[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 1997

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, as a result of being detained while in 
the service of my constituents in my district, I may have been unable 
to cast votes today on measures before the House of Representatives. I 
would like to take this opportunity to explain my support for three key 
areas of public policy, which were likely voted on in my absence.
  H.R. 867, the Adoption Promotion Act.--I support this measure, as I 
believe it emphasizes the need for foster children to be adopted by a 
permanent family. Also, the Adoption Promotion Act requires States to 
expedite the process that governs the adoption of a foster child. The 
bill provides for increased stability for foster children and 
encourages a strong, healthy family structure. All foster children 
deserve the opportunity to be adopted to secure a sound future.
  H.R. 2709, the Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act.--Credible 
reports have drawn attention to the fact that Iran is pursuing 
plutonium separation and gas centrifuge enrichment in its nuclear 
program. Iran has also taken aggressive steps toward purchasing nuclear 
weapons-related material. Potentially, this development poses an 
enormous threat to our Middle East allies and other peaceful countries 
around the world. Therefore, we must take the appropriate steps to 
prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear missile capability. H.R. 2709, 
the Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act, goes a long way toward 
accomplishing this objective. The legislation requires the President to 
submit a report to Congress, within 30 days of enactment, identifying 
nations or entities about whom there is credible information that they 
transferred missile goods or technology to Iran. Sanctions against 
entities involved in the attempt or transfer of missile technology to 
Iran include denying arms exports licenses and eliminating all United 
States assistance for 2 years. The bill also expresses a sense of 
Congress that the President should exercise existing authorities and 
available funds to prevent the transfer of weapons-related material and 
delivery systems to Iran. I believe the actions taken in this bill will 
check Iranian arms proliferation and enthuisastically support its 
passage.
  S. 1519, Extending the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency 
Act.--S. 1519, Extending the Intermodal Surface Transportation 
Efficiency Act [ISTEA], is an important piece of legislation. The 
measure provides $9.7 billion in new transportation money to States, 
thus continuing transportation funding to the States until Congress 
passes a regular, 6-year ISTEA bill next year. Extending ISTEA for this 
temporary duration is important to ensure that California, as well as 
the other the States, continues to provide for the transportation needs 
of its residents during this time.

                          ____________________