SPEAKERS CONTENTS INSERTS
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50–675 CC
1998
H. CON. RES. 185, H.R. 4083,
H.R. 633, AND H.R. 4309
MARKUP
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ONE HUNDRED FIFTH CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
AUGUST 6, 1998
Printed for the use of the Committee on International Relations
COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
BENJAMIN A. GILMAN, New York, Chairman
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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
KEVIN BRADY, Texas
RICHARD BURR, North Carolina
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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
BRAD SHERMAN, California
ROBERT WEXLER, Florida
STEVE ROTHMAN, New Jersey
BOB CLEMENT, Tennessee
BILL LUTHER, Minnesota
JIM DAVIS, Florida
LOIS CAPPS, California
RICHARD J. GARON, Chief of Staff
MICHAEL H. VAN DUSEN, Democratic Chief of Staff
HILLEL WEINBERG, Senior Professional Staff and Counsel
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KRISTEN GILLEY, Professional Staff
PAUL BERKOWITZ, Professional Staff
JOHN HERZBERG,, Professional Staff
KIMBERLY ROBERTS, Staff Associate
C O N T E N T S
Markup of H. Con. Res. 185, Expressing the sense of the Congress on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and recommitting the United States to the principles expressed in the Universal Declaration
Markup of H.R. 4083, To make available to the Ukrainian Museum and Archives the USIA television program ''Window on America''
Markup of H.R. 633, To amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to provide that the annuities of certain special agents and security personnel of the Department of State be computed in the same way as applies generally with respect to Federal law enforcement officers, and for other purposes
Markup of H.R. 4309, The Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998
APPENDIX
Legislation:
H. Con. Res. 185
Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H. Con. Res. 185 by the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights
H.R. 4083
Amendment to H.R. 4083 offered by Mr. Hamilton of Indiana
H.R. 633
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Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 633 by the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights
Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 633 offered by Mr. Gilman of New York
H.R. 4309
Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 4309 by the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights
Prepared statements:
Hon. Christopher Smith of New Jersey on H.R. 4309, H.R. 633, and H. Con. Res. 185
MARKUP OF H. CON. RES. 185, H.R. 4083,
H.R. 633, AND H.R. 4309
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 1998
House of Representatives,
Committee on International Relations,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 3:02 p.m., in room H–139, The Capitol, Hon. Benjamin A. Gilman (chairman of the Committee) presiding.
Chairman GILMAN. [presiding] The Committee will come to order.
I think all of our colleagues will be joining us, and we'll try to be brief and move it right along with your indulgence.
The International Relations Committee meets today in open session, pursuant to notice, to take up four items that have been approved by the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights. I believe these are essentially noncontroversial items and that we ought to be able to complete our markup very expeditiously.
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The bills that we will be considering are H.R. 4083, to make available to the Ukrainian Museum and the Archives the USIA television program, ''Window on America''; the second one, H.R. 633, to amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980; H. Con. Res. 185, expressing the sense of the Congress on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and recommitting to the United States the principles expressed in the Universal Declaration; and last, H.R. 4309, the Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998.
We'll now turn to H. Con. Res. 185. The chair lays the resolution before the Committee. The clerk will report the title.
[H. Con. Res. 185 appears in the appendix.]
Ms. BLOOMER. ''H. Con. Res. 185, Concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and recommitting the United States to the principles expressed in the Universal Declaration.''
Chairman GILMAN. This resolution was referred from the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights. It was reported to us in Full Committee with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without objection, the Subcommittee recommended language which will be treated as the original text for the purposes of amendment. The clerk will read the preamble and operative language in the Subcommittee recommendation, in that order, for amendment. The clerk will read.
Ms. BLOOMER. ''Amendment in the nature of a substitute.
''Whereas on December 10, 1948, the General Assembly''——
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the Subcommittee recommendation is considered as having been read, and is open for amendment at any point.
[The amendment appears in the appendix.]
Chairman GILMAN. I'd now like to recognize Mr. Lantos.
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Mr. LANTOS. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I'll just take a minute because this clearly is a noncontroversial suggestion. One of the rare arenas where it is a pleasure to work in this Congress is the field of human rights. Because fortunately, this has support from the full political spectrum, which has not changed even though the climate of the Congress has changed on so many other issues.
I want to thank my friends and colleagues on the Committee and off the Committee—Congressman Smith, Congressman Campbell, yourself, and others—who have been such indefatigable champions of human rights, as has my Ranking Member, Mr. Hamilton, on the Democratic side.
One would have hoped that after 50 years following this Declaration, the problem might have abated, but it hasn't. From the persecution of homosexuals—and I'm mentioning that because at 4 p.m. we will hold a hearing on that subject—people are persecuted for ethnic, racial, religious, political, and other reasons. And the need to reaffirm our commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is as strong today as it was 50 years ago.
And I move the adoption of the resolution.
Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Lantos. I now recognize the gentleman from New Jersey, Mr. Smith, the chairman of the Subcommittee, to explain the bill further.
Mr. SMITH. I think Mr. Lantos has explained it very well. This is the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I think it will be very timely and fitting for us to have a floor discussion on this. I don't think anybody will be against it. All of us have invoked the Universal Declaration. When we've traveled abroad, whether it be in Eastern Europe in the heyday of communism, or in China, or anywhere else where human rights are abridged.
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So this is a very fine resolution, and it very closely comports with the actual Universal Declaration. It is very fitting for us to go on record in favor of it—first as the Committee, and then as the Congress.
Chairman GILMAN. I thank the Subcommittee Chairman Smith, and Mr. Lantos, the Ranking Member, for their introduction. We take for granted so many of our freedoms as we have in our own country. The gentleman's resolution makes us aware of the preciousness and reaffirms our commitment to their protection.
We ask support of the resolution—I urge my colleagues to support it.
Are there any other Members seeking recognition? If not, the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, is recognized to offer a motion.
Mr. BEREUTER. I'm glad I got here when I did. Mr. Chairman, I move the Chairman be requested to seek consideration of the pending resolution, as amended, on the suspension calendar.
Chairman GILMAN. The question is on the motion of the gentleman from Nebraska. All those in favor, signify in the usual manner.
Opposed?
The ayes have it. The motion is agreed to. Further proceeding on the measure is postponed.
We'll now proceed with H.R. 4083, to allow the distribution of the USIA television program within the United States. The chair lays the bill before the Committee. The clerk will report the title of the bill.
Ms. BLOOMER. H.R. 4083, a bill to make available to the Ukrainian Museum and Archives the USIA television program, ''Window on America''.
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the first reading of the bill will be dispensed with. The clerk will read the bill for amendment.
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[H.R. 4083 appears in the appendix.]
Ms. BLOOMER. Being enacted by the Senate and House of Representative of the United States of America in the Congress assembled. Section 1, availability of U.S.——
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the bill is considered as having been read and is open for amendment at any point. The bill was referred to the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights, and reported from it favorably without amendment. I now recognize the gentleman from New Jersey, Mr. Smith.
Mr. SMITH. I ask that my full statement be made a part of the record.
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Smith appears in the appendix.]
Mr. SMITH. This bill was introduced by my good friend and colleague, Mr. Kucinich, along with Mr. LaTourette and Mr. Hamilton. It will allow the Ukrainian Museum and Archives in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Slavic Collection at Indiana University in Bloomington, to procure copies of the USIA television program, ''Window on America'', for archival purposes.
The ''Window on America'' program, which is popular in Ukraine, has helped to enhance the Ukrainian people's understanding of America over the last 4 years and would be an important addition to those repositories of Ukrainian-American culture and history. And as we all know, current law precludes that, unless there's a way to grant it——
Chairman GILMAN. Mr. Hamilton.
Mr. HAMILTON. I have an amendment at the desk, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman GILMAN. The clerk will read the amendment. The clerk will distribute the amendment.
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Ms. BLOOMER. Amendment offered by Mr. Hamilton. Page 2, line 8, strike ''is'' and insert ''and the Slavics Collection are''. Page 2, line 11, after ''Archives'' insert ''and the Slavics Collection''.
[The amendment to H.R. 4083 appears in the appendix.]
Chairman GILMAN. I recognize Mr. Hamilton on the amendment.
Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Smith has adequately explained the bill. The term Slavics Collection is inadvertently left out of the bill. All this amendment does is insert it. I don't think there was a plot against Indiana University, but there may very well have been.
[Laughter.]
In any event, we're seeking to put it back in. I don't think it's controversial at all, and I urge the adoption of the amendment.
Chairman GILMAN. I'd just would like to note that this Ukrainian language program can't be broadcast in the United States, but is available to these institutions for historical research purposes.
The bipartisan bill was drafted in close consultation with the USIA, who provided expert advice that assisted us in advancing this legislation, and we appreciate the agency's assistance.
The question is now on the Hamilton amendment. All in favor, signify in the usual manner.
Any opposed?
The amendment is carried.
Are there any other Members seeking recognition or offering any other amendments? The gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, is recognized to offer a motion.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Chairman be requested to seek consideration of the pending bill, as amended, on the suspension calendar.
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Chairman GILMAN. The question is now on the motion of the gentleman from Nebraska. As many as are in favor of the motion, signify in the usual manner.
As many as are opposed, say no.
The ayes have it. The motion is agreed to. Further proceedings on the measure is postponed.
We'll now move to H.R. 633, the Diplomatic Security Retirement Act. The chair lays the bill before the Committee. The clerk will report the title of the bill.
[H.R. 633 appears in the appendix.]
Ms. BLOOMER. H.R. 633, a bill to amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to provide that the annuities of certain special agents and security personnel of the Department of State be computed in the same way as applies generally with respect to Federal law enforcement officers, and for other purposes.
Chairman GILMAN. This resolution was referred to the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights, and reported with a Subcommittee amendment that's now before the Members. Without objection, the Subcommittee recommended text will be considered as original text for the purposes of amendment. The clerk will read the Subcommittee recommended text for amendment.
Ms. BLOOMER. Amendment in the nature of a substitute. Strike all after the enacting clause, and insert the following: Section 1, ''amendments relating to the Foreign Service retirement''——
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the substitute is considered as having been read. And I'll now recognize the gentleman from New Jersey, the chairman of the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights, Mr. Smith, to fully explain the bill.
[The amendment appears in the appendix.]
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Mr. SMITH. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Two weeks ago the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights approved an amended version of H.R. 633. That version was drafted with input from the State Department, and from the prime author, Mr. Davis of Virginia, and from the Democrat and Republican professional staff members of the Committee on International Relations.
The bill would amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980, to provide that the annuities of the Diplomatic Security special agents of the Department of State who are participating in the Foreign Service retirement and disability program be computed in the same way as applies generally to Federal law enforcement officers.
In general, other Federal law enforcement officers who contribute an additional 1/2 percent of their basic salary to their retirement fund are eligible to receive an additional 1/2 percent for each year served up to 20 years, or a 10 percent increase in their annuities. The bill would extend this option to the diplomatic security agents.
I'd just ask the rest of my statement be included in the record.
[Mr. Smith's statement appears in the appendix.]
Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Smith. Did you want to make a statement about the amendment?
Mr. SMITH. Yes.
Chairman GILMAN. I have an amendment at the desk. Would the clerk distribute and read the amendment.
Ms. BLOOMER. Amendment offered by Mr. Gilman. Page 1, immediately before line 1, insert the following new section (and re-designate the subsequent sections accordingly): Section 1, short title. ''This Act may be cited as the ''Department of State Special''——
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the amendment will be considered as read.
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[The amendment by Mr. Gilman appears in the appendix.]
Chairman GILMAN. Let's explain the amendment briefly and have it adopted, and then comment on the bill itself.
The amendment conforms the bill to the mandatory requirement provision applicable in all other cases where individuals receive a special law enforcement officer retirement benefit, and specifically, conforms to the precedent in the case of AID Inspector General criminal investigators who become Foreign Service employees. The concept of providing for mandatory retirement in line with the treatment of other law enforcement officers governmentwide is supported by the Department of State.
Mr. Smith, do you want to comment?
Mr. SMITH. I think you've explained it very adequately, Mr. Chairman. And your amendment very much improves the bill.
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the amendment is agreed to. Mr. Hamilton.
Mr. HAMILTON. I support the bill, Mr. Chairman. I support the amendment. It's just a matter of equity for a very small group of security agents—I think about 200 of them. I'm informed the cost is $2.5 million, so it's a modest cost. It's a very good amendment, and a good bill.
Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Hamilton. Without objection. Is there any further comment by anyone? Yes, a typographical error.
Mr. WEINBERG. I'd just like to inform the members that on line 8 of page 1, we will insert ''(B)''—as a technical change.
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, typographical error's correction is agreed to.
The measure before us reflects changes recommended by the State Department, agreed to by the sponsor, and adopted by the International Operations and Human Rights Subcommittee. I want to commend Mr. Smith and Mr. Davis for their work on this measure.
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It amends the Foreign Service Act to provide that the annuities of diplomatic security special agents of the Department of State, of whom we know have done such good work around the world, who are participating in the Foreign Service retirement and disability system, be computed in the same way as applies generally to Federal law enforcement officers. In general, other Federal law enforcement officers who contribute an additional 1/2 percent of their basic salary to their retirement fund are eligible to receive 1/2 percent per year—up to 20 years—or 25 percent increase in their annuity computation for the 20 years as law enforcement agents, compared to other employees.
The bill ensures that our DS special agents would also receive this option, which is available to their Civil Service law enforcement colleagues in DS and throughout the Federal Government. The legislation affects a relatively small number of people—around 200 DS agents, the State Department—and will resolve equity and morale concerns in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
Accordingly, I urge support of the bill.
Without objection, the Subcommittee amendment is agreed to.
Are there any other Members who wish to be heard on the resolution? If not, I recognize the gentleman from Nebraska.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I move that the pending measure be reported favorably to the House.
Chairman GILMAN. As many as are in favor, signify in the usual manner.
Opposed?
The Bereuter motion is agreed to.
Without objection, the chief of staff is authorized to make conforming, technical, and grammatical changes to the text. Without objection, the chairman is authorized to make requests under rule 20, the House rule with respect to this bill or a companion measure from the Senate.
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We now move to the last measure. We now consider H.R. 4309, the Torture Victims Relief Act. The chair lays the bill before the Committee. The clerk will report the bill.
[H.R. 4309 appears in the appendix.]
Ms. BLOOMER. ''H.R. 4309, a bill to provide a comprehensive program of support for victims of torture.''
Chairman GILMAN. This bill was referred to the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights and reported with the a Subcommittee amendment that is now before the Members. Without objection, the Subcommittee recommended text will be considered as original text for the purposes of amendment. The clerk will read the Subcommittee recommended text for amendment.
Ms. BLOOMER. ''Amendment in the nature of a substitute.
''Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: Section 1''——
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the amendment is considered as read. I'll now recognize the gentleman from New Jersey, the Subcommittee chairman on International Operations.
[The amendment appears in the appendix.]
Mr. SMITH. At the outset, Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you, and Mr. Lantos, and the 24 other cosponsors who have cosponsored H.R. 4309, the Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998.
Our Subcommittee favorably reported the bill, and this really is the product of several years' work in our Subcommittee, as Members of the Subcommittee know so well. We've had scores of hearings, and we've heard from torture victims, and those who speak for them, time and time again.
The need for this legislation is compelling. Torture is on the rise throughout the world, a tragic fact underscored in the State Department's ''Country Reports on Human Rights Practices,'' and by reputable human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International.
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Those who suffer horrific cruelty at the hands of despotic governments, military and/or police, usually bear scars—physically, emotionally, and psychologically—for the rest of their lives. For many, if not most, the ordeal of torture doesn't end when they are released from a gulag, a laogai, or a prison. Those victims—and there are millions of them around the world, and an estimated 400,000 survivors of torture living here in the United States—need help. To date, we have done far too little to assist these walking wounded.
This legislation tries, in a very small and modest way, to remedy that situation. Over the next 2 years the bill authorizes $6 million for the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, $12.5 million for domestic centers—there are currently 15, and $12.5 million for international torture victim centers—there are currently about 175. All are seriously underfunded. As a matter of fact, the Denmark-based International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, known as the IRCT, estimates the worldwide need for assisting victims to be about $28 million and a very large portion of that is still unmet.
I would ask that my full statement be made a part of the record.
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Smith appears in the appendix.]
Mr. SMITH. The bill also provides special training—just training—for Foreign Service officers in the identification of the evidence of torture, techniques for interviewing torture victims, and related subjects. And finally, the bill contains an expression of the sense of Congress that the United States shall use its voice and vote in the United Nations to support the investigation and elimination of the practices prohibited by the Convention Against Torture.
And I hope that everyone can support this.
Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Smith. Mr. Hamilton.
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Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Chairman, I support the bill, and I commend the sponsors of the bill. Torture is one of the most serious human rights abuses of our time. The long-term effects of torture on the survivors and their families are simply devastating, as Mr. Smith has said. This is a good bill, and it's a solid bill.
I do have a couple of questions I'd like put for the record to Mr. Smith, or whoever can respond. The bill earmarks development assistance in an international operations account, in order to increase funding for the centers that treat the victims of torture, and the U.N. fund for torture victims. Is that intended to be a hard earmark, or soft?
Mr. SMITH. It's a soft earmark.
Mr. HAMILTON. It's a soft earmark. And do you intend for any of the development assistance funded projects to be cut in order to increase this funding?
Mr. SMITH. The intent would be that it would not be, but there is always a prioritization. But the intent would be not to cut it.
Mr. HAMILTON. I understand the Administration has the concerns I've just expressed to you, and that's the reason for the question. The Administration supports the bill, or at least, they're not going to oppose it. I support the bill. I urge it's passage.
Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Hamilton. Mr. Lantos.
Mr. LANTOS. I'll just take a moment, Mr. Chairman, to commend my friend from New Jersey. I urge the support of this legislation.
Chairman GILMAN. Thank you. If there are any other Members seeking to be a cosponsor, please see Mr. Smith following the meeting.
This important measure I think does address a very critical area, and our efforts to combat human rights abuses and treatment of those individuals who suffer the effects of torture in the hands of governments, as a means of destroying dissent and opposition. And I commend the gentlemen from New Jersey, Mr. Smith and Mr. Lantos, the major sponsors of the bill. I think the resolution rightly recognizes the importance of treating victims of torture in order to combat the long-term devastating affects that torture's had on physical and psychological well being of those who have undergone pernicious forms of abuses.
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Torture's an extremely effective method to suppress political dissent in those governments which lack a legitimacy of Democratic institutions to justify their power. Torture can provide a bulwark against popular opposition.
Accordingly, I urge support for the measure.
Is there any other Member seeking recognition? If not, the question is on agreeing to the Subcommittee amendment in the nature of a substitute.
As many as are in favor, signify in the usual manner.
Opposed, in the usual manner.
The Subcommittee amendment is approved. The gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, is recognized to offer a motion.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I move that the pending measure be reported favorably to the House.
Chairman GILMAN. The question is on the motion of the gentleman from Nebraska. As many as are in favor, signify in the usual manner.
Opposed, signify by saying no.
The ayes have it. Without objection, the chief of staff is authorized to make conforming, technical, and grammatical to the text. Without objection, the chairman is authorized to make requests under Rule 20 of the House rules with respect to this bill or a companion measure in the Senate.
If there's no other——
Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Chairman.
Chairman GILMAN. Mr. Hamilton.
Mr. HAMILTON. I have a question. Where does the Cuba bill stand? It was supposed to be on the suspension calendar, but I haven't seen it yet.
Chairman GILMAN. We've requested to be on the suspension calendar this week. Only three measures were taken on the list.
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Mr. HAMILTON. I hope the Chair will follow through and be sure it gets on the calendar when we return.
Chairman GILMAN. We'll be pleased to do that, Mr. Hamilton.
Mr. HAMILTON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman GILMAN. Are there any other——
Mr. ROHRABACHER. Where is the resolution condemning Mr. Milosovich as a war criminal stand? After all, apparently they've discovered the bodies of 350 children in Kosovo.
Chairman GILMAN. If I might respond, we've had some questions by Mr. Burton on it. He was trying to resolve that this afternoon, and I am hoping that Mr. Hamilton will consider a decision so that we can make a UC request.
Mr. HAMILTON. That considered, I haven't seen it.
Chairman GILMAN. Would you make sure that Mr. Hamilton has a copy of it, please?
Mr. Smith.
Mr. SMITH. I initiated this resolution on the House side, and it has a very broad bipartisan standing order. Members of the Helsinki Commission are on it on both sides of the aisle. And it has already passed on the Senate side.
Mr. HAMILTON. Is Mr. Burton making a change to it?
Chairman GILMAN. No, he's taking a look at it to see if he can go along on a UC.
Mr. HAMILTON. OK.
Chairman GILMAN. Yes. Thank you very much.
Mr. SMITH. I have another question, Mr. Chairman, if I could. We asked that H. Con. Res. 59 be put in the markup today. Can we expect that it will be marked up when we get back? That's the one that Stewart Eizenstat had spoken to today very eagerly, about confiscated properties. I've had hearings on that issue in the Committee and on the Helsinki Commission. And it would be very worthwhile if we were to speak out collectively through a resolution—in Europe, it could have a big impact.
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Chairman GILMAN. I would welcome that. We will put that as a high-priority item when we get back. Would the staff make note of that, please.
Any other? Yes, Mr. Bereuter.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I've been sitting in this room a long time over the years, and I think these doors are the noisiest and clumsiest.
[Laughter.]
When we have foreign guests here, it's really disruptive. If you would like, I will volunteer to go to Chairman Thomas and to the Architect of the Capitol after we adjourn this year, and give you alternatives about replacement.
Chairman GILMAN. I'd welcome it—don't take it out of our budget.
[Laughter.]
Mr. LANTOS. Would you accept an amendment?
Chairman GILMAN. I want to thank our colleagues for coming. The meeting stands adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 3:27 p.m., the Committee was adjourned, subject to the call of the Chair.]
A P P E N D I X
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