E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 106 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 145 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1999 No. 69 House of Representatives The House met at 9 a.m. lic for which it stands, one nation under God, Members Association, and John Erlen- The Reverend Dr. Richard Camp, Di- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. born, Vice President and presiding offi- rector of Ministry in Public Parks, f cer, here this morning. Boston, MA, and former Chaplain at WELCOME TO REVEREND DR. DICK This is my first Former Members West Point Military Academy, offered CAMP Day since becoming Speaker in Janu- the following prayer: (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given We stand tall in these moments to ary, and since that time I have gained permission to address the House for 1 applaud You, O God. You are an awe- an even greater appreciation for the minute and to revise and extend his re- some God, creator and sustainer of the traditions and the rules of the House. I marks.) universe. In a world uncertain about appreciate all the efforts of the mem- Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would many things, we pause in this hushed bers of the association who spend so like to welcome my second Chaplain at moment of prayer, sure of Your good- much time enhancing the reputation of West Point, the Reverend Dr. Dick ness and mercy, certain that Your the House of Representatives. Camp, who served West Point from 1973 truth endures forever. The House is the foremost example of This morning in the presence of to 1996, a total of 23 years. Dr. Camp is currently the Director of democracy in this world. The debates many former Members, we are con- a Christian ministry in the National we have here are important to the fu- scious of echoes from the past that re- Parks. Together with my current sound through the corridors of time, ture of our Nation. I hope that my ten- House Chaplain, Jim Ford, they have words of truth and deeds of courage. ure as Speaker reflects the best tradi- served a total of 41 years at West Point May the faithfulness of these leaders tions of this House and the best hopes in serving the country and the Corps of have a ripple effect, touching not only of the American people. Cadets. Once again, I want to thank all the family and friends and colleagues, but To those of us who have had the also a ripple that will spill out and great opportunity for their counsel, ad- former Members for their good work in make history. May their presence here vice and prayers and their thoughts of promoting the history and enhancing today serve as a cordon of encourage- duty, honor and country, I say thank the reputation of the United States ment to the women and men of this you, God bless you, and beat Navy. House of Representatives. Thank you Congress. f very much for being here today. And Father, we ask again this morn- ing that You give wisdom and courage RECESS The Chair recognizes the distin- to all who serve here, that they might The SPEAKER. Pursuant to the guished gentleman from (Mr. chart a course in accord with Your order of the House of Thursday, May 6, ARMEY), the majority leader. will. 1999, the Chair declares the House in Mr. ARMEY. Thank you, Mr. Speak- In Your powerful name we pray. recess subject to the call of the Chair er. Amen. to receive the former Members of Con- I, too, would like to welcome you all f gress. back home. THE JOURNAL Accordingly (at 9 o’clock and 5 min- utes a.m.), the House stood in recess I see so many good friends here. I see The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- my friend and neighbor, . It ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- subject to the call of the Chair. f was not long after we took the major- ceedings and announces to the House ity and I had the privilege of assuming his approval thereof. RECEPTION OF FORMER MEMBERS these duties, Jim Wright called me up Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- OF CONGRESS and said, ‘‘Dick, how are you getting nal stands approved. The SPEAKER of the House presided. f along? Have you learned anything in The SPEAKER. On behalf of the your new role?’’ I said, ‘‘Yes, I learned PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair and this Chamber, I consider it a I should have had more respect for Jim high honor and certainly a distinct per- The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman Wright.’’ from (Mr. PHELPS) come for- sonal privilege to have the opportunity ward and lead the House in the Pledge to welcome so many of our former It was a tough job. We all have un- of Allegiance. Members and colleagues as may be dertaken hard work and good work Mr. PHELPS led the Pledge of Alle- present here for this occasion. Thank here. We have all made our commit- giance as follows: you very much for being here. ment in this body on behalf of things I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the I especially want to welcome Matt we believed in, not always in agree- United States of America, and to the Repub- McHugh, President of the Former ment with one another.

b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

H3091

. H3092 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 1999 I remember my good friend Ron Del- business. That is refreshing, and it is William Broomfield of Michigan; lums. At one time I was so exasperated something that those of us on our side Donald G. Brotzman of Colorado; with Ron, I said, ‘‘You know Ron, you of the aisle appreciate. Jack Buechner of ; are so misguided, you think I am mis- I just wanted him to know that, and Albert G. Bustamante of Texas; guided.’’ He acknowledged I was prob- I wanted you to know that, because we Elford A. Cederberg of Michigan; ably correct on that. But we did I have had some rough days around here, Charles E. Chamberlain of Michigan; think for a very good part of the time as you undoubtedly know, in the last R. Lawrence Coughlin of Pennsyl- manage our differences of opinion in a decade. As DICK ARMEY said, we want vania; gentlemanly fashion. to get on with the business of the coun- N. Neiman Craley, Jr. of Pennsyl- I see Billy Broomfield there, my try, and I think he is providing a vania; mentor, trying to teach me. Jim, you chance for us to do that. I wanted the Robert W. Daniel, Jr. of ; do not realize how much time Bill Speaker to know that and you to know E. of Texas; Broomfield spent trying to teach me to that we appreciate the fact that he is Joseph J. Dioguardi of ; mind my manners. leading us in a way that shows respect James Dunn of Michigan; But we did that sort of thing for one and decorum and respect for the other Mickey Edwards of ; another, did we not? Encourage, re- side’s views on issues. John Erlenborn of Illinois; strain, sometimes advise, sometimes I am reminded of the enormous debt Louis Frey, Jr. of Florida; scold, but I think all of us can look we owe to those with whom we serve Robert Giaimo of Connecticut; back. You have an advantage. You and to those who came before us, be- Kenneth J. Gray of Illinois; have a way of looking back and saying cause it is this continuity that this Gilbert Gude of Maryland; how proud you were for what you were Congress provides over time that really Orval Hansen of Idaho; able to do for the vision you have held. is the fiber and the strength that en- Dennis Hertel of Michigan; I think if I can speak for all of us dows our democracy with its resilience. George J. Hochbruechner of New here, I certainly know the Speaker So to all of you, let me say thank York; made reference to it, we want to do our you for your sacrifices that you have Elizabeth Holtzman of New York; job now, and we will do it with rigor, made, for the energy that you have de- William J. Hughes of New Jersey; and we will probably do it with exces- voted, for the ideas and the passions John W. Jenrette, Jr. of South Caro- sive vigor, but always we want to do it that you have brought to this institu- lina; in such a way that when you turn on tion. David S. King of Utah; your TV sets and you look in, you re- Let me also at this time also thank Herbert C. Klein of New Jersey; member the honor you feel and felt my dear friend and my mentor, some- Ray Kogovsek of Colorado; that you see us, and we find that you one whom I would not be here in the Peter N. Kyros of Maine; are not embarrassed by the way we position that I have today if it was not Larry LaRocco of Idaho; conduct business in your House. for, Jim Wright. Claude ‘‘Buddy’’ Leach of ; So welcome back, and I hope you Mr. Speaker, I have always been in- Marilyn Lloyd of Tennessee; have a good day. spired by your courage, by your pas- Catherine S. Long of Louisiana; The SPEAKER. It is a great pleasure sion, by your commitment, your ideal- M. Dawson Mathis of Georgia; to introduce the gentleman from ism, your statesmanship, and I just Romano L. Mazzoli of Kentucky; Michigan (Mr. BONIOR), a good friend of want you to know how much I feel in- Matt McHugh of New York; mine, who usually sits on the other debted to your service to our Nation, Robert H. Michel of Illinois; side of the aisle, the minority whip of to this institution, and I want you to Abner J. Mikva of Illinois; the U.S. House of Representatives. know how deeply my colleagues feel, Norman Y. Mineta of ; Mr. BONIOR. Good morning. It is particularly those who have served John S. Monagan of Connecticut; nice to see so many familiar faces. with you. G.V. ‘‘Sonny’’ Montgomery of Mis- Mr. Speaker, thank you for giving me Your commitment to justice, not sissippi; the time to express my welcome to so only in America but in Central Amer- Thomas G. Morris of New Mexico; many dear friends who I have not seen ica and other places around the world Frank Moss of Utah; in such a long time. that we worked on, is something I will John M. Murphy of New York; wanted me to extend always remember and cherish for the of ; to you his very best. He is at a very rest of my life. So we thank you so Mary Rose Oakar of ; special occasion today as well. His much. Stan Parris of Virginia; daughter is graduating from Vander- Let me just say in conclusion, Mr. Howard Pollock of Alaska; bilt, the last of his children to grad- Speaker, that we wish you all the best. Marty Russo of Illinois; uate from college, so he is down in Ten- We look forward to, hopefully, getting Ronald A. Sarasin of Connecticut; nessee today on that joyous occasion. to say hello during the day and hope of Texas; He wanted me to let you know how you have a good day with us. Thank Dick Schulze of Pennsylvania; much he appreciates your service to you. Carlton R. Sickles of Maryland; this country and how honored he is The SPEAKER. The Chair now has Paul Simon of Illinois; that you would come back and share in the great privilege to introduce and Jim Slattery of Kansas; this special day today. recognize the honorable gentleman Lawrence J. Smith of Florida; Let me just say something about the from Illinois, John Erlenborn, the Vice James V. Stanton of Ohio; Speaker while I am here, because I President of the Association, to take James W. Symington of Missouri; think it is appropriate. You would not the Chair. Robin Tallon of South Carolina; be here if you did not love this institu- Mr. ERLENBORN (presiding). Thank Harold L. Volkmer of Missouri; tion in a very special way, and all who you, Mr. Speaker. Charles W. Whalen, Jr. of Ohio; have served here over the years have a The Chair directs the Clerk to call of Missouri; very special feeling for this place. the roll of former Members of Congress. Jim Wright of Texas; I am just very honored to serve with The Clerk called the roll of the Joe Wyatt, Jr. of Texas. Speaker . He is a per- former Members of Congress, and the The SPEAKER pro tempore. From son that has brought stability to this following former Members answered to the calling of the roll, 55 Members of institution in the time that he has their names: the Association have registered their been serving as Speaker of the House. ROLLCALL OF FORMER MEMBERS OF CONGRESS presence. He is trusted on our side of the aisle. ATTENDING 29TH ANNUAL SPRING MEETING, The Chair recognizes the gentleman He is respected. He conducts himself in MAY 13, 1999 from Florida, the Honorable Matthew a way that serves this institution Bill Alexander of Arkansas; McHugh, President of our Associa- proud. You can have a conversation J. Glenn Beall of Maryland; tion—excuse me, who wrote this script? with him, and he levels with you in a Tom Bevill of Alabama; I know it is New York. The gentleman way that allows you to continue to do David R. Bowen of ; is recognized for such time as he may May 13, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3093 consume and to yield to other Members point we want to make is that as an worked with Jerry Patterson from for appropriate remarks. Association, on a bipartisan basis, we California. While we were there, there Mr. MCHUGH. Thank you very much, want to encourage them not to agree was an anti-war demonstration, with Mr. Speaker. You are a very distin- on all of the issues they have legiti- American flags upside down and peace guished leader, and I am ready for re- mate disagreements on, but we want to signs and body bags painted with red tirement in Florida, I suppose. encourage them to promote even fur- paint. It sort of was ‘‘deja vu all over It is a delight for all of us and a real ther this climate of positive debate in again,’’ as Yogi Berra would say, to honor to be here to present our 29th an- terms of the issues. think back into the sixties. But it was nual report to the Congress. We discussed this issue, if you recall, students expressing their opinions, and GENERAL LEAVE at our last Association annual meeting they were politically active. Mr. MCHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I ask a year ago, and at that time we talked For 21⁄2 days we sat down with var- unanimous consent that all Members about ways in which we might come up ious members of the Political Science may have 5 legislative days within with some concrete proposals to help Department, the Geography Depart- which to revise and extend their re- the leadership in this respect, and I re- ment, the Social Studies Department, marks. port to you on this as a follow-up to student government leaders, leaders of Mr. ERLENBORN. Is there objection that discussion. the Young Democrats and the two to the request of the gentleman from Our most important activity perhaps members of the Young Republicans, New York? is our Congress to Campus Program, and we discussed the various issues There was no objection. which continues to reach out to citi- that are currently before Congress, be- Mr. MCHUGH. Mr. Speaker, we want zens across the country, particularly to fore our executive branch, talking to especially thank the Speaker for our college students. We believe that about Kosovo, talking about why we being here to greet us and to thank the this effort conveys important insights choose to intervene in central Europe Minority Leader and all the Members about the Congress and promotes a and not in Africa. But there was a vi- of Congress in fact for giving us the much more positive view on the part of brancy and interest in current affairs privilege to be here in this institution the public of the institution of the Con- that I think would belie what a lot of that we know and love. gress. people in America would consider to be As you know, what we do is send out We were pleased also to hear the re- a generation more interested in com- bipartisan teams, a Republican and a marks not only of the Speaker but of puters, more interested in a lot of dif- Democrat who served in the Congress, the Majority Leader and Minority ferent things, perhaps too much me- to make 21⁄2 days of meetings available Whip, Mr. BONIOR, not only because tooism and not enough our-ism. to not only students on college cam- they welcomed us so warmly but be- I think that perhaps is just one cam- puses but to others in the community; cause the positive tone of those re- pus in Minnesota that I can report on, marks is encouraging to many of us. I and through these formal and informal meetings we share our firsthand experi- but I found the same thing last year think we have been concerned about when we went down to Florida Inter- the increasing partisanship that has ences of the operations of the Congress and our democratic form of govern- national University. characterized much of the debate in This is such a good program that I Congress in recent times. Strong argu- ment. Since this was initiated in 1976, 113 would just tell every member of the As- ments on policy differences are former Members of Congress have sociation that you should get involved healthy, and we expect that, but the reached more than 150,000 students in it. The problem, of course, is that we negative tone has at times seemed ex- through 259 visits to 177 campuses in 49 have got more campuses want to have cessive. This, together with some of States and the District of Columbia. Members attend than we have Members the negative campaigning, I think has Beginning with the 96–97 academic to attend and finances to cover those. contributed to some of the public dis- year, the Congress to Campus Program But it really is a fantastic program. pleasure with politics and government. has been conducted jointly with the As we stayed up late talking with the I say that because, in this context, it Stennis Center for Public Service in students, we found out that there are was very encouraging to many of us Mississippi. The former Members of many questions that are not being an- when the Speaker and the Minority Congress donate their time to this pro- swered by our leaders today to the in- Leader opened the Congress. I am sure gram, the Stennis Center pays trans- terests that these students have, and many of you watched this on TV, or portation costs, and the hosting insti- they are looking for a forum in which perhaps were here yourselves person- tution provides room and board for the to express it. ally, but they were eloquent really in visiting former Members. One forum they expressed it in was a pledging to work cooperatively to es- This is something which I know some recent election in Minnesota where we tablish a much more positive climate of you have participated in. We cer- saw the election of the only Reform in the Congress. They did not disavow tainly encourage others of you to let us Party Governor. I was tempted, and I their contrasting views, which was ap- know if you would like to do that. succumbed to it, to buy a bumper strip propriate, but they did commit to re- Those of us who have done it have en- as I left the airport that said ‘‘Our storing a more congenial spirit in joyed it very much, and I am sure all of Governor Can Beat Up Your Governor.’’ which lively debate and legislative ac- you would as well. b 0930 tion could proceed. What I would like to do at this point I mention this in part because the is yield to the gentleman from Mis- But these students had basically said Association of Former Members subse- souri, Jack Buechner, and to the gen- that the two political parties, the quently joined with the Council for Ex- tleman from Idaho, Larry LaRocco, mainstream parties, had not offered to cellence in Government in publicly who will discuss briefly their recent them either the chance to participate, commending the leaders for getting the visits to college communities under and I think that was the interesting new Congress off to such a positive this program. Jack. thing, the chance to be active in the start, and we also offered to work in Mr. BUECHNER. I thank our current campaign, not just handing out fliers, some constructive way with them to President, Mr. McHugh, for giving you but truly active and going and getting foster this positive climate. an outline about the program that has other people involved, either working For example, we proposed that we co- been so successful, and it has been suc- on an Internet web site program in an- sponsor with them a joint town meet- cessful not just for the students at the swering responses, to going to rallies in ing, perhaps on a college campus, at various colleges and universities that a fashion that was more participatory which the Speaker and the Minority we have been able to meet with but than just observatory. Leader could appear together and talk also I think for us, because it gives us These students taught me a lot about about this Congress and the agenda an opportunity to find out what the why Jesse won in Minnesota, and they that they will be pursuing. This was current pulse is on the campuses of weren’t all Minnesotans, but they were just one idea, and it is entirely up to America. involved in that campaign, and there is them as to whether they want to take It is kind of funny, I just returned a lesson for us to learn there. But we us up on that offer. But I think the from Macalester College, where I do not learn unless we talk to people H3094 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 1999 like that, whether they are our chil- ing interviews, for example, with the money ourselves. As part of that effort, dren, whether they are our neighbors, local newspaper and also the campus in 1998, we initiated an annual fund- whether they are our old constituents, newspaper. raising dinner and auction which we re- or whether we are visiting a college I think that our visit to Denison Uni- peated earlier this year on February 23. somewhere else. versity could best be characterized as Both of these dinners, if my colleagues With that, I would like to yield to one where we acted a little bit like our attended, they know were quite suc- the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Chaplain mentioned today, Dr. Camp, cessful, both socially and financially, LaRocco). I notice that all of these about the ripple effect, that we have and we owe much of that success to the people in the gallery came here think- served and been in public service and chair of those two dinners, the gen- ing that they were going to see the have been part of our government, and tleman from Florida, Lou Frey, who is Indy 500, but they are seeing a used car that ripple effect, it is our responsi- our former President of the Associa- lot. bility to go out and talk about public tion as well. But I yield to the gentleman. service, and we did that all day long for So I would like to invite the gen- Mr. LAROCCO. I thank the gen- a day and a half. tleman from Florida (Mr. Frey) to not tleman from Missouri for yielding. It is I am reminded of our former Speaker only tell us about this year’s dinner, my pleasure and honor today to report ’s book, The Little Giant, but also to alert us to next year’s din- to my colleagues on one example of the where he was driven to public service ner. Association’s Congress to Campus Pro- and to serve in Congress because of a I yield to the gentleman from Flor- gram. The Congress to Campus Pro- visit by a Congressman when he was in ida. gram is an innovation of the Associa- grammar school. I think that is the (Mr. FREY asked and was given per- tion to send bipartisan teams of two purpose of our visits, to go out to these mission to revise and extend his re- former Members of Congress to cam- campuses and make sure that people marks.) puses across the country to meet with know that public service is indeed a Mr. FREY. I am delighted you are students and local residents to speak great calling. now a resident of Florida, Matt. about the Congress and the rewards of Now, the questions that we got at We did have a very successful Second public service. Denison University ranged all the way Annual Statesmanship Award Dinner One such engagement took former from campaign finance reform to, of at Union Station. We had about 400 Congressman John Erlenborn of Illi- course, the bipartisanship that is need- people there, including sitting Mem- nois, the gentleman in the chair, and ed in Congress to effectively run the bers of Congress, and it was a great myself to Denison University outside government, and the concerns about evening. The auctions are fun, a lot of of Columbus, Ohio last October. This some of the lack of civility that they stuff there that people buy, which al- was not the first visit of our Members were observing here in the House of ways amazes us, but a lot of things we to Denison University, nor will it be Representatives and in the Congress in have in our closets are really valuable, the last, I am sure. general. We had challenges to meet and we did something unique for the The visit to this outstanding institu- those questions, but the two of us, first time. Cokie Roberts was named tion was arranged in several ways that meeting together on a bipartisan basis, the first honorary member of the Asso- I would like to explain to the Members. I think showed that there was a way ciation. She has been wonderful work- First, many former Members express that we could come together and work ing with us. We surprised her. I think their interest to the Association in together and explain our government it is the first time she did not know a traveling to campuses across the coun- to them. secret up on the Hill, but she was given try. They just sort of tell the Associa- Our experiences were totally dif- the award. tion that they are willing to pack their ferent. John Erlenborn’s experience, Lee Hamilton, who many of us served bags and go, and then our Association for example, in going to Congress, with over the years, was given the Executive Director, Linda Reed, where a Democrat had never served in award. Lee made about a 20-minute matches the dates of the Members’ that seat, and my experience in Idaho, speech. I think he told more jokes in availability with the dates for the visit being from a marginal district, was to- those 20 minutes than he did in the last requested by the host campus, assuring tally different. I think the students at 35 years in the House. It was a great the bipartisan composition of the Denison University appreciated that, speech, and really again, a lot of fun. team. knowing that there are different dis- The main beneficiary of this dinner is Second, the logistics in scheduling tricts in the United States and people our Congress to Campus Program, and are coordinated by William ‘‘Brother’’ come to Congress with different experi- the University of Mississippi helps us Rogers at the Stennis Center for Public ences. and works with us and does some Service at Mississippi State Univer- This was my second Congress to things, but it is really up to us to raise sity. He works with the college admin- Campus Program that I participated the bulk of the money. We donate our istrators on campuses such as Denison in. I have been out to Claremont, time, because there are expenses and to ensure that our time is productively McKenna University in earlier years, everything involved, so this dinner is used and, indeed, it was on this occa- and I hope to do many more. So I en- crucial to our success. I have the good sion. courage my colleagues to look into this fortune to tell my colleagues that the Third, someone such as Professor program, to go out and use the ripple next dinner will be on the 22nd of Feb- Emmett Buell, Jr. at Denison Univer- effect that we have been admonished ruary at the Willard Hotel. sity coordinates the on-site visit. Pro- and encouraged to do so today by our We need your help. We really need fessor Buell is no stranger to our Con- chaplain, and let us go out and spread your help. We had a great committee gress to Campus Program as the found- the word that public service is indeed a last time to work with it. Jack er of the Lugar College Intern Pro- very high calling, that this Congress Buechner and Jim Slattery were the gram, and this program is named after and this House of Representatives is chairs of the dinner. Larry LaRocco Senator LUGAR of Indiana, a Denison the best democratic institution in the chaired the auction, helped by Dick graduate. world, and that we are proud to have Schulze who, by the way, it was Dick’s The Denison University visit is a pre- served here, as I know we all are. idea to get this thing going. He was the mier example of what takes place on I yield back to our President, Matt one who came up with it, and we owe a campus during such a visit. Our stay McHugh. great deal to Dick for doing that. was by no means a quick one and our Mr. McHUGH. Thank you very much, Matt McHugh and Dennis Hertel schedule looked a lot like schedules Larry and Jack. As most of you know, worked on the Steering Committee. We that we have all experienced. You get the Association is not funded by the also have, by the way, if you ever need up early in the morning, you have your Congress, and therefore, in order to somebody, call on Larry or Jimmy dates, and we go to classes all day, conduct our educational programs, pro- Hayes to do your auctions. They are meeting with large classes and small grams like the Congress to Campus great. They run the live auction. We do classes, making arrangements to go Program and others, we need to ini- not understand what they say, but they out and meet with the residents, hav- tiate fund-raising efforts and raise the really sold a bunch of stuff. May 13, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3095 Tom Railsback, for instance, gave us We have talked about our Congress a success, and I think we ought to give a gavel that was used in the impeach- to Campus Program, which is our most him a round of applause, because you ment of Richard Nixon that Peter Ro- important domestic activity, and we all do not know what he does to make dino had given him, and that was real- have also engaged in a wide variety of that a success. And Matt McHugh, you ly quite a thing. We had a picture international activities which many of are doing a super job as President too. taken at the Bush Library taken of the you have participated in and have en- We really appreciate that. Presidents and all the First Ladies joyed. We facilitate interaction and It is great to see you all. I am par- there, and it was autographed by every dialogue between leaders of other na- ticularly glad to see Bob Michel here, one of those people. It took us a year tions and the United States. We have who I think was one of the great Mem- arranged more than 380 special events to get it, and that was auctioned off. bers of Congress in the 12 years that I We had baseballs and footballs by ev- at the Capitol for distinguished inter- had an opportunity to serve here. Bob, erybody. So look in your attics for me, national delegations from 85 countries it is great to see you. You are looking will you, or your basements and find and the European parliaments. We wonderful. Former Speaker Wright I something, at least just one thing. I do have programmed short-term visits of know has had a tough last few weeks not want coffee cups, I do not want key Members of those parliaments and with surgery, and Speaker Wright, you chains, and I do not want a picture of long-term visits here of parliamentary are an inspiration to me, you always you alone. As much as I love you, I do staff. We have hosted 45 foreign policy have been and to many of us here, and not want it of you alone. I want it with seminars in nine countries involving I would just associate myself with the somebody, preferably a President, or more than 1,000 former and current remarks of DAVE BONIOR earlier. It is unless it is you, Sonny, your picture I Members of the U.S. Congress and for- great to see you, and we look forward can put on my wall. Big red machine, eign parliamentarians, and we have to your involvement here in a few min- right? conducted 17 study tours abroad for utes. It is really important that we do it, Members of Congress and former Mem- and it is important you get some tick- bers of Congress. From March 28 to April 2 of this ets. We have 10 months to do this We also serve, as many of you know, year, the Congressional Study Group thing. Bell Atlantic, Tom Tauke of our as the secretariat for the Congressional on Germany sponsored a delegation of Members, was a prime sponsor, which Study Group on Germany, which is the five current and two former Members was a great thing, but if you would all largest and most active exchange pro- of Congress to travel to Germany to just sell a couple of tickets it would gram between the United States Con- have meetings with German State and make our job really a lot easier, and it gress and the parliament of another Federal officials and Members of the is really key. country. This was founded in 1987 in German Bundestag. The current Mem- One other thing I would like to men- the House of Representatives and the bers of Congress in the delegation were tion we have been working on for three following year in the Senate. It in- BILL MCCOLLUM from Florida, who is years and I will just throw in, maybe volves a bipartisan group of more than this year’s chairman of the Congres- some of you know or do not know, 135 Members of the House and Senate. sional Study Group on Germany in the some of you have written chapters for It provides opportunities for Members House, and OWEN PICKETT of Virginia, it, we have a book we have written of Congress to meet with their counter- who was last year’s chairman and the which will be published in October, and parts in the German Bundestag and to 1998 chairman of the Study Group. GIL there are about 20 Members of the As- enhance understanding and greater co- GUTKNECHT of Minnesota and CARLOS sociation already who have gotten operation between the two bodies. ROMERO-BARCELO´ of Puerto Rico and chapters in. Liz Holtzman just prom- Ongoing study group activities in- LOUISE SLAUGHTER of New York were ised me that she would get her chapter clude conducting a distinguished visi- the current Members participating in in, and that is on the record now, Liz, tors’ program at the United States this year’s event, and Scott Klug, a and we have time if anybody else wants Capitol for guests from Germany; spon- former Member from Wisconsin and to do it. We have a publisher. This is soring annual seminars involving Mem- myself represented the former Mem- not something that is not going to hap- bers of the Congress and the German bers. pen. Bundestag; providing information The first part of the trip took the The need for this book came about in about participation in the Youth Ex- delegation to Berlin for three days some of our Congress to Campus Pro- change Program that we cosponsor where we had meetings with State and gram visits where we have great books. with the Bundestag and the Congress; Federal officials, and in addition to Jim Wright has written a great book, and arranging for Members of the Bun- that, we had dinner one evening with we have a number of people who have destag to visit congressional districts U.S. Ambassador John Kornblum and done it, but there is not any book that in our own country with Members of the President of the State Parliament is a compendium of the Congress look- the current Congress. of Brandenburg at Cecilienhof Manor, ing at it from a personal standpoint. This is a program which is active and which was the site of the 1945 Potsdam All of the political science professors growing. The Congressional Study Conference concluding World War II said hey, we really need something like Group on Germany is funded primarily that was attended by Stalin and Tru- this. So it is there. You have about 30 by the German Marshall Fund of the man and Churchill and later Attlee, to 60 days to get a chapter written. If United States, and we have now gotten and it was a very memorable evening, you want to grab me after this, please support, financial support from six cor- that evening out at the Cecilienhof do that. porations that serve as a Business Ad- Manor. One last thing I would just like to visory Committee as well. say. I think it is just great that Speak- I would like to invite now and yield As you may know, the United States er Wright is here. I really enjoyed the to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. is currently involved in a debate with remarks that were made by the Speak- Slattery) to report on the most recent the government of Berlin as to the er, the majority leader and the minor- meeting in Kreuth, Germany, which placement of our new U.S. embassy. ity leader. I think like you, I love this was held on March 30 to April 2 for the The plans are to reconstruct the U.S. place. It has been a real privilege to Study Group. embassy on the site of the embassy serve here, and you know, I am proud Mr. SLATTERY. Mr. President, where it was located prior to World of it as you are, and it is just fun to see thank you very much. Let me just say War II on Pariser Platz next to the so many old friends. Thank you very that our friend from New York and our Brandenburg Gate. Unfortunately, much. friend from Florida, Lou Frey, deserve however, because of security concerns Mr. MCHUGH. Thank you very much, a lot of recognition and appreciation now, some of the streets may have to Lou. We hope that all of you will be at from all of us for the work they have be moved to accommodate the con- the dinner next year, February 22. Lou done with the Former Members Organi- struction of the U.S. embassy, and as really has done a magnificent job in zation. Lou Frey, you have been relent- you might imagine, this is not some- heading up that dinner for two years in less, relentless in this Annual States- thing that the government of Berlin a row, and it is a fun time. manship Award Dinner in making that enjoys dealing with, the relocation of H3096 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 1999 streets to accommodate the U.S. em- Mr. MCHUGH. Thank you very much, gram, the Mott Foundation, the Eur- bassy. But hopefully, if both sides con- Jim. We hope that this is of interest to asia Foundation, the U.S. Agency for tinue to visit on this, a compromise you because we are involved in a wide International Development, and we had can be reached. variety of these international-related a Congressional Fellow in Slovakia We also spent some time with the programs and we think that is some- until 1996. worldwide director of public policy for thing that at one time or another you Our program in the Ukraine has been DaimlerChrysler, and it was particu- can participate in productively. quite successful, and since 1995 we have larly interesting to hear from them We would like to say a few words managed an intern effort there, which firsthand the kind of problems they are about a number of these, and I under- has provided assistance to the legisla- encountering in trying to merge this stand that we are flexible in terms of tors in the Ukraine Parliament, some- huge German corporation with a huge timing. So the most important thing thing which they would not otherwise American corporation, and it was even we are doing this morning is honoring have had without our support. more interesting, the site of this meet- Speaker Jim Wright and we want to I would like to yield briefly to the ing, because we were meeting at the leave adequate time for that, but we gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hertel) DaimlerChrysler new building in will cover a few of these additional to report on the program in Ukraine. Potsdamer Platz. items since we have the time available. Mr. HERTEL. I thank the gentleman As recently as 10 years ago, of course, One of the things that we do is act as from New York, and I will be brief in this area was an area that was divided a secretariat for the Congressional the interest of time. I do want to con- with the wall and armed guards on Study Group on Japan, which, similar gratulate so many former Members of both sides, and it was remarkable just to the Study Group on Germany, brings Congress for staying so very active in to be there and see the kind of con- together Members of the U.S. Congress public affairs and taking of their time struction that is going on in the heart and the Japanese Diet and enables in donating it. It gives me great pleas- of Berlin. It has got to be one of the former Members of Congress to partici- ure to report on the Association’s very successful assistance program to the greatest, if not the largest construc- pate as well in these discussions of Ukrainian Parliament in the last 5 tion sites in the world, and there are common interest. We find that to be years. Our commitment to the Ukraine reportedly some 3,000 cranes at work in very productive and helpful, especially is in full recognition that this country, downtown Berlin rebuilding the city in at times when there is a little tension one of the largest in Europe with 55 preparation for the return of the Ger- between the two countries on issues million people, plays a critical role in man government to Berlin this sum- like trade. mer. We are in the process of trying to ex- the future stability and growth of de- So it is really a remarkable time in mocracy in East Europe. The recent pand our activities as well by creating Berlin. If you have the opportunity to NATO summit in Washington under- exchange programs with China and travel there on any occasion, I would scored the important role the Ukraine with Mexico. These are obviously two urge you to do it. It is truly a remark- can play in the evolving Euro-Atlantic countries of great interest to the able city. community. Later on in the trip we went down to United States and the Congress in par- Our program with the Ukrainian Par- a small village south of Munich in the ticular, and given our experience with liament has evolved over time from its foothills of the Alps called Kreuth, and the Study Group on Germany and the initial work as a source of technical there we spent several days, actually Study Group on Japan, we think that advice to the development of a young four days with members of the German we are well positioned to serve as a sec- leaders program. The staff intern pro- Bundestag, former members of the Ger- retariat for these programs as well. gram was established in the fall of 1995, man Bundestag, American business In the aftermath of the political following discussions with parliamen- leaders, German business leaders and changes in Europe, the Association tary leaders who indicated that in- talked about ongoing problems in the began a series of programs in 1989 to creased staff support would be the most European Union, problems with the assist the emerging democracies in valuable assistance that could be pro- Euro, problems with the European Central and Eastern Europe. With vided. The initial group of 35 young Union, the role that Europe and Ger- funding from the USIA, the Associa- Ukrainians who served as staff interns many in particular will be playing in tion sent bipartisan teams of former were in the 22 to 36-year age group and the world community as we go forward, Members, accompanied by either a con- were drawn primarily from graduate and at the time we were there the prob- gressional or a country expert to the schools in law, government, and eco- lems in Kosovo were just starting. We Czech Republic, to Slovakia, Hungary nomics. In subsequent years the age had just deployed, or just commenced and Poland for up to two weeks. They range has been slightly younger, from the bombing activity and our troops conducted workshops and provided in- 22 to 28. In 1998 and 1999, with funding had been captured, and it was particu- struction in legislative issues for the from the Eurasia Foundation, our pro- larly interesting for me to observe the new Members of parliament in these gram supported 60 interns. An addi- united front of all of the German polit- emerging democracies. We also worked tional 7 interns have been included in ical parties in their support of NATO with their staffs and other people in- the program as a result of private sec- and NATO’s actions against Slobodan volved in the legislative process. Pub- tor support. Milosevic. So that was particularly en- lic appearances were also made by The staff interns have been placed couraging to me. Members of our delegations in these primarily in committees where they I believe very strongly that this ac- emerging democracies also. serve as permanent staff and engage in tivity with the German Bundestag and The Association arranged briefings mainline staff duties, including draft- this exchange program, the Congres- with Members of Congress and their ing legislation, analyzing and research- sional Study Group, is a very impor- staffs, meetings with other U.S. Gov- ing reports on potential legislation, re- tant effort to keep communication ernment officials, and personnel at the porting on committee deliberations, alive between the United States, Mem- Congressional Support Service organi- and translating vital Western docu- bers of this body, Members of the other zations. Visits to congressional dis- ments. They also participate in a reg- body here, and the Members of the Ger- tricts to give them the opportunity to ular evening educational program. man Bundestag through this rather observe the operation of district offices The intern graduates, who now num- historic time that we are going in our home towns. ber approximately 200, represent a new through. I would encourage other Mem- Also with the funding of USIA the generation of young political leaders. bers, more Members, more current Association sent a technical adviser to We have helped nurture the creation of Members to become more actively in- the Hungarian Parliament in 1991 to an organization knitting together a volved in the German Congressional 1993. With financial support from the group as a de facto Association of Study Group. Pew Charitable Trust in 1994, the Asso- Young Ukrainian Political Leaders, So Mr. President, I hope that is an ciation assigned technical advisors to many of whom have returned to the adequate report, and again, I appre- the Slovak and Ukrainian Parliaments. Parliament as permanent staff. Others ciate your leadership. Nice to see you The initial support was supplemented are in increasingly responsible posi- all. by grants from the Rule of Law Pro- tions in the Ukrainian government, May 13, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3097 and the emerging private business sec- Recently, as the chairman noted, I month, a change some of us think tor, with nongovernmental organiza- had the privilege of participating in might be good here, and we paid the ad- tions, think tanks, and the academic our delegation to Cuba, sponsored by mission price of 4 cents to get in the community. the Former Members Association, and stadium. We have now reached the point where the delegation included some very dis- You may remember that the negotia- we are seeking to increase the degree tinguished former Members, Senator tions about this game were hung up for of Ukrainian management of the pro- DeConcini, Senator Pressler, Senator a long time on what to do with the pro- gram to ensure its long-term viability Kasten, and, of course, we were led by ceeds. Now, 40,000 people in Cuba at 4 while maintaining the high standards our former chairman, Lou Frey. cents each totals $1,600. Well, in Cuba of the nonpartisan selection process. During my time in the House, I par- $1,600 may be a lot of money, but you Recent negotiations in Kiev have re- ticipated in numerous of these delega- can understand that the Cuban govern- sulted in the formulation of a transi- tions all over the world, led by many ment officials drew a little concern tion plan over the next 18 months to capable leaders, including my former about whether the United States was independent Ukrainian supervision by Rules Committee chairman, Claude making a real offer or commitment or two outstanding organizations, one Pepper. Unfortunately, I had to leave whether this was just a public relations academic and the other the Association Congress to find out a Republican can ploy. of Ukrainian Deputies. The latter is a lead a delegation as well as a Demo- If this game did not occur as a result, counterpart to our Association, was es- crat. I am referring to the outstanding so what? It was only a baseball game. tablished with our assistance, and in- chairmanship of Chairman Lou Frey, But suppose similar attitudes affected cludes 320 former deputies of the whose enthusiasm, his intelligence, his other areas of our relations with Cuba? Ukrainian Parliament. The Association insight, his probing commentary, en- Suppose relatives were kept apart be- is chaired by the former vice-chair of riched the quality of our delegation’s cause there were no flights between the the Parliament who, in a meeting last experience and led to some very impor- two countries? Suppose lifesaving med- year with the chairman of our House tant rapport with bipartisan conclu- ical techniques and medicines were not Committee on International Relations, sions about steps we might take to im- allowed to be transported to and from BEN GILMAN, said that the intern pro- prove our relationship with the Cuban Cuba? Suppose the policy of non- gram ‘‘is now training clerks for future people. cooperation kept illegal drugs flowing competent politicians.’’ He is com- Like many aspects of our relation- into the United States? mitted to ensuring that the intern pro- ship with Cuba, there were difficulties When our delegation returned from gram maintains its high standards and with some of the things we went down Cuba, we met with officials at the continues to train an emerging new to talk about. But, since our trip, some State Department to discuss the mixed generation of Western-oriented young of you may have noticed a small signals that we were sending to Cuba. democratic leaders. I am visiting there change in our relationship, specifi- We do not know whether our conversa- during the next two weeks to meet cally, a baseball game, or rather tions made a difference or not, but we with those interns and leaders of the games. do know the two games were played. program and to offer your congratula- The Baltimore Orioles twice played Let us hope similar results occur for tions for all of the successes that they the Cuban National Team, both in the 12 substantive policy recommenda- have had under your leadership. Thank Cuba and in Baltimore. The results of tions that we proposed. I will not bore you. these games were, well, not much. The you with them this morning, but let Mr. MCHUGH. Thank you very much, Cubans won one, and we won one. me just sum them up by saying they Dennis. More importantly, international are designed to encourage greater com- One of the most significant study order was not threatened, and our do- munication and exchange between the missions that we have done in recent mestic policy was not derailed. Hon- Cuban people and the American people. years has been to Cuba. In December of estly, not even that many people paid If each and every one of our rec- 1996, the Association sent a delegation attention. It was not the World Series. ommendations made on a bipartisan of current and former Members of Con- Sure, 40,000 people came to the game in basis were implemented, international gress to Cuba on this study mission to Camden Yards, but many of them left order would not be threatened, our do- assess the situation there and to ana- after the rain delay in the first inning. mestic policy will not be derailed, the lyze the effectiveness of U.S. policies Perhaps future historians will say Cubans might win a little, the United toward Cuba. Upon its return, the dele- that this game was of tremendous na- States might win a little and, hope- gation wrote a report of its findings tional importance and improved the re- fully, future baseball games could which was widely disseminated lationship between the United States occur in the context of a real world se- through print and visual media, and and Cuba, but, for now, it was just a ries. was made available to Members of the baseball game, and like many other as- Thank you. House and the Senate, as well as to of- pects of our relationship with Cuba, Mr. MCHUGH. Thank you very much, ficials in the executive branch. There the negotiations leading up to it were Alan. was also a follow-up to this initial arduous and fraught with misunder- As I mentioned earlier, one of the study mission which was conducted in standing and misperception. things we do is organize study tours to January of this year. Again, the dele- Let me tell you just one quick thing a variety of countries in which Mem- gation was bipartisan; it made a report about it. One of our main goals in our bers and their spouses at their own ex- upon its return, and that report has trip to Cuba was to examine the pense participate in educational and gotten widespread dissemination, and misperceptions between the two coun- cultural experiences. We have had a hopefully some attention as well. We tries. To do that we met with members number of very interesting study tours, expect that there will be two addi- of the Cuban government, political dis- including ones to Canada, China, Viet- tional bipartisan teams of former sidents, representatives of the very nam, Australia, New Zealand, the Members of Congress who will travel to limited private sector, human rights former Soviet Union, Western and Cuba this fall and will hold workshops groups and members of the Catholic Eastern Europe, the Middle East and in regional centers on topics of par- Church, and we took a little time out South America. ticular concern to the leaders in those for recreation. I want to alert the membership that areas. This program with Cuba is fund- We went to a Cuban baseball game. later this year in the fall we are going ed by the Ford Foundation. We found that their love of the game to be planning a study tour to Italy. At this point I would like to yield to was very similar to ours, but every- This should be fascinating, not only be- the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. thing else was different. The stadium cause of Italy itself, but we have three Wheat) to report on this year’s study was old and in disrepair. The 10 or 12 former Members of Congress who are mission, and he was a participant in cars in the parking lot were of a vin- presently in Rome as ambassadors. that. tage that is no longer seen in the Tom Foglietta is our Ambassador to Mr. WHEAT. Thank you, Mr. Presi- United States. They were from the Italy; Lindy Boggs, a former Chair of dent. 1950s. The top players make $8 to $10 a our Association, is the Ambassador to H3098 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 1999 the Holy See at the Vatican; and While there is dissatisfaction, the eco- sought to further strengthen Cuba’s isola- George McGovern is our Ambassador to nomic problems appear to be accepted tion and to take advantage of that to force the Food and Agriculture Association. as a normal part of life. major political change. These policies over So we anticipate we will be well treat- Sixty percent of the population is 26 almost 40 years showed to the world the U.S. resolve to protect its borders and the West- ed and that the study tour will be a years of age or under. Eighty percent is ern Hemisphere as well as opposition to Cas- very interesting one when we go in the under the age of 40. The Vietnamese tro and his communist dictatorship. fall. are working to establish a banking and Times have changed. The end of the Soviet In September of 1998 the Association legal system and are attempting to pri- subsidy in 1992, which totaled between $5 to conducted a study tour of Vietnam, vatize basic industries. Government 8 billion per year, and the collapse of the So- and I would like to invite the gen- representatives are cooperating with viet Union have changed the strategic equa- tleman from Virginia, Bob Daniel, to the U.S. Embassy and the Missing in tion. Moscow no longer is subsidizing Cuba, report briefly on that trip. Action Office to identify the remains of the island does not represent a base of mili- tary operations against the Untied States Mr. DANIEL. Thank you, President 1,564 Americans still missing in action. and Cuba is not a national security threat to McHugh. Vietnam is the fourth largest coun- the United States. Increasingly, Cuba is out (Mr. DANIEL asked and was given try in Southeast Asia with a popu- of step with the entire Western Hemisphere permission to revise and extend his re- lation of 77 million people. It seems to which has been engulfed by a democratic marks, and include extraneous mate- be a low priority in terms of U.S. for- wave. On the international level, Cuba is in- rial.) eign policy. It appears that a small creasingly irrelevant: the communist revolu- Mr. DANIEL. This fall, as was men- amount of interest, exchange programs tion has failed and Castro is an anachronism. tioned, a delegation of four former and aid money could go a long way in On the domestic level in the United States, Members of Congress visited Vietnam Cuba continues to be an important issue. building relations with a country that, The only national security threat would be a for 6 days. In Hanoi, meetings were despite the war, does not harbor strong chaotic transition of power in Cuba that held with former Representative, now anti-U.S. feelings. could lead to a mass exodus of Cuban citizens U.S. Ambassador, Pete Peterson and REPORT BY THE DELEGATION OF THE U.S. AS- to the United States mainland. the embassy staff, representatives of SOCIATION OF FORMER MEMBERS OF CON- Cuba Today the U.S. Missing in Action Office, GRESS: VISIT TO CUBA, JANUARY 10–16, 1999 A review of Cuba begins with the under- members of the Vietnamese Foreign Members of Delegation: Hon. Louis Frey, Jr., standing that the Castro regime remains Ministry and Assembly, representa- Chairman; Hon. Dennis DeConcini; Hon. very much a police state and suppresses any tives of the non-governmental organi- Robert W. Kasten, Jr.; Hon. Larry Pressler; independent political expression. The coun- zations and others in leadership posi- Hon. Alan Wheat; Mr. Walter Raymond, try is controlled by Castro through the mili- tions. Jr.; Mr. Oscar Juarez tary, the Ministry of Interior and the police. In Ho Chi Minh City, the former Sai- SUMMARY There is little regard for human rights, no gon, the delegation met with American The U.S. Association of Former Members freedom of the press and few political dis- sidents because of the pressures applied by and Vietnamese businessmen, bankers of Congress sent a seven-member, bipartisan delegation to Cuba from 10 to 16 January 1999 Castro. Despite U.S. policies over the past and lawyers, the head of the Inter- years, pending unforeseen circumstances, national Relations Department at the to see first hand current political, economic and social conditions in Cuba and to engage Castro will remain in control until his death. Economic belt-tightening is the order of Vietnam National University, the pub- in a series of frank discussions concerning the day. The delegation was briefed on eco- lisher of a major newspaper and staff at U.S.-Cuban relations. The delegation was nomic restructuring affecting various state- the U.S. consulate. Time also was pro- composed of former Representative Louis run industries designed to increase the effi- vided to visit cultural attractions and Frey, Jr., Chairman; former Senator Dennis ciency of the state economy. At the same DeConcini; former Senator Robert Kasten, observe Vietnamese people and their time, heavy taxes and other pressures have Jr.; former Senator Larry Pressler; and lifestyle in everyday settings. In addi- resulted in a decrease in the number of small former Representative Alan Wheat. They tion, trips were taken away from the self-employed enterprises. The management were accompanied by Walter Raymond, Jr., city to the Mekong River and its Delta of a number of state enterprises has been Senior Advisor of the Association and Oscar taken over by former military officers. and to other rural and industrial areas. Juarez. The trip was funded by a grant to the These officers are positioned to be part of a We found Vietnam a difficult country Association from the Ford Foundation. post-Castro elite. The ruling class in Cuba, to understand. There is no question The delegation pursued its objectives while not guilty of conspicuous consump- that it is a poor third world country through formal meetings with Ministers, bu- tion, live comfortably and have benefited with minimal infrastructure and tre- reaucrats, political dissidents, independent within the parameters of the controlled journalists, foreign diplomats, Western busi- mendous economic problems. economy. The overall impact of develop- nessmen and informal meetings with a cross- It is in many ways a land of con- ments in the past two years suggests that section of individual Cubans. Three members trasts. It has a Communist government prospects for the economy are slightly bet- of the delegation had participated in a simi- whose importance seems to diminish ter—but this is a result of a significant lar fact-finding mission to Cuba in December growth of tourism and the close to $1 billion the farther one goes into the country- 1996 and were able to observe changes in con- of remittances sent by Cuban-Americans liv- side or the farther one goes away from ditions in Cuba over the past two years. ing in the United States to their families and Hanoi. The average yearly income in The delegation’s approach was based on friends in Cuba. Remittances have been the the North is $300 a year. In the South, the realities of the current relationship of biggest boost to the economy at this time. Cuba to national security objectives as well it is $1,000 a year. However, a great The Pope’s visit made some impact and ap- as the sensitivities of the Cuba issue in polit- many people in Vietnam own expensive pears to have given the Catholic Church ical circles in the United States. In addition, motorbikes that cost up to $2,500. Obvi- more operating space. Although the percent- the concomitant interests of the Cuban peo- ously, there must be a large under- age of Catholics in Cuba is significantly less ple to meet basic human needs and to work than Poland, the Pope’s visit had an invig- ground economy. for the development of an open society, as orating effect. Church attendance, while still The Vietnamese seem to want foreign well as their desire to be respected according comparatively moderate, has risen and the investment, especially from the United to their sense of Cuba and their national Church has been able to increase its support States, but the many rules, huge bu- identity, were taken into consideration by activities including the distribution of hu- the delegation in making their recommenda- reaucracy and rampant corruption sent manitarian assistance. Castro has been tions. out a different message. forced de facto to accept humanitarian as- There is relatively little investment Policy Background sistance in a manner which reaches the from the United States and very little U.S. policy to Cuba is based on a series of Cuban people. On the basis of informal con- U.S. aid of any kind. Vietnam is prob- long-standing Congressional and Executive versations, it appears that another con- ably 5 to 10 years away from being at- Actions. The essential ingredient is the long- sequence of the visit is that it has given tractive to many foreign investors, al- standing embargo, designed to put maximum Cuban citizens more of a sense of connection though the large number of literate pressure on Castro. This policy, which began with the ‘‘outside world’’ and a greater will- in 1960, was in direct response to the estab- workers and the very low pay scale ingness to interact. In other words, a poten- lishment of Communism in Cuba and the de- tial key impact of the Pope’s visit is that it have attracted some companies. velopment of a close security relationship has started a process of opening things up. Despite the poverty, most people with the Soviet Union. The Cuban Democ- The United States is receiving only limited have the basic essentials such as food, racy Act of 1992 and the Cuban Liberty and cooperation from its allies, including those mainly rice, and minimal housing. Democratic Solidarity (Libertad) Act of 1996 in Europe, on key issues such as workers’ May 13, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3099 rights. Foreign enterprises continue to pay contact should be ended, including the mas- is reluctant to sanction such exchanges to the Cuban government for work performed, sive number of remittances sent from the the United States, it could reflect concern and the Cubans in turn pay the workers in Cuban-American community. This does not over defections resulting from dissatisfac- pesos at an artificially low exchange rate. make sense—and the delegation does not tion with conditions in Cuba. The Europeans continue to press for greater favor such a drastic step—but it does illus- 2. Direct, regularly scheduled flights between respect for human rights to be observed but trate the strange position that exists. the United States and Cuba should be author- with little demonstrable success. The common sense rule should be applied ized and established. This is the best way to The Cuban people retain a great deal of regarding the use of rhetoric. For instance maximize person-to-person contacts and to pride in their homeland—even those who are what is important to the United States? Is it facilitate humanitarian assistance. The dele- not happy with Castro. There is a concern more important that a certain act be taken gation recognizes that such a move may ne- about the lack of respect for Cuba by the to accomplish a specific result, or is it more cessitate a Civil Air agreement. the gains United States which goes back to the 19th important that rhetoric be used to talk outweigh concerns about enhanced recogni- Century. The Cubans had been fighting for about the certain act? In some cases both tion that this may give Castro. An alter- many years against the Spanish, yet the may be done; in other cases it will be coun- native could be the approval of foreign air- Americans entered the war later and called terproductive to conduct foreign policy en- lines to make stops in the United States it the Spanish-American War. Little ac- cased in domestic-focused rhetoric. As an ex- enroute to Cuba, a step that could be pur- knowledgment was given to the many Cu- ample, political dissidents, independent jour- sued through IATA. bans who died for their country’s freedom. nalists, representatives of religious organiza- 3. Pressures should be sustained on Cuba to Much of the U.S. policy toward Cuba re- tions and NGOs all express concern about the release political prisoners and to ameliorate cently has been dictated by domestic poli- way in which Washington rhetoric links prison conditions. The delegation recommends tics. For instance, compare the difference in NGOs and the construction of civil society in continued contacts with the International Com- the current U.S. approach to three com- Cuba with the removal of Castro, as stated in mittee of the Red Cross and other Human Rights munist countries, China, Vietnam and Cuba. 1992 and 1996 legislation. The rhetoric lays Groups in Latin America and Europe to press China has been given most favored nation dissidents and independents open to the them to seek prison visits and to pressure the trade status. Vietnam has been recognized charge of being ‘‘tools of subversion against Castro regime to recognize basic human rights officially, trade has been encouraged and a the Castro regime.’’ standards for prisoners of conscience. There trade agreement is in progress. However, Conclusion has been no perceptible change in human with Cuba there is an embargo that is close In conclusion, it is time to deal with Cuba rights conditions since the Pope’s visit, de- to 40 years old and continues despite the as it is today not in terms of the Cold War spite an initial release of some prisoners. changed geopolitical circumstances resulting which dominated post-war politics for 40 4. All restrictions on the sales and/or free dis- from the demise of the Soviet Union. years. Does this mean the embargo should be tribution of medicines and medical supplies Policy Considerations lifted? If the sole purpose of the embargo is should be removed. A general license should to drive Castro out, it has not worked and it be given for donations and sales to non-gov- In order to understand the delegation’s ernmental organizations and humanitarian recommendations, it is necessary to start is not going to work. And is has not im- pacted on Castro’s leadership elite. If other institutions, such as hospitals. Consider- with a clear definition of policy objectives. ations should be given to identifying a U.S. The first question from the United States’ legitimate ends are being accomplished, then it should be left in place. Should the Helms- purchasing agent who could serve as an expe- standpoint should be what is in the best na- diter and independent bridge between the tional security interests of the United Burton Act be changed? While it continues to put pressure on the Cuban Government to U.S. pharmaceutical firms and Cuban ‘‘cus- States. Assuming that the assessment is cor- tomers’’ to facilitate sales and to monitor rect that whatever the United States does resolve issues of the confiscation of property, Titles I and II of the Helms-Burton Act delivery. will not drive Castro from office, the con- 5. Unrestricted sales of food and agricultural should be liberally interpreted as this pro- centration should be on what can be done to inputs should be authorized. This policy, if vides help directly to the Cuban people. On help the Cuban people in the short term by unencumbered by regulations that undercut this point there are differences within the meeting certain basic human needs and by the effectiveness of this initiative, will help delegation. The delegation does agree that helping enfranchise economically an ever the Cuban people. Even operating within the Titles I and II of the Helms-Burton Act larger group of independent Cubans. In the parameters of the Presidential Statement, should be more liberally interpreted as this longer term, these steps will contribute to there are steps that can be taken to increase provides help directly to the Cuban people. laying a framework for a peaceful transition agricultural production and the capabilities Further consideration should be given to toward an open society compatible with the of the farmers. The delegation has com- modifications of Title IV if EU nations pro- emerging democratic world throughout the mented on this in some detail in the report vide greater recognition to U.S. property Western Hemisphere. and believes that creative ways can be found claims. Policy modifications are rec- The United States can not let Castro dic- to accomplish the objectives. ommended with the full realization that tate its actions on non-actions; U.S. policy 6. Commercial shipping carrier companies Cuba continues to be a communist dictator- must be determined on its own merits. Some (such as DHL, UPS or other shippers) should be ship. Policy adjustments which the delega- actions may be taken unilaterally that could authorized regular delivery stops in Cuba. Ac- tion are proposing are in the interests of the benefit the United States or actions could be companying arrangements would need to be United States and the Cuban people, not Cas- designed to benefit the Cuban people without made in Cuba for safe delivery to meet car- tro. expecting any concessions from the Castro rier standards, including a contractual ar- government. However, there may be some The United States should exhibit a greater sense of confidence that increased contacts rangement with a Havana-based representa- proposed actions, such as those set forth in tive organization. Regular sea transportation the Helms-Burton Act, which should be between the United States and Cuba will work to the advantage of the development of also should be authorized. Expanded air and taken only if the Castro government acts or sea shipping will facilitate the delivery of reciprocates. a more open society rather than to help Cas- tro. People-to-people contacts, increased gifts of food, agricultural supplies, medicines U.S. leaders must endeavor to do away and medical equipment. These new transpor- with a schizophrenic approach to Cuba. U.S. travel, an unlimited supply of food and medi- cines are not viewed by the Cuban people as tation links also would facilitate humani- policy has been stated expressly as designed tarian efforts by private Americans to ship to help Cuban political development by sup- an aid to Castro, but rather as support to the Cuban people. larger ‘‘care packages’’ directly to Cuban porting the growth of an independent sector citizens and thus supplement support from and a middle class. The delegation supports Recommendations remittances. this. At the same time, U.S. policies also 1. Remaining impediments to exchange pro- 7. The delegation supports a policy to expand should strive to meet certain basic needs of grams should be removed. People-to-people con- remittances in amounts allowed and to permit the Cuban people. For instance, if it makes tacts should be greatly expanded, including on all U.S. residents, not just those with families in sense to send medical supplies or food to a two-way basis. The issuance of general li- Cuba, to send remittances to individual Cuban Cuba, a maze of rules and regulations should censes should be expanded to a wide range of families. Greater utilization of the Western not be attached which often result in sup- fields including educational, cultural, hu- Union office in Havana should be considered plies not ever reaching Cuba. Castro is given manitarian, religious and athletic exchange. as a means to expand the number and diver- a public relations victory and, more impor- Cuban-American residents in the United sity of remittances. tantly, vital assistance does not reach the States should be included under a general li- 8. The delegation believes a regional effort Cuban people. The same can be said in many censing provision with no limit to the num- should be studied to reduce the flow of pollut- other areas, including travel where the dele- ber of visits to Cuba per year. The two-way ants into the Gulf of Mexico with its concomi- gation believes U.S.-imposed bureaucratic aspect of this program is important, permit- tant impact on sea wildlife environmental limitations hamper the maximization of peo- ting Cubans (including Cuban officials) to damage to the shores of various countries af- ple-to-people contact programs. Some of have an increased exposure to the United fected by raw sewage outflows from Cuba. these specific areas will be discussed in the States so they have a shared educational and 9. An independent group should review Radio body of this report. If policy were consistent cultural experience to help dispel stereo- Marti broadcasting to insure that the news with the rhetoric and the United States we types. Such exchanges are not a threat to US package is balanced, meets all required profes- intended to isolate Castro totally, then all national security. If the Cuban Government sional standards and covers major international H3100 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 1999 stories. This is the second Association trip to seek to make their message known by selec- some less productive mills will be closed. Cuba in which the delegates found no inde- tive detention. They acknowledged the lack This will cause labor dislocation and the pendent Cuban citizens who had seen TV of coordination among the dissidents. They need for labor retraining to demonstrate how Marti. It is recommended that funds sup- may represent a moral force but, at this to increase unit yield. This reorganization porting TV Marti be redirected to an enrich- point, they do not occupy significant polit- also includes a shift from a vertical to a hor- ment of Radio Marti or dedicated to an ex- ical space. izontal system. Instead of all instructions pansion of telecommunications linkages. The political independents did not see and all infrastructural support coming from (See Recommendation 10) much, if any, improvement in living or work- one central point, the reorganization gives 10. Technical breakthroughs in the tele- ing conditions as a result of the Pope’s visit, self-supporting industrial elements, such as communications industry should be explored to although independent journalists thought shipping and packing units, greater ability increase information links to Cuba. Internet, e- there was a bit more flexibility vis-a-vis to make decisions. mail, cell phones and other state-of-the-art journalists. All agreed that the economy is The Minister indicated that incentives pro- communications slowly are bringing infor- in bad shape. The dissidents described the ex- grams were being installed in agriculture mation and ideas to the country. It is rec- istence of two embargoes—the one imposed and other areas. He suggested there was a ommended that the U.S. Government and Con- by the U.S. Government and the other im- role for farmers with an entrepreneurial flair gress consider authorizing U.S. telecommuni- posed by the Cuban Government against its but that such people—the emerging inde- cations companies to explore possibilities for es- own people. They were underwhelmed by pendent cooperative farmers—need to under- stand about incentives and to be motivated tablishing more open and diverse communica- support from the EU and noted that some to work for them. He said that by appre- tions between the United States and Cuba. workers had tried unsuccessfully to block ciating their role, these independent farmers 11. Consideration should be given to opening Western investments unless the Europeans can strive to earn foreign currency and sales. property settlement discussions and establishing pressed for adherence to the Arcos prin- The farmers need new modern equipment to a process with a payment schedule, even if ac- ciples. At the same time, they said that replace the old, obsolete and often broken tual funding is deferred to a future date. The there were more than 300 foreign businesses Soviet agricultural equipment. The question Cubans acknowledged that this is an out- in Cuba, that this increases foreign influence was raised about the . Rodriguez standing issue in the bilateral relationship and in the long run could be a plus. referred to incentives within the socialist and they claimed that they were prepared to The delegation was rebuffed in its efforts system where quotas were provided to the discuss settlement. There may be a role for to visit four leading dissidents, who were enterprise and the worker and once they a third party arbitrator to facilitate this ne- seized without charges in 1997 and still have achieved that quota, the additional produc- gotiation. not been brought to trial. The dissidents in tion could be taken to the market for sale. 12. Policy steps which are just pinpricks question were Marta Beatrix Roque, Rene Returns would be shared by the workers and should be avoided, as they accomplish little and Gomez Manzano, Felix Bonne and Vladimiro the enterprise which would keep a portion of impact negatively on a policy to open Cuba up Roca. The delegation had a particular inter- the funds received to enhance further pro- to change. As an example, the proposal for a est in meeting with them as the earlier Asso- duction rather than turn revenue over to the baseball exchange is a positive step, but the ciation delegation had met the four dis- State. However, Castro tends to undercut U.S. announcement explicitly dictates how sidents in Havana in 1996. The delegation some of the potentially positive aspects of proceeds for games in both Baltimore and also pressed the Cuban authorities to allow this trend by trying to eliminate or mini- Havana are to be used. Each country should the International Committee of the Red mize the ‘‘middle men’’ who help the inde- decide how the proceeds will be spent. The Cross to make prison visits. Although some pendent farmers send their product to the ticket price in Havana is approximately four other groups have, on occasion visited Cuban markets. cents, so the issue is largely irrelevant. prisons, the ICRC has not been allowed into Tourism is the largest income producer for BACKGROUND TO POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS Cuba for ten years. ICRC visits—with their Cuba. Rodriguez said that there were 1.4 mil- AND OTHER OBSERVATIONS BY THE DELEGATION subsequent confidential report to the host lion tourists in 1998, a 17 percent growth is Political Conditions government—would be a positive step. expected in 1999 and a total tourist inflow of Cuba remains very much a police state It is hard to evaluate the degree to which two million is anticipated in 2000. He said under the tight domination of a single ruler. the Pope’s visit has emboldened the local tourism helped compensate for the sharp de- cline in sugar exports. He made no reference The post-Castro era could involve a conflict population to exercise more independence, to the decisive impact that accelerated re- between nomenklatura elements (younger, but the delegation sensed that the post-Pope mittances from the United States have had middle-to-senior level officials), who have visit atmosphere was somewhat more posi- on the Cuban economy. The delegation vested interests in the system and are pre- tive. There is active interest in more con- raised the question of the tourist industry— pared to consider steps toward economic re- tacts and communications. Some looked to such as foreign owned or operated hotels— form, and a law-and-order wing, largely President Clinton’s declarations on January paying the government for the salaries of its housed in the military and the Ministry of 5 as a potentially important step to expand employees. He responded that this was the Interior. Equally possible, however, could be contacts and access. Others thought in- way the socialistic system works. He added, the lack of an effective leadership to fill the creased possibilities exist for telecommuni- however, that there might be some alter- space, largely as a result of Castro’s failure cations breakthroughs, including internet, which will permit more extensive commu- ations to the payments system, but the state to allow reasonable political development in would continue to monitor and control it. the country as a preparatory step for a nications with persons outside of Cuba. Rep- resentatives of NGOs also believe that they The delegation stated that such procedures peaceful and constructive transition. An al- were unacceptable to most businessmen and ternative course, however, might occur if have developed more operating space, a po- tentially encouraging sign for the future. disadvantaged the employee. time and circumstances permit the growth of Rodriguez maintained that the private sec- Economics—Cuban Style an increasingly independent economic infra- tor is growing, but it has to react to stiffer structure in which more citizens become eco- The delegation was given a comprehensive competition. Paladares (private restaurants) nomically enfranchised and a broader seg- review of the Cuban Economy by Economics continue to be active, although some have ment of society has a vested interest in a Minister Jose Rodriguez. Rodriguez came closed because of competition. Others have stable transition. from the academic world and his presen- opened. Castro continues to hinder each ef- The lack of a political opening was pal- tation did not include a self-defeating propa- fort to establish even the rudiments of a pri- pable. Castro remains opposed to any alter- gandistic spin. The 1996 Association delega- vate sector. For example, the paladares not native system or actions independent of the tion met with Rodriguez and his earlier anal- only are limited to only 12 customers a system. Internal crackdowns against crime ysis has substantively held up quite well. He night, but they also are not allowed to sell are designed to improve the command econ- underscored that growth recorded in 1996 and lobster or steak, although some do. The dele- omy, not to change it. In meetings with a 1997 had flattened out in 1998 to 1.2 percent. gation expressed concern that the number of number of intellectuals, independent jour- The Government is engaged in a major re- small private enterprises had dropped; nalists and political activists, several inter- structuring of the industrial sector, seeking Rodriguez said the private sector was grow- esting points were raised. However, among to increase productivity by cutting subsidies ing. Our figures indicated that the number these representatives of the political opposi- to unprofitable state-owned enterprises. This had gone down from approximately 215,000 to tion there were some differences of opinion. causes unemployment and other adjustment about 150,000. He acknowledged small private The political dissidents underscored in very problems. A number of state-owned compa- activities were heavily taxed, noting that personal terms that there was a continued nies are being taken over and operated by private rooms—totaling 8,000 according to crackdown. They said the probability was former military officers. Rodriguez—can be rented if the owner re- very real that, although they had spend time Rodriguez claimed that 81 percent of the ceives a license and pays a tax. Cuban offi- in jail in the past, this might happen again state enterprises now are profitable, as op- cials do not see these as punitive taxes, un- in the upcoming year. They also described posed to 20 percent in 1993. derscoring that the taxes are essential to the regime’s procedure of arresting people An exception to the pattern has been the provide dollars to the state. They state that and detaining them for up to 30 days without critical sugar industry, where production clearly the private sector would not continue trial and then releasing them. They added lags because of poor production techniques to rent rooms and open paladares if they did that Cuban authorities are aware that trials and devastating weather. A reorganization of not think it provides economic gain for may draw major Western press and that they the production capacity is underway and them. May 13, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3101 In a subsequent discussion, a senior official Pope, urged that the embargo be terminated. is aware that supply is very tight in Cuba. It of the Ministry for Foreign Investment em- Western businessmen thought that the fu- believes that the sales of food and equipment phasized that there is a new Cuban law con- ture was discernible, economic prospects to independent nongovernmental entities is cerning foreign investment which reportedly were encouraging and the United States desirable and should be pressed where prac- will make it easier for foreign investors. He should decide if it were to be a player or not. ticable. It should not be restrictive. The del- stated that now there are about 360 joint The U.S. embargo, at this juncture, was a egation does not favor sales at subsidized ventures in the country. While the Helms strong moral statement and de facto it aided concessionary rates—no U.S. Government Burton Act has retarded investment, the of- foreign business access. They did not under- underwriting should be engaged in these ficial believes that foreign investment now is stand why the United States did not want to transactions. Even if one works through the increasing. He cited recent foreign invest- be a player in Cuba’s future which could be state trading system, the food will still ments in the development of an electric gen- better achieved with normal economic and reach the Cuban people—and the ultimate eration plant, financial commitments to social relations. purpose is to help the Cuban people—even if joint ventures to establish business centers— Dissident and NGO representatives took some of the cash proceeds end up with the principally to be occupied by foreign compa- particular exception to the way in which the Cuban Government. Realistically speaking nies—condominiums, zones and in- Helms-Burton Act and the recent Presi- that is where most of the remittances sent dustrial parks. dential announcements have been wrapped in by Cuban-Americans to their families ulti- In addition to the massive infusion of re- a rhetorical package which has the effect of mately end up. The delegation believes that mittance dollars, ordinary Cuban citizens labeling all efforts to build ‘‘civil society’’ as gifts of food to needy persons and groups are finding other ways to receive dollars. a move to overthrow Castro. As one Western should be continued through responsible hu- People appeared to be coping, possibly a bit NGO representative said, the NGOs are iden- manitarian channels, such as Caritas. Such better than two years ago. Western compa- tified as tools of subversion against Castro gifts do benefit directly the Cuban people. nies have found ways to supplement the sala- and this backfires on the NGOs. The dis- The delegation used the January 5 policy ries which they pay to workers via the state sidents are, to some degree, divided. The ma- statement as a starting point for discussions by a system of hard currency bonuses. Cas- jority believe that the Helms-Burton Act on this subject with Cuban officials and with tro’s desperate need for dollars means that gives Castro an excuse for everything that representatives from the private sector, for- he is prepared to look the other way and let goes wrong in Cuba and by lifting it, the eign and domestic. A number of important dollars come from these various sources. world (and the Cuban people) could see the points emerged in these conversations. However, through severe taxation and the bad management, corruption and failure of A large number of Cubans are defined as construction of a shopping mall selling West- the Cuban regime. Several said, however, ‘‘independent’’ by the Cuban Government ern goods to Cuban citizens, Castro seeks to that modification of the embargo would need and by Western businessmen and NGO rep- gain access to some of the dollars flowing to be made in a way that does not take the resentatives. The key is how to define the so- into the island. pressure off Castro. called independent farmers who are in co- The construction of a major new modern Policy formulations need to reflect sensi- operatives where the land is owned by the airport (with Canadian funding) and a large tivity to the Cuban mind set. Even men-on- state but who, after meeting a production shipping terminal to berth cruise ships are the-street Cubans have some support for quota for the state, have the freedom to sell two additional examples of steps that will in- Cuban nationalism, as distinct from Castro’s their own produce. These farmers need en- crease travel to Cuba and contact between regime. Dissidents repeated a view heard in hanced fertilizers, pesticides and equipment, the Cuban population and visitors. These fa- several circles that they were concerned but they have a serious cash shortfall. There cilities also will increase the amount of dol- about substituting Miami for Havana. They is a skepticism in Cuba as to whether these lars in circulation, some of which will reach would like to participate in democratic ‘‘private’’ farmers will be able to buy many the Cuban citizens. Tourism is the number change and welcome close relations with the supplies and equipment. For this proposal to one income producer for the regime. At the United States, they do not want foreign have any positive impact, it is essential to same time, some farms and industries have dominance which played too large a part in have a broad rather than a legalistic inter- established a greater profit share with work- their past. pretation of what is an independent farmer. ers receiving dollar bonuses and farmers, In sum, the delegation recognizes that The establishment of at least a quasi-inde- many of whom now are defined as ‘‘inde- Cuba remains a repressive society, but be- pendent agricultural sector is key to the suc- pendent’’ farmers, are able to sell on the lieves that the state system will undergo cess of the policy and it will be necessary to market an increasing share of their produc- major changes after Castro dies. The experi- design creative ways to sell agricultural sup- tion. It should be noted that everything is ences reflected in the many transitions that plies. The implementers of the policy should relative in Cuba and the standard of living have taken place in the past ten years in be flexible and should consider the develop- and the infrastructure lag far behind its po- Central and East Europe, as well as the ment of agricultural machinery cooperatives tential and/or its place in the Caribbean states formerly composing the USSR, indi- to service many farms and/or independent compared to where it was 40 years ago. cate that changes can take many different farmers. Caritas currently is developing an In a conversation with the Chairman of the directions ranging from democracy to do- agricultural project in conjunction with the National Assembly’s Foreign Relations Com- mestic instability to authoritarianism. It is semi-official Association of Small Farmers mittee, the delegation raised the question of in both the Cuban and U.S. national interest (ANEP). Under this project, the feed, fer- the restoration of confiscated properties and to encourage peaceful evolution to an open tilizer and equipment purchases are made asked if there were any movement within society. The delegation believes steps should through a state enterprise, but an agreement the Cuban Government to address this issue. be initiated to reduce Cuba’s isolation and to is made that the farmers, who actually make The Chairman said that, under the law na- communicate with many different elements the purchases, will be able to sell a portion tionalizing property, every country has been of Cuban society. Further, pain and suffering of the produce on the private market. This is paid except the United States. He stated that on the island should be eased through hu- a constructive and realistic approach as it Cuba was prepared to discuss settlement of manitarian support, particularly in the areas does not attempt to circumvent the Cuban the property. The problem is the retro- of flood and medicine. The delegation does Government, which would not work in this activity of the Helms-Burton Act which not believe it either politically possible to situation, but finds a formula that develops gives the right to Cuban citizens, who have challenge the Helms-Burton Act, nor does it a quid pro quo by operating, at least in part, been nationalized as Americans, to claim believe it is warranted in light of continued through the Cuban foreign trade system. property with the help of the U.S. Govern- political oppression by Castro, but further Other arrangements paralleling this pilot ment. It would cost the Cuban Government practical policy and program steps are pos- should be possible and might be of interest over $6 billion, an amount beyond their capa- sible during this interim phase of history. to certain U.S. agricultural companies. The bilities. The delegation asked whether a Food and Agriculture feed, fertilizer and equipment purchases by third party—possibly a Latin American The delegation favors unrestricted sales of farmers are facilitated by funds provided by country—might serve as an arbitrator to re- food and agricultural equipment. Food sales Caritas. U.S. agricultural firms, if they be- solve these claims. and gifts do not strengthen Castro. They come involved, initially would need to play a Cuban Comments about the Helms-Burton Act may give him a limited propaganda stick, similar charitable role. During discussions in Havana with non-of- but they give the Cuban people food. The policy of supporting the gifts of food ficial Cubans, the delegation raised the ques- The policy announced by the White House should continue. Representatives of chari- tion of U.S. policy with specific reference to on January 5, 1999 on food sales places a very table organizations, such as Caritas main- the Helms Burton Act. The delegation said sharply focused emphasis on the independent tain that the receipt of food as gifts is easier that political realities in the United States agricultural sector in Cuba. The language of for them to handle than the purchase of food suggest that the Helms-Burton Act will re- the announcement is unnecessarily cir- supplies. They have negotiated arrangements main in place for the foreseeable future and cumscribed and the potential benefit of this with the Cuban Government to verify the planning should be developed with this re- policy initiative will be effected by the man- majority of its distributions of humanitarian ality in mind. It should be recorded, however ner in which the implementing regulations assistance—food and medicine, but it will that most of those queried argued in favor of are drafted. Very restrictive drafting could not be possible to replicate the same process a basic change in the Helms-Burton Act. For make this initiative virtually meaningless. if these supplies were to be bought by example, the Catholic Church, echoing the The delegation observed food shortages and Caritas. Even under current arrangements, H3102 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 1999 Caritas has to engage in extensive negotia- alia, make it easier for pharmaceutical com- cerning the recent report of Cuban drug run- tions with the Cuban Government regarding panies and make the Cuban market some- ning by the Colombian police at the port of each shipment received. what less bureaucratic and potentially more Cartagena are not clear. During the visit, Medicines and Medical Supplies attractive. the delegation raised the drug question with Under any circumstance, the delegation U.S. policy should be to eliminate all restric- the Foreign Ministry and it was, in turn, believes consideration should be given to es- tions on the sale and/or free distribution of raised with the delegation by the Minister of tablishing a general license for donations Justice, who is the Chair of the Cuban Na- medicines and medical supplies. and sales of medicines and medical supplies The current program, supported primarily tional Commission on Drugs. The delegation to non-governmental organizations and hu- by Caritas but also by several other inter- believes that, at the appropriate moment, a manitarian institutions, such as hospitals. more energetic effort should be made to test national NGOs, has developed an extensive The delegation suggests, if the alternative distribution system to over 100 hospitals Cuban willingness to engage in counter-nar- were pursued, that a general license be devel- cotics programs. U.S. representatives have throughout the country. In consultation oped outlining a few basics including: where with the Cuban Government, a viable system proposed an experts meeting to discuss spe- the medicine is going; types of people for cifics as a preface to any formal agreement. of monitoring the distribution of the medi- whom intended; certification from the send- cines and insuring that they are used for the The delegation understands the importance ing/receiving organization of us. Consider- of proceeding on a step-by-step basis but be- purposes intended has been established. ation should be given to identifying a U.S. Caritas prefers to receive medicines and lieves that the United States should be flexi- purchasing agent who could serve as an expe- ble in its approach to this issue. The recent medical supplies as gifts. From their oper- diter and independent bridge between the ational point of view, purchases would neces- crackdown against prostitutes, drug pushers U.S. pharmaceutical firms and Cuban ‘‘cus- and crime in Havana is an indication that sitate establishing an artificial and counter tomers’’ to expedite sales and monitor deliv- productive process. Outside charities, pri- Castro recognizes that steps are necessary to ery. stop drugs. The United States should seek marily the Catholic Relief Service, would The delegation does not accept the state- the right time to introduce an agenda item need to supply the funds to make the pur- ment that the impact of the embargo has se- that is in the best interests of both coun- chases. Caritas then would need to work verely harmed the Cuban health system, as tries. The Cubans have indicated interest in through the Cuban foreign trade system to argued by Castro’s spokesmen, but accepts a formal agreement and U.S. officials could gain access to the goods and to arrange pro- the fact of shortages. Further, it is recog- present this as a bargaining chip. There may cedures for further sales and/or distribution. nized that U.S. policy does make the pur- be some value in considering Caribbean nar- Regardless of what happens vis-a-vis sales, chase of materials for U.S. producers more cotics flows in a broader multinational con- medical gifts should continue to be supplied difficult. The procedure now in place is suffi- text as well. to Cuba via Caritas and other NGOs. ciently cumbersome and bureaucratic result- The issue of sales is extremely com- ing in diminishing interest in the U.S. com- Environmental Cooperation plicated. Officials in the Castro Government panies selling to Cuba. A particular problem A number of environmental issues could be repeatedly stated that they are prepared to is the acquisition in the United States of the basis for cooperation. The delegation fo- buy medicinal drugs but the process is hin- spare parts, a very specialized need that a cused on one specific issue during the Janu- dered by the regulatory maze imposed upon purchasing agent could help solve. The U.S. ary visit: the pollution of the Gulf of Mexico the Cuban Government and Western pharma- Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign and states such as Florida adjoining the ceutical companies. In addition, they allege Assets Control (OFAC) needs to examine how Gulfstream caused by raw sewage pouring that the United States does not respond to money transfers of sales can be expedited. into the Gulf from Havana and under north specific requests. The delegation is aware The licensing process must be made unam- shore sites. A number of scientific studies that U.S. spokesmen, both at the U.S. Inter- biguous and clear. are being considered and/or are underway ex- ests Section and in the Department of State, Under current circumstances, the bulk of amining pollution issues in the Gulf, includ- believe that the United States has removed the deliveries of food and medicines are han- ing near Cuba. The delegation believes this all impediments, that the licensing process dled today by the Catholic Relief Services. subject requires further study with the pur- is straight forward for U.S. pharmaceutical With the new executive actions in Wash- pose of determining whether an action plan companies and that, in the last analysis, the ington, additional suppliers may increase can be crafted of mutual interest to the Cuban Government either does not have the their assistance and/or sales. Means of access United States and to Cuba. to Cuba remain limited. Although the Ad- funds to make the purchases or for political Radio reasons does not want to make the pur- ministration has suggested that licensed The political dissidents as well as several chases. In a personal meeting with National goods could be eligible for transit on charter Cubans with whom the delegation had Assembly President Ricardo Alarcon, the flight, the delegation has recommended steps chance encounters in the countryside said delegation requested that the Cubans provide be taken to permit more direct transpor- Radio Marti was an important medium. An specific examples where the Cubans have tation, including by DHL, UPS or other air independent journalist said he and his col- sought medicines or medical supplies and the shippers and by U.S. ships that could be au- leagues regularly passed stories to Radio U.S. Government has been an obstacle. thorized—without penalty—to make Cuban While a protracted argument could take port calls. The current system that requires Marti and it was the biggest ‘‘megaphone’’ place as to whether there is a bureaucratic Caritas to haul medicines, medical supplies for their articles. Nevertheless, the delega- problem from the U.S. side, the delegation and food from U.S. points of collection—par- tion received considerable criticism about believes this is not the basic issue. All re- ticularly from Florida sources—to Canada Radio Marti’s program content. As one dis- strictions should be lifted for the sale of for shipment to Havana verge on the absurd. sident said, ‘‘Radio Marti does not need to medicines and medical equipment. The dele- Remittances belabor the Cuban people with what is wrong in Cuba. We live here. We know that.’’ There gation does not believe that this will result Remittances are an extremely valuable in any particular economic or political gain support mechanism for the Cuban people. was also a frustration, by a leading human for Castro, but it could help the Cuban peo- They should be supported not only for deliv- rights activist, that the ‘‘people who went to ple. Without being too quick to judge, the ery to individual Cubans but also to inde- Miami do not speak for Cubans and should delegation believes the threat of medicines pendent humanitarian organizations. I not dominate the radio.’’ Another said the and medical supplies being diverted for should be recognized that the ultimate bene- radio was unnecessarily polemical. There was interest in more balanced news ‘‘apartheid medical treatment’’ has been ficiaries will be both the individual recipi- and commentary. Listeners are anxious to somewhat overstated. It would appear that ents and the Cuban Government. Such funds have solid comprehensive reporting on world at least some of these cases are for special- will be used to meet basic human needs. The affairs, as well as comment on developments ized treatment and may not be competing for purchase of necessary items in Cuba will re- in science, the arts and other things that are resources that could go to the local popu- sult in some portion of the cash remittances of interest but from which they are cut off. lation. While the delegation members do not flowing into state controlled economic out- They also would favor more cultural and accept at face value the more modest num- lets. In this sense, Castro does make some music programs. For the second time (the bers that the Cubans say are treated this gains. Nevertheless, the delegation believes first being the Association’s trip in Decem- way nor the protestation that all such reve- this is a very important step not only to help ber 1996), no one in the independent sector nues go into the Cuban medical system, they Cuban citizens but also to start the eco- was found who had ever seen TV Marti. do believe that, in the main, increased medi- nomic enfranchisement of a larger number of cines and medical supplies will have positive Cubans. Telecommunications benefits to the Cuban people. This is one of According to information received, remit- The Cuban phone company ETECSA was the policy objectives of the delegation. tances sent from Dade County can not go di- formed as a state monopoly in 1994 and is An alternative would be to simplify the rectly to the Western Union office in Ha- complete controlled by the Cubans, although regulatory process from the U.S. side by re- vana. If true, this restriction should be lift- the Italian company, STET, has a 29 percent working the key control paper, the ‘‘Guide- ed, as it would facilitate remittances and be interest. STET and ETECSA have a 20-year lines of Sales and Donations for Medicines less costly for the sender. concession from the Cuban Government and and Medical Supplies to Cuba.’’ In discus- Counter Narcotics Programs a 12-year exclusive concession. A target is to sions, Paragraph 24 appeared to be a particu- The delegation has not listed this issue as have the Cuban phone system ‘‘modernized’’ larly troubling paragraph. This will, inter a recommendation because the facts con- by the year 2005. Penetration levels are May 13, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3103 about 1 telephone for 27 Cubans; the 2005 tar- perience. Armed with all necessary travel had no college training and one year, if col- get is a 1 to 10 ratio. STET reportedly made documents—from the Department of Treas- lege educated. One of the engineers said That an initial investment of $200 million and is ury (OFAC) and from the Cuban Government he was living in a house given him by the scheduled to send an additional $800 million (a visa)—the delegation sought the simplest government that was empty but had been over the course of the contract. The funds and most direct travel route. All options the house of a Cuban now in exile. He did not are provided from Italy’s foreign aid pro- were explored. Direct Miami charter flights want to give up his house—the exiles are his- gram; STET reportedly receives special tax were the first option. Only four flights were tory, he said. considerations for this investment. scheduled per week—now it is up to 11 and The young men thought that conditions The Cuban Minister of Communications rising—with three leaving Miami at 8:00 in were better now than in 1991, a theme heard and the Director of Telecommunications ex- the morning with a requested check in time repeated in several other informal conversa- pressed a strong interest in more foreign in- of 3:00 a.m. Logistics, red-tape and over tions. In the country, the people neither look vestments in all areas of telecommuni- bookings prompted the concerned travel downtrodden or undernourished. Tourism cations. They are, however, reluctant to give agency to recommend close attention to the has helped. They all listen to Radio Marti the citizens complete access to Internet. As recommended check-in time. At the time of but do not find it interesting; the radio ap- an example, while cellular phones are being request, flights only went on Monday, Friday pears to assume the listeners are stupid. developed under the rubric CUBACEL with a and Saturday. Aside from the fact that the They would prefer music and real news. The Mexican partner, security concerns signifi- delegation was scheduled to fly on a Sunday, delegation offered the Cubans an opportunity cantly have slowed this effort. no seats were available for Saturday or Mon- to ask questions and the young men re- Castro and his Minister of Interior have day. The delegation passed up this option, sponded with tough questions about Viet- succeeded in implementing a program of made available by the March 20 Presidential nam, , Israel and Impeachment. After very tight control of Cuba’s access to the action, and traveled from Miami to Cancun, two hours of open dialogue during which no Internet and are opposed to expanding the changed planes and flew onward to Havana. animosity to Americans was displayed, they telecommunications sector and Internet. The elapsed time from Washington was nine expressed their appreciation for the candid The Cubans also completely control the hours. The return was a similar nine hours. talk because they only receive one side of Internet server provider (ISP). The Cubans This is not an efficient system and totally the news and they wanted to hear the Amer- have an intra-island Internet with which unnecessary. Of more importance then the ican side. Despite the appearance of more goods in university-approved people and others have delegation’s inconvenience is that this type the countryside, an arrival of a shipment of access. In addition, there are several Inter- of an awkward system impacts negatively on shoes at a local store in the Pinar del Rio net sites within Cuban which are available. expanded travel between the two countries, capital city resulted in a mad scramble by In terms of international internet, individual as called for in the January 5 declaration. The 50,000 seat baseball stadium is an ex- the local citizens to buy new inexpensive Cubans can access only those sites approved shoes. This suggests a certain lack of every- for them. For example, a medical university cellent place to meet Cubans in an informal basis. There is much congeniality and beer day clothing in that provincial center. At may have access to certain medical sites, but the same time, the pharmacy was stocked each is encrypted, monitored and recorded. drinking in the stands. The four cent seat price makes the fight about the exhibition fully with medicines and a hardware store At the same time, the rapid technical ad- had all the needed paint and building sup- vances in the world telecommunications in- game revenues for the home game with Bal- timore an absurdity. Even if the price is tri- plies that one would see in an American sub- dustry create a serious dilemma for the urb—the only problem is that only licensed Cuban regime. They need to have their key pled for the game, the gate receipts in Cuba will be minimal. people could buy in this store. people on Internet for scientific and edu- Driving to Pinar del Rio from Havana dem- cational reasons, but are hesitant to grant The delegation visited Pinar del Rio Prov- ince, the capital by the same name and the onstrated the shortage of transportation. In- unlimited access. To restrict this, they have dividuals or groups waited along the road— worked with a German encryption and moni- small town of Vinales. The visit was under- taken in an unstructured and unofficial ca- much of the 80 mile stretch—for a lift. Buses toring firm to keep track of ‘‘who does are infrequent and always filled to capacity. what’’ on Internet in Cuba. The Castro re- pacity and in a relaxed atmosphere. Al- though the following comments appear ran- Open-back trucks always could be seen haul- gime is making a strong effort to record all ing between 3 to 20 people. It is the law to e-mail and all other computer transmissions. dom, they do provide a general commentary concerning conditions, as seen by the delega- stop to collect passengers. Police check The delegation was advised that while Cu- points were every 10 to 15 miles. In the Pinar bans now eagerly exchange e-mail trans- tion. The delegation learned that bookings for del Rio area and in Vinales, a town eight kil- missions—each delegation member received the bus from Vinales to Havana during the ometers away, the principal means of trans- calling cards with e-mail addresses—all e- time of the Pope’s visit were made many portation was bicycle, although walking and mail is monitored and recorded through one days in advance and could not meet the de- hitchhiking were very popular ‘‘modes of central server. While Cuban officials would mand. The Government found eight extra transportation.’’ An occasional car, or an not acknowledge this, the delegation was ad- buses from somewhere and each was filled for even less frequently old decrepit Soviet trac- vised that only about 200 Cubans have com- the trip to Havana to see the Pope. The tor would be seen. plete, unfettered access to the Internet. The An interesting footnote: Che is the na- Catholic Church in Vinales has grown some Cuban government has not resolved the basic tional ikon. Handsome dashing portraits, T- since the Pope’s visit, although now only has conflict of how it can aspire to being a modern shirts and other reproductions of a chic 32 a congregation of 50 persons. There is a technological state without allowing more of its year old revolutionary cult figure abound. Spanish priest assigned to Vinales. Several people access to the complete international No personality cult of Castro is evident. delegates walked into the cultural center internet With—technological advances pro- The delegation was advised by Church fig- and were briefed by a bilingual Cuban pro- ceeding to mind-numbing speed, it is reason- ures that the high abortion rates were pri- gram director who welcomed the chance to able to assume that Castro will not be able marily a result of poverty and used as popu- show his center to Americans. Responding to to deter major information flows arriving in lation control. a delegation suggestion, the Cuban program Cuba. It should be U.S. policy to foster this A spontaneous stop at a tobacco firm was director took three delegation members into information revolution. very revealing. The farm was totally self-suf- a computer center where four computers There is, however, an immediate threat to ficient. A family of at least three, possibly were being used by ten year olds in an after expanding telecommunications links to Cuba four generations, all living under one roof— school program. Such computer training is stemming from a decision by a U.S. District with no electricity, indoor plumbing or tele- integrated into school activities. The group Court to award $187 million in damages to phone—yet all appeared healthy and happy. also visited a repair center where all sorts of the families of the aborted 1996 ‘‘Brothers to The nine children (in all age groups) were electronic equipment—TV, radio, com- the rescue’’ mission. These funds are frozen well dressed and engaged actively in school. puters—were being repaired. When spare Cuban assets in the United States. The Cu- Beginning in fifth grade, many students parts did not exist, they were being created. bans have threatened that if these assets are learn English and they practice their new Several of the young service man in the elec- seized that they would cut direct telephone skills on the Association visitors. They were tronics shop had engineering degrees and one service between the United States and Cuba. positive about their education and free med- also had a CPA and business degree. Several This would clearly set back the many fac- ical treatment. A doctor visits to the house of the Cuban technicians accepted the dele- eted opportunities that are just now emerg- whenever needed. The delegation was told gation’s invitation for a further discussion in that ‘‘Fidel not only helps the Cubans but ing in terms of telecommunication links to a local bar where an active exchange oc- gives medicines and doctors to the world.’’ Cuba and the provision of a rich and diversi- curred. As an example of progress. As one ex- The farm is a family operation. Pesticides fied body of information to the Cuban people. ample of progress beer which was largely im- are state supplied and the land is owned by Such action would neither be in U.S. na- ported several years ago, now is produced in the government. Wood plows are pulled by tional interests nor helpful to Cuban citi- Cuba and at each restaurant visited, Cuban cattle or oxen. Tobacco production netted zens. beer was sold. It is competitive in quality to the farmer visited about $113 per year, but he Vignettes and Personal Experiences the various imported beers. and his family accepted their existence. It is The delegation’s strong endorsement for a The young technicians described that each easy to overstate need when our finds sub- more simplified system by which Americans had or would have compulsory military serv- sistence farmers who can care for them- can travel to Cuba is founded on personal ex- ice: two years are required if the Cuban has selves, have the basics and have education H3104 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 1999 and medicine provided. One would think the 5:30 PM: Discussion at US Deputy Chief of ber of Commerce, who was speaking in young students would receive a broader per- Mission John Boardman’s residence with dip- Hanoi. spective through their educational experi- lomatic representatives from Portugal, In Ho Chi Minh City, the delegation met ence, but it was not immediately apparent in France, the UK, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Ger- with: American and Vietnamese business a short visit. many and the Netherlands. leaders, bankers and lawyers; staff of the A Final Note 8:00 PM: Baseball game at U.S. Consulate; members of the American The delegation believes that the contacts Latinoamericano Stadium. Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam; an Amer- developed, the on-the-ground discussions and 10:00 PM: Dinner at Hemingway favorite— ican hotel manager; Vice Chairman of the general observations have provided each of Bodgueda del Medio. Red Cross in Vietnam; head of the Inter- the members with valuable insights into Wednesday 13 January national Relations Department at the Viet- nam National University; and the publisher Cuban realities. The delegation members 9:30 AM: Tour of historical sites of Old Ha- of a major Ho Chi Minh City newspaper. will seek to contribute their views to the vana, inspected docks and terminals for Time also was provided to visit the cultural public debate concerning U.S. policy to cruise ships, informal discussions and con- and war museum and to observe Vietnamese Cuba. The bipartisan quality of the group, versations in old city. people and their lifestyle in everyday set- its liberal to conservative construction, and 12:30 PM: Luncheon with independent tings. In addition, trips were taken outside its ability to be one step removed from di- democrats in local restaurant. rect domestic political pressure may permit 2:30 PM: Visit and tour of Carlos J. Finlay the city to the Delta area and the Mekong the group as a whole, and individuals speak- Institute (split delegation). River, to small villages that produced pot- ing from the basis of their own unique in- 3:00 PM: Tea with independent journalists tery and to an industrial area that had fac- sights, to contribute to a greater national (split delegation). tories producing, among other items, Nike understanding of this critical subject. The 5:00 PM: Meeting with Robert Diaz shoes. time is right for such a discussion. Sotolongo, Minister of Justice. A list of people the delegation met in Viet- Representative Louis Frey, Jr., Repub- 7:00 PM: Reception at US Interest Section nam is appended to this report. lican-Florida (1969–1979), Chairman of residence in honor of three visiting US OVERALL IMPRESSIONS Delegation; Senator Dennis DeConcini, groups including students, unviersity offi- Vietnam is a difficult country to under- Democrat-Arizona (1977–1995); Senator cials and cultural groups. stand. There is no question that it is a poor Robert Kasten, Republican-Wisconsin, Thursday 14 January Third World country, with minimal infra- structure and tremendous economic prob- House 1975–1979; Senate 1981–1993; Sen- Day trip to Pinar del Rio and Vinales. Se- lems. It is, in many ways, a land of con- ator Larry Pressler, Republican-South ries of impromptu meetings with a broad trasts. Dakota (1979–1997); Representative cross range of local citizens, including sugar It has a Communist government, whose Alan Wheat, Democrat-Missouri (1983– farmers, church attendants, computer tech- importance seems to diminish the farther 1999); February 22, 1999. nicians, engineers and store keepers. one goes into the countryside or the farther SCHEDULE OF CUBAN PROGRAM ACTIVITY, 10–16 Friday 15 January one is from Hanoi. JANUARY 1999 AM: Free time in Havana. An opportunity The average yearly income in the North is Sunday 10 January to see shops, small craft stores and muse- U.S. $300; in the south it is U.S. $1,000. How- 10:15 PM: Arrive Joe Marti International ums. ever, a great many people in Vietnam own Airport (Havana), via Miami and Cancun. 12:00 noon: Briefing at US Interests Section motorbikes that cost from U.S. $1,000 to U.S. Welcome by Cuban Ministry of Foreign Af- by Mike Kozak and a cross-section of mis- $2,500. Obviously, there is a large under- fairs official Raul Averhoff. sion officers. ground economy. 3:00 PM: Meeting with Minister of Commu- The Vietnamese seem to want foreign in- Monday 11 January nications Silvano Colas Sanchez, Vice Min- vestment, especially from the United States, 10:00 AM: Roundtable with MPs of the Na- ister Oswaldo Mas Pelaez and Director of but the many rules, huge bureaucracy and tional Assembly, chaired by Jorge Lezcano Telecommunications Hornedo Rodriguez corruption send out a difference message. Perez, Chairman of the International Rela- Gonzalez (partial delegation). There is relatively little investment from tions Commission. Three other MPs partici- 5:00 PM: Meeting with Oxfam/Canada rep- the United States and very little U.S. aid of pated including Ramon Pex Ferro, Vice resentatives. any kind. Vietnam probably is five to ten Chair of the International Relations Com- 7:00 PM: Meeting with National Assembly years away from being attractive to many mission and Jose Luis Toledo Santander who President Ricardo Alarcon and the group of foreign investors, although the large number is also the Dean of the Law School at Ha- parliamentarians who met the delegation on of literate workers and the very low pay vana University. The roundtable also in- Monday 11 January. scale have attracted some companies. cluded Miguel Alvarez, Advisor to the Presi- Saturday 16 January Despite the poverty, most people have the dent of the Parliament and Julio Espinosa, basic essentials, such as food (rice) and mini- 7:15 AM: Depart Havana by air to Cancun the Coordinator General of the International mal housing. While there is dissatisfaction, enroute to Miami, Orlando and Washington. Relations Commission. the economic problems appear to be accepted 11:30 AM: Meeting with Roland Suarez, Di- as a normal part of life. REPORT OF STUDY TOUR TO VIETNAM OCTOBER rector, Caritas Cubana. Sixty percent of the population is 26 years 1:00 PM: Visit to Havana City Planning Of- 8–14, 1998 of age or under; 80 percent is under the age fice with briefing by Director Mario Coyula (By Louis Frey, Jr., Immediate Past of 40. Cowley. President) The Vietnamese are working to establish a 2:30 PM: Meeting with Vice Minister of banking and legal system, and are attempt- Foreign Affairs Carlos Fernandez de Cossio. INTRODUCTION 4:00 PM: Meeting with Papal Nuncio A delegation of former Members of Con- ing to privatize basic industries. Government representatives are cooper- Benjamino Stella at the Residence of the Ap- gress, their spouses and guests visited Viet- ating with the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. ostolic Nuncio. nam from Thursday, October 8 through 7:00 PM: Dinner at a Paladares. Wednesday, October 14, 1998. The delegation MIA office to identify the remains of the 1,564 Americans still missing in action. Tuesday 12 January included: former Representative Robert Dan- iel and Linda Daniel, former Representative Vietnam is the fourth largest country in 8:15 AM: Breakfast with Western journal- Southeast Asia (77 million people), but seems ists including representatives or stringers Louis Frey and Marcia Frey, former Senator Chic Hecht, former Representative Shirley to be a low priority in terms of U.S. foreign representing CNN, ABC, BBC, US News and policy. It appears that a small amount of in- World Report, Sun Sentinel and Clarin. Pettis-Roberson and Ben Roberson, and Irene and Teryl Koch (friends of the Robersons). terest, exchange programs and aid money 9:30 AM: Meeting with Jose L. Rodriguez, could go a long way in building relations Minister of Economy and Planning. The group was accompanied by Edward Henry of Military Historical Tours, who ar- with a country that, despite the war, does 11:00 AM: Visit to the William Soler Chil- not harbor strong anti-U.S. feelings. dren’s Hospital. Briefed by Dr. Diana Mar- ranged the visit. The trip focused on Hanoi tinez, Director; Ramond E. Diaz, Deputy in the northern part of Vietnam and Ho Chi U.S. EMBASSY BRIEFING Minister of Health and Dr. Paulino Nunez Minh City in the south. Three days were Ambassador Peterson assembled all the Castanon, cardiovascular surgeon. spent in each area. key members of his staff to brief the delega- 12:30 PM: Luncheon with Western business- In Hanoi, meetings were held with: former tion. The Ambassador indicated at the begin- men hosted by US Interests Section Prin- Representative now U.S. Ambassador Pete ning that one of the primary missions of the cipal Officer Mike Kozak, including Konrad Peterson and staff of the U.S. Embassy; rep- Embassy is to find any Vietnam veterans Hieber (Mercedes Benz), Ian Weetman (Carib- resentatives of the U.S. MIA office; members who are alive, or the remains of the MIAs. bean Finance Investments, Ltd), Hans Key- of the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry and As- They have found 50 sets of remains in the ser, (Danish Consul) and Jan Willem Bitter sembly; members of the American-Viet- last 17 months that have been repatriated to (Dutch international lawyer). namese Friendship Society; the Executive the United States. There are 1,564 Americans 4:00 PM: Meeting with Miguel Figueras, Vice President of the Vietnam Chamber of missing in Vietnam, 2,081 in Southeast Asia. Advisor to the Minister, Ministry for For- Commerce; local business leaders; and Tom The U.S. MIA office has concentrated on 196 eign Investment and Economic Cooperation. Donohue, President of the American Cham- cases that are called ‘‘last known alive May 13, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3105 cases.’’ They have reduced these cases to 43, local employees. They deal with many non- is any population control. In the villages, ev- U.S. volunteers go to Vietnam periodically immigrant visas, mostly for students. They eryone wants a male child, so many families to help excavate crash sites. Young people also handle health issues. Medical needs are have three, four or five children until they from Vietnam and the United States do basic, such as latex gloves, clean sheets and have a son. Confucianism teaches that the much of the work. Ambassador Peterson said sterile items. The health care system is poor, job of the man is to take care of the woman. he is proud of the job that is being done. He with little sanitation. If an Embassy staff For instance, the father takes care of a said the United States also aids Vietnam in member has a broken bone or a serious ail- daughter until she is married. Then the hus- identifying their missing. The Vietnamese ment, he or she must leave the country for band takes care of his wife until the husband have over 300,000 MIAs, a fact which the Am- care. dies. Then it is the job of the son to take bassador believes is not generally recog- The Embassy is located in a nine-story care of his mother. As one Vietnamese said nized. It is important that the veteran building that resembles a mine shaft, it has regarding birth control, one of the problems groups in the United States understand what one elevator that does not always work. The is that in rural areas there is no television or is being done. At the present time, it appears Ambassador would like to have a different or radio. People go to bed early and do not have there is a split in the veteran groups regard- new Embassy. much else to do. ing the effectiveness of this process. There is The Ambassador concluded the briefing by There is a tremendous problem with unem- no question in the Ambassador’s mind that stating that there are few U.S. exchange pro- ployment in Vietnam, especially as the this is the number one priority, and that it grams and that the United States could do young population ages. The government must be resolved satisfactorily before the more in Vietnam. He believes it is in the states that the unemployment rate is 6.7 per- United States can move ahead in other areas U.S. interest to keep the population healthy cent and that the underemployment rate is with Vietnam. As Ambassador Peterson stat- and educated. The bottom line is that Am- 36 percent. Inflation several years ago in ed, ‘‘Never before in the history of mankind bassador Peterson thinks progress is being Vietnam was 775 percent, but was down to 3.6 has any nation done what we are doing. The made and that, in ten years, the U.S. rela- percent in 1997. The Vietnamese government efforts of the Joint Task Force Full Ac- tionship with Vietnam should be as strong as has issued 4,200 licenses for foreign invest- counting to honor the U.S. commitment to it presently is with South Korea. ment. Officials stated that domestic saving our unaccounted-for-comrades, their families has increased to 20 percent of the GDP. The VIETNAM GOVERNMENT MEETINGS and the nation are unprecedented.’’ GDP had a growth rate of seven to nine per- The Political Counselor has four officers. The Vietnam Assembly, which has 450 cent between 1991 and 1997. The problems in The main thrust in the political area is on Members, began in 1956 with a single house. Asia have slowed this growth rate down to a human rights in an attempt to move the Vi- Assembly Members meet twice per year for reported 6.4 percent during the first half of etnamese in the right direction and encour- one month. There is a standing committee 1998. Observing what is happening in Viet- age them to initiate people-to-people pro- that conducts business when the Assembly is nam, one questions these figures. The offi- grams. The problems created by Agent Or- out of session. There are 120 female Members cials were honest when they said that eco- ange still are talked about and must be ad- (26.7 percent), which they claim is one of the nomic reform and political reform are nec- dressed. Environmental matters also are six best percentages of female representation essary. They indicated that it is essential to being discussed with Vietnamese officials. in the world. There are 54 ethnic groups rep- establish a rule of law and to streamline the Vietnam does not have a nuclear power resented in the Assembly. Vietnam has 61 government apparatus. They also dem- plant, although apparently they want such a provinces, each of which is represented by onstrated how a poor infrastructure and in- facility. The Vietnamese want many high- five Members. In addition, there are Mem- adequate competition between their indus- tech items, but do not have training even on bers who are former South Vietnamese mili- tries have stifled growth. They have the the basics. tary officers. Assembly Members stated that same concern that exists in many parts of Embassy officials stated that there basi- there is a great deal of discussion and dissen- the world with the tremendous gap between cally is no aid program in Vietnam, but sug- sion within the Assembly, and that it is not the few rich and the many poor. Their goal gested that the United States should help a rubber stamp for the government. Rec- is to privatize over 1,503 presently state economically and work to keep Vietnam ommendations by the government have been owned enterprises by 2002. The economic healthy. Major responsibilities of the Eco- defeated. Assembly Members are nominated slowdown has caused them to suspend some nomic Counselor are to promote U.S. exports by the national party, but the commune vil- major projects, such as highways that re- to Vietnam and to arrange trade shows and lages or trade unions can reject them. It is quire a great deal of capital. missions. Three economic officers are work- interesting that, even in Vietnam, all poli- There is a drug problem in Vietnam, main- ing on the trade agreement, which is the key tics truly are local. ly heroin and cocaine. The government be- to U.S.-Vietnamese economic relations. Lim- The Vice President of Vietnam is a woman. lieves that the answer is education, and they ited progress has been made so far. The copy- Fifty-four percent of the population is fe- rely on families to solve the problem. Of right agreement is completed, and a nar- male. Women head 16 percent of the 40,000 course, they claim that drugs are not much cotics agreement is in process. businesses in Vietnam. This particularly is of a problem, but admit usage is growing. The Vietnamese are working on economic interesting because Confucianism does not In Vietnam, a welfare system basically is reforms and are attempting to improve the accept women as equal. However, Vietnam nonexistent. The government will give legal code. They are trying to convert from was influenced by Ho Chi Minh, who declared money to help, i.e., to buy a pig to start a a government-controlled economy to a mar- equality between the sexes and had that fact farm or buy some tools to help start a trade, ket economy and to encourage the private written into the 1945 Constitution. but there is no welfare payment for food or sector and discourage state-owned busi- Education is important in Vietnam. Viet- housing. Officials’ main complaint is that nesses. However, many of the major indus- namese government officials stated that there is not much U.S. investment—only $1 tries, such as telephone and electricity, still there is a literacy rate of 90 percent, with 87 billion—which ranks it eighth in the world are state-owned. Vietnam has a graduated percent of the female population being lit- in terms of foreign investment in Vietnam. A income tax system with 10 percent tax on erate. minor irritation is that Vietnamese business the first U.S. $200, 20 percent on the first The head of the Vietnam-U.S. Friendship representatives are having problems receiv- U.S. $500 and 25 percent on all income over Society (Viet My Society) is a woman who is ing visas from the U.S. Embassy. U.S. $10,000. Because of the underground a seasoned political veteran. She personally The Vietnamese are proud of their policy economy, many people do not pay taxes. feels friendship with the United States even of independence. They stated that they want There also is a sales tax. though her son was born in a shelter during to have peaceful cooperation with every re- Agriculture is the major industry in Viet- the U.S. bombing raids in 1972. She believes gion of the world. They presently have nam, with 80 percent of the people involved. that most people in the United States do not friendly relations with 167 countries and dip- They need help with genetics, bulk feed and understand Vietnam. They have a wartime lomatic relations with 120 countries, includ- livestock. Agricultural research can help, es- vision of Vietnam that has long since ing Russia, the United States, China and pecially in the soybean area. Senator Thad changed. In the delegation’s opinion, this is Japan. The Vietnamese are making serious Cochran (R–MS) sponsors a program that has an accurate observation. She believes that efforts to promote friendship and coopera- brought 32 Vietnamese to the United States the U.S. veteran groups visiting Vietnam are tion in Asia and will host the Sixth Asian to learn more about agriculture. The state of helpful, as they personally have the oppor- Summit in 1999 in Hanoi. Vietnam also will Florida is reviewing the possibility of open- tunity to see a different and new Vietnam. It be a full member of APEC in 1999. There are ing an office in Vietnam and initiating a col- is interesting to note that many of her com- historical problems with China, including lege extension program. Land has been re- plaints are the same as those of politicians land-related problems which they indicated turned to the farmers, but in typical com- and voters in the United States, e.g., that should be solved by the year 2000. In addi- munist fashion, i.e, they own the land, but there is not enough money in the budget for tion, there are disputes over islands in the they do not. Land can be passed on to family education—only 15 percent, that environ- South China Sea. These problems extend be- members and apparently be leased for up to mental problems are great and that the situ- yond China to Malaysia and other Southeast 40 years, but the state still owns the land. ation is one of the industrialist versus the Asian countries. Vietnam has agreed to set- The Consular Office handles the normal environmentalist. tle these problems peacefully, without the jobs of overseeing U.S. citizens and helping Vietnamese government officials stated use of force. with passports and visas. This section has 11 that the population growth rate is 2.1 per- Their trade with China of $1 billion is full-time U.S. employees and six part-time cent. However, it does not appear that there about equivalent to their trade with the H3106 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 1999 United States. They hope to improve their down to the priority cases of the last known As mentioned previously, agriculture is relations with the major powers in the world alive. They repeated what the Ambassador the primary industry in Vietnam, with 80 and want to become a member of the World told the delegation that there initially were percent of the population involved. In the Trade Organization. The Vietnamese have 196 individuals on this list but only 43 re- south, they harvest three rice crops per year, established a consulate in and main. in the north, two crops per year. Much of the are hoping that the current modest trade It is important to know that Vietnam has land is fertile, as in the Mekong Delta, which with the United States will increase. They cooperated with the U.S. search for MIAs. has a population of 25 million in six prov- also hope that direct U.S. investment will The MIA office has reviewed over 28,000 docu- inces. The Mekong River is extremely long, grow from the 70 projects that presently are ments and artifacts and has conducted 200 starting in China and going 4,200 kilometers underway. Specifically, they desire U.S. in- oral history interviews, including one with through Vietnam with nine branches flowing vestment in oil exploration, computers and Ambassador Peterson. into the sea. The delegation visited the town food processing. Their focus is on improving HO CHI MINH AREA of My Tho on the river, which was founded in 1618 by the Chinese and taken over by the internal economics and normalizing trade Ho Chin Minh City and the south have with the United States, putting the war in French in late 1800s. It has a population of much more energy and action than the 150,000 with its commerce centered around the past. All Vietnamese officials concur Hanoi area. Ho Chin Minh City has seven that they need a trade agreement with the the river. Further up the river, which was million people, five million bicycles and brown with silt, is Unicorn Island, which United States, as the 40 percent tariff im- three million motorcycles. Negotiating busy posed by the United States hurts Vietnam- served as headquarters for the Vietcong dur- intersections is an incredible experience, as ing the war. The inhabitants of the island U.S. trade. there are very few traffic lights. Cars are in Vietnamese officials claim that military live on and by the river. They are fishermen the minority and are extremely expensive: a spending, which is a government secret, is and farmers, with three or four children to a 1997 American car costs U.S. $120,000. Most reasonable. The delegation attempted to dis- family. This area receives 90 inches of rain- motocycles are Hondas from Japan. They cover what ‘‘reasonable’’ meant, and the best fall per year. One opinion all of the delega- cost U.S. $2,000 to $3,000 new and U.S. $300 to conclusion was that it was somewhere be- tion members had after seeing this area was $1,000 used. The average annual income in tween 30 and 40 percent of the budget. how tragic it was to have put young Ameri- the south is approximately U.S. $1,000, com- cans in such miserable conditions during the U.S MIA OFFICE BUILDING pared to U.S. $300 in the north. Signs of the war. One of the most important parts of the trip underground economy are everywhere, with It was interesting to see the importance of was the visit to the U.S. MIA office in Hanoi, street barbers, shops, markets and even row tourism. Even in the Mekong Delta, the called the ‘‘Ranch.’’ The mission of the office upon row of ‘‘Dog’’ restaurants. tourist business is thriving. After a walk was defined by President The Chinese are predominant in the through the jungle, you find restaurants when he said, ‘‘I renew my pledge to the fam- Choulan section of Ho Chin Minh City. In where you can sit and eat a decent meal. ilies of those listed as missing in action that 1978, the Chinese population was one million. Tourism has slowed down considerably be- this nation will work unceasingly until a full However, many Chinese were forced to leave cause of the Asian financial problems, but it accounting is made. It is our sacred duty. We because of the problems between Vietnam still is important to the economy. will never forget that.’’ The MIA office co- and China so that now there are approxi- At a dinner in Ho Chi Minh City, the dele- ordinates and executes all U.S. DOD efforts mately 500,000 Chinese in Choulan. Before gation had the opportunity to talk with in Vietnam to achieve the fullest possible ac- 1975, the Chinese controlled the economy in some U.S nationals. One of the individuals counting for Americans still missing as a re- the south. They still are important, espe- said that the Vietnamese desperately want sult of the conflict in Southeast Asia. There cially in areas of finance and currency. and need U.S technology. For instance, a Vi- are two ways of accomplishing this goal. The Economic problems do exist in the south. etnamese oil well pumps 400 barrels of oil per first is to return living Americans; the sec- For instance, the delegation stayed in a five- day. Nearby, there is an oil well owned and ond is to return identifiable remains. The star hotel, which has 21 floors but only 47 operated by another country that pumps total number of Americans unaccounted for guests! A former employee of a Sheraton 4,000 barrels of oil per day. The contract the in Vietnam is 1,564. Of the 1,564, it has been Hotel said that it took two years to build the Americans have with the Vietnamese gov- determined that no further action will be hotel and everyone had been hired. Yet, the ernment is to pump 1,000 barrels of oil per taken in 565 cases, including many where pi- day before the opening, Sheraton decided it day, which they say is easy to fulfill. All oil lots went down at sea. did not make economic sense, closed the drilling is offshore. These Americans con- The MIA office began its work at Barbers hotel and fired all the people. firmed the statements heard before by the Point, Hawaii in January 1973. The MIA of- Religion is divided in the south, the same delegation that Vietnam is five to ten years fice in Hanoi was opened in July 1991. The as it is in the north, with the majority being away from much investment potential and Joint Task Force Full Accounting started in Buddhist, four to ten percent being Catholic that it is a poor, developing Third World January 1992, There are four detachments: and the remainder with no religious pref- country with a long way to go. one located in Thailand, one in Laos, one in erence. Many believe in reincarnation. In a The Vietnamese seem to have put the war Cambodia and one in Hanoi headquarters, number of cases, a body is buried for three behind them. For instance, five years ago, only four full-time active duty military per- years in one place and then is exhumed and the only job former members of the South sonnel are allowed, with the commanding of- buried elsewhere, as they believe that the Vietnamese army would be hired for was ped- ficer being a Lieutenant Colonel in the soul finally has left the body. dling a moped. Most of the army officers Army. Lt. Colonel Charles Martin, the cur- As explained to the delegation, there is a were required to go through re-education rent commander of the office, indicated that difference philosophically between the peo- camps—the higher the rank, the longer they there still are 954 active cases, which would ple in the north and the south. The people in remained. Now, most jobs are open to every- keep the office busy until 2004. (He compared the north live for the future. If they acquire one and there are three former South Viet- this number to the 8,100 Americans lost in some money, they save it or invest in land or namese army officers in the Vietnam Assem- Korea.) a business. The people in the south live for bly. Although this number is not large, the The Recovery Elements conduct jointly today. They acquire money, spend it and do symbolism is important. Also, the extremely filed activities approximately five times per not worry about tomorrow. young age of the population means that year. During a joint field activity conducted Schools are terribly crowded because of the many Vietnamese were not involved in nor between June 23 and July 25, 1998, 50 cases youthful population. There are three ses- even born during the war. The main evidence were investigated in seven provinces, the re- sions of school per day. Education is free for of the war is the mines and unexploded ord- search team investigated seven cases in ten the frist six years. Then all students take an nance that kill at least 700 persons per year, provinces and there were six recovery ele- exam: if they pass, their education continues usually farmers. ments where eight cases were excavated in to be free; if they fail and wish to remain in The American expatriates in Vietnam are six provinces. Another recovery activity was school, their family must pay. In the rural typical, happy to be ‘‘a big fish in a small conducted during September 1998. From Jan- areas, most students only attend school for pond.’’ Some have strong negative feelings uary 23, 1992 to the time of the delegation’s the first six years. Since 1990, English has about the war and the U.S. participation in visit, there have been 281 remains repatri- been the major foreign language taught. it. One of the expatriates involved in the oil ated, and identifications have been com- Prior to that, it was Russian. The Viet- business said Vietnam does not need an oil pleted on 104 of the 281. The Pentagon has namese believe English is easy, especially refinery because they cannot produce enough not announced the results of a number of the written part. When students have com- oil for it to make economic sense, i.e., their cases that have been sent back to Wash- pleted high school, they must take an exam oil reserves are relatively small when com- ington when identification is possible. Since to continue on to university. Again, depend- pared to other sources. He said the only rea- January 23, 1992, there have been 97 live ing on how they do, university is free or they son the Vietnamese want an oil refinery is sighting investigations; however, the number must pay. the prestige that would result internation- of reports is diminishing. As the Colonel The Vietnamese love to gamble. As you ally. said, ‘‘Not one investigation had led to any walk along the street, you seek workers sit- There are textile mills, cement and steel credible evidence of a live American from ting and playing cards. There is a daily lot- factories, with 70 percent of the invested the conflict in Southeast Asia being held tery. They believe that nine is a lucky num- money coming from Asia. During a visit to a against his will.’’ The MIA office is now ber for women and seven for men. Nike facility, which is a joint venture with May 13, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3107 Korea and which employs 8,000 people, the An observation made by the delegation is Vu Mao, Chairman, National Assembly Of- manager said the Koreans are in Vietnam be- that the Vietnamese have a great deal of in- fice, Member of the National Assembly, Van cause of the low wages, which are set by the genuity. Several stories illustrate this point. Phong Quoc Hoi, 35 Ngo Quyen Street, Hanoi, Vietnamese government. The delegation was Several years ago, there was a rat epidemic Vietnam. told that the government had a problem with in Vietnam. The government agreed to give Ms. Pham Chi Lan, Executive Vice Presi- the Koreans four years ago and sued the a cash bounty for each rat tail brought to a dent, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce, 33 Ba management of the Nike plant over abusing government office. The gestation period for Trieu Street, Hanoi, Vietnam. workers. Korean supervisors allegedly were rats is 30 days. Rather than killing the rats, Hoang Cong Thuy, Deputy Secretary Gen- beating women workers, and the defense was the Vietnamese began breeding them all eral, Viet-My Society (Vietnam-USA Associa- that this was the way operations were con- across the country so that instead of having tion), 105/A Quan Thanh Street, Hanoi, Viet- ducted in Korea. The delegation was not al- fewer rats, there were more. It was a good nam. lowed to enter the plant, even after repeated cash crop! Ho Chi Minh City There also is a scheme involving antiques. requests. Truong Quang Giao, Vietnam News Agen- It is forbidden to take antiques out of the There are miles and miles of industrial cy, Manager, Quoc Te International Hotel, 19 country. However, in some stores they say it parks in the area called Dong Nai. They look Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh is all right and give documentation that similar to U.S. industrial parks, but many of City, Vietnam. the buildings were vacant. There also is an they state is correct. The dealer then tells a Dr. Huynh Tan-Mam, Vice Director of the industrial park just south of Ho Chi Minh friend in customs about the antique pur- Red Cross, Vietnam Red Cross—Ho Chi Minh City, which is called Saigon South and which chased so that it is confiscated and returned City Chapter, 201 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai to the store to be sold once again! they like to compare to Reston, Virginia, Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet- The underground economy of Vietnam pro- However, after two or three years, they are nam. vides a second and third income for families. just beginning to entice businesses to locate Dr. Thai Duy Bao, Department Head, Inter- The delegation met one family where the in the park. national Relations, Vietnam National Uni- breadwinner is an accountant with a govern- Similarly, a shopping mall (Cora) recently versity, 10–12 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Dis- ment agency. He is supporting 29 other fam- opened south of Ho Chi Minh City, but there trict 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. ily members who have no official jobs. Ap- were many vacant shops and few customers. Adrian Love, Independent Financial Advi- parently, this is not unusual. Supermarkets are beginning to install elec- sor, 261–263 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ho Chi tronic scanners. People must shop every day CONCLUSION Minh City, Vietnam. because they do not have refrigerators. The United States should pay more atten- Pham Tan Nghia, Director, Vietnam-USA The roads, except those built by the United tion to Vietnam. It has the fourth largest Society, 160 Dien Bien Phu Street, District 3, States, are terrible. There is road construc- population in Southeast Asia and is growing Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. tion everywhere. The road the delegation rapidly. Older members of the government Ronald Kiel, Managing Director, 3M Rep- took to the Delta was built on dikes and was are retiring and being replaced with a young- resentative Office, 55 Cao Thang Street, Dis- very narrow, but incredibly had two-way er generation who want to change the sys- trict 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. traffic. It took close to three hours to travel tem. Even though there is only one political Nguyen Ba Hung, Baker & McKensie Inter- 40 kilometers. There is a railroad that con- party, there is some dissension and discus- national Lawyers, 10 Harcourt Road, Hong nects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The train sion among the various factions of the As- Kong. Chuyen D. Uong, Branch Manager, takes about 39 hours to complete the trip. sembly. Citibank, N.A., 115 Nguyen Hue Blvd., 15–F, There are three classes of service on the rail- The United States should enter into ex- change programs, assist with health prob- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. road, including luxury cars. The cost is fair- William Yarmey, Senior Marketing Offi- ly inexpensive. with a one-way fare costing lems and eventually bring Vietnam into a trade status equal to that of most other cer, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, U.S. $62. Additional railroad lines running U.S. Department of Commerce, 65 Le Loi east and west are being built by the govern- countries in the world. This appears to be a country where a minimum amount of extra Blvd., Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. ment. Internal air travel is subsidized by effort and money on the part of the United tourists. For instance, it cost U.S. $120 to fly Mr. MCHUGH. Thank you very much, States could pay large dividends in the fu- between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for a Bob. ture. It may take from five to ten years to tourist, but only U.S. $30 or $40 for a Viet- Mr. Speaker, as you can see, the As- bring the political and economic machinery namese citizen. There is not sufficient sociation conducts a wide variety of in Vietnam to a point where private invest- money in the budget to improve the infra- programs, some of which we have ments from the United States increase dra- structure on a short-term basis. touched on this morning and which we The greatest asset of Vietnam is its intel- matically, yet much can be done in that pe- riod of time. hope to expand. This would not be pos- ligent workers who are paid extremely low Ambassador Peterson is well respected sible without the support and active wages. At an evening meeting with rep- throughout the country. He has a good team, work of a number of people, and I resentatives of the U.S. business community, which the delegation believes is realistic in the delegation heard repeatedly that Viet- would like to acknowledge the support its appraisal of the tough job they face. we have had from our Board of Direc- nam has a long way to go. A banker said the The Vietnamese truly are assisting with only way his bank ever would loan any U.S. MIA cases. It appears that there is not tors and our Counselors. money in Vietnam is if the parent organiza- the ill will one would expect after a long In particular, I would like to thank tion outside Vietnam guaranteed the loan. A war. A major reason for this is that the pop- the officers of the Association, John developer who plans to construct some ulation is so young. Furthermore, Vietnam’s Erlenborn, who is chairing this session beachfront condominiums in Vietnam history shows that it has fought foreigners today and is our Vice President; Larry claimed that instead of the normal 70 per- for the last thousand years. The United LaRocco, who is our Treasurer; and cent foreign/30 percent Vietnamese split, he States is just one in a series of invaders. The Jack Buechner, who is our Secretary. had negotiated 100 percent foreign owner- Vietnamese are attracted by the Yankee dol- ship. The project was priced at $276.3 million, They have done a fantastic job. As oth- lar and know-how. One Member of the Viet- ers have said, Lou Frey, as our former with $67.5 million needed to start. However, nam Assembly summed it up when he said, he has been unable to obtain any investors. ‘‘What is past is past. We need to look for- Chair, also serves on our Executive The Vice Chairman of the Red Cross in ward and build a better future for both coun- Board. Vietnam with whom the delegation met tries.’’ We also want to thank the Auxiliary, made an impassioned plea for help from the whose members have been instru- United States in treating dengue fever. This PERSONS MET BY THE U.S. ASSOCIATION OF mental, among other things, in making disease is dramatically on the rise in Viet- FORMER MEMBERS OF CONGRESS DELEGATION our Life After Congress seminars suc- nam and Southeast Asia. STUDY TOUR TO VIETNAM OCTOBER 8–14, 1998 cessful, in helping Members make the A Vietnamese newspaper editor the delega- Hanoi tion met at a dinner claimed that there was transition from the Congress to life Tom Donohue, Head of the American a free press, although television and radio after Congress. Chamber of Commerce. We would not be able to do anything are state-owned. Interestingly enough, the Ambassador and Mrs. Pete Peterson (Vi next day an article appeared in a non-Viet- Le), U.S. Embassy—Hanoi, No. 7 Lang Ha, if we did not have a very capable staff, namese newspaper that stated the press in Hanoi, Vietnam. and many of you are familiar with our Vietnam is controlled totally by the govern- Nguyen Van Hieu, Member of the National staff and I know are grateful for their ment. The same problem exists in Vietnam Assembly, 35 Ngo Quyen Street, Hanoi, Viet- work. I would like to acknowledge as it did in Eastern Europe, i.e., the outside nam. their support: Linda Reed, our Execu- world and its economic success and political Vu Viet Dzung, Chief Officer of the Amer- tive Director; Peter Weichlein, our freedom cannot be hidden forever. Some Vi- icas Desk, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1 Ton Program Officer, with special responsi- etnamese have computers with access to the That Dam Street, Hanoi, Vietnam. Internet and there also are televisions with Tran Quoc Tuan, Vice Chairman, Office of bility for the Study Group on Ger- satellite hookups that include programs the National Assembly, Van Phong Quoc many; Victor Kytasty, who is our Con- from the United States. Hoi, 35 Ngo Quyen Street, Hanoi, Vietnam. gressional Fellow in Ukraine; and Walt H3108 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 1999 Raymond, who many of you know is and a commission at 19. He flew com- pressed but for which we are all deeply our Senior Advisor for International bat missions in the South Pacific and grateful. Programs and works to put together was awarded the Distinguished Flying So, Jim, these are some of the let- many of these international efforts. Cross and Legion of Merit. ters, and I am sure there will be others We also maintain relations as an As- After the war, Jim was elected to the coming in the mail. We would invite sociation with the Association of Texas legislature at age 23. At age 26 you, Jim, to say whatever you would Former Parliamentarians in other he became the youngest mayor in like. We are delighted you are here, countries, and we are very pleased at Texas when voters chose him to head and we are very proud of your service. lunch today we are going to have Barry their city government in Weatherford, Mr. WRIGHT. Thank you so very Turner once again representing the his boyhood home. much, Matt, and thanks to each of you, former parliamentarians in Canada. We Elected to Congress at the age of 31, my former colleagues. I shall treasure will hear a few words from Barry, for Jim served 18 consecutive terms and and cherish these mementoes for as those of you who will join us for lunch. authored major legislation in the fields long as I live. Now, Mr. Speaker, it is my sad duty of foreign affairs, economic develop- I guess I am lucky to be here in a to inform the House of those persons ment, water conservation, education, way today. Two months ago yesterday who have served in Congress and have energy and many others. I was fortunate to have some rather passed away since our report last year. Speaker Wright received worldwide complicated surgery. Good surgeons re- The deceased Members of Congress are recognition for his efforts to bring moved this jaw, and it was cancerous, the following: peace to Central America. He served 10 and then they reached down to my Watkins Abbitt of Virginia; years as majority leader before being lower left leg, for the fibula bone, from Thomas Abernethy of Mississippi; sworn in as Speaker on January 6, 1987. which they carved a new jawbone, and E.Y. Berry of South Dakota; He was reelected as Speaker in Janu- this is it, and it works. Gary Brown of Michigan; ary of 1989. A member of Congress for They also removed about one-fourth Lawton Chiles of Florida; 34 years, Jim served with eight U.S. to one-fifth of my tongue, and that James McClure Clarke of North Caro- presidents and has met and come to frightened my wife and others when lina; know many foreign heads of state and they heard of it. I did not know about Jeffrey Cohelan of California; current leaders of nations. A prolific it at the time. George Danielson of California; writer, he has authored numerous But in addition to that bit of modern David W. Dennis of Indiana; books. alchemy, they took a piece of skin Charles Diggs, Jr., of Michigan; He currently serves as a Senior Polit- from the upper part of my left leg and Carl Elliott of Alabama; ical Consultant to American Income attached it, grafted it, to the tongue, Dante B. Fascell of Florida; Life Insurance Company and Arch Pe- and I hope you can understand me. , Sr., of Arizona; troleum. He writes a frequent news- All of this occasioned a comment Albert Gore, Sr., of Tennessee; paper column, which I hope many of from my long-time friend and former Robert A. Grant of Indiana; you have had the chance to read. I administrative assistant, Marshall Floyd K. Haskell of Colorado; have. They are very insightful. And he Lynam, who said, ‘‘You know, Mr. Roman L. Hruska of Nebraska; occasionally appears on network tele- Speaker, we spent 40 years trying to Muriel Humphrey of Minnesota; vision news programs. In addition, he keep your foot out of your mouth, and Albert W. Johnson of Pennsylvania; is a visiting professor at Texas Chris- now it seems you got your whole leg in Joe M. Kilgore of Texas; tian University where he teaches a it.’’ Walter Moeller of Ohio; course entitled ‘‘Congress and the Words would fail me were I to try to Wilmer D. Mizell of North Carolina; Presidents.’’ express adequately how much I appre- Abraham Ribicoff of Connecticut; This is a particularly difficult time ciate this, particularly coming from Will Rogers, Jr., of California; for Jim. Among other things, he is those of you, almost all of you I served D.F. Slaughter of Virginia; moving his residence now, and that is with, and whom I knew and became so Gene Taylor of Missouri; why Betty, his wife, could not be with attached to during all of those years. Morris K. Udall of Arizona; us. But we are really delighted that his Like most of you, I guess, I had a lot Prentiss Walker of Mississippi; daughter Ginger has come with him more financial success before and after Compton L. White of Idaho; from Texas to be with us for this occa- I served in Congress, but this experi- Chalmers Wylie of Ohio; and sion. ence of serving in this body will forever Sam Yorty of California. Jim, if you would come up, I have be professionally for me the out- I would respectfully ask all of you to two presentations to make. The first is standing achievement in my life. I en- rise for just a moment of silence in the a plaque. I am sure Jim has no plaques joyed it thoroughly—most of the time. memory of our deceased Members. at home any more. I am going to read I think that would be true of all of us, Thank you very much. the inscription on this plaque, Jim; and truth to tell. Mr. Speaker, we have now reached I am going to read it from the paper I do want to encourage our Associa- the highlight of our presentation this since my eyes cannot read the inscrip- tion and encourage individuals among morning. As you know, the Association tion on the plaque. But I hope you can. us to participate in these splendid ac- presents a Distinguished Service Award It says: ‘‘Presented by the U.S. Asso- tivities by which we spread knowledge to an outstanding public servant each ciation of Former Members of Congress and understanding of this peculiar in- year. The award rotates between the to the Honorable Jim Wright for his ex- stitution, so peculiarly human, maybe parties, as do the officers in our Asso- emplary service to the State of Texas the most human institution on earth. ciation. and the Nation as a combat pilot in You know, the House and Congress Last year, the award was presented World War II and recipient of the Dis- can rise to heights of sparkling states- jointly to two exceptional former Re- tinguished Flying Cross, as a mayor manship and we can sink to levels of publican Senators, and State legislator, and as a Member mediocrity, because we are human, Baker and Howard Baker. This year, as of the for 34 prone to human error. But the more you know, we are pleased to be hon- years, including his distinguished lead- people are able to understand it, people oring the former House Speaker, Jim ership as Majority Leader and Speaker abroad with whom our Nation must Wright. of the House of Representatives. Wash- deal and youngsters on the college Jim Wright was born in Fort Worth, ington, D.C., May 13, 1999.’’ campuses, the stronger and firmer will Texas, a city he represented in Con- On a more personal note, I am pre- be our hold upon the future. gress from 1955 through 1989. He com- senting Jim on behalf of all of us a Since I left Congress in 1989, almost pleted public school in 10 years and was scrapbook, which includes personal let- 10 years ago, I have been on between 45 on his way to finishing college in 3 ters from many of us here and others and 50 different college campuses years when Pearl Harbor was attacked. who feel so strongly that Jim has con- throughout the country, and that is Following enlistment in the Army Air tributed to the Congress and the coun- the most fun I have, aside from being Corps, Jim received his flyer’s wings try in ways which cannot be fully ex- with my grandchildren. I guess it is May 13, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3109 second, because they are so vibrant, We have a program for the rest of the Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, they are so alive, they are so quizzical, day. We hope that many of you will be this year Federal taxes will consume they are so questioning, all over the able to participate in it. Of course, to- almost 22 percent of the Gross Domes- country. I have had the privilege of night we have our dinner. tic Product, which means the Federal being at the University of Maine and So, again, thank you for being with tax burden is at an all-time high. the University of San Diego State. I us. This does conclude the 29th Annual With the economy strong and the have had the opportunity to visit Gon- Report of the U.S. Association of Federal Government running a surplus, zaga University and the University of Former Members of Congress. Thank there is no excuse for taxing the Amer- Miami. So it is spread across the coun- you. ican people at a higher rate than was try, and all of them, all of them, are in- Mr. ERLENBORN (presiding). The needed to win World War II. teresting. They are all worth spending Chair again wishes to thank the mem- On the opening day of the 106th Con- some time with. I would encourage bers of the United States Association gress, I introduced a bill to cut taxes that. of Former Members of Congress for across the board by 10 percent. The I would hope that we, wherever we go their presence here today. plan is the fairest and the simplest way and whatever we say and do, will have Before terminating these pro- to cut taxes because it benefits every- the grace to glorify this institution, so ceedings, the Chair would like to invite body who pays Federal income taxes. human, so imperfect, and yet so any former Members who did not re- An across-the-board tax cut would fraught with great opportunities, to spond when the role was called to give save the average American family uphold its standards and defend its their names to the reading clerks for some $1,000 a year, money they can use honor, so often attacked, so frequently inclusion on the role. Good luck to you for anything, for a down payment on a misunderstood, to the end that there all. home, or to put aside for retirement. might be a better and firmer apprecia- The Chair announces that the House Either way, I know it would be better tion of this hallowed form of govern- will reconvene at 10:45 a.m. spent and better used by the family ment that was endowed by those who Accordingly (at 10 o’clock and 28 who earned it than by the Washington wrote our Constitution. Because I am minutes a.m.), the House continued in bureaucrat who yearns for it. convinced that, with all of its faults recess. I urge my colleagues to support this and flaws and human imperfections, it f common sense plan and increase the still is, just as it was in Abraham Lin- take-home pay of all Americans. coln’s time, and may it forever remain, b 1047 f the last, best hope of earth. AFTER RECESS TRIBUTE TO NATION’S POLICE Thank you for this great honor. The recess having expired, the House OFFICERS Mr. MCHUGH. It is very clear that Jim Wright is as eloquent with his sec- was called to order by the Speaker pro (Ms. SANCHEZ asked and was given ond jaw as he was with his first. tempore (Mr. ROGERS) at 10 o’clock and permission to address the House for 1 Jim, we are truly proud of you and 47 minutes a.m. minute and to revise and extend her re- take joy in your being with us today f marks.) and giving us the opportunity to honor MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise you for your many years of service. today to salute the police officers of I would like at this point sort of A message from the Senate by Mr. this Nation, especially those of the extra-record to invite our former dis- Lundregan, one of its clerks, an- 46th Congressional District of Cali- tinguished minority leader and friend, nounced that the Senate had passed fornia, Orange County police officers. Bob Michel, to say a word. without amendment a bill of the House Seven hundred thousand police offi- Mr. MICHEL. Mr. Speaker and my of the following title: cers serve the United States each day. colleagues, thank you so much for the H.R. 669. An act to amend the Peace Corps Most Americans probably do not know opportunity to say just a few things, Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal that our Nation loses on an average particularly prompted by our Associa- years 2000 through 2003 to carry out that Act, one officer every other day. That does tion’s giving the award this year to our and for other purposes. not include the ones that are assaulted former Speaker, Jim Wright. When I The message also announced that and injured each year. got the notice of it, I thought there pursuant to Public Law 101–509, the More than 14,000 officers have been could be no better choice and am so ap- Chair, on behalf of the Secretary of the killed in the line of duty. The sacrifice preciative he has been so well received Senate, announces the appointment of for California officers is the greatest: and under the conditions. James B. Lloyd, of Tennessee, to the 1,205. I tell you, I have been privy to sev- Advisory Committee on the Records of The calling to serve in law enforce- eral of the columns that Jim has writ- Congress. ment comes with bravery and sacrifice. ten, very descriptive, and they move f The thin blue line protecting our you just about to emotional tears with homes, our businesses, our families, PRINTING OF PROCEEDINGS HAD his eloquence. our communities pay a price. So do the DURING RECESS I hope those of you who have not yet loved ones that they leave behind when maybe had the opportunity to express Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I the tragedy strikes. your feelings in the letters that we find ask unanimous consent that the pro- We cannot replace the officers we in the book that we have given Jim ceedings had during the recess be print- lose. We cannot bring them back to that you will do that. You can always ed in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD and their families or departments. All we add letters to that. It is a nice package that all Members and former Members can do is grieve their loss. of mementoes to keep. who spoke during the recess have the Today we fulfill the most solemn You know with what sincerity Jim privilege of revising and extending part of our obligation to America’s po- appeared here today with his very nice their remarks. lice officers. We promise that, when remarks, and I just want to join in con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there they do make the sacrifice, that he or gratulating him and the Association, objection to the request of the gen- she earns a place of the highest na- particularly, for their choice in select- tleman from Michigan? tional distinction and respect from the ing our former Speaker to receive this There was no objection. United States Government. honor today. f f Thank you again. Jim, all the best to you. SUPPORT TAKE-HOME PAY TRIBUTE TO DUANE MASENGILL, Mr. MCHUGH. Thank you very much, INCREASE FOR AMERICANS FAVORITE TEACHER Bob. Thanks to all of you for being (Mr. KNOLLENBERG asked and was (Mr. ARMEY asked and was given with us today and participating, espe- given permission to address the House permission to address the House for 1 cially since it was a special oppor- for 1 minute and to revise and extend minute and to revise and extend his re- tunity to honor Jim Wright. his remarks.) marks.)