[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 68 (Thursday, May 17, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E842]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TO HONOR THE U.S. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM 
       COMMISSIONERS FOR THEIR SERVICE, MAY 15, 1999-MAY 14, 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2001

  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and thank the nine men 
and women who have completed their two-year term of service to our 
nation as commissioners on the U.S. Commission on International 
Religious Freedom. This commission was created by Congress to generate 
a heightened awareness to the never ending atrocities associated with 
persecution of individuals around the world for their religious 
beliefs.
  As a result of their investigations, hearings, and reports of 
religious rights abuses, these commissioners have provided Congress and 
the administration with timely and accurate information used to 
formulate U.S. policy. In this capacity, chairman Elliott Abrams and 
commissioners Nina Shea, Rabbi David Saperstein, Dr. Friuz Kazemzadeh, 
Michael K. Young, Laila Al-Marayati, John R. Bolton, Cardinal Theodore 
McCarrick, and Justice Charles Z. Smith have served our nation with 
distinction, honor and faithfulness from May 15, 1999, until May 14, 
2001.
  I was pleased to hear that because of her faithful commitment to 
religious freedom issues around the world and her stellar performance 
during her first term, Ms. Nina Shea has just been appointed to serve a 
second term on the commission.
  These commissioners have made sound policy recommendations to the 
president, the secretary of state, and Congress with respect to matters 
involving international religious freedom. They have testified before 
Congress numerous times, held timely hearings to investigate religious 
persecution atrocities in such countries as Sudan, China, Vietnam, 
Indonesia and Burma, and have worked with the non-goverrimental 
organization community to bring aid and comfort to the oppressed of the 
world.
  Those around the world suffering persecution for their religious 
beliefs have truly benefitted from the commitment of these nine 
servants of conscience. These commissioners have professionally 
completed their responsibilities by producing annual reports and 
conducting ongoing reviews of the facts and circumstances of violations 
of religious freedom around the world. Each of their activities has 
helped to bring visibility to any oppressor government that violates 
the basic freedoms of their citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, I have come to appreciate each of these commissioners 
for their dedication and professionalism in protecting the rights of 
all citizens of the world who practice religious worship, be they 
Christian, Jewish, Muslim or any other faith. Their service to the 
American people and the peoples of the world has established 
credibillty and relevance of the U.S. Commission on International 
Religious Freedom. I know many of my colleagues in the House join me in 
saluting Elliott Abrams, Nina Shea, Rabbi David Saperstein, Dr. Friuz 
Kazemzadeh, Michael K. Young, Laila Al-Marayati, John R. Bolton, 
Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, and Justice Charles Z. Smith for 
representing the United States in the cause to protect religious 
freedom around the world for these past two years.

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