[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14613]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                             NAUM FALKOVICH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE BARTON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 13, 2000

  Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of 
acknowledging the former Naum Falkovich, an immigrant from the Ukraine. 
As Supervisor for the Transportation Authority, Mr. Falkovich helped to 
clean up the world's worst nuclear disaster at Cherynobyl in 1986. He 
made daily trips to the nuclear disaster to ensure proper evacuation, 
while his wife, Lyusya Falkovich, helped clothe those in the immediate 
area of the disaster. Mrs. Falkovich later received a medal for her 
special efforts during the disaster.
  In 1993, their desire to escape a land of religious persecution 
motivated the family to sell all of their belongings, including the 
precious medal. The Falkovich family sought refuge in America, a land 
where opportunities are boundless and freedoms are afforded to every 
human. Fearing his death would arrive before his citizenship, Mr. 
Falkovich's family contacted my office seeking assistance to expedite 
the naturalization process. On June 9, 2000, just hours before his 
death, the 71 year old immigrant named Naum Falkovich received his last 
wish and became a citizen of the United States. Only a few hours later 
the proud U.S. citizen lost his grueling battle with cancer.
  I speak today to honor Mr. Falkovich, and his courage to seek a 
better life for himself and his beloved family.




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