H742 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 2, 2004 civics education? Should children not mocracy and security in Haiti, and it is Members of Congress call on the be able to articulate those principles? our responsibility to make sure that Bush administration to extend tem- We can argue whether they are right this does not get any worse. porary protected status to Haitian asy- or wrong, but we should be able to have So we, Members of Congress, call lum seekers because returning to Haiti children who can articulate them, un- upon the administration to protect will pose a serious threat to their per- derstand who we are, where we come Haitian lives by restoring order, up- sonal safety. from and where we are going. holding the rule of law and disar- To require the Secretary of Home- I know that this is a stretch for a lot mament across the country. The cur- land Security to designate Haiti under of people. It is hard for a lot of people rent state of affairs in Haiti is chaos. section 244(b) of the Immigration and to get their hands on this because it is The rebels who were empowered by our Nationality Act so that the nationals not an issue that you can condense into inaction must be held accountable and of Haiti present in the United States or a bumper sticker, but I encourage peo- not allowed to benefit from their vio- reaching our shores may be granted ple to think through this and think lence. Humanitarian aid must flow to temporary protected status. This about the possibility that it is impor- Haiti immediately. A humanitarian would mean that both Haitians who are tant for us and for our civilization to corridor with supplies of food and present in the United States and those actually transmit these goals and ideas water and medical equipment must be who may be fortunate enough to make to the next generation. We cannot con- established to provide assistance to the it to shore will not arbitrarily be sent tinue to teach only the negative. Doing beleaguered Haitian people. Humani- back to Haiti until the country is sta- so contributes to the balkanization of tarian aid must flow to Haiti imme- ble. the United States into subgroups, sub- diately. We must support the formula- This administration’s neglect of categories, and hyphenated Americans. tion of a donor conference so the people Haiti and the intentional, systematic In Numbers U.S.A., an organization of Haiti can finally get the kind of as- dismantling of the Haitian social, eco- that does a lot of great work and also sistance that they so desperately need nomic, and political circumstance has a great Website, Numbers U.S.A. and so properly deserve. which culminated in the current polit- talks about the fact that if we continue This administration is misinter- ical instability and provided the envi- as we are in terms of population preting and failing to honor the spirit ronment for a coup d’etat. growth and the source of our popu- of the Haitian constitution. Where is As Members of the Congress, we call lation growth in this country, being 90 Article 149 in the transitional govern- on our leaders in Congress to hold joint percent from immigrants, that by the ment talks? public hearings between the House In- year 2100 two-thirds of the people here So we as Members of Congress call telligence Committee and the Inter- in the United States will be descend- upon this administration to follow the national Relations Committee on the ants of people not yet here at the rule of law and the Haitian constitu- Bush administration’s role in under- present time. Think about that. In 96 tion. In it, Article 149 of the 1987 Hai- mining a democratically elected gov- years, two-thirds of the people living in tian constitution clearly outlines the ernment in, of all places, the western process by which the interim president this country will be descendants of peo- hemisphere. The United States should is appointed and it includes the ratifi- ple not yet here. Think about that and not have allowed the opposition in cation of the legislature. Due to the then think about what we are teaching Haiti without a legislative popular unwillingness on the part of the polit- them, the folks that are coming in and mandate to veto the possibility for ical opposition party’s willingness to the folks that are here about who we peace in Haiti. Now there is mayhem participate in elections, there is no leg- are. How can we expect this new Na- and on-the-spot executions and other islature to confirm the interim presi- tion essentially that will be created by atrocities which are taking place daily. dent; and, therefore, the recently 2100 to be steeped in the same goals and Why did the United States not send sworn in president is, unfortunately, principles and ideas? in a force to reinforce the police when regrettably not ruling pursuant to the Again, Madam Speaker, I hope that a political solution was still possible? Haitian constitution. Why did the United States only act we will be joined by hundreds of thou- On Sunday President Bush said, ‘‘The after that possibility, along with Presi- sands of Americans all over the coun- Haitian constitution is working.’’ How dent Aristide, was removed? Why have try who will be willing to say that it is does he believe just because he said it the rebels not been arrested? Were important for their schools, it is im- that that could make it true? The their actions not illegal? How did the portant for our civilization that we President forgets that when they fail teach children to appreciate the value to respond to the opposition’s rejection leaders of the insurgence, some of of Western civilization and there is of the U.S. brokered peace plan that whom are the most notorious torturers something we all can do about it. I am they had in fact repudiated their own and death squad members, return to going to do what I can do here, State plan for peace. It was just on Monday power? Louis Jodel Chamberlain is a legislators will do what they can do in of last week that Secretary of State former military leader who led a brutal their respective bodies, and then it is Powell said ‘‘The United States will paramilitary group that backed the up to the people of this country to take not support the overthrow of a demo- most recent of Haiti’s coup d’etats in this on and move it forward. It will de- cratically elected government by thugs 1991. The other, Guy Philippe, is a termine whether we are a Nation at all and criminals.’’ charismatic former soldier once loyal in years to come. For the administration to remain to President Jean-Bertrand Aristide f mute while the constitutional process who fled Haiti 3 years ago after being accused of drug dealing and of treason. PROTECT HAITIAN LIVES was thwarted and then to pressure President Aristide, the one who was What are we to say to history? How The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. compromised to resign, is in no way in will we account for this tragic set of BLACKBURN). Under the Speaker’s an- line or in accordance with Haiti’s con- circumstances that have now sur- nounced policy of January 7, 2003, the stitutional process. rounded this poor beleaguered nation? gentleman from Michigan (Mr. CON- Moreover, now that the administra- As of today, the United States Coast YERS) is recognized for 60 minutes. tion has created this constitutional Guard has repatriated 902 Haitian refu- Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, this quagmire in Haiti, it is reprehensible gees to Port-au-Prince despite the es- Special Order is taken in a spirit of to claim that the constitution is work- calating and continuing violence there. deep sadness and regret about the ing. A handful of Haitians only have met events that are going on in the nation the ‘‘credible fear’’ standard required of Haiti. We have come here this b 2145 for asylum. They remain on Coast evening to recommit ourselves to the Our administration is jeopardizing Guard vessels and are being assessed by proposition that the United States has the lives of countless numbers of Hai- asylum officers from the Department a responsibility to prevent the loss of tian asylum seekers by enforcing im- of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Citi- life and the continued deterioration of mediate Coast Guard interdiction with- zenship and Immigration Services. the nation of Haiti. The present admin- out an opportunity for a fair asylum Officials from the Department of istration’s inaction has undermined de- hearing. Homeland Security and Coast Guard

VerDate jul 14 2003 03:12 Mar 03, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K02MR7.078 H02PT1 March 2, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H743 have said that Haitians picked up at I believe that not only have we tainted swished away from his home against sea who indicate that they are afraid of the page of democracy but some might his will. The question is who and why returning to Haiti are given interviews say that we have torn it from its book. and who directed it. The question is with asylum officers on Coast Guard As I look over this last weekend and whether or not the United States will cutters. Haitians are not individually the last couple of days in the meetings abide by the governance of inter- asked if they have a fear of return, nor that we held or had with both the Sec- national law and whether or not we are they necessarily spoken to individ- retary of State and the National Secu- will tell the American people the truth. ually where they may have a chance to rity Adviser and, of course, the Presi- We now have as my colleague here on say why they left. Homeland security dent of the United States, the Members the floor of the House has so elo- says that when people are afraid, they who were present were there in good quently put in his statement and find a way to convey that. I do not faith and they had good intentions to joined by the gentleman from Florida know whether any of the Coast Guard be able to accept or at least to make (Mr. MEEK) those Haitians who are now officials who first encountered the Hai- real democratic principles, and, that is, in the United States who are in fear of tians speak French or Creole. If Hai- our plea was at that time to establish their lives, there needs to be an imme- tians do not express fear somehow, a humanitarian corridor, to have an diate addressing of the question of tem- then they are given an interview with international force of peacekeeping porary protection status. I join with asylum officers who either speak and peace maintenance, and to restore my colleagues in pressing that oppor- French or Creole or have interpreters. or to have a diplomatic solution once tunity and that emergency need. I fur- Thus far, three Haitians have been the violence had ended. ther press the need for a complete over- found to possibly have a credible fear Unfortunately, I believe that the di- haul of the treatment of Haitians in of persecution. Those who are deemed rection that was taken was maybe this country and will be pressing for, to be economic migrants have been somewhat parallel to what we saw in again, legislation to equate Haitians to turned over to the Haitian Coast Guard Iraq. Interestingly enough, the people Cubans, that when they touch the soil, and were disembarked in Port-au- of Iraq did not call the United States in their status will be able to be adjusted. Prince. The last repatriation was today for a unilateral, preemptive attack I join the gentleman from Michigan when 21 refugees returned to the Hai- against Iraq. We all acknowledge the in asking the question, how can you in- terrogate a boatload of Haitians by a tian Coast Guard. No new refugees despotic and heinous acts of Saddam global question, looking at them, ask- have been picked up by the United Hussein, but the people did not call us. ing either the leader or whoever is the States Coast Guard since Friday; and But yet the people of Haiti begged for senior person on board and then deter- as far as is known, the repatriations our intervention and they asked us to mining whether or not there is a cred- will be ongoing despite the terrible in- intervene along with the head of state. ible claim of fear? I believe that the security in Port-au-Prince. Unfortunately, they decided to ignore I have been unable to get information them. And what we have today are the Homeland Security Department has to on the current control of the Haitian following words, in an article dated immediately revise its policies to re- train inspectors and immediately send Coast Guard now that the government March 2, 2004, in the Houston Chron- out a directive that says each indi- in effect ceases to exist. It seems that icle. U.S. officials have called for the vidual Haitian and family member the United States Government is still rebels to lay down their weapons now must be questioned separately as to treating the Haitian Coast Guard as an that Aristide has surrendered power. whether or not their life has been official agency under legitimate com- But the rebels make it clear that dis- threatened and that they are in jeop- mand of the Republic of Haiti. arming is not in their playbook. And so, my colleagues in the Con- Philippe, 37, and we know Guy ardy upon returning. I have joined my gress, we are now called to an imme- Philippe, a former police chief, has said colleagues in sending letters to the Speaker of the House and the leader of diate task to make right, to correct he has no intention of becoming Haiti’s the House to ensure that we have these the terrible wrong that has been vis- next president; but in the vacuum left immediate investigations. It is impera- ited much by our inaction upon the 8 by Aristide’s departure, Philippe and tive that they be the International Re- million inhabitants of this small coun- the other armed rebels have become a lations Committee, the Permanent Se- try. We have a duty to persist. It is not force that cannot be ignored. lect Committee on Intelligence, and I over. We will investigate, we will pro- Tippenhauer, another one of the op- would offer to say the Select Com- test, we will evaluate, we will per- position party leaders, said he and mittee on Homeland Security and the suade, until the majority of the Amer- other opposition politicians were not Judiciary Committee. Questions of the ican people are convinced that we can- formally cooperating with the rebels before Aristide’s resignation, but they violation of law have been raised. not leave this wrong, which is a wrong Allow me just to read these words as would have to deal with them now. for which we must be responsible, to go I come to a close. In 1825, France forced Rebels, insurgents, individuals who uncorrected. That is the pledge I leave Haiti to assume a debt of $90 million to have criminal records, I happen to be- my colleagues with on this evening. compensate French plantation slave lieve that all are innocent until proven I am pleased to yield to the gentle- owners for their financial losses in ex- guilty; but there is a long history of woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE), change for France’s recognition of Hai- their involvement in violence. And so who serves with great effectiveness on ti’s independence. the Committee on the Judiciary of the the question is to the American people My friends, Haiti paid back that House of Representatives and is the and to this government, how could you debt. It took them 100 years, to 1925, to ranking member on the Subcommittee depose of and remove a duly elected pay back $90 million. President on Immigration. democratic President in the name of Aristide, duly restored to power in the Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank Jean-Bertrand Aristide and now place 1990s and then stepping down from the distinguished ranking member of as leaders of the Haitian nation those power, having a duly democratic elec- the full committee for yielding. who have been called many names, tion for a new president who served 5 Madam Speaker, this has been a tu- rebels and thugs, opposition leaders years, and then the people of Haiti re- multuous and trying set of days for the who are in fear of their lives, and elected him, came back and asked members of the Congressional Black rebels who suggest that they are not France, one of the nations who early Caucus and other Members of this about to lay their arms down. on had asked for him to leave or to be House who have shown their leadership And so, Madam Speaker, I am joining deposed, if you will, or to step down and concern for the Haitian people. I with my colleagues to ask now for full and resign, a few years later President want to thank, particularly, the gen- congressional hearings, not next week, Aristide asked for that debt to be re- tleman from Michigan for an untiring not next month or next year, but im- paid to the Haitian people, totaling and unrelenting effort as the chair of mediately. President Aristide, who I about $21.7 billion in today’s currency. the Haiti Task Force, a persistent and believe has no reason to misrepresent informed advocate for Haiti over the how he was led away from his nation, b 2200 years, knowledgeable about issues of his presidency, has indicated now in That amount of money would have democracy. I join him tonight because fear and apprehension that he was restored Haiti to its prominence, would

VerDate jul 14 2003 03:12 Mar 03, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K02MR7.080 H02PT1 H744 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 2, 2004 have provided them with the ability to they schedule congressional hearings imme- the Organization of American States (OAS). rebuild its crumbling economy. Res- diately to investigate this matter. One govern- Our acquiescence and inaction will soon sug- titution, reparations, fair reparations, ment was supposed to be in Haiti for the spe- gest support of the opposition; therefore, it is that this should have occurred. Is it cific purpose of helping restore peace, give time that we acted to demonstrate our strong not interesting that as President humanitarian aid, and to uphold the principles commitment to democracy, constitutional gov- Aristide tried to hold his nation to- of democracy and the rule of law. Apparently, ernment, peace, and the rule of law. gether, the International Monetary the Administration had another agenda in Humanitarian aid and military assistance are Fund, the World Bank, and the leader- mind. If the allegations are true, it will be an critical needs for the Haitians given the threat ship of this Nation refused to release atrocity, an embarrassment, and a hypocrisy that demonstrators may thwart the delivery of funds that would have helped the for this Administration to facilitate the commis- food and other relief items. There has already agrieconomy and other aspects of its sion of a crime against international law and been a cry for assistance by President economy be rebuilt, and yet we blame an act that is completely adverse to the prin- Aristide. Haiti, the poorest country in the West- President Aristide in totality for the ciples of democracy. ern Hemisphere, with only 4,000 police offi- condition of this nation? His Excellency, the Prime Minister of Ja- cers for 8 million citizens has formally re- I join the gentleman in asking and maica, P.J. Patterson, chairman of the Carib- quested humanitarian aid and security forces. demanding an immediate response by bean regional group, CARICOM, has verbally As we work with the government of Haiti to this administration that international supported the allegations that Aristide had explore the role of the international community forces be maintained in Haiti to keep been removed illegally. I question the authority in averting civil war, we must also begin to the peace and to hold the peace, that that guided the CIA and the military’s involve- look beyond the current crisis. For example, immediate infusion of funds come into ment in the removal of President Aristide—es- Haiti continues to be in dire need of food aid that Nation in order to provide a safety pecially since he has been duly elected under and medical assistance. The current unrest net for the people who are now starving a recognized democracy. could set off an exodus of refugees. Further- without water and good food, and as Because there is uncertainty as to what more, there is an uncertainty as to the timing well that the constitutional premise be caused President Aristide to depart from or to and fairness of the next elections is promoting adhered to and that is that the transi- be removed from Haiti, it is imperative that we suspicions and instability. We must anticipate tion of government be adhered to under hold immediate Congressional hearings to en- the work that will have to be done in order to Article 149 where it speaks to the sure that there has not been a violation of effectively and humanely process the immi- transfer of government. The present international law. Allowing or facilitating the re- nent influx of refugees by improving our immi- leader now admits he is not a politi- moval of a democratically elected president in gration screening and detention processes. cian. I do not even know if he will have a manner that violates international law sets a I do not believe that Haitian refugees re- the wherewithal to lead Haiti in this dangerous precedent for other established de- ceive a fair chance to satisfy the requirements time, but what I will say is that the mocracies and tarnishes our reputation in the for entitlement to an asylum hearing. Also, I hand of the United States is very much international community. am disturbed by the lack of parity between the involved in this process. Thugs have I rise this evening to once again revisit the Haitian refugees and the Cuban refugees. said that they are not going to lay escalating political crisis in Haiti. I, along with While Haitian refugees are detained and then their weapons down. What I actually Members of the Congressional Black Caucus removed from the United States, Cuban refu- say tonight is that we have a crisis, (CBC) met with President George Bush, Sec- gees who reach American soil are welcomed. and I believe, along with the United retary of State Colin Powell, and National Se- They are admitted or paroled into the United Nations, this government has a respon- curity Advisor Dr. Condoleezza Rice to dis- States, and a year later they are eligible for sibility to stand up and be counted. I cuss the immediate need for the establishment adjustment of status to that of lawful perma- am asking the administration now to of a humanitarian zone with foresight in Haiti. nent residents. This difference in treatment is be counted in this effort to rebuild When I, along with my colleagues of the unfair and unjustifiable. Haiti. I am also asking for this admin- Congressional Black Caucus met with Presi- I will support a bill sponsored by our col- istration to be accountable for what dent Bush concerning this situation, we league Mr. MEEK of Florida to designate Haiti has happened to President Aristide, a stressed that the United States must support under Section 244 of the Immigration and Na- duly-elected President, and I am ask- democracy and that the rule of law is para- tionality Act to allow Haitian refugees to obtain ing for this Congress to abide by the mount. Instead of political ideologies, we need Temporary Protective Status (TPS). I have Constitution for the fact that this Con- to preserve the innocent lives in the region signed on to join my brother today in fact to gress is an oversight body and ask the where over 70 have been killed and dozens take leadership in this crisis. hard questions as to why freedom has wounded to date. Violence, chaos, and anar- Furthermore, I will introduce a piece of leg- seemingly been jeopardized and seem- chy cannot be allowed to oust the democratic islation, the ‘‘Comprehensive Immigration Re- ingly been undermined in the last 48 government. form Act of 2003.’’ Section 502 of this bill re- hours. The deadly uprisings in this war-torn nation sponds to Attorney General Ashcroft’s deci- I thank the gentleman from Michi- come at the hands of the same factions that sion in Matter of D–J–, 23 I&N Dec. 572 (AG gan (Mr. CONYERS) for allowing us to ravaged Haiti several years ago. Reports 2003), in which he denied bond release to a have an opportunity to be able to chal- show that two of the rebel leaders are the Haitian on the ground that giving bond to un- lenge both our government and the most notorious torturers of the death squads, documented refugees who come to the United international arena for what has oc- having already earned a reputation of infamy States by sea would cause adverse con- curred to an independent people who in a massacre that took place before Jean- sequences for national security and sound im- have sought nothing but freedom in Bertrand Aristide returned to power. migration policy. this 200th year of their independence. I Louis-Jodel Chamblain is a former military This legislation would permit the adjustment will continue to join with the voices of leader who once orchestrated the most recent of status for Haitians who meet the following those who will join and stand up with coup d’etat in Haiti in 1991 with a brutal para- categories: them and be reminded of words heard military group. Guy Phillipe, a charismatic (1) The individual would have to be a native earlier this evening: Someone said how former soldier and loyalist to President or citizen of Haiti; does one change this government? Aristide, fled Haiti three years ago in exile to (2) The individual would have to have been They said by agitation, agitation, agi- the Dominican Republic to escape charges of inspected and admitted or paroled into the tation. And I hope tonight will be the drug-dealing and treason. Phillipe and United States; and beginning of our agitation of change. Chamblain crossed the Dominican border (3) The individual would have to have been Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to once back into Haiti a week ago to join their gang physically present in the United States for at again ask the Administration to take leader- of former police and soldiers. least one year. ship and responsibility to bring peace and sta- We cannot allow innocent Haitians to die at The Caucus advocates positive action by bility to Haiti. We read and hear in all media the hands of thugs who want to thwart the es- the U.S. Government to support peaceful and sources information that suggests that the CIA tablishment of democracy. We hope that, after democratic efforts to alleviate the violent and may have been involved with or had knowl- our meeting, the President will call for an af- unsanitary conditions to prevent the spread of edge of the alleged kidnapping of Haitian firmative plan to respond to the Opposition diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Collaboration by President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. I have Party’s rejection of peace proposals offered by and assistance from the United Nations will be reached out to our leadership to request that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and key in the effort to stimulate the participation

VerDate jul 14 2003 03:12 Mar 03, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K02MR7.082 H02PT1 March 2, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H745 of the international community. The Haitian Aristide on a Saturday night to give ment, is there any reason for this not people must implement the organic constitu- him two options: One, board a plane to to be granted in the next 24 hours to tional and democratic principles to indicate its save his life or, two, die. I do not con- protect the people that the gentleman contrition and willingness to effect change. sider that an easy and nonpersuasive represents and others around the Na- With the plan to institute a democratic form of discussion. I will take that as a very tion? governance must accompany maintenance of persuasive discussion if someone, just Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speak- the rule of law so as to ensure the develop- any American, just think about it, if er, that answer is yes. I just want to ment of a framework of fundamental rights. Vi- military forces came to one’s house say that the President and the Depart- olence will not bring about peace, but fair and representing the United States of ment of Homeland Security can grant transparent electoral processes will. America and said they have two op- temporary protective status as they Mr. Speaker, I hope that our words are tions, one, leave with us and live, two, have done in similar situations in Nica- heard and that this nation will move to end die, we will not stop them from killing ragua and other places where they had this problem before a full-scale civil war re- them. disruption and danger on the streets. sults. Action today will translate into an invest- Madam Speaker, we have a lot of dis- But, Madam Speaker, I must say the ment that will benefit innocent Haitian lives tinguished Members that are ready to repatriating of 900-plus individuals and the immigration challenges that do not di- address the House here tonight, but I seeking safety and refuge and to get a minish. I urge this Administration to do the want to say regardless of how one may true asylum hearing of being returned right thing and to provide the humanitarian aid feel toward Haiti, the administration, back to Haiti, 12 executions, 12, took and security provisions necessary to save as far as I am concerned, the Bush ad- place on Monday. These are pro- these lives. ministration had something personally Aristide supporters. Twelve individuals Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I against President Aristide. It was per- died execution style. So I am going to thank the distinguished gentlewoman sonal. This was not, well, he is not a tell the Members right now that our from Texas for her analysis and her great guy, he is not this, that, and the country, and I will not even say our contributions to this discussion. other. Guy Philippe is a murderer. He country, I would say our leadership has I yield to, if he desires, the gen- is a murderer and a thug and still car- placed us in that position. So, once tleman from Florida (Mr. MEEK). rying out thuggery on the streets of again, we have other Members here. We Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speak- Haiti. He is willing to arrest the prime will be hitting the floor in the coming er, I want to thank the chairman for minister? He is going to arrest any po- days and coming hours. It is important holding this special order on Haiti to- lice chief who did not show up at a that we have leadership in this House night. I believe all through the week meeting, and he is parading around the that is willing to schedule congres- and next week and the week after that streets with armed individuals? This sional hearings immediately based on and the month after that that we will does not look like security for Haiti. the actions of the executive branch on continue to raise the issue of the policy What this looks like is more difficulty a Saturday evening to go to a demo- decision that the Bush administration for Haiti. And he says he is interested cratically elected president’s home and has put forth as it relates to Haiti. I in politics; so, Madam Speaker, I will tell him either he gets on a plane or he must say that it is sad today in this de- say to the other Members the next loses his life. mocracy that we celebrate that we are leader of Haiti is going to be the person Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I now in the position and seen by the with the biggest guns and the most want to tell the gentleman from Flor- world community as being a country to guns and who are willing to do what ida (Mr. MEEK) that as usual his per- decide who will lead in a democracy they have to do. I will tell the Members ception about this problem is remark- and who will leave a democracy. also as it relates to U.S. forces on the able. I know that he has not an awful Madam Speaker, I just wanted to ground, what the Bush administration lot of seniority, but he worked on this come down here for a minute. This is did on that Saturday night, Sunday problem for many years before he be- the front page of the Washington Post. morning have endangered the lives of came a Member of Congress. He worked Mr. Guy Philippe, the rebel leader who American troops that are there that in his State legislature as a State sen- went through Haiti, taking cities over are trying to restore peace and secu- ator. He worked alongside with his and left about 70 people dead in the rity there, and international force mother, Ms. Carrie Meek, who held a seat before he did. So it is very impor- path of that. Here is the cover of the troops, the President himself has tant that we seriously analyze the con- New York Times. This is Mr. Philippe placed their lives in jeopardy. As a tribution that he has made tonight, again, with two armed individuals with member of the Committee on Armed AK–47 fully automatic weapons, going and I thank him for it. Services, I am very upset about that. I yield to the gentlewoman from through the streets of Port-au-Prince. We do not go and do this kind of Satur- California (Ms. WATSON). Mr. Philippe called a meeting today day night visit giving people an ulti- Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I and he said if police chiefs throughout matum. thank the chairman so much in this Haiti and also the prime minister, if Madam Speaker, I look forward to late hour. they did not show up, that he would the hearings that will be hopefully held The die has been cast. Our country’s place them under arrest. He has de- in the coming days here in this Con- leap year contribution to Haiti’s bicen- clared himself as the leader of the Hai- gress because if we allow this to hap- tennial celebration is another example tian army. He said that he respects de- pen as a U.S. Congress, we are in for a of the support of violence over democ- mocracy and that he would respect the rude awakening from the international racy when it suits our national polit- wishes of the now president, who was community about our integrity as it ical interests. the supreme court justice, if he asked relates to democracy. I thank the There is no doubt that this adminis- him to lay his weapons down. chairman so very much. tration empowered the so-called oppo- Madam Speaker, I am no great cheer- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam sition which consisted of no more than leader, I must add, of President Speaker, may I just thank the gen- a coterie of wealthy Haitians, CIA Aristide or the opposition forces, but I tleman for his leadership. He has just operatives, neo-Duvalierists, and drug am a cheerleader for democracy, and I heightened the drama and the fear and merchants to inflame a struggling pop- will tell the Members, regardless of the crisis that we are in. Coming from ulace. We did this by denying a demo- what anyone may say or what they south Florida, does it make any sense cratically elected president the support feel, representing south Florida where for this administration not to imme- and the resources needed and promised we have several Haitian Americans, I diately grant, as the gentleman has re- for his people’s development. must add that it is a disappointing day quested, temporary protective status This rebel opposition is no more than on behalf of democracy. The fact that to present to those who may be in fear a retread of the same elements tradi- the President of the United States, of their lives? When we have just read tionally militating against the people’s along with the Secretary of State, that we have Guy Philippe who is not interest ever since the African slaves along with Mr. Noriega, who is Assist- laying down his arms, he indicated soundly thrashed the finest of the ant Secretary of State, made the sin- that he is going to arrest leadership of French and other European legions to gular decision to go visit President government if we even have a govern- reclaim their freedom 200 years ago.

VerDate jul 14 2003 03:12 Mar 03, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02MR7.026 H02PT1 H746 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 2, 2004 The United States State Department, of the nation-building force, and not by It is important for people to know which ‘‘never negotiates with terror- proposed election schedules. Rather, that Jean-Bertrand Aristide was not in ists,’’ had sufficient cozy contact with the question of political elections in charge of Haiti for all these years that the Haitian rebels to convince them to Haiti from now on should be deter- you hear talked about, especially the delay their onslaught on Port-au- mined by the stability and the eco- year that the parliamentary elections Prince. Even after the rebels rejected nomic progress achieved and sustained were questioned. The parliamentary terms of settlement acceptable to by an interim government replacing elections that were questioned were President Aristide, in a matter of the deposed Aristide regime. held and the irregularities that were hours the State Department acceded to This situation proposes that the charged, which involved six out of 100- the rebels’ demand, the removal of international community, possibly some people elected, those irregular- President Aristide. through the United Nations Develop- ities were charged during a period There is a distressing school of ment Program, deploy a Haitian Re- when Jean-Bertrand Aristide was not thought that subscribes to the new of- construction Commission, a nation- in power. It is important to get the ficial spin that President Aristide has building force charged with the respon- chronology straight. no one but himself to blame for this sibility for reconstructing the eco- There are many people who say that sordid state of affairs. Maybe Aristide nomic and social fabric of Haitian soci- Jean-Bertrand Aristide has only one is to blame for not realizing that there ety, and with the employment of the fault, and some of us might have a was no way that the Haitian elite and peacekeeping force, constitute the in- tendency to want to agree with that, their U.S. conservative supporters terim government of Haiti. and the fault is he is not a seasoned would allow a government of black ex- Any intervention that fails to estab- politician. He came out of the priest- slaves to succeed in this hemisphere. lish an interim regime strong enough hood. He was a priest. He was almost to assert a humane face on the Haitian murdered three times before he was b 2215 nation and that lacks the sustained elected president. Maybe the priest-turned-politician commitment of the U.S. and the inter- This priest, who some say is an inept was too naive in committing his faith national community to Haiti’s future politician, also was able to maintain and the fate of his people to the tender well-being can only condemn the mil- influence, to maintain a following for mercies of the U.S. State Department. lions of that country to the future of all the years that have gone on since Maybe Father Aristide was so con- neo-slavery from which Dr. Jean- he was first elected. While he was out sumed in doing good that he could not Bertrand Aristide tried to save them. of office, he had influence and had a recognize the need to play ball with the Madam Speaker, we have much work following. Does that sound like some- powers that be, making himself a con- to do to right an egregious wrong that body who is inept and not a person who duit through which the millions of has been committed by our so-called knows how to organize people? international aid funds would flow into democratic administration. We must He has been accused of being a ruth- the greedy hands of the elite who act. less dictator. I have been trying to find would keep Haiti impoverished while Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I out what the basis of that charge is. they pranced on the ritzy edges of soci- want to express my appreciation to the What ruthless dictator do we know who ety. gentlewoman from Los Angeles, Cali- would disband his army? What ruthless But whatever the cause, the deed has fornia, for the work and steadfast com- dictator would not want an army? One of the most important things been done. Regime change has again mitment she has had to make democ- that Jean-Bertrand Aristide did when trumped sovereignty. The first demo- racy work in a tiny, impoverished na- he went back after being deposed by cratically elected president of the first tion, now celebrating its 200th anniver- black nation in this hemisphere has, on the army was to abolish the army. The sary. I thank the gentlewoman deeply. army of Haiti has been in charge ever the last day of Black History Month, I yield now to the distinguished gen- since the United States created the 2004, been removed from office and es- tleman from New York (Mr. OWENS), corted into exile. army. who has worked in this as long as any- Most people do not know the United Whether Aristide’s removal was vol- one I know. States Marines created the army of untary, that is, by free will, or vol- (Mr. OWENS asked and was given Haiti. In their long occupation of more untary, as in eagerly handing over permission to revise and extend his re- than 30 years, they built the Haitian your wallet to a gunman in the alley, marks.) army. After they left, whenever there will be resolved, I hope, in time. The Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I want was somebody not liked by the rich question is, where do we go from here? to thank the gentleman for having this governing families, the oligarchy of As legislators, we have a duty to at- Special Order at this critical moment Haiti, whenever there was somebody tempt, wherever possible, to snatch in the history of Haiti and world rela- not liked by the United States, the victory from the jaws of defeat. So far, tions. army was used to remove them. He got the United States has spearheaded the First, I would like to salute Jean- rid of the army. What ruthless dictator drive to commit peacekeepers on the Bertrand Aristide, the Father of De- would get rid of the army? Haitian scene, to bring back stability mocracy in Haiti. In all the years Haiti I just want to say that this demo- to the political environment and to set has existed, it has never had a democ- cratically elected president, this very the stage for prosperity and develop- racy. Jean-Bertrand Aristide was elect- unusual person of a magnitude you do ment. Keeping the peace is the sim- ed democratically in 1991. He was de- not see in politics usually, who is ac- plest of these missions. You can keep posed by a coup d’etat by the army. He cused of so many crimes in general, but the peace by totally suppressing dis- was here in this capital for 3 years. when you start asking people specifi- order with overwhelming force, or you He went back after the Congressional cally what he did, nobody ever has an can rely on the natural establishment Black Caucus urged President Clinton answer. of peace emanating from the applica- and worked very closely with President Did he go all over the world shop- tion of social justice and economic Clinton to restore democracy to Haiti. ping, like Baby Doc Duvalier and his prosperity. He went back, and he gave up the fact wife, spending $1 million on a weekend? In Haiti’s case, building a solid social that he had missed 3 years. He did not Did he have palaces built like Saddam and economic structure is more impor- insist on serving 5 years, he just com- Hussein while the population starved? tant than building our concept of pleted the term, 2 years. Like George Where is the personal use of govern- democratic institutions, and military Washington, he stepped down in order ment funds to be seen? Nobody can tell forces and police law and other actions to guarantee there would be a constitu- me specifically any of that. are only applicable if required in the tional process going on, just as George But what I do know is because of his pursuit of social and economic goals. Washington stepped down. He stepped antipathy toward violence, because he Therefore, the size and national com- down and there was another president understood the long history of Haiti position and duration of deployment of for 5 years, and then Aristide came and did not have an army, he has been the peacekeeping force should be deter- back. He was reelected later on for an- taken advantage of by terrorists. Ter- mined by the extent and the progress other 5-year term. rorists. If you look at the fact, this is

VerDate jul 14 2003 03:12 Mar 03, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K02MR7.084 H02PT1 March 2, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H747 a group of terrorists that has taken Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. act; they blocked other nations from over Haiti. Terrorists. Madam Speaker, let me just say that I acting. So do you think that the State Now, we have varying degrees of sus- am sick and tired of being sick and Department has been honest to the picion about to what degree our own tired. American people in regard to Haiti? government was involved. We do know I think everything goes back for me Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, it is certain individuals well known to our to the 2000 election when we had our very clear that what has happened and government who have cooperated with own form of coup d’etat; when in my what has been explained as what has the CIA in the past have shown up district alone, over 27,000 votes were happened are both totally inconsistent among these terrorists. We do know stolen, 27,000 votes. So when we think and have yet to be reconciled and that that they had modern weapons, United about the domestic issues, I go back this is another responsibility that has States weapons, machine guns, grenade and blame that election. But what hap- added to our duties. launchers and so forth, that are not pened this weekend and last week is Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. made in Haiti. just unacceptable. Mr. Chairman, do you believe that if We do know that our government This administration, the Bush ad- the United States had acted earlier in said to Aristide, we will not accept ministration, it is clear, if you do not a more humane way that this crisis your agreement. Aristide agreed to the go along with them lockstep, then they could have been averted? CARICOM agreement, and our govern- will take you out. Mr. CONYERS. Now, on that I firmly ment would not support the legitimate believe that had we not taken the in- b 2230 government of Haiti, and say, well, you credible diplomatic position that we agreed, therefore we will step in and Look at Venezuela, look at Iraq, and had to resolve a political dispute before protect you from the violence until now Haiti. For the past 3 years, this security could be brought to the peo- there is some kind of settlement. No. administration, the Bush administra- ple, that we would not be in the posi- They said to Aristide as long as the op- tion, along with its leadership have tion that we are in. Just consider, how can you tell peo- position, as they called it, do not blocked humanitarian assistance to ple that when the rebels do not want to agree, we will not get involved in try- Haiti. And, yes, the Haitian people are compromise, do not want to negotiate, ing to guarantee the safety of your suffering. And the words ‘‘corrupt gov- do not want to resolve the violence, government. ernment,’’ what do you have to be cor- that unless President Aristide can They empowered the terrorists. rupt with? We block any funds from reach a conclusion with them, they did Whatever else they did not do, what- the international community. The ma- not even listen to representatives of ever other lack of complicity there is, jority of the money that the Haitian the United States, much less their own there is the open complicity of the people receive is for those people that government, because they were deter- United States Government in empow- are working abroad in the United mined not to reach a political accord, ering the terrorists, making them States and sending it back. something that was patently obvious equal to Aristide, saying unless they I am on the Committee on Transpor- tation and the Infrastructure. I under- from the very beginning? agree, you have a doomed government. Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Beyond our own United States of stand something about infrastructure, roads, bridges. They do not have food, Madam Speaker, I would like to thank America, the international community our troops for preventing further chaos went along with all that, unfortu- water. The people are suffering. But we are responsible for the crumbling of and killing in Haiti. But I would like to nately. know what in the world does the future that poor island. And I want to thank There is a lesson, unfortunately, hold for the Haitian people. the chairman because I have been there here, for all the Caribbean nations of Mr. CONYERS. That is precisely this hemisphere and for small nations on numerous occasions with him. And, what we are in the process of deter- throughout the world. There is no more of course, he and I and others in the mining. And I would like to say that gunboat diplomacy. There will not be Congressional Black Caucus attended my optimism is still on the side of jus- any obvious takeover that the United their election. And I can tell you that tice, that my conviction that there are Nations can object to, but look forward the people were excited about voting. enough people in this Federal legisla- to a new kind of takeover process; and And I can also tell you that 27,000 votes ture and in this country to right the that is the process with the use of ter- were not thrown out in Haiti like it terrible wrong that has been visited rorists. was thrown out in Duvall County. upon the poor beleaguered citizens of Evidently, some people think there But I have four questions that I that little tiny nation only miles away are good terrorists and bad terrorists; would like to just ask the chairman from our shore. We can make Haiti bet- there are terrorists you can use and and other Members. The first one, to ter. We can still create a humanitarian terrorists you have to worry about. But what extent do you think the role of corridor to bring in the life-giving sup- I say that Haiti is a victim of ter- the United States played in a Haitian plies without which they will not only rorism, and we should bear that in coup d’etat? What part did we play? perish but the violence will continue. mind as we start sifting out the facts. Mr. CONYERS. Well, apparently I again thank the gentlewoman for As we go to our hearings, as we call there was an American role. The de- her perseverance and commitment into account our own elected officials tails have not been forthcoming be- across the years on this subject. and our appointed officials connected cause what actually happened has been Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. I with this, let us remember to ask the covered up with a series of misrepre- once again want to thank the chairman question, have we acted in complicity sentations that are clearly not accu- for his leadership. But my mind goes with terrorists? rate, and that is a challenge that re- back to our meeting that we had I thank the gentleman very much for mains for us to uncover. That is our Wednesday at the White House with yielding to me, and again congratulate job as legislators. And I think that the the Congressional Black Caucus mem- him on this Special Order. gentlewoman’s fierce determination to bers, with Colin Powell, Secretary of Mr. CONYERS. How profoundly we get to the bottom of this will lead this State, and with Condoleezza Rice and are in the debt of the gentleman from country, this Congress, to an honest with later the President; and I guess I New York (Mr. OWENS) for his contribu- evaluation of what has gone down. have a little Haitian or a little African tion tonight and from across the years Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. in me because I knew then that our around the people and the country and Madam Speaker, in talking to other government under the leadership of the the idea of a democratic process. international leaders and, of course, we Bush administration and those Cabinet Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- have to be careful not to call any members were not going to lift their tlewoman from Florida (Ms. CORRINE names because then they will also be hands to help the poor people of Haiti. BROWN), a strong and dedicated leader put on the hit list, but they were very They were not going to do one single and fighter in seeking justice for Haiti. disappointed with the leadership of the thing. (Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida Bush administration. They were will- We have spent $200 billion of Amer- asked and was given permission to re- ing to act but not only would this Bush ican dollars in Iraq to build up a de- vise and extend her remarks.) administration and its leadership not mocracy there, but we deny people less

VerDate jul 14 2003 03:12 Mar 03, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K02MR7.086 H02PT1 H748 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 2, 2004 than 600 miles from our shore any as- refugees who passed credible-fear inter- Haiti was overthrown and this is to- sistance, any intervention. And not views—unless they were deemed special se- tally unacceptable. What I have seen in only do we deny them; we are prohib- curity risks connected to September 11. That the last few years is that really this iting, prohibiting other countries from is still the case for asylum seekers from Co- country was setting up the situation going in and assist them. lombia, Venezuela, Cuba and almost any which has occurred over the last few Shame on this administration. And other country—except Haiti. The Miami INS, weeks. It really has helped democracy hopefully we can have a regime change under orders from the Department of Justice, fail in Haiti, and that to me is a shame or a change in our government come imprisons Haitians seeking to prove they de- and it is a disgrace. Over and over November. serve asylum, while asylum seekers from again this administration has under- Ever since I was elected to office, I have other countries roam freely within American mined and undercut President advocated on behalf of the Haitian people, borders. This unfair discrimination against Aristide’s attempts at social and eco- and it simply enrages me that Haiti has been Haiti has become a common practice under nomic development and the political nothing more than a stepchild to policymakers the current administration, and the Congres- challenges that have devastated his in the State Department. While Cubans gain sional Black Caucus is one of the few voices country. Over and over again I wit- access to U.S. citizenship by merely stepping fighting against this outrageous policy. nessed President Aristide comply with on land in Florida, Haitian immigrants are not To conclude: I reiterate my utter disappoint- all of the requirements of the United just detained indefinitely when they try to ment in the events that occurred in Haiti, and States. One month it was this. The come to the United States, but they are merci- my outrage at the Bush administration’s con- next month it was that. The next lessly sent back to the island. tribution to the fall of a democratically elected month it was something else. The Hai- These groups that refer to themselves as government. tian government continually complied, ‘‘the opposition,’’ are in reality nothing more Mr. CONYERS. I thank all of the continually stepped up to the plate than armed gangs often funded by drug lords, Members that have participated in the even when it caused some discussions that are on the verge of taking power through Special Order. and some turmoil in their own country as a result of, for instance, having to undemocratic means. I repeat: these are not f legitimate political opposition groups, many of raise the price of gasoline so that the them are the same criminals that were in HELP HAITI international banks would be satisfied power before Aristide, the same thugs we re- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. so that they could get the money that moved from office just a decade ago. Ex mili- BLACKBURN). Under a previous order of then negotiated for their loans. Out- tary, ex death squad members, drug and gang the House, the gentlewoman from Cali- rageous kinds of requirements this members, and members of the wealthy busi- fornia (Ms. LEE) is recognized for 5 country put on the Haitian govern- ness elite that dislike representative govern- minutes. ment. Yet, still President Aristide re- ment are their leaders. It is more than ironic Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, first, let sponded and complied. that just as the Bush administration admon- me thank Members of Congress to- So what we have witnessed over the ishes Haiti and other nations for being ‘‘un- night, the Congressional Black Caucus, last couple of weeks really was the democratic,’’ they led the way for these armed the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. march to a coup d’etat. We witnessed gangs (the same gangs they criticize in the CONYERS) for our focus and for leading the execution of a plan that I believe press) to usurp power. this effort not only tonight but over was really developed by, of course, They did not like the idea of a government the years with regard to Haiti. those; and we are having hearings to- that is trying to redistribute money to the poor Of course, Haiti tonight is on the morrow so we will begin to expose and and provide Haitians with proper education minds and in the hearts of the inter- at least ask the questions, but it was and health care, because they feel threatened national community, of many of us the execution of a plan that we saw, I that their previous absolute hold on power will here in Congress and throughout the remember I think during the 1980s dissolve. And since they can’t defeat Aristide country. And tonight I want to first around Nicaragua, around some of the in a fair election, they resorted to overthrow ask and raise concern for the safety attempts to overthrow governments in Latin America, the U.S. ambassador, him militarily. and for the security of President I have traveled to Haiti numerous times with Aristide and Mrs. Aristide and for their Negroponte, and Noriega who then was Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, family. Given the circumstances of Senator Helm’s person. We see many of met with Haitian government officials, opposi- their departure, I think it is appro- the same kinds of players in place. And tion groups, and leaders of NGOs, and served priate that we be concerned about their so, unfortunately, I am seeing an up- the Nation as an election observer, and I will safety and insist that our government dated repeated performance of what we saw in the 1980s in Latin America. And, tell you that Aristide won by a landslide. This ensure that they not be put in harm’s yes, this country has said that central cannot be denied by anyone. Yet for whatever way. to its foreign policy is regime change. reason, the Bush administration has been any- For many years now we have consist- That is a public kind of policy. And re- thing but a friend to the Aristide government, ently attempted to increase the gime change manifests itself in many, and insists ironically that Haiti does not de- Congress’s role, the administration’s role with regard to engagement with many ways. serve our monetary assistance because their If I were Venezuela or Brazil, not to Haiti. We have asked over and over elections were ‘‘unfair.’’ It simply mystifies me mention Cuba, I would be a bit con- again for immediate humanitarian as- how President Bush, a President who was se- cerned with what we know now and sistance, development assistance, in- lected by the Supreme Court under more than what we see taking place in terms of frastructure assistance. Really, all of questionable circumstances (in my district how the execution of a regime change, those efforts to allow the Haitian peo- alone 27,000 votes were thrown out), is telling foreign policy takes place. another country that their elections were not ple to live, to survive, and to move for- Finally, let me just say, when Sec- fair and that they are therefore undeserving of ward. Yet, repeatedly, over and over retary Powell says, it is nonsense and aid or international recognition. and over again, this administration has we are engaged in conspiracy theories, Haiti is a nation that is still in the incipient blocked any type of assistance, has em- I would ask people to look at the ‘‘U.S. stages of democracy and is in desperate need bargoed efforts to ensure that the Hai- War Against Haiti, Hidden From the of foreign aid, and the Bush administration’s tian people receive the funding that Headlines.’’ These are the facts. We economic stranglehold on the island has exac- they have negotiated, every single will begin to expose it tomorrow. erbated Haiti’s already crippled economy. The time. This administration went to the f economic situation in Haiti is dire, yet the international community and blocked Bush administration’s State Department appar- from the world the type of aid and as- AMERICAN REGIME CHANGE IN ently does not lend help to nations for humani- sistance and economic development NOVEMBER tarian reasons, only when a precious natural that Haiti needs. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a resource such as oil is at stake. It is unbelievable the type of circling previous order of the House, the gentle- Moreover, I remain outraged that Attorney of the wagons that we have seen as it woman from Illinois (Ms. SCHAKOWSKY) General John Ashcroft and the Miami INS of- relates to Haiti. Now, unfortunately, is recognized for 5 minutes. fice is explicitly going after the Haitian refu- our country has helped to ensure that Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, gees. In December, the INS routinely released democratically elected president of there is a president in the western

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