[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 82 (Thursday, June 6, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H5939]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ACCUSATIONS AGAINST THE LATE RON BROWN

  (Mr. BONIOR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, it was 2 months ago this week that Ron Brown 
and 34 others were killed in a tragic plane crash in Bosnia. For 2 
awful days the world waited to hear the word of their fate. Most of us 
spent that time praying for a miracle. When word of the tragedy came, 
the outpouring of love and affection across this country was absolutely 
breathtaking.
  But now the Speaker of the House has weighed in with words of venom. 
Where most people see tragedy, the Speaker sees only coverup. His press 
secretary backed his words up by calling for an investigation. During 
times of tragedy, we should respect each other, not tear each other 
apart. Only someone who loses the public debate would stoop to 
desperation tactics like this. This is beneath the dignity of the House 
and the dignity of this great country.
  If Newt Gingrich has even a shred of decency left, he should 
apologize not only to the friends and family of those who were killed 
but to the American people.

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