Senate technology firms have increased their sales to ment staff memorize a one-sentence mission Judiciary Committee, the first black chairman foreign countries, which has increased em- statement. It reads: ``The mission of the De- of the Democratic Party, and the first black ployment and a rebounding California econ- partment of Commerce is to ensure economic Secretary of the Department of Commerce. omy. According to the Joint Venture's Index of opportunity for every American.'' We should all Ron had a charming manner and a graceful Silicon Valley, 46,000 jobs have been added agree that this is still a noble cause. style. He showed a deftness for overcoming to our region since 1992. The semiconductor Mr. Brown set several honorable examples the odds and doing some impossible things. industry, which has endured years of job loss for people from different walks in life. He en- When many experts and political pundits said due to a trade deficit with Japan, showed a couraged young people to strive and reach for it could not be done, Ron rejuvenated the gain of 4,300 jobs between 1994 and 1995. the gold. And indeed, he practiced what he Democratic Party and spearheaded the cam- Business confidence of Santa Clara County preached, he had several raising stars on that paign that elected Bill Clinton President, and companies reached an all-time high of 73 per- ill-fated plane with him. He encouraged CEO's when Ron did these things he made it look cent in 1995. and business leaders to lend their expertise easy. Secretary Brown advocated effectively for for the improvement of cities in our country Ron Brown had the courage of convictions economic and employment improvements in and in foreign lands. On that plane were busi- that inspired others to join in his crusades. He Silicon Valley, and this is just part of his leg- ness leaders from across the country. Ron shared his vision and his faith in a brighter fu- acy. Members of Congress, the administration, Brown always did what he could to provide an ture. He was a force for unification of diverse business leaders, and citizens must work to opportunity for everyone, everywhere. groups and the resolution of conflict among preserve this legacy of proactive work on be- We each will remember Ronald Brown, in them. His last mission was dedicated to re- half of the people of our country. our own way, but collectively we will remem- building a war torn land and I am sure he America will miss his leadership. I will miss ber him as a great, inspiring American. would have made a great contribution to the his friendship of almost two decades. Sec- Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay rebuilding of Bosnia if only he had lived a little retary Brown gave his life while serving his tribute to Ron Brown and to express my deep longer. country. God rest his good soul. sorrow and sincerest condolences to his won- Ron lived his life sowing the seeds of peace Ms. DUNN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, derful family. Ron Brown was my friend, and and hope. He left this world way too soon, but today I wish to pay tribute to Commerce Sec- he was a great American. he left it better than he found it. We will long retary Ronald H. Brown and the 32 other As Secretary of the Commerce Department, feel the force of Ron Brown's smiling spirit and Americans who lost their lives when their Ron Brown played an instrument role in imple- long celebrate the legacy of good will he left plane crash near Dubrovnik, Croatia, on April menting the administration's economic plan behind. 3, 1996. that has created 8.4 million jobs nationwide Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Throughout his tenure as Commerce Sec- since taking office. He was a major force be- honor the memory of a very special man, Ron- retary, Ron Brown successfully worked on be- hind job creation efforts and the chief architect ald H. Brown. Most Americans will remember half of American companies and their workers of high-technology initiatives to provide greater him as the Secretary of Commerce. However, in opening doors to the global market. For employment opportunities for working Ameri- he was much more. He was the personifica- many companies in my home State of Wash- cans. tion of the concept of a bridgebuilder. ington, Secretary Brown was instrumental in Previously, Ron Brown served as chairman In his role as the Secretary of Commerce, promoting our products and cultivating new of the Democratic National Committee. He Ron constantly promoted American trade. His and/or improved business relationships with was the first African-American in history to zeal was premised upon the notion that if the our international neighbors. head a major national political party. At the commerce of the United States thrived it The most important role of any Commerce DNC, Ron Brown rebuilt the party and laid the would directly translate to increased economic Secretary is the promotion of American com- groundwork for the Democrats to win back the vitality for our Nation. Ron, who never forgot April 18, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3597 where he came from, knew that his efforts several special election victories despite great cate of business and job creation for all Ameri- would result in jobs for the common man. obstacles. He was a great communicator and cans, Ron Brown was a leader, a visionary, As chairman of the Democratic National a great cheerleader who also understood the and a dreamer of what America could and Committee, Ron Brown set the stage for a re- nuts and bolts of winning campaigns. should be. But most importantly, was a pas- surgence of the Democratic Party. This is a Seldom in America does one man so grace- sionate advocate for expanding equal oppor- resounding testament to his ability, for it was fully transcend the racial chasm. Ronald H. tunity to all Americans. under his leadership that the Democratic Party Brown did, and in his journey, he deeply In a world with too few heroes, we have lost was able to elect Bill Clinton as President. touched the heart and soul of a nation. As our a true American hero. Ron accomplished this task on the heels of Secretary of Commerce, he was our corporate Ron Brown was truly a man who viewed three consecutive Presidential defeats of ambassador to the world. As the chairman of politics as the art of the possible. Ron Brown's Democratic candidates. the splintered, fractious Democratic Party, he legacy will far outlast most of usÐhis unique His memory deserves more than the mere was the glue that held it together, and in so and enviable ability to bring people together to recognition of his official position. For his title doing, delivered the White House and became find a common goal. was but a small reflection of what he was. the most beloved chairman in history. You had to know Ron Brown on a personal Drive, tenacity, compassion, and loyalty were Ron Brown was undaunted and unfazed by level to understand his unique abilityÐhis in- his trademarks. Most of us hope to attain all challenges. Being a first was not unusual for telligence, his boundless energy, his strong of these attributes. Few of us attain them with him. He was the first African-American in his will, his resilience, his ability to grasp complex the proper balance. And even fewer attain college fraternity, the first African-American ideas and to advocate them in a way that al- these attributes and are able to parlay them counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee, ways brought people together. into avenues for even greater achievement. and the list goes on. Ron was a trailblazer and But you also had to appreciate how Ron Ronald H. Brown was one of these rare indi- an eternal optimist. He saw no mountain that Brown took on each and every opportunity viduals. couldn't be climbed or moved or conquered. with a spring in his step, a twinkle in his eye, Whitney Young once said, ``We can't * * * The Nation has lost a great leader and and a smile on his face. It's been said before, sit and wait for somebody else. We must go statesman. I join Ron's many colleagues and but Ron Brown was Will Rogers in reverse: aheadÐalone if necessary.'' Ron Brown was a friends not in mourning his death, but in cele- you never met anyone who didn't like Ron trailblazer and a visionary. He never waited for brating his life, his accomplishments, his style, Brown. opportunities, he created them. Because of and his spirit. Ronald H. Brown will be missed, Ron Brown had a passion for achievement this, all American people have benefited. but never forgotten. that you rarely see in individuals, and he was Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, Ron Brown was Mr. MCDADE. Mr. Speaker, I want to join an extraordinarily gifted man. I will always a renaissance politician, a jack of all trades my colleagues from both sides of the aisle consider myself fortunate to have known Ron who mastered them all. He was a mentor for today in paying tribute to former Commerce Brown as a friend. seasoned professional politicians and he was Secretary Ronald H. Brown and the 34 others He will indeed be remembered as a patriot qualified to tutor most of us. Ron used his who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash on and a friend, and we will miss him dearly. considerable influence and charm to become April 3 in Croatia. Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is a sad re- an extraordinary fundraiser for the Democratic I had the privilege of personally knowing sponsibility to rise to join with my colleagues Party. From the complex job of raising money Ron Brown. I respected and liked him as a in paying tribute to an outstanding public serv- to the details of election day engineering, Ron dedicated public servant, an individual of the ant who has been lost to us all too pre- performed with great enthusiasm. highest caliber, and a man of great intellectual maturely and in support of House Resolution I first met Ron Brown in Chicago while cam- ability. A man of his abilities and experience, 406. paigning for Harold Washington for mayor of who possessed such tremendous personal Secretary of Commerce, Ron Brown, Chicago. Former Majority Whip Bill Gray, Ron, characteristics, will be greatly missed. throughout his many years of public serviceÐ and I were on a campaign swing through the Ron Brown leaves behind a legacy of and let there be no mistake that he did indeed public housing projects on Chicago's South- achievement in the military, political, govern- contribute many years of public serviceÐwas side. At that time, Ron was working with a ment, and business arenas that few people well known for his outstanding personality, his well-known, prestigious, and powerful law firm can match. He led an extraordinary life and determined professionalism, and perhaps, in Washington. However, on that day, he was we are all saddened by the loss of this tal- most importantly of all, his charming sense of simply Ron the loyal friend, campaigning for a ented, exceptional, and energetic man. humor which won him the admiration of politi- fellow Democrat. We went into huge, tall, cold My sympathy and condolences go to his cal allies and adversaries alike. concrete buildings and walked on floors which wife and two children and to all of the families Ron Brown, before entering the public lime- seemed to be completely out of this world. of those who died in this tragic accident. As light, was well known as political mover and The deterioration and garbage inside the Americans, we all mourn the loss of life and shaker behind the scenes here on Capitol Hill. halls were unbelievable even to a poor boy note the sacrifice of these individuals who died While serving on the staff of Senator EDWARD like me whose father had never earned more in the service to their country. KENNEDY of Massachusetts, he learned the im- than the minimum wage. I had lived in some Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. portance of compassion in legislation, the im- of the poorest neighborhoods of Memphis and Speaker, I wish to join my colleagues, Mr. portance of compromise, and the importance worked in some of the poorest neighborhoods GEPHARDT and Ms. MEEK, in support of the of consensus. in New York, but never had I seen such de- resolution in tribute to Secretary of Commerce As Secretary of Commerce, Ron Brown was spair. The only glimmer of light we saw in Ron Brown and the 32 other patriotic Ameri- an inspiration to us all. He genuinely cared those highrise urban tunnels were the Harold cans, including several from my State of Mas- about the business community of this Nation, Washington posters that the residents waved sachusetts, who lost their lives on St. John's and understood that a strong economy is the at us when they saw our familiar signs. We Hill outside of Dubrovnik, Croatia. cornerstone of national strength. had connected with the most oppressed Ron Brown was truly a living American hero, It was in pursuit of expanding trade opportu- among us. As my eyes met Ron's he broke and his loss will be sorely missedÐand my nities in that part of the world which used to into his signature smile: ``This is what politics heart goes out to his lovely wife Alma and his be called Yugoslavia that Ron gave his life. has got to be all about,'' he said as we loving children, Michael and Tracy. I will miss The tragic and untimely death of Ron Brown plunged into the crowd of outstretched hands Ron dearly. He was a colleague and a friend is a reminder that those who devote their lives and marched through the halls reminding folks of more than 20 years, and his loss is a per- to public service are in just as much jeopardy that tomorrow was the day to go out and elect sonal one. as are those who volunteer for the battlefield. the first African-American mayor of Chicago. In an era where cynicism too often wins out The fact that 33 young public servants also Ron Brown was the unifying force behind over optimism, where fear too often conquers gave their lives with Ron Brown only under- the most successful and conflict-free conven- hope, and where the art of politics is seen by scores his ability to inspire others, especially tion the Democrats have had in nearly two most in a less-than-admirable light, Ron young people, to public service. These de- decades. Ron was a star who kept his poise, Brown showed that public service is indeed an voted young people deserve our admiration. kept peace among the many party factions, honorable profession. It is with deep regret that I learned that one and made the Democratic National Committee Whether in his service to his country in the of those 33 victims was a constituent in my an effective force to be reckoned with in poli- U.S. Army, as a leader in the civil rights move- 20th Congressional District of New York. Lee tics. Ron Brown was a masterful strategist ment, as a public and private sector lawyer, as Jackson, a 37-year-old native of the town of who began his tenure as party chairman with a political party professional, or as an advo- Greenburgh in Westchester County, was the H3598 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 18, 1996 son of Luther Jackson, Jr., a highly respected est attribute. He understood that we must [Roll No. 123] journalism professor at Columbia University, work to help others, and he did that. YEAS—423 and Mrs. Nettie Lee Jackson, a long time Ron Brown perished in Bosnia trying to ac- Abercrombie Deutsch Inglis community activist. quaint a delegation of businesspeople with the Ackerman Diaz-Balart Istook Lee was inspired to go into public service by market conditions there and to bring peace to Allard Dickey Jackson (IL) Andrews Dicks Jacobs Secretary Brown, under whom he served in a war-torn region. Speaks to his humanitarian Archer Dingell Jefferson the Department of Commerce. As we extend efforts and as a parallelÐhe also worked to Armey Dixon Johnson (CT) our condolences to the Jackson familyÐand bring jobs to south central Los Angeles and Bachus Doggett Johnson (SD) Baesler Dooley Johnson, E. B. to the families of the other victimsÐthe be- improve the lives of the people, and finally Baker (CA) Doolittle Johnson, Sam reaved families should be assured that many bring peace to people who have desired it for Baker (LA) Dornan Johnston Americans share their loss. so long. Ron Brown knew the value of a job Baldacci Doyle Jones Ron Brown, and his courageous coworkers, to people and to a community. He worked to Ballenger Dreier Kanjorski Barcia Duncan Kaptur will long be remembered and will long be improve people's lives by bringing jobs to Barr Dunn Kelly missed. those who wanted to work. Barrett (NE) Durbin Kennedy (MA) Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, it I want to offer my condolences to Alma Barrett (WI) Edwards Kennedy (RI) was with great sadness that I learned of the Brown, a woman of courage and strength, the Bartlett Ehlers Kennelly Barton Ehrlich Kildee tragic accident that took the life of Ron Brown Brown family and the families of the people Bass Emerson Kim and 34 dynamic young Americans who were whose lives were lost that day. Bateman Engel King on a journey of hope to a dangerous part of I am pleased to participate in this tribute to Becerra English Kingston Beilenson Ensign Kleczka the world. a wonderful American. Bentsen Eshoo Klink I had never had the pleasure to meet Ron Mr. LAZIO of New York. Mr. Speaker, it is Bereuter Evans Klug Brown until I came to Washington last year, with great sadness that I rise today to pay trib- Berman Everett Knollenberg but I knew long before that, that he was a cru- ute to the late Commerce Secretary, Ron Bevill Ewing Kolbe Bilbray Farr LaFalce sader, an energetic advocate, and a dedicated Brown, and his colleagues who lost their lives Bilirakis Fattah LaHood public servant. In politics he was a more than while serving our country in Bosnia. Secretary Bishop Fawell Largent worthy opponent to his Republican counter- Ron Brown, through his eloquence and deter- Bliley Fazio Latham Blute Fields (LA) LaTourette parts, and in Government he was clearly a mination, contributed greatly to our Nation. Boehlert Filner Laughlin most valued member of the President's Cabi- Even before his days at the Commerce De- Boehner Flake Lazio net and an effective ambassador for America partment, Ron Brown's capability and many Bonilla Flanagan Leach around the world. successes advanced racial equality in Amer- Bonior Foglietta Levin Bono Foley Lewis (CA) Our country was well served by Ron ica. His commitment to fostering relations be- Borski Forbes Lewis (GA) Brown's enthusiasm, competence, and deter- tween foreign governments and U.S. business Boucher Ford Lewis (KY) mination. His work as a member of the Cabi- is evident in America recovering its leadership Brewster Fowler Lightfoot net earned him well-deserved praise, espe- Browder Fox Lincoln role in world trade. Brown (CA) Frank (MA) Linder cially from the Nation's business community. Mr. Speaker, one can never be prepared for Brown (FL) Franks (CT) Lipinski My heart and prayers go out to Ron Brown's such a sad and unexpected event. Secretary Brown (OH) Franks (NJ) Livingston family at this difficult time, and also to the fam- Brown and his colleagues brought hopes of Brownback Frelinghuysen LoBiondo Bryant (TN) Frisa Lofgren ilies of all those who lost their lives on this prosperity to a war-torn region. Those of us Bryant (TX) Frost Longley mission of hope. They all shared in that great from Long Island were especially saddened to Bunn Funderburk Lowey American gift of optimism and that great find that Gail Dobert of the Commerce Depart- Bunning Furse Lucas American belief that we can make the future ment was among those who lost their lives in Burr Gallegly Luther Burton Ganske Maloney better than today. They went to the Balkans to this tragic end to a mission of peace. We have Buyer Gejdenson Manton share that great American gift with a people witnessed a great loss, not only to friends and Callahan Gekas Manzullo whose history has stolen their hope and their family, but to the Nation. I join with my col- Calvert Gephardt Markey Camp Gilchrest Martinez optimism and their dreams for their children. leagues today in offering my deepest sym- Campbell Gillmor Martini Our greatest tribute to these dedicated pathy. Canady Gilman Mascara Americans would be to renew their journey of GENERAL LEAVE Cardin Gingrich Matsui hope and to share their great dream of a bet- Castle Gonzalez McCarthy Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask Chabot Goodlatte McCollum ter future with those who suffer around the unanimous consent that all Members Chambliss Goodling McCrery world. may have 5 legislative days within Chapman Gordon McDade Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD. Mr. Speaker, which to revise and extend their re- Chenoweth Goss McDermott I rise to pay tribute to a great American, the Christensen Graham McHale marks on House Resolution 406. Chrysler Green (TX) McHugh late Secretary of Commerce, Ron Brown. I am The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Clay Greene (UT) McInnis pleased to be a part of this resolution for trib- objection to the request of the gen- Clayton Greenwood McIntosh utes to distinguished leaders of our great Na- Clement Gunderson McKeon tleman from Michigan? Clinger Gutierrez McKinney tion. Ron Brown's life work is a true American There was no objection. Clyburn Gutknecht McNulty success story. It is that American agenda op- Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I move Coble Hall (OH) Meehan portunity that I alluded to when I was sworn in; the previous question on the resolu- Coburn Hall (TX) Meek that gives an opportunity to every American, Coleman Hamilton Menendez tion. Collins (GA) Hancock Metcalf that hope that is embodied in our creed. They The previous question was ordered. Collins (IL) Hansen Meyers will soar to high of this Cosmos. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Collins (MI) Harman Mica The loss of the Secretary of Commerce is SHAW). The question is on the resolu- Combest Hastert Millender- Condit Hastings (FL) McDonald tragic which is underscored by his commit- tion. Conyers Hastings (WA) Miller (CA) ment to jobs, social justice, and economic se- The question was taken; and the Cooley Hayworth Miller (FL) curity. During the times that we met at several Speaker pro tempore announced that Costello Hefley Minge official occasions, I found him to be a charm- the ayes appeared to have it. Cox Hefner Mink Coyne Heineman Moakley ing, warm, intelligent, and always a gen- Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I object Cramer Herger Molinari tleman. I have fond memories of my discus- to the vote on the ground that a Crane Hilleary Mollohan sions with Ron Brown. quorum is not present and make the Crapo Hilliard Montgomery I remember watching the news in the imme- Cremeans Hobson Moorhead point of order that a quorum is not Cubin Hoekstra Moran diate aftermath of the civil unrest in Los Ange- present. Cunningham Hoke Morella les in 1992 following the Rodney King beating The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evi- Danner Holden Murtha trial verdict, when he met with the angry and dently a quorum is not present. Davis Horn Myers de la Garza Hostettler Myrick frustrated youth of south central Los Angeles. The Sergeant at Arms will notify ab- Deal Houghton Nadler He and the President played basketball, dem- sent Members. DeFazio Hoyer Neal onstrating his ability to relate The vote was taken by electronic de- DeLauro Hunter Nethercutt intergenerationally and across the socio-eco- vice, and there were—yeas 423, nays 0, DeLay Hutchinson Neumann Dellums Hyde Ney nomic spectrum. That was perhaps his great- not voting 10, as follows: April 18, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3599

Norwood Royce Taylor (NC) gentleman from Texas [Mr. FROST], rorism. For example, it provides proce- Nussle Rush Tejeda Oberstar Sabo Thomas pending which I yield myself such time dures to allow for the removal of alien Obey Salmon Thompson as I many consume. During consider- terrorists, fairly and with due process, Olver Sanders Thornberry ation of this resolution, all time yield- but also with adequate protections to Ortiz Sanford Thornton ed is for the purpose of debate only. safeguard sources and methods of clas- Orton Sawyer Thurman Owens Saxton Tiahrt GENERAL LEAVE sified information. Oxley Scarborough Torkildsen Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- It provides improved steps for des- Packard Schaefer Torres imous consent that all Members may ignating foreign terrorist organiza- Pallone Schiff Torricelli tions, and contains provisions that se- Parker Schroeder Towns have 5 legislative days in which to re- Pastor Schumer Traficant vise and extend their remarks on this verely restrict the ability of terrorist Paxon Scott Upton resolution. groups to raise funds in the United Payne (NJ) Seastrand Velazquez The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there States. As we all know, Mr. Speaker, Payne (VA) Sensenbrenner Vento Pelosi Serrano Visclosky objection to the request of the gentle- money is the lifeblood of these ruthless Peterson (FL) Shadegg Volkmer woman from Ohio? organizations, and if we cut off their Peterson (MN) Shaw Vucanovich There was no objection. flow of funds, including the blocking of Petri Shays Walker Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, I am financial transactions, we will surely Pickett Shuster Walsh Pombo Sisisky Wamp pleased to bring to the floor today the diminish their ability to carry out Pomeroy Skaggs Ward rule providing for the consideration of these cowardly, heinous acts here at Porter Skeen Waters the conference report on S. 735, the home and abroad. Portman Skelton Watt (NC) Antiterrorism and Effective Death Poshard Slaughter Watts (OK) With regard to the exclusion of alien Pryce Smith (MI) Waxman Penalty Act of 1996, which was passed terrorists, the conference report au- Quillen Smith (NJ) Weldon (FL) overwhelmingly by the other body last thorizes State Department officials Quinn Smith (TX) Weldon (PA) evening. This is a simple, fair rule overseas to deny entrance visas to Radanovich Smith (WA) Weller Rahall Solomon White which waives all points of order members and representatives of those Ramstad Souder Whitfield against the conference report, and same groups deemed to be foreign ter- Rangel Spence Wicker against its consideration, in order to rorist organizations, and it also allows Reed Spratt Williams permit the House to consider provi- Regula Stark Wilson the United States to stop or prohibit Richardson Stearns Wise sions which may exceed the scope of assistance to foreign countries that do Riggs Stenholm Wolf differences between the House and the not cooperate with our antiterrorism Rivers Stockman Woolsey Senate. efforts. Roberts Stokes Wynn Roemer Studds Yates Ms. Speaker, the devastating terror- And finally, in a move that will hope- Rogers Stump Young (AK) ist attack that took place in Oklahoma fully prevent future tragedies like the Rohrabacher Stupak Young (FL) City nearly 1 year ago today serves as loss of Pan/Am flight 103 over Ros-Lehtinen Talent Zeliff a poignant and powerful reminder that Lockerbie, Scotland, the conference re- Roth Tate Zimmer Roukema Tauzin the threat of domestic terrorism is a port requires that foreign air carriers Roybal-Allard Taylor (MS) very real and present danger in our so- traveling to and from United States NOT VOTING—10 ciety. One hundred and sixty-eight in- airports follow the identical safety nocent people, including dozens of chil- measures that our own American air Fields (TX) Hinchey Lantos Geren Jackson-Lee Rose dren, lost their lives in that attack. carriers must follow under regulations Gibbons (TX) Tanner Combined with the nearly 500 people issued by the FAA. Hayes Kasich who were injured in the blast, the Equally important are other provi- b 1203 bombing of the Federal building in sions contained in the conference re- Oklahoma City ranks as the worst ter- port, including three key elements Messrs. STOCKMAN, LAHOOD, KEN- rorist incident ever to take place on from the Contract With America: First, NEDY of Rhode Island, and HASTERT American soil. Unfortunately, it was there are reasonable reforms to curb changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to not the first. The bombing of New the abuse of habeas corpus by con- ‘‘yea.’’ So the resolution was agreed to. York’s World Trade Center building in victed criminals. This will help, fi- The result of the vote was announced 1993, Americans for the first time faced nally, to free the judicial process from as above recorded. the sobering prospect that terrorists endless and frivolous appeals from pris- A motion to reconsider was laid upon are at work right here in the United oners convicted of capital offenses the table. States. while victims and families of victims Among the lessons we have learned f wait helplessly by for years and years from these tragic events is that law en- for justice to finally be done. WAIVING POINTS OF ORDER forcement must be prepared to respond Second, improved procedures for de- AGAINST CONFERENCE REPORT effectively and immediately to terror- porting criminal aliens are included ON S. 735, ANTITERRORISM AND ism when it occurs. More importantly, which allow judges to order the depor- EFFECTIVE DEATH PENALTY as technology rapidly advances, law en- tation of aliens convicted of Federal ACT OF 1996 forcement officials at all levels must crimes at the completion of their sen- Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, by direc- have access to reasonable and legiti- tence. tion of the Committee on Rules, I call mate tools that will enhance their abil- Third, the bill calls for mandatory up House Resolution 405 and ask for its ity to prevent terrorist acts before victim restitution. Securing the right immediate consideration. they result in the loss of human life. to adequate restitution is a long over- The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- The difficult task which this body due victory for crime victims and their lows: has faced during the past year has been families. For too long, our criminal to balance the needs of law enforce- justice system has devoted significant H. RES. 405 ment with the need to preserve essen- attention and resources to the plight of Resolved, That upon adoption of this reso- lution it shall be in order to consider the tial civil liberties. Today, under the criminals. As a result, crime victims conference report to accompany the bill (S. terms of this simple, straightforward have often suffered twice—first at the 735) to prevent and punish acts of terrorism, rule, we will debate a conference report hands of the criminals, and then by an and for other purposes. All points of order that I believe improves upon the inadequate, insensitive, inattentive against the conference report and against its House-passed bill, while still assuring justice system. By requiring fair res- consideration are waived. the Federal Government an appro- titution, we will give victims of crime The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. priately limited but responsible role in some of the ranking and legal status SHAW). The gentlewoman from Ohio the fight against terrorism. they deserve while they recover from [Ms. PRYCE] is recognized for 1 hour. Several key provisions have been their unwanted and unwelcome trau- Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, for the added to the House-passed bill in this ma. purpose of debate only, I yield the cus- bipartisan conference report that will Mr. Speaker, as I have said before, tomary 30 minutes to my friend, the assist our country’s fight against ter- this debate is not about who, or which