[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 18, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H10219-H10225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




REAFFIRMING THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE 
                      REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 273) reaffirming the special 
relationship between the United States and the Republic of the 
Philippines.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 273

       Whereas the United States and the Republic of the 
     Philippines have shared a special relationship of mutual 
     benefit for more than 100 years;
       Whereas 2001 marks the 50th anniversary of the United 
     States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, signed at 
     Washington on August 30, 1951 (3 UST 3947);
       Whereas since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on 
     the United States, the Philippines has been among the most 
     steadfast friends of the United States during a time of grief 
     and turmoil, offering heartfelt sympathy and support;
       Whereas after the United States launched its war of self-
     defense in Afghanistan on October 7, 2001, Philippine 
     President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo immediately announced her 
     Government's unwavering support for the operation, calling it 
     ``the start of a just offensive'';
       Whereas during United States operations in Afghanistan, the 
     Government of the Philippines has made all of its military 
     installations available to the United States Armed Forces for 
     transit, refueling, resupply, and staging operations;
       Whereas this assistance provided by the Philippines has 
     proved highly valuable in the prosecution of the war in 
     Afghanistan, as acknowledged by the Commander-in-Chief of 
     United States Forces in the Pacific;
       Whereas the Philippines also faces grave terrorist threats 
     from the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People's 
     Army, the National Democratic Front, and the radical Abu 
     Sayaff group, as well as an armed secessionist movement, the 
     Moro Islamic Liberation Front;

[[Page H10220]]

       Whereas the Abu Sayaff group has historical ties to Osama 
     bin Laden and the al-Qaeda network, and has engaged in 
     hundreds of act of terrorism in the Philippines, including 
     bombings, arson, and kidnappings;
       Whereas in May 2001, Abu Sayaff kidnapped United States 
     citizens Martin Burnham, Gracia Burnham, and Guillermo 
     Sobero, along with several Filipinos;
       Whereas Abu Sayaff killed Mr. Sobero and continues to 
     detain Martin Burnham and Gracia Burnham; and
       Whereas the United States and the Philippines are committed 
     to each other's security pursuant to the Mutual Defense 
     Treaty: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) expresses its deepest gratitude to the Government and 
     people of the Philippines for their sympathy and support 
     since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United 
     States;
       (2) expresses its sympathy to the current and recent 
     Filipino victims of terrorism and their families;
       (3) affirms the commitment of the United States to the 
     Republic of the Philippines pursuant to the 1951 Mutual 
     Defense Treaty;
       (4) supports the Government of the Philippines in its 
     efforts to prevent and suppress terrorism; and
       (5) acknowledges the economic and military needs of the 
     Philippines and pledges to continue to assist in addressing 
     those needs.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Rohrabacher) and the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher).
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, there is an ongoing, joint operation in the Philippines 
to rescue American citizens. Martin and Gracie Burnham, who have been 
held hostage by the brutal terrorists who have been trained and 
supported by Osama bin Laden, are still being held hostage there in the 
Philippines. Although the operation to rescue them has received little 
publicity in the American media, this resolution supports that 
operation.
  After the terrorist attack on September 11, Philippine President 
Arroyo was the first international leader to offer facilities and 
troops to assist the United States in the campaign against Osama bin 
Laden and his terrorist network. President Arroyo described the 
campaign as ``the start of a just offensive.''
  In addition, President Arroyo demonstrated political courage, and it 
took political courage for her to do this, to invite U.S. soldiers to 
help Filipino forces conduct a joint operation to free the American 
hostages that are being held in the Philippines by the Abu Sayyaf 
terrorists, those Abu Sayyaf terrorists, of course, trained by bin 
Laden.
  This year marks the 50th anniversary of the United States-Philippines 
Mutual Defense Treaty. This treaty takes on significance in light of 
the enhanced partnership between America and the Philippines, our 
democratic partner in Southeast Asia, and in the international war 
against terrorism. President Arroyo, whose father was President of the 
Philippines at the time of the signing of the 1951 Mutual Defense 
Treaty, understands this new global war because terrorist groups inside 
the Philippines, trained and supported by bin Laden and other 
terrorists, have committed hundreds of acts of violence and kidnapping 
against the Filipinos over these last few years.
  This legislation has nothing to do with partisan politics. It does 
express bipartisan support for the efforts to rescue American citizens 
being held by the bin Laden-backed Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.
  Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 273, cosponsored by 32 bipartisan Members 
of the Congress, expresses, number 1, gratitude to President Arroyo and 
the people of the Philippines for their sympathy and support since the 
September 11 terrorist attack. Number 2, it affirms the commitment of 
the United States to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. Number 3, it 
supports the efforts of the Philippine government to prevent and 
suppress terrorism; and finally, it supports the promise recently made 
by President Bush to address the economic and military needs of the 
Philippines in order to defeat the internal terrorism that threatens 
that country.
  Mr. Speaker, we should stand together, yes, tonight, to say that we 
are going to rescue those Americans held hostage in the Philippines 
and, number 2, that we stand in solidarity with the people of the 
Philippines in their struggle of having democratic government 
threatened from the outside and the inside.
  The people of the Philippines now deserve our help. They are stepping 
forward again to be America's best friends, and we should extend our 
hand in friendship as well. It is what is right for America and right 
for the Philippines and right for the cause of freedom and justice.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, 
and I rise in support of the resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, let me first congratulate the gentleman from California 
(Mr. Rohrabacher), my friend and colleague, for introducing this 
resolution. I wholeheartedly support closer ties between the United 
States and the Philippines, and this resolution will make a positive 
contribution in this regard.
  I wish, Mr. Speaker, that I could spend the balance of my time 
outlining the virtues of this resolution, but circumstances prevent me 
from doing so.
  Mr. Speaker, the House Committee on International Relations has 
prided itself since the first day of this session on its singularly 
bipartisan approach to all issues. This did not begin with September 
11; it began with the first day we met and continues to this day and 
will continue in the future. I want to thank the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Hyde), my friend and colleague, for his enormous 
contributions for making the work of our committee bipartisan.
  I cannot say the same thing for the Republican leadership which 
schedules suspension bills, Mr. Speaker. Under the jurisdiction of the 
Committee on International Relations, 46 bills have been considered, 34 
of them under Republican sponsorship, 12 of them under democratic 
sponsorship. One of these is a bill I would like to say a few words 
about.
  Six weeks ago, the House Committee on International Relations 
unanimously passed H.R. 3169, the Land Mine Victims Assistance Act. 
There is no more bipartisan, noble, humanitarian bill to come before 
this body this year, Mr. Speaker. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Hyde) is in full support of this legislation. The vice chairman of our 
committee, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) is in full 
support.

                              {time}  1930

  The chairman emeritus on the Republican side, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Gilman), is in full support. The gentleman from California 
(Mr. Rohrabacher), my friend and colleague, is in strong support of 
this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill came through the Committee on International 
Relations with a unanimous vote 6 weeks ago. The fine piece of 
legislation by the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher) was 
passed just last week, but it was scheduled by the leadership for 
today.
  For 6 weeks, day after day, we have been pleading with the leadership 
to put this measure on our suspension calendar. The President of the 
United States and the administration have no objections to it; far from 
it, Secretary of State Colin Powell in the State Department dining room 
had a major event honoring organizations that help land mine victims.
  This is one of the most tragic human problems on the face of this 
planet. From Afghanistan to Cambodia, hundreds of thousands of children 
and adults lost a leg or two or an arm or both because of land mine 
tragedies.
  Today's New York Times has a major story with horrifying pictures of 
the Afghan ramifications of this nightmare. One of our own Marines was 
severely injured just a couple of days ago in Afghanistan as a result 
of a land mine explosion.
  Mr. Speaker, there is a controversial issue with respect to the 
treaty as they relate to land mines. My legislation specifically 
excludes that issue. The only thing this legislation deals with is to 
help victims of land mines: little boys and little girls and men and 
women whose lives have been destroyed by the millions of land mines 
across this globe.
  There is no justification, moral, legal, or otherwise, to keep this 
legislation off this floor. When it comes to

[[Page H10221]]

the floor, it will pass with an overwhelming vote.
  Mr. Speaker, I have been here long enough to realize that partisan 
legislation is often bottled up. This is a nonpartisan piece of 
legislation. Republicans and Democrats on the Committee on 
International Relations unanimously supported it, as will the full 
membership of this body.
  I am calling on the Republican leadership, after waiting patiently 
for 6 long weeks, after the most sickening discriminatory treatment of 
having legislation come before us which was passed by the Committee on 
International Relations just this past week, to put, without any 
further delay, the Land Mine Victims Assistance Act forward so that our 
Republican and Democratic colleagues can vote on it.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
New Jersey (Mr. Smith), a man who has spent more time championing the 
cause of human rights than anyone else I have worked with here in the 
Congress. He is just a man of good heart who I deeply respect, and I am 
proud to have him as a cosponsor of this bill.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding time to me. I thank him for his leadership on issues relating 
to human rights, especially in the Philippines and Afghanistan and so 
many other places where he has made a difference.
  This resolution, House Concurrent Resolution 273, underscores a very 
important aspect of our relationship to another country, the 
Philippines. The Philippines and the U.S. have had a long-standing, 
deep, and very strong relationship; so it was not surprising to me that 
President Arroyo was first out of the blocks to support the United 
States in our campaign to defeat al Qaeda. That is what we expect from 
an ally. We do not always get that from allies, but we got it in a very 
real way from our good friends in the Philippines.
  As Members know, and this was pointed out by the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Rohrabacher) a moment ago, this year marks the 50th 
anniversary of the Philippines-U.S. Mutual Defense Pact, which has 
helped to preserve and protect the peace after the Philippines went 
through a horrific ordeal, an ordeal that was endured by many of our 
own U.S. soldiers, the Bataan Death March, for example, during World 
War II; and the large numbers of threats that followed: the Communist 
threat, the corruption threats that followed World War II.
  I would note parenthetically, Mr. Speaker, that my father, after 
fighting very terrible battles in New Guinea and many other battles 
against the Japanese, was part of the force that liberated the 
Philippines from the Japanese. He always spoke to my brothers and I of 
the good people of the Philippines. He always spoke of them in glowing 
and affectionate terms, a feeling that was shared by so many of our GIs 
when they spent time there fighting alongside the Filipino scouts, who 
were tenacious fighters in their own right.
  As chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, we continue to 
provide significant health and other benefits to the Filipino veterans, 
and that again underscores the relationship of our Nation with the 
Philippine nation.
  Finally, just let me note that the Philippines have been somewhat 
unique in protecting and helping refugees themselves. When other 
nations were in the process of closing what was known as the 
Comprehensive Plan of Action, the rescue that was provided 
internationally to the boat people, there were about 2,000 boat people 
in the Philippines. Other nations were forcibly repatriating these good 
people.
  President Ramos, when he saw what was happening, what did he do? He 
said, Not our Nation. We are going to maintain a welcome mat to these 
people, about 2,000 strong. I think that spoke very well of the good-
heartedness of those people in the Philippines.
  Finally, the Philippine Government and the nation is also a major 
platform for the Voice of America and the broadcasting that emanates 
from that. We are hoping very soon that Radio Free Asia will also have 
a platform there, as well.
  This is a great resolution. Again, I want to thank the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Rohrabacher) for his leadership. As usual, he is in the 
forefront of a very good cause.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 3 minutes to my 
friend and distinguished colleague, the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. 
McCollum).
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me. I also would like to state my support for our strong relationship 
with the Philippines.
  However, Mr. Speaker, my statement here today is to signal to the 
leadership that we need to provide additional assistance to land mine 
victims. I am here today as a cosponsor of the International Disability 
and Victims Land Mine Act of 2001. I thank the distinguished gentleman 
from California for his efforts on behalf of this legislation.
  Land mine victims can no longer wait for assistance to regain their 
lives. Every year, thousands of people are killed or maimed as a result 
of land mine explosions. Those who survive these disastrous experiences 
will forever suffer devastating injuries: a farmer who was plowing his 
field loses his legs and will no longer be able to provide food for his 
community; a mother who has lost her arms will no longer be able to 
carry water to her children and her family, and the carefree days of 
playing with friends are stolen from the child who is a victim of a 
land mine explosion.
  People in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Thailand, Angola, and numerous other 
countries throughout the world have had their lives destroyed as a 
result of land mines. Afghanistan is one of the most heavily land-mined 
countries in the world, and the displaced Afghan people are traveling 
through unfamiliar lands. The number of land mine injuries are expected 
to rise, just as our servicemen are experiencing tragedies from land 
mines.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3169 illustrates to the people of Afghanistan that 
we will not abandon them following the war. During this holiday season, 
we must not pass up an opportunity to bestow a priceless gift to land 
mine victims throughout the world. This bill would show compassion to 
the innocent people who will suffer long after the war has passed. We 
must bring this bill to the floor for a vote. We must give a voice to 
the victims of land mines.
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2 minutes to 
the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), a man who has provided such 
leadership to this House since I have been here, the former chairman of 
the Committee on International Relations, and a man of such strong 
principle and ethical guidance that he has really meant a lot in my 
life.
  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me, and I thank our good sponsor of the measure for his kind words.
  I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) for 
expediting consideration of this measure. I commend our colleague, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), for crafting this 
important resolution. He has certainly been a staunch advocate for the 
Pacific Rim communities and especially for the Philippines and 
Afghanistan.
  I want to commend, too, our ranking minority member, the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Lantos), for his support of this measure. This 
measure reaffirms our special relationship between our Nation and the 
Republic of the Philippines.
  This resolution notes that special relationship of mutual benefit 
which goes back for more than 100 years, this year marking the 50th 
anniversary of the 1951 U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty. 
Throughout the years and many wars, this treaty has beneficially served 
both of our nations.
  Once again, the relationship showed its great value soon after the 
terrorists' brutal attack on our Nation on September 11, when our 
Philippine friends were steadfast in their support, making all of their 
military installations available to the United States Armed Forces for 
transit, for refueling, for resupply, and for staging operations.
  Moreover, in World War II, Philippine soldiers and scouts served 
courageously side by side with our Nation's

[[Page H10222]]

 Armed Forces; and regrettably, we have yet to take note of that 
service.
  Currently, the Philippine Government is facing a serious challenge 
from the radical Abu Sayef group, as well as an armed secessionist 
movement, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The Abu Sayef group has 
historical ties to Osama bin Laden and the al Qaeda network and is 
engaged in hundreds of acts of terrorism in the Philippines, including 
bombings, arson, and kidnapping.
  Just this past May, Abu Sayef kidnapped U.S. citizens Martin Burnham, 
Gracie Burnham, and Guillermo Sobero, who was later killed. This 
terrorist group continues to detain Martin Burnham and Gracie Burnham.
  Mr. Speaker, the Philippines faces a serious challenge today from the 
Communist Party of the Philippines and a challenge to its territorial 
integrity from the People's Republic of China, which has been claiming 
the Spratley Islands and other Philippine coastal areas.
  Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to fully support House Concurrent 
Resolution 273 so we can send a strong signal to those who are 
threatening our democratic friends in the Philippines through their 
terrorism and regional hegemony.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to our 
distinguished colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner).
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding time 
to me; and I thank him for his always eloquent support for human rights 
around the world, and in this case tonight, for the victims of land 
mines. I thank him again for calling on this legislation. This 
legislation must reach the floor. We support the gentleman in that.
  Mr. Speaker, when bipartisanship reigns in this body, we do good 
things. We can bring the bill of the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos) to the floor. We have brought the motion of the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Rohrabacher) to the floor reaffirming our friendship 
with the Philippines. I thank the gentleman for doing that. He and I 
were the first Congresspeople, in fact, to go to the Philippines to 
greet the new President when she took over last February, and we gave 
the greetings of this whole Congress and our support for her. We 
reaffirm that support in this resolution today.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask this body, however, to take one 
concrete move towards reaffirming that relationship that goes beyond 
this resolution. This resolution is wonderful, and we will get support 
for it. But the gentleman from California (Mr. Gilman) and I, supported 
by the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher) and others in this 
room, have tried to get to the floor of this House the Filipino 
Veterans Equity Act, a bill which would truly reaffirm our friendship 
with the Philippines.
  More than 50 years ago, which this resolution talks about, 55 years 
ago Filipino soldiers were drafted into the United States Army by the 
President, President Roosevelt. They served well. In fact, we were able 
to hold up the Japanese advance through the efforts of the Philippine 
Army, under the direction of Douglas MacArthur.

                              {time}  1945

  We were able to hold up the Japanese advance, throw off their time 
table and that helped us win the war in the Pacific. But how does this 
Congress react to thank the Filipino soldiers? We passed a law in 1946 
to withdraw all the benefits that they were entitled to as veterans of 
the United States Army.
  Mr. Speaker, they were drafted into the Army. They fought honorably. 
They died in great numbers. They were with us through the whole war, 
the Bataan Death March, the Battle of Corregidor, and yet what did we 
do? We withdrew their benefits.
  It is 55 years later. Many of these brave soldiers are in their late 
70's and early 80's. They are not going to be with us much longer. The 
best way we can reaffirm our ties to the Filipinos is to pass the 
equity act that has been sponsored by the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Gilman). This would say to the Filipino veterans, you were veterans, 
you have the honor and dignity that comes with that, so let us truly 
reaffirm our friendship and pass the Filipino Veterans Equity Act.
  I do thank the gentleman for his motion. The Burnhams are being held. 
We have to get them released. We have to help President Arroyo in her 
efforts to stamp out terrorism in her nation.
  Salamat, my colleague. And I say to our friendship, mabuhay.
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Kansas (Mr. Tiahrt), who has worked tirelessly on behalf of two of his 
constituents who are being held hostage by the terrorists in the 
Philippines.
  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Rohrabacher) for yielding me time, and I rise in strong support of H. 
Con. Res. 273, which reaffirms the special relationship between the 
United States and the Republic of the Philippines.
  Our two nations share a rich history and a bright future based on the 
combined commitment to democratic principals and the rule of law. This 
relationship is cemented by the fact that an estimated 2 million 
Americans of Philippine ancestry live in the United States, and more 
than 120,000 American citizens reside in the Philippines. It is as 
President Bush and President Arroyo said last month, a relationship 
between two peoples. Not just a relationship between two governments, 
but a relationship between two peoples.
  As we fight the global war on terrorism, the United States is 
bolstered by the unwaiving commitment of the Republic of the 
Philippines. They have pledged their support while facing an internal 
threat from the terrorist group Abu Sayaff, who continue their lawless 
acts of violence, including the kidnapping of two of my constituents, 
Martin and Gracia Burnham of Wichita, Kansas, and the murder of a 
Californian from Corona, Guillermo Sobero.
  But no tribute to our relationship would be complete without a word 
of thanks to those in the Philippine military who continue today to 
risk their lives in an effort to gain the safe release of Martin and 
Gracia. This ongoing conflict has cost the lives of many brave Filipino 
soldiers. I would especially like to express my thanks and my deepest 
sympathy to their families.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution which 
reaffirms our special relationship with our friends from the 
Philippines.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Guam 
(Mr. Underwood), my good friend and distinguished colleague.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding 
me the time, and I want to stand in support of his effort to get H.R. 
3169 legislation to the floor on land mine victims' legislation, which 
I fully support.
  Today I stand in strong support of H. Con. Res. 273 introduced by our 
colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), which 
reaffirms the special relationship between the United States and the 
Republic of the Philippines. For more than a century we have had a very 
strong and stable relationship with the Philippines. Along with my home 
island of Guam, Puerto Rico and the Philippines were ceded to the 
United States following the Spanish American War in 1898. We all share 
a common history of Spanish and U.S. control. Guam and the Philippines 
had have an even closer bond, as we are only 1,600 miles apart, making 
Guam the nearest U.S. destination to the Philippines.
  Thousands of Filipinos have made Guam their home, and we have a long 
historical relationship which even predates colonial control.
  As a former territory, the Filipinos fought under the U.S. flag in 
World War II and participated in their own liberation from the Japanese 
imperial forces during World War II under both the U.S. flag and the 
Philippine commonwealth banner and we need to resolve the issues that 
still bother us in terms of giving full credit and recognition to the 
Philippine veterans. But even following their independence from the 
United States in 1946, Filipinos have fought alongside U.S. soldiers in 
both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. They have been shoulder to 
shoulder with our forces and have long been a strategic ally in the 
Southeast Asia region.
  Last month, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made a trip 
to Washington to reaffirm the Philippines' strong alliance with 
President

[[Page H10223]]

Bush. Following the September 11 attack on our Nation, the Philippines 
has proven again to be amongst our most steadfast allies in the war 
against terrorism. Along with our nation, Filipinos mourn victims of 
the terrorist attacks which claimed the lives of many Filipino citizens 
who worked in the World Trade Center.
  Even before President Arroyo announced her 14 pillars of policy in 
action against terrorism on September 26, 2001, the Philippine 
Government has granted overflights of U.S. aircraft, refueling tankers, 
combat and cargo planes in the Philippines. President Arroyo has made 
the strong and unwaivering loyalty of her country very clear, and 
likewise the Philippine Government has made all of its military 
installations available for transit, refueling, and restocking and 
staging operations to our U.S. forces.
  Also as a host nation of the former U.S. bases, the Philippines 
remains one of our most valuable allies in Asia and the Pacific. During 
my trip earlier to the Philippines in May, I had the opportunity to 
visit some of these bases and to meet with President Arroyo to discuss 
strengthening of U.S. and Philippine relations including environmental 
cleanup issues. I am pleased to note that my provision was put in the 
House foreign relations authorization, which encourages a bilateral 
frame work for an independent nongovernmental study on the effects of 
contamination on those bases.
  This proposal for the bilateral cleanup was also included by Senator 
Daniel Inouye in the other body in their own defense appropriations 
bill. I believe that both the U.S. and the Philippines stand to gain by 
working collaboratively on this important issue.
  This year marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Philippines Mutual 
Defense Treaty. President Bush has affirmed the administration's 
commitment to U.S.-Philippine relations with a significant military and 
economic aid package. This includes support for Filipino troops 
battling against Islamic uprisings in the southern region of the 
country by the Abu Sayaff group which has ties to the al Qaeda 
organization.
  The President's decision affirms our commitment and acknowledges our 
obligations under the mutual defense treaty to assist the economic and 
military needs of the Philippines. As Americans and as Members of 
Congress, we owe a debt of service to the Republic of the Philippines. 
I think we have to take stock of the very special relationship we have 
with the Philippines, and I believe it is truly fitting that we stand 
here today shoulder to shoulder to affirm U.S. support for the 
Philippines by passing H.Con.Res 273.
  As cosponsor of this legislation, I thank the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Rohrabacher) again. I join in the support of my 
colleagues and urge final passage.
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time is 
remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaTourette). The gentleman from 
California (Mr. Rohrabacher) has 8 minutes remaining, and the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Lantos) has 4 minutes remaining.
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Royce), my good friend and colleague, who has been very 
active in California with the Philippine community and very active in 
the Committee on International Relations as a force for freedom in the 
world.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend my good friend, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), for introducing this very 
important piece of legislation of which I am a cosponsor. And I would 
like to make the observation that this relationship that the United 
States has with the Philippines is based on a shared history and a 
shared commitment to democratic principals.
  The political and economic importance of the Philippines to this 
Nation cannot be overstated, and I think it is true that the United 
States, the people here, owe a great debt to the people of the 
Philippines for their assistance during the Second World War. And I 
think as this resolution points out, this year marks the 50th 
anniversary of the mutual defense treaty which outlined a military 
alliance between these two countries; and this alliance has proved to 
be for us instrumental in deterring aggression in Asia.
  Security in Asia is as key to us today as it was 50 years ago when 
this treaty was signed. And I am particularly concerned, as I know are 
the other Members of this bodies, with the actions of Abu Sayaff, with 
the terrorist group now operating in the Philippines. This group has 
been linked to Osama bin Laden and his al Qaeda networks. The group has 
trained in the terrorist training camps in Afghanistan, those same 
camps that we recently flushed out. And the group has been engaged in 
bombing, in arson, in kidnapping, including the kidnapping of American 
citizens.
  Once again, I would like to applaud the gentleman from California 
(Mr. Rohrabacher). He represents, as do I, a significant Filipino 
American community in California; and he is very committed to 
strengthening the U.S.-Philippine ties. And this resolution sends a 
strong message of support for the Philippine Government in its effort 
to prevent and suppress terrorism and pledges U.S. support for that 
effort.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I again want to commend my friend, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Rohrabacher), and reaffirm my strong support for his 
legislation.
  The Philippines are great friends of ours. Their struggle against 
terrorism is our struggle. Their future in Asia guarantees that 
stability and prosperity; but most importantly, democracy will prevail 
in an important Asian country. And I strongly urge all of my colleagues 
to support the legislation.
  Before yielding back my time, I would like to put a face on land mine 
victims. This young man is Wazir Hammond. He was injured by a land mine 
in Afghanistan just a few years ago. He is now 9 years old. And every 6 
months he requires a prosthesis refitting. He is representative of the 
tens and tens of thousands of children and adults who are desperately 
hoping that we will be able to participate in a global effort to give 
our fellow human beings who have lost a leg or an arm or two legs or 
two arms an opportunity to put their lives back together again.
  I call on the Republican leadership of the United States House of 
Representatives to schedule for debate and vote the Land Mine Victims 
Assistance Act, passed unanimously by the House Committee on 
International Relations and enjoying the support of all Republicans and 
all Democrats on that committee; and when the legislation comes before 
this body, I am sure of every single Member of this House.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and I 
understand his frustration. I have had legislation that I wanted to 
bring to the floor that was very valuable, that I know that as a backer 
of his legislation which I backed in committee, I understand the value 
of that legislation and I have gone on record suggesting that it should 
be brought to the floor. So I understand his frustration.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman from California yield to 
me?
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. I yield to the gentleman from California.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, it is the pain and suffering of innocent 
people all across the globe which is at stake, and I appreciate the 
support of my friend.
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. I think it is the sensitivity to that pain and 
suffering that causes frustration at a time when one is trying to help.

                              {time}  2000

  We have to remember when looking at this legislation, this is 
legislation that will be seen not only in the United States, of course, 
but will be certainly noted in the Philippines and noted throughout 
Asia. What we are saying tonight is that we recognize that the Filipino 
people are our best friends and that the people of the Philippines 
stood with us in the past and we will stand with them in the future.
  The Philippines did stand with us, and we must never forget that time 
when just over 60 years ago, the Japanese militarists decided to make 
their move in trying to capture a huge hunk of the world and dominate 
it under its own terrorist grip, and at that time, when the Nazis on 
one side of the world

[[Page H10224]]

and the Japanese militarists on the other side of the world threatened 
any democracy and threatened the people of the world, in Asia it was 
the people of the Philippines who, more than anyone else, stood with us 
and bore the brunt of that fight and of the despotism and of the 
brutality of Japanese occupation.
  We must remember, that the fight in the Philippines, the Bataan Death 
March that we talk about, there were not just Americans in that fight, 
but there were Filipinos standing beside each and every American, and 
we must never forget that, and as a member of my family who is a 
survivor of the Bataan Death March has told me, that as these prisoners 
were walked, as they were shackled and walked on this death march for 
day after day without food and water in the sweltering heat, with 
Japanese guards there with their bayonets and with their samurai swords 
and the Filipino people would come out of their homes and throw food 
and water at these prisoners, knowing that the Japanese guards would 
shoot them if they saw them doing this. Ordinary Filipino citizens 
risking their lives for our people, as well as their own soldiers.
  We can never forget that type of heartfelt commitment, and that is at 
the basis of the relationship between the United States and the 
Philippines. It is a commitment to those values of decency and human 
understanding and freedom and liberty and justice that unites us, and 
the Philippines have gone through many travails since those days.
  Let me add that one of those travails was the liberation which also 
took many Filipino lives and the Filipinos were fighting with us. My 
father fought in the Philippines to help liberate that country, and he 
always, as I say, spoke very highly of the people of the Philippines. 
It is very fitting today that I am authoring this legislation, to honor 
him and to honor all of these veterans, both the Filipinos and the 
American veterans, not only just the ones who fought in the Death 
March, but the ones who liberated the Philippines, for the great job 
that they did for our country and the cause of freedom.
  Nothing we could do would honor them more than the bill we pass 
today. Yes, we can recognize the Filipino veterans and should give them 
their benefits. I, too, have a piece of legislation that was not 
permitted to come to the floor yet, giving the Bataan Death March 
survivors the right to sue those Japanese corporations that used them 
as slave labor. So there is frustration in this process, and it takes a 
little pressure to try to get good bills to the floor. I am happy that 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) is trying to provide that 
pressure.
  Tonight, let us again remember that today this piece of legislation, 
in and of itself, is very important. It is very significant because we 
are reaffirming our solidarity with the people of the Philippines. We 
are reaffirming this defense treaty at a time when now there are 
Japanese being replaced by Chinese soldiers who would threaten the 
peace of Asia, and we have an ongoing battle, not only in the 
Philippines but elsewhere, a battle raging against terrorism that we 
are all a part of this battle and that the Philippines have stepped 
forward so courageously to join us in that effort.
  I would call on my colleagues to join me and thank the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos) for his principled support of this legislation, 
and I would ask all of my colleagues to follow the leadership of our 
President, President Bush, who has restated our commitment as a people 
as this resolution will do for the Congress.
  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
supporting H. Con. Res. 273, legislation reaffirming the special 
relationship between the United States and the Republic of the 
Philippines. The United States and the Republic of the Philippines have 
shared a special relationship of mutual benefit for more than 100 
years. At a time when both our nations are facing unprecedented 
security threats from terrorism, we must strengthen those bonds and 
work together to meet these new challenges.
  This resolution expresses the deepest gratitude to the Government and 
people of the Philippines for their sympathy and support since the 
September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. It also 
conveys our sympathy to the families of Filipino victims of terrorism. 
H. Con. Res. 273 also affirms the commitment of the United States to 
the Republic of the Philippines pursuant to the 1951 Mutual Defense 
Treaty, signed on August 30 1951. It is important that we reaffirm our 
support for that agreement as we work to root out terrorism around the 
globe, including the operations in the Philippines. This will require 
our continued recognition of the economic and military needs of the 
Philippines, and a continued commitment to assist in addressing those 
needs.
  Since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, 
the Philippines has been among the most steadfast friends of the United 
States during a time of grief and turmoil, offering heartfelt sympathy 
and support. When the United States launched its war of self-defense in 
Afghanistan on October 7, 2001, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo immediately announced her Government's unwavering support for 
the operation, calling it ``the start of a just offensive.'' The 
Government of the Philippines has made all of its military 
installations available to the United States Armed Forces for transit, 
refueling, resupply, and staging operations. This assistance provided 
by the Philippines has proved highly valuable in the prosecution of the 
war in Afghanistan as acknowledged by the Commander-in-Chief of United 
States Forces in the Pacific.
  Time and again, the Filipino people have stood with us against 
enemies of freedom. Not only were they critical allies in World War II, 
but they provided nearly 400,000 brave and patriotic men for the U.S. 
military campaign. Filipino Scouts were called into active duty of the 
United States military, and they defended democracy with honor and 
courage. They answered the call of duty, fighting side by side with 
U.S. troops in our hour of need. Many Filipino citizens have since 
joined the ranks of our military, and served with honor. As we 
recognize the contributions of the Filipino government today, we must 
also recall the critical contributions that its people have made to our 
nation throughout its history. And one way we can do that is by 
providing Filipino veterans of World War II the benefits available to 
the U.S. veterans of that conflict. Last year, we made the first major 
stride in that direction, by providing Filipino veterans who fought 
with the U.S. disability benefits and access to health care. But we 
have a long way to go to ensure full benefit equity for these veterans. 
Time is running out.
  One of my top priorities since coming to Congress has been to provide 
Filipino veterans the benefits they are due for their sacrifice, and I 
will continue that fight until the job is done. This resolution, which 
enjoys the overwhelming, bipartisan support of the House, urges 
continued U.S. assistance for the economic and military needs of the 
Philippines. I fully endorse that. But I believe that we would be 
sending a very mixed message if we were to provide that assistance 
while continuing to ignore the real health care needs of Filipino 
veterans who served with U.S. forces. History has shown that we pay a 
heavy price when we enlist the support of allies when we need them, but 
ignore their needs and challenges in the aftermath. I call on my 
colleagues to pass this resolution and to expedite passage of 
legislation authorizing full veterans' benefit equity for Filipino 
veterans of World War II.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support 
for H. Con. Res. 273.
  Each of these bills sends a strong message. H. Con. Res, 273 
appropriately thanks the Philippines our strong ally, for their 
unwavering support in the current war on international terrorism.
  And H.R. 3169, the International Disability and Victims of Landmines, 
Cibil Strife and Warfare Act of 2001 sends a message to muslims around 
the world that the United States cares about the people of Afghanistan 
and want to help in rebuilding their lives.
  Landmines have killed more people than nuclear, chemical and 
biological weapons combined. Today, innocent civilians are threatened 
by up to 80 million landmines buried in over 80 countries. More than 
100,000 Americans have been killed or maimed by these inhumane weapons. 
The majority of landmine survivors are civilians, often women and 
children.
  In Afghanistan, there are 4-8 million landmines buried throughout the 
country. Sadly, last Sunday, three U.S. Marines learned about the 
danger of landmines first hand. They were all wounded when one of them 
stepped on a mine.
  Last September, I, along with 50 of my colleagues, sent a letter to 
Chairman Regula urging him to restore the $5 million in funding for the 
landmine victim assistance partnership between the landmine Survivors 
network and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  I was happy to learn that $12 million has been restored and this 
program will now be able to reach the 26,000 casualties that will 
happen in just this year alone.
  Innocent civilians are threatened by landmines each day. While our 
Government has

[[Page H10225]]

worked to help those victims, much more needs to be done.
  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, 
H. Con. Res. 273, reaffirming the important relationship that the 
United States and the Philippines have shared for more than a century.
  The Filipino people have been our friends for many years, and in 
today's war against terrorism they are one of our most steadfast 
allies. The Filipino government immediately voices its support for our 
efforts in Afghanistan and, more importantly, has allowed our armed 
forces to use its military installations for transit, refueling, 
resupply, and staging operations that are vital to our success.
  Further more, the Filipino people are keenly aware of the destructive 
nature of terrorism and the necessity of routing this evil from our 
world. For years, they have lived with the danger of terrorist threats 
form many groups, including the Communist Party of the Philippines, the 
New People's Army, and the National Democratic Front. But, no threat is 
as great as that which they face from the radical Abu Sayaff group, 
which has ties to Osama bin Laden and the al-Qaeda network.
  Abu Sayaff has engaged in bombings, arson, kidnapping, and hundreds 
of other acts of terrorism with increasing frequency. Earlier this 
year, in fact, they kidnapped three American citizens along with 
several Filipinos. They murdered one of those Americans, and the other 
two remain in captivity to this day. Our Filipino friends have stood by 
us since the attacks of September 11th, and we should stand by them as 
they face this same threat.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a friend of the Filipino-American 
community and I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaTourette). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher) that 
the House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. 
Con. Res. 273.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was 
agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________