[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2641-E2642]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       AWARDING CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 17, 2007

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, like so many of my colleagues, 
I am proud to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 4286, to award a 
Congressional Gold Medal to that heroine of the Burmese people and the 
world, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
  It is fitting for Ms. Suu Kyi to receive this, the highest and most 
distinguished civilian award we have to offer. She is a courageous 
leader, a former Nobel Peace Prize recipient who has spent 12 of the 
past 18 years behind bars. For what? For daring to advocate for a 
peaceful, democratic system for Burma, instead of violent, military 
rule.

[[Page E2642]]

  The military refuses to recognize the will of the Burmese people--
made exceedingly clear in past elections, and most recently in the 
demonstrations we all saw this Fall. The people plead for human rights 
and an end to the junta's power. Instead, these thugs have cracked down 
even harder with their customary persecution and bloodshed.
  The Congressional Medal of Honor was originally awarded to military 
leaders for achievement in battle. Ms. Suu Kyi and the Burmese people 
are currently waging their own battle--a peaceful one--based on 
democratic ideals that all Americans share with them. Let's honor Ms. 
Suu Kyi for this peaceful struggle, and send a message to her brutal 
captors and to the world, that we stand with her and her people.

                          ____________________