[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.

                          ____________________