February 12, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H477 been made citizens, 11,000 of whom, The vote was taken by electronic de- Frank (MA) Matsui Rush Frost McCarthy (MO) Sabo 11,000 of whom were criminals. vice, and there were—yeas 210, nays Gejdenson McCarthy (NY) Sanchez Now, I would say to my colleagues 200, not voting 21, as follows: Gephardt McDermott Sanders that, first of all, the real answer ought [Roll No. 17] Gordon McGovern Sandlin to be let us overhaul the Immigration Green McHale Sawyer YEAS—210 Gutierrez McIntyre Schaffer, Bob and Naturalization Service so it does Hall (OH) McKinney Aderholt Gilchrest Norwood Schumer its job effectively, let us make sure the Hamilton McNulty Archer Gillmor Nussle Scott Hastings (FL) Meehan Social Security system has a computer Armey Gilman Packard Serrano Hefner Meek (FL) that works, and then let us allow a Bachus Gingrich Pappas Shays Hilliard Meeks (NY) Baker Goode Parker Sherman State—what are we asking a State to Hinchey Menendez Ballenger Goodlatte Paxon Sisisky Hinojosa Millender- do? It is not complicated. We are say- Barr Goodling Pease Skaggs Holden McDonald ing to a State to make sure that the Barrett (NE) Goss Peterson (PA) Skelton Hooley Miller (CA) Bartlett Graham Petri Slaughter only people participating in their elec- Houghton Minge Barton Granger Pickering Smith, Adam tions are legal American citizens. That Hoyer Moakley Bass Greenwood Pickett Smith, Linda Hutchinson Mollohan is the only criteria here. Bateman Gutknecht Pitts Snyder Jackson (IL) Moran (VA) People get up and make all these Bereuter Hall (TX) Pombo Spratt Jackson-Lee Morella Bilbray Hansen Porter Stabenow comments as though somehow, if they (TX) Murtha Bilirakis Hastert Portman Stark John Nadler yell racist long enough, if they scream Bliley Hastings (WA) Pryce (OH) Stenholm Johnson, E.B. Neal diversity long enough, if they somehow Blunt Hayworth Quinn Stokes Kanjorski Oberstar Boehner Hefley Radanovich Strickland come in here and pretend this is about Kaptur Obey Bonilla Herger Ramstad Stupak something else—this is a very narrow Kennedy (MA) Olver Brady Hill Redmond Tanner Kennedy (RI) Ortiz bill. Members who vote against this Bryant Hilleary Regula Tauscher Kennelly Owens bill are saying they do not want to Bunning Hobson Riley Thompson Kildee Pallone Burr Hoekstra Rogan Thurman know if illegal immigrants are voting. Kilpatrick Pascrell Burton Horn Rogers Tierney Kind (WI) Pastor They do not want to know if nonciti- Calvert Hostettler Rohrabacher Torres Kleczka Paul zens are voting, many of whom, by the Camp Hulshof Roukema Traficant Klink Payne Campbell Hunter Royce Velazquez way, may be here legally, may have Kucinich Pelosi Canady Hyde Ryun Vento been told they could register even LaFalce Peterson (MN) Cannon Inglis Salmon Visclosky Lampson Pomeroy though they were not citizens and may Castle Istook Sanford Walsh Levin Poshard be innocent. Chambliss Jenkins Saxton Waters Lewis (GA) Price (NC) Chenoweth Johnson (CT) Scarborough Watt (NC) All we are saying is an American Lofgren Rahall Christensen Johnson, Sam Schaefer, Dan Waxman Lowey Rangel citizen’s right to vote is one of their Coble Jones Sensenbrenner Wexler Luther Reyes most precious rights. How can we can- Coburn Kasich Sessions Weygand Maloney (CT) Rivers Collins Kelly Shaw Wise cel out an American citizen with a non- Maloney (NY) Rodriguez Combest Kim Shimkus Woolsey citizen and not feel that we are some- Manton Roemer Cook King (NY) Shuster Wynn Markey Ros-Lehtinen how cheating the essence of freedom in Cooksey Kingston Skeen Yates Martinez Rothman America? This bill is about citizenship, Cox Klug Smith (MI) Mascara Roybal-Allard it is about citizens being allowed to Crane Knollenberg Smith (NJ) Crapo Kolbe Smith (TX) NOT VOTING—21 vote. Cubin LaHood Snowbarger I want to repeat: If a person is an Af- Cunningham Latham Solomon Buyer Harman Oxley rican American and a citizen, they can Davis (VA) LaTourette Souder Callahan Jefferson Riggs vote; if they are Asian American and a Deal Lazio Spence Clement Johnson (WI) Schiff DeLay Leach Stearns Eshoo Lantos Shadegg citizen, they can vote; if they are an Deutsch Lewis (CA) Stump Everett Largent Smith (OR) Hispanic American and a citizen, they Dickey Lewis (KY) Sununu Furse Miller (FL) Towns can vote; if they are a European Amer- Doolittle Linder Talent Gonzalez Mink Young (AK) ican and a citizen, they can vote; if Dreier Lipinski Tauzin b 1412 Duncan Livingston Taylor (MS) they are Native Americans and a citi- Dunn LoBiondo Taylor (NC) Ms. BROWN of Florida, Ms. ROY- zen, they can vote. And, frankly, if Ehlers Lucas Thomas BAL-ALLARD and Mr. BECERRA their ancestors come from all five cat- Ehrlich Manzullo Thornberry Emerson McCollum Thune changed their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to egories and they are a citizen, they can English McCrery Tiahrt ‘‘nay.’’ vote. Ensign McDade Turner Mr. GILMAN and Mr. LEACH This is not about diversity, it is Ewing McHugh Upton changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to about enforcing the law. And I think to Fawell McInnis Wamp Foley McIntosh Watkins ‘‘yea.’’ try to vote this down with the sham ar- Fossella McKeon Watts (OK) So (two-thirds not having voted in gument of racism is, in effect, a way of Fowler Metcalf Weldon (FL) favor thereof) the motion was rejected. Fox Mica Weldon (PA) covering up the fact that some Mem- The result of the vote was announced bers, in fact, favor allowing noncitizens Franks (NJ) Moran (KS) Weller Frelinghuysen Myrick White as above recorded. to vote, allowing people who have no Gallegly Nethercutt Whitfield f right to vote, and that means canceling Ganske Neumann Wicker out the legal vote of a legal citizen who Gekas Ney Wolf b 1415 Gibbons Northup Young (FL) should have that vote protected as one RECOGNIZING AND CALLING ON NAYS—200 of the hallmarks of democracy. ALL AMERICANS TO RECOGNIZE The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Abercrombie Boyd DeGette THE COURAGE AND SACRIFICE question is on the motion offered by Ackerman Brown (CA) Delahunt OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Allen Brown (FL) DeLauro Andrews Brown (OH) Diaz-Balart FORCES HELD AS PRISONERS OF PEASE) that the House suspend the Baesler Cardin Dicks WAR DURING THE VIETNAM CON- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1428, as Baldacci Carson Dingell FLICT amended. Barcia Chabot Dixon Barrett (WI) Clay Doggett Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- The question was taken. Becerra Clayton Dooley Mr. WATT of North Carolina. Mr. Bentsen Clyburn Doyle er, I ask unanimous consent that the Speaker, I object to the vote on the Berman Condit Edwards Committee on National Security be ground that a quorum is not present Berry Conyers Engel discharged from further consideration Bishop Costello Etheridge and make the point of order that a Blagojevich Coyne Evans of the resolution (H. Res. 360), recogniz- quorum is not present. Blumenauer Cramer Farr ing and calling on all Americans to rec- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evi- Boehlert Cummings Fattah ognize, the courage and sacrifice of the dently a quorum is not present. Bonior Danner Fazio members of the Armed Forces held as Borski Davis (FL) Filner The Sergeant at Arms will notify ab- Boswell Davis (IL) Forbes prisoners of war during the Vietnam sent Members. Boucher DeFazio Ford conflict and stating that the House of H478 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 12, 1998

Representatives will not forget that Valor, two Purple Hearts, four Air Medals, from Texas (Mr. SAM JOHNSON), who is more than 2,000 members of the United and three Outstanding Unit awards, who re- a Member of this body, who spent 7 States Armed Forces remain unac- tired from active duty in 1979 in the grade of years, 7 years in a POW camp in Viet- counted for from the Vietnam conflict colonel, and who personifies the verse in Isa- nam during the Vietnam war. iah 40:31, ‘‘They shall mount with wings as and will continue to press for a final eagles’’; Mr. Speaker, our good friend, the accounting for all such servicemembers Whereas among the prisoners held in the gentleman from Texas (Mr. SAM JOHN- whose fate is unknown, and ask for its Hanoi Hilton was then-Captain Pete Peter- SON) was shot down on April 16, 1966, immediate consideration. son, United States Air Force, a former Rep- while flying on his 25th mission over The Clerk read the title of the resolu- resentative in Congress from Florida who is North Vietnam, and as I said, he spent tion. now serving, in a distinguished manner, as 7 years in POW camps and 2 years in The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. the United States Ambassador to Vietnam, the infamous Hanoi Hilton. And during LATHAM). Is there objection to the re- who was shot down on September 10, 1966, the time he was in the Hanoi Hilton quest of the gentleman from Okla- and while a prisoner conducted himself with valor and, notwithstanding the tremendous along with his colleagues, I think there homa? suffering inflicted upon him, continually were 11 or 12 of them, he lived in leg There was no objection. demonstrated an unfailing devotion to duty, irons, suffered malnutrition and lived The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- honor, and country, and who during his mili- in appallingly primitive conditions. lows: tary career was awarded two Silver Stars, And they were mistreated, they were H. RES. 360 one Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Fly- tortured, and yet the gentleman from Whereas participation by United States ing Cross, three Bronze Stars with V De- Texas never, never gave in. He was a Armed Forces in combat operations in vices, two Purple Hearts, six Air Medals, one real patriot under very difficult condi- Air Force Commendation Medal, the Viet- Southeast Asia during the period from 1964 tions. through 1972 resulted in as many as 8,000 nam Service Medal with eight devices, and one Meritorious Service Medal, and who re- And here he is 25 years later, now a United States servicemen being taken pris- Member of the Congress of the United oner by enemy forces; tired from active duty in 1981 in the grade of Whereas the first such United States serv- colonel; States, and the resoluteness he showed iceman taken as a prisoner of war, Navy Lt. Whereas the men held as prisoners of war during his incarceration in Hanoi and Commander Everett Alvarez, was captured during the Vietnam conflict truly represent the Hanoi Hilton is just as strong on August 5, 1964; all that is best about America; today as it was back then. He is a pa- Whereas following the Paris Peace Accords Whereas the 25th anniversary of Operation triot whose spirit was never broken, of January 1973, 591 United States prisoners Homecoming begins on February 12, 1998; and and I am very proud he is a Member of of war were released from captivity; Whereas the Nation owes a debt of grati- tude to these patriots for their courage and the Congress of the United States, and Whereas the return of these prisoners of I am very, very proud that he is my war to United States control and to their exemplary service: Now, therefore, be it families and comrades was designated Oper- Resolved, That the House of Representa- friend. ation Homecoming; tives— Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- Whereas many United States servicemen (1) expresses its gratitude for, and calls er, for the purposes of debate only, I who were taken prisoner as a result of upon all Americans to reflect upon and show yield 30 minutes to the gentleman from their gratitude for, the courage and sacrifice ground or aerial combat in Southeast Asia Texas (Mr. REYES). have not returned to their loved ones and of the brave men, including particularly Sam Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- their fate remains unknown; Johnson of Texas and Pete Peterson of Flor- ida, who were held as prisoners of war during self such time as I may consume, and, Whereas United States prisoners of war in Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman Southeast Asia were routinely subjected to the Vietnam conflict; from Oklahoma (Mr. WATTS) for yield- brutal mistreatment, including beatings, (2) urges States and localities to honor the torture, starvation, and denial of medical at- courage and sacrifice of those brave men ing this time to me. tention; with appropriate ceremonies and activities; Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to Whereas United States prisoners of war and rise in support of this important reso- were held in a number of facilities, the most (3) acting on behalf of all Americans, will lution which honors the U.S. military notorious of which was Hoa Loa Prison in not forget that more than 2,000 members of personnel who were held as prisoners of downtown Hanoi, dubbed the ‘‘Hanoi Hilton’’ the United States Armed Forces remain un- war during the Vietnam conflict. I am by the prisoners held there; accounted for from the Vietnam conflict and will continue to press for a final accounting equally honored to serve in this House Whereas the hundreds of American pris- with my good friend, the gentleman oners held in the Hanoi Hilton and other fa- for all such servicemembers whose fate is un- cilities persevered under terrible conditions; known. from Texas (Mr. SAM JOHNSON) and an- Whereas the prisoners were frequently iso- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- other colleague, Mr. PETERSON, who is lated from each other and prohibited from tleman from Oklahoma (Mr. WATTS) is also being honored in this resolution. speaking to each other; recognized for 1 hour. Acknowledging the courage and sac- Whereas the prisoners nevertheless, at Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- rifice of this Nation’s POWs and rein- great personal risk, devised a means to com- er, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman forcing the commitment to continuing municate with each other through a code from Indiana (Mr. BURTON). to press for a final accounting of those transmitted by tapping on cell walls; Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- servicemen who remain missing in ac- Whereas then-Commander James B. tion is very appropriate, and I am Stockdale, United States Navy, who upon his er, I thank the gentleman from Okla- capture on September 9, 1965, became the homa for yielding this time to me. pleased that we are considering this senior POW officer present in the Hanoi Hil- Let me just say that anybody who resolution on this 25th anniversary of ton, delivered to his men a message that was serves this country in the armed serv- the release of many of Vietnam’s to sustain them during their ordeal, as fol- ices and fights and lays their life on POWs. lows: Remember, you are Americans. With the line for all of us deserves every- As a Vietnam veteran myself, I un- faith in God, trust in one another, and devo- thing that we can give them. Honor. derstand the horror of that war and the tion to your country, you will overcome. Respect. Everything. great sacrifices that were made by my You will triumph; But those who spend time in prison comrades in arms from throughout this Whereas among the prisoners held in the Hanoi Hilton was then-Major Sam Johnson, camps, prisoner-of-war camps, and Nation, but I, like most in this body United States Air Force, now a Representa- have had to endure the hardships and and in this country, can never under- tive in Congress from Texas, who was shot the torture and pain of that are special stand the nightmare experienced by down on April 16, 1966, while flying his 25th to me and should be to every American our POWs. While we are all subject to mission over North Vietnam and while a because they pay a price even above terrible living conditions, missing prisoner conducted himself with such valor those that give their lives because they loved ones, fear of losing our lives to as to be labeled by the enemy as a die-hard have to go through daily torture for the Vietcong hostile fire, we were, how- resister and, notwithstanding the tremen- long periods of time. And so my heart ever, the fortunate ones. dous suffering inflicted upon him, contin- The POWs and the MIAs had so much ually demonstrated an unfailing devotion to goes out to them and their families duty, honor, and country, and who during his who have had to pay that sacrifice over more to deal with. They were routinely military career was awarded two Silver the years and during the Vietnam war. subjected to brutal mistreatment, in- Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distin- Today I want to specifically talk cluding beatings, torture, starvation, guished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with about my good friend, the gentleman the denial of medical attention. That February 12, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H479 they were also kept apart for many, of a prisoner and time and so on, to Mr. SNYDER. Mr. Speaker, it is with many years from seeing another Amer- have it in mind, to have it in one’s great honor and pride that I am here ican was an added hardship. mind, is everything being done, is ev- today with my colleagues to honor the Let us not forget their families. erything being done to get that person gentleman from Texas (Mr. SAM JOHN- Their families suffered equally, and out? And that would be tough. SON) and the other prisoners of war families today suffer not knowing the I just cannot think of a worse from the Vietnam war. As a former Ma- final outcome of those men and women thought to go through somebody’s rine and a Vietnam veteran, I think missing in action. Many loved ones do mind in that condition than to think, I our hearts go out to everyone who not know the fate of their soldiers still wonder if they are really trying to get served in that war and particularly to living today. I think that we should re- me; and so I hope that we do remember the 591 folks that came home as former flect today on the sacrifice of these those folks and those families. POWs. Too often we go off to war, different families. b 1430 We also should acknowledge the con- ones, and left the little children be- tinued suffering of the families of hind, and I left little children behind I particularly like the way the word- those, as I mentioned, who are missing when I went for my second tour. I will ing of this resolution read. We could in action. We must continue to seek in- never forget the look in the eyes of my talk about the thousands of prisoners formation about these missing men for middle daughter, and she said, ‘‘Daddy, of war, we could talk about the 591 that the families and because the United do you really have to go?’’ Television, came home, but when we read one States military is loathe to leave be- battlefields all the time, every day, man’s story, it means a whole lot more hind any of its soldiers, sailors, airmen and I said, ‘‘Cindy, yes, I have to go.’’ to the American public and to those or Marines. We in the House of Rep- And it was pretty tough. folks that really did not follow the resentatives must help the families in So I appreciate the gentleman from events of that period, or perhaps are the military continue seeking informa- Texas (Mr. REYES) making the com- too young to remember the events of tion about these 2,000 service members ment that he has about the families, that period. The old story about one who remain unaccounted for. and we cannot do enough to remember person is a story and 1,000 is a statistic, It has been said many times, all gave those not only in that conflict but oth- and we know that SAM JOHNSON is not some and some gave all, as well as ers that made that sacrifice. And fami- a statistic, but is a very honored man blessed are the peacekeepers. Blessed lies should be included. So to the gen- in his home country and in his State. truly are our POWs and MIAs. tleman from Texas (Mr. SAM JOHNSON), So we are proud of the gentleman I stand here in the people’s House again I thank him, welcome him home from Texas (Mr. SAM JOHNSON), we are saying, God bless our POWs, our MIAs and God bless him and all those that proud of all of the men and women that and everyone whose lives they have have served as he did. have served in Vietnam, and I am Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- touched. proud to add my name to this resolu- Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my er, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman tion today. colleague, the gentleman from Iowa from Texas (Mr. ARMEY), the majority Mr. WATT of North Carolina. Mr. leader. (Mr. BOSWELL). Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank (Mr. BOSWELL asked and was given tleman from Texas (Mr. DELAY), the the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. permission to revise and extend his re- majority whip. WATTS) for yielding this time to me, marks.) Mr. DELAY. Mr. Speaker, I too rise and let me say from the outset, I will Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I too to pay tribute to a great American, not use the entire 5 minutes because rise to salute the gentleman from SAM JOHNSON. He is a dear friend, and we have so many people who want to Texas (Mr. SAM JOHNSON). I had a cou- certainly a true profile in courage. To- speak on this. morrow marks, as has already been ple of tours in Vietnam, and I can say I was reading about the stay of the very openly that one of the things I did said, the 25th anniversary of Operation gentleman from Texas (Mr. SAM JOHN- not want to happen to me is what hap- Homecoming, when the gentleman SON) in North Vietnam and thinking pened to him. I did not want to burn in about it as he and I have talked about from Texas (Mr. SAM JOHNSON) and 738 one of those helicopters, and I did not it and thinking about others that other American prisoners of war re- want to be a prisoner, and I thought stayed there, and we are going to hear turned to the United States from im- about it many, many days. all the details so many times about prisonment by the North Vietnamese. I was privileged that an associate of how he was shot down on April 16, 1966, On this day in 1973, SAM JOHNSON mine that I went through flight school and how he was released on February boarded a plane in Hanoi’s airport and with, name was JOHNSON, he and I had 13, 1973. But there is one detail I think returned home after having spent 7 the mission to go after James Roe in that tells me that the SAM JOHNSON years as a prisoner of war at the hands the Delta. Remember Roe? And 5 years held captive with the Vietnamese all of the North Vietnamese. He endured that he had been subjected to the con- those years ago is the same SAM JOHN- unspeakable torture, lived in primitive ditions of a prisoner and the Delta and SON I know today in the House of Rep- conditions and suffered from malnutri- so on, and we alternated days. We had resentatives. tion, and when one shakes SAM’s hands, other missions to run, so we alternated See, the Vietnamese concluded, as I one can feel the torture in his hands. days; and I cannot tell my colleagues have concluded, that he is a stubborn Two things helped him survive those our thrill the day that we got him. We man. They called him a diehard. They awful years in North Vietnam: a very, almost shot him, but we got him, and I thought, even as a prisoner of war, this very strong faith in God, and a deep, wish I could share some of the things stubborn man was a threat to their vic- deep love of his wife, Shirley. he had to say. tory, and they took him and nine oth- For 2 of those 7 years SAM JOHNSON Anyway, I am very appreciative that ers that were particularly stubborn and was imprisoned in that infamous Hanoi we take the time. I occasionally will go put them in isolation in a prison that Hilton. It was there that he endured down to The Wall and recognize some was particularly vicious called by the the worst of his torture. Communica- names there, and I have to thank my Americans ‘‘Alcatraz.’’ For 21⁄2 years tions between the prisoners as a well- good fellow upstairs that mine’s not SAM JOHNSON remained in that prison known story was forbidden, but that there too, and I am sure the gentleman in isolation from all the others, and he did not stop the Americans from devel- from Texas thought that more than a remained a stubborn man. oping an intricate tap code that helped few times. And I also have go through Then, as now, the gentleman from the prisoners maintain their sanity. my mind different times about those Texas (Mr. SAM JOHNSON) was stubborn Once, when JOHNSON and Commander that are missing in action, and I can- about his love for this country and his James Stockdale were caught using not think of a worse thing than to be faith in God, and it brought him home. this tap code, the Vietnamese retali- an American citizen, have carried the I thank him. ated with the worst kind of punish- flag and gone into conflict at the be- Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 ment. They put SAM in a cell about 21⁄2 hest of this country and then cir- minutes to my good friend, the gen- feet wide by 8 feet long. The Americans cumstances would come that because tleman from Arkansas (Mr. SNYDER). derisively called that cell ‘‘The Mint’’ H480 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 12, 1998 after a Las Vegas hotel. It was in The they have come together because of the One week later, when our military fi- Mint where SAM JOHNSON was set in courage of Mr. JOHNSON from Texas, nally secured the area, a search was stocks so tight he could not even move. and the courage of people like Pete Pe- conducted of the crash site, but Cap- The Vietnamese kept SAM in that terson from Florida, our Ambassador tain Johnson was nowhere to be found. cell in those stocks for 72 days, and on to Vietnam today. These people gave Residents of the nearby town said that the 72nd day, a typhoon struck Hanoi an enormous amount for their country. an American soldier had been taken Hilton. Water flooded SAM’s cell. He We owe them the deepest sense of grat- prisoner and had been seen recently in thought he was going to drown. So he itude, as we owe all people who serve in this particular town. However, these prayed, and he prayed that night like our Armed Forces. residents were either unable or unwill- he had never prayed before, and when So it is with that that I want to com- ing to provide further information. To he awoke the next morning, he discov- mend the gentlemen who have intro- this day, no further information re- ered that he had actually survived, duced this legislation, to thank those garding Captain Johnson has surfaced. thanks to God. Not only had he sur- who have served in our Armed Forces, No one has stepped forward to account vived, but the typhoon had blown the especially our Vietnam veterans whom for his whereabouts. boards off his cell and he saw the sun we specifically honor today, and of Captain Johnson is an American for the first time in 72 days. course those who are missing and who hero. He risked his life to safeguard his SAM JOHNSON serves as an inspiration have been prisoners of war. We deeply fellow soldiers and he risked his life to of every Member of this House. He en- feel and understand their pain, and we protect our freedom. It is unacceptable, dured that pain of imprisonment fight- particularly appreciate their sacrifices. Mr. Speaker, that the whereabouts of ing for his country. Nobody knows the Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- Captain Johnson and other valiant value of freedom more than the gen- er, I yield myself such time as I may Americans are yet to be determined. tleman from Texas (Mr. SAM JOHNSON). consume. We must resolve in Congress to do We are all honored by his presence in Mr. Speaker, today, as a member of whatever we can to get a full account- this House, and I am honored and very the House Committee on National Se- ing of what happened to Captain John- proud to call SAM JOHNSON a friend of curity, I rise to pay tribute to the son and every one of the other men and mine. many thousands of Americans who women who have been taken prisoner Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 have been held as prisoners of war and or are still missing in action. minutes to the gentleman from Michi- the many thousands of Americans who I would also like to recognize two gan (Mr. BONIOR), my friend and col- are still missing in action. Today POWs who, thank God, returned from league. marks the 25th anniversary of the re- their pain and suffering and are even Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank lease of the first American POWs from today still making contributions to our my friend from Texas (Mr. REYES) for North Vietnam, and accordingly, I urge great Nation. The honorable Pete Pe- yielding me this time. my colleagues here today to support terson, one of our former members and I want to rise in support of this reso- this resolution which honors those 591 a distinguished member of the House lution. I want to thank those, includ- American POWs who were reunited Committee on National Security, was ing the Speaker and the leadership on with their families 25 years ago today also a prisoner of war. He now serves the other side of the aisle, for offering in a mission known as Operation admirably as the United States Ambas- it, and I want to commend, as my col- Homecoming. sador to Vietnam, and he is working Today, Mr. Speaker, there are still leagues have, the distinguished gen- hard to find out what has happened to 8,100 American soldiers who fought val- our men and women who are still miss- tleman from Texas (Mr. SAM JOHNSON), iantly in the Korean War and still have for his service to this country. ing in Southeast Asia. Today, Mr. yet to return home. We have yet to lo- I came here almost 22 years ago and Speaker, I wish to recognize Pete Pe- cate their whereabouts. Today, there one of the first things that I involved terson for his valor and dedication to are still some 2,500 American men and myself in in this body was putting to- protecting America’s freedom. women who battled in the streets and I would also like to recognize a gen- gether a group of Members, Vietnam jungles of Southeast Asia during the tleman who is currently serving in the era veterans. There were 11 of us at Vietnam War and still have yet to re- United States House of Representa- that time. The gentleman from Penn- turn home. We have yet to determine tives, and again, still making contribu- sylvania (Mr. MURTHA), to my right, their whereabouts. tions to our great Nation and the great was one of them; the gentleman from Let me tell my colleagues a story to State of Texas. Our colleague, SAM Vermont, Mr. JEFFORDS was another illustrate the sacrifices that America’s JOHNSON of Texas was a POW in Viet- one, Vice President GORE, and there soldiers have made to secure freedom nam for almost 7 years. He refused to were others as well. And at that time it in our land. I want to tell my col- cooperate when the enemy demanded was very clear that Vietnam veterans leagues about Captain Bruce Johnson, that he give them important informa- were receiving a very short end of the a soldier from Michigan. On May 25, tion. legislative pie in this Congress. Their 1965, Captain Johnson was being air- Mr. Speaker, SAM JOHNSON is an education benefits were not adequate, lifted with 6 other soldiers to a loca- American hero and all of us today sa- their health care benefits were not ade- tion in South Vietnam where they were lute his patriotism and his dedication quate, their readjustment counseling needed to offer assistance to a Special to protecting his country’s freedom. benefits were almost nonexistent; and Forces unit in trouble. Mr. Speaker, in Oklahoma there is an so together, Republicans and Demo- While the relief helicopter carrying old saying that we have: ‘‘You don’t crats, we put together a program, and Captain Johnson was landing, it came call them cowboy until you see them little by little, it got enacted over a pe- under heavy mortar and small arms ride.’’ And for the last 3 years I have riod of 2 or 3 years. We even had dif- fire. In an attempt to avoid furious as- worked with SAM JOHNSON and I have ficulty getting recognition for Vietnam sault, the aircraft took off and tried to seen him operate and I have seen him veterans back then. gain altitude, only to lose control and work, and I say to my friend from I remember a bunch of us had a tree crash into some nearby parked vehi- Texas, SAM, we call you cowboy in planted over near Constitution Gardens cles. Oklahoma. about 22 years ago to commemorate An American pilot circling the area I will say it again. Over 8,100 Amer- Vietnam veterans before the wall was soon established contact with Captain ican men and women who fought in even conceived, and then of course Jay Johnson and Captain Johnson reported Korea are unaccounted for. Over 2,500 Scruggs and a few others came along sadly that he was the lone survivor. American men and women who fought and we put together a group and we Captain Johnson also reported that the in Vietnam are still unaccounted for. worked very hard to get the Vietnam situation around him was grim and Mr. Speaker, we must not rest until we Veterans Memorial that has meant so that he was under heavy fire and that account for every single one of these much to so many in this country. no more American personnel should be brave men and women. They deserve no It has been a long road, but I think sent to this location. It was just too less, and their families deserve no less. on this issue we have seen Republicans dangerous. Shortly thereafter, contact Mr. Speaker, I call for all of my col- and Democrats come together, and was lost with Captain Johnson. leagues to recognize the sacrifices of February 12, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H481 America’s POWs and MIAs by support- might have given in, he stood firm. His went through. But we can say a sincere ing this resolution. faith in his God was never surrendered, word of gratitude to you as an Amer- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of it was fortified. ican and as you continue to serve our my time. So what do we say to a soldier who country in these halls. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. gave so much of himself to his coun- Mr. Speaker, also being honored in LATHAM). Without objection, the gen- try? And what do we say to a man who this resolution is a gentleman who tleman from Missouri (Mr. SKELTON) endured unthinkable torture and re- served ably and well as well as on the will manage the time on his side of the fused to think of giving in? What do we committee on which I now serve, Pete aisle. say to an American hero who kept the Peterson from Florida, who not only There was no objection. faith, stood his ground, and defended endured the hardships of being a pris- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- his country? oner of war during the Vietnam con- tleman from Missouri (Mr. SKELTON) is What do we say to this very special flict, but returned and completed a suc- recognized. person? There is only one thing I can cessful Air Force career, was elected to Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 think of to say and that is ‘‘Thank Congress, and now presently serves as minutes to the gentleman from Florida you.’’ SAM, we thank you for your com- the United States Ambassador to that (Mr. BOYD). mitment to freedom and your courage sad country. To his credit, he went Mr. BOYD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to fight. To most Americans you are back in another capacity to help heal to thank the gentleman from Missouri more than a soldier, you are a peace- those wounds that were so open and so (Mr. SKELTON) for yielding me this maker. To me and to the rest of us who sore from those many years ago. time. I also want to thank the sponsors know you, you are a respected col- This resolution also makes reference, of this resolution and the gentleman league and a very cherished friend. excellent reference to Admiral James from Missouri (Mr. SKELTON) for in- So, Mr. Speaker, to all of those who B. Stockdale, who I know and have cluding the honorable Pete Peterson as keep the peace and who preserve free- great admiration for. All three of these a part of this resolution. dom, but especially to our friend, SAM gentlemen should be remembered and It is with a certain great amount of JOHNSON, I want to say God bless you properly doing so in this resolution. pride and humility that I am here and thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, it was 1978. I was a today, not just as a Member of this dis- Today I rise to pay tribute to an authentic freshman in this body. Mississippi Con- tinguished body, but also as a fellow American hero, Congressman SAM JOHNSON. gressman Sonny Montgomery asked me Vietnam veteran who has served along- On April 6, 1966, U.S. Air Force Colonel as the only freshman to go to Vietnam side many brave men who did not have JOHNSON was shot down while flying his 25th to help bring back remains of those the fortune to return home to their mission over North Vietnam. For the next who had died in that conflict. It was a family and friends, as I did. seven years, Colonel JOHNSON experienced an very difficult trip. A very difficult trip. Today, on this 25th anniversary of unimaginable amount of threats, tormentÐand The gentleman from Pennsylvania Operation Homecoming, I would espe- yesÐtorture. (Mr. MURTHA) was a member of that cially like to pay my respects to two He was kept in solitary confinement. He delegation, and we did. We met with men. One, a brave fallen soldier who withstood malnutrition. He endured leg irons. various Vietnamese officials and we served by my side as my radio tele- And he suffered unconscionable humiliation. were given the remains and returned phone operator, the second of the 506 But though he was beaten, he was never them honorably and correctly to a 101st Airborne Division in the Republic broken. Where others might have given in, ceremony at the air base in Honolulu, of Vietnam, Gilbert Ruff, Jr., from St. SAM simply stood firm. Hawaii, a memory that I shall long re- Louis, Missouri; and the other, the Through it all, his love for his country never member. honorable gentleman who served as a wavered, it strengthened. His faith in his God This resolution calls for remember- Member of this Chamber, a war hero was never surrendered, it was fortified. ing those who sacrificed, like SAM and former POW, a man whose seat I What do you say to a soldier who gave so JOHNSON, like Pete Peterson, like Ad- now hold, a man who now, after so much of himself for his country? miral Stockdale. But we should also many years, returned to Vietnam to What do you say to a man who endured un- pay tribute to those who fought in that serve as our Ambassador to that coun- thinkable torture and refused to think of giving war, who wore the American uniform, try, the Honorable Pete Peterson. in? who did well and returned home to There is no doubt that this Nation And what do you say to an American hero work and live and experience the free- owes a great debt of gratitude to those who kept the faith, stood his ground, and de- doms of our country. To them, too, we who sacrificed their lives, who fought fended his country? say a heartfelt thanks. and persevered, whose courage and What do you say to this very special per- We should also, Mr. Speaker, well re- service prevailed during this difficult son? There's only one thing you can sayÐ member those in previous conflicts. conflict in Vietnam. thank you. Now, this is the 25th anniversary of the release of the prisoners, Operation b SAM, we thank you for your commitment to 1445 freedom and your courage to fight. Homecoming, 1973 from the Vietnam It is men like Gilbert and Pete that To most Americans you are more than a conflict. But there were previous con- truly represent all that is good and soldier, you are a peacemaker. And to me, flicts in which Americans were held honorable and is the best in America. you are more than a respected colleague, you captive, were mistreated, and were able Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- are a cherished friend. to come home to an American wel- er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentle- God bless SAM JOHNSON. And God bless all come. woman from Texas (Ms. GRANGER). of America's warriors who keep the peace and I have a neighbor down the street in Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, today I preserve our freedom. Lexington, Missouri, on Franklin rise to pay tribute to an authentic Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield Street, a longtime friend, George Stier, American hero, Congressman SAM myself such time as I may consume. who was shot down as a pilot, a lieu- JOHNSON. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the spon- tenant in the United States Army Air Mr. Speaker, on April 16, 1966, U.S. sors of this resolution which calls for Corps at the time, and spent many, Air Force Colonel SAM JOHNSON was all Americans to recognize the courage many, many months in a stalag in Ger- shot down while flying his 25th mission and sacrifice of members of the Armed many. over North Vietnam. And as we heard Forces held as prisons of war during I went to a wake just a few weeks ago today, for the next 7 years he experi- the Vietnam conflict. Especially sin- for another friend who more recently enced unimaginable amounts of threats gled out is our friend from Texas (Mr. was mayor of Higginsville, Missouri, in and torment and, yes, torture. SAM JOHNSON). Lafayette County, who was captured He was kept in solitary confinement. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman is an ex- on Corregidor in May of 1942. He served He withstood malnutrition and endured ample of courage and is one for the his- as a marine, and he endured the hard- leg irons and suffered unconscionable tory books, and SAM JOHNSON, we all ships of the Japanese prisoner experi- humiliation. But though he was beat- salute you and there is no way for us to ence. Buford Thurmon, as his remains en, he was never broken. While others adequately empathize with what you lay in the casket at that funeral home, H482 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 12, 1998 Buford Thurmon was wearing his be- amongst us day by day here in the confinement because he would never loved United States Marine uniform. House of Representatives, and many do allow the torture to break his will, his So it is to all of those today in the not know about what he has been love of America and his faith in God. Vietnam conflict, and in my mind, in through in his life because he is so In recognition of his service, the the other conflicts in which Americans down to earth. He has got it so put to- military has given him two Silver have suffered because they were Ameri- gether. He has such resolve and com- Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distin- cans, because they had courage, be- mitment for the benefit of all the peo- guished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star cause they believed in this country, to ple in this country. His word is his with Valor, two Purple Hearts, four Air them I say a heartfelt thanks and bond. He will never vary from it. Medals and three Outstanding Unit words of gratitude. Mr. Speaker, he is an individual, as Awards. And SAM, a special thanks to you not we heard from the gentleman from Everyone in this House talks about only for what you have done, but for Texas (Mr. SMITH) who went to Viet- patriotism and sacrifice. SAM JOHNSON your work here in the Congress of the nam because it was the right thing to embodies patriotism and sacrifice. United States. do. And it was an honorable cause. Today he continues to fight for free- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Politicians let him down and let down dom. He has been fighting for individ- my time. the rest of our military personnel who ual liberty since he came here to Con- Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- made the great sacrifice in Vietnam. gress in 1991. It has been my high honor er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman But we owe him a great debt of grati- to be able to join him in that struggle from Texas (Mr. SMITH). tude. He knew the risk. He knew the since I arrived here in 1995. He has done Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I danger. And unfortunately it befell him it effectively and without rancor. SAM’s selfless devotion to America thank the gentleman from Oklahoma and his body was shattered. He endured and freedom is evident every day. He (Mr. WATTS) for yielding. pain and deprivation beyond anything never mentions the awards or his brav- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong that Americans can have any idea of. ery in action. He never mentions the support of this resolution. Today we Mr. Speaker, I hope every American exploits of or the horrors of his cap- honor a man who withstood the agony can read his book. I read it and I could tivity. That is just not SAM’s way. He of war and the horrors of imprison- not put it down. I lived for 2 weeks is humble. He is kind. He bears no ill ment. SAM JOHNSON’s courage is an in- with him and his experiences in Viet- will. Every time I see his smile or spiration to all Americans as we salute nam. But he emerged from that a man him on the 25th anniversary of his re- shake his hand, I am reminded, here that can be an idol for all of us. Young stands a man who sacrificed more for lease from Vietnam captivity. people today can aspire to be the indi- One of the requirements I have in my this country than I can ever imagine. vidual, to have the character and the It is fitting that we honor him today. office for summer interns is to write attributes of this man, SAM JOHNSON. Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- two reports on a select number of Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call him er, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman books. One of those books was written my friend. I would follow him any- from Texas (Mr. SESSIONS). by our colleague, SAM JOHNSON. It is where and know that trust, faith, hope, Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank called ‘‘Captive Warriors’’ and it is re- resolve, patriotism would be leading the gentleman from Oklahoma for quired reading in my office. me. yielding me the time. For many of my interns, the Vietnam SAM, I am honored to be your friend. I rise today to give thanks also to my War is as distant as the Civil War. I am honored to serve with you and I good friend, SAM JOHNSON, my friend After reading the book, though, they love you. and colleague, a man who has been a come away with a new sense of patriot- Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I re- mentor for me politically for many ism and humility because of the sac- serve the balance of my time. years. But I want to admit that as we rifices that SAM JOHNSON and thou- Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- give great admiration to SAM JOHNSON, sands of others made for our country. er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman I want you to know that he has a fam- But what makes the greatest impres- from Indiana (Mr. MCINTOSH). ily. He has a lovely wife, Shirley, who sion on many of us is that SAM JOHN- Mr. MCINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, I thank is with us today, who is here in the gal- SON was held captive for nearly 7 years. the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. lery, who has stood by her husband for Half of those years were spent in soli- WATTS) for yielding me this time. years and years, a woman who has tary confinement, yet during his years Mr. Speaker, SAM JOHNSON is my faith in God and faith in our country, in captivity, his faith in God and coun- hero and today politicians give out to SAM’s 3 children and 10 grand- try was unwavering. that honor much too easily. But SAM children. Mr. Speaker, to paraphrase President JOHNSON is a real hero in every sense of We give thanks to SAM JOHNSON be- John F. Kennedy, I think that a gath- the word. cause he is a hero, a captive warrior ering of prisoners of war from Vietnam There are few Members of this House who came home, who gave his very best would be a most extraordinary collec- who have given so much of themselves for America, but who gives it every sin- tion of courage ever assembled since to this country and we have heard gle day today. George Washington faced the British about that today. Few have earned the SAM, we love you. We respect you. We since the Revolutionary War. right to be called a patriot. He has an- appreciate you. Let the day never, Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure swered every call to serve this country, never get too far away from us here. that I urge my colleagues to support in wartime and in peace. He has been a We can say not only thank you but this resolution in honor of my friend warrior and a public servant, and on thank you also to the men and women and colleague, SAM JOHNSON. both occasions he has fought for the who did not come home who I know Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I re- same cause: freedom at home and you live with in your heart every day. serve the balance of my time. abroad. We are proud of you. And to you and Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- Mr. Speaker, when the United States Shirley we say, God bless you. er, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman asked SAM to serve to battle com- Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- from Texas (Mr. ARCHER), the dean of munism in Asia, he did not hesitate. He er, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman the Texas delegation and the chairman was in the Air Force for 29 years. He from New Jersey (Mr. PAPPAS). of the Committee on Ways and Means. was a hero in Korea and then served Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, America Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I thank again in Vietnam, as we have heard needs heroes. We have one of them the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. about. within our midst. Prior to my coming WATTS) for yielding me this time and to Congress, I would tune in to C-SPAN b for managing what I believe is a very, 1500 every once in a while, and SAM JOHN- very important moment for the House On that day in 1966 when his F–4 was SON is one of the Members that I would of Representatives and for the people of shot down over North Vietnam, an see and listen to and admire. Since I this country. event occurred that would change his have had the good fortune to work with Mr. Speaker, the individual that we life forever, serving 7 years as a pris- him, that admiration has only in- honor today is a man who walks oner of war, three of them in solitary creased incredibly. February 12, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H483 My father served in World War II. today. I think in 1998 America we I join with my colleagues today in honoring Fortunately, he never had to be a pris- ought not to confuse heroes with celeb- SAM JOHNSON. I want to add my personal oner of war. For you, SAM, and for so rities, and there is a real difference. thanks for selfless devotion to duty, his hard many other Americans that had that Celebrities are known for being known. work, his sacrifice, and his friendship. indignity thrust upon them, words can But heroes are known for the values, Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today never be used, we could never find the the principles, their character, their to pay tribute to a real American hero, Con- words to express how humbling that integrity, and the love for this great gressman SAM JOHNSON, and to all his fellow must be for all of us to see the sac- country and the love for their wonder- POWs who so bravely and valiantly served rifices that people like you have made ful God. this country. As you well know, SAM was shot for each of us here. And for so many SAM JOHNSON is a real hero. His book down over North Vietnam and imprisoned for Americans that means so much. has been mentioned today. SAM, I can almost seven years under horrifying condi- SAM, you are to be commended for say for all of our colleagues that you tions. your willingness to continue to serve have been a wonderful book, your life What strikes me most about SAM's story is your country and it is my great honor has been a wonderful book for us to his unshakeable faith in the Lord. On the to serve with you. God bless you and read on a daily basis here in the Cham- evening of his 72nd day in leg stocks, SAM your family. ber. We appreciate your heart and your was ready to give up. For months he had not Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- patriotism. been able to move from his shackles. For er, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of months he had not seen the sun or sky from Illinois (Mr. EWING). my time to the gentleman from Texas through the boarded-up windows of his tiny Mr. EWING. Mr. Speaker, I have a (Mr. SAM JOHNSON). cell. As he fell asleep that evening, SAM very special place in my heart for all The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- thought to himself: ``It would be okay if I never Vietnam veterans. SAM JOHNSON only tleman from Texas (Mr. SAM JOHNSON) woke up again.'' That night, a powerful ty- makes that a greater and bigger place is recognized for 61⁄2 minutes. phoon struck Hanoi. As SAM's cell filled with in my heart. We came into this body a Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. J.C., water, be began to pray as never before. He few days apart. He was just ahead of you are terrible. You are great. You knew then more than ever that the Lord was me, so he always gets the office I want are perfect. I thank you for bringing and I am right behind him. But we are his hope and his salvation. As SAM later re- this to the floor. And IKE, you, and all counted, ``When I woke up the next morning, kind of a class of our own. the other Democrats I know, respect Just two little stories that make me I realized the storm has blown the covers off and admire our veterans and those who know what SAM JOHNSON and Shirley the window, and that morning I saw the sun are in the service today. This Nation Johnson are all about. When I talk to rise for the first time in 72 days. That was God would not be the great Nation it is SAM, and he does not talk much about in all His glory coming up out there. And it's were it not for the veterans from the it, he says when they stand you up and good to know He's there; it certainly helps to Revolutionary days right on up until blindfold you and they are going to put your mind at rest. It helps you to get today. shoot you and then they do not, he through those tough times.'' I hope we will remember those who God bless you SAM JOHNSON. God bless our says, you never fear again. are in the service in places of harm’s And then when I talk with Shirley, POWs. And God bless America. way today and who might be put in and she is a great friend of Connie’s CONGRESSMAN SAM JOHNSON harm’s way and hope that we will not and mine, she takes it so lightly. Well, (Testimonial as told to Northwest Bible have to put them there. Those are the he ran off while I was raising the chil- Church) guys that down through the years have dren. Listen, I want you to know that we’ve been I think they are a great couple. made this country great, have made it doing a little bible study up there in Wash- You certainly do love your country, free. I can assure you, until you have ington, DC, believe it or not. . . . My good- your family and your God. It shows had freedom taken away from you, you ness, the Lord is directing you and, you every day in that great big smile. God never can understand exactly what the know, it goes to show you the faith and the grace and the failures that make our lives bless you, SAM. beauty of it is. Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- This Nation represents that. America worth living. Let me tell you a little bit about what happened to me in Vietnam. I er, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman is and will be the greatest nation in the world. All you have to do is step across was shot down in an F–4 and ejected to get from Pennsylvania (Mr. GEKAS). out. Our air speed was about 650 knots, which Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the border in any direction and you is kind of slow I guess. I broke my left arm the gentleman for yielding me the know you want to come back. in two places and dislocated my left shoulder time. I salute the veterans of this Nation and broke my back. When I landed the bad After I was drafted into the Army who have made it great. I think, with guys were on me in about 30 seconds. We and served 2 years during the Korean you, we should honor those who are in were right in the middle of a division of the conflict, I could not wait to get out and the service of our Nation today, respct enemy troops, and I was caught pretty tell my friends and family how much I and honor them. Let me just tell you, quickly. They threw me around and they took over had suffered when I was in the Army, there was a quote left on the wall in Vietnam, in one of those prisons when a house and just kicked the people out. The the great contributions and sacrifices guards and I were thrown in there. My back- that I made. The truth was that I never we left, which I think says it all: Free- seater also got out, fortunately, and was put saw combat. I was in a tank once at dom has a taste to those who fight and in another house where they threw people Fort Knox, and I did go through basic almost die that the protected will out. We stayed there for just one night and training, was trained to be a tank com- never know. then went to a place called ‘‘Dong Hui’’ mander; but I was lucky and never did God bless you all. It is pleasure to be which was in North Vietnam. There they ac- really have to do anything that would in this body with each and every one of cused us of being air pirates and took me out and put me in front of a firing squad. Even put me in harm’s way. you. Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with though you’ve been trained in the Air Force But then I met JOHN MCCAIN and SAM Survival School and you know or think they JOHNSON and others in similar cir- my colleagues to honor a decorated fighter are not really going to hurt you, when you’re cumstances, and all of a sudden, I made pilot, a former POW, a distinguished Con- standing there with six guys facing you with a plea to myself and promise to myself gressman and a good friend, SAM JOHNSON. rifles, and you see them pull a clip out of that I would never say that I suffered The Hallmark of SAM's life has been serv- their pockets, jam it in the gun, and charge while I was in the Army. I was glad I iceÐservice to the Air Force, to this House, to the weapon, you know you can’t really tell served, and I am happy that I did my the citizens of the Third Congressional District whether there’s a bullet going in or not. And duty. But it paled in comparison to of Texas, and to the country. His record of they pull them up and the officer gives the sacrifice and dedication to duty is unmatched signal to fire and they all go click, those sacrifices made by the likes of click. . . . You’re facing them and you won- SAM JOHNSON and JOHN MCCAIN. in this House. I know he would be uncomfort- der about that. They tried again later, and Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- able with the term ``hero''Ðbut in a time when the second time I laughed at them. They er, I yield myself 30 seconds. American youth are looking for true heroes, threw me in a pit. You know, in retrospect, It is interesting that we have used they would do well to look to SAM JOHNSON for that was the Lord being with me. I followed the word ‘‘hero’’ here in this Chamber their inspiration. him by praying as hard as I could at that H484 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 12, 1998 time, but the real faith you know, the Lord It was a terrible storm and my cell started Well, it happened to be New Year’s Eve really being with you, doesn’t come home to flood. The water was rising fast and since when we moved together so we sang Christ- until you stop and think how he provided. I couldn’t move because of stocks I had no mas carols and that was just a great time. Later they put a cast on my arm. They way to escape the water. I had nothing else But when you’re in a communist world like dressed up some guards like doctors (which to turn to but my faith. I began to pray. I that, the Vietnamese think that it’s a dem- is how you become a doctor in Vietnam). prayed like I had never prayed before, be- onstration so they came charging in and said They pulled it down to the extreme (that it cause I knew that the Lord was my only sal- ‘‘Stop, you are not authorized to do that.’’ broke it in two places) and then they folded vation at this point. It ends up that the Lord We didn’t care, we were going to have a it up and put a cast on it. That was their was with me that night. When I woke up the church service every Sunday regardless. And medical deal. They broke it again in route to next morning I realized the storm had blown we did, they took 3 senior officers out and Hanoi during the travel which took us about the covers off the window and that morning put them in solitary and in irons, and we 25 days. And when we got to Hanoi nearly ev- I saw the sun rise for the first time in 72 kept doing it and they came in one night and erybody was treated the same, it was a week days. That was God in all his glory coming they took about 40 more of the seniors out of torture, while they were trying to get up out there. And it’s good to know He’s and put them in solitary and in fact doubled military information. And you know, they there, it certainly helps to put your mind at them up in bunks and really made them un- never found out that I ran the Fighter Weap- rest. It helps you to get through those tough comfortable. We got in the windows and ons School of the Air Force. times. started signing ‘‘Battle Hymn of the Repub- That very day they came and took me out My back seat pilot Larry Chesley and I lic,’’ ‘‘God Bless America,’’ all the good of the stocks. I could not walk, obviously. made up a couple of stories. Like, ‘‘I had just songs that you know, in our room. There Two guards carried me over to an interroga- gotten there, I didn’t know anything about were about 370 of us in that camp and every the airplane, they just put me in it and told tion office and set me down on a three-legged stool, and this guy says ‘‘We’re going to kill room got up in the window and started join- me to fly over, and they put bombs and na- ing in with us. palm on it, but I didn’t know what was on you.’’ They threatened to do that fairly the airplane. And the back-seater got in the often. But, they said they had this confes- The North Vietnamese came running in plane there, so I didn’t know him. He was sion from Stockdale and obviously you’re in- with their guards in full battle dress with volved. I said, let me see it because I don’t new to Vietnam and he didn’t know a thing gas masks on, and we thought they were think he’d write one. And he, of course, about radar.’’ They told me when I got up going to try to throw tear gas in, but they wouldn’t let me look at it. So I told him that over N. Vietnam push that button. We told didn’t. We could peek through the walls he was lying, I knew Stockdale didn’t write them that story and they gave up after where we had but holes and we noticed that anything. He got mad and said just go back. the whole town of Hanoi had come out to see awhile. Well, that month they took 11 of us to a I was put into an empty dirty room. When what the commotion was. Well that died out place we called Alcatraz. Jim Stockdale was that night and the next day the camp com- they came in to interrogate you they one of them with us, and Jeremiah Denton brought a table in so the interrogators can mander came on the loud speaker and said from Alabama, ex-senator. He was in the ‘‘the camp authorizes you to have church sit behind it and start asking questions. You same camps with me practically the whole were without food and water for about a services.’’ You know that only God could time, he taught me the tap code. This was a make that happen, and I’ll tell you what, the week. But, it was one of those trials that you code where we took the letters of the alpha- go through. They took this broken arm of Lord was with us. I think each and every one bet and put them into five rows of five let- of us is stronger from that experience. mine and broke it again and twisted it right ters each and eliminated the ‘‘k’’ and used on around and tore it out the other side, try- the ‘‘c’’ for ‘‘k’’ for a while, but later tucked I never really thought about being in- ing to make me talk to them. And really, the it back in where it belongs. And a ‘‘b’’ would volved in the Congress, which has brought Lord was protecting me as I look back on it. be tap—tap, tap (1st row second letter) and me here to talk to you today. Jerry Denton It was very painful. So we didn’t change our we became pretty adept at doing that. In Al- and Jim Stockdale and all of us talked about story and apparently my backseater told the catraz we were all in 11 different cells, side how badly managed our government was and same thing. Later (five years later) the com- by side, and kind of in an ‘‘L’’ shape, and we decided that when would we get involved mander, who was the colonel, walked in and could talk to each other pretty rapidly with when we got back to the U.S. and do some- said ‘‘You lied to us.’’ I said no, what are you that code. We then decided we weren’t talk- thing about it, instead of just complaining. talking about. He said when you first got ing fast enough, so we developed a ‘‘cough, So, I got involved in the State Legislature shot down you didn’t tell us the truth. I said, hack, spit code.’’ And I said, ‘‘you know and when Steve Bartlett resigned to run for ‘‘No, you must be mistaken, Americans Jerry, we’re going to get caught for this and mayor of Dallas, I decided to try for the never lie.’’ the Vietnamese are going to really clamp House. And I think the Lord led the way and I later was put with a guy named Jim down on us and we’re going to be in trouble.’’ prompted me to do that and hopefully, I can Stockdale who is now in California. We were But, he said, ‘‘no, we’re going to try it.’’ be there for you and represent you and our in a place where they kept bringing men who It was around 1968, I guess, when they beliefs up there. had just been shot down. I tried to talk to started letting us out for exercise, first time I do know that this is one nation under them and tell them how they could guard ever. And about 15 minutes a day. So Jerry God, our founding fathers wrote this Con- themselves and how to react and respond to got out of his cell and he was walking around stitution under the precepts of the Bible. the Vietnamese so they wouldn’t get into too and he was talking and having the prisoners The Supreme Court needs to use the Bible as much trouble. They knew we were doing it communicate with him. We used a clearing a guide, as a Law book. We have been drift- but they couldn’t catch us. If they had of the throat for one, two clears for two, a ing, as a country, far from these founding caught us they would have really punished cough for three, a hack for four, and a spit principles. And I’m hoping that we can get us. I don’t understand that mentality, but for five. We talked for three years with that more people up in D.C. to turn that around. they would punish us and it would be in com- code and the Vietnamese never caught on. Thank you so much for letting me share my munist ways. Their population over there must think story with you today, and I hope you will One of the most serious incidents involved Americans have a respiratory problem. We Stockdale and I. We were caught commu- share with me. My office is always open. God always signed off in the evening with ‘‘God bless you and God bless America. nicating with other prisoners and the guard bless you.’’ busted in the door of our cell. Stockdale Every Sunday, we would pray together, Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, with tried to fight him and he knocked him to the somebody would know it was Sunday, and great respect and tribute to our friend, floor. Our punishment for this was the worst the Vietnamese took about half a day off. the gentleman from Texas (Mr. SAM of my entire time in prison. Some guy would stomp on the floor and we’d JOHNSON), we sincerely hope that this They put me in a little cell that was about all get on our knees and pray together. We resolution passes unanimously. I thank two and a half foot wide by eight foot long could feel the power of prayer when we were that we called the Mint, we named every- together, everybody praying, even though we the gentleman from Oklahoma for his thing after a Las Vegas hotel. So, there’s one weren’t side by side, separated by walls. We efforts in this regard, as well as the other guy in an adjoining cell with me, and did that for as long as I can remember. other cosponsors. at the same time they put me in leg stocks. And then one day they had the Son Tay Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance I don’t know if you know what that is but raid and I don’t know if ya’ll remember that it’s kind of like the pilgrims when they used or not, but it was an effort to try to rescue of my time. to punish people they put them in the middle the guys out of the camp at Vietnam. They The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. of the town square. They set me in those failed in that effort because they had moved LATHAM). Without objection, the pre- stocks and locked my legs down so I couldn’t about 30 days earlier. And it was unfortunate vious question is ordered on the resolu- move for 72 days. I didn’t get up for any- because they were going to move them back, tion. thing. but it scared them enough that they moved But, on the 72nd day an amazing thing hap- us all together for the first time. And when There was no objection. pened. My cell was on the corner, so I had we moved together we decided to have a The resolution was agreed to. windows, but they were all boarded up. I church service and I’ll never forget because hadn’t seen the sun or anything for 72 days. Jerry said ‘‘Sam you sing for us and lead,’’ A motion to reconsider was laid on That night a typhoon came through Hanoi. and I said ‘‘I can’t sing,’’ but I did. the table. February 12, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H485 ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER tleman from Indiana (Mr. SOUDER) is contains an article about that museum's fas- PRO TEMPORE recognized for 5 minutes. cinating exhibits. It is my pleasure to submit it The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted for publication in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. Chair will remind all Members that it to rise in honor of our country's greatest presi- [From the Civil War Times, March 1998] is not in order in debate to refer to any dent whose birthday we celebrate today. A NEW LINCOLN MEMORIAL occupant in the gallery. We Republicans honor Lincoln as a founder (By Al Sandner) of our great political party and the first Repub- In Fort Wayne, Indiana, one man’s admira- f lican president. We are right to this. But this tion gave birth to the largest private collec- AUTHORIZING THE SPEAKER TO is not the source of Lincoln's greatness. tion of Lincoln-related materials in the APPOINT MEMBERS TO REP- Lincoln used the Republican party and the world. The two-year-old museum that houses RESENT THE HOUSE OF REP- presidency as vehicles to achieve three mag- the collection combines modern technology nificent things. He preserved this great union with 19th-century artifacts to create a RESENTATIVES AT CEREMONIES hands-on, in-depth examination of ‘‘Lincoln FOR OBSERVANCE OF GEORGE of ours. He ended slavery on this continent. and the American Experiment.’’ WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY He extended to the American entrepreneurial For generations the people of Fort Wayne, spirit to millions of people of all walks of life. Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I ask Indiana, have cherished the legend that We have a word for that on a subcommittee Abraham Lincoln stopped here on the fateful unanimous consent that it shall be in I chair. We call it ``empowerment.'' trip that catapulted him into the race for order for the Speaker to appoint two Without a strong union, the United States the presidency. They’ve cherished it and Members of the House, one upon the would not have become the economic power hoped it was true, but couldn’t be sure. recommendation of the minority lead- Legend had it that Lincoln changed trains it is today. Because of Lincoln's work, this na- er, to represent the House of Rep- here on his way to deliver a speech at the tion produced the highest standard of living of resentatives at appropriate ceremonies Cooper Institute in New York, where his son, any in the history of the world. And because for the observance of George Washing- Robert, was a student. The speech made a the United States remained one nation, it was deep impression on the audience and caught ton’s birthday to be held on Monday, able to assemble the moral military might that the attention of Northeastern power brokers, February 23, 1998. liberated millions this century from three of the vaulting him into the elite company of men The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there worst tyrannies in all of history: nazi Germany, regarded as potential presidential can- objection to the request of the gen- imperial Japan, and the Stalinist ``evil empire.'' didates. On his journey eastward, he was a tleman from Illinois? regionally known lawyer, soldier, surveyor, Throughout the world, the name ``Lincoln'' There was no objection. and politician. On the return trip his name connotes compassionÐand for good reason. was being whispered in the halls of power as f Slavery sickened him. ``If slavery is not wrong, a contender for the highest office in the land. DISPENSING WITH CALENDAR nothing is wrong'' he said. He worked to re- The Fort Wayne train switch—if it really WEDNESDAY BUSINESS ON strict its expansion before the civil war; used happened—was related closely enough to a WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1998 that military emergency to end it; and forced pivotal moment in American history to through the thirteenth amendment to the con- make any city proud. Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I ask stitution to prevent its re-instatement. Recent research has laid the legend to rest unanimous consent that the business and replaced it with historical fact. ‘‘We As Commander in Chief, he made merciful have determined that on February 23, 1860, in order under the Calendar Wednesday use of his pardoning powers. He was particu- rule be dispensed with on Wednesday, Abraham Lincoln did change trains in Fort larly sympathetic to young offenders. ``Must I Wayne while on his way to the Cooper Insti- February 25, 1998. shoot a simple-minded soldier boy, who tute speech,’’ said Gerald Prokopowicz, Lin- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there deserts, while I must not touch a hair of a wily coln scholar and director of programs for the objection to the request of the gen- agitator who induces him to desert?'' he said, Lincoln Museum in Fort Wayne. tleman from Illinois? ``* * * to silence the agitator and save the boy In the years since 1860, working on faith There was no objection. and dedication alone, one local businessman is not only constitutional, but withal a great and Lincoln admirer created in this mid- f mercy.'' sized northeastern Indiana town (closer to AUTHORIZING THE SPEAKER, MA- There was one group of lawbreaker, how- Knute Rockne country than to what is usu- JORITY LEADER AND THE MI- ever, to whom he showed no mercy, slave ally thought of as the land of Lincoln) what NORITY LEADER TO ACCEPT traders. In one celebrated instance, he refused was to become the largest private collection of Lincoln materials in the world, housed in RESIGNATIONS AND MAKE AP- to commute to life in prison the sentence of person who had committed that hideous a $6 million, 30,000-square-foot museum that POINTMENTS AUTHORIZED BY is both a tribute to Lincoln and an inter- LAW OR THE HOUSE, NOTWITH- crime. Before Lincoln's presidency, that law had gone enforced. After it, there was no need active multimedia essay on his impact on STANDING ADJOURNMENT America as we know it. to have it at all. Fort Wayne, a 203-year-old city also known Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I ask It was also during Lincoln's administration as the final resting place of Johnny unanimous consent that, notwithstand- that homestead legislation became federal pol- Appleseed, doesn’t really need an excuse for ing any adjournment of the House until icy and land grants to states for the establish- housing the Lincoln Museum. The institu- Tuesday, February 24, 1998, the Speak- ment of colleges became law. These meas- tion stands on its own merits, combining rel- er, majority leader and minority leader ures, along with the example of Lincoln's life ics and reconstructions, videos and period be authorized to accept resignations story, came to characterize the American en- documents, the deadly serious (for example, a slave’s manacle) and the whimsical (the and to make appointments authorized trepreneurial spirit. by law or by the House. tail end of a 1970s Lincoln Versailles with its As the ``empowerment subcommittee'' con- trademark wheel on the trunk lid and a col- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tinues to explore ways to assist individuals lection of bands from ‘‘Lincoln’’ brand ci- objection to the request of the gen- and communities achieve their full potential, gars). tleman from Illinois? we will carry Lincoln's spirit with us. Lincoln The museum’s 11 exhibit galleries inge- There was no objection. was the personification of ``empowerment'' in niously incorporate hundreds of Lincoln-era f America. Here is how he described it: artifacts and art works—including the ink- ``The prudent penniless beginner in the well Lincoln used in signing the Emanci- SPECIAL ORDERS pation Proclamation, Lincoln family photos world labors for wages for a while, saves a and handwritten documents, the president’s The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under surplus with which to buy tools or land for him- legal wallet, and his pocket knife. Its re- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- self, then labors on his own account for an- search library, with 18,000 volumes and 5,000 uary 7, 1997, and under a previous order other while, and at length hires another new photographs, draws Lincoln scholars from of the House, the following Members beginner to help him.'' across the country. will be recognized for 5 minutes each. I urge all Americans to pause on this day Traveling exhibits have included one of the few surviving signed copies of the Emanci- f and all through the year to reflect upon the pation Proclamation (the Leland-Boker Edi- words and deeds of this extraordinary human tion, which was sold during the Civil War to THE 189TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE being. They do this by visiting the Lincoln Me- BIRTH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN benefit war relief work) and one of 13 copies morial and Ford's Theater, here in Washing- of the resolution for the 13th Amendment, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ton, and the Lincoln Museum in Fort Wayne, which banned slavery. More recently, an ex- previous order of the House, the gen- Indiana. The March issue of Civil War Times hibit called ‘‘White House Style’’ displayed 9