[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 21, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H5313-H5318]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 VETERANS' BENEFITS AMENDMENTS OF 1996

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 3373) to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve certain 
veterans' benefits programs, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 3373

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES 
                   CODE.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' 
     Benefits Amendments of 1996''.
       (b) References.--Except as otherwise expressly provided, 
     whenever in this Act an amendment is expressed in terms of an 
     amendment to a section or other provision, the reference 
     shall be considered to be made to a section or other 
     provision of title 38, United States Code.
                       TITLE I--INSURANCE REFORM

     SEC. 101. MERGER OF RETIRED RESERVE SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP 
                   LIFE INSURANCE AND VETERANS' GROUP LIFE 
                   INSURANCE AND EXTENSION OF VETERANS' GROUP LIFE 
                   INSURANCE TO MEMBERS OF THE READY RESERVE.

       (a) Definition of Member.--Section 1965(5) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
       (2) by striking out subparagraphs (C) and (D); and
       (3) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (C).
       (b) Persons Insured.--Section 1967 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by inserting ``and'' at the end of paragraph (1);
       (B) by striking out paragraphs (3) and (4); and
       (C) by striking out ``or the first day a member of the 
     Reserves, whether or not assigned to the Retired Reserve of a 
     uniformed service, meets the qualifications of section 
     1965(5)(C) of this title, or the first day a member of the 
     Reserves meets the qualifications of section 1965(5)(D) of 
     this title,''; and
       (2) by striking out subsection (d).
       (c) Duration and Termination of Coverage.--Section 1968 is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking out ``subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of 
     section 1965(5)'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``section 
     1965(5)(B)'';
       (B) by striking out the period at the end of paragraphs (1) 
     and (2) and inserting in lieu thereof a semicolon;
       (C) by striking out the period at the end of paragraph (3) 
     and inserting in lieu thereof ``; and'';
       (D) in paragraph (4)--
       (i) by striking out ``from such'' in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A) and all that follows through ``(A) unless 
     on'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``from such assignment, 
     unless on'';
       (ii) by striking out the semicolon after ``such 
     assignment'' and inserting in lieu thereof a period; and
       (iii) by striking out subparagraphs (B) and (C); and
       (E) by striking out paragraphs (5) and (6); and
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking out the last two 
     sentences.
       (d) Premiums.--Section 1969 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking out ``is assigned to 
     the Reserve (other than the Retired Reserve) and meets the 
     qualifications of section 1965(5)(C) of this title, or is 
     assigned to the Retired Reserve and meets the qualifications 
     of section 1965(5)(D) of this title,'';
       (2) by striking out subsection (e); and
       (3) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections 
     (e) and (f), respectively.

     SEC. 102. CONVERSION TO COMMERCIAL LIFE INSURANCE POLICY.

       (a) SGLI Conversion.--Subsection (b) of section 1968, as 
     amended by section 101(c)(2), is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(b)'' at the beginning of 
     the subsection;
       (2) by striking out ``would cease,'' in the first sentence 
     and all that follows through the period at the end of the 
     sentence and inserting in lieu thereof ``would cease--
       ``(A) shall be automatically converted to Veterans' Group 
     Life Insurance, subject to (i) the timely payment of the 
     initial premium under terms prescribed by the Secretary, and 
     (ii) the terms and conditions set forth in section 1977 of 
     this title; or
       ``(B) at the election of the member, shall be converted to 
     an individual policy of insurance as described in section 
     1977(e) of this title upon written application for conversion 
     made to the participating company selected by the member and 
     payment of the required premiums.''; and
       (3) by designating the second sentence as paragraph (2) and 
     in that sentence striking out ``Such automatic conversion'' 
     and inserting in lieu thereof ``Automatic conversion to 
     Veterans' Group Life Insurance under paragraph (1)''.
       (b) VGLI Conversion.--Section 1977 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(a)'';
       (B) by striking out the last two sentences; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) If any person insured under Veterans' Group Life 
     Insurance again becomes insured under Servicemembers' Group 
     Life Insurance but dies before terminating or converting such 
     person's Veterans' Group Insurance, Veterans' Group Life 
     Insurance shall be payable only if such person is insured for 
     less than $200,000 under Servicemembers' Group Life 
     Insurance, and then only in an amount which, when added to 
     the amount of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance payable, 
     does not exceed $200,000.''; and
       (2) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in the first sentence, by inserting ``at any time'' 
     after ``shall have the right''; and
       (B) by striking out the third sentence and inserting in 
     lieu thereof the following: ``The Veterans' Group Life 
     Insurance policy will terminate on the day before the date on 
     which the individual policy becomes effective.''.

     SEC. 103. INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED MEMBERS CONCERNING 
                   AUTOMATIC MAXIMUM COVERAGE OF $200,000 UNDER 
                   SERVICEMEN'S GROUP LIFE INSURANCE.

       Section 1967, as amended by section 101(b), is amended by 
     inserting after subsection (c) the following new subsection 
     (d):
       ``(d) Whenever a member has the opportunity to make an 
     election under subsection (a) not to be insured under this 
     subchapter, or to be insured under this subchapter in an 
     amount less than the maximum amount of $200,000, and at such 
     other times periodically thereafter as the Secretary 
     concerned considers appropriate, the Secretary concerned 
     shall furnish to the member general information concerning 
     life insurance. Such information shall include--
       ``(1) the purpose and role of life insurance in financial 
     planning;
       ``(2) the difference between term life insurance and whole 
     life insurance;
       ``(3) the availability of commercial life insurance; and
       ``(4) the relationship between Servicemembers' Group Life 
     Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance.''.

[[Page H5314]]

     SEC. 104. RENAMING OF SERVICEMEN'S GROUP LIFE INSURANCE 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The program of insurance operated by the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs under subchapter III of chapter 
     19 of title 38, United States Code, is hereby redesignated as 
     the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program.
       (b) Amendments to Chapter 19.--(1) Sections 1967(a), (c), 
     and (e), 1968(b), 1969(a)-(e), 1970(a), (f), and (g), 
     1971(b), 1973, 1974, and 1977(a), (d), (e), and (g) are 
     amended by striking out ``Servicemen's Group'' each place it 
     appears and inserting in lieu thereof ``Servicemembers' 
     Group''.
       (2)(A) The heading of subchapter III of chapter 19 is 
     amended to read as follows:

   ``SUBCHAPTER III--SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE (FORMERLY 
                 SERVICEMEN'S GROUP LIFE INSURANCE)''.

       (B) The heading of section 1974 is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``Sec. 1974. Advisory Council on Servicemembers' Group Life 
       Insurance (formerly Servicemen's Group Life Insurance)''.

       (3) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 19 is 
     amended--
       (A) by striking out the item relating to subchapter III and 
     inserting in lieu thereof the following:


   ``subchapter iii--servicemembers' group life insurance (formerly 
               servicemen's group life insurance)''; and

       (B) by striking out the item relating to section 1974 and 
     inserting in lieu thereof the following:

``1974. Advisory Council on Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance 
              (formerly Servicemen's Group Life Insurance)''.

       (c) Other Conforming Amendments.--(1) Section 1315(f)(1)(F) 
     is amended by striking out ``servicemen's'' the first place 
     it appears and inserting in lieu thereof ``servicemembers''.
       (2) Sections 3017(a) and 3224(1) are amended by striking 
     out ``Servicemen's'' each place it appears and inserting in 
     lieu thereof ``Servicemembers' ''.

     SEC. 105. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       The Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance of any member of 
     the Retired Reserve of a uniformed service in force on the 
     date of the enactment of this Act shall be converted, 
     effective 90 days after that date, to Veterans' Group Life 
     Insurance.
                        TITLE II--OTHER MATTERS

     SEC. 201. ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN MINORS FOR BURIAL IN 
                   NATIONAL CEMETERIES.

       (a) Eligibility.--Paragraph (5) of section 2402 is amended 
     by adding at the end thereof the following: ``For purposes of 
     this paragraph, a `minor child' is a child under 21 years of 
     age, or under 23 years of age if pursuing a program of 
     education at an educational institution, and those terms have 
     the meaning as defined in sections 3452 (b) and (c) of this 
     title.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 101(4)(A) is amended by 
     striking out ``chapter 19'' and inserting in lieu thereof 
     ``chapters 19 and 24''.

     SEC. 202. PROGRAMS, PROJECTS, AND ACTIVITIES OF THE EDUCATION 
                   SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Located in the District of Columbia.--Chapter 77 is 
     amended by inserting after section 7703 the following new 
     section:

     ``Sec. 7705. Management, policy, and operations functions 
       associated with the educational assistance programs of the 
       Education Service

       ``The offices of Education Procedures Systems, Education 
     Operations, and Education Policy and Program Administration, 
     and any successor to any such office, of the Education 
     Service of the Veterans Benefit Administration shall be in 
     the District of Columbia.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 7703 the following new item:

``7705. Management, policy, and operations functions associated with 
              the educational assistance programs of the Education 
              Service.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Arizona [Mr. Stump] and the gentleman from Mississippi [Mr. Montgomery] 
will each be recognized for 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona [Mr. Stump].


                             general leave

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous matter on H.R. 3373.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Arizona?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. STUMP asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3373, The Veterans' Benefits Amendments 
of 1996, makes a variety of changes in our veterans' life insurance 
programs.
  It also clarifies eligibility standards for burial of minor children 
of veterans in national cemeteries. Additionally, the bill stipulates 
the location for the office that administers VA's educational 
assistance programs.
  I believe this bill improves these veterans' programs and I urge my 
colleagues to support it. I want to thank my good friend, Sonny 
Montgomery, the ranking minority member of the full committee, for his 
hard work and guidance on this measure.
  Before yielding to him, I also want to thank Terry Everett, chairman 
of the Compensation, Pension, Insurance and Memorial Affairs 
Subcommittee, and Lane Evans, the ranking minority member on the 
subcommittee.
  Additionally, I would like to thank Steve Buyer, chairman of the 
Education, Training, Employment and Housing Subcommittee, and Bob 
Filner, the ranking minority member of the subcommittee, for all of 
their efforts on this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from Alabama [Mr. Everett].
  Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, before I go any further, I want to 
recognize the distinguished leadership that our chairman, the gentleman 
from Arizona [Mr. Stump], has given us, and the leadership of the 
gentleman from Mississippi [Mr. Montgomery]. I particularly want to 
recognize my ranking member on my subcommittee for his work on H.R. 
1483.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3373 is a compilation of several bills reported by 
the Subcommittee on Compensation, Pension, Insurance and Memorial 
Affairs and the Subcommittee on Education, Training, Employment and 
Housing.
  Title I makes several changes to life insurance programs operated by 
VA. First, it will merge the Retired Reserve Servicemen's Life 
Insurance Program with the Veterans Group Life Insurance Program and 
extend coverage to members of the Retired and Ready Reserves.
  Second, it would make it easier to convert from active duty and 
veterans insurance programs to commercial policies by allowing those 
coming out of the service to go to either a veterans policy or a 
commercial policy. It would also allow a veteran to convert to a 
commercial policy at any time during the 5-year term of the VA policy. 
Among other things such as making it less costly to shift to whole life 
programs at a younger age, the bill would allow rapid use of commercial 
viaticle programs that buy policies at a discount from the terminally 
ill, thus providing much-needed cash for medical and living expenses 
for those who are often too sick to work.
  The bill would also require the services to provide additional types 
of insurance information to those on active duty when they make 
insurance choices, and finally the bill would rename the Servicemen's 
Group Life Insurance Program as the Service- member's Group Life 
Insurance Program.
  Title II section 201 of the bill would make age limits for 
dependent's burial benefits in a national cemetery consistent with the 
rest of title 38. The bill would allow burial of dependent children up 
to age 23 if in school or 21 if not in school.
  Title II section 202 of H.R. 3373 would prohibit VA from moving the 
Education Service headquarters functions out of the District of 
Columbia.
  VA is proposing to move the entire service to St. Louis despite the 
subcommittee's expressed concerns about the dynamic nature of education 
programs. The committee feels strongly that VA policy and program 
management personnel need to work closely with the Congress, VSO's and 
DOD in the District to ensure that veterans get the absolute maximum 
out of their education benefits. The potential management benefits form 
locating the service at a field operation site is marginal at best and 
could possibly lead to further decreases in service to veterans.
  But despite our attempts to persuade VA from making this highly 
questionable move, VA has not heeded our concerns. It is unfortunate 
that we need to legislate in this matter, but VA continues to move 
ahead with plans.
  I want to emphasize that the bill does not prevent VA from downsizing 
the education staff or meeting any of

[[Page H5315]]

the goals of the Government Performance Review Act. The bill was 
introduced as H.R. 3036 by the ranking member, Mr. Montgomery, and 
cosponsored by the chairman, Subcommittee Chairman Buyer and the former 
ranking member, Ms. Waters, and has received strong support from the 
VSO's. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.
  Mr. MONTGOMERY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank the chairman of the committee and 
the distinguished members for bringing this bill to the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, someone said to me the other day, they said, ``You 
fellows on the Committee on Veterans Affairs, you are always 
complimenting each other back and forth across the aisles.'' I say, 
what is wrong with that?
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3373 will provide needed improvements in VA 
insurance programs and keep the adminsitration of the GI bill and other 
educational programs here in Washington, where they belong. Mr. 
Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to bring my colleagues up to 
date about the success of the newest GI bill.
  The GI bill was started back in 1944. Our Government since then has 
provided educational benefits to veterans to assist in their 
readjustment to civilian life. Educational assistance earned through 
honorable military service is really good national policy. Those who 
serve in our Armed Forces deserve the opportunity to improve themselves 
by education. The Montgomery GI bill continues to be popular with the 
young men and women serving in the Nation's Armed Forces.
  As of January 31, 1996, more than 2 million recruits have chosen to 
participate in the GI bill active duty, and the basic pay reduction 
required under that program, the $1,200 the active duty person pays in, 
has brought $2 billion into the Treasury. In March of this year, 94 
percent of the new enlistees enrolled in the GI bill for active duty 
forces. I repeat, the bill does not come free, and active duty people 
have to participate in it.
  Mr. Speaker, the Montgomery GI bill provided for the Selected Reserve 
has been extremely successful. This program has enabled the Reserves 
and National Guard to recruit and retain the smart, successful young 
people they need. Since the program was implemented for our reserves on 
July 1, 1985, nearly 600,000 veterans and over 364,000 members of the 
Selected Reserve have signed up for this program. Close to 1 million 
people are now going to school under the GI bill.
  Without the strong support of my colleagues in this body, the 
chairman, the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Stump, who was a sponsor of 
this legislation when it was passed in 1984, as well as the gentleman 
from Illinois, Lane Evans, a member on the committee, and those whose 
name I did not mention were not in the Congress back in the early 
1980's, but we are proud that this legislation has worked. I wanted my 
colleagues to know something about this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. 
Evans], and thank him. He is the one that named the GI bill.

                              {time}  1445

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, this bill makes changes in the insurance 
programs that are requested by the administration. The committee has 
examined these changes and finds they will enhance the usefulness of 
the insurance programs and put them on a firmer financial footing.
  One provision of great importance to me is a measure ensuring that 
the Education Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs continues 
to be housed in the District of Columbia at the VA central office. If 
this office were to be moved, it could jeopardize management and policy 
decisions affecting the Montgomery GI bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I offered the amendment to name the GI bill after Sonny 
Montgomery. I do not want to see it undermined, and that is why I very 
much appreciate again the leadership of Chairman Stump and the 
gentleman from Alabama, Terry Everett, on this matter today.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio 
[Mr. Ney], a member of the committee.
  (Mr. NEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3373, 
the Veterans Benefits Amendments of 1996. The bill makes several 
changes which are needed, and some are administrative in nature, but I 
also wanted to point out one of substance.
  Right now, veterans can be locked into a 5-year hold on a life 
insurance policy, and under this bill, this would allow an individual 
upon separation of the military, Mr. Speaker, to choose either to 
enroll in the Veterans' Group Life Insurance Program or to convert to a 
commercial policy. That is important, because a veteran might be ill 
and cannot wait that 5-year period to convert that policy, and might 
need the support that that financial situation can help them and their 
families with.
  So I just want to point out that although there are a lot of 
technical changes that are good, there are changes of substance.
  I also want to give credit to the gentleman from Mississippi [Mr. 
Montgomery] who has always been willing to listen to a new freshman, 
and also the same holds true for our chairman. I would note, Mr. 
Speaker, that they have left politics at the door, which is the way it 
should be. I commend both gentlemen for that for the best benefit of 
veterans.
  I rise to support this bill. It makes some changes and clarifications 
in the definition of minor children for purposes of burial in our 
national cemeteries, and prevents the VA from moving their education 
service outside of Washington, DC.
  I would also like to note, Mr. Speaker, that the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs staff has logged many phone calls in support of this 
measure. It is a good bipartisan bill, and I applaud the entire 
committee and the chairman for their support of this.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New 
York [Mr. Gilman], chairman of the Committee on International 
Relations.
  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the committee for taking 
up this important measure. I thank the gentleman from Alabama, Mr. 
Everett, for introducing the bill, as well as our distinguished 
chairman, Mr. Stump, and the distinguished ranking member, Mr. 
Montgomery, for their support.
  This measure restructures the Servicemen's Retired Reserve and Group 
Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance Programs by merging 
the two programs for members of the retired reserve and extending 
coverage under the Veterans' Group Life Insurance Program to members of 
the Ready Reserve of our uniformed services, a group that we should 
give special attention to. It also alters current law to make it easier 
to roll a military insurance policy over into a veteran's or commercial 
policy upon separation from the military.
  These two programs, which are administered by the Prudential 
Insurance Co., supervised by the Department of Veterans' Affairs, 
provide low-cost group life insurance protection to active duty and 
recently discharged service members and, as such, they serve an 
important purpose of providing a measure of financial security and 
peace of mind to our Nation's service men and women.
  Accordingly, I urge my fellow Members to give their support to this 
important legislation.
  Mr. MONTGOMERY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and 
I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Wicker). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Arizona [Mr. Stump] that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3373.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

[[Page H5316]]



    CONGRATULATING TAIWAN ON FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEMOCRATIC ELECTION

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 154) to congratulate the Republic 
of China on Taiwan on the occasion of its first Presidential democratic 
election, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 154

       Whereas March 28, 1996, was the first time in the history 
     of the Republic of China on Taiwan that a presidential 
     election was held through direct popular vote by the people 
     of Taiwan;
       Whereas the election was held under great difficulties 
     caused by extensive military threats from the People's 
     Republic of China; and
       Whereas the presidential inauguration will be held on May 
     20, 1996, and should be honored; Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That--
       (1) the Congress congratulates the people of Taiwan on 
     holding their first direct and democratic presidential 
     election;
       (2) the United States continues its commitment to move 
     nations toward freedom and democracy; and
       (3) the United States is committed to encouraging and 
     protecting its democratic friends on Taiwan, within the 
     framework of the Taiwan Relations Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York [Mr. Gilman] and the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Moran] will each 
be recognized for 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman].
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the gentleman from 
North Carolina, Mr. Funderburk, for his initiative in crafting House 
Concurrent Resolution 154 and also the gentleman from Nebraska, 
Subcommittee Chairman Bereuter, and the gentleman from California, Mr. 
Berman, for swiftly adopting it subcommittee and passing it to the full 
committee.
  The people of Taiwan and President Lee deserve our praise and support 
for holding Taiwan's first Presidential election.
  They took great risk in sticking to their principles.
  They proved to the State Department that it is possible to stand up 
to Beijing.
  When the hostile Chinese military maneuvers were taking place and the 
administration was waffling on what the United States would or would 
not do if Taiwan were attacked, the people of Taiwan were brave and 
stood together.
  It took an act of Congress to prompt the administration to send two 
aircraft carrier battle groups to the region.
  The waffling continues.
  On May 14, a Washington Post article pointed out that the Clinton 
administration has not received any promises from Beijing regarding 
future sales of nuclear weapons technology. And yet the administration 
announced that it would not punish China for the ring magnet delivery.
  And what of the sales of cruise missiles to Iran? The administration 
has still not done a thing.
  We need more people like the Taiwanese around the world.
  They set a great example for other aspiring democracies as well as 
for our own Nation.
  We welcome them into the family of democratic nations and wish them 
the very best for their people.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 2 minutes.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. I will not bite at 
some of the partisan references that were made. Let me just stick to 
the issue here.
  All Americans celebrate the remarkable political journey from 
autocracy to democracy that Taiwan has made in recent years. Taiwan's 
presidential election in march signalled that Taiwan has joined the 
ranks of full-figured democracy.
  Taiwan stands as an inspiration and an example for other Asian 
peoples who do not yet fully enjoy the fruits of political freedom. The 
people of Taiwan deserve our commendation and our congratulations. So, 
too, does President Lee, whose inauguration yesterday promises a new 
day not only for Taiwanese democracy but also for improved relations 
between Taiwan and mainland China.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
North Carolina [Mr. Funderburk].
  (Mr. FUNDERBURK asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
his remarks.)
  Mr. FUNDERBURK. Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my heartfelt 
congratulations to the Republic of China on Taiwan, the Chinese people 
on Taiwan, and to their newly inaugurated president.
  The Chinese on Taiwan have been evolving toward democracy and self 
rule for some time. The election of President Lee is the culmination of 
this process. It is also the beginning of the process of democratic 
government. President Lee Teng-hui has the distinct honor of being the 
first Chinese leader elected in a popular and direct Presidential 
election.
  As always, we must applaud the movement of nations toward democracy 
and self-determination. President Lee's election and his inauguration 
is in accord with the very principle of democracy.
  Yesterday, May 20, was the date of the inauguration of President Lee 
and I want to thank today my staff assistant, Dr. Sam K. Lee, who was 
born in China. I thank him for his help with this and also for the 
cooperative support of the Democrats.
  The reason and the purpose for this is to extend heartfelt 
congratulations from one of the oldest democratic republics to one of 
the youngest, and to extend a special welcome to the Chinese people on 
Taiwan to a unique fraternity among nations, the democracies. To this 
end, I submitted the House Concurrent Resolution 154, extending our 
congratulations to the Republic of China on Taiwan.
  I think also the resolution is a strong signal that the United States 
stands with friendly democratic countries and will defend them in the 
face of bullying threats. So I wanted to applaud Taiwan's act of self-
determination, and this bipartisan legislation draws a clear line of 
distinction between Taiwan, a free-market democracy, and mainland 
China.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New 
Jersey [Mr. Smith].
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the 
distinguished chairman of the Committee on International Relations, for 
yielding me the time.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution is a welcome step toward focusing our 
China policy where it ought to be focused. For too many years the 
United States has ignored and insulted a faithful and freedom-loving 
ally in order to curry favor with a totalitarian dictatorship. This 
policy is not only morally problematic, but also self-defeating.
  The recent Taiwan elections have shown that Chinese people, like 
people the world over, will choose democracy and freedom when they are 
given the opportunity. The election also highlights a difficult choice 
for the people of Taiwan: Whether their government should move 
gradually toward official independence, or continue to assert its 
historic status as the Government of the Republic of China.
  The United States should take no position on this question. We should 
insist only that the choice be freely made by the people themselves, 
acting through legitimately elected institutions. We should also 
recognize that the only real hope for eventual reunification of Taiwan 
with the Chinese mainland rests in the possibility that freedom and 
democracy will also come to the mainland. Today, as the Beijing regime 
tightens its grip on power, this possibility seems remote. But the 
Taiwan elections should offer both an example and an incentive to 
Beijing. The message they send is clear: Join us in choosing freedom. 
We will never go back to slavery.
  The people of Taiwan will never choose absorption by a Communist 
government. The model for reunification, if it is ever to happen, is 
not Hong Kong, where millions of people who had no say in the matter 
are about to be delivered forcibly into the hands of despotism. Rather, 
the model is Germany, where people who had thrown off

[[Page H5317]]

the shackles of communism quickly and freely chose unity with the free 
and prosperous society that had been built by their countrymen, who 
were happy to welcome and assist them.
  Mr. Speaker, I especially want to congratulate the gentleman from 
North Carolina [Mr. Funderburk] on his tireless promotion of democracy 
and human rights. As the former Ambassador to Romania, Mr. Funderburk 
fought the good fight against the atrocities of Nicolae Ceausescu and 
incurred the wrath of our own State Department for his candor and 
consistency. I have enormous respect for Mr. Funderburk.
  Thus, it is not surprising to note that he is again in the forefront 
of this battle for democracy and freedom for the people of Taiwan. I 
want to thank my good friend from North Carolina, Mr. Funderburk, for 
sponsoring this important resolution.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. 
Smith] for his strong statement in support of this measure.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. 
Chabot], a member of our committee.
  (Mr. CHABOT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 154, congratulating the people of Taiwan for holding the 
first free and fair democratic elections in Chinese history. And I want 
to congratulate my good friend from North Carolina, a fellow member of 
the freshman class, David Funderburk, for his work in bringing the bill 
to the floor. I also want to thank Chairman Gilman for his leadership 
on this issue.
  I work closely with the Taiwanese-American community in Cincinnati, 
and I can tell you what a glorious day it was for those great people on 
March 23 when, for the first time in 4,000 years of Chinese history, 
citizens went to the polls to elect a President. I not only want to 
congratulate those on Taiwan for this historic vote but those of 
Taiwanese heritage right here in the United States--like my own 
constituents, Dr. C.T. Lee and Dr. Mark Tsuang--who worked so long and 
hard to make such a dream a reality.
  Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that we pass this resolution during the 
week of President Lee's inauguration as Taiwan's first democratically 
elected President. And I again thank Congressman Funderburk and 
Chairman Gilman for making the legislation possible.

                              {time}  1500

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his strong 
supporting statement.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute.
  Mr. Speaker, I do so to give some credit to President Clinton for his 
strong action in moving battleships into the Strait of Taiwan to ensure 
that the democratic election would take place without intimidation from 
mainland China. This is consistent with the very strong continuing 
support of the White House for this democratic election in Taiwan, 
which is also consistent with the strong support on the part of the 
Democrats in this Congress for democracy in Taiwan.
  Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the 
Republic of China on Taiwan on the occasion of its first presidential 
democratic election. This truly is a historic occasion.
  This occasion illustrates that self-will must start with the people. 
In President Teng-hui's inaugural address he speaks most eloquently: 
``Today, most deserving of a salute are the people of the Republic of 
China. A salute to them for being so resolute and decisive when it came 
to the future of the country, a salute to them for being so firm and 
determined when it comes to the defense of democracy.''
  I continue holding firm to the belief that democracy is the epitome 
of respect toward humanity. I believe democracy is the delicate balance 
between conflict and conviction. Having now chosen a democratic 
government, I welcome Taiwan into the international world of peace-
seeking nations.
  I now encourage the people of Taiwan to gravitate toward full 
economic growth, prosperity, and development, and support them as they 
rise to meet their new international challenges.
  Democracy can offer hope. I hope that through democratic governance 
the people of Taiwan will seize the opportunity to appreciate their 
differences, and recognize their similarities. Through free will and 
determination, democracy can foster tolerance which is requisite in 
prevailing over turmoil. Further, democracy can foster patience in 
order to subdue hostilities.
  Mr. President, people of Taiwan, on behalf of my constituents of the 
Seventh District of Chicago in the great State of Illinois, I 
congratulate you. I wish you well in your pursuit of self-governance.
  Mr. KIM. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 
154, I rise in strong support of this important resolution. This 
resolution is simple, yet profound in nature by congratulating the 
people of Taiwan for their courage in electing the first democratic 
government in Chinese history. For their efforts, I believe it is 
appropriate for this Congress to express its congratulations for their 
dedication to the principles of democracy. By electing the first 
democratic government in Chinese history on March 23, the people of 
Taiwan have taken a huge step forward.
  The people of Taiwan have made tremendous progress over the past few 
years. The emergence of Taiwan as one of the strongest economies in 
Asia has propelled them into the spotlight as a model for achievement. 
As the Seventh largest trading partner of the United States, Taiwan has 
forced other Asian nations to open their doors and embrace the 
principles of free trade. Taiwan's peaceful transition from an 
authoritarian, single-party government to a democratic, multiparty, 
free-trading giant will serve as the beacon to other Pacific rim 
nations seeking to following their footsteps. By passing this 
resolution Congress can send a strong message to people the world over 
that democracy is a recipe for success.
  In that regard, Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to support 
the immediate passage of this evenhanded and supportive resolution.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 154 to congratulate Taiwan on their recent Presidential 
election. I was privileged to attend the May 20, 1996, inauguration of 
Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui as part of the official United States 
delegation at the request of President Clinton.
  It was very moving to watch the first inauguration of a freely 
elected President in a country which has never seen one before. Since 
1949, Taiwan and mainland China have existed as two separate parts of 
the territory of China. Despite mainland China's military harassment 
prior to Taiwan's elections, the people of this land proudly cast votes 
in their first free election. Seeing the faces of people who have 
embraced democracy and capitalism for the first time, and set the pace 
for freedom, was poignant beyond imagination.
  I have been actively involved with encouraging trade between the 
Republic of China [Taiwan] and the United States, specifically between 
Taiwan and south Texas, for a number of years. Therefore, I was 
enormously proud to have been selected by President Clinton to 
officially represent the United States at this inauguration of the 
first democratically elected president of Taiwan and to be part of 
history in the making.
  I believe that the democratic elections in Taiwan represent one of 
the most dramatic events in Chinese political dynamics this century. As 
an American, and as a democrat, I am uplifted by the move toward 
democracy and capitalism by countries which have historically been 
ruled by an oligarchy. This is a positive change for both the people in 
Taiwan and the world at large.
  As a democracy, it is incumbent upon us to lead by example, showing 
those countries still ruled by a select group that democracy and 
capitalism reward the individual and the country at the same time. 
Taiwan has come to that realization--and they are among the most 
enthusiastic capitalists on the Pacific rim. This election was an 
important and impressive step in the direction of democracy and 
prosperity for the Republic of China.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of House 
Concurrent Resolution 154, a resolution congratulating the Republic of 
China on Taiwan on its first democratic election for president.
  After a barrage of threats from Beijing and a series of intimidating 
war games and missile tests, Taiwanese voters elected President Lee 
Teng-hui as their first directly elected president in March. Since 
prior presidents were chosen by the legislature, this is truly an 
historical event and a significant step forward for democracy in 
Taiwan.
  As an original cosponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 154, I 
believe it is important for this Congress to show our strong support 
for Taiwan's historic endeavor. What we do on this floor is watched 
closely in the PRC and Taiwan. Supporting this resolution sends a 
message of support for the democratic process in Taiwan, but does not 
veer from our one China policy. It is the right message to send to both 
Taipei and Beijing.

[[Page H5318]]

  I also want to note that I am strongly encouraged by President Lee's 
appeal yesterday to convene a summit between the top leadership of 
Taiwan and the PRC. We only need recall the tensions between Taiwan and 
the PRC prior to the election of President Lee to understand the need 
for such a summit. A new dialog and communication between top 
leadership of the island and the mainland is essential not only for 
their relationship, but also for the maintenance of peace, stability 
and economic growth in the region.
  I urge my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 154 and 
the historic democratic process which Taiwan has undertaken.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong support of this 
measure, and want to thank Mr. Funderburk for originally introducing it 
in the Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, and Chairman Gilman for 
expediting the legislation to the floor for passage.
  Mr. Speaker, the Chinese people on Taiwan have come a long way. Over 
a 10-year period of time, they have succeeded in instituting many of 
the democratic principles that we have enjoyed in this country for over 
200 years. And they have done this through the hard work, perseverance 
and vision of one man: President Lee Teng-Hui. President Lee, who is 
the first native-born Taiwanese to govern Taiwan, has done remarkable 
things for his country and countrymen in this short span of time.
  Therefore, on March 23, 1996, President Lee was the first man in 
Chinese history to be popularly elected president of Taiwan. That is no 
small feat, considering Taiwan's recent history, as well as other 
adversities he had to overcome--in particular, China's bellicose 
attitude toward Taiwan's impending election. However, those adversities 
were overcome, and President Lee was elected with a vote of 54 
percent--validating his leadership and allowing him to continue forward 
with his progressive policies.
  The American people have stood by Taiwan over the years, and I 
believe will continue to do so, as they continue to grow and mature 
into a full-fledged democracy. I have nothing but admiration and 
applause for President Lee and the people of Taiwan, and I recognize 
that the friendship between our two countries is a very special one, 
and should remain as such. I therefore tip my hat to President Lee on 
his election, and congratulate the Taiwanese people on achieving 
another great victory in the fight for freedom and democracy.
  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, since we 
have no objection.
  In fact, we strongly support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Wicker). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman] that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, House 
Concurrent Resolution 154, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution, as 
amended, was agreed to.
  The title of the concurrent resolution was amended so as to read: 
``Concurrent resolution to congratulate the Republic of China on Taiwan 
on the occasion of its first direct and democratic presidential 
election and the inauguration of its president.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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