1976 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 February 12, 2008 memory of our esteemed colleague, the Issa Melancon Sensenbrenner b 1913 Jackson (IL) Mica Serrano Honorable TOM LANTOS. Jackson-Lee Michaud Sessions So (two-thirds being in the affirma- f (TX) Miller (FL) Sestak tive) the rules were suspended and the Johnson (GA) Miller (MI) Shadegg concurrent resolution was agreed to. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Johnson (IL) Miller (NC) Shays Johnson, E. B. Miller, Gary Shea-Porter The result of the vote was announced The SPEAKER. Without objection, 5- Johnson, Sam Miller, George Sherman as above recorded. minute voting will continue. Jones (NC) Mitchell Shimkus A motion to reconsider was laid on Jones (OH) Mollohan Shuler the table. There was no objection. Jordan Moore (KS) Shuster f f Kanjorski Moore (WI) Simpson Kaptur Moran (KS) Sires PERSONAL EXPLANATION CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF Keller Murphy (CT) Skelton Kennedy Murphy, Patrick Slaughter Mr. GUTIERREZ. Madam Speaker, I was ABRAHAM LINCOLN Kildee Murphy, Tim Smith (NE) unavoidably absent from this Chamber today. The SPEAKER. The unfinished busi- Kilpatrick Musgrave Smith (NJ) Kind Myrick Smith (TX) Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ ness is the vote on the motion to sus- King (IA) Nadler Smith (WA) on rollcall votes 43, 44, and 45. pend the rules and agree to the concur- King (NY) Napolitano Snyder f rent resolution, H. Con. Res. 281, on Kingston Neal (MA) Solis which the yeas and nays were ordered. Kirk Neugebauer Souder PERSONAL EXPLANATION Klein (FL) Nunes Spratt The Clerk read the title of the con- Kline (MN) Oberstar Stark Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, current resolution. Knollenberg Obey Stearns Tuesday, February 12, 2008, I was absent The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Kucinich Olver Sutton from the House due to travel complications. BALDWIN). The question is on the mo- LaHood Pallone Tancredo Had I been present I would have voted: Lamborn Pascrell Tanner On rollcall No. 43—‘‘yes’’—H. Res. 954, tion offered by the gentleman from Langevin Pastor Tauscher North Carolina (Mr. BUTTERFIELD) that Larsen (WA) Payne Taylor honoring the life of senior Border Patrol agent the House suspend the rules and agree Larson (CT) Pearce Thompson (CA) Luis A. Aguilar, who lost his life in the line of to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Latham Pence Thompson (MS) duty near Yuma, Arizona, on January 19, LaTourette Perlmutter Thornberry Res. 281. Latta Peterson (MN) Tiahrt 2008; This will be a 5-minute vote. Lee Petri Tiberi On rollcall No. 44—‘‘yes’’—H. Res. 909, The vote was taken by electronic de- Levin Pitts Tierney commemorating the courage of the Haitian vice, and there were—yeas 357, nays 0, Lewis (CA) Poe Tsongas soldiers that fought for American independ- Lewis (GA) Pomeroy Turner not voting 71, as follows: LoBiondo Porter Udall (NM) ence in the ‘‘Siege of Savannah’’ and for Hai- [Roll No. 45] Loebsack Price (NC) Upton ti’s independence and renunciation of slavery; Lofgren, Zoe Putnam Van Hollen YEAS—357 On rollcall No. 45—‘‘yes’’—H. Con. Res. Lucas Rahall Vela´ zquez 281, celebrating the birth of Abraham Lincoln Abercrombie Capuano Eshoo Lungren, Daniel Ramstad Visclosky Aderholt Cardoza Etheridge E. Rangel Walberg and recognizing the prominence the Declara- Akin Carnahan Everett Lynch Rehberg Walden (OR) tion of Independence played in the develop- Alexander Carney Fallin Mahoney (FL) Reichert Walsh (NY) ment of Abraham Lincoln’s beliefs. Allen Carter Farr Maloney (NY) Reynolds Walz (MN) Altmire Castle Fattah Manzullo Richardson Wamp f Andrews Castor Feeney Markey Rogers (AL) Wasserman b 1915 Arcuri Chabot Ferguson Marshall Rogers (MI) Schultz Baca Clarke Filner Matheson Ros-Lehtinen Waters EXPRESSING THE CONDOLENCES Bachmann Clay Forbes Matsui Ross Watson OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTA- Bachus Cleaver Fortenberry McCarthy (CA) Rothman Watt Baird Clyburn Fossella McCarthy (NY) Roybal-Allard Waxman TIVES ON THE DEATH OF THE Baldwin Coble Foxx McCollum (MN) Royce Welch (VT) HONORABLE TOM LANTOS, A Barrett (SC) Cohen Frank (MA) McCotter Rush Weller REPRESENTATIVE OF THE Barrow Cole (OK) Frelinghuysen McDermott Salazar Westmoreland STATE OF CALIFORNIA Bartlett (MD) Conaway Gallegly McGovern Sali Wexler Barton (TX) Conyers Garrett (NJ) McHenry Sa´ nchez, Linda Whitfield (KY) Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I offer Becerra Cooper Gerlach McHugh T. Wilson (NM) a privileged resolution and ask for its Berman Costello Giffords McIntyre Sanchez, Loretta Wilson (SC) Berry Courtney Gillibrand McKeon Sarbanes Wittman (VA) immediate consideration. Biggert Cramer Gingrey McMorris Saxton Wolf The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- Bilbray Crenshaw Gohmert Rodgers Schakowsky Woolsey lows: Bilirakis Crowley Gonzalez McNerney Schiff Wu H. RES. 975 Bishop (GA) Cubin Goode McNulty Schwartz Yarmuth Bishop (NY) Culberson Goodlatte Meek (FL) Scott (GA) Young (AK) Resolved, That the House has heard with Bishop (UT) Davis (AL) Gordon Meeks (NY) Scott (VA) Young (FL) profound sorrow of the death of the Honor- Blackburn Davis (CA) Granger able Tom Lantos, a Representative from the Blunt Davis (IL) Graves NOT VOTING—71 State of California. Boehner Davis, David Green, Al Bonner Davis, Lincoln Grijalva Ackerman Hinojosa Pryce (OH) Resolved, That a committee of such Mem- Boozman Deal (GA) Hall (NY) Bean Honda Radanovich bers of the House as the Speaker may des- Boren DeFazio Hall (TX) Berkley Hulshof Regula ignate, together with such Members of the Boswell DeGette Hare Blumenauer Inglis (SC) Renzi Senate as may be joined, be appointed to at- Boucher Delahunt Harman Bono Mack Jefferson Reyes tend the funeral. Boustany DeLauro Hastings (FL) Boyda (KS) Kagen Rodriguez Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Boyd (FL) Dent Hastings (WA) Brown, Corrine Kuhl (NY) Rogers (KY) House be authorized and directed to take Brady (PA) Diaz-Balart, L. Heller Burton (IN) Lampson Rohrabacher such steps as may be necessary for carrying Brady (TX) Diaz-Balart, M. Hensarling Cantor Lewis (KY) Roskam Braley (IA) Dicks Herger Chandler Linder out the provisions of these resolutions and Ruppersberger Broun (GA) Dingell Herseth Sandlin Costa Lipinski that the necessary expenses in connection Ryan (OH) Brown (SC) Doggett Higgins Cuellar Lowey therewith be paid out of applicable accounts Ryan (WI) Brown-Waite, Donnelly Hill Cummings Mack Schmidt of the House. Ginny Doolittle Hirono Davis (KY) Marchant Resolved, That the Clerk communicate Buchanan Drake Hobson Davis, Tom McCaul (TX) Space Stupak these resolutions to the Senate and transmit Burgess Dreier Hodes Doyle McCrery a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. Butterfield Duncan Hoekstra Engel Moran (VA) Sullivan Buyer Edwards Holden Flake Murtha Terry Resolved, That when the House adjourns Calvert Ehlers Holt Franks (AZ) Ortiz Towns today, it adjourn as a further mark of re- Camp (MI) Ellison Hooley Gilchrest Paul Udall (CO) spect to the memory of the deceased. Campbell (CA) Ellsworth Hoyer Green, Gene Peterson (PA) Weiner The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Cannon Emanuel Hunter Gutierrez Pickering Weldon (FL) Capito Emerson Inslee Hayes Platts Wilson (OH) tleman from California is recognized Capps English (PA) Israel Hinchey Price (GA) Wynn for 1 hour.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H12FE8.001 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD February 12, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 1977 Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I ask Annette was alone after the Holo- Bay Area residents. I had the privilege unanimous consent that my distin- caust as well, and when they married, of serving with TOM as we shared rep- guished colleague from California (Mr. they had two daughters, Annette and resentation of the City of San Fran- DREIER) have half of my time to man- Katrina, who produced this wonderful cisco, and it was one of the privileges age. family of 18 grandchildren. Two daugh- of my service in Congress, to work with The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ters, 18 grandchildren. They said to him on behalf of the people of San objection to the request of the gen- their parents, you lost your families in Francisco. tleman from California? the Holocaust. We are bringing to you Congressman LANTOS was also well There was no objection. a new family. And how proud TOM was known for his strong support of infra- Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I yield for all of that. structure improvements, including the 1 minute to the Speaker, the gentle- Having lived the worst evil known to expansion of BART service and other woman from California (Ms. PELOSI). mankind, TOM LANTOS translated his mass transit solutions. Though his Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I experience into a lifetime commitment leadership was felt around the world, thank the gentleman for yielding. I to the fight against anti-Semitism, for he always remained a fierce advocate thank him for the formal notification Holocaust education, and commitment for his constituents in the 12th Con- of the Congress that he presented ear- to the State of Israel. gressional District. lier to the House of Representatives, TOM LANTOS was not only a champion TOM LANTOS called himself ‘‘an and thank him for bringing us this op- of human rights. He was an expert on American by choice.’’ America is a portunity to express our sadness over foreign affairs and diplomacy and the stronger nation, a more caring nation, the passing of our colleague, TOM LAN- security of our country. He had a rare a nation more true to its founding TOS. combination of extraordinary knowl- ideals, because TOM LANTOS chose to Madam Speaker and my colleagues, edge, great wisdom, extraordinary skill call this land his home. yesterday morning when I received the and judgment, and a great moral com- very sad news of Chairman LANTOS’s pass. My thoughts and prayers are with passing, that call was followed very He rallied us to the cause of defend- Annette, dear Annette, their daughters quickly by a call from the President of ing basic human freedom within the Katrina and Annette, his 18 grand- the United States expressing to me as borders of the most powerful countries children, and his great grandchildren. I Speaker, but through me to each and and in the most remote places in the hope it is a comfort to them that so every one of you, his sadness over world. He stood tall in the sometimes many people throughout the entire TOM’s passing and his words of praise lonely fight for the people of China and world mourn their loss and are praying for TOM LANTOS’s leadership. I told the Tibet. I was proud that we had the op- for them in this sad time. President how appreciative I knew we portunity to work together, with the Good-bye, TOM, my friend. It was an would all be of his kind words and that President of the United States in a bi- honor to call you colleague, a privilege I would convey them to this House of partisan way, to honor the people of to serve with you, and a joy to be your Representatives. Tibet by presenting the Congressional friend. Madam Speaker, you know that the Gold Medal to the Dalai Lama last Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, TOM House, not only the House, the Con- year. TOM, along with Congresswoman will be remembered as a passionate ad- gress, the country, has lost one of its ROS-LEHTINEN, were coauthors of that vocate for human rights around the most talented leaders, and the world, legislation. Thank you, Congress- world and a strong voice for better indeed the world, has lost one of its woman ROS-LEHTINEN. schools and a cleaner environment. The greatest champions for human rights He fought to end the genocide in obituaries and my colleagues tonight with the passing of Chairman TOM LAN- Darfur and recently helped enact legis- will fill in many details and have much TOS. He was a statesman, he was a gen- lation to crack down on the Sudanese praise for the wonderful job that TOM tleman, and he will be deeply missed. regime. He worked to strengthen sanc- did in his period here. I just tried to As the only Holocaust survivor ever tions against the military junta in pick out a few things that he will be re- elected to Congress, TOM LANTOS de- Burma and worked for the release of membered for. voted his public life to shining a bright Aung San Suu Kyi. In just his first As the Speaker mentioned, he light on the dark corners of oppression. year as chairman of the Foreign Affairs worked to give a voice to the voiceless From his earliest days in the House, Committee, Congressman LANTOS also in Burma, Tibet, wherever oppression when he founded with Congressman helped enact the 9/11 Commission rec- raised its ugly head. In Congress, as in JON PORTER the Congressional Human ommendations to better protect the life, he was a doer, a leader, a fighter. Rights Caucus, to his final days as American people. Two years ago, TOM was arrested in chairman of the Foreign Affairs Com- Throughout his three decades in the front of the Sudanese Embassy for pro- mittee, he used his powerful voice to House, TOM LANTOS always used his ex- testing the genocide in Darfur. stir the consciousness of world leaders perience and intellect to empower the He swam every morning at 5:30 until and the public alike. powerless and give voice to the voice- recently. He was a man who enjoyed Because he had lost his mother and less throughout the world. and lived life to its fullest. so much of his family in the Holocaust, Here at home, TOM LANTOS cham- his wife, Annette, his two daughters, pioned working families. Working fam- As has been mentioned, he is sur- Annette and Katrina, his grandchildren ilies had no better friend in the Con- vived by a large and wonderful family and great grandchildren were the cen- gress of the United States than TOM he loved, and they loved him. Without ter of his universe. LANTOS, and he was a strong leader in saying, our sympathy goes to TOM’s Madam Speaker, I told some of our protecting our family for the future. wife and childhood sweetheart, An- colleagues earlier that TOM and An- He also authored key provisions of nette, their two daughters, Annette nette were a team in every way. our landmark energy bill, which the and Katrina, and their many grand- Whether it was establishing the Human President signed into law. Thanks to children and great grandchildren. Rights Caucus or working together for TOM LANTOS, that law includes provi- To appreciate, I guess, all that TOM the benefit of his district and our coun- sions that will help the United States accomplished, we ought to think a lit- try, they were a team. And all who assume a greater leadership role in the tle bit about his life before joining us knew TOM knew how devoted he was to world to fight climate change. here in Congress. He grew up in Hun- his family and to Annette, whom he He will long be remembered for his gary and survived Nazi labor camps. He adored. They worked as a team, bring- efforts to expand and protect the Gold- arrived in the United States in 1947 on ing great intellect, experience, and en Gate National Recreation Area, an academic scholarship. And at Cus- compassion to their outstanding work which is one of the Nation’s most vis- toms, you think it is a problem to take in public service. ited national parks and a treasure for off your shoes now, at customs he was

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H12FE8.001 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 1978 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 February 12, 2008 greeted and they immediately con- and we always knew when the Lantos anti-Nazi underground could have re- fiscated his only possession, a Hun- household was filled over at Justice ceived an education, raised a family, garian salami. So they were as thor- Court, because kids were running and had the privilege of serving the ough then as they are now. around all over that area, and it was last three decades of his life as a Mem- He married Annette in 1950, and he such a wonderful thing. ber of the United States Congress. I also received bachelor’s and master’s When I heard the Speaker say today will never be able to express fully my degrees in economics and then moved what TOM’s daughters said to him, the profoundly felt gratitude to this great on to San Francisco. He received those fact that he lost his family in the Holo- country.’’ at the University of Washington in Se- caust would lead them to provide him Madam Speaker, one of the things attle. He moved to San Francisco and with a family that he no longer had, that I regularly say about the United began a 30-year career teaching eco- obviously they did. I have known of no States of America, and I think like nomics at San Francisco State. In 1953, parent or grandparent to be prouder of most of the people who are here in this he received a Ph.D. in economics from their children and grandchildren than Chamber at this moment, we were born the University of California at Berke- Annette and TOM LANTOS have been of here; and people who were born here ley. their wonderful family, and having can have a tendency to take the great- TOM was elected in 1980. Three years heard Speaker PELOSI’s words, I now ness of the United States of America later he cofounded the Congressional have an even greater understanding of for granted. But I will say that TOM Human Rights Caucus. the importance of the role that An- LANTOS demonstrated fully, through Last month, he announced to us that nette and Katrina played in providing every single aspect of his life, the pro- he had been diagnosed with cancer and them with that family. found appreciation that an immigrant would not seek reelection. In that an- b 1930 has for something that many of us who nouncement he said, and I quote him are native born have a tendency to here, ‘‘I will never be able to express We got the news I read this morning take for granted. And I regularly fight fully my profoundly felt gratitude to in the paper that just last week the against that, and seeing someone like this great country.’’ Prime Minister of Hungary was sched- TOM LANTOS has played a big role in in- Similarly, this House and our coun- uled to present TOM with the highest spiring me. And I know there are other try will never be able to fully express honor that Hungary bestows on any- great immigrants who serve in this our gratitude for TOM’s decades of serv- one; and, sadly, he was too ill to re- Congress and obviously in this country ice. He will be missed by his col- ceive that honor. But we know that as well. And I think that his life under- leagues, constituents, family, and the TOM regularly described himself as one scores that. people whose basic human rights he who was born Hungarian, but was As I look over and see our distin- fought for every day. American by choice; and I think that guished majority leader, Mr. HOYER, I Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous underscores the extraordinary impor- am reminded of the great work that he consent that the balance of my time be tance of immigration and the great im- did on the Helsinki Commission and, as controlled by the gentleman from Cali- portance of what it is that has made has been stated on the issues that Mr. fornia (Mr. BERMAN). the United States of America as great STARK raised, environment and other The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there as it is. issues. But when it came to fighting on objection to the request of the gen- One of the things, I am the first Re- behalf of human rights, in 1983 Annette tleman from California? publican to stand up but I am going to Lantos became the volunteer director There was no objection. be turning this over to the distin- of the Human Rights Caucus because of Mr. DREIER. Madam Speaker, I yield guished ranking member on the Com- her extraordinary commitment to that myself such time as I may consume. mittee on Foreign Affairs in just a few cause. And, obviously, it was led by Madam Speaker, as is very evident, minutes, but as the first Republican to TOM through these so many years. this is a sad day and evening for the stand up, I have to say that one of the And I will just say that for me, per- House of Representatives, and, of greatest things about TOM LANTOS is sonally, I was elected with TOM in No- course, the Lantos family, and for all that he regularly transcended political vember of 1980, 28 years ago this com- of the American people and all who are party. He was known for the wonderful ing November; and this is a profes- lovers of freedom. working relationship that he had with sional loss, but obviously for so many ‘‘Tom Lantos devoted his life to shin- the former chairman of his committee of us, a very profound personal loss. ing a bright light on dark corners of who, as we all know, passed away sadly And I want to say to all of the family oppression.’’ That was a quote from last year, our colleague Henry Hyde. members how much I have appreciated Speaker PELOSI in her official state- And I regularly, as a member of the the friendship. Our thoughts and pray- ment in responding to the tragic news Rules Committee, had the opportunity ers are with them. And the world is a of TOM’s passing. to see Henry Hyde and TOM LANTOS better place, the world clearly is a bet- I am going to quote Speaker PELOSI come together, arm in arm, working ter place for the life of TOM LANTOS. once again, Madam Speaker. ‘‘Tom together on behalf of a very positive Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- Lantos devoted his life to shining a foreign policy for the United States. ance of my time, and ask unanimous bright light on dark corners of oppres- Now, don’t get me wrong, there were consent that my colleague from Flor- sion.’’ more than a couple of occasions, espe- ida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) be able to man- We have heard that TOM LANTOS is cially in the last couple of years, where age the balance of our time. the lone survivor of the Holocaust to there was disagreement between Henry The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ever serve in the Congress of the Hyde and TOM LANTOS. But time and objection to the request of the gen- United States. We know of his tremen- time again, both men demonstrated tleman from California? dous accomplishments. We know the their extraordinary patriotism and There was no objection. fact that 58 years ago this coming July their commitment to the greatness of Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am he and Annette were married. And we the United States of America. pleased and honored to yield to our ma- know that he had an absolutely won- On January 2, just last month, our jority leader 1 minute. derful family. friend TOM announced that he would Mr. HOYER. I thank my friend for His two daughters did provide those not be running for reelection. Of yielding. This is a sad day not only for 18 grandchildren and two great grand- course, he had gotten the news of his this institution, for those of us who children, and I have to say that I per- illness. And in that statement an- were TOM’s friends, clearly for his fam- sonally have had the opportunity to nouncing his retirement, Madam ily, but it is a sad day for our country. spend time with all of them. The rea- Speaker, he said, ‘‘It is only in the TOM LANTOS had a backbone of steel son is that I am one of Annette and United States that a penniless survivor and a heart of commitment, compas- TOM’s neighbors here on Capitol Hill, of the Holocaust and fighter in the sion, and courage.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H12FE8.001 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD February 12, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 1979

DAVID DREIER just mentioned my with his passing it falls to us to honor being labeled as hypocrites for their service on the Helsinki Commission. As his enduring legacy, not just by speak- feeble resistance to genocide at Ausch- chairman of that body for the House, ing on this floor of what he did, but witz or at modern-day death camps in with my friend CHRIS SMITH, we shared committing ourselves to continue his Sudan. responsibility for focusing on the advocacy for liberty and human rights. His defense of the national security human rights of people, particularly There is no more fitting tribute to policies would surprise and perhaps within the European theater and par- this wonderful man who lived a won- rankle some, but not those of us who ticularly in the Soviet Union, and we derful life marked by hardship, trag- knew TOM as an unbeatable foe of Com- worked very hard at that. But no Mem- edy, and also triumph, and who now is munist tyranny. ber of this body has been a stronger at rest in God’s hands. All of us here tonight have so many voice, a more compelling voice for the Madam Speaker, I especially want to stories to share about TOM, about his rights of individuals, whatever their speak of Annette. You cannot speak of life with Annette, and his vital work; background, wherever they lived, and TOM LANTOS without speaking of An- and we will surely honor him in the whatever the excuse was for acting nette. I don’t know of any couple that months ahead in other appropriate against them or undermining their I have ever met that was in fact, as ways. It is fitting, though, that we rights. When TOM spoke, especially on well as in marriage-ceremony verbiage, honor the life of this great patriot, for matters dealing with human rights, two people who became one, kindred it was his work and his life that en- America’s role in the world, the impor- spirits born of equal experience, equal- riched us. So tonight, rather than tance of confronting and defeating dic- ly committed with a passion and a merely mourn his passing, let us thank tatorial regimes, both the left and courage and an untiring commitment God that TOM lived among us and left right, his words contained a moral on behalf of those who needed a voice. such a strong legacy for us to follow. clarity and intellectual gravity that Annette is with us still and, therefore, I often said to TOM before our com- mittee hearings that it was a great tes- was seldom matched. TOM is with us still. May we honor him, Those of us who had an opportunity remember him, and hold high the torch tament to a wonderful Nation that two to be with TOM when we met with peo- that he held so high, so successfully for naturalized citizens, witnesses to the ple from around the world knew that so long. evils of communism and oppression, TOM LANTOS would be candid, diplo- God bless you, TOM LANTOS. would serve as chairman and ranking matic, but certain in his message. TOM, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- member of the committee charged with quite simply, was a man of great sub- er, I yield myself such time as I may developing and overseeing our foreign stance, an immigrant to America, like consume. policy efforts. And I cannot fully ex- so many immigrants before him and As we gather in this hallowed place plain to TOM and his family my deep after, but few matching his contribu- to honor the life and work of our be- gratitude to TOM for his service and for tion to our great country. loved colleague, TOM LANTOS, our sor- his dedication. And, Annette, our prayers are with Speaker PELOSI indicated that TOM row at news of his death is tempered by referred to himself as an American by our admiration for his extraordinary you and your family. And how odd to choice. He was a great humanitarian. contributions to our great country. An say, as Mr. HOYER pointed out, how odd His remarkable life serves as an inspi- unfailingly gracious and courageous to say ‘‘Annette’’ without saying ‘‘Tom ration to all of us, to his family, and to man, TOM was recognized by colleagues and Annette,’’ for they were a unit. his country. He was an indomitable as a leader who left an enviable legacy Thank you, TOM. Godspeed, my friend. I reserve the balance of my time. spirit. His life story of course is well of service to our country. We were for- known, and I will not repeat it here. tunate indeed to have known him. An- b 1945 Others will talk more specifically. nette and the entire Lantos family Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am Last month, TOM was unable to at- have our heartfelt condolences. pleased to recognize for 2 minutes the tend the United Nations Annual Com- TOM and Annette’s heroic journey to gentleman from New York (Mr. NAD- memoration of the Holocaust. How- America through extraordinary adver- LER). ever, his daughter Katrina, married to sity is well known to us all and is the Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I one of our colleagues, Dick Swett, de- topic perhaps for a future biographer thank the gentleman for yielding. livered his remarks, which called on who can adequately capture the tenor Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy the international community to, and I of life under the oppressive yoke of fas- heart that I rise today in support of quote, ‘‘dedicate ourselves to stopping cism during those terrible times more this resolution. Like all of my col- current tragedies such as the genocide than half a century ago. leagues, I was deeply saddened to learn in Darfur, and to preventing such inhu- TOM’s unsurpassed work as a cham- that our good friend, the distinguished man cruelty in the future.’’ pion of human rights and for human gentleman from California, TOM LAN- Tens of thousands, hundreds of thou- dignity cannot be separated from his TOS, had passed away. And he was our sands, millions around this globe have fiery trials through which he passed as good friend, unfailingly courteous and lost an extraordinary voice for them, a young man. kind and helpful to all. individually and collectively. His life bears witness to the endur- TOM has left an inspiring legacy, and TOM went on to note that the ‘‘veneer ance of the human spirit. As a col- his passing is a great loss to our coun- of civilization is paper thin.’’ That is a league, TOM enjoyed the respect of his try and to the entire world. Through- lesson for all of us. We know that the peers across the political spectrum, be- out his life, TOM devoted himself to mob can be uncaring of human rights, cause all of us admired him as an ar- human rights and to the cause of per- of individuals. TOM LANTOS focused on dent American patriot. secuted racial, religious, and ethnic that issue when he said that that ve- During our many meetings together, minorities. As a survivor of the Holo- neer is very thin. JOHN LEWIS, another when we met with foreign leaders here caust, and the only survivor ever to great humanitarian and champion of and abroad, his love of country was al- serve in Congress, he had seen first- individual rights and civil liberties. He ways evident. He understood an old hand real evil, and he became a tireless went on to say, ‘‘We are its guardians, truth that all of us would do well to re- advocate for human rights. and we can never rest.’’ Not only did he learn: United we stand, and divided we As a youth, he was a member of the say that, but he lived his life without fall. anti-Nazi underground, and his life’s rest for those he saw beleaguered. To be sure, TOM could be a vehement work was built on opposing anti-Semi- Until his last day on this Earth, TOM critic of an administration policy dur- tism and all forms of racism and op- LANTOS never rested because of what ing House debate. But he would not pression and attempted genocide, and he had seen and experienced. He was an hesitate to remind a visiting group of on supporting Israel, the country that indefatigable advocate for human European parliamentarians to temper emerged as the haven for the survivors rights and human decency. And now their criticism of U.S. policy or risk and refugees from the Holocaust.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H12FE8.001 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 1980 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 February 12, 2008

Congressman LANTOS once said, ‘‘I On the issue of anti-Semitism, he had I have known TOM LANTOS for many will never be able to express fully my no equal. In the days immediately decades, long before I came to the profoundly felt gratitude to this great prior to the infamous September 11 at- House of Representatives. And I re- country.’’ But it is this Nation that tacks on America, TOM LANTOS bril- member that November of 1980 where I will never be able to express ade- liantly defended both the United States think he was the only Democrat that quately its gratitude to this great man. and Israel at the U.N. racism con- won in challenging a Republican. It His life and devotion to human rights ference held in Durban, South Africa, a was a real upset in the 12th Congres- should serve as an inspiration to us all. world conference that deteriorated into sional District. And so tonight I am My thoughts and prayers, our an anti-Semitic hatefest. His insights thinking about the people of the 12th thoughts and prayers, and those of a and recommendations are of particular Congressional District because they grateful Nation, are with Annette and importance and relevance as the not only handed him a victory, he with the rest of TOM’s family and United Nations gears up for what is never forgot it, and he used his public friends during this sad time. And in likely to be Durban II. service to fulfill the great responsi- this hour of bereavement, as we mourn He wrote at the time, ‘‘For me, hav- bility and the charge that they gave to the loss of this great man, what can we ing experienced the horrors of the Hol- him. finally say other than to thank God for ocaust firsthand, this was the most Our congressional districts are next TOM’s life and work, and to repeat that sickening and unabashed display of door to one another. TOM always said ancient refrain, ‘‘The Lord giveth, the hate for Jews I have seen since the that he stood between the Speaker and Lord taketh away, blessed be the name Nazi period.’’ myself because his congressional dis- of the Lord.’’ He went on, however, in a positive trict was between ours. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- vein to say, ‘‘The U.S. must urge TOM LANTOS was truly a gentleman. er, I yield such time as he may con- friendly Middle Eastern countries to He was a gentleman with old world sume to the gentleman from New Jer- recognize the link between hate- manners. He was a scholar. He taught sey (Mr. SMITH), a member of our For- mongering and violence. Arab states, economics. When he spoke, everyone eign Affairs Committee, and someone meanwhile, need to look deeply within knew he was scholarly, and so the old who worked so closely with Chairman themselves, analyze their missteps, term ‘‘a scholar and a gentleman’’ real- LANTOS on human rights issues world- cease the inflammatory lies, and em- ly belonged to TOM. wide. brace the path of openness and polit- He was an immigrant, and I think, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam ical reform, realizing their citizens’ during these times when immigrants Speaker, I want to thank my good positive energy.’’ are not fully appreciated, that TOM friend and colleague from Florida for He went on to say, ‘‘We cannot defeat LANTOS should remind us of what her yielding and for her very eloquent terrorism if our coalition partners con- comes to this country in terms of im- remarks, and for all of the fine state- tinue to peddle the hate that breeds it. migrants. He came here, as he said, ments that have been made on behalf ‘‘The Cold War ended with the col- penniless, but he came here and of Chairman TOM LANTOS. lapse of international communism, but brought his hopes and aspirations. Who Madam Speaker, as I think we all in the resulting vacuum, radical forces would have thought when TOM LANTOS know, Chairman LANTOS was one of the bent on spreading fundamentalist came through Customs and the Immi- most gifted, articulate, smart, persua- ideologies have arisen, propelled by the gration Service that he would one day sive, and compassionate, and, I would very globalization developments they come to the House of Representatives add, courageous Members of Congress often sustain. The U.N. World Con- and, in the day after he died, that all of ever to serve. Over the years, I, like so ference on Racism provided the world these accolades that he so is deserving many other colleagues here in this with a glimpse into the abyss of inter- of would be said about him. Chamber, got to know and deeply re- national hate, discrimination, and in- A poet wrote, ‘‘And so he passed on, spect and honor this great man. We deed, racism. The terrorist attacks on and then all the trumpets sounded on traded places as chairman and ranking September 11 demonstrated the evil the other side.’’ God rest your soul, member of the International Human such hate can spawn. If we are to pre- TOM. Thank you for what you have Rights Subcommittee and worked vail in our war against terrorism, we given to America and thank you for seamlessly on North Korea, Sudan, must take to heart the lessons of Dur- what you did in the House of Rep- human trafficking, child labor, Jewish ban.’’ resentatives. Thank you for what you Refusniks, and China, just to name a Vintage TOM LANTOS, and as always, did for the people of the 12th Congres- few of the very difficult issues that a man who was almost like a prophet, sional District. We are forever grateful. were confronted. speaking boldly, incisively, and with Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- In the 1980s, Mr. LANTOS played a sig- great clarity. Finally, I want to say, er, I am proud to yield such time as she nificant role in dismantling atheistic Madam Speaker, that my wife, Marie, may consume to the gentlewoman from communism in Eastern Europe, includ- and I will deeply miss our dear friend Illinois (Mrs. BIGGERT) to share her ing his native Hungary, as well as in TOM LANTOS, and our prayers are with thoughts about our beloved friend, TOM the Soviet Union. and for Annette and his family at this LANTOS. A Holocaust survivor, TOM LANTOS most difficult period of time. Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Speaker, I had a special, well-focused empathy for Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rec- thank the gentlelady for yielding to those who suffered torture, degrading, ognize for 21⁄2 minutes TOM’s colleague, me. or inhumane treatment. He was espe- the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Madam Speaker, I rise today to say cially vocal and determined when it ESHOO). good-bye to a good man and a cher- came to liberating political prisoners, Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I thank ished colleague. Chairman LANTOS was and was a champion on behalf of the my colleague for yielding. one of those most respected and distin- Dalai Lama and Burma’s Aung San Madam Speaker, and to all of the guished Members of the U.S. House of Suu Kyi. Members of the House, I rise this Representatives, and he will be missed. TOM LANTOS was bold and he was in- evening with a sad heart. The first During his 14 terms in this body, he cisive with both friend and foe alike, thing I want to say is to offer my spe- championed the causes of people every- more often I am happy to say with the cial condolences to Annette Lantos, where who face oppression and cruelty. latter. In confronting dictatorship, he the love of TOM’s life, actually as has Through his leadership of both the For- refused to allow the banalities and ex- been said earlier this morning, child- eign Affairs Committee and the Human cessive niceties of modern-day diplo- hood sweethearts, to his two excep- Rights Caucus, he guided U.S. policy macy to obscure his clear and compel- tional daughters, to his son-in-laws, 18 with morality and integrity. ling message concerning freedom, de- grandchildren and two great grand- As I listened to Ms. ESHOO, she used mocracy, and human rights. children. the same words as I would say of him.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H12FE8.001 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD February 12, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 1981

He was truly a gentleman, one of those he brought the facts out very quickly. people who were touched by TOM LAN- rare breeds of old world statesmen who But, you know, lots of people can do TOS in many ways whose hearts are brings clarity and respect to our na- that. broken. tional debate. And while he was indeed There were some special qualities And to his beloved Annette, and to an accomplished speaker, Chairman that TOM LANTOS had that reflected his daughters and family that he loved LANTOS inspired not only by his words and illuminated his life and always im- so much, we give our great condolences but by his own personal story. I think pressed me every time I saw him. One and our love forever. we will all remember him standing was his great dignity. He walked in Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am here in this Chamber, straight rail pos- dignity. And it wasn’t a pride; it wasn’t pleased to yield 2 minutes to TOM’s col- ture, and saying ‘‘after you, my dear,’’ an egotistical thing. It was a respect league from California, and the sub- always the gentleman. for his fellow man that emanated from committee chair on the House Foreign From his tragic experiences in the him and seemed to illuminate the room Affairs Committee, Congressman BRAD Nazi camps to his rise in Congress, he when he walked in, and when he took SHERMAN. showed how one truly remarkable indi- his place, and when he asked questions, Mr. SHERMAN. Madam Speaker, vidual can overcome the worst sort of and when he worked on these impor- we’re all deeply saddened by the pass- tyranny and achieve great things. tant issues of the day. ing of TOM LANTOS. He not only made history here in Washington; he em- So to Chairman LANTOS’s wife and He was a man of great principle. And, daughters and grandchildren and great Madam Speaker, I think that it must bodied history, having survived the grandchildren, I send my thoughts and surprise many folks who watch this, Holocaust. And he didn’t just survive prayers. We can all take comfort in the watch the leadership in this Nation, the Nazis; he fought them in the anti- fact that he had a full life with a leg- and look at this Capitol, look at this Nazi underground during World War II. His personal history added to the acy that will never be forgotten. body, in this city, where so much tal- gravitas of everything he said and ev- Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I ent is focused on powerful national in- erything he did here in Washington. yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from terests, that we have leaders like TOM TOM was our Nation’s most passionate, Georgia (Mr. LEWIS), the distinguished LANTOS, perhaps the finest leaders, the eloquent, and respected advocate for chief deputy whip. ones with the greatest talents, who human rights, for democracy and for Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam focus those talents not on powerful in- freedom. TOM never bowed to political Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to terests or the protection of those inter- pressure in the face of any humani- pay tribute to our friend and colleague, ests, but, in fact, on the interests of tarian atrocity. TOM LANTOS, this good and decent man, those who have no station, who have no As our friend, GARY ACKERMAN, money, and in many cases have no an American by choice, but a citizen of pointed out, in a town with too many the world. He was a warrior for human hope. sheep, TOM LANTOS was a lion, for And I think that’s a great trademark rights, a warrior for justice and fair- Darfur, for Tibet, wherever human of this Nation and certain special lead- ness. He spoke up and he spoke out for rights were trampled. And of course ers, like TOM LANTOS, that gives us, people around the world. TOM LANTOS led the walk out in 2001 gives this country respect from those Madam Speaker, the world commu- from the Durban South Africa U.N. nity has lost a powerful voice for around the world, not just people who conference when that conference de- human rights and for human dignity. live in places of power or who occupy generated into an anti-Semitic How do you honor a man? How do places of power in foreign governments, hatefest. you pay tribute to a man like TOM but all those around the world who Madam Speaker, I came here as a tax LANTOS? We could name buildings, look at this American forum here, this professional expecting to serve on the streets, schools, post offices, but the forum of leadership and governance in Ways and Means Committee someday. best way for us to honor TOM LANTOS is Washington, DC, and who saw people And when that day arrived, TOM LAN- to pick up where he left off, continue like TOM LANTOS, perhaps tough to fig- TOS convinced me to stay involved in- to fight for human rights, continue to ure out in many ways, but when it got stead on the Foreign Affairs Com- fight for peace, continue to build a right down to it, they understood that mittee. He convinced me with his world community at peace with itself. in this country, the dignity, the value words, but more than that he con- TOM, thank you for all you did to of human beings is still very central to vinced me with his example. He was make us all free. We will miss you my this wonderful country that we call courteous, gracious, beyond what you friend, my colleague, my brother. America. expect; but more than that, he was pas- So it’s with a lot of sadness that I see b 2000 sionate and he was eloquent. And he TOM LANTOS, a guy who came in the was an example of what it is to be a Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- same year I came in, in 1980, along with great advocate for human rights here er, I yield as much time as he may con- Mr. DREIER, leave us. And I just hope in Congress. He will indeed be missed, sume to the ranking member of the that we all look at that model now and not only by Annette and the entire Armed Services Committee, Mr. again when we have tough and difficult LANTOS family, but also by people HUNTER, a member of the California times, because the last great quality around the world. delegation who worked so closely with that TOM LANTOS had was conciliation. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- Chairman LANTOS on a range of issues. And you could have fierce fights on er, we will continue to reserve for two Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, I issues, and yet he had that wonderful more speakers, and then we’ll recog- can’t match the eloquent statements quality of being able to reconcile with nize Mr. SHAYS. about TOM that have been made by my his adversaries and find common Mr. BERMAN. I am very pleased to colleagues; but I thought I might share ground in the next great issue that was yield 2 minutes, Madam Speaker, to just a few thoughts that came to my before you. the gentlelady from California, TOM’s mind, not only today, but every day Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I colleague from California, LOIS CAPPS. that I saw TOM LANTOS. yield to the gentlewoman from New Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, what a First, he was a guy of extreme com- York (Ms. SLAUGHTER). privilege it is to join my colleagues petence. And if you wanted to get to Ms. SLAUGHTER. Madam Speaker, I today in paying tribute to our fellow the heart of a matter quickly, and you want to say a word about my friend, Californian, the Honorable TOM LAN- wanted to probe a situation in foreign TOM LANTOS. I had the opportunity to TOS, who so wonderfully represented affairs quickly, or a matter of national travel with TOM, and I served with him his constituents during his three dec- policy, and you had a national leader, some 20 years here. Believe me, a giant ades in Congress. international leader in front of you, of a man has fallen. As grief stricken As we know now, TOM LANTOS’ jour- and TOM LANTOS was asking questions, as we are here, we need to know that ney from Hungary to the Halls of Con- he did a great cross-examination. And throughout the world tonight there are gress was an extremely remarkable

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H12FE8.001 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 1982 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 February 12, 2008 one. His life told the story of the ful- Throughout his years in Congress he was brilliant, passionate, courageous, fillment of the American Dream. He fought tirelessly to ensure human tough almost to the point, let’s face it, embodied that dream and, equally im- rights issues always had an important of being brutal, but he was also kind, portant, he knew not to take what and visible place within these Halls. gentle, loving, and lots of fun. He had America offered him for granted. And as the founder of the Congres- a great sense of humor. Even as he rose to leadership, he con- sional Human Rights Caucus, he con- TOM was the most eloquent person I tinued to champion the cause of human tinually reminded us that combating have ever known. It was hard some- rights for oppressed people around the injustice anywhere and everywhere in times not to feel inadequate in his world, his signature issue. He was the world was not only the right thing presence, but the fact is, he would fiercely loyal to those attributes of to do, but it was our duty as elected never have wanted you to feel that this Nation, which had attracted him representatives of the people. way. He would always make me feel here to the country he chose to become I had the privilege to work alongside like the best was always ahead of me a citizen of. this giant of a human being on so many and that I should think big thoughts. Who of us will forget TOM LANTOS’ issues. As a former member of the For- He was a natural teacher. He taught first action, becoming chairman of the eign Affairs Committee for 8 years, we by example and by the questions he Foreign Relations Committee, holding worked together on a number of issues asked, and he expected you to grow and some of his first hearings as chairman that we both cared passionately about, to be a better person. That was your to address the human rights violations including legislation to combat the duty. And your duty, also, was to be of occurring today in Darfur? global HIV/AIDS pandemic, to end the service to others. By never forgetting his own roots, he genocide in Darfur, to address the It is no secret that TOM and Annette became an advocate for all the lessons needs of orphans and vulnerable chil- were both, are both, very strong-willed of humanity that we needed to learn dren, and, of course, to end the occupa- people. I marvel at how they were able from the experiences of the Holocaust, tion of Iraq. to be such a powerful team and raise never forgetting that he served here as And I will always remember the re- such a truly unbelievable, fantastic, one who had survived that terrible spect, and his wisdom and his insight magnificent family. They were, and tragedy and dedicated, as he was, to and his guidance, as he helped me navi- are, an awesome couple. seeing that it would never reoccur. TOM LANTOS loved America. And yes He made sure that we all knew, and gate the legislative process with the TOM LANTOS adored his wife, Annette. such a lesson I have, that those who do late Chairman Henry Hyde on the HIV/ He adored his two daughters, Annette not learn from history are doomed to AIDS legislation. I imagine that they and Katrina, adored his grandchildren, repeat it. are, at this moment, renewing their I learned so much from my colleague, wonderful friendship. adored his great-grandchildren. And you could be his friend if you were will- TOM LANTOS. I can just see him sitting I will also miss our personal con- in his regular spot there. So our heart- versations, especially about his grand- ing to listen to him talk about all of felt condolences are extended to An- children, my grandchildren, his great his loved ones. But woe be to any man that sought nette, to the children, to the 18 grand- grandchildren. He knew all of their to marry his daughters or his grand- children, one of whom I had the privi- names, and he knew all of their birth daughters. They were mere mortals. He lege of hearing as she testified to our dates. expected more for his daughters and Health Subcommittee. Beautiful opera Also, we have to remember TOM loved granddaughters. singer. TOM was so proud of her. Coura- animals; his deceased Gigi and of I would say his son-in-laws, his geous enough to talk about her rare course now Chippy. I mean, it was grandson-in-laws, are very brave souls. health condition. amazing that this giant of a human We celebrate his life tonight dedi- being was such a gentle man. Can you imagine going up to TOM and cated to our commitment to not let- I know that we must rededicate our- saying, ‘‘I would like to marry your ting his many achievements go selves to TOM’s life. His spirit is in us, daughter’’? That would take true cour- unforgotten. and I will miss him. I will miss his age. Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I love. May he rest in peace. Now, granddaughters-in-law were an- other story. They were deemed worthy. yield 21⁄2 minutes to another colleague What a gentleman. of TOM’s from California, the Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- He embraced them immediately. gentlelady from California, BARBARA er, I am pleased to yield such time as I hope, I truly hope and pray Con- LEE. he may consume to Mr. SHAYS from gress finds a way to immortalize this Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise this Connecticut, a former member of our great man in important legislation evening to honor the courageous life of Peace Corps, who served, along with that will forever bear his name. We our dear friend and colleague, Chair- his wife, a good team, just like TOM have Pell grants, and Fulbright Schol- man TOM LANTOS. and Annette, and who shared TOM’s ars. Those are names that I have heard I am deeply saddened by the loss of faith in the human spirit, and a fighter almost all of my life. TOM LANTOS de- Chairman LANTOS, and I would like to for human rights as well. serves to have this kind of recognition. TOM LANTOS believed in smart power first offer my deepest condolences to b 2015 Annette, his family, friends and staff, for this country. He advocated a strong and of course California’s 12th Congres- Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, as a military, wise diplomacy, and strategic sional District. new Member of Congress, TOM LANTOS use of economic power. But TOM wasn’t And I have to thank Mrs. Lantos and took me under his wings. He was my just a great man of this Nation. He was TOM’s entire family for sharing this chairman of the Labor and Health Sub- a great man in this world. great human being with the entire committee of the Government Reform Let me say it slightly differently. He world. Committee, and I was one of its most is a great man of this Nation. He is a Chairman LANTOS was an exceptional active members. I got to know this great man of this world. His light will human being, and we’re hearing much man up close, and I know no one like be forever and we cannot forget him. of this tonight. But I’ve always said, him. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- To know him was to love him. TOM LANTOS adored his wife, An- er, this side has no further requests for His life embodied the true meaning of nette, his two magnificent daughters, time, and I would like to offer our re- courage and the power of the human Annette and Katrina, and all of his glo- maining time to the gentleman from spirit. As the sole member of his family rious grandchildren and now great- California (Mr. BERMAN). to survive the Holocaust, Chairman grandchildren. He simply adored them The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without LANTOS made it his life’s mission, and all. objection, the gentleman from Cali- we all know it was his life’s mission, to A Holocaust survivor, TOM LANTOS fornia will control the balance of the fight for the oppressed. could not be intimidated by anyone. He time.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H12FE8.001 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD February 12, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 1983 There was no objection. Congress, and I think it’s important to ing my dear friend, his daughter, Dr. Mr. BERMAN. I thank the gentle- note that with the sun setting on this Katrina Swett, TOM’s son-in-law, Am- woman very much for doing that and generation of Americans, he will very bassador Dick Swett, our former col- appreciate her and all the comments of likely remain the only Holocaust sur- league who held the seat I now hold. our colleagues from that side of the vivor to have served here. They and their family are my neigh- aisle. I think they were a fitting trib- His leadership and guidance served as bors in my home State of New Hamp- ute to TOM and his bipartisan approach the moral conscience of America’s shire. TOM was a frequent visitor to the to foreign affairs and to issues that go commitment to protecting human Granite State, a remarkably devoted far beyond party divisions. rights. He lived the concept of ‘‘never father, mentor, grandfather, and great- I am pleased to yield 21⁄2 minutes to again,’’ and he stood against persecu- grandfather. He was a patriarch in the another of TOM’s colleagues from Cali- tion all over the globe. best sense of the word, and on behalf of fornia and the House Foreign Affairs For me, I would like to get a little all of New Hampshire’s citizens, we Committee, Ambassador DIANE WAT- bit personal myself. As a newer Mem- mourn TOM’s passing as one of our own. SON. ber of Congress, I can tell you that I am honored to have served with Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I since I got here, TOM LANTOS always such a remarkable and accomplished want to add my remarks to those of my made me feel like my grandfather was individual. He was the first Member of colleagues, but I have got some per- looking out for me. He always had a Congress to welcome me when I ar- sonal things to tell you. word of encouragement, always made rived. He was an inspiration to me. Yes, he had that compassionate spir- me feel good about myself. If I felt a My thoughts and prayers are with his it. His unwavering concern for indi- little shaky, I could turn to TOM, and family during this time. I know they vidual human rights and his deep he would tell me, ‘‘Honey, it’s okay. Go will take solace in the lasting legacy knowledge of the world were an inspi- out and just do your best. You are that their beloved husband, father, ration to us all. I remember when my going to do great.’’ He would always grandfather, and great-grandfather left predecessor passed away, I got a call at offer those words of encouragement. So us. my embassy saying that if you should that was really an incredible feeling to He showed us that even in the dark- come to Congress, there is a place on have that kind of support. est corners of the human experience, Foreign Affairs for you. I hadn’t even As a young Jewish American, I can one strong, clear voice, one irrepress- said I was going to come. Well, the re- tell you that we all believed that Rep- ible beacon of light can stand as an un- sults were I did. wavering candle whose flame will never resentative LANTOS served as a role I sit with honor among my colleagues model for what we want public service go out. on Foreign Affairs. I had the privilege Thank you, TOM. to be. His dedication to lifting up op- to be trained at the State Department Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I pressed people throughout the world twice with his son-in-law, one of those yield 21⁄2 minutes to the gentlelady serves as our personal inspiration. And rare specimens of humanity that he al- from Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE). I know that his service was a tremen- lowed to marry Katrina, his daughter. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam dous source of pride for the Jewish And I said to TOM after Katrina in Lou- Speaker, so many of us have risen and community across this country and for isiana, ‘‘I’m so sorry that Katrina has expressed how heavy our heart is to- his constituents. to go around through life after this ter- night. Those of us who served on the I, and countless others, feel a deep rible, terrible hurricane and present Foreign Affairs Committee with the sense of loss in his passing, but we take herself as ‘Katrina.’ ’’ late Chairman TOM LANTOS see every solace in the knowledge that the world He said, ‘‘She’s strong like I am. She day, as we come into that room, his re- is a better place because of this great can survive.’’ galness, his royalty, but yet his hum- But I knew that when he called on individual. bleness. We also get to see the family, me to lead the delegation to Italy, Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am his wonderful staff, and his lovely and 1 something that he looked forward to pleased to yield 2 ⁄2 minutes to the gen- solid friend, bride, wife, and enor- every year to continue our dialogue tleman representing the State that mously important person, his wife, An- with Great Britain, I knew something TOM had such close connections to, the nette. was not right, but that proud, distin- gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. I got to see them working together. I guished, tall-standing human being HODES). saw TOM’s passion in the committee never uttered a word. And so I kind of Mr. HODES. Madam Speaker, it was room. He was not afraid of hard issues, knew something was up. with great sadness that I learned of and I am so proud to have been able to When I got back, I said to him, TOM LANTOS’ passing yesterday. As our have joined him as a member of his ‘‘Thank you for the honor of going to colleague and our friend, we knew him Human Rights Caucus and to serve in Portofino and leading the group in to be a man of incredible courage and his absence on a number of occasions your place.’’ He said, ‘‘Ambassador, strength, a man who had overcome un- when we talked about the abuse of chil- you deserve that,’’ and never said an- imaginable adversity to serve as a dren around the world or the abuse and other word. voice for justice against the dark the violence against women around the Then he called us together and he forces of human evil. world. said, ‘‘Travel, learn what is happening TOM was born to Jewish parents in TOM was a fighter. We know that as around this globe.’’ And that is what Hungary. He was 16 when Hitler’s army the only Holocaust victim and survivor we are doing. We are carrying on his marched in to occupy his birth country to have come to this place. He talked legacy by learning the world, knowing in 1944, and he tragically lost much of unwavering about human rights and it the way he did. his family in the Holocaust. TOM cou- the standing up against despots, and he We will certainly miss this giant of a rageously escaped from forced labor never feared in doing so. The Human human being. camps not once, but twice. Rights Caucus became part of him. Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I now Here in Congress, he rose to the When you saw TOM walking, you knew yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from chairmanship of the Foreign Relations he exuded a fight for human rights. Florida (Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ). Committee with the unique perspective He also was concerned that we con- Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. and the power of real moral authority. tinue to fight in this Congress against Madam Speaker, with the death of Con- Promoting human rights for all is a oppressive regimes. So even though gressman TOM LANTOS, the world lost part of his lasting legacy. Those who there are advocates for China and Rus- an inspiring leader who dedicated his follow TOM LANTOS in that cause have sia, Burma, and certainly there is con- life to religious freedom and human a high bar to match. stant opposition from the Sudanese rights. TOM and his beloved wife, Annette, Government, he never wavered on Now, it has been noted that TOM was were blessed with a wonderful and ex- Darfur. You heard someone say he was the only Holocaust survivor to serve in traordinarily talented family, includ- even arrested.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H12FE8.001 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 1984 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 February 12, 2008 b 2030 condemning internet giant Yahoo!’s complicity to receive this unique and well-earned honor.’’ I’ve been proud to stand with him on with the Chinese suppression of dissidents, these fights. and, tomorrow, the committee is scheduled to Mr. BERMAN. I am pleased to recog- He led the fight to end wartime sex consider a groundbreaking reauthorization of nize my friend and colleague from Ten- slavery by the military; another reso- the PEPFAR global AIDS relief program. nessee, Mr. STEVE COHEN, for 2 min- lution recognizing the massacre of Ar- Congressman LANTOS was a truly coura- utes. menians by the Ottoman Empire as geous man, and a true leader for our Nation. Mr. COHEN. ‘‘Tom,’’ as he would in- genocide; and, yes, he held hearings His legacy is best expressed in his own sist on being called, was a special per- condemning Internet giant Yahoo’s words, ‘‘It is only in the United States that a son. I’m a freshman, and he befriended complicity with Chinese oppression of penniless survivor of the Holocaust . . . me in my first year. Back, I think it was last January, dissidents. And I tell you, he didn’t could have received an education, raised a there was an article in The Hill, and it worry about whether that was a con- family and had the privilege of serving the last described my apartment. And my stituent; he only worried about human three decades of his life as a Member of Con- gress. I will never be able to express fully my apartment was described as spartan, rights. and that’s probably effusive. And we Thank you, TOM, for letting us know profoundly felt gratitude to this great country.’’ had a Judiciary Committee meeting your family. I met his daughter, I offer my condolences to the family of Con- with Justice Pryor and Justice Alito, I Katrina, and Dick in New Hampshire. gressman LANTOS: his wife Annette; his two think there were just six or seven or What a wonderful spirit they had. I am daughters, Annette and Katrina, and 18 grand- eight of us there, and I choose to go to certainly saddened by his loss, but the children and 2 great-grandchildren. I also join with other Members of Congress in mourning that meeting rather than the Yom fighter he was should live in us. HaShoah program at Statuary Hall. TOM, rest in peace. May God bless the passing of an extraordinary person, leader And I felt bad about that because I had you. We fight on with you. and colleague. attended all those programs in Ten- Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of Thank you, Madam Speaker. I urge my col- nessee and felt strong about the Holo- H. Res. 975, ‘‘expressing the condolences of leagues to join me in supporting this resolu- caust. And I rushed up here at the end the House of Representatives on the death of tion, and in recognizing our distinguished col- and I saw Mr. LANTOS and I went up the Honorable Tom Lantos,’’ and to express league. and I said, Mr. LANTOS, I’m sorry, I my profound sadness upon the passing of my REP. TOM LANTOS (D-CA) DIES missed the meeting. He said, First of extremely distinguished colleague. Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA), an important all, it is TOM. And I said, Well, okay, Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness voice for Tibetan freedom, died today at the TOM. And I said, I went to this Judici- that I mourn the passing of my colleague Con- age of 80. He had served 14 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. ary meeting and I made a mistake; I gressman TOM LANTOS. Chairman LANTOS was Born into a Jewish family in Budapest, should have come here, I know. And he an extraordinary leader, a man who dem- Hungary, he twice escaped from a forced said, No, you didn’t; you did the right onstrated, by his life, that one individual truly labor camp in Szob during the Nazi occupa- thing going where you belonged. You can make a difference. As the only Holocaust tion of his country. The second time, he was belonged in committee. You can go survivor ever to serve in Congress, Congress- sheltered by Swedish diplomat Raoul again next year. And then I walked man LANTOS brought a moral voice to Wash- Wallenberg. After the Soviet army liberated Hungary, he discovered that his parents and away and he stopped me and said, And ington, and he relentlessly drew U.S. attention by the way, I read about you in The to those suffering throughout the world. It has most of his family had been killed during the occupation. Hill. If you need some help with inte- been my extreme honor and privilege to serve The only Holocaust survivor ever to serve rior decorating, you give me a call. on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, under in Congress, Rep. Lantos was chairman of He was a special person. He had a Chairman LANTOS’ leadership. the United States House Committee on For- wonderful sense of humor. And when I Since he was elected to Congress in 1981, eign Affairs. He was also co-chairman and had problems with bills and votes that Congressman LANTOS has used his position in founder of the Congressional Human Rights I didn’t feel comfortable with, I would Caucus, a group dedicated to raising aware- Congress to combat violations of fundamental go to him; and he was grounded and human rights. Almost immediately following his ness about human rights violations around the world. helped me with them, just as he did election, Congressman LANTOS established Rep. Lantos was a tireless supporter of the Congresswoman WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, Tibetan independence movement and His Ho- America has lost a great leader, and which, for over two decades, has focused con- liness the Dalai Lama. His contributions are I feel like I have lost a member of my gressional attention on struggles against op- too numerous to count, so I’ll point you to family. I am fortunate to have known pressive regimes and human suffering across one of the most recent: his speech in San him. JOHN LEWIS and TOM LANTOS are the globe, including in China, Russia, Burma, Francisco for the 2007 Tibetan Uprising Day. the two saints of Congress; we’ve lost and Darfur. I have been proud to stand beside He also joined Richard Gere and Robert A.F. Thurman in talking about his friendship one, we have another. him, as a member of the Congressional Mr. BERMAN. I am pleased to recog- Human Rights Caucus, and I know my col- with and admiration for His Holiness as part of A&E Biography’s 1997 documentary Dalai nize the gentleman from Missouri, Mr. leagues share my commitment to ensuring Lama: Soul of Tibet. In addition, Rep. Lan- RUSS CARNAHAN, for 2 minutes. that his work here in Washington continues. tos was the driving force behind the award- Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Chairman, As a fierce advocate of human rights, he ing of the Congressional Gold Medal to His my deepest condolences to the Lantos continually pressed the Bush administration to Holiness last year. When the House of Rep- family. Thank you for sharing him to take steps to prevent the state-sanctioned resentatives ultimately voted to give His Ho- perform his remarkable public service massacre and rape of hundreds of thousands liness the honor, he said: here. of people in Sudan’s Darfur region. On April ‘‘In his quiet but persistent way, His Holi- It is, indeed, an honor and a privilege 28, 2006, I was honored to stand side by side ness the Dalai Lama has devoted his life to asserting the Tibetan people’s rights, lifting to have known TOM and Annette Lan- with Congressman LANTOS and protest the their spirits and upholding their dignity. By tos, a remarkable American success role of the Sudanese Government in carrying his humble personal example, through his story, a remarkable American love out genocide in the Darfur conflict. prolific writings and in his addresses to audi- story. As chairman of the Committee on Foreign ences in every corner of the earth, the Dalai I first met Mr. LANTOS as a new Affairs, Congressman LANTOS did not shy Lama has provided exceptional service to hu- Member after the 2004 elections and away from controversial issues. Under his mankind. Such a vast contribution to the was awed by him. His life story and leadership, the committee passed a resolution betterment of our world deserves special rec- internationally renowned fierce voice calling on the Japanese Government to end ognition and support. After nearly three dec- for human rights everywhere will con- ades of friendship with His Holiness, I am wartime sex slavery by its military, and an- deeply honored and proud to have rallied my tinue to lead and inspire us for years to other resolution recognizing the massacre of colleagues to award him the Congressional come. Armenians by the Ottoman Empire as geno- Gold Medal. We can now look forward to the I am truly indebted to TOM LANTOS cide. He has brought landmark anti-trafficking day when he once again meets with members for his gentlemanly demeanor and gen- legislation before the committee, held hearings of Congress—this time to stand before us all erous time and advice for me as a new

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H12FE8.001 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD February 12, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 1985 Member of this House and on his For- Some leave a mark on their districts of there was a serenity and a strength eign Affairs Committee. His giving na- their presence here; some leave a last- there that just was stunning to me. I’ll ture, keen intellect, and passionate ad- ing mark on the institution. It’s hard never forget it. vocacy were part of the decency in for me to think of anyone who left such To the family, to Annette, our pray- what is right about this House of Rep- a mark around the world as Chairman ers are with you. And you know that resentatives. LANTOS did in so many different areas. the work he did, the lives he affected Mr. Chairman, TOM, we will miss you, You read that statement that DAVID around the world, his presence will be but not soon forget you. DREIER read earlier, and I’m going to maintained long after his passing. Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am read it again because it captures his Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, very pleased to yield to TOM’s good love of this country. He and Annette, we have lost a dear friend and colleague in friend, chairman of the Asia Sub- they were the greatest Americans be- the House of Representatives. The world has committee of House Foreign Affairs cause they knew what the alternative also lost a great humanitarian. Committee, ENI FALEOMAVAEGA from had been, and they paid back with As the only Member of Congress to survive American Samoa, 2 minutes. their work and with their gratitude the Holocaust, Congressman LANTOS had a Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam what America offered them. deep understanding of the value of freedom Speaker, I thank my good friend, the This is TOM LANTOS’ words after he is and the need to pursue human rights around gentleman from California, our chair- diagnosed with a very advanced stage the globe. He brought life experiences to his man-to-be of the House Foreign Affairs of esophageal cancer, ‘‘It is only in the work that nobody else could. Committee, and also my good friend United States that a penniless survivor On a personal note, I was extremely sad- and distinguished ranking member of of the Holocaust and a fighter in the dened when I heard the news of his passing. our committee, the gentlelady from anti-Nazi underground could have re- After arriving back in Washington today and Florida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN). ceived an education, raised a family, seeing the flags at half mast, it set in that he Madam Speaker, I, too, would like to and had the privilege of serving the won’t be with us any longer. express my most profound sorrow and last three decades of his life as a Mem- I will miss him. to extend my sympathies to Chairman ber of Congress. I will never be able to He was always very gracious during my LANTOS’ dear wife, Annette, and their express fully my profoundly felt grati- conversations and dealings with him. I would two daughters and 18 grandchildren. tude to this great country.’’ listen closely when he spoke because what he It is my privilege to participate in He not only loved America; he hated had to say was always important. I urge my this Special Order and pay special trib- tyranny and oppression. And I served colleagues to honor Chairman LANTOS’ mem- ute to our colleague and chairman of with TOM on the committee for 26 of ory and fight for human rights and justice the House Foreign Affairs Committee, his 28 years in the Congress, and that around the world with the same passion that the gentleman from California, Con- anger and hostility and willingness to he did. gressman TOM LANTOS. fight against dictatorship and tyranny Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Without equal, Madam Speaker, covered the dictatorships of the com- Speaker, yesterday, the United States Con- Chairman LANTOS was a champion and munist regimes, and it covered the dic- gress lost a dear friend, a true humanitarian, advocate throughout the world for the tatorships and the oppression of the and a real statesman, Chairman TOM LANTOS basic rights and dignity and decency of rightwing authoritarian regimes. He of California. all human beings, regardless of race, wasn’t one side or the other; he was I extend my deepest sympathies to TOM’s color, gender, or religious affiliations. against tyranny for human rights. dedicated wife Annette, his daughters Annette TOM LANTOS truly believed that in this Stood firm. and Katrina, and to his many grandchildren troubled world of ours there is only one It’s very easy for us to attack forces and great-grandchildren. We are thinking of race, and that is the human race. that have no direct impacts on our dis- them during this difficult time and hope they I am without words in how I can best trict; it doesn’t take that much cour- will find solace in knowing that their husband, describe the life of this giant among age to do that. TOM LANTOS, notwith- father, and grandfather was a true hero and men. And in this Chamber of Congress, standing what some company in his role model for so many of the people he there is no word or phrase more dear to district might be making in terms of touched. TOM’s heart than that of ‘‘human sales to a particularly oppressive coun- Chairman LANTOS was unrelenting in his rights.’’ And forever I will remember try, stood firm and constantly dealt lifelong commitment to defending the op- him as a teacher and a mentor when- with the pressures coming back from pressed. He decisively chose to serve his fel- ever the subject of human rights is his own constituents about our liveli- low human beings, often at great personal risk being debated or under discussion in hood, our jobs, because he couldn’t tol- to himself. After escaping from Nazi labor this institution. erate the notion that, in effect, Amer- camps in World War II, young TOM fought in As others have said earlier, Chairman ican companies, American individual the underground Nazi resistance and contin- LANTOS would not have had it any interests, American corporate interests ued to fight for justice. His ability to triumph other way other than for us to continue were giving governments around the through tragedy is truly inspirational. the fight and to advocate for human world the tools of that repression. TOM embodied the American dream. In the rights whenever necessary, and for that In closing, I just want to tell one summer of 1947, TOM was awarded a scholar- matter, also to defend freedom and de- story. It was a profound experience for ship to study in the United States. He arrived mocracy throughout the world. We me, I’ll never forget. I had the oppor- in New York City with no money and only a have a saying in the islands, Madam tunity to see TOM a few weeks ago at Hungarian salami which was quickly seized by Speaker, to my friend TOM LANTOS, ‘‘Ia his home here in Washington with An- U.S. customs officials. With his incredible per- manuia lau faiga malaga’’; may you nette, with Katrina, with their grand- sistence and deep intellect, he soon earned have a great voyage in the afterlife, my daughter and with a baby grandson, his Ph.D. in economics from the University of friend, Chairman TOM LANTOS. which, by the way, was one part of California, Berkeley. TOM was always thankful Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I what gave him his strength was this for the opportunities given to him by the yield myself 3 minutes. unbelievable family structure. And he United States and America is blessed to have The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- looked much better than he had looked had such a loyal citizen and distinguished tleman is recognized for the balance of in his last few weeks here, and he leader. the time. talked about being at peace. Yes, he Continuing his dedication to others, TOM Mr. BERMAN. I thank the Speaker. would have loved to have been able to served the American public and people of the A great deal has been said about TOM be here a few years longer, but for him, world as an exemplary Member of Congress. LANTOS this evening, wonderful, elo- he felt what a wonderful life he had He founded the Congressional Human Rights quent words that captured just the pro- had, what a wonderful family, what a Caucus and most recently served as Chair- found effect that he had on this insti- country, the colleagues. He was at man of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. tution. Many serve in this institution. peace with what awaited him. And Standing by his convictions, TOM was arrested

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\H12FE8.001 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 1986 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 February 12, 2008

at the Embassy of Sudan for protesting human Congressman LANTOS’ inspiring leadership Congressman LANTOS, human rights violations rights violations in Darfur. As a result of this will be sorely missed, not only in this Con- were not just an abstraction. He saw his family brave action, the President renewed his call gress, but by people around the world. I wish decimated by the Nazis during the same war. for a stronger international presence in Darfur. to send my deepest condolences to Congress- He himself had suffered through the horrors of TOM continually defended those too often ig- man LANTOS’ friends, family and constituents a labor camp. nored by the international community. People for the loss of this irreplaceable man of good After surviving the horrors of the Holocaust, of the world are indebted to him for his strong will. Congressman LANTOS dedicated his life to ad- leadership in promoting human rights. Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of California. vocating for the rights of others. He spoke for I am honored to have served in Congress Madam Speaker, I come to say good-bye to a those who had no voice through his tireless with Congressman LANTOS and to have beloved colleague and friend. advocacy as the founder of the Congressional worked together on significant legislation de- The sudden news of Chairman TOM LANTOS’ Human Rights Caucus and the chairman of fending the international human rights of passing has left those who had the privilege to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. women. His support was paramount to the know him without adequate words to express A fellow member of the Bay Area delega- achievement of many gains for women’s our grief. tion, Congressman LANTOS has been a mentor human rights. My thoughts and prayers go out to his car- to me. His thirst for justice and advocacy of Together, we were able to provide direct as- ing wife Annette and to his family. I wish them progressive ideals will live on in all those he sistance to advance the status of women in strength and clarity during this difficult time. inspired during his fruitful life. Afghanistan. We also collaborated on land- TOM’s life and accomplishments reached far Congressman LANTOS will be missed by ev- mark legislation to stop human trafficking. I am beyond his contributions as a legislator. eryone who had the privilege of working with deeply grateful for his commitment to the Many words have been written about TOM’s him. I send my deepest condolences to his women of the world. experiences as a youth in Nazi occupied Eu- family, and echo his wife Annette’s comments Chairman TOM LANTOS will always be re- rope. But none of us will ever be able to that her husband’s life was ‘‘defined by cour- membered with respect and gratitude. He con- speak here with the same level of experience age, optimism, and unwavering dedication to sistently gave voice to the voiceless and was and understanding that he had when referring his principles and his family.’’ TOM LANTOS will their champion. His legacy of upholding to genocide, suffering, the suppression of forever remain a role model and inspiration to human dignity will continue to inspire future human rights, and the denial of human dignity. me. generations of Americans. TOM carried a personal sense of responsi- I will miss him dearly. Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, bility to fight for those who cannot always Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam it is with great sadness that I mourn the pass- speak for themselves: the underprivileged, the Speaker, it is with tremendous sadness that ing, and commemorate the courageous life, of subjugated, the oppressed. It was evident in we mourn the passing of Chairman TOM LAN- my dear friend and colleague, Congressman his words and actions, in every piece of legis- TOS—an inspiring colleague and an outspoken TOM LANTOS of California. lation he crafted, and in every hand he warmly champion for human rights around the world. Congressman LANTOS began a lifetime of shook. His passing will leave an enormous void in the passionate work for human rights as a young His convictions were never more evident U.S. House of Representatives, where he has man when he escaped a forced labor brigade than in his work to establish the Congressional served for 28 years and was admired and re- to join an underground resistance movement Human Rights Caucus. He founded the Cau- spected for his strength, leadership and un- against the Nazis in his home country of Hun- cus to focus attention on human rights abuses wavering commitment to democracy and free- gary. A Jewish survivor of the Holocaust, he around the world. Not only did he work to dom. was just a teenager when he undertook this raise awareness and increase the scrutiny of It was my honor to serve for 4 years as a important work, which began over 60 years of abusive practices around the globe, he worked member of the House International Relations efforts to fight for human rights across the to stop heinous acts against our fellow women Committee in which Representative LANTOS world. and men and to bring peaceful solutions to the was my ranking member. He was a mentor Congressman LANTOS’ life of work on behalf conflicts that led to such atrocities. and strong leader as a Democrat and as an of human rights culminated with over two dec- His unwavering optimism and prudent lead- American. I will miss TOM as a colleague and ades of service in Congress, where he never ership will be missed. a friend. failed to champion causes that he felt were My words cannot satisfactorily articulate the I extend my heartfelt prayers and condo- just. In 1983, Congressman LANTOS became a loss that his death brings to me, the House of lences to TOM’s wife, Annette, who was his founding co-chair of the Congressional Human Representatives, and to the Nation he loved constant companion and an inspiration in her Rights Caucus, a caucus on which he served and served. own right, along with their two children, seven- for the remainder of his life. Under Congress- Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, TOM teen grandchildren and two great-grand- man LANTOS’ leadership, this caucus was on LANTOS was one of the kindest, most sincere children. the forefront of efforts to protect women’s and people I have ever met. It was both an honor The U.S. House of Representatives and the children’s rights, to free political prisoners, to and a pleasure to serve the people of the Bay United States of America have lost a hero, preserve religious freedom and to halt ethnic Area with a man of his integrity. His belief in and he will be sorrowfully missed. cleansing. universal human rights for every man, woman Mr. LAHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise today In recent years, Congressman LANTOS di- and child defined his career in Congress as to pay tribute to our friend and colleague, the rected his focus to ending the ongoing geno- well as how he lived his life. America is hon- gentleman from California, TOM LANTOS. cide in the Darfur region of Sudan, which has ored that TOM LANTOS chose to be a citizen of Our Nation has lost a true leader, and the already claimed the lives of over 400,000 peo- our great democracy, and the world is a better world has lost its foremost champion of human ple. In 2006, he was among a group of 11 in- place because he fought to make it so. His rights. While involved in many different issues dividuals who were arrested for committing passing is a loss to the Congress, the Bay throughout his illustrious career, it is TOM LAN- civil disobedience outside the Sudanese Em- Area, and the United States, and everyone TOS’ work on behalf of suffering people bassy in protest of the genocide. I can only who believes in fairness and equality. My throughout the world that best exemplifies the say that it was an honor to follow in this won- thoughts are with his wife Annette and his en- type of man he was. derful man’s footsteps by doing the same tire family at this very sad time. Born on February 1, 1928 in Budapest to thing myself a few short weeks later. Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today Jewish parents, TOM LANTOS faced unspeak- Beginning last year, when Congressman to honor the memory of Congressman TOM able horror early in his life. He escaped a Nazi LANTOS became Chairman of the House For- LANTOS. forced labor camp twice, the second time eign Affairs Committee, he brought the crisis It was with great sorrow that I learned of the thankfully finding himself under the protection in Darfur and the recent violent crackdown on passing of my esteemed colleague. of Raoul Wallenberg, likely saving his life. He democracy activists in Burma to the forefront. When I asked TOM LANTOS for his support later learned that his parents and much of his It also must be noted that, under Chairman in defending a group of women who the Japa- family perished at the hands of the Nazis. LANTOS’ leadership, the Foreign Affairs Com- nese Army forced into prostitution during As the only survivor of the Holocaust serv- mittee finally began long-overdue oversight of World War II, I knew that if anyone would un- ing in the House, he understood, in a way no the war in Iraq. derstand the pain of war, it would be him. For one else could, the type of suffering man can

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\H12FE8.001 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD February 12, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 1987 inflict upon others. He was the founder and tions of witnesses before his committee could Tillemann Lantos, his daughters Annette co-chairman of the Congressional Human be withering. He had a point of view and was Tillemann-Dick and Katrina Swett, his 18 Rights Caucus, and truly was a leader in unblinking in his efforts to communicate it. grandchildren, and his 2 great-grandchildren. standing up for the smallest and weakest in In personal terms, TOM was a lovely human Thank you for sharing TOM with us and with our global community. No injustice escaped being—devoted to Annette, his daughters and the world. His example of courage and integ- his attention, no matter what corner of the that enormous crowd of grandchildren and rity will continue to inspire us. world was involved, and he would fight dog- great-grandchildren. But he was also devoted Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam gedly to right any wrongs. to his colleagues, this institution, to our coun- Speaker, yesterday morning a friend and col- He earned an academic scholarship that try, and to achieving peace in the Middle East. league, Representative TOM LANTOS, passed brought him to the United States, where he At a time of such entrenched partisanship— away. earned his bachelor’s, master’s and eventually which he deplored—we desperately need Throughout his life, Congressman LANTOS doctorate degrees and entered the world of more, not fewer, Toms. Sadly, that is not likely fought for liberty. As a young man in Hungary academia, before he decided to enter the po- to happen. during World War II, he opposed the spread of litical arena, serving 14 terms here in the I shall miss him terribly. Nazi fascism and survived the Holocaust. Dur- House. He rose through the ranks to become Shalom, haver. ing his 27 years in Congress, Congressman the distinguished chairman of the House For- Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to LANTOS earned a reputation as a leader for human rights and democracy around the eign Affairs Committee, a position that allowed remember a respected colleague, and to cele- world—in particular as the Ranking Member him to continue his battle for the common man brate a life filled with courage, love, and serv- and the Chairman of the House Foreign Af- who might otherwise not have a voice. ice. With the passing of Representative TOM fairs Committee. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to LANTOS yesterday, this body and this country I had the privilege of working with Chairman travel with him and his wife Annette on a trip lost a champion for human rights and life ev- LANTOS as a fellow member of the House For- to South Korea, Cambodia, and Vietnam in erywhere. eign Affairs Committee. Together, we were January, 2001, hosted by then-Minority Leader A quick look at Representative LANTOS’ life able to strengthen the partnerships between Gephardt. I am proud to call him not only my shows us what a remarkable man he really the United States and nations throughout the colleague, but also my friend. was. world. Chairman LANTOS brought an unmoving I join with all of my colleagues in extending Born in Hungary, he fought in the under- optimism to both his life and his career that our thoughts and prayers to TOM’s bride of al- ground struggle against the Nazis in Europe served himself and his adopted nation of most 58 years, Annette, his two daughters, his and twice escaped from labor camps as a America well. 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. teenager. TOM LANTOS was a beloved and respected He will truly be missed. Later, as the only Holocaust survivor to ever member of the House of Representatives, and Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, it is with serve in Congress, he used this experience to he will be dearly missed. During this difficult great sadness that I rise today to speak on the work against the forces of oppression, intoler- time, our thoughts and prayers are with his passing of an esteemed colleague and a true ance, and genocide. wife, Annette, their two daughters, and his en- friend, former Congressman TOM LANTOS. Representative LANTOS was also known as tire family and friends. TOM’s dedication, passion, and fervent com- a dedicated family man. He and his dear wife Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to mitment to human rights will be deeply missed Annette were usually inseparable—and all of honor the life and legacy of TOM LANTOS. The by our Nation and, indeed, around the world. my colleagues in the House knew of his dedi- passing of Chairman LANTOS is a great loss to As the only Holocaust survivor ever elected to cation to his 17 grandchildren. the Congress, our Nation, and to oppressed Congress, TOM fought every day to give voice So let us take this time to recognize and people worldwide. to the voiceless and make true our commit- mourn our dear friend Representative TOM Born in Budapest, Congressman LANTOS ment to the words ‘‘never again.’’ Only 16 LANTOS—a fierce defender of human rights, was 16 in 1944 when Nazis captured and oc- when he was rounded up in his native Hun- and true leader who worked to improve the cupied the city. He twice escaped Nazi labor gary by the Nazis where he saw most of his world for both the free and oppressed alike. camps and was one of the thousands of Jews family perish, TOM was a living embodiment to The thoughts and prayers of Barbara and I saved from the Holocaust by the humanity of the ideals of courage and human rights. are with his family, friends, and constituents at the Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg. Yet First elected to Congress in 1980 after a this difficult time. most of his family members did not survive the distinguished career in academia, TOM was a Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today Holocaust. tireless advocate on behalf of his constituents to join my colleagues in honoring the legacy of At the end of the Second World War, Rep- resentative LANTOS came to the United States and a fine public servant. Representing parts human rights champion LANTOS TAMA´S PETE´R with his childhood sweetheart, and soon-to-be of San Francisco as well as his hometown, and expressing great sympathy on the passing wife, Annette Tillemann. Over the past 58 San Mateo, TOM zealously represented the in- of this great American. years, LANTOS and Tillemann were rarely far terests of his District and, speaking as a Mem- As a member of the freshman class of the apart and worked tirelessly together to cham- ber of the California delegation, I was proud to 110th Congress, TOM LANTOS was certainly a pion human rights around the globe. Today, serve with him and call him friend. colleague that I admired and looked toward for my thoughts and prayers are with her and the While TOM had a remarkable career of over guidance. I am especially glad that under our Lantos children. a quarter of a century in Congress, it was his new majority he was able to serve as Chair- When LANTOS came to Congress in 1980, last year as chairman of his beloved House man of the Foreign Affairs Committee, a post the first major piece of legislation he intro- Foreign Affairs Committee that he seemed to that he held with distinction. There was an air duced was to award honorary American citi- relish the most. From that perch, he was able about him, of European old-worldliness and zenship to Raoul Wallenberg, whom he called to advance the cause of human rights and to charm, that I will never forget. It was a great ‘‘the central figure in my life.’’ Wallenberg was shine a light on long ignored parts of the honor to have served with a man of such a central figure in the lives of many European globe. character and integrity. Jews. TOM is survived by his loving wife Annette, TOM is famously quoted as saying that he A few years later TOM founded the Human by his two daughters, Annette and Katrina; by was an ‘‘American by choice.’’ And how only Rights Caucus. As co-chairman of the caucus, 17 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. in this country, could ‘‘a penniless survivor of LANTOS was the leading critic of abusive and Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. the Holocaust and a fighter in the anti-Nazi despotic regimes abroad. He was unafraid to Ms. HARMAN. Madam Speaker, maybe be- underground . . . have received an education, confront the Chinese Government for its cause I, too, lost many family members in the raised a family and had the privilege of serv- human rights record and he was undeterred in Holocaust, I felt a special affinity for TOM LAN- ing the last three decades of his life as a his efforts to end the ongoing genocide in TOS. His story was an integral part of him. I member of Congress.’’ As a naturalized U.S. Darfur. Most recently he helped move through was moved every time he described himself citizen myself, I hope to give back to this Na- Congress tough sanctions on the Burmese as the only Holocaust survivor in Congress. tion as much as TOM did in his many years of junta to help restore that country’s democracy. And so were many others. public service. As chairman of the House Committee on TOM was eloquent, passionate, insightful, el- I would like to extend my deepest condo- Foreign Affairs for the past year, Congress- egant—and fierce in his advocacy. His ques- lences to TOM’s beloved wife, Annette man LANTOS continued to be a moral leader

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\H12FE8.001 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 1988 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 February 12, 2008

on human rights and an advocate for those Ms. DEGETTE. Madam Speaker, Rep- league, my neighbor, and my friend, Con- who had none. resentative TOM LANTOS (D–CA) was the per- gressman TOM LANTOS. TOM LANTOS was a friend to me and to all sonification of America at her best. During his For three decades, TOM LANTOS has been people who believed in the basic rights of all nearly 28 years in office, TOM was a champion an eloquent voice for the voiceless here and people. I am honored to have served with him for human rights and social justice around the around the world. With his passing, our coun- and I will do my best to work for continued ful- world. As Chairman of the House Foreign Af- try has lost a great champion for human fillment of his ideals. fairs Committee and co-founder of the Con- rights. His dedication to his fellow human Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today gressional Human Rights Caucus, TOM was beings was rooted in having survived the Hol- in mourning of a most distinguished colleague, dedicated to securing the freedom and liberty ocaust. His story of survival and escape from a champion for America, a lifelong survivor, he treasured for all people. Nazi forced labor camps in Hungary during the and a kind friend, Representative TOM LAN- Born in Budapest, Hungary, TOM was a Second World War is inspirational, but it was TOS. member of the anti-Nazi resistance movement the memory of those, including his mother, He stood at the near-perilous brink of his- and escaped Nazi labor camps twice. The war whom he lost, that motivated him in his ex- tory. Born to Jewish parents in Budapest, took most of his family and with the help of a traordinary career of public service. Hungary, he joined the Hungarian under- brave Hungarian diplomat, he and his wife, TOM LANTOS’ story was also the story of an ground—at not yet 17—after the Nazi occupa- Annette, arrived in America penniless with little immigrant. He said he was an American by tion and twice escaped from forced labor aside from painful memories of the war, and choice. Coming to the United States through camp. He was beaten. His mother, much of an unparalleled determination to prevent the an academic scholarship, he worked hard and his family, and the family of his high school repetition of the atrocities he had seen. made the most of the opportunities that only sweetheart-turned-wife were killed. After winning election to the House in 1980, America can offer. He earned degrees from He transformed tragedy into triumph. After TOM quickly showed himself to he an undis- the University of Washington and the Univer- earning an American education and raising a puted authority on foreign policy. His elo- sity of California, Berkeley, and taught eco- family, he became the only Holocaust survivor quence and passion made him a natural lead- nomics for 30 years before running for Con- elected to the U.S. Congress in 1980. Three er as he forged alliances where no one else gress in 1980, winning against a Republican years later, he had founded the Congressional could. In accord with his commitment to incumbent in a Republican year. Human Rights Caucus. And last year, he be- human rights, he was one of the first to sound As a Member of Congress, TOM LANTOS came the chair of the House Foreign Affairs the alarm on the ethnic killings in Dafur. And raised the profile of human rights in every cor- Committee. He was a man of steadfast principle. He he was one of five members of Congress ar- ner of the world from China to Tibet and from was one of five members of Congress—at not rested for protesting outside the Sudanese Sudan to Burma. One of the first things he did yet 80—arrested in a protest outside the Su- Embassy. when he came to Congress was to found the danese Embassy, in opposition to the geno- Representative TOM LANTOS is survived by Congressional Human Rights Caucus in 1983. cide in Darfur. He trumpeted the causes of his wife of nearly 58 years, their two daugh- As the only Armenian-American serving in the civil liberties and human rights with a con- ters and 18 grandchildren. His daughter An- House, I’m especially grateful for TOM’s lead- sistent, measured voice, having survived such nette and her beautiful family are constituents ership as chairman of the House Foreign Af- great evil and wanting to spare the world that of mine as well as personal friends. My condo- fairs Committee last year when he worked to suffering. lences go out to her, TOM’s other daughter secure the passage of legislation recognizing, His soul, his convictions, his grit and deter- Katrina and his beautiful wife, Annette. TOM at long last, the Armenian Genocide of 1915. mination—as genuine at age 17 as 80—re- LANTOS will he remembered for his courage, His voice in the face of strong opposition from mained uncompromising, unimpeachable. inspiration and compassion. TOM, we all loved many fronts helped secure the passage of this Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I and respected you. We will continue your resolution through the committee. rise today to honor a great man, Congress- ceaseless fight to keep America true to her Although Congressman LANTOS’ expertise man TOM LANTOS. conscience. was in world affairs, he took care of his con- I would like to send my deepest sympathies Mr. WOLF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to stituents in California’s 12th Congressional to Annette and the whole Lantos family. Con- honor the memory of Congressman TOM LAN- District. For 15 years I’ve had the privilege to gressman TOM LANTOS’ partnership with his TOS, our beloved friend and colleague, who serve with him, representing one of the most wife, Annette, was one of respect and true ad- passed away on Monday morning from esoph- remarkable areas of our country. We worked oration. I hope that the whole family will be agus cancer. together on efforts to preserve our local envi- comforted by the knowledge that TOM’s work Believers in human rights and oppressed ronment and improve transportation. has enhanced the lives of millions around the peoples around the world have suffered a ter- Congressman LANTOS’ efforts are clearly world. rible blow with the loss of TOM LANTOS. He visible throughout his congressional district. I was proud to serve on the Foreign Affairs was a tireless champion for those suffering He worked to expand BART service at San Committee under the chairmanship of TOM oppression and violence and discrimination, Francisco International Airport and to create a LANTOS. Within the Congress, he was viewed and the world is quite simply a more painful water ferry service from San Mateo County to as the strongest and most vocal defender of place with his passing. Every time a human San Francisco. He led the effort to acquire human rights. When he spoke, people lis- rights issue came up on the House floor, TOM Rancho Corral de Tierra for the Golden Gate tened, and when he led, people followed. His was always there, speaking out for the voice- National Recreation Area, and we worked to- moral clarity serves as an example that gen- less. gether to fund a visitor’s center for the Gulf of erations to come will strive to follow. TOM’s experiences escaping Nazi con- the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary at His achievements in world affairs will live on centration camps twice as a teenager and los- the Fitzgerald Marine Center. as his legacy. His impassioned protection of ing most of his immediate family in the car- More important than the legacy of his work human rights, his crusade for democracy, his nage of the Holocaust cultivated in him a is the legacy of his family, especially the love defense of Israel and Jews worldwide, show unique sensitivity to suffering. His compassion of his life, his wife Annette; his daughters An- that one individual truly can make a difference and willingness to stand up for what is right nette and Katrina; and his 18 grandchildren in this world. was a constant inspiration to me, both in our and 2 great-grandchildren. They always rep- Last fall, he and Annette asked me to lead work in the House of Representatives and in resented the greatest achievements of his the Congressional Taskforce on Anti-Semi- our co-chairmanship of the Congressional great life. tism, which is a project that they started to- Human Rights Caucus. He was a hero in the America was blessed by the life of Con- gether as Holocaust survivors. Now, as we eyes of so many, and his loss will be felt gressman TOM LANTOS. May he rest in the continue our fight against anti-Semitism acutely by all of us. peace that he worked so hard to bring to oth- throughout the world, his memory will carry on I extend my most sincere condolences to ers during his entire life. in everything that we do. TOM’s family, and I encourage my colleagues Mr. BAIRD. Madam Speaker, I wish to Congress and the Nation have lost an im- to take up the torch with which TOM illumi- share the perspectives of former Congress- portant voice. But that voice will continue to in- nated the world’s darkest corners. man Don Bonker on his distinguished col- spire America and people throughout the Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I rise today league during his service in the House, the world. with great sadness to pay tribute to my col- Honorable TOM LANTOS.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\H12FE8.001 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD February 12, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 1989 Tom Lantos was an extraordinary person ment to issues such as ending the genocide in perished at Auschwitz and other death camps. in so many respects. The only member of Darfur will be remembered by all those who He reconnected with a childhood friend, An- Congress to survive the Holocaust, his pas- have served with him throughout his long ca- nette, to whom he was married for almost 58 sionate commitment to human rights, a years. widely respected authority on foreign policy, reer in public service. Congressman LANTOS has been a champion and one who worked closely with every ad- The Bay Area, and the Foreign Affairs Com- ministration, regardless of party, and world mittee, will sincerely miss his passion and for human rights, social justice, and civil lib- leaders to insure that democracy, not tyr- dedication, and his unrelenting commitment to erties during his 28 years in Congress. Con- anny, reign in our lifetime. not only helping those in need, but making gressman LANTOS’ dedication to serving his There was also the extraordinary personal sure that respect for human rights is at the constituents and this Nation will not be forgot- side of Tom Lantos. His confinement and forefront of our Nation’s foreign policy. My ten. His life will be remembered as one of courageous escape from a Nazi-operated heart goes out to Annette, his partner for al- courage, selflessness, and tireless dedication forced labor camp in Szob, Hungary, led to most 60 years, as well as his two daughters, to his principles. his befriending the Swedish diplomat Raoul My thoughts and prayers go out to Con- Wallenberg, who gave him safety in his Bu- his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. gressman LANTOS’ wife Annette, his two chil- dapest apartment and eventual freedom and Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, I rise today relocation to the United States. to offer my deepest condolences on the pass- dren, 18 grandchildren, and two great-grand- Mysteriously, Raoul Wallenberg dis- ing of Congressman TOM LANTOS, Chairman children. I ask my colleagues to join me in sol- appeared behind the Soviet Union, never to of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and emn remembrance of this great public servant. be heard from again. But Tom and his wife, my respected colleague from California. Mr. WAXMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to Annette, never forgot the man who saved As news spread on Monday of Chairman join my colleagues in expressing profound sor- their lives, and the 40,000 others whose lives LANTOS’ passing at age 80 due to complica- row at the passing of our good friend, TOM were spared because Raoul Wallenberg, at tions from cancer, a great sadness resonated LANTOS. high personal risk, issued fake passports TOM was neither an ordinary American nor that enabled them to leave the country. throughout the House of Representatives and all of Washington. This House, the Nation, and an ordinary Member of Congress. His per- I first met Tom Lantos before he came to sonal experience as a Holocaust survivor— Congress in 1978. As chairman of the sub- especially the people of California have lost a and the only survivor ever to be elected to committee on human rights, it was sug- great champion for human rights, a very per- Congress—defined his work in the House of gested I talk to Annette Lantos about the sonal cause of Representative LANTOS. He Representatives. He bestowed on all of us a fate of Raoul Wallenberg. Both Annette and was the only Holocaust survivor to ever be unique perspective that we both needed and Tom gave eloquent testimony before my sub- elected to Congress and his own experiences committee. Later, Tom Lantos wrote and relied on. passed resolutions and had a statue placed in enlightened his service and enriched his serv- As the founding co-chair of the Congres- ice in this body. the U.S. Capital honoring Raoul Wallenberg. sional Human Rights Caucus, TOM was known The teenagers from Budapest have spent a Throughout his 14 terms in the House of to all of us here and throughout the country as life-time honoring the man who saved their Representatives, Representative LANTOS con- the conscience of the Congress. From the lives. ducted himself with dignity, grace, and a pas- genocide in Darfur, to the human rights crisis For many years, I traveled with the Lan- sion for human rights. As co-chairman and tos’ all over Europe, including, to Russia, in Burma, to the global AIDS epidemic, to founder of the Congressional Human Rights modern-day slavery and human trafficking, Romania and Hungary. They were com- Caucus, a group that highlights human rights mitted first and foremost to the cause of TOM persevered on behalf of the world’s most human rights and strengthening democ- violations worldwide, he was able to provide a forsaken and most forgotten. racies, especially in the countries of the platform and a voice for persecuted peoples It was an honor to serve with TOM on the former Soviet Union. There was no more elo- around the globe. Oversight and Government Reform Committee quent voice or effective champion on these My thoughts and prayers go out to Rep- and Human Rights Caucus. His contributions issues than Tom and Annette Lantos, a true resentative LANTOS’ wife Annette, their two to Congress, to our democracy, and to the legacy that will endure for generations to daughters, their 18 grandchildren, and two disenfranchised and dispossessed around the come. great-grandchildren in their time of mourning. world will remain with us always. There is another Lantos legacy. As a par- It was an honor and a privilege to serve with ent of 2 daughters, he took great pride in On a personal note, Janet and I will never their 17 incredible grandchildren, all of TOM LANTOS these last 28 years in the House forget TOM and Annette’s love for one another whom are fulfilling the highest expectations of Representatives. I know that he will be re- and their complete devotion to their children, of their grandfather. Every year the Lantos membered in the hearts of his family and grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We Christmas card displayed a growing family of friends for all the love and support he has are certain the love of the Lantos family and beautiful and gifted children who obviously given to them and so many others throughout the reflection in the days ahead on TOM’s ex- gave them considerable pride and joy. the years. traordinary life will carry them through this In the Congress, Tom Lantos had no peers. Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today very sad time. He was respected by leaders of both political to celebrate the life of a great friend and parties and the undisputed authority on for- Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise eign policy. Most newly elected Congressmen statesman, Congressman TOM LANTOS. My today to mourn the loss of my friend and col- avoid the Foreign Affairs Committee because prayers are with his family and friends during league TOM LANTOS. Chairman LANTOS’ pass- there is little that can help in their constitu- this time of mourning. ing is a devastating loss both for the United encies, but for Tom Lantos it was always Upon my arrival to Congress, Representa- States Congress and for the Nation. about foreign relations. Indeed he ranks, tive LANTOS personally invited me to his office Chairman LANTOS was a man of unwavering alongside Lee Hamilton, as one of the two to welcome me to this body. I appreciated his principle and commitment who worked tire- finest chairmen who ever presided over the kind words and encouragement as I started lessly to improve the lives of people here at House Foreign Affairs Committee. my work here. Since that time Congressman home and around the world. He combined an For those who had the privilege of knowing Tom Lantos, there is even more legacy. His LANTOS has been a wonderful friend of mine intense knowledge of the world with an equally eloquence and charm, personal loyalty to and will forever be a source of great inspira- intense passion for the rights and security of family and friends, his diplomatic grace in tion in my professional and personal life. individuals. TOM LANTOS’ elegance and elo- meeting world leaders, left one with the im- Congressman LANTOS’ early life experiences quence were examples to all of us of how to pression of being near a truly great leader as a Holocaust survivor and as part of the re- conduct ourselves as Members of Congress. and genuine statesman of the world. It was a sistance movement against the Nazis shaped In my years serving in House, I often looked privilege to have known Tom Lantos. his future work as a husband, father, aca- to him as an example of how to treat our col- Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, for al- demic, and public servant. At the young age of leagues with courtesy. His respect for this in- most three decades TOM LANTOS was been a 16, Mr. LANTOS and his family were forced into stitution was profound. passionate voice in the U.S. Congress, and a facist forced labor camps. After escaping As the only Holocaust survivor ever to have tireless advocate for human rights around the twice, Mr. LANTOS sought refuge in a Jewish served in Congress, he had an unfaltering world. Chairman LANTOS’ commitment to safe house in Budapest run by humanitarian commitment to the promotion of human rights. human rights was forged by his own life’s ex- Raoul Wallenberg. After the war ended, he re- Having survived one of the darkest chapters in perience, by the violence and tragedy that he turned to the capital of Budapest in search of the history of the world, he became a cham- saw as a young man in Hungary. His commit- his family, only to discover that they had all pion for oppressed people everywhere, in

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\H12FE8.001 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 1990 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 February 12, 2008 every corner of the globe. And as a fellow eration of the bill (H.R. 5349) to extend over the loss of loved ones. The wound- Jewish Member of Congress, I have been the Protect America Act of 2007 for 21 ed, especially Mayor Mike Swoboda, proud to work with Chairman LANTOS to de- days, which was referred to the House who remains hospitalized, and the chill fend Israel’s right to exist and to join him in his Calendar and ordered to be printed. to public servants and citizens from lifelong fight against anti-Semitism. f the violence in Kirkwood City Hall at One of my fondest memories of TOM was the level of democratic government IRAN STILL LIVES IN THE STONE working with him to help Congregation Hakafa closest to the people. AGE in Glencoe, Illinois transport their Torah to its I saw firsthand last Friday night at original home in the Czech Republic in 2005. (Mr. POE asked and was given per- the Kirkwood community’s candlelight The citizens of Lostice, the small town that mission to address the House for 1 vigil the way this community has come was the home of the Torah, gathered to cele- minute.) together through this tragedy, uplifted brate the Torah’s return when it was placed in Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, the Ira- by ordinary people performing extraor- the Ark for the first time since the late 1930s. nian Government still lives in the dinary acts of heroism, caring, and It was a beautiful moment that connected Stone Age. Two Iranian sisters will be love. The hearts and prayers of all Mis- Jews and non-Jews across continents and it stoned to death after a court convicted souri and the Nation go out to the fam- would not have been possible without Chair- them of adultery. One sister’s husband ilies now grieving. man LANTOS’ devoted work. was upset that he and his wife didn’t First, our obligation is to care for Chairman LANTOS was a proud public serv- get along, so he planted a video camera the wounded and honor the lost, who ant who selflessly served his constituents in in their home while he was away. A were lost while on duty in the high California’s 12th District for over 30 years, and videotape showed the two sisters in the calling of public service. We lost two I know his loss will be felt deeply in his district, company of other men, but did not city council members, Councilwoman in California, and throughout the world. show either woman engaged in a sexual Connie Karr and Councilman Michael I would like to offer my deep condolences to act. Lynch; two police officers, Officer Tom Ballman and Officer William Biggs; and TOM’s wife of 58 years, Annette; to his two The husband turned the videotape daughters, Annette and Katrina; and to his 18 over to the adultery police to prosecute Public Works Director Kenneth Yost. We search our hearts and minds to grandchildren and his great-grandchildren, the women. These two sisters were understand what went wrong that ter- who were by his bedside when he passed. tried twice for this so-called crime. rible day this past week, to honor their The Lantos family, I know, was to TOM his The first trial resulted in a conviction, and the women were convicted of ille- public service, and to learn from this greatest accomplishment. While I know no breakdown in the public square. Right- words can take away the pain of his loss, I gal relations. Each sister received 99 lashes. But it gets worse: a second trial ly, we come together to let them know hope that the tributes that are pouring in from they are not alone in their suffering. around the world provide some consolation in convicted the two sisters of adultery and they were sentenced to death. We know each and every one of them this difficult time. found purpose in life helping others and Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I Last year, Jafar Kiani was stoned to death for alleged adultery. Now these as public servants in the public good. yield back the balance of my time and One person, Dick Reeves, posted a com- thank my colleagues. two sisters are next in line for the sav- age rock throwing. Doesn’t anyone ment on the St. Louis Post Dispatch The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time site that impressed me and it summed for debate has expired. think lashing and stoning is a bit se- vere for adultery? I guess the Iranian up how to deal with this tragedy. He Without objection, the previous ques- said, ‘‘If something positive comes out tion is ordered. Government has never heard of cruel and unusual punishment. And where is of this horrific tragedy, please let it be There was no objection. that in the memory of these good peo- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the outcry from the world of women’s rights groups when they are needed to ple, each and every one of us dedicates question is on the resolution. ourselves to treating our elected offi- The resolution was agreed to. protest these acts from the Stone Age? And that’s just the way it is. cials and each other at home, work, A motion to reconsider was laid on school, play, and while driving with re- the table. f spect, decency, and kindness. We can f b 2045 do it. Let our actions be their monu- REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- SPECIAL ORDERS ment.’’ And I would like to yield to the gen- VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. H.R. 3521, PUBLIC HOUSING tleman from Missouri (Mr. AKIN). BALDWIN). Under the Speaker’s an- Mr. AKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise ASSET MANAGEMENT IMPROVE- nounced policy of January 18, 2007, and MENT ACT OF 2007 today to recognize a great tragedy that under a previous order of the House, occurred in Kirkwood, Missouri, in my Ms. SLAUGHTER, from the Com- the following Members will be recog- district this last Thursday. On what mittee on Rules (during consideration nized for 5 minutes each. seemed to be a typical night in what of H. Res. 975), submitted a privileged f has long been considered an almost report (Rept. No. 110–524) on the resolu- idyllic community, Charles Lee Thorn- REMEMBERING AND HONORING tion (H. Res. 974) providing for consid- ton shot and killed Police Sergeant THE VICTIMS OF THE SHOOTING eration of the bill (H.R. 3521) to im- William Biggs outside of the Kirkwood AT KIRKWOOD CITY HALL prove the Operating Fund for public City Hall. housing of the Department of Housing The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a After entering City Hall, Mr. Thorn- and Urban Development, which was re- previous order of the House, the gen- ton then shot and killed four dedicated ferred to the House Calendar and or- tleman from Missouri (Mr. CARNAHAN) civil servants and severely wounded dered to be printed. is recognized for 5 minutes. the mayor before he himself was shot f Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I and killed by responding Kirkwood po- rise tonight on a sad occasion in the lice officers. REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- loss of loved ones in the Kirkwood, Today, Kirkwood Mayor Mike VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF Missouri, community, part of which I Swoboda continues to struggle for his H.R. 5349, PROTECT AMERICA ACT represent and part of which is rep- life. OF 2007 EXTENSION resented by my colleague Representa- Those killed in the City Hall were Ms. SLAUGHTER, from the Com- tive AKIN of St. Louis County, and to- Police Officer Tom Ballman, Council- mittee on Rules (during consideration night we want to talk about that inci- woman Connie Karr, Councilman Mike of H. Res. 975), submitted a privileged dent. Lynch, and Public Works Director Ken- report (Rept. No. 110–525) on the resolu- This close-knit community of Kirk- neth Yost. Kenneth Yost had served in tion (H. Res. 976) providing for consid- wood, Missouri, struggles this week that position for 35 years.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H12FE8.001 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD