H11612 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 14, 2005 one we do not like so we are antici- ble of fraud. Evidence points to pos- lution sends a very strong message, pating that by suggesting that they sible fraud by the supreme electoral and I think we need to pass it. better get their act together, meaning council in the most recent election, the Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker we have let anybody win except the opposition 2004 municipal election. Now the su- no additional requests for time, and I because that obviously would be un- preme court, controlled by Roberto yield back the balance of my time. democratic. Rivas, is extremely corrupt and influ- Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- Mr. Speaker, there has to be a reason enced by the Ortega side of the Pact. er, I yield myself such time as I may why Latin America went from Fully three members of the supreme consume. dictatorships to so-called democracies court of have had their U.S. Let me just end by saying, thank you to again electing leftist leaders. Either visas permanently revoked. And the to Mr. LANTOS, my very good friend, something is in the water of Latin court recently suffered the embezzle- for his leadership and his hard work on America or people are fed up with con- ment of over $600,000 in confiscated this and a lot of other legislation. Let ditions. So what do we do? Instead of narco-trafficking funds allegedly by me just say that Mr. LANTOS and I were saying they are electing leftist govern- Sandinista officials of the court. both here back in the when the ments and we should find out why and Democracy is indeed in danger in war took place in Nicaragua and El support the elected leaders in their de- Nicaragua, but I am pleased to see that Salvador, and we saw the horrible re- sire to bring up the poor, we say be- efforts of civil society, groups like the sult of dictatorships. We saw the hor- ware Chavez, beware Bolivia, beware Movimento de Democracia and other rible result of , and democracy , beware Chile, beware everybody, groups, particularly the government of has changed that whole region down and especially beware Nicaragua: we Nicaragua under President Bolanos to there. And we think it is extremely im- did it to you once; we can do it to you create free and fair and transparent portant that we do everything we can again. If you do not elect the kind of elections continues to push for true de- to support democratic institutions so government we want, you are in deep mocracy. The must ac- that we do not have the bloodshed that trouble with us and you are not demo- tively support democracy. The United we saw back in the 1980s and we do not cratic. That is not democracy. States must actively support the rule see the massive flight of people leaving Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- of law and in Nicaragua that region to get to the United States er, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman and to work with international organi- and elsewhere to get away from those from Illinois (Mr. WELLER), vice chair- zations, especially the Organization of wars. So I think this resolution sends a man of the Western Hemisphere Sub- American States, to ensure the condi- strong message. Once again, I thank committee. tions exist for democracy and to ensure Mr. LANTOS. Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the integrity of the election process. I Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance the gentleman from Indiana for bring- am particularly pleased that the Inter- of my time. ing this resolution to the floor. I am a national Democratic Institute and the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. strong supporter of this resolution. International Republican Institute are CONAWAY). The question is on the mo- Democracy in Nicaragua has been both involved, and I hope the Organiza- tion offered by the gentleman from In- and continues to be under threat from tion of American States becomes fully diana (Mr. BURTON) that the House sus- something known as ‘‘the pact.’’ The engaged now, sooner rather than later, pend the rules and agree to the concur- pact is an agreement based on corrup- in ensuring a transparent and fair elec- rent resolution, H. Con. Res. 252, as tion and desire for power between two tion process. amended. men: former President Aleman and Mr. Chairman, I commend you for The question was taken; and (two- former dictator Ortega, known locally bringing this important resolution to thirds having voted in favor thereof) as the party caudillos, strongmen, the floor before us today. Democracy the rules were suspended and the con- party bosses; and they are both cor- has had a good start in Nicaragua. It is current resolution, as amended, was rupt. under threat because of the Ortega- agreed to. Let us be clear: the pact today con- Aleman Pact. We must do everything The title of the concurrent resolution trols the Supreme Court of Nicaragua, we can to support true democracy and was amended so as to read: ‘‘Expressing the pact controls the Supreme Elec- ensure free, fair and transparent elec- the sense of Congress that the Govern- toral Council, the pact controls the Na- tions, and that is why I strongly sup- ment of the United States should sup- tional Controllers Board, and the pub- port this resolution and urge bipar- port democracy, the rule of law, and lic prosecutor’s office. These two cor- tisan support. human rights in the Republic of Nica- rupt caudillos have divided up power so Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker I yield 1 ragua and work cooperatively with re- they control it for themselves. minute to the gentleman from Ohio gional and international organizations to bolster Nicaraguan efforts to estab- b 2130 (Mr. KUCINICH). Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I want lish the requisite conditions for free, The Pact is alive and well. A side to thank the gentleman from Cali- fair, transparent, and inclusive presi- agreement to weaken President fornia. dential and legislative elections in Bolanos failed largely because of civil I want to say that I was greatly con- 2006.’’. society, but control of the country’s in- cerned hearing the comments of my A motion to reconsider was laid on stitutions, those I named, still con- colleague from New York who raises the table. tinue. So democracy continues to be some valid points about the United f threatened in Nicaragua. What is the States’ interventions in Latin Amer- REMEMBERING AND COMMEMO- goal of the Pact? To manipulate the ica. Now, I think that, you know, on RATING THE LIVES AND WORK 2006 elections for their benefit, for the one hand, the sponsors of the legisla- OF UNITED STATES CHURCH- benefit of former dictator Ortega and tion have already achieved their ends, WOMEN EXECUTED IN EL SAL- former President Aleman, to feed their and I just wonder if the gentleman VADOR IN 1980 corruption. The Pact wants to stay in from Indiana would yield to a question. power, including through controlling Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- the supreme electoral council. Now, er, I will be happy to yield to my col- er, I move to suspend the rules and what type of people make up the su- league. agree to the resolution (H. Res. 458) re- preme electoral council? I would note Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, you membering and commemorating the that two out of seven of the members have sponsored a resolution here that, lives and work of Sisters have had their visas permanently re- as I indicated earlier, the sponsorship and , Ursuline voked by the United States. And ac- moved some policy change. In light of Sister , and cording to a survey published Sep- that, would you have any interest in Lay Mission Team Member Jean Dono- tember 19 of this year by La Prensa, withdrawing the resolution and declar- van, who were executed by members of the leading newspaper, three-fourths, ing victory? the armed forces of on De- 74 percent of Nicaraguans believe that Mr. BURTON of Indiana. I do not cember 2, 1980, as amended. the supreme electoral council is capa- think so at this time. I think this reso- The Clerk read as follows:

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:28 Dec 15, 2005 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00106 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14DE7.174 H14DEPT1 December 14, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11613 H. RES. 458 Whereas the families of the four United The Chair recognizes the gentleman Whereas on , 1980, four United States churchwomen appreciate the ability from Indiana. of those harmed by violence to bring suit States churchwomen, Maryknoll Sisters GENERAL LEAVE against Salvadoran military officers in Maura Clarke and Ita Ford, Ursuline Sister Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- Dorothy Kazel, and Cleveland Lay Mission United States courts under the Torture Vic- tim Protection Act of 1991 (28 U.S.C. 1350 er, I ask unanimous consent that all Team Member , were violated Members may have 5 legislative days and executed by members of the National note); Guard of El Salvador; Whereas the lives of these four United within which to revise and extend their Whereas in 1980 Maryknoll Sisters Maura States churchwomen have, for the past 25 remarks and include extraneous mate- Clarke and Ita Ford were working in the par- years, served as inspiration and continue to rial on the resolution under consider- ish of the Church of San Juan Bautista in inspire , Americans, and people ation. Chalatenango, El Salvador, providing food, throughout the world to answer the call to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there transportation, and other assistance to refu- service and to pursue lives dedicated to ad- objection to the request of the gen- gees and Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel and dressing the needs and aspirations of the poor, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged, tleman from Indiana? Cleveland Lay Mission Team Member Jean There was no objection. Donovan were working in the parish of the especially among women and children; Whereas the lives of the four United States Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- Church of the Immaculate Conception in La churchwomen have also inspired numerous er, I yield myself such time as I may Libertad, El Salvador, providing assistance books, plays, films, music, religious, and cul- consume. and support to refugees and other victims of tural events; Mr. Speaker, on December 2, 1980, 25 violence; Whereas schools, libraries, research cen- Whereas these four United States church- years ago this month, four American ters, spiritual centers, health clinics, wom- women dedicated their lives to working with church women were murdered in El en’s and children’s programs in the United the poor of El Salvador, especially women Salvador by members of the El Salva- States and in El Salvador have been named and children left homeless, displaced and doran military. In 1984, five national after or dedicated to Sisters Maura Clarke, destitute by the Salvadoran war; Ita Ford and Dorothy Kazel and lay mis- guardsmen were tried, convicted and Whereas these four United States church- sionary Jean Donovan; sent to prison for these . women joined the more than 70,000 civilians Whereas the Maryknoll Sisters, head- On the occasion of the 25th anniver- who were murdered during the course of the quartered in Ossining, New York, the Ursu- sary of their deaths, the resolution be- Salvadoran war; line Sisters, headquartered in Cleveland, fore us commemorates the lives and Whereas on May 23 and May 24, 1984, five Ohio, numerous Religious Task Forces in the members of the National Guard of El Sal- work of the Maryknoll Sisters, Maura United States, and the Salvadoran and inter- vador—Subsergeant Luis Antonio Colindres Clarke and Ita Ford, Ursuline Sister national religious communities based in El Aleman, Daniel Canales Ramirez, Carlos Dorothy Kazel and lay missionary Jean Salvador annually commemorate the lives Joaquin Contreras Palacios, Francisco Or- Donovan. It extends our most profound and martyrdom of the four United States lando Contreras Recinos, and Jose Roberto churchwomen; sympathy and support to the families, Moreno Canjura—were found guilty by the Whereas the historic January 1992 Peace friends and religious communities of Salvadoran courts of the executions of the Accords allowed the Government and the these four women. It encourages us to churchwomen and were sentenced to thirty people of El Salvador to achieve significant find inspiration in their lives and work years in prison, marking the first case in the progress in creating and strengthening and calls upon the American people where a member of democratic political, economic, and social the Salvadoran Armed Forces was convicted and religious congregations to partici- institutions; and of by a Salvadoran judge; pate in local, national and inter- Whereas December 2, 2005, marks the 25th Whereas the Commission national events marking the 25th anni- anniversary of the deaths of these four spir- on the Truth for El Salvador was established versary of their deaths. itual, courageous, and generous United under the terms of the historic January 1992 The resolution also recognizes that States churchwomen: Now, therefore, be it Peace Accords that ended El Salvador’s Resolved, That the House of Representa- progress has been made in El Salvador twelve years of war and was charged to in- tives— following the war, but reminds us that vestigate and report to the Salvadoran peo- (1) remembers and commemorates the lives the work of these missionaries on be- ple on human rights crimes committed by all and work of Sisters Maura Clarke, Ita Ford, half of the poor remains unfinished. sides during the course of the war; and Dorothy Kazel and lay missionary Jean Therefore, it calls on us as a Congress Whereas in March 1993 the United Nations Donovan; to engage ourselves and relevant U.S. Commission on the Truth for El Salvador (2) extends sympathy and support for the found that the execution of the four United agencies to continue to support and families, friends, and religious communities collaborate with the Salvadoran gov- States churchwomen was planned and that of the four United States churchwomen; Subsergeant Luis Antonio Colindres Aleman (3) continues to find inspiration in the ernment and other private nonprofit carried out orders from a superior to execute lives and work of these four United States and religious groups working to reduce them, and that then Colonel Carlos Eugenio churchwomen; poverty and hunger in El Salvador and Vides Casanova, then Director-General of the (4) calls upon the people of the United to promote educational opportunity, National Guard and his cousin Lieutenant States and religious congregations to par- and social equity. Colonel Oscar Edgardo Casanova Vejar, then ticipate in local, national, and international I would like to commend Mr. MCGOV- Commander of the Zacatecoluca military de- events commemorating the 25th anniversary ERN for bringing this resolution to the tachment where the murders were com- of the martyrdom of the four United States floor. It is a fitting tribute to four in- mitted, and other military personnel knew churchwomen; that members of the National Guard had spiring American church women who (5) recognizes that while progress has been worked on behalf of some of the poor- committed the murders pursuant to orders of made during the post-war period, the work a superior and that the subsequent cover-up begun by the four United States church- est Salvadorans, including refugees and of the facts adversely affected the judicial women remains unfinished and social and children left homeless during El Sal- investigation into the murders of the four economic hardships persist among many sec- vador’s internal struggles. I think we United States churchwomen; tors of Salvadoran society; and could all learn a lesson from the events Whereas the United Nations Commission (6) calls upon the President, the Secretary of 25 years ago and work even harder to on the Truth for El Salvador determined of State, the Administrator of the United ensure that democracy remains strong that General Jose Guillermo Garcia, then States Agency for International Develop- Minister of Defense, made no serious effort in Central America and elsewhere so ment, and the heads of other United States that such events can never be repeated. to conduct a thorough investigation of re- Government departments and agencies to sponsibility for the murders of the church- continue to support and collaborate with the I urge my colleagues to support the women; Government of El Salvador and with private resolution. Whereas the families of the four United sector, nongovernmental, and religious orga- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of States churchwomen continue their efforts nizations in their efforts to reduce poverty my time. to determine the full truth surrounding the and hunger and to promote educational op- Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield murders of their loved ones, appreciate the portunity, health care, and social equity for myself such time as I may consume. cooperation of United States Government the people of El Salvador. I rise in strong support of this impor- agencies in disclosing and providing docu- tant resolution. Mr. Speaker, El Sal- ments relevant to the churchwomen’s mur- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ders, and pursue requests to release to the ant to the rule, the gentleman from In- vador has progressed much since the family members the few remaining undis- diana (Mr. BURTON) and the gentleman 1980s when a horrific civil war tore closed documents and reports pertaining to from California (Mr. LANTOS) each will through the country, consuming some this case; control 20 minutes. 75,000 lives.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:28 Dec 15, 2005 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00107 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14DE7.111 H14DEPT1 H11614 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 14, 2005 In the last decade, the country has Ford, Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel health clinics, and groups that provide held numerous free and fair elections. and Cleveland lay missionary Jean counseling for young women and moth- Power was transferred peacefully from Donovan were brutally violated and ers dedicated to these four women. We one political party to another, and the murdered by members of the Salva- will find libraries, schools, and schol- military has withdrawn from the polit- doran national guard. The guardsmen arly centers named in their honor and ical and economic affairs of the coun- who pulled the triggers and their im- books, films, plays and music created try and returned to its barracks. mediate superior, a sub-sergeant, were to celebrate their lives. Standards of living have also im- tried, convicted and imprisoned in 1984 In El Salvador, throughout Latin proved. According to the World Bank, for these heinous crimes, although America, and even around the world, it fewer infants are dying at birth; more they were later released in 1997 and is common to come across commu- children are attending primary school; 1998. But I am not here today to recall nities and humanitarian projects and more families have access to safe these tragic events. I am here to re- named after Maura Clarke, Jean Dono- drinking water today than they did 10 member and honor their lives. van, Ita Ford, and Dorothy Kazel. years ago. These four courageous American I have been very privileged to get to El Salvador has also become one of women dedicated their lives to the know some of the family members of our most trusted and unwavering allies safety and welfare of others, to the these women, and I have long been a and has taken principled and brave poor and the desperate of El Salvador, friend of the Maryknoll Sisters. A finer stances on such issues as Iraq and the especially the women and children left group of people one simply cannot find. defense of . homeless and destitute by the violence It is for them, the families, friends, and Mr. Speaker, despite these extraor- and the war of that era. It is the way colleagues of these four church women dinary accomplishments, El Salvador, that they lived their lives and the work that I am proud the House is acting on like many post-conflict countries, still that they carried out that has proven this special remembrance of their loved struggles with a host of social, eco- to be so inspirational to so many peo- ones who have been lost to them these nomic and environmental problems. ple in the 25 years since their death past 25 years but who always remain, Public investments in health, edu- as they say in Spanish, ‘‘presente’’ in cation, sanitation and other social pro- and especially the young people who are looking for role models, both sec- their hearts, minds, and souls. grams are low. As a consequence, the I believe these four American women ular and spiritual, to guide their own health of the population is generally represent the very best our country has futures. poorer than that of most of El Sal- to offer. They represent the best values I had the privilege to spend December vador’s regional neighbors. Also, vio- and ideals, not only of the American 1 through December 6 in El Salvador lence, much of it gang related, is crip- people but of all people. My recent and to participate in the many 25th an- pling El Salvadoran society. And El time in El Salvador inspired me. It re- niversary events organized by the Salvador’s preparedness to respond and energized me. It reminded me that we Maryknoll Sisters and other Salva- mitigate natural disasters remains must remain committed to continuing doran and American religious leaders lacking. the church women’s legacy by helping Today’s resolution reminds us to honoring the lives of these four won- the poor and disadvantaged of El Sal- draw strength and inspiration from the derful women. I was a member of a del- vador develop their communities and lives of four admirable women who egation coordinated by the Washington create a more hopeful future for all. were killed for dedicating their lives to office on Latin America and the Asso- I urge my colleagues to approve of H. trying to bring hope to those who are ciation of Jesuit Colleges and Univer- Res. 458 and to remember the very spe- desperately poor in El Salvador. sities. Our delegation joined over 200 cial lives dedicated to service of Maura Working together with our El Salva- other Americans and an equal number Clarke, Jean Donovan, Ita Ford, and doran friends, I am confident that we of religious representatives from Dorothy Kazel. can overcome the remaining challenges throughout Central and South America STATEMENT ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE that confront them and strengthen the and elsewhere. During our 5 days in El FOUR MISSIONARY WOMEN—BISHOP THOMAS already close ties that bind our two Salvador, we walked in the footsteps of G. WENSKI, BISHOP OF ORLANDO, CHAIRMAN, great nations. these women. We visited small rural USCCB COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL POL- Mr. Speaker, the resolution before us communities where they lived and ICY, NOVEMBER 21, 2005. today takes another step towards for- worked. We met with the campesinos, Twenty-five years ago, many throughout tifying these bonds. I want to applaud the priests and the sisters with whom the world were shocked by the news of the my friend and colleague, Chairman they labored. We attended mass, and abduction, rape and murder on December 2nd 1980 of four American missionary women in HYDE, for expediting this body’s consid- we worshipped at the site where their El Salvador. That same year saw the inten- eration of the resolution, and I com- bodies were found. sification of the civil war in that country mend the efforts of the gentleman from b 2145 that was dramatically marked first by the Massachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN) for au- assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero thoring it. And we listened to the members of on March 24th and, nearly a decade later, by I strongly urge all of my colleagues their families and their religious or- the slaughter of six Jesuit priests and their to support H. Res. 458. ders tell stories of their lost loved ones two aides at the Central American Univer- Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as that brought these women vividly and sity on December 16th 1989. he might consume to the gentleman joyously to life for all of us. There can be little doubt that the sacrifi- While it was a time of sorrow and re- cial deaths—the martyrdoms—of these exem- from Massachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN), plary Christians, representing the epis- the author of this legislation. membered grief, it was also a time of copate, the life of vowed religious men and Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I wish celebration, for these four American women, and the Catholic laity. Nor is there to express my gratitude and apprecia- women are remembered with great love doubt that the findings of those guilty for tion to the leadership on both sides of and affection by the Salvadoran people these crimes served to hasten the end of that the aisle for bringing this resolution to and by so many Americans across our fratricidal war that was finally concluded the House floor before we adjourn for country. Their spirits burn bright and with the January 1992 Peace Accords. Sister Maura Clarke, MM, Sister Ita Ford, the year. I especially want to thank have served to inspire many others, in- MM, both of the Maryknoll Sisters, Sister Western Hemisphere Subcommittee cluding young people, to lives of serv- Dorothy Kazel, OSU of the Sisters of St. Ur- Chairman BURTON, Subcommittee ice. Who now remembers those who sula, and lay missionary Jean Donovan of Ranking Member MENENDEZ, House brutalized and murdered them, unless the Cleveland Diocesan Mission team were International Relations Committee it is with a shudder? all young, dynamic, deeply committed mis- Chairman HYDE, Ranking Member LAN- Several 25th anniversary events were sionaries. They saw the face of Christ in the poorest and most vulnerable of the people of TOS, Majority Leader BLUNT, Demo- held here in the United States during the December 2 weekend in cities as di- El Salvador and sought to offer what aid and cratic Leader PELOSI, Speaker consolation they could provide. In the poi- HASTERT, Rules Committee Chairman verse as Kansas City, Boston, Cleve- sonous political atmosphere of the time, DREIER and all of their staffs. land, Seattle, Detroit, and Milwaukee. their concern for ‘‘the least of these’’ was Mr. Speaker, on December 2, 1980, Across our country we will also find seen by some as a challenge to an unjust sta- Maryknoll Sisters Maura Clark and Ita community centers, neighborhood tus quo.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:12 Dec 15, 2005 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00108 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14DE7.177 H14DEPT1 December 14, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11615 May we today rededicate ourselves, to- Sister Janet Yurkanin, IHM, Director, Mi- Sisters of St. Joseph of La Grange, IL and gether with the bishops and faithful of El gration and Refugee Services Diocese of Wheeling, WV. Salvador and all of Central America, to the Trenton, NJ. Sister Kathleen Lucs, CSJ, Sisters of St. task of peace, justice and reconciliation Franciscan Mission Service. Joseph, of La Grange. throughout the Americas for which these ex- NETWORK, a National Catholic Social Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Los emplary women gave their lives. Justice Lobby. Angeles Province. Office of Justice, Peace & Integrity of Cre- Rosemary Lynch, IBVM, Provincial, Insti- DECEMBER 7, 2005. ation, Columban Missionaries. tute of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To: Hon. Dennis Hastert, Speaker. Leadership Team of the Institute of the Union of Sisters of the Presentation of the Hon. Roy Blunt, Majority Leader. Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Blessed Virgin Mary. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader. Institute Justice Team of the Sisters of Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes. DEAR REPRESENTATIVES HASTERT, BLUNT, Mercy of the Americas. Sisters of the Presentation, San Francisco. Sisters of St. Francis, Sylvania, Ohio. AND PELOSI: As people of faith and leaders of Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Vermont Sisters of St. Francis, Little Falls, MN. our Nation’s religious communities, we write Regional Leadership Team. Leadership Team of the Sisters of St. to urge you to move H. Res. 458 expeditiously Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Cin- Francis, Clinton, Iowa. to the House floor for consideration under cinnati Regional Leadership Team. Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Auburn Leadership Team, Sisters of St. Francis of suspension before the 109th Congress ad- the Holy Cross. journs for the year. The resolution, which Regional Community. Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Bur- Leadership Council of the Wheaton, IL currently has 88 bipartisan cosponsors, was Franciscans. approved unanimously by the Western Hemi- lingame Regional Leadership Team. Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Balti- Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Of- sphere Subcommittee and unanimously by fice, Wheaton, IL Franciscans. the House International Relations Com- more Regional Community. Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Detroit Sisters of St. Francis, Millvale, PA. mittee. It was reported out of the HIRC on Sister Betty Kane, OSF, Director, Evan- Regional Leadership Team. November 16, with recommendations that it gelical Life Services, Sisters of St. Francis Karen M. Donahue, RSM, Justice Coordi- be placed on the suspension calendar. of Philadelphia. nator, Sisters of Mercy Regional Community H. Res. 458 remembers and commemorates Sister Nancy Celaschi, OSF, School Sisters of Detroit. the lives and work of Maryknoll Sisters of St. Francis, Pittsburgh. Benedictine Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Maura Clarke and Ita Ford, Ursuline Sister Sister Virginia Welsh, OSF, Community Lisle, IL. Dorothy Kazel, and Cleveland Lay Mission Minister, Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin, Benedictines for Peace in Pittsburgh. Team Member Jean Donovan, who were exe- Benedictine Sisters, Mt. Angel, OR. Ohio. cuted by members of the armed forces of El Sister Mary Elizabeth Imler, General Com- Benedictine Sisters of Chicago. Salvador on December 2, 1980. Sisters of St. Benedict, Rock Island, Illi- munity Leader, Franciscan Sisters of the Sa- Through their dedicated witness and un- nois. cred Heart, Frankfort, Illinois. timely deaths in El Salvador, these four Sister Christine Vladimiroff, Prioress U.S. Provincial Team, School, Sisters of women remind us of the powerful gifts of hu- Benedictine Sisters of Erie, PA. St. Francis, Sister Barbara Kraemer, OSF, mility, community and faith. Sister Merle Nolde, OSB, Benedictine Sis- Sister Elizabeth Heese, OSF, Sister Maureen During the early years of El Salvador’s ters. McCarthy, OSF. tragic civil war, in which over 70,000 civilians Dominican Sisters of Oxford, Leadership Sister Dominica Lo Bianco, OSF, Our Lady eventually lost their lives, Maura Clarke and Team, Sister Teresita Lipar, OP, Prioress, of Angels Convent, Aston, PA. Ita Ford worked in Chalatenango, providing Sister Susan McMahon, OP, Vicaress, Sister International Team, School Sisters of St. food, transportation, and other assistance to Gene Poore, OP, Councilor. Francis. Sister Janet Gardner, OSF, General Min- refugees; Dorothy Kazel and Jean Donovan Adrian Dominican Sisters, Global Mission, ister, Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence worked in La Libertad, providing assistance Justice and Peace, Adrian Dominican Sis- of God, Pittsburgh PA. and support to refugees and other victims of ters, Midwest Chapter. Sister Rose Marie Surwilo, OSF, Sisters of violence. Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Based on their commitment to Jesus’ call St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, Joliet, IL. Siena, Kenosha, Wisconsin. to service in the gospel, these four U.S. Daughters of Charity of the East Central Leadership Team, Tacoma, Dominican churchwomen dedicated their lives to work- Province Leadership Team. Community, Sister Sharon Casey, Sister Pa- ing with the impoverished people of El Sal- Sister Irene Fortier DHS, Justice Coordi- tricia Morisset, Sister Mary Patricia Mur- vador, especially women and children left nator for Province, Daughters of the Holy phy. homeless, displaced and destitute by the Spirit. Congregation Justice Committee, Sisters Sister Mary Jo Anderson, CHS, General civil war. of the Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Indiana. Now, 25 years after their kidnapping, rape Coordinator, Community of the Holy Spirit. Ann Oestreich IHM, Congregation Justice and murder at the hands of Salvadoran Na- Sister Margaret O’Rourke, dmj, Social Jus- Coordinator, Sisters of the Holy Cross. tional Guardsmen, it is fitting for Congress tice Coordinator, Daughters of Mary and Jo- Office of Justice, Peace & Integrity of Cre- seph, Long Beach, CA. to recognize the women and their sacrifice ation, School Sisters of Notre Dame, Man- and how their example has inspired so many Leadership Team, Servants of Mary, kato, MN. Ladysmith, WI. others to answer the call to service. We School Sisters of Notre Dame, Office of strongly encourage your support of H. Res. Sister Louise Akers, SC, Sisters of Char- Global Justice & Peace. ity. 458, and again urge you to make every effort Sisters of the Living Word, Leadership to move this resolution through the Inter- Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Team. Mary, Dubuque, Iowa. national Relations Committee in a timely Catherine M. Holtkamp, CDP, Director, Of- fashion. Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Congrega- fice of Peace & Justice, Congregation of Sis- tional Leadership. Sincerely, ters of Divine Providence of Kentucky. Congregational Leadership Team, Sisters of Divine Providence of San Anto- Sister Anne Shepard, Prioress, Mount St. nio, TX. Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic. Scholastica, Atchison, KS. General Council, Maryknoll, Fathers & Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Brothers. New York Area Peace and Justice Group. Mary, Oregon Province. Leadership Team, Ursuline Sisters of Sister Regina E. Flanigan, IHM, Sisters Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. Cleveland. Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Leadership Team, Maryknoll Lay Mis- Sister Mary Quinn, President, Sisters of Immaculata, PA. sioners. St. Joseph of Springfield. The Leadership Council Sisters, Servants Leadership Conference of Women, Reli- Leadership Team, Sisters of St. Joseph, of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Monroe, gious (LCWR). Nazareth, MI. Michigan. Rita Ann Teichman, SSI, Region VII, Sister Patricia Kelly, SSJ, President, Sis- Sister Susan Hadzima, IHM. Leadership Conf. of Women Religious. ters of Saint Joseph, Philadelphia. Sisters of the Holy Names, California Prov- Raya Hanlon, OP, Chair Region XIV, Lead- Sister Kathleen Coll, SSJ, Coordinator, ince. ership Conf. of Women Religious. Sisters of Saint Joseph, Philadelphia. The Provincial Leadership, Sisters of the Rev. T. Michael McNulty, SJ, Justice and Sister Ricarda Vincent, SSJ, President, Divine Savior—USA Province. Peace Director, Conference of Major Superi- Sisters of St. Joseph, Northwestern Pennsyl- Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & ors of Men (CMSM). vania, Sister Rosemarie Lorenz, SSJ. Mary, Oakland, CA. Rev. Charles L. Currie, S.J., President, As- Sister Maureen P. Kelly, SSJ, Sister Bar- Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union, East- sociation of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. bara L. Reuben, SSJ, Sister Dorothy Winner, ern Province. Rev. James Hug, S.J., President, Center of SSJ, Sister Linda M. Larsen, SSJ, Sister Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Concern. Mary Jane Daily, SSJ, Sisters of St. Joseph. Creation, Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Dave Robinson, Exec. Director, Pax Christi Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, Our Lady Union, Eastern Province. USA. Province. Sister Joy Peterson, Leadership Team Srs. Rev. Louis Lougen, Provincial, Missionary Sister Joellen Sbrissa, CSJ, Office of of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Peace, Justice and Integrity of Creation. Mary, Dubuque, Iowa.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:28 Dec 15, 2005 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00109 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14DE7.137 H14DEPT1 H11616 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 14, 2005 Sister Imelda Gonzalez, cdp, Congregation America.’’ These are times defined by desire of the wealthy and powerful to main- of Divine, Providence. globalization with that phenomenon implies; tain wasteful and destructive lifestyles. Sister Gertrude Myrick, RSM, Sisters of by excessive wealth concentrated in the It is clear now that true, inclusive security Mercy. hands of a small minority in almost every has to be rooted in global community—in the Sister Florence Magnan, CSA, Congrega- country of the world and intransigent pov- globalization of solidarity. tion of Sisters of St. Agnes. erty lived by a global majority; by increas- At issue is how we define security, from Sister Mary Doretta Cornell, RDC, Sisters ingly evident ecological catastrophy; and by whose perspective and through what lens. of the Divine Compassion. a growing awareness of the intrinsic inter- And it seems to me that the global groan- Sister Eileen White, GNSH, Grey Nuns of connectedness of humans with each other ing we are now experiencing is about shifting the Sacred Heart. and with the rest of creation. (especially in the global North) from one def- Prof. Rowshan Nemazee, Department of What might solidarity look like now and inition to the other: Religious Studies, McGill University Mon- toward what might such a process lead us? . . . from pursuing security by building treal, Quebec, Canada. That is the question we will all reflect upon higher walls and stronger fences, hiring Susan Fitzpatrick. this afternoon, but let me offer a few exam- fiercer guards, inventing more powerful ples around the theme of security, which is weapons systems, or dominating the global SOLIDARITY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY becoming the ‘‘communist threat’’ of the economy REMEMBERING THE MARTYRS OF EL SALVADOR 21st century. . . . to pursuing security through the adop- We are here to honor the memory of four Three months ago we watched a painful tion of a new—or perhaps a very old— women martyred 25 years ago and of 75,000 drama unfold in New Orleans that brought to cosmovision that sees and values the whole others, including Archbishop Romero, who the surface deep frustration and anger—and community of life—and through collabo- gave their lives for social justice and for spectacular beauty. Immediately, there rative attention to ensuring that the basic human dignity. When corpses were piled high arose across the country—around the world— needs of all human beings everywhere are in the public garbage dumps outside this a gut level sense that life was precious and met. I believe that the role of the Church— city—when bishops, generals, the nuncio and that everyone had a right to a dignified res- of faith communities and of educational in- government officials demanded neutrality cue from that dreadful situation. When it be- stitutions is key in facilitating such a shift. from the Church—these four chose to accom- came evident that some people were much Religious leaders, pastors, educators and pany a people made profoundly vulnerable by more vulnerable to the ravages of nature the media have to help us— war and by repression. They lived the virtue than others—that poverty (with its roots in Grapple with our own fear and insecurity, of solidarity, not neutrality. Poor people, ) was the determining factor in how enabling us to live with vulnerability—even they believed, were one place of God’s revela- one fared, people across the country—around see it as necessary for faithful living in soli- tion in history—an opening where the God of the world—were outraged. darity with the majority of people who are hope and possibility was discovered in the Four years earlier, in the midst of the hor- always vulnerable; midst of suffering and fear. rific aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Rework our value system from the ground When they were killed, for people of faith the U.S., the same intuition was evident—to up—reclaiming the positive (exhibited on 9/11 in the United States and elsewhere in the honor the sacredness of every life, to save and in response to recent hurricanes) and North, they put a familiar, human face on lives—every life possible. Period. Nothing eliminating rather than orchestrating the the thousands of Salvadoran lay people, reli- else mattered—color of skin, language spo- violent and destructive; gious and priests who also were martyred ken, legal status in the U.S., level of income. Reset our priorities from the accumulation here in those years and they gave great en- Everyone asked immediately how they could of power, wealth and consumer goods to nur- ergy to a whole movement learning to act in help. turing right relationships with other people solidarity with the people of Central Amer- We saw with new eyes and our hearts were and the rest of creation; ica. broken—the beginning of solidarity. Move from individualism to emphasize Solidarity—not (according to Joe Donders) Deep in the human heart, I believe, is an community—ultimately the global commu- a feeling of vague compassion or shallow dis- indelible sense of the value of each human nity; tress at the misfortunes of others, but a firm life and an instinct for solidarity that ac- Learn to be present, to listen, to wait—to and persevering determination to commit companies, responds to, needs to shape our relinquish our need for instant gratification; oneself to the common good. conversation around a topic that is too often Develop our skills for social, political and Maura, Ita, Dorothy and Jean lived a soli- manipulated for political gain or ideological economic analysis and historical conscious- darity that, even in these very different reasons, yet will be central in many ways to ness that might help us move beyond sound times would serve us. The Maryknoll Sisters, the future of the human community and the bytes to understand root causes; in the reflection paper they prepared for this integrity of creation. Deal with our collective fear of aging and conversation, described solidarity as a pos- According to Franciscan theologian Bryan death; and ture that is rooted in the identity of each Massingale, ‘‘Security in the biblical Reexamine our symbols and myths to strip person as a creature of God, a creature en- worldview is an outcome of pursuing [a] them of their ability to isolate and blind dowed with immense dignity, a treasure— more comprehensive vision of shalom. When us—helping us as a people to rethink our way who is created for interdependence within shalom is established through the pursuit of of being in the world, our relationship with our human and earth community. They justice, then true security is found . . . Secu- the rest of creation. called us to a spirituality of family soli- rity is a state of being that flows from the ‘‘Unless the grain of wheat falls to the darity, which sets us free to transform our inclusion of all in the bounty of the earth.’’ earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it broken world. Inclusive human security, as opposed to na- dies, it bears much fruit.’’ (John 12:23–26) In Like Grains of Wheat, Margie Swedish tional security or personal financial secu- Unless a seed falls to the ground and dies and I describe solidarity as the practice of rity, guarantees access to food, clean water, . . . the last words of Archbishop Oscar Ro- accompanying people and the rest of cre- healthcare, education and employment for mero were about the price of liberation—the ation marginalized by institutionalized vio- all. It recognizes the right of people to deep cost of global solidarity, of inclusive human lence, and of engaging in a process of social, democracy—to participate in important po- security. His witness and that of Ita, Maura, economic and environmental transformation litical, economic and environmental deci- Dorothy and Jean can give us courage to that is rooted in right relationships. We sions that affect their lives and it respects move in that direction—courage to birth a talked about a spirituality of solidarity the integrity of creation. solidarity fitting for the intensely integrated shaped by a process that included several This kind of security—inclusive human se- and bitterly divided world of the 21st cen- steps or stages: curity—would emerge from a ‘‘globalization tury. Moving across boundaries to see with new of solidarity,’’ international cooperation to Let me end with a little story: eyes the reality of the world in which we meet the basic needs of all people in a man- In 1986, with about 20 other internationals, live. ner that nurtures right relationships within I accompanied a group of about 500 Salva- Having our hearts broken by the injustice the community of all life—human and be- dorans back to their own land near we see, by ecological destruction—and bro- yond. Suchitoto, which was then still under in- ken open by new relationships The experience of solidarity between U.S. tense conflict. Many of them had been living Finding life and joy and faithfulness at the people and the people of Central America in at Calle Real refugee camp in margins, even in the midst of great suffering the 1970s and 80s and 90s taught us about for 7 years and they were bone tired of being Going home, reinserting in our own society interdependence and about security rooted in unable to plant crops and care for their fami- as people who were changed, challenged—and transnational community. That rich and lies. After a few very difficult days we were are there committed to challenging the sta- deep experience of solidarity exposed the lie arrested—forced by the Salvadoran military tus quo that the security of a wealthy and powerful to leave the returning families a few heavily Becoming people of hope who believe that few is threatened by the majority’s desire for mined kilometers from their destination. We a better world is possible—and making or re- and right to a dignified life. In fact, we and they were not sure they would survive. newing a commitment to work for that bet- learned what the poor of Central America al- But they did. They planted their crops and ter world. ready knew—that the security—the very sur- when they reaped their first harvest of beans These are times very different from the vival—of the majority of people and of the and corn a few months later, they sent each ‘‘era of the martyrs in El Salvador, Latin earth herself is profoundly threatened by the of us a little packet of black beans and corn

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:28 Dec 15, 2005 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00110 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14DE7.141 H14DEPT1 December 14, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11617 kernels. I have treasured them since as pow- Human Rights Ombudswoman of El of the resolution and am gratified that the erful symbols of courage and life—and soli- Salvador. A crucial component of the House has chosen to bring it to the floor under darity. 1992 Peace Accords that put an end to suspension of the rules. I lost my first cousin in the WorId Trade In late 1980, four American churchwomen Center—he worked at Cantor Fitzgerald and the was the estab- left his wife and two very young children. lishment of the Office of the Human were serving communities in El Salvador that About a week after the attack, I wound my Rights Ombudsman, the principal were wracked by the violence of that country’s way down to the site of the devastation and human rights investigative and moni- civil war. They were murdered by members of planted a few of those seeds from EI Sal- toring body in El Salvador. Dr. de the National Guard of El Salvador, horrifying vador in a small park as close as I could get Carrillo has received numerous acco- the world and bringing home the impact of that to the destruction. In some ways it was a fu- lades for her work strengthening war to the American public. These four lives tile gesture—indicative of my inability to human rights in El Salvador. were but a fraction of the 70,000 civilians who imagine a more practical gesture of support perished in that conflict, and those numbers for his family. On the other hand, those Yet 25 years after the murders of the seeds carry great weight—the weight of what four U.S. churchwomen, threats are dwarfed by the toll of the misery inflicted might blossom were we to open our hearts as against defenders of human rights con- by the violence that raged up and down Cen- a nation to a way of life given to global soli- tinue. Over the course of the past year, tral America in the 1970s and 80s. darity. the Ombudswoman has been the target Locked in the struggle of the , the Over a year later, I returned to Ground of ongoing intimidation and harass- U.S. turned a blind eye to much of the suf- Zero with my family. After they went on ment. The United States has the re- fering in the region, focusing its efforts on the their way, I found my way back to that little geopolitical ends of thwarting potential com- park just to see it after the debris had been sponsibility not only to recognize the cleared—there was a tall stalk of corn where work of the four churchwomen who we munist movements through military means, I had planted the seed. It was unbelievable, memorialize today but also to support whether supporting the in Nicaragua but a powerful sign of hope to me. The seeds those who are continuing to defend or right-wing governments in places like El of the solidarity that nourished us—North human rights in El Salvador. Salvador. We look back on this period today Americans and Central Americans together The murders of the churchwomen and with a mixture of relief that democracy pre- will bear rich fruit personally, nationally countless others were executed by members vailed and disgust at the tactics that were and globally—if we are willing to risk plant- used. ing them again. of the armed forces of El Salvador. Three of the five officers involved in the 1980 rape and Brave action by these churchwomen carried MARIE DENNIS, the flag of democracy and human rights into El Salvador, December 3, 2005. murder of four churchwomen were graduates that region, and helped freedom prevail. Our Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I com- of the School of the Americas. Other notorious graduates involved in human rights offenses in reliance on institutions like the School of the mend my friend from Massachusetts Americas to train the soldiers of leaders for his singularly moving statement. El Salvador have included: El Salvador leader Roberto D’Abuisson; 19 Salva- whose primary attractiveness to us was being Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the ‘‘not a communist’’ rather than sharing our doran soldiers linked to the 1989 murder of six distinguished gentleman from Ohio ideals of human rights hamstrung our efforts. Jesuit priests, their housekeeper and her (Mr. KUCINICH). Sadly, our military’s reluctance to track those Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank daughter; two of the three killers of Archbishop that we have trained makes it impossible for the gentleman for yielding me this Oscar Romero of El Salvador; and 10 of the us to look beyond the anecdotal record of time. 12 officers responsible for the murder of 900 those who were the worst, or the best, to as- I rise in support of this resolution to civilians in the Salvadoran village, . sess the true measure of what we did. How- honor the four United States church- In supporting the resolution honoring the 4 ever, that record was enough for those of us women who were murdered in El Sal- churchwomen, I would like to urge for floor concerned about U.S. training of foreign mili- vador 25 years ago this month: consideration of another bill offered by Con- taries to push for closure of the School of the Maryknoll Sisters Maura Clarke, Ita gressman MCGOVERN, H.R. 1217, the Latin Americas and ensuring that the training that Ford, Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel, America Military Training Review Act of 2005, the U.S. military conducts here in the U.S. and and Maryknoll Lay Missioner Jean which closes the Western Hemisphere Insti- around the world ensures respect for human Donovan. Sisters Dorothy Kazel and tute for Security Cooperation. rights, democracy, and the rule of law. People Jean Donovan were both from my Additionally, I would like to urge support for like Joe Moakley and Tip O’Neill, who I wish hometown of Cleveland. I was present Dr. Beatrice Alamanni de Carrillo, the Human Rights Ombudswoman of El Salvador. A cru- were here to see this. As chairman of the For- at a neighborhood church during a re- eign Operations Subcommittee of the House cial component of the 1992 Peace Accords ception for Sister Dorothy before she Appropriations Committee in the 1980s, I led that put an end to the Salvadoran civil war left on her last trip to El Salvador and the fight with them to restrict U.S. military as- was the establishment of the Office of the have shared many moments with the sistance to despotic regimes, and to conduct Human Rights Ombudsman, the principal Kazel family since then. better oversight of foreign military training pro- These churchwomen, along with human rights investigative and monitoring grams. other martyrs, dedicated their lives to body in El Salvador. Dr. de Carrillo has re- Today, as much of our foreign assistance working with El Salvador’s poor during ceived numerous accolades for her work seems to be focused on the military front, in the incredibly dangerous and dev- strengthening human rights in El Salvador. Yet places like and elsewhere, we astating period of the Salvadoran civil 25 years after the murders of the four U.S. should remember that humanitarian assist- war. What their lives were about was churchwomen, threats against defenders of ance, development assistance, and people-to- bringing the social Gospel to those human rights continue. Over the course of the people contact foster stronger bonds and bet- most in need. More than 70,000 civilians past year, the Ombudswoman has been the ter allies than military assistance alone. Ensur- were murdered during the 12 years of target of ongoing intimidation and harassment, ing clean water, education and stronger civil that war. including anonymous death and other threats society provide a better life for everyday peo- The legacies of a history ripe with vi- and public slander, at times even by high- ple do more to further our goals of fighting ter- olence have lingered. Perhaps the best ranking State officials. The United States has ror than another shipment of the weapons of way to honor the four churchwomen is the responsibility to support the work of war. to do what they would do, to acknowl- human rights defenders in El Salvador when- Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I have no edge the human rights offenses that ever we have the opportunity to do so. In further requests for time, and I yield have continued to this day. I would memory of the four churchwomen murdered back the balance of my time. like to address such offenses: the con- 25 years ago, I urge my colleagues to publicly Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- tinued operation of the School of the support the work of Dr. de Carrillo and to er, I have no further requests for time, Americas in Fort Benning, Georgia, pressure the State Department and the Em- and I yield back the balance of my under the new name of the Western bassy of El Salvador to also publicly support time. Hemisphere Institute for Security Co- her work. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. operation; and the ongoing threats to Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ex- CONAWAY). The question is on the mo- the Office of the Human Rights Om- press my support for House Resolution 458, a tion offered by the gentleman from In- budsman in El Salvador. resolution honoring the lives of four American diana (Mr. BURTON) that the House sus- I would like to urge support for Dr. churchwomen who were murdered just over pend the rules and agree to the resolu- Beatrice Alamanni de Carrillo, the 25 years ago in El Salvador. I am a cosponsor tion, H. Res. 458, as amended.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:28 Dec 15, 2005 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00111 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14DE7.145 H14DEPT1 H11618 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 14, 2005 The question was taken; and (two- Resolved, That it is the sense of the House plauds their ongoing cooperation with thirds having voted in favor thereof) of Representatives that— the International Criminal Tribunal. the rules were suspended and the reso- (1) the Republic of Croatia has made sig- Finally, the resolution states that lution, as amended, was agreed to. nificant progress since its independence in once it meets NATO’s guidelines and A motion to reconsider was laid on strengthening its democratic institutions and respect for human rights and the rule of criteria for membership, Croatia the table. law; should be invited to join NATO at the f (2) Croatia should be commended for its earliest possible date. Mr. Speaker, Croatia is not only a RECOMMENDING INTEGRATION OF progress in meeting the political, economic, CROATIA INTO NATO military, and other requirements of NATO’s strong ally of the United States. The Membership Action Plan, its contribution to American and Croatian people share a Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I the global war on terrorism, and for its con- love of freedom and democracy. Cro- move to suspend the rules and agree to structive participation in the United States- atia has been a steadfast friend, and it the resolution (H. Res. 529) recom- Adriatic Charter; will make an important contribution (3) the Government of Croatia should be mending the integration of the Repub- to security and peace in Europe and lic of Croatia into the North Atlantic commended for its ongoing cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the throughout the world as a member of Treaty Organization, as amended. NATO. Both the Europe and Emerging The Clerk read as follows: former Yugoslavia; (4) Croatia would make a significant con- Threats Subcommittee and the House H. RES. 529 tribution to NATO; and International Relations Committee Whereas the United States recognized the (5) with complete satisfaction of NATO unanimously approved House Resolu- Republic of Croatia on April 7, 1992, acknowl- guidelines and criteria for membership, Cro- edging the decision of the people of Croatia tion 529, and I urge its adoption in the atia should be invited to be a full member of full House. to live in an independent, democratic, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization at sovereign country; the earliest possible date. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Whereas since achieving their independ- my time. ence, the people of Croatia have built a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield democratic society, based on the rule of law, ant to the rule, the gentleman from myself such time as I may consume. respect for human rights, and a free market California (Mr. GALLEGLY) and the gen- Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this economy; tleman from California (Mr. LANTOS) resolution and urge all of my col- Whereas Croatia is a functioning democ- each will control 20 minutes. racy, with stable institutions guaranteeing leagues to do so. The Chair recognizes the gentleman At the outset, I want to commend my the rule of law, human rights, and market from California. economy; good friend and fellow Californian (Mr. Whereas Croatia has previously cooperated GENERAL LEAVE GALLEGLY) for introducing this impor- with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask tant piece of legislation. (NATO) by allowing NATO free access to its unanimous consent that all Members Since dissolution of Yugoslavia, the air space during NATO’s 1999 military action may have 5 legislative days within Balkans have gone through a period of against Serbia; which to revise and extend their re- profound instability, a deadly civil Whereas the United States has shown sup- marks and include extraneous material port for Croatia in many ways since its inde- war, and the worst atrocities seen in pendence, including by providing Croatia on the resolution under consideration. Europe since the end of the Second with economic and military assistance that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there World War. has contributed significantly to the contin- objection to the request of the gen- It would be entirely understandable ued success; tleman from California? in this context if Croatia had given in Whereas Croatia is a reliable partner of the There was no objection. to the authoritarian impulses of its United States, actively contributing to the Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield past and remained a state where the stabilization of South Central Europe; myself such time as I may consume. prospect for democracy remained a Whereas NATO’s Membership Action Plan, which was launched in April 1999, is a pro- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support hope rather than a reality. And, in- gram of assistance that provides both goals of H. Res. 529, a resolution introduced deed, the first Croatian Government and a roadmap for countries aspiring to that supports the accession of Croatia after independence had elements of ex- NATO membership; into the North Atlantic Treaty Organi- treme that helped con- Whereas Croatia was invited into the Mem- zation. tribute to the atrocities of the 1990s. bership Action Plan in May 2002 and has Since achieving their independence Fortunately, the Croatian people made substantial progress in attaining the in 1992, the people of Croatia have built rose above their history and have em- necessary level of reforms required for re- a democratic society based on the rule ceiving an invitation to start accession talks barked on fashioning democratic insti- with NATO; of law, respect for human rights, and a tutions that are mandatory for a plu- Whereas the United States, Croatia, Alba- free market economy. In addition, they ralistic society. There have been two nia, and Macedonia are signatories to the have sent troops to as part peaceful transfers of power in Croatia United States-Adriatic Charter, which pro- of the NATO-led security force in sup- since 1991, and the parliamentary elec- motes Euro-Atlantic integration and com- port of the war on terrorism and have tions of 2003 were generally judged by mits the signatory nations to the values and provided strong support to the U.S. the international community to be free principles of NATO and to joining the Alli- nonproliferation efforts. ance at the earliest possible time; and fair. Whereas Croatia significantly improved its Mr. Speaker, just last week the one Recently, the Government of Croatia cooperation with the International Criminal remaining impediment to Croatia’s has also adopted a more cooperative Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY); entry into NATO was removed when approach to working with the Inter- Whereas on October 3, 2005, the European General Ante Gotovina, the alleged national Tribunal for the former Yugo- Union decided to open accession negotiations Croatian war criminal, was arrested in slavia, providing key materials and with Croatia based on the assessment of its . General Gotovina has been documents that assist the work of this Council of Ministers that Croatia met the transferred to The Hague to stand trial vital international institution. In fact, political and economic criteria for candidacy before the International Criminal Tri- Mr. Speaker, just this past week, the in the European Union, including that Cro- atia was fully cooperating with the ICTY; bunal for the former Yugoslavia. His last remaining key Croatian indictee, Whereas Croatia has sent troops to Af- arrest last Thursday in the Canary Is- Ante Gotovina, was apprehended by ghanistan as part of the NATO-led Inter- lands confirms the truthfulness of the Spanish authorities in the Canary Is- national Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in statements by the Croatian Govern- lands and transferred to The Hague to support of the war against terrorism and has ment that Gotovina was not hiding in stand trial. We congratulate all those endorsed and is participating in the Pro- Croatian territory. who had a part in bringing this infa- liferation Security Initiative with like-mind- House Resolution 529 commends Cro- mous war criminal to justice, and we ed nations across the world to prevent the atia’s significant progress in strength- urge Croatia to continue its vital co- flow of weapons of mass destruction, missile systems, and related material; and ening its democratic institutions, its operation with the court. No civilized Whereas Croatia shares the common inter- support for the global war on ter- country can do less. ests and values of the free and democratic rorism, and its ability to make signifi- In response to this increased coopera- world: Now, therefore, be it cant contributions to NATO. It also ap- tion, the European Union has decided

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