H7338 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 30, 2008 Irena Sendler was arrested by the Nazis in The question was taken; and (two- (4) fully supports the invitations to ini- October 1943. She managed to hide critical in- thirds being in the affirmative) the tiate an Intensified Dialogue between NATO formation, including the addresses of the hid- rules were suspended and the concur- and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, den children, before her capture. Although she rent resolution was agreed to. and Serbia; A motion to reconsider was laid on (5) supports the enlargement of NATO and endured torture and was sentenced to death, believes that continued engagement with all she refused to provide the location of the lists the table. countries that aspire to join NATO will of names or the identity of her collaborators. f strengthen security for all countries in the She was spared execution only because other b 1045 Euro-Atlantic region; underground activists managed to bribe offi- (6) supports the declaration of NATO at the cials. CONGRATULATING ALBANIA AND Bucharest Summit, which states that After her release, Sendler was forced to go CROATIA ON BEING INVITED TO NATO’s door should remain open to Euro- into hiding, but she nevertheless continued to BEGIN ACCESSION TALKS WITH pean democracies willing and able to assume work to rescue Jewish children. Although the THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY the responsibilities and obligations of mem- ORGANIZATION bership, in accordance with article 10 of the exact number of children she saved is un- North Atlantic Treaty, signed at Washington known, it is widely estimated to be over 2,500. Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I April 4, 1949 (TIAS 1964); and After the war, she unearthed the hidden lists move to suspend the rules and agree to (7) affirms the statement in that declara- and worked to reunite the children with their the resolution (H. Res. 1266) congratu- tion that any decision with respect to the families. A large majority of the children had lating Albania and Croatia on being in- membership of countries in NATO will be no surviving family members, and many were vited to begin accession talks with the made through consensus, by members of adopted by Polish families, while others were North Atlantic Treaty Organization NATO, and no country outside of NATO has a vote or veto with respect to such decisions. sent to Israel. and expressing support for continuing Irena Sendler’s remarkable story garnered to enlarge the alliance, as amended. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- little attention after the war. She was recog- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- ant to the rule, the gentleman from nized as Righteous Among the Nations by tion. California (Mr. BERMAN) and the gen- Israel’s Yad Vashem on October 19, 1965, but The text of the resolution is as fol- tleman from Ohio (Mr. CHABOT) each her story was not widely known until 1999, lows: will control 20 minutes. when four high school students in Kansas H. RES. 1266 The Chair recognizes the gentleman wrote a play, Life in a Jar, based on her life. Whereas the North Atlantic Treaty Organi- from California. The play has since been performed across the zation (NATO) met in April 2008 to enlarge GENERAL LEAVE United States, Canada, and Europe. In 2003, the alliance, to reaffirm the purpose of Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask she was awarded the Order of the White NATO to defend the populations, territories, unanimous consent that all Members Eagle, Poland’s highest civilian decoration, and forces in the Euro-Atlantic region, and may have 5 legislative days to revise and in 2007 she was honored by the Polish to strengthen further the ability of NATO to and extend their remarks and include confront existing and emerging 21st-century parliament, which unanimously approved a extraneous material on the resolution resolution honoring her for organizing the res- security threats; Whereas NATO invited Albania and Cro- under consideration. cue of Jewish children. She was nominated for atia to begin accession talks to join NATO The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. and indicated that those talks will begin im- objection to the request of the gen- Irena Sendler passed away in May 2008 at mediately, with the aim of completing the tleman from California? the age of 98. Even though her actions saved ratification process without delay; There was no objection. countless innocent children from a horrific Whereas NATO expressed recognition of Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I death, she said that she always regretted the hard work and commitment dem- yield myself such time as I may con- being unable to do more. onstrated by other countries that aspire to sume. join NATO and commended those countries In speaking about those non-Jews, like Madam Speaker, I am pleased to sup- Irena Sendler, who risked their lives to save for their efforts to build multiethnic soci- eties; port this resolution, which was intro- Jews during the Holocaust, Elie Weisel stated, duced by my good friend, the ranking ‘‘In those times there was darkness every- Whereas NATO invited Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro to begin an In- member of the Europe Subcommittee, where. In heaven and on earth, all the gates tensified Dialogue on the full range of polit- ELTON GALLEGLY, the gentleman from of compassion seemed to have been closed. ical, military, financial, and security issues California, a resolution that congratu- The killer killed and the Jews died and the relating to their aspirations to join NATO; lates Albania and Croatia on receiving outside world adopted an attitude either of Whereas NATO expressed the desire to de- an invitation to begin accession talks velop an ambitious and substantive relation- complicity or of indifference. Only a few had with the North Atlantic Treaty Organi- the courage to care. These few men and ship with Serbia, making full use of Serbia’s zation and expresses support for fur- women were vulnerable, afraid, helpless— membership in the Partnership for Peace, ther expansion of the alliance. what made them different from their fellow citi- and to make more progress toward inte- At the NATO summit held in Bucha- zens? . . . Why were there so few?’’ grating Serbia into the Euro-Atlantic com- munity, including through an Intensified rest this past April, the alliance made I introduced this resolution with the hope Dialogue following a request by Serbia; and notable progress on integrating the that Irena Sendler’s legacy would help inspire Whereas NATO’s ongoing enlargement people to fight for human rights and social jus- Balkans into this important Euro-At- process has been a historic success in ad- lantic institution. Most significantly, tice. Her heroic story reminds us that the ac- vancing stability and cooperation and reach- tions of one person can make a real difference ing the transatlantic goal of ensuring that NATO invited Albania and Croatia to in this world. As the Talmud teaches, ‘‘who- Europe is whole and free, and united in begin accession talks. I was pleased to ever saves a life, it is considered as if he peace, democracy, and common values: Now, see that accession protocols were saved an entire world.’’ There is no higher act therefore, be it signed with both countries on July 9th. Resolved, That the House of Representa- of selflessness than to protect people who These two countries, Albania and tives— Croatia, have made remarkable cannot defend themselves. (1) congratulates Albania and Croatia on I urge my colleagues to support this resolu- progress in reforming their political in- being invited by the North Atlantic Treaty stitutions and strengthening their tion, to pay tribute to Irena Sendler and to re- Organization (NATO) to begin accession mind all of us to stand up against oppression talks and recognizes the historic nature of military capabilities in recent years. and fight for those without a voice. that achievement, earned through years of They will make important contribu- Mr. CHABOT. We will yield back the hard work and a demonstrated commitment tions to international security, as well balance of our time. to common security and the shared values of as to the stability of Southeastern Eu- Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I NATO members; rope. yield back the balance of my time. (2) congratulates Albania and Croatia on NATO has also recognized the hard The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the signing of the Accession Protocols by work and commitment demonstrated question is on the motion offered by NATO members on July 9, 2008, opening the by other countries in the region. The way for full NATO membership for both the gentleman from California (Mr. countries; alliance responded positively to a re- BERMAN) that the House suspend the (3) expresses strong support for the timely quest from Montenegro and Bosnia and rules and agree to the concurrent reso- completion of the accession process with Al- Herzegovina to intensify their engage- lution, H. Con. Res. 361. bania and Croatia; ment. Both countries have been active

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Jul 31, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30JY7.239 H30JYPT1 erowe on PROD1PC71 with HOUSE July 30, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7339 participants in NATO’s Partnership for mitted to doubling its troop level in talks to join the organization. This de- Peace program for the last 18 months Iraq and has military serving in Af- cision was in recognition of wide-rang- and will begin an intensive dialogue ghanistan, was treated in this manner. ing political, economic and military re- with NATO on a wide range of polit- I remember Macedonia took over 35,000 forms undertaken by these two aspir- ical, military and financial issues. refugees, I was there at the time, as ing members. NATO leaders also extended a hand of Milosevic tried to wipe out Kosovo. Both Albania and Croatia have made friendship to Serbia, inviting the coun- Macedonia’s strong and sincere com- significant progress in establishing ci- try to similarly upgrade its engage- mitment to transforming their country vilian control in their armed forces and ment to Intensified Dialogue, even into one dedicated to the principles of ensuring those forces are closely inte- though Belgrade has yet to indicate its free market economics, pluralistic de- grated with the militaries of NATO interest in enhanced cooperation at mocracy and the rule of law cannot be members. Both have made substantial this stage. denied. The exclusion of Macedonia progress in holding free and fair elec- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- from NATO will only serve to diminish tions, establishing democratic institu- ance of my time. regional stability, which I think is tions and building their free market Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I what we want, and will discourage economies. yield myself such time as I may con- other developing democracies from Regarding Albania, I want to single sume. making needed political, economic and out the assistance of their military in Madam Speaker, House Resolution military reforms. three areas of operation: Albania’s par- 1266 congratulates the countries of Al- Its omission was purely political. As ticipation in the NATO-led peace- bania and Croatia on their recent invi- a Member with both Macedonian and keeping mission in Bosnia; its con- tation to join the NATO Alliance. Both Greek constituents in my district, the tribution of 140 men to the NATO oper- countries have struggled to implement 8th District of New Jersey, I have been ations in Afghanistan; and the partici- significant democratic and economic involved in this dispute for a long time. pation of Albanian Special Forces as reforms over the past two decades. The I strongly belief we should be bringing part of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq. invitations for these countries to join nations together, not keeping them With respect to Croatia, it has been NATO are recognition of the progress apart. and continues to be a significant con- that they have both made in spite of We are talking about objecting be- tributor to peacekeeping missions in such obstacles. cause of what Macedonia calls itself. Bosnia and Kosovo. In Afghanistan, This resolution also recognizes the Thomas Friedman has written about Croatia has been a supporter of the importance of continued expansion of this time and time again. This is the NATO-led mission and in the past year the NATO Alliance to include other 21st century. What are we doing to our- has sharply increased their military European countries that may meet selves? This nation has responded forces in that country. In addition, NATO’s membership standards. The ex- every time the United States has Croatia has strongly backed inter- pansion of the alliance and the final- asked, and yet we have accepted the national efforts in the areas of non- ization of Membership Action Plans denial. And the State Department proliferation and the fight against ille- with countries that have not yet been agrees with my position. gal trafficking of weapons, drugs and invited to join NATO is a necessary Madam Speaker, I offer my sincere persons. I have traveled to Croatia on numer- next step for countries like Georgia congratulations to Albania and Croatia ous occasions and can attest to the fact and Ukraine, for example, that have on their achievement. that the Croatians and Americans not yet been invited to join NATO. And I will tell you how far this went, As this resolution notes, NATO’s con- Madam Speaker: The denial on the enjoy a close friendship based on com- tinued enlargement will strengthen se- floor of the Senate, holding up the U.S. mon interests and common values. curity in the Euro-Atlantic region. Ambassador to Macedonia, Philip Today we enjoy the closest bilateral re- I reserve the balance of my time. Reeker, apparently because he was not lationship with Croatia since the coun- Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am talking enough ‘‘pro-Greece.’’ try achieved its independence in 1992. Madam Speaker, Albania and Croatia pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gen- I am pro-Greece. I am pro-Macedonia. are two strong allies that have shown tleman from New Jersey (Mr. We cannot afford to have this happen, that they are ready, willing and able to PASCRELL). because we stand for the little guy, re- become full members of NATO. I urge Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I member, the United States of America. the passage of H. Res. 1266, and also thank the gentleman for yielding. Macedonia is a very small country, less urge the Senate to move quickly to I rise today in strong support of than 2.5 million people. It doesn’t have ratify amendments to the NATO treaty House Resolution 1266, a resolution a great standing army. congratulating Albania and Croatia on I ask us not only to congratulate that would allow these two nations to being invited to begin accession talks Croatia and Albania, but do everything join our most important international with the North Atlantic Treaty Organi- in our power to make sure Macedonia alliance. Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am zation. I support this continuing en- sits at the table. pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gen- largement of the alliance. Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I tlewoman from Chicago (Ms. These nations have been preparing yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from for NATO for 8 years and are under- SCHAKOWSKY). California (Mr. GALLEGLY), the author Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, going a historic process. They have of this resolution and also the ranking I rise in support of House Resolution made important improvements in the member and former chairman of the 1266. I have a strong relationship with areas of ethnic diversity, human Foreign Affairs Committee’s Sub- the Croatian-American community in rights, free market economic principles committee on Europe. my district, and I strongly support it. and the promotion of good neighborly (Mr. GALLEGLY asked and was relations. Their unique geo-strategic given permission to revise and extend b 1100 position will be an asset to NATO. I his remarks.) Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I commend the governments of these de- Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the distinguished serving nations for this historic thank the gentleman for yielding. gentleman from California (Mr. RADAN- achievement. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong sup- OVICH), who is also the cochairman of However, it bears mentioning there port of H. Res. 1266, a resolution I in- the House Croatian Caucus. were three nations being considered for troduced that congratulates Albania Mr. RADANOVICH. I thank the gen- NATO membership this year, Croatia, and Croatia for the decision by NATO tleman from Ohio, the gentleman from Albania, and Macedonia. Unfortu- to invite these two countries to become California, and also Mr. GALLEGLY for nately, Macedonia’s bid for NATO ac- full members of the alliance. introducing this important statement cession was blocked due to an ongoing On April 3rd of this year, the North in support of Croatia and Albania. dispute with another NATO member. Atlantic Treaty Organization at its Over the last 17 years, we have seen It is a shame that Macedonia, our summit meeting in Bucharest invited the bilateral relationship between Cro- steadfast ally who just this year com- Albania and Croatia to begin accession atia and the United States grow to the

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The U.S. and Croatia share joint name dispute represents, to my belief, Whereas the Special Olympics oath is ‘‘Let efforts in the war against global ter- the first time NATO membership has me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave rorism, proliferation of weapons of been denied any country due to a bilat- in the attempt.’’, which was originally spo- mass destruction, and international or- eral dispute unrelated to strategic de- ken by gladiators entering the arena in an- ganized crime, which represent the fense considerations of the alliance. cient Rome; most dangerous threats to national and This is a very troubling precedent. It Whereas the Special Olympics is dedicated international security. sets the stage for what could be a pat- to empowering individuals with intellectual As an active contributor to NATO-led tern, where member states leverage disabilities to become physically fit, produc- tive, and respected members of society operations in Afghanistan, Croatia has their advantage to nonmember states through sports training and competition; already demonstrated itself willing and seeking to get into NATO and try and Whereas the Special Olympics currently capable to assume responsibilities of extract any measure of bilateral con- serves 2,500,000 people with intellectual dis- NATO membership, and will prove to cession, all occurring at the expense of abilities in more than 200 programs in over be an effective contributor to the col- the alliance. 180 countries; lective defense and overall alliance I strongly support a quick and expe- Whereas the Special Olympics currently mission. In total, Croatia currently dient resolution to the name dispute has 700,000 volunteers and 500,000 coaches participates in 17 international peace- between Greece and Macedonia so that worldwide; Whereas the Special Olympics programs keeping missions and is a current non- Macedonia can join Albania and Cro- offer year-round training and competition in permanent member of the United Na- atia in signing accession protocols with 30 Olympic-type sports for both winter and tions Security Council. NATO. I commend the United States summer; As cochair of the Croatian Caucus, it diplomat that has led the efforts to re- Whereas at every Special Olympics awards has long been a goal of ours to see Cro- solve this issue. Both Greece and Mac- ceremony, in addition to the traditional atia receive an invitation to join edonia have expressed their resolution medals for first, second, and third places, NATO, and I was pleased when the invi- to continue to work on getting a athletes from fourth to last are presented a tation to begin accession discussions breakthrough. I encourage their efforts suitable place ribbon with appropriate cere- came earlier this year. The government mony; and I urge them, these great countries, Whereas the Special Olympics events are and the people of Croatia have worked these important friends of ours, to rise open to all intellectually disabled peoples very hard, and NATO has taken notice above the temptation to exploit na- that are above the age of 8 regardless of the of their political, social, and military tionalist themes for domestic political degree of their disability; reforms. All Croatians and Croatian advantage in each of their respective Whereas the Special Olympics was offi- Americans deserve to feel true national countries. Put that aside, rise above cially recognized by the International Olym- pride in this accomplishment. I know that for the good of the alliance. Re- pics Committee in February 1988 and is the that I speak for myself, my cochair Mr. solve this issue and let Macedonia in. only organization authorized by the Inter- national Olympics Committee to use the VISCLOSKY, and other members of the The resolution before us commends word ‘‘Olympics’’ worldwide; Croatian Caucus when I say that we Albania and commends Croatia for the Whereas the Flame of Hope is a symbol of look forward to continuing to work beginning of the accession process. the Special Olympics World Games and is lit with Croatia and their very capable They deserve this commendation. in a special ceremony in Athens, Greece; embassy here in the United States on a Please support this resolution. Whereas the Law Enforcement Torch Run is a multinational fundraising campaign for variety of issues of mutual concern. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE This is truly a great accomplishment the Special Olympics programs in which the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Persons Flame of Hope is run by law enforcement of- for the nation of Croatia, and it is very in the gallery are reminded to refrain appropriate that as a Congress we ficers to raise funds and awareness for the from any exhibition, including ap- Special Olympics; stand together to honor the accom- plause. Whereas the cities of Lincoln and Omaha, plishments of our friend and ally. I Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I Nebraska will be hosts to the Special Olym- thank all the Members who cospon- yield back the balance of my time. pics in July 2010; and sored this resolution and helped to Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I Whereas the Special Olympics provides its bring it to the floor, and encourage my yield back the balance of my time. athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, expe- colleagues to join me today in hon- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The oring Croatia and Albania. rience joy, and participate in a sharing of question is on the motion offered by gifts, skills, and friendship with their fami- Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I the gentleman from California (Mr. yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from lies, other Special Olympics athletes, and BERMAN) that the House suspend the the community: Now, therefore, be it North Dakota (Mr. POMEROY). rules and agree to the resolution, H. Resolved, That the House of Representa- Mr. POMEROY. Madam Speaker, I Res. 1266, as amended. tives congratulates the Special Olympics on rise today in support of this resolution. The question was taken; and (two- its 40th anniversary for the contributions I am very pleased that Albania and and opportunities it provides to all its par- Croatia were invited to join the alli- thirds being in the affirmative) the ticipants. rules were suspended and the resolu- ance at the Bucharest summit in April The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tion, as amended, was agreed to. of this year. Enlarging NATO has been ant to the rule, the gentleman from A motion to reconsider was laid on hugely successful in advancing sta- California (Mr. BERMAN) and the gen- the table. bility and cooperation among NATO’s tleman from Ohio (Mr. CHABOT) each member states, and this invitation to f will control 20 minutes. Albania and Croatia to join the alli- The Chair recognizes the gentleman ance is very welcome news. RECOGNIZING THE SPECIAL from California. OLYMPICS’ 40TH ANNIVERSARY Unfortunately, another friend and GENERAL LEAVE important ally, the Republic of Mac- Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask edonia, was blocked from joining NATO move to suspend the rules and agree to unanimous consent that all Members at the Bucharest summit due to the ob- the resolution (H. Res. 1279) recog- may have 5 legislative days to revise jection of a single nation, Greece, over nizing the Special Olympics’ 40th anni- and extend their remarks and include the official name of Macedonia. This is versary. extraneous material on the resolution very disappointing. The Clerk read the title of the resolu- under consideration. Macedonia has made significant eco- tion. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there nomic and political reforms. They have The text of the resolution is as fol- objection to the request of the gen- made a strong contribution to U.S.-led lows: tleman from California?

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