SPEAKERS CONTENTS INSERTS
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75–927PDF
2001
RADIO FREE AFGHANISTAN ACT OF 2001;
THE FREEDOM CONSOLIDATION ACT OF 2001;
INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY AND VICTIMS OF LANDMINDS
CIVIL STRIFE AND WARFARE ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2001;
HUNGER TO HARVEST RESOLUTION: A DECADE OF
CONCERN FOR AFRICA;
THE EXPORT EXTENSION ACT OF 2001;
RUSSIAN DEMOCRACY ACT OF 2001;
COMMENDING DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI ON THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF NOBEL PRIZE;
AND RECOGNIZING RADIO FREE EUROPE/RADIO
LIBERTY'S SUCCESS
MARKUP
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
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ON
H.R. 2998, H.R. 3167, H.R. 3169, H. Con. Res. 102,
H.R. 3189, H.R. 2121, H. Con. Res. 211, and
H. Con. Res. 242
NOVEMBER 1, 2001
Serial No. 107–48
Printed for the use of the Committee on International Relations
Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.house.gov/international—relations
COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
HENRY J. HYDE, Illinois, Chairman
BENJAMIN A. GILMAN, New York
JAMES A. LEACH, Iowa
DOUG BEREUTER, Nebraska
CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey
DAN BURTON, Indiana
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ELTON GALLEGLY, California
ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida
CASS BALLENGER, North Carolina
DANA ROHRABACHER, California
EDWARD R. ROYCE, California
PETER T. KING, New York
STEVE CHABOT, Ohio
AMO HOUGHTON, New York
JOHN M. McHUGH, New York
RICHARD BURR, North Carolina
JOHN COOKSEY, Louisiana
THOMAS G. TANCREDO, Colorado
RON PAUL, Texas
NICK SMITH, Michigan
JOSEPH R. PITTS, Pennsylvania
DARRELL E. ISSA, California
ERIC CANTOR, Virginia
JEFF FLAKE, Arizona
BRIAN D. KERNS, Indiana
JO ANN DAVIS, Virginia
TOM LANTOS, California
HOWARD L. BERMAN, California
GARY L. ACKERMAN, New York
ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American Samoa
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DONALD M. PAYNE, New Jersey
ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey
SHERROD BROWN, Ohio
CYNTHIA A. McKINNEY, Georgia
EARL F. HILLIARD, Alabama
BRAD SHERMAN, California
ROBERT WEXLER, Florida
JIM DAVIS, Florida
ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York
WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT, Massachusetts
GREGORY W. MEEKS, New York
BARBARA LEE, California
JOSEPH CROWLEY, New York
JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL, Pennsylvania
EARL BLUMENAUER, Oregon
SHELLEY BERKLEY, Nevada
GRACE NAPOLITANO, California
ADAM B. SCHIFF, California
DIANE E. WATSON, California
THOMAS E. MOONEY, SR., Staff Director/General Counsel
ROBERT R. KING, Democratic Staff Director
DANIEL FREEMAN, Counsel/Parliamentarian
MARILYN C. OWEN, Staff Associate
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C O N T E N T S
MARKUP OF H.R. 2998
Text of H.R. 2998, Radio Free Afghanistan Act of 2001
Amendment to H.R. 2998 offered by the Honorable Edward R. Royce, a Representative in Congress from the State of California
MARKUP OF H.R. 3167
Text of H.R. 3167, Freedom Consolidation Act of 2001
Letter from Paul V. Kelly, Assistant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, U.S. Department of State, dated October 24, 2001
Amendment to H.R. 3167 offered by the Honorable Doug Bereuter, a Representative in Congress from the State of Nebraska, and the Honorable Benjamin A. Gilman, a Representative in Congress from the State of New York
The Honorable Henry J. Hyde, a Representative in Congress from the State of Illinois, and Chairman, Committee on International Relations: Prepared statement regarding H.R. 3167
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MARKUP OF H.R. 3169
Text of H.R. 3169, International Disability and Victims of Landmines, Civil Strife and Warfare Assistance Act of 2001
Amendment to H.R. 3169 offered by the Honorable Doug Bereuter
The Honorable Henry J. Hyde: Prepared statement regarding H.R. 3169
MARKUP OF H. CON. RES. 102, H.R. 3189, H.R. 2121, H. CON. RES. 211 AND H. CON. RES. 242
Text of H. Con. Res 102, Hunger to Harvest Resolution: A Decade of Concern for Africa
Text of H.R. 3189, Export Extension Act of 2001
Text of H.R. 2121, Russian Democracy Act of 2001
Text of H. Con. Res. 211, Commending Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on the 10th anniversary of her receiving the Nobel Peace Price and expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to the Government of Burma
Text of H. Con. Res 242, Recognizing Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's success in promoting democracy and its continuing contribution to United States national interests
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The Honorable Henry J. Hyde: Prepared statements regarding H. Con. Res. 102, H.R. 3189, H.R. 2121 and H. Con. Res. 242
The Honorable Jeff Flake, a Representative in Congress from the State of Arizona: Prepared statement regarding H.R. 3189
APPENDIX
The Honorable Benjamin A. Gilman: Prepared statements on H.R. 2998, H.R. 3169, H. Con. Res. 102, H.R. 2121, H. Con. Res. 211 and H. Con. Res. 242
The Honorable Doug Bereuter: Prepared statement on H. Con. Res. 102
The Honorable Christopher H. Smith, a Representative in Congress from the State of New Jersey: Prepared statement on H. Con. Res. 211
The Honorable Howard L. Berman, a Representative in Congress from the State of California: Prepared statement on H.R. 2998
The Honorable Donald M. Payne, a Representative in Congress from the State of New Jersey: Prepared statement on H.R. 3169
RADIO FREE AFGHANISTAN ACT OF 2001; THE FREEDOM CONSOLIDATION ACT OF 2001; INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY AND VICTIMS OF LANDMINDS CIVIL STRIFE AND WARFARE ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2001; HUNGER TO HARVEST RESOLUTION: A DECADE OF CONCERN FOR AFRICA; THE EXPORT EXTENSION ACT OF 2001; RUSSIAN DEMOCRACY ACT OF 2001; COMMENDING DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI ON THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF NOBEL PRIZE; AND RECOGNIZING RADIO FREE EUROPE/RADIO LIBERTY'S SUCCESS
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2001
House of Representatives,
Committee on International Relations,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 4:20 p.m. in Room 2172, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Henry Hyde, (Chairman of the Committee) presiding.
Chairman HYDE. The Committee will come to order.
Pursuant to notice, I now call up the bill H.R. 2998, Radio Free Afghanistan Act of 2001, for purposes of markup.
Without objection, the bill will be considered as read and open for amendment at any point.
I recognize Mr. Royce to explain the bill.
[The bill, H.R. 2998, follows:]
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Mr. ROYCE. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I would like to thank you for scheduling this markup, and let me just say that the bill itself now has 57 co-sponsors, 22 of which are Members of this Committee.
Long before the terrorist attacks of September 11th, bin Laden's sympathizers waged what I would call a psychological war for the minds of Afghans. They shrewdly used radio to spread hatred of the United States, hatred of democracy, of Israel and of those Muslims who rejected their hate, and they did that day in and day out on Radio Shariat.
I believe that the establishment of a Radio Free Afghanistan by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is essential to winning the information war. The Taliban and the terrorists they are harboring use two things to maintain power: they use propaganda and they use censorship. And they must be countered. I am just going to quote William Sapphire from this morning's New York Times, where he points out a message that could be sent to counter the lies that are sent.
He said,
''A message could be the Taliban are corrupting the Koran. Suicide bombers are not blessed with black-eyed beauties in paradise, but spend eternity in hell. The Taliban and their terrorist guests are the cause of Afghan casualties. As soon as the fanatic outsiders surrender, then peace, food and jobs will bless the land.''
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Now, that is one example of a message.
But anyway, what are people hearing today in that region? What is the message they heard in weeks past?
It was reported that the attacks on the World Trade Center were the work of the Israelis and of the United States and that we did that in order to blame it falsely on Osama bin Laden, who was innocent. That is what they are being told.
If we had had Radio Free Afghanistan up and running for several years now, the terrorists would not have had the fertile ground they have found in Afghanistan. We certainly would not be behind the curve, running around to ramp up broadcasting to the region now. I believe that Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is the best organization for broadcasting there, because it has the expertise and the experience on Afghanistan. It was helpful in rallying the Afghan people against the Soviets some 20 years ago. Eight of the employees who were working there then are working there now. I have talked to three of those employees.
I think it will have the best chance of providing information that will help turn the Afghan people against the Taliban and other extremists and do it now. It is the voice of Afghans talking about the radicalism of the Taliban that will be our best ally. This is best positioned to do that task. It will broadcast 12 hours a day, 6 in Dari, 6 in Pashto; and in order for these broadcasts to be more effective, I will be offering an amendment to increase the transmission capability into Afghanistan. We have worked with the Board of Governors to do this, and so that will be an amendment to the bill.
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Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman HYDE. The Chair recognizes Mr. Lantos, the Ranking Democrat.
Mr. LANTOS. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. This is a very important bill. I want to commend my friends Ed Royce and Howard Berman for introducing it.
I support this legislation because it is self-evident that we need to increase and improve our public diplomacy in the Muslim world. The Middle East Broadcasting Initiative announced by the Administration and Radio Free Afghanistan required by this legislation are two important initiatives that will help us to reach millions of Muslims and will provide fair, accurate information about America, our principles and our policies.
We must increase also our VOA broadcasting and Radio Free Asia, and we must increase our educational and cultural exchange programs for the region.
We must come up with new and innovative ways to reach the young people who live on the outer fringes of society. Marginalized young people who live without hope and without opportunity grow up into hate-filled men and women who choose to bring death and destruction to themselves and those around them.
H.R. 2998 is an important step in the right direction, and I urge all of my colleagues to support the legislation.
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Chairman HYDE. Mr. Gilman?
Mr. GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I commend you for bringing this bill before our Committee and commend Chairman Royce for crafting this important initiative, the Radio Free Afghanistan measure.
For the past several years, the people of Afghanistan have been manipulated by foreign forces who are motivated by selfish intentions. Saudi Arabia, along with Pakistan, has created a radical Islamic fundamentalist movement in Afghanistan which threatens international stability. While we are working to ensure that the governments of those two countries permanently change their policy, the only way that the world will be safe from the disaster that they have created is by helping the Afghan people liberate themselves from the Taliban and bin Laden and to give them the tools to put together a broadbased representative form of government.
For the past several years, Members of our Committee have been working with the former king of Afghanistan and the Northern Alliance to ensure that our government supports the Afghan people's desire for a free and democratic Afghanistan. A Radio Free Afghanistan will play a significant role in this endeavor.
Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to fully support this measure.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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Chairman HYDE. Mr. Hoeffel.
Mr. HOEFFEL. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I strongly support this bill. I want to compliment Mr. Royce for introducing it and for his long-time advocacy for free speech and freedom in Afghanistan, and my compliments to Mr. Berman as well.
This bill would allow the Afghan people to hear the truth about what is happening in their country. We would empower Radio Free Europe to establish a Radio Free Afghanistan along the lines of the surrogate broadcasting concept that Radio Free Europe has developed over the last 50 years, which provides local news as well as regional and international news in native languages, in factual presentations that make a difference to the people who are living behind the Iron Curtain of old or now behind the terror curtain, if you will, of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
This is a good proposal. I am saddened to see that the Administration does not support it, according to the fact sheet handed out by the Committee. The Administration, in a letter from the State Department, says it is considering a menu of other options regarding programming into South Central Asia, and the Administration is not ready at this time to commit to the concept of a Radio Free Afghanistan.
Well, the Administration astonishes me. The principle of broadcasting news, factual information free of the propaganda of repressive states is well established. In fact, the Chair and Ranking Member quite wisely are bringing before this Committee later today H. Con. Res 242, which celebrates 50 years of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and its success through this method of surrogate broadcasting in bringing freedom to people around the world.
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It astonishes me that the Administration, which has done many, many good things in the last 60 days to respond to the attacks on America, and the State Department led by a terrific Secretary of State, would not throw their support behind Mr. Royce's proposal to expand into Afghanistan a tried and true method of bringing truth and therefore liberty and personal freedom to people who do not enjoy it now.
I hope the Committee will give unanimous support to this very good bill.
Chairman HYDE. Thank you, Mr. Hoeffel.
Mr. Flake, did you seek recognition?
Mr. FLAKE. No.
Chairman HYDE. Mr. Berman, did you seek recognition?
Mr. BERMAN. Yes.
Chairman HYDE. You are recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. BERMAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise in support of H.R. 2998. I do not even rise, I just sit here in support of it.
I join my other colleagues in commending Congressman Royce, who has really been into a lot of these issues and anticipated some of these problems many months before September 11th.
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In response to Congressman Hoeffel's point, which I thought was a good one, Congressman Royce and I know that the Committee does not intend this to be a substitute for Voice of America, it is to be a complement to it. It follows a model that has worked very effectively in other parts of the world because it focuses on people who know the surrogate radio model where they know the internal issues that the people there want to know about, and it is not a substitute for what we have to do and what Secretary Powell affirmed that we need to do in the areas of strengthening public diplomacy in this part of the world.
There are other proposals out there. There is a very important one for a Middle East radio initiative in that part of the world, where only 2 percent of the Arab population has access to Voice of America. I think all of these are a seamless web of many issues and a menu of options. You do not have to just choose one, and I cannot believe at the end of the day that the Administration will not see the light that H.R. 2998 shines on this subject and will not go along and support this proposal. I yield back my time.
Chairman HYDE. The gentleman from California, Mr. Royce, is recognized for purposes of an amendment.
Mr. ROYCE. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Let me say I have enjoyed working with Mr. Berman and Mr. Hoeffel and Members of the Chairman's staff on this important piece of legislation, along with the Broadcasting Board of Governors. There is an amendment that we have here.
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Chairman HYDE. The clerk will report the amendment.
Ms. BLOOMER. Amendment offered by Mr. Royce. Page 1, line 9, strike ''formerly'' and insert ''also.''
Chairman HYDE. Without objection, further reading of the amendment is dispensed with and Mr. Royce is recognized for 5 minutes in support of his amendment.
[The amendment referred to follows:]
HR2998a.AAB
HR2998a.AAC
Mr. ROYCE. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
In order to get the strongest possible signal into Afghanistan, three transmitters need to be moved from Spain to Kuwait. It is important to note that these transmitters could also be used to be ideally located for broadcasts in the Middle East, in Africa or in Russia, but this is a one-time cost of moving and setting up the transmitters of $10 million.
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Also there currently is a ban on shortwave transmission from Kuwait. My amendment includes a repeal of the ban on transmission from Kuwait, and this language was included in fact in the State Department authorization bill passed earlier this year. There is also an inclusion for transmission cost requirements.
And so I would like to ask for the adoption of this amendment, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman HYDE. Is there any further discussion?
Mr. Rohrabacher.
Mr. ROHRABACHER. Well, I rise in support of the amendment and, of course, in support of the fundamental bill.
Let me commend Mr. Royce. Ed and I have known each other for many years, I think probably since high school. I just want to tell you how much I deeply admire his commitment to freedom and justice. It really speaks well of him that Ed has sought out an avenue where he could have an influence on the cause of human freedom in different parts of the world where people are suffering and reach out in a way that would give people hope. And that is what these radio stations are about, and that is what Voice of America was supposed to be about.
Let me just note, I think it is unfortunate that Voice of America, when it comes to Afghanistan, for whatever reason since the Taliban took over, was not doing its job and became known in Afghanistan as the Voice of the Taliban. Let me just say that we have done a study of people interviewed. It was disgraceful the number of people from the Taliban who were given free air time by our own Voice of America, and then anyone who was against them and said things against the Taliban, had to have someone on to refute them from the Taliban, which made no sense at all.
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We have here an effort by Mr. Royce to be a loud and clear voice of freedom and justice and to let those people in that area know what the issues are and especially to make sure that these Muslim fanatics in the Taliban have their arguments heard. It is not just our point, it is the truth—I mean how many times have these people been heard? I would hope the Voice of America is doing this, but I know Radio Free Afghanistan will do this. Is it Islamic to murder 6000 innocent people halfway around the world like the bin Laden gang did in New York, or is it Islamic to grow opium and 60 percent of the world's heroin in Afghanistan and then to store that heroin next to mosques during a conflict?
Is it Islamic to hide armed troops in mosques during combat and in schools and hospitals?
I might also add, there are stories that need to be brought out about the shameful sexual abuse of children by Taliban mullahs. That story is not even out in the west yet, and the people of Afghanistan need to hear these things.
We need to make sure, whenever the cause of freedom and justice is in peril, that we reach out and talk to the people who are most affected. I commend Mr. Royce for mobilizing us behind this gallant project.
Thank you very much.
Chairman HYDE. The question occurs on the amendment.
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All in favor say aye.
[Chorus of ayes.]
Chairman HYDE. Opposed nay.
[No response.]
Chairman HYDE. The ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to.
Are there any further amendments?
[No response.]
Chairman HYDE. If not, the question occurs on the motion to report the bill H.R. 2998 favorably as amended.
All in favor say aye.
[Chorus of ayes.]
Chairman HYDE. All opposed nay.
[No response.]
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Chairman HYDE. The ayes have it. The motion to report favorably is adopted.
Without objection, the Chairman is authorized to move to go to conference pursuant to House Rule XXII.
Without objection, the staff is directed to make any technical and conforming changes.
Without objection, the bill will be reported favorably to the House in the form of single amendment in the nature of a substitute incorporating the amendment adopted here today.
Pursuant to notice, I now call up the bill H.R. 3167, the Freedom Consolidation Act of 2001, for purposes of markup.
Without objection, the bill will be considered as read and open for amendment at any point.
[The bill, H.R. 3167, follows:]
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Chairman HYDE. I recognize the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, to explain the bill.
Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, for bringing H.R. 3167 before this Committee in such a timely manner, for your co-sponsorship of the bill and for giving me a role in presenting it to the Committee. As Chairman of the House delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, I appreciate that opportunity.
I would also like to thank the Ranking Minority Member of the Committee, the distinguished gentleman from California, Mr. Lantos; the Chairman Emeritus of the Committee, the distinguished gentleman from New York, Mr. Gilman; and the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe, the gentleman from California, Mr. Gallegly, for co-sponsoring this legislation.
Indeed, H.R. 3167 enjoys the support of Members from the elected leadership on both sides of the aisle, including the Speaker of the House, the House Majority Leader, the House Minority Whip, and the Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee.
I would also note that among the co-sponsors are several Members of the House of Representatives delegation to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Parliamentary Assembly (NATO P.A.), including the Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Mr. Goss; Mr. Shimkus, Mr. Hefley, Mr. Tanner, Mr. McInnis, Mr. Lampson, and Mr. Bilirakus.
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The measure before the Committee today outlines and reaffirms congressional support for further expansion of NATO. In addition, the bill endorses the vision of further enlargement of the NATO alliance as expressed in statements by former President Bill Clinton and by President George W. Bush.
Further, the bill specifically designates Slovakia to receive assistance under the NATO Participation Act of 1994 and the President is authorized to designate as he deems appropriate other countries as eligible for the assistance under the same program.
I might explain that Slovakia, one of the original Visigrad Four, took a turn away from democracy, and so despite earlier expectations, they did not come into NATO in the first round of expansion. But they have changed that course, much to the satisfaction of their own people, our appreciation and the appreciation of the other 18 members of NATO. They are back on track. They are the only one of what you might call first line likely additions to the NATO alliance that is not specifically authorized to receive assistance by one of two prior acts. This is a change that we are making so that they are assured of assistance. We want to encourage them in their continued advancement.
Finally, H.R. 3167 authorizes foreign military financing for the leading NATO alliance aspirants: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Romania. The funding levels reflect the Administration's request exactly.
As a matter of fact, you have in your folders a letter addressed to Chairman Hyde dated October 24, 2001, which endorses all aspects of the legislation signed by Paul V. Kelly, Assistant Secretary of Legislative Affairs for the State Department.
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[The information referred to follows:]
| United States Department of State, |
| Legislative Affairs, |
| Washington, DC, October 24, 2001. |
Hon. HENRY J. HYDE, Chairman,
Committee on International Relations,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: This letter is to respond to your committee's request for views on H.R. the Freedom Consolidation Act of 2001.
The Department of State has reviewed the proposed legislation, and believes that the bill, by its endorsement of the President's vision of building a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace, would contribute to the advancement of this high priority foreign policy objective of the United States.
The bill reinforces the message of consistent congressional support for the process of NATO enlargement as conveyed in previous congressional Acts, including the NATO Participation Act of 1994, the NATO Enlargement Facilitation Act of 1996, and the European Security Act of 1998.
This bill would provide tangible congressional backing for President Bush's statement in Warsaw June 15 that the United States ''will be prepared to make concrete, historic decisions with its Allies to advance NATO enlargement'' at the 2002 Prague Summit.
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The designation of Slovakia to receive assistance under the NATO Participation Act under this bill would provide an indication of congressional support for that country's candidacy similar to that provided to Slovenia, Romania, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Bulgaria in the previous Acts.
The bill amends the Security Assistance Act of 2000 and, like it, indicates desired levels of funding from foreign military financing for the European PFP countries. We welcome the fact that the levels reflect the Administration's requests.
The Office of Management and Budget advises that from the standpoint of the Administration's program there is no objection to the submission of this letter.
I hope this information is useful to you. Please do not hesitate to call if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
| Paul V. Kelly, Assistant Secretary, |
| Legislative Affairs. |
Mr. BEREUTER. I think it is important to note that the bill does not specifically endorse the candidacies of any country. It simply endorses expansion, hopefully at the Prague Summit in 2002, for those countries which meet the criteria outlined by current NATO members at that time.
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As Chairman of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly delegation from the House, I once again led a House delegation to NATO's spring meeting this year in Vilnius, Lithuania. I was very impressed with the grassroots support in Lithuania for NATO membership and, in fact, asked a street vendor why he displayed a pro-NATO sticker on his cart.
He explained that he would never forget how a family member of his had been taken to Siberia by the Soviets and had never returned. Therefore, because of this and very similar incidents affecting thousands of citizens of the three Baltic nations in the early stages of World War II, I believe that security is first and foremost on the minds of the citizens within countries which aspire to join NATO.
Indeed, the countries seeking to join the NATO alliance have much to offer in assisting the U.S. and other countries in the war against terrorism, too.
Without a doubt, NATO has been the most effective collective defense alliance in the history of the world. It has provided collective security to the member nations of western Europe. It is no surprise that many countries of the former Warsaw Pact now aspire to NATO membership. Therefore, I urge strong support for H.R. 3167.
Finally, I am also very pleased to offer an amendment on behalf of myself and Mr. Gilman, the dean of the New York delegation, in just a few minutes, which changes the title of the bill from the current one to ''The Gerald B.H. Solomon Freedom Consolidation Act of 2001.''
I can think of few more fitting legislative memorials to our distinguished former colleague who, through his service in this body and as a long-time member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly delegation, consistently championed efforts to strengthen and expand NATO. Indeed, Jerry Solomon wrote a book entitled The NATO Enlargement Debate: 1990 Through 1997: The Blessings of Liberty, which was published in April 1998.
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Congressman Solomon and I were first elected to Congress together in November 1978 and, with the exception of Congressman Ralph Regula and now myself, Jerry Solomon served longer on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, or its predecessor the North Atlantic Assembly, than any Member of the House or Senate.
He served the maximum number of years allowable as Chairman of one of the five important Committees of the Assembly. Additionally, he served as Vice President of the Assembly. And, in fact, he is responsible for encouraging me to become a part of the effort in 1984.
I would also note that his daughter, Linda, is a very valued and important part of our International Relations Committee staff today.
Jerry Solomon has taken so much leadership in the past on NATO expansion. He was proud to be a part of the House's effort to encourage NATO expansion. Indeed, I am proud of the fact that the House of Representatives was the first entity in the world to take the leadership on NATO expansion, endorsing expansion even before the Senate, before the Executive Branch, and before any other nation on earth. We took the leadership here, and Jerry was very pleased to have been a part of President Clinton's small delegation to the Madrid Summit of the North Atlantic Council in 1997.
I think it would be entirely appropriate for us to name this act for Jerry Solomon. As you know, he was a former Member of this Committee and his first love was always this Committee, then known as the Foreign Affairs Committee, and veterans issues. I will offer with Mr. Gilman that amendment shortly.
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At this point, I encourage Members to support the legislation.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back the balance of my time.
Chairman HYDE. Mr. Lantos?
Mr. LANTOS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I strongly support this legislation and I commend you for introducing it.
Before commenting on the legislation, I want to commend my friends Doug Bereuter and Ben Gilman for renaming the bill in honor of Jerry Solomon. Nobody deserves it more than our former colleague.
Mr. Chairman, this Committee has consistently led the way in supporting NATO enlargement and a strong and robust role for NATO in Europe. NATO is the longest surviving alliance of modern times and it has endured because it is an alliance of free nations. No country was ever forced to join the alliance by a larger and stronger power, not the case with the Soviet Union's parallel alliance, where every country was forced into joining it. And there can be no better endorsement of NATO's success and perseverance than the desire of newly emerging countries in central and eastern Europe to join this alliance.
The post-September 11 era has brought us new realities and one of them is the critical role that NATO can and does play in the fight against international terrorism.
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I want to commend our NATO allies once again on their action invoking Article 5 of the NATO treaty.
You may remember, Mr. Chairman, when we debated the resolution authorizing the use of force in response to the attacks, the word just came through and we had the opportunity on the floor to recognize the contributions of our NATO allies.
Although the war on terrorism is now our top national priority, we must remain engaged with our allies on a wide spectrum of issues, including NATO enlargement. The NATO Prague summit next year will be the first opportunity for the applicant countries to present their bids for membership in a formal manner. This bill demonstrates our strong belief that this process should not be sidelined.
Invitations will be extended to the applicants consistent with their compliance with the NATO membership action plan. We want to underscore that the summit in Prague will be the first, not the last, of such meetings and part of a measured and carefully managed process.
We on this Committee support a Europe whole and free and we strongly endorse the statement of the ten applicant countries that the eventual NATO membership for all of these countries would be a success both for Europe and for NATO.
Lastly, Mr. Chairman, I would like to emphasize the need for continued strong cooperation and support the Russian federation under the Permanent Joint Council is giving this process. While our relationship with Russia has been rocky at times, it has endured because the Russian leadership, especially since the events of September 11, has made it increasingly clear that it intends to anchor Russia in Europe.
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I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation and I yield back.
Chairman HYDE. The gentleman from New York, Mr. Gilman.
Mr. GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I want to commend our former Vice Chairman of our Committee, the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, for introducing this bill and for his strong support, as always, for NATO enlargement.
The past decade has shown a remarkable expansion of freedom in Europe without firing a single shot under the aegis of NATO.
It is ironic that our NATO allies would invoke the attack on one is an attack on all clause of NATO's treaty after a terrorist attack on our nation originating from abroad. We have special reason, therefore, to value the contribution that NATO makes to our own defense.
We need to bring as many democratic stable and capable European nations into the alliance as possible. This bill makes it clear that the door does remain truly open. It is fitting for Congress to begin and to ask our President to sign into law a policy declaration of this type.
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It is in our interests in the opening to the east which laid the groundwork for the eventual accession of the Czech Republic, of Hungary and Poland into NATO in the last decade.
I am pleased to join the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, in making one change to our bill, and that is naming it after our close friend and our former colleague on this Committee, the late gentleman from New York, Mr. Solomon.
Mr. Solomon was truly a dedicated public servant, a person who cared deeply about our national security and how much we have depended on the NATO alliance. Accordingly, it is all together fitting that we name this bill after him, the Gerald B.H. Solomon Freedom Consolidation Act.
I would like to note to my colleagues that Jerry Solomon wrote a book called The NATO Enlargement Debate: 1990 Through 1997: The Blessings of Liberty. This allusion to our own Constitution's preamble was meant to covey the view that people everywhere ought to be able to live in liberty. This was a view to which he dedicated much of his life.
Mr. Chairman, we appreciate your leadership on this issue and I thank the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, for his initiative in support of the measure and I enthusiastically support the adoption of the Solomon bill and urge my colleagues to do the same.
Chairman HYDE. Mr. Rohrabacher.
Mr. ROHRABACHER. I rise in opposition to the proposal. I would like to say that Mr. Bereuter is a very good hearted person. He is a patriot. He is my friend. But we disagree on several things, and keeping NATO alive is one of them. But, of course, that puts me in disagreement with a lot of other people as well, so let me just proceed to say that I believe that NATO did a magnificent job in the 1950s and in the 1960s and in the 1970s and in the 1980s. And, guess what? It is time for us to sing our accolades about this time period when NATO did so much to preserve the peace and then to let it die, as it should die, because it is no longer part of our era. It is part of another era.
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NATO was established when we were afraid of the Soviet Union invading western Europe, and we were willing to spend the money and the resources and coordinate our efforts with the Europeans to deter that attack. And it worked magnificently.
But in case someone has not noticed, the Cold War is over. For us to be basing our defense strategies on the foundations that were laid in a totally different world is not going to serve our country well.
Let me note that the first country that called us on September 11th was not NATO. It was Mr. Putin from Russia who called us to offer us as much support as he could.
Now, what does that tell you?
That tells you—and I will have to say this, I would certainly think it is better for us to try to establish a very good cooperative relationship and a defense cooperating relationship with Russia than it is to depend on our European allies to try to come to some decision at a time of crisis.
I will tell you right now that had the United States of America had to wait after September 11th to get approval from our allies in Europe before we decided exactly what our strategy was going to be, we might now, just at this moment, have reached some kind of a consensus of where we were going to have the next meeting in order to discuss the issue.
The point is the United States of America has got to be able to defend itself. We have limited budgets. We no longer should be subsidizing the defense of Europe to the tune of 20 to 30 billion dollars a year. That money would be better spent elsewhere, and we should be instead developing relationships with countries like Russia and England and other countries who want to be our friends and will join us when our national security is threatened.
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There is no reason for us to maintain this very expensive structure called NATO. It does nothing but deter and prevent us from having the type of cooperation with Russia that we could have now that Russia is on the road to a more democratic society.
Yes, Russia could veer in the other direction, but I doubt it. I think that China is going to make sure that Russia keeps coming in our direction and that we will then have to face together the other threat on the other side of the world. Our focus on NATO is something that is counterproductive in that it takes our attention away from some of the real enemies of freedom and enemies of our security.
Mr. GILMAN. Would the gentleman yield?
Mr. ROHRABACHER. I certainly will.
Mr. GILMAN. I just want to correct one thing when you said the NATO alliance did not come forward immediately. NATO invoked Article 5 of the treaty and committed its support within 24 hours of the September 11th attack on our own nation. They were the first one there for us when we were in need.
Mr. ROHRABACHER. I think it was the first one after Putin called and after Tony Blair called. I also remember some of our friends in Germany making derogatory comments, just prior to September 11th, about how the United States is operating as a cowboy, independent of some sort of multi-national approach.
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NATO has served its purpose, and for us to keep pouring 20, 30 billion dollars into NATO subsidizing our European friends' defense is not warranted. I would suggest that if they want to expand NATO, let us let them expand NATO by giving them our seat in NATO.
Thank you very much.
Chairman HYDE. The gentleman from Nebraska is recognized for the purpose of an amendment.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk which I offer with Mr. Gilman.
Chairman HYDE. The clerk will report the amendment.
Ms. BLOOMER. Amendment offered by Mr. Bereuter and Mr. Gilman. Page 1, strike lines 4 and 5 and insert the following: ''This act may be cited as the Gerald B.H. Solomon Freedom Consolidation Act of 2001.''
[The amendment referred to follows:]
hr3167a.AAB
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Chairman HYDE. Because the amendment has been fully discussed by both Mr. Gilman and Mr. Bereuter, I think there is no need for further discussion.
The question occurs on the amendment.
All those in favor say aye.
[Chorus of ayes.]
Chairman HYDE. Opposed nay.
[No response.]
Chairman HYDE. The ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to.
Are there further amendments?
[No response.]
Chairman HYDE. If not, the question occurs on the motion to report the bill H.R. 3167 favorably as amended.
All in favor say aye.
[Chorus of ayes.]
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Chairman HYDE. Opposed nay.
[No response.]
Chairman HYDE. The ayes have it. The motion to report favorably is adopted.
Without objection, the Chairman is authorized to move to go to conference pursuant to House Rule XXII.
Without objection, the staff is directed to make any technical and conforming changes.
Without objection, the bill will be reported favorably to the House in the form of single amendment in the nature of a substitute incorporating the amendment adopted here today.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Hyde, regarding H.R. 3167, follows:]
PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE HENRY J. HYDE, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, AND CHAIRMAN, COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
H.R. 3167, THE FREEDOM CONSOLIDATION ACT OF 2001
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The Committee will now consider H.R. 3167, ''The Freedom Consolidation Act of 2001,'' a bill introduced by Mr. Bereuter of Nebraska.
This bill endorses the process of admitting to NATO seven new members: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania. I will not dwell on the qualifications of the individual countries other than to say that each has made great progress in the difficult transition from the prison house of communism to the promise of democracy and the free market. Forcibly separated from the West for decades, each is now reclaiming its rightful place in the Western community of nations. It would be shameful for us to ignore their pleas to become members of the Atlantic Alliance.
For over half a century, NATO has been the foundation upon which the security of the West has rested. NATO's continuing importance to the United States was most recently demonstrated in its unified response to the terrorist attacks of September 11th, when Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty—which states that an attack on one member of NATO shall be considered an attack upon them all—was invoked for the first time in the Alliance's history.
It is my hope that this next phase of NATO's enlargement will see an end to Russia's opposition to NATO, an opposition needlessly inherited from the Soviet Union and one inconsistent with Russia's own desire to become a part of the West. For this reason, I commend President Putin for his recent remarks indicating that his government will not object to further enlargement of NATO.
I now turn to Mr. Lantos, the Distinguished Ranking Member of the Committee, for his comments.
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Chairman HYDE. Pursuant to notice, I now call up the bill H.R. 3169, the International Disability and Victims of Land Mines Act, for purposes of markup.
Without objection, the bill will be considered as read and open for amendment at any point.
[The bill, H.R. 3169, follows:]
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Chairman HYDE. The Chair recognizes the distinguished gentleman from California, Mr. Lantos, to explain the bill.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Chairman, I first would like to express my appreciation to you for your support of my legislation and for scheduling the bill for this markup.
I would also like to thank the many Members of this Committee who are original co-sponsors of H.R. 3169, including our former Chairman, Ben Gilman; our Vice Chairman, Chris Smith; and our colleagues Darrell Issa, Gary Ackerman, Eni Faleomavaega, Donald Payne, Sherrod Brown, Elliott Engel, Barbara Lee, Joe Crowley, Earl Blumenauer, Grace Napolitano and others.
I must also thank the many representatives of the Bush Administration with whom we have worked very closely in crafting this legislation. We have adopted a consensus approach to this bill and the Administration has no objection to the legislation.
Mr. Chairman, as this morning's hearing so clearly demonstrated, Afghanistan is in the midst of a major humanitarian crisis and the Afghan people continue to suffer. Tens of thousands of Afghan men, women and children are currently at risk of starvation and many do not have shelter over their heads as winter approaches.
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The populace of many Muslim nations look at the suffering and question the wisdom of their leadership's decision to support the international coalition against terrorism. It is therefore imperative that the United States continue to lead the charge to obtain the humanitarian resources necessary to avert a monumental disaster among Afghan refugees.
H.R. 3169, the legislation I introduced which is now before the Committee, can directly assist the Administration's effort to hold together the anti-Taliban coalition. As we move forward in our fight to defeat terrorism in Afghanistan and support the creation of a new government that could end decades of conflict, we must also help innocent Afghanis rebuild their lives.
Assisting in the rehabilitation of survivors of land mines and other war injuries is one important way to build popular support for the war against terrorism.
Mr. Chairman, land mines kill and maim more civilians in Afghanistan than any other country on the face of this planet. It is authoritatively reported that some 800,000 Afghanis are in some way disabled, nearly a quarter of them from land mine injuries.
Estimates of additional land mine injuries in Afghanistan range from 100 to 300 per month. With so much of the population now on the move, there is no telling how high this figure will go.
There may be as many as 10 million land mines left in Afghanistan from the Soviet era. Land mines have been planted indiscriminantly over most of Afghanistan. Grazing areas, agricultural land, irrigation systems, residential areas, roads, and footpaths both in urban and rural areas are contaminated with mines. For years, mines have been a major obstacle to repatriation, relief, rehabilitation and development.
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Now, Mr. Chairman, land mines unfortunately are not just an Afghanistan problem. Worldwide, about 8,000 people are killed and 1,200 are injured by land mines every single month, an average of one life shattered every 20 minutes. Between 8,000 and 10,000 children are injured by land mines and unexploded ordnance every single year.
Mr. Chairman, my bill is an important step to increase awareness of the scope of this global problem and the need to continue to expand assistance that our government has already undertaken.
Amending the foreign assistance act to authorize these programs elevates for the first time these activities into law and brings them under the general oversight and coordination of our Secretary of State. Many of these assistance programs have sprung up without regard to what various agencies are doing. This bill establishes an effective interagency coordination mechanism under the leadership of the Department of State.
The bill also gives authority to the Department of Health and Human Services, acting through the Center for Disease Control, to continue and expand their assistance program.
Mr. Chairman, over 20 organizations which work in this field have endorsed our legislation, including the American Red Cross, Handicap International, and the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation.
We have all been focused for the last 5 weeks on defending ourselves and pursing the terrorists that have perpetrated the most heinous act of terrorism in our history. It is a struggle that will severely test our character, and perhaps the most redeeming aspect of our national character is the dignity and compassion we ascribe to all members of our human family.
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Let us affirm this quality in ourselves and aid those suffering from land mine disabilities in Afghanistan and across the globe.
Mr. Chairman, I have had several conversations with my good friend and colleague, Mr. Bereuter, regarding the funding levels in this legislation. The Congressional Budget Office informs us that they score this legislation as maintaining the current funding levels for existing land mine programs.
I have agreed to accept an amendment which authorizes the AID portion of this legislation at $15 million, which is a $3 million increase over current levels. This bill is an important humanitarian gesture with global ramifications and I ask all of my colleagues to support it.
Chairman HYDE. The Chair recognizes Mr. Bereuter for purposes of an amendment.
Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
I want to very sincerely compliment Mr. Lantos on the legislation he has crafted. It is exceptional in all respects, and it is very articulately presented, as usual, by the gentleman from California.
The concern that I expressed when I first saw this legislation is that it could be an open-ended funding responsibility, and as I see the concern that we do not have enough funds to support our own foreign policy or to take care of our State Department personnel, I do not want us to become a Health and Human Services Department for the world.
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Now, there was a period of time when I was in Angola frequently, and I saw very directly the very high proportion of young people, and adults as well, who lost one or both of their legs as a result of land mines. Indeed, the number of land mines in Angola, for example, is just extraordinary yet today. The gentleman from California has brought to our attention once again the huge number that exists in Afghanistan. Additionally, you could say the same for parts of Yugoslavia, Cambodia, and many other places.
It needs to be recognized that the United States has done more to de-mine these and other areas across the world than any other country by far.
I checked with Mr. Lantos this morning, and he confirmed my understanding that we are spending about $12 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) sources at this point. I would expect this is going to continue for some period of time, but after an offer and counteroffer, I am extremely pleased that the gentleman has agreed to an amendment which I now offer and ask the clerk if she would present the amendment, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman HYDE. The clerk will report the amendment.
Ms. BLOOMER. Amendment offered by Mr. Bereuter. Page 7, strike line 4 and all that follows through line 9 and insert the following:
''(d) Authorization of Appropriations. There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2002 and 2003. Amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under the preceding sentence are authorized to be provided notwithstanding any other provision of law.''
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[The amendment referred to follows:]
hr3169a.AAB
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I think I have fully explained the reason for it. I stand ready to answer any questions, if there are any, but otherwise I ask for its adoption.
Chairman HYDE. Mr. Lantos has indicated he accepts it.
Is there any further discussion?
[No response.]
Chairman HYDE. If not, the question occurs on the amendment.
All those in favor say aye.
[Chorus of ayes.]
Chairman HYDE. Opposed no.
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[No response.]
Chairman HYDE. The ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to.
Mr. Gilman is recognized to strike the last word.
Mr. GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do strike the last word, just to show my support for this amendment. I want to commend Mr. Lantos for bringing it before us. These anti-personnel mines cause unspeakable suffering and they cause extensive injuries which often lead to amputation, severe disability and psychological problems, and I thank Mr. Lantos for bringing it before our Committee.
Through this legislation, we hope to develop an integrated approach for rehabilitating and reintegrating mine victims by building local capacity regarding medical training, providing prosthetic and orthotic services, and assisting the psychological and social rehabilitation of these victims.
This approach certainly will allow the survivors to engage in sustainable livelihoods and play active roles in their communities and recovery in their countries.
Accordingly, I urge support for the measure.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman?
Chairman HYDE. Mr. Payne.
Mr. PAYNE. I would like to strike the last word.
Chairman HYDE. Only if you will yield to Mr. Lantos for about 30 seconds.
Mr. PAYNE. I would be happy to yield to Mr. Lantos.
Chairman HYDE. The gentleman is recognized.
Mr. PAYNE. I will give him even more time because I doubt if he would take 30 seconds only.
Chairman HYDE. He is pretty quick.
Mr. LANTOS. I want to thank my good friend for yielding and I want to acknowledge the principal Republican co-sponsor who is not a Member of this Committee and who has worked very hard on this legislation, our colleague Frank Wolf of Virginia.
I yield back.
Chairman HYDE. Mr. Payne?
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Mr. PAYNE. Thank you. I just wanted to express my support and commend Mr. Lantos, who often comes up with very sound resolutions and bills. Also to Mr. Bereuter and the other principal sponsors.
Land mines are certainly a real plague on the world. The Red Cross reports that there are tens of millions of land mines in over 60 countries and a quarter of a million people are killed or maimed each year by land mines. I think that in particular we have heard about Angola, and there are land mines in Mozambique. During the 16-year civil war between the Frelimo government and Renamo rebels, thousands of innocent people were maimed and killed with land mines.
I visited several times a land mine clearing program in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, where land mines that were put down during the battles with Ian Smith during the 1970s are still there.
This is a terrible plight on the world. I would go even further and urge the United States of America to once again get in step with the world and support the treaty banning land mines, which has been before the United States Senate for the last 5 or 6 years and which we have failed to ratify. I certainly support this resolution.
Chairman HYDE. Is there any further discussion?
Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Chairman?
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Chairman HYDE. Who is seeking recognition?
Mr. Rohrabacher? Well, nice to hear from you.
Mr. ROHRABACHER. Thank you.
We have put a lot of land mines down in the last 40 years, and certainly Mr. Lantos is to be commended for trying to take the first steps to make up for the fact that many of the people who were hurt by those land mines were not our enemies but instead just civilians who were caught in the middle of tragic conflicts. I certainly support the underlying concept there, and I commend Mr. Lantos for having a good heart and a good idea.
Let me just say, however, about the land mine treaty that we have not ratified, that I originally wanted to work very hard on that treaty, but the people who were involved in it had to go that extra step. We could have had it passed a long time ago, but they had to say that we are going to ban all land mines. Instead, those of us who were trying to develop a consensus that would be more feasible than that just said, wanted to ban all land mines that cannot be turned off or that do not have timers on them so that they continue to pose hazards.
But the people who were pushing the movement were so political that they could not accept some very common sense approaches that would have made passage possible. The fact that it is lingering there indicates that there were some very political people on the other side of that issue who did not take into consideration some of the realities that exist in the world. I certainly would be in favor of banning land mines that are in some way a threat to the civilian population, and this is done by banning all land mines that you cannot just turn off or do not have an automatic switch that makes them ineffective after a period of time.
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But with that said, I thank you, Mr. Lantos, I think you are right on target. We owe this especially to the people of Afghanistan, but also to Angola. Mr. Payne is absolutely right. We gave a lot of land mines to those people, too. And Cambodia, you name it. Let us try to go to work and get those land mines cleared up and help those people who were hurt.
Chairman HYDE. The question occurs on the motion to report the bill H.R. 3169 favorably as amended.
All in favor say aye.
[Chorus of ayes.]
Chairman HYDE. Opposed nay.
[No response.]
Chairman HYDE. The ayes have it. The motion to report favorably is adopted.
Without objection, the Chairman is authorized to move to go to conference pursuant to House Rule XXII.
Without objection, the staff is directed to make any technical and conforming changes.
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Without objection, the bill will be reported favorably to the House in the form of single amendment in the nature of a substitute incorporating the amendment adopted here today.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Hyde regarding H.R. 3169 follows:]
PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE HENRY J. HYDE, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, AND CHAIRMAN, COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
H.R. 3169, INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY AND VICTIMS OF LANDMINES, CIVIL STRIFE AND WARFARE ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2001
The Committee will now consider H.R. 3169, the ''International Disability and Victims of Landmines, Civil Strife and Warfare Assistance Act of 2001,'' a bill introduced by Mr. Lantos of California, the Committee's distinguished Ranking Member, and co-sponsored by eleven Members of the Committee.
This bipartisan bill authorizes numerous landmine victims assistance programs that are carried out by government agencies, including the Agency for International Development, and the Departments of Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs and State. This bill's objective is to prioritize landmine victims' programs by encouraging those agencies that carry out these international programs to coordinate their activities and make resources available to non-governmental organizations whenever possible.
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The bill also establishes an inter-agency group that will enable the State Department and the Agency for International Development to gain additional insights on landmine victims assistance programs by learning more about the landmine research programs administered by the Departments of Health and Human Services and Veterans Affairs.
I wish to commend Mr. Lantos for his important work and efforts to highlight the importance of landmine victims programs and the need to ensure that these international assistance programs remain a priority for the United States.
Chairman HYDE. Without objection, the Chairman is directed to seek consideration of the following bills on the suspension calendar:
H. Con. Res. 102, Hunger to Harvest Resolution: A Decade of Concern for Africa;
H.R. 3189, The Export Extension Act of 2001;
H.R. 2121, Russian Democracy Act of 2001;
H. Con. Res. 211, commending Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on the 10th anniversary of her receiving the Nobel Peace Prize; and
H. Con. Res. 242, recognizing Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
[The information referred to follows:]
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75927a.eps
75927b.eps
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[The prepared statements of Mr. Hyde follow:]
PREPARED STATEMENTS OF THE HONORABLE HENRY J. HYDE, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, AND CHAIRMAN, COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
H. CON. RES. 102, HUNGER TO HARVEST RESOLUTION: A DECADE OF CONCERN FOR AFRICA
The Committee will now consider H. Con. Res. 102, the ''Hunger to Harvest Resolution: A Decade of Concern for Africa.'' H. Con. Res. 102 expresses the sense of Congress that much more needs to be done to promote sustainable development in Africa. This resolution's objective is to make significant progress toward reversing currently high and unacceptable levels of poverty on the African continent. The resolution also calls on the President to develop a five and a ten-year development plan to significantly reduce poverty in Africa.
This resolution commits Congress to this effort by advocating that adequate levels of bilateral and multilateral assistance in annual appropriations bills are allocated to Africa during the next ten years.
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In addition, by reviewing an annual report that the Administration is encouraged to submit to Congress, progress on these worthy goals can be assessed and necessary adjustments in policy made on a timely basis.
I wish to commend the resolution's sponsors, Mr. Leach, the distinguished Chairman of the Asia Subcommittee, and Mr. Payne of New Jersey, as well as the other 17 co-sponsors who are Members of this Committee. I fully support this legislation that has the strong endorsement of many worthy non-governmental organizations, including Catholic Relief Services and Bread for the World.
I understand that Mr. Leach intends to offer an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute.
H.R. 3189, THE EXPORT EXTENSION ACT OF 2001
The Committee will now take up H.R. 3189, ''The Export Extension Act of 2001'' which will extend the authorities of the Export Administration Act of 1979 through April 20, 2002. The Ranking Member, Mr. Lantos, is an original cosponsor of this stop-gap measure which will ensure that the Commerce Department officials who administer our export control system have the enforcement powers and the administrative flexibility they need to maintain control of dual use U.S. exports that have both civilian and military applications.
The underlying Export Administration Act expired on August 20 of this year, and the Administration is now administering the export control system on an ad hoc basis through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
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At a time when the Bureau of Export Administration is making every effort to step up its enforcement activities in light of the terrorist attack of September 11th, I would urge my colleagues to support this simple EAA extension that will put our system back on a firm statutory basis and will give the House sufficient time to consider a comprehensive rewrite of our export control regulations.
[This comprehensive measure, H. R. 2581, ''The Export Administration Act of 2001'' was considered by this Committee on August 1st and will, I understand, be referred to a number of other committees for their consideration and review.]
I would now turn to the Ranking Member, Mr. Lantos for his comments.
H.R. 2121, RUSSIA DEMOCRACY ACT OF 2001
The Committee will now consider H. R. 2121, the ''Russia Democracy Act of 2001,'' a bill introduced by Mr. Lantos of California, the Committee's distinguished Ranking Member.
This bipartisan bill authorizes a number of efforts aimed at promoting democracy and the rule of law in Russia. These include cooperation with the central government, local governments, and non-government organizations in Russia to support the strengthening of democratic institutions and practices, promote an independent judiciary, and encourage the development of a free and independent media, among other goals. The bill authorizes not less than $50 million for these activities in fiscal year 2002, an amount that encourages the Administration to continue current spending levels for these programs.
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I wish to commend Mr. Lantos for his continuing efforts regarding the promotion of democracy and the rule of law in Russia and for his work to ensure that this objective remains a priority for the United States, even as our attention is directed elsewhere. I understand that he is prepared to offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute, and I now turn to him.
H. CON. RES. 242, RECOGNIZING RADIO FREE EUROPE/RADIO LIBERTY'S 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
This resolution recognizes 50 years of outstanding broadcasts by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Earlier this year we celebrated the one-half century of service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and now we bring before this Committee a resolution to memorialize this occasion. Today REF/RL continues its mission ''to promote democratic values and institutions by disseminating factual information and ideas.''
As we face the war against terrorism and continued suppression of free media in many countries, it is clear that there is still a mission for U.S. supported international broadcasting to provide factual information about world events, events within a country, and the context for those events.
The resolution before us recognizes the work of the broadcasters, the editors, journalists and the managers of RFE/RL who see their work, not just as a job, but as a mission. Their purpose is to bring hope to people who do not have access to fair and independent media.
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I urge my colleagues to support this resolution to formally recognize the work and the successes of Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty and our support for their ongoing work to promote democratic values around the world.
Chairman HYDE. Any Member who wishes is without objection given leave to insert a statement in the record for or against or neutral on any of these measures.
Is there any objection?
Mr. LEACH. Reserving the right to object.
Chairman HYDE. The gentleman from Iowa is reserving the right to object.
Mr. LEACH. Just briefly on H. Con. Res. 102, does your unanimous consent request envision an amendment in the nature of a substitute with certain technical and conforming amendments at the table?
Chairman HYDE. I am told this could occur in the manager's amendment on the suspension calendar.
Mr. LEACH. Very good. Thank you. And I appreciate your raising this.
Chairman HYDE. And other bills, too, may have similar treatment.
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Mr. LEACH. All right.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Chairman?
Chairman HYDE. The gentleman from New York.
Mr. GILMAN. As a point of information, are we allowed then to submit all of our statements in relation to these bills at this time?
Chairman HYDE. Every statement that you have, Mr. Gilman, will be welcome.
Mr. GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Chairman?
Chairman HYDE. The gentleman from Oregon.
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Thank you. I apologize coming into this a little late. I had an inquiry regarding your intention regarding H. Con. Res. 211 dealing with Aung San Suu Kyi.
Chairman HYDE. Yes? What is your inquiry?
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Mr. BLUMENAUER. When we got to the discussion on this, I had some concerns about the last resolve that talked about our inviting her to address a session of Congress. I did not know if what you were doing moved this on, and we would not be discussing this?
Chairman HYDE. Well, we are not discussing it, we are moving it by unanimous consent to the suspension calendar, where amendments are not in order, except by the manager.
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Could I state my concern, Mr. Chairman?
Chairman HYDE. You certainly may.
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Thank you. I appreciate your courtesy.
For me, one of the most moving experiences I ever had was meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi when she was still, I think, under house arrest in Burma. I really appreciate our Committee moving forward, keeping the spotlight on this terrible situation, but I would hope that we would consider the nature of the invitation that we extend to her because the authorities there would like nothing more than for this woman to leave. She had the courage to stay in Burma, even when her husband was dying of cancer and the thugs who rule the country would not assure her ability to return if she left the country in order to visit him.
My question, and had we been working this, I would have sought the opportunity for us, for the first time, to have a person address a joint session of Congress via telecommunications so that she could deliver her message to us and to the world, without having to choose to leave the country that she is such an important symbol for and risk never being allowed to come back.
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Chairman HYDE. Well, if I may say, I do not think the resolution requires her to leave the country. It is an invitation for her to do one of the most solemn things in government, namely address a joint session of the House and Senate. And I think that trumps a satellite transmission, although that is better than nothing.
But Mr. Lantos would like to respond to that.
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Would the Chairman yield?
Chairman HYDE. Let Mr. Lantos respond.
Mr. LANTOS. Well, I fully appreciate the sentiments of my good friend from Oregon. The assumption behind this invitation is that her condition will improve to the point politically where she will be able to accept such an invitation and then return to the Burma that she so dearly loves. This is not designed as a subterfuge for the junta to expel her. It is an invitation without a time limit looking forward to the day when she will be able to leave and return to Burma as she sees fit.
Mr. BLUMENAUER. I appreciate the thrust of what the Chairman and Mr. Lantos are saying, but it seems to me that we might be able to focus the spotlight and ratchet up the pressure if we extended an immediate invitation for her to address this Congress and this country via a satellite hookup or telecommunication because then it could happen tomorrow. Then, it would be the thugs who prevented her speaking, and she would not have to choose between coming here to put this issue in the spotlight and thereby leaving the country, which they would like her to do.
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I respectfully would hope that we could consider framing the invitation in that fashion because I think it might advance the interests of this resolution.
Chairman HYDE. If the gentleman would yield?
That certainly can be done. Mr. Peter King is the chief sponsor, and I suggest you and he could talk. There is still plenty of time to have a manager's amendment that would solve your problem.
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman HYDE. That is true of all of these bills. They are not locked in concrete.
Mr. Leach? No?
Mr. Flake?
Mr. FLAKE. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just want unanimous consent to submit a statement for the record with regard to the extension of the export control.
Chairman HYDE. Without objection, so ordered.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Flake, regarding H.R. 3189, follows:]
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PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE JEFF FLAKE, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF ARIZONA
H.R. 3189, EXPORT ADMINISTRATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2001
Once again, this Committee finds itself in the troublesome position of attempting to remedy an enormous problem with a band-aid. Merely extending the current existing export control regime is a lose-lose situation—both for our national security interests, and our nation's economy. Instead of pursuing the extension of our outdated export control regime, the Members of the Committee should focus their efforts on the Export Administration Act of 2001, which has the support of the President, National Security Advisor, and Secretaries of State, Defense and Commerce.
The Export Administration Act of 2001 (EAA) would not merely extend the current existing export control regime. The new EAA would improve upon it in areas that are of concern not only for industry, but also for those who are concerned with our national security. This new EAA adopts the recommendations of defense and national security experts by establishing a smarter, more effective export control framework tailored to fit today's world, rather than the world of 1979.
The events of September 11th certainly have brought home the critical necessity of maintaining the superiority of America's armed forces. Without a robust export trade, the U.S. private sector will fail to remain competitive and produce technology that fuels our global military edge. Also, given the current economic downturn, stifling American business by grid-locking our export control system will have appalling consequences.
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Moreover, the Export Administration Act specifically authorizes the President to impose export controls in order to deter and punish acts of terrorism.
As our inaction continues, the system for export controls has expired, and in its place the International Economic Emergency Powers Act has taken over. As a result, violators of our export controls face financial penalties that are so absurdly low as to not be true deterrents at all. The EAA supported by myself and the Administration establishes tough new criminal and civil penalties for export control violations, which go significantly further than the slap on the wrist violators currently face.
Despite the best intentions of the authors of the Export Extension Act to provide a framework for our export control system, they are attempting to revive a system that has outlived its usefulness. It is time to act responsibly and bring our export control system into the 21st century.
Mr. FLAKE. Also, I just wanted to just register just a little disappointment that we did not deal with this or we are not going to deal with this in this session. I think that it is important that what we are dealing with right now is an outdated regime. We need to move forward and actually have something that is not a drift net, where it actually targets those who are abusing the system and punishes them more than they are now, but also allows those who simply want to export to be able to do so.
Thank you.
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Chairman HYDE. I want to thank the gentleman for his comments and suggest this is a very important piece of legislation. It needs to be worked on. There are problems with the other body and this is simply an extension, so we do not lose the effect of the law, but we will continue to work on satisfactory language.
Thank you.
Mr. FLAKE. Thank you.
Chairman HYDE. There being no other business before the House, the Committee stands adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 5:22 p.m., the Committee was adjourned.]
A P P E N D I X
Material Submitted for the Hearing Record
PREPARED STATEMENTS OF THE HONORABLE BENJAMIN A. GILMAN, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEW YORK
H.R. 2998, RADIO FREE AFGHANISTAN ACT OF 2001
I commend Chairman Hyde for bringing this bill before our Committee, and I commend Chairman Royce for crafting this Radio Free Afghanistan initiative.
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For the past several years, the people of Afghanistan have been manipulated by foreign forces who are motivated by selfish intentions. Saudi Arabia, along with Pakistan, has created a radical Islamic fundamentalist movement in Afghanistan which threatens international stability. While we work to ensure that the governments of those two countries permanently change their policies, the only way that the world will be safe from the disaster that they have created is by helping the Afghan people to liberate themselves from the Taliban and bin Laden, and to give them the tools to put together a broad-based representative form of government.
For the past several years, Members of our Committee have been working with the former King of Afghanistan and the Northern Alliance to ensure that our government supports the Afghan people's desire for a free and democratic Afghanistan. A Radio Free Afghanistan will play a significant role in this endeavor. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to fully support this bill.
H.R. 3169, INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY AND VICTIMS OF LANDMINES, CIVIL STRIFE AND WARFARE ACT OF 2001
Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge my colleagues to support the ''International Disability and Victims of Landmines, Civil Strife and Warfare Assistance Act of 2001,'' and I commend Mr. Lantos for bringing this measure before us. Landmines do not distinguish between civilians and combatants, and, as a result, between 1,000 and 2,000 people are maimed and killed by mines every month. Most of these are innocent men, women, and children.
These Anti-personnel mines cause unspeakable suffering. They cause extensive injuries which often lead to amputation, severe disability and psychological trauma. Nonetheless, it is common to associate the damage created by landmines only with the severe injuries resulting from a mine blast. Injuries associated with landmines are sometimes fatal and almost always debilitating, preventing those injured from working and providing much-needed support to their families. They not only kill but cause the breakdown of social and economic life by isolating local communities, depopulating entire areas and preventing refugees from returning home. As a result, the majority of the world's abandoned minefields are located in war-torn and economically-depressed nations.
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Through this legislation, we hope to develop an integrated approach for rehabilitating and reintegrating mine victims by building local capacity regarding medical training, providing prosthetic and orthotic services, and assisting the psychological and social rehabilitation of these victims. This approach will allow the survivors to engage in sustainable livelihoods and play active roles in their communities and the recovery of their countries.
Accordingly, I urge support for this measure.
H. CON. RES. 102, AFRICA'S HUNGER TO HARVEST
Mr. Chairman, I want to add my voice in support for H. Con. Res. 102. Sub-Saharan Africa is clearly a region afflicted by poverty. Despite some positive economic and political changes in sub-Saharan Africa, it remains an area of the world where hunger is pervasive and steadily increasing with one of every three persons being chronically undernourished. This hunger has multiple causes, including severe poverty, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, civil wars, continued foreign debt, degraded land, and inadequate education.
African nations need additional U.S. aid to develop their human and natural resources—and thereby strengthen their capacity to deal with hunger, poverty, and related problems. Sub-Saharan Africa needs additional resources to improve farming and support farmer-owned businesses; to help prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases; to encourage the enrollment of more children in school; and to help develop microenterprises and other business opportunities.
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However, assistance alone will not solve their problems. Although such poverty-focused development aid has proven effective, our efforts to assist sub-Saharan Africans to overcome poverty must remain focused on encouraging their participation in the private sector. The foundation for sustained economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa depends upon the development of a environment receptive to trade and investment. This can only be brought about by investments in human resources, domestic economic development, the implementation of free market policies, and the widespread application of the rule of law and democratic governance by the sub-Saharan nations themselves.
H.R. 2121, RUSSIAN DEMOCRACY ACT OF 2001
The United States has a proud record of assisting Russia in its transformation from totalitarianism to democracy. We have supported the free media, the rule of law, the emergence of a stable and viable civil society and a free and productive market economy in that country. This bill will allow us to continue this good work in an even more effective fashion, and I thank the gentleman from California, Mr. Lantos, for bringing this bill forward.
The turn of history that the world experience on September 11th reemphasizes our dependence on friendly nations that embrace the principles of a free and open society. But Russia still has a long way to go before a confident assertion that this country has accomplished the free, open and fair society can be made.
We have continuously called to the attention of the Russian government its severe breaches of religious freedom, its trade barriers and financial obstacles. I would like to take this opportunity to address those issues again.
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Since 1992, the world has repeatedly witnessed how the road to democracy and a free society is ripe with pitfalls. An alarming rate of organized crime, corruption and social deterioration is posing a danger to liberalization. Russia desperately needs assistance in adopting new regulations and reforming its worn out bureaucracy.
The continuation of the process of democratization and liberalization in Russia is not only a dire need for the people of Russia and a prerequisite for our presently good relations with this country, it is also a necesary precondition for America's campaign against terrorism. Our struggle to protect our free and open societies from the threats of traditionalist backlashes means that we need to be able to rely on allies, or potential allies, such as Russia.
It is our duty as the world's greatest democracy to aid those who agree with us on the basic values of a liberal society governed by the rule of law and governed by the popular will of a people enjoying freedom and the basic rights of the individual.
Accordingly, as this is a bill which is necessary both for our benefit and for the benefit of the citizens of Russia and the world, it deserves our warm support.
H. CON. RES. 211, EXPRESSING SENSE OF CONGRESS WITH RESPECT TO GOVERNMENT OF BURMA AND COMMENDING DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI
I wish to thank Chairman Hyde for bringing H. Con. Res. 211 before the Committee. I want to commend Congressman King for drafting this important resolution which commends Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on the 10th anniversary of her receiving the Nobel Peace Prize and expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to the military junta.
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Daw Suu was under house arrest from 1989 to 1995 for winning a democratic election. She was rearrested a year ago and has again been under house arrest since then. One year ago talks began between her party, the National League for Democracy, and the military government. Since then we have seen the release of 2,180 political prisoners and the opening of approximately 30 National League for Democracy offices. While we welcome these actions, Amnesty International reports that there are close to 1,800 political prisoners in Burma. At this pace of release, it could be another 10 years between we see them all freed. This is not acceptable.
Human rights abuses continue, narcotics production and trafficking continue, and the NLD and ethnic supporters of the democracy movement are not allowed to freely associate or express their views. Just last week, the State Department issued its report on international religious freedom, and once again it cited Burma as a country of concern as to its religious persecution.
Accordingly, Mr. Chairman, I strongly support H. Con. Res. 211 and urge my colleagues to vote for the bill.
H. CON. RES. 242, COMMENDING RADIO FREE EUROPE/RADIO LIBERTY FOR ITS' CONTRIBUTION TO PROMOTING DEMOCRACY
Mr. Chairman, I want to add my full support for H. Con. Res. 242, that congratulates Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on a half century of effort in promoting democratic values, and recognizes the organization's contribution to the growth of democracy throughout the world, as we strive towards creating a world of free democratic states living in peace with one another.
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One of the most effective and efficient ways to promote the growth of democratic institutions on every continent is for Americans to communicate directly with people in other countries, and for fifty years, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has continued to broadcast daily news, analysis, and current affairs programming in a coherent and objective manner throughout the world. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty programs continue to provide 35 million listeners with balanced and reliable information, aimed at bolstering democratic development and market economies in countries where peaceful evolution to civil societies is of vital national interest to the United States.
With the advent of the war on terrorism, it becomes vital that Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty continues to demonstrate to other societies how having the freedom to live and do business creates a dynamic economy and a vibrant society. Explaining the value of freedom by directly communicating with the general population of other countries and their power elites is the best example of public diplomacy.
Accordingly, I urge adoption of this Resolution.
PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE DOUG BEREUTER, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEBRASKA
H. CON. RES. 102, THE HUNGER TO HARVEST RESOLUTION: A DECADE OF CONCERN FOR AFRICA
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Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank you for bringing House Concurrent Resolution 102, the Hunger to Harvest Resolution: A Decade of Concern for Africa, before the Committee today. Additionally, I would like to thank the distinguished gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) and the distinguished gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) for introducing this important legislation.
Mr. Chairman, the terrorist attacks of September 11th highlighted the extent to which American security is placed at risk when we fail to provide development aid and assistance to areas at risk of falling into the hands of unfriendly regimes. Indeed, sub-Saharan Africa currently faces many of the same conditions which coalesced to create the Afghanistan in which the Taliban has thrived. Much of sub-Saharan Africa has fought ravaging civil wars, demoralizing poverty, recurring droughts, and debilitating disease.
Our own long-term security depends to a large extent on stability in sub-Saharan Africa. The micro-enterprise, agriculture development, debt relief, and health programs which are outlined in this bill have the potential to serve as key investments in preventing terrorism against the U.S. and against U.S. interests.
I strongly support the passage of H.Con.Res. 102.
Thank you.
PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
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H. CON. RES. 211, COMMEMORATING AUNG SAN SUU KYI ON THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF HER RECEIVING THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE AND EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS WITH RESPECT TO THE GOVERNMENT OF BURMA
Mr. Chairman, I urge a unanimous vote in favor of this resolution, which makes clear the continued strong support of Congress for freedom and democracy in Burma and for the struggle of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy to assert the fundamental rights of the Burmese people.
I want to thank and congratulate Congressman King and the 35 bipartisan co-sponsors of this timely and important resolution. I do have an amendment in the nature of a substitute, which makes technical and drafting changes that have been agreed to by Mr. King, Mr. Leach, Mr. Lantos, and others.
Mr. Chairman, ten years ago this month the Nobel committee recognized what the whole world knew: that the only way to restore peace and prosperity to the once-proud nation of Burma is to restore legitimacy.
Burma is different from most other countries in which power is wielded by totalitarian dictatorships, in that we do not have to theorize about what the people would choose if they were allowed to govern themselves. Eleven years ago the military government did allow an election, which they figured they would be able to win by fraud and intimidation and by dividing and conquering the different ethnic groups that comprise the nation of Burma. To their surprise, the good guys won, with overwhelming support from all ethnic groups in all parts of the country. So the dictators simply cancelled the results of the election. Nevertheless, it laid to rest any doubt about the desire of the Burmese people for freedom and democracy and about the fundamental illegitimacy of the military dictatorship that has continued to govern Burma.
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This resolution commends Aung San Suu Kyi on the tenth anniversary of her receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. That anniversary occurred on October 14 of this year. The resolution also describes the suppression of freedom and democracy by the Burmese military junta and the continuing struggle of Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy to assert the rights of the Burmese people. It declares the sense of Congress that the United States government should continue to encourage the Government of Burma to restore basic human rights to the Burmese people, to eliminate the practice of human trafficking, to address the manufacture of heroin and methamphetamines, to continue the process of releasing political prisoners, to recognize the results of the 1990 democratic elections, and to allow Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy to enjoy unfettered freedom of speech and freedom of movement. Finally, Mr. Chairman, this resolution declares the sense of Congress that Aung San Suu Kyi should be invited to address a joint meeting of the Congress. It is my hope that this meeting will occur when Aung San Suu Kyi has taken her rightful place as the leader of a free and democratic Burma.
Mr. Chairman, I urge a unanimous YES vote in favor of H. Con. Res. 211 as amended.
PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE HOWARD L. BERMAN, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
H.R. 2998, LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH RADIO FREE AFGHANISTAN
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The Afghan people are desperate for information about what is going on in their own country. Deprived of television and the Internet by the repressive Taliban regime, radio is their only link to the outside world.
Radio Shariat—the Taliban's propaganda machine—has been off the air since early October. This has left a huge information void—a void that can be filled by Radio Free Afghanistan.
This legislation provides for 12 hours a day of original broadcasting into Afghanistan—six hours in Pashto and six hours in Dari, the two major languages in the country. These broadcasts will help the Afghan people understand that the Taliban and the foreign terrorists they harbor are the cause of the current conflict, that we mean no harm to civilians, and that we are not enemies of Islam.
The battle for public opinion is a key element of the war on terrorism. But changing hearts and minds in the South Asia and the Middle East won't be easy. It will require a long-term, sustained effort.
Radio Free Afghanistan is a crucial first step.
I would also urge my colleagues to support the Broadcasting Board of Governor's proposed Middle East Radio Network, which would greatly expand Arabic language broadcasts throughout the region.
I commend Ed Royce for taking the initiative on this legislation, and I look forward to working with him and other Members of the Committee to see that Radio Free Afghanistan receives full funding.
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PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE DONALD M. PAYNE, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
H.R. 3169, INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY AND VICTIMS OF LANDMINES, CIVIL STRIFE, AND WARFARE ASSISTANT ACT
Mr. Chairman, I stand in strong support of H.R. 3169. According to the WHO, between seven and ten percent of the world's population (that's about five hundred thousand people) live with disabilities. And 80 percent of these individuals live in developing countries, where only one to two percent have access to rehabilitation services. These kinds of physical barriers prevent individuals with disabilities from participating fully in their communities. And this has far-reaching effects on the society as a whole, including social and economic impacts.
We need to provide assistance to individuals living with disabilities. The Red Cross reports that there are tens of millions of land mines in over 60 countries, and a quarter of a million people are killed or maimed each year by land mines. It is absolutely wrong to leave these victims of war, violence, inadequate medical care, and natural disasters without any other means of taking full part in all that society offers. It is wrong, and that is why I fully support the bill.
Land mines are particularly a problem in Africa. For instance, about two million land mines were planted across Mozambique during the 16-year civil war between the current Frelimo government and the former Renamo rebel movement. Thousands of innocent people are maimed and killed in Africa. This is a serious problem, and this bill should address the issue.
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