SPEAKERS CONTENTS INSERTS
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45–543 CC
1998
CONSIDERATION OF MISCELLANEOUS BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
MARKUP
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ONE HUNDRED FIFTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
ON
H. CON. RES. 73, H. RES. 103, H. RES. 217,
H. CON. RES. 139, H. CON. RES. 137
MAY 6 AND SEPTEMBER 11, 1997
Printed for the use of the Committee on International Relations
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COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
BENJAMIN A. GILMAN, New York, Chairman
WILLIAM GOODLING, Pennsylvania
JAMES A. LEACH, Iowa
HENRY J. HYDE, Illinois
DOUG BEREUTER, Nebraska
CHRISTOPHER SMITH, New Jersey
DAN BURTON, Indiana
ELTON GALLEGLY, California
ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida
CASS BALLENGER, North Carolina
DANA ROHRABACHER, California
DONALD A. MANZULLO, Illinois
EDWARD R. ROYCE, California
PETER T. KING, New York
JAY KIM, California
STEVEN J. CHABOT, Ohio
MARSHALL ''MARK'' SANFORD, South Carolina
MATT SALMON, Arizona
AMO HOUGHTON, New York
TOM CAMPBELL, California
JON FOX, Pennsylvania
JOHN McHUGH, New York
LINDSEY GRAHAM, South Carolina
ROY BLUNT, Missouri
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JERRY MORAN, Kansas
KEVIN BRADY, Texas
LEE HAMILTON, Indiana
SAM GEJDENSON, Connecticut
TOM LANTOS, California
HOWARD BERMAN, California
GARY ACKERMAN, New York
ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American Samoa
MATTHEW G. MARTINEZ, California
DONALD M. PAYNE, New Jersey
ROBERT ANDREWS, New Jersey
ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey
SHERROD BROWN, Ohio
CYNTHIA A. McKINNEY, Georgia
ALCEE L. HASTINGS, Florida
PAT DANNER, Missouri
EARL HILLIARD, Alabama
WALTER CAPPS, California
BRAD SHERMAN, California
ROBERT WEXLER, Florida
STEVE ROTHMAN, New Jersey
BOB CLEMENT, Tennessee
BILL LUTHER, Minnesota
JIM DAVIS, Florida
RICHARD J. GARON, Chief of Staff
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MICHAEL H. VAN DUSEN, Democratic Chief of Staff
WALKER ROBERTS, Senior Professional Staff Member
HILLEL WEINBERG, Senior Professional Staff Member and Counsel
DEBORAH BODLANDER, Professional Staff Member
JOHN HERZBERG, Professional Staff Member
PARKER H. BRENT, Staff Associate
C O N T E N T S
May 6, 1997:
Markup of H. Con. Res. 73, Concerning the death of Chaim Herzog
H. Res. 103, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should maintain approximately 100,000 United States military personnel in the Asia and Pacific region until such time as there is a peaceful and permanent resolution to the major security and political conflicts in the region
Amendment to H. Res. 103 offered by Mr. Bereuter
September 11, 1997:
H. Res. 217, Recognizing the important contributions made by Americans of Austrian heritage
H. Con. Res. 139, Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States Government should fully participate in EXPO 2000 in the year 2000, in Hannover, Germany, and should encourage the academic community and the private sector in the United States to support this worthwhile undertaking
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H. Con. Res. 137, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives concerning the urgent need for an international criminal tribunal to try members of the Iraqi regime for crimes against humanity
APPENDIX
H. Con. Res. 73, as introduced
H. Res. 103, as introduced
Amendment to H. Res. 103 offered by Mr. Bereuter
H. Res. 217, as introduced
H. Con. Res. 139, as introduced
H. Con. Res. 137, as introduced
The following markup began in the middle of a hearing:
Mr. GILMAN. The first item of business is H. Con. Res. 73 relating to the death of former President of Israel, Chaim Herzog. The resolution was introduced earlier today by Mr. Burton of Indiana. The chair lays a measure before the Committee. The clerk will report the title of the bill.
Ms. BLOOMER. House Concurrent Resolution 73 concerning the death of Chaim Herzog.
Chairman GILMAN. The clerk will read the preamble and operative language.
Ms. BLOOMER. Whereas Chaim Herzog, the sixth President of——
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the preamble and operative text of the resolution are considered as having been read and are open to amendment at any point.
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[The information referred to appears in the appendix.]
Chairman GILMAN. The chair recognizes Mr. Burton to introduce the resolution. Mr. Burton is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. BURTON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, I am very proud to have introduced this resolution concerning the death of Chaim Herzog.
Mr. Chairman, could we have a little bit of order?
Chairman GILMAN. The gentleman is correct.
Gentlemen, please withhold. Mr. Burton is recognized and has the floor. Will you please give him your attention. And if you have any comments that you wish to make, please go out to the anteroom while the measure is being debated.
Mr. Burton.
Mr. BURTON. Thank you again, Mr. Chairman.
As I said, I am very proud to have introduced this resolution concerning the death of Chaim Herzog. I am very pleased that you are one of the cosponsors of this resolution, and I thank you very much for agreeing to mark it up so quickly.
All of us were saddened to learn recently about the death of Chaim Herzog at the age of 78. As a staunch friend of the State of Israel and the people of Israel, we share their grief and their sorrow.
Chaim Herzog was truly a hero of Israel and also a great friend of America. Like Yitzak Rabin, whose death we also mourned all too early——
Chairman GILMAN. Mr. Burton will withhold.
The gentleman has the floor. It is an important resolution. If you have some comments to make or you wish to confer, please go to the anteroom.
Mr. BURTON. Mr. Chairman, like Yitzak Rabin, whose death we also mourned all too early, Chaim Herzog lived a life that was a mirror of the drama of his country. Born in Ireland, he was the son of the Chief Rabbi of Ireland.
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As a boy, he moved to the land of Israel, where his father became the Chief Rabbi there. Chaim Herzog fought in the British armed forces in World War II and participated in the liberation of the death camps, an experience that influenced the rest of his life.
During Israel's war of independence, Herzog played a critical role in the battle for Jerusalem. He then became chief of military intelligence. During the 6-day war, almost 30 years ago exactly, General Herzog's radio broadcast helped to lift the morale of the people of Israel.
In 1975, he was appointed Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, where he served with courage and defended his country with great eloquence. It was Herzog who stood up to defend Israel against the odious and false charge that Zionism is a form of racism. This is what Herzog said in his brilliant speech on that indication: ''The vote of each delegation will record in history its country's stand on anti-Semitic racism. You yourselves bear the responsibility for your stand before history, for, as such, you will be viewed in history. For us, the Jewish people, this is but a passing episode in a rich and event-filled history. This resolution, based on hatred, falsehood, and arrogance, is devoid of any moral or legal value.''
Mr. Chairman, to this day, the fact that the U.N. General Assembly passed that resolution stands as a severe indictment of the United Nations. I am very proud to have been a delegate to the United Nations in 1991 when that immoral resolution was finally repealed.
Let me conclude by noting that Chaim Herzog kept his event-filled and achievement-filled life with his election as President of Israel in 1983. He served for 10 years and set a new standard for dignity, honor, and decency. And he also addressed a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in 1987.
Mr. Chairman, I hope we can bring this resolution to the floor very quickly so that the Congress can express its sorrow over the death of Chaim Herzog, a great man and a true hero.
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Chairman GILMAN. I thank the gentleman.
Would the gentleman yield?
Mr. BURTON. I will be happy to yield, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman GILMAN. I want to commend the gentleman from Indiana, Mr. Burton, for offering this congressional resolution commemorating the life of former President of Israel, Chaim Herzog.
Mr. Herzog's life certainly mirrored the birth and early history for the State of Israel, and during his career, he served as a distinguished soldier, author, and diplomat. Many of us recall his service in the 1970's when President Herzog served at the Israeli Embassy in Washington and was later named Israel's ambassador to the United Nations. He will be remembered for many things, not the least of which was a dramatic response to the ''Zionism is Racism'' resolution at the United Nations, to his everlasting credit. Ambassador Herzog ripped up this offending resolution, which, thankfully, was repealed under the Bush Administration.
We extend to his family and the people of Israel our deepest condolences for the passing of a true gentleman who helped shape the history of Israel and always pursued peace. I once again thank Mr. Burton for offering the amendment.
Are there any other Members seeking recognition?
Mr. Lantos.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Chairman, I want to commend my friend from Indiana for introducing this resolution. I want to associate myself both with his and your comments.
Chaim Herzog was one of the wittiest, most self-deprecating, brilliant, urbane political figures of our age. I strongly urge my colleagues to read his recently published autobiography, which is a delight to read. And I strongly urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting this.
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Mr. Bereuter.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I move that the chairman be requested to seek consideration of this measure on the Suspension Calendar.
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the motion is agreed to.
The next item of business is H. Res. 103, expressing the sense of Congress relative to the need to maintain American troops in the Asia and Pacific region. The chair lays the resolution before the Committee. The clerk will record the title of the resolution.
Ms. BLOOMER. H. Res. 103, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should maintain approximately 100,000 U.S. military personnel in the Asia and Pacific region until such time as there is a peaceful and permanent resolution to the major security and political conflicts in the region.
Chairman GILMAN. The clerk will read the preamble and operative text. The staff will distribute the measure.
Ms. BLOOMER. Whereas the stability of the Asia and Pacific——
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the preamble and operative text of the resolution are considered as having been read and are open to amendment at any point.
[The information referred to appears in the appendix.]
Chairman GILMAN. The chair recognizes the senior chairman on the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, to introduce the resolution. Mr. Bereuter is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
This resolution was introduced on March 20 by this Member and the chairman of the House National Security Committee, Mr. Spence. It expresses the sense of the House that maintaining the existing presence of about 100,000 U.S. troops in the Asia and Pacific region is critical to maintaining the peace and stability of this politically and economically dynamic area of the world.
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The United States has vital stakes in the continued peace and stability of the region. If one travels in the region, one is constantly asked by friends and by other countries: Is the United States here for the long term? Are you going to pull out? They are very concerned about our troop levels, they need constant reassurances, and this resolution, a sense of the House, will help give them that assurance.
The United States conducts more trade with Asia and Pacific countries than any other region in the world, accounting for almost $396 trillion in trade in 1996. This is greater than with all of Western Europe combined and greater than our trade with Canada and Mexico.
The region is also of vital national security importance to the United States. As Admiral Brewer of CINCPAC testified before the National Security Committee last March, eight of the world's nine largest armed forces are located in or operate in the region. Five of seven U.S. defense treaties are with nations in the region. Yet stability is not yet an inherent feature in the area. There are numerous historic animosities and ethnic and ideological differences that foster resentment and mistrust among Asian and Pacific nations. Of these, the situation on the Korean peninsula is the most explosive.
It is the commitment of the United States embodied by approximately 100,000 U.S. military personnel deployed in the region that underlies and cements stability in this vibrant region. As Secretary of Defense Cohen recently noted, any reduction of American forces could disrupt the East Asian military balance and trigger a dangerous arms race.
I could give my colleagues statements by key people in both the Bush and the Clinton Administrations which support maintaining our troops and other military forces at approximately this level in the region. Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are stationed in the region because it is in our vital national interest to have them there.
Three times in the last half century, American forces have been called upon to combat aggression in Asia. The basing of a credible military force in Asia and the Pacific dramatically reduces the likelihood that future conflicts might arise so long as the States of the region perceive that the commitment of the United States to the region is firm and unassailable.
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I recognize that there may be some unease, all of the considerations being equal, with fixing upon a specific number of troops as a measure of U.S. capability. To this end, I will offer an amendment suggested by the National Security Committee and its chairman to the resolution that recognizes that the United States must consider the overall capabilities of its forces in its decision to deploy troops.
However, this amendment also recognizes that in the Asia and Pacific region, all considerations are not equal. It is a fact that maintaining approximately 100,000 U.S. troops in the region is an important political as well as military measure by which all of the States in the region gauge U.S. commitment.
I urge the Members of the Committee to favorably report H. Res. 103, as amended, shortly, to the floor of the House for consideration.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman GILMAN. Mr. Hamilton.
Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Chairman, I support the resolution and commend the gentleman from Nebraska and the chairman of the National Security Committee, Mr. Spence. It is a very worthwhile initiative.
Chairman GILMAN. Mr. Lantos.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Chairman, I strongly support the resolution. I commend the gentleman.
I merely want to note that just within the last year or so, developments on the island of Taiwan and the continuing tenuous situation between the two Koreas underscore the importance of maintaining the level of forces we have in the Asia and Pacific region. We are an Asia and Pacific power, and we must maintain our military presence. I strongly urge support of this resolution.
Chairman GILMAN. I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
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I wanted to speak on behalf of the amendment and support the gentleman's amendment. The peace and prosperity of the Asia and Pacific region is crucial to the security and well being of our Nation. Tonight 100,000 American sailors, soldiers, marines, and airmen are out there ensuring the continuance of this unprecedented period of tranquility in the Pacific.
Arguably, no region of the world is more vital to the future of our Nation than Asia. And over the past 50 years, Asia has become a significant center of international economic and military power. No other region in the world presents U.S. policymakers with such diverse economic security and diplomatic challenge as Asia.
Our Nation must continue to assert leadership and protect our vital national interest in the Asia and Pacific region. Our ability to do that is principally predicated on our strong military presence, which has decreased from 135,000 troops in 1990 down to some 100,000 troops today. A reduction in troop levels below 100,000 would significantly diminish our influence in the region, call in to question our commitment to leadership, alter the balance of power, and could increase the likelihood of conflict. Accordingly, it is essential that we continue our security presence at the current levels.
I commend Mr. Bereuter and Mr. Spence for their initiatives, and I urge our colleagues to support the measure.
Is anyone else seeking recognition?
Mr. Sherman.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I may be in a lonely minority here, but, unfortunately, I cannot support this resolution.
I think all of the speakers have indicated how important it is that we maintain an active role in Asia and the Pacific, and I agree with the resolution as far as that goes. But there is a hole in this resolution just as there is a hole in the pockets of American taxpayers, and it relates to the burden-sharing issue that is not addressed in this resolution.
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Yes, our Asian friends are very concerned, concerned that American taxpayers won't fully fund the level of security that they would like to enjoy.
There is a misnomer or misleading belief that Japan contributes sufficiently by paying a small portion of the billeting costs or even all of the billeting costs of our soldiers within the Japanese islands. In fact, the cost of defending Asia and the Pacific, of defending a region where Japan has an interest at least as great as our own, includes not only the cost of billeting soldiers in Japan, but all of the costs of maintaining the Army and Navy in northern Asia and the Pacific and, I would venture to say, a very large percentage of the support troops and troops ready for deployment that are here in the United States.
Our military defense efforts in Asia are arguably a third of the total power of the United States that can be projected there, and yet Japanese contributions to this massive security effort are tiny.
I would support this resolution if there was going to be a new focus on turning to the rich citizens of Japan, whose per capita GNP exceeds our own, and insist that a country that has greater security threats to it because it happens to be in a dangerous neighborhood spend as much on defense, and the best way perhaps for them to spend on defense is to contribute a very substantial portion of the U.S. defense budget.
I realize that these words are out of context in current international affairs and it will be a long time before this kind of talk becomes accepted, but we must allocate the costs of American defense among all the countries that it benefits.
Mr. BEREUTER. Would the gentleman yield?
Mr. SHERMAN. Yes.
Mr. BEREUTER. I thank the gentleman for yielding. His comments are thoughtful.
I would make three points. One, I think the expenditures of the United States are very good expenditures in terms of dollars avoided for future conflicts, very good in terms of blood not shed.
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Second, I point out to the gentleman that the expenditures of Japan, even though a relatively small percentage of their GNP, make the second or third largest defense expenditure in the world currently.
And third, I would say to the gentleman that the Japanese pay a larger share of basing costs than any other nation on the globe, about 75 percent. In fact, the best housed American servicemen and the best facilities to American service in the world are in Japan because they pay the costs. And I think actually——
Mr. SHERMAN. If I can contribute the model——
Mr. BEREUTER. And I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Mr. SHERMAN. I think that to have a huge portion of the U.S. defense budget and power directed at the security of the northern Pacific and to say you are doing enough because you pay for the room and board of those soldiers that are on the cutting edge and happen to be billeted in Japan, with no contribution to those billeted in South Korea, is, unfortunately, as the gentleman points out, a larger contribution than that made by other countries that ought to be sharing the burden but still a very inadequate contribution.
And I will agree with the gentleman that it is indeed in our interest to spend these dollars and to avoid the costs of disruption and even war, but where there is a security need and a security benefit that is enjoyed by both countries, both countries should pay, and pay equally, instead of a situation where we are called upon to pay to the full extent that we derive benefit. And no one——
Mr. LANTOS. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. SHERMAN [continuing]. Asks the Japanese taxpayer and asks what is the benefit to the Japanese taxpayer of peace on the Korean peninsula——
Mr. LANTOS. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. SHERMAN [continuing]. Which I will indicate—I will yield in a second—which I would venture to say is even more important than peace on the Korean peninsula benefits to the United States, although it is an enormous benefit to people around the world and people around the country.
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Yes, I will yield to Mr. Lantos.
Mr. LANTOS. I think the gentleman from California raises an excellent point in terms of burden sharing. The Japanese have not shared the burden properly and adequately for a long, long time. I think we are all indebted to you for again raising the issue.
I do not believe, however, that reducing our military presence would automatically increase Japanese military expenditures for the common defense and the U.S. national interest demands that we maintain our present level of military presence in the Asia Pacific area.
So I believe that Mr. Bereuter's resolution, recognizing the validity of your point, nevertheless should pass.
Chairman GILMAN. The gentleman's time has expired.
The chair recognizes Mr. Bereuter for an amendment.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk, and I ask it to be distributed and I might be recognized to explain it.
Chairman GILMAN. The clerk will read the amendment.
Ms. BLOOMER. Amendment offered by Mr. Bereuter. In the 17th clause of the preamble, insert after ''Whereas'' the following: ''Recognizing that''——
Chairman GILMAN. The reading of the amendment is dispensed with, without objection. Mr. Bereuter is recognized for 5 minutes.
[The information referred to appears in the appendix.]
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, to help my colleagues, the 17th amendment is the top ''whereas'' clause on page 4. And this amendment, suggested, I think appropriately, by Mr. Spence in behalf of the National Security Committee, does insert a clause which recognizes the capabilities of a modernized force. And so it moves us even a little further away from an absolute hard and fast ''nothing but numbers counts'' kind of arrangement.
I think it is an appropriate amendment, and I offer it for your consideration. And I want to thank the chairman, Mr. Lantos, and Mr. Hamilton for their supporting comments earlier.
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I yield.
Chairman GILMAN. Are there any comments on the Bereuter amendment?
Mr. Sherman.
Mr. SHERMAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I just want to indicate that I do not believe necessarily that we should cut our troops in the Asia area, simply that a resolution that makes our Asian friends lose their deep concern that was referred to earlier and makes them feel that a continuation of American policy and a continuation of their own refusal to bear the burden will continue forever.
So I am not suggesting that our interests in Asia are lesser or that we could make do with fewer troops, just that the effect of this resolution might be to reduce deep concern where there ought to be concern.
Chairman GILMAN. Mr. Bereuter.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I move the amendment.
Chairman GILMAN. All in favor of the Bereuter amendment, signify in the usual manner.
Opposed?
The Bereuter amendment is agreed to. Mr. Bereuter's amendment——
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman.
Chairman GILMAN. Mr. Ackerman, on the Bereuter amendment. The Bereuter amendment is agreed to.
Mr. Ackerman.
Mr. ACKERMAN. I want to speak in favor of Mr. Bereuter's resolution. I think that it is——
Chairman GILMAN. No, Mr. Ackerman; it has been agreed to.
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Mr. ACKERMAN. No; the amendment to the resolution has been agreed to, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman GILMAN. Mr. Ackerman.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I want to indicate my very, very strong support. While acknowledging the important concerns of my good friend and thoughtful comments of Mr. Sherman, it is important for us to understand that tremendous progress has been made in the area of burden-sharing over the years.
I would just like to note that at present we are talking about troops cited in the Bereuter resolution of maintaining a troop strength of about 100,000.
Just for the record, Mr. Chairman, there are about 48,000 U.S. troops in Japan for which the Japanese Government pays approximately $5 billion. It is very important that they participate. But we also have to understand that the Japanese Constitution that was written under our tutelage, so to speak, requires them to spend very little for their own defense, and therefore we have an obligation to maintain and promote a sense of security in the region. And I think it is important that we conclude our obligation to do that.
An additional 37,000 troops approximately are stationed in South Korea pretty close to the DMZ, and that is still one of the trip-wire regions of the world. And people there, Mr. Bereuter is absolutely right in reporting—and it is not anecdotal—everybody in that region is very concerned that we maintain our commitment there, because the whole psychological stability of the region and the relationship between the north and the south and the psychological war is very, very much involved with whether or not the United States is committed to remaining there.
I am not sure of the exact number, but if memory serves me correctly, the participation of the South Koreans toward the maintenance of U.S. troops has increased over the past 5 years from $150 million to $300 million, and while the cost of billeting is very expensive, Mr. Chairman, it would be much more expensive to pay for billeting.
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Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Ackerman.
Mr. Bereuter.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I move the Chairman be requested to seek consideration of this measure, as amended, on the Suspension Calendar.
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the motion is agreed to.
[This ends the markup portion of the hearing.]
MARKUP OF H. CON. RES. 137, H. CON. RES. 139
AND H. RES. 217
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1997
House of Representatives,
Committee on International
Relations,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 2 p.m., in room H–139, The Capitol, Hon. Benjamin A. Gilman (chairman of the Committee) presiding.
Chairman GILMAN. The Committee on International Relations meets today in open session, pursuant to notice, to consider several measures.
Those measures will be taken up in the following order: H. Res. 217, recognizing the important contributions made by Americans of Austrian heritage; H. Con. Res. 139, expressing the sense of Congress that the U.S. Government should fully participate in EXPO 2000 in the year 2000, in Hannover, Germany, and should encourage the academic community and the private sector in the United States to support this worthwhile undertaking; and H. Con. Res. 137, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives concerning the urgent need for an international criminal tribunal to try members of the Iraqi regime for crimes against humanity.
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All of these measures will be moved on the suspension calendar. The first measure is H. Res. 217, relating to the contributions of persons of Austrian heritage.
[The measure H. Res. 217 appears in the appendix.]
Chairman GILMAN. The Chair lays the measure before the Committee.
The clerk will report the title of the resolution.
Ms. BLOOMER. H. Res. 217, Resolution recognizing the important contributions made by Americans of Austrian heritage.
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the preamble and operative text of the resolution are considered having been read and open to amendment. The Chair recognizes the distinguished gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, vice chairman of the Committee and sponsor of the resolution, to introduce his measure.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, colleagues, a simple, straightforward celebration of warm and close relations between Americans and the people of Austria. September 26 will mark the 52nd anniversary of the conference that established the post-war Austrian Government, recognizing the pivotal role played by the United States in the establishment of a free and democratic Austria. The Government of Austria declared September 26, 1997, the Austrian-American Day. All around the United States, our State legislatures are following suit, declaring that day to be Austrian-American Day.
Because of the rules of this body, we are not permitted to consider commemorative resolutions or declare specific honorary days. However, this body can certainly join with the Austrian Government and the many State Legislatures in our country to note the long and positive history of Austrian-American relations—precisely what this bill does. I move the Chairman be requested to seek consideration of the resolution on the suspension calendar.
Chairman GILMAN. First, are there any amendments to the resolution proposed by Mr. Bereuter?
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[No response.]
The question is now on the motion of the gentleman from Nebraska. As many as favor the motion, signify aye.
[Ayes.]
Chairman GILMAN. As many as are opposed, say no.
[No response.]
The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it. The motion is agreed to. Further proceedings on this measure are postponed.
The next measure we'll take up is H. Con. Res. 139, relating to EXPO 2000 in Hannover, Germany.
[The measure H. Con. Res. 139 appears in the appendix.]
Chairman GILMAN. The Chair lays the measure before the Committee.
The clerk will report the title of the resolution.
Ms. BLOOMER. H. Con. Res. 139, Expressing the sense of Congress that the U.S. Government should fully participate in EXPO 2000 in the year 2000, in Hannover, Germany, and should encourage the academic community and the private sector in the United States to support this worthwhile undertaking.
Chairman GILMAN. The clerk will read the preamble and operative language of the resolution for amendment.
Ms. BLOOMER. Whereas, Germany has invited——
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the preamble and operative text of the resolution are considered as having been read and as open to amendment at any point.
The Chair recognizes the sponsor of the resolution, the distinguished vice chairman of the Committee, Mr. Bereuter, to introduce his resolution.
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Mr. GOODLING. Did you say all that in one breath?
[Laughter.]
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, thank you. Colleagues, I offer this in behalf of the German-American Study Group. The current Chairman is Mr. Oxley, who is involved in this legislation as well as other matters.
In 3 years, Germany will be hosting EXPO 2000 at the World's Fair to mark the new millennium. The timing and location of this event could hardly be more appropriate. Hannover, Germany is the center of the new Europe in some ways. Europe, as you know, is the center of many major changes. By the year 2000, there will be at least three new members of NATO. There will also be new members of the EU. EXPO 2000 will demonstrate the change.
Mr. Chairman, I have brought sponsorship involving Mr. Hamilton and many others. There is similar legislation moving in the upper body. I'd ask unanimous consent that my full statement be made a part of the record. And, Mr. Chairman, at your suggestion, and I think it's an excellent one, in order that no doubt remain that the resolution does not call for U.S. Government expenditures, I would offer an amendment in line 3 of the clause, strike the word ''Government''. Striking ''Government'' eliminates any ambiguity but retains expression of support. And also in the description of the legislation, strike the word ''Government''.
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the amendment is agreed to. Are there any other amendments to the resolution, or any Members seeking recognition?
[No response.]
If not, and if there are no further amendments, the gentleman from Nebraska is recognized to offer a motion.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Chairman be requested to seek consideration of this measure, as amended, on the suspension calendar.
Chairman GILMAN. The question is on the motion of the gentleman from Nebraska. As many as in favor of the motion, say aye.
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[Ayes.]
Chairman GILMAN. As many as are opposed, say no.
[No response.]
The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it and the motion is agreed to. Further proceedings on this measure are postponed.
We now go to the third and final measure we will take up, H. Con. Res. 137, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives concerning the urgent need for an international criminal tribunal to try members of the Iraqi regime for crimes against humanity.
[The measure H. Con. Res. 137 appears in the appendix.]
Chairman GILMAN. The Chair lays the measure before the Committee.
The clerk will report the title of the resolution.
Ms. BLOOMER. H. Con. Res. 137, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives concerning the urgent need for an international criminal tribunal to try members of the Iraqi regime for crimes against humanity.
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the clerk will read the preamble and operative text of the resolution for amendment.
Ms. BLOOMER. Whereas the regime of Saddam Hussein has perpetrated——
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the resolution is considered as having been read and as open to amendment at any point.
The Chair will recognize himself to introduce this resolution.
The resolution before us today, which I introduced with our colleague, Congressman Porter, a co-chairman of the Human Rights Caucus, expresses the sense of the House of Representatives concerning the urgent need for an international war crimes tribunal to try Saddam Hussein and members of his Iraqi regime for crimes against humanity.
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H. Con. Res. 137 notes that dictator Saddam Hussein has perpetrated a litany of human rights abuses against the citizens of Iraq. These include arbitrary executions, torture, cruel and inhumane treatment, arbitrary arrest and imprisonment, and disappearances.
Saddam Hussein has attempted to destroy the Kurdish population in Iraq through the use of chemical weapons. He has repressed Sunni tribes in western Iraq, destroyed Assyro-Chaldean churches and villages, executed Turkomen, and massacred Shiites. Saddam Hussein has also continued to commit ecocide against the ancient Marsh Arab civilization.
Saddam Hussein's brutality is not limited only to fellow Iraqis. We well recall the dark days of the Gulf War, which saw Saddam hold Kuwait and its innocent citizens hostage for many months. The whereabouts of more than 600 Kuwaitis who were taken prisoner during the Gulf War remain unknown and unaccounted for by the Iraqi Government.
H. Con. Res. 137 therefore expresses the sense of Congress deploring the Iraqi Government's pattern of gross violation of human rights, and denounces Saddam's refusal to comply with international human rights documents to which Iraq is signatory.
The bill endorses the creation of an international criminal tribunal to prosecute Saddam Hussein and his henchmen, and urges the President and Secretary of State to work actively for the adoption of a U.N. Security Council resolution establishing an International Criminal Court for Iraq.
Accordingly, I urge my colleagues' support for H. Con. Res. 137.
Are there any amendments to the resolution?
Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Chairman.
Chairman GILMAN. Mr. Hamilton.
Mr. HAMILTON. I want to make a note of Hedy Lamar with respect to the Austrian resolution.
Mr. GOODLING. Hedy Lamar?
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Mr. HAMILTON. Hedy Lamar. I didn't have a chance to get it in.
[Laughter.]
Mr. HAMILTON. She was an Austrian.
Mr. GOODLING. She was a pretty Austrian.
Chairman GILMAN. If there are no amendments, perhaps the gentleman from Nebraska has a motion?
Mr. BEREUTER. I want to concur with Mr. Hamilton. I move that the Chairman be requested to seek consideration of this measure on the suspension calendar.
Mr. HAMILTON. May I just make one statement before you call the vote. I'm going to vote for this, of course, and I know the pressure is on the Chairman because I've felt it myself. We pass a lot of resolutions here where we make political statements, so there's value to that, but what we don't spell out in these resolutions is how we get from here to there—how this tribunal, for example, is going to be set up, how it's going to be funded, and a lot of other questions.
And I think one of the problems here is that we raise expectations sometimes with these resolutions, but don't really have a mechanism for carrying them out. That isn't directed specifically to this resolution, I think it occurs on a lot of these resolutions, and I just throw that out for future consideration. I support the resolution.
Chairman GILMAN. The gentleman's remarks are well taken, and we'll try to pursue it.
The question is on the motion of the gentleman from Nebraska. As many as are in favor, signify in the usual manner.
[Ayes.]
Chairman GILMAN. As many as are opposed, say no.
[No response.]
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The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it, and the motion is agreed to.
Further proceedings on this measure are postponed.
This disposes of our agenda for today. Thank you for being here. The Committee is adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 2:15 p.m., the Committee was adjourned.]
A P P E N D I X
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