S8416 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 16, 1998 Each summer, Newport, Rhode Island congregation Beth Chaverim in Vir- related concern of the Vatican’s alleged in- and Shimoda, her sister city, hold ginia Beach, VA, has recently pub- volvement in aiding the escape of Nazis at Black Ships Festivals to celebrate the lished some thoughts arising from the the war’s end to South America and else- friendship which began in 1854. Since release of a Vatican document. I would where, deserves an honest investigation and disclosure. Only when past ghosts are finally its inception 15 years ago, the Black like to bring them to the attention of laid to rest, can memory be cleansed to serve Ships Festival of Rhode Island has my colleagues, and ask that they ap- the future. grown bigger and better every year, be- pear in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD at I trust that the contested official state- coming a fixture on Newport’s summer the appropriate juncture. ment is not in its final form, for history and schedule and an event that the entire The article follows: our common God expect more from us and state eagerly awaits. [From the Southern Virginia Jewish News, we can deliver in this generation of The Festival truly is one of Rhode Is- May 22, 1998] unfathomable lows but also dazzling heights, land’s treasures. It provides residents SAVING MEMORY: A RABBI’S: RESPONSE TO THE a gift of healing hope for those to follow. I and visitors to the Ocean State a VATICAN ought to know for during 1985 to 1995 my con- unique and inexpensive opportunity to (By Rabbi Israel Zoberman) gregation benefitted from generosity of the most gracious Church of Ascension in Vir- The recent release of the long awaited Vat- learn about and celebrate Japan’s tra- ginia Beach, where we found a loving home ican document on the connection between ditions and culture. As a result, I can in the only such Catholic-Jewish sharing the Holocaust and the Catholic Church al- honestly say that our state has gained bond in the world, a direct outcome of a radi- most coincides with the annual observance a better awareness than most of Japa- cally changed climate. this season of the Shoah’s tragedy, the enor- nese culture. The Polish Pope, John Paul II, with his mity of which has turned it into the most de- The success of the Black Ships Fes- unique personality and past, did more than fining event of the soon concluding 20th cen- all other pontiffs combined to bring the two tival of Rhode Island is now recognized tury, the bloodiest of all times. faith groups closer to one another, coming as far beyond the borders of the Ocean Whie the document acknowledges a meas- he does from the vineyard turned graveyard State. On July 1, the Japan-America ure of Christian culpability for Jewish suf- of European Jewry, experiencing and resist- Society of Rhode Island was selected to fering, it falls short of a full apology, for the ing the German occupation, and being par- over-a-decade study of the trying theme is receive the prestigious Japanese ‘‘Min- ticularly close to a surviving Jewish child- fraught with painful and embarrassing con- ister of Foreign Affairs’ Citation’’, hood friend. His heartfelt embrace of the frontations for the church, touching upon which recognizes individuals and orga- Jews, beginning in an historic first visit by the historical rejectionist attitude by Chris- nizations that have contributed to a Pope to a synagogue, in 1986 in Rome, ad- tianity of Judaism and the Jewish people. No dressing them as ‘‘our dearly beloved broth- friendship and understanding between wonder that there were high expectations ers’’ and ‘‘our elder brothers,’’ culminated in Japan and other countries. Of the 9 or- that the reached conclusions would fully re- establishing diplomatic relations with the ganizations receiving this award in flect and respect the record of a troubling State of Israel in 1994. Before his extraor- 1998, the Japan-America Society is the past reality in light of the subject’s mag- dinary papacy comes to an end, he may yet nitude, as well as the breakthrough concilia- only one that is not Japanese. surprise us with further bold steps to reas- tory accomplishments of the Second Vatican Mr. President, as the Co-Chair of this sure us all that there is no retreat from the Council in the 60s and the unparalleled con- year’s Black Ships Festival of Rhode visionary path he so compassionately tribution of Pope John II, building upon the Island, I ask my colleagues to join me bequested to a suffering and expectant hu- foundation laid by his great predecessor in recognizing the Japan America Soci- manity. Pope John XXIII in dismissing Jewish re- ∑ ety of Rhode Island for its tremendous sponsibility for Jesus’ execution and honor- f efforts in organizing the Festival and ing Abraham’s descendants. At stake was strengthening the bond friendship be- also the church’s own need to come to grips BICENTENNIAL OF THE PUBLIC tween the United States and Japan.∑ with a burden weighing upon its conscience HEALTH SERVICE f in a way demanding absolution from sins of ∑ Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I rise to both commission and omission, allowing for commemorate the bicentennial of the DETROIT LADY ROAD RUNNERS a renewed sense of integrity and reconcili- BASKETBALL TEAM ation in an era of an unprecedented ecumeni- Public Health Service. On July 16, 1798, the Fifth Congress passed, and Presi- Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise cal spirit, where no longer can any faith ∑ dent John Adams signed, an Act which today to congratulate a very special claim an imperialistic role. It seems that the controversial document established the Public Health Service. group of girls in the metro Detroit could not escape internal political pressure The Public Health Service was origi- area. The Detroit Lady Road Runners and compromise along with vestiges of pre- nally established to provide medical basketball team came in second place Second Vatican thinking. Perhaps some of us care to sick and disabled seamen. in the girls 12 and under division of the within both the Jewish and Christian com- Today the scope of their service in- Police Athletic League. The girls are munities got a bit carried away in believing cludes educational activities, the pro- the only basketball team in the city that the significant victories of the past sev- vision of medical care, and activities that won second place in the state of eral decades were free from roadblocks and Michigan in the girls 10 and under unforeseen detours. How else explain the on the forefront of biomedical re- Amateur Athletic Union. They are now skirting of two central issues that the au- search. I commend the members of the thors were surely aware of their persistent on their way to competing in the 1998 Public Health Service not only for presence, that now more than ever will beg their commitment to public health, but AAU National Championship in Or- an unequivocal response. The fact that tradi- lando, Florida July 31–August 8th. also their willingness to serve, and to tional anti-Semitism has its origins in two contribute to the prevention and eradi- The Lady Road Runners, led by millennia of the church’s anti-Jewish teach- Coach Jeffery Cruse, have not only put ings, demonstrates contempt in word and cation of diseases. forth a great effort toward sharpening deed for both the spiritual heritage from Before being elected to the Senate in their basketball skills, practicing four which ironically Christianity emerged, and 1994, I was a heart and lung transplant days a week, but also in raising funds the people who bore witness to the covenant surgeon for many years. The question by washing cars, selling hot dogs and they refused to abandon when threatened I’m most often asked is, ‘‘Why would with expulsion, forced conversion and death you leave medicine for politics?’’ My holding raffles and walk-a-thons. These itself. Is there any doubt that the Holocaust girls also work very hard in school and simple answer is: I didn’t ‘‘leave.’’ I’m and anti-Semitism are intimately inter- away only for awhile. The deeper an- for their churches. woven? I want to wish this team the best of The second bone of contention is the role swer is that while—on the surface—pol- success in their effort to win a Na- of Pope Pius XII whose silence during the itics seems so different from medicine, tional Championship. I am confident Nazi slaughter was far louder than his inter- the underlying motivation is exactly that they will do an excellent job rep- vention in saving individual lives. While the same. Medicine exists to improve resenting Detroit and the great State there is no surprise that the church would the life of another human being. The want to defend her ‘‘infallible’ ’leaders, it is of Michigan.∑ primacy of the patient is the central the failure to exercise the vast moral author- focus of all that physicians do. The f ity invested in the Pope’s high office which same can be said of public service and SAVING MEMORY should serve as a cardinal yardstick in evalu- ating the legacy of any Holy Father, particu- public policy. They exist to serve the ∑ Mr. ROBB. Mr. President, one of my larly under critical circumstances testing best interest of the citizenry. As a phy- constituents, Rabbi Israel Zoberman of and mantle of true spiritual greatness. The sician, I had the opportunity to help July 16, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8417 one person at a time. As a United lence increased from 25 percent in 1991 without electricity and running water. States Senator, I have the chance— to 34 percent in 1997. But teen smoking Several of the small hospitals are in re- every day—to improve the lives of mil- is not just a problem among minority mote areas that were virtually impos- lions of Americans in Tennessee and populations. In 1997, cigarette smoking sible to reach, except by small plane. throughout the country, as well as help among white teenagers was nearly 40 While in Kenya, I heard about an ongo- secure the future of the next genera- percent—up from 31 percent in 1991. ing epidemic of Rift Valley Fever tion. Teen smoking is a public health crisis where more than 300 people had already The Officers of the Commissioned that must be addressed. died. I saw first-hand patients with in- Corps of the Public Health Service There has been a great deal of atten- fectious health problems common in have a long history of service to the tion given to reaching an agreement much of the world: tuberculosis, HIV, American people. For two centuries, with the tobacco companies to reduce malaria and other parasitic infections. the physicians of the Public Health teen smoking. There is no silver bullet The United States is uniquely poised Service have been on the forefront of to stop young people from smoking. It to look beyond our borders and reach protecting America from disease. As will require a comprehensive approach out to other countries. As a world lead- Fitzhugh Mullen chronicled in his book that addresses three aspects: access, er in medical science, biomedical re- ‘‘Plagues and Politics,’’ PHS officers public health, and advertising. search, and pharmaceutical drug devel- have played a leading role in the con- Today, children and teenagers have opment, we can play a leadership role trol of infectious diseases—from plague ready access to cigarettes. Limiting in global health issues through our fed- control measures, to the eradication of that access includes everything from eral agencies. However, the develop- smallpox, to the continuing response to raising the price of a pack of cigarettes ment of an effective global disease sur- outbreaks that threaten the public to restricting their ability to purchase veillance and response network re- health, such as Legionnaire’s disease cigarettes—including their access to quires the involvement of all countries and hantavirus. vending machines. The cost must be and a partnership between the public and private sectors. As the leader of the Commissioned high enough to discourage teenagers This past year, the subcommittee has Corps, the Surgeon General has a criti- from smoking, but not high enough to cal role in promoting public health. I also addressed the reauthorization of create a black market. the Agency for Health Care Policy and have been a strong supporter of the po- The second aspect is the need for Research (AHCPR), the nation’s lead- sition of Surgeon General. I believe strong public health initiatives, includ- ing agency on health services research. America needs a physician who will ing research, treatment, and surveil- The current debate on health care champion public health messages. We lance. We must deal with the issue of quality has led us to reexamine the fed- need a physician to focus national and nicotine addiction—through a better eral role in supporting innovation and international attention on public understanding of the physiology of ad- promoting quality in health care. We health problems. Reports from the Sur- diction; through the best research pro- need solutions that are not only based geon General have such credibility grams—including basic science and be- on sound science but also serve the in- they are repeated by the media, health havioral research; and through effec- terests of patients. While there are professionals, medical journals, and tive programs that not only keep peo- many good private sector initiatives, health educators. As chronic diseases ple from starting, but help them quit. there is a role for the federal govern- such as heart disease and diabetes af- The third component is advertising. ment in implementing biomedical re- fect more Americans, we need a medi- Society can no longer tolerate the spe- search results. As we reauthorize cal voice we can trust to talk to us cific targeting of young people by to- AHCPR, we will focus on health care about the need for prevention. We need bacco companies. This raises a Con- quality, public-private partnerships, a physician to educate the American stitutional issue—the freedom to ad- and advancing the science of quality people about the links between per- vertise versus what I regard as the improvement efforts. sonal behavior and illness. wrongful targeting of children— This past March, I introduced ‘‘The In Dr. David Satcher, America’s new 8,9,10,12 years-old—in order to encour- Women’s Health Research and Preven- Surgeon General, we have the voice we age them to smoke. tion Amendments of 1998’’—a bill with need. I had the privilege of knowing Dr. In the beginning of the 105th Con- broad bipartisan support that addresses Satcher from his time in Nashville. Be- gress, I was honored to assume the diseases that affect women. I’m very cause of his knowledge of population- chairmanship of a newly established pleased that, since 1993, we have devel- based medicine, family medicine, and subcommittee on public health and oped guidelines to include women and public health, he is eminently qualified safety, with jurisdiction over many minorities in NIH-sponsored trials. to be our messenger to the American agencies of the Department of Health However, we must continue to do more. people on health issues. This past and Human Services. In establishing We must continue to review the wom- April, I had the privilege of introducing the Subcommittee on Public Health en’s health research agenda as we set Dr. Satcher when he presented his first and Safety, the Senate recognized the research priorities. We need to incor- Surgeon General’s report—a report on importance of public health. As Chair- porate new scientific knowledge on tobacco use among US racial and eth- man, I’ve been able to bring public women’s health. The women’s health nic minority groups. awareness to health issues facing this bill reauthorizes NIH programs for Surgeons General have led the fight nation and to address the reauthoriza- vital research activities into the against smoking for more than 30 tion of public health programs and causes, prevention, and treatment for years, and I’m pleased to see that the agencies. some of the major diseases affecting health consequences from tobacco use This past March, I was pleased to women—including osteoporosis, breast are also high on Dr. Satcher’s agenda. chair a subcommittee hearing on Glob- and ovarian cancer, heart disease, as Since the first report on the dangers of al Health. We live in a global society. well as research into the aging proc- smoking by Surgeon General Luther To paraphrase the Institute of Medi- esses of women. Our bill also reauthor- Terry in 1964, there have been 24 re- cine’s report, ‘‘America’s Vital Interest izes several programs at the CDC for ports on smoking, including the latest in Global Health,’’ we can consider no prevention and education activities on on smoking and minority populations. site too remote, no person too re- women’s health issues. CDC’s programs This most recent report notes the in- moved, and no organism too isolated to provide critical health services in each creasing rates of smoking among Afri- affect our citizens. of our States to detect, prevent, and di- can-American and Hispanic teenagers, Last January, I spent a week on a agnose diseases such as breast and cer- and cites the need for further research medical missionary tour of Africa, spe- vical cancer. Also, CDC programs— into prevention and cessation activi- cifically Kenya, South Sudan, and the such as those at the National Center ties. Between 1991 and 1997, smoking Democratic Republic of the Congo. I for Health Statistics—provide data among African American teenagers in- was struck by how medical care and that can assist us in making informed creased from 12.6 percent to 22.7 per- services varied—from sophisticated policy decisions about health care. cent—an increase of 80 percent! Among Western-style hospitals with adequate In conjunction with Senators from Hispanic teenagers, smoking preva- laboratory capacity to small hospitals both sides of the aisle, I introduced S8418 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 16, 1998 ‘‘The Health Professions Education Brown’s honor during their annual con- celebrity guest on radio stations in Partnerships Act’’—a bill that rep- ference in Chicago on July 23, 1998. I Chicago, Detroit, Washington, D.C. and resents an opportunity to help improve want to extend my heartfelt congratu- Los Angeles. the quality of, and access to, health lations to Jamie Foster Brown for this In a further display of her immense care for millions of Americans. The prestigious award. energy and enthusiasm for life, Ms. Bill reauthorizes the programs funded A native Chicagoan, Jamie Foster Brown also uses her considerable tal- through title VII and title VIII of the Brown graduated from Calumet High ents to better her community and our Public Health Service Act. For many School and subsequently attended the nation through volunteerism. Some of years, this legislation has helped our University of Stockholm in Stock- the many charitable organizations that nation’s schools of health better serve holm, Sweden. From these beginnings, have benefitted from Jamie Foster the health needs of their communities, Ms. Brown has become one of the most Brown’s participation include the Duke and better prepare the practitioners of accomplished and respected women in Ellington School of Music, the Mount the future. The Bill strives to increase the field of entertainment journalism. Sinai Parenting Institute and the Cor- the number of health practitioners, in- She publishes her own magazine, is poration Against Drug Abuse. For her cluding physicians, dentists, and heard on radio stations around the professional and civic accomplish- nurses, in underserved areas and to im- United States and England, and makes ments, Ms. Brown has been honored by prove the representation of minorities numerous television appearances each numerous organizations, including the and disadvantaged individuals in the month. Jamie Foster Brown’s success Chicago League of Black Women, An- health professions. These programs is testament to her talent and deter- heuser Busch, Maurice Starr Produc- have often been the assistance of last mination. tions, IMPACT and most recently, the resort for many disadvantaged stu- Jamie Foster Brown began her career Midwest Radio and Music Association. dents seeking careers in health. in the entertainment business in 1979 Along with balancing the demands of Equally important is the legislation’s when she founded the Washington The- her career and charitable work, Ms. goal to meet the need of underserved ater Group. Ms. Brown subsequently Brown remarkably finds time to re- communities, often in rural or inner- went to work for Robert Johnson’s main a committed wife to Dr. Lorenzo city areas. Programs funded through Black Entertainment Television, and Brown, as well as a loving and devoted this bill support the infrastructure was among the pioneers at this net- mother to their two sons, Russell and which facilitates the training and prac- work in creating television program- Randall. tice of health care providers in under- ming for African-American viewers In closing, I would like to extend my served areas. Patients in underserved written, directed, and produced by Af- most sincere congratulations to Jamie areas depend on these programs for rican-Americans. Ms. Brown’s talents Foster Brown, a remarkable woman their health care. Training providers in were recognized at BET, as she as- who is most deserving of this award. It these areas greatly increases the likeli- cended the ranks from executive sec- is an important symbol of her excep- hood that they will work in these areas retary to a producer of the network’s tional talent, dedication, and vision, when they complete their education. top-rated programs, ‘‘Video LP’’ and and I am pleased that she is being dis- The Bill would also allow the Secretary ‘‘Video Soul.’’ tinguished with this honor by the Mid- of HHS to make grants to certain In 1988, Jamie Foster Brown struck west Radio and Music Association. I health professions schools designated out on her own and founded Sister 2 wish her, and her family, God’s speed ‘‘Centers of Excellence’’—to assist Sister Magazine as a monthly trade and much continued success in the fu- these schools in supporting health pro- newsletter targeted at prominent ture.∑ fessions education for under rep- women in the entertainment and media f resented minority individuals. To qual- industries. Ten years later, Sister 2 ify, these schools would: have a signifi- Sister has emerged as one of the most CBO ESTIMATE ON S. 1754 cant number of underrepresented mi- powerful and respected monthly enter- ∑ Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, on norities enrolled in the school; been ef- tainment magazines, with a special June 23, 1998, I filed Report 105–220 to fective in assisting minorities to com- focus on African-American celebrity accompany S. 1754, the Health Profes- plete their degree programs; and have news. The magazine is often the first to sions Education Partnerships Act of been effective in recruiting underrep- be granted interviews with major 1998, a bill to consolidate and reauthor- resented minorities as students and as American entertainers, and often ize health professions and minority and faculty. ‘‘Centers of Excellence’’ are breaks stories that are later picked up disadvantaged health education pro- currently designated at Historically by other news organizations. grams, and for other purposes. At the Black Colleges and Universities. This In addition to publishing and writing time the report was filed, an incorrect bill establishes Hispanic and Native for Sister 2 Sister Magazine, Ms. Brown estimate was filed by the Congressional American Centers of Excellence to in- has also recently written a book in Budget Office. Since that time, the crease the number of Hispanic and Na- honor of the late Betty Shabazz, enti- CBO has corrected its estimate. I ask tive American health professionals. tled: Betty Shabazz: A Sisterfriend’s that a complete copy of the revised Mr. President, for the past two cen- Tribute In Words and Pictures. This CBO estimate be printed in the turies, the Public Health Service has loving tribute to Dr. Shabazz, pub- RECORD. been contributing unique ideas, ethics, lished by Simon & Schuster, contains The estimate follows: and skills to public service. I congratu- the recollections and anecdotes of U.S. CONGRESS, late the Public Health Service as it friends and admirers including Maya CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE, celebrates 200 years of public health Angelou, Myrlie Evers-Williams, and Washington, DC, June 24, 1998. and science. As the Public Health Serv- Ruby Dee. Hon. JAMES M. JEFFORDS, ice rises to meet the challenges of the Building upon the success of her Chairman, Committee on Labor and Human Re- sources, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. next 200 years, I know they’ll be every magazine, Jamie Foster Brown is a reg- ular entertainment reporter on BET, DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The Congressional bit as successful as they have been in Budget Office has prepared the enclosed re- the past.∑ and makes many appearances on na- vised cost estimate for S. 1754, Health Pro- f tionally syndicated news and enter- fessions Education Partnerships Act of 1998. tainment television shows. Addition- This revised estimate supersedes CBO’s es- HONORING MS. JAMIE FOSTER ally, Ms. Brown hosts ‘‘Sister 2 Sister timate of May 28, 1998, and corrects an error BROWN Update,’’ a syndicated, daily celebrity in the assumed subsidy rate for Health Edu- ∑ Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. Presi- news feature that is carried nationwide cation Assistance Loans. dent, it is my privilege to take a few on the Westwood One Radio Network. If you wish further details on this esti- moments to join the Midwest Radio ‘‘Sister 2 Sister Update’’ is also broad- mate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Cyndi Dudzinski, and Music Association (MRMA) in rec- cast twice a week throughout Great who can be reached at 226–9010. ognizing the career achievements of Britain over the British Broadcasting Sincerely, Ms. Jamie Foster Brown. The MRMA Company’s Greater London Radio. Ms. JUNE E. O’NEILL, will host a tribute dinner in Ms. Brown is also heard daily as a frequent Director.