[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 14 (Tuesday, February 15, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H380-H385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     PRESENTING CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO JOHN CARDINAL O'CONNOR

  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 3557) to authorize the President to award a gold medal on 
behalf of the Congress to John Cardinal O'Connor, Archbishop of New 
York, in recognition of his accomplishments as a priest, a chaplain, 
and a humanitarian.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 3557

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. FINDINGS.

       The Congress finds the following:
       (1) His Eminence John Cardinal O'Connor is a man of deep 
     compassion, great intellect, and tireless devotion to both 
     spiritual guidance and humanitarianism.
       (2) John Joseph O'Connor was born on January 15, 1920, in 
     southwest Philadelphia, the son of Thomas J. O'Connor and 
     Mary Gomple O'Connor.
       (3) John Cardinal O'Connor joined the Navy Chaplains Corps 
     in June 1952 during the Korean Conflict, served with elements 
     of both the Navy and the Marine Corps, and saw combat action 
     in Vietnam. He later served as chaplain of the United States 
     Naval Academy and was appointed as Chief of Chaplains of the 
     Navy with the grade of rear admiral, from which position he 
     retired four years later, in May 1979. He was ordained a 
     Bishop by Pope John Paul II on May 27, 1979. He then served 
     as Vicar General of the Military Ordinariate (now the 
     Archdiocese for the Military Services) until 1984.
       (4) John Cardinal O'Connor became Bishop of Scranton, 
     Pennsylvania, on May 10, 1983, was named Archbishop of the 
     Catholic Archdiocese of New York on January 31, 1984, and was 
     elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope John Paul II on May 
     25, 1985.
       (5) John Cardinal O'Connor has demonstrated an unwavering 
     commitment to public and parochial school education. He has 
     supported and strengthened Catholic schools in their mission 
     to provide a quality education to students of all races, 
     ethnic backgrounds, and religions in the Archdiocese of New 
     York and throughout the Nation.
       (6) John Cardinal O'Connor has provided comfort and care to 
     the sick, the elderly, and the disabled and provided millions 
     of people with spiritual and emotional support. He lead the 
     effort to open New York State's first AIDS-only unit at St. 
     Claire's Hospital, remaining a frequent visitor and volunteer 
     at the hospital.
       (7) Throughout his life, John Cardinal O'Connor has also 
     served on behalf of the poor and the oppressed, as 
     exemplified by his assistance on behalf of famine victims in 
     Ethiopia and victims in war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina.
       (8) Throughout his career, John Cardinal O'Connor has been 
     a strong advocate of interfaith healing and understanding, 
     particularly among individuals of the Catholic and Jewish 
     faiths, and has played a significant role in helping to 
     establish diplomatic ties between the Vatican and Israel.
       (9) John Cardinal O'Connor took the inspiring words of the 
     Declaration of Independence--``Life, Liberty and the pursuit 
     of Happiness''--and transformed them into a statement of 
     purpose. He has dedicated his life's work to protecting and 
     defending these inalienable rights of all people.
       (10) John Cardinal O'Connor celebrated his 80th birthday on 
     January 15, 2000, and has displayed remarkable courage and 
     the true power of his faith in carrying on his life's work in 
     the face of life-threatening illness.

     SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.

       (a) Presentation Authorized.--The President is authorized 
     to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal of 
     appropriate design to John Cardinal O'Connor, Archbishop of 
     New York, in recognition of his accomplishments as a priest, 
     a soldier, and a humanitarian.
       (b) Design and Striking.--For the purpose of the 
     presentation referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of 
     the Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as the 
     ``Secretary'') shall strike a gold medal with suitable 
     emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the 
     Secretary.

     SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS.

       Under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, the 
     Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the 
     gold medal struck under section 2 at a price sufficient to 
     cover the costs of the medals, including labor, materials, 
     dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, and the cost of 
     the gold medal.

     SEC. 4. NATIONAL MEDALS.

       The medals struck under this Act are national medals for 
     purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code.

     SEC. 5. FUNDING AND PROCEEDS OF SALE.

       (a) Authorization.--There is hereby authorized to be 
     charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund 
     an amount not to exceed $30,000 to pay for the cost of the 
     medals authorized by this Act.
       (b) Proceeds of Sale.--Amounts received from the sale of 
     duplicate bronze medals under section 3 shall be deposited in 
     the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Alabama (Mr. Bachus) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaFalce) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus).
  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. BACHUS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, today we honor a great American, the 
Cardinal of New York, John O'Connor, a spiritual leader who has been 
guiding the 2.3 million Catholics in the Archdiocese of New York for 16 
years, and millions more in the Navy and Marines as a chaplain for 27 
years.
  The Cardinal endured military combat when he was called to minister 
to those entrusted to his care on the battlefields and in the jungles 
of Vietnam. A general from the Third Marine Division in Vietnam said of 
him, ``No one was more effective in sustaining for all Marines of any 
religion a particular morale.''
  Cardinal O'Connor has been more than a spiritual guide for Catholics. 
He has served as a witness of Christ in his love for others and his 
heroic stance against moral decay and in his personal relationship with 
Christ. Above all else, his love for God has been the motivation for 
his love for all other persons.
  His love for others has led him to reach out to those with physical 
disabilities. He has stood with disabled persons and their caregivers 
and supported them as cherished members of the church. In doing so, he 
has made them more visible, and the result often is greater acceptance 
and inclusion on the local level.
  He has reached out to those suffering from alcoholism and emotional 
illness.

                              {time}  1115

  In the early 1980s, he opened the first treatment center exclusively 
for AIDS patients in a New York City hospital.
  His love for the truth has led him to preach lively and clearly 
against offenses to human dignity. A reoccurring theme of the 
Cardinal's preaching is that each person has immense value and dignity. 
That dignity is rooted in our relationship to God being made in his own 
image.
  The Cardinal has preached against hatred based on race or religion, 
against the abuse of women, against the destruction of the unborn, and 
against injustice in the political and judicial system. His stands 
against racism are as strong as his outspokenness

[[Page H381]]

against abortion. Indeed, for the Cardinal, both racism and abortion 
are rejections of God and both demand the response of love. He has 
said, ``It is God who gave life and God who made life in its diversity. 
The defilement of the human person is a defilement of God,'' the 
Cardinal has said. In a mass in Harlem, he said that people cannot 
achieve community merely on the basis of respect for each other or 
honoring authority; it must be on the basis of love.
  On Pentecost 1990 following a gang slaying of a black teenager, the 
Cardinal declared racism a sin and an outrage and led a cathedral mass 
congregation in a pledge to, and I quote, ``treat all men and women of 
every race and culture with the respect and dignity that is their right 
as persons made in the image and likeness of God.''
  The Cardinal said, and again I quote, ``The church has always taught 
that the only answer to hate is love. There are no blacks, no whites, 
no Asians, no Hispanics, only children of God. This city; tragically, 
this country, has been filled far too long with the hatred we call 
racism. It is a sin, it is an outrage,'' said the Cardinal.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LaFALCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, the House today honors John Cardinal O'Connor, a man 
whom Pope John Paul II once praised as a ``strong shepherd of men.'' On 
January 15 of this year, Cardinal O'Connor turned 80; and in the 
twilight of his great career he is courageously waging a battle against 
cancer. With his strong character and religious devotion, his spirit is 
thriving, as his comments on his recent visit to the Vatican witness. I 
am honored to rise before this House in support of this very timely 
bill that awards a gold medal on behalf of Congress through the 
President to this man who so deservedly carries the title, ``His 
Eminence.''
  In 1984, Cardinal O'Connor made his first visit to Rome in his new 
capacity as archbishop of New York. Pope John Paul II welcomed him as 
the ``archbishop of the capital of the world.'' Catholic parishioners 
in America know well Cardinal O'Connor's contributions to the 
betterment of our society, most especially his many humanitarian 
endeavors such as his work on behalf of disabled persons and the people 
who care for them. His efforts to end racism in America command our 
respect; and in our diverse multicultural, multilingual, and 
multireligious country, the Cardinal's calls for ecumenical 
understanding have helped immensely in fostering peaceful fellowship 
between Catholics and their Jewish and Protestant Christian brethren.
  In his devotion to many causes, Cardinal O'Connor has not only served 
his church with distinction, but also his country. He made the Navy his 
home for 27 years and through two wars. He retired as a rear admiral in 
1979 with a Meritorious Service Medal, a Distinguished Service Medal 
and a Legion of Merit award, amongst others. He carries the distinction 
of being the first Roman Catholic priest to become senior chaplain at 
the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis.
  Upon retirement from the Navy, Pope John Paul II installed him in 
Rome as a bishop for our Armed Forces, and in 1983, after assuming the 
bishopric of Scranton, Pennsylvania, he garnered national attention as 
one of the influential drafters of the America Bishops' pastoral letter 
on nuclear weapons, ``The Challenge of Peace: God's Promise and Our 
Response.''
  In 1984, he assumed stewardship of the Archdiocese of New York. In 
academia, he holds an M.A. in clinical psychology and a Ph.D. in 
political theory. Finally, the Cardinal has published several 
thoughtful books on ecumenical and social issues.
  Mr. Speaker, while today we honor a great man, one who has made 
America a better place, the House should go a step further to learn 
from Cardinal O'Connor's example and recognize that his spirit and 
commitment to social justice represent universal human values. For the 
coat of arms to which his clerical position entitles him, Cardinal 
O'Connor adopted the motto: ``There can be no love without justice.'' 
By that he meant, from the beginning of life to the cessation of life, 
a continuum of justice, a continuum of love. He lived his motto and he 
preached his motto. No person could do better, no person could do more. 
We all could emulate the example.
  So I know my colleagues will join me and the many cosponsors of this 
legislation in paying high tribute to a man who has given such 
outstanding service to his country, his faith, and his pastoral flocks.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman New York 
(Mr. Fossella), who is the original sponsor of the resolution.
  (Mr. FOSSELLA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, first I would like to thank the gentleman 
from Alabama (Mr. Bachus) and the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) and 
the House who have understood the importance of this matter and who 
have helped me move this legislation forward so quickly. For that they 
should be commended. I would also like to thank a fellow New Yorker and 
former member of this chamber, Charles Schumer, who has introduced 
identical legislation in the other body.
  As we have briefly heard, Cardinal O'Connor has spent a lifetime 
using one simple tool: love. Love for his country, his church, and his 
fellow human beings. Therefore, I consider it a great privilege to be 
able to introduce this legislation, an honor to associate with a man 
who has done so much for our Nation and for New York City.
  Many people know that Cardinal O'Connor is the leader of New York's 
Catholic archdiocese. What many people do not know is that before his 
tenure in New York, the Cardinal spent 27 years in the Navy, 
ministering on behalf of our soldiers at home and abroad. Cardinal 
O'Connor joined the Navy during the war in Korea and saw combat action 
with the Navy and the Marines during the Vietnam War. He went on to 
serve as chaplain at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, 
instilling our future admirals with a sense of justice. Eventually, 
Cardinal O'Connor would rise to the rank of Rear Admiral. Upon leaving 
the military, he was ordained the bishop of the Armed Forces of the 
United States, but I believe in his heart, he always remained the 
chaplain.
  Cardinal O'Connor is the spiritual leader of 2.3 million Catholics. 
Despite this challenge he has not limited his advocacy to strictly 
Catholic matters. Rather, he speaks out on a variety of issues. For 
example, Cardinal O'Connor has condemned racism in any and all forms. 
Cardinal O'Connor has also reached out to New York's Jewish community. 
He has issued unequivocal condemnations of anti-semitism and 
spearheaded the effort to establish diplomatic ties between the Vatican 
and Israel. An endowed chair of Jewish Studies is named in his honor at 
a Catholic Seminary in Dunwoodie, New York.
  But more importantly, the Cardinal is not only a man of words, but of 
action. During the early and most frightening stages of the AIDS 
epidemic in the 1980s, he opened New York State's first AIDS-only unit 
at St. Clare's Hospital. He remained a frequent visitor and volunteer 
at this unit, spending untold hours with those in pain and suffering, 
and counseling those in their last moments on this earth. He has also 
fiercely defended inner-city Catholic schools from the budget axe, 
keeping schools open in the face of severe fiscal restraints, giving an 
opportunity to so many children who would have no alternative. Today, 
not only are those schools open, they are thriving. The Archdiocese's 
Catholic high school's graduation rate is 99 percent. Students from 
racial and ethnic minority groups make up 52 percent of the enrollment, 
and 21 percent of those students are non-Catholic.
  There is so much good and noteworthy about this man that it is 
difficult to encapsulate it all in one thought or one speech, but I 
know that in a body that sometimes thrives on disagreement, there is 
one thing we can all agree upon: Cardinal John O'Connor is a great man. 
Yet, despite his high-ranking office, soldiers, priests, and 
parishioners know in their hearts that the Cardinal has always been a 
man of the people. As such, Cardinal O'Connor, through his beliefs, 
words, and actions, epitomized the true meaning of life, liberty and 
the pursuit

[[Page H382]]

of happiness, and that is why he deserves the Congressional Gold Medal, 
and that is why I am honored to have introduced this resolution. I urge 
my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. LaFALCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
Alabama (Mr. Bachus).
  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from New York has mentioned 
the Cardinal's important work with the inner-city Catholic schools, and 
I think that that bears repeating again. The gentleman from New York 
(Mr. Fossella) said that students from racial and ethnic minority 
groups make up 52 percent of that enrollment. Twenty-one percent of 
them are not Catholic. Amazingly, the New York Catholic high school 
graduation rate is 99 percent, which is a testimony to the Cardinal.
  Mr. LaFALCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. King).
  Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. 
Bachus) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaFalce) for yielding me 
this time. At the very outset I want to commend the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Fossella) for the truly outstanding job he has done and the 
leadership he has shown in bringing this resolution before the House 
today.
  I am proud to join with my colleagues in supporting the awarding of 
the Congressional Gold Medal to John Cardinal O'Connor. I have had the 
privilege of knowing Cardinal O'Connor since he first became the 
Archbishop of New York. I am proud to call him a friend. During that 
time, like so many other New Yorkers, Catholic and un-Catholic alike, I 
have witnessed the tremendous leadership he has shown, the willingness 
he has shown to stand up for what is right, the willingness he has 
shown to speak out on behalf of truths, the willingness he has shown to 
defy contemporary thinking, the willingness he has shown to make the 
tough decisions, to speak out on behalf of life, to speak out on behalf 
of justice, the support he has shown for the inner-city schools where 
there are many non-Catholic, nonwhite children being educated in the 
inner cities and Catholic schools by Cardinal O'Connor. And the 
gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus) has pointed out, the tremendous 
results that have been brought about from that education.
  In addition to that, we have seen, as the gentleman from New York 
(Mr. Fossella) pointed out, we have seen the Cardinal literally working 
with AIDS patients at the hospital, giving of his time and effort. We 
have seen him reach out to other religions and to forge close 
relationships with non-Catholics, such as former New York City mayor Ed 
Koch. In fact, the two of them even coauthored a book several years 
ago. It was that type of ecumenism where he was able to reach across 
the religious divide and show how all religions should stand together 
as one, and that friendship and relationship with Mayor Koch 
personifies that.

                              {time}  1130

  In addition, he has reached out to those in need. He has stood behind 
those police officers that were wounded in the line of duty, such as 
the hero police officer Steven McDonald who also has told me the 
tremendous assistance that Cardinal O'Connor has given to him and his 
family in their time of need.
  I have seen Cardinal O'Connor firsthand work on the Irish peace 
process dealing with many of the players involved, not just in this 
country, but in Ireland, in Britain, on both sides, Catholic and 
Protestant alike.
  Mr. Speaker, he also has a tremendous sense of humor, a self-
deprecating humor, a sense of irony. He has never shown that more 
during this time of his recent illness, where he is undergoing surgery 
and treatment for a brain tumor; yet he has courageously come forward 
and gone before his flock, gone before his congregation and his 
parishioners, and showed the type of courage in time of adversity that 
he showed during the good times.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join with my colleagues in voting for this 
gold medal for Cardinal O'Connor. No one deserves it more than John 
Cardinal O'Connor; no one personifies more what true religion should 
be. Whether you are Catholic, Protestant, Jew, Muslim, whatever your 
religion happens to be, you can identify with Cardinal O'Connor, 
because he represents eternal truths. He also represents a commitment 
to peace and justice.
  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Sweeney).
  Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. 
Bachus) for yielding the time.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today in support of H.R. 
3357, legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to John 
Cardinal O'Connor.
  I want to thank my good friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Fossella) for introducing this legislation and for the great work that 
he has done in this body in bringing forward this legislation so that 
Congress may bestow its highest honor upon one of the most respected 
spiritual leaders in my great State of New York and our Nation and in 
the world.
  Cardinal O'Connor celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this year amid 
standing ovations throughout. And I am pleased that we offer today our 
own ovation here on the floor in the form of the Congressional Gold 
Medal.
  Mr. Speaker, his 54 years of devoted service as an ordained priest in 
the Catholic Church has shown him to be a cardinal of the people. He is 
a tireless advocate of charitable giving; reaching out to the homeless, 
the elderly, the sick and anyone needing a helping hand. His teaching 
and deeds on behalf of those less fortunate are truly an inspiration.
  We owe our thanks to John Cardinal O'Connor for over 3 decades of 
service to the men and women of our military, as chaplain of the United 
States Navy and Marine Corps, and then as bishop for the Armed Services 
of the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, we owe John Cardinal O'Connor our deepest gratitude for 
a lifetime of devoted service to the Catholic Church, to our Nation and 
its people.
  Although illness has presented new challenges to Cardinal O'Connor's 
strength and his retirement is near, I am certain we have not seen the 
end of his service.
  The Congressional Gold Medal is the greatest honor that this House 
can extend to an individual, and there is none more deserving than John 
Cardinal O'Connor.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. LaFalce. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hansen). The gentleman from New York 
(Mr. LaFalce) has 11\1/2\ minutes. The gentleman from Alabama (Mr. 
Bachus) has 10 minutes remaining.
  Mr. LaFALCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 8 of my minutes to the gentleman 
from Alabama (Mr. Bachus) for him to yield as he might deem wise.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from 
Alabama (Mr. Bachus) controls 8 additional minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Smith).
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from 
Alabama (Mr. Bachus) for yielding the time and the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. LaFalce) as well.
  Mr. Speaker, words are inadequate to express my deep respect, 
affection, admiration and gratitude to John Cardinal O'Connor, one of 
the greatest and most consistent moral and spiritual leaders of the 
21st century.
  Conferring the Congressional Gold Medal on this extraordinarily brave 
man of conscience is a small but important token of our appreciation of 
a life so selflessly and wonderfully lived.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to especially thank the gentleman from New York 
(Mr. Fossella) for sponsoring this legislation today and for the 
Republican leadership for bringing it up on the floor as well.
  Mr. Speaker, I have known Cardinal O'Connor for almost 20 years. 
Although he would be embarrassed to hear it said, he is a living saint. 
Cardinal O'Connor is a man after God's own heart. He loves 
unconditionally and gives generously, expecting nothing in return.
  He faithfully proclaims and demonstrates by his words, works, and 
actions the indescribable blessings of the

[[Page H383]]

Gospel. He is a good and holy priest who radiates Christ and the 
healing power of God to both believers and nonbelievers alike.
  Over the years, however, there are some, who have belittled, mocked, 
and rejected Cardinal O'Connor's clear Christian teaching on the 
sanctity of human life and the duty of all men and women of good will, 
especially politicians, to protect the vulnerable from violence. Yet, 
he always treated the enemies of his message with respect and good 
humor. Amazing!
  Thank God, Mr. Speaker, that Cardinal O'Connor has been--and 
continues to be--a lightning rod for truth and inclusion and protection 
in law of all persons, regardless of race, color, creed, or condition 
of dependency. Cardinal O'Connor has worked tirelessly and effectively 
to bring an end to the culture of death and to usher in a culture of 
life so that God's will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven.
  Notwithstanding the enormous responsibility of being the leader of 
the New York Archdiocese, which includes 413 churches, 293 schools, and 
35 full and affiliate hospitals, he has repeatedly called on all 
Americans to face up to the cruelty and the inherent violence and 
injustice of abortion.
  Under his leadership, the Archdiocese of New York has reached out to 
many mothers in need of help, shelter, medicine, or spiritual guidance. 
His new order of nuns, known as the Sisters of Life, are but one 
manifestation of his tangible love in action.
  Mr. Speaker, in the 25th chapter of Matthew's gospel, Jesus spoke of 
the last judgment and those who would be blessed in eternity. Jesus 
said, and I quote, `` `. . . For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I 
was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 
I was naked and you clothed Me; I was in prison and you came to me.' 
Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ``Lord, when did we see You 
hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You 
a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see 
you sick or in prison and come to You?' and the King will answer and 
say to them, ``Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as You did it to the 
least of these My Brethren, you did it to Me.' ''
  Mr. Speaker, Cardinal O'Connor has devoted his life and inspired 
countless others to do the same to help the least of our brethren, to 
help the disenfranchised and the unwanted, seeing Christ himself in the 
lives that nobody else wants and nobody else cares about. And he has 
done it without any fanfare whatsoever, never seeking applause, never 
seeking an accolade or pat on the back. He is truly a great man.
  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra).
  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me.
  Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of first meeting Cardinal O'Connor 
in New York in 1996. I was drawn to meet with Cardinal O'Connor because 
of an outstanding offer that he had made. He had made an offer to the 
city of New York and to the New York public schools that the Catholic 
schools of New York would take the 5 percent lowest performing students 
in all of New York's public schools, and that he would embrace those 
students and take them into the Catholic school system, and that the 
Catholic school system and he would take responsibility for educating 
those children.
  We had an awesome meeting in 1996, a group of four or five of us 
meeting with Cardinal O'Connor and sharing his view on education. In 
1997, we went back to New York, and Cardinal O'Connor testified in 
front of our Committee on Education and the Workforce about his view 
and his vision for educating all of the young people in New York City 
and all of the young people in America.
  But perhaps what had the biggest impact on me was actually going to 
the Catholic schools in New York City. Having listened to what Cardinal 
O'Connor had to say, and then having the opportunity to take a look at 
what he was actually doing was awesome, educating kids in some of the 
most difficult areas of New York City and providing them with hope and 
opportunity, and providing them with a foundation to move forward.
  In a diverse neighborhood, the Catholic schools were not talking 
about diversity, but they were talking about what brings us together, 
the saving grace of Jesus Christ. In an area of high poverty, high 
unemployment, high crime, they do not teach self-esteem, they talk 
about that every individual is created in the image of God.
  I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this legislation to honor Cardinal 
O'Connor. I only saw a small part of what he did, but was impressed 
with his commitment and the results that he made to all Americans, and 
the impact that he has had in the lives of many people in this country 
and probably around the world.
  I wish him the best as he enters his retirement, and thank him for 
his years of dedication and service.
  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Reynolds).
  Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Alabama for 
yielding time to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to thank my colleague, the gentleman 
from New York (Mr. Fossella) for introducing this legislation. It is an 
honor for me to be a cosponsor.
  Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Gold Medal is our highest expression 
of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and 
contributions to the American society. Over the past 224 years, this 
honor has been reserved for those of uncommon patriotism, leadership, 
and compassion, whose contributions to our history and culture have 
been both significant and enduring.
  Cardinal John O'Connor, spiritual leader of the archdiocese of New 
York, is the type of person for whom the Congressional Gold Medal was 
created. Cardinal O'Connor is widely known for his strength of 
character, courage of conviction, and humility, and humor. His 
contributions to our society and culture stretch far beyond the 
community of the Catholic Church. Whether strengthening the ties among 
those of all faiths, or personally providing comfort to those afflicted 
with AIDS or attending to the poor, Cardinal O'Connor has spent a 
lifetime leading by example, an example that we would all do well to 
follow.
  While perhaps best known as New York's Cardinal, his contributions 
and achievements can be felt all across America. He signed up for 
military chaplaincy during the Korean War, served in the Navy and 
Marine Corps, was Chaplain of the United States Naval Academy, and rose 
to the rank of Navy Chief of Chaplains.
  Cardinal O'Connor's lifetime of leading and inspiring us to be better 
people and to serve our fellow man with devotion and compassion has 
earned him this unique distinction. I am proud and honored to join in 
nominating Cardinal John O'Connor for the Congressional Gold Medal.
  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Sherwood).
  Mr. SHERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise today as an original cosponsor 
of H.R. 3557 and in support of awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to 
John Cardinal O'Connor, Archbishop of New York. I hope that all my 
colleagues will join with us in recognizing Cardinal O'Connor's 
devotion to faith, service, and country.
  The Diocese of Scranton, which I am proud to represent, was once home 
to Cardinal O'Connor. I remember how thrilled I was when in 1983 he 
became the Bishop of Scranton, and what mixed emotions the people of 
the diocese had when he was selected to become the Archbishop of New 
York. We hated to lose a leader that was doing so much for our area. He 
had the great respect and genuine affection of everyone of all faiths 
in northeastern and north central Pennsylvania.
  Cardinal O'Connor is quoted as saying that he has no intention of 
fading into the woodwork. We are all very glad to hear that. I am 
confident that he will continue his ministry of personal compassion to 
those whose quiet cries are often lost in the din: the unborn, the 
handicapped, the sick, and the working poor.
  One month ago today Cardinal O'Connor turned 80. I say to His 
Eminence, I wish him belated happy birthday, and I thank him for his 
many years of selfless service to his Nation and his faith.

[[Page H384]]

  I would like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Fossella), for his leadership in bringing this bill before the House 
today to honor this great leader, this great American, John Cardinal 
O'Connor.

                              {time}  1145

  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, Cardinal O'Connor's prayers, his sacrifices, and his 
personal chastity are a model of how to achieve personal fulfillment 
and happiness for all of us. As the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
LaFalce) has said, the Pope has praised Cardinal O'Connor as a strong 
shepherd of men. In fact, Cardinal O'Connor has been called a spokesman 
for the Pope in the United States.
  Cardinal O'Connor led the negotiations to restore relations between 
the Vatican and Israel, and he has proclaimed the Pope's message 
against a culture of death. But more than a spokesman, he has been a 
living witness to the civilization of love, which is at the heart of 
the Pope's message for the new millennium.
  Among those that he has shown particular love and sacrifice for are 
the disabled and their caregivers; for victims of racism, whether from 
race or religion; the elderly; innercity youth; AIDS victims; the 
unborn; military personnel; and those with mental illness and 
alcoholism.
  To close, Mr. Speaker, I will simply say this, today, by honoring 
Cardinal O'Connor we honor all those who put their faith into action 
each and every day to build a new civilization of love, to treat all 
men and women of each race and culture with the respect and dignity 
that is their right as persons made in the image and likeness of God.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from New York (Mr. Fossella), the sponsor of this bill, and I commend 
him and the New York delegation.
  Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. 
Bachus) for yielding me this time. I want to thank him again for his 
leadership and the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) and especially 
Speaker Hastert, Majority Leader Armey, and all of my colleagues, and 
the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaFalce), the ranking member, for 
their support of this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, we have heard it all. Cardinal O'Connor is a tremendous 
man, and if we could all be like him, what a wonderful world this could 
be.
  In just a few weeks, Mr. Speaker, there is a spectacle that takes 
place in New York City called the Saint Patrick's Day Parade, which 
people come from all over the world to witness. One of the highlights 
of that parade is just passing by Saint Patrick's Cathedral and the 
Cardinal will be there with his smile and greeting the parade goers and 
wishing us all well. I look forward to that day.
  I look forward to the House passing this, as well as the other body, 
in honoring a true great American.
  Mr. LaFALCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, one might think that Cardinal O'Connor had 
no critics in life. He had many critics, but underlying all of that 
criticism, in my judgment, was his innate belief in what he and others 
have called a consistent life ethic.
  Senator Hubert Humphrey, a great liberal, a great Democrat, once said 
that the moral test of government and the moral test of individuals is 
how they treat those in the dawn of life, our children; how they treat 
those in the shadows of life, the disadvantaged, our handicapped; and 
how they treat those in the twilight of life, our seniors, especially 
those dying.
  From the very beginning of life to the very cessation of life, 
Cardinal O'Connor was consistent in his belief that all deserved 
justice under the law and as much human love as mankind was capable of. 
For that, we honor him today.
  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3557. At 
the same time, I rise in total support of, and with complete respect 
for, the work of Cardinal O'Connor. Cardinal O'Connor is a true hero as 
he labors tirelessly on behalf of the most needy and vulnerable in our 
society; promotes racial and religious harmony; advocates the best 
education for all children regardless of race, religion, or financial 
status; ministers to the poor, sick, and disabled; all the while 
standing up for that which he believes even in the face of hostility.
  I must, however, oppose the Gold Medal for Cardinal O'Connor because 
appropriating $30,000 of taxpayer money is neither constitutional nor, 
in the spirit of Cardinal O'Connor who dedicates his life to voluntary 
and charitable work, particularly humanitarian.
  Because of my continuing and uncompromising opposition to 
appropriations not authorized within the enumerated powers of the 
Constitution, several of my colleagues felt compelled to personally 
challenge me as to whether, on this issue, I would maintain my resolve 
and commitment to the Constitution--a Constitution, which only last 
year, each Member of Congress, swore to uphold. In each of these 
instances, I offered to do a little more than uphold my constitutional 
oath.
  In fact, as a means of demonstrating my personal regard and 
enthusiasm for the work of Cardinal O'Connor, I invited each of these 
colleagues to match my private, personal contribution of $100 which, if 
accepted by the 435 Members of the House of Representatives, would more 
than satisfy the $30,000 cost necessary to mint and award a gold medal 
to the well-deserving Cardinal O'Connor. To me, it seemed a 
particularly good opportunity to demonstrate one's genuine convictions 
by spending one's own money rather than that of the taxpayers who 
remain free to contribute, at their own discretion, to the work of 
Cardinal O'Connor as they have consistently done in the past. For the 
record, not a single Representative who solicited my support for 
spending taxpayer's money, was willing to contribute their own money to 
demonstrate the courage of their so-called convictions and generosity.
  It is, of course, very easy to be generous with other people's money.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join in supporting this 
legislation which will grant long overdue recognition to an outstanding 
American, one who I am especially honored to call a friend.
  This legislation authorizes the President to present, on behalf of 
the Congress, to His Eminence, Cardinal John O'Connor of New York a 
gold medal in recognition of his accomplishments as one of our 
outstanding religious leaders. The medal pays tribute to Cardinal 
O'Connor for his roles as a priest, as a chaplain, and as a 
humanitarian.
  For most of our colleagues in this chamber, John Cardinal O'Connor is 
a living legend. His dedication to God and his religion is well known 
throughout our nation.
  However, for those of us who have the honor of representing Districts 
within the New York Archdiocese, Cardinal O'Connor is more than a 
legend. He is a living personification of love for one another, for 
peace, and for living up to the ideals of our Judeo-Christian heritage.
  In my Congressional District, Cardinal O'Connor is ubiquitous. He is 
always on hand for school graduations, for cornerstone layings, and for 
religious services. Cardinal O'Connor personifies the trait of looking 
to the future, rather than the past, and his message is consistently a 
message of hope.
  Cardinal O'Connor is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is 
there that he entered the priesthood in 1945. The Cardinal studied at a 
number of institutions of higher education, and holds advanced degrees 
in Ethics, Clinical Psychology, and Political Theory.
  Cardinal O'Connor served as a chaplain with both the Navy and the 
Marine Corps for a total of 27 years. After leaving military service, 
His Holiness Pope John Paul II ordained him a Bishop for the Military 
in 1979. After serving as Bishop of Scranton, PA, he was promoted 
Archbishop of New York in 1984. He was raised to the position of 
Cardinal a year later.
  The motto on Cardinal O'Connor's personal coat of arms summarizes the 
philosophy of this outstanding leader: ``There can be no love without 
justice.''
  Mr. Speaker, His Eminence, Cardinal O'Connor is known for promoting 
racial and religious harmony, and for advocating the best education 
possible for all children regardless of race, religion, or financial 
status. No one in America should forget that Cardinal O'Connor welcomed 
AIDS patients into the Catholic hospitals of New York back at a time 
when other institutions of medicine were turning them away. In New 
York, His Eminence is well known for ministering to the sick and 
disabled, and for being a friend to the poor.
  It is regrettable that in this day and age Cardinal O'Connor has been 
harassed by elements of our society who feel comfortable attacking 
those institutions which continue to uphold our

[[Page H385]]

ancient moral standards. The reaction of His Eminence to this misplaced 
hostility has earned him the respect and awe of all of us.
  Mr. Speaker, this medal will be funded by the sale of authentic 
bronze duplicates of the medal which will be placed on sale by the U.S. 
Mint. I am honored to associate myself with this legislation 
initiative, and to congratulate Cardinal O'Connor and to wish him good 
health and happiness upon his anticipated retirement.
  Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a bill to award a 
Congressional gold medal to Cardinal John O'Connor. We are gathering 
here today to honor a man who has been described as being the spine of 
the Catholic community throughout the United States. Cardinal John 
O'Connor has held the most influential post in the U.S. Catholic Church 
and has led the congregation of St. Patrick's Cathedral since 1984 with 
unwavering faith and a sense of leading a good Catholic life devoted to 
service.
  His life of service formally began when he was ordained as a Roman 
Catholic priest in 1945. His service continued to not only include the 
Church and to God but also to his country as he served in the Chaplain 
Corps of the U.S. Navy, including assignments in Okinawa and Vietnam.
  Cardinal O'Connor was able to revitalize the bishops' sense of 
urgency about the premier civil right issues of our time. He has indeed 
left an imprint on New York City and Catholics nationwide as a 
``prophetic voice'' which has constantly challenged people's views--
regardless of how upsetting they might be, even to politicians.
  The Cardinal has been an icon for and has diligently served the 
American Catholic community particularly due to his strong bond with 
Pope John Paul II. He consistently served to participate in and better 
the Catholic school system and gave children the opportunity to be 
taught in the traditional Catholic system.
  The Cardinal also sought to strengthen the ties between Catholics and 
Jews. Once, in Jerusalem he went so far as to apologize for the 
Church's history of anti-Semitism and was a chief advocate in 
persuading the Vatican to recognize Israel.
  Today, we as a nation gather to celebrate the work Cardinal O'Connor 
has devoted his life to: charity, service to our community, acceptance 
of others and living a good life in the eyes of God. We would be lucky 
to be able to follow his example as selflessly as he has led his life. 
Cardinal O'Connor has left a deep impression on America and he will 
continue to inspire to follow in his footsteps.
  Mr. LAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to help celebrate His Eminence 
John Cardinal O'Connor. For all of his accomplishments as a priest, a 
chaplain, and a humanitarian, there can be no way to fully honor him. 
The Congressional Medal of Honor--the highest honor Congress can 
bestow--is simply a beginning. While we will do our best in Congress to 
honor him, it is clear that the true honor is ours for having the 
privilege of learning from him.
  As New York's archbishop since 1984, Cardinal O'Connor has seen the 
Catholic population of the archdiocese rise from 1.8 million when he 
arrived to the 2.3 million it is today. In a time where many sense a 
loss of spirituality across America, this is a testament to the wonder 
and grace of Cardinal O'Connor. That he was able to reach out and touch 
the souls of so many people, help them, guide them--it is inspiring.
  We would all do well to follow the examples of what he has done for 
the people of New York and the American people. Cardinal O'Connor is an 
outspoken critic of racism. In the face of severe budget challenges, 
Cardinal O'Connor has protected and preserved inner-city Catholic 
schools. The Catholic High School's graduation rate is 99 percent. And 
his commitment to helping the sick and people with disabilities has 
been unwavering.
  It is our responsibility to honor him outside of this House, and 
beyond just today. We can do that by learning from his grace and 
practicing what he has taught us.
  Mr. LaFALCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hansen). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3557.
  The question was taken.
  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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