Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ester E. Waterman, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me

in recognizing her impressive accomplishments.

Ester E. Waterman is the daughter of Joseph and Mavis Waterman. Ms. Waterman was born in Trinidad, West Indies and spent her childhood in San Fernando, Trinidad. In 1970, Ms. Waterman migrated to the United States where she attended Erasmus Hall High School. Upon high school graduation, Ms. Waterman was accepted to New York University. A tireless and devoted undergraduate, Ms. Waterman worked her way through college and graduated with a degree in Computer Science. Her professional experience includes American Express, Alexander & Alexander Benefit Services and AON Consulting Company.

Today, Ester E. Waterman is an active community resident of Brooklyn, New York and an inspiration to those around her. She is deeply committed to her love for children and learning. In 1998, Ms. Waterman fulfilled her community's need for a childcare service when she established ``Loving Arms Learning Day Care Center.''

Community members and leaders alike have praised Ms. Waterman's work. In 2002, The Caribbean American International Child Care Network Inc. & United Family Services Inc. recognized Ms. Waterman for her work and dedication to children. In 2004, New York City Councilmember Leroy Comrie awarded Ms. Waterman with the New York City Council Citation for Child Care and in 2005, New York State Assemblyman Nick Perry presented her with the New York State Assembly Certificate of Merit.

Ms. Waterman continues to dedicate her time to the people and children of Brooklyn. She has truly made a strong positive impact on the community and for that I ask that we recognize and give thanks to Ester E. Waterman for her wonderful contribution to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Ester E. Waterman, as she offers her talents and community services for the good of our local communities.

Mr. Speaker, Ester E. Waterman selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes her most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, please join our community in honoring Ester E. Waterman for her dedication and outstanding service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Robin Kelly Sheares, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn community. Robin Sheares was born in Harlem to the late Gloria and Herman Sheares. At the tender age of 6, her family moved to Bedford-Stuyvesant and ever since she has been a member of the Brooklyn community.

A proud graduate of the public school system, Robin has been an attorney for nearly 20 years. She is experienced in housing, criminal and civil law. In her nearly 20 years as an attorney, she has been an administrative law judge, an instructor, and an arbitrator. She is active in Brooklyn, working with community-based organizations, religious institutions, and youth mentoring groups.

Robin Kelly Sheares is an active member of the Wayside Baptist Church and her Block Association. At Wayside, she works closely with the Sunday School and Youth Ministry. Robin's other memberships include, but are not limited to, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, the Brooklyn Women's Bar Association and the Brownstoners of Bedford- Stuyvesant, Inc.

Robin has been dedicated to the Noel Pointer Foundation and the New York Road Runner's Club. Robin is often called upon as a guest lecturer and Career Day speaker. She has even addressed students at her alma maters, Public School 309 and Junior High School 57. Although, Robin has no biological children, she has nurtured a number of youth and is a strong advocate for children and parents rights as evident by her work with the Brownstoners's Education Task Force and her alma maters: Brooklyn Technical High School and Ithaca College.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Robin Kelly Sheares, as she offers her talents and community services for the good of our local communities.

Mr. Speaker, Robin Kelly Sheares's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes her most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mary Ann Hawthorne, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing her impressive accomplishments.

Born, raised and entirely educated in the State of New York, Mary Ann Hawthorne has found a unique way to give back to her State's education system. Ms. Hawthorne earned her bachelors in education from Bernard Baruch College in New York City in 1972. During her first 2 years as a teacher, Ms. Hawthorne simultaneously worked her way through graduate school and earned a masters in business education from Long Island University. Four years later Ms. Hawthorne received her professional diploma and masters of science in administration and supervision of education.

Deeply committed to the education of New York's youth, Ms. Hawthorne worked as a teacher, an assistant principal, and a principal. Today Ms. Hawthorne is the community superintendent for District 11 as well as local instructional superintendent for Region 2.

Ms. Hawthorne has acted as a wonderful role model to children and fellow educators alike. Ms. Hawthorne's achievements in education are endless. In September 2001 Ms. Hawthorne was selected by the National Association of Secondary School Principals to serve as an assessor for new principals. In January 2003, President Bush and Secretary of Education Rod Paige at the White House honored her when she was picked to be part of a panel of the top eight principals in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Hawthorne is a product of the New York education system and a true inspiration to the community around her. She continues to work to improve education in New York and for that I ask that we recognize and give thanks to Mary Ann Hawthorne for her wonderful contribution to our community.

Mr. Speaker, a community is only as great as those individuals who perform exemplary service on its behalf, whether through unique achievement in professional endeavors or simply through a lifetime of good citizenship. The Honorable Priscilla A. Wooten is one of the most distinguished members of our community and is most deserving of this tribute.

Priscilla Wooten, a devoted mother, grandmother, and community leader, has lived in the East New York community for over 50 years. Ms. Wooten was a dedicated employee of the New York City Board of Education for many years. From January 1982 through January 2002 she served on the New York City Council. She has also served as Chairperson of the Education Committee and as a member of the Finance, Health, and Elections Committees.

Additionally, she also found time to serve on such boards as the Commission on Students of African Descent, the New York Collaborative for Excellence, the NAACP and others too numerous to mention.

Ms. Wooten is a Deaconess of the Greater Bright Light Missionary Baptist Church and has spent countless hours sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, and being a friend to the friendless. She is a woman who dared to be different.

Mr. Speaker, in recognition of her life-long commitment to the people of New York, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to bestow upon Priscilla A. Wooten this honor with the highest respect and esteem.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Evelyn Cruz, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing her impressive accomplishments.

Evelyn Cruz was born and raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. One of four children and the only daughter, she attended Transfiguration School where she learned at an early age the value of community service. Her Puerto Rican working-class parents, Luis and Graciela, instilled in Evelyn the value of hard work, dedication, and respect for others. As the granddaughter of activist grandparents, she learned how to advocate and fight for fairness in housing, healthcare, education and community services.

Evelyn has dedicated most of her life toward the betterment of her community. During her high school years, she was vice-president of her sophomore class and a member of several school clubs. In 1977, she was elected one of the youngest representatives on the then NYC Area Policy Board, where she reviewed budget proposals, participated in public hearings and allocated community development funding to local community based organizations. At the age of 16, she was the youngest recording secretary elected to serve on the 90th Precinct Community Council where she served for several terms. Years later, she was elected and served as the President of the Precinct Council.

In the 1980s, during New York City's drugs and AIDS epidemics, Evelyn organized her community and led the fight to reclaim her neighborhood streets and parks from drug dealers. As the co-founder of the March Against Drugs, Inc., she organized annual anti-drug community marches and drug prevention fairs for more than 10 years.

While attending John Jay College part-time and working full-time at Merrill Lynch for a successful mother and daughter financial consultant team, Evelyn gained valuable experience in client-relations, the financial markets, and real estate.

Evelyn has been profiled in NY's Newsday, El Diario La Prensa, The New York Times, and Talk Radio. She enjoys sports and is a three-time MVP softball player, women's handball champ and a great paddleball player. Some her favorite books are Ray Bradbury's Farenheit 451, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, 100 Years of Solitude, Ayn Rand's Anthem, and George Orwells's 1984.

Evelyn is passionate about public service and her work in the community. In 1992, she left the private sector and joined the congressional staff of Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez.

Evelyn's work in the community has shaped her into a leader, an advocate, and an instrument for social change. She hopes to continue to share her knowledge and experience with her neighbors in the hopes of ongoing change and improvement--and looks forward to a bright future for the borough she calls home--Brooklyn.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Evelyn Cruz, as she offers her talents and community services for the good of our local communities.

Mr. Speaker, Evelyn Cruz's selfless service has continuously demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes her most worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ester E. Waterman, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing her impressive accomplishments.

Ester E. Waterman is the daughter of Joseph and Mavis Waterman. Ms. Waterman was born in Trinidad W.I. and spent her childhood in San Fernando, Trinidad. In 1970, Ms. Waterman migrated to the United States where she attended Erasmus High School. Upon high school graduation, Ms. Waterman was accepted to New York University. A tireless and devoted undergraduate, Ms. Waterman worked her way through college and graduated with a degree in Computer Science. Her professional experience includes American Express, Alexander & Alexander Benefit Services and AON Consulting Company.

Today Ester E. Waterman is an active community resident of Brooklyn, New York and an inspiration to those around her. She is deeply committed to her love for children and learning. In 1998 Ms. Waterman fulfilled her community's need for a childcare service when she established ``Loving Arms Learning Day Care Center.''

Community members and leaders alike have praised Ms. Waterman's work. The Caribbean American International Child Care Network Inc. & United Family Services Inc. recognized Ms. Waterman in 2002 for her work and dedication to children. In 2004 Council Member Leroy Comrie awarded Ms. Waterman with the New York City Council Citation for Child Care and in 2005 Senator Nick Perry presented her with the New York State Assembly Certificate of Merit.

Mr. Speaker. Ms. Waterman continues to dedicate her time to the people and children of Brooklyn. She has truly made a strong positive impact on the community and for that I ask that we recognize and give thanks to Ester E. Waterman for her wonderful contribution to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Julia L. James, a distinguished member of the Brooklyn community. It behooves us to pay tribute to this outstanding leader and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing her impressive accomplishments.

Julia L. James is an active community resident of Brooklyn, New York. Over the past several years, she has devoted her time and energies to improving the quality of life in her community. Ms. James is a member of New York City Community Board No. 17, where she serves as the chair of the Social Services Committee. She also serves on the boards of Beulah Community Housing Development Corporation and the Wyckoff Museum Advisory Board. Ms. James was also invited to serve on the board of Protestant Board of Guardians, Inc., a 40-year-old organization. For 8 years, Ms. James contributed her talents and abilities to the community as a member of Community School Board No. 18, including her tenure as a past president.

Julia L. James is the daughter of Rev. Henry R. and Ruth James and was born on the Island of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Ms. James is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in the State of New York, and a Certified Management Accountant. She earned her undergraduate degree from Baruch College and her graduate degree from the Leonard Stern School of Business at New York University. Her professional experience includes Ernst & Young and Deloitte.

Ms. James is an active member of the Beulah Church of the Nazarene where she serves as a musician. She was instrumental in the creation of the Church's Housing Development Corporation, which seeks to encourage home ownership among members and community residents.

Ms. James has worked actively on the political campaigns of many individuals seeking to improve the quality of life for Brooklyn residents. With the help of God, Julia L. James strives to be a ``woman who dares to be different.''

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the accomplishments of Julia L. James, as she offers her talents to our local communities.

Mr. Speaker, in his Lunar New Year's Day remarks to the nation, Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian expressed his concern over Taiwan's lack of representation in major international organizations and the Taiwanese people's need to revisit the issue of national unification with China.

Taiwan has tried to rejoin the United Nations and the World Health Organization but its efforts have been blocked by China and its diplomatic allies year after year. To break out of China's diplomatic suppression of Taiwan, President Chen was wondering if Taiwan should apply for membership in the United Nations under a new name, ``Taiwan.''

Apart from Taiwan's lack of international presence, Taiwanese people have developed a strong feeling that the balance of power in the Taiwan Strait has shifted to China's favor. Last spring, China passed its antisecession law codifying the use of force against Taiwan. In recent years, China's military build-up along the coast of Taiwan has engendered suspicion and deep distrust of China's intentions toward Taiwan.

The Taiwanese people fear a military confrontation in the Taiwan Strait. It is therefore not surprising that their president would voice their apprehensions in his Lunar New Year's Day remarks. President Chen was wondering aloud if Taiwan should consider abolishing the National Unification Commission and the Guidelines for National Unification in view of China's repeated hostile actions taken against Taiwan. At the moment, this issue is being studied by Taiwan's National Security Council. President Chen must seek to explore venues, other than the National Unification Commission and the Guidelines for National Unification, to safeguard Taiwan's future.

To help ease Taiwanese apprehension, we, as friends of Taiwan, must ask President Bush to assure the people of Taiwan that America will adhere to its commitments to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act and that America would defend Taiwan if China were to invade Taiwan. Also, I think it is worthwhile for President Bush to further express America's strong concern over China's passage of the antisecession legislation. The enactment of the law has in effect changed the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, thereby threatening the stability of the region.

Once again, President Bush should openly inform Chinese leaders that the future of Taiwan must be solved through peaceful means and with the consent of the people of Taiwan. Last but not least, President Bush should encourage Chinese leaders to resume a meaningful dialogue with Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian over cross-strait issues under the principles of sovereignty, democracy, peace and parity.

Mr. Speaker, Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has not reneged on his inaugural pledges to his people. In the last 6 years he has not declared independence for Taiwan. He would like Chinese leaders to openly pledge to the world that China would not use force against Taiwan either now or in the future--a statement that we here in the Congress would welcome as well.

Mr. Speaker, last month the Council of Khalistan sent out New Year's greetings to the Sikh Nation. In the letter the Council noted that the flame of freedom still burns brightly in Punjab, Khalistan, despite India's ongoing effort to stamp out the freedom movement. In both January and June of 2005, Sikhs were arrested for making speeches in support of freedom Khalistan, the Sikh homeland, and raising the Khalistani flag. When did making speeches and hoisting a flag become crimes in a democracy?

The letter took note of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's apology to the Sikh Nation for the massacres of November 1984 that killed over 20,000 Sikhs. This clearly admits India's culpability for this horrible massacre. While that apology is a positive step and we applaud it, it was not accompanied by any compensation to the victims' families. Nor was it accompanied by an apology for the military attack on the Golden Temple or any other Indian government atrocity against the Sikhs. Nevertheless, it shows India's awareness of the rising tide of freedom in Punjab, Khalistan.

Last month, the Indian government bulldozed the homes of Sikh farmers in Uttaranchal Pradesh, farms they had worked all their lives for, and expelled them from the state. This is the height of discrimination against the Sikhs. No Sikhs are allowed to own land in Rajasthan and in Himachal Pradesh, but outsiders are allowed to buy land in Punjab. The government encourages Hindus to buy land in Punjab. Is this secularism in action? Is this democracy at work?

Mr. Speaker, these are just the latest acts against the legitimate freedom movement in Punjab, Khalistan. The repression has been ongoing. The Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs, according to figures compiled by the Punjab State Magistracy and human-rights groups. In addition, the Movement Against State Repression, MASR--an organization that should be unnecessary in a democratic state--reported in one of its studies that the Indian government admitted to holding 52,268 Sikh political prisoners. Some have been held since 1984! These are in addition to tens of thousands of other political prisoners, according to Amnesty International. And the Indian government has killed over 90,000 Kashmiri Muslims, over 300,000 Christians in Nagaland, tens of thousands of Christians and Muslims throughout the country, and tens of thousands of Assamese, Bodos, Dalits, Manipuris, Tamils, and other minorities. And the repression continues, not only in Punjab, Khalistan, but throughout the country.

We can and must do something about it. We can stop our aid and trade with India until it respects full human rights for all people living within its borders. And we can and should declare our support for self- determination in Punjab, Khalistan, in Kashmir, as promised to the UN in 1948, in Nagalim, and wherever the people are seeking freedom. India claims to be democratic and the essence of democracy is the right to self-determination. Democracies also respect the human rights of the minority.

Why is India afraid to put this simple question to a free and fair vote? Where is its commitment to democratic principles, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. Speaker, I would like to place the Council of Khalistan's open letter in the Record at this time.

Council of Khalistan,

Washington, DC, January 23, 2006.

May Guru Bless the Khalsa Panth in 2006 With Freedom, Happiness, Unity,

and Prosperity

Dear Khalsa Ji: Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waherguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Happy New Year to you and your family and the Khalsa Panth.

May 2006 be your best year ever. I wish you health, joy, and

prosperity in the new year.

The flame of freedom continues to burn brightly in the

heart of the Sikh Nation. No force can suppress it. The

arrests of Sikh activists, mostly from Dal Khalsa, last

January and again in June merely for raising the Khalistani

flag and making pro-Khalistan speeches shows that the

movement to free our homeland is on the rise. It has gotten

the attention of the world.

The Indian government is reacting to the rising tide of

freedom for the Sikh Nation. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

apologized to the Sikh Nation for the Delhi massacres of

November 1984 that killed over 20,000 Sikhs. It is good that

he apologized and it clearly shows India's responsibility,

but what good does it do the Sikh Nation? Where are the

apologies for the golden Temple attack and the other

atrocities? Where is the compensation for the victims'

families?

Earlier this month, Sikh farmers were expelled from

Uttaranchal Pradesh and their land was seized. They were

beaten up by the police. Their homes were bulldozed by

paratroopers. Their homes in many cases were built using

their life savings and by their own hands. We condemn this

act of state terrorism by the government of Uttaranchal

Pradesh. As you know, Sikhs are prohibited from buying land

in Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. Now Uttaranchal Pradesh

joins that list. Yet there are no restrictions on land

ownership in Punjab by non-Sikhs. People from anywhere can

buy land in Punjab, including people from Rajasthan and

Himachal Pradesh. India is trying to subvert Khalistan's

independence by overrunning Punjab with non-Sikhs while

keeping Sikhs from escaping the brutal repression in Punjab.

We must redouble our efforts to free our homeland, Punjab,

Khalistan. That is the only way to keep these atrocities from

continuing and to protect the Sikh Nation. This is a direct

challenge to the Sikh leadership, irrespective of their party

affiliation.

Any organization that sincerely supports Khalistan deserves

the support of the Sikh Nation. However, the Sikh Nation

needs leadership that is honest, sincere, consistent, and

dedicated to the cause of Sikh freedom. But we should only

support sincere, dedicated, honest leaders. We must be

careful if we are to continue to move the cause of freedom

for Khalistan forward in 2006 as we did in 2005.

The Akali Dal conspired with the Indian government in 1984

to invade the Golden Temple to murder Sant Bhindranwale and

20,000 other Sikh during June 1984 in Punjab. If Sikhs will

not even protect the sanctity of the Golden Temple, how can

the Sikh Nation survive as a nation?

The Akali Dal has lost all its credibility. The Badal

government was so corrupt openly and no Akali leader would

come forward and tell Badal and his wife to stop this

unparalleled corruption. Now Badal and his son have

accused Chief Minister Amarinder Singh of being tied in

with Khalistanis. If this were true, what would be wrong

with it? The Akali leaders also walked out when I

predicted at a seminar around the celebration of Guru

Nanak's birthday that Khalistan will soon be free, a

prediction that was greeted with multiple enthusiastic

shouts of ``Khalistan Zindabad.'' How will these Akalis,

including Badal and his son, account for themselves?

Remember the words of former Jathedar of the Akal Takht

Professor Darshan Singh: ``If a Sikh is not a Khalistani,

he is not a Sikh.'' Badal and his son are not Sikhs.

The corruption of the Badal government was just part of a

pattern of corruption in India. Jobs are sold, legislative

seats are rigged, judges preside over cases being tried by

their family members, and so many other forms of corruption

occur. As Dr. M.S. Rahi has pointed out in his excellent new

paper on the corruption, this kind of corruption leads to the

kind of atrocities that have unfortunately become so routine

in India.

The Council of Khalistan has stood strongly and

consistently for liberating our homeland, Khalistan, from

Indian occupation. For over 18 years we have led this fight

while others were trying to divert the resources and the

attention of the Sikh Nation away from the issue of freedom

in a sovereign, independent Khalistan. Yet Khalistan is the

only way that Sikhs will be able to live in freedom, peace,

prosperity, and dignity. It is time to start a Shantmai

Morcha to liberate Khalistan from Indian occupation.

Never forget that the Akal Takht Sahib and Darbar Sahib are

under the control of the Indian government, the same Indian

government that has murdered over a quarter of a million

Sikhs in the past twenty years. These institutions will

remain under the control of the Indian regime until we free

the Sikh homeland, Punjab, Khalistan, from Indian occupation

and oppression and sever our relations with the New Delhi

government.

The Sikhs in Punjab have suffered enormous repression at

the hands of the Indian regime in the last 25 years. Over

50,000 Sikh youth were picked up from their houses, tortured,

murdered in police custody, then secretly cremated as

``unidentified bodies.'' Their remains were never even given

to their families! More than a quarter of a million Sikhs

have been murdered at the hands of the Indian government.

Another 52,268 are being held as political prisoners. Some

have been in illegal custody since 1984! Even now, the

capital of Punjab, Chandigarh, has not been handed over to

Punjab, but remains a Union Territory. How can Sikhs have any

freedom living under a government that would do these things?

Sikhs will never get any justice from Delhi. Ever since

independence, India has mistreated the Sikh Nation, starting

with Patel's memo labelling Sikhs ``a criminal tribe.'' What

a shame for Home Minister Patel and the Indian government to

issue this memorandum when the Sikh Nation gave over 80

percent of the sacrifices to free India.

How can Sikhs continue to live in such a country? There is

no place for Sikhs in supposedly secular, supposedly

democratic India. Let us work to make certain that 2006 is

the Sikh Nation's most blessed year by making sure it is the

year that we shake ourselves loose from the yoke of Indian

oppression and liberate our homeland, Khalistan, so that all

Sikhs may live lives of prosperity, freedom, and dignity.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh,

President, Council of Khalistan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the Budget Reconciliation Conference Report. The draconian slashes presently included in the report will cause serious harm to the millions of low-income children and families, elderly and disabled individuals who rely on Medicaid for essential health and long-term services and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for critical income support.

Of particular concern is the impact of Medicaid cuts on persons living with HIV/AIDS. Nationally, as well as in New York state, Medicaid is the single largest provider of health care for persons living with HIV/AIDS. There are an estimated 72,000 HIV-infected New Yorkers that are enrolled in Medicaid. This is a critical payer of health care for poor persons living with HIV. The proposed changes to the Medicaid system in the budget reconciliation bill would severely limit the ability of poor people with chronic health conditions to afford medical care and life-saving medications. Many residents of the 10th Congressional District of Brooklyn rely on Medicaid to access life-sustaining health care services and medications. I am strongly opposed to the Medicaid slashes because they especially jeopardize the lives of these individuals, who are among the most vulnerable in my district.

Also of grave concern is the negative impact of these slashes on education. This report includes the largest cut to financial aid in history. The significant cuts to the student loan program places an unfair burden on students and families in pursuit of the American dream of higher education. Many students, especially those studying at public universities like the City College of New York (CUNY), already face financial hardships. These student loan program cuts will make it even more difficult for struggling students to complete their education and will also force them to pay thousands of extra dollars back on their student loans. Clearly, this is unacceptable in our great Nation.

I urge all Members of Congress today to stand in agreement and rise up in opposition to this Budget Reconciliation Conference Report. The draconian slashes included in the report will prove disastrous to the health and well-being of the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues about a new report written by Indian writer M.S. Rahi, PhD, entitled ``Corruption and Its Effect on Social Life.'' As you know, we have recently been having some problems with corruption here in Washington as well, so the paper particularly caught my eye at this time.

In it, Dr. Rahi exposes the massive corruption that has engulfed Indian government at all levels. Lately it has even begun to run through the judiciary, which had been the single semi-autonomous branch of government there and the single one that had shown even minimal concern for human rights. This is tragic for the people of India, as Dr. Rahi shows. He notes that India has been plagued with one corruption scandal after another, highlighting the Mundra, Bofors, Security Scam, Kargil Coffin Scam, Tehelka, and Recruitment Scam scandals by name. He notes that many of the lawyers practicing in Indian courts are the family members of the judges before whom they are practicing. He notes how Indian politics have been rigged to ensure dynastic succession, as the sons and daughters of Members of Parliament and of the Legislative Assemblies succeed them.

He does not discuss one of the major Indian corruption scandals of recent times, the selling of government jobs in Punjab by the Badal government (labeled ``fee for service''), nor does he discuss the massive human-rights violations in India, except to make the very good and valid point that this kind of endemic corruption inevitably leads to human-rights violations. If the corruption can be cleaned, perhaps the human-rights violations will be reduced, something that we all desire.

The latest scandal is that Sikhs who bought land in the new state of Uttaranchal Pradesh have had their farms taken away and they have been expelled. Sikhs are not permitted to buy property in Rajasthan or in Himachal Pradesh. Yet anyone can buy land in Punjab, the predominantly Sikh state.

As you know, Mr. Speaker, over 250,000 Sikhs have been murdered in India. In addition, over 300,000 Christians in Nagaland, more than 90,000 Muslims in Kashmir, tens of thousands of Muslims and Christians elsewhere in the country, and tens of thousands of Assamese, Bodos, Dalit ``untouchables,'' Manipuris, Tamils, and other minorities have been killed. Recently, the Bodos have threatened to end their truce with the Indian government.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made a good first step by apologizing for the Delhi massacre of Sikhs in November 1984, but he has made no move to compensate the families of the victims nor to apologize for any of the Indian government's other atrocities and compensate those victims.

Over 52,000 Sikhs are being held as political prisoners, along with tens of thousands of other minorities. The first step India must take is to release all political prisoners. And it must adopt stricter anti- corruption laws to ensure that corruption will be held to a minimum and when it does occur, it will be punished. As Dr. Rahi reminds us, the impunity of corrupt officials and the impunity of the officials who commit these atrocities go hand in hand. Until basic human rights, including the right to buy property, live free of the threat of violence, and be safe from government corruption, are allowed to be enjoyed by all Indians, we must cut off our aid and trade. And we must put Congress on record in support of a free and fair plebiscite on the subject of independence in Punjab, Khalistan, in Nagaland, in Kashmir (as promised to the United Nations in 1948), and wherever people are seeking their freedom. The essence of democracy is the right to self- determination and the people of these troubled regions will only escape the corruption and brutality when they are allowed to live in freedom.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to welcome the new ambassador of the Kingdom of Swaziland to the United States.

Ambassador Ephraim M. Hlophe presented his credentials to President George W. Bush at the White House on Monday, October 3.

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Ambassador Hlophe was principal secretary for his country's Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, and has served as Swaziland's National Contact Point for the Southern African Development Community and as a member of the Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA).

Ambassador Hlophe told President Bush that he hopes to see ``increased attention in the United States toward trade and investment opportunities in Swaziland. Our country welcomes American firms to explore the many possibilities Swaziland has to offer in mining, tourism, manufacturing, agribusiness, and international services.''

Swaziland, Ambassador Hlophe has explained, ``is working with the United States in developing an investment code, and the United States is working with the Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority to help attract foreign investment. We appreciate the work USAID is doing to develop an `investor road map' to identify barriers to foreign investment and to form the basis of a new investment code.''

Mr. Speaker, the lively monthly publication, The Washington Diplomat, recently published a profile of Ambassador Hlophe in its biweekly ``Diplomat Pouch'' newsletter. With no objection, I ask that the article by correspondent Anna Gawel be entered into the Record as a welcome to Ambassador Ephraim Hlophe.

[From the Washington Diplomat, Dec. 1, 2005]

New Swazi Ambassador Hits the Ground Running

(By Anna Gawel)

Shortly after presenting his credentials to President Bush,

Ephraim M. Hlophe, the new ambassador of Swaziland, got to

work promoting his small Southern African kingdom to

Washington audiences.

Shortly after his arrival, Hlophe met with Rep. Christopher

H. Smith (R-N.J.), chairman of the House International

Relations Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and

International Operations. The ambassador also plans to meet

with other members of Congress as well as officials from

USAID in the next few weeks.

Hlophe, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, is

trying to boost foreign investment in areas such as

manufacturing, particularly in sugar and textiles, as well as

tourism, which is a major draw for Swaziland. ``I'd say the

whole kingdom is a tourist attraction area,'' Hlophe noted.

The ambassador is also working to tackle the more serious

issues that his country faces, namely the HIV/AIDS epidemic

that continues to plague much of Africa. Swazi King Mswati

III is expected to visit Uganda early next year to examine

the successful ``ABC'' model (abstain, be faithful and use

condoms) that Uganda has been using.

Like its neighbors, Swaziland has an especially high rate

of HIV infection. ``We've seen some significant improvement

in terms of people who are willing to be tested so that they

benefit from these drugs that are made available through the

Global Fund,'' the ambassador said, referring to the Global

Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. But as a small

kingdom, Hlophe said an aggressive approach that encompasses

all the methods of prevention and treatment will be crucial

to the king's efforts to combat the epidemic.

In addition, Hlophe must address the backlash that often

stems from the king's rule of what is Africa's last absolute

monarchy. Swaziland has been criticized for its lack of

democratic reforms and human rights record, particularly with

regard to women's rights.

But Hlophe, a jovial and easygoing man, prefers to

highlight the positive advancements his country has made. He

pointed to the new constitution scheduled to take effect

early next year--Swaziland's first in more than 30 years--

explaining that the entire country had a hand in its

drafting. ``I think that instrument is not the king's

instrument. It is our instrument; it is every Swazi's

instrument.''

The king has also been heavily criticized for his many

wives, which he often picks out from among a lineup of

topless virgins at an annual dance. On the topic of women's

rights, Hlophe noted that when he served as principal

secretary for the Ministry of Economic Planning and

Development, he took over from a woman--a ``visible effort''

that is reflective of the drive to include more women in

decision-making roles, something that is often overlooked by

the media. ``People always highlight the negative and not

highlight the good points,'' he said.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to offer their own expressions of good wishes to Ambassador Hlophe as he takes up his post to represent Swaziland in Washington. I am certain that he will enjoy a major measure of hospitality on the part of the American people.

Mr. Speaker, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), which has had offices in New York City since 1967, is expanding its presence in the United States by opening up a major office in the Nation's Capital.

Founded in 1946 with 105 members, KITA now represents more than 80,000 Korean businesses seeking to sell their products and services overseas, and in turn buying products and services from foreign countries.

Mr. Andy Mun, the president of KITA's branch in the United States, has said that having a presence in Washington will be important now that South Korea and the United States are engaged in negotiations to create a U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

In order to create a more prominent profile in Washington, DC, the Korea International Trade Association has purchased a building at 1660 L Street, NW., in the heart of the bustling commercial center of the city. While KITA will occupy several floors of the building, which will be designated the Washington Hankook Center, the rest will be used by American companies, law firms, non-profit groups, trade associations, and business consultants. The building is part of KITA's effort to build trade centers around the globe. In fact, KITA participates in the World Trade Centers Association, which has more than 300 members in 101 countries. It works closely with virtually all World Trade Centers to promote trade by providing facilities and services on a reciprocal basis.

In addition, to promote bilateral economic cooperation, KITA sponsors the Korea-U.S. Economic Council, the Korea-Japan Industry

and Trade Committee, and the Korea-Hong Kong Business Roundtable.

In its efforts to promote freer trade, not only between the United States and South Korea, but around the world, KITA organizes various functions and events to enhance mutual understanding on trade issues, seeking to resolve private-sector trade disputes through dialogue. It also works together with its overseas counterparts and international economic organizations to provide member firms with opportunities to interact fully with the international community.

Moreover, KITA places special emphasis on developing and maintaining cooperative relationships with overseas trade promotion organizations as well as major international organizations to facilitate trade and investment on a reciprocal basis. These cooperation activities include trade information exchange, organizing trade promotional events, joint research, and provision of facilities, such as the new office building on L Street in Washington.

Mr. Speaker, as January 13, 2006, will be the first time we celebrate Korean-American Day, as designated by the vote of this Congress, I think it is appropriate that we recognize the mutual benefits of trade between our country and South Korea, which has been a partner of ours in so many endeavors over the years, from fighting side-by-side with our Armed Forces to contributing $30 million in assistance to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Barely half a century ago, South Korea was an impoverished casualty of imperialism and war; it has now grown to be the 13th-largest trading nation in the world. Korea is also the 7th-largest trading partner of the United States, with over $70 billion in business between our countries each year. Credit for such remarkable development belongs in large part to the efforts of the Korea International Trade Association.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to extend their good wishes and welcome to the Korea International Trade Association as it opens its new offices in Washington, DC.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address reports that one of America's key allies in the global war on terror, the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, is experiencing nascent strains of instability that will not only affect that country's capacity to continue its partnership with us in combating terrorism, but may have profound consequences for economic growth and the protection of civil liberties and political rights.

In 1991, the people of Ethiopia overthrew a brutal Marxist dictatorship that had terrorized the country for more than 15 years. That regime had used starvation as a tool to subjugate Ethiopia's people, impoverishing the very workers it claimed to represent, while enriching a totalitarian elite at the expense of the country's children.

The democratic revolution that deposed the dictatorship also resulted in independence for Ethiopia's neighbor, Eritrea. That event has led to its own problems, including a border dispute between the two countries that share a common history and many cultural values, but that is an issue to address on another day.

Today I wish to express my concern for the situation that has manifested itself in the past several months, since Ethiopia held elections for its Parliament, elections that resulted in an increase in the number of opposition legislators from 12 to 174. This remarkable advance in democracy occurred despite the fact that several opposition parties chose to sit out the election in protest.

Immediately after the election, a delegation led by former President Jimmy Carter reported:

The May 2005 elections, the third to be held under the

current constitution, showed great promise in the deepening

of Ethiopian democracy. For the first time in history the

majority of Ethiopian voters were presented with choices when

they went to the polls. We believe that Ethiopia has made

tremendous strides toward democracy in the last several

months, including more open debate, greater political

participation, large rallies, and enormously high voter

turnout on election day.

The results were not accepted by everyone with equanimity, however. Following the parliamentary elections, in which some 90 percent of registered voters went to the polls to cast their ballots (a figure that should be taken as instructive even for mature democracies such as our own), some opposition groups organized protest demonstrations in the capital city of Addis Ababa.

In an unfortunate series of events, Ethiopian police and security forces shot at the crowd, killing about 40 of the demonstrators. Then, in October, another demonstration took place, in which some of the protesters came armed with clubs and grenades, resulting in the death of six police officers and another 335 officers injured. Forty-six protesters were also killed.

In mass arrests that took place following these demonstrations, more than 11,000 people were detained on a range of criminal charges, from misdemeanor public disturbance to plotting to overthrow the government. Of these, 2,000 remain in jail, awaiting trials that are scheduled to being within the next few weeks. The Ethiopian government has assured us that all the detainees have access to legal counsel and contact with their families, and that due process of law will be followed in each and every case that comes before the courts.

Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi, established an independent commission to investigate the events and to bring recommendations for improving ways in which the police handle large crowds and demonstrations. He has stated publicly that he regrets the deaths, adding ``I don't want to justify it when policemen get in a panic, but I can understand it when there are people throwing hand grenades and using guns.''

These actions and assurances are very important, but the underlying situation remains disturbing. I would like to commend to my colleagues the recent remarks of Dr. Jendayi Frazer, who serves as assistant secretary of State for African Affairs. At a press briefing on December 5, Assistant Secretary Frazer was asked about the situation in Ethiopia, and she replied, in part, by saying:

We have condemned what's going on in Addis Ababa. We have

done it here in Washington and our Ambassador, who is the

Charge, has done it in Addis Ababa. Basically, we've

condemned the police shooting of demonstrators. We've

condemned the broad-based arrests of demonstrators. So

certainly we've been on--we are on the record as putting

pressure on Prime Minister Meles to allow for greater freedom

of assembly and certainly freedom of expression.

We have--my Deputy Assistant Secretary Don Yamamoto just

returned from Ethiopia, in which he carried the same message

to Prime Minister Meles and to the Foreign Minister. So we're

continuing to hold the government accountable for allowing

greater democratic space and respect for human rights.

That said, I must say also that it's the responsibility of

the opposition as well because when the opposition takes

stones and pelts the police forces, they have to respect the

rule of law when they're demonstrating freely. And so I think

that the responsibility--this is true of Ethiopia but it's

true across Africa--there's responsibility that has to be

there for both the opposition and for the government. Whereas

we hold the governments even more accountable because they

are supposed to be the upholders of the rule of law, we still

must say when the opposition goes out of bounds as such.

And this is a very diverse opposition in Ethiopia. There

are some who are demonstrating to sit in parliament, to

create greater democratic space. There's others who are

demonstrating to overthrow the government. And that's true

that there are different--there are some who want to reclaim

Eritrea.

So this opposition--there's democrats within the opposition

and there are non-democrats within the opposition. I would

say the same thing for the government. But still we hold the

government more accountable for not allowing free

demonstrations. We've called on the government to free the

many who are jailed and we've called on them to free the

leaders of the opposition who are in jail right now, who are

detained. . . .

As I said, we've already pressured the Government of

Ethiopia to release the detainees. We've been very, very

clear. We've asked them to conduct free and transparent

judicial processes for those who are not released and to

allow international observers to be present at the trials. So

we've been very clear and unequivocal in our message.

I met with Prime Minister Meles at the UN General Assembly

with Under Secretary Nick Burns and we were very, very clear

with Prime Minister Meles at that time. You know, that was

prior to these demonstrations, but even at that time we were

saying you have to respect the right of people, citizens of

Ethiopia, to demonstrate freely and to express themselves

freely, that there shouldn't be these wide-scale arrests.

And so we're going to continue. We have conversations

constantly with members of the opposition. At the Africa

Bureau at State Department we meet with them, we talk with

them. We're meeting with them and talking with them and their

families in Ethiopia. And so I think that we're very engaged.

You know, we're continuing to put pressure. But I say this

and I say this broadly and I'm not saying it about Ethiopia.

I'm actually making a point about the progress of democracy

in Africa. And the opposition also has to be responsible.

You know, and I'm saying this about--you know, across the

continent. If you get--and this is--you know, the opposition

in Ethiopia is a broad-based opposition. It's a coalition

opposition. So I'm not speaking about any particular or in

general. But I am saying that one of the elements of

democratic progress that we need to see in Africa is real

democrats in the opposition. You know, opposition leaders who

want to be part of government; they want to as democrats. You

know, it's not personal. It's not sort of overthrowing

governments. It's not--and I'm not--again, I want to be very

clear. I'm not talking about Ethiopia here. I'm talking about

oppositions in general.

As important as I see it in terms of the progress of

democracy, we have to put a lot of emphasis on these

independent national electoral commissions because they

conduct the elections and they often count the votes. And so

if we get these institutions to be credible, it will give

greater confidence to civil society that they've had a free

and fair election. So we need to strengthen these

institutions. That's a key component of democratization. We

need to hold accountable the governments that are not

allowing a level playing field. We have to put more pressure

on them to allow that level playing field.

And we also have to get the opposition to act responsibly.

You know, many of them, as soon as they're about to lose,

they then decide it was unfair or they decide to boycott

because they know they're going to lose, you know. And so I

think that there's all elements of society that are

responsible for the progress of democracy.

Certainly in Ethiopia, we hold the government accountable.

We've protested the arrests. We've protested the political

violence with the Ethiopian Government and we are going to

continue to do so. We're putting tremendous pressure on Prime

Minister Meles.

(Source: State Department Washington File, December 7,

2005, ``State's Frazer Heralds Spread of Democracy in

Africa.'')

Mr. Speaker, Assistant Secretary Frazer's remarks suggest a fair, balanced, and judicious approach to a sensitive and dynamic situation in Ethiopia. I urge my colleagues to monitor Ethiopia's emerging democracy in order to keep the pressure on both government and opposition there to respect the rule of law and protect civil liberties. This is important to U.S. interests because, to paraphrase the testimony of Ambassador Donald Yamamoto, stability in the Horn of Africa is a priority for the U.S. Government in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, last month, Sikhs gathered from around the world to celebrate the birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, with devotion, enthusiasm, and reverence. Over 25,000 Sikhs gathered in Nankana Sahib, in what is now Pakistan, for the celebration.

The celebration included reading of the Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, the singing of hymns, a procession through the streets, and speeches. One of the speeches was given by Dr. Gunnit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, the organization that leads the Sikh struggle for independence. Dr. Aulakh's speech was punctuated with slogans of ``Khalistan Zindabad,'' which means ``Long live Khalistan.'' Khalistan is the name of the Sikh state that declared its independence on October 7, 1987.

The celebration was carried live on Pakistani television and on Punjab Radio from London, which is available worldwide.

Guru Nanak had two companions, one Hindu and one Muslim. He was a shining example of acceptance of all. When Guru Nanak passed away, his burial shawl was torn in half and burned by the Hindus, and buried by the Muslims. Both Hindus and Muslims revered him.

Yet today, Hindus persecute the Sikhs, the followers of Guru Nanak. More than 250,000 Sikhs have been murdered at the hands of the Indian government. According to the Movement Against State Repression, MASR, over 52,000 are being held without charge or trial as political prisoners in ``the world's largest democracy.'' Over 50,000 young Sikh men were picked up by the government, tortured, murdered, and then secretly cremated. Their bodies were declared ``unidentified'' and never returned to their families.

Christians and Muslims throughout the country are also being persecuted. Over 300,000 Christians in Nagaland and over 90,000 Kashmiri Muslims have been killed by the government. In addition, tens of thousands of Assamese, Bodos, Dalits, Manipuris, Tamils, and other minorities have been killed.

Are we going to stand idly by and let this happen? By stopping our aid and trade with India and by declaring our support for the fundamental democratic principle of self-determination, we can help bring real peace, prosperity, freedom, and stability to South Asia.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to insert the Council of Khalistan's very informative press release about the celebration of Guru Nanak's birthday into the Record at this time.

[From the Council of Khalistan, Nov. 22, 2005]

Sikhs Celebrate Guru Nanak's Birthday With Devotion, Enthusiasm,

Reverence

Washington, DC.--Over 25,000 Sikhs gathered in Nankana

Sahib (now in Pakistan) last week for the celebration of the

birthday of Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikh religion.

About 15,000 were from Pakistan, about 4,500 were from India,

and the rest were from abroad. Slogans of ``Khalistan

Zindabad'' resonated throughout Nankana Sahib during the

day's speeches.

The celebration began with the performance of Akand Path,

which is the The Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture,

was read without interruption for 48 hours leading up to Guru

Nanak's birthday. Hymns were sung as midnight struck. In the

morning, the Pakistan Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PGPC)

presented government officials and others with siropas.

According to Sikh tradition, the afternoon was marked by a

procession led by the Guru Granth Sahib, followed by the Panj

Piaras, and then the Sangat, of all the Gurdwaras in Nankana

Sahib, ending back at Gurdwara Janam Asthan. The evening

program featured speeches given by various Sikh leaders,

including Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council

of Khalistan, which leads the Sikh struggle for independence.

When Dr. Aulakh raised slogans of ``Khalistan Zindabad,'' the

Sangat responded with great enthusiasm. The Sikh Nation knows

that political power is essential for the enhancement of any

religion. The Sikh Nation also knows that the gold was added

to cover the building of Darbar Sahib when the Sikihs ruled

Punjab from 1765 to 1849. Since then, it is also called the

Golden Temple. After midnight the celebration concluded with

ceremonies according to the Sikh rehat maryada.

The Sang at showed great devotion and reverence on this

pious occasion. Guru Nanak was the founder of the Sikh

religion. (``Marya Sikha Jagat Sitch Nanak Nirmal Panth

Chalaya.'') It was an occasion of great happiness for the

Khalsa Panth. The events were carried live on Pakistani TV

and on Punjab Radio from London, which is heard throughout

the world. Sikhs who were able to participate in the

celebration were very fortunate.

Guru Nanak confronted Sabar, the Moghul ruler of the time

and called him a Jabbar (oppressor) and spoke out against the

tyranny of the rulers of that time. He was even imprisoned by

Babar, along with his followers. Guru Nanak travelled

extensively, to the Middle East, where he visited Baghdad,

and throughout India, along with his two companions, one

Hindu, one Muslim. He spread his message of truthfulness,

respect for the rights of individuals, earning an honest

living, sharing with the needy, and praying to Almighty God.

He was revered by Hindus and Muslims alike. When he left this

world, his body was not found. The sheet covering his body

was torn in two. The Hindus cremated it and the Muslims

buried it, each according to their customs.

Guru Nanak is remembered as Baba Nanak Shah Faqir, Hindu Da

Guru, Mussleman Da Pir. He preached the equality of all the

human race, including gender equality.

Sikhism is a divinely revealed, monotheistic, independent

religion which has 25 million followers and is the world's

fifth largest religion. The Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy

scripture, was written by the Gurus themselves as revealed to

them by God. Nobody can add or delete anything in the holy

scripture, which is considered to be a living Guru after the

tenth Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib.