[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 43 (Wednesday, April 17, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H1343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     FREE MARTIN AND GRACIA BURNHAM

  (Mr. TIAHRT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 326th day that Martin and 
Gracia Burnham have been held captive by Muslim terrorists in the 
Philippines.
  Mr. Speaker, millions of Americans paid their dues on Tax Day this 
week, but Martin and Gracia have been paying the price for being 
Americans for over 10 months now. The Nation they love, however, is 
prevented from rescuing her children.
  Martin's parents, Paul and Oreta, are patriotic citizens. They pay 
their taxes without complaining and trust the government will carry out 
its responsibility to protect and defend our citizens, all this despite 
the continued captivity of their son and daughter-in-law.
  I must admit, as a patriot, as a taxpayer, as a representative of 
this government of the United States, I am frustrated. I call upon 
President Arroyo and the Philippine Congress to allow the American 
military to rescue our fellow Americans who are being held hostage. I 
request Secretary Powell, Secretary Rumsfeld, and President Bush, do 
not take ``no'' for an answer.
  Let us rescue these Americans. I believe we have the resources to 
rescue Martin and Gracia, and it is our government's duty to do so. As 
always, I ask you to join me in prayer for Martin and Gracia and their 
loved ones, that this nightmare may soon be over.

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