[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E831-E832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______


                     HON. WILLIAM F. CLINGER., JR.

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 1996

  Mr. CLINGER. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, May 14th, I was unavoidably 
detained and missed Rollcall Vote 168--An amendment to provide 
authorities to the President to achieve increases in burdensharing by 
U.S. allies. Had I been present, I would have voted ``AYE.''
  Last year, as I had done in previous years, I opposed an effort to 
increase burdensharing by our allies, primarily due to concerns that 
the proposal put forth would have required the withdrawal of U.S. 
troops abroad. As my voting history demonstrates, I have supported 
amendments urging the President to enter into burdensharing 
negotiations, but I have opposed proposals that mandate a reduction in 
troop levels.
  The Shays-Frank-Upton amendment to the Fiscal Year 1997 National 
Defense Authorization Act has been drafted in a way that provides more 
flexibility and latitude to the president in seeking increases in 
defense burdensharing by U.S. allies. For example, the president may 
impose taxes or fees similar to those imposed on our forces in foreign 
countries, and may reduce U.S. contributions to the NATO budget or 
other bilateral accounts. In addition, the amendment gives the 
president and the Secretary of Defense more than a year to negotiate 
increased contributions from our allies who benefit from U.S. troops 
stationed abroad. Given these modifications to past burdensharing 
amendments, I support the Shay-Frank-Upton amendment.

[[Page E832]]



   1996 HUMANITARIAN AWARDS, GREATER LONG BEARCH NATIONAL CONFERENCE

                                 ______


                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 1996

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor both the Greater Long 
Beach National Conference and those who have been named as the 
receipients of its Humanitarian Awards--the Reverend Ken McMillian, 
Suzanne Norstrwothy, Henry Taboada, and Dr. David Tillman.
  For more than 30 years, the Greater Long Beach National Conference 
has been building the bribes of good will in our community, bringing 
prople of all races, religions, and cultures together to facilitate 
mutual respect, understanding, and friendship. As the United States 
moves into the 21st century, the strength of our Nation will be based 
upon the respect, appreciation, and acceptance we offer to one another. 
For more the three decades, the Greater Long Beach National Conference 
has been leading us toward that goal.
  Those who are being honored by the Conference's Humanitarian Award 
personify the outstanding efforts of this organization. The life each 
recipient exemplifies the mission of the conference to be an 
encouraging voice for the inclusion of all peoples. Their contributions 
continue to make our community a better place in which to live. Their 
work has enriched us all.
  Those who would seek to build strong ties among all members of their 
communities would do well to study closely the efforts of the Greater 
Long Beach National Conference and the recipients of its Humanitarian 
Award. They stand as a model for the Nation.

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