[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 6, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H580-H583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING LEE MYUNG-BAK ON ELECTION TO PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC
OF KOREA
Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 947) congratulating Lee Myung-Bak on his election
to the Presidency of the Republic of Korea and wishing him well during
his time of transition and his inauguration on February 25, 2008.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 947
Whereas the United States and the Republic of Korea share a
longstanding and comprehensive alliance rooted in the common
principles of freedom and democracy;
Whereas on June 11, 2007, the House of Representatives
passed H. Res. 295 recognizing ``the strong alliance between
the Republic of Korea and the United States and expresses
appreciation to the Republic of Korea for its contributions
to international efforts to combat terrorism'';
Whereas on December 19, 2007, the Senate passed S. Res. 279
recognizing that ``the strength and endurance of the alliance
between the United States and the Republic of Korea should be
acknowledged and celebrated'';
Whereas, since 2000, the United States House of
Representatives and the Republic of Korea National Assembly
have engaged in an interparliamentary exchange to discuss
issues central to the U.S.-Republic of Korea relationship;
Whereas there are deep cultural and personal ties between
the peoples of the United States and the Republic of Korea,
as exemplified by the large flow of visitors and exchanges
each year between the two nations, as well as the nearly two
million Korean-Americans;
Whereas Congress recognizes January 13 as Korean-American
Day, honoring the contributions of Korean-Americans in
forging stronger bilateral ties between our two countries;
Whereas the Republic of Korea is the United States seventh
largest trading partner and the United States is the third
largest trading partner of the Republic of Korea with nearly
$80 billion in annual trade volume;
Whereas the United States and the Republic of Korea are
working closely together to promote international peace and
security, economic prosperity, human rights, and the rule of
law; and
Whereas Lee Myung-Bak, upon winning the election to become
the next President of the Republic of Korea, stated that he
would seek to further strengthen the relationship with the
United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates
Lee Myung-Bak on his election to the presidency of the
Republic of Korea and wishes him well during his time of
transition and on his inauguration on February 25, 2008.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Payne) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.
General Leave
Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New Jersey?
There was no objection.
Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution,
and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I would like to first thank my friend Mr. Royce of California for
introducing this resolution which congratulates President-elect Lee
Myung-Bak on his victory in the South Korean presidential elections.
In electing Lee Myung-Bak, the South Korean people have selected a
man of exceptional accomplishment and proven leadership. During his 27
years at the helm of Hyundai Group, Mr. Lee transformed the company
from a successful but relatively small local corporation into South
Korea's largest industrial conglomerate with a dominant worldwide
presence.
Mr. Lee and Hyundai's success helped drive the Republic of Korea's
dramatic success as an East Asian economic ``tiger'' in the seventies,
eighties and nineties. The parallel is particularly appropriate since
in English the Korean word ``hyundai'' means ``modern.'' As Mr. Lee led
the company to new heights, he played a direct role in the
spectacularly rapid modernization of the Republic of Korea.
Mr. Lee's extraordinary professional career is right at home among
the American Dream stories of our Nation. The son of a cattle rancher
who fell onto hard times, Mr. Lee was born into poverty and worked his
way through
[[Page H581]]
college as a garbage collector. Relying on his talents and work ethic,
he eventually rose to the pinnacle of the business world.
Committing himself to politics, he became the mayor of Seoul and
applied his leadership skills and his no-nonsense approach to improve
that important city. Now as South Korea's president, he is uniquely
able to lead and further strengthen his country, one of the United
States' closest and most significant allies.
Mr. Lee's story is a potent reminder that the friendship between the
United States and the Republic of Korea is based not only on our shared
interest but also our shared values. For over 50 years, our two
countries fought together against common threats such as communism, but
the foundation of our alliance is a common commitment to democracy,
individual liberties, and human rights.
The end of the Cold War did not end the critical role of our alliance
in promoting and protecting political and economic freedoms in Asia and
around the world. Today, we work side by side to combat international
terrorism, denuclearize the Korean Peninsula, and promote peace and
stability in northeast Asia. This work relies on our strong military
alliance, bolstered by 28,000 military personnel stationed in the
Republic of Korea.
We also share a dynamic economic relationship. With two-way trade
approaching $80 billion, South Korea is the United States' seventh
largest trading partner, and the United States is the fourth largest
trading partner of the Republic of Korea. Our shared commitment to
free, fair, and open political systems is reinforced by our commitment
to free, fair, and open markets.
Further strengthening our bilateral relationships and our bonds of
friendship are the millions of South Korean visitors that come to the
United States and the millions of visitors from the United States that
travel to South Korea every year. Many South Koreans who come to the
United States do so to visit their Korean American family members, who
make up a vitally important part of the United States' social and
economic fabric.
Based on these shared interests and values, the U.S.-Republic of
Korea relationship is strong and is poised to grow even stronger.
With this resolution, we in Congress rightly congratulate Mr. Lee
Myung-Bak on becoming the next president of South Korea, welcome his
inauguration on February 25, and look forward to the opportunity to
work with him to further strengthen the relationship between our two
countries.
I strongly support this resolution, and I encourage my colleagues to
do the same.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROYCE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution, House Resolution
947, which I authored and which has the support of Chairman Lantos and
Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen and Mr. Payne and Mr. Faleomavaega of the
Foreign Affairs Committee, among others.
I serve as a member of the Asia Subcommittee and as the vice chairman
of the U.S.-Republic of Korea Interparliamentary Exchange. This
resolution congratulates Lee Myung-Bak on his election as president of
the Republic of Korea and wishes him well during his time of
transition.
In this country, Korean Americans watched the Korean presidential
campaign with great interest, and their community has played a very
important role in bringing greater attention to issues of mutual
importance, and I would like to recognize their efforts.
The U.S. partnership with Korea dates back to 1882 with the signing
of the Treaty of Peace, Amity, Commerce, and Navigation between the
Kingdom of Chosun and the United States. This treaty contemplates
everlasting amity and friendship between our two peoples, and for over
125 years, we have worked to achieve this.
One of the truest tests of our partnership with South Korea came in
June of 1950 when Communist North Korea invaded the South. American and
South Korean forces fought valiantly side by side and they warded off
that Communist onslaught.
In the 60 years since, the U.S.-South Korean relationship has
blossomed in every respect: economic, political, militarily. Nearly
30,000 U.S. troops stand along with the South Korean Army to preserve
stability in northeast Asia. South Korea has grown into the seventh
largest trading partner with the United States.
And on February 25 of this year, Lee Myung-Bak will assume the
presidency of the Republic of Korea. He does so at a critical time
during our partnership. The Republic of Korea and the U.S. once again
face a great challenge in dealing with a nuclear-armed North Korea, a
regime that denies its citizens the most basic of human rights. The Six
Party Talks have stalled, and Kim Jong-Il's regime has continually
failed to come clean on the extent of its nuclear programs. Yesterday,
Admiral Michael McConnell, Director of National Intelligence, testified
that ``while Pyongyang denies a program for uranium enrichment, and
they deny their proliferation activities, we believe North Korea
continues to engage in both.''
I am hopeful that President-elect Lee Myung-Bak will offer a new,
effective approach to these challenges. To date, Lee Myung-Bak has
argued that the previous administrations gave too much unconditional
aid to buy reconciliation with the North. In a recent press conference,
President-elect Lee said he would like to discuss human rights and the
whereabouts of abducted South Koreans with Pyongyang. Such
``controversial'' issues, amazingly, were taboo to previous governments
which sat out a U.N. condemnation of North Korea's human rights abuses
just last fall.
Importantly, President-elect Lee is a strong proponent of the U.S.
trade agreement. As the South Korean Army continues to strengthen, the
economic relationship between our two countries will increasingly
define this overall relationship. That is why I heard so much about the
trade agreement on my trip to Korea last summer in my role as the vice
chairman of the U.S.-Republic of Korea Interparliamentary Exchange.
At a time when many are worried about the future of our economy, it
is essential that we expand into foreign markets. The Korea-U.S. FTA
will do just that, opening up Korean markets to U.S. products. If KORUS
isn't passed, it won't just be our economy that will suffer, but our
relationship with the Republic of Korea.
In closing, I would like to congratulate President-elect Lee on his
victory. In the past 60 years, the U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance has
helped move both countries forward. I know many of us in Congress
greatly look forward to the opportunity to work together to further our
already-strong partnership.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROYCE. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield to the ranking
member, Mr. Smith, for as much time as he may consume.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I congratulate the gentleman
on his authorship of this fine resolution. I rise today to express my
support for the resolution honoring the upcoming inauguration of Mr.
Lee Myung-Bak as 17th President of the Republic of Korea.
South Korea's rise from the ashes of war and subsequent evolution as
a vibrant and prosperous democracy is truly one of the miracles of the
second half of the 20th century.
I believe that our Korean war veterans, who sacrificed so much and
fought so valiantly, and all of the American people, can take great
pride in the assistance that we provided for that remarkable evolution.
Today, the bright lights in the night sky on the southern half of the
Korean peninsula stand in marked contrast to the shadow of darkness
that enfolds North Korea. North Korea is a tragic failed state and is
one of the great losers of the Cold War; yet its starving yearn to
breathe free and share in the prosperity of South Korea.
The peaceful, democratic reunification of North Koreans with their
southern brothers is a noble endeavor to which we should give our full
and unflinching support.
Mr. Lee's inauguration comes at a time when we have reached a
crossroads on the Korean peninsula.
[[Page H582]]
North Korea must decide whether to completely and unconditionally
renounce its nuclear weapons program and finally join the family of
nations. Its alternative is to slip slowly into the abyss as a dynamic
South Korea leaves it farther and farther behind.
The fact that President Lee has given a firm indication that he
wishes to work together with the United States and our allies as a team
to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis is welcome news indeed. Mr.
Lee has also said that it is his priority to strengthen an alliance
which was forged in the crucible of the Korean War.
From the dark days of the Pusan perimeter to the brilliant Inchon
landing, American, Allied, and South Korean troops all fought together
in the drive to victory with the liberation of Seoul. This is in part
the shared history of our two countries which has linked us in a common
destiny.
I would especially like to commend President Lee for raising the
long-forgotten issue of the old soldiers of South Korea, left behind as
POWs in the North and held against their will for over 50 years since
the signing of the armistice. I would also like to note with extreme
sadness that more than 8,000 U.S. servicemen remain missing in action
from that conflict.
Finally, the alliance and friendship between the Republic of Korea
and the United States have been promoted and deepened by the many
contributions of our own vibrant Korean American community. While ever
mindful of the old country from which they came, Korean Americans have
stepped forward in innumerable ways, in science, medicine, religion,
business, education, music, athletics, and culture, to make invaluable
contributions to the United States.
In saluting President-elect Lee and the strength of our alliance, we
also honor those Korean Americans who have ensured that the links
between our two countries are truly the ties that bind.
So, President-elect Lee, we wish you and your country Godspeed as you
approach your inauguration on February 25.
{time} 1615
Mr. PAYNE. Let me once again say that I certainly support this very
timely resolution and urge that our two countries continue to forge
strong relations.
We, as has been mentioned, have a very strong Korean American
community, even in my State of New Jersey. But also, I'd just like to
mention, now that I'm thinking about it, several years ago I had the
opportunity to visit a hospital in Ethiopia. A Christian organization
built a hospital. Much of the funds came from individual businesspeople
from South Korea. The Myung Sung Christian Hospital in Addis is the
finest hospital in all of Ethiopia, and it was built by the Koreans who
wanted to show their appreciation for Ethiopian soldiers who fought
with them in the Korean War.
And, as a matter of fact, it's very interesting that the South Korean
Government still pays veterans a monthly stipend, those who are still
alive, of course, and who served in that war, they send them a check
every month to show their appreciation for the Ethiopians who fought. I
don't know of many countries that have done anything like that.
So, Mr. Royce, I certainly support your resolution.
Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I am pleased that the House
is considering H. Res. 947 today, congratulating Lee Myung-Bak on his
election to the Presidency of the Republic of Korea. I was proud to
cosponsor this resolution and I join with my fellow Members in wishing
him well during his time of transition this month.
When Lee Myung-Bak is inaugurated on February 25, I am confident that
he will do much to broaden the longstanding relationship between the
Republic of Korea and the United States of America. In the past month,
he has already met with President Bush and Vice President Cheney, as
well as several members of the President's Cabinet and Members of
Congress.
President-elect Myung-Bak is well-qualified to assume his new role.
He earned a B.A. in Business Administration at the Korea University and
later served as a Visiting Scholar at George Washington University here
in Washington, DC before being awarded two Honorary Doctor of Economics
degrees.
Additionally, President-elect Myung-Bak's past professional
experience has honed his vital business, diplomatic, and political
skills. For 15 years, he was the CEO of 10 Hyundai Group affiliated
companies. He then served as a National Assemblyman from 1992 to 1998
before being elected Mayor of Seoul in 2002.
I applaud President-elect Myung-Bak for expressing his commitment to
free market policies that encourage both foreign and domestic
investors. I look forward to the ratification of the United States-
South Korea Free Trade Agreement and I welcome his proposed plans to
reduce trade restrictions and lower tax rates. Furthermore, as the
Republic of South Korea assists in negotiating Pyongyang's
denuclearization, I urge the President-elect to closely integrate U.S.
and Japanese initiatives related to the Democratic People's Republic of
Korea.
Today, I join my colleagues in congratulating President-elect Myung-
Bak, and I wish him, his wife and four children success in the years
ahead.
Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support
of House Resolution 947, sponsored by my friend and colleague from
California, Mr. Royce, which offers the House of Representatives'
congratulations to Lee Myung-Bak on his election to the presidency of
the Republic of Korea.
Additionally, this resolution recognizes the very special and
longstanding relationship between South Korea and the United States; a
relationship whose modern day form was first forged in the heat of
battle as U.S. and South Korean soldiers fought to defend South Korea
from aggression by Communist North Korea. In fact, our history of
friendship reaches beyond the past century; and just last year we
celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Korean American Treaty of
Peace, Amity, Commerce and Navigation which was signed in 1882.
In my opinion, it is hard to overestimate the importance of the close
bond between the United States and South Korea. The United States and
Korea have a mutual defense treaty that dates back to 1953, and Korea
has supported U.S. military efforts abroad, as recently as in both Iraq
and Afghanistan. Korea has been one of only four partners and allies
that stood with us through all four major conflicts since World War II.
In addition, South Korea demonstrated her great friendship and
generosity in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, pledging over $30
million in aid for relief and recovery efforts--the fourth largest
amount donated by any foreign country.
On June 30, 2007, representatives of both governments signed the
historic United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement. If and when this
agreement is approved by Congress I believe it will increase trade and
investment flowing through our agriculture, industrial, consumer
products, automobile and financial services sectors. I believe this
agreement will enhance the strong partnership between two great
democratic nations and will open the door wider to the exchange of
science and ideas that will cause us both to continue to prosper.
This agreement is a natural extension of the strong affinity between
our two countries, marked by extraordinary diplomatic, political,
military, and economic cooperation. Although the devil is always in the
details, I understand that this agreement could potentially be the most
commercially-significant free trade agreement signed by the United
States in more than a decade.
As many of my colleagues already know, South Korea is already the
United States' seventh largest export market and sixth largest market
for U.S. agricultural products. In fact, according to the latest
statistics, our annual bilateral trade totals nearly $80 billion. Any
agreement that can open up more Korean markets to U.S. goods and
services can only have a positive effect on the American economy by
creating more and better jobs, enriching consumer choice, and boosting
U.S. industry and manufacturing.
Koreans have invested nearly $20 billion in the United States, and
have created American jobs through companies like Hyundai Motors,
Samsung Electronics, and Kia Motors. And as the largest investor in
Korea, the United States already has a leading presence in that
country.
As I have said before and will continue to say, I think it is
important to note that trade relationships do more than just facilitate
economic growth; this FTA recognizes our special relationship with
South Korea that I mentioned before and makes the strong statement that
we will continue to stand with our allies.
South Korea is the fifth largest tourism-generating country to the
United States with over 800,000 Koreans visiting the U.S. every single
year. This number is expected to double (at the minimum) when South
Korea joins the Visa Waiver Program. According to the Department of
Homeland Security, South Korea also has the largest foreign student
population in the U.S. Nearly 2 million Americans of Korean descent
live in communities all across our Nation, representing all walks of
life and making innumerable contributions to the enrichment of our
Nation's culture and economy.
[[Page H583]]
South Korea is a strong, unwavering ally in the U.S.-led Global War
on Terror, having dispatched the third largest contingent of troops to
Iraq, and to Afghanistan (where a South Korean soldier was killed
during hostile action), and to Lebanon in support of peacekeeping
operations; and South Korea is a key partner in the Six-Party Talks to
resolve North Korea's nuclear issue.
I firmly believe that South Korea may be the premier success story of
U.S. foreign policy in the post-World War II period. Having assisted
South Korea in transforming itself from a war-torn, impoverished
economy into a successful democracy with a free enterprise economy (the
world's 11th largest), South Korea is now an indispensable partner with
the United States in promoting democracy, a free market economy and
respect for the rule of law around the world.
I believe that President-Elect Myung-Bak understands and appreciates
the important history behind our bilateral relations. His desire to
better relations with the United States through an emphasis on free
market solutions encourages me that the work we have begun will
continue to grow under his leadership. I look forward to a continuation
of the United States-South Korean partnership during the President-
Elect's term and for many years beyond.
I strongly urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 947 and join me in
congratulating President Lee Myung-Bak, and extending to him the very
best wishes of the House of Representatives as he assumes office later
this month.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, let me first commend our
distinguished colleague and member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs
Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, my good
friend and colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) for
being the author of and introducing this important resolution.
The underlying context for this important resolution, which
congratulates President-elect Lee Myung-Bak and wishes him well as he
assumes his new duties on February 25, 2008, is that the Republic of
Korea has, through the industrious will of its people and the
unyielding leadership of its elected officials, transformed itself into
a successful democratic nation.
As the twentieth century taught us all too well, democratic
governance is a fragile enterprise. That the Republic of Korea, in
merely six decades, emerged from the ashes of colonial rule and war
torn poverty to become the eleventh largest economy in the world and
America's seventh largest trading partner, is a tribute to their strong
democratic principles and indelible desire to live peacefully and
prosperously despite the enormous challenges facing the Korean
Peninsula and the Northeast Asia region.
Madam Speaker, the strong alliance between the United States and the
Republic of Korea has proven itself to be a relevant and resilient
relationship since our involvement when we fought side by side in the
Korean War nearly 58 years ago. Out of that often ``forgotten''
conflict was born one of the most significant dividing lines of the
Cold War, the demilitarized zone on the 38th parallel but, at the same
time, one of the most successful alliances in our Nation's history.
The Republic of Korea has remained a steadfast ally of the United
States. South Korea has contributed the third largest coalition troop
contingent in Iraq, pledged $460 million toward postwar reconstruction
and had previously also committed troops for peacekeeping operations in
Afghanistan, and Lebanon. As a key member of the Six-Party Talks to
denuclearize North Korea, the Republic of Korea shares an important
responsibility for broader security in Northeast Asia. Today, we are
committed absolutely to compelling the North Korean regime to eliminate
its nuclear program and to ensuring that promises made by Pyongyang
are, in fact, followed through with verifiable action.
The combination of South Korea's efforts to stand alongside the
United States in meeting the global threats of the 21st century as well
as the North Korean challenge makes this resolution particularly
important today. President-elect Lee Myung-Bak has stated that he
``will do [his] best to resolve the North Korean nuclear problem
through cooperation and a strengthened relationship with the United
States.'' I am very encouraged by President-elect Lee's remarks and, as
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global
Environment, I look forward to working with his administration to this
end.
What is clear from our longstanding relationship over the past half-
century is that it is reciprocal. As President-elect Lee's Special
Envoy to the United States, Dr. Chung Mong-Joon, said recently after
meeting Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte last month, ``We both
need each other.'' Let me also take this opportunity to once again
congratulate my good friend, Dr. Han Seung-soo, on his nomination to
become Prime Minister. I am confident that Dr. Han's nomination will
serve to further consolidate our alliance partnership under President-
elect Lee's leadership.
Madam Speaker, many years ago, I served in the U.S. Army during the
Vietnam War, and I remember vividly the presence of more than 300,000
soldiers from South Korea who bravely served and fought alongside our
American forces. Through that particular experience, I learned quickly
and firsthand, the special friendship and bond that existed between the
United States and the Republic of Korea.
I personally will never forget the sacrifices that South Korean
soldiers made in that terrible conflict in Vietnam. In fact, South
Korea has the unique distinction of being one of only four allies that
fought alongside the United States in all four major conflicts since
World War II and I hope that my other colleagues will join me in
thanking the leaders and people of the Republic of Korea for the untold
sacrifices they made to be with us when we needed help.
This resolution, while focusing on the peaceful, democratic
transition to the presidency of Lee Myung-Bak, honors our special
alliance but also welcomes a strengthening and deepening of the
relationship between our two countries and our two peoples.
I have had the privilege on several occasions to visit the Republic
of Korea and I have observed that the South Korean people are among the
most industrious men and women in the world. However this trait for
hard work and entrepreneurship developed, it has carried over despite
geographic distance to the more than two million Americans of Korean
heritage and descent that live throughout our own country today. The
vibrant Korean American communities across the United States include
some of the most prominent individuals that have contributed to every
facet of American life in every state and territory.
Madam Speaker, this resolution is very important to show our sense of
appreciation to all South Koreans, to express how much we care about
them and how important they are to our strategic and economic interests
in that important region of the world. Its effect is not just to
deliver good wishes to President-elect Lee as he assumes office on
February 25, but to send a message of solidarity to the government and
people of the Republic of Korea and to the soldiers who have fought
side by side with the men and women of our own armed forces over the
past nearly 60 years.
For all these reasons, this resolution is most fitting, and proper. I
wish to congratulate President-elect Lee Myung-Bak and commend again my
good friend, the gentleman from California, for offering and proposing
this resolution. I strongly encourage my colleagues to offer their own
expressions of support and urge the House to adopt this resolution
today.
Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I have no more requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. ROYCE. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time as
well.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Jones of Ohio). The question is on the
motion offered by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) that the
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 947.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
____________________