A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued in honor of Daniel "Chappie" James, the Nation's first African-American four-star general.

Mr. President, I am pleased to submit Senate Concurrent Resolution 7, expressing the sense and concern of the Congress regarding the recent spike in anti-Semitic violence that occurred in many participating States of the 55-nation Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, OSCE. It is incumbent upon us to send a clear message that these malicious acts are a serious concern to the United States Senate and American people and that we will not be silent in the face of this disturbing trend.

The anti-Semitic violence we witnessed in 2002, which stretched the width and breadth of the OSCE region, is a wake-up call that this old evil still lives today. Coupled with a resurgence of aggressive nationalism and an increase in neo-Nazi ``skin head'' activity, myself, and other Commissioners on the Helsinki Commission, have diligently urged the leaders of OSCE participating States to confront and combat the evil of anti-Semitism. Attacks on members of the Jewish community and their institutions have ranged from shootings, fire bombings, and physical assaults in places as different as London, Paris, Berlin and Kiev. Vandals have struck in Brussels, Marseilles, Bratislava, and Athens. Anti-Semitic propaganda has been spread in Moscow, Minsk and elsewhere as hatemongers have tapped into technology, including the internet, to spread their venom. Yet while we witnessed a significant rise in violence last year in Europe, acts of vandalism have also occurred in the United States, so with encouraging our colleagues in other parliaments to act, we must be mindful that no country is immune.

As OSCE participating States, all member nations, including the United States, have pledged to unequivocally condemn anti-Semitism and take effective measures to protect individuals from anti-Semitic violence. Through the OSCE, which was the first multilateral institution to speak out against anti-Semitism, all of today's member states share in that heritage. Thankfully, many OSCE states that I mentioned have responded appropriately, vigorously investigating the perpetrators and pursuing criminal prosecution. In short, manifestations of anti-Semitism must not be tolerated, period, regardless of the source.

As Co-Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, I can report that the OSCE Proto Ministerial Council, through the persistent efforts of the United States, addresses the phenomenon of anti-Semitism and called for the convening of a meeting specifically focused on this timely issue. I introduce this resolution to put the United States Senate on record and send an unequivocal message that anit-Semitism must be confronted, and it must be confronted now. If anti-Semitism is ignored and allowed to grow, our societies and our civilizations will suffer. As the resolution sets forth, elected and appointed leaders should meet the challenge of anti-Semitic violence through public condemnation, making clear their societies have no room for such attacks against members of the Jewish community of their institutions.

Mr. President, I am pleased to submit a resolution, with my colleagues representing the Upper Mississippi River, expressing our support for the celebration in 2004 of the 150th Anniversary of the Grand Excursion.

In 1854, the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad became the first railroad to reach from the East Coast to the Mississippi River. To celebrate, Henry Farnam, a contractor for the railroad, organized an excursion for friends, family, and stockholders. Word about this event spread quickly and a group of 1,200 people, including former President Millard Fillmore, traveled by steamboat from Rock Island, IL to St. Paul, MN.

This grand excursion turned into an opportunity to show influential persons of the day the remarkable beauty, numerous resources, and the unlimited opportunities that the Mississippi River and the West could provide. This excursion brought millions of dollars of investment to the area and positioned the Upper Mississippi region as a dominant force in the development of the nation in the 19th century.

Once again, the Grand Excursion is an opportunity to highlight the recreational, commercial, and environmental opportunities the river provides, as well as celebrate the renaissance of the Upper Mississippi River region. Over 50 communities, 23 regional organizations, and 4 states are joining together to make this celebration a reality.

For the past 10-15 years, communities in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota have been working together to reclaim their relationship with the Mississippi River and reestablish vibrant riverfront communities. Planning for the celebration has been a catalyst for over $5 billion in capital improvements and environmental initiatives along the river.

In Iowa, communities such as the Quad Cities, Dubuque, and Clinton have all rallied together to make their riverfronts engines for economic development. The Quad Cities are the kickoff site for the Grand Flotilla taking

place in June of 2004. Dubuque is the home of the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, as well as the home dock of the Audubon Ark. All of the participating Iowa cities have welcoming marinas, main streets, and fun events planned for the celebration. I am honored to be a partner with these dynamic communities.

Through the Grand Excursion 2004, hundreds of thousands of citizens will experience America's River, a matchless national treasure, through community festivities, educational events, enhanced recreation opportunities, and cultural programs. Those who are unable to participate first-hand in the celebrations will be able to experience the excitement through a first-class website and educational Exploration Trunks that will be provided with curriculum to classrooms around the country.

I hope that you will join me in supporting this resolution of America's celebration of the Upper Mississippi River: Grand Excursion 2004.

Madam President, I rise today in celebration of Black History Month and a true American hero, General Daniel ``Chappie'' James, Jr. To commemorate Daniel ``Chappie'' James' life, I submit a resolution, today, to create a postage stamp in his honor. General James was a patriot for his country and broke down racial walls in the Armed Forces for all people of color. Not only was General James the first African American four-star general in the Air Force, but he was the first African American four-star general in any service. Regrettably, too few Americans know of his heroism and contributions to the United States.

General James dedicated his career to the defense of the United States and improving the plight of Blacks in the military. ``Chappie'' James learned to fly as a student at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. In 1943 he was commissioned in the segregated U.S. Army Air Corps. He was a member and trainer of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Due to harsh prejudice, White officers doubted Blacks could be competent pilots, but the Tuskegee Airmen answered all critics by remarkably executing over 200 dangerous escort missions for American bombers during World War II without losing a single bomber. Following World War II, General James flew 179 fighter missions over Korea and North Vietnam. He commanded the Bolo MiG sweep over North Vietnam which destroyed seven North Vietnamese MiG-21s--the highest total kill of any one Air Force mission during the Vietnam War.

Throughout his life in the Air Force, Chappie James continued to break the color barrier. It was not an easy task, as it was fraught with road blocks. Nevertheless, General James pressed on to become a Brigadier General and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs in 1970. In 1975, Daniel James achieved the rank of General and was named chief-of-staff of the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

General James never forgot the struggles he faced as a Black man in the United States military, but his love for America never wavered. General James sought to right the wrongs he encountered, not run from them. In summation of his 35 years in the Air Corps and Air Force, he said, ``I've fought in three wars and three more wouldn't be too many to defend my country. I love America and as she has weaknesses or ills, I'll hold her hand.'' General James spent a life-time in service to his country and curing her of her weakness and ills. We should aspire to the same and continue his fight for equality.

To commemorate General James' life, I am submitting a resolution, today, to create a postage stamp in his honor. I hope my colleagues will support this measure and join me paying tribute to a great American.