[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 142 (Saturday, October 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO FRANK PALLONE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 1998

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, earlier today at a meeting of the 
Congressional Caucus of India and Indian Americans a number of our 
colleagues honored me by electing me CoChairman of the Caucus. In doing 
so, I am being asked to fill a pair of big shoes by succeeding the 
Caucus's founder and first Co-Chairman, Frank Pallone.
  Mr. Speaker, the Caucus on India and Indian Americans was founded 
more than five years ago by Frank. His district has a large and vibrant 
Indian American community, and Frank decided their voice needed to be 
heard in the Congress. What began as a handful of Members five years 
ago has been transformed into a thriving Caucus of more than one 
hundred Members, making the Caucus one of the largest ethnic Caucuses 
in the Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, much of this success and growth is a tribute to Frank 
Pallone's leadership and energy. During his term as Co-Chairman, he has 
worked tirelessly in the House to improve relations between India, the 
world's largest democracy, and the United States, the world's oldest 
democracy. The Caucus has been a forum for important discussions 
between the Caucus Members and senior politicians, diplomats and 
industrialists from India. Outside Washington, Frank also has been very 
active, traveling to cities around the United States where he has met 
with hundreds of Indian American community leaders.
  Mr. Speaker, as the Caucus of India and Indian Americans enters its 
sixth year, I know my colleagues join me in congratulating Frank on a 
job well done. I am certain the other Members of the Caucus agree with 
me that we are looking forward to his continued strong participation as 
a senior Member of the Caucus and to his strong support of the 
interests of the Indian American Community.

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