[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 15, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S8262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              NELSON MANDELA CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT

 Mr. D'AMATO. Mr. President, I rise to make a few comments 
regarding the passage of H.R. 3156 late yesterday. This bill authorizes 
the President to present, on behalf of Congress, the Congressional Gold 
Medal to Nelson Mandela. I am very pleased that the Senate has acted 
swiftly to pass this legislation.
  The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor that the United 
States Congress may bestow on a civilian. This prestigious award has 
been bestowed on a variety of people whose leadership and lives have 
left an indelible impression on our great nation. President Mandela is 
without a doubt, one of those persons who has earned our recognition 
through his leadership in the quest for freedom and equality.
  His ongoing struggle for such noble causes has carried the people of 
South Africa into a new era. And, his compassion for the downtrodden 
has been felt around the world uplifting all people suffering from 
oppression.
  Mr. President, I would like to thank the ranking member of the Senate 
Banking Committee, Senator Sarbanes for his efforts in seeing this 
legislation through the Senate in an expedited manner. I would also 
like to thank Congressman Houghton for first introducing this bill, 
H.R. 3156, in the House and for all of his hard work and 
leadership.

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