Congressional Record, Volume 144 Issue 118 (Wednesday, September 9, 1998)

[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 9, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H7451-H7453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

COMMEMORATING 50 YEARS OF RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE
REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 459) commemorating 50 years of relations between
the United States and the Republic of Korea, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:

H. Res. 459

Whereas the Republic of Korea was established 50 years ago
on August 15, 1948;
Whereas the United States and the Republic of Korea have
long had a close relationship based on mutual respect, shared
security goals, and common interests and values;
Whereas the United States relies on the Republic of Korea
as a partner and treaty ally in fostering regional stability,
enhancing prosperity, and promoting peace and democracy;
Whereas the American military personnel who are, and have
been, stationed on the Korean Peninsula have been key in
deterring armed aggression for more than 4 decades;
Whereas South Korean soldiers fought alongside American
troops on the battlefields of Korea and Vietnam;
Whereas the Republic of Korea has embraced economic reform
and free market principles in response to current economic
circumstances;
Whereas the Republic of Korea is an important trading
partner of the United States, the recipient of significant
direct American investment, and a prominent investor in the
United States;
Whereas the large Korean-American community has made
significant contributions to American society and culture;
Whereas the people of the Republic of Korea have
demonstrated their strong commitment to democratic principles
and practices through free and fair elections; and
Whereas the state visit of President Kim Dae-jung to the
United States offered the people of the United States and the
people of South Korea an opportunity to renew their
commitment to international cooperation on issues of mutual
interest and concern: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) congratulates the Republic of Korea on the 50th
anniversary of its founding;
(2) commends the people of the Republic of Korea on the
peaceful democratic transition that has taken place during
the most recent Presidential elections;
(3) supports the government of President Kim Dae-jung as it
takes appropriate measures to address the problems in the
Korean economy;
(4) confirms that the question of peace, security, and
reunification on the Korean Peninsula is, first and foremost,
a matter for the Korean people to decide and that the Four-
Party Peace Talks complement direct North-South dialog; and
(5) looks forward to a broadening and deepening of
friendship and cooperation with the Republic of Korea in the
years ahead for the mutual benefit of the people of the
United States and the people of the Republic of Korea.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Gilman) and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr.
Faleomavaega) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman).

General Leave

Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
on H. Res. 459.

[[Page H7452]]

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
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 am proud to have been able to introduce
this resolution commemorating 50 years of relations between our Nation
and the Republic of Korea. It is only fitting that the House makes note
of this special relationship that the United States and the Republic of
Korea have shared since 1948, nearly half a century.
The United States has important strategic, economic and political
interests at stake in Northeast Asia, and maintaining stability remains
an overriding U.S. security concern in that region. South Korean
soldiers have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with American troops on the
battlefields of Korea and Vietnam in order to protect and advance these
mutual interests.
Today, South Korea remains an important partner and ally in guarding
the peace and maintaining stability in Northeast Asia. To support these
objectives, 37,000 American servicemen and women are stationed in South
Korea protecting freedom and democracy, which is threatened on a daily
basis by the communist government and armed forces of the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea.
The United States is pleased with the flourishing of democracy in
South Korea. The Republic of Korea serves as an example to others in
the region and encourages progress and the furthering of democratic
principles and practices, respect for human rights and the enhancement
of the rule of law.
Our Nation is blessed with a large Korean-American community, which
has made immeasurable contributions to our American society and
culture. Congress looks forward to broadening and deepening of our
friendship, our cooperation and solidarity with the Republic of Korea
in the years ahead, for the mutual benefit of the peoples of our Nation
and the Republic of Korea.
Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this timely
resolution commemorating the distinctive ties between the peoples and
governments of our two great nations.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
(Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend
his remarks.)
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of the Committee on International
Relations, for his authorship of this piece of legislation.
Mr. Speaker, the resolution commends 50 years of relations between
the United States and the Republic of Korea. The resolution also
congratulates the Republic of Korea on its 50th anniversary of its
founding. The resolution also supports the new president, Kim Dae-Jung,
and the government, and deals with the Republic of Korea's economic
problems. The resolution also confirms that the questions of peace,
security and reunification of the Korean peninsula are matters for the
Korean people to decide, and that the four party talks compliment
direct North-South dialogue.
Mr. Speaker, the principle author, as I said earlier, the gentleman
from New York, and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Ackerman), the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne), the gentleman from California
(Mr. Berman), the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), myself, and
the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) are cosponsors of this
piece of legislation. The resolution was drafted to welcome president
Kim Dae-Jung upon his visit to Washington in June. The resolution was
passed by the Asia Pacific subcommittee on May 13th of this year.
Technical amendments were made in the full committee markup which was
held July 21st of this year.
Mr. Speaker, the administration has no objection to this resolution.
As a cosponsor of this resolution, I commend the gentleman from New
York for bringing it to our attention.
I expect this resolution will be widely supported because there is
great admiration in this body for the people and the government of
South Korea. The American people and South Korean people have stood
shoulder-to-shoulder during some of the most difficult periods of the
past half century. I have no doubt that they will continue to stand
shoulder-to-shoulder during the next half century.
This resolution reaffirms our commitment to and to keep our affection
for the people of South Korea. This resolution deserves our support,
and I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this important resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield four minutes to the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Solomon).
Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for bringing this
resolution to the floor.
Mr. Speaker, on a hot summer day almost 50 years ago the forces of
freedom and democracy rallied to stop a vicious invasion of the
Republic of Korea by the communist forces of North Korea and the
People's Republic of China. Let us never forget, yes, and the People's
Republic of China. On the Korean peninsula, the free world met that
challenge of stopping and eventually sending the evil forces of godless
communism to the trash heap of history. In that time of testing,
America and the Republic of Korea became the very best of allies. The
bonds forged between our two countries have anchored our strategic
relationship with Asia. In partnership with the hard-working, freedom-
loving people of the Republic of Korea, both our countries have
prospered and both our countries have grown to be an alliance role
model for the entire free world.
Today, with the Korean people facing a time of economic trouble, I
recently had the honor of visiting with the leaders of the Republic of
Korea and our military installations up near the DMZ at Camp Casey and
other areas. Without question, the Korean people have the vision and
they have the courage to face their current economic problems with a
little help from us.

{time} 1345

Korea will set a shining example for the rest of Asia in working
through a difficult economic downturn. The people of Korea have the
will, they have the vision, to turn their economic problems around. I
am personally extremely bullish on the Republic of Korea in the long
run.
When the history of this time is written, the courage and the
leadership the Republic of Korea showed during the fifties, by throwing
back communist invaders, will be repeated by their leadership in
bringing back the rest of Asia from financial hardship. But never
forget that America and Korea have a real and dangerous enemy in North
Korea today. It is still there, threatening at this very minute. And
there are others who share their atheistic Communist philosophy.
We must both remain strong and vigilant to ensure that the North is
not foolish enough to attempt another invasion.
Our vigilance and our deterrence come at a price, however. America's
young men and women in uniform are called upon even in times of
relative peace to make the supreme sacrifice.
This summer, just a month or two ago, two American soldiers died
while serving in Korea, swept away in the devastating floods there.
This was a sobering reminder of the commitment made by America to serve
this theater, to protect the peace and to stand by this strong ally of
ours. That is a testament to our faith in Korea. And I would call on my
fellow Members to give additional resources to the United States Army
to immediately help repair the flood damage, over $300 million worth of
damage, but more importantly to increase their combat readiness to
maintain the deterrence possible only through a position of strength
and power.
In closing, let me on behalf of a grateful nation, say to President
Kim Dae-Jung and the Korean people: ``America thanks you for standing
with us shoulder to shoulder in defending our two countries against
those that would take away our most cherished possession, and that is
our freedom and our democracy.'' I thank the gentleman for bringing
this resolution to the floor.

[[Page H7453]]

Mr. GILMAN. I thank the distinguished chairman of our Rules
Committee, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Solomon), who has been a
long-standing champion of Korea, for his eloquent remarks.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr.
Kim).
(Mr. KIM asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. KIM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House
Resolution 459 commemorating 50 years of relations between the United
States and the Republic of Korea and commemorating the Korean people
for their steadfast commitment to democracy.
As you know, I was born in Korea while it was under occupation by the
Japanese military in the late 1930s. I was a little boy in Seoul when
the Republic of Korea gained its independence in 1948 and, like many, I
witnessed communist invasion from the North in 1950 and the allies'
successful liberation of Seoul for good in 1951.
To me personally, the United States has been Korea's strongest and
most dependable ally over the last 50 years. From my earliest encounter
with the U.S. during the war, I knew I wanted to be an American. Many
others like me also came to America and added a special cultural and
emotional tie between America and Korea.
Today, the Korean-American community is thriving and serves as a
bridge between the U.S. and Korea. I am very proud of that.
The timing of this expression of support by the U.S. Congress for the
Republic of Korea could not be better. The people of South Korea are
struggling with an extraordinary economic crisis that has affected
every segment of society, but they are doing so honorably and with a
sense of purpose.
Much of the credit can be attributed to newly elected President Kim
Dae-Jung, whose grasp of problems and understanding of what must be
done gives me hope for the future of Korea. Implementation of needed
reforms will be a painful process, but in the end, one that will result
in a much stronger and more competitive Korea, a Korea whose citizens
will be more prosperous and more secure in the knowledge that the
economic system is a sound one.
However, sadly, the people of South Korea must also contend with an
increasingly belligerent North Korea. The recent test firing of the
Taepo Dong I missile over Japanese air space ushers in a new era of
insecurity in an already unstable region. This overly hostile act has
raised tensions considerably among our allies in the Far East. The
Taepo Dong I missile was estimated to have a warhead capability of
3,000 pounds and could carry conventional weapons, or weapons of mass
destruction.
As the economic meltdown in North Korea continues and the mass
starvation being reported accelerates, the always unpredictable regime
of Kim Jong-il will become more desperate and more dangerous.
House Resolution 459 sends a strong signal to the government of North
and South Korea, as well as to the 37,000 American troops stationed
along the border, that the United States is unwavering in its support
of South Korea.
House Resolution 459 is an important symbol recognizing the long and
special relationship between the United States and the Republic of
Korea. This resolution serves as a valuable reminder of our genuine
relationship and friendship, and I call on my colleagues to
wholeheartedly support this legislation.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr.
Solomon) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Kim) for their eloquent
statements. I would be remiss if I did not recognize the fact that many
of our colleagues are Korean veterans or veterans of the Korean War,
and probably more than anyone in this body would have a greater sense
of sensitivity and understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices
that our veterans made during the Korean War.
I remember a Chinese proverbial statement saying that there are many
acquaintances, but very few friend. Mr. Speaker, I want to exemplify
that statement with the fact that during the Vietnam War, as much as I
can recall, our Korean friends were the only ones that committed forces
sufficient enough to help us fight the Vietnam War. And I think this is
truly a real tribute to the people and to the leaders of Korea where
there are many acquaintances, but there are very few friends, and when
the chips are down, Mr. Speaker, we really know who our real friends
are. I want to pay this special tribute, not only to President Kim Dae-
Jung, but also to the good people of Korea and to say again that the
resolution really, really deserves their attention.
Again, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and I thank
the gentleman from New York for his sponsorship of this resolution.
Again, I hope that my colleagues will vote in favor of this resolution.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises in strong support of H.
Res. 459, a resolution commemorating 50 years of relations between the
United States and the Republic of Korea. H. Res. 459 was introduced by
the distinguished gentleman from New York, the Chairman of the
Committee on International Relations [Mr. Gilman] on June 5th, and
referred to the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. The people of
Korea have no better friend in the U.S. Congress than the gentleman
from New York, and this Member commends the gentleman for his efforts
to craft a strong bipartisan statement of support for U.S.-Korea
relations. This Member is pleased to join his chairman in cosponsoring
this important resolution.
Over the past fifty years America has maintained a strong,
multifaceted relationship with South Korea that includes a range of
security, economic, and political issues. Throughout the Cold War, we
have remained close allies and firm friends. The 1953 Mutual Defense
Treaty is not only important to the security of South Korea but to the
peace and stability of northeast Asia as well.
Despite the recent financial instability, South Korea's economy
experienced remarkable growth since the end of the Korean War. Today
the United States is South Korea's largest trading partner and largest
export market. In turn, South Korea is America's seventh largest
trading partner, fifth largest export market, and fourth largest market
for U.S. agricultural products.
As Chairman of the Subcommittee with oversight responsibility over
the Korean Peninsula, this Member has marveled at the determination of
the Korean people to address and speedily resolve the economic
difficulties that have caused their financial crisis. The Republic of
Korea has made significant strides in reforming, restructuring and
opening its economy and breaking the old monopolies that have choked
the economy. Also, newly-elected President Kim Dae Jung has committed
his administration to making further structural reforms designed to
resolve the country's economic and financial problems and restore
international confidence in South Korea's economy.
Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 459 sends a strong message of the importance our
bilateral relationship and our commitment to strengthening this
partnership as we enter the 21st century.
This Member urges adoption of H. Res. 459.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 459, as amended.
The question was taken.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 5 of rule I and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.

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