[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 8, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H2170-H2171]
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 347th day that Martin and 
Gracia Burnham have been held captive by Muslim terrorists in the 
Philippines.
  This afternoon many members of my family, including my father and 
mother, will arrive in Washington to visit me and their grandchildren. 
As I look forward to their visit, I think of the Burnham family and the 
family reunion they await every day. Too often

[[Page H2171]]

congressional schedules keep us away from our families. Many of us have 
had to miss Little League games, school recitals and concerts. That is 
the hardest part of our job. I cannot imagine missing a year's worth of 
my children's lives, a year of birthdays, holidays, games, concerts and 
those precious daily moments.
  Of all the hardships that Martin and Gracia have endured in the past 
11\1/2\ months, the greatest must be their separation from their family 
and knowing how desperately their children miss them. I always cherish 
my time with my parents and my family, but this week I am especially 
aware of how lucky I am to have time.
  I encourage the Bush administration and the Philippine government to 
continue their efforts, all their efforts, to free Martin and Gracia so 
the Burnham family can enjoy a family reunion.
  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.

                          ____________________