[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 53 (Thursday, May 2, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H2092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page H2092]]



                       MARTIN AND GRACIA BURNHAM

  (Mr. TIAHRT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 341st day that Martin and 
Gracia Burnham have been held captive by Muslim terrorists in the 
Philippines.
  Unfortunately, I have disturbing news to report today. According to a 
report in the Associated Press, the Abu Sayyaf group that is holding 
the Burnhams hostage is no longer interested in negotiations and has 
threatened to kill Martin and Gracia. ``The door is closed for 
negotiations. It is up to them if they want to look for the dead 
bodies,'' terrorist leader Abu Sabaya chillingly stated in a radio 
interview. Apparently now the ASG is more interested in embarrassing 
the Philippine and American governments and military than their own 
supposed political demands.
  The Abu Sayyaf will not succeed in embarrassing us, for we will not 
back down in the face of terrorism. President Bush has committed our 
resources to rooting out the terrorism around the world. The Philippine 
government has been working with us to combat terrorism in their own 
nation. I am confident that we will eliminate the Abu Sayyaf and other 
evil organizations, and I pray that the Burnham family will soon be 
reunited.
  At this crucial time, I ask my colleagues to join me in prayer for 
Martin and Gracia and their loved ones that this nightmare may soon be 
over.

                          ____________________