[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 18]
[House]
[Pages 24851-24854]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 24851]]

                     RUSSIAN DEMOCRACY ACT OF 2001

  Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 2121) to make available funds under the Foreign Assistance 
Act of 1961 to expand democracy, good governance, and anti-corruption 
programs in the Russian Federation in order to promote and strengthen 
democratic government and civil society in that country and to support 
independent media, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 2121

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Russian Democracy Act of 
     2001''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the 
     leadership of the Russian Federation has publicly committed 
     itself to building--
       (A) a society with democratic political institutions and 
     practices, the observance of universally recognized standards 
     of human rights, and religious and press freedom; and
       (B) a market economy based on internationally accepted 
     principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of 
     law.
       (2) In order to facilitate this transition, the 
     international community has provided multilateral and 
     bilateral technical assistance, and the United States' 
     contribution to these efforts has played an important role in 
     developing new institutions built on democratic and liberal 
     economic foundations and the rule of law.
       (3)(A) Since 1992, United States Government democratic 
     reform programs and public diplomacy programs, including 
     training, small grants, and technical assistance to 
     independent television, radio, and print media across the 
     Russian Federation, have strengthened nongovernment-owned 
     media, provided access to and training in the use of the 
     Internet, brought nearly 40,000 Russian citizens to the 
     United States, and have led to the establishment of over 
     65,000 nongovernmental organizations, thousands of vibrant 
     independent media outlets, and numerous political parties.
       (B) These efforts contributed to the substantially free and 
     fair Russian parliamentary elections in 1995 and 1999 and 
     Presidential elections in 1996 and 2000.
       (4) The United States has assisted Russian efforts to 
     replace its centrally planned, state-controlled economy with 
     a market economy and helped create institutions and 
     infrastructure for a market economy by encouraging the 
     transparent privatization of state-owned enterprises. 
     Approximately two-thirds of the Russian Federation's gross 
     domestic product is now generated by the private sector.
       (5)(A) The United States fostered grassroots 
     entrepreneurship in the Russian Federation by focusing United 
     States economic assistance on small- and medium-sized 
     businesses and by providing training, consulting services, 
     and small loans to more than 250,000 Russian entrepreneurs.
       (B) There are now more than 900,000 small businesses in the 
     Russian Federation, producing 12 to 15 percent of the gross 
     domestic product of the Russian Federation.
       (C) United States-funded programs help to fight corruption 
     and financial crime, such as money laundering, by helping 
     to--
       (i) establish a commercial legal infrastructure;
       (ii) develop an independent judiciary;
       (iii) support the drafting of a new criminal code, civil 
     code, and bankruptcy law;
       (iv) develop a legal and regulatory framework for the 
     Russian Federation's equivalent of the United States 
     Securities and Exchange Commission;
       (v) support Russian law schools;
       (vi) create legal aid clinics; and
       (vii) bolster law-related activities of nongovernmental 
     organizations.
       (6) Because the capability of Russian democratic forces and 
     the civil society to organize and defend democratic gains 
     without international support is uncertain, and because the 
     gradual integration of the Russian Federation into the global 
     order of free-market, democratic nations will further enhance 
     Russian cooperation with the United States on a wide-range of 
     political, economic, and security issues, the success of 
     democracy in Russia is in the national security interest of 
     the United States, and the United States Government should 
     develop a far-reaching and flexible strategy aimed at 
     strengthening Russian society's support for democracy and a 
     market economy, particularly by enhancing Russian democratic 
     institutions and education, promoting the rule of law, and 
     supporting Russia's independent media.
       (7) Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the 
     Russian Federation has stood with the United States and the 
     civilized world in the struggle against terrorism and has 
     cooperated in the war in Afghanistan by sharing intelligence 
     and through other means.
       (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
       (1) to strengthen and advance institutions of democratic 
     government and of a free and independent media and to sustain 
     the development of an independent civil society in the 
     Russian Federation based on religious and ethnic tolerance, 
     internationally recognized human rights, and an 
     internationally recognized rule of law; and
       (2) to focus United States foreign assistance programs on 
     using local expertise and giving local organizations a 
     greater role in designing and implementing such programs, 
     while maintaining appropriate oversight and monitoring.

     SEC. 3. UNITED STATES POLICY TOWARD THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the United States Government should--
       (1) recognize that a democratic and economically stable 
     Russian Federation is inherently less confrontational and 
     destabilizing in its foreign policy and therefore that the 
     promotion of democracy in Russia is in the national security 
     interests of the United States; and
       (2) continue and increase assistance to the democratic 
     forces in the Russian Federation, including the independent 
     media, regional administrations, democratic political 
     parties, and nongovernmental organizations.
       (b) Statement of Policy.--It shall be the policy of the 
     United States--
       (1) to facilitate Russia's integration into the Western 
     community of nations, including supporting the establishment 
     of a stable democracy and a market economy, and also 
     including Russia's membership in the appropriate 
     international institutions;
       (2) to engage the Government of Russian Federation and 
     Russian society in order to strengthen democratic reform and 
     institutions, and to promote good governance principles based 
     on the internationally recognized norms of transparency in 
     business practices, the rule of law, religious freedom, and 
     human rights;
       (3) to advance a dialog between United States Government 
     officials and private sector individuals and representatives 
     of the Government of the Russian Federation regarding Russian 
     integration into the Western community of nations;
       (4) to encourage United States Government officials and 
     private sector individuals to meet regularly with democratic 
     activists, human rights activists, representatives of the 
     independent media, representatives of nongovernmental 
     organizations, civic organizers, and reform-minded 
     politicians from Moscow and the various regions of the 
     Russian Federation;
       (5) to incorporate democratic reforms, the promotion of an 
     independent media, and economic reforms in the broad United 
     States agenda with the Government of the Russian Federation;
       (6) to encourage the Government of the Russian Federation 
     to address cross-border issues, including the environment, 
     crime, trafficking, and corruption in a cooperative and 
     transparent manner consistent with internationally recognized 
     and accepted principles of the rule of law;
       (7) to consult with the Government of the Russian 
     Federation and the Russian Parliament on the adoption of 
     economic and social reforms necessary to sustain Russian 
     economic growth and to ensure Russia's transition to a fully 
     functioning market economy;
       (8) to persuade the Government of the Russian Federation to 
     honor its commitments made to the Organization for Security 
     and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) at the November 1999 
     Istanbul Conference and to conduct a genuine good neighbor 
     policy toward the other independent states of the former 
     Soviet Union in the spirit of internationally accepted 
     principles of regional cooperation; and
       (9) to encourage the G-7 partners and international 
     financial institutions, including the World Bank, the 
     International Monetary Fund, and the European Bank for 
     Reconstruction and Development, to develop financial 
     safeguards and transparency practices in lending to the 
     Russian Federation.

      SEC. 4. AMENDMENTS TO THE FOREIGN ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1961.

       (a) Amendments.--
       (1) Democracy and rule of law.--Section 498(2) of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2295(2)) is 
     amended--
       (A) in the heading, by striking ``Democracy'' and inserting 
     ``Democracy and rule of law'';
       (B) by striking subparagraphs (E) and (G);
       (C) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (I);
       (D) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
       ``(E) development and support of grass-roots and 
     nongovernmental organizations promoting democracy, the rule 
     of law, transparency, and accountability in the political 
     process, including grants in small amounts to such 
     organizations;
       ``(F) international exchanges to promote greater 
     understanding by Russian Federation citizens on how 
     democracy, public policy process, market institutions, and an

[[Page 24852]]

     independent judiciary function in Western societies;
       ``(G) political parties committed to promoting democracy, 
     human rights, and economic reforms;
       ``(H) support for civic organizations committed to 
     promoting human rights; and''; and
       (E) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(J) strengthened administration of justice through 
     programs and activities carried out in accordance with 
     section 498B(e), including--
       ``(i) support for nongovernmental organizations, civic 
     organizations, and political parties that favor a strong and 
     independent judiciary based on merit;
       ``(ii) support for local organizations that work with 
     judges and law enforcement officials in efforts to achieve a 
     reduction in the number of pretrial detainees; and
       ``(iii) support for the creation of Russian legal 
     associations or groups that provide training in human rights 
     and advocacy, public education with respect to human rights-
     related laws and proposed legislation, and legal assistance 
     to persons subject to improper government interference.''.
       (2) Independent media.--Section 498 of the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2295) is amended--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (13) as 
     paragraphs (4) though (14), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Independent media.--Developing a free and independent 
     media, including--
       ``(A) supporting all forms of non-state-owned media 
     reporting, including print, radio, and television;
       ``(B) providing special support for, and unrestricted 
     public access to, nongovernmental Internet-based sources of 
     information, dissemination and reporting, including providing 
     technical and other support for web radio services, providing 
     computers and other necessary resources for Internet 
     connectivity and training new Internet users in 
     nongovernmental and other civic organizations on methods and 
     uses of Internet-based media; and
       ``(C) training in journalism, including investigative 
     journalism techniques which educate the public on the costs 
     of corruption and act as a deterrent against corrupt 
     officials.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 498B(e) of such Act is 
     amended by striking ``paragraph (2)(G)'' and inserting 
     ``paragraph (2)(J)''.

     SEC. 5. ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

       (a) Assistance Programs.--In providing assistance to the 
     Russian Federation under chapter 11 of part I of the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2295 et seq.), the 
     President is authorized to carry out the following specific 
     activities:
       (1) Work with the Government of the Russian Federation, the 
     Duma, and representatives of the Russian Federation judiciary 
     to help implement a revised and improved code of criminal 
     procedure and other laws.
       (2) Establish civic education programs relating to 
     democracy, public policy, the rule of law, and the importance 
     of an independent media, including the establishment of 
     ``American Centers'' and public policy schools at Russian 
     universities and programs by universities in the United 
     States to offer courses through Internet-based off-site 
     learning centers at Russian universities.
       (3) Support the Regional Initiatives (RI) program, which 
     provides targeted assistance in those regions of the Russian 
     Federation that have demonstrated commitment to reform, 
     democracy, and the rule of law, and which promote the concept 
     of such programs as a model for all regions of the Russian 
     Federation.
       (b) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of America.--
     Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and the Voice of America 
     should use new and innovative techniques, in cooperation with 
     local independent media sources, to disseminate information 
     throughout the Russian Federation relating to democracy, 
     free-market economics, the rule of law, and human rights.

     SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE FOR DEMOCRACY, 
                   INDEPENDENT MEDIA, AND THE RULE OF LAW.

       Of the amounts made available to carry out the provision of 
     chapter 11 of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 
     (22 U.S.C. 2295 et seq.) and the Freedom for Russia and 
     Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets Support Act of 
     1992 for fiscal year 2002, not less than $50,000,000 is 
     authorized to be available for the activities authorized by 
     paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 498 of the Foreign 
     Assistance Act of 1961, as amended by section 4(a) of this 
     Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter).


                             General Leave

  Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Nebraska?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, this Member rises in strong support of H.R. 2121, the 
Russian Democracy Act of 2001. As a co-sponsor of this measure this 
Member would like to thank the distinguished gentleman from California 
(Mr. Lantos) for an outstanding effort in crafting this legislation. In 
addition, I would like to thank the distinguished gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the chairman of the Committee on International 
Relations for his crucial attendance in bringing this legislation to 
the floor.
  Madam Speaker, the key to building Democratic institutions that 
include an independent media, a fair judicial system, and an active 
civil society is to establish community, a community, a body politic 
which demands those institutions. Building that demand for democracy 
begins with laying a foundation at the local and regional level. 
Unfortunately, the United States has, I think, for too long, focussed 
disproportionately its reform assistance for Russia on funding for 
democracy building efforts at the national level.
  However, this legislation correctly seeks to direct a much greater 
share of U.S. assistance toward the local and regional levels.
  At those critical grassroots levels, the U.S. can be most effective, 
I think, for the longer-term growth of democracy and reform in Russia. 
This bill ensures that American assistance will continue to be 
available to help strengthen democracy in the Russian federation. 
Seemingly a routine measure perhaps on first glance, we should pause 
for a moment and note what this bill represents. The mere fact that we 
can speak of democracy in Russia as an emerging but actual reality in 
the present tense and not as some dim prospect in the hazy future, is 
one of the many wonders of the past decade that have grown familiar and 
that are now taken largely for granted.
  Its existence, however, is a testament to the deep commitment to the 
fundamental values shared by peoples all over the world, the United 
States and the west as a whole, a tremendous debt to all the men and 
women of Russia who have struggled to establish and defend a democracy 
in their country, and thereby create a new era of freedom after a 
thousand years of autocratic rule.

                              {time}  1530

  The benefits of that freedom, of course, are most directly felt by 
Russia's own citizens. But the West has benefited enormously as well. A 
half century of effort by the United States and its allies to contain 
and undermine Soviet imperialism enjoyed many successes, but it was 
only with the advent of the early stages of democracy in Russia that 
the Soviet empire finally crumbled.
  The creation of a democracy in Russia must be counted as one of the 
great achievements of the past century. Yet for all of its 
accomplishments, that democracy is not yet firmly established. The 
civil society on which all democracies ultimately rest remains weak in 
Russia. Much of the legacy inherited from Russia's authoritarian past 
is still to be overcome. The institutions of democracy are largely 
untested. The habits of freedom have not yet become universal.
  Given these and other concerns, the Russian government's current 
campaign against independent voices in the media is a most worrisome 
one. Why is this our concern? Because the strengthening of Russia's 
democracy and the advancing of Russia's integration into the West are 
unquestionably in the long-term strategic interest of the United 
States. These advances are necessary if we are to make permanent the 
gains we have derived from the liberation of Europe, a commitment that 
stretches unbroken for half a century, from the landings on Normandy 
beaches to the final dissolution of the Soviet empire.

[[Page 24853]]

  To this, an even broader motivation can be added. By helping other 
peoples share the benefits of liberty, we demonstrate a continued 
commitment to the universal principles on which our country was founded 
and the promises these represent to all who have endured oppression. 
Thus, our own interests and our hopes for the world together argue that 
we should provide direct and ongoing assistance to securing democracy 
in Russia.
  The bill before us represents an important part of that effort. It 
focuses our attention and assistance on many of the prerequisites of a 
free and prosperous society, including the creation of a resilient 
civil society, the strengthening of an independent press, and the 
establishment of the rule of law. Yet even as we assist Russia's 
democrats in their unfinished tasks, we must recognize that the 
building of a free society in that country can only be accomplished by 
the Russian people themselves. We cannot do it for them, nor do we need 
to.
  Although there are many in this country and elsewhere who would 
despair of the fate of democracy in Russia, I am not among them. Its 
course may occasionally surprise and concern us, but the ultimate 
destination aimed at by Russia's democrats should not be in doubt. The 
depth of their commitment to freedom has been demonstrated by the 
enormous obstacles they have already overcome. Freedom was not handed 
to the Russian people. They freed themselves. Lacking a direct 
experience of liberty in their past, they nonetheless have continued to 
lay the foundation to secure it for themselves and for their 
countrymen, even as they have encountered the inevitable setbacks and 
disappointments.
  It is for these reasons that their effort to strengthen democracy in 
their country deserve our assistance and respect. And it is my hope 
that Russia's assumption of its rightful place among the free nations 
of the world shall prove to be a permanent one.
  Madam Speaker, I urge strong support for the legislation, and I 
commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for his creative and 
timely action in presenting this legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume; 
and I first want to commend my good friend, the gentleman from Nebraska 
(Mr. Bereuter), for his eloquent and powerful statement and for his 
support. I also want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) 
for moving this legislation through the committee and to the floor 
today. I also want to especially thank the Speaker, the majority 
leader, and the majority whip for placing it on today's suspension 
calendar. But most of all, Madam Speaker, I want to thank Ms. Tanya 
Shamson, a distinguished member of the committee staff, bilingual and 
bicultural, for doing extraordinarily effective work in crafting this 
legislation.
  Madam Speaker, the House could not have chosen a more fitting time to 
consider this bill. As you know, President Bush recently concluded a 
most productive summit with President Putin in Texas and Secretary of 
State Powell was in Moscow just a couple of days ago on a most 
successful visit.
  When I first introduced the Russia Democracy Act of 2001, the world 
was a very different place. Our administration was embarking on a 
comprehensive inter-agency Russia policy review with many complications 
and many problems. The relations between our two countries were neither 
friendly nor cordial. Today, in the post-September 11 world, the 
picture is drastically different.
  President Putin made a courageous decision on September 11 to join 
the civilized world and to stand with us against global terrorism. 
There are elements within Russia, Madam Speaker, who are not happy with 
this decision. That is one of the many reasons why we must craft a 
creative and responsible policy toward Russia that will firmly anchor 
that important country in the West.
  I was very pleased to hear President Bush mention the importance of a 
free press during his Shanghai press conference with President Putin 
and during President Putin's visit to the United States. I passionately 
believe that the existence of a vibrant, self-sustaining, nonstate-
owned and nonstate-controlled media in Russia is the key to Russia's 
successful integration with the democratic societies of the West. My 
bill will support such media activities, including access to the 
Internet and the use of modern technologies to improve media outreach 
throughout Russia.
  The Russian nongovernmental sector also needs our support. Although 
President Putin chastised Russian NGOs for accepting financial support 
from abroad, Russia simply does not yet have a culture of either 
corporate philanthropy or private donations to make these 
nongovernmental organizations viable. The plethora of nongovernmental 
organizations that have sprung up in Russia since 1991 provides us with 
an enormous opportunity to build this democratic component into the new 
Russian society.
  U.S.-Russian relationships have entered a new era. Our cooperation in 
the fight against global terrorism is unprecedented since our alliance 
during the Second World War more than a half a century ago. Recently, I 
had the privilege of meeting with President Putin, with Foreign 
Minister Ivanov, and other Russian officials; and we discussed our 
relationships in detail. There are still many areas where we disagree, 
such as Russian arms sales to Iran; but today, there are many areas 
where we do agree, and the U.S.-Russia relationship today is 
fundamentally a healthy one.
  The Russian leadership has clearly shown where it sees Russia's 
future to be; and it is our responsibility to stay engaged, to be 
responsive, and to support Russian democracy and the private sector.
  At President Bush's request, I shall shortly be introducing 
legislation putting an end to the Jackson-Vanik legislation, 
legislation which was one of the most important pieces of human rights 
legislation in our Nation's history. But things have changed and Russia 
now permits free immigration. The repeal of Jackson-Vanik will be yet 
another demonstration of our growing cooperative, constructive, and 
healthy relationship with Russia.
  The Government of Russia, Madam Speaker, has introduced, and the 
Russian Duma has passed, landmark legislation during this past session. 
For the first time since 1917, Russian citizens can now own their own 
land. This is not only an important new economic fact, it is a 
psychological breakthrough of immense proportions. It is obvious that 
the government and the Duma are now serious about tackling other 
sectors that have long been resistant to reform. Mr. Putin understands 
that the creation of a welcoming investment climate is one of the key 
pillars to sustained economic growth in Russia.
  Madam Speaker, I strongly believe that supporting democracy, the 
consolidation of the market economy, and developing a vibrant private 
sector is in our national interest. By funding the development of civil 
society in Russia and a free and independent media, H.R. 2121 will play 
a critical role in strengthening U.S.-Russian relations and 
strengthening democracy in Russia. Let us not squander this 
unprecedented moment to bring Russia closer to the West. I urge all of 
my colleagues to support H.R. 2121.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as 
he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. 
Smith), the vice chairman of the committee.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend, the 
gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), for yielding me this time; and 
I want to commend my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos), the ranking Democrat on the committee, for 
authoring this proposal that is before us today.
  This is a very worthy and I think very important contribution to U.S. 
bilateral relations with Russia. Russia is a country that is of vital 
strategic, economic, and military importance to

[[Page 24854]]

our Nation. I think the pending legislation outlines within the text a 
number of very constructive initiatives.
  Madam Speaker, I recently led the U.S. delegation to the OSCE 
Parliamentary Assembly in Bucharest, Romania; and we spent the better 
part of a week exploring the destructive consequence of corruption. 
Parliamentarians from all over the world, Madam Speaker, 54 nations 
that make up the OSCE, we probed corruption as it relates to undermine 
democracy. Our conclusions were clear: Corruption represents one of the 
greatest threats to democracy and market oriented economies on the face 
of the earth.
  Corruption, to a very large degree, has replaced ideology communism 
as the greatest potential threat to undermining the emergence of 
democracy in central and Eastern Europe, and especially in Russia 
itself. We now know that organized crime and criminal elements, some of 
whom used to be the old KGB, are growing and expanding in Russia. The 
emerging democracy is being hijacked by thugs and brigands. We know 
that drugs and weapons are very big money-makers for
Russian Mobsters. But not far behind we also know that trafficking of 
human beings--especially women--has emerged worldwide and in Russia as 
the number three money-maker for organized crime.
  I am very glad that the pending legislation seeks to target 
assistance to fight corruption and crime and to help the Duma draft new 
criminal statutes and a new criminal code. Let us not forget that the 
most recent report that was issued by the State Department cited Russia 
as a tier three country that has a major problem with trafficking in 
human beings--And is doing far too little to stop it.
  Madam Speaker, we know that worldwide about 50,000 of those 
trafficked, mostly women, mostly for forced prostitution, come into 
this country and that anywhere from 700,000 to 2 million persons are 
trafficked worldwide each year. Many of those women are coming out of 
Russia and the Ukraine and countries in Europe. This legislation 
directs the State Department, to do more. There is no doubt that the 
United States wants and desire a good relationship with Russia, but 
they have to stop trafficking women into prostitution; they have to 
crack down on organized crime and provide safe havens for these 
victimized women who are being exploited in this way.
  This is a good bill. I think it deserves the support of every Member 
of this body. The United States has declared war on organized crime 
figures who rape and exploit women. Countries of origin--like Russia 
have to do their part!
  Tough, antitrafficking laws are needed in every country. And I hope 
that this legislation builds on our earlier laws to move that along so 
that we have trafficking laws that are uniform, to the greatest extent 
possible. Traffickers must know that if they exploit women, they go to 
prison, and they go to prison for the rest of their lives. Our law now 
says that. It is about time the laws of every country, including 
Russia, said it as well.

                              {time}  1545

  I will never forget, Madam Speaker, I brought this legislation up in 
St. Petersburg at an OSE Parliamentary Assembly. The Duma speaker 
looked at me when I mentioned trafficking as if I was talking about 
something that was happening on the moon. That has changed. The next 
year and the year after in Paris, when the trafficking resolution came 
up on the floor among the Parliamentary Assembly participants, the 
Russians embraced that language and said we need to do something at 
home as well. I hope that we work uniformly to crack down on this 
scourge of modern-day slavery.
  Mr. HYDE. Madam Speaker, this bill, the Russian Democracy Act, 
ensures that American assistance will continue to be available to help 
strengthen democracy in the Russian Federation. Seemingly a routine 
measure, we should pause for a moment and note what this bill 
represents. The mere fact that we can speak of democracy in Russia as 
an emerging but actual reality in the present tense, and not as some 
dim prospect in the hazy future, is one of the many wonders of the past 
decade that have grown familiar and that are now taken largely for 
granted. Its existence, however, is a testament to the deep commitment 
to fundamental values shared by peoples all over the world.
  The United States and the West as a whole owe an immense debt to all 
the men and women of Russia who have struggled to establish and defend 
a democracy in their country and thereby create a new era of freedom 
after a thousand years of autocratic rule. The benefits of that 
freedom, of course, are most directly felt by Russia's own citizens. 
But the West has benefitted enormously as well. A half century of 
effort by the United States and its allies to contain and undermine 
Soviet imperialism enjoyed many successes, but it was only with the 
advent of the earliest stages of democracy in Russia that the Soviet 
empire finally crumbled.
  The creation of a democracy in Russia must be counted as one of the 
great achievements of the past century. Yet for all of its 
accomplishments, that democracy is not yet firmly established. The 
civil society on which all democracies ultimately rest remains weak in 
Russia; much of the legacy inherited from Russia's authoritarian past 
is still to be overcome; the institutions of democracy are largely 
untested; the habits of freedom have yet to become universal. Given 
these and other concerns, the Russian government's current campaign 
against independent voices in the media is a most worrisome one.
  Why is this our concern? Because the strengthening of Russian 
democracy and advancing Russia's integration into the West are 
unquestionably in the long-term strategic interests of the United 
States. These advances are necessary if we are to make permanent the 
gains we have derived from the liberation of Europe, a commitment that 
stretches unbroken for half a century, from the landings on the 
Normandy beaches to the final dissolution of the Soviet empire. To 
this, an even broader motivation can be added. By helping other peoples 
share the benefits of liberty, we demonstrate a continuing commitment 
to the universal principles on which our country was founded and the 
promise these represent to all who endure oppression. Thus, our own 
interests and our hopes for the world, together argue, that we should 
provide direct and ongoing assistance to securing democracy in Russia.
  The bill before us represents an important part of that effort. It 
focuses our attention and assistance on many of the prerequisites of a 
free and prosperous society, including the creation of a resilient 
civil society, the strengthening of an independent press, and the 
establishment of the rule of law.
  Yet even as we assist Russia's democrats in their unfinished tasks, 
we must recognize that the building of a fee society in that country 
can only be accomplished by the Russian people themselves. We cannot do 
it for them. But neither do we need to. Although there are many in this 
country and elsewhere who would despair of the fate of democracy in 
Russia, I am not among them. Its course may occasionally surprise and 
concern us, but the ultimate destination aimed at by Russia's democrats 
should not be in doubt. The depth of their commitment to freedom has 
been demonstrated by the enormous obstacles they have already overcome. 
Freedom was not handed to the Russian people; they freed themselves. 
Lacking a direct experience of liberty in their past, they nonetheless 
have continued to lay the foundation to secure it for themselves and 
for their countrymen, even as they have encountered the inevitable 
setbacks and disappointments.
  It is for these reasons that their efforts to strengthen democracy in 
their country deserve our assistance and respect, and it is my hope 
that Russia's assumption of its rightful place among the free nations 
of the world shall prove to be a permanent one.
  Madam Speaker, I urge strong support for this legislation and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2121, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.




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