[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 161 (Tuesday, November 27, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H8372-H8376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPRESSING SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING EFFORTS OF PEOPLE OF UNITED
STATES OF KOREAN ANCESTRY TO REUNITE WITH FAMILY MEMBERS IN NORTH KOREA
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 77) expressing the sense of the
Congress regarding the efforts of people of the United States of Korean
ancestry to reunite with their family members in North Korea.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 77
Whereas on June 25, 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea,
thereby initiating the Korean War, leading to the loss of
countless lives, and further polarizing a world engulfed by
the Cold War;
Whereas in the aftermath of the Korean War, the division of
the Koreas at the 38th parallel separated millions of Koreans
from their families, tearing at the heart of every mother,
father, daughter, and son;
Whereas on June 13 and 14, 2000, in the first summit
conference ever held between leaders of North and South
Korea, South Korean President Kim Dae Jung met with North
Korean leader Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang, North Korea's
capital;
Whereas in a historic joint declaration, South Korean
President Kim Dae Jung and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il
made an important promise to promote economic cooperation and
hold reunions of South Korean and North Korean citizens;
Whereas such reunions have been held in North and South
Korea since the signing of the joint declaration, reuniting
family members who had not seen or heard from each other for
more than 50 years;
Whereas 500,000 people of the United States of Korean
ancestry bear the pain of being separated from their families
in North Korea;
Whereas the United States values peace in the global
community and has long recognized the significance of uniting
families torn apart by the tragedy of war; and
Whereas a petition drive is taking place throughout the
United States, urging the United States Government to assist
in the reunification efforts: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Congress and the President should support efforts
to reunite people of the United States of Korean ancestry
with their families in North Korea; and
(2) such efforts should be made in a timely manner, as 50
years have passed since the separation of these families.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Royce) and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce).
General Leave
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 77, the resolution
under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution
77. It is coauthored by the gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra) and
myself.
I serve as chairman of the U.S.-Republic of Korea Interparliamentary
Exchange. Several of our colleagues met with South Korean legislators
this past spring to discuss the critical relationship between the two
countries, between South Korea and the United States; and we found that
the issue of Korean-Americans here having a chance to participate in
family reunifications was a key issue. Out of those discussions and in
consultation with the Korean-American community, this resolution was
developed.
There are over 500,000 Korean-Americans with relatives in North Korea
that reside now in the United States. None of these individuals have
been privy to any of the three family reunions that have taken place
between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of
Korea.
This legislation calls for the Congress and the President to support
efforts to reunite U.S. citizens of Korean ancestry with their families
in North Korea as soon as possible so they might have a chance to
travel to North Korea and see their families. Many of these individuals
are quite elderly, and they would like the opportunity before their
loved ones pass away to do that.
After World War II, the 38th Parallel was used to draw a line between
freedom on one side and tyranny on the other. What at the time seemed
an easy resolution to a difficult diplomatic problem between communist
Russia and the United States turned out to be the worst nightmare for
millions of Koreans. The 38th Parallel cut through the country of
Korea. It cut through villages, through communities, and in this case
it cut through families. Millions of parents were separated from their
children. Mothers were separated from fathers, grandparents from their
grandchildren. In a culture centered around the family, this was
absolutely devastating.
On June 25, 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea; and a war ensued
for 3 harsh years. After the Korean War, the border became heavily
fortified and closed. No one in North Korea was allowed out, and no one
from South Korea was allowed in. Since 1953, South Korea, with the help
of the United States, has made numerous overtures to North Korea to
allow family members to reconnect. The Stalinist North said no.
[[Page H8373]]
{time} 1645
In 1998, Kim Dae Jung assumed the South Korean presidency and
instituted a ``sunshine policy,'' as he called it. Since last year,
President Kim has enabled 300 South Koreans to see relatives they have
not seen for over 50 years. I applaud these important steps.
But a very important component is missing from these reunions. The
United States is home, as I said, to over 500,000 Korean Americans.
Both the gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra) and I represent large
Korean-American communities in our districts. These Americans have
suffered the pain of having relatives in North Korea they have not seen
in over 50 years. Mr. Speaker, this is unacceptable.
The United States has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to the
Korean peninsula. In 1950, when North Korea unleashed an all-out attack
on South Korea, the United States acted swiftly and decisively. At
least 37,000 Americans unfortunately died defending South Korea. These
American soldiers paid the ultimate price to ensure South Korea's
sovereignty. We have defended South Korea ever since.
In 1997, the United States spearheaded the international community's
effort to ensure that South Korea's economy remained strong. The United
States has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in humanitarian
food aid to North Koreans. Needless to say, our country has dedicated
great amounts of diplomatic and financial contributions to Korea, which
is extremely important to maintaining peace and maintaining stability
on that peninsula. For that, the Korean people are appreciative and our
strategic interests are served. But we should also have a strong
commitment to Korean Americans.
Currently, a petition is being circulated by the Korean-American
community, including church groups and students and private citizens,
to be sent to our President, to be sent to the President of South
Korea, to the President of North Korea, to Secretary-General Kofi Annan
and others urging them to make it possible for Korean Americans to be
reunited with their families, to see their families in North Korea. I
believe this is a reasonable request that requires urgent attention. It
has been 50 years since these estranged relations have seen each other.
Many people have died, and for many others it is their last wish that
they might see their brother or sister or their aunt or uncle once
again.
I urge passage of this bill so that this historical calamity can be
rectified in however small terms. The United States should stand behind
its citizens and undertake measures immediately to ensure that Korean-
American families have a chance to see one another.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume. I too rise in strong support of this resolution. I would first
like to commend the sponsor of the resolution, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Becerra), the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), as
well as our Chair and ranking member for allowing it to move
expeditiously to the House floor.
In June of last year, history was made on the Korean peninsula, 50
years after the outbreak of hostility as the leaders of North and South
Korea, President Kim Dae Jung and North Korean Leader Kim Jung Il, had
an unprecedented meeting in North Korea's capital. This historic
meeting was the start of a series of official discussions between the
North and the South designed to deal with the pressing political,
economic, and humanitarian issues which separate them. Obviously, these
discussions have proven difficult; and unfortunately there are no easy
answers to permanently reducing North-South tensions. It may take years
for the negotiations to resolve this range of issues separating North
and South; but we are seeing tangible progress on one critical front,
family reunification.
As has been referenced, millions of Koreans were separated from
family members at the cessation of the armed conflict in the Korean War
with millions finding themselves on opposite sides of the DMZ. That
surreal area of the world continues. I personally will never forget the
stark landscape on my first visit. It might as well have been on the
other side of the Moon in terms of the sort of eerie nature, the
clearing of the grounds, the fortifications that take place. For over
50 years, the DMZ has served as a symbol of this barrier that has
divided not just the governments, not just the leaders, but of the
families.
Now we have had three rounds of family visits. And while 600 does not
seem like much, it truly represents a tremendous opportunity to produce
a sea change between the two. But now my colleagues have brought
forward a resolution that expresses the sense of Congress that the
scope of these family reunification visits should be expanded to
include Korean Americans. In my community, Korean Americans form a
vital element of our civic fabric; and I know the energy, the
compassion that they have displayed in our community and to one another
could go a long way. And if they were able to deal with reunification
of their own families, I think it would be an important step toward
normalizing relations and depressing the pressures that have been
built. A half million Korean Americans have been unable to see their
families for half a century in an area that is the one that is most
likely for American troops actually to see massive armed conflict,
notwithstanding what is going on in the Middle East.
The United States has many issues on the agenda with North Korea,
including missile development and proliferation, human rights,
terrorism. Indeed, in North Korea the specter of mass starvation
continues to haunt them. While these issues remain at the core of our
agenda with North Korea, I firmly believe that passage of this
resolution can help advance family reunification and can help tip the
balance in ways that put a human face on this tragic situation.
I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk).
Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from California
(Mr. Royce) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra) for this
resolution. In June of 1950, when the 38th parallel became a dividing
line between North and South Korea, it dramatically divided the country
and symbolized the polarity in the Cold War. Millions of Koreans lost
communication with their families and loved ones living across the
border.
Fifty years later, in June of last year, South Korean President Kim
Dae Jung and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il made a promise to bring
together the divided families of North and South Korea. After 50 years
of political strife and social unrest, families are finally crossing
the 38th parallel once again, reuniting with loved ones that were once
lost to each other during the Cold War. While we should encourage this
reunification between North and South Korean families, there is one set
of families that have been left out, 500,000 Korean Americans who have
been separated from their families.
Last year's summit was just the beginning of efforts to bring these
two nations together. Not only are families reuniting across the border
but economic ties are being strengthened; and there are positive
efforts under way, including a cross-border railway and construction of
a North Korean industrial park for businesses from the South. We must
now make every effort to ensure that Korean Americans are part of this
reconciliation.
As a congressional staff member, I traveled to North Korea twice and
witnessed firsthand the starvation and lack of medical supplies and
care. For over 50 years, citizens in North Korea have endured countless
hardships at the cost of their government. As cooperation begins to
start between North and South Korea, we must take action to ensure that
citizens from our own country with relatives in North Korea benefit as
well. The Illinois Ethnic Coalition estimates that 40,000 Korean
Americans live in Chicago and another 60,000 live in Chicago suburbs.
Too many citizens in my district are waiting to hear from loved ones in
North Korea.
In September, the Korean-American Coalition of the Midwest collected
20,000 signatures in a petition calling for the U.S. Government to
raise the
[[Page H8374]]
issue of family reunification with officials of the North Korean
Government. I recently joined this coalition in a meeting with
Secretary of State Colin Powell to encourage the reunification of North
Korean families with their Korean-American relatives. I want to
directly thank Secretary Powell for receiving us and agreeing to put
the issue of reunification of North Koreans with their Korean-American
families on the dialogue between the United States and the DPRK.
I strongly support this resolution as an important step in promoting
the reunification of Americans of Korean ancestry with their families
in North Korea. In the end, I hope Korean Americans like Cha Hee
Stanfield will be able to see her relatives and say hello to her Korean
relatives.
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he
may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra).
Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Oregon (Mr.
Blumenauer) for his support and for his management of this time and the
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), a good friend and someone who
has been a champion of not just these issues but other issues of
international affairs. I want to thank him for his efforts. We have had
an opportunity, as he mentioned, in the past to work on issues that are
important to Korean Americans, but important to relations between the
Koreas as they make efforts to try to reunify the two countries. I wish
to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) for all of his
efforts and certainly for the support and his cosponsorship of this
particular resolution.
If I may also thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey) and the
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt) for helping us expedite the
hearing of this particular concurrent resolution on the floor today. I
want to make sure I do acknowledge their efforts to bring this before
us quickly.
Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 77 is a resolution that I authored in
conjunction with the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) for the
express purpose of expressing our country and our government's firm
support for family reunification opportunities between Americans of
Korean descent and their North Korean relatives. Being separated from
family at some point in our lives is something that we can all identify
with. It is universal and we have gotten accustomed to it with all the
travel that we do and separation that goes on between families. That
separation is what makes holidays like Thanksgiving, which we just
celebrated, a very special time. These are occasions when families
gather to give thanks for their blessings. But unfortunately for many
Americans, especially Americans of Korean descent, this separation from
family has not been temporary, but prolonged and painful at times.
Nearly one-third of the more than 1 million people of Korean ancestry
who live in the United States have relatives, mothers, brothers,
grandmothers, uncles, many of whom they have not seen in more than half
a century. Nongovernmental travel and communication between Korean
Americans in the U.S. and family members in North Korea is difficult if
not impossible. The year 2000 was historic because it was the year that
marked the first-ever summit conference between South Korean President
Kim Dae Jung and North Korean Leader Kim Jong Il in North Korea. Both
leaders agreed to resolve humanitarian issues, such issues as exchange
visas for families that have been separated for decades.
As of the third reunion, as we have heard, there have been three
reunions to date of family members, the fate and addresses of more than
6,000 members of separated families have been confirmed and more than
3,400 families from South Korea have had an opportunity to reunite with
relatives in North Korea. The three family reunions have taken place
only between South and North Korea, unfortunately; and these reunions
have been closed to date to Korean Americans in the United States.
According to discussions with Korean officials, it is right now
unfortunately the policy of trying to help the families from South
Korea unite with North Korean family members probably more than
anything else because there is such limited time and space available
for families to reunite, and there are so many families who are hoping
to have that opportunity in the future.
But time is of the essence. We have seen more than 50 years go by
since those separations first occurred; and for many family members who
reside here in the United States, they now know of family members in
North Korea who are in their seventies and in their eighties and in
many cases they are not even aware of what the status and the fate of
their family members in North Korea may be at this time.
In the district I represent in Los Angeles, we have a very vibrant
Korean-American community. I happen to be the Representative who has
within his congressional district most of what is considered Korea Town
in Los Angeles. I am committed to making family unification a reality
for my constituents and for the people of Korean ancestry who are
Americans here. The Korean-American Family Reunion Council has been
working tirelessly to collect signatures, more than 100,000 signatures
to date, which urge the President of the United States and the Congress
to urge the two Koreas to allow Korean Americans to participate in
these family unification opportunities and to visit their loved ones.
{time} 1700
I have heard many personal stories from Korean Americans who have not
seen their family in decades. In that opportunity that the gentleman
from California (Mr. Royce), I and other of my colleagues had in an
interparliamentary session in South Korea to meet with our South Korean
counterparts, we had an opportunity to hear from them on this
resolution, on this particular provision, and they indicated their
support in having the United States advocate to have Korean Americans
participate in those family unification efforts. But, despite those
efforts, right now we currently see that there have been stops and
starts in the inter-Korean talks that have been taking place, but we
must still support these efforts.
Especially in these times of uncertainty in the world, it is vital
that Congress support efforts to strengthen family bonds and build
civic ties. Certainly since September 11, the community of nations has
worked earnestly to bring the people of the world closer together, to
break down barriers, and to help peoples live in peace as brethren.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank those individuals, the chairman of
the committee, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the gentleman
from Iowa (Mr. Leach); the ranking members, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Lantos), the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr.
Faleomavaega); the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce); as I said
before, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer), all of those that
made it possible to have the resolution before us.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the individuals who made this
resolution possible, individuals like Hyepin Im of the Korean American
Family Reunification Council; Mr. Sue Hee Kang of the Advisory Council
on the Peaceful and Democratic Unification of Korea; Mr. Ki Whan Ha of
the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles; Mr. Mike Hong of the
Advisory Council on the Peaceful and Democratic Unification of Korea;
Dr. Young Seok Suh of the Korean American Family Reunion Council; and
Mr. Chul Choi, the President of the Federation of North Korean
Provinces.
I would also like to add to that Reverend Tae Hwan Park, President of
the Korean American Sharing Movement, who has been a great inspiration,
and those who told me their personal stories of how they hope that
before they expire they have a chance to see their relatives, and
especially to my staff, Denise Lee, former staff member Susie Ahn, and
certainly to the staff of the majority and minority on the Committee on
International Relations, thank you very much for helping us bring this
resolution to the floor of the House of Representatives.
I hope to convey a message to the two Koreas and to the people of the
two Koreas that we wish to work with them as they work to reunify, and
we also hope that the Korean Americans of this country will have an
opportunity to participate in those family reunification efforts.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
[[Page H8375]]
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr.
Becerra) for his leadership on this resolution and for his work on
building the relationship between South Korea and the United States on
our interparliamentary exchange that we do between the U.S. Congress
and the General Assembly in South Korea.
So, again, I wanted to acknowledge his authorship of this measure,
which I was proud to coauthor, and the focus and attention that he has
brought to better relations between the United States and South Korea.
Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega).
(Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend
his remarks.)
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of House Concurrent
Resolution 77, I am honored to rise in support of this important
measure which urges our government to support efforts to reunite Korean
Americans with their families in North Korea.
As a member of the Asia-Pacific Congressional Caucus, it is most
appropriate that we deliberate and pass this legislation in honor of
our Korean American community throughout the United States. I
especially want to commend the authors of this legislation, both the
gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra) and the gentleman from
California (Mr. Royce), who were instrumental in this measure's
introduction. The gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) and the
gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra) are respectively the chairman
and vice chairman of the U.S. Republic of Korea Interparliamentary
Exchange and they have done, in my personal opinion, an excellent job
in furthering relations between our two nations.
I would also like to commend the chairman and ranking Democrat of the
Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr.
Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for their
leadership and support in moving this measure on the floor.
Mr. Speaker, as many of you know, our relations with North Korea are
crucial as the Korean Peninsula has long been one of the most dangerous
flashpoints in the world. The United States currently has over 37,000
military personnel stationed in South Korea, with many of them
patrolling the demilitarized zone.
As one who served in the military in Vietnam, Mr. Speaker, I can
never forget the presence of thousands of South Korean soldiers who
fought side by side with us. I might submit that, in time of crisis, we
know who our real friends are. I want to say to the leaders and the
people of South Korea, for supporting us during the Vietnam War, I say,
Kham-Samieda.
Mr. Speaker, since the Korean War, millions of Koreans have had their
families separated and torn asunder with the division of North Korea
and South Korea. After almost some 50 years, the tragedy of family
separation continues, impacting more than 500,000 Korean Americans who
have been denied contact with their loved ones in North Korea.
At a time when the administration has reviewed its policy to urge
North Korea to improve implementation of the agreed framework on
nuclear activities, verify constraints on North Korea's missile program
and exports, and to adopt a less-threatening conventional military
posture, we should also follow up South Korea President Kim's sunshine
policy.
Last year's historic summit meeting and joint declarations between
the leaders of South Korea and North Korea, in my opinion, has already
borne fruit, resulting in limited reunions between long-separated
Korean family members.
Mr. Speaker, we need to build on this progress, and we can only do so
by adoption of this measure. Establishing ties and reuniting Americans
of Korean ancestry with their relatives in North Korea addresses a
humanitarian goal and, more importantly, could play a meaningful role
in helping to open up North Korea while reducing tensions in the Korean
peninsula.
Again, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for H. Con. Res.
77, a resolution expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the
efforts of people of the United States of Korean ancestry to reunite
with their family members in North Korea.
Koreans and Korean Americans from all walks of life have suffered for
more than 50 years from the pain of forced separation of their
families. People have grown old and died without ever being in touch
with their loved ones since the end of the war. Nobody benefits from
such an inhumane situation.
While a few hundred staged reunions which have taken place there
should be no undue restrictions imposed on the hundreds of thousands of
people who want to spend time with their families. The Korean war is
long over and we now need to get beyond the past. The best way to do
this is by permitting people to cross the border and to end this
regretable piece of history.
Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 77.
Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.
Con. Res. 77.
I would like to commend my colleague and fellow California delegation
member Mr. Becerra for his insight and hard work on this issue, as well
as the chairman of the International Relations Committee, Mr. Hyde, and
its ranking member, Mr. Lantos.
Mr. Speaker I rise today to champion an American ideal, and an ideal
revered throughout the world: the family. The family is the bedrock of
America, and the foundation of our society. It is a fitting time to
discuss H. Con. Res. 77 right now, in the midst of our holiday season,
in the middle of time we value with our families.
War can have a terrible impact on civilians. Not only are family
members killed, totally removed from society, but the very fabric of
society can be torn, as we witnessed in the Korean War. After the DMZ
was established, and the dust settled, millions of Koreans found
themselves separated from their husbands, wives, children, parents, and
extended family members.
For over 50 years, separated Korean family members have had limited
information about their loved ones. June of 2000 was a historical
moment for the world. The leaders of North and South Korea held a
meeting in North Korea's capital. The leaders have started down the
path to resolving the humanitarian, political, and economic issues that
separate them. I commend the Korean officials who understand that
family reunification is essential to the political reunification of
Korea.
Mr. Speaker, I recall the Opening Ceremonies of the Sydney, Australia
Olympic Games in September 2000, which I attended, and the excitement
of the 100,000 spectators who all stood and cheered as North and South
Korean athletes emerged from the tunnel under one flag. I will never
forget the overwhelming emotional response of the stadium fans to this
symbolic display of unity.
Mr. Speaker, according to the 2000 census, approximately 1/10th of
the 1.1 million Koreans in the United States reside in, or very near
to, my congressional district. The resolution before the House today
expresses the sense of Congress that the scope of Korean family
reunification visits, of which there have been three so far, should be
expanded to include Korean-American families.
H. Con. Res. 77 expresses the value Americans place on the family
unit. This resolution is positive for America, for American-Korean
relations, and as a message for the world.
Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 77, the Korean
American Family Reunification Resolution, introduced by my colleague,
Congressman Xavier Becerra.
In the aftermath of the Korean War, the division of the Koreas at the
38th parallel separated millions of Koreans from their families,
tearing at the heart of every mother, father, daughter, and son. As an
immigrant, I know what it is like to be separated from my family. In
March of 1961, John F. Kennedy signed an Executive Order that made it
possible for people to come to this country from Asia, as they have
from Europe. In October of 1961, after living apart for six years, my
family was reunited in America.
My heart goes out to the many Americans of Korean ancestry who have
been separated from loved ones for over fifty years. I understand the
pain of being separated from family, which is why I support
reunification efforts.
Since the historic summit last year between South Korean President
Kim Dae Jung and North Korean leader Kim Jong II, several reunions have
taken place between divided Korean families and more anxiously await a
chance to meet with relatives. However, the hope for reunification
remains distant for Korean Americans here in this country that have not
yet been involved with the selection process for family reunions.
H. Con. Res. 77 calls on Congress and the President to support the
efforts of Korean Americans who wish to reunite with their family
members in North Korea. I urge my colleagues to join in support of this
resolution to
[[Page H8376]]
unite family members torn apart by the tragedy of war. Furthermore, I
would like to extend my appreciation to Mr. Becerra for introducing
this legislation.
Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H. Con.
Res. 77, a concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress
regarding the efforts of people of the United States of Korean ancestry
to reunite with their family members in North Korea.
The year 2000 marked the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War. While
the July 27, 1953 armistice officially ended the War, the division of
the Koreas at the 38th parallel separated millions of Koreans from
their families, tearing at the hearts of every mother, father,
daughter, and son. Today, half a million people in the United States of
Korean ancestry bear the pain of being separated from their families in
North Korea.
Another historic occasion for the two Koreas occurred in the year
2000. On June 13th and June 14th, South Korean President Kim Dae Jung
met with North Korean leader Kim Jong II in the first ever summit held
between the leaders of North and South Korea. In a joint declaration,
the two leaders made a historic promise to promote economic cooperation
and to hold reunions of divided Korean families. I am pleased to share
with Members that three of these reunions have taken place thus far. It
is vital that we continue to support the familial ties that bind the
two Koreas.
Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that Korean Americans here in the United
States have not had the opportunity to participate in these family
reunifications. Because of the geographical distance, many Korean
Americans are not involved with the selection process for the family
reunions. This is why H. Con. Res. 77 is important to Korean Americans
in my district, and across the United States.
Virginia's Eleventh Congressional District is home to one of the
largest Korean-American constituencies. Korean Americans in my district
still have personal ties to their former homeland. Some have not seen
nor heard from their family members in North Korea for more than fifty
years. Almost three generations have grown up unable to communicate
with their own family members. We must make every effort to persuade
the two Koreas that Korean Americans should be permitted to participate
in the selection for the family reunifications and that these efforts
should be timely, as older Koreans are dying as they await their turns
in this process.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this humanitarian
resolution.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this
resolution expressing the Sense of Congress that the President should
support the efforts of U.S. citizens of Korean ancestry to reunite with
their families in North Korea.
Mr. Speaker, in June of 2000 North and South Korean leaders signed an
historic agreement that was to facilitate the reunion of Korean
families through Red Cross registration offices. An estimated 1.2
million North Korean refugees are currently living in South Korea, and
over 500,000 Korean-Americans have been separated from their families
in North Korea.
The reunions that have resulted from this agreement have been short,
and therefore bittersweet. However, these reunions between North and
South Koreans have not included Korean Americans who also feel the pain
of separation from their families.
As the healing process between these two nations continues, I believe
the United States must do more to ensure that our citizens have the
opportunity to reconnect with their loved ones. In fact, this
resolution should be the beginning of a conversation between the U.S.
and North Korea on behalf of these families, with the goal being the
fair and even representation of their interests during government level
meetings on Korean Family reunification.
Mr. Speaker, I believe it is the Sense of Congress that the U.S.
values peace in the global community, and we must continue to recognize
the sanctity of the family as the central unit of human socialization.
Mr. Speaker, 50 years is too long to have gone without seeing your
brother or sister. Many mothers and fathers from families torn apart by
war along the 38th parallel have passed on without final visits from
their children. We must therefore pursue the goal of family unification
for Korean Americans with alacrity, for soon it will be too late for
many families to share the words ``I love you.''
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and
I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Whitfield). The question is on the
motion offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) that the
House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con.
Res. 77.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. ROYCE. 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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