[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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