[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 15 (Tuesday, February 22, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
    CONGRATULATIONS TO THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise to congratulate and pay 
tribute to the Ukrainian National Association, which today celebrates 
its 100th anniversary. Speaking from experience, no organization does a 
better job of keeping American policy makers informed on events taking 
place in Ukraine. With a talented Washington staff led by Eugene 
Inwanciw, they keep us informed of key bilateral issues as they 
develop.
  UNA was established in 1884 as a fraternal insurance organization. It 
still successfully provides this service, but in addition, it provides 
its members a wide range of educational, cultural, social, and 
charitable benefits. It has been a major contributor to the 
preservation of the national traditions of Ukrainians in the United 
States and in Canada.
  UNA has developed a leadership role within the Ukrainian-American 
community, providing over $120,000 in scholarships annually to its 
members. It operates a retirement home for senior citizens, provides 
mortgages to its members, and is a patron of the Ukrainian community's 
cultural and religious activities.
  The Ukrainian National Association also produces a variety of 
publications, including ``Svobodia,'' the oldest Ukrainian newspaper 
printed in the United States, as well as ``The Ukrainian Weekly.'' This 
newspaper has a nationwide audience which I discovered when they ran an 
article on some legislation I drafted. I heard from people in dozens of 
towns from Alabama to Alaska. People are reading ``The Ukrainian 
Weekly.''
  While UNA was established to assist Ukrainians living in the United 
States and Canada, it has not lost sight of the needs and aspirations 
of the citizens of Ukraine. With the renewed independence of Ukraine, 
UNA has stepped in to help fill many humanitarian and educational 
needs--providing teachers and financial assistance. It recently opened 
a new office in Kiev to better assist Ukraine in the establishment of 
democratic and free market institutions. The Ukrainian National 
Foundation, established by UNA in 1992, helps coordinate humanitarian 
and development programs in Ukraine that promote these goals.
  Clearly, the Ukrainian National Association has established itself as 
the most effective advocate of Ukrainian issues and the greatest 
champion of Ukrainian culture in the United States. I heartily 
congratulate UNA on this exceptional occasion, and I look forward to 
working with the association in the future.

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