[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 137 (Wednesday, September 6, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H8542]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     FIRST LADY DESERVES OUR PRAISE

  (Mr. RICHARDSON asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, the First Lady deserves credit, first 
for going to China, and second for speaking out so forcefully for human 
rights and women's rights.
  The First Lady spoke out eloquently against forced abortions and 
forced sterilizations and other women's rights abuses common in other 
countries, such as rape, mutilation, and domestic violence. She also 
stressed the importance of women to families and the need for setting 
new standards for women's health, economic welfare, family planning, 
and the status of women in general.
  Mr. Speaker, the First Lady showed guts and commitment in China, and 
she deserves our praise.
  Mr. Speaker, the First Lady has worked continuously on issues related 
to women, children, and families for the past 25 years. This week she 
has combined her skills and experiences with the role of diplomat.
  Amidst tenuous United States-Chinese relations, the First Lady has 
walked a fine line in Beijing--balancing the urgent need for women's 
rights and the administration's policy of constructive engagement with 
China.
  Mrs. Clinton has successfully pointed out the need for a forum of 
openness of free speech in Beijing. Her remarks underscore the 
magnitude of the U.N. Women's Conference and the need for responsible 
behavior by every member of the international community to confront the 
oppression that afflicts millions of women.
  With the assistance of the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, 
Madeleine Albright, Mrs. Clinton has laid the important groundwork for 
continued dialog between Secretary of State Christopher and the Chinese 
Foreign Minister in their upcoming meeting.
  Hillary Clinton deserves our gratitude for her efforts which engage 
China while steadfastly advocating the need for advances in human 
rights which are necessary for China's genuine integration in the 
international arena.


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