[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 18, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1110-E1111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOHN BRAGG

                                 ______


                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 18, 1996

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 30-year career 
of a great statesman, Tennessee State Representative John Bragg. Upon 
his retirement, I would like to recognize his outstanding achievements, 
honors, and successes, both personally and for the State of Tennessee.
  Serving as the House Finance chairman for 22 years, Mr. Bragg 
established an ethical foundation of admirable weight. He subsequently 
made significant changes in the State legislative process. For these 
measures, he was awarded the title chairman emeritus.
  In addition, he was a stronghold in the creation of the Tennessee 
Consolidated Retirement System. As such, Tennessee is considered one 
the best managed States in the country, with regard to public pension 
plans.
  Mr. Bragg hails from Murfreesboro, TN, and his loyalty has never 
swayed. He has represented the city and Rutherford County throughout 
his entire three decades in politics. During that time, he boosted 
Middle Tennessee State University to a premier educational institution 
within the State. He secured the funds to build three multimillion 
dollar complexes for the school: the mass communications building, the 
Tennessee Livestock Center, and a $31.7 million library.
  Joining Mr. Bragg at his retirement ceremony were colleagues, 
friends, and family. He attributed most of his accomplishments to their 
support; and similarly, his desire to care for those he loves extends 
to his fellow citizens. I ask that we recognize John Bragg for his 
endless dedication, his honorable values, and his compassion for 
Tennessee.

[[Page E1111]]



      FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1997

                                 ______


                               speech of

                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 1996

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3540) making 
     appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and 
     related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
     1997, and for other purposes:

  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Chairman, on June 11, I voted in 
favor of H.R. 3540, the foreign operations appropriations bill.
  I believe that this legislation contains some very important measures 
that will strengthen America's position in the world, offer critical 
help to allies, and bolster the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act approved 
by this House earlier.
  I remain troubled, however, by several measures in this bill, 
including the continued restrictions on international family planning, 
the funding of expanded IMET for Indonesia, and by the reductions in 
development aid to some of the poorest nations in the world.
  We face a critically important stage in securing peace in the Middle 
East. Through hard work and commitment we have achieved much in recent 
years. There is much left to achieve before the people of the Middle 
East enjoy a true and lasting peace. H.R. 3540 allows us to build on 
the achievements in peace that we have already secured by giving 
economic and military aid to our allies, Egypt and Israel. At this 
important juncture in the peace process, it is important for us to 
reaffirm our commitment to our allies and to the peace process to which 
we must remain committed.
  The bill also makes important steps forward in our commitment to 
child survival. I applaud the creation of this distinct account, with 
it focused mission and spending. These are some of the most important 
funds provided under the bill. This account will make a real difference 
in the lives of millions of children, and help struggling nations build 
more secure futures.
  I was very pleased to see the House adopt two very important 
amendments that reaffirm our commitment to Armenia. As an original 
cosponsor of the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act I am pleased to see this 
important, principled measure strengthened. This strengthening is 
needed because the measure, approved by Congress last year, was waived 
by the President. Congress is sending an unmistakable message to the 
Government of Turkey that its continued illegal occupation of Cypress 
and its unpardonable blockade of Armenia are criminal and must cease.
  As well, I am pleased that the House passed Mr. Radanovich's 
amendment which withholds a portion of United States aid to Turkey 
until that government acknowledges the Armenian genocide. History shows 
us that the horrors of the past can not be forgotten. That when we 
allow denial and distortion to replace truth, we all reduced, and the 
security of the future is undermined.
  I commend my colleague, Mr. Obey, for his amendment which sets the 
stage for greater additional support to the War Crimes Tribunal in the 
Hague. As the author of a resolution affirming support for the War 
Crimes Tribunal I am gratified to see us stand behind this institution 
with the kind of support that will make a real difference in helping 
the tribunal successfully fulfill its mission.
  I firmly believe that the tribunal is engaged in one of the most 
important tasks under way today. The tribunal is dedicated to bringing 
to justice those who have committed crimes of such horror that we 
barely fathom their enormity. The tribunal will bring an end to the 
centuries of violence and retribution. It is this cycle of lawlessness 
that is the breeding ground of conflict and of war. If we can break 
this cycle, if we subdue the instinct of revenge, we can build a more 
secure future where peace will be possible.
  While this bill makes several important strides forward in the 
advancing the cause of protecting human rights, I remain deeply 
troubled by the House's unwillingness to revoke IMET to Indonesia. I 
was honored to join my colleague from Massachusetts, Mr. Frank, in 
introducing an amendment that would cut off IMET to Indonesia. I am a 
supporter of IMET, but this is the wrong time and the wrong place for 
IMET.
  Finally, I want to express my reservations over the reductions in aid 
to some of the world's poorest nations. We face very serious budget 
challenges that require us to make difficult choices, and many programs 
which mean a great deal to my constituents are being cut and they are 
suffering. We must, however, continue to recognize our responsibility 
as citizens of this planet. We are a great and wealthy nation. We are a 
shining example that free people all over the world look to. Assisting 
those who are struggling is one of the duties of leadership.
  Contrary to what many think, this aid is, and always has been, a 
modest part of our budget and we realize a good return on this 
investment. A little aid can go a long way in building democracies and 
free economies, and when these achievements have been secured, we live 
in a richer and more stable world.
  In the current budget environment, we must spend our limited 
resources very carefully. We face serious and very pressing problems 
here at home, and we are not able to spend all we should on these. It 
is in light of these challenges that I support the bill before us. It 
will make America stronger.

                          ____________________