Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, 15 years ago today the Lebanese people and their last legitimate government, headed by Prime Minister Aoun, courageously engaged in a war of liberation against Syria.

For 19 months, this heroic people fought to save and defend that which Syria wanted to destroy, Lebanese sovereignty and independence. Tragically, the Syrian regime overpowered them and succeeded in turning Lebanon into a captive nation.

Today, Syria harasses, arrests, imprisons, tortures and disappears anyone who speaks out against Syria's domination of Lebanon, and its campaign of intimidation extends here to the U.S. Congress.

Late last year, General Aoun appeared before the Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia, which I chair, to address Members about Syrian occupation of and terrorist activities in Lebanon. For this, he was charged with treason, tried in absentia and sentenced to 15 years of hard labor.

We must send a clear message to Syria that its continued occupation of Lebanon will not be tolerated. Lebanon is a captive nation, and we must not rest until Lebanon is free from Syria's regime and their strangle hold.

Madam Speaker, this month we commemorate the 184th birthday of a great woman in the history of our great country, Susan B. Anthony.

Susan B. Anthony was one of the many exemplary feminist leaders who is now known not only for her fight to gain women the right to vote but also for her great courage in her stand against abortion. She saw abortion as a great offense against human dignity.

She recognized the incomparable worth of every person and realized that whatever goes against life, whatever violates the integrity of the individual, whatever insults human dignity is a poison to society.

Susan B. Anthony fought tirelessly to safeguard the dignity of motherhood, which she believed to be an inherent right for all women.

So as we honor Susan B. Anthony, as a pro-life feminist and suffragist, I ask my colleagues to remember those who have fought to respect, protect, love and serve life, every human life.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution that outlines the deplorable record of China's authoritarian regime, a regime which continues to systematically violate the most basic human rights of all of its people and the civil and political

liberties of all of its citizens. State security personnel are responsible for extensive abuses such as political and extrajudicial killings, lengthy incommunicado detentions, and the use of torture. Police target certain dissidents for incarceration in psychiatric facilities, subjecting them to unspeakable punishment. National, racial, and ethnic minorities remain subject to intense persecution and discrimination. Thugs employed by the regime frequently launch campaigns to crack down on opposition and pro-democracy groups. Freedom of movement, speech, assembly, and association are severely restricted. The controls on religious worship have intensified. Church leaders and other faithful are harassed and repressed with fines, detentions, physical abuse and, yes, torture. Many houses of worship have been destroyed. Catholic and Protestant leaders and believers have been imprisoned or subjected to house arrest.

This cowardly, dictatorial regime has harassed, imprisoned, and tortured members of the Falun Gong group, sending women, children and men to torture camps for doing nothing but exercising their most basic, fundamental rights of freedom of conscience and belief. This deplorable action by the Chinese authorities has included the brutal torture of followers, particularly women, who have been arrested, gang-raped, and brutally beaten. They have been demoted or dismissed from their employment. They have been held in prison. They have been sent to labor camps and psychiatric hospitals, all because they chose to live by the strength of their convictions and refused to renounce their beliefs.

Additionally, trafficking in persons, mainly women and children, for forced prostitution or illegal forced labor continues, placing this segment of the population in constant risk of slavery. The gross violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms by the Chinese regime and the deteriorating situation in China are highlighted in the Department of State's Human Rights Report released last week. The China report says: ``The government continued to commit numerous and serious abuses. There was backsliding on key human rights issues during the year.''

The People's Republic of China must be held accountable for its deplorable actions. Constant pressure from the U.S. and the international community is vital if any improvements are to take place in China.

Madam Speaker, we must support the Chinese people in their efforts and send a clear message to their oppressors that the U.S. is committed to the defense of democratic principles and human rights. This resolution before us is an important part of that strategy. As the U.S. delegation works to ensure debate on human rights conditions in China and to secure the votes for a resolution at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights calling on China to end its terrible human rights practices, let us show them our full support by voting in favor of the resolution in front of us, House Resolution 530.

I thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) as well as the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) for their steadfast support for the Chinese people to live free one day soon.

Mr. Speaker, faced with the many grave threats to the sanctity of life in the modern world, the value of life from its very beginning must be affirmed, as must the right of every human being to have this primary good respected to the highest degree. As a mother, I feel duty-bound to speak out on behalf of those who have no voice, the innocent unborn child.

Under Federal law, an individual who commits a Federal crime of violence against a pregnant woman receives no additional punishment for killing or injuring the woman's unborn child during the commission of that crime. The Unborn Victims of Violence Act would narrow this gap in the law and would provide greater protection for women from crimes of violence.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this important legislation this week and send it to the President for his signature.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Julio Avael, Key West City Manager for his significant contribution to the citizens of the city of Key West. As a tribute to his dedication, the Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners have designated Saturday, February 21, 2004, as Julio Avael Day.

During his 8-year tenure as Key West City Manager, Julio has demonstrated a profound commitment to our community. He has been especially instrumental in enhancing the government through implementation of historic preservation projects, neighborhood and park revitalization, and other citywide infrastructure improvements.

Julio's hard work has enabled him to become not only a dynamic city manager, but also an energetic member of the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre, Mario de la Pena, and Pablo Morales, who, 8 years ago today, were murdered by the terrorist regime in Havana.

These four brave men, committed to the cause of freedom and democracy in Cuba, ventured out over international waters in search of those who risked it all to reach here, the United States, the land of liberty. But what they came face to face with was the evil, ruthless, and brutal nature of the Castro dictatorship in the form of MiG-29 fighter jets. Like vultures circling their prey, these MiGs closed in, and at 3:21 and 3:27 p.m. aimed their missiles and destroyed these two Brothers to the Rescue planes.

There would be no international outcry. Yet their deaths at the hands of the tyrant and his agents of terror would serve as a catalyst, a call to action, a new Grito de Baire, for Cuba's internal opposition.

I ask my colleagues to remember these fallen heroes, Carlos, Armando, Mario, and Pablo, and to pray for the enslaved people of Cuba.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Jay Kislak, an outstanding member of the South Florida community.

Jay is the chairman of the Jay I. Kislak Foundation, which is engaged in a collection of rare books, manuscripts, maps, and indigenous art of the Americas.

Through his foundation, Jay has worked to ensure that present and future generations will have a deeper understanding of our glorious past.

As a testament to his expansive knowledge and appreciation for art, Jay was appointed by President Bush to be chairman of the Cultural Property Advisory Committee, a group tasked with directing the government's efforts to protect antiquities around the world.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jay Kislak for his profound

contribution to the cultural enrichment of our community and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 1828) to halt Syrian support for terrorism, end its occupation of Lebanon, and stop its development of weapons of mass destruction, and by so doing hold Syria accountable for the serious international security problems it has caused in the Middle East.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, just 2 weeks ago, the Senate amended and overwhelmingly passed H.R. 1828, the Syria Accountability and the Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act.

The overwhelming support that the House-passed Syria bill received in the Senate and in the House clearly demonstrates a unity of purpose and an approach to the terrorist regime in Damascus. Even antisanctions advocates in the Senate recognize the serious threat that Syria poses to U.S. national security and to our interests and allies in the region.

This bill seeks to hold Syria accountable for its weapons program, its continued illegal occupation of Lebanon, and its terrorist activities, including its facilitation of attacks against Americans in Iraq.

The Syrian Foreign Minister has been quoted as saying that the requirements of this bill and of the U.S. in general for Syria to cease and desist on these three fronts are ``unreasonable and unrealistic'' demands. In fact, the Syrian Foreign Minister believes that ``America has too many demands.''

Meanwhile, just a few days ago, on Tuesday of this week, a French news source published an interview with a former member of Saddam Hussein's nefarious Secret Service. This former Saddam agent and current leader of the militias inside Iraq said that Syria is ``definitely'' working alongside Iraqi intelligence and other Saddam loyalists. He said that there is cooperation between Syria and his forces inside Iraq, and that ``It began before the war, through trade, which was only a cover.''

``Armed Syrians,'' he added, ``even joined our Iraqi militia groups. And well before the war, we had forged passports that enabled us to go to that country,'' meaning Syria. He added that this coordination continues to this day.

Thus, regardless of how some will spin it, the Syrian regime has the blood of Americans on its hands, and they must be held responsible for their deaths, as well as those of scores of innocent human beings murdered by Syrian-sponsored terrorists.

Fully implemented, H.R. 1828 would help deny Syria the resources to continue its deplorable activities and will help prevent U.S. complicity in them. It seeks to do so by prohibiting U.S. exports of military, dual-use, and other items, as well as by prohibiting investments in key sectors that provide an economic windfall for the Syrian economy. We have every faith and confidence in President Bush's commitment to use the range of U.S. policy

options, including the sanctions provided for in H.R. 1828, to hold Syria accountable for its unacceptable behavior.

As the President and the Secretary of State have clearly stated, Syria is on the wrong side of history. And now, it is time for it to suffer the consequences.

I ask my colleagues to concur with the Senate amendments to the House-passed bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to take a moment to express my appreciation to those without whom this day would not have been possible. Of course, first and foremost, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), with whom it has been a pleasure to work for passage of this bill, the second time we pass it in just a few short weeks. Our impressive leadership here in the House, very particularly our majority leader whose unwavering commitment to U.S. national security and, thus, to this bill, were instrumental in moving this legislation. So thank you to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), my distinguished chairman, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) for his support and his assistance throughout this process, the ranking member of the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) who is always an inspiration to us all, to Tony Haddad and the Lebanese American community whose passion on these issues have served as a source of energy for us all.

And I would also like to pay special thanks to Yleem Poblete, committee staff director of our Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia. This will be the last piece of legislation that she will be handling for our subcommittee because she is awaiting White House approval in a State Department job working with Secretary John Bolton. And I thank Yleem for being a valuable member of my family, my legislative family for many, many years. I remember when Yleem and I first met and she was Miss Teen Florida. That was not so long ago. But she has been a wonderful friend and a part of my family for a long time. And we wish her God speed and much success.

And I would also like to ask my colleagues to reflect on the suffering of the Syrian and Lebanese people today and on the lives and the sacrifice of American, Israeli, and so many other victims of terrorist attacks supported by or facilitated by the Syrian regime. This bill is also for them. We look forward to working closely with President

Bush toward expeditious enactment and implementation of this bill.

Time has clearly run out for the Syrian regime. It had a choice to make, and it chose terrorism. That was the wrong choice. We have a choice to make. We have demonstrated it by our overwhelming vote in support of this bill, what our will is with respect to Syria's regime. Let us again send a strong, unequivocal message to this pariah state and concur in the Senate amendment to the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act.

I yield to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. Speaker, we look forward to working on the Saudi Arabia Accountability Act and the Iran Accountability Act. We have only just begun.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to speak on an issue dear to my heart. At the same moment

that our fellow colleagues deliberated on a decision to weaken the vital and necessary sanctions against the ruthless Castro regime, at that same moment human rights and liberty were hurriedly moved to what is now one of the worst prisons on the island; that is what happened to Dr. Oscar E. Biscet Gonzalez.

At the same time we were going to lift sanctions on Castro, Castro was putting Dr. Biscet in a dungeon. Even as we meet here today, courageous advocates suffer in jail for speaking their minds and advocating for liberty and freedom, and it is a crime to do that in Fidel Castro's Cuba. People such as Dr. Oscar E. Biscet Gonzalez are serving horrific prison sentences for promoting democratic values.

Dr. Biscet is a leader, as Members have heard from the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), and we will hear from the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart) in a moment, is a leader in the Cuban opposition movement. He is a follower of Ghandi and Martin Luther King, and he was arrested earlier this year and has been arbitrarily detained over 26 times in the past 18 months. His body may be weak, rapidly deteriorating; but his courage, his spirit, his commitment to see a free Cuba from its enslavement, they are stronger than ever. Dr. Biscet sits in a jail where prisoners are tortured so intensely that their skulls are cracked, their faces are disfigured, and their bodies are dragged down rugged stairs feet first. But we are going to lift the sanctions against his jailer.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Biscet, together with an incalculable number of victims of a bloody and terrorist regime illustrates the reason why our government, the great United States of America, must remain vigilant against tyrannical regimes. Dr. Biscet's torture and cowardly imprisonment is an attempt to break the spirit of liberty from the minds of Cubans who long for a free Cuba, and there are 11 million of those Cubans on the island.

Dr. Biscet previously served 3 years in prison. He was released October 31 of last year only to be rearrested on December 6 as he was to meet with human rights activists. That is a crime in Cuba. On April 7 of this year, he was summarily tried during a Cuban regime crackdown, along with 75 other activists and independent journalists, and was sentenced to 25 years for serving as a mercenary to a foreign state.

Mr. Speaker, our esteemed halls of democracy have welcomed many distinguished speakers. We have received countless heroes and people of the highest honor, and these are the same caliber and fiber such as Dr. Biscet, who is one of Cuba's many unsung heroes. I would like to quote his most recent note to his wife and have his words ring loudly in these Halls so we may all understand the true brutal nature of the Cuban regime and the reasons why we must bring an end to the misery of the Cuban people.

Dr. Biscet writes, ``I don't know why I am in this dismal place. I will not grieve nor be afraid for being punished in this dungeon. I will face life's difficulties in order to enjoy the germination of love. I know I will succeed, for the darker the place, the brighter and more intense the light.''

Every day more and more opposition leaders such as Dr. Biscet are sentenced to languish in squalid jail cells subjected to the most inhumane and degrading treatment. We must not be silent. We cannot and we must not be indifferent to the anguish and misery endured by the Cuban people, just 90 miles from our shores, at the hands of this depraved dictator and his agents of terror.

Mr. Speaker, indifference breeds evil. Indifference is the enemy of freedom. Indifference helps cloak the deplorable actions of tyrants.

Mr. Speaker, I would say to Dr. Biscet, inside your jail cell I know you cannot hear our words, but we want to express our profound admiration for you and the just cause that you are fighting for. We support you and we support all of Cuba's independent internal opposition in your struggle to be free. Let us not become indifferent to the plight of our fellow Cuban brothers and sisters. Dr. Biscet, vamos a continuar luchando hasta que usted y el pueblo de Cuba sea libre.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, I want to say to all Members, this is a very important initiative, a very important bill; and I urge its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 393) commending Afghan women for their participation in Afghan government and civil society, encouraging the inclusion of Afghan women in the political and economic life of Afghanistan, and advocating the protection of Afghan women's human rights in the Afghanistan Constitution, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, 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.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

In 1996, a heavy shroud was placed on the people of Afghanistan when the Taliban captured Kabul. But the Taliban's brutality and blatant disregard for the lives and the well-being

of the Afghan people was perhaps most clearly evident among half of its population, the women of Afghanistan. They had been made destitute, sick and marginalized. They were banned from receiving any education past the age of 8. They were denied proper medical treatment. Throughout, the strong will and courage of the Afghan women helped them endure these most deplorable of circumstances.

Today, the Afghan people are free. Women are enjoying freedoms and opportunities previously denied to them under the Taliban. The new Afghan Ministry of Education estimates that over 5 million children are in school, and 42 percent of these are girls. A Ministry of Women's Affairs has been created for the sole purpose of advocating for the rights of women and ensuring their access to, and participation in, all sectors of Afghan society. The current head of the Human Rights Commission is an Afghan woman, Dr. Sima Simar. Afghan women are playing an active role in the political and economic reconstruction of their nation, including as members of the commission responsible for the drafting of the Afghan Constitution. Their contributions can already be seen in this draft document. Articles 44, 83 and 84 of the Constitution mandate the promotion of women's education and the elimination of illiteracy while also establishing requirements that seek to ensure female representation throughout the government. After suffering unspeakable oppression, persecution and violations of their most basic freedoms, the women of Afghanistan, as the women's minister recently stated, ``can have our position in the society, and our people in Afghanistan can be under one Constitution.''

All of these developments, Mr. Speaker, as the International Crisis Group has described it, ``heralded a new day for women in Afghanistan.'' However, this would not have been possible without the support of the international community and, in particular, the unwavering commitment of our United States. One of the many ways in which we have demonstrated our commitment to the full participation of women in Afghanistan's political and economic reconstruction has been through programs such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, AID, and its contribution of $2.5 million for the creation of women's resource centers in various provinces throughout Afghanistan.

The resolution before us details the developments that have taken place since the end of the Taliban regime and the progress made in improving the daily lives of Afghan women. Further, it notes the efforts of the United States in encouraging the full inclusion and participation of Afghan women in the political and economic arena and proclaims our ongoing commitment on this front. House Resolution 393 is a straightforward resolution that commends the participation of Afghan women in civil society and underscores the will of the U.S. House of Representatives that the protection of the human rights of all Afghans, particularly women, be protected in the constitution of Afghanistan.

I ask my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), the sponsor of the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), a staunch defender of human rights worldwide.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), a strong leader in our Committee on International Relations.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), my good friend. It is always a real honor and a pleasure to work with him. He is a man of integrity, great intelligence, and I consider him one of my mentors. It is always a pleasure to handle a bill on the floor with him.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would merely like to underscore the stark contrast between the Afghanistan that we had under the Taliban and the free Afghanistan that today is working to rebuild from the ruins of over 20 years of war and oppression. But all is not perfect, as we heard from many speakers here today. The road ahead will not be an easy task, but nothing that is worth doing and having usually comes easy.

The Afghan people and especially the women of Afghanistan need our support. They need our steadfast commitment to stay with them, to remain engaged for the long haul. This resolution before us reiterates that commitment, a commitment that was articulated by President Bush just this morning, and I ask my colleagues to support the resolution of the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res 313) to urge the President, on behalf of the United States, to present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in recognition of his significant, enduring, and historic contributions to the causes of freedom, human dignity, and peace and to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of His Holiness' inauguration of his ministry as Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pastor of the Catholic Church.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 313, a resolution that urges the President on behalf of the United States to present the Presidential Medal of Honor to his Holiness, Pope John Paul

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from the State of Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the sponsor of this important resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the distinguished Chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I have no other speakers. I commend the distinguished chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary for introducing this significant resolution. I urge all Members to support the adoption of H. Con. Res. 313.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2130) to redesignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 650 Kinderkamack Road in River Edge, New Jersey, as the ``New Bridge Landing Post Office,'' as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

``These are the times that try men's souls.'' Mr. Speaker, political theorist Thomas Paine uttered these famous words during the cold of November 1776. When the American Revolution commenced, the colonial freedom fighters battled the mighty British forces while barefoot and often wearing little more than blankets and torn clothing. The early days of the war featured humiliating, devastating losses for the overwhelmed Colonial Army.

On November 20, 1776, General George Washington led his troops in a retreat over the Hackensack River across the New Bridge Landing. Once they reached safety, General Washington and his men set up the first headquarters of the new Continental Army at New Bridge. Thomas Paine was inspired to write the first essays of the American Crisis near the New Bridge landing site, intended to rally Americans during the first days of our Nation. The New Bridge landing provided General Washington's troops with an important chance to regroup. This gave Americans a small boost that led to the unlikely defeat of the Royal British Army and the independence for the brand new United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation, H.R. 2130, introduced by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Garrett) renames a post office in River Edge, New Jersey, as the New Bridge Landing Post Office

Building. This designation, on this historic site, will serve as an appropriate reminder of the struggle that Americans endured during the Revolutionary War.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud the gentleman from New Jersey for this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers and I support H.R. 2130. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 1718) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3710 West 73rd Terrace in Prairie Village, Kansas, as the ``Senator James B. Pearson Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the bill before us today offered by the distinguished Senator from Kansas, Senator Pat Roberts, names this Prairie Village, Kansas, postal facility as the Senator James B. Pearson Post Office.

Senator James Pearson was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 7, 1920. At a young age, he moved with his family to Virginia and went on to attend Duke University. He bravely served as a pilot in the Naval Air Transport in 1943 during World War II. He was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant and returned home to graduate from the University of Virginia Law School in 1950.

Pearson moved back to Kansas and became a practicing lawyer in the town of Mission in 1950. Two years later, he became the assistant county attorney of Johnson County, and in two more years, in 1954, the county probate judge.

Pearson threw his hat into the political ring for the first time in 1956 when he earned a seat in the Kansas State Senate. On January 31, 1962, he was appointed to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Senator Andrew Schoeppel. He was elected for the first time in a special election in November of that year and earned reelection in both 1966 and 1972, retiring in 1978. Senator James Pearson served his home State of Kansas and indeed the entire Nation with distinction, and he highly deserves the commemoration provided by this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, Senator James B. Pearson continues to live here in Washington, D.C., and outside Baldwin City, Kansas, and we wish him well.

In addition to the Senator from Kansas, I want to recognize the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore) who introduced the companion legislation here in the House, H.R. 3255, and I know both gentlemen worked together to ensure that James B. Pearson would be honored with this post office.

I am pleased that Senate bill 1718 will soon be on the President's desk for his signature.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 867) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 710 Wicks Lane in Billings, Montana, as the ``Ronald Reagan Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on S. 867, the Senate bill now under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the bill before us was introduced in the other body by Senator Conrad Burns of Montana. It names the post office in Billings, Montana, after our former President, Ronald Reagan.

What could be said of our 40th President that has not already been said? President Ronald Reagan led America through its longest recorded period of peacetime prosperity. Through his tax-cutting initiative, President Reagan was able to stimulate the economy and create jobs all while curbing inflation. He also secured an unthinkable comprehensive reform of the Tax Code, one that relieved millions of low-income Americans from paying income taxes and eliminated many exemptions for massive corporations.

Internationally, President Reagan strengthened our national defense during a tenuous time in world history. Largely due to his leadership and commitment to building up America's Armed Forces and defense technology, democracy defeated communism as the Cold War ended shortly after he left the White House. President Reagan succeeded because he viewed the Soviets not as people to be simply contained but people who executed a cruel system of government that needed to be crushed. America's success in the Cold War made the world a much safer place.

And who could forget the sad day when he was shot outside the Washington Hilton Hotel just months after being inaugurated in 1981. It reminded many of the 1960s, when our Nation tragically lost so many of our leaders to assassins' bullets. Gracefully, President Reagan pulled through, and the entire Nation rallied around the recovering President's wit and charm in the wake of this life-threatening attack.

Mr. Speaker, President Reagan is the only President ever to reach the age of 92 years. He continues to live in California today with his wife, the former First Lady, Nancy. On behalf of a grateful House of Representatives, I

wish President and Mrs. Reagan the very best.

Ronald Reagan is one of those figures in American history about whom it is very difficult to talk for only a short time. I will simply close by commending the distinguished Senator from Montana for his bill and giving this House the opportunity to remember the national leadership of President Ronald Reagan.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume and state again my strong support of Senate bill 867, which names a post office in Billings, Montana, after our illustrious President Ronald Reagan.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.