[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 28295]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           ON THE PASSING OF FORMER CONGRESSMAN CHARLES VANIK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ZACHARY T. SPACE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 24, 2007

  Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, the news of the passing of Charles Vanik 
was truly a sad event for Ohio. We lost a genuine statesman who always 
worked for the betterment of his country, state, and community.
  While I was not privileged to have met him personally, his 
reputation, legislative accomplishments, and dedication to making life 
better for those less fortunate were well known throughout the state.
  Congressman Vanik was best known for the Jackson-Vanik amendment to 
the Trade Reform Bill in 1974, which forced the Soviet Union to open up 
its borders. Arguably one of the most successful pieces of legislation 
in forcing foreign policy changes, this provision was highly successful 
in opening up the USSR. This was just one of the many principled stands 
he took to stand up for his beliefs in defense of those who needed the 
most help.
  My heart and prayers go out to his family. Ohio and the rest of the 
country join in mourning this great loss.

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