[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 142 (Saturday, October 10, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12353-S12354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

 Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I want to take this opportunity to 
extend my congratulations to President Lee Teng-hui., Vice President 
Lien Chan and the people of the Republic of China today, on their 
National Day.
  Taiwan has continued to prosper economically even in the face of the 
Asian financial crisis. As the world's fourteenth largest economic 
entity, Taiwan plays a significant role in global trade and Asian 
economies. With its per capita income of $13,000 US dollars, Taiwan 
provides an important market for American consumer goods.
  In addition to its economic successes, Taiwan has embarked upon a 
democratic course resulting in a pluralistic society which enjoys basic 
democratic rights and freedoms including freedom of the press and 
direct elections for the president and other officials.
  The people of Taiwan and its leadership should be very proud of the 
successes that they have achieved. I congratulate them on this special 
day.

                          PRIVATE RELIEF BILLS

 Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I am pleased that key members 
of the Senate have agreed to pass all the pending private relief bills 
in one package and send it over to the House.
  I would like to thank the principals who have been involved in this 
effort, Senators Hatch, Abraham, Leahy and Kennedy. This package will 
include my bill to help Vova Malofienko.
  Let me tell you a little about Vova Malofienko and his family. Vova 
was born in Chernigov, Ukraine, just 30 miles from the Chornobyl 
nuclear reactor.
  In 1986, when he was just two, the reactor exploded and he was 
exposed to high levels of radiation. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 
June 1990, shortly before his sixth birthday.
  Through the efforts of the Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund, Vova 
and his mother came to the United States with seven other children to 
attend Paul Newman's ``Hole in the Wall'' camp in Connecticut.
  While in this country, Vova was able to receive extensive cancer 
treatment and chemotherapy. In November of 1992, his cancer went into 
remission.
  Regrettably, the other children from Chornobyl were not as fortunate. 
They returned to the Ukraine and they died one by one because of 
inadequate cancer treatment. Not a child survived.
  The air, food, and water in the Ukraine are still contaminated with 
radiation and are perilous to those like Vova who have a weakened 
immune system.
  Additionally, cancer treatment available in the Ukraine is not as 
sophisticated as treatment available in the United States.
  Although Vova completed his chemotherapy in 1992, he continues to 
need medical follow-up on a consistent basis, including physical 
examinations, lab work and radiological examinations to assure early 
detection and prompt and appropriate therapy in the unfortunate event 
the leukemia recurs.
  Because of his perilous medical condition, Vova and his family have 
done everything possible to remain in the United States. Since 1992, 
they have obtained a number of visa extensions, and I have helped them 
with their efforts.
  In March of 1997, the last time the Malofienkos visas were expiring, 
I appealed to the INS and the family was given what I was told would be 
final one-year extension.
  So we have a family battling for over six years now, to stay in this 
country. And why? So that they can save the life of their child, Vova.
  Because of the compelling circumstances of their case, I introduced 
S. 1460, which was approved unanimously by the Senate Judiciary 
Committee.
  After I introduced that bill, Senator Abraham, in his capacity as 
Chairman of the Immigration Subcommittee, requested a report from the 
INS and that stayed any further INS proceedings.
  But at the end of this Congress they would be subject to deportation. 
That is why I have worked so hard to get this bill passed this session 
of Congress.
  This family has endured enough. They cannot have the threat of 
deportation hanging over their heads. They are dealing with enough 
trauma from Vova's cancer.
  I wish my colleagues could meet Vova--then they would understand why 
I feel so strongly about this case. He is truly a remarkable young man.
  Throughout his battle against cancer, he has been an inspiration. He 
has been an honors student at Millburn Middle School, and he is an 
eloquent spokesperson for children with cancer. He has rallied the 
community and helped bring out the best in everyone. His dedication, 
grace, and dignity provide an outstanding example, not just to young 
people, but to all Americans.

[[Page S12354]]

  Again, I want to thank Senators Hatch, Abraham, Leahy and Kennedy for 
their diligence.
  I hope that we will pass this package on Monday and send it to the 
House and then the President. Then, Vova can continue his fight in the 
safety of United States.

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