October 15, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2037 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

IN HONOR OF MOTHER TERESA proud to say that I am one of 239 Members MOTHER TERESA: A BEACON OF who have cosponsored this bipartisan legisla- HOPE FOR OUR TIME HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ tion. I commend my colleague from , OF NEW JERSEY BILL YOUNG, for working with such diligence to HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES bring this important legislation to the floor. OF FLORIDA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, October 15, 2003 In 1958, Congress initiated a system of Wednesday, October 15, 2003 Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today charging hospitalized members of the armed to honor Mother Teresa of Calcutta for her life- forces for subsistence costs. H.R. 2998 will Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on the long dedication to the poorest of the poor. She exempt members of the armed forces, hos- occasion of her beatification by Pope John did not do it out of obligation, but out of love pitalized as a result of armed conflict or en- Paul II in Rome, Mother Teresa, one of the and goodwill. On October 19, 2003, Mother gaged in hazardous service, from incurring world’s most recognized and admired human rights advocates, deserves this designation Teresa will be beatified by Pope John Paul II this charge. in Rome. because of her dedication, her courage, and Although the FY 2004 Defense Authoriza- Mother Teresa dedicated the majority of her her love of all members of society, especially life to helping the poorest of the poor in India. tion bill does put this exemption in place for the poorest and most neglected. Throughout While supervising a school in Calcutta, Mother 2004, H.R. 2998 amends Title 10 to make this her life of tireless service, she inspired count- Teresa was faced with the suffering and pov- exemption permanent. It is simply unfair and less individuals by her example of uncondi- erty that was outside her convent walls. These unjust that this additional burden is placed on tional love and devotion to the poorest of the images made such a deep impression on her the brave men and women who serve with poor. She was a living witness of true com- that, in 1946, she received permission from such honor and distinction. This is, truly, the passion and service. In fighting for the dignity of the destitute, she gave the world a moral her superiors to leave the convent school and very least we can do for these brave men and devote herself to working among the poor in model that bridged divides of culture and faith. women. I urge my colleagues on both sides of Mother Teresa taught us that to truly love the slums of Calcutta. the aisle to vote in favor of this important In 1950, Mother Teresa, while doing her one another, we must abandon ourselves and change to Title 10. charity work, founded Missionaries of Charity, our selfish inclinations and give to others. As an order of nuns dedicated to serving the she so aptly stated: ‘‘By becoming poor our- f poor. Originally, the convent began with just selves, by loving until it hurts, we become ca- 12 sisters; today, it has over 3,000 sisters in pable of loving more deeply, more beautifully, REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON ’S more wholly.’’ Mother Teresa’s beautiful pure over 100 countries worldwide with 517 mis- 92ND NATIONAL DAY ANNIVER- sions. faith and love have left a rich legacy for peo- SARY Mother Teresa’s compassion for the suf- ple of all faiths and nationalities. fering knew no boundaries and has served as This is clearly illustrated by her words: an inspiration to the world. She fed the hun- ‘‘There is joy in transcending self to serve oth- gry, sheltered the homeless, and cleaned the HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS ers.’’ For Mother Teresa, the importance of her mission was not to achieve fame or for- wounds of those injured; but what is even OF tune, but rather to embrace a life of quiet sim- more important is that she made them feel IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES good, loved, wanted, and gave them back the plicity which would lead others to a deeper un- derstanding of God and self. Through her dignity that poverty had taken away from Wednesday, October 15, 2003 them. dedication to the poor and neglected members For her endless amount of volunteer work Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to of society, she exemplified true humility. I was honored to be part of the official US and selflessness, Mother Teresa was honored honor one of our largest trading partners, the delegation traveling with the First Lady to India with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, an honor Republic of China on Taiwan. On October 10, for her funeral service, an experience which that she deserved for laboring in loving dedi- Taiwan celebrated the 92nd anniversary of its truly inspired me. As I gazed at the throngs of cation. She was also acknowledged for her National Day. I wish to join my colleagues in people in attendance, I realized the profound work in 1985 with the Presidential Medal of the United States Congress in sending best impact that this small, seemingly simple Freedom and the Lifetime Achievement wishes to the twenty-two million residents of woman had on the entire world. Her message Award. this lovely island nation. I also commend was simple. She sought not for medals or ac- Even late in her life, she continued to dedi- President Chen Shui-bian and Vice President claim, but rather to make a tangible difference cate her time and energy to those who were in the lives of our world’s poorest and most in need. Today, I ask my colleagues to join Annette Lu as they continue to lead Taiwan to downtrodden. She answered God’s call, which me in honoring Mother Teresa for her selfless greater economic prosperity at home and is a simple one—to love with all one’s heart devotion and extraordinary contributions to the greater participation in international activities and to act out of love in all that we do. world community. abroad. We have all been enriched by Mother Tere- f Just like our 4th of July, October 10 marked sa’s example. PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR EX- the beginning of a fantastic story of economic, f EMPTION FOR CERTAIN MEM- social and political success that has cul- minated in Taiwan becoming a vibrant democ- IN HONOR OF THE DIS- BERS OF THE ARMED FORCES TRICT 7 WIN OF THE 2003 BIG racy in the Pacific region. These are exciting FROM PAYING SUBSISTENCE LEAGUE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CHARGES WHILE HOSPITALIZED times in the history of relations between the United States and Taiwan. SPEECH OF HON. STENY H. HOYER Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of the 92nd OF MARYLAND HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS occasion of the Republic of China’s National IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF FLORIDA Day, it is important to remember that Taiwan Wednesday, October 15, 2003 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES has a strong relationship with the United Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Wednesday, October 8, 2003 States, and we hope this relationship will con- recognize the Maryland District 7 Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I tinue to flourish and grow in the years to Team—this year’s winners of the 2003 Softball rise today in support of H.R. 2998, and am come. Big League World Series.

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate jul 14 2003 06:00 Oct 16, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A15OC8.001 E15PT1 E2038 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 15, 2003 This softball powerhouse breezed through cans are not ‘‘foreigners,’’ but proud Ameri- on their shoulders, the responsibility and com- the tournament to win their fifth championship cans. She especially believed in the demo- mitment to ensure our freedom and all the val- title in seven years at the Big League Softball cratic process, supporting candidates in their ues that we hold so dear. By taking on this World Series. In eight innings, Maryland de- elections and developing close long-lasting re- task, they have made countless sacrifices in feated in the Championship Game lationships with them. their own personal lives and safety, and for by a score of 3–1. I want my colleagues to Former Governor Ann Richards ap- that, we are deeply indebted. know about the hard work ethic and deter- pointed Dr. Ahn to the Air Control Board dur- Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to mination these outstanding young athletes ing her governorship. Dr. Ahn also became visit U.S. Army Soldiers at Walter Reed Army possess. the youngest person, and only the second Medical Center in Washington, D.C. The sol- Mr. Speaker, this is a sports success story woman, ever to be appointed to the Texas diers I met are some of the most courageous and fans were thrilled by the championship ef- State Board of Medical Examiners in its 100- men and women I’ve met in my lifetime. I lis- fort and heart displayed by these young year history. tened to their stories, heard about their fami- women from Maryland. Mr. Speaker, please Dr. Ahn also knew too well about the nega- lies back home and marveled at their dedica- join me in congratulating the Maryland District tive side of political participation. When Presi- tion, bravery and commitment to serving our 7 Softball Team on their triumphant season. dent Clinton ran for his second term of office, country. I hope and pray for their speedy re- The Maryland District 7 Softball Team: the Republicans accused the Democrats of il- covery. Jamie Baden, Lacy Cochran, Kim Fowler, legal campaign contributions, specifically from I also learned of some troubling information. Heather Hall, Heather Holley, Carrie Higdon, China. Auditors questioned any contributor Apparently, while soldiers are being hospital- Cory Karcesky, Amanda Mitchell, Caryn with an Asian-sounding surname, including Dr. ized for wounds and injuries sustained while Moreland, Lindsey Preuss, Kelly Seger, Maris Ahn, about their contributions. She was infuri- fighting for our country, they are billed for sub- Smith, Danielle Sturman, Jamea Waltersdorff, ated and let her feelings be known to the na- sistence charges, i.e food costs, that they ac- Abbey Welch, along with coaches Andy tional media. cumulate during their stay. The current daily Adams, and Mike Kriner and manager Tommy Appearing on ABC’s Nightline, Ahn re- rate for this ‘‘subsistence’’ charge is $8.10. Morrison. counted her own experience: ‘‘The questions This may not seem like much, however we f that [the auditor] asked were: one, what is must consider that in many cases, wounds your reported income on your tax statement; may be significant and constitute longer hos- HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. two, what are your assets; three, are you an pital stays. This translates to higher costs that SUZANNE INSOOK AHN American citizen?’’ under new law must be paid by the service- The questions came with threats. The audi- men. HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA tor told Ahn that if she did not tell them every- If enacted, this bill would amend current law OF thing that she would be listed as uncoopera- to prohibit service members injured in training IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tive and her name would be released to the or in combat from being held responsible for Wednesday, October 15, 2003 press. paying for their food costs while hospitalized in ‘‘When white men violate campaign finance a military facility. Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, my colleague rules,’’ she pointed out, ‘‘they pay a fine and We must thank our men and women serving EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON and I would like to nobody gets hurt. There is no maligning of the overseas for their selflessness and bravery. pay tribute to the memory of our dear friend entire race. I think there is an incredible dou- We should treat them with respect and grati- and a remarkable woman from Dallas, Dr. Su- ble standard here.’’ tude. We should not, however, welcome them zanne Insook Ahn. Last year, Ahn made a surprise appearance with a bill for the cost of their food while they Dr. Suzanne Insook Ahn was born in Pusan, at the Asian American Journalists Associa- were hospitalized. The soldiers have already South Korea and raised in the United States. tion’s national convention meeting in Dallas, been asked to sacrifice a great deal—they Dr. Ahn’s beginning was very humble. Her fa- where she presented the group with a have endured harsh conditions, separation ther, Chai Ho Ahn, had been scratching out a $100,000 endowment, the largest gift the or- from loved ones and at times, irreparable living for his wife and children. Their commu- ganization has ever received. wounds and injuries. Thus, it is imperative that nity was so impressed with his intellect they Friends and family will miss Dr. Ahn. She we show our utmost appreciation for the work collected $143 to send him to a local college leaves behind her husband, Dr. Steven Hays, that they do. to start him on his way to become a doctor. a nephrologist, their 17 year-old son, Foster, During my visit to Walter Reed, I could not The family patriarch never forgot his neighbors and 14 year-old daughter, Kimberly. help but marvel at the energy, tenacity and and friends, and until his retirement, he oflen We are privileged to have had the opportu- humility of these servicemen and women. returned to the village loaded with donated nities to work with Dr. Ahn. What was most These are some truly inspiring young men and pharmaceuticals to treat patients. amazing about her was the hard work and de- women, performing with courage and distinc- Dr. Ahn joined her father a few years later termination she had in helping others. Her un- tion in tough circumstances. I urge my fellow in the U.S., and quickly acclimated to her new matched passion and love for public service colleagues to support H.R. 2998. We owe it to home, learning to speak fluent English just will be missed by many. We join the residents our troops, to honor their incredible sacrifices, eight months after her arrival. She was the top of the Dallas/Ft. Worth community in extend- and to let them know that the American peo- student in her class through junior high school, ing our condolences to her family. The Great ple value their efforts and that we all stand be- and participated in many activities including State of Texas was fortunate to have had Dr. hind them. the school debate team. She became an ac- Ahn, and we all have been greatly touched by complished pianist, and at age 17, she en- her courage and life’s work. f tered the North Texas Beauty Contest and f won first alternate. Upon graduation from high PERSONAL EXPLANATION school, she decided to pursue pre-medical PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR EX- studies at the University of Texas at Austin. EMPTION FOR CERTAIN MEM- HON. RON KIND She was also a graduate of the University of BERS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF WISCONSIN FROM PAYING SUBSISTENCE Texas Southwestern Medical School. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Dr. Ahn was a co-inventor of 23 U.S. med- CHARGES WHILE HOSPITALIZED ical patents. She was the founder of a medical Wednesday, October 15, 2003 division of a Hi-Tech start-up, and served as SPEECH OF Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday Octo- its president for three years. She was the HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF ber 7, and Wednesday October 8, 2003, I was founder and president of Dallas Summit, a OF CALIFORNIA overseas on an official congressional delega- group of Dallas women in decisionmaking po- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion trip to Iraq and unable to have my vote re- sitions. Dr. Ahn served on many boards, in- corded on the House floor. cluding the Texas Air Quality Board, National Wednesday, October 8, 2003 Had I been able to vote I would have voted Board of Girls Inc., Women’s Center of Dallas, Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the following: Rollcall No. 532: ‘‘yes’’; Rollcall DeGolyer Library of Women of the Southwest, strong support of House Resolution 2998. Half No. 533: ‘‘yes’’; Rollcall No. 534: ‘‘no’’; Rollcall and the board of the Hockaday School. way around the world, American men and No. 535: ‘‘yes’’; Rollcall No. 536: ‘‘yes’’; Roll- Dr. Ahn has made it a habit throughout her women in the service of this country have call No. 537: ‘‘yes’’; Rollcall No. 538: ‘‘yes’’; life to demonstrate that Asian Pacific Ameri- once again heeded the call of duty. They bear Rollcall No. 539: ‘‘yes.’’

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