[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6] [Senate] [Pages 8334-8341] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]COMMENDING THE REVEREND JESSE L. JACKSON, SR., ON SECURING THE RELEASE OF U.S. SERVICEMEN FROM CAPTIVITY IN BELGRADE, YUGOSLAVIA Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 156) commending the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., on securing the release of Specialist Stephen Gonzalez of Huntsville Texas, Staff Sergeant Andrew Ramirez of Los Angeles, California, and Staff Sergeant Christopher Stone of Smiths Creek, Michigan, from captivity in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, as amended. The Clerk read as follows: H. Res. 156 Whereas, on March 31, 1999, Specialist Steven Gonzales, Staff Sergeant Andrew Ramirez, and Staff Sergeant Christopher Stone were captured while patrolling the Kumanovo area; Whereas the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., on April 29, 1999, led a delegation of religious and civic leaders from the United States in a faith-based effort to secure the release of Specialist Steven Gonzales, Staff Sergeant Andrew Ramirez, and Staff Sergeant Christopher Stone; Whereas against great odds and in the face of grave personal risks, the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. and his party successfully secured the release of Specialist Steven Gonzales, Staff Sergeant Andrew Ramirez, and Staff Sergeant Christopher Stone; Whereas the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. is recognized around the world as a humanitarian, an advocate for civil and human rights, and an ambassador of freedom; and Whereas, as a highly respected world leader, the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. has acted many times as an international diplomat in sensitive situations and in October 1997, he was appointed by President Clinton and Secretary of State Albright as Special Envoy of the President and Secretary of State for the Promotion of Democracy in Africa: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) commends the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. for securing the release of Specialist Steven Gonzales, Staff Sergeant Andrew Ramirez, and Staff Sergeant Christopher Stone from captivity in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia; and (2) joins with the people of the United States in celebrating the return to freedom of Specialist Steven Gonzales, Staff Sergeant Andrew Ramirez, and Staff Sergeant Christopher Stone. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman). GENERAL LEAVE Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this measure. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from New York? There was no objection. Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this resolution introduced by the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek) which accords proper credit to the recent efforts of Reverend Jesse Jackson and his accompanying delegation of clergymen in successfully securing the [[Page 8335]] release of our three POWs held in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. {time} 1900 The Reverend Jackson has a distinguished record of utilizing his considerable powers of persuasion in the service of humanitarian objectives. When American citizens and others find themselves held in captivity in a hostile country as a result of circumstances beyond their control, Reverend Jackson has proven on several occasions against the odds that he can secure their release. Our Nation should be grateful to the good Reverend for his special skills in that regard. We are also grateful that our three young service people who were unjustly held by the government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia have finally been returned to their families, to their friends and fellow countrymen. We salute their dedicated service to our Nation. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues in the House to support H. Res. 156 commending the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson and his fellow clergymen for acquiring release of Specialist Steven Gonzales, Staff Sergeant Andrew Ramirez, and Staff Sergeant Christopher Stone. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 156 offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek). Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 156 provides for a special commendation and tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., for his services and leadership, whereby he led a special delegation of religious leaders and even one of our fellow Members, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Blagojevich) to travel to Belgrade, Yugoslavia to meet with President Slobodan Milosevic with the hope of trying to break the stalemate and crisis in Kosovo through a negotiated peace settlement or agreement, and with the hope that the three men, soldiers who had been held captive, could also be released from prison. Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my commendation also to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of the House Committee on International Relations, for his endorsement and support of this resolution; also, the ranking Democrat of the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson), both gentlemen, for supporting and endorsing this resolution. Needless to say, Mr. Speaker, Reverend Jackson has done it again. Following an intensive 3-hour-long meeting with President Milosevic with a good amount of praying and heart-to-heart discussions, President Milosevic decided to release our three soldiers. Mr. Speaker, I am certain that our Nation, the families and friends of our three soldiers, we all owe a debt of gratitude and appreciation for Reverend Jackson's commitment and devotion to the cause of peace. And, more especially, his ability to properly negotiate and persuade parties with varying views to come to the table and seek solutions to the problems certainly is most commendable. Mr. Speaker, Reverend Jackson deserves our gratitude for his successful efforts to secure the release of our soldiers, Steve Gonzales, Andrew Ramirez and Christopher Stone. I might add, Mr. Speaker, those soldiers showed tremendous courage and loyalty to our Nation. I need not remind my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, that the crisis in Kosovo is far from over. The debate in this Chamber last week, I submit, Mr. Speaker, is indicative of the seriousness of the issues and with so very many varying opinions and claims of facts of the truth and the crisis in the Balkans, definitely in my humble opinion, Mr. Speaker, has proven one basic fact: Our leaders and the American people simply do not know enough about the history and legacy of the Balkans. Almost like a repeat of a ritual that America went through when we were confronted with a crisis in Vietnam. Mr. Speaker, we do not need and we do not want another Vietnam in the Balkans. We must remember that President Milosevic is continuing to wage a brutal campaign against the Kosovar Albanians. Thousands of Kosovar Albanian refugees continue to stream into the neighboring countries. Many of these refugees have terrible tales to tell of rape, of beatings, of atrocities and murder at the hands of Serbian forces. The NATO campaign is designed to deny Milosevic the ability to wage his brutal repression against the Kosovar Albanians. Mr. Speaker, we must remain steadfast in our resolve to see our mission through. Again, I want to commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) for his support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 156 offered by the gentlelady from Florida, Mrs. Meek. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 156 provides for a special commendation and tribute to the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., for his services and leadership--whereby he led a special delegation of religious leaders and one of our fellow Members, the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Blagojevich, to travel to Belgrade, Yugoslavia--to meet with President Slobodan Milosevic--with the hope of trying to break the stalemate in the current crisis in Kosovo through a negotiated peace settlement or agreement, and with the hope also that the three American soldiers who have been held captive could also be released from prison. Needless to say, Mr. Speaker, Reverend Jackson has done it again. Following an intense three-hour long meeting with President Milosevic, with a good amount of praying and heart-to-heart discussion, President Milosevic decided to release our three soldiers. Mr. Speaker, I am quite certain that our nation, the families and friends of our three soldiers, we all owe a debt of gratitude and appreciation for Reverend Jackson's commitment to peace, but more especially his ability to properly negotiate and persuade parties with varying views to come to the table and seek solutions to the problems, is most commendable. Mr. Speaker, Reverend Jackson deserves our gratitude for his successful efforts to secure the release of our soldiers, Steve Gonzales, Andrew Ramirez, and Christopher Stone. I might add, Mr. Speaker, these soldiers showed tremendous courage and loyalty to our nation. Mr. Speaker, I need not remind my colleagues that the crisis in Kosovo is far from over. The debates in this Chamber last week--I submit, Mr. Speaker--is indicative of the seriousness of the issues and with so many varying opinions and claims of ``facts,'' or ``the truth''--the crisis in the Balkans definitely has proven one basic fact: our leaders and the American people simply do not know enough about the history and legacy of the Balkans; almost like a repeat of the ritual that America went through when we were confronted with the crisis in Vietnam. Mr. Speaker, we don't need and we don't want another Vietnam in the Balkans. Days of Joy, Pain and Hope (Los Angeles Times Editorials.--May 3, 1999) Finally, in a period of missteps and accidental NATO attacks in Yugoslavia and confusion on Capitol Hill over whether the House supports or opposes the air war, there is good news: the release Sunday of the three American prisoners of war. The sight of the smiling faces of Army Staff Sgt. Andrew Ramirez, 24, of East Los Angeles, Spc. Steven Gonzales, 21 of Huntsville, Texas, and Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Stone, 25, of Smith's Creek, Mich, provided a temporary respite from the hard decisions that lie ahead and that, we hope, will set the stage for further diplomatic progress. Full credit in securing the release of the three soldiers should go unbegrudgingly to the Rev. Jesse Jackson and a private delegation of religious leaders, including Los Angeles' Rabbi Steven Bennett Jacobs and Dr. Nazir Uddin Khaja of the American Muslim Council. The religious leaders had been publicly urged not to go to Belgrade by the Clinton administration and had been warned that the mission was dangerous and ill-timed. No one can know the cynical reasoning that might well have motivated President Slobodan Milosevic to release the soldiers. But the point is that Jackson delivered, winning the release of the prisoners without apparent conditions. For the families of the soldiers, seized on the Macedonian border March 31, the nightmare is over. Relatives of Ramirez, Gonzales and Stone are on their way to Germany to be reunited with their sons, husbands and brothers. For the Kosovars, however, the future does not look so bright. ``This gesture on his [Milosevic's] part cannot overcome the stench of evil and death on the killing fields of Kosovo,'' Defense Secretary William S. [[Page 8336]] Cohen said Sunday. The White House already has rebuffed Jackson's call for direct talks between Clinton and Milosevic, and we agree that such a meeting is at best premature. The air bombing campaign in Yugoslavia is a NATO operation. Beyond that, Milosevic first would have to lay the groundwork necessary for success. In short, that means the end of Milosevic's pogrom in Kosovo, the safe return of the refugees and some form of autonomy for the Kosovars that is diplomatically secured. Today we celebrate the release of U.S. soldiers from captivity. The diplomatic avenues toward peace appear to be opening up, through the increased interest of the Russians and others. Americans must not forget, however, that diplomacy was tried and failed for many months in the absence of a military campaign. In the presence of a military campaign, the diplomatic approach might finally have been given the incentive it needed. ____ [From the Los Angeles Times, May 3, 1999] Jackson Trip Is Latest in Series of Successful, Risky One-Man Missions Washington.--The White House asked him not to go and said it couldn't guarantee his safety in a city under attack by NATO bombing. But the diplomatic coup by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, winning the release of three U.S. soldiers held captive in Belgrade, highlights the kind of risky, personal diplomacy that sometimes works where White House action cannot. Jackson, who has acted as Clinton's special envoy in the past, went to Yugoslavia as a private citizen to negotiate with Slobodan Milosevic. It's a role he's played before in Syria, Cuba and Iraq dating to the mid-1980s. The administration had ruled out official negotiations for the soldier's release since their capture near the Yugoslavia-Macedonia border on March 31, and vowed to press forward with the air war aimed at stopping hostilities in Kosovo. While the White House has cautiously welcomed Jackson's success, the administration may still worry his mission may further Milosevic's efforts to soften his image, said Barnett Rubin, the director of the Center for Preventive Action at the Council on Foreign Relations. ``The danger is that a free-lancer like that, unauthorized, dilutes your message,'' Rubin said. ``They portray Milosevic as a war criminal, but this could show him he has alternatives.'' Rep. Floyd Spence (R-S.C.), chairman of the House Armed Service committee, said the Jackson maneuver gave a ``diplomatic victory'' because ``the world is going to look upon him in a different way, to some extent, by releasing the prisoners this way.'' Spence said on CNN's ``Evans, Novak, Hunt & Shields'' that a temporary bombing halt ``would be appropriate.'' He added that ``I don't think we should be there in the first place,'' noting that he was among the 213 House members voting last week against a resolution backing the bombing. Jackson has a history of private intervention in international crises. He went to Syria in 1984 to arrange the release of a Navy pilot whose bomber was shot down by Syrian antiaircraft guns in Lebanon. Several months later, he worked out arrangements with Cuba for the release of 48 American and Cuban political prisoners. And he played a similar role helping foreign women and children in Iraq in 1990. Sometimes this type of citizen diplomacy works, and sometimes it doesn't. Former President Carter helped diffuse a crisis over North Korean efforts to develop nuclear weapons in 1994 by personally intervening with that country's late leader, Kim Il-Sung. When Carter said he want to go, Clinton reportedly told him to go ahead, as long as Carter understood he was acting as a private citizen and not an official emissary. But a similar Carter visit with Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic in 1995 failed to produce a lasting cease-fire, and Carter was later criticized for meeting with an indicted war criminal. Clinton has often favored using high-profile, one-man diplomatic missions to resolve international crises, counting on the reputation and clout of his messenger. He employed Bill Richardson--a congressman from New Mexico and later U.S. ambassador to the United Nations--as a diplomatic firefighter, trying to extinguish problems in Iraq, central Africa and North Korea. He asked a former rival, Republican Bob Dole, to travel to Kosovo to convince the Kosovar Albanians to sign a settlement Molosevic eventually rejected. And he teamed Carter with former Sen. Sam Nunn and retired Gen. Colin Powell in 1994 to persuade Haiti's military rulers to back down and allow a peaceful U.S.-led military intervention that restored ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. One of Clinton's most frequent emissaries is Richard Holbrooke, the former State Department official, ambassador, and architect of the 1995 Dayton accord that ended the war in Bosnia. Holbrooke, now the nominee to succeed Richardson as ambassador to the United Nations, negotiated with Milosevic seeking a peaceful solution to Kosovo right up until the NATO bombing began. But Rubin said Jackson's mission differs greatly from that of official envoys. ``Holbrooke was representing the United States and NATO, saying, `If you don't agree, we're going to bomb you.' That's the same message whether you're alone in the room or if you're with 10 other people,'' Rubin said. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek), chief sponsor of this resolution Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega), my colleague, for giving me this opportunity to express my feelings about the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson. When the history of the world is written, Mr. Speaker, the name of Jesse Louis Jackson will head the name of those who loved peace. I am pleased that the House is today considering a resolution introduced yesterday commending the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., for his extraordinary efforts in securing the release of our three brave American soldiers from captivity in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson gives us something for all of us to be proud of: leadership, bravery, courage. I particularly want to thank Speaker Hastert; the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt) our minority leader; the gentleman from New York (Chairman Gilman); the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson) ranking Member; and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) of the Committee on International Relations, who worked together in a bipartisan effort to bring this resolution to the floor. Mr. Speaker, as we all know, last Thursday Reverend Jackson led a delegation of religious and civic leaders from the United States, including our colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Blagojevich), to Yugoslavia in a faith-based effort to secure the release of Specialist Gonzales, Staff Sergeant Ramirez, and Staff Sergeant Stone. Against great odds and in the face of grave personal risk, Reverend Jackson and his party entered the war zone and on Saturday May 1, Reverend Jackson, with the help of God, secured the release of these brave American soldiers. Mr. Speaker, I and millions of Americans and others around the world, we watched with pride, we watched with joy and amazement as Reverend Jackson and his delegation emerged with our three brave soldiers. It was at that point that I decided to introduce this resolution. On this floor today we celebrate Reverend Jackson's achievement and our soldiers' return to freedom. We want the world to know, Mr. Speaker, that we are extremely proud of the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson. This is not the first time that Reverend Jackson has successfully secured the release of prisoners in other countries. In 1984 he secured the release of United States Navy Flyer, Lieutenant Robert O. Goodman, Jr., from Syria. Again in June of 1984 he secured the release of 22 Americans and 26 Cubans from Cuba; and in 1990 he secured the release of 700 women and children who were being detained in Iraq. Jesse Louis Jackson is certainly a man of peace. Mr. Speaker, he is recognized around the world as a humanitarian, an advocate for civil and human rights, and an ambassador of freedom. Time and again he has been willing and able to enter into difficult situations and to go into harm's way that very few of us would go into. His diplomacy has been effective when conventional diplomacy has not been effective. He has achieved success due to his determination and the strength of his beliefs. Reverend Jackson is a soldier for peace and freedom with deep roots in the nonviolence movement. For over a generation he has acted in the highest tradition of Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Reverend Jackson has proven time and time again that he will go anywhere and to any lengths to help those in need, especially those who are unable to help themselves. It is a great honor and privilege to know him and to have him as a friend, and to know that this House does itself proud by honoring someone who has done so much to help so many. [[Page 8337]] Mr. Speaker, the Bible said: ``Blessed are the peacemakers.'' The Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., is indeed blessed. God has given him great gifts and he has used them fully to help his fellow men and women. He deserves our thanks and our praise. We are so proud. Mr. Speaker, we all serve with his son, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jesse L. Jackson, Jr.), and I know that he is even more proud of his father than we are. I am very proud to offer this resolution honoring this great American, an outstanding leader, and I urge all of my colleagues to give it their enthusiastic support. Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of our time. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes and 40 seconds to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson), my friend and colleague. Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, let me begin by thanking the distinguished gentleman from New York (Chairman Gilman) and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) for this opportunity, and I certainly want to begin by commending and thanking the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek) for sponsoring today's resolution. Mr. Speaker, I am overwhelmed that the gentlewoman would be so kind as to think of Reverend Jackson and all of the members of this delegation who sought to bring about an opportunity for peace in this crisis. I am only troubled in that the present signals that we are getting are not ones that indicate that we are going to take advantage of the opportunity that Reverend Jackson has created. I could talk about Reverend Jackson, my father, for hours. Maybe for a lifetime. But I want to take the few minutes that I have, that has been given me, just to mention the names of those ministers who participated in this event. The Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., founder and president of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. The Reverend Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, general secretary, National Council of Churches. Mr. Nazir U. Khaja, medical doctor, chairman of the board of the American Muslim Council, head of the Islamic Information Service. Father Leonid Kishkovsky, Orthodox Church of America. The Reverend James Meeks, Salem Baptist Church, Chicago, Illinois. The Reverend Father Irinej Dobrijevic, Serbian Orthodox priest, International Orthodox Christian Charities. Landrum Bolling, Senior Advisor, Conflict Management Group, Director-at-Large, Mercy Corps International. John Wyma, chief of staff to Congressman Rod Blagojevich. Father Raymond G. Helmick from Boston College in Boston, Massachusetts. Amy Toensing, photographer. Walter Rogers from CNN. Yuri Tadesse, the director of International Affairs at Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. David Steele, Center for Strategic and International Studies of Washington, D.C. James George Couchell, His Grace Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. His Grace Right Reverend Bishop Mitrophan, Serbian Orthodox Bishop of Eastern America. Bishop Marshall ``Jack'' Meadors of the United Methodist Church. Rabbi Steven Bennett Jacobs, Temple KOL Tikva from Los Angeles, California. Mr. Zoran S. Hodjera, president of the Saint Luke Serbian Orthodox Church in Washington, D.C. Our colleague, Congressman Rod Blagojevich from the Fifth Congressional District in Illinois. Obrad Kesic, Director of Governmental Affairs, IGN Pharmaceuticals. Reverend Roy Thomas Lloyd, Broadcast News Director of the National Council of Churches. Jonathan Alpert from HBO. Susan Sachs from the New York Times. Bryan Puchaty, CNN. Marie Nelson, the director for Africa Policy, Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition. Mr. Speaker, this interfaith delegation made it possible to bring our prisoners of war home. Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson) for listing all the clergymen. I had not seen that list published any place and it was certainly a wonderful delegation. And I commend him for giving them the proper attributes for their work. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of the Committee on International Relations, for his generosity and for his constant advocacy for peace. And I thank the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega), the ranking member, for his leadership. I also thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek) for bringing this to a point when we could acknowledge a great man of peace. Mr. Speaker, ringing throughout the halls of many places over the weekend, and particularly in our houses of worship, were the words, ``glory, glory, hallelujah,'' for it was that which caused the efforts of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson to be put at the pinnacle of our eyesight in terms of what he accomplished. We had always known him as a man of peace who was courageous, but as he brought forth the three young men and presented them to us this past Sunday there was a ringing of celebration, one long overdue. I rise to support this resolution and support Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., and as noted by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson), all of the others, part of the delegation, the religious and civic leaders, including our colleague from Illinois (Mr. Blagojevich). It is important to acknowledge the fact that there can be peace. {time} 1915 I am grateful that specialist Steven Gonzales, Staff Sergeant Andrew Ramirez, and Staff Sergeant Christopher Stone, who were captured on patrol along the border of Kosovo and Macedonia, are now free. I am delighted that Reverend Jackson, in prayer and with courage, left the shores of this land and went forth to deliver them. As I traveled in Albania and Macedonia this weekend, it was clear that all eyes were on Reverend Jackson and his delegation. First, we were offering up prayers, Mr. Speaker; and then, of course, we were hoping for the very best. We know that President Milosevic has brutally murdered many of the ethnic Albanians. We know that women and children have been displaced, along with their husbands and men. We know that the men have been murdered and taken off to war. We know the refugee camps are in terrible condition in terms of the living conditions, and we know we must prevail to stop ethnic cleansing. But Reverend Jackson rose above those issues to proceed to declare peace and to receive these individuals back. Mr. Speaker, I would simply take my hat off, if I had one, to salute Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., for being a courageous man of peace. Mr. Speaker, I submit for the Record Reverend Jackson's entire resume and bio. Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, Inc. The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, President and founder of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, is one of America's foremost political figures. Over the past thirty years he has played a pivotal role in virtually every movement for empowerment, peace, civil rights, gender equality, and economic and social justice. Reverend Jackson has been called the ``conscience of the nation'' and ``the great unifier,'' challenging America to establish just and humane priorities. He is known for bringing people together in common ground across lines of race, class, gender, and belief. Born on October 8, 1941 in Greenville, South Carolina, Jesse Jackson attended the University of Illinois on a football scholarship and later transferred to North Carolina A&T State University. He attended Chicago Theological Seminary until he joined the Civil Rights Movement full time in 1965. Reverend Jackson began his activism as a student leader in the sit-in movement and continued as a young organizer for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as an assistant to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He went onto direct Operation Breadbasket and subsequently founded People United to Save Humanity (PUSH) in Chicago in 1971. [[Page 8338]] PUSH's goals were economic empowerment and expanding educational and employment opportunities for the disadvantaged and communities of color. In 1984, Reverend Jackson founded the National Rainbow Coalition, a national social justice organization devoted to political empowerment, education and changing public policy. In September 1996, the Rainbow Coalition and Operation PUSH merged into the Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition to continue both philosophies and maximize its resources. Long before national health care, a war on drugs, dialogue with the Soviet Union and negotiations with the Middle East were popular positions, Reverend Jackson advocated them. By virtue of Reverend Jackson's advocacy, South African apartheid and the fight for democracy in Haiti came to the forefront of the national conscience. Reverend Jackson's two presidential campaigns broke new ground in U.S. politics. His 1984 campaign won 3.5 million votes, registered over one million new voters, and helped the Democratic Party regain control of the Senate in 1986. His 1988 candidacy won seven million votes and registered two million new voters and helped to sweep hundreds of elected officials into office. Additionally, this civil rights leader won a historic victory, coming in first or second in 46 out of 54 contests. His clear progressive agenda and his ability to build an unprecedented coalition inspired millions to join the political process. As a highly respected world leader, Reverend Jackson has acted many times as an international diplomat in sensitive situations. In 1984, for example, Reverend Jackson secured the release of captured Navy Lieutenant Robert Goodman from Syria, as well as the release of 48 Cuban and Cuban-American prisoners in 1984. He was the first American to bring hostages out of Kuwait and Iraq in 1990. In 1990, in an impressive victory, Reverend Jackson was elected to the post of U.S. Senator from Washington, D.C., a position also known as ``Statehood Senator.'' The office was created to advocate for statehood for the District of Columbia, which has a population higher than five states yet has no voting representation in Congress. A hallmark of Reverend Jackson's work has been his commitment to youth. He has visited thousands of high schools, colleges, universities, and correctional facilities encouraging excellence, inspiring hope and challenging young people to award themselves with academic excellence and to stay drug-free. He has also been a major force in the American labor movement--working with unions to organize workers and mediate labor disputes. It is noted, Reverend Jackson has probably walked more picket lines and spoken at more labor rallies than any other national leader. A renowned orator, Reverend Jackson has received numerous honors for his work in human and civil rights and for nonviolent social change. In 1991, the U.S. Post Office put his likeness on a pictorial postal cancellation, only the second living person to receive such an honor. He has been on the Gallup List of Ten Most Respected Americans for the past ten years. He has also received the prestigious NAACP Spingarn Award, in addition to honors from hundreds of grassroots and community organizations from coast to coast. Reverend Jackson has been awarded more than 40 honorary doctorate degrees, and frequently lectures at Howard, Yale, Princeton, Morehouse, Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, and Hampton Universities, among others. Since 1992, Reverend Jackson has hosted ``Both Sides With Jesse Jackson'' on Cable News Network. He is the author of two books: Keep Hope Alive (South End Press, 1989) and Straight From the Heart (Fortress Press, 1987). In 1996, Reverend Jackson co-authored the book Legal Lynching: Racism, Injustice, and the Death Penalty (Marlowe & Company) with his son, U.S. Representative Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. In October 1997, Reverend Jackson was appointed by President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright as ``Special Envoy of the President and Secretary of State for the Promotion of Democracy in Africa.'' In his official position as Special Envoy, Reverend Jackson traveled to Kenya and Zambia in November 1997. Reverend Jackson met with His Excellency Daniel T. Arap Moi of Kenya and President Frederick J.T. Chiluba of Zambia during his trip. Reverend Jackson married college sweetheart Jacqueline Lavinia Brown in 1963. They have five children: Santita Jackson, Cong. Jesse Louis Jackson, Jr., Jonathan Jackson, Yusef DuBois Jackson, Esq., and Jacqueline Lavinia Jackson, Jr. The Jacksons reside in Chicago. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis). Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues in support of H. Res. 156, a resolution to honor not only the work of the Honorable Reverend Jesse Jackson but also the work of the entire delegation who traveled with him against insurmountable odds and came back victorious. Especially would I like to single out the work of our colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rod Blagojevich), and the Reverend James Meeks, whom I happen to know and have a tremendous amount of respect for. I think, once again, Reverend Jackson has demonstrated his astuteness, his ability, his agility. Some of us thought maybe Reverend Jackson was getting a little bit older, and somebody else said, no, Jesse is not getting older, he is just getting better. And so he has gotten better, he is better, and we commend and congratulate him once again on a tremendous piece of humanitarian work for all of the world to see. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano). Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues on both sides of the fence for bringing this today to this floor. I especially want to thank my colleague, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Carrie Meek), for authoring House Resolution 156, which commends the Reverend Jesse Jackson for his wonderful and great work in securing the release of our brave servicemen, Staff Sergeant Andrew Ramirez, Staff Sergeant Christopher Stone, and Specialist Steven Gonzales. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution and honored to have the opportunity to address the Nation about it today. Reverend Jesse Jackson has once again proven himself a man of great ability, of great compassion and of great faith. His mission to Yugoslavia brought relief and joy to the families of these three servicemen and to all Americans who prayed for their freedom. Our Nation owes Jesse Jackson a great debt of gratitude. His skillful diplomacy in this case, as well as his other successful missions to free hostages and prisoners throughout the years, serves to remind us of Reverend Jackson's steadfast dedication to peace and freedom. With regard to Staff Sergeant Steven Ramirez, I am especially thankful to Reverend Jackson for his courageous mission and am proud to join the Nation in honoring this exemplary American today. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones). Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 156, to commend, thank and congratulate the Reverend Jesse Jackson and his delegation and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rod Blagojevich) for securing the release of the three American soldiers. There has been great discussion criticizing independent diplomatic efforts as dangerous, out of line and inappropriate. I stand to commend the efforts of this faith-based delegation made up of more than 20 religious leaders as the right move at the right time and in the best interests of the soldiers and this Nation. I am the mother of a 16-year-old man-child named Mervyn Jones, the love of my life. I place myself in the shoes of the mothers of these three American soldiers, experiencing the anxiety, loneliness, regret, love, longing and desperation of not being able to remove my son from the arms of Milosevic. Thanks to the efforts of Reverend Jackson and his delegation, I stand in the shoes of these same mothers exuberant, relieved, happy, proud, grateful and blessed that God allowed the Reverend Jackson to speak for me and my son. In the midst of apprehension, discouragement, criticism and mistrust, this faith-based delegation had the courage and most of all the faith, hope and belief that they could accomplish that which others had been unable to accomplish--the release of three young American soldiers. There comes a time when all criticism should cease and all voices should now be heard in unison, thanking these great Americans for their efforts, thanking these great Americans for their belief, thanking them for their audacity to believe that they could, thanking them for their service. Reverend Jackson, Representative Blagojevich and other members of the delegation, I join with the United States Congress and the American people to laud, commend, congratulate and praise your good work. [[Page 8339]] Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Clayton). Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for having this, and I want to thank the leadership of the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek) for offering this resolution. I rise in support of H.R. 156, a resolution to commend Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., for securing the release from captivity of three United States soldiers: Specialist Steven Gonzales of Huntsville, Texas; Staff Sergeant Andrew Ramirez of Los Angeles; and Staff Sergeant Christopher Stone of Smiths Creek, Michigan. For 5 weeks these soldiers reportedly were held isolated from each other and their units and held captive in a hostile land. Members of their families, people in their home communities and concerned citizens around the world prayed for their safe return. We were disappointed by the unsuccessful diplomatic efforts to secure their release. In answer to the call of conscience, who will go to seek the release of these young men, Reverend Jesse Jackson boldly and courageously answered, I will. Despite the risk of failure, despite the risk of danger to his personal security, despite the risk of criticism from those who would say he had no business whatsoever, Reverend Jesse Jackson and his faith-based mission answered the call. And, indeed, we want to commend our colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Blagojevich), to go to this foreign country and to urge the country of that Nation to let our soldiers go home. He succeeded and we are glad. Perhaps this humanitarian gesture by the Yugoslavian President, to set free our soldiers, will be followed by more substantial concessions on his part to hasten an end to the destruction of that region and the suffering he has caused in so many lives there. However, today, we should take time, on behalf of a nation that is grateful and very relieved by the safe return of our soldiers, to say thank you to Rev. Jesse Jackson for answering the call of conscience and for a job well done. Rev. Jesse Jackson, by his bold actions, displayed the wisdom implicit in the old maxim that we should live, learn, love and leave a legacy. By his actions, Rev. Jackson displayed courage to go into a dangerous situation to accomplish his mission, to seek the release of our soldiers. He did it and we say thank you. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, may I ask how much more time do I have on this side? The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Duncan). The gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) has 4\3/4\ minutes remaining. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters). Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time; and though 1 minute is not enough, I will try. I simply want to, first, thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman, and our ranking member, as well as the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Carrie Meek) for stopping and focusing us and getting us together to give our thanks to Reverend Jesse Jackson. Reverend Jesse Jackson is truly a remarkable man. He is a man who truly believes in the power of prayer and the ability to argue the moral and humane position, no matter how difficult it looks, no matter how difficult it seems. He was criticized. They said, do not go, Jesse; do not mess up our diplomatic relations, even though we had none. But Jesse went in spite of that, with a faith-based coalition and our own Congressman, to say to Mr. Milosevic, let them go. And despite the fact that we all believe that Mr. Milosevic is without a moral center, that this is a man who has been involved in ethnic cleansing, that this is a man who had lost his moral compass a long time ago, Jesse convinced him. He did not stop on the first try. They told him it was not on the agenda. Jesse Jackson went to bed; and he said, it is on my agenda. And he got up the next morning, and he continued with the mission, and he made it happen. We are pleased. The mothers of these young men are pleased. We are so glad we have a Jesse Jackson. The world should thank Jesse Jackson. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rush). Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I want to also thank the sponsor of this outstanding resolution, H.R. 156. I also want to thank the chairman of the subcommittee and also the ranking member of the subcommittee for this occasion. Today, I would like to commend Reverend Jesse Jackson and the entire Jackson peace delegation, which included the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rod Blagojevich) and the Reverend James Meeks, both who reside in the City of Chicago, for their heroic efforts in bringing our soldiers back home. It took people of monumental strength and enormous moral courage to accomplish such a noble feat. I know that all of America, including the parents of our soldiers, thanked God when on Sunday it was announced that our soldiers were released. One word about Reverend Jackson. Reverend Jackson is, indeed, a remarkable man, a man of enormous courage and enormous talent and abilities. Reverend Jackson's moral plea to Milosevic for the release of our soldiers was not an easy task. However, once again, Reverend Jackson has demonstrated to us the power of diplomatic negotiations. Reverend Jackson certainly deserves every word, every symbol, every indication that we have giving him thanks. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Hilliard). Mr. HILLIARD. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Reverend Jesse Jackson. For many years, the Reverend Jesse Jackson has served the cause of peace and human dignity. Once again, Reverend Jackson has traveled to the battlefields of a world at war to return captive servicemen. Once again, he has brought a message of peace and human unity to a situation many thought was beyond hope. Once again, Reverend Jackson has put his faith to the test, opened his heart in love and brought hope to the hopeless. Once again, Reverend Jackson has made himself an example of a committed American and an international peacekeeper. Leading a delegation of Christian, Muslims and Jewish representatives, Reverend Jackson made a way where there seemed to be none. It is my hope that we may use the relationships which he has developed to find a way to end this war but, more importantly, that we find a way to end the oppression which caused it. It must always be our goal to establish a peace not based on oppression and to rebuild an arc of the covenant between all people. Reverend Jackson has done his part. Let us now do ours. Mr. Speaker, I commend Reverend Jackson for his efforts. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Kilpatrick). Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank our ranking member and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) and my very dear friend, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Carrie Meek), for bringing this resolution forward. People can say what they want about this country. This is the greatest country in the world. Men like Reverend Jesse Jackson, as well as my colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rod Blagojevich), who have the courage to risk their lives, and the other delegation, and to go on foreign soil to free three heroes are to be commended. I want to add my voice to all those who have spoken before me in thanking Reverend Jackson and our colleague and their delegation. This world will be a better place. We hope we can end this war and bring peace to our Nation. Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Blagojevich), the gentleman who accompanied Reverend Jackson and made it possible for Reverend Jackson to visit in Yugoslavia. Mr. BLAGOJEVICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Sergeant Ramirez and Sergeant Stone and Specialist Gonzales are soon [[Page 8340]] to be home with their families due to the hard work and effort of Reverend Jesse Jackson. He worked very hard. He was constant in his pursuit of negotiations to achieve this mission. There were peaks, and there were valleys. I know, because I was there with him. {time} 1930 Reverend Jackson did it in Iraq and Kuwait. He did it before in Cuba with hostages. He did it before and was successful in Syria with Robert Goodman. And he did it again in Yugoslavia. Reverend Jesse Jackson is four for four, and Jesse Jackson is the man. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining? The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Duncan). The gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) has 1 minute remaining. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 35 seconds to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Ford). Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. I just want to the add my voice of congratulations to Jesse Jackson, who in many ways is like a father figure to me. I have known the family for so long. I am not surprised what Jesse Jackson was able to accomplish. And I say to my dear friend who came with me in the same class in 1996, that great Congressman from Chicago, he was one heck of a wing man and the Reverend could not have done it without him. Congratulations, Reverend Jackson. And to the Ramirez, Stone and Gonzales families, I thank them for producing three great men like they have. God bless America. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) has 25 seconds remaining. Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 additional minute to the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega). Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of the time. I certainly want to commend and thank my colleagues for the statements that have been presented to pay this very special tribute and this resolution to Reverend Jesse Jackson for the performance and for the contributions that he has made, especially in bringing home these three soldiers who had been imprisoned for the past 31 days. In saying that, I certainly thank my good friend the gentlewoman from Florida for her sponsorship of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of the time to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown). The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from American Samoa has 1 minute remaining. That 1 minute is yielded to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown). Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 156. I want to thank the Reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson for the wonderful job he has done getting the three American prisoners released. Our Nation and the families of the three soldiers who were held for a month are very grateful to Reverend Jackson's work. Reverend Jackson has only recently been named as a diplomat, but he has been doing this work for a very long time. I am very hopeful that Reverend Jackson's success will encourage the two sides to find a peaceful end to the crisis. On that note, I want to say that I joined several of my colleagues this weekend in Vienna, where we had meetings with the Russian Parliament. We tried to set a framework for peace negotiations between the two sides, and I am very pleased with our results. We cannot underestimate the power of negotiators like the Reverend Jackson, and I am very encouraged that his efforts, along with the discussions with the Russian officials, will lay the groundwork for peace and end this conflict. God bless America. And, of course, we all love the Reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson. I would like to congratulate the Reverend Jesse Jackson in his successful efforts in bringing home the three United States servicemen, Staff Sergeant Christopher J. Stone, Staff Sergeant Andrew A. Ramirez and Specialist Steven M. Gonzales, who were abducted in Macedonia near the Yugoslav border where they were on patrol while participating in a NATO force that was to move into Kosovo as peacekeepers in case of a settlement. Mr. Jackson's trip to Yugoslavia as a negotiator on behalf of the soldiers was indeed courageous, and his diplomatic talents are more than commendable. Indeed, in obtaining the release of the captured soldiers, Reverend Jesse Jackson succeeded where no one else could through his immeasurable perseverance, faith, and persistent negotiating with the Serb leader. It is interesting to note that this was not the Reverend's first success as an international mediator. In 1984, he won the freedom from Syria of a U.S. Navy flyer, Lt. Robert O. Goodman, Jr., who had been shot down in a raid on antiaircraft positions in Lebanon. I also recall that in June of that same year he persuaded Fidel Castro to release 22 Americans and 26 Cubans from Cuban prisons. Additionally, Jesse Jackson has participated in numerous domestic ``missions,'' and has mediated in several disputes on behalf of African Americans, labor and the poor. One example of his efforts was his success in prodding the aircraft maker Boeing into a $15 million settlement of two class action lawsuits that accused the firm of discriminating against its African American workers. I wholeheartedly admire the Reverend for his tactics in dispute resolution, for his siding with the underdogs, the poor, minorities, and the oppressed. Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of the time. Again, I want to commend the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek) for bringing this resolution to the floor. I want to thank our senior member of our committee, the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) for his participation, and thank all of those who participated in this tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, and to his fellow clergymen who participated with him in this admirable undertaking in releasing our prisoners. Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, the Rev. Jesse Jackson is truly one of America's unsung heroes, and today I stand before you to sing his praises. For many years, conservatives have held Jesse Jackson up as the poster child for liberal causes. They have chastised him and demonized him. They have cursed him and mocked him. And at the same time they wear their version of Christian values on their lapels, they look down on everyone that does not conform to their narrowly interpreted set of rules. However, if ever there was a person who exemplified the morals and the values espoused by Christ, that person is the Rev. Jesse Jackson. In the Book of Matthew, Chapter 5, our Savior, Jesus Christ tells us which values will be looked upon favorably in the kingdom of Heaven. Some of the ones he mentions who will be blessed are: ``The poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'' The Rev. Jackson has dedicated his life to representing the most marginalized, disenfranchised members of American society. ``Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.'' The Rev. Jackson has made filing the souls of Americans as important as filing the bellies of the hungry. ``The merciful, for they will be shown mercy.'' The Rev. Jackson has stepped into the chasm of propaganda and demonization to meet with the leaders of our nation's ``enemies'' and bring America's sons and daughters back from captivity in foreign countries. ``The pure in heart, for they will see God.'' The Rev. Jackson's approach to solving problems clearly illustrates the innocence and humility of his altruistic intentions, his love of all people, and his dedication to making the world a better place for everyone. ``The peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.'' The Rev. Jackson has been a strong, outspoken advocate of diplomacy and nonviolent conflict resolution. ``Those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for their is the kingdom of heaven.'' The Rev. Jackson has stood on the front lines of our nation's struggle to recognize the civil rights of all its citizens. Rev. Jackson, we appreciate you and the work you are doing to walk the path. We commend you for your tireless efforts to bring home American soldiers who have become prisoners of war. However, your selflessness does not stop there. On a number of occasions, your intervention has freed citizens [[Page 8341]] being held as human shields by Saddam Hussein and political prisoners from Cuban jails. Hold your head up Brother Jackson. You are somebody! Keep the faith! When you are feeling a little unappreciated, just remember. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thought that I should go to Andrews Airport Air Force Base yesterday to welcome Jesse Jackson home. Reverend Jackson had helped raise the consciousness of the nation to freedom concerns in the District of Columbia when he was statehood senator and lived here a few years ago. I thought that I should be there to greet him for bringing a freedom message to President Slobodan Milosevic, who heard Jesse Jackson and freed the three American servicemen. I listened intently to Rev. Jackson's comments at the airport. He detailed how he had managed to free the three soldiers, and it was clear that he had done it with great care and skill without undermining U.S. foreign policy concerns and military aims. Reverend Jackson carried the NATO four conditions and urged them on Milosevic at the same time that he urged our country to look for diplomatic openings. Through the efforts of the former Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, who coincidently arrived at Andrews shortly after the Jackson delegation, these openings are beginning to appear now. Rev. Jackson's work has not hurt our goals, and may have helped in ways we cannot yet know. What we do know is what Jesse Jackson, through an act of will and skill, has produced the three young men before the war's end. Jesse Jackson deserves credit not only for what he did but for the way he did it. Today's special order is a well deserved tribute. Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to recognize my good friend and colleague, Reverend Jesse Jackson, for his diplomacy in Yugoslavia and his work to bring an end to the crisis in Kosovo. Thanks to the work of Reverend Jackson and his delegation, three servicemen who had been held in Yugoslavia have been freed and allowed to return home safely. We must continue to take every measure possible to ensure the safe and expeditious return home of all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have been dispatched to Yugoslavia. In the same spirit, I hope that we can seize upon this moment to further these diplomatic efforts to bring about an immediate end to Slobodan Milosevic's campaign of terror. At this juncture, I am convinced that our best hope for peace and stability in the region is the negotiation of an immediate cease fire and the dispatch of an international peace keeping force. It is my strong belief that the United States and NATO must reach out to the United Nations, Russia, China, and others to work together toward a new internationally negotiated peace agreement and to secure Serb compliance with any and all of its terms. As a person who strongly believes in the teachings and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I profoundly subscribe to the principles of nonviolence and implore us to consider the teachings of Dr. King as we address the crisis in Kosovo. In speaking about the Vietnam war in his speech A Christmas Sermon on Peace found in his last book, The Trumpet of Conscience, Dr. King wrote: ``But one day we must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal we seek, but that it is a means by which we arrive at that goal. We must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means. All of this is saying that, in the final analysis, means and ends must cohere because the end is pre-existent in the means and ultimately destructive means cannot bring about constructive ends.'' Based upon these principles of non-violence, it is with enthusiasm and pride that I applaud Reverend Jackson and his delegation for opening important, new diplomatic channels. While I have not seen Milosevic's letter to President Clinton, I am very hopeful that our President will view the letter as a possible opportunity to renew dialog to seek a political settlement to this horrific crisis. I pray that this will set in motion a process that ends the bloodshed in Yugoslavia and leads to sustainable and long-term peace in the Balkans. Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, House Resolution 156, as amended. The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to. The title was amended so as to read: ``Resolution commending the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. on securing the release of Specialist Steven Gonzales of Huntsville, Texas, Staff Sergeant Andrew Ramirez of Los Angeles, California, and Staff Sergeant Christopher Stone of Smiths Creek, Michigan, from captivity in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.''. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________