[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 138 (Wednesday, September 28, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS COLLECTION EXTENSION 
                              ACT OF 1994

                                 ______


                               speech of

                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 27, 1994

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4569, the 
John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Extension Act of 1994, 
offered by my good friend and the distinguished chairman, Mr. Conyers, 
to extend the terms and clarify the responsibilities of the John F. 
Kennedy Assassinations Review Board. Let me commend Mr. Conyers for his 
leadership on this issue and for his commitment to ensuring that the 
important work of the Board is accomplished.
  Mr. Speaker, Public Law 102-526, the John F. Kennedy Assassination 
Records Collection Extension Act was enacted by Congress in 1992. I 
authored this legislation, in my capacity as former chairman of the 
House Select Committee on Assassinations, to release all executive, 
congressional, and judicial documents related to President Kennedy's 
assassination. This law, in my opinion, demonstrated to the American 
people our commitment to provide them an opportunity to ascertain the 
truth concerning President Kennedy's assassination.
  Part of this critical legislation includes the establishment of a 
Review Board. The Review Board has the crucial responsibility of 
overseeing the release of files relating to the assassination. It will 
determine whether requests by Federal agencies to postpone disclosure 
of certain assassination materials is valid as outlined by criteria set 
forth in the law. I was firmly committed to the establishment of this 
independent Review Board.
  Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, the Board appointments were somewhat 
delayed. As a consequence, precious time has been lost for the Board to 
undertake its work. There are also some operational enhancements in 
H.R. 4569 with respect to the Board. The Board's work remains a 
priority to me, to many other members, and most importantly to the 
American people. It is therefore imperative that we support their 
important and continued work.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this bill 
to show we are willing to provide the leadership the American people 
have demanded.

                          ____________________