CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1141 clearly: Where do we go from here? What and indeed I think they are in fact taking A senior partner with the law firm of Davis next? I think from the general feel of things, place. Wright Tremaine, Mr. Kovner is widely re- the atmosphere that I found in Belgrade, the One of the things that bothers me is the spected for his legal experience and skill, sort of sotto voce conversations I had with fear that a lot of the American public, the various people there and from what we read American media, some members of the Con- qualities evident during his service as Cor- in the New York Times and the Washington gress in both parties, will be amused with poration Counsel of the City of New York, and Post this morning, something is happening, this need to show how tough and strong we in a wide range of other important positions something is about to happen. You won’t are, and how we must not weaken and we such as Chair of the New York State Commis- have all of this flurry of activity without must not give in. We must be careful that we sion on Judicial Conduct, as well as Chair of something coming out of it. What it will be don’t be made to seem like fools manipu- the New York City Bar Association's Commit- is yet to be seen. lated by this evil man. We are in danger of tees on the Judiciary and Communications & Our talks in Belgrade, beyond those of just taking counsel of our fears instead of mount- getting the soldiers released, were a worthy ing courage of our convictions and our hopes Media Law. mission in itself, though some people criti- for a better world and for a solution. But despite this stellar professional record, it cized us very severely for trying and told us I think that a solution that we could ac- is Mr. Kovner's extra-professional accomplish- quite confidently that we’d never succeed. cept is possible. It will take hard bargaining, ments in which his character and dedication Well, we did succeed. They told us it was it will take tenacious attention to details, are most apparent. He has been instrumental risky and our lives would be in danger, the and here’s one thing I want to say finally, in advancing the cause of Middle-east peace Mr. Chairman. I think we need to give much U.S. government could do nothing to protect as a member of the board of Americans for us. OK, we said ‘‘fine.’’ We went there, we more attention to the issue of the process by came back. But we had the opportunity to which we accomplish these things. We have Peace Now and as a leader with the Israel explore ideas among people within the lead- an illusion that somehow if you could get Policy Forum. ership of this Milosevic government. We the top leaders together around the table In the United States, Mr. Kovner has been sampled public opinion from talking to a va- facing each other, they can produce the doc- a tireless advocate for social justice and riety of people there, and I simply want to ument which they will then sign that will progress. He helped found the Black-Jewish share with you a few of those impressions. solve the problem. Coalition, chaired the board of Planned Par- Trying to read Mr. Milosevic’s mind is an That’s one of the troubles with the Dayton enthood, and worked to advance such impor- arcane kind of skill that I think none of us agreement. We got the people together, we have or are likely to acquire. But he’s not a locked them up for two weeks, we browbeat tant goals as artistic creativity, environmental stupid man. He’s a highly intelligent man, them into so-called negotiating and gave protection, and civil liberties. he’s a highly manipulative man, and he’s them a document to sign. The document was In short, Victor Kovner is a man of national done terrible things and is capable of doing enormously complicated and lengthy which and international stature, whose vision and more terrible things. But it is perfectly clear outlined a constitution for a state and all leadership have made a material difference to that there is going to be a willingness on his the rest of it. We gave it to them and said: many individualsÐand inspired even more to part to move towards something very close ‘‘Now you sign here and we’re going out and demonstrate a similar devotion to social and to what NATO is demanding of him, specifi- implementing it.’’ The Dayton agreement community ideals. cally, he is prepared to agree to the return of has flaws but it really isn’t as bad as its ap- all the refugees whom he’s driven out. That’s plication has turned out to be. We didn’t I am proud to join in recognizing Mr. Kovner going to be a difficult, costly task to carry really enforce it and we didn’t carry it out in and confident that he will remain a leading out. He’s going to agree to the return of the all kinds of ways. light for many years to come. relief and development agencies who also I think we need to have a step by step proc- were withdrawn from Kosovo, and he’ll agree ess set in motion in which specialists can f to free access for them to do their job. He come forth with proposals of how these wants very much and will certainly agree to issues can be dealt with and how to involve CONGRATULATIONS TO REGGIE a resumption of negotiations on an auton- all of the parties who must be a part of the CROSS omy agreement. The nature of autonomy he final framing of that agreement and signing would agree to is of course not totally clear; it. The idea that you can make peace by a he does want to make sure that Kosovo dicta is not a viable concept of international HON. JULIA CARSON would remain within Serbia. That’s one of diplomacy, it simply won’t work. That is not OF INDIANA his central demands. Whether he would set- real diplomacy nor will it produce peace and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tle for it simply being a republic within stability in the region. Monday, June 7, 1999 Yugoslavia, I don’t know, but that’s one of The final thing is that we’ve got to ingrain the other options. He will resist tenaciously in our policy and in our actions the return of Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to the idea of an independent Kosovo, and quite the refugees to their homes. This is the heart congratulate and bestow much deserved rec- honestly, I think we should too. I think that of the problem also in Bosnia. It is the heart ognition to Reggie Cross of Arlington High would be a terribly disturbing, destabilizing of the problem if we cannot deliver on this School located in my hometown of Indianap- outcome of this conflict. obligation to enable people to go back to The big sticking points are these: the with- where they came from. That above every- olis, Indiana. drawal of Serb troops, police forces and spe- thing else is what they want. Don’t let any- Reggie exemplifies what it means to be a cial groups from this terrible activities in body tell you, Henry Kissinger or anyone student-athlete. As a student, Reggie has sat- Kosovo. He knows he will have to withdraw. else, that the refugees don’t want to go isfied the National Collegiate Athletic Associa- He will try tenaciously to keep some home, that’s nonsense. And if we can’t de- tion's Scholastic Aptitude Requirements and presense there. He will insist that we’ve got liver that, we are bankrupt in terms of cre- will be able to go to the college of his choice to have some Serb police as part of this ative diplomatic ideas, and we expose our and pursue his goal of a psychology degree. peacekeeping force. And he will have a cer- posturing of power as a hollow, hollow thing. As an athlete, Reggie has excelled in both tain logic to that. But how do you constrain f them, control them, I don’t know. That’s one basketball and track. In basketball, Reggie of the issues. He’s going to be very tough in A TRIBUTE TO VICTOR A. KOVNER helped the Arlington Knights win the city bargaining about total or substantial with- championship, and earned a spot on the city drawal. He’s going to fight for some presence All-Star team. As Captain of the Arlington to be maintained there. HON. NITA M. LOWEY Track team, Reggie set the 400 meter record The other thing is, of course, the composi- OF NEW YORK for both the North Central Sectional and the tion of the international peace keeping po- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES City Championship. At the State Track and lice service (whatever you call it, semantics Monday, June 7, 1999 do have some place) he wants some kind of Field Meet, Reggie blew away the rest of the fig leaf to cover him. So, that will be one of Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to field to win the State 400 meter championship. the things that will be a stumbling block. express my great admiration for Victor A. I can pay no greater tribute to Reggie than But I think in the end he will agree to a mul- Kovner, a remarkable leader and citizen who his track coach, Harold Grundy did when he tinational, armed policing service. Probably this year receives the Stanley M. Isaacs said ``Nobody works harder than Reggie.'' he would like, of course, it not to carry the Human Relations Award from the New York Reggie shows us that hard work and deter- NATO flag and label, but he knows it will Chapter of the American Jewish Committee. mination are the best way for young people to have to have a substantial NATO component A man of high principle, piercing intel- achieve their dreams. within it. He will be of course very cagey in how he finalizes his commitments, and he ligence, and extraordinary ability, Mr. Kovner Mr. Speaker, at a time when many people will hope that he will be able to remain in has touched countless lives in the New York are looking down at young people, we can all power and be a party to the signing of what- area through a variety of professional and look to the Reggies' of our communities and ever agreement is finally made. I think that civic activities, while also promoting the cause know that the future of America is still looking we need to step up our negotiating efforts of peace and justice throughout the world. up. E1142 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 7, 1999 HONORING MS. ESTHER KRAUS tomer names, addresses, social security num- 27, 1999, missing rollcall 166 on approving the bers, and photographs? The Post Office could Journal. Had I been present, I would have HON. JERRY MORAN even mail advertisements to those who use voted ``yes.'' OF KANSAS private mail boxes explaining how their privacy f would not be invaded if they used a govern- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES A TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM E. ment box. Monday, June 7, 1999 It is ironic that this regulation comes at a RAPFOGEL Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, today time when the Post Office is getting into an I would like to recognize the dedication of Mrs. ever increasing number of enterprises not di- HON. NITA M. LOWEY Esther Kraus to the young people of Kansas. rectly related to mail delivery. So, while the OF NEW YORK She has served with distinction for ten years Postal Service uses its monopoly on first-class IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES as the coordinator of the We the People . . . mail to compete with the private sector, it Monday, June 7, 1999 Program for Kansas' First congressional Dis- works to make life more difficult for its com- Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to trict. petitors in the field of mail delivery. express my great admiration for William E. Mrs. Kraus' superior efforts on behalf of this Mr. Speaker, Congress must do more than Rapfogel, a remarkable leader and citizen who program have far exceeded the normal duties talk about how it appreciates small business, this year receives the Distinguished Commu- of a district coordinator. She has tirelessly pro- it must work to lift the burden of big govern- nity Service Award at the Centennial Anniver- moted the program, identifying local people ment from America's job-creating small busi- sary National Dinner of the Orthodox Union. who are interested in civics and government nesses. Passing HJ Res 55 and protecting A man of high principle, piercing intel- and finding ways for them to contribute to the Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies from the ligence, and extraordinary skill, Mr. Rapfogel goals of We the People . . . Mrs. Kraus has Post Offices' costly and anti-competitive regu- has touched countless lives in the New York also provided materials and support to high lations would be a great place to start. area through a variety of professional and school government teachers who are inter- f civic activities. ested ion entering their classes in the competi- For seven years, Mr. Rapfogel has been the tive Citizen and the Constitution hearings. My CONGRATULATING ALEXANDER Executive Director of the Metropolitan New district has been proud to be represented for GRAHAM BELL ELEMENTARY York Coordinating Council on Jewish Poverty, the past two years on the national level in this FOR RECEIVING THE BLUE RIB- one of New York City's largest not-for-profits. prestigious competition. Mrs. Kraus has also BON SCHOOL DESIGNATION Through the Met Council, Mr. Rapfogel has been a dedicated participant in state and na- been instrumental in expanding home care, tional coordinators' meetings related to We the HON. JAY INSLEE housing, and employment opportunities, while People . . . She has never missed a single OF WASHINGTON also providing crisis intervention and other state or national meeting. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES services to deserving recipients. Esther Kraus has performed a remarkable Mr. Rapfogel's commitment to social Monday, June 7, 1999 and valuable service to Kansas' First District. progress is matched by a life-long devotion to She has tirelessly promoted for young citizens Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, Alexander the Jewish community. He has been the Exec- an understanding of the United States Con- Graham Bell Elementary is an outstanding ele- utive Director of the Institute for Public Affairs stitution. Through her efforts, the youth of the mentary school in the First Congressional Dis- of the Orthodox Union and of the American First District have become aware of this docu- trict of the State of Washington. The students Jewish Congress Metropolitan Region. ment and the power which it holds. On her and staff of Alexander Graham Bell Elemen- In addition, Mr. Rapfogel contributed his tenth anniversary as a district coordinator for tary recently received the Blue Ribbon School time and energy to all New Yorkers by serving the We the People . . . Program, I would like designation awarded by the U.S. Department as an able and effective Assistant Comptroller to recognize and commend her for her excel- of Education. of New York City. lent job promoting education and patriotism The Blue Ribbon School designation is a We are a stronger community thanks to Wil- among the youth of Kansas. very prestigious award. It is given to schools liam Rapfogel's vision and leadership. I am f who are especially effective in meeting local, confident that Mr. Rapfogel's exceptional ex- state and national education goals. Blue Rib- ample will remain a source of guidance and H.J. RES. 55, THE MAILBOX bon Schools, such as Alexander Graham Bell inspiration to his colleagues and admirers for PRIVACY PROTECTION ACT Elementary, serve as models for other schools many years to come. seeking to improve the quality of education for f HON. RON PAUL their students. IN HONOR OF THE 25TH ANNIVER- OF TEXAS The staff, students and parents at Alexander SARY OF THE OHIO BOYCHOIR IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Graham Bell Elementary are committed to achieving high academic standards. Over 75% Monday, June 7, 1999 of their fourth graders met the state standard HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH OF OHIO Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, because this is on the Washington Assessment of Student IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES small business appreciation week I would like Learning in reading this year. Their math to remind my colleagues of the importance of scores also doubled from last year's results. Monday, June 7, 1999 enacting HJ Res 55, the Mailbox Privacy Pro- Clearly these remarkable achievements do Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tection Act. HJ Res 55 repeals recently en- not occur by chance. More than 100 parents honor the 25th Anniversary of the Ohio acted Post Office regulations requiring Com- volunteer at Alexander Graham Bell Elemen- Boychoir, a community choir rich with talent, mercial Mail Receiving Agencies (CMRAs) to tary. These dedicated parents mentor stu- passion for music and community pride. collect personal information about their cus- dents, serve as ``lunch buddies'' and assist Established in 1974, the Ohio Boychoir is a tomers, such as their name, address, social teachers. Education at Alexander Graham Bell very distinguished non-profit organization open security number, and photograph. These regu- Elementary is a community priority, and its for all boys from third grade to voice change lations not only force small businesses to in- teachers, parents and staff should be com- regardless of race, creed or economic status. trude into their customer's privacy, they could mended for the commitment they have made The major goals of the Ohio Boychoir are to impose costs as high as $1 billion on small to our children. develop appreciation for music and vocal qual- businesses during the initial six-month compli- f ity. One of Ohio's most prized cultural assets, ance period. The long term costs of this rule the Ohio Boychoir is supported by contribu- are incalculable, but could conceivably reach PERSONAL EXPLANATION tions and grants from individuals, corporations several billion dollars in the first few years. foundations and other organizations. Some small businesses may even be forced HON. JULIA CARSON Over the past 25 years the Boychoir has into bankruptcy. OF INDIANA been invited to give concerts at many pres- Businesses like Mailboxes, etc., must turn IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tigious venues. In 1982, the choir sang at Na- the collected information over to the Post Of- tional Christmas Tree Lighting at the White fice. Mr. Speaker, what business in America Monday, June 7, 1999 House and at the Bach Festival at the Ken- would not leap at the chance to force their Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoid- nedy Center. Based on their incredible per- competitors to provide them with their cus- ably absent for one vote on Thursday, May formance in the past, the choir was invited to