[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H8905-H8909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[[Page H8905]]
BELARUS DEMOCRACY REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2006
Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 5948) to reauthorize the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004, as
amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 5948
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Belarus Democracy
Reauthorization Act of 2006''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Section 2 of the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 (22 U.S.C.
5811 note) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
``Congress makes the following findings:
``(1) The Government of the Republic of Belarus has engaged
in a pattern of clear and uncorrected violations of human
rights and fundamental freedoms.
``(2) The Government of Belarus has engaged in a pattern of
clear and uncorrected violations of basic principles of
democratic governance, including through a series of
fundamentally flawed presidential and parliamentary elections
undermining the legitimacy of executive and legislative
authority in that country.
``(3) The most recent presidential elections in Belarus
held on March 19, 2006, failed to meet the commitments of the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
for democratic elections and the arbitrary use of state power
and widespread detentions show a disregard for the basic
rights of freedom of assembly, association, and expression,
and raise doubts regarding the willingness of authorities in
Belarus to tolerate political competition.
``(4) The regime of Aleksandr Lukashenka has maintained
power in Belarus by orchestrating an illegal and
unconstitutional referendum that enabled him to impose a new
constitution, abolish the duly-elected parliament, the 13th
Supreme Soviet, install a largely powerless National
Assembly, extend his term of office, and remove applicable
term limits.
``(5) The Government of Belarus has failed to make a
credible effort to solve the cases of disappeared opposition
figures Yuri Zakharenka, Viktor Gonchar, and Anatoly
Krasovsky in 1999 and journalist Dmitry Zavadsky in 2000,
even though credible allegations and evidence exist linking
top officials of the Lukashenka regime with these
disappearances.
``(6) Political opposition figures Aleksandr Kozulin,
Tsimafei Dranchuk, Mikalay Astreyka, Artur Finkevich, Mikalay
Razumau, Katsyaryna Sadouskaya, Zmitser Dashkevich, Mikhail
Marynich, Mikalay Statkevych, Pavel Sevyarinets, Andrei
Klimau, Valery Levaneusky, and Siarhei Skrebets have been
imprisoned or served `corrective labor' sentences because of
their political activity.
``(7) Hundreds of pro-democratic political activists have
been subjected to frequent harassment and jailings,
especially during, and in the aftermath of the fatally flawed
March 19, 2006, presidential elections in Belarus.
``(8) The Government of Belarus has attempted to maintain a
monopoly over the country's information space, targeting
independent media for systematic reprisals and elimination,
while suppressing the right to freedom of speech and
expression of those dissenting from the regime.
``(9) The Belarusian authorities have perpetuated a climate
of fear in Belarus by mounting a systematic crackdown on
civil society through the harassment, repression, and closure
of nongovernmental organizations and independent trade
unions.
``(10) The Lukashenka regime has increasingly subjected
leaders and members of minority and unregistered religious
communities to harassment, including the imposition of heavy
fines, denying permission to meet for religious services,
prosecutions, and jail terms for activities in the practice
of their faith.
``(11) The Belarusian authorities have further attempted to
silence dissent through retribution against human rights and
pro-democracy activists through threats, firings, expulsions,
beatings and other forms of intimidation.''.
SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF POLICY.
The Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 (22 U.S.C. 5811 note) is
amended--
(1) by striking section 8;
(2) by redesignating sections 3 through 7 as sections 4
through 8, respectively; and
(3) by inserting after section 2 the following new section:
``SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF POLICY.
``It is the policy of the United States--
``(1) to call upon the immediate release without
preconditions of all political prisoners in Belarus;
``(2) to support the aspirations of the people of the
Republic of Belarus for democracy, human rights, and the rule
of law;
``(3) to support the aspirations of the people of the
Republic of Belarus to preserve the independence and
sovereignty of their country;
``(4) to seek and support the growth of democratic
movements and institutions in Belarus, with the ultimate goal
of ending tyranny in that country;
``(5) to refuse to accept the results of the fatally flawed
March 19, 2006, presidential elections held in Belarus and
support the call for new presidential elections;
``(6) to refuse to recognize any possible referendum, or
the results of any referendum, that would affect the
sovereignty of Belarus; and
``(7) to work closely with other countries and
international organizations, including the European Union, to
promote the conditions necessary for the integration of
Belarus into the European community of democracies.''.
SEC. 4. ASSISTANCE TO PROMOTE DEMOCRACY AND CIVIL SOCIETY IN
BELARUS.
(a) Purposes of Assistance.--Section 4(a) of the Belarus
Democracy Act of 2004 (22 U.S.C. 5811 note) (as redesignated)
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``regaining their freedom
and to enable them'' and inserting ``their pursuit of
freedom, democracy, and human rights and in their
aspiration'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``free and fair'' and inserting ``free,
fair, and transparent''; and
(B) by adding at the end before the period the following:
``and independent domestic observers''; and
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``restoring and
strengthening institutions of democratic governance'' and
inserting ``the development of a democratic political culture
and civil society''.
(b) Activities Supported.--Section 4(c) of the Belarus
Democracy Act of 2004 (22 U.S.C. 5811 note) (as redesignated)
is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs
(7) and (8), respectively;
(2) by striking paragraphs (1) through (5) and inserting
the following new paragraphs:
``(1) expanding independent radio and television
broadcasting to and within Belarus;
``(2) facilitating the development of independent
broadcast, print, and Internet media working within Belarus
and from locations outside the country and supported by
nonstate-controlled printing facilities;
``(3) aiding the development of civil society through
assistance to nongovernmental organizations promoting
democracy and supporting human rights, including youth
groups, entrepreneurs, and independent trade unions;
``(4) supporting the work of human rights defenders;
``(5) enhancing the development of democratic political
parties;
``(6) assisting the promotion of free, fair, and
transparent electoral processes;''; and
(3) in paragraph (7) (as redesignated), by inserting
``enhancing'' before ``international exchanges''.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) Amendment.--Section 4(d)(1) of the Belarus Democracy
Act of 2004 (22 U.S.C. 5811 note) (as redesignated) is
amended by striking ``2005 and 2006'' and inserting ``2007
and 2008''.
(2) Rule of construction.--The amendment made by paragraph
(1) shall not be construed to affect the availability of
funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of
appropriations under section 4(d) of the Belarus Democracy
Act of 2004 (as redesignated) before the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTING TO BELARUS.
(a) Purpose.--Section 5(a) of the Belarus Democracy Act of
2004 (22 U.S.C. 5811 note) (as redesignated) is amended by
striking ``RADIO BROADCASTING'' and inserting ``RADIO AND
TELEVISION BROADCASTING''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 5(b) of the
Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 (22 U.S.C. 5811 note) (as
redesignated) is amended by striking ``radio broadcasting''
and inserting ``radio and television broadcasting''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 5 of the Belarus
Democracy Act of 2004 (22 U.S.C. 5811 note) (as redesignated)
is amended in the heading by striking ``radio broadcasting''
and inserting ``radio and television broadcasting''.
SEC. 6. SANCTIONS AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT OF BELARUS.
Section 6 of the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 (22 U.S.C.
5811 note) (as redesignated) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 6. SANCTIONS AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT OF BELARUS.
``(a) Application of Sanctions.--The sanctions described in
subsections (c) through (f) should apply with respect to the
Republic of Belarus until the President determines and
certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that
the Government of Belarus has made significant progress in
meeting the conditions described in subsection (b).
``(b) Conditions.--The conditions referred to in subsection
(a) are the following:
``(1) The release of individuals in Belarus who have been
jailed based on political or religious beliefs.
``(2) The withdrawal of politically motivated legal charges
against all opposition activists and independent journalists
in Belarus.
``(3) A full accounting of the disappearances of opposition
leaders and journalists in Belarus, including Victor Gonchar,
Anatoly Krasovsky, Yuri Zakharenka, and Dmitry Zavadsky, and
the prosecution of those individuals who are in any way
responsible for their disappearances.
``(4) The cessation of all forms of harassment and
repression against the independent
[[Page H8906]]
media, independent trade unions, nongovernmental
organizations, youth groups, religious organizations
(including their leadership and members), and the political
opposition in Belarus.
``(5) The prosecution of senior leadership of the
Government of Belarus responsible for the administration of
fraudulent elections.
``(6) A full accounting of the embezzlement of state assets
by senior leadership of the Government of Belarus, their
family members, and other associates.
``(7) The holding of free, fair and transparent
presidential and parliamentary elections in Belarus
consistent with OSCE standards and under the supervision of
internationally recognized observers and independent domestic
observers.
``(c) Denial of Entry Into the United States of Senior
Leadership of the Government of Belarus.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, the President may exercise the
authority under section 212(f) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)) to deny the entry into the
United States of any alien who--
``(1) holds a position in the senior leadership of the
Government of Belarus;
``(2) is an immediate family member of a person
inadmissible under subparagraph (A); or
``(3) through his or her business dealings with senior
leadership of the Government of Belarus derives significant
financial benefit from policies or actions, including
electoral fraud, human rights abuses, or corruption, that
undermine or injure democratic institutions or impede the
transition to democracy in Belarus.
``(d) Prohibition on Loans and Investment.--
``(1) United states government financing.--It is the sense
of Congress that no loan, credit guarantee, insurance,
financing, or other similar financial assistance should be
extended by any agency of the Government of the United States
(including the Export-Import Bank of the United States and
the Overseas Private Investment Corporation) to the
Government of Belarus, except with respect to the provision
of humanitarian goods and agricultural or medical products.
``(2) Trade and development agency.--It is the sense of
Congress that no funds available to the Trade and Development
Agency should be available for activities of the Agency in or
for Belarus.
``(e) Multilateral Financial Assistance.--The Secretary of
the Treasury should instruct the United States Executive
Director of each international financial institution to which
the United States is a member to use the voice and vote of
the United States to oppose any extension by those
institutions of any financial assistance (including any
technical assistance or grant) of any kind to the Government
of Belarus, except for loans and assistance that serve
humanitarian needs.
``(f) Blocking of Assets and Other Prohibited Activities.--
``(1) Blocking of assets.--It is the sense of Congress that
the President should block all property and interests in
property, including all commercial, industrial, or public
utility undertakings or entities, that, on or after the date
of the enactment of the Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act
of 2006--
``(A) are owned, in whole or in part, by the Government of
Belarus, or by any member or family member closely linked to
any member of the senior leadership of the Government of
Belarus, or any person who through his or her business
dealings with senior leadership of the Government of Belarus
derives significant financial benefit from policies or
actions, including electoral fraud, human rights abuses, or
corruption, that undermine or injure democratic institutions
or impede the transition to democracy in Belarus; and
``(B) are in the United States, or in the possession or
control of the Government of the United States or of any
United States financial institution, including any branch or
office of such financial institution that is located outside
the United States.
``(2) Prohibited activities.--Activities prohibited by
reason of the blocking of property and interests in property
under paragraph (1) should include--
``(A) payments or transfers of any property, or any
transactions involving the transfer of anything of economic
value by any United States person, to the Government of
Belarus, to any person or entity acting for or on behalf of,
or owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that
government, or to any member of the senior leadership of the
Government of Belarus;
``(B) the export or reexport to any entity owned,
controlled, or operated by the Government of Belarus,
directly or indirectly, of any goods, technology, or
services, either--
``(i) by a United States person; or
``(ii) involving the use of any air carrier (as defined in
section 40102 of title 49, United States Code) or a vessel
documented under the laws of the United States; and
``(C) the performance by any United States person of any
contract, including a contract providing a loan or other
financing, in support of an industrial, commercial, or public
utility operated, controlled, or owned by the Government of
Belarus.
``(3) Payment of expenses.--All expenses incident to the
blocking and maintenance of property blocked under paragraph
(1) should be charged to the owners or operators of such
property. Such expenses may not be paid from blocked funds.
``(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection
shall be construed to prohibit any contract or other
financial transaction with any private or nongovernmental
organization or business in Belarus.
``(5) Exceptions.--Paragraphs (1) and (2) do not apply to--
``(A) assistance authorized under section 4 or 5 of this
Act; or
``(B) medicine, medical equipment or supplies, food, as
well as any other form of humanitarian assistance provided to
Belarus as relief in response to a humanitarian crisis.
``(6) Penalties.--Any person who violates any prohibition
or restriction imposed under this subsection should be
subject to the penalties under section 6 of the International
Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) to the same
extent as for a violation under that Act.
``(7) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Air carrier.--The term `air carrier' has the meaning
given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United States
Code.
``(B) United states person.--The term `United States
person' means--
``(i) any United States citizen or alien admitted for
permanent residence to the United States;
``(ii) any entity organized under the laws of the United
States; and
``(iii) any person in the United States.''.
SEC. 7. MULTILATERAL COOPERATION.
Section 7 of the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 (22 U.S.C.
5811 note) (as redesignated) is amended--
(1) by striking ``to coordinate with'' and inserting ``the
support of''; and
(2) by striking ``a comprehensive'' and inserting ``for a
comprehensive''.
SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.
Section 9(3) of the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 (22
U.S.C. 5811 note) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``governors, heads of
state enterprises,'' after ``Chairmen of State Committees,'';
and
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) by striking ``who is'' and inserting the following:
``who--
``(i) is'';
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end and inserting ``or'';
and
(C) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(ii) is otherwise engaged in public corruption in
Belarus; and''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Gallegly) and the gentleman from California (Mr.
Lantos) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include
extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5948, the Belarus Democracy Act of 2006, was
introduced by my good friend, Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey.
I would like to commend Mr. Smith for his hard work on this issue and
also for the work on supporting and promoting human rights throughout
the entire world.
This important legislation reauthorizes the original Belarus
Democracy Act, which was signed into law by President Bush in October
of 2004. Given the anti-democratic track record of the Lukashenka
regime in the past 2 years, it is entirely appropriate for Congress to
reauthorize this statute.
Mr. Speaker, Belarus is often described as the last dictatorship in
Europe, and the situation has only gone from bad to worse. In the past
three or four years, President Alexander Lukashenka has increased
repression against NGOs, media outlets, and any opponents of the
government, including youth groups.
In addition, presidential elections held in March of this year were
widely viewed as neither free nor fair.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5948 promotes democracy or democratic development,
human rights and the rule of law in Belarus. It also promotes that
countries enter into a democratic Euro-Atlantic community of nations.
The bill authorizes funds for fiscal years 2007 and 2008 for
democracy-building activities such as support for nongovernmental
organizations, development of democratic political parties and
independent media. It also authorizes funds for radio and television
broadcasting in Belarus.
Finally, H.R. 5948 puts Congress on record in support of sanctions
against the Lukashenka regime until the Government of Belarus has made
significant progress in meeting several human rights conditions.
[[Page H8907]]
Mr. Speaker, this is an important measure in the support of human
rights and democracy in Belarus. At a time when Belarus's neighbors,
such as Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic Nations, have democratic
governments that respect the rights of their citizens, it is long
overdue that the Lukashenka regime provide the same freedoms for its
citizens.
Again, I would like to compliment my good friend, Representative
Smith, for his hard work on H.R. 5948 and on behalf of the democracy in
Belarus. And I urge the passage of this bill.
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 H.R. 5948, the Belarus
Democracy Act of 2006.
Mr. Speaker, as the third wave of democracy spread over Europe since
1989, one country has been conspicuously absent from the momentous
changes affecting its neighbors: the continuing dictatorship of
Belarus. Regrettably, this continuing communist cancer in the heart of
a vibrant democratic Europe threatens to metastasize to its neighbors,
threatening the progress of European civilization.
Mr. Speaker, I will not try to provide an in depth catalog of the
outrageous abuses of the Lukashenka regime. From stolen elections to
suppression of freedom of the press to jailing opposition leaders to
oppressing organized labor, the Belarusian strong-arm tactics are well
known.
Early this year, after President Alexander Lukashenka won 80 percent
of the vote in a fatally flawed and corrupt election for president,
police arrested over 100 people protesting Lukashenka's strong-arm
tactics. When the head of security services equates protests to
terrorism, as the head of the Belarusian KGB did during that campaign,
we should all recognize that we must act, and soon.
Some may say that this is an issue where the Europeans should take
the lead, and that dealing with Belarus is their responsibility. And
the Europeans, despite their divisions, are moving forward on
pressuring Belarus to do more to open their society. Just this week,
Mr. Speaker, the European Commission announced that it would move ahead
to suspend trade preferences to Belarus because it had violated trade
union norms.
{time} 1200
We all know that a vigorous defense of the right of association has
always been a cornerstone of democratic change, and the Belarussian
perfidy, in its own self-declared workers' paradise, has been
recognized for what it is, and therefore to maintain a tight Communist
grip on power.
Also, the European Union, in giving their top rights award, the
Sakharov Award, to the three-time jailed leader of the Belarussian
opposition, Mr. Milinkevich, demonstrates European recognition of the
need to support Belarussian human rights defenders and movements
supporting Democratic values. I applaud the Commission's action and
expect that the EU will adopt its recommendations later this month.
We here in the United States, Mr. Speaker, must play our role in
supporting the efforts of our European friends. H.R. 5948 is a step in
that direction. It contains efforts to buttress smart sanctions against
the leaders of Belarus most responsible for human rights violations,
while avoiding sanctions that would hurt the people of Belarus.
It authorizes the President to stop the entry of high-level
Belarussian figures involved in state kleptomania, and it provides
important support for those democratic movements and human rights
advocates who are prepared to stand up to the madmen in Minsk.
Mr. Speaker, I want to applaud my good friend from New Jersey (Mr.
Smith) for continuing to fight for those who do not have the good
fortune to live in a free and open society, and I look forward to
working with him in the next Congress on this important issue.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to mention that the United States needs
to think hard about ways in which we can better promote democracy
abroad. Democracy and human rights are not a dichotomy, they are
different sides of the same coin. That is why I will continue to work
in the next Congress towards reforming our foreign policy institutions
so that they formulate long-term strategies to promote democracy in
alliance with local proponents of democracy and the like-minded friends
in the international community.
We need to institutionalize a long-term approach to democracy
promotion that is so often lacking in a town that focuses on tomorrow's
talking points. I urge all of my colleagues to support this very
important piece of legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to my good friend, the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) who is not only the sponsor of
the bill, but also sponsored the 2004 bill.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I want to thank my distinguished chairman
for yielding; Elton Gallegly, thank you so much for your leadership on
this legislation.
I want to thank Mr. Lantos, our ranking member, for his commitment to
changing and reforming the last dictatorship in Europe, which is
Belarus.
I especially want to thank our good friend and leader, Chairman Hyde,
for his staunch belief in democracy and freedom everywhere, including
this very troubled country called Belarus.
Mr. Speaker, I do strongly support and urge passage of H.R. 4958, the
Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act of 2006, to provide sustained
support for the promotion of democracy, human rights and the rule of
just law in the Republic of Belarus.
I want to thank our speaker, Speaker Hastert, for his commitment in
bringing this legislation before the Congress today. Speaker Hastert's
deep personal interest in the cause of freedom in Belarus was
demonstrated at his recent meeting in Vilnius in Lithuania when he met
with the leaders of the democratic opposition.
It was very much appreciated by them. I know them, I have worked with
them for many years. They got a great boost from his personal
intervention on their behalf and for really taking the time to listen
and to react to their pleas.
I am happy to say again that this legislation enjoys very broad
bipartisan support. As I said, again, I want to thank Mr. Lantos for
his leadership on this as well.
As one who has worked for freedom in Belarus over many, many years, I
remain deeply concerned that the Belarussian people continue to be
subjected to the arbitrary and self-serving whims of a corrupt and
anti-democratic regime headed by Aleksandr Lukashenka. Since the
blatantly fraudulent March 19 presidential elections, which the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe condemned as having
failed to meet international democratic standards, the pattern of
repression and gross violations of human rights and fundamental
freedoms has continued.
While those who dare to oppose the regime are especially targeted,
roughed up, tortured, thrown into prison, the reality is that all in
Belarus, outside of Lukashenka's inner circle, pay a price. Last week
in Riga, President Bush pledged support to help the people of Belarus
who faced a cruel regime, his words, and apt words, led by President
Lukashenka.
The existence, President Bush went on to say, of such oppression in
our midst offends the conscience of Europe, and the conscience of
America. Mr. Speaker, this legislation would be a concrete expression
and expansion of congressional commitment to the Belarussian people and
would show that we stand as one in supporting freedom in Belarus.
Just within the last few months, Mr. Speaker, we have witnessed a
series of patently political trials designed to further stifle peaceful
democratic opposition. In the last few months, the regime continues to
show its true colors, punishing those who would dare to challenge the
tin-pot dictator, Aleksandr Lukashenka.
Former presidential candidate Aleksandr Kozulin was sentenced to a
politically motivated 5\1/2\ years' imprisonment for alleged
hooliganism and disturbing the peace. His health is precarious, and he
is now well into the second month of a hunger strike.
This is only the tip of the iceberg with respect to political
repression, as
[[Page H8908]]
many other political prisoners continue to languish in prison or so-
called corrective labor camps.
By way of background, Mr. Speaker, 3 years ago I introduced the
Belarus Democracy Act which passed the House and the Senate with
overwhelming bipartisan support and was signed into law by President
Bush in October of 2004. Prompt passage of the reauthorization act
before us today will help maintain this momentum aimed at upholding the
democratic aspirations of the Belarussian people.
With the continuing decline on the ground in Belarus since the
fraudulent March elections, this bill is needed now more than ever.
This reauthorization bill illustrates the sustained support for Belarus
independence. We seek to encourage those struggling for democracy and
respect for human rights in the face of formidable pressure and
personal risks from this anti-democratic regime. The bill authorizes
such sums as may be necessary in assistance for each of fiscal years
2007 and 2008 for democracy-building activities such as support for
nongovernmental organizations, including youth groups, independent
trade unions and entrepreneurs, human rights defenders, independent
media, democratic political parties and international exchanges.
The bill further authorizes money for both radio and television
broadcasting to the people of Belarus. While I am encouraged by the
recent U.S. and EU initiatives with respect to radio broadcasting, much
more needs to be done to penetrate Lukashenka's stifling information
blockade.
Mr. Speaker, I hope that the administration will make this a
priority. In addition, I hope that the administration would make this,
like I said, a priority and much more.
In addition, H.R. 5948 calls for selective sanctions against the
Lukashenka regime, and a denial of entry into the United States for
senior officials of the regime, as well as those engaged in human
rights and electoral abuses.
Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that the Belarus Democracy Reauthorization
Act of 2006 will help end the pattern of violations of OSCE human
rights and democracy commitments made by the Lukashenka regime and
loosen its unhealthy monopoly on political and economic power.
I hope our efforts here today will facilitate independent Belarus's
integration into democratic Europe in which the principles of
democracy, human rights and rule of law are respected.
Clearly, the beleaguered Belarussian people have suffered so much
over the course of the last century and deserve better than to live
under a regime frighteningly reminiscent of the Soviet Union.
The struggle of the people of Belarus for dignity and freedom
deserves our unyielding and consistent support. This legislation is
important and timely, and I urge Members to support it.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge passage of H.R. 5948, the Belarus
Democracy Reauthorization Act of 2006, to provide sustained support for
the promotion of democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the
Republic of Belarus, as well as encourage the consolidation and
strengthening of Belarus' sovereignty and independence. Mr. Speaker, I
especially thank you for your commitment to bring this legislation
before this Congress. Your deep personal interest in the cause of
freedom in Belarus, as demonstrated by your recent meetings in Vilnius
with the leaders of the democratic opposition, has been particularly
appreciated by those struggling for the rule of law and basic human
freedoms. This legislation enjoys bipartisan support, and I want to
recognize and thank the tremendous collaboration of Rep. Tom Lantos, an
original cosponsor of this bill.
As one who has followed developments in Belarus over many years
through my work on the Helsinki Commission, I remain deeply concerned
that the Belarusian people continue to be subjected to the arbitrary
and self-serving whims of a corrupt and anti-democratic regime headed
by Aleksandr Lukashenka. Since the blatantly fraudulent March 19
presidential elections, which the OSCE condemned as having failed to
meet international democratic standards, the pattern of repression and
gross violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms. While those
who would dare oppose the regime are especially targeted, the reality
is that all in Belarus outside Lukashenka's inner circle pay a price.
Recent news regarding Lukashenka's regime
Last week in Riga, President Bush pledged to help the people of
Belarus in the face of the ``cruel regime'' led by President
Lukashenka. ``The existence of such oppression in our midst offends the
conscience of Europe and the conscience of America,'' Bush said, adding
that ``we have a message for the people of Belarus: the vision of a
Europe whole, free and at peace includes you, and we stand with you in
your struggle for freedom.'' Mr. Speaker, this legislation would be a
concrete expression of Congress' commitment to the Belarusian people
and would show that we stand as one in supporting freedom for Belarus.
Just within the last few months, we have witnessed a series of
patently political trials designed to further stifle peaceful,
democratic opposition. In October, 60-year-old human rights activist
Katerina Sadouskaya was sentenced to two years in a penal colony. Her
``crime''? ``insulting the honor and dignity of the Belarusian
leader.'' Mr. Speaker, if this isn't reminiscent of the Soviet Union, I
don't know what is. And just a few weeks ago, in a closed trial,
Belarusian youth activist Zmitser Dashkevich received a one-and-a-half
year sentence for ``activities on behalf of an unregistered
organization.''
A report mandated by the Belarus Democracy Act and finally issued
this past March reveals Lukashenka's links with rogue regimes such as
Iran, Sudan and Syria, and his cronies' corrupt activities. According
to an October 9, 2006, International Herald Tribune op-ed:
``Alarmingly, over the last six years, Belarus has intensified its
illegal arms shipment activities to the point of becoming the leading
supplier of lethal military equipment to Islamic state sponsors of
terrorism.''
I guess we shouldn't be all that surprised that in July, Lukashenka
warmly welcomed to Minsk Venezuela's Hugo Chavez. In keeping with their
bent, both pledged cooperation and denounced the West. More recently,
Belarusian Foreign Minister Martynov traveled to Iran where President
Ahmadinejad pledged further cooperation in the energy and defense
industries. Not long ago, a member of Belarus' bogus parliament
asserted on state-controlled radio that Belarus has the right to
develop its own nuclear weapons. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, Belarus is
truly an anomaly in Europe, swimming against the rising tide of greater
freedom, democracy and economic prosperity.
The Legislation
Three years ago, I introduced the Belarus Democracy Act which passed
the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and was
signed into law by President Bush in October 2004. At that time, the
situation in Belarus with respect to democracy and human rights was
already abysmal. The need for a sustained U.S. commitment to foster
democracy and respect for human rights and to sanction Aleksandr
Lukashenka and his cronies, is clear from the intensified anti-
democratic policies pursued by the current leadership in Minsk. Mr.
Speaker, I am pleased that countries throughout Europe have joined in a
truly trans-Atlantic effort to bring the promise of freedom to the
beleaguered people of Belarus. Prompt passage of the Belarus Democracy
Reauthorization Act of 2006 will help maintain this momentum aimed at
upholding the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people. With the
continuing decline on the ground in Belarus since the fraudulent March
elections, this bill is needed now more than ever.
This reauthorization bill demonstrates the sustained U.S. support for
Belarus' independence. We seek to encourage those struggling for
democracy and respect for human rights in the face of the formidable
pressures and personal risks from the anti-democratic regime. The bill
authorizes such sums as may be necessary in assistance for each of
fiscal years 2007 and 2008 for democracy-building activities such as
support for nongovernmental organizations, including youth groups,
independent trade unions and entrepreneurs, human rights defenders,
independent media, democratic political parties, and international
exchanges.
The bill further authorizes monies for both radio and television
broadcasting to the people of Belarus. While I am encouraged by the
recent U.S. and EU initiatives with respect to radio broadcasting, much
more needs to be done to penetrate Lukashenka's stifling information
blockade. Mr. Speaker, I hope that the administration will make this a
priority.
In addition, H.R. 5948 calls for selective sanctions against the
Lukashenka regime, and the denial of entry into the United States for
senior officials of the regime--as well as those engaged in human
rights and electoral abuses. In this context, I welcome the punitive
sanctions imposed by both the administration and the ED which are
targeted against officials--including judges and prosecutors--involved
in electoral fraud and other human rights abuses.
The bill expresses the sense of the Congress that strategic exports
to the Government of Belarus should be prohibited, except for those
intended for democracy building or humanitarian purposes, as well as
U.S. Government financing and other foreign assistance.
[[Page H8909]]
Of course, we would not want the exports to affect humanitarian goods
and agricultural or medical products.The U.S. Executive Directors of
the international financial institutions are encouraged to vote against
financial assistance to the Government of Belarus except for loans and
assistance that serve humanitarian needs. Furthermore, we would
encourage the blocking of the assets (in the United States) of members
of the Belarus Government as well as the senior leadership and their
surrogates. To this end, I welcome the Treasury Department's April 10
advisory to U.S. financial institutions to guard against potential
money laundering by Lukashenka and his cronies and strongly applaud
President Bush's June 19 ``Executive Order Blocking Property of Certain
Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Belarus.''
Mr. Speaker, I want to make it crystal clear that these sanctions are
aimed not at the people of Belarus, but at a regime that displays
contempt for the dignity and rights of its citizens even as the corrupt
leadership moves to further enrich itself at the expense of all
Belarusians.
Ongoing Anti-Democratic Behavior
To chronicle the full litany of repression over the course of
Lukashenka's 12-year misrule would go well beyond the bounds of time
available here. Let me cite several more recent illustrations of anti-
democratic behavior which testify to the true nature of the regime.
Belarus' March 19 presidential elections can only be described as a
farce, and were met with condemnation by the United States, the OSCE,
the European Union and others. The Lukashenka regime's wholesale
arrests of more than 1,000 opposition activists and dozens of
Belarusian and foreign journalists, before and after the elections, and
violent suppression of peaceful post-election protests underscore the
contempt of the Belarusian authorities toward their countrymen.
Illegitimate parliamentary elections in 2004 and the recently held
presidential ``elections'' in Belarus brazenly flaunted democratic
standards. As a result of these elections, Belarus has the distinction
of lacking legitimate presidential and parliamentary leadership, which
contributes to that country's self-imposed isolation. Albeit safely
ensconced in power, Lukashenka has not let up on the democratic
opposition. Almost daily repressions constitute a profound abuse of
power by a regime that has blatantly manipulated the system to remain
in power.
In the last few months, the regime continues to show its true colors,
punishing those who would dare to challenge the tinpot dictator. Former
presidential candidate Aleksandr Kozulin was sentenced to a
politically-motivated five-and-one-half-years' term of imprisonment for
alleged ``hooliganism'' and disturbing the peace. His health is
precarious as he is now well into his second month of a hunger strike.
In early August, authorities sentenced four activists of the non-
partisan domestic election monitoring initiative ``Partnerstva''. In a
patent attempt to discourage domestic observation of the fraudulent
March 19 presidential elections, the four had been kept in custody
since February 21. Two were released, having served their six month
sentences. Two others--Tsimafei Dranchuk and Mikalay Astreyka--received
stiffer sentences, although Astreyka has been released from a medium
security colony and is now in ``correctional labor''. Other political
prisoners, including Artur Finkevich, Mikalay Autukhovich, Audrey
Klimau, Ivan Kruk, Yury Lyavonau, Mikalay Razumau, Pavel Sevyarynets,
Mikalay Statkevich also continue to have their freedom denied,
languishing in prison or in so-called correctional labor camps.
Administrative detentions of ten or fifteen days against democratic
opposition activists are almost a daily occurrence. Moreover, the
Lukashenka regime continued to stifle religious expression. It refuses
to register churches, temporarily detains pastors, threatens to expel
foreign clergy, and refuses religious groups the use of premises to
hold services. Despite the repressions, Protestant and Catholic
congregations have increasingly become more active in their pursuit of
religious freedom. I am also concerned about the recent explosion at a
Holocaust memorial in western Belarus, the sixth act of vandalism
against the monument in 14 years. Unfortunately, the local authorities
have reportedly refused to open a criminal investigation. Lukashenka's
minions have closed down independent think tanks, further tightened the
noose around what remains of the independent media, suspended the
activities of a political party, shut down the prominent literary
journal Arche, and evicted the Union of Belarusian Writers from its
headquarters. Of course, Lukashenka's pattern of contempt for human
rights is nothing new--it has merely intensified with the passage of
time.
Moreover, we have seen no progress on the investigation of the
disappearances of political opponents--perhaps not surprisingly, as
credible evidence points at the involvement of the Lukashenka regime in
their murders.
Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that the Belarus Democracy Reauthorization
Act of 2006 will help end to the pattern of violations of OSCE human
rights and democracy commitments by the Lukashenka regime and loosen
its unhealthy monopoly on political and economic power. I hope our
efforts here today will facilitate independent Belarus' integration
into democratic Europe in which the principles of democracy, human
rights and the rule of law are respected. The beleaguered Belarusian
people have suffered so much over the course of the last century and
deserve better than to live under a regime frighteningly reminiscent of
the Soviet Union. The struggle of the people of Belarus for dignity and
freedom deserves our unyielding and consistent support.
This legislation is important and timely because Belarus, which now
borders on NATO and the EU, continues to have the worst human rights
and democracy record of any European state--bar none.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, before I yield back, I would just like to
say that this is a classic example of sending a message around the
world of what America is all about. We stand here in this room, not as
Democrats and Republicans, but as individuals fighting oppression and
human rights violations around the world.
I applaud Chris Smith for his longstanding leadership. It has been an
honor for me to serve with my good friend Tom Lantos on the other side
of the aisle, it doesn't seem possible that I have been here 20 years,
Tom, but he is a colleague from California. He is to be applauded.
I would be remiss if I didn't recognize our mutual friend, Henry
Hyde, a mentor of mine for every year that I have been here on an
ongoing basis, who has dedicated much of his life to fighting
oppression and the violation of human rights around the world.
Henry Hyde will be missed, as he is retiring this year, but his
legacy will live on, and I hope that is a message we will send to the
rest of the world. That is what America is all about.
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. Gallegly) that the
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5948, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those voting have responded in the affirmative.
Mr. LANTOS. 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 question will
be postponed.
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