[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[House]
[Pages 23552-23556]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE 75TH BIRTHDAY OF DESMOND MPILO TUTU

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 34) recognizing the 75th birthday of 
Desmond Mpilo Tutu, South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, and 
Nobel Peace Prize recipient, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                               H. Res. 34

       Whereas Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu has been recognized 
     as one of the 20th century's leaders for freedom, justice, 
     and human rights for all;
       Whereas Archbishop Tutu, as a religious leader and 
     Secretary-General of the South African Council of Churches 
     from 1976 until 1978, worked against apartheid in South 
     Africa with the agreement of nearly all South African 
     churches;
       Whereas Archbishop Tutu consistently advocated 
     reconciliation between all parties involved in apartheid and, 
     though he was most firm in denouncing South Africa's white-
     ruled government, Archbishop Tutu was also harsh in his 
     criticism of the violent tactics of some anti-apartheid 
     groups and denounced terrorism;
       Whereas Archbishop Tutu spoke strongly in support of non-
     violent change and economic sanctions against South Africa 
     and as a result had his passport revoked by the South African 
     Government;
       Whereas Archbishop Tutu led a historical march to a whites-
     only beach, where he and supporters were chased off with 
     whips;
       Whereas, on October 16, 1984, Archbishop Tutu was awarded 
     the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his outstanding 
     leadership, courage, heroism, and use of nonviolence in the 
     struggle against apartheid, and the Nobel Committee cited his 
     ``role as a unifying leader figure in the campaign to resolve 
     the problem of apartheid in South Africa'';
       Whereas a month after winning the Nobel Peace Prize, 
     Archbishop Tutu was elected as the first black Anglican 
     bishop of Johannesburg;
       Whereas, on September 7, 1986, Archbishop Tutu became the 
     first black person to lead the Anglican Church in South 
     Africa;
       Whereas, in 1994, after the end of apartheid and the 
     election of President Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Tutu was 
     appointed as Chairman of South Africa's Truth and 
     Reconciliation Commission, to investigate apartheid-era 
     crimes, where his policy of forgiveness and reconciliation 
     has become an international example of conflict resolution, 
     and a trusted method of post-conflict reconstruction;
       Whereas, on October 7, 1931, Archbishop Tutu was born in 
     Klerksdorp, Transvaal, to a school teacher and an uneducated 
     mother and was educated at Johannesburg Bantu High School;
       Whereas Archbishop Tutu trained as a high school teacher at 
     Pretoria Bantu Normal College and graduated from the 
     University of South Africa in 1954, and after teaching for 
     three years was ordained as a priest in 1960;
       Whereas Archbishop Tutu studied theology in England in 
     1962, received a Masters of Theology from University of 
     London in 1966, was appointed as the first black South 
     African to hold the position of Dean of St. Mary's Cathedral 
     in Johannesburg in 1975, and became the first black General 
     Secretary of the South African Council of Churches in 1978;
       Whereas Archbishop Tutu is an international lecturer and 
     philosopher and has received honorary doctorates from ten 
     leading universities in the United States, Britain, and 
     Germany;
       Whereas Archbishop Tutu has been awarded a number of 
     prestigious awards, including the Order for Meritorious Award 
     (Gold), the Archbishop of Canterbury's Award for Outstanding 
     Service to the Anglican Communion, the Prix d'Athene, and the 
     Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award of Annual Black 
     American Heroes and Heroines Day;
       Whereas out of deep concern for the challenges facing all 
     of the people of the world, in July 2007 Archbishop Tutu 
     helped assemble The Elders, an historic group of world 
     leaders seeking to contribute their wisdom, independent 
     leadership, and integrity in tackling some of the world's 
     toughest problems;
       Whereas October 7, 2007, will mark the 76th birthday of 
     Archbishop Demand Mpilo Tutu; and
       Whereas Archbishop Tutu has fought for a democratic and 
     just society without racial divisions, a common system of 
     education, a world which promotes the rights and 
     opportunities of the marginalized, disadvantaged, and 
     disenfranchised, and continues to pursue an active 
     international ministry of peace: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) honors the accomplishments of Archbishop Desmond Mpilo 
     Tutu;
       (2) recognizes and congratulates his consistent efforts to 
     promote dialogue to peacefully resolve conflicts between 
     people in Africa and around the world; and
       (3) extols the contributions of Archbishop Tutu to South 
     Africa, the United States, and the international community.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. 
Ros-Lehtinen) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from American Samoa.


                             General Leave

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, again I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from American Samoa?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution and yield myself such time as I may consume.
  First of all, I would like again to thank our distinguished chairman 
of the committee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), and our 
senior ranking member of the committee, the gentlelady from Florida 
(Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) for their support in bringing this legislation to 
the floor.
  I would particularly like to thank my distinguished colleague, the 
chief sponsor of this legislation, the gentlelady from Texas (Ms. 
Jackson-Lee) for introducing this important resolution to honor 
Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa for his lifetime of human 
rights work.
  Madam Speaker, Archbishop Tutu is unquestionably one of the most 
important and accomplished advocates of human rights and peace on the 
face of this planet. In the past few years, Bishop Tutu has worked 
tirelessly to promote religious freedom and self-sovereignty around the 
world, using his reputation and his work in South Africa as a launching 
pad to do good. For instance, he has worked to highlight the horrendous 
human rights situation in Burma and repeatedly called on the Burmese 
Government to free the champion of democracy there, Aung San Suu Kyi.
  But of all his work for humankind, he is perhaps best known for 
chairing the South Africa Peace and Reconciliation Commission after the 
scourge of apartheid ended in that nation.
  Under the rule of the Afrikaner Nationalist Party, black South 
Africans were subjected to unspeakable dehumanizing social policies and 
draconian laws. These terrible measures separated families, denied a 
decent education to millions of children, and

[[Page 23553]]

forced hundreds of thousands from their homes into segregated 
territories, or bantustans.
  Given the nature of the oppression, South Africa could have been a 
country washed in blood by black Africans seeking revenge once white 
minority rule ended. But through his characteristic patience and 
wisdom, Bishop Tutu helped guide South Africans, black, brown and 
white, through a national process of reconciliation, a forum where the 
horrors of apartheid were told by both victims and perpetrators. And 
most importantly, there was no retribution, only truth and 
reconciliation.
  Bishop Tutu and his colleagues traveled throughout South Africa, from 
village to village, and allowed apartheid's victims to speak as long as 
they needed to tell their stories. For days at a time he sat and 
listened to stories of the hellish nightmare innocent victims of 
apartheid had to endure.
  The process of simply telling proved an enormous healing experience 
for individuals in the South African nation. And the stories have been 
archived so that South Africans in the future can know their past and 
can appreciate their present.
  This effort, and his spiritual leadership throughout the trying times 
of his nation made Bishop Tutu an international hero. He is a human 
rights champion and has been the winner of numerous awards, including 
the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.
  Madam Speaker, as we celebrate Bishop Tutu's 76th birthday next 
month, we should be mindful of the lessons he has brought in his 
service to mankind, particularly in this troubling time when human 
rights violations are still so widespread around the world.
  As he said famously in his Nobel Peace acceptance speech, 
``Oppression dehumanizes the oppressor as much as, if not more, the 
oppressed.''
  That axiom, to me, Madam Speaker, is a profound admonition to tyrants 
around the world.
  And I cannot help, Madam Speaker, but to say that if you say 
something about Bishop Tutu, you have to add his colleague, Nelson 
Mandela. Now here was a man that was in prison for 29 years, almost 30 
years. And you would think that there is nothing on his mind than to 
seek vengeance and retribution against what the apartheid government 
did to him for all those years, but instead, as far as I'm concerned, 
the most Christ-like person that has ever come out of that prison, Mr. 
Mandela, and for the leadership that he displayed in bringing all 
different factions, nationalities and ethnicities in South Africa 
together to build a good nation.
  I remember years ago, Madam Speaker, the World Cup. I don't know if 
my colleagues are familiar with the sport of rugby, but the World Cup 
rugby tournament is on in France right now. Years ago, the all-black 
rugby national team representing New Zealand had a very difficult time 
playing against the Spring Boks from South Africa, especially if they 
had an Amari Polynesian or a Samoan Polynesian as a member of that all-
blacks team. The Spring Boks of South Africa refused to play the all-
blacks of New Zealand simply because there are two people of color that 
are members of the team representing New Zealand. They got the two 
countries pretty heated at times. There was no question about the 
bigotry and the racism that existed at that time as far as apartheid is 
concerned.

                              {time}  1115

  Madam Speaker, today we honor Bishop Desmond Tutu and all that he 
represents, and I call on my colleagues to vote to support this 
important legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today also in support of House Resolution 34, 
which honors the Most Reverend Desmond Tutu, the Archbishop Emeritus of 
Cape Town, South Africa; and an outspoken advocate for peace, equality, 
and human rights around the globe.
  While Archbishop Tutu is regarded by some as a controversial figure, 
he is universally recognized as a hero in the struggle against the 
apartheid regime in South Africa. There he served as a beacon of hope, 
committed to peace and unity in an era marked by violence and 
oppression. He passionately advocated for nonviolent opposition to the 
racist apartheid regime while campaigning internationally for the 
imposition of economic sanctions against South Africa.
  And even in the face of the most egregious human rights abuses 
reinforced by draconian laws, including the Population Registration Act 
of 1950, the Group Areas Act of 1950, the Lands Act of 1954 and 1955, 
and the Bantu Homelands Citizenship Act of 1970, he inspired 
disenfranchised South Africans to believe that one day justice would 
prevail and freedom would come.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I thank my colleague and dear friend from Florida 
for her statement in support of this resolution.
  At this time, Madam Speaker, it is with pleasure that I yield 5 
minutes to my good friend, the chief sponsor of this proposed bill, the 
gentlewoman from Texas, senior member of the Judiciary Committee and 
also a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, let me, first of all, thank 
my distinguished colleague, the manager of the bill and a distinguished 
member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman Faleomavaega, for the 
very kind words that he has offered; and to the ranking member of the 
Foreign Affairs Committee, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, for her 
supporting words; and chiefly two very important persons who have 
assisted in this legislation, Chairman Lantos for his support and the 
very excellent committee staff that have supported us, along with our 
dear subcommittee Chair, Donald Payne, who is renowned for his 
commitment to Africa, and certainly we appreciate his friendship and 
support of this legislation.
  Might I acknowledge the cosponsors who were eager to join to 
recognize this distinguished but bountiful with words and compassion in 
his small package of a man but yet his gigantic heart, mind, and 
spirit, Bishop Mpilo Tutu, who, as you can see, is a man that commands 
thousands for his vision.
  We are proud to be able to, nearing the 76th birthday, acknowledge 
his 75th birthday and his 75th year. So might I also express 
appreciation for my staff, Yahannus Tsahani and Nina Besser, for their 
help in this legislation.
  Let me say to you, Madam Speaker, that Archbishop Tutu was not lost 
with words or passion. He said, ``I am not interested in picking up 
crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers 
himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.'' He is a man of 
immense courage and vision. He has long served as the moral voice of 
the oppressed populations. No one who has ever met, spoken to, or 
worked with Archbishop Tutu is the same afterwards.
  He is, of course, linked with Father Mandela, arm in arm as Father 
Mandela maintained his life and his integrity for 29 years. It was 
Bishop Tutu who had a voice, steering the religious and faith community 
away from its closed attitude to open to the Beatitudes, that, in fact, 
``Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.'' Bishop Tutu 
believed in that.
  As a tireless advocate for ending discrimination, Desmond Tutu's 
career is truly extraordinary. In 1975 he became the first black 
African Dean of Mary's Cathedral in Johannesburg, South Africa. From 
1976 to 1978, he served as the Secretary-General of the South African 
Council of Churches, once again being the first black African to do so. 
He went on to head South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission 
from 1996 to 1998, investigating prior apartheid-related crimes.
  It would be interesting if we were at that point in Iraq, but we must 
set the picture of what it means to bring together a commission that 
addresses the pain and hurt, brutality and devastation of black 
Africans, South Africans,

[[Page 23554]]

at the hands of apartheid. It was not easy. It would have been better 
to sit in accusatory fashion, point fingers, and never resolve. But it 
was the calm demeanor, the spirit, the religious faith of Bishop Tutu 
that allowed this process to go forward and to allow it to go forward 
as others have now looked back and said, well done, well done.
  Archbishop Tutu is perhaps best known for his courageous opposition 
to the internationally condemned apartheid regime that persisted in his 
homeland until democratic elections were finally held in 1994. It was 
for his nonviolent struggle in opposition to apartheid that he was 
awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 in recognition of his courage, 
heroism, and peaceful methods. The Nobel committee called him a 
``unifying leader-figure in the campaign to resolve the problem of 
apartheid in South Africa.'' The committee went on to state, ``the 
means by which this campaign is conducted is of vital importance for 
the whole of the continent of Africa and for the cause of peace in the 
world.'' In a press release discussing the award, the Nobel committee 
wrote, ``This year's award should be seen as a renewed recognition of 
the courage and heroism shown by black South Africans in their use of 
peaceful methods in the struggle against apartheid.''
  How wonderful it would be if the conflicts around the world and in 
the Middle East would follow this straight and narrow path of a 
peaceful opposition.
  ``This recognition is also directed to all who throughout the world 
use such methods to stand in the vanguard of the campaign for racial 
equality as a human right.''
  In recognition of his vast intellectual ability, Desmond Tutu has 
received numerous honorary doctorates from several universities, 
including Harvard, Kent, Columbia, Aberdeen, and Howard. Let me also 
indicate as well that he has won the Order of Meritorious Gold Award; 
the Martin Luther King, Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize; and a number of 
others.
  He has also been a survivor of cancer. He is someone who has never 
stopped teaching, working, and understanding.
  And for those of us who are products of America's civil rights 
movement, I thought would be appropriate to bring to light and to 
attention the reflection of two giants: Rosa Parks and Archbishop Tutu, 
to bring together the trials and tribulations, the struggles of African 
Americans in the United States with someone who fully understood what 
struggle was all about.
  I am delighted to join with my colleagues asking for your full 
support in honoring Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu, a man who stood 
between the schism of two oceans, bringing America and Africa together 
through the idea of unity, peace, generosity, justice, and opportunity 
for all.
  Congratulations, Bishop Tutu. I ask my colleagues to support this 
legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 34, which honors 
the life and accomplishments of Desmond Mpilo Tutu, South African 
Archbishop of Cape Town and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. I have 
been pleased to work with the Committee on Foreign Affairs on this 
important legislation, and I would like to thank Chairman Lantos for 
his support for this legislation.
  Madam Speaker, Archbishop Tutu once stated, ``I am not interested in 
picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who 
considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.'' He is a 
man of immense courage and vision, and he has long served as the moral 
voice of oppressed populations. No one who has ever met, spoken to, or 
worked with Archbishop Tutu is the same afterwards.
  As a tireless advocate of ending discrimination, Desmond Tutu's 
career is truly extraordinary. In 1975, he became the first black 
African Dean of Mary's Cathedral, in Johannesburg, South Africa. From 
1976-1978, he served as the Secretary-General of the South African 
Council of Churches; once again, being the first black African to do 
so. He went on to head South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation 
Commission from 1996-1998, investigating prior apartheid related 
crimes.
  Archbishop Tutu is perhaps best known for his courageous opposition 
to the internationally-condemned apartheid regime that persisted in his 
homeland until democratic elections were finally held in 1994. It was 
for his non-violent struggle in opposition to apartheid that he was 
awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, in recognition of his courage, 
heroism, and peaceful methods. The Nobel committee called him a 
``unifying leader-figure in the campaign to resolve the problem of 
apartheid in South Africa.'' The committee went on to state, ``the 
means by which this campaign is conducted is of vital importance for 
the whole of the continent of Africa and for the cause of peace in the 
world.'' In a press release discussing the award, the Nobel committee 
wrote, ``This year's award should be seen as a renewed recognition of 
the courage and heroism shown by black South Africans in their use of 
peaceful methods in the struggle against apartheid. This recognition is 
also directed to all who, throughout the world, use such methods to 
stand in the vanguard of the campaign for racial equality as a human 
right.''
  In recognition of his vast intellectual ability, Desmond Tutu has 
received numerous honorary doctorates from several universities 
including Harvard, Kent, Colombia, Aberdeen, and Howard. In addition to 
the Nobel Peace Prize, Archbishop Tutu has received numerous other 
prestigious awards, including the Order of Meritorious Gold Award, 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Non-Violent Peace Prize, the Archbishop of 
Canterbury's Award for Outstanding Service to the Anglican Communion, 
Prix d'Athene, Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism, Maguebela 
Prize for Liberty, as well as the International Gandhi Peace Prize.
  Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu will celebrate his 76th birthday on 
October 7, 2007. This legislation recognizes this important date, 
honors his accomplishments, and extols the contributions that he has 
made to South Africa, the United States, and to the international 
community.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and 
accomplishments of this truly extraordinary man. I conclude with 
another quote from Archbishop Tutu: ``If you are neutral in situations 
of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant 
has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, 
the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.'' Archbishop Tutu has 
spent his life in defense of the mouse, and his work has proven that, 
with proper pressure and leverage, the elephant can be forced to move.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  In recognition of his efforts to peacefully protest an immoral and 
unjust system while leading some 20 million South Africans toward 
freedom, Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. In 
presenting the award, the chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee 
recognized that the repression of the apartheid regime was so brutal 
that ``a violent rebellion would be an understandable reaction.'' 
However, he stated, that on a broad front a campaign that is being 
fought with the weapons of spirit and reason, a campaign for truth, 
freedom, and justice, the contribution that Desmond Tutu has made and 
is still making represents a hope for the future. He is an exponent of 
the only form of conflict solving which is worthy of civilized nations.
  With that, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to yield 5 minutes to 
my good friend and senior member of our Foreign Affairs Committee, the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne).
  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, let me thank Mr. Lantos and Ms. Ileana Ros-
Lehtinen and the floor manager, Mr. Faleomavaega, for bringing this 
resolution forward, but certainly to the sponsor, Congresswoman Sheila 
Jackson-Lee, for her outstanding work that she does on the Africa 
Subcommittee.
  I rise to speak in support of H. Res. 34, a resolution recognizing 
the 75th birthday of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Archbishop Tutu will 
celebrate his 76th birthday on October 7 of this year, and the legacy 
he has created during three-quarters of a century on this Earth is 
truly inspiring.
  It is no exaggeration to say that without his courage, commitment, 
and leadership, the South Africa we know today may not exist. For over 
four decades, Bishop Tutu was a vocal advocate and activist for 
democracy and human rights in South Africa. He defended the rights of 
not only black South Africans but for brown and white South Africans as 
well. As I mentioned earlier, Senator Lugar gave the deciding vote to

[[Page 23555]]

override the veto of President Reagan of the Comprehensive Anti-
Apartheid Act, which therefore put sanctions on South Africa, which 
helped to move towards a free, democratic South Africa, nonracial.
  Archbishop Tutu's support for regime change through reconciliation 
between the different ethnic groups in South Africa is well known and I 
believe should serve as a model not only in Africa but in Eastern 
Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
  And I believe that his work as chairman of the Truth and 
Reconciliation Commission helped prevent open violence and bloodshed in 
South Africa in the wake of apartheid following it. Truly Archbishop 
Tutu practiced what he preached.
  What amazes me about Bishop Tutu is his tireless effort on behalf of 
those who are disadvantaged, disenfranchised, and disposed. Many men 
would have taken a rest after seeing a vision they worked so hard to 
achieve come to fruition. But not him. Not Bishop Tutu. He continues to 
advocate for people around the world from West Papua to Zimbabwe.
  He has led efforts to bring attention to the spread of HIV/AIDS and 
the dangers of extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis, XDR. As a matter 
of fact, Bishop Tutu wrote me a letter in February bringing out the 
fact that 50 people of 53 in South Africa died from this disease, and I 
had a hearing long before the person of the United States traveled 
around the world with this XDR, drug-resistant, TB. So it was Bishop 
Tutu that brought it to my attention. As a matter of fact, we raised it 
with the Foreign Operations appropriations committee, and we were able 
to increase the funding for this disease by $50 million in this year's 
appropriations bill. The MDR- and the XDR-TB are things where it was 
Bishop Tutu who brought it to our attention.
  His latest endeavor will be to serve as chairman of the Council of 
Elders, a group formed by the former South African President Nelson 
Mandela this past July. Bishop Tutu worked with Reverend Allan Boesak 
years ago and Mr. Oliver Tambo, who was chairman of the ANC.
  Archbishop Tutu's tireless work on behalf of the people of South 
Africa and, indeed, the world is awe inspiring.

                              {time}  1130

  He should serve as an example to all of us of what compassion and 
commitment can achieve. I congratulate him on his life work and salute 
him on the occasion of his birthday.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Following the dismantling of the apartheid regime and the conduct of 
South Africa's first democratically contested multi-party elections in 
1994, Archbishop Tutu was appointed to share South Africa's Truth and 
Reconciliation Commission.
  Tasked with investigating the gross human rights violations that had 
occurred over the preceding 34 years, it was feared that the TRC would 
reopen old wounds and once again plunge the country into crisis. 
However, Archbishop Tutu used this platform to urge forgiveness and 
reconciliation rather than revenge for past injustices. It, therefore, 
comes as no surprise that South Africa's TRC now serves as a model for 
post-conflict resolutions around the globe. And at nearly 76 years of 
age, Archbishop Tutu has not slowed down a bit. Given his continued 
advocacy for peace and human rights in Africa and beyond, it is 
appropriate that this body honor him again today.
  I would like to thank the sponsor, Ms. Jackson-Lee, for introducing 
this important resolution and for agreeing to changes so that it 
reflects a celebration of his upcoming 76th birthday, which will be 
celebrated by all of us on October 7.
  Madam Speaker, I thank you for giving us the opportunity to bring 
House Resolution 34 to the floor today. And I urge my colleagues to 
vote ``yes'' on its passage.
  With that, Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my full support 
for H. Res. 34, a bill recognizing the 75th birthday of Desmond Tutu, 
South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, and Nobel Peace Prize 
recipient. I thank Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee for introducing 
this bill to give us all an opportunity to celebrate the life of this 
remarkable leader.
  Words alone can't express my sincere admiration for Desmond Tutu and 
what he has contributed to the ending of apartheid and the founding of 
the new South Africa. He is one person who truly embodies and 
exemplifies in word and deeds justice, peace, courage, humility, 
dignity, strength, patience, understanding, leadership, and compassion.
  I truly admire Desmond Tutu for committing his life to changing South 
Africa and the world. One of the most oppressive eras in world history 
for black South Africans was living under the apartheid system. This 
awful system, which began in 1948, legally classified Blacks, Indians, 
Whites, and Colored people and called for segregation. The apartheid 
rules created ethnic based territories, in which those for Colored 
people were not equal to those for Whites. Thus, creating a nation in 
which Colored people, although the majority, were formally and legally 
justified to be oppressed, marginalized, and disenfranchised. Despite 
such injustice, Desmond Tutu worked tirelessly to reverse apartheid 
utilizing a non-violent approach. I believe his heart and soul rejoiced 
when apartheid was finally dismantled in 1994. His spirit is truly 
admirable.
  Desmond Tutu has been recognized with many prestigious awards for his 
contribution to mankind, all of which has made the world a better 
place. I'm so grateful to have witnessed his life and work. I urge my 
colleagues to honor him by supporting H. Res. 34. I also encourage 
people all over the world to learn about and become inspired by his 
life, work, and commitment to inspire world peace.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to support 
House Resolution 34 and to honor the life and works of Archbishop 
Desmond Tutu, an ardent advocate of civil rights for all.
  Archbishop Tutu became the Dean of St. Mary's Cathedral in 
Johannesburg in 1975, becoming the first black African to hold that 
position. In 1978, he went on to become the General Secretary of the 
South African Council of Churches (SACC), an ecumenical organization 
working for social justice, where Archbishop Tutu was again the first 
black African to hold his position. In this capacity, Archbishop Tutu 
performed yeoman's work in crusading for racial justice and the end of 
apartheid. Indeed, under Archbishop Tutu's leadership, SACC's 
nonviolent leadership played a pivotal role in bringing about the 
disintegration of South Africa's apartheid government.
  In 1984, in recognition of this work, Archbishop Tutu was awarded the 
Nobel Peace Prize, a well-deserved honor given all of his efforts. This 
award, though, did not signify the end of Archbishop Tutu's efforts to 
create a more just world. In 1986, he was elected the Archbishop of 
Cape Town, making him the head of the Anglican Church in South Africa 
and giving him an appropriately prominent platform for his message in 
support of equality.
  After the downfall of South Africa's apartheid government, Archbishop 
Tutu continued to be an inspiration for us all. In 1996, President 
Nelson Mandela appointed him to chair South Africa's Truth and 
Reconciliation Commission, a body designed to probe human rights 
violations under the apartheid government and to reconcile the 
country's black and white communities. This commission created a new 
model for countries looking to overcome violent, discriminatory 
histories in peaceful ways. Archbishop Tutu later became the founding 
trustee of the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre, an organization dedicated to 
spreading peace through South Africa and the world.
  Archbishop Desmond Tutu's life provides a shining example of 
compassion, dedication and unyielding work for justice. I congratulate 
Archbishop Tutu for reaching his 75th birthday and for all of his good 
works over the course of his life, and I commend my friend and 
colleague from the great state of Texas, Ms. Jackson-Lee, for 
introducing this resolution.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers on this 
proposed bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) that the House suspend 
the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 34, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  The title was amended so as to read:
  ``A resolution recognizing the life and accomplishments of Desmond

[[Page 23556]]

Mpilo Tutu, South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, and Nobel 
Peace Prize recipient.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________