[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 10, 1999)]
[House]
[Pages H560-H565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF KING HUSSEIN IBN TALAL AL-HASHEM
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it be in order
to consider Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 in the House, and that the
previous question be considered as ordered on the concurrent resolution
to final adoption without intervening motion except for 1 hour of
debate, equally divided and controlled by myself and by the gentleman
from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson).
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the order of the House of today,
I call up the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 7) honoring
the life and legacy of King Hussein ibn Talal al-Hashem, and ask for
its immediate consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will report the Senate concurrent
resolution.
The Clerk read the Senate concurrent resolution, as follows:
S. Con. Res. 7
Whereas King Hussein ibn Talal al-Hashem was born in Amman
on November 14, 1935;
Whereas he was proclaimed King of Jordan in August of 1952
at the age of 17 following the assassination of his
grandfather, King Abdullah and the abdication of his father,
Talal;
Whereas King Hussein became the longest serving head of
state in the Middle East, working with every United States
President since Dwight D. Eisenhower;
Whereas under King Hussein, Jordan has instituted wide-
ranging democratic reforms;
Whereas throughout his life, King Hussein survived multiple
assassination attempts, plots to overthrow his government and
attacks on Jordan, invariably meeting such attacks with
fierce courage and devotion to his Kingdom and its people;
Whereas despite decades of conflict with the State of
Israel, King Hussein invariably maintained a dialogue with
the Jewish state, and ultimately signed a full-fledged peace
treaty with Israel on October 26, 1994;
Whereas King Hussein has established a model for Arab-
Israeli coexistence in Jordan's ties with the State of
Israel, including deepening political and cultural relations,
growing trade and economic ties and other major
accomplishments;
Whereas King Hussein contributed to the cause of peace in
the Middle East with tireless energy, rising from his sick
bed at the last to assist in the Wye Plantation talks between
the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority;
Whereas King Hussein fought cancer with the same courage he
displayed in tirelessly promoting and making invaluable
contributions to peace in the Middle East;
Whereas on February 7, 1999, King Hussein succumbed to
cancer in Amman, Jordan: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives
concurring), That the Congress--
(1) extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the
family of King Hussein and to all the people of Jordan in
this difficult time;
(2) expresses admiration for King Hussein's enlightened
leadership and gratitude for his support for peace throughout
the Middle East;
(3) expresses its support and best wishes for the new
government of Jordan under King Abdullah;
(4) reaffirms the United States commitment to strengthening
the vital relationship between our two governments and
peoples.
Sec. 2. The Secretary of the Senate is directed to transmit
an enrolled copy of this resolution to the family of the
deceased.
{time} 1315
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Burr of North Carolina). Pursuant to
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the order of the House today, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman)
and the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson) each will control 30
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 S. Con. Res. 7.
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 was privileged to accompany President
Clinton, former President Bush, former President Ford, and former
President Carter to King Hussein's funeral as the Speaker's
representative.
World leaders, and there were many who attended the funeral, were all
profoundly saddened by the loss on Sunday, February 7 of His Majesty,
King Hussein bin Talal al-Hashem of Jordan.
We are today considering S. Con. Res. 7 which honors the life and
legacy of King Hussein, extending the deepest sympathies and
condolences of the United States Congress to Her Majesty, Queen Noor,
King Abdullah, and the entire Hashemite family, and all citizens of
Jordan during this most difficult period.
S. Con. Res. 7, sponsored by Majority Leader Lott, notes King
Hussein's illustrious, dedicated service to the people of Jordan, and
his commitment to peace throughout the Middle East, expressing our
admiration for King Hussein's enlightened leadership in his pursuit of
peace.
It also expresses our support for the new government of Jordan under
King Abdullah and reaffirms our commitment to strengthening the
relationship between our two nations.
Mr. Speaker, King Hussein was proclaimed Jordan's monarch in 1952 at
the very young age of 17 following the assassination of his
grandfather, King Abdullah, and the medically required abdication of
his father, Talal. King Hussein became the longest serving head of
state in the Middle East and had a personal relationship with every
United States President beginning with President Eisenhower.
In a region rife with political intrigue, King Hussein was a true
survivor, displaying pinpoint tactical ability to survive multiple
assassination attempts and plots to overthrow his government. He
courageously defended his kingdom and its people even when, on
occasion, his decisions differed with those of our own government.
King Hussein dedicated his life to bringing peace and stability to
Jordan and to the entire Middle East. He succeeded through the sheer
force of will, as well as his dedication, his persistence, and his
vision for a brighter future.
Under his leadership, Jordan matured from its beginnings as a desert
kingdom to one of the leading nations of the Middle East. King Hussein
instituted wide-ranging democratic reforms, and a friendship between
our Nation and Jordan grew even stronger based on mutual respect and
our common interests.
This enduring partnership bodes well for cooperation and development
in Jordan as we witness a transition to King Hussein's eldest son and
heir, King Abdullah.
Throughout King Hussein's reign, his search for peace was
everlasting. Despite decades of conflict with Israel, King Hussein
maintained secret contacts with Israeli leaders throughout the years.
Under his leadership, a historic peace treaty was signed between Jordan
and Israel on October 26, 1994, which King Hussein termed his crowning
achievement and which today serves as a model for Arab-Israeli co-
existence.
Mr. Speaker, in all probability, the Wye River Memorandum between
Israel and the Palestinian Authority last October would not have been
signed had it not been for King Hussein who rose from his hospital bed
at the Mayo Clinic to travel to the Wye Plantation to inspire its
participants.
Throughout his life, King Hussein was renowned as a man of courage,
of wisdom, dignity, and strength. All of us recognize the extraordinary
impact that King Hussein had on the people of Jordan, on our own
Nation, and upon the world. This measure before us assures the citizens
of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan that the friendship, support, and
assistance of our Nation will continue as part of King Hussein's legacy
to its people.
Mr. Speaker, one of the noblest men I have had the privilege of
knowing is now destined for the ages. When the King addressed Congress
after the announcement that peace with Israel had been achieved, he
said, and I quote, ``The two Semitic peoples, the Arabs and the Jews,
have endured bitter trials and tribulations during their journey
through history.''
``Let us resolve to end this suffering forever and to fulfill our
responsibilities as leaders of our peoples, and our duty as human
beings toward mankind.''
Mr. Speaker, I hope that all of us will take those words to heart and
carry on the legacy that King Hussein bequeathed to us and the world.
Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to lend their full support to S. Con.
Res. 7.
Mr. Speaker, it was my solemn duty and honor to represent this House
with my distinguished colleague Mr. Bonior, the Minority Whip, and
Presidents Clinton, Ford, Bush, and Carter, at the funeral on Monday of
His Majesty King Hussein of Jordan, a leader of vision and courage and
a true friend of the United States.
In the course of that funeral and from all corners of the world,
there have been many fitting tributes to the man who ruled Jordan for
47 years and made his country a partner with the United States and with
Israel for peace in the Middle East. One of those tributes was issued
by the American Jewish Committee, an organization committed to
strengthening the U.S.-Jordan relationship in the context of its
support for a secure and lasting peace for Israel, containment of
radical movements and regimes, and stability in a region vital to U.S.
interests.
I wish to call my colleagues' attention to the following statement,
issued by the American Jewish Committee upon the death of King Hussein:
American Jewish Committee Mourns King Hussein of Jordan, Hailing His
Courageous Embrace of True Peace With Israel'
New York, Feb. 5.--The American Jewish Committee today
mourned the death of His Majesty King Hussein of Jordan. The
organization's President, Bruce M. Ramer, and Executive
Director, David A. Harris, issued the following statement:
``The American Jewish Committee mourns with the subjects of
His Majesty King Hussein, and all peace-loving people, the
untimely passing of this extraordinary leader, whose
statesmanship forever altered the stale dynamic of Arab-
Israeli relations.
``In his courageous embrace of real peace with Israel, King
Hussein led his nation toward a new Middle East, in which
Arab and Jew would not only reconcile but join hands,
respecting each other's rights and borders and working
together against the ominous forces--hate, violence, greed
and poverty--that stalk the region. That his noble vision
remains only partly fulfilled is a summons to all of us to
redouble our efforts, together, for the cause of peace he so
bravely championed.
``In the years since the October 1994 treaty between Jordan
and Israel, King Hussein demonstrated in ways both grand and
intimate his commitment to true peace--interrupting his
medical treatment to help President Clinton, Prime Minister
Netanyahu, and Chairman Arafat conclude the Wye River
agreement last October; visiting the families of Israeli
schoolchildren murdered by a crazed Jordanian soldier two
years ago; eulogizing, with majestic eloquence, his `brother'
in the search for peace, Prime Minister Rabin.
``My colleagues and I were privileged to meet with His
Majesty from time to time, in our country and his. We will
cherish our own memories of his wisdom and compassion as he
articulated in these discussions his bold vision of
cooperation across the Jordan River and throughout the Middle
East. As we mourn this great leader, and as we strive, as
Americans and as Jews, for new understanding and an enduring
peace between Arabs and Israelis, we look forward to our
continuing work with the government and the people of the
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
``We express our profound sympathy to His Majesty's family
and to all his people at this time of great sadness.''
Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Campbell) a member of our committee, and I ask
unanimous consent that he be permitted to yield time to other Members.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
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Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, the breadth in this institution of
respect for King Hussein is reflected by the Members across the
political spectrum who are here.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr.
Bonior), the minority whip, for his statement.
Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Connecticut for
yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, people all over the world mourn the death of Jordan's
King Hussein. He was, as my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from
New York (Mr. Gilman), has just said, a man of honor, a man of wisdom,
and beyond everything else, he was a man of peace.
I was deeply honored to help represent this House, along with the
gentleman from New York (Chairman Gilman), at the King's funeral. It
was a very sad, sobering, but moving experience to see the leaders of
the world, kings and princes and presidents and prime ministers from
every continent, small countries, large countries. It was an amazing
collection of the most powerful people on our planet.
The funeral procession itself, it was solemn. It was simple. But in
its simplicity and its solemnity, it was majestic. It was not just
presidents and kings, but it was people from everyday life who had
traveled to Amman out of love and respect and out of sadness. Not just
friends, but strangers, and, yes, even enemies.
President Asad from Syria was there. And I was told it had been the
first time that President Asad had appeared at any meeting where
Israelis and Israeli government officials were present. The Israeli
government and the Israeli Society sent a broad spectrum of
individuals. All their candidates for the prime minister's job were
there as well as religious leaders and others who had played an
important role in the history between these two countries.
In death, as in life, King Hussein brought people together. He was an
extraordinary man. Like all of us, he made mistakes, but he learned
from them. He grew as a man and as a leader. It was one of the most
interesting and moving parts of his reign to watch him grow from a
young man, not a boy, but a young man of 17 who took the thrown and
matured in a most amazing way to understand and grasp the meaning and
the power of peace. It takes more courage to make peace than war.
Writing of King Hussein and the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin,
Tom Friedman of the New York Times wrote, and I quote, ``There is
something about watching these graybeards standing up, breaking with
the past, offering a handshake to a lifelong foe and saying: Enough. I
was wrong. This war is stupid. It keeps alive the idea that anything is
possible in politics, even in Middle East politics.''
King Hussein inspired us all with his courage. Instead of looking
backward with bitterness, he chose to look forward with hope and with
possibility.
King Hussein's death makes the peace process in the Middle East more
challenging than ever. We ask ourselves how can such a man ever be
replaced. The gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) I think said it very
well. When the Wye Accords were floundering at the retreat in the
eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay not many months ago, a retreat that
was meant to breathe some life into a dying process that could have
resulted in catastrophic consequences, not only for the countries
involved, but for the broader world, when that process was just about
to collapse, the President called King Hussein at the Mayo clinic in
Rochester, New York and asked him to come. The King said ``Of course I
will come if you think it could help.'' The President's response was
``Of course it will help,'' because he understood and knew how much
respect the King had among the players in this ever-flowing and ever-
ongoing struggle for peace in this region.
So the King, dying and ill, came and spent time. Of course it was
impossible in his presence for those that were participating to have
walked out and to deny the work that was necessary to keep the peace
together.
So the question of whether or not he can be replaced or not is a good
question. Of course he cannot. But he also showed us that one person
can make a difference, that each of us, through our work and our lives,
can leave the world a better place. He demonstrated that all of us can
grow from experience and reach out to those with differences. Each of
us must remember the example that King Hussein set and recommit
ourselves to peace.
Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution in his honor. I send, again,
my condolences to his family, to the Queen who has acquitted herself
with so much grace and so much power and who herself has devoted her
energies to peace, active in the campaign against land mines and other
endeavors.
I extend my condolences to the Queen's mother and father, very lovely
people who I had a chance to meet and to talk with on the way over, and
of course to the King's children and to the people of Jordan.
{time} 1330
I also would like to say that I support President Clinton's call for
assisting Jordan by helping to pay down its debt, to improve economic
ties, and doing our part to keep the peace process moving forward.
The King's legacy is one of tolerance and friendship and hope for
peace. We can best honor his memory by working to make his great vision
a reality.
Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Minnesota (Mr. Gutknecht).
Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I
thank the chairman for bringing this resolution to the floor today.
I rise as a representative of Rochester, Minnesota. And over the last
7 to 10 years, King Hussein probably spent about as much time in my
district in Minnesota as anywhere in the United States. And I always
knew when he was in town because this big, beautiful airplane that he
was so proud of was there at the Rochester Airport. Many people may not
know it, but he was very fond of flying that Lockheed L-1011 all the
way from Jordan to Rochester, Minnesota. We regret that, in the end,
the procedures that were attempted to save his life were not
successful.
But I rise today to speak on behalf of my constituents because many
of them got a chance to meet King Hussein and his Queen wife and the
rest of the royal family and all the people from Jordan who came with
him, and they were always impressive. In fact, in the last several
years sometimes literally he and his wife would rent a little red
Volkswagen Beetle and they would travel around southeastern Minnesota
and many people got a chance to meet him, and everyone who did was
impressed with his humanity and the way that he dealt with people. All
the people who touched King Hussein were impressed by him and his
gentleness.
He was in many respects a dichotomy. He was a king and yet he had the
common touch. He was trained as a warrior but he spent most of his life
fighting for peace. He was a pilot and yet he was down-to-earth. He
stood barely five-foot-five inches tall and yet he will be remembered
as a giant of this century.
We mourn his loss today. We share the pain of his family and of his
people. We must now renew his commitment to humanity and his commitment
to peace.
Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from
Virginia (Mr. Moran).
Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I certainly thank the very
distinguished ranking member of the Committee on Foreign Relations and
his staff.
Mr. Speaker, I wanted to speak to this because King Hussein's passing
should not go unrecognized by any of us, because he made a difference
with his life and he left a legacy that will shine brightly in the
history books. He was a kind and gentle man but also a strong and
courageous person. He was a leader in a part of the world and at a time
that desperately needed strong and good leadership.
It is said that he was very tough, but he was not ruthless. They tell
a story of one of his political opponents who worked for years to
undermine him, to overthrow his regime. He was jailed and prosecuted,
of course. But when he was let out of prison, King Hussein invited him
to his home and they sat down and had tea together and discussed their
differences. It was that kind of toughness but goodness that sustained
his kingdom.
The last time I talked with him I wanted to share with my colleagues
for
[[Page H563]]
a few moments because I think it spoke so much about the man. We went
into a very modest house, stucco house that was in construction,
certainly did not look palatial. And he sat down, he did not even have
a servant at the time, and he poured his tea. And in the course of the
conversation, he invited us to visit the palace but he said, ``Make
sure you come during the day so you do not wake up the children.''
Because he and Queen Noor had visited an orphanage, and seeing the
condition of the children, they were moved to give over their palace,
to turn it into an orphanage.
They did that. And when we drive up the driveway, this palatial
driveway, we have to drive real slow because the children are running
around in little scooters, playing, having fun. And when we walk in and
see the way that each one of those children were being treated, it
reflects how he wanted his people treated, with the kindness and
gentleness and respect for all human beings that defined his
philosophy. That is why he was so important to all of us.
A good friend who lives in Northern Virginia, Najeeb Halaby, was the
father-in-law of King Hussein. Mr. Halaby is the father of Queen Noor
and the father-in-law of King Hussein. And I know that, given all the
conflict and the chaos and the challenge that his daughter has
confronted with her partner, that he recognizes that his daughter was
married to a great man and that in fact, because of their leadership,
because of their legacy, the people of Jordan will spread the message
of human rights, respect for all people, particularly women, will in
fact move the Middle East into an environment of peace and justice.
That is his legacy. We thank him for it.
Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I think that for all of us, what is clear here is that
this was no ordinary world leader. World leaders who pass on are often
mourned in their countries and there is often some reference abroad.
But in the case of King Hussein, his personal courage and commitment to
his people and the peace process has I think touched people across the
globe.
I join my colleagues in offering condolences to his wife, Her Majesty
Queen Noor al-Hashem; and our congratulations and pledge of support to
His Majesty King Abdullah, the second ibn al-Hashem.
We have a commitment in the Middle East as a country, and our
interests and the interest of peace have been furthered by King
Hussein's great courage, a young man who saw his grandfather
assassinated as he stood next to him. In a Middle East coming out of
colonial borders that continued to change and turmoil that left
thousands in crisis and often in death, King Hussein continued a steady
march, defending his country, trying to make his countrymen's lives
better, and always trying to take the boldest steps for peace.
Often I think people misunderstood his own quiet nature and did not
understand his great strength. It is clear globally today that he has
set an example not just for Jordan and his son who is now king or for
the crown prince but for all of us who try to participate in public
service.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms.
Jackson-Lee).
(Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise
and extend her remarks.)
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
Connecticut for yielding.
I think it is important that we rise and acknowledge the special
place that King Hussein had in this world along with his beloved
people. My sympathy goes to Queen Noor and to the wonderful family of
children and the family of Jordan, who loved this king.
My remarks are directed to America. For it is important for us to
realize the wisdom, the greatness, the history of those who live
outside of our boundaries. King Hussein was a special person, small in
stature, but took up the leadership role of a great nation in his late
teens. This is a remarkable accomplishment and one that our young
people should look to for the fact that he was a teenager but yet had
the responsibility for leadership of a nation.
The nation grew with the king. The king grew with the nation. And as
he fought wars, he also fought for peace. Can we do any less in this
country to know that we must protect our nation but yet be warriors for
peace?
I think it is important to note that in the times of King Hussein's
most painful days, suffering from a very devastating form of cancer, he
did not wallow in self-pity, trying to determine how he could find the
best way to live, which he was doing, but he had a keen eye on the
peace process and he lifted himself, as I see some of my good friends
here, lifted himself out of his sickbed and went toward the peace
process, the process to bring Israel and the PLO, people of this world,
people who may have differences but who he found could have a common
bond. This king rose to the occasion.
And so this tribute is to recognize his spirit, his legacy, but it is
also a personal commitment in which I hope my colleagues will join me,
as well as the administration, as well as the American people, to
understand that we must extend ourselves beyond our boundaries, that
the world does include our brothers and sisters, as King Hussein
reflected in his life and in his legacy.
Long live his good nation, and long live the efforts of peace, and
God bless his nation as we work together to keep his legacy ongoing.
Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I would simply conclude the debate on our side by saying that it is
my prayer and I think the prayer of every American that the God of
Abraham, the God of Israel, the God of Jacob, the God of Ishmael, and
the God of the Prophet Muhammad, will welcome into his kingdom and give
to him the reward promised to a peacemaker, King Hussein of Jordan.
Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, King Hussein was a man who personified the
dignity of public service. He will be sorely missed as a world leader
and diplomat for world peace. Leading up to several months before his
passing King Hussein was still leading the charge to bring peaceful
stability to the Middle East. I would like to extend my sincere
sympathy to the King's family. I know that his son will carry on his
legacy.
Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of the life of a true
hero of the Middle East, a true patriot, a beloved leader of his
people, friend and ally of the United States, King Hussein Ibn Talal
al-Hashem of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
I believe it was when, at the most tender age of 15, as his
grandfather King Abdullah was assassinated before his eyes while
visiting the holy site of the Al Aqsa Mosque, that this future King of
Jordan had his great strength of character forged in steel.
Over his nearly 50-year reign as Jordan's Monarch, King Hussein met
many challenges to his rule as a true patriot, with benevolence toward
his own people and peoples throughout the region. He led with bold
courage and became a visionary, and was seen often to turn away the
wrath of his enemies with a gentle word and with compassionate but firm
resolve even in the midst of turmoil while facing grave danger.
There was none before him so steeped in the knowledge of the history,
the culture, the religion, or the traditions of all contenders for
power in the region, both Jewish and Muslim. King Hussein always
understood perfectly that their roots were inextricably intertwined in
the fertile and historic soil of the Middle East. He met the challenges
presented to him with concern for others, but first and foremost was
his deep and abiding allegiance to the sovereignty of the Hashemite
Kingdom of Jordan.
The friendship he offered to the United States was founded upon his
total respect for us as a Nation who shared his own values.
One of his greatest legacies is the significant contribution he made,
right up to his death, to peace and security in the region. We
witnessed his enduring personal courage as he left his treatment behind
at the Mayo Clinic to hasten to the side of the President at Wye River
Plantation to help the United States keep that negotiation of peace
between Israel and Palestine on track.
It is for this reason, and so many other instances, that King Hussein
would wish that every one of us acknowledge how vitally important it is
for us to take immediate steps to strengthen the relations that exist
between us in Jordan and throughout the Middle East, so that all our
peoples may benefit from them.
King Hussein chose to reject violence, because it was just such
violence that propelled
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him into power. With the world watching, he bravely chose to reject
violence and to embrace peace, and in 1994 showed remarkable courage
when Jordan became only the second Arab country to sign a peace
agreement with Israel.
King Hussein rejected violence and embraced peace. He showed his
compassion and deep understanding when another violent act saw the 1997
murder of seven Israeli school girls. He rejected the violence but
embraced peace when he traveled to Israel to visit with the families of
the young victims and so joined in their mourning.
He led by example to his people and to the world at large, but
especially in the Middle East. And even as the mantle of leadership for
the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was passed from then King Abdullah to
King Hussein, so is the mantle now passed to his son, King Abdullah Bin
Al-Hussein.
In memory of King Hussein's true commitment to the peace process and
to the strong relationship we have forged with Jordan, I extend the
hand of conciliation to his son, King Abdullah, and offer him my prayer
for God's mercy, my support and my friendship as he strives to ensure
that his Father's dream of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East
becomes a reality.
His Majesty King Abdullah, the eldest son appointed by King Hussein
before his death, received his education in England and in America, and
prior to his appointment served as the Commander of the Royal Jordanian
Special Forces where he honed his leadership skills.
The Appointment of the Crown Prince to succeed King Hussein will
bring a continuity of his vision for Jordan, and for Peace in the
Middle East, and I am confident this includes King Abdullah's
commitment to the Jordan-Israel treaty of peace.
Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this important
resolution honoring the life of King Hussein of Jordan.
King Hussein will be remembered as one of the greatest leaders of the
late twentieth century. His stature, his courage, and his determination
made him an international force that far surpassed the size of his tiny
country.
Most of all, King Hussein will be remembered as a peacemaker. Over
the four decades he led the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Hussein
transformed himself from a teenager given the reins of a country at war
with its neighbors, to a seasoned and benevolent statesman who saw the
cause of peace as his destiny.
Hussein showed the world that you can live in a dangerous and war-
infested neighborhood, and still battle first and foremost for peace.
He sought peace with Israel and he facilitated peace between the
Israelis and the Palestinians at the same time that he fought off a
never-ending string of coup and assassination attempts at home. He saw
his good friend, Yitzhak Rabin, cut down by the enemies of peace.
Still, he vowed to press on, touching us all with his poignant eulogy
to the fallen Prime Minister. His words at the Rabin funeral were a
call to action: ``Let's not keep silent. Let our voices rise high to
speak of our commitment to peace for all times to come, and let us tell
those who live in darkness who are the enemies of life, and through
faith and religion and the teachings of our one God, this is where we
stand.''
And he was so committed to peace that he took time from his battle
with cancer to help broker the Israeli-Prime peace accords at the Wye
River Plantation last fall.
Our thoughts go out today to King Hussein's family and to the people
of Jordan. I had the pleasure of meeting King Abdullah last year, and I
know that the Jordanian people are in good hands. King Hussein left
behind a strong governmental system and an able heir.
King Hussein once said that he wanted to give the people of the
Middle East ``a life free from fear, a life free from want--a life in
peace.'' He worked tirelessly to achieve that goal, and, with our
continued commitment to King Hussein's legacy, we will realize his
dream.
Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Burr of North Carolina). Pursuant to the
order of the House today, the previous question is ordered.
The question is on the Senate concurrent resolution.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the ayes appeared to have it.
Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not
present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evidently a quorum is not present.
The Sergeant at Arms will notify absent Members.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 420,
nays 0, not voting 13, as follows:
[Roll No. 18]
YEAS--420
Abercrombie
Ackerman
Aderholt
Allen
Andrews
Archer
Armey
Bachus
Baird
Baker
Baldacci
Baldwin
Ballenger
Barcia
Barr
Barrett (NE)
Barrett (WI)
Bartlett
Bass
Bateman
Becerra
Bentsen
Bereuter
Berkley
Berman
Berry
Biggert
Bilbray
Bilirakis
Bishop
Blagojevich
Bliley
Blumenauer
Blunt
Boehlert
Boehner
Bonilla
Bonior
Bono
Borski
Boswell
Boucher
Boyd
Brady (PA)
Brady (TX)
Brown (CA)
Brown (FL)
Brown (OH)
Bryant
Burr
Burton
Buyer
Callahan
Calvert
Camp
Campbell
Canady
Cannon
Capps
Capuano
Cardin
Castle
Chabot
Chambliss
Chenoweth
Clay
Clayton
Clement
Clyburn
Coble
Coburn
Collins
Combest
Condit
Conyers
Cook
Cooksey
Costello
Cox
Coyne
Cramer
Crane
Crowley
Cubin
Cummings
Cunningham
Danner
Davis (FL)
Davis (IL)
Davis (VA)
Deal
DeFazio
DeGette
Delahunt
DeLauro
DeLay
DeMint
Deutsch
Diaz-Balart
Dickey
Dicks
Dingell
Dixon
Doggett
Dooley
Doolittle
Doyle
Dreier
Duncan
Dunn
Edwards
Ehlers
Ehrlich
Emerson
Engel
English
Eshoo
Etheridge
Evans
Everett
Ewing
Farr
Fattah
Filner
Fletcher
Foley
Forbes
Ford
Fowler
Frank (MA)
Franks (NJ)
Frelinghuysen
Frost
Gallegly
Ganske
Gejdenson
Gephardt
Gibbons
Gilchrest
Gillmor
Gilman
Gonzalez
Goode
Goodlatte
Goodling
Gordon
Goss
Graham
Granger
Green (TX)
Green (WI)
Greenwood
Gutierrez
Gutknecht
Hall (OH)
Hall (TX)
Hansen
Hastings (FL)
Hastings (WA)
Hayes
Hayworth
Hefley
Herger
Hill (IN)
Hill (MT)
Hilleary
Hilliard
Hinchey
Hinojosa
Hobson
Hoeffel
Hoekstra
Holden
Holt
Hooley
Horn
Hostettler
Houghton
Hoyer
Hulshof
Hunter
Hutchinson
Hyde
Inslee
Istook
Jackson (IL)
Jackson-Lee (TX)
Jefferson
Jenkins
John
Johnson (CT)
Johnson, E.B.
Johnson, Sam
Jones (NC)
Jones (OH)
Kanjorski
Kaptur
Kasich
Kelly
Kennedy
Kildee
Kilpatrick
Kind (WI)
King (NY)
Kingston
Kleczka
Klink
Knollenberg
Kolbe
Kucinich
Kuykendall
LaFalce
LaHood
Lampson
Lantos
Largent
Larson
Latham
LaTourette
Lazio
Leach
Lee
Levin
Lewis (CA)
Lewis (GA)
Lewis (KY)
Linder
Lipinski
LoBiondo
Lowey
Lucas (KY)
Lucas (OK)
Luther
Maloney (CT)
Manzullo
Markey
Martinez
Mascara
Matsui
McCarthy (MO)
McCarthy (NY)
McCollum
McCrery
McDermott
McGovern
McHugh
McInnis
McIntosh
McIntyre
McKeon
McKinney
McNulty
Meehan
Meek (FL)
Meeks (NY)
Menendez
Metcalf
Mica
Millender-McDonald
Miller (FL)
Miller, Gary
Minge
Mink
Moakley
Moore
Moran (KS)
Moran (VA)
Morella
Murtha
Myrick
Nadler
Napolitano
Neal
Nethercutt
Ney
Northup
Norwood
Nussle
Oberstar
Obey
Olver
Ose
Owens
Oxley
Packard
Pallone
Pascrell
Pastor
Payne
Pease
Pelosi
Peterson (MN)
Peterson (PA)
Petri
Phelps
Pickering
Pickett
Pitts
Pombo
Pomeroy
Porter
Portman
Price (NC)
Pryce (OH)
Quinn
Radanovich
Rahall
Ramstad
Rangel
Regula
Reyes
Reynolds
Riley
Rivers
Rodriguez
Roemer
Rogan
Rogers
Rohrabacher
Ros-Lehtinen
Rothman
Roukema
Roybal-Allard
Royce
Ryan (WI)
Ryun (KS)
Sabo
Salmon
Sanchez
Sanders
Sandlin
Sanford
Sawyer
Saxton
Scarborough
Schaffer
Schakowsky
Scott
Sensenbrenner
Serrano
Sessions
Shadegg
Shaw
Shays
Sherman
Sherwood
Shimkus
Shows
Shuster
Simpson
Sisisky
Skeen
Skelton
Slaughter
Smith (MI)
Smith (NJ)
Smith (TX)
Smith (WA)
Snyder
Souder
Spence
Spratt
Stabenow
Stark
Stearns
Stenholm
Strickland
Stump
Stupak
Sununu
Sweeney
Talent
Tancredo
Tanner
Tauscher
Tauzin
Taylor (NC)
Terry
Thomas
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Thornberry
Thune
Thurman
Tiahrt
Tierney
Toomey
Towns
Traficant
Turner
Udall (CO)
Udall (NM)
Upton
Velazquez
Vento
Visclosky
Walden
Walsh
Wamp
Waters
Watkins
Watt (NC)
Watts (OK)
Waxman
Weiner
Weldon (FL)
Weldon (PA)
Weller
Wexler
Weygand
Whitfield
Wicker
Wilson
Wise
Wolf
Woolsey
Wu
Wynn
Young (AK)
Young (FL)
[[Page H565]]
NOT VOTING--13
Barton
Carson
Fossella
Gekas
Livingston
Lofgren
Maloney (NY)
Miller, George
Mollohan
Ortiz
Paul
Rush
Taylor (MS)
{time} 1405
So the Senate concurrent resolution was concurred in.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Stated for:
Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, this afternoon I was unavoidably detained and
was not here for rollcall vote No. 18, S. Con. Res. 7, honoring the
life and legacy of King Hussein. I would like to enter for the Record,
that should I have been present for the floor vote I would have voted
``yes'' on agreeing to this resolution.
____________________