[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 26, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H2336-H2344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONCERNING TREATMENT OF MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES HELD AS PRISONER OF WAR 
                          BY IRAQI AUTHORITIES

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 118) concerning the treatment 
of members of the Armed Forces held as prisoner of war by Iraqi 
authorities, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

[[Page H2337]]

                            H. Con. Res. 118

       Whereas the Armed Forces of the United States and military 
     forces of United States coalition partners are currently 
     engaged in hostilities in Iraq in prosecuting Operation Iraqi 
     Freedom;
       Whereas an unknown number of members of the Armed Forces of 
     the United States have been taken prisoner by Iraqi 
     authorities and it is possible that, before the end of 
     hostilities, additional members of the Armed Forces of the 
     United States and members of other coalition forces may be 
     taken prisoner by Iraqi authorities;
       Whereas members of the military forces of Iraq have been 
     taken prisoner by coalition armed forces;
       Whereas all such prisoners who are captured while complying 
     with the laws of war are entitled to prisoner of war status 
     until their final release and repatriation;
       Whereas in the Convention Relative to the Treatment of 
     Prisoners of War, signed at Geneva on August 12, 1949 
     (referred to as the ``Third Geneva Convention''), the 
     international community has prescribed rules concerning the 
     treatment of prisoners of war;
       Whereas more than 190 nations, including the United States 
     and Iraq, are parties to the Third Geneva Convention;
       Whereas Article 13 of the Third Geneva Convention requires 
     the humane treatment of prisoners of war and that prisoners 
     of war be protected against acts of violence or intimidation 
     and against insults and public curiosity;
       Whereas Article 17 of the Third Geneva Convention 
     explicitly prohibits the infliction of physical or mental 
     torture and other forms of coercion on prisoners of war to 
     secure from them information of any kind whatever and 
     provides that prisoners of war who refuse to answer may not 
     be threatened, insulted, or exposed to unpleasant or 
     disadvantageous treatment of any kind;
       Whereas Article 23 of the Third Geneva Convention provides 
     that a prisoner of war may not at any time be sent to, or 
     detained in areas where the prisoner may be exposed to the 
     fire of the combat zone, nor may a prisoner's presence be 
     used to render certain points or areas immune from military 
     operations;
       Whereas the Third Geneva Convention requires that a 
     government holding prisoners of war grant representatives of 
     the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) free 
     access to all prisoners of war;
       Whereas the Government of the United States has informed 
     the Iraqi authorities that it intends to treat captured 
     members of the Iraqi armed forces fully in accordance with 
     the Third Geneva Convention and is in discussions with ICRC 
     officials to facilitate access at the earliest possible time 
     to Iraqi enemy prisoners of war held by United States Armed 
     Forces; and
       Whereas Iraqi television has broadcast what appear to be 
     pictures of captured American military personnel; Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That the Congress--
       (1) commends the bravery and professionalism of the members 
     of the Armed Forces of the United States and the military 
     forces of United States coalition partners; and
       (2) extends heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved 
     ones of those who are killed, wounded, missing in action, or 
     taken prisoner by Iraqi authorities.
       Sec. 2. The Congress--
       (1) demands that Iraqi authorities comply fully and 
     immediately with its obligations and responsibilities of the 
     Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War;
       (2) condemns the failure of Iraqi authorities to treat 
     prisoners of war in strict conformity with that Convention;
       (3) demands that Iraqi authorities permit the International 
     Committee of the Red Cross to visit any and all American and 
     coalition prisoners of war at the earliest possible time, in 
     accordance with the requirements of that Convention;
       (4) joins the President in warning all Iraqi authorities 
     that any individual who mistreats any prisoner of war in 
     violation of that Convention shall be considered a war 
     criminal and prosecuted as such to the full extent of United 
     States and international law; and
       (5) supports the President in committing the full effort 
     and reach of the United States Government to the swift and 
     safe repatriation of all prisoners of war at the earliest 
     possible moment consistent with that Convention.
       Sec. 3. The Congress supports the President in seeking the 
     fullest possible accounting, at the earliest possible time 
     upon the cessation of hostilities, of all members of the 
     Armed Forces who are in a missing status as a result of 
     operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter).


                             General Leave

  Mr. BEREUTER. 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 the concurrent resolution 
under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Nebraska?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this Member rises today to speak on behalf of those 
brave men and women of our Armed Forces who have been taken prisoner of 
war by the Iraqi regime, and for those who are missing in action.
  All Members were appalled by the reports and images of the barbaric 
treatment of our soldiers by the Iraqi regime captors. This resolution 
will send a clear message of resolve that this Congress will stand by 
and insist on the rights of its military sons and daughters in their 
time of peril. We will spare no effort to bring them home alive and in 
good health, and to hold to account anybody who would dare mistreat 
them.
  All of us join families, comrades in arms and friends in prayer for 
their safe return, the safe return of all members of our armed 
services. I note with pride that the American military is already 
carrying out its obligations under the Geneva Conventions. We have 
invited the Red Cross or Red Crescent to visit our prisoners, and we 
demand the same access for the Red Cross to coalition prisoners held by 
Iraq.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. Mr. 
Speaker, I want to thank my good friends, the gentleman from Georgia 
(Mr. Kingston) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), for 
introducing this most important resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, today marks the seventh day of Operation Iraqi Freedom, 
a valiant campaign by the United States, the United Kingdom, and our 
partners to rid the world of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and the 
regime that wields them.
  We have achieved much in this war so far. Iraq's southern oil fields 
have been saved, its western deserts have been secured, and its gulf 
ports have been opened. Our Air Forces have meticulously degraded 
Iraq's defenses while minimizing civilian casualties, and our Third 
Infantry Division is poised at Saddam Hussein's doorstep.
  We owe these successes to America's soldiers, sailors, airmen, and 
Marines who have performed bravely and brilliantly in this fight. The 
courage and skill they have displayed on the battlefield comes as no 
shock. Their training and leadership has prepared them well, but it 
does continue to inspire awe.
  I know I speak for all Americans, Mr. Speaker, in expressing my 
deepest admiration and strongest support for all of our military men 
and women fighting in Iraq. We admire especially the service of those 
who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in this war to date, and those who 
may do so in the days ahead. Our deepest condolences go to the families 
who have lost their loved ones. The brave men and women who have laid 
down their lives in Iraq are true American heroes whose debt our 
thankful Nation can never repay.
  America's Armed Forces, Mr. Speaker, represent the best our democracy 
has to offer. Their conduct reflects the values we cherish. We respect 
international law and uphold the highest human virtues in this fight.
  The enemy we face does not share these values. The Iraqi regime of 
Saddam Hussein has waged this war in total violation of all norms of 
civilized behavior. Its armed forces use innocents as human shields, 
execute deserters on sight, hide in hospitals, fire from behind white 
flags, and deny their own people access to humanitarian assistance. 
They deliberately position their tanks and artillery next to mosques, 
schools, and hospitals, putting innocent Iraqi civilians at great risk.
  In a futile attempt to build support for his doomed regime, Saddam 
Hussein has waged a relentless and reckless disinformation campaign. To 
this end, he has utilized American prisoners of war as propaganda 
props, abusing, humiliating, and intimidating them, in clear violation 
of the Geneva Convention.
  The resolution before us delivers a stern warning to the Iraqi regime 
to end such atrocities and to comply with

[[Page H2338]]

the terms of the Third Geneva Convention relating to the treatment of 
prisoners of war. It places the full weight and power of the American 
people behind the enforcement of this code of conduct.
  We should not delude ourselves, Mr. Speaker. Saddam Hussein has utter 
contempt for the Geneva Convention and all international agreements. He 
feels no obligation to abide by the norms of civilized behavior, as he 
showed in his reprehensible conduct towards coalition soldiers in the 
first Gulf War.
  Our vote today is not likely to deter him, although we hope that it 
does. It will set the standard for the swift and certain justice we 
shall deliver to those who have perpetrated war crimes after Saddam's 
rotten regime collapses. It will show the entire world that the United 
States, the United Kingdom, and all of our partners are committed to 
the lawful, humane conduct of this war, despite the evil and cowardly 
tactics the enemy employs.
  I urge my colleagues to lend their support to this resolution and to 
the American prisoners of war currently in captivity.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may 
consume to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), the 
majority leader.
  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. 
Bereuter) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for bringing 
this to the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, I would hope that there would not have been a day that 
we had to bring a resolution like this to the floor. I rise today in 
strong support of this resolution. Frankly, I am just so outraged at 
the inhumane treatment of American POWs by Saddam Hussein's brutal 
regime. I am really fighting to hold down a deep anger at these 
purveyors and practitioners of torture and terror who have been 
wickedly exhibiting their captives over the last few days.
  There is no doubt that war is brutal, and it is a terrible situation; 
but there are rules of engagement, and there should be some basic human 
decency. The actions of this regime, including abusing our POWs and 
using civilians as human shields, serves to remind the world what a 
vicious, ruthless dictator we are dealing with.
  One thing is certain: this is an immoral, immoral regime. These 
oppressors have made it clear that they have no regard for human life. 
But they should bear this in mind: our POWs are not faceless victims. 
They will return home, and those responsible will have to answer to a 
higher power, and they will answer to one on this Earth, as well.
  We have a Member of this House who was once a prisoner of war, my 
friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson). On February 13, 
1973, the gentleman from Texas boarded a plane at Hanoi's airport and 
returned home after spending 7 years as a prisoner of war at the hands 
of the North Vietnamese. He endured unspeakable torture, lived in 
primitive conditions, and suffered from malnutrition.
  The gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson) serves as an inspiration 
to every Member of this House and to the people of this country. These 
captured members of our Armed Forces will soon serve as an inspiration 
to all Americans. In the meantime, we pray for our unselfish heroes, 
and we eagerly await their return home. Today's effort will help 
Americans keep our POWs in our hearts and remember them in our prayers. 
Nothing is more fitting at this time than honoring those who are 
sacrificing their liberty in the defense of our freedom.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may 
consume to my good friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), the 
original author of this legislation and a distinguished member of our 
Committee on Armed Services.
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me 
on this very important issue.
  Let me first begin by thanking my colleague, the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Kingston), for allowing me to work with him to draft this 
resolution in support of our POWs.
  Also, I would like to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman 
Hunter) sitting here; the ranking member, the gentleman from Missouri 
(Mr. Skelton); the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde); and the 
ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for their 
work to bring this resolution to the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand today before the House not only as a Member of 
Congress but as a former member of the United States Armed Forces, and 
also as a proud citizen of this great country of ours.
  As we all know too well, our country is currently facing very 
difficult times. We have all heard the unfortunate news concerning the 
captured members of the 507th Maintenance Company by Iraqi military. 
Fort Bliss, home of the 507th Maintenance Company, is located in my 
district. This disturbing news truly hit home for me and for all my 
constituents in El Paso, Texas. Over the past few months, nearly 4,000 
of Fort Bliss's troops have been deployed to the Middle East. On 
February 17, 2003, the 507th Maintenance Company was also deployed.
  Mr. Speaker, I can personally vividly remember that windy day back in 
1967 when I was getting ready to deploy overseas. I remember then how 
proud I was wearing the uniform of our military, and how proud I was to 
be a soldier representing this great country. I also remember the 
concern that I had for my family.

                              {time}  1745

  I was leaving behind my mom and my dad, my nine brothers and sisters 
and my then girlfriend Carolina, who today has been my wife for 34 
years. I was being sent away to a country unknown to me, away from my 
family and my friends; and I can assure my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, war 
is the most difficult of experiences one can experience.
  Thirty-six years ago, I served my country proudly. I was fortunate 
enough to be one of those that returned. I will not even begin today to 
compare my experiences with those that are facing our courageous men 
and women being held captive in Iraq. I do strongly commend these 
troops for their unwavering bravery and pledge my support that they are 
returned safely.
  Mr. Speaker, among those troops are the 507th Maintenance Company. 
Being held captive is a constituent of mine from El Paso. She is an 
honorable patriot, and now she is an inspiration not only to the people 
of El Paso but to all of us all across this country. We stand behind 
her and her brothers and her sisters in arms.
  I would also like to recognize the courage of our other captive 
troops, including the Apache pilots from Fort Hood, Texas. My deepest 
and most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with their families, as 
well as with all families affected by this tragedy.
  I know the people of Fort Bliss and the city of El Paso will continue 
to keep our brothers and sisters in their prayers. I have the utmost 
confidence in our armed services so that they will very soon reunite 
the captive soldiers with their loved ones.
  Mr. Speaker, I decided this afternoon that in my remarks I would not 
mention any names of any of the troops that are currently held prisoner 
out of respect for their privacy and the privacy of their families, as 
well as deferring to the request from the Department of Defense. It was 
recently this afternoon brought to my attention that two more of our 
soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
  I am proud to be able to stand before this House and express my 
support for our troops. As a member of the House Committee on Armed 
Services, I have had the privilege and the honor of visiting our troops 
on many occasions, not only at Fort Bliss but around this country and 
around the Middle East. I am very proud and honored to be able to 
represent such brave and professional soldiers.
  Mr. Speaker, I am in strong support of this resolution before us 
today. I want to assure the American people and the families and the 
friends of our captive troops that the Congress of the United States 
stands behind our brave men and women, and we will do everything in our 
power to see that our prisoners are treated with dignity and humanity 
and that they are recovered as quickly and as safely as possible.

[[Page H2339]]

  I strongly encourage all my colleagues to vote for this resolution.
  I also in the strongest terms wish to condemn the Iraqi government 
and the media that has sought to degrade and humiliate our soldiers in 
violation of the Geneva Convention, as some of my colleagues have 
already previously mentioned.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by commending all the 
members of our armed services that are serving us so valiantly in 
Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as the troops that are supporting 
Operation Enduring Freedom for their patriotism, their bravery and 
their professionalism will never be forgotten.
  I also wish to express my appreciation to the British and Australian 
troops and other members of the coalition who are fighting alongside 
Americans in combat and to all the personnel from other allied 
countries who are providing support to our troops. I support our 
government's effort to prosecute this war swiftly and successfully with 
a minimum of military and civilian casualties. Our soldiers deserve our 
fullest support, and they can count on all of us for that, no matter 
how long it takes.
  Mr. Speaker, may God bless our troops and God bless America. I thank 
my good friend for yielding me the time.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may 
consume to the distinguished gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt) the 
majority whip.
  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I want to express my gratitude to the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and the gentleman from Nebraska 
(Mr. Bereuter) as well as the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes) and the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston) for bringing this resolution on 
the floor and doing it so quickly after the latest round of atrocities 
that we see from Saddam Hussein and his regime.
  Once again, he showed us just how evil his regime is by the treatment 
of American POWs in this war. What has happened to Iraqis for decades 
now we have seen happen to Americans, torture, murder, setting examples 
so that a tyrant can continue to subjugate his people.
  This regime has clearly violated the Geneva Convention. They have 
apparently murdered imprisoned American soldiers. They have exploited 
POWs and their families by broadcasting images of these captives on TV 
and in a broadcast where they also display the bodies of those who died 
at their hands.
  Saddam Hussein's actions in this war demonstrate, once again, just 
how depraved he is. He has ordered the murder of his own people. He has 
attacked his neighbors. He has used weapons of mass destruction. Every 
day that passes in this war unearths a new atrocity from this tyrant.
  Iraqi citizens were fired on today as they attempted to throw off 
their oppressors. News reports were that anti-aircraft weapons were 
turned on people in the streets to take one more step in a series of 
steps by Saddam Hussein to take freedom away from his people.
  Our young people continue to fight courageously for the liberation of 
Iraq. My thoughts and prayers, the thoughts and prayers of so many in 
our country go out to everyone involved, those who have given their 
lives and the families of those who have given their lives in this 
effort already, the families of those who are prisoners, the families 
of those who are injured. They should take pride in the commitment that 
these brave men and women who serve us so well have made, and made, as 
we have so often done, not selfishly on our part but selflessly 
reaching out to try to secure freedom for others.
  I applaud our troops. I join in this resolution that condemns the 
behavior of this regime as it violates the standards of civilized 
society once again.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), the distinguished ranking member 
of the Committee on Armed Services.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me.
  I first wish to compliment the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston) 
and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for this resolution and 
bringing it to the floor. So I rise in support of this resolution, 
which demands that the Iraqi authorities abide by the principles and 
obligations of the Geneva Convention relative to the treatment of 
prisoners of war.
  Our Nation is at war with Iraq. Service members on both sides of this 
conflict have been taken prisoners of war. Yet while the United States 
has held up its obligations under the Geneva Convention, recent news 
reports from the Middle East suggest that the Iraqi government and its 
leaders are not following the requirements of international law.
  Mr. Speaker, I recently saw the Al Jazeera tape that has been played 
regarding the American prisoners of war and those who were killed. 
Words cannot express my disgust.
  The United States has allowed representatives from the International 
Committee of the Red Cross free access to Iraqi prisoners, as required 
under the Geneva Convention. The Iraqi government so far as not 
provided any access to American prisoners of war by the Red Cross.
  The Geneva Convention also requires that prisoners of war not be 
exposed to fire in combat zone, not be used as human shields and not be 
held up to public ridicule. The United States has fully complied with 
all these obligations. It is unknown if the Iraqi government has used 
its American and British prisoners as human shields or exposed them to 
fire in the combat zone, but as those of my colleagues have seen the 
videotape that ran on Al Jazeera TV knows, the Iraqis have permitted 
American casualties to be filmed and have held up our prisoners to 
public interrogation and ridicule. This is simply unforgivable.
  American allies have lost several of their sons and daughters in 
uniform in this conflict. Our Nation mourns their loss, and the 
thoughts and prayers of all Americans are with their families and loved 
ones.
  Mr. Speaker, we must demand needed compliance with the Geneva 
Convention by the Iraqi authorities. Representatives from the 
International Committee of the Red Cross need to be provided immediate 
and unfettered access to our prisoners of war. And let there be no 
misunderstanding, Mr. Speaker. We will give no quarter to those who 
would blatantly violate the laws of war. They will be held accountable.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), the Chairman of 
the Committee on Armed Services.
  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Georgia 
(Mr. Kingston) for his great work in bringing this to the floor and the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and the gentleman from Texas 
(Mr. Reyes) and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) for 
accommodating and working this resolution and, of course, the gentleman 
from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), my partner on the Committee on Armed 
Services.
  Mr. Speaker, Iraqi officers today must consider one thing, the United 
States will win this conflict. Iraq may have the ability to delay that 
victory for a short period of time, but they cannot stop it.
  Secondly, after we win this war, and we will win it, all Iraqi 
officers will be held accountable for their actions with respect to 
POWs and the Geneva Conventions. So if prisoners of war are abused in 
any way, if bodies are displayed, if POWs are displayed or humiliated, 
or if you abuse women POWs in any way, as they have been abused in the 
past by Iraqi service personnel, you will be held accountable. That 
means that those Iraqi officers will be identified, the people who are 
in charge of that particular operation, and if you go to the far 
corners of the globe, you will be found by Americans. Just as we have 
found dozens of terrorists in very remote niches of the world, we will 
find you; and at that point you will be brought to justice.
  So the message for Iraqi military officers right now is a very clear 
one. If you want to protect your own future after this war is over, you 
had better protect POWs today.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez).
  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Kingston 
resolution. I want to recognize the brave men and women of our Armed 
Forces who are valiantly serving our country in the war in Iraq.

[[Page H2340]]

  Over the weekend, seven of our soldiers were taken prisoner by the 
Iraqi government. One of the POWs is within my district and lives in 
Elgin; and I want to take this opportunity to indicate to my colleagues 
that I wanted to express my support to his family, to his mother and 
the rest of his family.
  I know that his mother, my constituent, has indicated and had asked 
me to send a message to her son. The family has indicated that the 
whole community is supporting and praying for his safe return. She is 
asking him to be strong and to not lose faith in the Lord. The family 
has faith that you will return home safely.
  I hope and I expect that the POWs and our troops that are being held 
in Iraq will be treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve 
under international law. Iraq and the United States are both parties to 
the Geneva Convention, and they are required to treat POWs both in a 
humane way and to protect them against any violence, any intimidation 
and to avoid insults and public ridicule. The actions of the Iraqi 
government that we have seen so far of displaying our captured soldiers 
on television is unacceptable.
  I support our troops who are in Iraq, and I want them to know that 
the country is fully behind them, and we pray for their safe return. In 
these times of conflict is when I want the families of the soldiers to 
know that they have our prayers and assurance that we will do 
everything we can.

                              {time}  1800

  My sympathies go out to the families of our soldiers who have lost 
their lives, have been wounded, are prisoners of war, or are missing in 
action. I hope that this war ends soon and successfully and all our 
soldiers will return home safely.


                Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair must remind Members that remarks 
in debate should be addressed to the Chair and not to others in the 
second person.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones), a senior member of the 
Committee on Armed Services.
  Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from 
Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), 
and certainly the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes) and the gentleman 
from Georgia (Mr. Kingston) for offering this resolution.
  I represent Camp Lejeune Marine Base, Cherry Point Marine Air 
Station, New River Air Facility, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base; 
and I stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I am 
offended on behalf of our men and women in uniform by the way that the 
POWs have been treated. It is unacceptable. I want to take my limited 
time by making a point on a part of this resolution that joins the 
President in warning all Iraqi authorities that any individual who 
mistreats any prisoner of war in violation of the convention shall be 
considered a war criminal and shall be prosecuted as such to the full 
extent of United States and international law.
  Mr. Speaker, in 1995 the first bill that I had the opportunity to 
introduce was called the War Crimes Act of 1996. I worked with a former 
POW of the Vietnam War, Mike Cronin, a Navy pilot shot down, and he 
spent 6\1/2\ years at the Hanoi Hilton. I know the agony that our POWs 
are going through in the hands of the Iraqis, and I want the Iraqis to 
know that we are not going to allow mistreatments in violation of the 
Geneva Convention.
  I want to mention the bill that Mike Cronin helped me and other 
Members of the House and Senate pass. The War Crimes Act of 1996 and 
the Expanded War Crimes of 1997 carried out the obligation the United 
States incurred after it signed the 1949 Geneva Convention for the 
protection of victims of war. This legislation allows for prosecution 
of war criminals in the absence of a specific international tribunal or 
military judicial proceedings with penalties which could include fines, 
life imprisonment or death in circumstances where the act resulted in 
the death of the victim.
  Mr. Speaker, I mention that because I want people to know that this 
country is not going to allow our men and women in uniform to be 
mistreated.
  I close by asking God to please bless our men and women in uniform, 
please bless the families, and please, God, bless America.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that each side be 
given an additional 10 minutes so that Members who choose to speak on 
this important resolution may have the opportunity to do so.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise 
and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding me this time.
  I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston), the original 
sponsor of this resolution, for his vision and his willingness to 
ensure that we stand united on this question of our POWs, as well as 
the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), whose district is most pointedly 
impacted. I also thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) and 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), who has been a champion on 
the issue of human rights, along with the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. 
Bereuter), who has been on the forefront of the issue of human rights; 
and these are questions of human rights.
  I come to the floor today to show truly to the world that the 
Congress stands united in support of our troops and demand that they be 
treated humanely and with great cause of concern. I am reading from the 
provisions of the Geneva Convention, article 12; and it says prisoners 
of war are in the hands of the enemy power, but not of the individual 
enemy unit that captured them. Irrespective of the individual 
responsibilities that may exist, the detaining power is responsible for 
the treatment given to them. Article 13 says prisoners of war must at 
all times be humanely treated.
  I stand before this House not calling the names of those who are 
missing or the names of POWs except to say that a large number of them 
have come from the State of Texas and the 507th Maintenance Company in 
Fort Bliss, Texas. To all of the families, some of them who have lost 
loved ones now as the war is raging, and those who are missing and 
those who are POWs, we stand united to demand that the Geneva 
Convention be adhered to. This resolution is a loud sound that gives a 
clarion call to the Iraqi Government and to the Iraqi military that we 
will not tolerate the inhumane treatment of our brave young men and 
women. And it also states that the United States, as we capture the 
Iraqi military, also adhere to the Geneva Convention; and we have been 
told by our military leadership that that is the case.
  Mr. Speaker, as I stand here united, let it be clear there is no 
divide between us in our support of the United States troops. They are 
valiant young men and women. Their families are standing by. Our 
prayers are with them; but most of all our resolve for them to come 
home safely, that they be treated humanely and that the international 
law of the Geneva Convention be adhered to. We stand united, undivided, 
and we will prevail.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Gingrey).
  (Mr. GINGREY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
resolution offered by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston). It is 
incumbent on the Congress to send a warning to Saddam Hussein and his 
regime of their obligation to treat prisoners of war humanely and abide 
by the rules of the Geneva Convention.
  Mr. Speaker, the State of Georgia received sad news yesterday that 
one of our brave sons, Army Chief Warrant Officer Ronald Young, Jr., of 
Lithia Springs was captured and taken prisoner by enemy forces in Iraq. 
His capture and detainment by Iraqi forces troubles me greatly, and I 
know the entire House joins me in sending my strongest prayers and 
thoughts to his parents, Kaye and Ronald, Sr., as well as his wife, 
Stephanie, and their infant son. We pray for his safety and his quick 
return home.

[[Page H2341]]

  Mr. Speaker, our goal is the swift and safe repatriation of all 
prisoners of war at the earliest possible moment, but I want the 
warning to Saddam Hussein and his regime to be clear: Any individual 
who mistreats a prisoner of war in violation of the Geneva Convention 
will be considered a war criminal and prosecuted to the full extent of 
United States and international law.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this resolution today and to 
remember the young family in your hearts and prayers.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Oklahoma (Mr. Cole).
  (Mr. COLE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, this is the first occasion I have had to speak 
in the well of the House, and I do not expect to ever have an 
opportunity to speak on a more important issue on a more important 
occasion.
  I keep in my office a picture of my uncle who was liberated from an 
axis prison camp in August 1945 after spending over 3 years in enemy 
captivity. He is surrounded by another group of brave Americans, and I 
keep that picture to remind me of the sacrifices people paid so that we 
have an opportunity to come here and debate and argue and discuss the 
great issues of the day.
  I often asked my uncle when I was growing up if he ever thought that 
he would be left behind or forgotten. He told me never, that he knew no 
American would ever leave another American in captivity. I knew some 
day my fellows would come for me.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to assure those brave men and women in captivity 
tonight that their country has not forgotten them. We will come for 
them. We will make sure that they come home safe, sound and free.
  I also want to join the Members in this House in warning their 
captors that if they are not treated with respect and with the dignity 
that they not only deserve but that we extend to our enemies in this 
particular conflict, there will be a terrific price to pay in terms of 
being war criminals.
  Finally, I want to say how proud I am to be in this body at this 
moment, where we have differences occasionally on policy, even this 
policy; but we have absolutely no difference when it comes to our 
regard for the men and women in uniform that serve and protect us, and 
absolutely no difference in our determination to reach out to them to 
protect them and to see that they are dealt with fairly when they are 
in captivity and they come home safely.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) to pay special tribute to women soldiers.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I associate myself with the 
remarks of the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole) regarding Members' 
differing views on the policies of this war, but that we are united 
behind the idea and the efforts of our troops.
  I do want to acknowledge that one of the POWs from Texas is a woman 
who happens to be a single parent. I want to say on behalf of the women 
of the United States military, to thank this Congress for its support 
of women in the military, recognizing their talents and contributions, 
and not one of them has refused to serve their Nation.
  In particular, I think it is important to lift up the Geneva 
Convention so that none of our troops, whether or not one happens to be 
a woman, and may be violated, that none are subjected to inhumane 
treatment and that we stand united on this. There is no difference on 
how we will fight for our troops and how our troops' bravery will show 
themselves well on behalf of the American people. God bless them and 
God bless the United States of America.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Murphy.)
  (Mr. MURPHY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I am here to voice strong support for the 
resolution offered by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston). By 
passing this resolution, we in Congress will call upon the Iraqi regime 
to abide by the obligations of the Geneva Convention by treating 
prisoners of war with dignity and humanity. We are also making it very 
clear that any individual who mistreats a prisoner of war in violation 
of the Geneva Convention will be considered a war criminal themselves 
and prosecuted to the full extent of United States and international 
law.
  The Geneva Convention requires the humane treatment of prisoners of 
war and that prisoners of war be protected against acts of violence, 
intimidation, insults, and public curiosity. Furthermore, the Geneva 
Convention prohibits the infliction of physical or mental torture and 
other forms of coercion on prisoners of war to secure from them 
information of any kind whatsoever, and provides that prisoners of war 
who refuse to answer may not be threatened, insulted, or exposed to 
unpleasant or disadvantageous treatment of any kind.
  U.S. service personnel have confirmed several prisoners of war, and 
we have to make sure we protect them. I would like to mention as an 
aside that I ask the American media, television, radio, newspapers, to 
also avoid any exploitation of family and friends of captives. 
Information that may be released for the sake of trying to present a 
good story may be played before our prisoners to try to break their 
will or manipulate them. I ask Americans if they see such exposures and 
exploitations, they will speak out.
  The thoughts and prayers of all Americans are with the families and 
loved ones of those soldiers who are captured or missing in action. We 
owe a debt of gratitude to all servicemen and women who are sacrificing 
to defend our freedom.
  Let me leave this final message to the Iraqi military and their 
leadership. Soon, very soon, you will be surrounded. Soon, very soon, 
you will be defeated. Soon, very soon, you will be captives, and the 
fate you will face will be decided by how you treat our POWs.

                              {time}  1815

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce).
  (Mr. PEARCE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I do rise in support of the resolution 
concerning our POWs and appreciate the sponsors of that bill and the 
bipartisan support that is coming today.
  Mr. Speaker, the hometown of one of the POWs is in my district. Last 
Monday I had the opportunity to visit with his wife and discuss the 
situation as she understood it. I was pleased to note that she seemed 
comfortable and confident that the military had communicated well with 
her and was very aware of the potentials that she brought to the table 
by making public statements and was very careful to not draw too much 
attention to her husband.
  Mr. Speaker, I remember a generation ago, 30 years ago, in a 
different war, in the Vietnam War where an entire segment of the 
population spoke out in favor of the opposition. One actress even went 
to Hanoi with prisoners of war there. I would remind the public that 
there is still pain and an entire Vietnam generation. I speak for that 
generation urging those who are opposed to the war to please stay here 
and not take the side of the opponents in this very difficult 
situation.
  I ask the prayers of our country for the young men and young women 
who are serving in that theater but especially for those who are POWs. 
And for Specialist Joseph Hudson from Alamogordo, New Mexico, I send my 
special prayers to you and request the prayers of the country for your 
family and for you.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 118. I am proud 
to be an original cosponsor of this concurrent resolution and I thank 
Mr. Kingston for introducing this important resolution.
  First, I would like to commend all of the U.S. troops participating 
in Operation Iraqi Freedom. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers 
and especially those who have been captured by the Iraqi regime.
  One of the soldiers captured by Iraqi forces is Army Specialist 
Joseph N. Hudson of the 507th Maintenance Company stationed at Fort 
Bliss, Texas. Specialist Hudson is a resident of Alamogordo, New 
Mexico. Hudson is 23 years old. A 1998 graduate of Alamogordo High 
School, Hudson is described by his principal as a ``good kid.'' ``He 
took care of business. He went through the system and took

[[Page H2342]]

care of what he needed to,'' the Principal said. Hudson has a wife and 
daughter--and a very concerned family.
  Specialist Hudson, along with the other soldiers currently held by 
the Iraqi regime, represent the best of our country. These are 
courageous, young soldiers who were captured during an ambush while 
fighting to bring freedom to a people who have not known it for a very 
long time.
  It is important that we speak on this issue on a bipartisan basis. 
This House must condemn the actions taken by the Iraqi regime and hold 
them accountable for their actions.
  We must let Saddam Hussein and his regime know that we expect them to 
treat our soldiers in accordance with the Geneva Convention or else 
they will be dealt with accordingly.
  It is time.
  I pray for the prompt and safe return home of Specialist Hudson and 
the other American soldiers held captive by the Iraqi regime.
  I ask all of my colleagues to support this concurrent resolution.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
distinguished gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite).
  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
support of H. Con. Res. 118, sponsored by the gentleman from Georgia 
(Mr. Kingston), urging the Iraqi government and military to treat our 
troops humanely and our POWs also in accordance with the Geneva 
Conventions.
  Our prisoners of war should be protected by the standards the Geneva 
Conventions outline, which prohibit persons engaged in warfare from 
humiliating, televising or harming prisoners of war.
  Mr. Speaker, we probably all remember the news stories about our POWs 
from the conflict in Afghanistan at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. The POWs 
there were made to kneel; and people around the world erupted in 
protest, claiming that we were being unfair to them.
  This is nothing compared to what our prisoners of war in Iraq are 
having to endure. The Iraqi soldiers have not followed the traditional 
rules of warfare. They have dressed their troops in civilian clothes 
and hidden them in crowded public places and placed troops in hospitals 
and schools and fired upon our troops who cannot fire back, and they 
have instructed their troops to ambush Americans while attempting to 
surrender.
  Mr. Speaker, just today I had the unfortunate experience of calling a 
family in my district whose son was killed in the line of duty in Iraq. 
Lance Corporal Brian Rory Buesing, who was only 20 years old, was 
ambushed by Iraqi troops who were pretending to surrender. These kinds 
of unfair, inhumane, indecent actions are happening, unfortunately, all 
the time in this conflict. I urge the Iraqi government to treat our 
prisoners of war with the respect we treat theirs. We urge other 
nations in the world to be as outraged at their practices as I am and I 
am sure all my colleagues are, and I urge them to also support this 
resolution.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), chairman of the 
Committee on Rules.
  (Mr. DREIER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding time. I want 
to begin by congratulating the authors of this resolution, the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston), the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
Reyes) and, of course, my good friend, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. 
Bereuter), and my dear friend and neighbor, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos), who has spoken so eloquently on this issue of 
the war. I want to especially congratulate him because of his life 
experiences which he brings to this entire question and challenge.
  During the 1980s, Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to serve on the 
POW/MIA Task Force. I first was privileged to join this great body in 
1981. I came, in fact, with my friend from California (Mr. Lantos).
  Shortly after arriving I met with a woman. Mrs. Masterson was her 
name. Her daughter looked at me and said, ``Congressman, please tell me 
that my father is dead.'' It was one of the most incredible things said 
to me because this young woman lived daily with the uncertainty as to 
whether her father had survived or not. He was missing in action, and 
still is, in Vietnam.
  That is why this resolution is so important and the message which has 
come forth as I have listened to the eloquent words of our new 
colleague, the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), who talked about his 
uncle, as I have listened to so many people talk about this, this 
challenge we face will, I believe, lead every American to redouble our 
efforts to ensure that we bring about justice. This is a war of good 
versus evil. We are on the side of good, and the courageous men and 
women who have sacrificed and stepped up to the plate are in fact on 
the side of good. That is why our effort to underscore the importance 
of the safe return of those prisoners of war and any missing in action 
is of the highest priority for all of us. I congratulate my friends and 
look forward to their safe return.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Before yielding back my time, I would like to make one observation. 
We have paid tributes to our military who have been captured. We have 
expressed our determination that they be treated with dignity and 
within the confines of the Geneva Convention, and we have expressed our 
commitment that those who do not will be punished however long it takes 
us to find them and to bring them to justice.
  There is only one item that has not yet been mentioned in this 
debate. The Arab television network Al Jazeera has become part and 
parcel of Saddam Hussein's propaganda machine. I call on the government 
of Qatar and others who are capable of doing so of rectifying the 
outrageous policies of this television network which is being used to 
humiliate and intimidate our military. It is unacceptable that an 
international television network be used as part of Saddam Hussein's 
propaganda machine, and we expect action to be taken on that issue.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all of our colleagues for 
their insightful and heartfelt comments. I am pleased to yield the 
balance of my time to the distinguished gentleman from Georgia (Mr. 
Kingston), the author of the resolution, a member of the Committee on 
Appropriations.
  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time. I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), the 
cosponsor of this, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the gentleman from Missouri 
(Mr. Skelton) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) for all 
the work that their committees did in bringing this to the floor today.
  I am wearing, Mr. Speaker, a patch of the Third Infantry Division. 
This particular emblem, and we all get many lapel buttons in Congress, 
but it means probably more to me than any that I have ever received. It 
was given to me by retired Lieutenant Colonel Robin Webber, whose 
husband is General-promotable Joe Webber. He is over in the theater 
right now from the Third Infantry Division.
  In communities like Fort Stewart, Georgia, which I have the honor of 
representing where the Third Infantry is headquartered, and Fort Bliss, 
Texas, and other military communities around the country, we see these 
young soldiers and some of the older soldiers and all the soldiers and 
the support personnel as friends and neighbors. When we have an 
international conflict, we look at it both on a personal level and, of 
course, on an international level.
  I was there at the dockside when the Mendonza ship was loading up the 
equipment from Fort Stewart, 500,000 square feet worth of tanks and 
personnel movers and helicopters.
  I was there at the DAG at Hunter Air Base when we were shaking hands 
with the soldiers and standing by the USO as they put the deodorant and 
the Bibles and sometimes the pocketbooks and other items in bags for 
them, shaking hands with these soldiers as they went off to mission.
  I was at the luncheon meeting with the military wives' organization 
when Ms. Webber gave this patch to me. They were talking about their 
own personal struggles and how this conflict affects their lives. Yet 
to a person and to an experience, everybody who was

[[Page H2343]]

involved in this great human chain of activity was very proud of the 
work of the Third Infantry Division; and indeed now, as they sit on the 
banks of the Euphrates River, our hearts and thoughts remain with them 
more than ever.
  The men and women who make up the Third Infantry Division, of course, 
come from all over the country. They come from Mission, Texas; 
Alamogordo, New Mexico; Park City, Kansas; Pennsauken, New Jersey; 
Lithia Springs, Georgia; Orlando, Florida; and all over. In that way 
they are so much members of the American fabric that we all are with 
them, even the people who did not see the horrible film which Members 
of Congress saw today, which Members of Congress saw some of our 
bravest and finest young men dead in apparent execution. We saw other 
soldiers, men and one woman, who were detained as prisoners of war.
  It is with this outrage that we all come together on a bipartisan 
basis and support H. Con. Res. 118. We believe it is very important to 
send a signal not just to the soldiers and the members of the Iraqi 
military but the international community that we believe in the Geneva 
Convention and we expect any nation that we are at war with to abide by 
the Geneva Convention.
  The four Geneva Conventions, Mr. Speaker, were agreed upon in August, 
1949, and they were signed by 164 different nations, including Iraq. 
The International Committee of the Red Cross oversees the 
implementation of the conventions. The conventions include the 
following:
  Article 13 states that prisoners of war must at all times be treated 
humanely, they must be protected against acts of violence or 
intimidation and against insults and public curiosity.
  Article 14 states that prisoners of war are entitled in all 
circumstances to respect for their persons and their honor.
  Article 17 states, in part, every prisoner of war, when questioned on 
the subject, is bound to give only his surname, first name and rank, 
date of birth, and army, regimental or personnel serial number or 
equivalent information. No physical or mental torture, nor any other 
form of coercion, may be inflicted on prisoners of war to secure from 
them information of any kind whatsoever.
  Article 19 states that POWs shall be evacuated as soon as possible 
after their capture to camps situated in an area far enough from the 
combat zone for them to be out of danger.
  And article 23 says no POW may be sent to, or detailed in, areas 
where he may be exposed to the fire of the combat zone.
  These articles, Mr. Speaker, seem to be totally ignored. We have 
soldiers over there now that are captured, seven that we know of, that 
we have confirmed. Yet we have 4,000 Iraqi soldiers, and we are abiding 
by the Geneva Convention. How easy it would be to manage for the care 
of seven prisoners compared to 4,000. Yet the United States, just like 
Iraq in 1949, signed these conventions; and we intend to stick by them.
  By passing this resolution today, which we will, I hope, on a 
bipartisan and unanimous basis, we are sending a strong signal, three 
of them, Mr. Speaker, one to the troops, to say that you are foremost 
on our minds, so are your families and so are the other soldiers who 
are fighting to regain your freedom. Number two, we are sending a 
signal to the government and the military of Iraq that if you do ignore 
the Geneva Convention, then we intend to give you a criminal trial as a 
war criminal when this conflict is over with or as soon as possible.

                              {time}  1830

  And, number three, we are sending a signal to the international 
community because we know there are many who have opposed this action. 
We know there are many nations who do not like the United States of 
America, and yet since there are 164 nations that have signed the 
Geneva Conventions, we hope that all 162 others, excluding the United 
States and Iraq, would join us and say this is an outrage, we insist 
that Iraq abide by the Geneva Conventions. And this is an opportunity 
for France, for Russia, for China, for Germany, or any other critics 
that we have in this action to come together, as have Members of 
Congress, to say this is not right, we want these conventions followed.
  So with that, Mr. Speaker, I yield the floor and close with the 
remarks of so many other colleagues. God bless these prisoners, God 
bless our troops, and God bless America.
  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, we have brave men and women in harms way in 
Iraq. They are risking their lives for the cause of freedom and 
security for our Nation. We have lost soldiers in this war, and now we 
know that Iraq has taken prisoners.
  Two of those brave soldiers that have been taken prisoner are from 
Fort Hood, in my district--Apache pilots from the 1st Battalion, 227th 
Aviation Regiment. These men and their families are in my prayers. I 
know they have a very difficult road in front of them.
  We stand here on the floor of this House to speak for these two 
pilots, and for all the men and women who may be prisoners of war 
during this conflict. Iraq, as a signatory of the Geneva Convention, 
has an obligation to treat American prisoners humanely.
  We have already received indications that Iraq is not adhering 
strictly to the Convention. This is outrageous and must change 
immediately.
  If I could speak to the prisoners and their families for a moment . . 
. the whole country is behind you right now. We're thinking of you and 
praying you will be reunited soon. Your sacrifices for your country 
will not be forgotten.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud American to 
commend the brave men and women of our armed services who are carrying 
out the mission to provide hope and freedom to the Iraqi people held 
captive by Saddam Hussein and his regime.
  I also join my colleagues in praying for the continued safety of the 
Prisoners of War from the United States: five members of the 507th 
Maintenance Company, taken from their convoy during the confusion of 
war, and the two pilots of an Apache helicopter shot down while on a 
mission. Sadly, the fates of several others are still unknown.
  I am disgusted by the Iraqi regime's blatant disregard of the Geneva 
Conventions implemented after World War II to protect soldiers on 
either side of any conflict. The regime of Saddam Hussein, which rules 
over a signatory nation of the treaty, is responsible for the safety of 
our soldiers. If they ignore this serious responsibility, they will 
bear the consequences when they are prosecuted as Prisoners of War 
after this conflict. The United States will not allow Iraq's failure to 
abide by international law go unpunished.
  Finally, I wish to add my voice to those commending all our men and 
women in uniform, praising them for their efforts and praying for their 
swift and safe return to us.
  Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, two days ago, horrifying video broadcast by 
the Arab satellite station Al Jazeera filtered back to us here showing 
tortured and murdered American troops.
  I want Saddam to know that here in America we are angry, and we want 
justice.
  The brutal treatment of our unarmed troops has produced in America a 
wave of defiance; Absolute disgust of Saddam; Magnified the 
determination of our American military; and Hardened our commitment to 
remove this barbaric regime.
  This treatment provides a sharp reminder of the past cruelty American 
prisoners of war suffered during the Second World War, Korea and 
Vietnam.
  As a nation, we endured these hardships then--we will endure them 
now. However, we will endure this pain only until we have Saddam and 
the generals who ordered these killings--then we will seek the justice 
our murdered servicemen deserve.
  Deliberately killing our men will not weaken our resolve or change 
our goal to free Iraq. The regime of Saddam Hussein will be removed--
the outcome of the conflict is determined and settled. We will win, we 
will bring our troops back home and we will punish the Iraqi murderers.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution demanding 
Iraq abide by the Geneva Conventions in the treatment of prisoners of 
war. While war is hideous and deadly, civilized nations of the world 
over 50 years ago came together to make the situation of POWS less 
awkward and more humane.
  Iraq is a signatory to the conventions. The Geneva convention 
Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War requires the humane 
treatment of prisoners of war, and that POWS be protected against acts 
of violence or intimidation, insults, and public curiosity. The 
convention also explicitly prohibits the infliction of physical or 
mental torture; provides that POWs may not be exposed to fire in a war 
zone; and requires that a government holding such prisoners grant 
representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross free 
access to all POWs.
  Congress demands that Iraqi authorities abide by the principles and 
the obligations of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of 
Prisoners of War, and we condemn

[[Page H2344]]

the failure of Iraqi authorities to treat prisoners of war in strict 
conformity with the conventions. Congress also demands that Iraqi 
authorities permit the International Committee of the Red Cross to 
visit all U.S. prisoners of war and any other prisoner of war at the 
earliest possible time, in accordance with the requirements of the 
conventions.
  The U.S. government has informed the Iraqi authorities that we will 
treat all captured Iraqi prisoners in accordance with the Geneva 
Convention. We are a peace-loving nation roused to war, but we are not 
inhumane; we will treat the prisoners of Iraq with respect and decency. 
We demand no less from the other signatories of the convention.
  This resolution warns all Iraqi authorities that anyone mistreating 
any POW is in violation of the conventions and will be a war criminal 
this country will chase down and prosecute to the full extent of U.S. 
and international law.
  I join my colleagues in commending the bravery and professionalism of 
the members of the U.S. armed forces and its coalition partners. My 
heart is heavy for the families and loved one of those who are killed, 
wounded, missing in action, or taken prisoner by Iraqi authorities.
  Know that we do not leave our men and women on the battlefield, we 
will fight to find them and bring them all home.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on April 16, 1966, during my 
second tour of Vietnam I was shot down. I spent nearly 7 years as a 
prisoner of war--more than half of that time in solitary confinement.
  During my 25th mission I weighed about 200 pounds. During my 
captivity in Vietnam, I got down to 120 pounds. My captors beat me, 
tortured me, starved me, and interrogated me.
  When I ejected out of the plane, I broke my back and right arm. It 
was these injuries my captors would use to push me to the brink. One 
time they put me in front of a firing squad and said, `we're going to 
kill you.' They readied their AK-47s. Now I started praying harder than 
I ever prayed in my life. In a few seconds, the guns went click, click, 
click, click, click. I laughed at them--big mistake. It is only because 
of the grace of God I survived.
  When I heard about American P.O.W.s in Iraq, my heart skipped a beat. 
And when I saw pictures of them--I was furious!! That is a flagrant 
violation of the Geneva Convention. That's just wrong.
  It is my hope that this Congress and the international community will 
send a strong signal to the Iraqis that if they do not uphold the 
Geneva Conventions and treat our troops humanely . . . the Iraqis will 
be sought  . . . they will be caught  . . . and they will be punished 
as war criminals.
  I just hope that those Iraqis see the writing on the walls that 
they're working for a falling regime and that if they don't adhere to 
these international laws they will be punished.
  Now my heart goes out to the family and friends of our troops and 
especially our P.O.W.s. You're in our thoughts and prayers. And to our 
soldiers--all I can tell you is that what you're doing is the greatest 
job in the world and America will be there for you!
  To the P.O.W.s--we will find you and we will come and get you! And 
when we do--trust me--it will be the most incredible day of your life. 
God bless you and God bless America.
  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of both the 
important resolutions we are considering today. These resolutions are 
two ways that we in Congress can express our appreciation for our 
troops in Iraq, share our condolences with the families of those who 
have been lost and increase support around the country for our men and 
women in uniform who are serving their country with bravery and much 
success.
  H. Res. 153 calls for observance of a day of prayer and fasting in 
our country. People in our country and our leaders have a long history 
of turning in God in times of need, especially war situations. We need 
to again take time, regardless of our religious traditions, to ask for 
guidance and strength for our military leaders and the future of our 
Nation. We have been threatened by terrorism, and we are acting now to 
prevent future threats. We pray for the knowledge to make the right 
decisions and the ability to help advance peace and safety around the 
world.
  I also strongly support the Concurrent Resolution regarding the 
treatment of our prisoners of war. We know how poorly Saddam Hussein 
has treated his own citizens over the years, so there is reason to be 
concerned for the safety of our POW's. I join the Congress in sending a 
clear message to the Iraqis who are holding our prisoners: treat them 
with respect and dignity, in the same manner we are treating your 
prisoners. Any one who violates the law and mistreats our POWs will be 
prosecuted to the fullest extent.
  As we witness our U.S. and coalition troops serving with bravery and 
resolve in their mission to disarm Iraq, I have great confidence in 
their ability to get the job done. They are focused on the mission at 
hand. They have the advantage of precision weapons, and we have seen 
their ability to select and hit targets. Their commanders have planned 
and executed an aggressive strategy in the air and on the ground.
  Here at home, we need a showing of support for our troops and their 
families. Many in Kentucky have loved ones serving our Nation in Iraq, 
especially with the deployments from Fort Knox and Fort Campbell. As 
our men and women in uniform fight in order to improve security in the 
world, their anxious and proud family members keep faith and await 
their safe return. This military effort to provide for future security 
has not come without loss of life. We pray for those who have been 
lost, for their families and for our troops' safety.
  We will be successful in disarming Saddam Hussein of his weapons of 
mass destruction, no matter how long it takes. We will eliminate the 
threat he poses to our country and to our allies. The Iraqi people are 
more than ready for liberation from Saddam.
  A liberated Iraq with a leader who no longer threatens peace and 
security is a goal all nations can agree on. The United States is 
providing the military means to that goal, and our country and the 
Congress have the highest support and appreciation for our troops.
  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bass). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 
118, as amended.
  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. BEREUTER. 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 until tomorrow.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on House 
Resolution 153 also will resume tomorrow.

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