H732 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 5, 1997 colleagues who have expressed con- uals were tortured, raped, and ``disappeared.'' Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I gratulations to the people of Guate- The frustrating and difficult U.N.-sponsored demand the yeas and nays. mala for ending decades of civil war peace negotiations between the Guatemalan The yeas and nays were ordered. and embarking on a courageous effort Government and the Guatemalan National The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- to rebuild their country together. The Revolutionary Union [URNG] were not quick, ant to clause 5 of rule I and the Chair’s peace and national reunification that but they have brought an end to the violence. prior announcement, further proceed- has resulted from this process rep- At the same time, however, I wish to ex- ings on this motion will be postponed. resents the beginning of a bright new press my serious concerns regarding the f day for this country which has seen so sweeping amnesty provisions which were, GENERAL LEAVE much horror and loss in the past. ironically, dubbed the Law of National Rec- The civil war in Guatemala was one onciliation. This legislation, which passed the Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask of the longest and bloodiest of this cen- Guatemalan Congress after only 2 days of unanimous consent that all Members tury. In the 36 years of fighting, the consideration on December 18, 1996, raises may have 5 legislative days in which to fabric of Guatemalan society was torn some questions that I wish to call to the atten- revise and extend their remarks on the apart. As the peace process takes hold, tion of my colleagues. If misapplied, the Law resolution just considered. the people of Guatemala will have to of National Reconciliation, which followed the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there begin the arduous work of recreating signing of the Peace Accords in Madrid on objection to the request of the gen- their society and repairing the institu- December 12, 1996, will not reconcile the peo- tleman from New York? tions that must serve them in the ple of Guatemala with government forces, but There was no objection. years to come. It is my hope that reso- will plant the seeds of future suspicion and f lutions such as this, and the positive mistrust between the Guatemalan people and CONGRATULATING PEOPLE OF role that the United States played in members of government agencies. I am con- NICARAGUA ON DEMOCRATIC the peace process, will become the cerned that the amnesty provisions could be ELECTIONS SUCCESS symbols of a new era of United States used to open up a legal back door for human Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to involvement in Guatemala. I believe rights perpetrators to escape just prosecution. suspend the rules and agree to the con- that we have much to offer the people The broad amnesty provisions are also in current resolution (H. Con. Res. 18) of Guatemala in their efforts to build direct conflict with the March 1994 Human congratulating the people of the Re- democratic institution and refashion a Rights Accord, one of the proclaimed mile- public of Nicaragua on the success of civil society, and I hope that they will stones in the Guatemalan peace process. This their Democratic elections held on Oc- turn to us for help. accord required both sides to agree that the tober 20, 1996. I continue to be concerned that, al- government would not sponsor measures de- The Clerk read as follows: though the war has ended, the culture signed to prevent prosecution of human rights H. CON. RES. 18 of impunity that has long plagued Gua- violations. I urge the Guatemalan authorities at temala remains. The Law of National Whereas on October 20, 1996, the people of least to apply the minimum safeguards in the the Republic of Nicaragua held truly demo- Reconciliation established a general Law of National Reconciliation when prosecut- cratic, multiparty elections to choose their amnesty for war crimes, as well as a ing human rights violations. While providing government; truth commission to help heal the amnesty for political crimes related to the Whereas these elections were deemed by wounds of war. We must do all that we armed civil war, article 8 of this law excludes international and domestic observers to be can to see that those actions which fall cases of genocide, torture, and forced dis- free and fair and a legitimate expression of outside the scope of the amnesty and appearances from the amnesty, as well as the will of the people of the Republic of the truth commission are prosecuted to Nicaragua; crimes for which amnesty is prohibited by Whereas on January 10, 1997, Arnoldo the fullest extent of the law. Guatemalan law or Guatemala's international Aleman was peacefully sworn in to the office Helen Mack, sister of Myrna Mack, treaty obligations. of President of the Republic of Nicaragua who was brutally murdered by a Guate- I am also concerned, Mr. Speaker, with re- and immediately promised to continue down malan death squad in 1990, is in town gard to civil cases in which U.S. citizens are the path to democracy, national reconcili- this week to discuss the application for involved, which are not connected with the ation and reconstruction that are started by amnesty made by her sister’s killers. armed conflict. The Law of National Reconcili- the previous administration of President Such crimes do not fall within the pa- ation could potentially be used to terminate Violeta Barrios de Chamorro; and Whereas this historic event of democratic rameters of the amnesty law, and we the landmark cases brought against Guate- must press the Guatemalan Govern- elections in the Republic of Nicaragua and malan Government forces by U.S. citizens the inauguration of President Arnoldo ment to set firm limits on the amnesty Helen Mack, sister of the slain Myrna Mack; Aleman should be honored: Now, therefore, provision in such cases. Jennifer Harbury, the wife of Mr. Bamaca; be it We must also ensure that the truth Carole Denn, wife of Michael DeVine; and Sis- Resolved by the House of Representatives (the commission is given the information ter Diana Ortiz. In addition, those few mem- Senate concurring), That the Congress— that it requires to complete its healing bers of the military who have already been (1) congratulates the people of the Repub- lic of Nicaragua for the successful comple- process for the Guatemalan people. convicted in the DeVine and Mack cases This means that the United States tion of the historic democratic, multiparty could be released from prison. I hope the elections held on October 20, 1996; Government must fully declassify doc- Guatemalan legal authorities will insure that all (2) congratulates former President Violeta uments dealing with human rights human rights perpetrators in Guatemala are Barrios de Chamorro for her personal cour- abuses in Guatemala during the civil brought to justice, and none of these cases age and her commitment to democracy, war. Given our own shameful role in will be terminated or suspended under the am- which have helped her achieve a profound po- this conflict, this is the least we can do nesty provisions. litical and economic transition in the Repub- to support Guatemala’s peace process. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to sup- lic of Nicaragua; Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I join my col- (3) encourages all Nicaraguans to work to- port this resolution today, but I also urge the gether after taking this critical step on the leagues in urging the adoption of House Con- Guatemalan Government to be certain that long road to lasting peace and democracy; current Resolution 17 congratulating the peo- human rights violators are sought out and (4) recognizes that all Nicaraguans should ple of Guatemala on the success of the recent punished to the fullest extent of the law. continue to work together in order to ensure negotiations to establish a peace process for Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield a stable democracy, respect for human Guatemala. This is an important statement of back the balance of my time. rights, a free and market-oriented economy, congressional support and the people of Gua- Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield and social justice for all people; temala should know of our interest and con- back the balance of my time. (5) reaffirms the commitment of the Unit- cern and support for their efforts in the peace The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ed States to help the Republic of Nicaragua move toward freedom and democracy; and process there. EWING). The question is on the motion (6) further reaffirms that the United States Mr. Speaker, I join in congratulating the offered by the gentleman from New is strongly committed to encouraging de- people of Guatemala on reaching a peaceful York [Mr. GILMAN] that the House sus- mocracy and peaceful development through- solution to the brutal civil war in which more pend the rules and agree to the concur- out the Western Hemisphere. than 100,000 people were killed over the past rent resolution (H. Con. Res. 17). The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- 36 years. In the violence, thousands of individ- The question was taken. ant to the rule the gentleman from March 5, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H733

New York [Mr. GILMAN] and the gen- is a lady who was not prepared for lead- Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the tleman from Indiana [Mr. HAMILTON] ership. Her husband had been trag- gentleman from New York [Mr. ACKER- each will control 20 minutes. ically assassinated there. All of a sud- MAN], the ranking member of the sub- The Chair recognizes the gentleman den she developed this tremendous rap- committee. from New York [Mr. GILMAN]. port not only with the people but also Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, last (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given with the critical issues there. The fall the people of Nicaragua again permission to revise and extend his re- gross domestic product when she took chose the path of democracy by elect- marks.) over, after 20 years, was lower than it ing Liberal Alliance candidate Arnoldo Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield had been in 1970. Hyperinflation of Aleman decisively. such time as he may consume to the about 40,000 percent, imagine, think of In the wake of their second free and gentleman from New York [Mr. HOUGH- it, 40,000 percent a year. And the for- fair election of the 1990’s, Nicaraguans TON] the original sponsor of this resolu- eign debt amounted to more than six must move just as decisively to con- tion on Nicaragua. times the value of the total gross do- solidate democracy and strengthen Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I mestic product. Far-reaching privatiza- their civil institutions. thank the gentleman for yielding me tion programs, preventive health care, Nicaragua is on its way to recovery. the time. primary education changes, and an ex- With 3 years of economic growth, I would like to rise in support of traordinary story in this tiny little peace, and stability, the people of Nica- House Concurrent Resolution 18. Mr. country, all due to the leadership and ragua chose a candidate who empha- Speaker, we wrestle with problems this wonderful ambiance of an extraor- sized economic reform and private sec- both real and self-imposed in this dinary lady, Violeta Chamorro. tor-led growth as key planks in his Chamber day after day. It is nice for a The election took place. Over 80 per- platform. Nevertheless, President change to be able to celebrate and to cent of the people voted. It was not a Aleman has his work cut out for him. thank and to support one of our neigh- perfect election, but the observers, Nicaragua continues to have a pre- bors, which we are doing here not only both elected representatives and staff, carious balance-of-payment position with Guatemala but also now with felt it was a free and fair election. and is heavily dependent upon foreign Nicaragua. Now, starting on January 10, there assistance. Although the economy has I would also like to associate myself was a peaceful transition to President grown recently, the country remains with my chairman the gentleman from Aleman and the power of the presi- very poor, with a per capita income of New York [Mr. GILMAN], the gentleman dency is now in good hands. $470 per year. from California [Mr. GALLEGLY], the Strengthening the rule of law was a b gentleman from New York [Mr. ACKER- 1145 campaign theme of the President, and MAN], the gentleman from North Caro- And so, Mr. Speaker, I would like to he inherits a court system that has be- lina [Mr. BALLENGER], and also with join with my colleagues and hope oth- come a bottleneck as problems of the gentleman from American Samoa ers will join with us in congratulating crime and property disputes have pro- [Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA], who have been the people of this extraordinary nation liferated. It is imperative for Nica- cosponsors of this particular legisla- of Nicaragua on the success of their ragua to address this question if for- tion. elections and wishing President eign investors are to have any con- This resolution really does three Aleman the best in the years to come. fidence in Nicaragua’s future. things: First of all, it congratulates Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank The United States and other donors the Republic of Nicaragua on holding the gentleman from New York [Mr. have provided $4 billion to Nicaragua free and fair elections for the second HOUGHTON] for his support of this reso- since 1990, and for the coming fiscal time in its history. Second, it recog- lution and for his poignant remarks. year USAID has requested an addi- nizes the contributions of an extraor- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of tional $22 million to deepen and expand dinary woman, the former President of my time. the economic reforms and enhance the Nicaragua, Violeta Chamorro, a person Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield legitimacy of civil institutions. I call the great healer, who has had an myself such time as I may consume. The international community must impact far beyond the borders of Nica- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support continue to work with the Nicaraguans ragua. It also celebrates the peaceful of the resolution, and I want to com- to help them along the path to prosper- swearing in of the new President, mend the gentleman from New York ity. I believe, Mr. Speaker, that this President Arnoldo Aleman. [Mr. HOUGHTON] for introducing House resolution will provide a measure of Mr. Speaker, I have been associated Concurrent Resolution 18, it congratu- moral support to Nicaraguans and en- with Nicaragua for several years. In lates the Nicaraguans on their elec- courage them to continue on the road 1988, a group of us from my district tions last October, and also extend my that they have chosen. went down and established an edu- congratulations to the chairman of the Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate cational program, all privately funded subcommittee, the gentleman from my colleague from New York [Mr. for this great country. I think we California [Mr. GALLEGLY] and the HOUGHTON] for sponsoring this resolu- added a bit to the whole relationship ranking member, the gentleman from tion and his hard work and diligence in between our countries at that time. New York [Mr. ACKERMAN]. I commend this area of the world; and also the This is before Violeta Chamorro was also the chairman, the gentleman from gentleman from California [Mr. elected President. New York [Mr. GILMAN], for moving it GALLEGLY], our chairman on the sub- Then in 1990, we went down and were through the committee so that we committee, for putting this legislation there for the election. It was an ex- could take it up here today. through our body; as well as the gen- traordinary time. As I mentioned yes- The October 1996 election was an ex- tleman from New York [Mr. GILMAN], terday at the Committee on Inter- citing one for the Nicaraguans. In a the chairman of the full committee; national Relations meeting, I can re- country with an underdeveloped infra- and the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. member, with Elliot Richardson, we structure and almost no transportation HAMILTON], who serves as our leader on were part of a United Nations team system, between 85 and 90 percent of this side. picking up a young woman and her the eligible voters participated. Not I urge all my colleagues to support baby who had walked 30 miles to vote one but six ballots were cast in these this resolution. and then was going to walk back, just elections, and for the first time a do- Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield because she felt this was such an im- mestic election observation group 3 minutes to the gentleman from portant time. oversaw Nicaraguan elections. American Samoa [Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA]. Then in 1993, my wife and my grand- The Nicaraguan people clearly stated (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and children and others went down there to they want to continue the democratic was given permission to revise and ex- see, personally and on a personal visit, transition that was begun in 1990. They tend his remarks.) this extraordinary country and what deserve to be congratulated for their Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, has happened to it. relatively young democracy. I am at the outset I would like to first ex- The Chamorro administration really pleased to support the resolution and I press my appreciation to the gen- did extraordinary things. I mean here urge its adoption by the House. tleman from North Carolina, Mr. H734 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 5, 1997

BALLENGER] for the opportunity he ex- support of this resolution. I had the today to acknowledge the new govern- tended me to join a congressional dele- honor and distinction of being able to ment of Mr. Aleman, the new demo- gation visiting our neighboring coun- travel to Nicaragua as an observer for cratic elections that have taken place tries in the Central American region. It the elections, and it was an experience there. I commend that government, certainly has been a real educational that will have an impact on me for the and I want to say how important it has experience for me to see how beautiful rest of my life, to see the level of com- been for our country to have been a democracy works in these countries mitment, in terms of democratic proc- part of that. that we visited, including Nicaragua. ess, in a country which was just de- Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield As a cosponsor of House Concurrent scribed as a poor country in economics back the balance of my time. Resolution 18, I certainly would like to but not in spirit or in hope. Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield commend our good friend the gen- In our country, our turnout for elec- myself such time as I may consume. tleman from New York [Mr. HOUGHTON] tions is arguably only about 30 percent, Mr. Speaker, we thank our friend, as the chief sponsor of this legislation; if we include unregistered voters. the gentleman from New York [Mr. and also the chairman of our full com- Nicaragua’s turnout in the election HOUGHTON], for sponsoring House Con- mittee, the gentleman from New York was anywhere between 85 and 90 per- current Resolution 18, commending the [Mr. GILMAN]; and the gentleman from cent of eligible voters—85 to 90 percent. Nicaraguan people for their democratic California [Mr. GALLEGLY] as chairman And in part of the country people lit- elections and peaceful transition of of the Subcommittee on the Western erally had to walk a day to vote. Over power, and I am pleased to have been Hemisphere. 50 percent of the country really does included as an original cosponsor of I am also grateful to our senior rank- not have electricity, does not have a this measure. I also want to thank the ranking mi- ing Democratic member of the full road system, by any comparison to nority member, the gentleman from In- committee, the gentleman from Indi- anything in the United States, where diana [Mr. HAMILTON], and the ranking ana [Mr. HAMILTON] for being a chief people literally had to walk a day to subcommittee member, the gentleman sponsor also of this legislation; and our vote, a day in one direction or several, from New York [Mr. ACKERMAN], for good friend, the ranking member of our 8, 10, 12, 14 hours in one direction, 14 their support of the measure. subcommittee, the gentleman from hours in another direction. And they Fifteen years ago, Central America, New York [Mr. ACKERMAN]. did it. as we know it, was in turmoil, and at Mr. Speaker, I had the honor of visit- As has been described, Mr. Speaker, that time our Nation paid a great deal ing Nicaragua on January 10 for the in- we are living in really a golden age of of attention to the region and invested auguration of President Aleman. It was democracy in the Western Hemisphere, extraordinary sums of money to try to clear the people of Nicaragua are dedi- an age that seemed unprecedented or bolster the democratic governments. cated to the principles of democracy. impossible a decade or two ago. Nica- Now we see a region living in peace and The election was a success. Domestic ragua is a shining example of that suc- democracy. The American public can and international observers declared cess. And the involvement of the Nica- rightfully claim a great deal of credit them to be free and fair, and it was cer- raguan-American community through- for supporting our neighbors in their tainly a true expression of the desires out America, but particularly in south hour of need. of the voters and the people of Nica- Florida, as part of that process, I All of us will certainly acknowledge ragua. think, has been very positive. that the Central American people It was a large voter turnout—the Again, I think this Congress is look- themselves deserve the utmost credit kind that we dream about having in ing forward to working hand-in-hand for an extraordinary democratic transi- the United States. The attempts by the with the new administration in Nica- tion. In House Concurrent Resolution opponents of the democratic process to ragua towards a redevelopment of the 18, the House recognizes the significant sully the results of the process were country, to strengthen it and to assure accomplishments achieved by the Nica- unsuccessful. that its economic and democratic sys- raguan people since the transition to I am also pleased, Mr. Speaker, by tems will continue for all times. the democratically elected government the development of institutions in Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield of President Violeta Barrios de Nicaragua that will help consolidate 1 minute to the distinguished gen- Chamorro on April 20, 1990. that country’s democratic system. The tleman from California [Mr. TORRES]. The climate of free expression has Supreme Electoral Commission has Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I thank improved dramatically since the rou- successfully conducted a number of the gentleman for yielding me this tine repression during the Sandinista free and fair elections. For the first time. regime. Nicaragua’s national assembly time there is a civilian Defense Min- Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate is operating vigorously as a truly rep- istry, run by a civilian Minister of De- the promoters of this resolution, the resentative body. Political parties and fense. gentleman from New York [Mr. HOUGH- civic groups are active there. Spirited This is an exciting and critical time TON]; obviously thank the two chair- public debate on political and eco- for the country of Nicaragua, and I am men, the gentleman from New York nomic policy has been unhindered. pleased that we are taking this oppor- [Mr. GILMAN], and the gentleman from In October 1996, as the gentleman tunity to support this democratic Indiana [Mr. HAMILTON], for moving from New York indicated, 80 percent of country. this forward. Nicaraguans participated in national There are still many challenges for I remember in great anguish what elections. These citizens freely elected the Nicaraguans to overcome, however. this House went through many years a new president and a vice president, It remains the second poorest country ago as we were witnesses to that great national assembly members, mayors in the Western Hemisphere, and it civil war in Nicaragua. For so many and city councils. On January 10 power faces an enormous challenge in resolv- years many of us had followed the im- was transferred peacefully from one ing its property problems. The Nica- pact that that had upon those people. democratically elected civilian govern- raguans have chosen to address these I was also an observer, Mr. Speaker, ment to another. problems as a democracy, and that is a to the elections in 1990. For the first Like his remarkable predecessor, giant—and commendable—first step. time the Government of Nicaragua, President Arnoldo Aleman is commit- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to then led by Sandinistas, had an orderly ted to democracy, to respect for human show their support for this government transfer of power to the government of rights, and to a free market economy. by adopting this resolution commend- Mrs. Chamorro. I think we saw history In short, Nicaragua has made great ing the Government of Nicaragua for taking place at that time. strides toward overcoming a history of this milestone achievement. So often we condemn nations for dictatorship and civil war, and we are Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield their prosecution, for their persecu- encouraged by President Aleman’s 2 minutes to the distinguished gen- tion, for the oppression that they have strong commitment to policies aimed tleman from Florida [Mr. DEUTSCH]. caused to their citizens, to their many at revitalizing the agricultural sector, Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I appre- people, because they have been led by attracting foreign investment, and ad- ciate this opportunity to also rise in dictatorships, by tyrants. I am happy dressing chronic unemployment and March 5, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H735 poverty that still exists, particularly Honorable Warren Christopher for his Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield in the rural regions of past conflict. exemplary service as Secretary of myself such time as I may consume, We support his efforts to ensure that State. and I rise in support of the resolution. property rights are going to be fully re- The Clerk read as follows: I want to thank the gentleman from spected in Nicaragua. We are also en- S. CON. RES. 4 New York [Mr. GILMAN], the chairman couraged by his actions to ensure that Whereas Secretary Warren Christopher of the committee, for bringing forward a nonpartisan police force and a profes- served as Secretary of State from 1993 until this resolution. sional army will answer to civilian au- 1997, and maintained the tradition of that Of- Senate Concurrent Resolution 4 com- thority. fice by representing the international inter- mends and thanks the honorable War- Mr. Speaker, by adopting this resolu- ests of the United States with great dignity, ren Christopher for his exemplary dip- grace, and ability; tion, the House will recognize the his- Whereas Secretary Christopher, during his lomatic service. The Senate approved toric contributions made by President tenure as Secretary of State, engaged in this resolution, as I understand it, by Violeta Chamorro. Her tireless efforts more international travel than any other voice vote on January 22. It was re- to resist and overturn dictatorship Secretary of State in United States history, ported by the Committee on Inter- make her a giant figure in our time. I reflecting his indefatigable commitment to national Relations on February 5. am proud that the gentleman from New advancing peace and justice, protecting and I also want to express my apprecia- promoting United States interests, and pre- York [Mr. HOUGHTON] has chosen to tion to the gentleman from North Da- serving United States leadership in inter- kota [Mr. POMEROY], who has worked commend President Chamorro in his national affairs; resolution as well. Whereas Secretary Christopher has played hard on a companion resolution in the Once again, I thank the gentleman a key leadership role in United States for- House, praising one of North Dakota’s from New York for this resolution. We eign policy achievements, including ending finest sons, and on the persistent ef- also thank our colleague from Califor- the war in Bosnia, restoring an elected gov- forts of the gentleman from North Da- nia [Mr. GALLEGLY] for his work as ernment in Haiti, and advancing peace in the kota [Mr. POMEROY] to see that this chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East; resolution was taken up by the House. Whereas Secretary Christopher served with I also want to thank Chairman GILMAN Western Hemisphere. distinction as Deputy Secretary of State for moving the resolution through the b 1200 from 1977 until 1981 and, among his accom- plishments as Deputy Secretary, is credited committee several weeks ago and for Mr. Speaker, I also wish to acknowl- with skillfully negotiating the release of his efforts to see that the House con- edge the good work of the gentleman American hostages in Iran; siders it. from North Carolina [Mr. BALLENGER] Whereas Secretary Christopher has had a This is, of course, an excellent reso- for his work in Central America over distinguished career in law and public serv- lution. It allows us to publicly recog- several decades. The commitment of ice in California; nize the extraordinary public service of the gentleman from North Carolina Whereas Secretary Christopher, born in Scranton, North Dakota, is one of North Da- Warren Christopher. Secretary Chris- [Mr. BALLENGER] and his full partner, kota’s most distinguished native sons and topher has represented the inter- Mrs. Donna Ballenger, recognizes that has always displayed the quiet strength and national interests of the United States peace and prosperity in Central Amer- work ethic associated with the people of the with great dignity, grace, and ability. ica results in concrete benefits here at Great Plains; During his tenure in office, Secretary home. Whereas in 1997 Secretary Christopher Christopher had an indefatigable com- Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no leaves his position as the 63d Secretary of mitment to advancing peace and jus- State; and further requests for time, and I yield Whereas Secretary Christopher has earned tice, protecting and promoting U.S. in- back the balance of my time. the respect and admiration of Congress and terests, and preserving the U.S. leader- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. the American people: Now, therefore, be it ship in international affairs. There EWING). The question is on the motion Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- have been many tough foreign policy offered by the gentleman from New resentatives concurring), That Congress com- decisions to make over the past 4 York [Mr. GILMAN] that the House sus- mends and thanks the Honorable Warren years. pend the rules and agree to the concur- Christopher for his exemplary diplomatic To my colleagues on both sides of the rent resolution, House Concurrent Res- service, and for his skillful and indefatigable efforts to advance peace and justice around aisle, I understand that each of us may olution 18. the world. have our differences with the adminis- The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tration and its foreign policy, but I Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I ant to the rule, the gentleman from think all of us have an interest in en- demand the yeas and nays. suring that individuals of the caliber, New York [Mr. GILMAN] and the gen- The yeas and nays were ordered. character, and integrity of Secretary tleman from Indiana [Mr. HAMILTON] The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- each will control 20 minutes. Christopher continue to be attracted to ant to clause 5 of rule I and the Chair’s The Chair recognizes the gentleman the high calling of public service. prior announcement, further proceed- from New York [Mr. GILMAN]. It is altogether fitting that we com- ings on this motion will be postponed. Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield mend this remarkable man and his ex- f myself such time as I may consume. traordinary service to this country. I urge adoption of the resolution. GENERAL LEAVE (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his re- Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask marks.) distinguished gentleman from North unanimous consent that all Members Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, will Dakota [Mr. POMEROY]. may have 5 legislative days within the gentleman yield? Mr. POMEROY. I thank the gen- which to revise and extend their re- Mr. GILMAN. I yield to the gen- tleman for yielding me this time. marks on the concurrent resolution tleman from New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join with my just considered. Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, my re- colleagues in paying tribute to the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there marks will be very brief, and they spe- service of Warren Christopher as Sec- objection to the request of the gen- cifically hone in on an extraordinary retary of State. I thank the gentleman tleman from New York? citizen of this country, Warren Chris- from New York [Mr. GILMAN], the There was no objection. topher. Warren Christopher has held chairman of the committee, and the f one of the most important jobs that gentleman from Indiana [Mr. HAMIL- any administration can offer, the Sec- TON], the ranking member, for bringing COMMENDING HON. WARREN retary of State. There are two words this resolution to the floor today. CHRISTOPHER FOR EXEMPLARY which symbolize this great man: One is Not all my colleagues may be aware SERVICE integrity; the other is judgment. that Secretary Christopher hails from Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to Mr. Speaker, Warren Christopher has my State, the great State of North Da- suspend the rules and concur in the done us proud. kota. He was born in Scranton, ND, a Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve town of less than 300 people in south- Res. 4) commending and thanking the the balance of my time. western North Dakota. Although his