[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 15 (Wednesday, February 16, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H494-H495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in celebration of another year 
of independence for Lithuania. While some may consider this the 10th 
anniversary of the day many brave Lithuanians faced the Soviet tanks to 
restore freedom, it is truly the 82nd anniversary of Lithuanian 
Independence Day. As a Lithuanian American, I am proud of my ancestry 
and what Lithuania stands for, such as resilience, determination, 
tenacity and pride. What I find especially promising about the 
Lithuanian people is how far they have come after reestablishing 
independence just 10 years ago.
  Today, Lithuania is a vibrant economic power in central Europe. In 
1998, Lithuania had the lowest inflation rate in Central and Eastern 
Europe and privatized 344 companies. I am sure that the 1999 numbers 
will be just as encouraging. Additionally, Lithuania continues to 
contribute to the security of the Baltic region by implementing key 
defense programs and priorities.
  First of all, the Seimas has already approved a 10-year defense 
spending program which will reach 2.5 percent of the GDP by 2005. This 
increase in spending will ensure that appropriate equipment will be 
procured and critical troop reforms will be made. The additional 
spending will also secure Lithuanian interoperability with NATO forces. 
While Lithuania already participates in some NATO forces, 
interoperability will again prove Lithuania's readiness to join NATO as 
a full-fledged member.
  However, entrance into NATO and defense spending are only one aspect 
of such a diverse country. Trade, economic development, and foreign 
investment will help to strengthen Lithuania not only in Europe but 
across the globe. Today, out of the top 10 foreign investors in 
Lithuania, only three are American companies: Williams, Phillip Morris, 
and Coca-Cola. As the government continues to privatize industries and 
services throughout the country,

[[Page H495]]

American companies must make the first step and begin investments. 
Right now Lithuania is an untapped resource of money, goods and a 
capable workforce. The possibilities are endless as to what can be done 
in this burgeoning economy. The United States and Lithuania must work 
together to encourage this investment. The possibilities are too great 
for American companies to miss by sitting on the sidelines.
  Again, I would like to congratulate the Lithuanian people on not only 
their independence but on the strides they have made over the last 10 
years to make their country what it is today. Through continued 
perseverance, they have shown in the past Lithuania will be an 
outstanding addition to NATO and an economic powerhouse in central 
Europe.

                          ____________________