[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E922]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMENDING THE REVEREND JESSE L. JACKSON, SR., ON SECURING THE RELEASE 
       OF U.S. SERVICEMEN FROM CAPTIVITY IN BELGRADE, YUGOSLAVIA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 1999

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
honor a great American leader, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. He is 
one of our true leaders in civil rights and the protection of freedom 
for those around the world. Having already proven his leadership during 
the Civil Rights movement, Reverend Jackson has been instrumental in 
gaining the release of prisoners in several instances. Most recently, 
he secured the release of three U.S. servicemen, including S. Sgt. 
Steven Gonzales from my home state of Texas, captured in Macedonia and 
held captive in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. On April 29, 1999, Reverend 
Jackson led a delegation of religious and civic leaders to Yugoslavia 
to achieve this successful mission.
  This is only one of many delegations Reverend Jackson has led to free 
prisoners from Iraq, Syria and Cuba over the past two decades. These 
missions have enhanced his reputation as a leader in humanitarian and 
civil rights efforts around the globe. Reverend Jackson's diplomacy and 
skill in negotiation serve as a model to all. I stand today to pay 
tribute to his accomplishments.

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